Droughtmaster august 2017 web

DROUGHTMASTER AUGUST 2017

SPRING SALES IN FOCUS BIN PROJECT UPDATE PADDOCK TO PALATE SUCCESS

CONTENTS

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P.18

P.48

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President’s Paragraph

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Tim Emery Joins TBTS Team

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Awards Flow at Woodford Show

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Atkinsons Paddock to Palate Success

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Droughtmasters Prevail at Dalby

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Longreach Feature Show Roundup

16

Scotts Receive Life Membership

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National Bull Sale Preview

24

DN. Vendor Previews

29

Spring Sale Previews

40

Young Breed Leaders Workshop

44

Northern BIN Steer Project Update

48

Winning MSA Formula

50

Genetics in Focus at Lisgar

54

National Female Sale in Review

60

Stud Sales in Review

73

Ag Program Success at Mt Larcom

76

Chris’s Droughtie Dream an Inspiration

81

Vale: Bruce Childs

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Vale: Audrey Philomene Perry

breeders bulletin board

Get in early.

Advertise your Droughmaster stud for 2017/18 $150 inc GST for 3 Editions August - December - February

P.82

Phone Margaret (07) 3826 8282 Email:margaret.ward@fairfaxmedia.com.au

DECEMBER DIGEST DEADLINES ADVERTISING BOOKINGS AND COPY: OCTOBER 27, 2017.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

August 2017

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MESSAGES

President’s Paragraph This is my last column as President of the Society. It has been a very challenging and enlightening five years on the Board, three of these as President. During that period of time much of Australia has been in drought and producers lived with poor commodity prices, which have thankfully taken a significant turnaround in the last eighteen months.

During that time the Droughtmaster breed has continued to impress commercial producers, as it will no doubt do in the future irrespective of the challenges faced by the Society. The main challenges, and at the same time the main opportunities are related to technology. Those beef producers who don’t embrace technology and harness what it has to offer will get left behind. The use of DNA to select better performing animals for almost any trait is possible right now and the Droughtmaster Society is committed to utilising technology for the benefit of commercial breeders. Australian scientists are leading the world in genomics, but unfortunately many cattle producers in Australia seem reluctant to take advantage of Australia’s world-leading genomics research.

Through necessity Australian beef producers have had to become very efficient in the last few decades and they have achieved this through improved pastures, better stockyards, increase fencing and watering points, however there are still many untapped efficiency gains available through genetic improvement using DNA. In early July the Society sponsored three young Droughtmaster people to attend a two day Young Breed Leaders Workshop staged

by ARCBA in Brisbane. Congratulations to Leonie Nichols, Anna Hicks and Lawrence Shemish-Lahey who were selected as the Droughtmaster delegates.

In closing I would like to thank the staff for their co-operation and support for me during my time on the Board and particularly as President. I thank my fellow Directors who like me, have volunteered to try to improve the breed and the Society. Lastly, but by no means least, a big thank you to my wife Tracey who has supported me throughout my time on the Board.

MICHAEL FLYNN President

Looking Ahead There are lots of positives ahead for the Australian Beef Industry, both domestically and globally. Trade restrictions on Brazil by some countries plus the yet-to-be resolved ban on the slaughter of cattle and buffalo in India have huge implications for the Australian Beef Industry. No doubt these situations will change and inevitably there will be changes in other countries and markets. Australia’s Beef Industry has to ensure it is in a position to take immediate advantage of opportunities as they arise.

Australia will never be able to compete with beef producing countries like Brazil who have very low labour and infrastructure costs, however we are able to produce a clean, green, high quality product. The requirement for all beef producers to have an on-farm biosecurity plan in the very near future, is an integral part of Australia having documented proof of a clean, green beef production system. While the on-farm Biosecurity Plans are time consuming and an added cost, all participants in the Australian Beef production chain have a responsibility to play their part in ensuring our global reputation is justifiable because it is based on procedures rather than “claims” made by a slick marketing campaign.

Seedstock producers are an integral part of the production chain and our Members are keen to ensure their customers can continue to buy with confidence because the studs have made every effort to address all on-farm Biosecurity requirements. At Society Sponsored Sales this spring a J-BAS Score will be listed on the Supplementary Sheets for each lot offered.

The Society Sponsored and Endorsed Sales will once again be providing sheath scores on every bull as assessed by ACV Accredited Vets on a scale of one to nine. The National Bull Sale will continue to provide buyers with the option to view and bid via the Internet.

Elite Livestock will once again provide this service. Photos and/or video will be provided for every lot. This is accessible through the DN. Website. For further details contact the Society or log on to www.droughtmasternational.com

NEIL DONALDSON CEO

DROUGHTMASTER STUD BREEDERS’ SOCIETY ACN 010 129 683 40 Thorn Street, Ipswich, QLD 4305 Phone: (07) 3281 0056 Fax: (07) 3281 7957 Email: office@droughtmaster.com.au

PATRON (In Transition)

BOARD PRESIDENT Michael Flynn (07) 4654 5223 VICE-PRESIDENT Steve Pickering (07) 4168 6249 DIRECTORS Far Northern Zone Jeff Williams 0418 755 279 Northern Zone Vacant Central Zone Doug Birch (07) 4167 5139 South East Zone Brian Heck (07) 5484 9183 Southern Zone Michael Flynn (07) 4654 5223 Far Southern Zone Timothy Lloyd (02) 6724 8362 Western Zone Ken Mutton (08) 9888 1067 National Steve Pickering (07) 4168 6249 Douglas Miles (07) 4934 7645 Kevin Woolcock (07) 49841085 SPECIAL SKILLS DIRECTOR Paul Laycock 0438 788 201 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Neil Donaldson 0428 796 330 OFFICE MANAGER Samantha Maher REGISTRAR Carmel Bell ACCOUNTS Toni Franklin ADMINISTRATION Leigh Eleison TECHNICAL OFFICERS Paul Williams 0427 018 982 Tim Emery 0408 707 155 DIGEST PRODUCTION Editor: Matt Sherrington Editorial & Advertising Fairfax Agricultural Media Queensland PO Box 586, Cleveland 4163 Phone: (07) 3826 8200 Fax: (07) 3821 1236

www.droughtmaster.com.au Fenton leads the way.

Photo courtesy of Lucy Kinbacher, Garthowen Stud, Biggenden.

Garthowen sire Jembrae Fenton heading to the yards with his leading ladies on the Kinbacher family’s property Garthowen, located outside Biggenden.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER LIKE US ON FACEBOOK The opinions expressed in the Droughtmaster Digest are not necessarily the opinions of the Droughtmaster Stud Breeders’ Society Ltd, or of Fairfax Agricultural Media Queensland. This publication is protected by copyright and articles or photographs may not be used without authorisation.

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August 2017

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

NEWS

Tim Emery joins the TBTS team

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oma based Beef Extension Officer, Tim Emery, has joined the Tropical Beef Technical Services team on a three year secondment from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

TBTS provides two Technical Officers to the Droughtmaster, Brahman, Santa, Brangus, Belmont Reds, Simbrah and Senepol breed associations. Tim joins Paul Williams who has been with TBTS for five years.

Tim studied a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at The University of Queensland and during his time at university he undertook a 16 week internship at Swan’s Lagoon Beef Cattle Research Station near Ayr and work experience with CSIRO. He graduated in 2008 and was then appointed as a Beef Extension Officer at Roma in early 2009, where he has worked for the last eight years.

Tim has considerable experience and expertise in beef genetics, having been involved in the Beef CRC Champions Program as a “Genomics Champion” and more recently the Next Gen Beef Breeding

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August 2017

Strategies Project and the current “Repronomics” Project being conducted with Brahman, Droughtmaster and Santa Gertrudis cattle.

In recent years he has delivered numerous breeding and genetics presentations over a wide area of Queensland, from Malanda in the north to Gympie in the east and Thargomindah in the west, as part of field days, workshops and the Grazing Best Management Practice (BMP) program.

Tim sat on the Future Farmers Network Board of Directors for six years and has twice been named as a finalist in the Emerging Leader Award at the Queensland Red Meat Awards. In addition, he has been on the organising committee of the widely recognised Young Beef Producers’ Forum (YBPF) in Roma for the last seven years.

He is also involved in the family beef business at Wallumbilla and has his own small herd.

In his new role with TBTS, Tim will work widely with both commercial and seedstock producers in northern Australia with the

Tim Emery, has joined the Tropical Beef Technical Services team.

goal of increasing the adoption of BREEDPLAN and its associated technologies.

He will continue to be based in Roma.

Tim can be contacted on 0408 707 155 or via email tim@tbts.une.edu.au

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

Our 2017 Sale Teams

DN Bulls

Lot 110

6 Bulls 12th September CQLX Gracemere

12 + 3 Bulls 20th October Roma Saleyards

Roma

Lot 112

Roma

Emma Warne 0499 558 818

Roma

Brett & Leanne Warne 0415 257 720

www.jembrae.com

AW3097066

J-BAS 7 Accredited

NEWS

NEXT GENERATION

Amavale awarded Betty Baker Memorial Trophy

Awards flow for Juniors at Woodford Show

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n initiative of the Woodford Show Society, the Betty Baker Memorial Trophy was established in 2014 to honour the life and accomplishments of this remarkable lady.

For over three decades, Bob and Betty Baker operated the highly successful Wundaburra Droughtmaster Bob Baker presented the Betty Baker Stud at Mt Archer near Memorial Trophy along with Judge Woodford.

Glen Newton to Amavale Lara exhibited by the Jeff, Katherine, Betty was devoted to her Droughtmasters and worked Stephanie and Annette Rose, Amavale Droughtmaster Stud. tirelessly to promote the breed. It was this devotion, coupled with Betty’s generous and selfless work within her local community that resulted in the Woodford Show Society establishing the memorial trophy in her honour. The trophy is awarded annually to the Supreme Champion Droughtmaster Female at the Woodford Show.

This year, the trophy was awarded to Amavale Lara, exhibited by Amavale Droughtmaster Stud and paraded by Katherine Rose. Lara was accompanied by her calf, Amavale Brian who was paraded by Stephanie Rose.

proud group of Droughtmaster breeders clung to their seats at the Woodford Show on June 23-24, cheering on four very talented young members of the Droughtmaster community, as they competed in the finals of the Lawrence Sehmish-Lahey and Near North Coast SubAmy Birch with their ribbons from chamber Junior Judging the Near North Coast Sub-chamber (Stud Beef) and Paraders Junior Judging (Stud Beef) competition. competition at the Woodford Show.

Amy Birch (Birch Droughtmasters) represented the Gympie Show Society in both the Junior Judges and Paraders, along with Steph Laycock (High Country S Droughtmasters) representing Samford Show Society and Lawrence Sehmish-Lahey (Nindethana Droughtmasters) representing Woodford Show. Lily Forward (Nindethana Droughtmasters) represented Pine Rivers Show in the Paraders competition.

Lawrence Sehmish-Lahey was announced the winner, and Amy Birch the runner-up in the Junior Judges competition. The accolades continued as Amy went on to be sashed the winner of the Junior Parader competition.

Amy and Lawrence will now compete in the Queensland State finals at the Royal Queensland Show.

www.kootapark-droughtmasters.com

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August 2017

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

STUD 302

HEITIKI DROUGHTMASTERS Available on farm • • • •

Quality vet inspected semen tested bulls Registered heifers Commercial heifers available for sale 40 years of breeding quality Droughtmasters • Quality muscle for maximum returns with minimum risk • Heitiki Bulls, a very sound investment tment ll paddock dd k reared, d ready d tto work k •B Bulls

J.S., M.A. & T.S. LLOYD ‘HEITIKI’ DELUNGRA (02) 6724 8225, (02) 6724 8362 Email: timll@bigpond.com

Lot 305 at the Droughtmaster National sale September 13, 2017

Lot 305 Heitiki

OFFERING TWO LOTS 305 & 306 LATE ON DAY 1 Contact: Tim 0429 318 096 or AH, 02 6724 8362 e: timothy.lloyd@bigpond.com AW3295847

COMMERCIAL

Atkinsons dominate the RNA Paddock to Palate

By Helen Walker

Their Angus/Droughtmaster-cross steers placed first in the 100-day class with an average daily gain (ADG) of 3.11kg. Another Atkinson pen placed second with and ADG of 3.02kg and a similar pen in the 70-day class were the highest individual weight gaining steers with an ADG of 3.94kgs “This result is really pretty daunting – we are blown away,” a grinning from ear-to-ear Rob Atkinson said.

In normal seasons, the Atkinson family would carry 3000 Droughtmasters breeders, but due to the prolonged drought they had been forced to reduce numbers back to 1500 cows.

Ian Vivers, Eaglehawk Angus, Glen Innes, NSW was on-hand to congratulate Rob and Donna Atkinson, on their RNA success along with Charlie Mort, Mort and Co, Grassdale Feedlot, in the first phase of the RNA Paddock to Palate competition.

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fter battling severe drought for the past five years, the Atkinson Pastoral Company, Katandra, Hughenden, had plenty to smile about when the results of the first phase of the prestigious RNA Paddock to Palate, were announced at the Mort and Co Grassdale Feedlot, Dalby, on Tuesday, June 20.

The family partnership including Rob and Donna, son John and wife Bec, daughter Amy and husband Guy Slack-Smith, finished with two firsts and a second place.

However, it was the decision to introduce black Angus bulls over some commercial Droughtmaster breeders that paid them dividends in the competition.

“We introduced bulls bought from Ian and Sally Vivers, Eaglehawk Angus Stud, Glen Innes, NSW some five years ago,” Rob said.

And while Rob was keen to praise the job the Angus bulls had done, he did not forget his much loved Droughtmaster girls.

“Obviously our Droughtmaster cows are fundamental to our overall success,” he said.

“They have handled the drought, and raised their calves, and travelled thousands of miles on agistment.”

“When we saw the advertisement for this year’s event we thought it was a great way to test our cattle against others,” Rob said.

Day One DROUGHTMASTER

National

BULL SALE

© ruraldesign.com.au © kentbward.com

Tuesday 12th SEPTEMBER 2017

Lot 45 Calioran Dominic (P)

Lot 41 Calioran Durack (P) 10

August 2017

13 Bulls LOTS 41-53

David, Rosemary, Michael & Kathy Purnell 07 49271104 Ph/Fax 07 4927 1166 Michael 0429 815 074 DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

NEWS

Droughtmasters prevail at Dalby

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n only its second year, the annual Dalby Feeder Challenge attracted a total 1769 head of cattle entries to the show and special sale.

Held at Dalby Saleyards on Friday, April 28, the event provided plenty of strong competition between feeder cattle consignments sent in by producers from across the Western Downs.

Over $30,000 in prize money was up for grabs, with a multitude of breeds on display for the judges to choose their winners from, over the numerous classes and many outstanding quality cattle that were showcased.

Droughtmaster and Droughtmaster cattle were very well represented in the Challenge and performed admirably against the other breeds and their crosses.

Grand Champion Pen of the Feeder Challenge went to Gus and Jen McCormack and family,“Dilga” Glenmorgan for their 478kg Droughtmaster heavy feeder steers that sold to 352c to return $1683.

While neither Gus or Jen were able to be at the Dalby Wambo Saleyards to enjoy their win, they were ecstatic to have prevailed against very stiff competition.

The Grand Champion pen of 478kg Droughtmaster heavy feeder steers entered by the McCormack family, Glenmorgan.

Toogoolawah High claims top honours at Futurity

By Susie Sullivan

Droughtmaster enthusiasts from around the state converged on the Gatton Showgrounds on Saturday, March 4 for the 32nd Annual Futurity Show. In total 127 animals from 33 exhibitors paraded, the largest in the history of the event.

Judge Steve Farmer, SC Droughtmasters, Mt Elsa, Rockhampton with Associate Judge Lauren Finger, La Shae Droughtmasters, Meadowbrook, Dysart were impressed with the overall quality of the cattle.

Taking out the top honours was an 18 month old heifer exhibited by the Toogoolawah State High School. The school registered their Droughtmaster Stud last year after the purchase of three heifers; it was one of these heifers, Mt Brisbane Heidi, that saw them claim their first major championship.

