The Australian Brangus magazine is published twice a year by the Australian Brangus Cattle Association (ABCA). While every effort has been taken to ensure that all details are correct, ABCA cannot accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained within the magazine or for the consequences of any actions taken or not taken as a result of this information. Views and opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of ABCA.
President's Report
“Reflection and the road ahead” could best to describe our current stage as a breed association.
It was only four years ago that ABCA was still operating from ABRI Breed Secretariat Services, and today we are an independent office, financially stable with three great staff. There have certainly been some pain points to navigate along the way, but all in all the transition has been one of forward momentum. There are several previous and current members and staff who have contributed immensely to reach this point, and on behalf of all membership and the wider beef industry we are forever thankful for their contributions.
The windscreen is bigger than the rear vision mirror, so where to from here? At different times the board has discussed strategic planning, and we are now at a point where implementing a 3-5 year strategic plan is becoming more important to do. There are several reasons why these documents for organisations like ABCA are important, but namely it’s about formulating a direction we would like to head, and the strategies needed to realise this vision. It’s also about efficiency and cohesion for board meetings, staff and management to effectively achieve the goals set out.
Strategic plans give opportunity and clarity to dig deeper into what’s important for this organisation to remain relevant and add value for both members and customers, now and into the future. To also assess the competition and be definitive on competitive advantage that is compounding, to deliver real value throughout the supply chain. Demand pull from the end customer back through the supply chain is game-changing, and creates real momentum that also builds on brand value.
I think what we can all agree on when it comes to defining the value of Brangus and Ultrablack cattle is that they consistently deliver real, on-the-ground results for customers – from fertility and weaning rates to environmental adaptability, feed efficiency, carcase weight, eating quality, and any other trait that drives value. As a member-based organisation, it's a strength that we allow for flexibility in how members achieve and deliver these outcomes. At a very high level the MSA presentation at the recent Beef Elevation event had shown there is room for improvement for MSA Index for the Brangus cattle that were analysed. MSA Index is only one component for breed success but it’s an important one to drive demand pull. A strategic plan would allow for a deeper dive into current cattle MSA gradings to help drive tools and strategies for breed improvement.
There’s plenty to work through, but these documents lay out a road map and allow for improved efficiency and cohesion amongst the board directors and ABCA staff.
Around 60 head are nominated in the Brangus ring at the Ekka, so it should be a great spectacle, and all members are encouraged to attend and support the many exhibitors participating. The Brangus feature at the Taroom Show back in May was a great success – thanks to all of the exhibitors and volunteers who supported this event.
There’s plenty happening across the breed – from carcase competitions, youth scholarships and industry events, to the fast-approaching spring bull sales. The Brangus Youth Camp is coming up in December, and is shaping up to be another great success.
Thank you to all of the people who help this association thrive. Wishing everyone the very best for the season, sales, shows and events ahead.
Justin Boshammer President
Australian Brangus Cattle Association Ltd
the Executive Paper
Welcome to the Spring 2025 edition of the Australian Brangus magazine.
The last six months have been very positive for the Brangus breed.
We continue to welcome new members to the Australian Brangus Cattle Association; the excitement and optimism these new members bring for the breed is infectious.
In May Brangus Australia hosted a one-day industry conference in Rockhampton - BEEF ELEVATION. I believe it is the first time the association has hosted an event of this nature, and I look forward to working on more of these events in the future.
The Brangus Feature Show held at Taroom in early May was a fantastic display of Brangus cattle, with 12 exhibitors presenting over 70 head. Thank you to Taroom Show Society for hosting the event, and to the exhibitors, organisers, sponsors, and spectators who made it a success.
There have been numerous commercial Brangus success stories in carcase competitions and at feature sales, just some of which are highlighted in this magazine. It is excellent to see the breed recognised in the wider beef industry.
June saw the dispersal of Richard and Dianne Pender’s Boonderoo herd after 33 years as members. Congratulations to all those who were able to secure some Boonderoo genetics. I am sure Richard and Dianne will enjoy seeing your success in their retirement. Richard and Dianne have contributed greatly to the association and the breed over their time as members, including serving on sale committees and the Board. I thank them both for their contributions.
Preparations for the spring sale season are well underway, and I wish you all a prosperous selling season. The 20th Roma Brangus Sale to be held on Friday 5th September at Roma Saleyards has 110 lots catalogued, comprising 16 females and 94 bulls. While the Rockhampton Brangus Sale will see 228 lots go under the hammer at CQLX Gracemere on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th October including 44 females and 244 bulls.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge the board of directors for their support of me and the Brangus Australia staff; together, we have been working to ensure the association is sustainable and well placed for the future.
Nathan O'Sullivan Chief Executive Officer
Australian Brangus Cattle Association Ltd
BRANGUS THE IDEAL SOLUTION FOR OAKDALE
Article & Images KB CONSULTING
When asked why he and his family were drawn to breeding Brangus, Drew Callander’s reasoning and response was multifaceted.
“We’ve been breeding Brangus some 12 years now. We saw the value and the extra premiums the breed commanded at auction sales, we liked the style of the cattle, their appearance in the paddock, but most importantly, we just love the taste of Brangus beef."
“They handle our country very well, have high calving percentages and easy doing ability.”
Drew and Lisa Callander, along with their children Jye, Trent and Abby, operate a 1500 head herd on three properties in and around Mackay and Sarina.
“We run a pure commercial Brangus operation on the three properties, with Oakdale and Kaljune running 1500 breeders and progeny. Three Mile is slowly getting stocked with 250 heifers going to the bull for the first year plus 700 weaners. We plan to run 3000 head all year round there once it’s up and running”.
Oakdale is the principal aggregation, covering 2023ha (5000ac) and is located some 45kms west of Mackay in the area called Blue Mountain. Kaljune (1537ha) (3800ac) bounders and neighbours Oakdale and sits at the top of Eton Range. The latest acquisition, at 2428ha (6000ac), Three Mile is located at Flaggy Rock south of Sarina. All three properties are located in a 1300 to 1500mm (52 to 60 inches) average rainfall area of the state.
Since entering the beef cattle industry its owners have placed great emphasis on
the continual improvement and upgrading of their cattle operation through improved pastures and forage sorghum.
“At Oakdale and Kaljune we have several different types of grasses that we are planting to combat the invasion of Giant Rats Tail. Over the past twelve years we have planted Signal, Rhodes, Mekong, Tully Humidicola and Solander Setaria. With Three Mile being an old cane farm, we have had to start from scratch down there, we’ll have irrigated pastures and cropping there as well.”
The breeding nucleus of the herd is closely monitored. Mature cows are retained for as long as it possible with continual culling in place along the way. Any empty heifers and breeding cows are disposed of through processing works.
“Being on the coast we join heifers when they are two-year-olds, with a joining percentage of 40 females to one bull. We’ve found this to be the perfect fit and ratio for the breeding situation here and have less interaction and injuries with the bulls at that figure. When new bulls are purchased and introduced to the herd they stay with that mob of breeders for their life, when all the breeders are culled so are the bulls.
The majority of operation’s replacement heifers are sourced from within the herd, however the Callanders have in the past purchased some very good quality lines of heifers from the Rockhampton Brangus Commercial Female Sales.
Yes absolutely we look at the visual side when selecting new bulls, however if his data does not match what we are looking for to improve our herd we will leave him off the list...
Our children are constantly working the cattle in the yards so ensuring our bulls are calm is of paramount importance to us.
Drew went further saying, “Annually all our working bulls face a semen test and an overall check for any other problems, the heifers and cows are also preg tested on an annual basis, all empty females are culled or if we can see a specific problem which may have caused a fertility issue, we are prepared to allow that individual a second chance.”
The operation targets three main areas, feedlots, meatworks and live export with Drew adding, “We always aim for the 400kg liveweight, milk tooth animal for the feedlot trade and yes we do get a premium for our Brangus. We work on a calving percentage of around that 92 percent mark year in year out.”
New genetic material has in the past been sourced from both ABCA sponsored multi-vendor sales and three on property
private vendor outlets. “When we purchased Kaljune the previous owners had another genetic strain which was different to our main genetic mix and they too have worked and blended very well in this country”, added Drew.
On the subject of selection criteria, Drew is not averse to embracing EBV data and other clinical material saying, “Yes absolutely we look at the visual side when selecting new bulls, however if his data does not match what we are looking for to improve our herd we will leave him off the list. We look for poll or ‘PP’ bulls that are 24 months and or a touch older normally as they have finished growing and are ready to work. We’re always looking for anything that may hamper the bull from working in the paddock, we like tidy underlines, clean skins, being in ticky country we try and select for smooth coated fellows, we also look for the bulls that have excellent growth for their age."
"Our aim is to buy heavier bulls for our conditions, that way they are already grown and don't have to try and find that growth on the coast," he said.
Drew went further saying, "If they are little fellows, then they tend to struggle in our conditions while they are still coming of age and actively working their cows.”
Drew said one of the most important traits when selecting bulls is temperament, “Our children are constantly working the cattle in the yards so ensuring our bulls are calm is of paramount importance to us.”
Pasture and fodder conservation is enhanced on two of the three properties with the aid of on farm storage and irrigation. Oakdale has a 2500 megalitre dam that runs three centre pivots assisting in pasture growth and fodder reserves. Three Mile has a water storage facility of 25,000 megalitres that feeds a single centre pivot and five lateral irrigators.
Drew spoke of the effects of this infrastructure, “Having these assets allows us to grow and harvest, store and graze all year round. Cattle continue putting on weight all year round aiding in quicker turn off and cash flow for the feeder cattle.”
Cattle are educated and handled with horses, dogs, bikes and vehicles. Weaners are taken off Oakdale and Kaljune after a proper
education and then sent to Three Mile for further education and fattening.
With recent seasonal change and frosting impacting on Oakdale the herd is now being supplemented with an assisted molasses supplement.
When drawn on the future Drew said, “We see some pretty exciting times ahead for our cattle, our long-term goal with our herd is to invest in top quality genetics, where we’re hoping to achieve our targets on all levels. Every year and every sale we go to, there is always some new genetics or genetic material we can possibly use and introduce into our herd to improve it. We want to gain a better understanding of where we stand in the industry, from that feedback we receive, improve the beef we produce which will hopefully attract increased interest from the feedlots and other buyers.”
Lisa Callander then added, “Our ultimate aim is for Oakdale Beef to be a highly recognized name and entity within the industry and our cattle to be a premium product.”
We see some pretty exciting times ahead for our cattle, our long-term goal with our herd is to invest in top quality genetics, where we’re hoping to achieve our targets on all levels
BEEF ELEVATION CONFERENCE HOSTED BY BRANGUS AUSTRALIA
Article NATH O'SULLIVAN Images KB CONSULTING
Over 60 beef producers, Brangus breeders, and industry people gathered in Rockhampton for the Beef Elevation conference hosted by Brangus Australia.
With a range of speakers from all aspects of the beef supply chain including both grass-fed and grain-fed brand owners, and industry speakers discussing MSA and genetic tools, the event provoked thought among attendees and inspired discussions around how to create greater value throughout the beef supply chain.
How Hewitt increased their MSA index
Speaking at the BEEF ELEVATION conference, Ben Wieland, Livestock Manager at Hewitt Foods, provided attendees with an overview of the company's business, its grass-fed and organic beef supply chain.
Founded by Colin and Linda Hewitt in 1987, the Hewitt family entered a joint venture with Canadian pension fund PSP in 2014, which provided capital for much of the expansion and acquisitions that have developed the Hewitt Foods business.
Investment in the organic beef business Arcadian in 2017 was Hewitt’s first investment post-farm gate and triggered what is now a significant component of the business.
Today, Hewitt Foods is an integrated multi-protein supply chain with 5 million hectares and 500,000 cattle and sheep within their producer group, 2.25 million hectares and 150,000 cattle and sheep of which are owned by the business.
The Hewitt Foods business is fully certified, including certified organic to both the Australian Certified Organic standard and the USDA National Organic Program, animal welfare certified under the Global Animal Partnership (GAP) standard, sustainability certified under the Australian Federal Government Climate Active program, and conservation certified under Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) certification.
They have control of the entire supply chain from genetics and breeding, through primary production, value add or secondary production, distribution and cold storage, to branded product in retail and FMCG outlets in both Australia and North America.
Key to the Hewitt Foods supply chain is quality and consistent product, allowing them to continuously supply a quality product that meets global demand.
Underpinning their global supply chain is a four-factor breeding objective combining fertility, structural soundness, carcase quality, and performance and growth. This allows them to produce the product that meets the requirements of the consumer.
Due to consumer demand and a desire to improve feedback pathways within their supply chain, Hewitts began to MSA grade in 2022. Before the group had been focused on quality measures, however, MSA has become an important part of their business.
Sharing some data, Mr Wieland showed that Hewitt Foods has been able to
increase their average MSA index by four per cent in the two years from 2023, and maintained average carcase weight, while increasing throughput in terms of the number of animals processed by 45pc.
He highlighted that a reduction of average ossification correlates to the increase in average MSA index, being able to turn off cattle from their grass-fed supply chain earlier without impacting carcase weight.
Genetic selection, including the use of Brangus and Ultrablack bulls in the Hewitt and wider producer group herds, has been integral to the change they have seen on the rail while growing the program significantly.
Quality and Consistency is Key
Ben Wieland, Hewitt Foods
The importance of a consistent product
Discussing the grain-fed supply chain and providing an overview of the JBS Australia business, JBS Livestock Supply Chain Manager Caitlyn Barton told BEEF ELEVATION attendees that efficient production and consistent product are crucial to the Australian Beef Industry.
Australia has 2.74% of the world's cattle and one of the highest production costs; therefore, efficient production and consistent product are crucial.
Caitlyn Barton, JBS Australia
The Australian division of multinational processor JBS has 15,000 team members with a weekly processing capacity of 40,000 cattle, 82,000 sheep, 37,000 pigs, and 130,000 fish through its Houn Salmon business.
They have nine processing plants and six feedlots across Australia, including two integrated feedlot and processing sites.
The business owns and produces over 25 different beef brands, catering to a range of markets and specifications.
JBS’s meat sales are split 16 per cent domestic market, and 84pc export, with Japan and South Korea being the two largest markets, followed by the USA and China.
Interesting, Ms Barton raised the importance of consistent supply, stating that to make a brand work in international markets, there needs to be 500-600 cattle a week processed for that brand and frozen or chilled product shipped out 48 of the 52 weeks in the year.
Looking at trends, current Australian slaughter numbers are as high as they have ever been, while cattle numbers on feed have seen a positive trajectory over the last 30 years to now record numbers, with a large component of the expansion in Queensland.
JBS Northern Beef Division is now a 50/50 split between grain-fed and grass-fed. Quality and consistency of supply are the major reasons for the increase in grain-fed production, as well as the commitment to their workforce.
Ms Barton highlighted the importance of processor and feedlot feedback to producers to understand the performance and identify opportunities for improvement. Concluding that growth (weight gain) and meat quality are king.
How to get the most from MSA
Meat and Livestock Australia’s MSA Program Manager, Dr David Packer, discussed three main topics with BEEF ELEVATION attendees: performance and feedback, understanding your market, and what the future of MSA holds.
Highlighting feedback tools, myMSA, which has been available since 2010, and myFeedBack, a new platform which will enable feedback flow through feedlots back to breeders, Dr Packer spoke about the importance of carcase feedback to benchmark against the wider industry, including MSA Index.
