Droughtmaster feb 2017 edition web

FEBRUARY 2017

STAGE SET FOR NATIONAL FEMALE SALE POLL GENE TESTING COMMERCIAL FOCUS

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February 2017

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

CONTENTS

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P.10

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President’s Paragraph

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Looking Ahead

5

Hardiness a Breed Plus

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Dr Brians Burns Award

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National Female Sale Preview

10

Highlands Sale Preview

12

Droughties Well Suited to Arcturus Downs

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Droughtmaster Bleeders

17-23

Stud Sales In Review

26

Bucking Trends in The Top End

30

Passion for Droughties

31

Technical - Poll Testing

34

Next Generation

40

Biloela State High School

41

Ekka 2016 Memories

43

Equine Hall of Fame Inductee

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BREEDERS BULLETIN BOARD

Get in early.

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

P.34 4

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

AUGUST DIGEST DEADLINES ADVERTISING BOOKINGS AND COPY: JUNE 23, 2017.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

February 2017

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MESSAGES

President’s Paragraph 2017 has certainly got off to a good start for some people with a traditional wet season following on the back of some extremely hot days. All indicators point towards this wet season expanding to all areas in the future.

Good cattle prices, abundant feed and full dams is the trifecta we all dream about – hopefully it is just around the corner for everyone.

Resilience is a prerequisite for successful beef cattle production in Australia, and we have needed it by the bucket loads in recent times. For those producers with stock, the future certainly appears rosy, however those who need to rebuild their herds have a few challenges to face. A global shortage of beef at present is very beneficial for the Australian Beef Industry, however there are plenty of competitors in that space, including buffalo meat from India. International politics has the potential to influence negatively or positively the returns on our production.

There are so many factors beyond our control, however we do have control of the style and quality of our genetics. The commercial breeders keep telling us the Droughtmaster is continuing to deliver in that regard. To ensure this continues, the Society is committing funds to research so the breed takes advantage of the latest technology to ensure the breed continues to evolve and improve and maintain its position as one of the most popular breeds in Northern Australia.

Following the Society’s highly successful Trade Mission to South Africa last year, we are putting together a similar Trade Mission to Indonesia and Vietnam this year. Indonesia is obviously an important player in Live Export and Vietnam is fast becoming a significant destination for Live Export. This Trade Mission is being organised by a professional ag-tour company and will be a great opportunity to see the cattle industries in these countries firsthand as well as see some of the regular tourist spots. The cost will be tax deductable in most instances. Contact the Society for details

MICHAEL EL FLYNN President

Looking Ahead As I put pen to paper, reports of heavy falls of rain in parts of Western Queensland are filtering through. Unfortunately at this stage the falls are sporadic and patchy in many areas. In the last few weeks there have been good falls in the Kimberleys and parts of the Northern Territory. Most areas of New South Wales have had an excellent season, with the areas that were a bit light-on starting to fill in now. Hopefully the coming weeks will see a normal wet season across all of Northern Australia.

The cattle market has opened up not far behind its close last year, with the main influence being limited supplies. Live Export remains buoyant at this point in time and store buyers are battling to source numbers of suitable stock.

In the analysis of 2016, it was pleasing to see Droughtmasters feature in the highlights of commercial cattle sales throughout the year.

The experts continue to predict good news for the Australian Beef Industry in 2017, however the industry needs to make sure it doesn’t get lulled into a false sense of security.

For the first time in many years, most producers are not having to worry about just surviving, which provides the ideal opportunity to start putting selection pressure on the breeding herd, with particular emphasis on fertility. This is much easier to implement when prices and seasons are good. The good seasons and good prices also afford the time to look at management practices and procedures.

One of the looming threats to our industry is the animal liberation groups. Rather than wait for them to use social media to generate angst in the city populations which will force politicians to impose regulations on our animal husbandry practices, beef producers should be ensuring that all husbandry is conducted as humanly as possible. This became clearly evident to me when during a recent holiday in London I was confronted by a multitude of ads on Tube trains and city buses making people feel guilty about eating pork.

Ads featuring photos of cute piglets looking down the camera lens, with slogans like,“They trust us and we eat them”, were everywhere.

Self-regulation ation is not easy to implement but it is much more palatable than enforced rced regulation.

NEIL LDSON 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 Audrey Perry

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 OFFICER Paul Williams 0427 018 982 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 Mustering at Pine Hills, Wallumbilla.

Photo courtesy of Jenny Underwood, Eversleigh Stud, Wallumbilla. With the National Female Sale taking place on March 11, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the wonderful reputation the Droughtmaster female has earned in the commercial cattle herds of Australia.

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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February 2017

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

COMMERCIAL

Hardiness a Breed Plus

By Amelia Williams

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PEN of Droughtmaster cows at the Gunnedah saleyards first made Rod Barnes, “Surrey”, Gunnedah, NSW, look twice at the hardy breed.

In the early 2000s, Mr Barnes bought his first pen of Droughtmaster cows because he liked the look of them – and ran them in conjunction with his crossbred herd he owns with his wife Angela and son, Lee and daughter, Marisa.

After a while, Mr Barnes said he started to appreciate the performance of the Droughtmaster females and how well they did off natural feed and decided to strengthen that side of his production.

During a trip to Rockhampton’s renowned Beef Week, Mr Barnes saw the led bull from Heitiki Stud, Delungra, and purchased him to begin his own Droughtmaster breeding program.

Rod and Lee Barnes, “Surrey”, Gunnedah, with a group of their Droughtmaster heifers and their first calves.

They usually sell into the heavy feeder trade.

Having cattle that can keep condition during dry times is important to Mr Barnes, especially off natural feed.

Although the breed is only just starting to become prominent in his area, Mr Barnes said the stock’s marketability is up there with his cross bred cattle.

He said the Droughtmaster cattle seem to be able to keep their condition a bit longer than his other cross bred herds, and are only ever run on the property’s natural feed.

The ease of managing Droughtmaster cattle has been a real highlight for Mr Barnes, especially because they require limited care during calving.

“During the recent dry years, our Droughtmasters held their condition very well against my other breeds,” Mr Barnes said.

In a normal year, Mr Barnes said he would join his cows at the end of September to have calves on the ground during June and July.

“It is a very hardy breed with easy calving and minimal animal husbandry.”

This regime works well with the Barnes’ management regime and there’s also a good amount of winter feed to help keep condition on the cows.

Mr Barnes said he’s sold his Droughtmaster cattle into varying markets, although he’d usually wait until his cattle were between 400 to 450 kilograms and sell them, through the Gunnedah saleyards.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

“There’s a lot better winter feed than summer feed on the property,” Mr Barnes said.

February 2017

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NEWS

Brian’s Body of Work Recognised

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r Brian Burns, a vet and cattle scientist all of his working life with a great passion for the beef industry, particularly in Northern Australia was awarded the North Australia Beef Research Council Scientist/Researcher Medal in the latter part of 2016.

Brian has been a great supporter and friend of the Droughtmaster breed for many years. He spent endless hours (much of them in his own time) assisting the Droughtmaster breeders in keeping up with technology and harnessing the bovine science which evolves on an almost daily basis.

His knowledge and expertise enabled many Droughtmaster breeders to improve their genetics significantly.

The Droughtmaster Society has been keenly involved in the Smart Futures Project and the Epigenetics Project which were overseen by Brian and his drive and passion made sure that the projects achieved

Vet and cattle scientist Dr Brian Burns was awarded the North Australia Beef Research Council Scientist/Researcher Medal in the latter part of 2016.

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their objectives and helped our breeders harness the technology which is now available.

That drive and passion also encouraged our Board of Directors to ensure our breed kept up to date with the evolving technology. Brian was a regular guest at Society Board Meetings and presented sessions at many of our Field Days and schools. Brian was also a long term and valued member of our Technical Committee.

Even while suffering health issues Brian has continued to work long hours leading beef cattle research projects.

Brian’s contribution to the Australian Beef Industry had been underestimated by many but this award is well deserved and overdue.

Beef science has been Brian’s whole life not just his career – he eats, sleeps and breaths beef science.

Beef science has been Dr Burns whole life not just his career – he eats, sleeps and breaths beef science.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

SALE PREVIEW

Vendors Jason and Piper Johnston, Craiglea Droughtmaster Stud, Kenilworth, with buyer Chris Heness, Ridgie Didge Droughtmasters, Goomeri, and auctioneer Mark Scholes, Landmark, with the $16,000 top priced cow and calf of the 2016 Droughtmaster National Female Sale.

Exquisite Females Set for National Sale

By Matt Sherrington

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he stage is set for buyers to take advantage of another quality yarding of females at the 36th annual National Female Sale at the Gympie Saleyards on Saturday March 11, commencing at 9am.

Cooloola Stock Feeds; Beachport Mineral Supplements; Elders Stud Stock; Cavalier Livestock Equipment, Allflex , Australian Reproductive Technologies, Agricon and Vanderfields.

In total 28 vendors from Boonah to Hughenden and west to Chinchilla will be offering a stunning selection of 152 vendor bred females at the sale, including 12 cows and calves, 23 joined females and 117 unjoined females.

The printed sale catalogues will be available from the Droughtmaster Society and from the selling agents by mid-February. An electronic catalogue is available on the sale website (www.dmnfemalesale. com.au). Photos of lots and stud information will also be on the website prior to the sale in the section titled ‘For the Buyers’ and sale updates will be lodged in the ‘Latest News’ section.

Chairman of the sale committee Brian Heck said, being a multivendor sale incorporating a selection of females from 28 different studs, the Droughtmaster National Female sale offers exceptional choice from a broad genetic pool.