School agricultural assistant Ross Tinney said on the award he was “very proud of the kids and how they presented the cattle”.

“It’s been a team effort to get the cattle here between agriculture teacher Angela Lynch, and department head Peter Hargreaves and I’d also like to say a big thank you to the McConnel Family of Mt Brisbane for making it all happen,” Mr Tinney said.

A very proud Toogoolawah High School show team with Droughtmaster Futurity judges, trophy sponsor Margaret Wilson and breeder of the champion heifer Carli McConnel.

Shann’s dominate at Clermont Show

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Mac and Gayle Shann with the Clermont Show Steven Burnett Memorial Walking Home Bronze Perpetual Trophy.

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n late May, well-known Droughtmaster breeders, Mac and Gayle Shann from Cantaur Park won the Stephen Burnett Memorial Trophy as the most successful Beef, Carcass and Commercial Cattle Exhibitor at the Clermont Show. The Shanns also took out the award for the Most Successful Beef Cattle Exhibitor.

The Shanns virtually “swept the pool” with wins or placings in a number of classes with their purebred Droughtmaster and Droughtmaster/Charolais-cross cattle. The Champion Grain Fed Heifer was a crossbred female while the Champion Grass Fed Pen were pure Droughtmaster.

Congratulations to Mac and Gayle for a fantastic and well-deserved win.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

AW3240326

Oveset Text from page 13

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

www.glenfosslyn.com.au August 2017

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NEWS

Droughtmasters a big hit at Longreach

By Sally Cripps

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t’s his first year in the show ring but already 17-month-old Glenlands D Vancouver is collecting broad ribbons.

Exhibited by the Childs family, he came west with eight other entries from their Bouldercombe base to support the Droughtmaster Feature Show held on Saturday, May 20, as part of the Longreach Show, and quickly caught the eye of judge Matt Welsh.

“He really commands your attention when he walks into a ring, and he’s certainly going to put his stamp on his progeny,” Matt said in awarding him the junior champion bull ribbon.

He went on to claim the Grand Champion Bull ribbon from older stablemate, Glenlands Upton, and calf champion, Rondel Ultimate, shown by the Carrington family at Winton.

A couple of weeks earlier Glenlands D Vancouver took out the hotly contested interbreed super bull competition at the Taroom Show, as well as the Grand Champion Bos Indicus ribbon there.

His sire is Glenlands Pacific, who won the sire’s progeny class at Longreach.

According to Darren Childs, this is his first season of calves and they hold out a lot of hopes for good results into the future.

Judge, Matt Welsh, and his associate, Madeleine Waterford, couldn’t go past the fertility traits of Vale View Yang when they were choosing their Senior Champion Female.

Longreach Droughtmaster feature show supreme champion, Glenlands D Vancouver, with Darren Childs, Dean Allen, Tarcombe, Longreach, and judges Matt Welsh, Taroom, and Madeleine Waterford, Longreach.

Shown by Kevin and Leesa Woolcock from the Mostyndale stud at Springsure, Vale View Yang had a calf at foot and was pregnancy tested in calf again, earning her Grand Champion Female honours as well, beating off challenges from Junior winner, Glenlands D Vogue and Rondell Ugg Boots, the Female Calf Champion.

They were part of a 30-head led competition, which also encompassed Amalfi and Birch Droughtmaster studs.

Euluma Bull Power “Let us get up close and personal with your females” Day 2 -

DN SALE

Fly Tolerant Tick Resistant Pure Polls Gordon Rasmussen gwrassy@gmail.com Mobile 0429 941 218 | www.droughtmastereuluma.com 14

August 2017

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R OV E N P E R F O R M A N C E R OV E N P E D I G R E E R OV E N P R E D I C TA B I L I T Y PERFORMANCE

GENETIC DIVERSITY

STATISTICAL DATA

GROUP BREEDPLAN

SCANS & IMF

PERFORMANCE RECORDED

SEMEN & FERTILITY TESTED

SECURITY

Vans # 11

Vegas # 6

Viscount # 10

Unlimited # 3

Vintage # 13

Volcanic # 8

Annual Sale Friday 22 September 2017 GLENLANDS Bouldercombe

160 REGISTERED & PUREBRED BULLS The Childs Family Darren Childs 07 4997 4162 0427 158 569 Jason Childs 07 4987 3033 0427 873 033 www.glenlands.com

HOURN & BISHOP Moura 07 4997 2227 GRANT DANIEL & LONG Dalby 07 4669 6955 ELDERS Rockhampton 07 4838 9000

GLENLANDS GENETICS DAM HISTORIES CLINICAL DATA SOUNDNESS EVALUATED SILAGE PREPARED CERTAINTY PROFITABILITY PROGRESSIVE COMMERCIAL RELEVANCE CONSISTENCY & STRENGTH

Volume # 9

Upton # 1

Von Zipper # 4

Vin # 5

Vandyke # 12

Urban # 2 © kentbward.com © ruraldesign.com.au

NEWS

Droughties impress at 2017 CRT FarmFest

By Sharon Harms

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hilly mornings and clear blue skies saw another three days of successful exhibiting and promoting at the 2017 CRT FarmFest Field Days by Amavale and Amavale K, Breffni, Lynsey Park, Oakmore and Sevenell.

Friendly faces were quick to answer a myriad of questions from old and new visitors while enjoying a hot cuppa together along with tasty cakes, slices, biscuits and of course the ever irresistible rocky road.

In the cattle judging Lillivale Hulk was named the third place Senior Tropical Bull in the Battle of the Bulls competition.

Oakmore Arabella 361 won the third place Junior Tropical Female in the Fantastic Females competition, and it was a clean sweep for the Droughtmasters in the Senior Tropical Female division with first going to Amavale Lara with calf at foot Amavale Brian, second place awarded to Billabong Arabella with calf at foot Oakmore Rabbi and third going to Breffni Gloria with calf at foot Breffni Kassey.

The exhibiting studs thanked the St George High School Show Team for their help washing, grooming and cleaning out the beds.

The students were able to use some of the animals out of the shed to compete in Junior Paraders which saw a huge line-up of schools participating.

Friendly faces in the Droughtmaster shed were quick to answer a myriad of questions from old and new visitors during the 2017 CRT FarmFest Field days.

The studs also thanked those who help every year at the busy bee and set up prior to the event. Once again the shed was full of beautiful Droughtmasters and looked both warm and welcoming.

Last but not least they said a big thank you to Jenny Underwood for keeping the daily news updates rolling on the Droughtmaster Facebook page.

Scott’s Receive Life Membership Honours breed and its members that saw them awarded the Life Membership; the 36th time Life Membership has been granted by the Board of Directors.

Doug Miles (right), National Director of the Droughtmaster Society, presented John and Lyn Scott with the Honorary Life Membership on behalf of the Board and the Members of the Droughtmaster Society.

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t was a fitting opening for the National Female Sale when John Scott, formerly of the Rocky View Stud, Nanango was given the task of officially opening the sale.

John and Lyn worked tirelessly for the breed as a whole but particularly in the South Burnett. They were integral to the success of the 1995 Nanango Droughtmaster Beef Week that was repeated in 2005. With Garnet Kahler, they instigated the Nanango Bull Sale and two female sales that now continue under the Bunya Bull Sale and Cream of the Crop banners. John helped establish the Biggenden Store Sale that continued for many years. He worked on the Roma and Gympie Sale committees. The Coolabunia saleyards may well have closed for good if it wasn’t for the work John undertook communicating with the council to keep the yards open. He hosted many assessment schools at Nanango that were a vital source of information to many new and existing stud members. John also served two terms as a Director for the Society, first as the Southern Zone Director and then returning after a break for a term as National Director.

After John’s opening address, Doug Miles, National Director of the Droughtmaster Society, surprised John and Lyn with the presentation of Honorary Life Membership on behalf of the Board and the Members of the Droughtmaster Society.

John will say the most rewarding work they achieved for the breed was through the many bus trips they organised for the people of the South Burnett. There were trips made out to Glenmorgan to view the Clonlara and Glen Fosslyn studs and on the return trip the Alma stud.

There was also a trip down to NSW to view the herds of Greenview, Jembrae and Cedardale. The most successful of the bus tours were the two day South Burnett Bull Tours. Studs across the South Burnett opened their doors to the bus load of bull buyers and had all their upcoming sale bulls on display. The friendships made on these tours were many and remain longstanding with fond memories exchanged by the participants.

John and Lyn have been very active members of the Droughtmaster breed and while their stud recorded many highlights including a long standing record price at the Roma Sale, it was their service to the

John and Lyn have retired now but with many firm friendships made in the breed, their interest will continue and they look forward to attending many more events into the future.

John remarked in his opening address that his connection with the Droughtmaster breed had come full circle. John with his wife Lyn had purchased their first registered female at the Gympie Sale. The Rocky View Stud, number 584, was registered in 1989 and operated successfully until it was dispersed late last year.

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DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

®

AUSTRALIA

SALE PREVIEW

Steven Swan and Allison Hotz, Inala, Moura paid $80,000 for Karragarra Marcus at the 2016 National Droughtmaster Bull Sale held at Gracemere. The impressive bull was offered by Wayne (pictured on right) and Ingrid York, Karragarra, Emerald.

Best of the best set for Droughtmaster National

By Matt Sherrington

offering of 592 of the finest Droughtmaster bulls available in ABullnAustralia have been catalogued for the Droughtmaster National Sale being held at CQLX at Gracemere on Tuesday, September

the desire to increase herd sizes at present, I think it’s safe to assume that commercial producers will be seeking quality bulls again this year.”

With the inaugural sale taking place in 1959 the Droughtmaster National is now one of the longest running and most celebrated bull sales held in Australia.

The sale also provides a wonderful opportunity to catch up with friends and family at the Drinks with Droughties event on Monday, September 11 from 5.45pm at CQLX. The bulls will be available for pre-sale inspections from the afternoon of Sunday, September 10.

12 and Wednesday, September 13.

The 2017 sale action will begin from 9am each day and will this year feature the best bulls available from 104 vendors stretching from Delungra, Kyogle and Leeville in New South Wales up to Winton in Queensland and all areas in between.

Chairman of the sale committee, Michael Ingram said the sale is one of the crown jewels in the breed’s annual event calendar.

“The appeal of the sale for buyers is that it allows them to select from the widest range of genetics from Australia’s leading Droughtmaster studs, in one place at one time,” he said.

The sale offers a large number of quality bulls to suit all budgets, backed by unmatched assurances and values, provided to ensure the utmost in purchaser satisfaction.

Buyers came from as far away as Western Australia for the 2016, and a large and geographically diverse panel of prospective buyers are expected again this year.

Mr Ingram highlighted that a new initiative this year was a ringside buyers’ lounge where refreshments and food would be served in air conditioned comfort. “With the installation of a huge screen behind the auctioneers, buyers will have access to a multitude of information throughout the sale. This will be so much more than just another bull sale, it will be a special experience for buyers this year,” he said.

For buyers confidence, all sale bulls will be subject to a Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluation by an Accredited ACV Vet prior to the sale.

Compulsory vaccinations will also be given for Ephemeral Fever, Tick Fever, 5-in-1 and/or 7-in-1. All bulls will have been tested negative as carriers of Pestivirus.

Many bulls will be eligible for entry into WA and NT, and J-BAS Scores of all bulls will be listed on sale day supplementary sheets.

Mr Ingram thanked all the sponsors including Allflex, Riverina Stock Feeds, Queensland Country Life, Beachport Liquid Minerals, Virbac, Cavalier/Budget Steel and Cattle City Motor Inn. Those unable to attend the sale in person but wishing to bid will have the option to participate in the sale through the Elite Livestock Auctions online bidding platform at www.elitelivestockauctions.com.au.

The catalogue is available now online at www. droughtmasternational.com and the printed catalogue will be posted to past buyers in mid-August. The website also features photos or videos of the bulls being offered at the sale.

Mr Ingram has high hopes for the 2017 sale following strong demand at last year’s sale. “Given the strong cattle market and

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

August 2017

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Selling Day One Lots 294-304

Oasis Dundee (Sire: Oasis Winchester) Lot 294

Oasis Apache (Sire: Oasis Wincheste) Lot 296

Oasis Bullwinkle (Sire: Oasis Winchester) Lot 297

Oasis Cash (Sire: Oasis Dollar) Lot 295

Oasis Jupiter (Sire: Glen Valley Comet) Lot 301

Oasis Buck (Sire: Oasis Dollar) Lot 298

ADAM & NOEL GEDDES 0409 698 578

AW3268298

Selling Day Two Lots 545-549

Oasis A Meninga (Sire: Oasis Winchester) Lot 547

Oasis A Langer (Sire: Lamont Inmate) Lot 546

Oasis A Thurston (Sire: Oasis Winchester) Lot 545

Oasis A Sterlo (Sire: FCC Archer) Lot 549

Oasis A Parker (Sire: Oasis Dollar) Lot 548

www.oasisdroughtmasters.com

AW3268304

SALE PREVIEW

Featured vendors

HEITIKI The Lloyd family from Heitiki Droughtmaster Stud will once again will be offering an excellent line of bulls at this years DN Sale.

CRAIGLEA Jason and Piper Johnston and family, Craiglea Droughtmaster Stud, Obi Obi, has eight impressive young bulls on offer for this years DN. sale. Catalogued as Lots 526 to 533 on the second day of the sale, the line of bulls being presented will be Craiglea’s most even line to date.

As with last year there are bulls available at any time right through the bull replacement season without waiting for a sale.

The team are all powerful polled bulls with extra red meat, aged from 20 months to 27 months. Sires represented will include stud stalwart sire, the $35,000 Medway Qzac, and first season sire, the $24,000 Needmor Adonis. Craiglea Droughtmasters will have a BJD Status of, J-BAS-7 and will have a check test by sale date giving eligibility into the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

“On farm bulls for sale are pasture grown and finished as they will need to maintain condition and grow whilst serving females in the paddock.”

HAMADRA

“We breed cattle with carcass and finish in northern NSW to suit the commercial cattleman,” Tim Lloyd said.

Tim Lloyd has two great young sires entered in the DN Sale in Rockhampton.

They offer leading edge attributes with real sire appeal.

Hamadra’s 2017 DN draft will include some of the best bulls the stud has ever offered. 16 rising two-year-olds have been catalogued with both drafts drawing on the first day of the sale with Lot numbers 25 to 32 and 207 to 214.

In total 16 rising two-year-olds have been catalogued with both drafts drawing on the first day of the sale with Lot numbers 25 to 32 and 207 to 214. Hamadra has a wide selection of young Polled and Horned sires from eight different sires with the first sons on offer from Wolfang 459, Bryvonlea Nimrod and Minlacowie Salvador 8081.

JEMBRAE The Warne family, Jembrae, Ten Mile, will be offering six exceptional well grown two year old bulls on day one of the sale in Lots 110 to 115.

Sires represented in the Jembrae draft are the $50,000 Comanche Cash, the proven and ever consistent Glenlands D Lookalike and a Lookalike son who won Junior Champion Bull at Beef 2012, Jembrae Fiesta.

All Jembrae’s sale bulls have been grown out on rye and millett crops this year. You won’t be disappointed with these young bulls with beautiful temperaments, which are well grown and have the extremely tidy underlines that Jembrae are renowned for.

AVAILABLE

TO PURCHASE AT THE DN SALE IN GRACEMERE

Lot 460

Explosive

Lot 458

Empire

Lot 459

Epic

Empire and Epic won 1st place in the Pen of 2 Bulls under 24 months at the

2017 Long greach Droug ghmaster Feature Show Contact Wayne Barnes 0438 128 414 or Jesse Barnes 0447 195 193 Waylanbar Droughtmaster, Stud Emerald QLD 4720

AW3296567

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August 2017

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

SALE PREVIEW KOOTA PARK Terry, Narelle and Emma Allen, Koota Park, Coowonga, are proud to be offering one outstanding young sire in Lot 316 Koota Park Quentin Tarantino. This sire has always been a standout from a very young age. He has inherited the length, tidy underline, muscle, excellent scrotal and very quiet temperament from his sire Koota Park Kurtis. He is the last son of Kurtis and the Allen’s have decided to keep his semen for in-herd use, because he’s the complete package with a powerhouse pedigree. He has been to a few shows and has always attracted lots of attention. He is one not to miss.