The MSA index is a single number to indicate the overall quality of a carcase, used as a benchmarking tool to measure performance and is a weighted average of 39 eating quality scores of primal cuts.
Key drivers of MSA Index are HGP status, marbling, ossification, and hump height. These are the four key factors that producers can control to improve their MSA Index.
Dr Packer shared with attendees a small dataset from Brangus producers as an example of how to use MSA feedback data to benchmark. This data highlighted that the animals in the dataset performed well, but there is further opportunity to improve.
Discussing markets, Dr Packer highlighted the importance of a breeding objective and aligning that to your target market, but importantly, taking a balanced approach and not chasing extremes or single traits.
Further to that is understanding the market requirements, including MSA specifications and processor specifications, as well as building and maintaining relationships with feedlots, processors, buyers and agents.
Regarding mechanisms that affect eating quality, Dr Packer discussed muscle synthesis and muscle degradation, the latter of which influences overall eating quality. Diving deeper calpain is an enzyme that is responsible for muscle degradation, while calpastatin is a protein that acts an as inhibitor of calpain enzymes.
Bos indicus cattle naturally have higher levels of calpastatin activity, which results in lower energy requirements and makes them more efficient, but also has a negative influence on calpain enzyme activity and therefore on overall eating quality.
What is your target market?
Align your breeding objective to it, don’t chase extremes or single traits, balance is key
Dr David Packer, MLA
Research shows, the consumer-derived meat-eating quality (MQ4) score decreases as Bos indicus content and hump height increases. Dr Packer, noted there are outliers and hump height may not be the best tool to measure eating quality, but it is most robust tool available currently, and showed some other tools that may become available in the future.
Commercial MSA data from Bos indicus producers that looked at the difference between low MSA index and high MSA index
showed that reducing ossification is a key driver of eating quality, and the use of HGPs harms eating quality.
Discussing the future of MSA, Dr Packer talked about the use of technology to assist with carcase grading, measuring of new traits, and to better predict the carcase performance of live animals before slaughter.
He also discussed the development of breeding values based on eating quality rather than indicators of eating quality, such as marbling. This leads to the potential of genomic tools to indicate eating quality used to identify animals with higher eating quality potential early in life, but also the possibility of it being a tool used in the grading process.
A measure of yield is the other area where technology will play a big role in the future, when combined with eating quality, will provide a better measurement of carcase value.
How to improve eating quality?
Improve genetic traits of herd, optimise nutrition, use feedback
Dr David Packer, MLA
The role of genetic tools in the beef supply chain
ABRI’s newly appointed Chief of Operations, Dr Christian Duff presented on the impact of genetics in the supply chain, genetic tools and genetic selection, as well as potential new tools for commercial producers at the BEEF ELEVATION conference.
Starting off, he introduced the breeders' equation as a measure of genetic gain, which encompasses selection intensity, selection accuracy, and genetic variability, all divided by the generation length, using the example of the poultry industry to showcase the impact genetics can have.
Dr Duff highlighted that there is a large amount of variation across different cattle breeds, but there is just as much variation within a breed, which provides genetic variability and allows for selection.
When discussing genetic selection, he discussed that phenotype is a combination of genetics and environment. Making it challenging to simply look at an animal and see its genetic merit.
BREEDPLAN is a tool that provides an understanding of the genetic merit of an animal. It is the most widely used genetic evaluation system for beef cattle, which was developed in Australia by AGBU with funding from Meat & Livestock Australia, based on long-term proven science. It is constantly evolving and validated in numerous trials around the world.
The introduction of single-step BREEDPLAN, which includes genomic information in evaluations, is an example of the evolution of BREEDPLAN and was implemented in the Brangus evaluation in November 2023.
Single-step BREEDPLAN uses genomics to better understand the relationships between animals, and importantly, does not replace the need for phenotypic measures or performance data. It does, however, provide opportunities for hard-to-measure traits.
Moving forward, genomic-only genetic prediction and selection tools provide a real opportunity for commercial breeders. Utilising reference population data, both genomic and performance data, to provide genomic selection tools for commercial breeders.
Will genomic selection products for commercial breeders powered by Brangus BREEDPLAN be in the future?
Dr Christian Duff, ABRI
Havelock Supreme at Taroom Feature Show
Article + Images NATH O'SULLIVAN
With over 70 head exhibited, the 2025 Taroom Brangus Feature Show provided an excellent display of Brangus Cattle with up to ten exhibits in a single class.
Judge Brendan Schiewe, Brendale Charolais, Tallegalla, conducted proceedings assisted by Associate Judge Sarah Horrocks, Monto.
The title of Supreme Brangus Exhibit went to the Senior and Grand Champion Male, Lazy S Havelock (PP) exhibited by Sue Fawcett, Lazy S Brangus, Condamine.
The 32-month-old son of Bonox 823 (P) was out of a Glenoyra Fair Dinkum 95 (PP) daughter and was admired throughout the proceedings by judges within the ring and in the stands alike.
Brad and Vicki Hanson and family of Hanson Cattle Co, Theodore exhibited the Senior and Grand Champion Female Bullakeana Velvet V43 (PP)..
A three-and-a-half-year-old Palgrove Primemover (U)(PP) daughter who was shown with a fresh heifer calf at foot by Castle Sandringham S1631 (PP).
The Calf Champion Female title was awarded to Kraken Varsity 391V102 (PP) exhibited by Julie Sheehan and Jason Jeynes, Kraken Brangus, Dalma.
The 11-month-old was sired by Pheasant Creek Quilpie Q103 (PP) and out of a Kraken Pirate 535P (PP) daughter.
Kaydeeay Jasmin 149 (PP) was the Reserve Calf Champion Female.
Sired by Kaydeeay Hollywood (P) and out of a Telpara Hills Van Damme 541H30 (PP)(ET) daughter, the 11-month-old heifer was exhibited by Brendan and Lisa Lau, Kaydeeay Brangus, Munna Creek.
Lindsay and Fiona Barlow and family of Triple B Brangus, Dingo, exhibited the Junior Champion Female Triple B Bonita U329 (PP)..
Sired by Triple B Networth N284 (P) the 19-month-old was out of a Triple B Global G112 (PP)(AI) daughter.
The Reserve Junior Champion Female was Kraken U2 Peaches 114U31 (P)(AI) exhibited by Julie Sheehan and Jason Jeynes.
The 18-month-old Kraken Diesel 710R (PP)(AI) daughter was out of a Dayview Athol (PP) cow.
Weona Brangus were rewarded for the long trip for the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, exhibiting Weona Maggie (PP) to be the Reserve Senior Champion Female.
A 29-month-old daughter of Weona 3682 (PP) with a bull calf at foot.
Lazy S Kruger (P), a 13-month-old son of Lazy S Diplomat (PP) out of a Bonox 823 (P) daughter, was awarded the Calf Champion Male.
With the Reserve Calf Champion Male being awarded to Lazy S Kurgo (PP), a 10-month-old who was sired by M1B Rourke R315 (PP) and out of a Glenoyra Fair Dinkum 95 (PP) daughter.
Both of which were exhibited by Sue Fawcett.
As well as the Junior Champion Male Lazy S Jabiru (S), another M1B Rourke R315 (PP) son, but out of a Greendale Legend (P) daughter.
Reserve Junior Champion Male was Weona Nebraska (PP), a 20-month-old Weona Charlevue 02027 (PP) son out of a Weona Cruz (PP) daughter exhibited by Weona Brangus.
A 28-month-old full brother to the Calf Champion Male, Lazy S Incred-A-Bull (PP) was awarded Reserve Senior Champion Male exhibited by Sue Fawcett.
Sue Fawcett’s Lazy S Stud claimed both the Sire’s Progeny and Dam’s Progeny Groups.
Hanson Cattle Co won the Pair of Females class with Triple B Brangus placing second.
The Pair of Bulls was won by Sue Fawcett, with second place going to Weona Brangus.
Proceedings concluded with the exhibitors group, which went Sue Fawcett with Hanson Cattle Co, the runners up.
Thank you to Taroom Show Society for hosting the Brangus Feature Show and sponsors Bimbadeen Brangus, Bullakeana Brangus, Yabba-Do Brangus, Ray White Rural Gracemere, and Elders Stud Stock.
A: Exhibitors Group Class, B: Senior & Grand Champion Bull, Lazy S Havelock (PP), C: Calf Champion Bull, Lazy S Kruger (P) D: Junior Champion Bull, Lazy
S Jabiru (S) E: Calf Champion Heifer, Kraken Varsity 391v102 (PP) F: Senior & Grand Champion Cow, Bullakeana Velvet V43 (PP)
G: Junior Champion Heifer, Triple B Bonita U329 (PP) H: Grand Champion Cow, Bullakeana Velvet V43 (PP) I: Judge, Brendan Schiewe, Brendale Charolais, Tallegalla, J: Grand Champion Bull, Lazy S Havelock (PP) K: 10 Exhibits in Mature Cow Class, L: Supreme Exhibit, Lazy S Havelock (PP)
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Boonderoo dispersal grosses $833,000
Article + Image KB CONSULTING
A two state buying panel involving 39 addresses was one of the many standout features of the recent Boonderoo Dispersal Sale.
Representing 36 years of breeding the yarding was the total disposal of the genetic assets of Boonderoo principals, Richard and Diane Pender, Tansey. Widespread online and physical support was yet another vindication of the breeding philosophies undertaken by the couple and their family. Culminating in a complete clearance the catalogue involved breeding females, stud sires, young weaner bulls and heifers, maiden and joined heifers and AI stocks for a gross total of $833,000.
It was announced at the commencement of the sale that the property, Hidden Valley, Tansey where the herd was domiciled had been sold and this was the one of the main drivers behind the decision to disperse.
In a breakdown of the offering the complete clearance saw 233 females set an average $3,294 selling to a top of $9,000, while two sires hit $16,000 to average $13,000, 11 yearling bulls sold to $5200 to average $3536. A canister containing 632 straws of semen fetched $3800.
A further dissection of the offering revealed that 23 breeder units topped at $9000 to average $4130 while 120 PTIC females topped at $5200 to set a $3727 average. In all 70 heifers sold to $3200 to average $2209 and a pair of heifers and calves sold for $3000 each. Twelve PTIC heifers made to $4800 to average $4133. Four mature cows sold to $2400 to average $2300.
Neill Warren, Calliope secured the rights to the top selling bull, the proven, Bonox 1511 for $16,000. Bonox 1511 (four years) was originally selected by the Pender prefix for $30,000 from the 2023 Central Brangus Classic Sale from the Bonox draft. The other sire on offer was the rising threeyear-old, homebred retainee, Boonderoo Quartpot 4T3 (PP) (Boonderoo Quartpot 4Q2 (PP)/Bimbadeen Peter Pan P0126 (PP)) selling for $10,000 to Wangella Pastoral Company, Kilkivan.
A rising eight-year-old breeder unit topped the female section of the offering
at $9000. Boonderoo Ms Laird 6N8 (Fearnley Laird 1212 (ET)) was offered with an impressive bull calf at side by Bonox 1511. Selecting the unit was Josh and Samantha Comiskey, Braveheart Stud, Biloela. Braveheart ended with eight matrons and two calves for a $5150 average. This consisted of a $6000 for a daughter of Punchagin Lawman (PP) unit with a calf at side by Bonox1511. Another was a PTIC granddaughter of CRC Landau 263X2 (PP) (US) for $4200 and a pen of five PTIC females all by Bonox 1052 (PP) for $4400 each.
Top yearling bull at $5200 was the 10-month-old, Boonderoo Max 756V (Bonox 1511/Lunar Lewis L153 (P)) selling to Bruce and Leanne Woodard, Bonox Stud, Taroom.
Thirty six percent of the offering sold to two destinations. Brooyar Station operated by the McCormack family, Woolooga took the loins share of the catalogue ending with 53 head for a $3180 average. This result included a 23-month-old bull, Boonderoo BX2 6U (Bonox 1052) for $8500 and a $4600 male weaner bull. The other heavy supporter was Michael Needham, Kurrajong, Townson taking 34 head that included five calves for on average $3776.
Shane and Angela Jackson, Sandy Banks Stud, Tiaro secured five PTIC matrons to average them $3800 topping at $4800 for a six-year-old daughter of Punchagin Laramie. Stevie Jackson, Sandy Banks Stud, Tiaro claimed a pair for a $3000 average topping at $4800 for a sixyear-old daughter of Boonderoo Laird 48L6 daughter with calf. Mark and Lynda Bauer, Elara Stud, Laidley secured four PTIC females at $4200 each. These were daughters of the Punchagin sires, Laramie and Lawman (PP).
Kath Bloomfield, Killarney took 12 head to average her $2267. Kevin Lucke, Ironbark Stud, Mt Larcom took a maiden and a breeder unit for a $3500 average. Top of the Ironbark draft at $4000 was a sixyear-old daughter by CRC Landau 263X2 (PP) (US) with calf by Bonox 1511. The other Ironbark purchase was a $3000 maiden by Boonderoo Eldorado 10R (PP) (AI).
Michael Nobbs, Oaklands, Sarina secured a line of 11 for a $1945 average. Gary and Pam Taylor, Ginoondan Stud, Gayndah spent on average $3700 for his pair of females while Edward and Kara Quinn, Voewood Stud, Calliope took a $4400 PTIC heifer showing a Boonderoo
William Walpole, Sandalwood Stud, Bowen signed off on a pen of five PTIC heifers for $4800. Hayley Worth, Worthdoin Stud, Kandanga selected 10 PTIC lots for a $3000 average.
Ending with 14 head for a $2529 average was YW8 Enterprises, operated by Brendan and Lisa Lau, Kaydeeay Stud, Munna Creek. These topped at $3100 for a pen of six PTIC daughters of Fearnely Laird 1212 (ET), Belview Birdsville (ET), Fearnely Muldrock 1110 (ET) and Triple B H561 (ET).
Richard and Elizabeth Reynolds, Reynco Stud, Gin Gin selected a PTIC pair for a $3800 average topping at $4000 for a Bonox 543 (PP) daughter aged five years. Jayden McCotter, Jaymac Stud, Mt Perry operating in the market took six for a $2800 average. The Hutchinson family, Aladan, Widgee took with them six breeder units for on average $3667 while Mark and Leah Gorkow, Tinana Stud, Neusa Vale took home four for an average $3700. Scott McGath, Sandringham, Yeppoon claimed seven for a $4286 average. This figure included a pen of five PTIC cows for $5200 each. Four were daughters of Bonox 1052 with the remaining member being by Bimbadeen Quamby Q157 (PP).
Another investor in the Bonox 1052 (PP) daughters was Lynette Davis, Watership Downs Stud, Keerrong, New South Wales. Their selection cost $4800 and was on her second calf. Watership Downs will be the home of a pair of females for on average $4000.
Andrew Kay and family, Glengarry, Mt Stanley took five for a $2400 average. Tracey and Kym Kuskey, Gin Gin took five for a $3800 average. Mark and Kylie Oswald, Lodestone, Eton took six for a $2333 average. Elizabeth Rough, Kenilworth secured six for a $3767. average. Woodlands Enterprises Pty Ltd., Conondale signed off on a card comprising five females and five calves by Bonox 1511 for $4600. These were daughters of Bimbadeen Peter Pan 890S, the Punchagin
introductions, Laramie and Lawman (PP) and Ltd Of Brinks 415T28 (US). Their other acquisition at $3000 was a 10-month-old bull weaner by Bonox 1429 (PP). Ryan and Rachel Holzwart’s, Bauhinia Park Stud, Comet will be the home of the $3200 rising two-year-old, Boonderoo MS 227R2 560U (Boonderoo Peter Pan 227R2 (PP).