For more information contact (07) 3281 0056 or email office@ droughtmaster.com.au or visit www.dmnfemalesale.com.au

“They are bred from modern genetics and from older well regarded bloodlines with Foundation studs, well established studs and younger studs all cataloguing females,” Mr Heck said.

“This is a showcase sale for studs to present some of their leading females to a discerning panel of buyers,” he said.

“While the buyer has the benefit of selecting quality females from a broad genetic base, the sale is still very affordable and caters for all budgets.”

The cattle can be inspected on the afternoon of Friday, March 10, after which an informal “meet & greet” barbeque with refreshments will be held at the saleyards starting from 6.30pm.

“The barbeque provides a great opportunity for the vendors, purchasers and supporters of the sale to sit back, have a yarn and enjoy the evening in a relaxed atmosphere.”

The generous sale sponsors this year are: Gympie Isuzu Ute; Landmark Stud Stock; Sullivans Livestock; Landmark, Gympie;

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

Droughtmaster Australia CEO Neil Donaldson presented a gift to breed supporter Tim Joyce, Gympie, who celebrated his 35th birthday at the 35th Female Sale.

February 2017

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SALE PREVIEW

MINLACOWIE The Spann Family of Minlacowie and Wingfield Droughtmasters have successfully been breeding Droughtmasters for over 50 years now.

In that time they’ve concentrated on keeping the desirable Droughtmaster traits in the herd including a good tropical coat, moderate length ears, plenty of scale and the good carcase attributes in the male cattle, very good udders and milking ability in the females and very importantly, femininity in the females.

Something they’ve always focussed on is length, and the draft of 10 unjoined very feminine females they’re offering at the 2017 sale, is no exception.

In the last couple of years at the Droughtmaster National Bull Sale sons of Minlacowie females purchased at the National Female Sale have sold to $28,000 and averaged well over $15,000.

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February 2017

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Brian and Yvonne Heck, Bryvonlea Droughtmasters purchased their first females at the National Female Sale in 1998 and started selling females in early 2000.

Over the years they’ve purchased excellent genetics and have sold many as well.

The highlight of the sale for the Hecks was in 2013 when their unjoined heifer topped the sale for a record $18,000.

The Bryvonlea Studs will offer four cows and calves and six unjoined females at the 2017 sale. Lot 60, Bryvonlea Isadora is the first female to be offered by their lead sire Skye Wilfred. The majority of the draft are polled and are backed by proven pedigrees including Ripper, Riley, Jackson and Jet Set. It is a long time since Bryvonlea have offered cows and calves at the National Female Sale and they’re doing it this year to highlight the depth and the quality of their female bloodlines.

All four are from long standing females in the stud. Lot 4, Bryvonlea Gracie (P) is by Billabong Riley out of Bryvonlea Gracious, a Glenlands Hilton daughter.

A very stylish female with an exceptional udder, Gracie has a four month old heifer

RSVP and Sylvan Springs Droughtmasters will again tempt buyers with an outstanding line-up of Females at the National Female Sale.

RSVP will offer five heifers joined to 2012 Brisbane Royal Champion, Sylvan Springs Escapade.

These heifers will include three paternal sisters to Kalender Girl (Ianbrae Wanted), who is the current Brisbane Grand Champion Female and runner-up in the Miss World Contest.

RSVP will also offer four quality unjoined heifers including two daughters of Escapade, one by the $20,000 Southern Cross Keith and the other by the champion producing sire Ianbrae Wanted.

Sylvan Springs will offer two unjoined heifers, one by Southern Cross Keith and the other by Billabong Armstrong, who sold for $20,000 at the 2013 Billabong Sale.

This will be the second year selling at the Droughtmaster Female Sale for Greg and Dianne Anderson, Grandview Droughtmaster Stud, Boonah.

The Andersons have been producing Droughtmaster cattle for the 14 years, with the focus on soundness, high fertility and above all temperament in their herd.

The Andersons had a fantastic result at the sale in 2016, highlighted by Grandview Roslyn, by Glenlands New Edition, in calf to Glenlands Orson, topping the joined female section at $7500.

This year Grandview will be selling four joined females and they believe Grandview Faith will achieve the same level of success as Roslyn did last year. Like Roslyn she’s a beautiful example of the breed with very feminine attributes and a lot of softness, she also shares the same sire New Edition and is in calf to Orson.

Grandview are getting great results with their breeding program to date, and they’re continuing to purchase Glenlands bulls, the latest being Glenlands D Undone, which the Andersons purchased at the Glenlands Sale in September.

They said he is proving to be very fertile.

They now have a good line of heifers which they’ve bred themselves so they’re no longer buying females externally, and by joining them with the Glenlands bulls the progeny being produced are getting better each year.

BRYVONLEA JBH Rockhampton’s Josh Heck, Bryvonlea JBH Droughtmaster Stud, will be attending the 2017 sale selling on his own for the first time, after attending the event with his parents Brian and Yvonne Heck for many years.

Josh said he’s looking forward to seeing how his draft of two unjoined females and a cow and calf unit perform at the sale.

The first of his unjoined heifers to enter the sale ring will be Lot 45 Bryvonlea JBH Vienna who is a daughter of Lamont Inmate, whose sons have sold for up to $60,000 during previous sales for the Oasis Stud.

When selecting cattle for his sale draft, Josh said he looks for “good soft heifers with plenty of bone, which are feminine fertile types”.

He said he’s been doing IVF embryo work with his better cows recently to produce better quality cattle for the stud.

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BRYVONLEA

RSVP AND SYLVAN SPRINGS

GRANDVIEW

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Hamadra Doughtmasters have nominated 10 unjoined heifers for the sale.

This will be Hamadra’s first time offering heifers at the National Female Sale and Andrew and Kerri McKenzie and family are very pleased with the draft they’ve put together.

Hamadra Golden Girl sired by Wolfang 459 out of home-grown dam Hamadra Design will be their lead heifer for the sale.

Kerri said Golden Girl is a good fleshy, soft female with good bone and a lovely golden colour.

The McKenzies bought Wolfang 459 at the Droughtmaster National Sale in 2014 for $20,000, and they’ve been very happy with his progeny, which all have a lot of leg, and good bodied fleshy carcasses.

Hamadra’s aim is to breed easy care, early maturing cattle with clean underlines, good udders and plenty of beef, muscle and bone on a moderately framed size animal.

The 150 strong Hamadra stud females is backed up by 600 commercial breeding females. Where sires are thoroughly tested and their progeny’s performance is followed right through to the consumer. The feedback is extremely important in ensuring the herd remains on a path of continual improvement.

by Medway Urie at foot and has been running with Bryvonlea Quain.

The Bryvonlea draft will offer a smorgasbord of genetics including Vale View Ripper the sire of the 2013 record sale priced heifer Bryvonlea Jemima, her family is represented by Lot 6 Bryvonlea Jamari.

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DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

Valera Vale Droughtmasters

“Droughties with Real World Credentials�

Michael Flynn 0427 705 760 www.valeravaledroughtmasters.com.au

Fitzroy Crossing WA Sale, TBA August Valera Vale Sale Augathella, 8th September Paddock Sales

NEWS

Gympie and Longreach Feature Shows on the Horizon

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ark your calendars so you don’t forget the Droughtmaster Feature Shows for 2017. This year you have two to choose from (or you could go to both), Gympie on May 18 and Longreach on May 20.

By staging two feature shows in 2017, the best of the breed is on show for a geographically diverse range of commercial cattle producers.

While Droughtmasters are one of the most popular breeds in the Gympie area, we love to provide Droughtmaster studs in the area and further afield, the chance to showcase their current draft of sires and females to local beef producers and staging a Droughtmaster Feature Show this year will achieve just that.

After many years of prolonged drought in Western Queensland, accepting the invitation from the Longreach Show Society to stage a Droughtmaster Feature in 2017 gives our breed the opportunity to help boost the morale of the locals, as well as showcasing our breed which is ideally suited to the Western Queensland environment.

The hospitality in Western Queensland is legendary, so travelling to Longreach is a perfect opportunity to get out into the “real” Outback – the Stockman’s Hall of Fame is a “must see” along with a myriad of other tourist venues. Book your accommodation early.

Nominations for both feature shows have been strong and the respective feature show committees are working feverishly to ensure all exhibitors are well catered for.

The Future in Focus

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he 32nd annual Droughtmaster Futurity Show at Gatton is gearing up to be another spectacular showing of stud cattle.

With nominations close to 100 head it promises to be a great event which is traditionally attended by several hundred spectators keen to see the sires and dams of the future.

Our good friends from WFI Insurance are once again major sponsors of the Futurity.

Mark your calendars for March 4 and get out to the Gatton Showgrounds. Don’t forget your hat and a chair. Refreshments and food are available at the grounds.

Grand Champion Exhibit of the 2016 Droughtmaster Futurity Show at Gatton, Bowman Park Pale Rider (P) exhibited by Bowman Park Droughtmasters and held by Jake Bowman. Photo: Helen Walker.

Highlands Sale Supports Kid’s Charity

By Martin Bunyard

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he Highlands Droughtmaster Bull Sale at Clermont will once again be offering buyers high quality affordable bulls and the chance to support a worthy charity.

The bull sale’s committee has decided to donate 10 per cent of the proceeds from a selected sale bull to the Little Windmills Country Kids Charity, which helps seriously ill and injured children living in remote rural areas.

“The vendors Strathfield, Huntly, Kenlogan, Toronellah, Redskin, Medway, Oasis, Almafi and Karragarra Droughtmaster studs decided it would be a good idea to make a donation to the wonderful Little Windmills Kids Charity,” sale committee representative Jane Barton said.