MINLACOWIE & WINGFIELD Both Minlacowie and Wingfield Studs are celebrating 50 years of stud breeding this year, after being established in 1967 as Studs 49 and 47 respectively.

To mark this achievement the studs will be offering one of their best ever drafts of bulls with a J-BAS 7 score and are Western Australia eligible at this years Droughtmaster National.

Many milestones have been celebrated over the 50 year period.

The studs have achieved many Royal Brisbane Show champions with one of the most notable being Wingfield Boris son of Minlacowie Millionaire who in turn is a son of breed great Minlacowie Moses.

Stud co-principal Nicole Mills said Boris has had a huge influence in the breed.

“We believe it is due to the long lines of consistent producing dam’s and sires the studs have produced over the 50 years,” Nicole said.

“We have also achieved a Beef Australia Grand Champion with Beef 97 Champion Droughtmaster, Minlacowie Apache.”

The backbone of any stud is the females and large female family lines can be found in both studs cementing the success of the studs over what has been an extremely successful 50 years encompassing a combined 100 years of stud breeding.

The two studs have topped the Droughtmaster Sale eight times with sires such as Wingfield Noah ($32,000), Wingfield Bailey ($65,000), former record holder, Minlacowie Gian ($70,000) and Minlacowie Lexington ($100,000).

At the sales and in the paddock the studs produce bulls for stud, commercial and cross breeding purposes.

NINDETHANA

The first two sons of Oakmore Memphis (P) will be offered at the sale in Oakmore Parker (PH80%) out of Oakmore Kasey (P) (Oakmore Fury (P) and Oakmore Presley (PP98%) out of Oakmore Melissa (P) (Sunny View Yeoman).

Memphis has left his stamp on these two young fleshy sires giving them both terrific length, depth, bone, muscle and softness. They’ve been worked with dogs, horse and bike, and are fully vaccinated, tested PI negative and HornPoll tested.

RIDGIE DIDGE Chris and Hailey Heness, Ridgie Didge, Goomeri will offer four bulls on the first day of the sale in Lots 188 to 191. The first three to be offered are by the outstanding sire and Senior Champion Droughtmaster bull at Beef Australia 2015, Craiglea Henry. The three bulls show excellent depth, weight for age and bone for young bulls.

Ridgie Didge look forward to presenting their draft in 2017.

RSVP & SYLVAN SPRINGS RSVP & Sylvan Springs studs have selected an exceptional draft of 12 young sires for this years DN Sale.The RSVP draft sells on the second day of the sale as lots 586 to 592 and contains three sons of Sylvan Springs Hitchhiker who was twice a class winner at the Brisbane Royal.

The $20,000 Billabong Armstrong is represented by three outstanding sons who will impress for type and consistency.

The draft is rounded out with a single entry by Southern Cross Keith, also a $20,000 sire. The Sylvan Springs draft will sell on the first day as lots 283 to 287 and contains two sons of Southern Cross Keith.

Other sires represented include Durack Quartpot, Sylvan Springs Cowboy and Wajatryn Fronteer. Stud manager, Graham Brown is confident the industry relevant draft will impress both stud and commercial breeders and recommends an inspection

SKYE Libby Ingram, Skye Droughtmaster Stud, Alpha, will be offering 10 young sires with good growth for age, that range in age from 20 to 22 months at the sale.

The entire draft will be offered on day one, selling as Lots 192 to 201.

Libby is very pleased with the team and believe that they will suit all budgets.

The bulls have been grazed on grass until their sale preparation, when they have been given a daily grain ration and hay in a small paddock.

The Betts/Hawkins family of Nindethana Droughtmaster Stud, Camp Mountain, will offer five impressive young sires at the 2017 DN Sale.

Libby believes that the stud matrons are critical and they’re rigorously selected for fertility, sound feet, constitution and temperament.

The draft will be selling on the second day of the sale as lots 489 to 502 and includes four sons of stud stalwart, Bryvonlea Malachi, and one youngster sired by Jembrae Glenowie.

All vaccinations, scans and weights will be up to date by the sale.

The age of the draft is between 22 to 24 months and all bulls are easy doing and have exceptional temperaments. Full history, photos and details of the young sires can be found on their website www.nindethanadroughtmasters.com.

OAKMORE Sharon and Greg Harms, Oakmore Park, Greenmount, will be selling four bulls on the first day of the sale in Lots 106 to 109.

They’ll be offering another two sons of consistent performer Oakmore Kadir (P) in Oakmore Phoenix (PH80%) out of Mary Valley Goodness (S) (Vale View Quando) and Oakmore Pharoah (PP98%) out of Vale View Serena (Rocky View 714). Both bulls show the powerful qualities of their sire and the breeding of the dam’s side, and are structurally correct with both bone, scale, muscle and balance.

Any enquiries or inspections are welcome at Skye prior to the sale.

Skye will also be selling nine young bulls at the Bullzeye sale in Capella.

TRUVALLE Truvalle (Stud No. 22) will offer eight potential stud sires at the 2017 DN Sale. The offering on day one, consists of four bulls, Lots 234 to 237, by the (rising 15) much respected and prolific stud sire, Talgai Apache.

On day two the remaining four bulls will enter the sale ring in Lots 419 to 422. Two are by Talgai Apache, one by Minlacowie Montego 5964 and other by Minlacowie Cicero. Consistency in conformation, tropical attributes, weight for age, and good temperament, are qualities Truvalle consider most important in their selection.

Continued on page 28

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

August 2017

25

SALE PREVIEW Born and paddock raised in the ticks and lantana country, the bulls are eligible for entry into Western Australia, and have been worked with horses and quad bikes.

WAJATRYN Beef, bone and sire appeal are in abundance throughout the 2017 DN Sale draft of 15 bulls to be offered by Warren and Carolyn Kenny and family, Gayndah.

Two exciting new first season sires, Medway Under Ones Nose and Wajatryn Gizmo (P) are well represented with four and two sons respectively.

Also represented by some impressive sons, are reliable, consistent, stud sires, Redskin X-Factor, Wajatryn T-Rex (P), Huntly Latham (P) and Medway Scallywag (P).

The cream on top of this draft is a couple of AI sons of 2010 National Sale topper; the $55,000, Wajatryn Devil. The clean polled, Wajatryn Devil son, Wajatryn Knox (P), ticks all the boxes. Exceptional clean polled, with a broad head, mounted on a body with real grunt, terrific bone and volume, he’s a powerful young sire prospect. The quality and depth of this draft of bulls is among the best the Kenny’s have presented at the National Sale in their 30 years of breeding Droughtmaster bulls for the sale. All sale bulls hold JBAS 7 status, and are eligible for entry to the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

VALE VIEW Dave, Colleen and Mac Smith, Vale View, Goomeri are providing buyers with ‘confidence’ in their purchase with their eight sale bulls all being morphology tested, horn/poll tested, breedplan evaluated,

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Continued from page 25 fully vaccinated and guaranteed, as well as coming from a JBAS 7 tested herd, which is now eligible to sell to WA. The bulls are aged from 21 to 34 months and are catalogued towards the end of the first day of the sale in Lots 268 to 275.

Sires represented are Glenlands D Rhyddings, Glenlands Substitute, Connor Enis, Rondel Korageous, Rondel PK and Vale View Roper, backed up by dams sired by Glen Fosslyn 02/629, Rocky View 714, Glenlands I Spy (Kingaroy), Vale View Oscar and Vale View Playboy, all providing plenty of depth of breeding within.

YARALLA Yaralla has a proven track record of award winning genetics that convert to commercial success with Grand Championship winners at Beef Week in 2003, 2006, 2012 and 2015. Yaralla Droughtmaster Stud was established in 1968 with the purchase of foundation sires Konjuli August and Bluehaze Everest. Through the stud’s strategic acquisition and selective breeding program the Yaralla stud is committed to producing quality bulls with an emphasis on fertility, temperament and feed conversion in grassfed and feedlot operations. Yaralla Droughtmasters has a proven track record of award winning genetics that convert to commercial success with Grand Championship winners at Beef Week in 2003, 2006, 2012 and 2015. The genetics that produced these winners are the same genetics that produced this year’s DN Sale team.

This year Yaralla Droughtmasters are proud to present 16 bulls that will be selling on day two as lots 437 to 452. Sires represented in this year’s team are Yaralla Olaf (three bulls), Yaralla Lawton (three bulls), Yaralla Norton (two bulls) and Yaralla Omo (two bulls). Other sires represented are Yaralla Maxwell, Yaralla Milan and Yaralla Oakley, Locarno Hunter and Needmor 613.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

SALE PREVIEW

Fertility focus paying off for Clonlara Clonlara will offer 75 commercially focused rising two year old bulls at their 29th annual on property sale on Wednesday, September 20, at Dilga, Glenmorgan.

These bulls have been selected as the lead performers from the Clonlara herd which is geared towards turning off steers for the heavy feeder or heavy pasture fed markets.

This breeding program was given a vote of confidence when Clonlara steers tasted success at the 2017 Dalby Feeder Show and Sale, where they won the Grand Champion pen from a yarding of 1769 head. These 18 month old steers weighed 478kg, selling for 352c/kg, to return $1683/head.

The McCormack family continue to place a heavy focus on fertility, calving heifers at two years of age and requiring every female to produce a live calf annually to stay in the breeding herd. They are also committed to providing semen morphology results on every bull offered in the sale, and see this as a valuable tool in improving overall fertility in the herd.

The sale bulls have been vet checked by Ced Wise and vaccinated for vibriosis, 3 day sickness, botulism and 5 in 1 vaccine. They are also tested PI negative for Pestivirus. Free delivery is available to Roma, Dalby, Goondiwindi and en route to Gracemere Saleyards.

Once again a large proportion of Polled sires will be offered including sons of exciting new sires Medway Up to Date and Glen Fosslyn Houston. Locarno Gus progeny will again be a feature of the sale

Buyers Emma Warne and Nick Hancock, Jembrae Droughtmasters, Casino, NSW with 2016 sale topper Clonlara 1552 (P) and vendor Gus McCormack, Clonlara Droughtmasters, Dilga, Glenmorgan.

along with the last offering of Vale View Todd sons. Other sires represented in the sale include Clonlara sires Ace, Dooley, Digger and 13352 along with Huntly Kane and Glenlands Postmark.

Inspection of sale bulls and the entire Clonlara operation can be organised at any time leading up to the sale. The sale catalogue along with photos of most lots will be available online at www. clonlara.com.au from early September.

Buying Valera Vale bulls makes cents The Flynn family has been breeding commercial Droughtmasters for nearly fifty years and chose the breed for their market flexibility and environmental adaptation.

Over the years this faith in the ability of the breed has been reinforced and today the Valera Vale herd reflects the gains of decades of intense selection solely for those attributes that drive the profitability of commercial cattle enterprises.

Valera Vale is a 223km² Buffel block in South West Qld, otherwise known as “Heartbreak Corner”. The Valera Vale stud has clients throughout Northern Australia including Western Australia with the bulls demonstrating the adaptability produced by selection for performance in a real world commercial environment.

In 2017 the stud will market nearly 500 bulls including 177 auction bulls being prepared by Len Gibbs and the team at Muan, Biggenden.

These bulls are on a silage based ration. Eleven will be offered at the Fitzroy Crossing (WA) sale on August 25, 10 are catalogued for the Roma Tropical Breeds Sale in October, with the rest destined for the annual Valera Vale on-property sale on September 8. These bulls are backed by a thorough vaccination program and health and soundness checks including BJD check tests. Performance data on grass and during preparation will be supplied.

Once again the Valera Vale auction bulls will all be backed up by Semen Morphology testing. The Flynn’s are convinced this is a very important protocol for increasing pregnancy rates and the increases in conception recorded in the Valera Vale herd since adopting this testing regime are convincing. Bulls purchased at the Valera Vale Sale will be delivered free to any major centre in Qld, or helped home by freight rebates of $250/bull for NT and WA and $150 for NSW clients.

New format for Roma Tropical This is an exciting new concept which has been embraced by the 30 vendors, many of whom are among the leading studs in Australia. An additional 36 Droughtmaster bulls have been catalogued to make up for the Brahman’s non-attendance this year.

Everything else about the sale remains the same, particularly, the style of bulls – beefy, robust and active sires which represent great value for money.

The 21st Annual Tropical Bull Sale at Roma will see a different format this year.

After 20 years as a joint sale with both Droughtmaster and Brahman bulls on offer, this year the sale will be a single breed sale with 166 Droughtmaster bulls on offer.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

The Sale is booked for Roma Saleyards at 9am on Friday, October 20.

All buyers are invited to the Meet and Greet on the Thursday afternoon before the sale for complimentary refreshments and finger food.

Contact the Society for further details or log on to www. romadroughtmasters.com.au or visit the Roma Droughtmaster Facebook page www.facebook.com/romadroughtmasters/.

August 2017

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12 NOON, WEDNESDAY

6 SEPTEMBER 2017 th

SPRINGSURE SHOWGROUNDS

PESTI VIRUS FREE MORPHOLOGY

FREE DELIVERY – OR – BUYER REBATES

CONDITIONS APPLY

$100/BULL FOR 6 OR MORE BULLS

JBAS SCORE 7 – WA ELIGIBLE

BULL WALK INSPECTIONS WELCOME ANYTIME

SATURDAY 26 th AUGUST 10AM–5PM

SPRINGSURE

EMERALD

BILOELA

ROCKHAMPTON

Rod Carpenter 0428 736 593 Randal Spann 0429 700 332

CONTACT TERRY PIGGOTT Aldinga Park, Rolleston 07 4984 4568 PADDOCK SALES AVAILABLE

Don Tucker 0428 841 666 Robert Murray 0419 644 813

NOFFKE’S RURAL SPRINGSURE John Noffke 0409 054 097

CATALOGUES Elders Springsure 0749 841 277 PREVIEW www.aldingadroughtmasters.com

AW3296689

GRACEMERE SALEYARDS

SALE PREVIEW

Comprehensive data and industry relevance from Glenlands 180

By Kent Ward

A

ttached to this years offering at the annual Glenlands Sale, September 22, Bouldercombe is even greater list of comprehensive data and information. This years offering of 180 ‘commercially and industry relevant’ males will be bolstered by the inclusion of Homozygous Polled, Heterozygous Polled and Homozygous Horned tested data.

“We’re endeavoring to provide the buying public with the most comprehensive set of fertility and clinical tests, aided by a physical product backed by a mammoth set of nutritional, scientific and technological additions which equates to more certainty and security in our end product,” Darren Childs said.

“Add to this the provision of Group Breedplan figures, Reproductive Matrix (RM) figures and our 2017 offering includes an offering fully prepared and conditioned for work after sale day.”

Other features synonymous with the Glenlands offering include a silage preparation, carcase ultra sounds, performance recorded data, dam breeding histories.

“All of these factors enhances the calibre and the quality of the cattle we offer.

“We continue to subject our cattle to some of the most thorough, stringent, rigorous and procedural tests when it comes to fertility and data collection.”

The 2017 sale team is drawn from the largest performance recorded Droughtmaster prefix in Australia, the 180 bulls are sourced from a sire/gene pool of over 50 registered sires and a breeding nucleus of in excess of 2100 registered females. This year’s sale draft is the youngest draft of bulls yet presented by the Childs family. Early pointers indicate and emerging figures point to even further gains in terms of performance, raw data,

Glenlands Upton (P) is just one of the award winning and outstanding led bulls that head the catalogue offering of 180 bulls destined for the annual Glenlands Droughtmaster Sale. The youngster is pictured here with Tayla Childs, Glenlands Stud.

phenotype, genetic strength, potential sire material, commercial relevance, consistency and strength.

This years catalogue commences with a led team that includes bulls from the highly successful 2016/2017 show team including Feature Show, regional, Interbreed and Royal show winners.