Taking the final lot of the sale, the semen canister and its contents composed of 632 straws of semen in 16 individual sires at $3800 was James Berkaya, Monaltrie, New South Wales. In addition to this purchase James selected two PTIC females for $3800 and $3200.
SALE SUMMARY
Females Offered 233
Avg $3,294
Sires Offered 2
Avg $13,000
Yearling Bulls Offered 13
Avg 3,536
Top selling female, Boonderoo Ms Laird 6N8 and bull calf with purchaser Samantha Comiskey, Braveheart Stud, Biloela and Richard Pender, Boonderoo Stud, Tansey
Gidyea Brangus Thankyou
Long term supporters Adrian and Megan Forrest added 4 bulls to their sire pen to average $14 750 Your consistant backing is the best type of feedback and is greatly appreciated
2025 Sale compliments
We would like to thank all those who supported our sale this year. We wish the buyers success with their purchases and look forward to seeing how they perform in your herds.
We appreciate all the efforts of those who travelled, logged on, helped and showed interest in our program in the lead up to and on the day of our 2025 sale.
Our 2026 draft are an exciting group with new genetics and bloodlines coming through, We are looking forward to seeing them grow and offering them next year, enquiries and inspections are always welcome.
BLING sparkles at $26,000 thrice
Article NATH O'SULLIVAN Images SUPPLIED
The glitz and glam of BLING in the Barn drew a huge crowd of Brangus enthusiasts and interested onlookers to Paradise Lagoons for the 3rd Brangus Ladies Invitational Notable Genetics sale.
Fourteen invited vendors combined to catalogue 24 select females in the GDL-hosted sale, with an average price of $12,522 on the 23 females sold, highlighting the demand for high-quality Brangus females.
The top price of $26,000 was achieved on three occasions for Bauhinia Park Miss Rock Solid U232 (PP)(ET), Circle H Miss Underline U252 (PP), and Stutzview Vintage Queen (PP).
The first account Ryan and Rachel Holzwart, Bauhinia Park Brangus, Emerald, was sired by the $45,000 graduate of the 2022 Rockhampton Brangus Sale Bauhinia Park Rock Solid (PP) (Gunnadoo Park) and out of donor female Bauhinia Park Miss Foundation N1097 (PP)(ET) a daughter of Suhn’s Foundation 331Z28 (PP).
Purchased by Roger and Roslyn Nobbs, Garwin Brangus, Moura the 20-month old was described by the vendors as “an absolute donor prospect”.
The Garwin prefix also secured a second of the equal-top-price females in Circle H Miss Underline U252 (PP) account Jeffrey and Raelea Holzwart, Circle H Brangus, Emerald.
The 19-month-old unjoined heifer was a daughter of Bonox 1338 (PP) and out of a Diamond Valley Keen Ede 468L2 (PP)(ET) daughter.
The third female to reach the top was the final female in the catalogue, Stutzview Vintage Queen (PP) account Dan Jackson, Danielle and Gerard Hynes, Stutzview Brangus, Owanyilla.
Sired by Triple B Revolver R291 (PP) and out of a Bullakeana Rock Solid (PP) daughter, the 14-month-old was sold to Paul and Catherine McKenzie, Arizona Brangus, Dingo.
Yaraandoo Calypso (PP), a three-in-one unit that kicked off the sale, account John
Stutzview Vintage Queen (PP)
SALE
Offered 24 Sold 23 (96%)
Lot 1, Yaraandoo Calypso (PP)
Collins, Yaraandoo Brangus, Gogango, sold for the second top price of $22,000.
The 5-year-old cow sold with eight-monthold heifer calf at foot Yaraandoo Heart to Heart sired by Triple B Quipid Q468 (S)(ET) and PTIC to Charlevue Blacksoil (PP).
Purchased by Brad and Nicole Johnstone, Port Curtis for their newly established Twin Lakes Brangus.
Brenton and Tahnee Bradford, River Run Brangus, Dingo sold River Run Riby 193 (P), a daughter of Bonox 1260 for $24,000 to Edward and Kara Quinn, Voewood Brangus, Calliope.
While Craig Radel, Tarcoola Beef, Lawgi Dawes parted with $20,000 for Bauhinia Park Miss Foundation U239 (PP)(ET) account Ryan and Rachel Holzwart, Bauhinia Park Brangus, Emerald.
Roger and Roslyn Nobbs, Garwin Brangus, Moura, added a third female to lead the volume buyers with an average of $19,667 on three females.
Paul and Catherine McKenzie, Arizona Brangus, Dingo, also purchased three females, averaging $14,667 on their lot.
David and Julie McCamley, Palmal Brangus, Dingo, found value in purchasing three females for an average of $7,667.
Nev and Megan Hansen, Oaklands Brangus, Baralaba, purchased two daughters of the Tannyfoil P79 (PP) sire from Mick and Tanya Madden, Earlwood Brangus, Duaringa, for an average of $12,500.
The auction was conducted by GDL, with Josh Heck serving as the auctioneer, and interfaced with Stocklive.
Breakdown by Vendor:
Stutzview, 1 Heifer $26,000
River Run, 1 heifer $24,000
Bauhinia Park, 2 heifers $23,000 ave
Yaraandoo, 1 cow + calf $22,000
Circle H, 2 heifers $16,500 ave
Earlwood, 3 heifers $11,333 ave
Black Label, 1 heifer $10,000
Bullakeana, 2 heifers $9,500 ave
Wildcard, 1 heifer $9,000
M1B, 3 heifers $8,667 ave
Pheasant Creek, 2 heifers $7,000 ave
Three Hearts, 2 heifers $7,000 ave
Bates, 1 heifer $6,000
JK Cattle Co, 2 heifers $5,000 ave
Top to bottom: Yaraandoo Calypso (PP), Bauhinia Park Miss Rock Solid U232 (PP) (ET), Circle H Miss Underline U252 (PP)
Triple B Northern Production Sale tops $22,000
Article + Images KB CONSULTING
In a clear sign of the ever increasing consumer preference and market acceptance for Brangus, the Triple B prefix staged their Inaugural Triple B Brangus Northern Production Sale, Dalrymple Saleyards, Charters Towers in late February.
Originally set down for the second week of the same month, severe weather conditions throughout the region saw a postponement to a new date two weeks later.
Commenting on the offering beforehand Lindsay Barlow said, “With the continued growth and expansion of our breeding program, we considered the time was right to develop a second marketing and sale outlet, and were certain that Charters Towers was the best location to stage such an event.” Triple B principals, Lindsay and Fiona Barlow, Dingo witnessed their bold new marketing concept translate into 61 bulls selling for on average $6557 to top at $22,000 for a 97 percent clearance at auction. At day’s end that result had moved to a complete clearance to a wide geographical area of Queensland.
Sale topper at $22,000 was Triple B Tucker T484 (Belview Fleet Street M206) (26-months) (772kg) 9/8mm) (131EMA) (6.8IMF). Securing the top seller were Joe and Doris Galea, Brightly, Eton. The top seller had 13 EBV indices ranked as breed average for above for the 16 traits observed. Four by Belview Fleet Street M206 (Belview Birdsville) averaged $10,500.
Colin Kime, Amaroo Stud, Nebo. Amaroo selected the next best at $16,000. His selection was Triple B Turret T152 (Triple B Platinum P552) (29-months) (702kg) (9/6mm) (120EMA) (5.5IMF). The Amaroo prefix selected three from the offering for a $10,000 average. These included sons of Riverview Xander and Belview Embassador M212. A trio by Triple B Platinum P552 (Brinks Bright Side 607L11 (US)) set an average of $10,334.
Hannan Mason Pastoral Company, Mt Coolon were the major supporters of the sale. They secured a line of 24 head (39 percent) for on average $5083. Triple B regulars, Paul and Catherine MacKenzie, Coolmaringa, Dingo secured a trio for on average $11,000 topping at $15,000 for Triple B Technology T517 (Bonox Millionaire 1138 (PP)) (28-months) (804 kg) (12/8mm) (131EMA) (5.5IMF). Coolmaringa will also be the home of an $11,000 son of Triple B Neptune N219 (PP) aged 28-months and a herd bull for $7000. Three by the aging Bonox Millionaire 1138 (Bonox 563) averaged $8333 while seven by Triple B Neptune N219 (Triple B Global G112 (P) (AI)) set a $6857 medium.
Gitten Family Trust, Poinsetta, Rubyvale took a pair to average them $8500 topping at $10,000 for a 28-month-old by the homebred retainee, Triple B Navigator N230. Paul and Clare Gersch, Tidewater Park, Ilbilbie signed off on three for a $8667 average. These topped at $14,000 for Triple B Trinidad T144 (Triple B Navigator N203) (29-months) (768kg) (8/15mm) (136EMA) (5.4IMF). Six Navigator sons set a $7500 average.
Andrew and Lucille Angel, Moss Vale Station, Bogie took a $10,000 son of Triple B Neptune N219 and in the process purchased a pair for on average $7500. The Green family, Leslew Downs, Richmond took a trio for on average $5333 while One Mile Grazing and JS
Livestock operated by Sam and Nyree Anning, Wongalee Station, Hughenden collectively purchased six for an average of $6000. Taking two at an average of $7000 was William Diecke, Collingvale Station, Proserpine. Ben Hutton, Ellendale, Clermont selected a $8000 entry while John and Ronda Lyons, Plumtree Station, Charters Towers selected a pair for $5500 each. Taking a pair for a $6000 average were Darren and Melissa Pedracini, Weaner Creek Station, Basilisk.
SALE SUMMARY
Offered 63 Sold 61 Average $6,557 Top $22,000 97 % Clearance
Top: Triple B Turret T152 was a $16,000 selection by the Kime family, Amaroo Stud, Nebo. With bull are Declan and Braden Barlow, Triple B Stud, Dingo, Bottom: Lindsay Barlow, Triple B Stud, Dingo, buyers, Joe and Doris Galea, Brightly, Eton, agent, Jett Graham, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Mackay (back) with the $22,000, Triple B Tucker T484.
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Angel Flight Charity Bull Tops Richmond Sale
Article NATH O’SULLIVAN Image SUPPLIED
In honour of Dr John Hosie, the Strazzeri family of Barronessa Farming, Atherton, donated 100% of the proceeds from Barronessa Voyager U62 (U)(PP)(ET) to Angel Flight at the Richmond Field Days All Breeds Bull Sale.
A long-time family friend of the Strazzeri family, Dr Hosie was killed in a tragic on-farm ATV accident near Richmond in September 2024.
Those close to Dr Hosie teamed up to ensure the charity was well supported, with best friend Anthony Ball, Elders Stud Stock auctioning the bull, and brother-in-law Hamish McClymont as the successful purchaser.
Selling for the equal top price achieved at all-breeds sale, Barronessa Voyager U62 (U)(PP)(ET) raised $20,000 for Angel Flight, a figure that will help fund 40 life-changing flights for rural Australians in need of medical care.
Sired by US Angus sire S A V Checkmate 8158 (P) and out of a Suhn’s Majestik Beacon 30C (PP) daughter, the 20-month-old Voyager U62 is destined to join heifers on Mr McClymont’s ‘Soda Valley’ Hughenden property.
The Strazzeri family were the sole Brangus and Ultrablack vendors and offered 12 bulls in their second year at the Richmond Field Days All Breeds Bull Sale, after Dr Hosie encouraged them to offer bulls there for the first time in 2024.
SALE SUMMARY
The Barronessa prefix sold 12 bulls for a 100% clearance to average $9,667. Offered 12 Sold 12 Average $9,667
Belview Brangus top at $21,000
Article NATH O'SULLIVAN Images NATH O'SULLIVAN & EMILY ROBERTS
The third annual Belview Brangus sale drew a large crowd from across Northern NSW and Queensland with a quality line-up of 57 bulls offered by the Jorgensen family.
At auction, 49 bulls sold for an average price of $8,204, with a further four bulls selling immediately after the hammer fell to lift the clearance to 93%.
In the breakdown, 41 rising 2-year-old bulls averaged $8,390, while eight yearling bulls averaged $7,250.
The top price achieved was $21,000 for Belview Uluru U297 (PP) purchased by return buyers Adrian and Megan Forrest, Gidyea Brangus, Augathella QLD.
Uluru U297, a son of Triple B Quarantine Q388 (PP) out of a Belview Zorro (PP) daughter, weighed in at 756kg and measured 119cm2 EMA with an IMF of 4.1% and fat depths of 6mm and 4mm at 22 months old.
The Forrest’s also purchased the second top price bull Belview Undercover U164 (PP) a Kulkyne Ransom R28 (PP) son out of a Belview Gold Rush N077 (PP)(ET) daughter.
Undercover ranked in the top 25% of Brangus BREEDPLAN for birthweight, in the top 5% for Rib and Rump Fat and the top 10% for IMF, figures that corresponded with raw measurements of 125cm2 EMA, 6.3% IMF, 21mm P8 and 13mm Rib with a weight of 778kg at 21 months.
Adding a further two bulls Belview Universe U239 (PP) by Belview Posiedon P052 (PP) and Belview Uboat U259 (PP)(ET) by Briggs Gulf Coast (PP)(AI) the Forrest’s averaged $14,750 on four bulls.
Online bidding platform Stocklive and operator Ben Beling were kept busy with a hive activity, resulting in 35% of the bulls sold being purchased by online bidders.
Including William and Suzanne Pickersgill, ‘Geneva’, Theodore QLD, who purchased Belview Umar U190 (PP) for $18,000.
The Lazy S Emperor (P) son ranked in the top 25% or better for nine Brangus BREEDPLAN traits including 200, 400, and 600-day weight, milk, carcase weight, EMA and fat.
Also operating online was Colin Blacklock, ‘Lavera’, Julia Creek QLD, who put together a pen of six bulls at an average price of $7,500.
A: Bruce Birch, APL Tenterfield and Clint Langan, Langan Ultrablacks, Bingara, B: Tim Ludgate and daughters Sophie, Bella, and Mia, Barcoo Pastoral, Isisford QLD, C: Theo Boshammer; George Devlin; Jackson Roberts; and Harry Jorgensen, D: Adrian & Megan Forrest, Gidyea Brangus, Augathella QLD with Trevor & Colleen Jorgensen, Belview Brangus and the $21,000 Belview Uluru U297 (PP), E: Barry Creighton Donbar Brangus, Stratheden; Michael Moore, Clifton Pastoral, Tenterfield; Jeff Parker, Gunnadoo Park Brangus, Manilla; and Nathan Jorgensen, Hayes Spraying, Goondiwindi, F: Trevor Jorgensen opening the sale
The long-time supporter of the Belview program paid a top of $13,000 for Belview Union Jack U232 (PP), one of five sons of Belview Posiedon P052 (PP) making their way to Julia Creek.
Dungog NSW Brangus producers Ram Station were active putting together a line of four sires for an average of $9,750.
Paying a top of $16,000 for the sole Ultrablack bull catalogued Belview Up-NComing U168 (PP)(AI).