The 26th annual Highlands Bull Sale will be on March 24 at the Clermont Saleyards with a good selection of high quality bulls on offer, according to Jane.

“The bull sale will feature 82 registered and herd bulls as well as six registered heifers across 10 studs, so there is something for everyone,” she said.

“The sales success relies on the great community support with regular local commercial breeders purchasing bulls at this sale due to the high quality and consistency offered.

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“It’s also a great sale for those people who are looking for affordable bullock breeding bulls.”

Ms Barton added the ‘marvellous businesses’ that sponsor this sale are also an integral part of the Highlands Bull Sale’s success.

This year will also feature many businesses setting up stalls for anyone attending the sale to browse items other than cattle.

“There really is something for everyone at this year’s sale,” she said.

“The Highlands Droughtmaster Bull Sale is definitely one to mark in your calendar and starts at 10am on Friday March 24.”

As always, there with be pre-sale inspections on Thursday afternoon before the bull sale with the Beef Breeding Services sponsored ‘Meet and Greet’ at the local Commercial Hotel at 6pm. Blue Print Sheds are sponsoring the breakfast on the sale day morning at 8am.

The bull sale committee said all bulls will have been vet checked and evaluated, semen and pestivirus tested, as well as vaccinated.

“All bulls will be scanned prior to the sale, with results available via a supplementary sheet the day prior to the sale,” Jane said.

“For any pre-sale information, including bull photos, head to the Highlands Bull Sale website www.highlandsdroughtmastersale.com. au or follow us on Facebook.”

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

February 2017

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COMMERCIAL

Arcturus Downs is a mixed farming operation which encompasses four properties covering approximately 95,000 acres.

Droughties Well Suited for Conditions at Arcturus Downs

By Matt Sherrington “The breed seems to have evolved over many years to an improved frame size and muscling quality.”

Arcturus Downs includes breeding and fattening production, which means the Bradfords have complete control over the whole process.

“We normally grow steers out to Jap Ox weights but have also sold to the feeder market when prices are really good.”

He said their main aim as beef producers is to have a highly fertile breeder herd producing cattle that can be grown out for slaughter in the shortest possible time.

“We keep it simple and don’t chase unrealistic goals.”

Sam and Lizzie Bradford at home on Arcturus Downs near Springsure.

“We feed loose lick, preg test cows, cull empties, fertility test bulls, control mate, vaccinate for reproductive diseases and get branding rates in the high 80 per cent range.

or Central Queensland beef producers Sam and Lizzie Bradford from Arcturus Downs located 40 kilometres east of Springsure on the Comet River, the Droughtmaster breed has proven to be the best choice for their base herd.

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“Most importantly we look after our cows and keep them in good condition so they are set up to actually have a calf every year.”

Arcturus Downs is a mixed farming operation which encompasses four properties covering approximately 95,000 acres. The operation combines grazing, cereal crops, pulses and irrigated cotton.

To meet this challenge they made a major change to their breeding operation last year by moving all their cows to the range country and weaned and joined all their young animals in the developed country.

The country varies from broadleaf ironbark and gum with native pastures in the mountain ranges to developed brigalow and bottletree scrub with buffel grass and improved pastures in the open downs country.

“Heifers are joined on the best country at 12 months old and returned to breeder country when they are preg tested with their second calf.

Sam said the cattle breeding and fattening operation is an essential part of the business as it helps balance the entire operation.

“We’ve always had Droughtmasters as our base herd but have used crosses of other breeds to help handle conditions or meet market demands,” he said.

“In the end we have always come back to the Droughtmaster to keep the cows even.”

The biggest challenge that the Bradfords have faced is getting consistent conception rates in second calf heifers.

“We are also trying to buy better bulls with more background information mainly, morphology, dam history and scrotal size.”

Sam said when attending stud bull sales they’re looking for physical attributes such as long, well balanced bulls with muscle and frame, combined with background information on fertility.

“Fertlity is most important factor for us, and morphology, scrotal size, and dam history are the basics.”

He said they like the Droughtmaster breed because they seem to be the best suited to Central Queensland conditions.

He said they’ve been fortunate to introduce some good bulls into their herd this year, which they’re hoping will perform well at Arcturus Downs.

“They’re a quiet, clean coated animal with good frame and mothering ability.”

“We purchased bulls this year from the National Sale, the Bullzeye Sale and from out of the paddock.”

Sam said the variable nature of Central Queensland climate also means they can adapt to a dry season and “hang on” or they can “go ahead” in a good season and fatten when things turn around.

Sam said he has a great team of people running the operation at Arcturus Downs.

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“Without them, none of this would be possible.”

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

NEWS

Are You a Droughtmaster Bleeder?

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service supplies the community with safe, high quality blood and blood products.

Even if you are already a blood donor, make sure that you join the Red25 Droughtmaster Bleeders group

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aving good health is something that most of us take for granted. But more and more these days, families are either directly affected or know of friends who find themselves suddenly requiring medical treatment. In many cases patients need to be given a blood transfusion.

Australians are known for their generosity in helping others during times of natural disasters. Did you know that there is a way that you can donate to help others and it won’t cost you a cent?

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

During any given week, approximately 25,000 blood donations are required throughout the country. To promote the importance of blood donation and encourage more people to become donors the Red Cross have launched the “Red25 Project” – the aim is to ensure that 25 per cent of Australia’s daily blood donations are secured. The project invites community groups and organisations to unite to save Australian lives through blood donations.

At the end of 2016 the “Droughtmaster Bleeders” group was formed. Our group is working in collaboration with Team Adem which is based on the Sunshine Coast (visit www.teamadem.com.au for more information).

You don’t have to be a member of the Droughtmaster Society or even a cattle breeder to be a Droughtmaster Bleeder – in fact, anyone who is able and willing to donate blood can join and become a “Bleeder”.

Understandably getting to a blood donor centre isn’t easy if you live away from the major cities along the coast. In some areas mobile donation centres visit larger towns from time-to-time. The Red Cross Blood Service has an excellent website which outlines eligibility to donate, where to donate and how your blood donation is used.

If you are already a blood donor, make sure that you join the Red25 Droughtmaster Bleeders group and each of your donations will be tallied along with the group.

The first to roll up their sleeves were Brett and Leanne Warne from Jembrae Droughtmaster Stud. They were so impressed with their experience and with the enthusiasm of the staff at the donor centre, that they are making regular blood donations a priority this year and they encourage others to follow suit.

Australian Red Cross Blood Service 131495 or www.donateblood.com.au

February 2017

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DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

2017 WAJATRYN BULLS

Wajatryn 2338 Knightly 14 months S. Huntly Latham

18 DROUGHTMASTER NATIONAL SALE BULLS PADDOCK BULLS, FEMALES, SEMEN STRAWS Available for Inspection and Sale on Property Year Round See our Website www.wajatryn.com or visit us on

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

Contact Warren and Carolyn Kenny, Gayndah 07 4161 1279

February 2017

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Droughtmaster Showcase East to West – Droughtmasters will feature at two major Queensland shows in 2017 Gympie, May 18 and Longreach, May 20 Who will be the Gympie and Longreach champions?

Former Gympie interbreed champions

Former Gympie junior champion

Who will be Longreach champion?

Peter Lowe 0407 221 254

Julie Sheehan 0409 201 149

Jane Lowe 0408 488 609

AW3161633

are proud to support both Droughtmaster Feature Shows and will provide comprehensive coverage of both events across all their platforms – social, online and print

SALE REPORT

MAGS’ 15th Birthday Blockbuster

By Matt Sherrington scorching hot November day at the Dalrymple Saleyards cooked up a perfect storm of selling action during the MAGS Droughtmaster Sale in Charters Towers.

The bidding action was fast and furious throughout the day and saw 106 bulls gross $783,000 to reach a record average of $7387 for a 95 per cent clearance rate.

Lamont Orlando 546 (S) from Mac and Gayle Shann, Lamont Stud, Cantaur Park, Clermont, sold to Jason and Carissa Childs, Glenlands Droughtmasters, Alkira, Dingo for a sale topping $30,000.

Mr Childs said he was impressed with the 26-month-old, 810kg son of Glenlands Oratorio’s “overall correctness, length, depth of bone and breeding”. In all 63 registered sires made $485,000 to average $7,698.

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The Shann’s also topped the herd bull section when Lamont 665 (P) was purchased by Jarvarnie Cattle Co, Charters Towers and SC Grazing, Canoona for $20,000. A total of 43 herd bulls sold to gross $298,000 and average $6930.

The vendors all enjoyed a successful sale, spearheaded by Lamont Stud selling 41 head for $389,000; Hugh and Sherri Philp, Valley Stud, Wyena Clermont sold 34 bulls for $200,000; Kylie Graham and Mat Durkin, Mungalla Stud, Farnham, Taroom sold 28 head for $170,000 and Alison Atkinson, Durack Stud, Frenchville, Rockhampton sold three bulls for $24,000.

Peter and Ann Woollett, Nardoo Pastoral Co, Cloncurry took home a draft of 14 bulls to top the volume buyers list for the sale.

“They are a very tidy line of bulls, and what we paid was in line with what we expected based on recent stud sales.”

Sale co-coordinator Ken McCaffrey, McCaffrey’s Australian Livestock Marketing, was pleased with the result, noting that the total number of bulls sold marked a 50 per cent increase on 2015.

“The lead-off bulls were the best we’ve had quality wise since the sale began, which set the tone for the rest of the day,” Mr McCaffrey said.

The Shann’s said they were “blown away” by the result.