Bunya’s the sensible bull buying choice

T

he fourth annual Bunya Bull Sale will be held on September 2 at the Coolabunia Sale Complex, Kingaroy.

Buyers should be marking the calendar and planning to attend if they are serious about their breeding programs.

A total of 104 quality bulls from 26 vendors will showcase the genetic diversity available at this offering.

This sale is again covered by the Droughtmaster Society “Endorsed Sale” status giving buyers the confidence that these bulls have met strict selection and performance standards.

This years offering will contain over 100 Polled/Scurred Bulls and over 35% of the yarding are eligible to travel to WA, from Check tested herds.

The Bunya Bull Sale is the sensible choice when purchasing bulls this season.

As in previous years the sale draft will be pre-scratched for ease of movement to clean areas on sale day.

It offers the largest selection, most diverse gene pool and is easily the best value for money bull sale in South East Queensland.

Free delivery to Gympie, Biggenden, Eidsvold, Toogoolawah and Dalby will be available following the sale.

Ryan Trott, Sue Trott with Robyn Roberton By-Mingo Droughtmaster Stud, and Midge Thompson Aussie Land & Livestock with the 2016 top price bull By-Mingo Oscar (P).

All bulls will be penned and available for inspection from 3pm Friday, September 1, and prospective purchasers are invited to stay on for food and refreshments from 5pm.

The cream rises to the top

T

he Annual Cream of the Crop Female Sale will be held on November 25 at Coolabunia Selling Complex, Kingaroy.

Prospective vendors are asked to contact Bunya Sales chairman, Graham Brown for entry forms.

Conducted by the Bunya Sales Group, the committee is aiming for a draft of 100 quality females for this year’s fixture.

Graham can be reached on (07) 41 686 249, 0427 779 707 or you can email your enquiry to graham@rsvpdroughtmaster.com.au.

Last years sale was a resounding success with cows and calves topping at $10,000 and heifers to $7000.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

Midge Thompson, purchasers Beth and Remy Streeter and vendor John Scott with the $10,000 2016 sale top price getter Rocky View 1489, with heifer calf at foot. Picture: Tennille Hughes.

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ARTESIAN SALE 10 BULLS 1pm Monday 9 October Blackall Saleyards

© kentbward.com © ruraldesign.com.au

Dean & Julie Allen ‘Tarcombe’ Longreach Qld 4730 07 4658 5315 0427 962 439 WESTERNREDDROUGHTMASTERS.COM

SALE PREVIEW

Glen Fosslyn’s Top 60 Sale

G

len Fosslyn Droughtmasters will again offer 60 select pasture prepared rising two-year-old sires at their 12th annual Bull Sale being held at the Roma Saleyards on Friday, August 25 from 11am.

the registered bulls and heifers, with the sale team having well above breed average growth figures, with 12 bulls in the top 5% of the breed for 600 day growth and several being in the top 1%.

Also on offer will be 10 registered heifers, nine of which are PTIC to Vale View Yogi Bear, the 2016 Performance Plus sale topper, and three semen packages will be offered from Calioran Reynold, Billabong Toshi and Minlacowie Bold Baron.

Meeting current requirements the Glen Fosslyn herd is now JBAS level 7, NT and WA eligible for interstate buyers.

This year’s sale draft is among the best ever presented in the studs history. The young bulls are backed by 29 generations of stud pedigree and data, along with another 20 of commercial breeding.

All of these years of breeding have led to a general focus on producing balanced ‘allround’ practical and profitable cattle. EBV data and objective measurements are available on

There will be 42 registered and 18 herd bulls presented. This draft comes from a power packed line up of Glen Fosslyn Sires that includes 05/204, Exelby , Frontier 70; as well as Calioran Reynold, Billabong Victory and Carlton Goanna.

Standout sire Glen Fosslyn Frontier 70 has 15 sons in the sale. This easy doing, polled allrounder has calves with low birth weights and very good growth rates thereafter.

The draft has been vet checked to and above the ACV standards by Surat Vet Jane

Lot 2 Glen Fosslyn Kosciuszko is just one of the 60 select pasture prepared rising two-year-old sires being offered at the 12th annual Glen Fosslyn Bull Sale.

Mactier, with scanning by David Reid. All bulls on offer are vaccinated for Tick Fever, 5-in-1 & 3 Day. Supplementary sheets will be on the GlenFosslyn website as well as photos and an online catalogue. Inspections are always welcome by contacting the vendors, Landmark or Elders Roma. Please visit the website www.glenfosslyn.com.au or follow the stud on facebook.

Top selection ready for Cap Sale

T

he Cap Droughtmaster Bull Sale will be held at CQLX Gracemere from 10am on Monday, September 4, 2017. The 90 stud and herd Bulls will be presented by Glenavon and CMC Studs and will be offered with carcase scans, semen tests and a vendor guarantee on fertility.

Neither stud has ever trimmed a bull’s foot before sale and all bulls been bred on forest country. Both studs come with an enviable reputation for producing bulls with natural muscling, doing ability and temperament

and they’ve both built a strong reputation in the carcase and prime cattle arena in Central Queensland over many decades.

The vendors bear in mind that bulls come prepared for a long and productive working life and aren’t overfed as seen at many multi-vendor sales. Free delivery to most selling centres is available, conditions apply.

Bulls will be available for inspection at the saleyards with light refreshments the afternoon prior to the sale or at any time on property by contacting the vendors.

Purchaser Jason Barnard, GJ Pastoral, Caldy Droughtmasters, Monto and vendor John Atkinson, Glenavon Droughtmasters with the equal $20,000 top price bull of the 2016 Cap Sale Glenavon Starmaker (H) (D4)

Aldinga bulls to suit all buyers

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ldinga Droughtmasters will hold their 29th annual Piggott Bull Sale this year on September 6 at the Springsure Showgrounds.

The stud has a JBAS 7 score, and bulls are eligible for Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

Providing bull buyers with as much useful informations as possible for their bull purchases is a high priority for Aldinga Droughtmasters.

Stud Principal Terry Piggott said all sale bulls have been semen and morphology tested; Horn Poll tested; DNA sampled to confirm paternity and have tested Pesti Virus free.

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“They are a good even line of bulls that will suit stud buyers and commercial breeders,” Terry said.

“There are quite a few young bulls in the draft this year but they are there because they have made the grade for temperament, conformation and tidy underlines. They are good bulls.”

As usual the stud is offering free delivery to the Gracemere Saleyards just prior to the Droughtmaster National Sale or a buyer rebate of $100 for purchasers of six or more bulls.

You can find out more at www.aldingadroughtmasters.com or find Aldinga Droughtmasters on Facebook.

John Ticknell, Gympie, and Aldinga Droughtmaster’s principal Terry Piggot stand in front of top-priced bull Aldinga Gesture, who sold to Mr Ticknell for $20,000 during the 2016 sale.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

Annual on Property Sale - September 8 AW3290306

140 2 YO Bulls | Semen Morphology Tested | JBAS7, WA Eligible Free Freight QLD, $250 Rebate to WA & NT

Fitzroy Crossing Sale - August 25 Western Australia | 11 Bulls

Roma Tropical Sale - October 20 Roma | 10 Bulls

valeravaledroughtmasters.com.au Michael Flynn | 0427 705 760

SALE PREVIEW

Artesian supports the West

B

lackall is once again hosting the annual Artesian Droughtmaster Bull Sale on Monday October 9 from 1pm.

2017 marks the ninth year of the sale showing the commitment of the vendor group to supply Western Queensland with quality bulls.

The group has welcomed into the sale Locarno Droughtmasters, who need no introduction to the seed stock industry.

A group initiative this year will be ‘Vendors Choice’ which will highlight a number of bulls throughout the catalogue which the vendor feels have real sire appeal to stud buyers.

For many years the Artesian Sale has produced top sires which go on to produce some of the best and most consistent bloodlines in the breed which have gone into many of the breeds leading studs.

Paul and Paula Russell of Locarno near Dingo have been breeding some of the best Droughtmaster genetics for many years and will be a welcome addition to the Artesian team.

Once again the Artesian Sale is proudly supporting the RFDS with 10% of the winning bid from a select bull from each stud going to the charity. 2017 will mark the fifth year of such donations and to date have raised $11,300.

A total of 90 bulls will be catalogued from six studs: Glenlands, Clonlara, Medway, Yaralla, Locarno and Western Red.

Sale sponsors are Ringrose Button Accountants, Alpha Merchandise, TJO Grassroots Consulting, Rural Supplements,

2017 marks the ninth year of the Artesian Sale showing the commitment of the vendor group to supply Western Queensland with quality bulls.

Jordon Transport Services, Greensteel, Proway Livestock Equipment & KID Livestock Haulage.

A complimentary lunch will be served prior to the sale with catering provided by the local ICPA. Drinks post sale will also be available.

Powerhouse draft set for Performance Plus Sale

A

n extensive list of performance measurements ensures buyers can bid with confidence at the fourth annual Performance Plus sale being held on-property at High Country Droughtmasters on the August 26, from 11am.

Horn/Poll testing, morphology testing, Breedplan data, J-Bas 7 status, thorough vaccinations, Veterinary Bull Breeding soundness exams, eye muscle area and intramuscular fat measurements are just some of the points that will ensure you’re buying a thoroughly tested and guaranteed article.

Overwhelming feedback from previous purchasers has secured this sale as a source of cattle that are fertile, productive and prepared to perform with excellent temperaments.

A wide range of quality genetics from an outstanding 29 different sires from High Country and Vale View Droughtmasters will be offered as 56 bulls, 30 registered females and 10 commercial females are presented for your purchase.

With over 300 people attending last year, the sale committee have increased the amount

of seating, again offering you a comfortable and enjoyable sale under our all weather sale complex.

Further information including photos, the online catalogue and individual lot information can be found at www.ppsale. com.au or the Performance Plus, High Country and Vale View Facebook sites.

Cattle will be penned and available for inspection at the sale complex from 2pm, Friday August 25.

Cracking catalogue set for Central Reds Sale

T

he Central Reds Droughtmaster Bull and Female Sale will again be held at the Emerald Saleyards but on the new date of Tuesday, September 5, kicking off at 10:30am.

to the sale and a supplementary sheet will be available on sale day providing semen test results, scrotal circumference, weight, eye muscle area and IMF scans and poll gene test results.

Sale vendors Fernleigh, Christmas Creek, Wolfang, Wolfang TJ and Mostyndale studs are proud to present a catalogue of 70 bulls and 10 registered Droughtmaster heifers.

All bulls come from properties with a JBAS 7 and are eligible for entry into Western Australia and are pre-treated for ticks.

“Once again we invite buyers to join us for a complimentary hot breakfast commencing from 7.30am on sale day courtesy of our Partners ANZ,” sale president, Cec Pelling said.

All bulls are offered with an Accredited Cattle Vet bull soundness evaluation, semen test and structural assessment prior

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Bulls and heifers will be available for inspection at the Emerald Saleyards from 4pm on Monday, September 4.

Further details can be found on the website www.centralreds.com.

The Central Reds would like to acknowledge their Major Partners, Rees R and Sydney

Sale vendors Fernleigh, Christmas Creek, Wolfang, Wolfang TJ and Mostyndale studs will present a catalogue of 70 bulls and 10 registered Droughtmaster heifers at the Central Reds Droughtmaster Bull and Female Sale.

Jones, Christmas and Volling, Clipex, Farm and Garden and ANZ for their ongoing support.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

N U L NATURAL

selection

SELLING BULLS AT ROMA TROPICAL SALE 20 OCTOBER 2017 Roger and Jenny Underwood • Eversleigh & Wallace Vale Droughtmasters, ‘Pine Hills’ Wallumbilla | Ph 0488 417 385

WWW.EVERSLEIGHDROUGHTMASTERS.COM.AU

NEXT GENERATION

Young Breed Leaders workshop gets Tick of Approval

By Lucy Kinbacher

The first Australian Registered Cattle Breeds Association Young Breed Leaders workshop was given a resounding tick of approval from attendees but they were left asking, when is the next one?

While the beef industry has countless cattle schools and showing camps available for young enthusiasts, the age acceptance usually stops at 25 leaving those outside of the age bracket feeling forgotten.

Droughtmaster Australia sponsored three young Droughtmaster folk to attend the workshop. Leonie Nichols, Anna Hicks and Lawrence Shemish-Lahey were selected as the Droughtmaster delegates.

The two day workshop was designed to bring together young folk from all breeds to discuss the seedstock industry and its future direction.

More than 40 delegates from about 15 breeds discussed some of the topical challenges facing breed societies and the seedstock sector and were asked to suggest strategies to overcome those challenges.

ARCBA are keen to harness the skills and enthusiasm of people in the 20 to 35 year age group as future leaders of their respective breed societies and the general seedstock industry. The calibre of delegates was outstanding and augers well for the future of the seedstock industry. Fairfax Media were major sponsors of the event and presented a comprehensive report on proceedings with the publication of a post event liftout.

One of the presentations which created much discussion by the workshop participants aged 20-35 years, asked the participants how to create generational change in the seedstock industry to create more management opportunities for young breeders.

Droughtmaster delegates at the Young Breed Leaders workshop were Lawrence Shemish-Lahey, Leonie Nichols, Anna Hicks.

Experience, tenure, intimidation and financial restraints were seen to be barriers for people their age moving up the beef ladder.

In order to combat these challenge, delegates responded with ideas including mentor programs that would pair young people with someone further down the supply chain, to consider succession planning within breed societies and add young board members.

Droughtmaster delegate Lawrence Shemish-Lacey was also one of 15 applicants for ARCBA’s Scholarship to spend four weeks in the USA next year.

Lawrence got into the final four, but unfortunately missed out on the scholarship which was awarded to 33 year old Angus breeder Brad Cavanagh from Hardin, NSW.

ROMA SALEYARDS - FRI 20 OCTOBER 2017

166 BULLS ON OFFER ONLINE SALE CATALOGUE: WWW.ROMADROUGHTMASTERS.COM.AU 40

August 2017

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

NEWS

Farogan Valley Chief stars at Gympie Feature Show

By Martin Bunyard

A

total of 160 head of cattle were exhibited at the southern Droughtmaster Feature Show held at Gympie on Thursday, May 18.

Taking on the tough job of choosing the champions was judge David Greenup, Rosevale Santa Gertrudis, Jandowae and associate judge Megan Krause from Miles in western Queensland.

“They have a fair cross section of studs from a large area represented in the feature show,” Mr Greenup said.

The first champion of the day was bull calf Payola Falcon 209, Payola Droughtmasters, and Female Calf Champion was won by Bryvonlea Princess May, Bryvonlea Droughtmasters while the reserve champion was Glenlands Vanna.

The Junior Champion Bull was awarded to Farogan Valley Chief, Farogan Valley Droughtmasters and Reserve Champion Junior Bull was Glenlands Voltage.

The Junior Champion Female was awarded to Glenlands Vanetta and Reserve Junior Champion Female went to Bryvonlea Swan 2.

Supreme Droughtmaster Exhibit was Farogan Valley Chief held by Les Lee with owners Sarah and Nick Hughes, Farogan Valley Droughtmasters, Upper Kandanga.

The overall Grand Champion Female was awarded to the senior cow Farogan Valley Aura with a bull calf at foot.

Overall, the Grand Champion Droughtmaster bull went to the junior champion Farogan Valley Chief.

With the final Supreme Exhibit to be judged it came down to a decision between full brother and sister, Farogan Valley Chief (bull) and Farogan Valley Aura (cow and calf), owned by Nick and Sarah Hughes, Farogan Valley Droughtmasters, Upper Kandanga. Both were out of Farogan Valley owned cow called Pine Valley 2801 and sired

by Strathfield XXXX Gold.

The Senior Champion Female was Farogan Valley Aura with Reserve Champion Female going to Nindethana Giselle.

The 21-month-old Farogan Valley Chief bull was awarded the 2017 Supreme Champion Droughtmaster Exhibit.

Senior Champion Bull of the Droughtmaster Feature Show was Glenlands Unlimited and Reserve Champion Bull was Carnudge Eugene Fitzherbert, Carnudge Droughtmasters.