A son of Angus sire Baldridge SR Goalkeeper (PP) and out of an Oaklands Rango 920L (PP)(ET) daughter, he ranked in the top 25% or better for nine BREEDPLAN traits, including gestation length, 200, 400, and 600-day weight, milk, scrotal size, carcase weight, and IMF.
Ram Station added three sons of MC Top Gun 111Y15 (PP) to complete their selections.
Tim and Fiona Ludgate, Barcoo Pastoral, Isisford, QLD, also purchased four bulls, averaging $8,250 for their lot.
Paying a top of $12,000 for Belview Unlimited U263 (PP)(ET), a son of MC Top Gun 111Y15 (PP).
Local producer, Graeme Charters, ‘Hilltop’, Bingara NSW, purchased the topprice yearling bull Belview Vibe V010 (PP) for $12,000.
As per the overall top-price bull, he was also sired by Triple B Quarantine Q388 (PP).
Out of a Suhn’s Majestik Beacon 30C (PP) daughter, the 14-month-old weighed in at 610kg and measured 107cm2 EMA with an IMF of 4.9% and fat depths of 10mm and 6mm.
He ranked in the top 10% of Brangus BREEDPLAN for 400 and 600-day weight and in the top 25% for 200-day weight, gestation length, scrotal size and carcase weight.
Doug Nothdruft, ‘Hillview’, Coalbank QLD, selected two embryo transfer brothers from yearling bulls in Belview Versatile V036 (PP)(ET) and Belview Volta V038 (PP) (ET) sired by Bonox 806 (PP) and out of a Suhn’s Majestik Beacon 30C (PP) daughter for $11,000 and $10,000 respectively.
Mr Nothdruft added a rising two-year-old bull to complete his draft of three for an average of $8,667.
Operating via Stocklive, Mungindi NSW producer Rob Houston also purchased three bulls, including two sons of Lazy S Emperor, paying up to a top of $14,000 for Belview Unicorn U187 (P).
Commenting after the sale, Belview Principal Trevor Jorgensen said, “There was a lot of value for money here this year. We felt they were a consistent line of quality young bulls that went for very reasonable prices.”
“We were really pleased to see the majority of the bulls sold into herds that have used our genetics from previous years.”
“They have gone into central and western Queensland, across to coastal areas, stayed local and also headed south into central NSW. A testament to the breed and its adaptability.”
“It is the greatest compliment when clients return for more.”
“We welcome the handful of new breeders to our genetics, some of them are new to the breed and look forward to hearing their feedback in the future.”
Mr Jorgensen concluded.
The auction was conducted by APL Tenterfield with Blake O’Reily wielding the gavel.
A testament to the breed and its adaptability
Semen to $1200/unit
Article NATH O'SULLIVAN Images KB CONSULTING
An opportunity to dive into the tank and purchase high-quality genetic packages certainly caught the attention of buyers.
GDL’s online-only genetic sale “in the tank” was supported by five Brangus and Ultrablack vendors offering six semen packages and a sole embryo package.
Two five-unit semen packages in Tannyfoil P79 (PP) offered by Mick and Tanya Madden, Earlwood Brangus, Duaringa QLD, sold for a top of $1,200 per unit, with the second package going for $1,100 per unit.
Both packages were sold to Ellie Parker, Parkavenue Livestock, Attunga NSW.
Earlwood offered four sons of Tannyfoil P79 at the 2024 Rockhampton Brangus Sale, averaging $95,000, including the breed record-equalling $150,000 Earlwood Riki (PP).
Ellie Paker offered a package of six embryos sired by Oaklands Smooth Move (PP) out of Gunnadoo Park 1851 (PP), a Gunnadoo Park Western (P) daughter.
Those embryos were purchased by Cameron and Levinnia Spencer, Daly Creek Brangus, Bungundarra QLD, for $800 per embryo. The Spencers previously purchased a package of four embryos of the same breeding at the 2024 Rockhampton Brangus Sale.
Matt and Shannon Sowden, Sowden Cattle, Kingaroy QLD, offered a 10-unit semen package in Pheasant Creek Sultan (PP), their $45,000 selection from the 2023 Rockhampton Brangus Sale and the Junior and Grand Champion Bull at the 2023 Rockhampton Brangus Feature Show.
SALE SUMMARY
Paul and Catherine McKenzie, Arizona Brangus, Dingo QLD, secure the Sultan semen package for $400 per unit.
A semen package in Sultan’s sire Yaraandoo Wylie (PP) was offered by Brad and Vicki Hanson and family’s Hanson Cattle Co, Theodore QLD.
The 10-unit package was purchased by fellow Theodore producers William and Suzanne Pickersgill for $250 per unit.
A large 50-unit package in Ultrablack sire, Palgrove Sugar Ray S853 (U)(PP), offered by Hewitt Agribusiness, was purchased by Braedon Donnelly, Tenterfield NSW.
Offered 6 Semen & 1 Embryo Package Sold 5 Semen & 1 Embryo Package Average Semen $288/unit, Embryos $800/embryo Top $1,200/unit 86%Clearance
Tannyfoil P79 (PP)
Inaugural Kempsey Angus Brangus Sale
Article
NATH O'SULLIVAN Images BA CREATIVE
Kempsey Stock and Land hosted their inaugural Angus Brangus Bull and Female sale in early July.
Topping the sale across both breeds was Sunday Camp T028 (PP)(ET) account Daniel and Jenna Lowe, Sunday Camp Brangus, Bellbrook NSW.
The 22-month-old son of CRC Guardian 9U8U5 (P)(ET) sold to the Graham family, ‘Glenwood’, Comara NSW, for $11,000.
The Graham family also purchased a second Sunday Camp bull to average $8,500 on the two.
The second top price Brangus bull was Inavale 1415(P) offered by John and Alison Bell, Inavale Brangus, Bunjurgen QLD, who returned $8,500.
The Bell’s also offered the two equal topprice females across both breeds for $8,000.
Sired by Earlwood 3357 (PP), Inavale 1370 (P) and Inavale 1372 (P) both sold to long-term Inavale repeat client Ray Sellings, Macksville NSW.
Mr Sellings purchased a further two Inavale females, resulting in a pen of four females to average $6,250, and added a bull for good measure at $5,000.
Top Price Bull
Laurie Argue & Dan Lowe
Equal Top Price Female
Brangus Youth Launch Ambassador Role
Article HENRY SINNAMON
An initiative of the Brangus Youth Consultative Committee the Brangus Youth Ambassador role will provide a young Brangus enthusiast aged between 18 and 25 with a unique personal and professional development opportunity.
With a bursary of up to $2,000, the Brangus Youth Ambassador will have the opportunity to attend multiple industry events providing opportunities to develop their individual networks, knowledge, and identity within the industry as a representative of the Brangus breed.
The 12-month ambassadorship will also provide the recipient with insight into Brangus Australia's operations and events as well as the opportunity to work with the Brangus Youth Consultative Committee on the development of Brangus Youth.
Brangus youth members are encouraged to apply for this exciting new role with applications open in October 2025.
Applicants will be required to answer nominated questions and provide insight into the industry events they would like to attend and details of how the bursary will be spent as part of the application process.
Naomi Cooney
Visit the Brangus Australia website for further details and to apply or contact the Brangus Youth Consultative Committee to discuss further.
Some 65 Brangus enthusiasts and local producers gathered at Marcella Ultrablacks, Goomeri, for the Brangus Australia Zone 2 Field Day in early July.
Hosts Rhys and Amy Innes had a selection of females, sires, yearling Ultrablack bulls and a sample of sale bulls destined for their upcoming on-property bull sale, penned for attendees to inspect.
With the assistance of Elders, they invited a great selection of informative speakers covering pasture development, livestock production, animal health, direct-to-consumer beef, and data collection systems.
Elders Pasture Agronomist, Jacob O’Brien, discussed pasture development, including; some key points to consider when improving pastures, key performance indicators for pasture development, the importance of forage production budgets and how to identify opportunities for pasture development, and pathways through pasture development such as using oats and grazing canola as a pathway both in terms of budget and weed control to getting to improved perennial pastures.
Mark Meldrum, Elders Livestock Production Specialist, presented on a few topics to consider when looking to optimise a livestock production system. But the topic that captured attendees' attention was cattle tick treatment, Coopers Exzolt. The newly developed pour-on product controls cattle ticks for 56 days and is a new class of chemical to the Australian cattle parasite market.
Given the challenges many producers have been facing in recent times with the control of ticks, the new product looks likely to provide producers with a solution to fight chemical resistance.
Ban Ban Springs Producer and Burnett Mary Regional Group Industry Recovery and Resilience Officer, Virginia Kelleher, discussed both educational opportunities for producers offered by the Burnett Mary Regional Group. As well as an overview of her direct-to-consumer grass-fed beef business, Barambah Creek Beef.
Cameron Griffin, Datamars Livestock, gave an overview of the companies Tru-Test products, including crush side data collection systems, how to get the most out of the system you already have, or things to consider when looking to invest in a new system.
A bit of fun for all attendees was a guess the weight competition of Ultrablack sire Palgrove Trident T49 (U)(PP), at just two kilograms off the correct weight of 926kg, Dan Van Itallie claimed the prize of a merch pack and a $1000 credit to the upcoming Marcella bull sale.
The day concluded with a steak sandwich lunch and an opportunity for old and new friends to catch up and network.
A: Merv, Shane, Linet, Sophie and Ben Pincott, Pineview Brangus, Maidenwell, B: Jacob O'Brien, Elders Pasture Agronomist, C: Mitch Jackson, Elders Murgon and Julie Sheehan, Kraken Brangus, Dalma, D: Gemma, Mila and Dan Van Itallie, Booubyjan, E: Rhys and Amy Innes, Marcella Ultrablack, Goomeri, F: Mark Meldrum, Elders Livestock Production Specialist, G: Alan and Deb Marshall, Karakara Brangus, Goomeri, H: Cam Griffin, Datamars Livestock, I: Shane and Angela Jackson, Sandy Banks Brangus, Tiaro with Russell McIntosh, 'Myrian', Widgee
H
D
Brangus Dominate Malanda Show
Article NATH O'SULLIVAN Images SUPPLIED
Brangus represented one-third of the Stud Beef Cattle exhibited at the recent Malanda show, in a Bos-indicus, Bos-taurus multi-breed format under the astute eye of judge Graham Brown, RSVP and Sylvan Springs Droughtmasters, Windera QLD.
Brangus claimed every Tropical Breed Championship and the Interbreed Champion titles.
The Supreme Champion Stud Exhibit was awarded to Barronessa Empower 820V86 (P)(IVF), exhibited by the Strazzeri family’s Barronessa Farming, Upper Barron.
The 14-month-old had previously been named Grand Champion Female of Show, and Champion Tropical Breed Female after rising out of the Junior Tropical Breed Female section.
Empower 820V86 was sired by QVF PR Empower 30G16 (PP)(ET) and out of Barronessa Csonka J820 (PP).
She took the top gong from the Grand Champion Bull of Show, Barronessa Defender U371 (PP)(IVF), also exhibited by Barronessa Farming.
A 19-month-old son of Barronessa Holloway (PP)(ET), who had previously been named Champion Tropical Breed Bull, rising from the Junior Tropical Breed Bull section.
The Calf Champion Tropical Breed Bull was Telpara Hills Mach 5 541V47 (PP)(IVF), exhibited by the Pearce family’s Telpara Hill Brangus & Ultrablack, Upper Barron.
Sired by the $150,000 equal record topprice Brangus bull Telpara Hill Mach Five 920R4 (PP)(ET) and out of Telpara Hills Miss Granite 541R42 (PP)(ET).
Classmate Telpara Hills SAV America 541V60 (U)(PP)(IVF), an Ultrablack bull sired by Angus sire S A V America 8018 (PP), was named Reserve Calf Champion Tropical Breed Bull, also exhibited by the Pearce family.
The Pearce family also exhibited both the Senior Champion and Reserve Senior Champion Tropical Bulls in Telpara Hills Ultra Sonic 541U31 (PP) and Telpara Hills Galaxy 541U39 (U)(PP), respectively.
The 26-month-old Ultra Sonic 541U31 was sired by Telpara Hills Executive 541N70 (PP)(ET) out of a Suhn’s Foundation 331Z28 (PP) female.
Galaxy 541U39 was sired by Milwillah Reality Q170 (PP) out of a Telpara Hills Executive 541N70 (PP)(ET) daughter.
In the Calf Tropical Breed Female section, the 9-month-old Telpara Hills MS Ultimate 541V70 (PP)(IVF), a Suhns Ultimate 30H157 (U)(P)(AI) daughter exhibited by the Pearce family, was crowned Champion.
With Telpara Hills MS Spectrum 541V124 (PP)(IVF), a Suhns Spectrum 53J2 (U)(P) (AI), also exhibited by the Pearce family, the reserve.
The Reserve Junior Champion Tropical Breed Female was Telpara Hills Miss Benchmark 541V17 (U)(PP)(IVF), an Ultrablack heifer sired by Angus sire Mill Brae Benchmark 9016 (PP) and exhibited by the Pearce family.
Telpara Hills Miss Beacon 541Q41 (PP) (ET), exhibited by the Pearce family, was awarded Senior Champion Tropical Breed Female. The 5-year-old matron was sired by Suhn’s Majestik Beacon 30C (PP).
The Reserve Senior Champion Tropical Breed Female was Barronessa Hollywood 541 U19 (PP)(AI), a 25-month-old Hollywood of Salacoa 23A53 (PP) daughter, exhibited by Barronessa Farming.
Both the Pair of Bulls and the Pair of Females classes were won by the Pearce family’s Telpara Hills Stud.
The Junior Breeders Group was also awarded to the Pearce Family.
While Barronessa Farming won the Breeders Group.
The Led Steer and Heifer Competition was also dominated by Brangus.
The Champion Led Steer exhibited by the Pearce family, and the Champion Led Heifer exhibited by the Godfrey Family.
The latter was awarded the John Hosie Memorial Trophy for Overall Champion Led Exhibit.
Supreme Exhibit, Barronessa Empower 820V86 (P) (IVF) with judge, Graham Brown, Amanda Way (North Queensland Miss Show Girl), Shane Strazzeri, Barronessa Stud, Atherton and handler, Naomi Godfrey
Barronessa’s wins on and off the field
Article KB CONSULTING
Atherton based operation, Barronessa operated by the Strazzeri family took out a host of awards against all breeds recently in the north of the state.
The Barronessa team of five head were competitors in a field of 143 head of stud cattle involving 45 Brangus at the recent Malanda Show. The overall number of exhibits was the largest number of stud cattle entered in the show’s 108th year history and in the process made the event one the largest beef cattle exhibits in regional Queensland. In all 12 breeds were represented in both Bos indicus and Bos Taurus rings which were adjudicated over by Graham Brown, RSVP Droughtmaster Stud, Windera. Breeds represented at the show were Brangus, Brahman, Santa Gertrudis, Senepol, Angus, Charbray, Greyman, Murray Grey, Droughtmaster, Simbrah, Miniature Hereford and Limousin.
It was a great day for the Strazzeri prefix taking out the Supreme Champion Stud Beef Exhibit of Show, Grand Champion Female of Show, Supreme Champion Tropical Female and Junior Champion Tropical Female with their young heifer, Barronessa Empower 820V86 (P) (IVF). The 14-month-old daughter of QVF PR Empower 30G16 (PP)(ET) (US) is from the dam, Barronessa Csonka J820 (PP) (Nindooinbah F769 (P)(ET)).
In the male section of judging the operation also gained the major tri coloured ribbon of the day with their 20-month-old, Grand Champion Bull of Show, Barronessa Defender U371 (PP)(IVF) (Barronessa Holloway (PP) (ET) – (Barronessa Deal 541 R1 (PP)(AI)). He had earlier in the day taken out the Supreme Champion Tropical Bull and the Junior Champion Tropical Bull. Completing the wins for the stable was the Reserve Champion Senior Tropical Female, Barronessa Hollywood 541 U19 (PP) (AI). At 27-months the daughter of Hollywood Of Salacoa 23A53 (PP)(US) from Barronessa International 541Q2 (PP) (ET) has a threemonth-old heifer at side by the US semen import, DMR Investment 535F40 (PP).
These victories were made all the more significant when it was revealed that the stud had taken won the top award in the Boc taurus and Bos indicus ring at the show five years in succession with their Brangus and Charolais cattle. Four out of the past five years the Barronessa prefix
has claimed the Supreme Champion Stud Exhibit at Malanda.
Outside the show ring the family achieved more success with their clientele taking awards in the Prime Cattle Section of the show. The Godfrey family, Upper Barron took out the Champion and Reserve Champion Bullock Of The Show, the Champion Pen Of Three Bullocks and Champion Female Of The Show. These cattle all sired by Barronessa bulls were Brangus/Charolais composites.
The same family took out the Champion Led Exhibit and Champion Led Heifer along with a first placing in the Midweight Led Steer all by a Barronessa bulls.
A few short days later the prefix was again the headlines in the carcase arena at the JBS Carcase Competition conducted in Townsville. Now in its third year, the JBS Carcase Competition is conducted at the JBS's Townsville plant with that competition encompassing six classes.
BRANGUS YOUTH FUNDRAISING
13 OCTOBER 2025
Alan and Carmel Bethel, Jones Valley Station, Hughenden claimed a win in the competition in the MSA area. The Barronessa sired entry took out Class 5. Highest MSA Index | Individual Carcase | HGP Free: Champion. This class recognises premium eating quality and natural performance of the animal.
With the John Hosie Memorial Trophy are Daniel Courtney, Naomi, Kerry and Noel Godfrey, Upper Barron
• Functionally efficient bulls designed for profit
• Temperament
• Inherent body condition
• Hormonal balance
• Fertility
• Structure
• Selected by nature with minimal inputs
Bulls • Rockhampton Brangus Sale 2025
Brangus Represent at Mackay Show
Article CANDICE LIDDLE Images SUPPLIED
2025 Mackay Show was well represented by the Brangus community with notable success in the Trade Cattle competition and Carcase competitions.
The Trade Cattle section of the Mackay show was expertly judged by Brett McCamley, with Georgia Sherry as his associate in the Grainfed cattle section and by Mark Brown, alongside his associate Lachlan Whitehead in the grassfed section. Judging was extremely tough with a large number of quality cattle presented at the show.
Brangus breeders LA Geddes, Geddes Ag and Bullrush Pastoral were very successful across a large number of classes in the Trade cattle show. LA Geddes presented some high quality Brangus cattle for the competition and secured some notable placings such as first place for Single 2 Tooth Steer, Single 4 Tooth Steer, Pen of 3 Steers 6 Teeth or less 540-750kg, Pen of 2 Steers 4 Teeth or less 520-750kg. Further adding to their success LA Geddes also secured Champion Grassfed Steer and Reserve Champion Pen of Steers.
Brangus breeder Bullrush Pastoral were very successful with a first placing for Single Milk Tooth Steer which then went on to secure Reserve Champion Grassfed Steer. Also notable placings was a second placing with a quality pen of three heifers 4 teeth or less 450kg minimum.
Geddes Ag presented a Pen of 2 Steers 4 teeth or less 520-750kg for a second placing as well at Single Steer Milk Tooth Grainfed for another second placing.
Mackay Show Carcase competition was judged by Ben Robinson and Murray Patrick from AUS-MEAT was quality driven. Again, Brangus breeders LA Geddes & Co, Geddes Ag and Bullrush Pastoral represented the Brangus breed with great success.
Bullrush Pastoral presented a Pen of 2 Pasture Fed Steers 4 Teeth or less 300-420kg winning that class and then securing Nutrien Hoof and Hook class overall winner in that division.
Geddes Ag had taken out first place with a Pen of 3 Grainfed Steers or Heifers 4 Teeth or less 300-420kg and another second placing for Pen of 2 Pasturefed Steers 4 Teeth or less 300-420kg
LA Geddes presented a Pen of 3 Pasturefed Steers 6 Teeth or less 300420kg which secured Nutrien Hoof and Hook Class equal first overall.
FULL RESULT LISTING FOR BRANGUS BREEDERS MACKAY SHOW
Hoof Results:
LA Geddes & Co
3rd Pen 3 Heifers 4 Teeth or less
450Kg minimum
2nd Single Milk Tooth Steer
1st Single 2 Tooth Steer
1st Single 4 Tooth Steer
1st Pen 3 Steers 6 Teeth or less 540-750kg
1st Pen 2 Steers 4 Teeth or less 520-750kg
Champion Grassfed Steer, Reserve Champion Pen of Steers
Geddes Ag
3rd Single Steer 4 Tooth
2nd Single Steer milk Tooth Grainfed
2nd Pen 2 Steers 4 Teeth or less 520-750kg
Bullrush Pastoral
2nd Pen 3 Heifers 4 teeth or less
450kg min
1st Single Milk Tooth Steer
3rd Single 2 Tooth Steer
2nd Single 4 Tooth Steer
2nd Pen 3 Steers 4 Teeth
3rd Pen 3 Steers 6 Teeth or less 540-750kg
3rd Pen 2 Steers 4 Teeth or less 520-750kg
Reserve Champion Grassfed Steer
Carcase Results:
LA Geddes & Co
1st Pen 3 Pasturefed Steers 6 Teeth or less 300-420kg
3rd Pen 2 Pasturefed Steers 4 Teeth or less 300-420kg
Nutrien Hoof & Hook Class equal first overall
Geddes Ag
1st Pen 3 Grainfed Steers or Heifers 4 Teeth or less 300-420kg
3rd Pen 3 Pasturefed Steers 6 Teeth or less 300-420kg
2nd Pen 2 Pasturefed Steers 4 Teeth or less 300-420kg
Bullrush Pastoral
1st Pen 2 Pasturefed Steers 4 Teeth or less 300-420kg
Nutrien Hoof & Hook Class equal first overall
A: Mackay Show 2025 Champion and Reserve Pen of Steers, B: Mackay Show 2025 Pen of 2 Steers, C: Mackay Show Carcase 2025, D: Mackay Show 2025 Pen of 3 Grain Fed Chiller Carcase 4 Teeth, E: Mackay Show 2025 Single Steer 4 Teeth
IN THE BLACK AS BREED DEMAND IS KING
On the back of a 4,431 head offering the first stage of the annual CQLX Weaner Feeder Sale kicked off in early June. Postponed for two days due to rain the yarding included the normal weekly Gracemere Sale.
The yarding comprised 2,848 steers, 1,232 heifers, 299 cows, seven breeder units, 29 bulls and 16 mickeys. Cattle were drawn from Collinsville and Mackay in the north, south to Lowmead and all local areas. Agents quoted feeder competition as restricted for grown cattle. This was reversed when compared to weaner steers and heifers. Steers topped at 511c and heifers at 390c. Best vealer steers topped at 511c to average 428c to 462c to restockers. Heifers reached an occasional 390c, to average 324c while yearling steers in light weight pens topped 500c, averaging 433c for a large sample. Well bred, medium weight pens averaged from 398c to 411c. Light weight yearling heifer pens returned a top price of 369c and averaged from 286c to 319c. Medium weight yearling heifer pens averaged 315c to 361c to backgrounders and feed. Grown steers to feed sold to top at 361c, averaging 330c to 360c for the best. Processors paid 295c to 322c for their slaughter cattle. Grown heifers to the trade were very mixed in breeding and finish. The best presented sold for 299c with averages ranging from 281c to 289c.
In the first stage the biggest draft came from the Barlow family, Araluen, Dingo.
The entire line of 129 Triple B weaner steers bred on forest country at Glendarra, Dingo sold for 494.2c/kg to Ian and Kate McCamley, MCC Pastoral, Memooloo, Comet and Lowesby, Rolleston. The top pen of 19 with an average scale weight of 291kgs returned at $1340/head. These steers ranged in a liveweight range from 154.12kgs to a high of 334kg and sold in a range from $761.65/head to a top of $1340/ head. With an average weight of 215.88kgs the Barlow draft averaged $1063.12/head.
Phillip and Vanessa Parry, Sarina Range sold four pens of Ultrablack steers amounting to 120 head to make on average 462.2c/kg and with an average weight of 236kgs they made $1095/head. Their top pen fetched 460.2c/kg and at 250kg liveweight they sold for $1150/head.
Nick and Mel Holland, Glenavon, Wycarbah sold their 70 weaner steers to a top of $1402.49/head for a pen of 12 fetching 466.2c/kg at an average scale weight of 300.83kgs. The top four pens all sold to Horn & Bishop Qld acting for Joe and
Article + Images KB CONSULTING
Felicity Streeter, Karinya, Theodore. The four pens (50 head) that sold for 466.2c/ kg weighed in a range from 264.62kg to a top of 300.83ks and fetched between $1233.64/head to a top of $1402.49/head to average $1306.75/head. The two lighter pens (20 head) made 470.2c/kg and weighed on average from 235kg to 252kg selling for $1104.97/head and $1184.90/ head respectively. The entire line of steers averaged 467.23c/kg with an average weight of 269.79 set an overall average of $1260.52/head. The Hollands also offered 21 heifer siblings selling for on average 353.99c/kg and with an average weight of 247.29kg to return on average $875.36/head.
Rodney and Paula Wright, Mt Ossa again supported the event with four pens of steers. These topped at 440.2c/kg. The top pen of with an average weight of 263kgs sold for $1161/head. Garry Kerr, The Oaks, Sarina sold two pens (18 head) of steers. The lead of the first pen fetched 310c/kg to return $1163.88 or 375.44kgs per head (375.44kg) while a pair form the same pen sold for 224.2c/kg with an average weight of 386kg to sell for $865.41 per head. Their other pen sold in a range from 280c/kg to 338.2c/kg to return between $854 and $1120.79 per head.
Pink Lilly producer, Terry Franks, Alton Downs sold his pen of 17 steers for 450.2c/ kg, weighing 300kg and returning $1351/ head. Paul Czislowski, Cobraball sold his pen of 17 Brangus and Brangus cross steers for 374c/kg and 320c/kg.
The top 15 of the pen fetched $1176 at a live weight of 314kgs with the remaining pair selling for $732/head at a weight of 228kgs. Alan and Natalie Fredickson, Dalrymple Heights sold a pen of 14 heavyweight steers for 320.2c/kg and with an average weight of 414.2kgs they retuned at on average $1326.54 per head. Vicky Smythe, Yaringa, Seaforth sold a pen of 14 with average weight of 202.5kgs for 440.2c/kg to return at $891/head.
Malvern Investments, Tungamull forwarded a line of 50 steers (6 pens) selling in a weight range from 225kg to a top of 301kgs. Their price range was from 418.2c/ kg through to a high of 430.2c/kg. Their top steer was singled out selling for 426.2c/ kg and with a weight of 301kg sold for $1282.86/head. The remainder of that pen sold for 424.2c/kg to return $1118.95/head. Average values for the entire draft ranged from $993.20/head to $1282.86/head to average $1043.60/head. The top selling pen at 430.2c/kg weighed on average 269.88kg coming back at $1161/head. As a comparison slightly heavier Brahman steers from the same vendor sold for on average $972.05/head in ranging in value rom 350c/kg to 378.2c/kg.
Robert Bella and family, Nebar, Banana selling through Brian Dawson Agencies saw their lead pen make 446.2c/kg with one individual fetching 480c/kg. The majority of the pen (nine head) came back at $1429/head after an average weight of 320kgs.
Feature: Josh Heck, GDL, Rockhampton with the line of 129 Triple B weaners at Stage I, B: The pen of 17 steers offered by Pink Lilly producer, Terry Franks, Alton Downs at Stage I, C: Nick and Sidney Holland, Glenavon, Wycarbah with their steers at Stage I of the sale, D: An example of the quality line of steers presented by Nick and Mel Holland, Glenavon, Wycarbah at Stage I
Weaner Feeder Sale. Stage II
Article + Images KB CONSULTING
Agents yarded 5102 head in the final of the two sales consisting of 3419 steers, 1635 heifers and 48 mickeys. Reports came back that an extended buying panel operated with a quality lineup of cattle in comparison to previous sales.
All categories saw strong competition and the well-presented pens of cattle were rewarded with a premium. Steers 500-600kg reached 370c/kg, average 367c/kg, steers 400-500kg sold to 382c/kg, average 354c/kg, steers 330-400kg reached 480c/kg, average 347c/kg, steers 280-330kg made 480c/kg, average 390c/kg, steers 200-280kg sold to 478c/kg, average 407c/kg, and steers under 200kg sold to 460c/kg, average 390c/kg.
Heifers 400-500kg reached 348c/kg, average 320c/kg, heifers 330-400kg made 340c/kg, average 295c/kg, heifers 280-330kg made358 c/kg, average 290c/kg, heifers 200-280kg reached 370c/kg, average 311c/kg, and heifers under 200kg made 358c/kg, average 274c/kg.
Brangus were again the attention of the sale with many sectional toppers with most pens subject to increased competition and market premiums well above other breeds and descriptions.
Brock Eiser, Barranga, Bauhinia, sold his quality steers for 454.2c/kg weighing 296kg to return $1344.43/head to Oaklands principals, Nev and Megan Hansen, Kalapa. One individual from the Eiser pen fetched 480.0c/kg selling for $1421. Terry Franks, Alton Downs returned with another quality pen of 20 steers for the second stage of the sale. The majority of these sold for 452.2c/kg weighing 230kg to return $1038/head.
Coorumburra Rural Enterprises, Coorumburra Station, Marlborough, sold steers for 450c/kg weighing 231kg to return $1041/head. Brett Hall, Valli View, Kuttabul, sold steers for 446c/kg weighing 230kg to return $1027/head. Brett also marketed Brangus lightweight heifers for 320c/kg weighing an average 201kg to return $645/head. Robert Bella and family, Nebar, Banana also returned selling 15 steers for 438.2c/kg weighing 260kg to return $1142/head.
Jeff and Margret McCartney, Illa-Langi, Baralaba, sold their Brangus composite steers for 430c/kg weighing on average 270kg to return $1163/head. The Young family, Thorn Hills, Dixalea, sold their heifers for 370c/kg weighing on average 247kg to return at $913/head. Ben Featherstone and family, Thompsons Point, sold their Brangus cross heifers for 340c/kg weighing 205kg to return $697/head.
Andrew Adair, Koumala sold 14 steers for 394.2c/kg and with an average weight of 227.14kgs they came back at $895.40/head. This was in contrast with Brahman steers offered by the same operation with similar weight (221.76kg) that made 370.2c/kg to sell for $820.97/head.
Malvern Developments, Balnagowan, Tungamull were another who sold cattle in both sales. They returned with 32 head (two pens) with both selling for 446.2c/kg. Ranging in weight from 237.86
to 257.65kgs the steers averaged out as a line at 247.84kgs and sold for $1061.32 and $1149.62 respectively to average out at $1104/head. Heavier Droughtmaster cross steers from the same address with a weight of 260.83kg sold for 414.2c/kg to return at $1080.37 or $23.63 behind their Brangus counterparts. Brahman steers from the same operation in the same weight range made on average between $184. 87 to $195.82 less than their Brangus compatriots.
Feature: Grady Hansen, TopX Gracemere with the 20 EU steers offered by Terry Franks, Pink Lily. The majority of the pen (18 head) made 452.2c/kg and with an average weight of 230kg they sold for $1273/head to Lachlan and Trudy Mace, Torilla, Kunwarara, B: Ron Milne, Woodbury sold 16 steers for 446.2c/kg. Weighing on average 274.06kgs they sold for $1222.87/head. With the pen is Morty Wilson, Elders Rockhampton, C: Robert Bella and family, Bella Grazing, Nebar, Banana sold a pen of 15 steers at the sale. Pictured with the cattle is agent, Joel Dawson, Brian Dawson Auctions Livestock & Property Marketing, Rockhampton. The steers weighed on average 260.7kgs and sold for 438.2c/kg to sell for $1142/head
Brangus Heifers Triumph At Sarina Battle of the Breeds
Article CANDICE LIDDLE Images SUPPLIED
The Sarina combined agents Battle of the Breeds yarded at total of 931 head comprising of 583 steers and 348 heifers, which was an increase on last years numbers.
The market held firm to dearer in all aspects due to the high quality and volume of cattle present. Local buying power and purchasers from Dingo, Moranbah and south eastern districts supported the Sarina sale driving the results. Overall the market seen steers averaging $924.43 and heifers averaging $747.37.
Top pen of weaner Brangus steers was on account of T & D Bates, Tolsworth and closely contested by L McNab, Nebo. T & D Bates pen of weaner steers returned them $1100.
Top pen of Brangus weaner heifers was awarded to Leon and Denise Laird, Pindi Pindi closely contended by Benson Grazing with yet another quality pen of Brangus heifers. Leon and Denise Laird were then successful in taking out overall Champion pen of weaner heifers with their top quality yard of Brangus heifers. L & D Laird of Pindi Pindi sold the champion pen of heifers for $800.
Other sale highlights included Beeblee Pastoral Co, Nebo with a top quality pen of Brangus steers selling at $1600/head which was the sale top for steers.
GDL Mackay agent Tony Dwyer said ‘It was great to see the sale well supported and represented by the Brangus breeders with quality cattle presented’.
15-18 DECEMBER 2025
A: Tolsworth Hay & Grazing $1100/Head, B: Tolsworth Hay & Grazing $1450/Head, C: L & D Laird $800/Head - Winner Overall Champion Weaner
LUNAR BRANGUS & ULTRABLACK
11AM 3 OCTOBER 2025 ON PROPERTY ‘BARRINJA’ COMET
Callide Dawson Beef Carcase Competition
Article NATH O'SULLIVAN Images FRASER BRADSHAW
In its 37th year, the Callide Dawson Beef Carcase Competition has recently wrapped up with a record 853 cattle entered and processed through the Teys Australia Biloela facility across both grass-fed and grain-fed classes.
The competition is a strong supporter of both local show societies and charity, Cap Rescue in 2025, raising funds and contributing to these causes.
Brangus cattle performed well throughout the competition, rising to the placings in both grass-fed and grain-fed classes.
In the Grassfed Trade Steer or Heifer (0-2 Teeth 180-300kg), Beau & Renee Surawksi and family, Theodore exhibited both the second and fourth placegetters with Charolais/Red Brangus cattle. While a Brangus entry from the Surawski family’s other entity, Renemark, placed fifth.
Tom & Joy Surawski, Croftby QLD, placed second in the Pen of 3 Grainfed Trade Steers (0-2 Teeth 200-320kg) with a pen of Brangus steers, with one of those steers placing third for best liveweigh gain in feedlot.
Mark and Amanda Salisbury, Bimbadeen Brangus, Eidsvold, received an encouragement award after entering several grass-fed entries and placing 10th in Single Grassfed Steer class (0-6 Teeth 300 to 420kg), 8th in Pen of 3 Grassfed Steers class (0-6 Teeth 300-420kg), and 11th in Single Trade Grassfed Steer or Heifer class (0-2 Teeth 180-300kg).
Brangus Australia is proud to support the Callide Dawson Beef Carcase Competition as sponsors.
A: Class 3 Grass Fed trade steer or heifer Clyde Goody presenting ribbon 1st Jaxon Leather, 2nd Mac Surawski, 3rd Ava Leather, 4th Beau Surawski, 5th Renee Surawski, B: Class 7 Pen Grainfed trade steers Darren Cunningham (Total Rural Supplies sponsor), 1st Jill Surawski, 2nd Tom Surawski 3rd Brian Surawski 4th Faith Maynard 5th Fiona Mackiamid, Wayne Cunningham Sponsor, C: Class 11 Grain assisted steer or heifer 1st - 4th Lindsay, Michelle and Banjo Blanch, 5th Oaklands (Ash Peacock Elders Biloela standing in), D: Champion Grassfed steer carcase Rob Leather, Reserve Champion Grassfed Steer Carcase Chas Nobbs, presented by Amanda Salisbury on behalf of Brangus Australia, Michele Goody CDBCC President, E: Encouragement AwardMatt Clark (Suncorp Bank), Lindsay Christensen, Mark & Amanda Salisbury, Michele Goody President
Beef exports break records as global demand surges
Article TIM JACKSON, MLA GLOBAL SUPPLY ANALYST
Australian beef exports hit a new monthly record of 134,593 tonnes in June. Strong earlier months brings the combined export total for the first six months to another record - 702,220 tonnes.
Australian beef is in greater demand due to lower supply from competing beef export nations and significant international regard for the quality of Australian product. In the 101 restaraunts listed in the recent World’s Best Steaks guide, at least 38 restaurants (21 international) included Australian beef on the menu.
The United States remains the largest international market for Australian beef, followed by China, Japan and Korea. The proportion of exports going to other markets has also increased from 18% in June 2024 to 20% in June 2025, even as overall exports lifted substantially. This shows market diversity in addition to a surge in demand.
Grainfed exports rose by 29% from June 2024 to 39,887 tonnes – the largest volume on record. This follows a run of substantial growth in grainfed exports, meaning that the ten largest months for grainfed exports occurred over the past year. This demonstrates a strengthening market.
With weekly slaughter numbers remaining robust and carcase weights above longterm averages, exports will likely remain strong in coming months. Australia’s strong international reputation and high production positions the sector well, especially at a time of relatively lower global production.
Australian cattleIndustry projections 2025
KEY POINTS
In 2025 the national herd is forecast to ease due to another year of elevated slaughter reaching 8.5m head.
Record production and exports are expected once again in 2025 as carcase weights remain high.
Global demand will stay strong due to reduction in supply from a rebuilding US herd.
Varied climatic conditions across Australia have contributed to herd stability over the past 18 months. MLA projections indicate that southern states will continue to turn-off large numbers of cattle due to tough seasonal conditions in large production areas, driving a decline in the national herd through to June 2025.
Conversely, northern Australia experienced a strong wet season in 2024, strengthening the northern herd and supporting production. However, models suggest conditions in the north could shift over the forecasted period, supporting projections that turn-off will remain high, resulting in three years of herd reduction.
Producer concern remains focused on production costs. Businesses that have invested in efficiency measures have experienced some relief, however rising input costs – such as labour, fuel, transport and utilities – continues to constrain profitability. Emerging concerns regarding compliance costs, rates and market volatility may also contribute to future uncertainty within the sector.
Global demand for beef remains strong. A continued reduction in the United States’ (US) herd, with varying forecasts of a rebuild, will sustain US demand for Australian lean beef and preserve access to high value markets. Additionally, a projected decline in Brazilian slaughter may reduce competition in commodityfocused markets. Australia is well-positioned to achieve record production and export volumes once again. However, limitations in processing capacity could hinder domestic processors’ ability to meet demand.
A productive herd, combined with significant increases in carcase weights, has resulted in record beef production, despite fewer cattle. Processors have resolved many labour and throughput limitations, but cold storage and logistics constraints have emerged due to higher production per animal.
Despite potential capacity limitations, processors have historically adapted to volatile supply conditions. Strong global demand aligns with a projected period of high turn-off, placing the Australian cattle industry in a cautiously optimistic position. To read the full report scan QR code.
Article MLA’S MARKET INTELLIGENCE
BREEDPLAN DAYS TO CALVING EBV & LATEST DEVELOPMENTS FOR BRANGUS
DAVID JOHNSTON Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, UNE, Armidale
Female reproduction is a key profit driver in most beef production systems and traits associated with reproduction have a genetic basis and can be improved by selection.
However, this requires having these traits in your breed’s genetic evaluation and sufficient recording to generate accurate EBVs. Reproduction is a complex multi-factorial trait and scientists at AGBU have developed a simple, but effective measure called days to calving, which is easy and cheap to record, and allows breeders to have a BREEDPLAN EBV to improve female reproduction.
WHAT IS “DAYS TO CALVING”?
Days to calving is the number of days between when a cow is first exposed to a bull under natural mating until she subsequently calves each breeding season. Most of the variation for the trait is associated with how long a female takes to conceive, though differences in gestation length can also contribute. Therefore, the less time it takes for a heifer to cycle or a lactating cow to recommence cycling after calving, the shorter will be her days to calving record. Importantly, all females that fail to calve, or are preg tested empty, are included in the evaluation by assigning them a penalty record for days to calving.
Days to calving simply requires recording the mating group (paddock and mating sire) and the start of mating (i.e. bull-in date) for a cow each year. The system then picks up the subsequent birth date of the calf and calf sex, however it is critical if a cow is pregnancy tested and culled “not-in-calf” that this is recorded against her mating record.
The days to calving trait is constructed only for females that are naturally mated. Matings from AI (or back-ups), ET and IVF are not used to generate days to calving records, and this can limit the number records for individual seedstock breeders (and breeds).
HOW WE MAKE A DTC EBV
Days to calving records are analysed in the full multiple–trait BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation to generate the days to calving (DTC) EBV that describes the genetic differences for the trait in days.
The trait has a low heritability (4-8%) compared to most other traits in the evaluation (e.g. growth and carcase 30-40%). This is because the days to calving record is influenced by lots of non-genetic effects e.g. a bull’s fertility & libido, diseases, the accuracy of date of birth recording, etc. These all add noise to the measure, however there is also considerable genetic variation for the trait and results in a sizeable spread in the DTC EBV in most breeds, especially those with high levels of recording.
The genetic evaluation can include up to six days to calving records for an individual cow, and like all EBVs, the performance of an individual is only compared directly with others within a contemporary group. In the case of days to calving, this means we only directly compare the records on cows mated to same bull in the same paddock in the same year. Therefore, the influence of the mating paddock, season, and any effects of the mating sire on the days to calving records of the group are removed, along with any difference in the age of the cows, and the sex and age of the calf at foot. But the critical feature of BREEDPLAN is that the EBV on an animal can be compared to other animals across mating groups, years and herds.
The computation of the DTC EBV in BREEDPLAN also includes genetic relationships with scrotal size & fatness traits, and these contribute to the DTC EBV and its accuracy. Recently, genomic information is included in the prediction of the DTC EBV for those breeds utilising the BREEDPLAN single-step evaluations.
The DTC EBV on young sale bulls (i.e. no daughters recorded) are generated from a combination of the mid-parent DTC EBV, correlated traits (e.g. his own scrotal) and genomics, and the EBV accuracy reflects the amount of information used.
WHAT HAVE WE DONE FOR BRANGUS?
A small number of Brangus breeders have been recording joining details and collecting date of birth and this data has been submitted to Brangus database. Recently, an extract was obtained from ABRI and analysed at AGBU as part of future development of the Repronomics Project. A total of 4,533 days to calving records were generated, along with management and pedigree details. The estimated heritability from these data was 6% and genetic variation in the trait was similar to other tropical beef cattle breeds.
A simple single-trait evaluation was performed and resulted in the prediction of research DTC EBVs, with an average EBV across all animals of 0. The EBV spread for sires with daughters with records (N=163) was -9.6 to +11.2 days, and those sires with accuracies greater than 40% are presented in the table below. Records were predominantly from Triple B Brangus stud and the accuracies were low to moderate reflecting the small numbers of daughters recorded. These research EBVs could change with more data, and also if modifications are made to the analytical model in the future. RESEARCH DAYS
USING THE DTC EBV
The DTC EBV predicts the genetic differences between animals (e.g. sires) in the number of days between bull-in and calving (of their daughters). Lower, more negative DTC EBVs are predictive of a shorter number of days to calving. The DTC EBVs captures variation in whether or not a cow gets in calf, and for those that get pregnant the differences in the number of days it takes to conceive. As general rule of thumb for tropical beef breeds for every 1 day shorter DTC EBV this equates to about a 1% higher calving rate.
In most beef breeding programs the genetic improvement in a herd comes mainly from replacement sires. Culling empty cows is important for cash flow and good management but will generate little or no genetic improvement in female reproduction rate. However, using genetically superior sires for the DTC EBV will over time generate genetic improvement in female reproduction, but this will rely on effective recording of the trait.
All Brangus breeders encouraged to submit mating data, and this analysis will be repeated and updated list of research EBVs when more data is available. In the future the aim is to include days to calving the in full Brangus BREEDPLAN evaluations. This will allow genomic contributions through single-step, and importantly, the inclusion of DTC EBV in the computation of Brangus $EBVs.
Fixed Time AI Programs –Optimising Results
Article GREG FAWCETT A.I. SERVICES Images TRIPLE B BRANGUS
Fixed Time AI Programs have now been used commercially in Australia for 14 years and have revolutionised the adoption of AI in beef herds.
The treatment of the cattle in the program as a mob with up to three pre-treatments plus AI has made managing an AI program much easier with less labour input than the traditional heat detection-based programs. The management inputs to achieve optimum results are detailed below.
Female Selection – The females in the program must be actively cycling before synchronisation.
Heifers – Must be mature enough to be cycling. A live weight of 300-350kg in conjunction with observed activity or an ovarian scan for activity will give the best conception rates. Beware of heifers from mixed twins as they are not fertile (Freemartins).
Cows – as a proven breeder, they will give the best results with FTAI. The youngest calf in the mob must be 6 weeks old to provide a fertile uterine environment to conceive. First-calvers may need longer post-calving to be suitable.
Pregnancy Status – Bull control is an issue everywhere. Please ensure that all females entering a FTAI program are definitely empty as the synchrony regime will abort any pregnancies, eliminating them from the program, and they can have a lengthy recovery period.
Nutrition – Females must be on a rising plane of nutrition and not be lacking in phosphorus to achieve optimum results. The use of injectable vitamin and mineral supplements before the program is desirable, particularly on coastal country. Seasonal green grass after rainfall is ideal.
Vaccination – reproductive disease can have a serious impact on your results, and vaccination is strongly recommended.
Semen Quality – the semen used must meet the minimum standards for progressive motility and morphology to get good conception rates. If the quality of the semen being used is unknown or the history of the handling of the semen being used is in doubt, I strongly recommend
getting a straw from each batch or collection tested by a reputable AI Centre. Poor semen quality has been identified as a major cause of AI Program failure on too many occasions.
Insemination Technique – The use of an experienced technician is essential. The correct handling and thawing procedures must be followed. The following kill semen: sunlight, water, temperature shock, blood and poor hygiene. The semen must all be deposited in the uterus of the female. If this is not possible due to cervix damage from previous calvings in cows, and the semen has to be left in the cervix, a significant reduction in conception rate will occur.
Insemination Timing – the FTAI program gives the best results if completed in the designated 4-hour window of time. The number of females in any one synchrony group is limited by the amount that can be inseminated in that time. Facilities, inseminator ability and supporting labour availability will determine this number. As an experienced technician with my assistant thawing semen and preparing AI guns and others putting the cattle through the crush, I can easily inseminate one head/minute or 250 head in a synchrony group.
Talking Genomics
Article CHARLOTTE BROADBRIDGE Images SUPPLIED
Genomic Testing – The Laboratory Process. What happens to your livestock DNA samples once they leave your farm? This edition of ‘Talking Genomics’ details the journey of a DNA sample through the laboratory process.
The Neogen Australasian laboratory is located on the western side of Brisbane, Queensland at Bundamba in a custombuilt facility. Once your samples arrive at Neogen, they are ‘checked in’ by Customer Service.
For your samples to be checked in, there needs to be both a printed copy of your submission form with your samples along with a digital copy. Your samples are then transferred to Sample Reception.
The Sample Reception team complete a quality check to ensure the samples are all present and correct, and the samples align with the order form that has been provided. Some of the common reasons samples fail during the testing process is due to biological contamination (dirt/faecal matter or other foreign body in with the sample) or chemical contamination (pigment from animal markers) so if this is detected at this stage, we will request you send in a new sample for the animal affected.
Once the samples pass the initial quality check, their barcodes are scanned, and they are loaded into LIMS (our Laboratory Information Management System). They are then transferred across to the first laboratory for DNA Extraction & Preparation. Samples are arranged and transferred into 96 well plates for extraction.
FOR TSU SAMPLES
Barcodes are scanned into the system to confirm alignment with the batch in LIMS. This is done using a bed scanner that can process 96 samples simultaneously. The TSU rack is then placed into a decapping machine to remove the white caps and access the samples. The TSUs are then placed in an oven with a heat-activated enzyme (ProK), where DNA is extracted from the samples.
BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION
· Cross contamination between samples/animals
· Faecal matter and dirt in sample –any foreign material in the sample may interfere with genotyping
CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION
· Dye/Pigment from animal markers
· Insect repellant
· Cleaning agents
FOR HAIR SAMPLES
Each hair sample is individually scanned into the system. A lab technician then removes the sample, aligns the hair follicles using tweezers, and cuts the follicles into a test tube. This process will typically take 1 hour to complete one sample plate of 96 samples. Once a rack of hair samples is prepared, it is also placed in an oven with the ProK enzyme for DNA extraction. This process is more manual than the TSU process and takes more time to prepare.
After extraction, the DNA undergoes three rounds of purifying washes to remove any debris, leaving only pure DNA. A quality check is then undertaken to ensure there is sufficient DNA present to proceed to the next stage.
The purified DNA is then sent to Lab 2 to amplify into multiple copies of DNA for use in our genotyping processes. This generally takes a couple of days depending on the volume of samples.
In Lab 3 the amplified DNA is prepared with different reagents and incubations over several days so we can detect SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms),
insertions and deletions in the DNA. This includes loading DNA onto SNP chips. Scanning machines use lasers to detect these specific differences in the DNA and that data is exported.
The data is sent to our global data team for a QA check. This applies to all laboratories within Neogen Corporation to ensure data accuracy and compliance with standards. Once the data passes QA, our data services team compiles the results into a readable file. This is where Parent Verification occurs and can take around 5 days to complete.
The job is marked as complete once the customer receives the final reports. Depending on the test ordered some reports go to breed societies so results can be loaded into breed analyses and contribute to breeding values and other results may go directly back to you i.e. genetic condition or horn/polled results.
FURTHER INFORMATION
To further discuss the genotyping process within the DNA laboratory, contact your local Neogen Genomics Specialist.
This is where Parent Verification occurs and can take around 5 days to complete.
The job is marked as complete once the customer receives the final reports. Depending on the test ordered some reports go to breed societies so results can be loaded into breed analyses and contribute to
The job is marked as complete once the customer receives the final reports. Depending on the test ordered some reports go to breed societies so results can be loaded into breed analyses and contribute to
STAGE 1 Approx. 48 Hours
Further Information
To further discuss the genotyping process within the DNA laboratory, contact your local Neogen Genomics Specialist.
To further discuss the genotyping process within the DNA laboratory, contact your local Neogen Genomics Specialist.
1. SAMPLE ARRIVAL
STAGE 1 Approx. 48 Hours
1. SAMPLE ARRIVAL
Samples are delivered to 14 Hume Drive, Bundamba QLD 4304 via post.
Samples are delivered to 14 Hume Drive, Bundamba QLD 4304 via post.
2. INITIAL INSPECTION
2. INITIAL INSPECTION
Customer Service date stamp incoming sample mail, and verify the contents to ensure all samples are accompanied by both a paper copy of the Submission Form and that a digital copy of the Submission has been received and is also on file.
Customer Service date stamp incoming sample mail, and verify the contents to ensure all samples are accompanied by both a paper copy of the Submission Form and that a digital copy of the Submission has been received and is also on file.
4. SAMPLE LOGGING AND QA
4. SAMPLE LOGGING AND QA
3. SAMPLE COLLECTION
3. SAMPLE COLLECTION
Customer Service collects the samples and transports them to Sample Reception
Customer Service collects the samples and transports them to Sample Reception
The samples remain in Sample Reception until they are logged into LIMS (our Laboratory Information Management System), sorted, and undergo a quality assurance inspection. Samples that pass QA are submitted to Lab 1. Any discrepancies identified between the physical samples received and the Submission Form are referred back to Customer Service for resolution with the submitting Customer.
The samples remain in Sample Reception until they are logged into LIMS (our Laboratory Information Management System), sorted, and undergo a quality assurance inspection. Samples that pass QA are submitted to Lab 1. Any discrepancies identified between the physical samples received and the Submission Form are referred back to Customer Service for resolution with the submitting Customer.
STAGE 2 Approx. 4 - 7 days
STAGE 2 Approx. 4 - 7 days
5. DNA EXTRACTION AND PREPERATION
5. DNA EXTRACTION AND PREPERATION
Samples are arranged and transferred into 96 well plates for extraction. Sometimes there will be a short wait untill the plate can be filled.
Samples are arranged and transferred into 96 well plates for extraction. Sometimes there will be a short wait untill the plate can be filled.
6. DNA PURIFICATION
6. DNA PURIFICATION
After extraction, the DNA undergoes three rounds of purifying washes to remove any debris, leaving only pure DNA.
After extraction, the DNA undergoes three rounds of purifying washes to remove any debris, leaving only pure DNA.
For TSU Samples: Barcodes are scanned into the system to confirm alignment with the batch in LIMS. This is done using a bed scanner that can process 96 samples simultaneously. The TSU rack is then placed into a decapping machine to remove the white caps and access the samples. The TSUs are then placed in an oven with a heat-activated enzyme (ProK), where DNA is extracted from the samples.
For TSU Samples: Barcodes are scanned into the system to confirm alignment with the batch in LIMS. This is done using a bed scanner that can process 96 samples simultaneously. The TSU rack is then placed into a decapping machine to remove the white caps and access the samples. The TSUs are then placed in an oven with a heat-activated enzyme (ProK), where DNA is extracted from the samples.
For Hair Samples: Each hair sample is individually scanned into the system. A lab technician then removes the sample, aligns the hair follicles using tweezers, and cuts the follicles into a test tube. This process will typically take 1 hour to complete one sample plate. Once a rack of hair samples is prepared, it is also placed in an oven with the ProK enzyme for DNA extraction. This process is more manual than the TSU process and takes more time to prepare.
For Hair Samples: Each hair sample is individually scanned into the system. A lab technician then removes the sample, aligns the hair follicles using tweezers, and cuts the follicles into a test tube. This process will typically take 1 hour to complete one sample plate. Once a rack of hair samples is prepared, it is also placed in an oven with the ProK enzyme for DNA extraction. This process is more manual than the TSU process and takes more time to prepare.
7. DNA QUANTIFICATION
7. DNA QUANTIFICATION
This is an internal QA check to confirm that the DNA extraction was successful and sufficient DNA is available to proceed to the next lab stage. This check is at random, not all individual samples can be assessed. If there isn’t enough DNA, the extraction process is repeated.
This is an internal QA check to confirm that the DNA extraction was successful and sufficient DNA is available to proceed to the next lab stage. This check is at random, not all individual samples can be assessed. If there isn’t enough DNA, the extraction process is repeated.
STAGE 3 Approx. 5-14 days
8. PCR AMPLIFICATION
TALKING GENOMICS
(Polymerase Chain Reaction)
9. DNA SCANNING
STAGE 3 Approx. 5-14 days
8. PCR AMPLIFICATION (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
The purified DNA is then sent to Lab 2 to amplify into multiple copies of DNA for use in our genotyping processes. This generally takes a couple of days depending on volume of samples.
The purified DNA is then sent to Lab 2 to amplify into multiple copies of DNA for use in our genotyping processes. This generally takes a couple of days depending on volume of samples.
In Lab 3 the amplified DNA is prepared with different reagents and incubations over several days so we can detect SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms), insertions and deletions in the DNA.
This includes loading DNA onto SNP chips.
9. DNA SCANNING
Scanning machines use lasers to detect these specific differences in the DNA and that data is exported.
In Lab 3 the amplified DNA is prepared with different reagents and incubations over several days so we can detect SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms), insertions and deletions in the DNA.
This includes loading DNA onto SNP chips.
Scanning machines use lasers to detect these specific differences in the DNA and that data is exported.
STAGE 4 Approx. 5 - 7 days
10. QUALITY ASSURANCE
The data is sent to our global data team for a QA check.
STAGE 4 Approx. 5 - 7 days
10. QUALITY ASSURANCE
This applies to all laboratories within Neogen Corporation to ensure data accuracy and compliance with standards.
The data is sent to our global data team for a QA check.
This applies to all laboratories within Neogen Corporation to ensure data accuracy and compliance with standards.
11. DATA PROCESSING
Once the data passes QA, our data services team compiles the results into a readable file.
11. DATA PROCESSING
This is where Parent Verification occurs and can take around 5 days to complete.
Once the data passes QA, our data services team compiles the results into a readable file.
This is where Parent Verification occurs and can take around 5 days to complete.
12. JOB COMPLETION
The job is marked as complete once the customer receives the final reports.
12. JOB COMPLETION
The job is marked as complete once the customer receives the final reports.
SPRING PRIVATE SALES AND FIELD DAY PREVIEW
JK Cattle Company 4th Annual Bull Sale
Monday 4th August, 1pm
On-Property ‘Camilaroi West’, Condamine Qld
JK Cattle Company will host their 4th on-property bull sale at Condamine on Monday 4th August, with 95 bulls on offer across the Angus, Brangus, Ultrablack, and Wagyu breeds. This year there will be 28 Brangus and Ultrablack bulls available.
The sale caters for a wide range of production goals and customer requirements, underpinned by the fundamentals of the JK program. For Justin and Kate Boshammer, producing functional, fertile, efficient cattle with high eating quality is at the heart of their operation. Over the past 20 years, they’ve developed their herd from the ground up – ensuring their seedstock operation has required a commercial focus. Today, JK Cattle Company is comprised of 780 stud females, with properties located around Condamine and Dulacca.
Fertility remains a cornerstone of the program, reinforced by practices like yearling mating, short joining periods on grass, and providing dam fertility data on all bulls sold. This year, buyers will benefit from an even deeper insight, with three generations of maternal fertility data provided on all sale bulls.
Beyond fertility, the JK program places high value on performance, constitution, adaptability, and customer satisfaction. The bulls are developed and presented in a way that is conducive to a long working life, and are backed by extensive objective data.
The bulls have genomically enhanced EBVs, are DNA sire verified, semen motility and morphology tested, and independently structurally assessed. They are blooded for tick fever, tested free of pestivirus, and vaccinated for 7 in 1, 3 day and vibrio. Free delivery is provided across Queensland.
The sale will be conducted live and online through Ray White Livestock Dalby, GDL and Stocklive Elite.
Photos, videos and catalogue available at www.jkcattleco.com.au
Triple B Bonita U329 Junior Champion Female Brangus Feature Show Taroom 2025
Tableland Better Beef Open Day
Sunday 24th August, 9am-4:30pm
On Property at participating Brangus studs, Lynton Livestock 70 Chilverton Rd, Evelyn Qld & Telpara Hills Brangus and UltraBlacks Bull Depot 157 Marnane Rd, Tolga Qld
Repeat exhibitors Telpara Hills and new stud, Lynton Livestock will be showcased as part of Far North Queensland’s leading Open Day event. 14 studs in total from 13 different breeds will open their gates and welcome visitors for an informative, yet casual opportunity to inspect the leading Beef studs in Australia’s most northern seedstock nursery. This will be the 7th year for the popular event which attracts hundreds of commercial producers from across Queensland, interstate, and overseas.
Telpara Hills use the Open Day as a preview to their Sale in September, and will have all 100+ Bulls and 40 Elite females on display. It seen as perfect opportunity for potential buyers to inspect lots at their own pace, without the time pressure of Sale day. All visitors are warmly welcomed.
First time exhibitors Scott and Linda McCahon of Lynton Livestock have invested heavily in world-class genetics from Telpara Hills and have been rewarded with Sale topping commercial weaner prices and a herd which they are proud of. They are offering healthy, quiet, friendly stud and commercial cattle.
More information including a map of the participating stud locations can be found on the Tableland Better Beef Open Day facebook page
This is done using a bed scanner that can process 96 samples simultaneously. The TSU rack is then placed into a decapping machine to remove the white caps and access the samples. The TSUs are then placed in an oven with a heat-activated enzyme (ProK), where DNA is extracted from the samples.
Zone 1 Field Day
Friday 29th August 2025 – 12pm
‘Jindalee’ 43931 Burnett HWY, Jambin QLD 'No Dumb Questions' & ABCA Zone 1 Field Day
Hosted by Bimbadeen Brangus this event will be an exciting opportunity to pick the brains of our specially selected industry experts, who will take the mystery out of the tests, measures and processes used in seedstock assessment (and in sale catalogues) in 'layman's terms'.
The following specialists will join us at 'Jindalee': Dr Stacey Rae, President Australian Cattle Veterinarians BULLCHECK | Structure | Semen tests: Crushside and Morphology
Catroina Millen, Extension Team Leader, BREEDPLAN EBVs | Genetic evaluation | Measures and Genomics
Harrison Stewart, Genomics Specialist for Northern Beef, NEOGEN Genomics | DNA sampling | DNA Testing
Nathan O’Sullivan, CEO, Australian Brangus Cattle Association Registrations | Memberships | Brangus Online
Attendees will also have the opportunity to preview the 2025 Bimbadeen Genetics Sale animals and secure 'early bird' registrations on-site.
The afternoon's events will include a delicious smoko and early BBQ dinner. Bring a friend or neighbour - all are welcome - whether you are a Brangus breeder or simply want to better understand your seedstock catalogues.
To assist with catering, please register your interest with Amanda amanda@ bimbadeenbrangus.com or visit www.bimbadeenbrangus.com
Dr Stacey Rae
Harrison Stewart
Catroina Millen
Palgrove Annual Bull Sale
Friday 12th September – 12 Noon
‘‘Glen Wilga’, Chinchilla QLD
Bimbadeen Genetics Sale
Monday 15th September 2025
– 1pm
On Property, ‘Jindalee’ 43931 Burnett HWY, Jambin QLD
Palgrove will present a standout offering of 200 bulls at this year’s Annual Sale, including:
91 Ultrablack | 9 Brangus | 100 Charolais
The sale will be held on-property at ‘Glen Wilga’, Chinchilla, providing buyers the opportunity to inspect and assess a powerful draft of performance driven sires.
Each bull in the 2025 draft has been carefully selected from large contemporary groups, assessed for structure, temperament, and commercial relevance. From birth, these bulls have been recorded and measured under Palgrove’s rigorous genetic and performance program.
Included in this year’s draft of bulls are sons of Palgrove Quality Time Q98, an Imparted embryo out of the US, along with other sons of our leading sires including Palgrove Quick Release, CB Masterpiece and Palgrove Revolution.
They are a 'must inspect' group of bulls, carrying all the commercially relevant traits Palgrove have focused on in the last 15 years of breeding Ultrablack cattle, fertility, sleek skins, adaptability, weight for age along with strong carcase traits to Improve profitability of commercial producers. All will be sires are verified, tested for Homozygous polled and black coat colour and inoculated twice with 7-in-l, Pestigard, Vibrio and 3-day sickness along with a single dose of 3 germ tick blood.
Bull Walk: Friday 15th August, 10am–2pm. All bulls will be penned and available for inspection at ‘Glen Wilga’. Private inspections also welcome by appointment.
For a catalogue or more information, visit palgrove.com or contact:
Ben Noller – 0427 700 949
The Salisbury family are proud to offer a truly exciting line of young Brangus sires this year combining superb phenotype and Brangus style with unmatched depth of breeding, plenty of beef producing potential and generations of Bimbadeen fertility with all the measures you need to make the best decisions for your breeding operation.
Bimbadeen has always focussed on commercially relevant traits, producing steers to meet grassfed EU meatworks specs and feedlot markets. All animals from both stud and commercial herds must meet the same demands to finish well and early, consistently meeting weight and fat cover requirements with excellent meat quality. These goals are reflected in the seedstock animals Bimbadeen offers for sale to you.
All sale animals are rising two years of age, DNA’d for parent verification, coat colour and poll genetics and genomics-enhanced EBVs, with Breedplan EBVs, with documented dam calving records, and bulls are fully semen tested and assessed. We ensure sale animals are ready to work anywhere raised on granite country at home blocks ‘Upson Downs’ and ‘Arthur’s Knob’ and vaccinated (5-in-1, tick fever, vibrio and three-day).
Powerhouse reference sires include the ever-stylish, uber-fertile Bimbadeen Memphis (top 4% 200dw, top 9% IMF EBVs), thumping weight-gain sire Palgrove Nitro N250 and super sound Bimbadeen K300 (ET) (top 1% RBY and retired last year at 11 years of age).
If you are chasing your new stud sire, a line of cracking commercial bulls, a good quiet sire for your smaller operation or a terrific heifer bull, you will find the animal/s you are chasing in our 2025 catalogue.
Ten beautiful ‘V’ heifers will also be released for sale representing a cross-section of elite Bimbadeen and purchased bloodlines and decades of cow herd fertility pressure. All sale animals will be ABCA registered.
Pre-sale inspections are welcome, please contact Mark Salisbury 0427 141 919
Photos, videos and catalogue will be available closer to the sale at www.bimbadeenbrangus.com
Want cattle that are in demand from butchers and processors, and repeatedly top markets? Do you want your steers to make the maximum amount of cents per kilo on grids in the least amount of time? Telpara Hills Brangus and UltraBlacks breed cattle with this goal in mind and their bull buyers consistently achieve more profitability in their cattle.
Recognised as one of the world’s top Brangus & UltraBlack operations, Telpara Hills will once again offer an unparalleled selection of top-class Brangus and UltraBlack bulls and females. This Sale follows the success of the Pearce family’s on property Sales, and has gained the honour as one of the highlights of the Northern Beef Industry’s calendar.
Although it is exciting to watch bulls and females sell for Australian record prices, many savvy cattle producers take home the majority of well-bred bulls for affordable prices, with more than half of the catalogue selling for just $5-10k.
A number of differences set the Telpara Hills line of Brangus apart, including: Being 100% Polled, A high percentage Homogeneous Black, Depth in Pedigree means they breed true to type.
Remarkable Weight for Age. Of the top 50 animals in the breed for 600 day weight EBVs an extremely impressive 90% of them have originated from or are related to Telpara Hills breeding.
Exceptional Carcase and Eating Quality. Not only do Telpara Hills genetics have incredible ultrasound measurements, but more importantly they have returned exceptional reports from butchers and wholesalers. Their ultrasound scanning data rivals Australia’s best Angus herds.
Commercial Demand. Telpara Hills sired bulls, steers and females repeatedly top sales at both the commercial and stud level, meaning more profit for our customers.
Free Freight offer to many major centres across Queensland.
Customer Service. The Pearce family of Telpara Hills guarantees every animal they sell and are committed to customer satisfaction.
Contact: Stephen 0439532132, Fiona 0439774309, Brittany 0417 755 896
Agent: Anthony Ball (Elders agent) 0428 275 499 or Buyers preferred agent Online Bidding, Catalogue, videos available at www.telparahills.com.au
Triple B Brangus Annual Production Sale
Wednesday, 1st October
On Property, ‘Araluen’, Dingo, QLD
The Barlow family invites you to their 13th Annual Triple B Production Sale, taking place on Wednesday, 1st October in Dingo.
This year’s sale will feature 80 bulls and 120 purebred heifers, showcasing the depth and quality of the Triple B Brangus program.
The Triple B Brangus stud herd is among the most comprehensively recorded in the breed, with full Breedplan and DNA records. Decades of objective measurement have shaped this herd, and their commitment to accuracy and genetic integrity is recognised with a five-star Breedplan Completeness of Performance rating.
All bulls offered come with Brangus Bundle DNA profiles, which include parent verification, poll and coat colour testing, as well as genomic enhanced EBVs. Bulls have undergone carcass ultrasound scanning, semen and morphology testing, and are vaccinated for 3 Day, 7in1, Botulism, Pesti-virus, and 3 Germ Blood.
This year’s draft includes the first release of sires: Lunar Rambo, Bauhinia Park Reflex, and Palgrove Ringleader. Proven Triple B sires such as Networth, Neptune, Navigator, and Megatron will also be represented.
The Triple B gates are always open, and Lindsay and Fiona Barlow welcome you to visit, inspect the herd, and explore the breeding program first-hand. Triple B is committed to delivering proven genetics, underpinned by the latest science and technology, while maintaining commercially relevant conditions.
The sale will be conducted both in-person and online through GDL Rockhampton and StockLive Elite.
For photos, videos, and the full catalogue, visit www.triplebbrangus.com
110 LOTS
16 REGISTERED FEMALES
94 REGISTERED + HERD BULLS 20th
Lunar Brangus & Ultrablack 3rd Annual Sale
Friday 3rd October, 11am
On property ‘Barrinja’, Comet QLD
The Comiskey family will host their 3rd Annual on property sale on Friday 3rd October, cataloguing 65 quality Brangus and Ultrablack bulls. This year the bulls on offer will be presented through the new on-site selling complex. Online bidding will also be available via Auctions Plus.
Brangus Bundle DNA profiles have been completed for all sale bulls and these profiles include parent verification (sire and dam), poll test and coat colour test. Breedplan data will also be available. The sale team will also have undergone a comprehensive vaccination program prior to the sale including pesti, 7 in 1, vibrio, 3 germ, botulism and 3 day and will be cleared to travel into tick-free areas. The Lunar team are also happy to assist buyers with transporting their bulls home and offer free delivery points to Alpha, Rolleston, Capella & Rockhampton.
To ensure integrity of carcase performance, Lunar continue to monitor their cattle via carcase data obtained from the CQ Carcase competition. In 2024, two pens of steers were entered in Class 10 and both pens performed very well coming away with 1st and 3rd place. Individual animals also performed very well winning highest individual daily weight gain and champion feed on steer awards.
Paddock inspections of the bulls are always welcome and can be arranged by calling Brad on 0439 620 903.
Photos, videos & catalogue will be available closer to the sale at www.lunarbrangus.com
Triple B Brangus Northern Production Sale
Friday, 13th February, 2026
Dalrymple Saleyards, Charters Towers, QLD
The Barlow family warmly invites you to the 2nd Northern Triple B Production Sale, to be held on Friday, 13th February 2026 at Dalrymple Saleyards in Charters Towers.
This northern offering will feature 60 outstanding Brangus bulls, representing the depth, consistency, and ongoing performance focus of the Triple B Brangus breeding program.
Each bull is backed by a comprehensive Brangus Bundle DNA profile, including parent verification, poll and coat colour testing, and genomic-enhanced EBVs. All sale bulls have undergone carcass ultrasound scanning, semen and morphology testing, and are fully vaccinated for 3 Day, 7in1, Botulism, Pesti-virus, and 3 Germ Blood.
The Triple B Brangus stud herd is one of the most comprehensively recorded in the country, fully enrolled in Breedplan and backed by decades of objective measurement. This dedication to data and performance has earned the herd a prestigious five-star rating for Breedplan Completeness of Performance.
This year’s draft features progeny from standout sires including Lunar Rambo, Bauhinia Park Reflex, and Palgrove Ringleader, alongside the proven Triple B genetics of Networth, Neptune, Navigator, and Megatron.
The Triple B gates are always open, and Lindsay and Fiona Barlow invite you to visit the property, inspect the herd, and gain insight into a breeding program built on science, technology, and real-world commercial performance.
The sale will be conducted in-person by Grant, Daniel & Long and Nutrien, and available online via StockLive Elite. For the full catalogue, photos, and videos, visit: www.triplebbrangus.com
Lunar
Triple B
Brangus Representative Beef Week Queen
Charlie Murray was crowned Casino Beef Week Queen, after choosing to represent Brangus and spending time with the Bulmer and Trustum families of Weona Brangus, Leeville.
ABOUT CHARLIE
Just a small-town country girl from a farming background. I love being around cattle because they make me happy! I have been involved with cattle since I could walk, from going to cattle sales to exhibiting Murray Grey's with our family stud. I've worked in the dairy and beef industry, experiencing breeding my own cattle on the family farm, milking a dairy herd, being part of an auctioneer team in sales, working in the red meat processing industry and having my own herd of Angus X and Charolais X cows and calves.
In my spare time, I like to play sports, hang out with friends and family, ride my horse around the farm with all the cows, attend and be involved in local agricultural shows and cattle sales, and often like to enjoy a steak at the pub!
I am 22 years old and currently employed as a livestock handler at the Casino Food Co-Op, where I receive and prepare animals for processing. I recently accepted a new position with the Department of Primary Industries as a Cattle Tick inspector. I will be treating and inspecting cattle and assisting farmers in protecting their stock from the deadly parasite. I am really looking forward to my new role in the ag sector.
I've chosen to represent the Brangus breed for this year's festival as I have always been a big fan of this breed, which
presents beautifully at shows and also has many benefits to improve herds to create top-notch beef quality.
I am lucky enough to be supported by my co-sponsor, OUR COW, a relatively young company that supplies quality grass-fed beef around the country.
In entering this Queen program, I hope to mix with the community, gain new experiences, meet many new faces, and enjoy all of the Beef Week activities that are on the agenda.
THE EVENT
It was Casino’s night of nights on May 24 as the community came together to crown the 2025 Beef Week Queen.
Amidst a dazzling line-up of contenders, 22 year old Charlie Murray stood out — not just for her poise and passion, but for her deep roots in the beef industry.
With her signature boots-and-buckles charm, Charlie proudly accepted the crown in front of a cheering crowd, fulfilling a dream eight years in the making.
“I told Mum when I was 14 that I’d be a Beef Week Queen one day,” Charlie said.
“She laughed and said, ‘Ah yeah, sure,’ but here we are. I’m so proud to represent this industry and this region.”
Raised in the heart of cattle country and now working as a tick inspector with the Department of Primary Industries, Charlie lives and breathes agriculture.
Her decision to enter the competition was driven by a genuine love for the beef industry and a desire to give back to the community she holds dear.
“I love the cattle industry and the people in it. Entering Beef Week was my way of celebrating that — and to show young women that they belong in ag too.”
While being crowned Queen was an unforgettable moment, Charlie says the entire 100-day program leading up to the festival was a highlight.
“There were so many events, so many people to meet. But I think my favourite moment was showing led steers during the Cattle Spectacular. That’s where I feel most at home.”
The road to the crown wasn’t without its challenges.
Wet weather made social media promotion difficult during the lead-up to the event, but Charlie met the moment head-on.
“I still managed to put together some cracker videos to help promote Beef Week,” she laughed.
“And yes — working out what to wear to every event was another challenge!”
Despite the spotlight and sudden media attention, Charlie remains grounded.
“It felt surreal being interviewed on the news and talking to MPs and industry leaders. Now I’m back to inspecting cattle for ticks, and life’s back to normal — almost.”
As Beef Week Queen, Charlie hopes to use her platform to promote the vital role women play in agriculture and encourage the next generation of girls to pursue careers in the industry.
“Women in ag is growing. I want to share more stories, and help young women find their way into the industry — especially here in the Northern Rivers.”
Charlie is also passionate about promoting local produce and the importance of biosecurity.
“Buying local supports our economy and ensures you’re getting top quality products. And through my job, I want to keep learning and helping protect the industry from pests and disease. It’s something I care deeply about.”
Beef Week holds a special place in Charlie’s heart, not just as a festival but as a unifying force in the community.
“It brings people together — producers, processors, businesses, consumers. Everyone comes to celebrate beef and what it means to this region.”
She also acknowledged the invaluable role of major partners like Australian Food Super, whose community focus and on-the-ground support helps bring the event to life.
“The sponsors are often deeply tied to the industry, from farming to processing to retail, and of course, superannuation. Their backing makes a huge difference.”
For young women considering entering the competition in future years, Charlie has a simple message: “Just go for it. If you love cattle and your community, that’s what really matters. You don’t have to fit a mould — just be yourself.”
And as for her Mum?
“She’s still shaking her head — but with a big grin.”
Visit ausfoodsuper.com.au for more information.
Welcome to the world Isabelle Grace Hynes.
Isabelle Grace Hynes entered the world on 1st April 2025. Yes, an April Fools Baby!
We thought this was a joke considering the date and considering her due date was the 19th of April. We were very surprised to learn this was in fact real and that Izzy couldn't wait any longer to meet her family.
Isabelle our little gift arrived without seeing Ryan but we know he was waiting to tease this little addition just like his other 4 Stutzview rats.
Izzy is the second daughter to Bree and
2
OCTOBER 13-14 TH
2025
MALANDA SHOW RESULTS
BARRONESSAEMPOWER820 Supreme Champion Exhibit of Show
BARRONESSA DEFENDER GRAND CHAMPION BULL OF THE SHOW