“On the back of three crippling years of drought for vast tracts of Queensland, we hope this is the start of a new seasonal trend for everyone who has suffered,” Gayle Shann said.

Lamontt O L Orlando l d 546 (S) vendors d M Mac and dG Gayle l Sh Shann, L Lamontt St Stud, d C Cantaur t P Park, k Cl Clermontt sold ld ffor a sale l hi high h $30 $30,000.

000

The vendors off th the 2016 MAGS S Sale.

Th d l

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

Vendor Mac Shan (middle), (middle) Lamont Stud, Stud Cantaur Park, Park Clermont, Clermont with the purchasers of 2016 MAGS Droughtmaster Sale top price bull Lamont Orlando 546 (S) Jason and Brendon Childs, Glenlands Droughtmasters, Alkira, Dingo.

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SALE REPORT

Alma Stud Dispersal Peaks at $32,000

By Jane Lowe Alma co-principal Lesley Sorley said it was “a very sad day to see the cattle for the last time, but at the same time we are looking forward to our retirement as this was something we have chosen to do”.

The top priced bull was Droughtmaster Alma Tawny (P) D5, bought by Roger and Jenny Underwood, Eversleigh and Wallace Vale Droughtmasters, Wallumbilla, for $32,000.

Roger and Jenny also paid $10,000 for the top priced female Alma Yordana (P) D5 with a weaner bull calf at foot. Alma Wasp also with a calf at foot sold to Glen and Margaret Hogan, Payola, Coondoo for the equal top of $10,000.

The $8000 top priced red Brahman female was Alma Cally 03/41 and heifer calf selling to John and Catherine Hicks, Billabong, Moura.

The top priced Brahman bull, Alma Otter 15-504, sold to ST & KL Murphy, Table Top Station, Collinsville for $6500.

Buyers Roger and Jenny Underwood with vendor Stan Sorley and the top priced Droughtmaster bull, Alma Tawny (P) D5, which sold for $32,000.

I

t was the end of an era for Stan and Lesley Sorley, Alma Droughtmaster and Brahman studs, Bell when 224 head was dispersed for a total clearance at the Dalby saleyards in November.

Demand was strong with 104 buyers registered to capitalise on this unique opportunity.

Neil Donaldson opened the sale by passing on Stan’s thanks to all those who had helped behind the scenes over the years.

“The Alma Dispersal was tinged with sadness as it marks the end of an era for a foundation stud,” Mr Donaldson said.

Volume buyers for the sale were Tranton Pty Ltd, Byee via Murgon who took home a total of 15 lots for an average of $2020 and Steven Palmer, Deearne Station, Eidsvold who bought 10 lots for a total of $27,500.

Fitting Finale for Foundation Stud

By Jenny Underwood

Stan and Lesley Sorley having Droughtmaster St dL l S l h i a chat h t with ith D ht t Society president Michael Flynn during the Alma dispersal sale at Dalby last year.

N

ovember 12, 2016 marked the end of an era when Stan and Lesley Sorley sold their complete Droughtmaster and Brahman stud herds at the Alma dispersal sale at Dalby.

Alma was one of the first studs to be honoured with “Foundation Stud” status when the Droughtmaster breed was officially recognized nearly 60 years ago.

It was fitting then, that the dispersal sale saw a 100 per cent clearance and a best ever price of $32,000 for the stud.

Stan Sorley was born and bred on his family’s property “Alma” at Bell near Dalby in southern Queensland.

Working alongside his father and two brothers, cattle breeding has always been in Stan’s blood.

In the early days, Stan’s father ran a Hereford Stud in conjunction with an AIS dairy cow stud herd.

They also began buying cattle from sales at Manumbar west of Gympie and joined the cows to a Brahman bull they purchased as well as to their own Shorthorn and Hereford bulls.

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February 2017

It wasn’t long before the crossbred weaners at “Alma” caught the attention of the DPI in Dalby. It was found that the Brahman-infused calves weighed the heaviest and had the best weight gains; many of those weaners had the typical Droughtmaster traits we know today.

While Stan’s two brothers diversified into Brafords, Stan stuck with the Droughtmaster – a decision he says he has never regretted.

Droughtmasters branded with the Alma prefix have been sold to breeding properties throughout Australia.

Originally Stan sold his bulls through the ring at the Dalby Tropical Sale, but once the National Sale kicked off at Gracemere in Rockhampton, Alma bulls began to appear regularly in that sale catalogue. In later years, the Tropical Sale at Roma became a regular outlet for Alma bulls.

Alma females have also sold well at the annual Droughtmaster National Female Sale held in Gympie.

For many years Alma cattle were shown at shows around the Toowoomba and Dalby areas. One of Stan’s greatest achievements was taking out the broad ribbon for the Supreme Breeders’ Group at the Bell Show.

Due to his experience on the show circuit, Stan became very experienced on the preparation of bulls and he was regularly invited to instruct at handling schools.

At the end of 2016, four of the Sorley properties were sold and Stan and Lesley have made their new home near Toowoomba, although “Stan’s Plan” is to buy a caravan and travel Australia, no doubt calling in on some of the breeders who have bought Alma cattle over the decades.

We wish Stan and Lesley all the very best with their retirement and thank them for the valuable contribution Alma Stud has made to the development of the Droughtmaster breed as we know it today.

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February 2017

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SALE REPORT

Cream of the Crop Females in Demand

By Martin Bunyard Droughtmaster studs. The heifer was purchased by Nindethana Droughtmasters, Camp Mountain, for $7000.

Bryvonlea Droughtmasters achieved the overall top sale average of $4958 for six head during the sale, all of which were unjoined heifers.

Volume buyers were the Lawrie family, Crows Nest, who took home nine head for $35,000 to average $3889. The Brooks family, Wivenhoe Pocket, signed off on seven quality females for an average of $5571.

JJohn h Scott, S tt R k Vi ht t t h d th il ’ Rocky View D Droughtmasters, watched the ffamily’s complete stud dispersal at the sale.

C

attle producers who were interested in securing quality Droughtmaster female genetics turned out in droves at the 2016 Cream of the Crop sale.

The annual Droughtmaster stud and commercial female sale, held at Coolabunia Sale Complex in Kingaroy, this year included the Rocky View Stud dispersal and the Red Acres Stud reduction, which saw 95 registered females in total offered for sale.

The sale achieved an 85 percent clearance of cow and calf units, joined heifers, unjoined heifers, and bulls.

Top priced female was offered by the Scott family’s Rocky View Droughtmaster stud. Their five-year-old cow, Rocky View 1489, with a three-month-old heifer calf at foot by Billabong Yukon sire was bought by the Streeter family, Palmvale Droughtmasters, Marlborough for $10,000.

Second top priced female of the sale was an unjoined heifer, Bryvonlea Eddwina, offered by Brian and Yvonne Heck, Bryvonlea Droughtmasters, Glastonbury. The good quality 19-month-old Droughtmaster heifer was out of the stud’s Bryvonlea Eddora cow with genetics from renowned Glenlands and Billabong

Other vendors in this year’s Cream of the Crop sale were the Aitken family, Lorayne, Bellthorpe, L Howard, Benjamin, North Aramara, the Litchfield family, Red Acres, Hivesville, the McCabe family, Breffni, Chinchilla, D Smith, Vale View, Goomeri, and the Gillies family, Scrubby Mountain, Gin Gin. In the Cream of the Crop section of the sale, 26 of the 29 lots offered were sold for a 90 percent clearance and a $3231 sale average. A top price of $3750 was paid for Scrubby Mountain Fran, offered by Allan and Nadia Gillies, Scrubby Mountain Droughtmasters and selling to the Brooks family, Wivenhoe Pocket.

In the Red Acres ‘Heart of the Herd 2’ section of the sale, 12 out of 15 females offered were sold for an average of $2917 with the top price reached for lot 43, Red Acres Heide. The 14-month-old heifer was bought by the Kroll Family, Condamine Droughtmasters, Chinchilla, for $4750.

In the Rocky View Droughtmaster herd dispersal, 51 of the 55 lots on offer averaged $4113. All 25 of the cow and calf units sold for an average of $4930.

Seven of the 10 joined females up for sale sold for an average of $3179. A top price of $5750 was paid for lot 74, Rocky View 1619, which sold to the Brooks family, Wivenhoe Pocket.

All of the seven bulls on offer sold for an average of $3786. The top price bull was Billabong Yukon, which sold for $10,000 to Warren and Carolyn Kenny, Wajatryn Droughtmasters, Gayndah.

TOP PRICE: Auctioneer Midge Thompson, purchasers Beth and Remy Streeter and vendor John Scott with the $10,000 Rocky View 1489, with heifer calf at foot. Picture: Tennille Hughes.

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SALE REPORT

Vendors Brad and Kerryn Piggott with Landmark’s Trent McKinlay with top priced bull, Christmas Creek 454, which sold to Fred Noffke, Springsure.

Central Reds Sale Tops at $15,000

By Kelly Butterworth Christmas Creek 454 impressed on the supplementary sheet, with the 25-month-old bull boasting a liveweight of 770kg, an EMA of 134sq cm, and a scrotal circumference of 37cm.

Minlacowie Ulger was also as impressive in the books as he was in the ring.The 24-month-old bull weighed 785kg, with a scrotal circumference of 39cm and an EMA of 126sq cm.

Mr Piggott said the top priced bull had been impressive from the start, and he was very impressed with the success of sale as a whole.

“It was pretty good, we were very happy with the sale,” he said.

“He was a standout bull, we thought he would make about the $10,000, I was not expecting him to get to $15,000.”

Mr Piggott said the sale was much stronger this year when compared to last year, but said he had more to offer buyers this year as well.

Bulls catalogued for the sale achieved a 100 per cent clearance clearance, averaging $5836 for a gross of $303,500.

N

ovember’s Central Reds Droughtmaster sale impressed in Emerald, with the bulls achieving a 100 per cent clearance, averaging $5836 for a gross of $303,500.

The sale also saw 16 females enter the ring, with 11 selling for an average of $2068, gross of $22,750 and a clearance of 68 pc.

Topping the bulls was Brad and Kerryn Piggott’s Christmas Creek 454, selling to Fred Noffke, Keronga, Springsure, for $15,000.

Mr Noffke also purchased the third top priced bull Minlacowie Ulger, for $13,000, from the Spann family, Goovigen.

Selling for $14,000 was Greg and Donna Edwards’ Wolfang 31, a polled 23 month-old bull weighing 780kg with an EMA of 136sq cm, which sold to Luke and Alyce Tincknell, Cambridge Downs, Springsure.

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February 2017

“My bulls are a lot better quality this year and they’re all polled except for one horned bull, and people are chasing those polls,” he said.

“I think it’s a few thousand dollars difference with the polled bulls in the ring.”

He said the top priced bull would fit into any operation seamlessly.

“He’s got good muscle, a good topline and he’s polled with a tidy sheath,” he said.

For the females it was Cec and Elaine Pelling’s Fernleigh Holly who topped the sale – selling for $4000 to Talco Droughtmasters, Katrina, Rolleston.

Holly, a polled 21-month-old heifer, was the standout of the females, with the second top priced, Christmas Creek 1549, also a polled heifer, selling for $2750 to the Woolcock family, Mostyndale, Springsure.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

SALE REPORT

ANZ Special Droughtmaster Store Sale Growing in Stature

By Kelly Butterworth

T

“It was a bit of an achievement to win against the other cattle which were there.”

The cattle were judged by well-respected cattleman Dean Armstrong, Comet Downs, Comet, who awarded the prize pens with their honours.

In addition to their stud, the Woolcock family run a purebred Droughtmaster commercial herd of 800 breeders and fatten their progeny to sell directly to meatworks.

The champion pen of steers was a consignment of feeder steers from Kevin and Leesa Woolcock, Mostyndale, Springsure.

Mrs Woolcock said the ANZ Store Sale was the only sale they sold cattle at each year, and said they were happy to support the sale.

The champion pen of 11 milk tooth PCAS-accredited steers weighed 496kg, and returned $1595 per head to top the feeder steer market.

The Woolcocks are PCAS-accredited and run a feedlot on their Springsure property, which Mrs Woolcock said they used to fatten some of their steers, especially in the last few dry years.

A pen of EU accredited heifers exhibited by Coobyanga Pastoral, Borilla Park, Anakie was the winner of the heifer section.

The heifers weighed 261kg and made 340c/kg, to return $890.

Feeder steers topped 321.2c/kg, while weaner steers reached 359.2c/ kg.

Feeder heifers made to 341.2c/kg, with weaner heifers topping at 340c/kg.

Mrs Woolcock said they were exceptionally happy with the results of the commercial sale, which is in its second year.

“We had 44 number fives, and one of the pens of those was the champion pen. We also had 15 number six heifers and 15 number six steers,” she said.

“We were happy with how it all went, and it was an outstanding yarding of Droughtmaster cattle.

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“The steers that won the champ pen were PCAS-eligible; they had been on grass and recently on the oats,” she said.

She said the sale was organised by the vendors involved in the Central Reds Sale to not only promote Central Queensland Droughtmaster cattle, but to give each vendor a chance to showcase their commercial operations.

“The aim of the Central Reds Sale was to be commercially orientated and all vendors in the sale, are very commercially oriented,” Mrs Woolcock said.

“We only started it in 2015, but it is progressing well and this year’s sale will demonstrate to commercial breeders that they’ll get good prices at the sale.”

H T MA S T E R S

AW3147980

he ANZ Special Droughtmaster Store Sale yarded more than 300 Droughtmaster cattle at the Emerald saleyards, with the commercial sale leading off the Central Reds Droughtmaster stud stock sale.

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February 2017

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COMMERCIAL

Frith Family Bucking Trends in the Top End

By Lucy Ziesemer Mr Frith said the southern country was predominantly used for trade cattle, confirming an in-depth study of profit margins convinced them it was the way to go.

“It puts the onus on each property to perform and enables you to work out how well each place does perform relative to costs,” he said.

“It means you’re not stealing from Peter to pay Paul – you’re not selling animals you don’t want to sell just because you’re in a system, instead you sell the cattle you want to sell.

“We may still integrate between properties at times, so long as it’s still a profitable sell and buy for each respective place.”

Another management feature separating the Frith family from others taking a similar route is their irrigated hay production stream, the brainchild of John’s father.

John and Angela Frith with son Charlie at Neutral Junction Hay Farm, one of four properties they run in partnership with John’s parents.

Neutral Junction Station has an 89 hectare centre pivot system fed by water from shallow aquifers pumped from just 40 metres below ground level.

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EEF producers John and Angela Frith are bucking the trend when it comes to owning 486,000 hectares of Northern Territory dirt.

Mr Frith said the family was putting in another 45-hectare pivot, but had waited two years for an increased water allocation.

Laying claim to such a portion of land – as well as owning three backgrounding properties between Roma and Morven in Queensland – would have many producers clear on a production and marketing start and end point strategy for their cattle.

“We grow Reclaimer Rhodes grass and forage sorghum for hay supporting local beef operations as well as stepping up into supplying the AA Company-owned property groups within the Barkly Tablelands this year,” he said.

Instead of sticking to the expected path of breeding on Neutral Junction Station, 200 kilometres south of Tennant Creek, and transporting progeny back to their Queensland operations, the Friths look at each property as its own profit centre.

“We grew more than 2000 tonnes of hay this year and we’d like to increase that and also have the opportunity to go into more horticultural crops as well, but the government process regarding water allocation has been very slow.

The Friths, in partnership with John’s parents Charlie and Liz, have 5500 Droughtmaster-cross breeders on Neutral Junction Station growing out on the station.

“It’s quite a unique aspect as there’s not a lot of irrigation in the area although it is slowly growing – a watermelon farmer across the road successfully grew onions this year.”

Marketing decisions are made when the time arises.

Neutral Junction’s landscape ranges from flood out buffel country to pine mulga and spinifex, with the Taylor Creek system running from the southern end of the property to the north.

“In 2016 we had a run of steers go north for the Indonesian market as we can supply cattle when other stations are flooded,” John Frith said.

“In the past two years we’ve used Ultra Black bulls over the Droughtmaster cows to open up marketing opportunities.

“The creek floods out and then falls below ground at a point to supply about 21 million megalitres to the shallow aquifers, of which we’re currently utilising 1200 megalitres,” he said.

“The bulls and their progeny have great adaptability and are also able to fit the Indonesian job up north while still being suitable for tighter eastern and southern markets.”

The Frith family can certainly be described as “business-minded”, having enjoyed a long pastoral history in the Roma district and now clocking up 14 years’ ownership of Neutral Junction.

Mr Frith said having access to such a variety of market options discouraged him from sticking to a traditional method of breeding in the north and trading into southern markets.

Their profit-based management plan includes retaining 1000 replacement heifers each year and pregnancy testing after six months to allow culling based on fertility.

“Each property has to be profitable in its own right,” he said.

“We’re really putting the sword to the cows to make sure they’re performing,” he said.

“If you sell weaners at 200 kilograms and the market is at 200 cents/ kg instead of where it is now, you’re unlikely to get much more than cost of production back for those animals after freight.

“This is why we made the decision to move away from the standard calf factory concept.

“We find growing progeny out to greater weights gives more options in both marketing and destocking in variable seasons.”

Mr Frith felt fortunate to be working successfully with his parents who were forward thinking and still active in the family partnership, which includes properties “Uabba”, at Morven and “Glen Arden” and “Glen Hope” at Roma.

Two additional leased properties in the Roma region make for a prime backgrounding set-up, and a feedlot on “Glen Arden”, while not currently in operation, would seem to complete the puzzle.

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NEW PATH: calving PATH PTIC heifers h if l i in i a three-month th th window. i d The Friths made the decision to move away from the standard calf factory concept.

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COMMERCIAL

Proudly Australian Owned Since 1909

By Matt Sherrington

A

.J. Bush & Sons is a wholly owned Australian family enterprise that began as a single retail butcher shop in 1909.

AJ Bush and Sons manager David Kassulke said the firm operates retail meat outlets in Sydney, and two large capacity animal by-products rendering plants; one located at Riverstone in NSW, with the second at Bromelton in Queensland, approximately 75 kilometres south-west of Brisbane.

David said rendering is the method used to treat the non-meat portion of an animal.

“The Bromelton plant has the largest capacity of any rendering facility within Australia,” he said.

“Rendered products include tallow, poultry oil, meat & bone meal, poultry meal, hydrolysed feather meal and blood meal. The majority of production is exported.”

Renderers dehydrate high moisture content animal by-products, and the water that is removed has residual traces of nitrogen and phosphorus.

The Bromelton plant has an extensive effluent treatment plant, with covered anaerobic ponds and associated irrigation infrastructure.

The treated water is irrigated on the factory site and surrounds via centre pivots and upright sprinklers.

The Bromelton plant is well known for its capture of methane rich biogas, which is used to raise steam and make electricity which is consumed on site.

David said renewable and low emission biodiesel to replace fossil diesel is possible using tallow from livestock.

“Our acquisition of neighbouring land holdings has resulted in 515 hectares of freehold land with another 200 hectares for agistment.

“The dominant pasture grass is kikuyu, along with rhodes and natural pastures.” He said livestock operations began with Droughtmaster heifers, sourced locally.

“Droughtmasters are well suited to all our needs, with attributes well suited to the end consumer.

David Kassulke looks over the cattle on offer at Beaudesert during the 2016 AJ Bush and Sons weaner and feeder sale.

“It gives an excellent coverage of all the animal, which is particularly important on those animals with bigger ears.

An electric eye controls the operation of the dip unit, and David said the animals go through the yards unassisted as they flow nose to tail to reach the relief of the spray dip unit.

“We have an unusual and unique farm operation that is at the tail end of our industrial rendering factory operation.

“We are making the best utilisation of meat by-products into rendered products and the trace elements exiting the water treatment system are a resource to grow improved pasture for boosting livestock production efficiency.”

He said 98 per cent of the nutrients entering the site in raw materials leave in their rendered product.

The remaining two percent is utilised to enhance livestock rearing with productive pasture aiding their ability to lift stocking rates.

“Our numbers have grown to the point where all our progeny are Droughtmaster cattle, with all of the 20 bulls on property being Droughtmasters.”

David said the Droughtmasters suit the operation given their size, gentle temperament and ease of management for the operation’s rotational grazing system.

“Initially we built up our numbers, and began marketing weaners at an annual sale.

“With variable market and seasonal considerations we now intend to grow out our steers and heifers to a set weight suitable for sale direct to the meatworks.

“A portion of heifers will be retained for herd replacement with cull cows consigned direct to the works.”

He said when purchasing females they look for big framed animals, which have a quiet nature and are feminine looking.

David said last year they acquired five bulls and they have proved to be excellent.

A.J. Bush & Sons are big believers in trialling various innovations such as an electro-dip unit which is used for treatment for ticks and buffalo fly.

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David said the Droughtmasters suit the operation given their size, gentle temperament and ease of management for the operations rotational grazing system.

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TECHNICAL

Understanding Poll Testing

By Dr. Russell Lyons

Key Points • The case for selecting Poll animals is based upon both welfare and economic grounds.

• The Poll test is used to determine the likelihood of an animal carrying one (PH), two (PP) or no (HH) copies of the Poll gene • To date the scientific community’s understanding of scurs is limited • Researchers at CSIRO, the University of Queensland and Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries are applying for funding to make a SNP-based Poll test a reality

Case for Poll Cattle

Understanding Poll Results

The case for selecting Poll animals is based upon both welfare and economic grounds. Dehorning is an invasive procedure and there is growing awareness of animal welfare concerns. It is also labour intensive in older calves and can cause economic losses through secondary infection and mortality (Bunter et al., 2013). Bruising also costs the Australian beef industry about $30 million a year or about $4 per animal at the point of slaughter, with horns identified as the major cause (Grandin, 2000). Horns also present a significant risk to injury of stock handlers. Australia, the biggest exporter of beef in the world, is being proactive in advance of these growing animal welfare concerns and working to protect market access in the beef trade. Breeding Poll cattle is a non-invasive and welfare-friendly method of phasing out the practice of dehorning.

The Poll test is used to determine the likelihood of an animal carrying one (PH), two (PP) or no (HH) copies of the Poll gene. As the Poll gene is dominant, animals that carry either one or two copies of it will be Polled in appearance (exhibit a Poll phenotype) and only animals that carry two copies of the horn gene will be horned in appearance.

As with all genetic selection, it is wise to consider the selection of Poll animals only in conjunction with other objectively-measured traits.

Poll results are reported in the formats shown below:

Certificate CASE NUMBER

ANIMAL NAME

REG NO.

REG NO.

123456

ANIMAL X

X

PP(98%)

CASE-NUMBER

IDENT

DNA-TESTSREQUESTED

RESULT

456123

ANIMAL Z

POLL

PH(98%)

Excel Summary

Continued on page 33

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TECHNICAL

Continued from page 31 The percentage given indicates the confidence in the genotype (PP/PH/ HH) reported. It should not be interpreted to mean the animal is 98% PP or 98% PH, or that the animal will throw PP or PH calves 98% of the time, respectively.

Animals that return a PP result with a high degree of confidence can be bred with horned (HH) animals to produce only PH offspring, with these usually appearing either Polled or scurred depending upon breed, sex and other factors, reducing the need for dehorning. PH animals when bred with horned (HH) animals can produce either PH or HH offspring in a 50:50 ratio, i.e. for every given calf there is a 50% chance it will be PH and a 50% chance it will be HH. Progeny from a PH x HH mating may appear Polled, scurred or horned. The progeny of a horned (HH) x horned (HH) mating will be horned.

In some instances an animal will return a “Not Determined” (ND) result and this is an indication that more information is required; accurate phenotype (Poll/Scur/Horn) and breed composition information will commonly resolve an ND into a definitive result. Where updated phenotype and breed information does not resolve an ND, the submission of horned relatives and/or allowing a few additional cycles of analysis will resolve cases in most instances.

Scurs To date the scientific community’s understanding of scurs is limited.

Recent data indicated that the gene controlling scurs is likely on a different chromosome to the gene controlling horns, but further research is needed to determine which chromosome. While there appears to be a strong influence of the animal’s sex, with males more likely to present with scurs than females, there is no hard and fast rule that can be applied, especially in the indicus-influenced breeds. Scurs is most commonly observed in heterozygous (PH) animals, although there are exceptions to that rule also. Recent reports in the Droughtmaster breed suggest that in some circumstances animals genotyped as homozygous Poll (PP) by the current Poll test can present with scurs-like phenotypes*. Of the 337 animals across multiple breeds identified as phenotypically scurred, the following results were reported:

Certificate RESULT

NUMBER OF CASES

PERCENTAGE OF GROUP

PP*

14

4%

PH

298

88%

HH

25

7%

*Any animals that are reported as PP but are scurred in appearance are of great interest to the scientific community. Please collect tail hair, pedigree and photographic evidence and contact AGL (agl@uq.edu.au).

Current status for the Droughtmaster breed To date 581 Droughtmaster samples have been tested at UQ’s Animal Genetics Laboratory (UQ AGL). The results are shown below in Figure 1.

It is encouraging to see that the rates of Not Determined (ND) continue to fall thanks largely to the infusion of horned animals’ genotypes (especially prominent sires) into the database. Our test shows predicted confidence of up to 98% for homozygous carriers of Poll (PP) in Droughtmaster, and significant and continuing improvements in other breeds. The resulting increase in genetic testing for Poll is bringing the industry closer to its goal of eventually eliminating de-horning.

It is important to note that the 6% HH in Figure 1 include animals that have been provided by either the Droughtmaster Society or individual breeders to train the database and reduce or resolve NDs. These animals are tested at no charge as part of the ongoing commitment to research and development by UQ AGL. The Droughtmaster Society has been actively involved in the sourcing of additional horned samples for testing to improve the accuracy of testing results for Droughtmaster cattle.

The Droughtmaster Herdbook now provides the poll gene test results if that information has been supplied to the Society.

Current Test System The microsatellite based haplotype test for Poll (MLA project B.AWW.0222) developed by researchers at CSIRO, University of New England and The University of Queensland is a major improvement on tests previously available. It was designed to be suitable for Bos Taurus breeds, Bos Indicus breeds and composite cattle as is the requirement in the Australian Livestock sector. The haplotype test is set apart from other Poll tests by its ability to ‘learn and adapt’ as new data is entered into the system; each time a new set of data is entered into the system the entire dataset is reanalysed according to the updated information.

Since its introduction in October 2013, over 18,000 cattle across a diverse range of breeds have been tested with this version of the Poll test.

The Future of Poll Testing While this test has proven to be an excellent addition to the genetic testing toolkit, there are widely accepted limitations to the test in its current form. Firstly, as mentioned previously there is no means of identification or accurate prediction of carriers of the scur gene. Also, the microsatellite-based Poll test is a stand-alone test that is incompatible with the Single Nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping platforms increasingly used for parentage testing, diagnostics and genomic prediction of breeding values. An accurate SNP-based test that will work across all breeds including Droughtmaster will potentially lead to a lower-cost option when used in conjunction with other tests. To that end, researchers at CSIRO, the University of Queensland and Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries are applying for funding to make this a reality. As it has done in the past, the Droughtmaster Society has committed to working closely with these institutions and has pledged strong in-kind support for these projects to the potential funders of these projects.

For further information about Poll testing please contact Dr Russell Lyons or Sarah Buttsworth at UQ Animal Genetics Lab on (07) 5460 1960 or agl@uq.edu.au References: Bunter Kim L., Johnston David J., Wolcott Matthew L., Fordyce Geoffry (2013) Factors associated with calf mortality in tropically adapted beef breeds managed in extensive Australian production systems. Animal Production Science 54, 25-36 Grandin, T. 2000. Bruise levels on fed and non-fed cattle.

Proceedings Livestock Conservation Institute. http://www.grandin. com/references/LCIbruise.html.

Figure 1: Percentage of Genotypes Observed from Droughtmaster samples tested at UQAGL (n=581)

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

February 2017

33

NEXT GENERATION

Lawrence is Passionate about the Cattle Industry

By Matt Sherrington His mother Michelle’s grandparents, Oscar and Trudy own a commercial cattle property at Mudgeeraba in the Gold Coast hinterland where Lawrence frequently ventures to during his holidays and breaks from university commitments, to help out with their Charbray/Droughtmaster herd.

For as long as he can remember, Lawrence has been actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the family’s beef and goat breeding operation.

While the recent drought has necessitated some destocking, they are currently running approximately 500 head of cattle and 600 head of goats on just under 20,000 acres.

Lawrence (pictured at Ekka) says Droughtmaster breeders are like one big family. They are very friendly and very supportive.

G

oondiwindi-born and bred fourth year UQ Gatton student, Lawrence Sehmish-Lahey was born into the beef cattle industry and his enthusiasm for all aspects of the sector has only grown through the years.

The eldest of three children, Lawrence who turns 21 in April comes from a long line of beef producers with his father Greg, grandfather Gavin, and uncle Brian Lahey, all running adjoining operations in Goondiwindi.

34

February 2017

They work closely with his grandfather and uncle to achieve maximum output. Lawrence explained that this involved running breeders on Greg and Gavin’s properties and then transferring progeny to Brian’s property for backgrounding for the feedlot market.

Lawrence enjoys all aspect of life and work on the land, but his favourite tasks, if pushed to identify them, include mustering, drafting and branding young cattle.

When working with their cattle, Lawrence’s father adopts low stress stock handling techniques, which Lawrence finds to be very effective.

“While it takes a great deal of patience and a little extra time, the effort is well worth it when you’re able to work with cattle that are comfortable, stress free and easy to manage,” Lawrence said.

Continued on page 36

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NEXT GENERATION

Continued from page 34

Lawrence is Passionate about the Cattle Industry

By Matt Sherrington “I always enjoyed getting the “green” steers in the first term of the school year and preparing them for the showing in the second and third terms,” he said.

In year 11 and again in year 12, Lawrence and his family donated steers for the school’s program.

“It was a very rewarding experience to have been involved in the process of preparing these steers with my school mates and seeing the steers paraded by them at the various shows.

“Dad also enjoyed the opportunity to be involved in the program in this way, and was particularly interested in seeing the final carcase results of their home bred steers.”

When working with their cattle, Lawrence’s father adopts low stress stock handling techniques, which Lawrence finds to be very effective.

Lawrence commenced his secondary schooling in 2009 as a boarder at The Southport School on the Gold Coast. He was the fourth generation of the Lahey family to attend the school and did so with great pride.

In grade 8, Lawrence enrolled in the Ag Science program that was offered by the School and remained in the program until he graduated upon completion of grade 12.

Lawrence is grateful to have been afforded the opportunity to be involved in cattle showing during his school days, which he says enabled him to travel to many areas of both Queensland and New South Wales, and to meet many like-minded cattle breeders.

He said his greatest highlight during his school days was being involved in the Hoof & Hook Competition at Ekka.

Lawrence’s passion for showing stud and commercial beef cattle continued after he finished school.

While in grade 12, he was afforded the opportunity to exhibit cattle for a number of Droughtmaster breeders in South East Queensland.

He recalls fondly, the opportunity to work with Sandra and Axel Dittman who operate Stargold Droughtmasters at Chambers Flat.

Part of the course involved breaking in and exhibiting steers in the various competitions offered at local shows.

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February 2017

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

NEXT GENERATION “I assisted with the preparation and parading of Stargold cattle at a number of shows, an experience which gave me a great respect and appreciation for the Droughtmaster breed.”

He was amazed by their extraordinary temperament and their ease of handling and loved working with them.

However, it was not just the Droughtmaster cattle that inspired Lawrence, but the members of the Droughtmaster community.

“The Droughtmaster breeders are like one big family. They are very friendly and very supportive.”

At the completion of his secondary schooling, Lawrence did not have a clear vision of exactly what he wanted to do, however, he was certain that whatever career path he followed, it would be one that would take him into the agricultural sector.

Lawrence’s parents are both graduates of the Queensland Agricultural College at Gatton as it was then known, so studying at UQ Gatton seemed to be the logical choice for him.

Now in his final year of study towards a Bachelor of Agribusiness and a Bachelor of Applied Science (Animal Production), Lawrence says that he has never looked back.

He speaks highly of the university and his lecturers, and has thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of his academic studies and university life, all of which he is confident will position him well for the future.

During his time at UQ Gatton, Lawrence has resided on campus in the Halls of Residence and has been actively involved in the Residents’ Club.

The Club is responsible for organising numerous social, cultural and sporting activities for residential students, and for establishing and maintaining a supportive and collegiate network amongst its members.

Showing at Ekka for Bronwyn Betts and Michael Hawkins from Nindethana Droughtmaster Stud.

Lawrence was the club Vice President during 2016, a role that he executed with great enthusiasm.

While in his first year at UQ Gatton, Lawrence met Bronwyn Betts and Michael Hawkins from Nindethana Droughtmaster Stud at Camp Mountain.

Bronwyn recalls that first meeting when, at the Toogoolawah Show, Lawrence just appeared in the back of their truck and assisted with unloading their cattle.

“I didn’t know him from a bar of soap but he was certainly very helpful,” Bronwyn said.

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DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

February 2017

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NEXT GENERATION

Continued from page 37

Lawrence is Passionate about the Cattle Industry

By Matt Sherrington “As it turned out, he was just offering assistance to anyone that may need it, which, as I have grown to know Lawrence, is so very typical of him,” she said.

“He is constantly looking for ways in which he can help and support people. He ended up helping us to wash cattle, joined us for lunch, stayed on for dinner, and then paraded one of our heifers to an unexpected win of Junior Champion. The rest is history.”

“I often reflect upon this initial meeting and what has evolved from it. I think it speaks volumes about the person that Lawrence is. He does not sit around and wait for opportunities to come his way. He goes out and actively seeks them.”

Lawrence has been part of the Nindethana Droughtmaster team for the past three years and is also an ‘adopted’ member of the Betts/Hawkins family.

“He’s a young man with many attributes and a bright future in this industry that he so dearly loves.”

“He has an extraordinary work ethic, and an abundance of energy. He is skilful, patient, respectful and willing to tackle anything.”

“It seems that no task is too onerous, and no challenge too great. But above all, he is just a joy to have around. We are very fortunate to have him as part of our team.”

Lawrence has enjoyed being part of the Nindethana team and has participated in many shows and Droughtmaster sales, the highlights of which include attending Beef 2015 and taking bulls into the sale ring at the Bunya Bull Sale at Coolabunia and the DN. Sale at Gracemere.

He also enjoys being part of the broader Droughtmaster community, which has clearly adopted him as one of their own.

Lawrence’s passion for the show movement is not limited to exhibiting stud and commercial beef.

“I regularly participate in the numerous competitions that are offered by the Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Societies (QCAS), such as Young Judges, Paraders and Farmers’ Challenge competitions.

He has competed at many of these events at a State level.

But it is not just participation that drives this young man. He is a member of the QCAS Next Generation and is actively involved in the organisation of opportunities for young people in the agricultural sector, and works tirelessly to support and mentor fellow youth in their endeavours.

So what does the future hold for this inspirational young man?

In the short term, Lawrence is thinking about post-graduate studies at UQ Gatton while continuing to work with Droughtmaster cattle.

“Beyond that, I’m hopeful of working in the agribusiness sector in an area that is related to cattle, and possibly doing a stint on a cattle station.”

Lawrence will eventually return to Goondiwindi to assist with, and ultimately take over the reins of the family cattle and goat operation.

In the meantime, he is eager to get as many experiences as he possibly can under his belt, and to learn new practices and techniques that will assist him in this role.

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39

NEWS

Biloela High Enjoying Switch to Droughties

By Marian Cowen, Agricultural Teacher, Biloela State High School

Biloela student Greta Dunne won the Champion Led Steer section and her sister Harriet placed second in the same event at the 2016 Callide Valley Show.

B

iloela State High School has approximately 600 students and apart from the traditional school subjects is lucky enough to support a 12 acre agricultural department which runs programs for students from year 7 to 12.

It consists of broad acre farming, vegetable plots, an orchard and newly introduced hydroponics. We have a variety of animals including alpacas, poultry and cattle, which includes our first crop of stud Droughtmaster offspring.

Our aim at Biloela High School is to expose all students to Agricultural Science in both Year 7 and Year 8. Students are able to choose to continue these studies from Year 9 through to Year 12. We offer the Certificate II in Rural Operations as a two year course in Year 11 and 12 and have 100 per cent attainment.

steer from the Rutherford family’s Redskin Stud for our show team in 2017.

Over the years our cattle show team has had many successes with stud cattle and with students winning judging and parading titles and moving through to the EKKA for State Titles.

Last year saw the birth of our first heifer and another bull. We are hopeful that once broken in they will be destined for Beef 2018. From here we hope to increase our Droughtmaster numbers and create demand for some good quality bulls.

Extracurricular activities include a well-trained cattle show team, which this year will include the showing of our first crop of Droughtmaster bulls bred on the premises. They will hopefully make their mark in the show ring along with a beefed-up led steer.

Two years ago it was decided to drop our existing stud where calving problems and temperament were a problem and it was decided to try Droughtmasters.

The school was lucky enough to have Lindsay, Dorothy and Helen Sharpe’s Kapalee Stud nearby. They generously offered us the pick of all their cows and we were able to purchase two cows in calf to a polled Droughtmaster bull and a horned bull. The cow joined to the polled bull then produced us twin bulls while the other produced a very beefy steer. Temperament wise they are winners! The students broke them in, in no time at all.

In 2016 our cattle show team competed against many schools at the Rockhampton Show and we were thrilled to win a led Droughtmaster

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February 2017

Biloela High State School student Harriet Dunne after coming fourth in the Young Paraders competition against over 100 competitors in her age group during Beef 2015.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

GALLERY

Faces in the Crowd at Ekka 2016

By Sally Cripps A strong crowd was on hand surrounding the Droughtmaster ring at Ekka in 2016 and witnessed Glenlands Thunder take out the Droughtmaster Grand Champion bull ribbon, ending his show career with a top eight placing in the interbreed Champion of Champions judging.

Andrew Snars, Santos regional manager, Roma and Droughtmaster ring steward Rory Comisky.

Emma Freebairn enjoying the day with Simon and Fergus Lloyd, Heitiki Droughtmasters, Delungra, NSW.

Brian Heck, Gympie, with Shane Horridge, Mutdapilly, and Neil Donaldson, Droughtmaster CEO.

Linda and Greg Nugent, Dayboro, babysitting Carnudge George.

C ll S i R i d Carmell B Bell, Society Registrar and Leigh Eleison, Society Administration Assistant looking pretty in pink.

M d l and d Ed i Margaret H Harvey, R Roadvale, Edwina Windley, Kengoon, Kalbar having a lovely day at the Droughtmaster ring.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

P d Janelle J ll Heath, H h Miralan Mi l Park, P k Peter and Toogoolawah soaking up the Ekka atmosphere.

February 2017

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NEWS

The Late Robert Atkinson (Snr) Inducted

By Sharon Harms

Ron Fitton, Fitton, Fitton Insurance Brokers, with Jim and Rachel Atkinson, and their daughter Kelsea in Toowoomba for the late Robert Atkinson’s (Snr) induction into the Equine Hall of Fame.

The induction of four people into the Equine Hall of Fame was a signature draw card during the Festival of the Horse, held in Toowoomba in September last year.

There were four inductees this year, the late Robert Lamont Atkinson (Snr), the late Pat O’Shea, Bill Camer and Terry Drennan.

Rob Atkinson (Snr), formerly of Furlong Thoroughbred Stud, Greenmount was the son of R.L. (Monty) Atkinson, one of the founders of the Droughtmaster breed. Rob (Snr) was brother to Life Member and former Droughtmaster Society President Alan Atkinson (Valley, Mungalla, Lamont Studs) and brother to Mrs Yvonne Cox of Collinsville.

Rob (Snr) was also father of former Droughtmaster Society President Rob Atkinson, Glen Ruth Stud, Hughenden.

Rob (Snr) devoted his life to breeding quality Droughtmaster cattle and notable racehorses such as Mittani, Irgunette, River Jordan, Let Me Tell, Prince Anton and Paprika.

Rob Atkinson (Snr) devoted his life to breeding quality Droughtmaster cattle and notable racehorses such as Mittani, Irgunette, River Jordan, Let Me Tell, Prince Anton and Paprika.

Rob (Snr) was awarded Life Membership of the Droughtmaster Society in 2012 and passed away in early 2014.

The late Rob Atkinson’s Induction into the Equine Hall of Fame and how it came to be...

One of the Droughtmaster Society Members, Sharon Harms was instrumental in promoting Rob’s induction and the background to her participation in this induction and her nomination proposal is as follows.

The Editor

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

An interview that I had with Rob Atkinson (Snr) back in 2011 when I was researching the history of the Droughtmaster breed for the 50th Anniversary of the Society, led me into a friendship with one of the most knowledgeable and passionate horse and cattlemen that I have ever had the privilege to know. During a call from Del Fitton (who organises the Equine Stud Tour of The Darling Downs) asking if I would like to open the gates of Oakmore Park Droughtmaster Stud as part of the tour, she mentioned Rob and how he had, in the past been a great host on these tours and was admired for his stories and knowledge - I said that I had done this interview with Rob and so between Del and I, we felt that it would be only fitting that we nominate Rob for the Equine Hall of Fame.

February 2017

43

NEWS

The Late Robert Atkinson (Snr) Inducted

By Sharon Harms McLachlan and Jack Butler, of ‘Jack the Slasher’ fame. The facilities they created were state of the art for that time, and included two separate straights and winning posts, so that horses could be trained in opposite directions to allow them to race interstate. McLachlan was based at Thornhill Park for many years.

Rob visited Mexico in the early 90’s to meet cattle breeders interested in Droughtmaster cattle, then travelled to the USA in 1997 with his son Jim Atkinson to inspect and arrange for the Thoroughbred stallion ‘Irgun’ to shuttle to Furlong Stud, Greenmount which is where Rob had moved to spend his retirement. He enjoyed this new life with his beloved Thoroughbreds together with his son Jim, his wife Rachel and their children.

Alan Atkinson with his brother the late Rob Atkinson (Snr) at Farmfest Field Days in 2013.

We felt honored to have Droughtmasters at Oakmore Park as the final stop on the 2016 Equine Tour with Rob’s son Jim Atkinson doing an introduction on how and when the Droughtmaster breed were first developed. A great end to a great day and the life of Rob Atkinson.

The following was presented when proposing Rob’s induction into the Equine Hall of Fame.

Robert Lamont ‘Rob’ Atkinson Born 29th April 1937 in Cairns Qld. Raised firstly on Glen Ruth Station then Mungalla Station near Ingham which his father Monty Atkinson purchased to concentrate on breeding Thoroughbreds and Droughtmaster cattle. Educated at Victoria Plantation State School then The Kings School in Parramatta, Sydney. Completed Year 10 in 1953 then on the request of his father, left school to take over the management of Glen Ruth Station at age 16. No luxuries, things were very basic. This is where Rob was to spend most of his working life developing his love of Thoroughbreds and Droughtmaster cattle.

Most of the stockmen working on Glen Ruth were Australian Indigenous people with whom Rob had a deep affinity.

The years spent on Glen Ruth saw Rob ride and then train Thoroughbred horses for many years, enjoying successes at the Mt Garnet, Oak Park and Ewan Annual Picnic Races, at which the whole district was involved. Most times he served on the committees for these country events. While Thoroughbreds and Droughtmaster cattle were amongst his great loves, he was also on the Board of the Australian Quarter Horse Association and imported some of the first Quarter Horse stallions and mares from the USA. These were both Performance and Sprint Quarter Horses.

In the early eighties Rob embarked on a trip to England and Ireland to inspect race track design prior to embarking on another major development with the construction of Thornhill Park Thoroughbred Training Centre near Caboolture. This development was in partnership with one of Queensland’s leading trainers, Bruce

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In 1998 Rob commenced work as a Pedigree Advisor for His Excellency Nasser Lootah of Dubai, who was the owner of Emirates Park Stud, Scone, NSW. Rob was in control of the breeding program of 400 stud mares, which saw him make every pedigree selection for their mating season. This was to be his role for the next 10 years until a decline in his health. During this time, Rob was a VIP guest of Emirates Park at the annual Dubai World Cup of Racing held in Dubai.

Rob’s greatest achievements as a Thoroughbred breeder would include ‘Mittani’, who won over $1m in prize money and still holds the 1300m Track Record at Eagle Farm. Rob’s mare ‘Wish Me Well’ whom he purchased at the South Australian Yearling Sales was one of Queensland’s best sprinters in the mid 70’s. ‘Wish Me Well’ still holds the 900m Eagle Farms Track Record. Other gallopers he bred include, ‘Irgunette’, who won Stakes races in the USA. ‘River Jordan’, a top performer in Hong Kong winning $2.6m Hong Kong dollars and ‘Let Me Tell’, a multiple winner in Brisbane. He also bred ‘Prince Anton’ and ‘Paprika’, both runners up in the prestigious Magic Million 2yo Classic.

Rob’s eye for innovation came to the fore when he embarked on a sideline of the breeding game by selecting yearlings that he didn’t necessarily breed, but which contained breeding patterns he thought would yield the right result. He purchased a weanling at the 2013 Magic Millions Sale for $15,000, had it trained, entered it into the ‘Ready to Run’ sale, where it duly ran fastest ‘breeze up time’ ever recorded at 9.85 seconds. This yearling was subsequently sold for $310,000 to a syndicate.

Rob studied Thoroughbred pedigrees extensively, if he didn’t know a pedigree off by heart, one of his computer programmes certainly did.

Before you could blink, the pedigree in question would be printed out and decisions would be made as to what stallion would suit the mare. Rob’s knowledge and photographic memory was well known and many people sought his advice, which on most occasions was given freely.

In the short period of time that I knew Rob, I found him to be a man true to his word and incredibly knowledgeable in all facets of breeding. I found his passion and memory of pedigrees in the Equine Industry to be truly remarkable even as his health declined he was still able to formulate and recommend breeding programs.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

Apr

14 All Breeds Sale, Rockhampton 15 All Breeds Sale, Rockhampton 04 Futurity Show, Gatton 11 National Female Sale, Gympie 24 Highlands Sale, Clermont

02 Bunya Bull Sale, Coolabunia 04 The CAP Bull Sale, Rockhampton 05 Central Reds Bull Sale, Emerald 05 ANZ Special Store Sale, Emerald

Sept

Mar

Feb

2017 Calendar of Events

06 Piggott Sale, Springsure 08 Valera Vale Sale, Augathella 12 National Bull Sale, Rockhampton 13 National Bull Sale, Rockhampton 20 Clonlara Sale, Glenmorgan

12 Narngulu Bull Sale, WA

18 Feature Show, Gympie 20 Feature Show, Longreach

Aug

15 Grafton Invitational Sale, NSW

10 Futurity Show, Gatton 10 National Female Sale, Gympie

TBA

Fitzroy Crossing Invitational Sale 25 Glen Fosslyn Sale, Roma 26 Performance Plus Sale, Eskdale

Nov

Jul

Oct

May

22 Glenlands Sale, Bouldercombe

06 Diamantina Sale, Winton 09 Artesian Sale, Blackall 13 Bullzeye Bull Sale, Capella 20 Tropical Breeds Sale, Roma

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