Heck’s play host to hospitality awards finalists

By Matt Sherrington

B

rian and Yvonne Heck, Bryvonlea Droughtmasters, Glastonbury Creek, played host to the finalists in the Electrolux Appetite for Excellence program in July.

Appetite for Excellence is Australia’s only national hospitality awards program that recognises and awards talented chefs, waiters and restaurateurs who will make up the next generation of industry leaders.

More than 20 guests from South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland arrived at Bryvonlea on July 5 as part of a produce tour. The tour is taking the group around the state so they can get a better insight into where the ingredients they use come from.

“We had a discussion with the group on the importance of seedstock cattle as we’re stud breeders,” Yvonne said.

“We also talked about the flavour benefits of grass fed cattle, and showed them our sale bulls that will go to commercial and stud herds around Australia which will eventually become the beef end product they use on a daily basis.”

Yvonne said it was great to see so many young enthusiastic people on the tour.

“They were very interested in what we’re doing, and it gave them an idea of where their produce comes from.

“They also visited several meatworks and feedlots, it’s a great way for them to get to know primary producers, and the role they play in the paddock to plate chain.”

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

Brian and Yvonne Heck (centre) with the Appetite for Excellence tour group who visited Bryvonlea Droughtmaster Stud in early July.

Now in our 12th year, the program continues to inspire young culinary talent by providing money-can’t-buy educational opportunities, unique experiences and enviable prizes, with the ultimate objective of creating a sustainable industry for young professionals and the industry alike.

The Electrolux Appetite for Excellence application process commences in January each year and culminates in the crowning of the young chef, young waiter and young restaurateur of the year, which in 2017 will take place in August during a star-studded awards night in Sydney.”

August 2017

41

TECHNICAL

Northern BIN Steer Project update

Figure 1: Locations of the properties of interest in the Northern BIN Steer Project.

To date 388 Droughtmaster steers by 44 Droughtmaster sires have been purchased by the Northern BIN Steer Project.

T

before being slaughtered at John Dee Abattoir in Warwick. The 2015 steers were backgrounded on Tawarri near Middlemount and transferred to Smithfield Feedlot on the 23rd of February 2017 to be finished for 105 days. The 2016 born steers have been transferred to Tawarri near Middlemount and are currently being backgrounded at Tawarri and will be sent to Smithfield Feedlot for finishing.

he Droughtmaster Stud Breeders’ Society (DSBS) and the Australian Brahman Breeders’ Association (ABBA) are currently conducting a joint progeny test project with funding assistance from the Meat & Livestock Australia Donor Company under the Beef Information Nucleus (BIN) program. This joint Northern BIN Steer Project has utilised the steer progeny from a second MLA funded project ‘Enabling genetic improvement of reproduction in tropical beef breeds (Repronomics)’. The Northern BIN Steer Project will provide data which will assist in generating data linking DNA with actual performance as well as the future implementation of a MultiBreed database and a future Tropical crossbred analysis. This is possible as the Brahman and Droughtmaster steers in the Northern BIN Steer Project have been run together since birth, having only been split during the joining period of their dams.

To date 388 Droughtmaster steers by 44 Droughtmaster sires have been purchased by the Northern BIN Steer Project. The sires of these steers are either proven sires with a large number of registered progeny (few of which have been performance recorded with BREEDPLAN) or young up and coming bulls. The steers are either by AI or natural matings out of highly recorded Droughtmaster cows from Spyglass Research Station (which came originally from Swans Lagoon). The first steers to be purchased by the Northern BIN Steer Project were from the 2013 drop, with steers from the 2014, 2015 and 2016 drops subsequently purchased.

The 2013 steer progeny were purchased in February 2015 and transferred to Smithfield Feedlot (Proston). Here they were finished on a grain ration for 110 days before being slaughtered at John Dee Abattoir in Warwick. The 2014 steers, also purchased in February 2015, were sent to Banana Station to be backgrounded until they reached feedlot entry weight. In February 2016, these 2014 born steers were sent to Smithfield Feedlot. Here they were fed on grain for 110 days

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August 2017

Both 400 and 600 day weights have been or will be collected for all steers. Structural soundness assessments were also conducted on these animals. Steers were scanned for rib fat, rump fat and eye muscle area (EMA). Full MSA chiller assessments have been conducted on the steer carcases, and meat samples from all steer carcases analysed by the UNE Meat Science Lab for tenderness, cooking loss, meat colour and intramuscular fat (IMF). All data collected as part of the Northern BIN Steer Project will be submitted to BREEDPLAN. Tail hairs and blood samples were collected from all steers as a source of DNA information for future development and validation of genomic based technologies.

Slaughter data on the 2013 and 2014 calving drop are presented in Table 1 and Table 2 and summarises the minimum, maximum and average 2013 and 2014 born Droughtmaster steer dataset for a number of traits. There is large variation in all of the carcase traits, with carcase weight at slaughter varying by 128kg, P8 fat varying by 23mm and Eye Muscle Area varying by 47cm2 for the 2013 born steers.

Analysis of the average progeny carcase weight for the seven sires of the 2013 Droughtmaster steers shows considerable variation, as seen in Figure 2. The sire with the heaviest average progeny carcase weights produced steers that averaged 331kg, while the sire with the lowest average progeny carcase weights produced steers that Continued on page 46

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

TECHNICAL

Continued from page 44

average 296kg. The difference in average progeny carcase weight between these two sires is 35kg, which results in an average difference of approximately $200 in the sale price between the progeny of the two sires. Since all these steers have been together since birth the results are directly comparable.

Shear Force, a measure of tenderness, is measured using the Warner-Bratzler shear force test. The unit of measurement is kilograms of force needed to shear a one cubic centimetre muscle sample. Analysis of the average progeny Shear Force for the seven sires of the 2013 Droughtmaster steers shows considerable variation, as seen in Figure 3. There is an average one kilogram difference in shear force between the progeny of the sire with the highest average progeny Shear Force and the sire with the lowest average progeny Shear Force. Importantly, this is the first carcase data to be collected in the Droughtmaster breed that will go onto the BREEDPLAN analysis. The variation between Droughtmaster sires is almost a mirror image of the variation between Brahman sires.

The Northern BIN Steer Project will provide vital carcase data information that will assist in the future incorporation of validating genomics for these traits. For more information on the Northern BIN Steer Project please contact Paul Williams from Tropical Beef Technology Services on 0427 018 982 or via email paul@tbts.une.edu.au.

2013 born Spyglass steers at John Dee in August 2015.

Carcase Weight (kg)

P8 (mm)

Rib (mm)

EMA (cm2)

IMF (%)

Shear Force (kg)

Min

248

7

2

58

1.2

2.7

Max

376

30

18

105

6.9

6.3

Av

307

14.6

7.6

77

3.15

3.87

Table 1: Summary of the slaughter data for the Spyglass 2013 steers.

Carcase Weight (kg)

P8 (mm)

Rib (mm)

EMA (cm2)

IMF (%)

Shear Force (kg)

Min

216

7

4

63

1.7

2.8

Max

384

32

19

100

5.9

6.23

Av

330

15

10

82

3.3

4.3

Table 2: Summary of the slaughter data for the Spyglass 2014 steers.

Figure 2: Average Progeny Carcase Weight (kg) for the sires of the 2013 Droughtmaster steers in the Northern BIN Steer Project.

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August 2017

Figure 3: Average Progeny Shear Force (kg) for the sires of the 2013 Droughtmaster steers in the Northern BIN Steer Project.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

RIDGIE DIDGE Selling 4 Bulls DN Sale 3 SIRED BY CRAIGLEA HENRY

Craiglea Henry Henry was purchased in 2014 at the DN sale as an 18 month old weighing an impressive 805kgs with 130ema. In 2015, after 6 months in the paddock with 40 stud and commercial females, Henry was back at Craiglea preparing for Beef. Hitting 960kgs at just 25 months old, Henry won Senior Champion Droughtmaster Bull.

Just like Henry, his progeny carry impressive weight for age, depth, thickness and bone.

Cash the Cheque (P) Lot 188 Dam - Magnum Elvira (P)(ET)(AI)

Crowd Control (S) Lot 189 Dam - Locarno Ivory (H)

Inspections anytime by appointment

Counter Meal (S) Lot 190 Dam - Wajatryn 3-220-H (H)

Chris & Hailey Heness 5224 Burnett Highway Goomeri QLD 4168 4031 ~ 0448 681 060 AW3238672

COMMERCIAL

Woolcocks lock in winning MSA formula

By Emma Boughen, Meat & Livestock Australia

Mostyndale snapshot: Name and location of your property: Mostyndale Enterprise: Beef and cropping Livestock: Droughtmaster cattle Pasture types: Natural forest grasses and improved buffel grass pasture Annual rainfall: 600mm

C

entral Queensland grazier Kevin Woolcock believes he has found the formula to turning off Droughtmaster cattle that consistently meet Meat Standards Australia (MSA) requirements.

Kevin is the fourth generation grazier at Mostyndale, found just 16km north-east of Springsure, which he runs with his wife Leesa and their three children.

Droughtmaster weaners bred on Mostyndale. Photo by Leesa Woolcock.

The Pasturefed Cattle Assurance System (PCAS) property where Kevin and Leesa run a commercial Droughtmaster herd and stud is intersected by Springsure Creek and boasts a diverse landscape ranging from sandstone and lancewood ridges to developed Brigalow and softwood scrub.

The Woolcocks adopted MSA almost a decade ago to capitalise on the premiums on offer for top quality product, and to gain a deeper understanding of the eating quality potential of their herd.

Bolstering his herd with “soft, easy doing bulls” Kevin said he looked for bulls with even P8 and rib fat scans and higher intramuscular fat (IMF) percentage scans.

The Woolcock family at the front entrance to Mostyndale.

Photo by Edwina Robertson (Rural Tribe).

“People shy off bulls that lay down fat, but if the fat is distributed throughout the meat as marbling then it’s a desirable trait for any commercial producer targeting the MSA market, and also means easier finishing for the progeny,” Kevin said.

“We follow our MSA feedback very closely and have recently started using“myMSA”, a fantastic tool we use to benchmark our cattle against others from the same region, state or nationally, which helps us to get an idea of how our cattle are performing compared to others.

“There is always room for improvement, which is why “myMSA” is so important, because it shows us those specifics that we can work on to increase our MSA compliance.”

A Mostyndale bred PCAS steer on oats. Photo by Leesa Woolcock.

The Woolcocks breed, grow and fatten their own cattle and believe access to clean water and fodder right up until the time the cattle are loaded onto the truck is important as it can significantly improve MSA compliance.

The Woolcocks finish their PCAS cattle on grazing oats in the winter and dolicus in summer, as seasons permit.

“In my opinion, Droughtmasters are a very cost-efficient, low maintenance breed. They have proven their ability to survive and maintain fertility through the dry years and still perform well with MSA compliance at the end,” Kevin said.

“Our high MSA results are also a reflection of our commitment to low-stress handling.”

A picture of varying shades of green, Mostyndale, is a far cry from the drought in 2014 that led the Woolcocks to build their own National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme (NFAS) feedlot, effectively droughtproofing their property.

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August 2017

“[The feedlot] allows us to turn off finished cattle in dry conditions and frees up paddocks for younger cattle,” Kevin said.

In 2017 their 100-day grainfed steers were fed a barley based ration which they harvested off the back of a wet winter in 2016.

Cull heifers are grown out on improved buffel grass pastures and marketed as MSA and PCAS-certified to Teys at 18-24 months.

“We stopped using HGPs in our steers in 2015 and have been able to target our steers to the PCAS market and have also seen an improvement in our MSA Index,” Kevin said.

“99 per cent of our PCAS steers sold off the dolicus crop in May this year graded MSA with 98pc meeting our buyers eating quality specifications.”

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

110 Droughtmaster Bulls

“Just good Business”

 HAMADRA  NEEDMOR  M E D WAY  RONDEL

13th October, 2017 Capella Showgrounds Undercover Arena

Sale Co-ordinator Kerri McKenzie 0439 826 276

www.bullzeyedroughtmasters.com

 SUGERLAND  SKYE  LOCARNO  SC

“I n the Beef Business” Gold Sponsors HHH P ar tners, Landmark , The Bottlebrush Motel

NEWS

ALIC visit strengthens ties

T

ies between Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and Japan’s Agriculture and Livestock Industries Corporation (ALIC) have been strengthened through the 25th annual Beef Talks visit held in April.

The ALIC organisation is affiliated with the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture and has a long-standing relationship with MLA. MLA Japan and Korea International Business Manager Andrew Cox said the visits from ALIC (occurring since 1987) were a significant part of the two companies’ regular information exchanges.

“The purpose of the visits is to help build greater understanding about topics such as future supply and policy,” Mr Cox said.

The group arrived in Australia on April 10 where they met with MLA’s Chair, as well as MLA’s Manager of Market Information Services, Ben Thomas, who provided the latest update on the Australian red meat markets.

The Japanese delegation also participated in a paddock-to-plate tour of the South East Queensland beef industry. This included a tour of Tom Edwards’ Droughtmaster operation at Kalbar, and the Meat Standards Australia (MSA) registered Brisbane Valley Feedlot at Buaraba on the edge of the Lockyer Valley.

Jess the dog, Tom, Paul and Craig Edwards, Wataru Miyasaka (ALIC President), Hiroyuki Kobayashi (ALIC Executive Chief Director), Masayoshi Kinoshita (ALIC Senior Coordinator Research Department) and Ryosuke Taketani (ALIC Researcher).

Tom Edwards said the knowledge gained from these visits was important for the future of the red meat industries in both countries.

“I know we have learnt from them, and I have high hopes that they come away with a message from us as well,” Mr Edwards said.

The tour followed the process through to the retail shelf with a visit to Schultes Meat Tavern and Woolworths at Plainlands.

The delegation was thankful for the opportunity to participate in the tour, and came away with valuable experience from the visit.

TECHNICAL

Genetics in focus at Lisgar

M

ore than 95 people attended a major genetics field day on Thursday, April 20, at Robert and Donna Rea’s Lisgar Station.

The event showcased major research projects and genetic practice designed to improve Queensland cattle herds.

Results and research updates from the national and international multi-partner projects, ‘Next Gen’, ‘Smart Futures’, ‘Repronomics’ and the Beef CRC were presented, and the practical application of genetic technologies from two properties, Lisgar Droughtmasters at Gumlu and Salisbury Plains Grazing Brangus at Bowen, were presented and discussed.

The research update and applications of these were presented by a number of specialists and included information on growth, fertility, carcase traits, ultrasound scanning, semen quality, bull selection and managing pastures.

The afternoon session included an inspection of Lisgar’s Droughtmaster cattle in the yards. Results of “designer breeding”, as Robert calls it, were presented and discussed.“Graziers who do not use the technology available today are missing out on profits,” Robert said.

Through the use of genetic technologies, Lisgar cattle are • Getting heavier younger

The genetics field day at Lisgar Station, Gumlu, showcased major research projects and genetic practice designed to improve Queensland cattle herds.

“Producers need to set breeding objectives for their herd, then select a breed and bulls within the breed to meet those objectives.

“From the Lisgar examples on the day and our own experiences, what you see in a bull, is not necessarily what you get in the progeny.

The important point is to “Measure and monitor.”

Demand for fully measured bulls at Lisgar and Salisbury Plains exceeds supply.

• Continuing to improve carcase quality

An important part of the day was highlighting that genetic improvement can only be achieved when we match our numbers of animals to our feed supply.

Susan Vail, Salisbury Plains Grazing Brangus, Bowen, said they enjoyed the day all round. In particular, the novel genetic interaction effects (epigenetic, maternal and paternal genetic effects).

At the end of the field day, presentations were made to Alan Laing, Senior Beef Extension Officer who is retiring from DAF, for 50 years’ service to the beef industry.

“Our genetic selection programs are working and positive. As producers, we need to remember there is more to a breeding program than just picking a bull,” Susan said.

Proceeds from the day’s catering went to cancer support. The field day was funded under the Grazing Best Management Practice program.

• Tightening calving patterns and reaching puberty younger

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August 2017

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

visit our new website

Ken & Kerry McKenzie ‘Yaralla’ Blackwater info@yaralladroughtmasters.com.au

P. 07 4982 9128 M. 0427 829 128 M. 0428 829 128

YARALLADROUGHTMASTERS.COM.AU

SALE REPORT

Kerri McKenzie, Hamadra Droughtmasters with Christian and Jordan Brooks, Major Droughtmasters, Wivenhoe Pocket and $15,000 sale topper, Hamadra Golden Girl.

Golden Girl shines at National Female Sale

by Lucy Kinbacher

T

he 36th National Female Sale held on Saturday, March 11 at the Gympie Saleyards saw a day of mixed fortunes for vendors.

With selling agents Elders and Landmark registering 76 bid cards, hopes were high for the 27 vendors. Unfortunately continued dry conditions across much of Queensland and New South Wales saw plenty of value to be had across the yarding of quality females.

The sale saw a total of 115 females sold from the 136 offered for an 85 per cent clearance at an average price of $2,780 per head.

This is in contrast to the 2016 results, when a smaller offering saw 92 females sold to clear 98pc of the yarding at an average of $3,133/head.

The highlights of the sale came from the unjoined females. While they made up the bulk of the yarding with 113 on offer, a total of 97 were sold at an average of $2,658/head.

Top price of the sale came when the Hamadra draft entered the ring.

Andrew, Kerri and Riley McKenzie, Hamadra Droughtmasters, Bluff were delighted with their first time selling at the sale. Riley came to last year’s sale and returned home with plans to bring a good draft down. In September of last year the heifers were selected and prepared on a Blue Ribbon ration with wheaten hay.

The first of their heifers into the ring, the fifteen month Hamadra Golden Girl (P) a Wolfang 459 daughter saw the bids climb quickly with the heifer knocked down for $15,000 to Matthew and Rebecca Brooks and family, Major Droughtmaster Stud, Wivenhoe Pocket. The Brooks family established their stud in 2016. While previously running commercial Droughtmasters, they are looking to build up the herd to 30 registered breeders. With their three sons in attendance at the sale, Matthew and Rebecca were thrilled to secure the heifer.

“We had her picked out early on, she appealed for her bone, her length, her easy movement, she really stood out from the start,” they said. The Brooks family went home with one cow and calf, a joined female and three unjoined females secured at an average price of $5,500/head.

Second top price at $7,500 went to Hamadra Glorious (P) a fifteen month old daughter of Hamadra Bodaicious going to Rolleston with Jim

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August 2017

and Becky Farquhar of Calco Droughtmaster Stud. The equal third top price of the sale at $6,000 was the twelve month old heifer Hamadra Genie (H) a daughter of Hamadra Curtly selling to Brian Thompson of the Topline Droughtmaster Stud at Mt Urah. In total the ten unjoined Hamadra females achieved the top vendor average of $5,250/head.

When asked on his thoughts on the sale Andrew McKenzie said he was “very happy with the prices we achieved on our lots in a sale that was very tough in parts”.

Also selling for $6,000 was the unjoined eighteen month Vitwood Olgar 3533 who was knocked down to Daniel Sommer, Sommer Droughtmaster Stud, Maleny. David and Anita Torrisi, Vitwood Droughtmaster Stud, Susan River averaged $3,292 for their twelve unjoined females.

Cows and calves opened the sale, where six of the eight offered sold at an average of $3,500 to top at $5,000 for Bryvonlea Gracie (P) offered by Brian and Yvonne Heck, Glastonbury.

On her first calf, the 37 month old daughter of Billabong Riley was eight weeks PTIC to Bryvonlea Quian and sold with a well grown four month old heifer calf by Medway Urie. Purchasing the female were Ken and Julie Thompson, True Blue Droughtmaster Stud, Childers.

Heading home to a very dry property Mr Thompson said he was delighted to secure the Bryvonlea cow.

“She was the pick of the cows by far. She’s got a quality heifer calf at foot and is pregnant to another sire so we are getting new bloodlines in with this three in one package,” he said.

Operating in the cow and calf section of the sale was Dave Pollock purchasing for his grandson Alex Gibbon who was in Vancouver playing for the Australian Rugby 7’s side. Alex is establishing a Droughtmaster Stud at Mallanganee in the Northern Rivers region of NSW. Taking home three cows and calves to top at $4,000 for Bryvonlea Patia (S), the list of purchases also included the joined female RSVP Lexi (P) at $2,500, with the four females averaging $3,000/head.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

SALE REPORT The Joined Females saw a clearance of twelve heifers from the fifteen offered to average $3,438. The top price of $4,500 came for Breffni Imelda (P) offered by Dave and Robyn McCabe, Breffni Droughtmaster Stud, Miles and purchased by Jim and Becky Farquhar, Calco Droughtmaster Stud, Rolleston.

At twenty four months of age the Truvalle Xian daughter was fourteen weeks PTIC to Barwonga Farm 242. Jim and Becky run 1000 commercial Droughtmaster breeders and need to source between fifteen and twenty bulls a year. They have established the Calco Droughtmaster Stud and have been purchasing registered females privately and at auction in the last twelve months with the aim of eventually breeding some of their own bulls. They went home from Gympie with one joined female and seven unjoined, including the second top price of the sale, for an average of $4,563/head.

Second top price in the joined females at $4,250 was 3D Hi There offered by Kim and Sally Terry and purchased by High Country Droughtmaster Stud. The 26 month old daughter of High Country Bronco was sixteen weeks PTIC to 3D Import. The 3D stud averaged $3,417 for three joined females and $1,917 for three unjoined.

Volume buyer at the sale was River Junction, Gympie who operated in the unjoined heifers taking home eighteen for an average of $1,986/head. The Herbst family, Mt Warren went home with twelve purchases; two joined females and ten unjoined averaging $1,938/ head. Daniel Sommer, Sommer Stud, Maleny took home seven unjoined females, topping at $6,000 for the equal third top price, for an average of $3,643/head. Sandra and Viviene Jardine, Southbrook purchased six unjoined for a $1,833 average. Graham and Sharon Rawlinson, Grashar Droughtmaster Stud, Jandowae took home four unjoined late in the sale for a $2,500 average.

A solid crowd filled the Gympie Saleyards to watch 136Â Droughtmaster females go under the hammer.

Vendors achieving solid averages included Steve Pickering; his RSVP prefix sold their five joined females for a $3,400 average and their three unjoined for a $3,333 average. His Sylvan Springs prefix offered two unjoined which averaged $2,500.

Bryvonlea Droughtmaster Stud sold two cows and calves at a $4,500 average and four unjoined heifers at a $2,563 average. Parklands Droughtmaster Stud cleared ten unjoined for a $2,375 average. The Breffni Stud sold three joined heifers at a $3,500 average.

Minlacowie sold six unjoined for a $2,458 average. Bindanoon recorded a $2,375 average for their six unjoined heifers.

Droughtmasters

Payola Falcon 209

Champion Bull Calf ~ Gympie Feature show

Quality - Temperament - Fertility

Payola

Sire: Vale View XXXX

Progeny by XXXX will be on sale: Cream of the Crop 2017, National Sale 2018 & Coolabunia Sale 2018 Glen & Margaret Hogan Coondoo QLD 4570 M: 0427 110 231

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

August 2017

55

DN. LOT 280

DN. LOT 322

DN. LOT 281

DN. LOT 326

12th Sept 1st offering of sons by

SKYE WILFRED together with sons of breed renowned sires

RIPPER & RILEY BRYVONLEA JBH

Lots 280 - 282 BRYVONLEA BHD Lots 320 - 330 * WA ELIGIBLE *

W3247778

DN. LOT 320

SELLING @ BUNYA & DN

DN. LOT 321 DN. LOT 321

DN. DN. LOT 328 LOT 328

Brian & Yvonne Heck Ph: 0407 714 439 Josh Heck - 0409 732 676 Follow on Facebook and on our website

www.bryvonleadroughtmasters.com

BUNYA BULL SALE 2ND SEPTEMBER

*WA ELIGIBLE*

AW3247782

BUNYA LOT 66

Lots 66 - 70 Coolabunia Saleyards

SALE REPORT

Hope offered at the Female Sale

by Lucy Kinbacher

Jake Garrett was a typical twelve year old boy living and loving life on the family’s rural property near Gympie. Tragically his life was cut short in March 2012 by an accident at home. Sarah Hughes had been Jake’s school teacher and with the Garrett family being close family friends, this was an accident that shook the Hughes family and the close knit community.

In 2013 Jake’s mother Helen established the Jake Garrett Foundation with the aim of supporting families who are dealing with the death of a child. The Foundation is Australia’s only charity whose main purpose is to raise funds for children’s funerals. In addition to funding, the Foundation also offers other grief support services.

Since commencing, the Foundation has assisted over 500 families.

The motto of the Foundation is “Hope” with Helen describing on the Foundation’s website “I live in HOPE....May my story give you HOPE”.

Nick and Sarah Hughes, Farogan Valley Droughtmasters sold Farogan Valley Hope (P) for $3000 to junior member, five year old Mac Smith, Vale View M Stud during the National Droughtmaster Female Sale with all proceeds going to the Jake Garrett Foundation.

I

t was literally an offering of Hope at this year’s National Droughtmaster Female Sale when Nick and Sarah Hughes of Farogan Valley Droughtmasters, Upper Kandanga donated the entire proceeds of their unjoined heifer Farogan Valley Hope (P) to the Jake Garrett Foundation.

With this motto in mind and a long held goal of assisting the Foundation, Nick and Sarah named the pick of their sale heifers “Hope”. It was their intention to make sure it was their best heifer going into the ring to raise money for the charity.

After some quick and frenzied bidding, the heifer was knocked down for $3000 to junior member, five year old Mac Smith, Vale View M Stud, Manumbar. On the fall of the hammer the auctioneer encouraged the gathered crowd to applaud not only Mac on his purchase but also the thought that these proceeds were now going to assist three families going through what no family should ever have to endure.

Selling 10 Bulls Lots 192-201 at DN National 9 Bulls at Bullzeye Sale, Capella

Lot 194 Skye Cezanne

Lot 192 Skye Champ

Libby Ingram - Alpha - (07) 4985 3524 - skyestation1@gmail.com AW3297463

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DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

SALE REPORT

Wolfang reduction sale grosses $493,500

By Julie Sheehan

sale early at $11,000 selling to Sasha Smith, Sakensha Droughtmasters, Gogango.

Sasha was particularly impressed with Ilisa’s five-month-old bull calf

by Locarno Indy. The poll calf ticked all the boxes for Sasha and demonstrated clearly the attributes Sasha was looking for.

Second top price of $7,500 was reached twice with both being secured by Paul and Lisa Laycock, High Country Droughtmasters, Eskdale. Wolfang 11360 with a heifer calf at foot by Redskin Genesis was the first to reach the high, while Wolfang 1270 a polled cow with a bull calf at foot by Wolfang Tru-Man was next.

Droughtmaster stud breeders looking to expand their genetic pool with long standing genetics were definitely the winners on the day with many able to secure quality animals to add to their herds. Five Ridge Beef, Woolooga put together a line of 37 females, while Bob and Liz Nichols, Kilkenny Droughtmasters, Commissioners Flat took home 23 head.

Sasha Smith, Sakensha Droughtmasters, Gogango with her top price purchase Wolfang Ilisa and bull calf.

he Wolfang genetics is spread throughout Queensland so many new and existing breeders were keen to source the Edwards family’s cattle at the stud’s Gracemere reduction sale in late May.

Mr Nichols said they came to the Wolfang sale “believing there would be some good genetics that would suit our requirements”. He said it was an opportunity to secure females that would fit into their business and knew from the number of cattle on offer the trip would be worthwhile.

A total of 142 females grossed $493,500 to average $3475 and a stud sire sold for $8500. Wolfang Ilisa, a polled female, topped the

Ridgie Didge Droughtmasters selected 18 head in total to take home to the Goomeri district.

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X-Factor bulls sell to $6500

By Jodie Rintoul and Courtney Walsh

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Mr Edmunds said he was happy with all of the selections he had made during the sale.

A total of 30 from 47 Droughtmaster bulls sold to an average of $3658, up $619 on the 2016 average.

“They are all good handy bulls,” he said.

ulls from the Droughtmaster went to new homes at the X-Factor Beef Production Sale held at the Muchea Livestock Centre on April 7.

Elders auctioneer Don Morgan said while the registered buyers list was bolstered on last year, buyers were selective in their bidding.

“The better bulls with better shape and structure sold to reasonable values,” Mr Morgan said.

“It was fantastic to have a bigger registered buyers list, but at the end of the day those buyers knew what they wanted.”

“While the clearance and prices were up buyers were still selective in their buying.”

In the top price stakes buyers didn’t have to wait long to see the sale reach the top price mark at $6500.

It was a bull from the Merryup stud, Mt Barker in the very first pen at lot two, that made the top price when it sold to Peter Edmunds, Pete & Pol Farm, Red Gully.

The April 2015-born bull was sired by Glenlands Quartz and was out of Bumper 1365.

Rounding out his purchases, Mr Edmunds also secured another Merryup bull in lot three at $4000 and a Hallmark sire in lot 30 for $3750 to bring his average to $4750.

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“A good temperament was very important of course, but I really liked the bodies on them.

“In particular the bull in lot two had the sort of conformation which I like.”

Mr Edmunds said the bulls he purchased would be used over his Droughtmaster heifers.

A selection of stud and commercial Droughtmaster heifers were also offered during the sale.

Auctioneer Don Morgan said it was a great idea for heifers to be included in the X-Factor fixture.

“Hopefully in the future buyers looking for heifers will attend the sale in greater numbers,” he said.

“Buyers were also selective when it came to the heifer catalogue, but there was certainly some good value buying on the day.”

The 11 commercial Droughtmasters offered by Merryup and Hallmark were popular, selling to a total clearance, a top of $1180 and an average of $1122.

Unfortunately the stud offering of Droughtmaster heifers from Merryup failed to garner much interest with only two from 12 selling at $1700 a piece.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

New Sire Investment $38,000

REDSKIN HARLEY Purchased at the Highlands Sale

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KNIGHTLY

SALE REPORT

Droughtmasters to $13,000 at February All Breeds

By Kent Ward

Second top was the $11,000 26-month-old, Scrubby Mt Eddy (P) offered by vendors, Allan and Nardia Gillies, Scrubby Mt Stud, Gin Gin. Eddie by Vitwood Luther sold to Kendah Enterprises, Gracemere and was part of a team of three from Scrubby Mt that averaged $6500.

With their $11,000 Scrubby Mt Eddy (P) (26-months) are Gin Gin vendors, Allan and Nardia Gillies, Scrubby Mt Stud and their twin children, Harrison and Charlotte.

D

roughtmasters continued their good form and auction acceptance at the annual February All Breeds Sale, CQLX, earlier this year.

The breed set the top seller on the final day of the annual fixture posting a high of $13,000. Droughtmasters sale average of $5819 and a clearance level of 90 percent was in stark contrast to the remainder of the sale that posted an overall bottom line average of $4989 and 76 percent clearance and were fourth highest in the sale average stakes.

A 1020kg, 28-month-old, herd bull offered by Nic and Rhonda Dudarko, Kangarin, Biloela was the market topper at $13,000 selling to Donald and Wendy Brown’s, Latrobe Stud, Longreach. Kangarin averaged $6625 for their four.

David and Alice Schloss, Glenn Valley Stud, Goovigen took with them a $8333 average for their three including the $10,000 Glenn Valley Countryman (P) (27-months) (Calioran Gavin) selling to Lake Elphinstone, Nebo. Others taking the opportunity to invest in Calioran Gavin sons from Glenn Valley at $8000 and $8500 respectively were the Billabong and Strathfield studs. Six from the Gympie based operation, Bryvonlea Stud owned by Brian and Yvonne Heck set a $6333 average. Included in the draft was the $10,000 two-year-old, Bryvonlea Quadell (P) (Billabong Riley) selling to the Davey family, Lonemark Stud, Emerald. The Rutherford family, Redskin Stud, Morinish outlaid $6000 for a Vale View Ripper (P) two-year-old from Bryvonlea.

Setting a $5000 average for their three and topping at $7500 was the Alton Downs prefix, the Calioran Stud operated by the Purnell family. Top of the Calioran draft was a 33-month-old Glenlands Millenium (P) son purchased by the Latrobe Stud. David and Robyn McCabe, Breffni Stud, Chinchilla sold their two used sires for an average $6000 topping at $6500 for the rising seven-year-old, Truvalle Xian.

Doug Miles, Trafalgar Stud, Morinish sold a pair to average $5500 topping at $6000 for a Kenlogan Owen Bigg (S) son while Leona Smith, Lorandale Stud, Belli Park sold four to a top of $7500. Andrew Welsh, Wantmore Stud, Kingaroy took a $4750 average for his pair.

Barmoya based Doonside Stud operated by Bill and Kaye Geddes posted a $4500 average for their pair topping at $5000 for a Redskin R Calgary son bought by Shane and Wendy Perry’s, Strathfield Stud, Clermont.

Money in mud at Highlands sale

By Julie Sheehan

T

he mud in the lanes only added to the positive vibe at the Highlands Droughtmaster Sale at Clermont in March with 68 from 74 bulls selling for a gross of $590,500 to average $8683.

The $38,000 top price was reached twice. Heifers sold to an average of $3125 to top $5000 with a 100 per cent clearance.

Redskin Harley (S)by Dalmally Yale (H) sold for $38,000 to Warren and Carolyn Kenny and family, Wajatryn Droughtmasters, Gayndah.

Soon after in the Donaldson family draft of bulls Medway Wanditta (P), from the Medway Terrica (D) sire equalled the $38,000 top price being purchased by Tom Flohr, Red River Droughtmasters, Moranbah.

The sale event also included a meet and greet the night before, incorporating a charity auction in aid of the Little Windmill charity, which supports injured and sick children in rural and regional Australia.

Medway Wanditta (P), the equal top price $38,000 bull at the Highlands Droughtmaster Sale, Clermont, pictured with vendor Brenten Donaldson, Medway Droughtmasters, buyer Tom Flohr, Red River Droughtmasters and sale agent Mark Scholes, Landmark.

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Vendors also donated a portion of allocated bull sales to the charity and in total $15,860 was raised for the worthy cause plus gold coin donations.

Vendors in the sale were Strathfield, Huntly, Kenlogan, Toronellah, Redskin, Medway, Oasis, Almafi and Karragarra.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

CHARITY EVENT

Adam Geddes, Oasis Droughtmasters, Rockhampton having a drink with vendor and charity auctioneer Wayne York, Karragarra Droughtmasters, Emerald.

Hannah Kennedy, Beachport Liquid Supplements caught up with Remy and Beth Streeter, Palmvale Droughtmasters, Mt Slopeaway, Marlborough.

Jane Barton, Huntly Droughtmasters had a well earned breather after assisting with the distribution of nibblies on the evening with fellow sale organiser Alex Donaldson, Medway Droughtmasters.

A large crowd gathered to discuss the upcoming sale and support the Little Windmills Charity Auction.

Former Wallaby and Little Windmills ambassador Chris Roche, was on hand to provide his support for the auction.

Showing their support to the cause while sporting Little Windmills caps are James Saunders, Landmark, Randall Spann, Elders and Mark Scholes, Landmark.

Smiles all around at Little Windmills charity auction

By Julie Sheehan

R

ain in the district puts a smile on the faces of those in attendance at the Highlands Droughtmaster Sale “meet n greet� on the evening of Thursday March 23 (the day prior to the sale).

The auction was ably conducted by sale vendor and well respected stud auctioneer Wayne York who was assisted by Trent McKinlay and James Saunders from Landmark.

The event organised by the sale committee gave vendors and potential buyers the opportunity to get together at the Commercial Hotel and incorporated a charity auction.

More than $16,000 was raised during the auction and from additional proceeds raised through the bull sale the next day.

This year the committee chose the Little Windmills organisation which supports country kids and their families who have been seriously injured or are sick, as the beneficiary of the auction proceeds from the generous people in attendance.

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Items auctioned included a signed North Queensland Cowboys jersey, a cow hide rug and much more. Former Wallaby and Little Windmills ambassador Chris Roche was in attendance to show his support to the cause and expressed his appreciation for those in the Clermont district who supported the charity.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

SALE REPORT

Joppa dispersal averages $3546

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heavy influence of Glenlands genetics within John and Anna Roe’s Joppa Droughtmaster stud saw demand for females top at $8000 after their herd dispersed at the Gympie saleyards on April 8.

Joppa co-principal John Roe said health reasons forced the reluctant sale of their stud herd. The 54 Joppa females averaged $3546 with widespread demand from many areas of Queensland and New South Wales including Emerald, Winton, Murgon and locally-based stud masters.

Topping the Joppa draft at $8000 was Joppa Petal, a mature daughter of Glenlands Jigsaw (P) with heifer calf at foot by Parklands Jasper and back in-calf to Glenlands D Tattersall. The quality three-inone package was bought by Chris Coulter, Aakka Droughtmaster stud, Mount Kilcoy.

Another significant buyer was Chris Kirby, Eli Park, Emerald who bought the highly-credentialed Glenlands Magnolia (P) with bull calf at side by Craiglea Honour for $6000 and another Glenlands Jigsaw daughter, Joppa Phoebe (P) for $3000. He also paid $2500 for the Minlacowie Kadir (P) daughter in Joppa Neva (P).

Sale host John Roe, Joppa Droughtmasters, Kenilworth, covendor Brian Heck, Bryvonlea Droughtmasters, Glatsonbury and buyer, Colleen Smith, Vale View Droughtmasters, Manumbar with Vale View Ripper (P) which topped the Joppa dispersal sale at $14,000 on April 8.

Ripper (P) back to his breeders Dave and Colleen Smith, Vale View Droughtmasters, Manumbar for the $14,000 top money.

Also on the outlook for quality breeders was Dianne Zelinski, Across Country Real Estate and Livestock, Murgon who accounted for five females for a $3200 average.

Vale View Ripper’s first crop of calves sold to a record $18,000 at the 2013 Gympie National Female Sale with the Heck family selling four of his unjoined heifers for an individual record average of $12,000 which included the record priced Bryvonlea Jemma 2 (P).

Invited vendors Brian and Yvonne Heck, Bryvonlea Droughtmasters, Glatsonbury via Gympie sold their nine-year-old used sire Vale View

Overall, 84 head sold which included invited vendors, Bryvonlea and Parklands studs for a $3146 average with a 96 per cent clearance.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

August 2017

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DROUGHTMASTERS Lot

L

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S

EVENEL

DN Sale

144 SEVENELL JASPER 981 (P)

29 mths s. Wundaburra Redcliffe d. Sevenell Janina 830

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Lot

147 SEVENELL JUBILEE 993 (P)

24 mths s. Konjuli Golden Eye d. Sevenell Janna 556

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Droughtmasters LOT

423 LYNSEY PARK BLAZE (P) 27 mths

s. Billabong Sydney d. Lynsey Park Bluebelle

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424 LYNSEY PARK SERGEI (P) 30 mths

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SALE REPORT

Fieldhouse bull sets Narngulu Sale record

By Jodie Rintoul and Courtney Walsh

P

rices hit a sale record high of $15,500 for a Droughtmaster sire at the WALSA Narngulu Invitational Bull Sale at the Coolina Sale Complex near Narngulu, WA in April.

With plenty of optimism among buyers following a good season throughout the pastoral regions and three good years of cattle prices, buyers were strong in their bidding throughout the sale, ensuring a solid clearance and record prices.

Landmark auctioneer Tiny Holly said buying support was excellent right through the catalogue particularly from pastoral areas due to favourable seasonal conditions across WA. “It was also fantastic to see a strong contingent of locals and breeders from the southern parts of our State.” Mr Holly said.

and I was keen on him for that reason as we have had some outstanding results with his bloodline,” Mr Vincent said.

“He’s just a beautifully balanced, polled bull, with good feet and plenty of length which made him a standout in my eyes.”

The top-priced bull was one of 72 to go under the hammer from the stud and with strong buying support the Fieldhouse had its best ever sale at Narngulu selling all 72 bulls at an average of $5503. Along with the $15,500 top priced bull the stud sold another three bulls above the $10,000 mark.

“To see a top price of $15,500 at this fixture was a wonderful example of confidence in the genetics up for sale,” he said.

Regular sale vendors the Mutton family, Fieldhouse Droughtmaster stud, Wickepin, were not only the volume vendors, they once again ended up being the top-priced vendors when they sold the $15,500 top-priced bull. The upstanding bull, Fieldhouse 92, was a standout in the eyes of many buyers and created a bidding frenzy as Mr Holly offered it up for sale. After some serious back and forth bidding the deep, thick sire was knocked down to Landmark Pilbara agent Kim Goad, who was bidding on behalf of Dick Vincent, De Grey Park stud, Capel. Mr Vincent, who runs 100 cows in his stud herd, said he was keen to secure the bull because of the De Grey Park bloodline it carried and because he believed it was easily the most outstanding bull in the yarding. “The bull is by one of our sires

Prices hit a sale record high of $15,500 for a Droughtmaster sire offered by the Fieldhouse stud, Wickepin in lot 32. Looking over the bull are Fieldhouse’s Ben Mutton (left), Landmark Wickepin agent Ty Miller, buyer Dick Vincent, De Grey Park stud, Capel, Landmark Pilbara agent Kim Goad, who bid for Mr Vincent and Zen Mutton, Fieldhouse stud.

NEWS

Mt Brisbane enjoys Kilcoy carcase win

By Susie Sullivan he McConnel family, Mt Brisbane Droughtmasters, Esk, were thrilled to walk away with the Champion Carcase at this year’s Kilcoy Show.

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strive to produce cattle that are commercially relevant, profitable and best suited to their environment.

The McConnel’s entered 14 purebred steers into this year’s Feedlot and Carcase Trial with a total of 97 steers entered with exhibitors choosing 67 steers to be judged in the carcase section. The cattle entered Smithfield Feedlot, Proston in January and were fed for 101 days before slaughter at Kilcoy (KPC) on April 29 after the cattle were judged live at Kilcoy Show on April 28.

The winning carcase had the largest eye muscle area of the competition at 103cm2, the only carcase to measure over 100cm.

The two tooth steer dressed out at 52.45% for a carcase weight of 321kg. He achieved maximum points for P8 fat depth, fat colour, eye muscle area, pH and scored well for rib fat depth, weight for maturity, marbling and fat distribution.

In the feedlot weight gain component of the competition Mt Brisbane finished fifth (3.32kg/day) and tenth (3.14kg/day). Their fourteen steers averaged 2.57kg/day which virtually matched the competition average of 2.58kg/day.

The McConnel family continues to enter these competitions as they believe the feedback is invaluable as seedstock producers as they

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The McConnel family, Mt Brisbane Droughtmasters, Esk, won Champion Carcase at this year’s Kilcoy Show from their pen of 14 purebred steers.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

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NEXT GENERATION

Ag program success at Mt Larcom State School

By Jo Hill

N

ot every student is academically gifted or has a talent in the sporting field. A growing number of schools are adopting an agricultural component into their school curriculum to encourage participation and responsibility.

One of the most successful programs in engaging students is taking place at Mt Larcom State School between Gladstone and Rockhampton in Central Queensland.

Pauline Porch has been the Principal of the school for close to four years. Prior to her appointment to Mt Larcom, she was at Yarwun State School, a small community not far from Mt Larcom.

Upon arrival at Mount Larcom State School and Secondary Department, it quickly became apparent to Mrs Porch that there were quite a few disengaged students.

“I felt strongly about developing a strong sense of respect and pride within the school,” Pauline said.

As she had introduced vegetable gardens and chicken farming at her previous school, she pursued the idea of agriculture as a model to enhance ownership, responsibility, respect and pathways for the children.

“We introduced Agricultural Studies as an elective for the secondary department under the leadership of Norm Horan.

“Mount Larcom School is now a recognised School of Excellence in Agriculture and has developed strong relationships with Emerald Agricultural College and CQ University which has broadened pathways for our students.

“The program began with chicken farming, vegetables and fruit trees.

The following year red claw and barramundi tanks were introduced.

“It didn’t take long to see a positive increase in both attendance and scholastic results.”

Since 2015 Jo and Keith Hill from Castletower Droughtmasters have been involved with the introduction of led steers to the ag program.

The Hills became involved as members of the Mt Larcom Show Society, inviting the school to help at the Mt Larcom Show and providing them with an area to display their animals.

They’ve also helped with the training and grooming of the school’s first two led steers, and have since donated a heifer to the school.

“Keith and Jo were surprised and honoured to be named Patrons of the Agricultural Studies,” Mrs Porch said.

The students led the steers and the heifer at the Mt Larcom Show this year, and also led their ponies, sheep and alpaca in the grand parade.

Until recently, Mt Larcom State School had not performed well in statewide assessments and school attendance.

Since the Ag program has been introduced, the school has seen a complete turnaround, as grades and respect have improved and attendance runs at 95% or better.

The students have jobs to look forward to at lunch and breaks: feeding, caring for and leading animals, collecting eggs etc.

Today the worst (and most effective) punishment is to be not allowed to work with the animals (which now also includes mini horses).

All secondary students are required to have their assessments at a minimum C level to be part of the ag program.

“One of the best parts of the program has been the participation of the community and supporting partnerships with industry and businesses in the area.” Mrs Porch said.

The animal husbandry aspect continued to grow with Norm Horan the dynamic force behind the drive for stud Dorpers and Alpacas.

The Mt Larcom School now holds a number of Farmers Markets on the oval, and have up to 50 stalls, play “Farmers Games” and show off their agricultural program, which has defined the school.

Jo Hill, Castletower Droughtmasters, putting the Mt Larcom State School students through their paces with some parading tuition.

Since 2015 Jo and Keith Hill have been involved with the introduction of led steers to the ag program at Mt Larcom State School.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

August 2017

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NEXT GENERATION

Chris’s Droughtie dream an inspiration to all

By Bronwyn Betts

G

ympie-based Chris Turner had big dreams as a youngster. He dreamt that one day, he would be a cattleman; breeding, raising and ultimately selling his own cattle at the Gympie Saleyard where his Grandfather, Alby Ryan worked as the saleyard superintendent.

afforded the opportunity to work closely with the breed while at school. According to Chris, the Droughtmaster and Droughtmastercross cattle were easy to handle, extremely quiet, and fetched good prices all year round.

Achieving this dream seemed unlikely. Chris was raised on a small block and his parents did not have any connection with the cattle industry. However, these factors didn’t discourage this determined youngster. Hard work, commitment, and a creative business plan, saw a 10 year old’s dream become reality before he reached his 16th birthday.

In 2007, at just 15 years of age, the then young schoolboy had raised sufficient funds from his little cattle business to purchase five purebred Droughtmaster heifers, two of which he acquired at a Droughtmaster Female Sale at Coolabunia, and three joined heifers which he purchased privately from Haigslea Droughtmaster Stud.

These five heifers became the foundation females of Chris’s Droughtmaster Stud, Maunsell Park Droughtmasters, which was registered with the Droughtmaster Stud Breeders’ Society that same year.

Chris took ownership of his first cow when he was 10 years old. His Grandfather gifted him a Friesian heifer, which he lovingly raised and then later sold. With the proceeds he acquired from the sale, Chris purchased more heifers, and from there, his cattle operation began.

Chris continued to buy and sell small numbers of cattle, all the while, saving every dollar that he raised. Space was limited which meant that astute decisions needed to be made regarding the selection, purchase, preparation and ultimate sale of every animal.

Under his Grandfather’s tutorage, Chris developed a sharp eye for cattle that would prove to be very profitable. It was during these early days that Chris was introduced to the Droughtmaster breed. He had commenced his secondary school education at the Gympie High School and became involved in the School’s Ag Science program and cattle show team, which mostly consisted of Droughtmasters.

He was impressed by what he had seen while working with his Grandfather at the saleyards, and even more so when he was

Chris graduated from the Gympie High School in 2009. Upon finishing school, he elected to take a ‘gap year’ before commencing university studies. During this year, he was fortunate to obtain full time employment with Fortrus Droughtmaster Stud located north of Gympie, an experience that he thoroughly enjoyed and one from which he gained enormous insight into the running of a combined stud and commercial beef operation.

This twelve month ‘gap year’ was also a very important period for Maunsell Park Droughtmaster Stud. The herd was increasing in numbers and it was evident that additional land was required to accommodate this growth. Chris actively sought out possible agistment Continued on page 78

Chris Turner, Maunsell Park, Gympie, now has full stud membership with the Droughtmaster Society. He intends to continue on the path of growing his beef cattle business and in due course, is looking to acquire his own grazing property.

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NEXT GENERATION country and was successful in securing a number of suitable properties in the Gympie area on which he could run his cattle.

Another important milestone that was achieved in 2010 was the purchase of Maunsell Park’s first stud sire, Billabong Tennessee. As it evolved, the selection and purchase of Tennessee was another astute decision on Chris’s part. Tennessee, who is now 10 years old, continues to make a substantial contribution to both the stud and commercial aspects of Maunsell Park.

In 2011, and with Maunsell Park Droughtmaster Stud well established, Chris headed off to University. He attended the University of Queensland Gatton Campus and graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Agribusiness. During his time at Gatton, Chris assisted a number of stud cattle breeders to exhibit their animals at local shows and when he was not showing, he would make the trek back to Gympie to attend to his own cattle.

Since graduation, Chris has secured employment in the beef cattle industry, mostly working on backgrounding properties where he is involved with selection of suitable cattle for this purpose. From time to time, his work can take him away from home and it is during this time, Chris’ mother Kathleen keeps a watchful eye over the cattle and attends to any needs that may arise.

Maunsell Park continues to steadily grow. The stud is currently running 30 head of registered Droughtmaster breeders and progeny, and a strong line of quality purebred commercial Droughtmaster cattle. Chris currently has access to approximately 400 acres of leased country that is spread across four blocks in the Gympie and surrounding district. He runs two single sire herds and this year, introduced an artificial insemination program.

Running cattle across a number of leased properties can be challenging, however Chris views these challenges in a positive light.

When he lost one of his larger blocks in 2015, he saw this as an opportunity to refine his herd and re-evaluate the direction of his

Continued from page 76 breeding program. And in dry times, having cattle across a number of districts can work in his favour; where one paddock may miss out on rain, another may be under the cloud.

So what does the future hold for this accomplished young cattleman and astute businessman?

Chris celebrated his 25th birthday earlier this year and now has full stud membership with the Droughtmaster Society. He intends to continue on the path of growing his beef cattle business and in due course, is looking to acquire his own grazing property.

Chris is also eager to continue exhibiting his cattle at local agricultural shows, the annual Royal Queensland Show, and the triennial Beef Australia Expo. Work commitments limit the number of weekend shows that he can attend, but he believes it is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the type of animal that he is striving to breed, as well as being a great way to meet other breeders, build friendships, and catch up with existing friends in the cattle industry.

Chris’s story is certainly one of inspiration, especially for young people who may not have any connections with the beef cattle industry, but have aspirations of one day becoming a cattle breeder and owning their own stud beef and commercial cattle operation.

From the humble beginnings of a 10 year old with a big dream and a little Friesian heifer, this ambitious yet unassuming young man has independently achieved so much in such a relatively short period of time.

He is grateful to his Grandfather for the encouragement and guidance provided along the way, and to his mother who supports him in all of his endeavours and takes care of the cattle when he is away from home. He is immensely proud of his cattle, and rightfully so. And he should be proud of himself and all that he and Maunsell Park Droughtmaster Stud have achieved.

No doubt we will be hearing more of Maunsell Park Droughtmasters in the future.

Chris with Billabong Tennessee which was the first stud sire he purchased for Maunsell Park in 2010. Tennessee, continues to make a substantial contribution to both the stud and commercial aspects of Maunsell Park.

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DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

Calendar of Events

Oct

Diamantina Sale, Winton Artesian Sale, Blackall Bullzeye Bull Sale, Capella Tropical Breeds Sale, Roma

06 09 13 20

10 MAGS, Charters Towers 25 Cream of the Crop Sale, Kingaroy

Jan Feb Mar

Bunya Bull Sale, Coolabunia The CAP Bull Sale, Rockhampton Central Reds Bull Sale, Emerald ANZ Special Store Sale, Emerald Piggott Sale, Springsure Valera Vale Sale, Augathella National Bull Sale, Rockhampton National Bull Sale, Rockhampton Clonlara Sale, Glenmorgan Glenlands Sale, Bouldercombe

TBA All Breeds Sale, Rockhampton TBA

All Breeds Sale, Rockhampton

TBA Futurity Show, Gatton TBA National Female Sale, Gympie TBA Highlands Sale, Clermont

Apr

02 04 05 05 06 08 12 13 20 22

TBA Malanda Female Sale, NQ

TBA Narngulu Bull Sale, WA

May

RNA Stud Cattle Judging, EKKA Droughtmaster AGM, EKKA Fitzroy Crossing Invitational Sale, WA Glen Fosslyn Sale, Roma Performance Plus Sale, Eskdale

2018

TBA

Jul

10 10 25 25 26

Nov

Sept

Aug

2017

TBA

Feature Show, Gympie TBA Feature Show, Longreach

Grafton Invitational Sale, NSW

P: (07) 3289 1554 | M: 0408 700 510

AW3136880

AW3158433

AW3136803

AW3138513

BREEDERS BULLETIN BOARD

E: bronwyn@hawkins.com.au www@nindethanadroughtmasters.com

ANCHORED ON QUALITY AW3136828 AW1983428

Mt Brisbane Phone (07) 5426 0169 ESK Qld 4312 Don 0428 (07) 5426 Don 9860285 145 Email: mtbrisbane@westnet.com.au

“ An Aussie Name for an Aussie Breed”

AW3158417

AW3158427

AW3136854

AW3158430

John, Carli or Don McConnel

AW3136824

www.mtbrisbane.com.au facebook.com/mtbrisbane

Quiet & Quality

Ken & Julie Thompson AW3160155

AW3136850

Ph (07) 4126 1695 Mob 0428 921 004 E: j.k.thompson@bigpond.com

AW3144909

BREFFNI Droughtmaster Stud Chinchilla NO.

1524

Y07

AW3158436

Mobile 0427 658 153 A/h: (07) 4662 8441 E: wilgapark@hotmail.com

AW3138881

DAVID & ROBYN McCABE

Stud No. 963

2DP >P.

COST $50 INC

Visitors and inquiries welcome Ph: (07) 4927 1104 Fax: (07) 4927 1166 Michael 0429 815 074

DEADLINE 26TH OCTOBER

1642870 AW1871501 AW3136808

AW3136839

AW3136871

BOOK FOR DECEMBER EDITION

PURNELL FAMILY ROCKHAMPTON

AWe new Sire, Glenlands Senatora(Hatch) U9C1311942M welcomed new sire, has Glenlands taken up residence atDCalioran, purchased atin the2013 Artesian sale.

Roebuck

Mobile: 0427 404 343

AW3136812

Enquiries Welcome

rdpurnell@optusnet.com.au

AW3234824

VALE

Bruce Childs: A man of great vision

B

orn at Tannacy House, Rockhampton to parents Edward and Ailsa Childs, Bruce was the second of four boys from Glenlands, Bouldercombe.

something he had done was making a difference. Bruce never saw anything as impossible, you just had to work hard and believe in what you are doing. His life is testament to this.

Educated at The Rockhampton High School where he graduated as a prefect, Bruce went on to become a teacher, after graduating from Kedron Park Teachers College.

In 2012 Bruce was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. After enduring chemotherapy, radiation and a stem cell transplant he fought the disease for five and a half years. In 2012 he and Val were awarded life Membership of the Society, and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2016.

In 1966 Bruce married Valmae Newman. Two years later they bought a poultry farm outside of Gracemere. In 1971 Bruce returned to farming full time and together the young couple set about building up the poultry business and diversifying into small crops. When Bruce’s father passed away Bruce took over the management of Glenlands.

As a seedstock producer Bruce was more than just a multiplier of genetics, he was a breeder. Bruce’s approach toward expansion and breeding was simple, continue to use the best genetics, look for opportunities and embrace new technologies. He was the first to utilise embryo transfer techniques in the Droughtmaster breed. Bruce’s foresight, his ability to embrace change, innovation and fast track improvements were major factors in the family’s widespread success.

A funeral service to celebrate the life of Bruce was held at Glenlands on June 9. Bruce is survived by Val, sons, Jason and Darren and their wives Carissa and Helen and six grandchildren, Brendon, Ryan and Kaytlin, Callan, Tayla and Parker.

With a growing family and with both sons wishing to remain on the land, Bruce added property when affordable. In 1991 the first portion of Alkira was purchased, with the remainder purchased in 1994, followed by Dianne Downs in 2002, Moogine in 2006 and Kingarra in 2014.

His cattle were the source of many highlights throughout Bruce’s life.

Countless ribbons won, many records broken. Glenlands genetics have been sent to countries throughout the world. But to Bruce it was not about the accolades or the recognition, he took the most out of knowing

Vale: Bruce Childs April 4, 1945 - May 30, 2017.

BREEDERS BULLETIN BOARD BRAND YOU CAN TRUST

HUNTLY

Renner Springs Station NT

NUTRIDOSE WATER MEDICATORS

DROUGHTMASTERS Stud 23 AW3136819

Sam and Jane Barton Clermont (07) 4985 6104 or 0428 856 104

AW3162257

Ph Valmai (08) 8964 4555

www.rennerspringsdroughtmasterstud.com tcr@avtiv8.net.au

AW3136847

Accredited Commercial Herd and Stud

Maintain Cattle Weights throughout the Dry Seasons Developing water supplementation systems for over 20 years.

AW3158413

“SAVANNAH DROUGHTMASTER”

Ph (07) 3848 5290 nutridose@gmail.com

Droughtmaster Digest for December Breeders Bulletin Board Deadlines:

Deadline Thursday 26th October

Friday 27th October - booking deadline, Monday 6th November - ad copy to be built and Thursday 9th November - for complete/camera ready material.

All bookings to:

Booking & Copy For December edition Cost $50 inc

julie.sheehan@fairfaxmedia.com.au

Peter Lowe

peter.lowe@fairfaxmedia.com.au

Jane Lowe

jane.lowe@fairfaxmedia.com.au

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

Margaret Ward margaret.ward@fairfaxmedia.com.au August 2017

AW3234822

Julie Sheehan

81

VALE

Audrey Perry: Society Patron and Breed Pioneer

By Wendy Perry udrey Philomene Ellwood was born on May 26, 1932 to parents, Evelyn and Ted Ellwood. She was the eldest of four children and began her life in Mount Jukes before moving to a cane farm at Gargett when she was 12 months old.

A

She attended Gargett State Primary School and had to ride a horse three miles to and from school. Later she attended St. Patrick’s Boarding School in Mackay and after graduation, began work at the Main Roads Department.

Audrey met Noel Perry at a debutante ball that his sister was also participating in. They became engaged in August of that year and at the age of 19 (she turned 20, two days later), on May 24, 1952, they got married in Mackay, at St Patrick’s Church.

Strathfield was the Perry family property near Nebo and was to became their first home. As this was the time before washing machines, microwaves etc., all jobs around the property were done the old fashioned, physical way, including washing clothes by hand.

Although times were hard, there were fun as well, as the family would attend fancy dress parties and dances in Nebo.

During the next 18 years, six children were born: Christine, Janette, Judith, Gregory, Kathleen and Shane, who in turn, produced 19 grandchildren and a number of great-grandchildren.

Audrey and Noel spent most of their married life on cattle properties in the areas of Gracemere, Nebo, Glenden, Clermont, Nindaroo and Emerald.

In the mid 1950’s, Audrey and Noel teamed up with eighteen other people to pioneer the Australian breed of Droughtmasters.

Audrey was a staunch supporter of all things Droughtmaster and was extremely honoured to be asked to became Patron of the Droughtmaster Society in 2005.

Over the years, they experimented with Hereford, Brahman and Limousin cattle to try to find the best breed to survive the harsh Australian conditions, however, their beloved “Droughties” were their passion.

A hardworking and capable lady, Audrey was rarely idle. She mustered cattle, fixed fences, kept stud books and property records, helped to develop a new breed of cattle, assisted Noel to run the properties, managed the household and also raised a family. She rated all these things as her life achievements. Noel was often heard to say that Audrey was his backbone, the one who kept him on the “straight and narrow”.

Audrey could turn her hand to many crafts and was often seen knitting, crocheting or sewing and made clothes for her offspring. In her later years, quilts were her craft of choice. Quilting became a social activity and she gathered regularly with friends to learn different techniques and to work on her masterpieces, some of which she received awards for at local shows. Many of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends benefitted from this hobby. Audrey was a very social person and an active participant in community events. She was a member of both the QCWA (Queensland Country Women’s Association) and CWL (Catholic Women’s League) throughout her life.

Audrey’s other hobbies included reading and heaven help the postman if he didn’t deliver business catalogues for her perusal. She loved attending cattle sales, going to country shows, gardening, dancing, singing, cooking scones, consuming ginger ale and figs and

82

August 2017

Vale: Audrey Philomene Perry (nee Ellwood) May 26, 1932 - March 30, 2017.

travelling (often with her beloved sister, Claire). Movies and TV programs, were a welcome escape from a day of hard physical work and you had to fight for her attention if Blue Heelers, CSI or any shows of the like, were on.

Audrey and Noel were well known for having the odd difference of opinion, especially when it came to cooking. Noel would often tell Audrey that she did not cook as well as his mother, or that he was the better cook. This would result in a cook off between the two of them, especially when it came to things like chutneys, relishes, soups or dampers. The only food that Noel conceded that Audrey was better at producing, was scones. He would tell anyone who would listen, that Audrey was a superior scone maker and that her scones were truly the best in the world.

We all have our quirks and Audrey was no different. She came from a line of head strong female ancestors and was never afraid to let her opinion be known. She would not tolerate swearing and would never let anyone sit down at the table to have tea until they had a shower, no matter how exhausted they were from the long hours of physical work A devout Catholic, going to church was very important to Audrey and she hated being late. Family members have remembered times that she almost launched the Pajero into space (Dukes of Hazzard style) on the dirt driveway of “Fletcher’s Awl” station, whilst beginning an almost hour long journey to Clermont to attend Mass, especially on Christmas Eve, when seats were scarce due to increased attendance.

In 2002, Audrey and Noel celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and in 2012, Audrey celebrated her 80th birthday. Both were considered very important events with most of the family travelling great distances to attend. Audrey loved being surrounded by her family.

Audrey and Noel retired to Averline at Ridgelands near Rockhampton, where they were both involved in the training of race horses, but after Noel passed away, Audrey moved into Rockhampton, where she remained for a number of years living in Wandal. In January of 2016, Audrey made the decision to move to Kerrisdale Gardens in Mackay where she lived up until her passing on March 30, 2017. Daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunty and friend, may eternal light shine upon her and may she rest in peace.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

Lot 590 – RSVP Le ading Edge

Lot 50 – RSVP Ladies Man

DROUGHTMASTER NATIONAL SALE GRACEMERE SALEYARDS 12th & 13th September 2017

Offering 12 young bulls RSVP Lots 586 to 592 Lot 590 – RSVP Leading Edge Sire: Billabong Armstrong SYLVAN SPRINGS Lots 283 to 287

Also offering bulls at

BUNYA BULL SALE COOLABUNIA SALEYARDS KINGAROY Saturday 2nd September 2017

Offering 10 bulls Lots 46 to 55 Lot 50 – RSVP Ladies Man Sire: Ianbrae Wanted

RSVP Lumberjack

RSVP LUMBERJACK

Steven Pickering 0419 730 836 Graham Brown 07 4168 6249 www.rsvpdroughtmaster.com.au

Sire: Billabong Armstrong Heading to Beef 2018

84

August 2017

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST