The Murray Grey Beef Cattle Society accepts no liability for any inaccuracies or omissions in the content of this publication. All information is provided in good faith and is subject to change without notice.
When I initially nominated as the Queensland Director for the Murray Grey Beef Cattle Society of Australia, I never imagined stepping into the role of President.
However, it has been an absolute honour and privilege to serve in this capacity, despite the challenges and demands of the position.
Over the past seven months, the newly formed Board has worked diligently to implement key actions aimed at securing the future of our beloved breed.
Our top priority has been stabilizing the Society’s financial position to ensure long-term sustainability amidst rising operating costs.
Transparency and communication with members have been central to our approach, ensuring everyone remains informed about our progress and decisions.
Notable achievements include granting the Murray Grey Youth greater autonomy, along with the secondment of their president to the Board. This initiative empowers the next generation while strengthening their connection to the Society.
We’ve also increased sponsorship of the Murray Grey Steer Carcass competitions and introduced female inventory rebates for exhibits at royal shows and other major events to elevate the breed’s profile.
One of our primary goals is to enhance the breed’s relevance within the commercial cattle industry. By driving demand for Murray Grey bulls across Australia, we aim to position the breed as a top choice for producers.
Central to this strategy is the creation of a national contact register, providing regular updates on any breed success to commercial cattlemen who
BOARD DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
John Contarino
Gadgarra Murray Greys, Lake Eacham Via Yungaburra QLD 4884 0407 003 415 | gadgarra_greys@bigpond.com
purchase purebred Murray Grey bulls or females. Education will be another key pillar of our efforts, and we plan to actively engage with feedlot operators, abattoirs, and butcher shops to highlight the unique benefits of Murray Greys, including:
• Superior carcass qualities: Award-winning meat known for its tenderness and marbling.
• Heat tolerance: The breed’s signature silver coat offers natural adaptability to diverse climates.
• Feed efficiency: With up to 20% higher weight gains through better feed conversion rates, Murray Greys consume less and emit lower methane levels, providing an environmentally sustainable option.
For our breed to remain relevant and thrive in an ever-changing industry, we must be progressive and adaptable. As Darwin wisely observed:
“It is not the most intellectual of the species that survives; it is not the strongest that survives; but the species that survives is the one that is able to best adapt and adjust to the changing environment in which it finds itself.”
I would also like to express my deep appreciation for our Executive Officer, Maddie. Her extensive knowledge, unwavering passion, and tireless dedication to the breed are invaluable assets to the Society.
In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to those Board members who have worked harmoniously toward the betterment of the breed. Their collaboration and dedication have been instrumental in our achievements.
Before diving into the details, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to our MGBCS members. Your dedication to the Murray Grey breed and support have been invaluable throughout this year.
This year has been marked by incredible achievements and milestones. The National Show & Sale, held in Albury in April, while the results were mixed, it was a joy to reconnect with members in person after such a long hiatus. Running alongside the MGY Stock Show, it was inspiring to see so many young people actively shaping their futures within the industry and the breed.
In May, BEEF Rockhampton was another highlight—an event that truly lived up to its reputation for energy and excitement. For those who haven’t attended, I highly recommend making the trip. It was fantastic to see members from across Australia gathering to celebrate our breed and network within the broader cattle community.
The market has shown signs of recovery this year, though challenging seasonal conditions persist in many regions. On a high note, two Murray Grey bulls reached a top price of $25,000 each - Southend Tiptop (WMM T992) and Monterey T Bone T55 (GJB T55). Congratulations to the vendors and purchasers at all sales, it is great to see so many new buyers.
Show success has also been a highlight, with excellent participation and results for the breed. For the first time since 2016, a selection of three Murray Greys claimed the Ken McDonald Memorial Shield at the Royal Queensland Show. A huge congratulations to all exhibitors for their dedication and hard work at every show.
This year brought significant changes to the Board structure, expanding from four to eight Directors. I extend my sincere thanks to the Board for their commitment and support. Serving on the Board
TECHNICAL
TECHNICAL - ABRI EXTENSION SERVICES
Boyd Gudex
T: 02 6773 1711
E: boyd.gudex@abri.une.edu.au
MGBCS BREEDPLAN
T: 02 6773 3555
E: murraygrey@breedplan.une.edu.au
is no small task, often thankless but crucial for the Society’s growth. A special acknowledgment goes to John Contarino for his invaluable advice and unwavering commitment to the breed. His insights and leadership have been instrumental in navigating challenges and driving the Society forward. John consistently goes above and beyond, often dedicating countless hours to the Society.
The new Board is committed to enhancing opportunities for members and advancing the Murray Grey breed within the industry. A key focus has been ensuring the financial stability of the Society. While fee schedule adjustments have caused some strain, these measures are essential for the Society’s long-term viability.
To further manage costs, all postage formats are now opt-in. If you’d like to continue receiving physical copies of certificates or M1 Forms, please make a request through the Office. Digital copies are also available as email attachments for your convenience.
An exciting development this year has been the increased independence granted to the Murray Grey Youth. They now manage their own bank account and profit-and-loss statements, a move that empowers them while maintaining strong ties to the Society.
If you have an event in your area, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Office to request merchandise and annuals. These resources can help promote the breed and create a professional presence at local events.
Thanks,
Maddie Brockhoff
STAFF
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Maddie Brockhoff
T: 02 6773 2022
M: 0478 753 441
E: mgsociety@abri.une.edu.au
MILESTONE MEMBERS
In commemorating the accomplishments of breeders within the Society who have achieved significant milestones this year, it is essential to extend our gratitude to every breeder for their invaluable contributions. While we highlight the achievements of specific individuals, it is crucial to acknowledge the collective efforts of all members, as their dedication and passion are the driving forces behind the Society’s success.
60 YEARS
HRC Parknook Murray Greys
50
YEARS
CTB Little Bidwell Murray Greys
DMC Wundam Park Murray Greys
40
YEARS
IYT Curtin Springs Murray Greys
BBK Brobrook Murray Greys
30
YEARS
943 Mr R.B Venn
948 David Marshall
AWM Naracoopa Murray Greys
I29 Mr Ian McIntosh
20
YEARS
CPK Collier Peak Murray Greys
RGP Raymond Park Murray Greys
A109 Mr Peter & Mrs Lynn Rose
A134 Redmond PTY LTD
A151 Frank Hance
A152 Heathbrae
A155 David Ellis
10 YEARS
AJN Ashvell Murray Greys
DGB Dashwoods Gully Murray Greys
F40 Fingerpost Bowaka Ag
GJJ E & L Johns
P20 E.J Penny
The Woodbourn Sale
Cressy,
LIVE ON FARM AUCTION
ANIMALS ON DISPLAY • PHONE LINK UPS
Interfaced with Auctions Plus Morning tea and lunch provided
Offering: 40 bulls and 30 females The quality of animals offered at the Woodbourn Sale
KEY
2025 - THE YEAR AHEAD
17 Elders Boyanup Beef Female Sale | 12 x Murray Grey Mated Heifers | Boyanup Saleyards, Boyanup WA | Contact – Lindsay Bagshaw 0427 778 889
17-19 SA Murray Grey Breed Promotion Group | January Weekend | Yorke Peninsula | Contact – Tracey Caire 0408 089 912
Great Southern Blue Ribbon Bull Sale | Mt Barker Regional Saleyards, 32416 Albany Highway Mt
29 Lindsay Murray Greys Open Day | On Property, Pigeon Ponds via Coleraine VIC | Contact – Craig Grant 0427 704 227 / lindsaymgreys@activ8.net.au
29 Eylwarra Sands Murray Greys Open Day | Mount Gambier Show Grounds | Contact – Nigel Eylward 0428 767 061 / Angela McRostie 0438 783 076 | Stock & Land Beef Week Field Days
FEBRUARY
1 Atriem Murray Greys Open Day | On Property - 175 Ashes Bridge Road, Tallarook VIC | Contact - Steve Koch 0407 788 990
8 Ballyvaughn Murray Grey Stud Open Day | 363 Boconnoc Park Road, Clare SA | Bulls & Females for Sale | Contact – Katrina Sanders 0487 397 930 / ballyvaughan1@hotmail.com / www.ballyvaughanmurraygreys.com
9 Bottlesford Murray Greys Open Day | 95 Hobb Road, Tungkillo SA | Contact – Darren Koopman 0438 682 | Stock Journal Beef Week Field Days
9 Carrsview Murray Greys Open Day | Mount Torrens SA | Contact – Jo Carr 0400 155 928 | Stock Journal Beef Week Field Days
11 Eylwarra Sands Murray Greys Open Day | On Property, 1620 Wandilo Forest Rd, Glencoe SA | Contact –Nigel Eylward 0428 767 061 / Angela McRostie 0438 783 076 | Stock Journal Beef Week Field Days
11 February All Breeds Bull & Female Sale | 1 x Greyman Bull / 4 x Murray Grey Bulls | Central Queensland Livestock Exchange, 16 Saleyards Road, Gracemere, QLD, 4702
21-23 Royal Canberra Show
24 Melaleuca Bull Sale | 1pm WA Time | On Property - 859 Pfieffer Road, Many Peaks WA | Contact Richard Metcalfe 0458 468 003 or Nigel Hawke (Elders Albany) 0429 479 467
25 Lindsay Annual Production Sale | 11:30am AEST | On Property, Pigeon Ponds via Coleraine VIC | 30 Autumn & Spring Drop Bulls, Selected Quality Stud & Commercial Heifers PTIC | Contact – Craig Grant 0427 704 227 / lindsaymgreys@activ8.net.au
28 Southend Murray Grey Sale | 264 Ranford Road, Katanning WA | Offering 60 Bulls & 80 Yearling Heifers (Stud & Commercial) | Contact – Kurt Wise 0419 922 456
TBC Invitational All Breeds Bull Sale | Online - AuctionsPlus
MARCH
4
6
Monterey Summer Sale | On Property - 34 Capewell Road Karridale, WA | Contact - Gary Buller 0419 958 579 & Julie Buller 0408 958 531
Gingin MCBA Bull Sale | 1pm WA Time | Gingin Recreation Centre, Gingin, WA | Contact – Nutrien / John Stickland 0428 711 593
19 WA Supreme Bull Sale | Brunswick Showgrounds | Contact – Mark McKay 0477 406 481
21-23 TAS Junior Beef Expo | Contact – tas. junior.beef.expo@gmail.com
24 The Woodbourn Sale | 12:30pm AEST | Woodbourn Sale Complex, Cressy TAS | Interfaced with AuctionsPlus | Offering 40 bulls & 30 females | Contact – Charles 0409 397 628 / Janet 0407 054 018 / Ben Lane 0439 224 211 / wallace@intas.net.au / www.woodbournstud.com.au
26
Green Triangle Murray Grey Sale | Arki Property – 3916 Naracoorte Road Western Flat SA | Offering 26 Bulls, 4 Stud & 60 Commercial Females | Contact - Geoff & Kate Buick 0438 582 071 | Denise & Anthony Fabris 0407 566 341
27-29 WA Youth Cattle Camp | Brunswick Showgrounds, Ridley St, Brunswick WA 6224 | https://www. wayouthcattlecamp.com/
4 Ayr Park On Property Sale & Female Reduction Sale | 578 Goodacre Drive, Woodstock NSW 2793 | Offering in calf heifers, 3 in 1 cow & calf packages & Stud MG Bulls | Contact Ian Wilcox 0402 008 191 or Narelle Wilcox 0437 745 185 / ayrpark@ bigpond.com
6 Daylight Saving Time Ends (SA, Vic, TAS & NSW Change your clocks!)
15-17 Norco Primex | Richmond Valley Events Centre, Casino, Northern Rivers NSW | www.primex.net.au
21 Monterey Winter Sale | Brunswick Showgrounds, Ridley St, Brunswick WA 6224 | Contact - Gary 0419 958 579 & Julie 0408 958 531
28-30 Rotary FNQ Field Days | Bourke Developmental Road, Mareeba QLD | https://www.fnqfielddays.org.au/
31 REMINDER - Inventory to be Returned
JUNE
16 REMINDER – Inventory Invoiced
21 REMINDER - M1 Forms Completed | Please contact the office if you would like these to be sent to you.
JULY
3 Wallawong Bull Sale | On Property, Marriot Park, Gunnedah NSW 2380 | Contact - Lachlan 0402 839 373
11 Top of The Range Murray Greys Sale | 11:30am AEST | Glen Innes Sale Yards NSW interfaced with AuctionsPlus | Offering Murray Grey Bulls, Stud Females & Commercial Females
16 REMINDER - Inventory Payment Due
TBC SA Junior Heifer Expo | Adelaide Showgrounds, Adelaide SA |Entrants can be aged 8 to 24 years old | Contact - info@sajuniorheiferexpo. com.au / www.sajuniorheiferexpo. com.au
31 REMINDER - Animals made Inactive if Inventory Unpaid
IN MEMORIAM
Farewelling those lost in 2024
Yarrabee Park Murray Greys, Healesville VIC
Bev Schmolling passed away on Friday 29th March 2024.
Warwick Higginbotham Beverley Schmolling
Bev registered her herd in 1967 with the MGBCS. Later becoming a life member in 1996. Bev was the Secretary of the Premier Sale and National Show & Sale for many years.
Bev was a friend to many and well known through Murray Grey breeders created having a life committed to the promotion and advocacy of the breed.
We offer sincere condolences to Bev’s family and friends at this sad time.
Delowen Murray Greys, Loomberah NSW
Warwick Higginbotham passed away on Thursday 2nd May 2024.
Warwick registered his stud in 1977 with the MGBCS before changing to a commercial operation in 2005.
We offer sincere condolences to Warwick’s family and friends at this sad time.
Darren Sponseller
Westridge Murray Greys, Roberts, Idaho USA
Darren Sponseller, of Roberts, Idaho, passed away peacefully on September 9th, 2024 in Rexburg, Idaho at the age of 53.
A lifelong farmer, Darren dedicated his life to cultivating the land and providing for his family. His farm was not just a livelihood but a testament to his commitment and perseverance to his values. Known for his unwavering work ethic, Darren took pride in every harvest and was always eager to share the fruits of his labour with others. The value and gift of hard work is something he insisted on instilling in his children. He was deeply generous and giving, often helping friends and neighbours, sharing meals, or offering support. His life was truly a reflection of his beliefs, and he left a legacy of kindness and compassion.
Darren will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of kindness, generosity, and love will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
GLANMIRE MURRAY GREY
Over the last twelve months, the Glanmire Murray Grey Cattle Stud has been making significant strides in promoting and showcasing the Murray Grey breed, a breed renowned for its quality and versatility. Our recent endeavours reflect our commitment to education, community involvement, and the advancement of this exceptional breed.
In an exciting collaboration with both local schools and some based in Sydney, we have worked alongside students in the world of cattle showing, focusing on the remarkable attributes of the Murray Grey breed. This initiative not only provides students with hands-on experience but also fosters a deeper appreciation for agricultural practices and livestock production. Our efforts were spectacularly rewarded when our Midweight Steer clinched the Bronze Medal Carcase at the 2024 Royal Easter Show.
Sponsorship has been another pillar of our strategy to elevate the visibility of Murray Grey cattle. In 2024, Glanmire proudly sponsored the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza and the All Breeds Heifer Show in Blayney. By sponsoring these prominent events, we aim to shine a spotlight on Murray Greys, encouraging more breeders to consider this outstanding breed in their cattle enterprises.
Participation in The Land Southern Beef Week marked another recent milestone in our journey. Hosting a successful open day allowed us to welcome
visitors from all over. Attendees had the chance to learn about our breeding practices, view our cattle firsthand, and engage with industry experts. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing our belief in the importance of transparency in what we are trying to achieve here at Glanmire.
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand new website. This online platform serves as a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in Murray Grey cattle or learning more about Glanmire Stud’s offerings and operations. With user-friendly navigation and rich content including detailed information about our cattle, breeding programs, and upcoming events, we aim to connect with a broader audience. Our website also features updates on our latest achievements and partnerships, ensuring that visitors are always informed about what’s happening at Glanmire.
Glanmire Murray Greys has recently taken a significant step forward by embracing the paddock to plate movement, a trend that emphasises traceability, sustainability, and quality in meat production. By selling our premium Murray Grey beef directly to renowned butchers like Hudsons Meats in Sydney and partnering with local restaurants in our region, we ensure that consumers receive the freshest and most flavourful cuts possible. This approach not only supports local farmers but also allows customers to trace their meat back to the source, providing greater transparency and confidence in the quality of their purchase.
Glanmire Murray Grey Stud is more than just a cattle business, it also represents the foundational steps toward creating a lasting family legacy. At its core, the stud is driven by a desire to secure a sustainable future for the next generation. This mission has motivated us to invest not only time and resources but also our hearts and souls into breeding and raising premium Murray Grey cattle.
WOOLARINGA - BATTISTE FAMILY PADDOCK TO PLATE SUCCESS
By Chelsea Ashmeade
What began back in the 1960s continues with the third generation today at Woolaringa, in Goulburn, New South Wales.
Fiona Battiste is the woman behind the stud following closely in the footsteps of her late father.
“Dad (Ernie Stephenson) started the stud in 1970. My memories (when I was a kid) are with those cattle being there. It was a natural progression and I love the cattle as well,” Fiona said. It all began in the mid 60s with her grandfather who purchased a number of Angus heifers, but unbeknownst to him they were in calf to a Murray Grey bull.
“When they started to calve they had grey calves.” she said.
Thankfully, Fiona’s father had been reading up about Murray Greys and persuaded his father to keep them - and that’s how their involvement with the breed began.
“My grandfather wasn’t impressed as he was an Angus man but my dad managed to say ‘we will keep the heifers and watch them grow’. Eventually dad used our own Angus cows and purchased stud Angus cows. Murray Grey bulls were then used over the females and they were graded up to pure bred Murray Greys in the early to mid 70s. Only two purebred Murray Greys were introduced into the Stud in those early days. Most of the females were graded up to be Murray Greys.”
With a strong interest in carcase, her father spent time breeding a moderate sized animal, winning himself a number of awards in carcase competitions. Whilst his stud was small, he was consistently successful. One of his highlights was in 1978 to win Grand Champion carcase at the R.A.S Homebush steer show.
When the opportunity arose for Fiona and husband Mick, a butcher by trade, to take over the 550 acre farm and stud, there was no hesitation.
The couple now run 45 stud Murray Grey cows, plus 20 replacement heifers. The heifers are currently running with a bull (Woolaringa Scotty) - whose sire is Manaroo Gladiator. Fiona has a keen interest in older genetics. A Square Meaters herd is also owned.
Fiona also said they’ve increased the size of what they produce - she has increased the frame score slightly.
“Dad stayed with a moderate Murray Grey. He wanted something like that where he didn’t have to worry about calving issues and they were an easy care animal. By the 1990s Dad’s were more moderate compared to others around.”
As with new blood comes new ideas and thoughts around the farming practice.
Fiona said after a couple of years travelling around the countryside with a mobile butcher business, the couple purchased a retail butcher shop to sell their own meat in.
It followed demand from clients who requested to buy beef.
“We bought the retail shop in ‘09 and have been selling our Murray Grey and Square Meaters meat since.”
To nurture their cattle from calf to kill, with the final product ending up in their own retail store, for people to enjoy, has been a huge kicker for the family.
Woolaringa Meats also stocks other local products for customers to purchase.
“We have great feedback and great customers. We had to do a bit of education (about the breeds) but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told how good the quality is of the beef and the meat in general,” Fiona said.
“It was another progression from the mobile butchery to the shop.”
Fiona said they don’t sell in the yards, they purely breed for the retail store.
“It’s a great feeling, we are very fortunate to be able to do what we do.”
From the paddock to being chilled is less than 24 hours and Fiona is able to see the immediate weights on each carcase.
“We give them a good life, it’s as stress free as possible. We also transport them to the abattoir ourselves. It’s not easy to put those cattle on the truck but I take pride in what we do.”
Fiona said she yard weaned the cattle and spent time with each of them.
“You get to know their personalities and I have to feed them to an optimum (and allowed) weight. Usually only having to supplement them over winter.”
Her passion flows into the cattle and subsequently through the business.
“Our feedback is our customers. We have to have an extremely good product otherwise we would not be able to continue to do what we do, and have done, for all these years,” she said.
While the stud days are almost a thing of the past, Fiona said she kept up the name and membership each year.
“My dad did it, so I will continue the name on. They (the Murray Grey) are a great breed of cattle. We have been left behind because of very good marketing of some other breeds but the cattle speak for themselves. They are quiet, easy doing, easy calving for what I do but they are good for what Mick does.”
“I think they keep me connected to my father,” she said.
Now with grandchildren at her feet, Fiona hoped one day they would continue on the tradition and keep breeding stock into the future.
Read more about Woolaringa Meats at woolaringa.com.au.
SA MURRAY GREY BREED PROMOTION GROUP JANUARY WEEKEND
Our Annual Murray Grey Weekend was held in January, in the Adelaide Hills area of Mt Torrens, Lobethal, Oakbank and Nairne.
We started Friday evening with a visit to Tracey and Andrew Caire’s, Moorilla Rise Murray Grey Stud. A great turn up for a barbecue and chat while having a walk around their stud cattle. It was a great start to the weekend.
Saturday at Neil and Joanna Carr’s, Carrsview Murray Grey Stud, for a very informative morning with guest speaker, John from Hills and Fleurieu Landcare board talking about carbon credits. A drive around their property looking at cattle, before returning to a barbeque lunch, consisting of our very own branded Murray Grey beef, enjoyed by all.
We then visited the very interesting Karkoo Nursey and café in Oakbank. We held our Annual General Meeting under the trees while we were there, enjoying cold drinks in the summer heat. We then headed to Lobethal to finish up our busy day with dinner at the Bierhaus. It seemed everyone was enjoying a drink by now.
Sunday, our final day in the hills saw everyone meet at Green Valley Strawberry farm in Nairne. 17th to 19th January 2025 will be at the Yorke Peninsula area and details will be sent out very soon.
Moorilla Rise Murray Greys
COMMERCIAL HERD THRIVING IN THE ROARING FORTIES
In the far North West corner of Tasmania, in the roaring forties, is a large commercial herd of Murray Greys.
Owned and run by Paul Saward and his son James, this large breeding and grass fattening enterprise has been breeding Murray Greys on Woodbourn bloodlines for twenty five years.
Having been raised in this area, it was a natural progression for Paul to continue the farming operation and he started working on the farm in 1968. The operation has changed over the years to an all out beef program. In 1996, Murray Greys were introduced, after trying a number of other breeds. When asked why he chose to use Murray Greys Paul said “We were looking for a certain type of beef animal, a true British breed type, and we finally settled on Murray Greys because their temperament was what we were looking for, in addition to the inherent marbling and overall carcase superiority. Of course, finance came into the decision as well. We could buy the best of the breed for half the price at a Murray Grey sale, not the mid or lower range with other breeds.”
Paul added, “In relation to bloodlines, we have tried a few others, but have settled on Woodbourn, as they provide, in large numbers, bulls with the BREEDPLAN figures we require; notably IMF, fats and generally strong carcase data. The structure, frame, feet and temperament of the Woodbourn bulls suit us and that is why we source our bulls from Charles and Janet Wallace every year.”
As the Sawards fatten their stock on grass only, the input from their sire selection is extremely important.
Their animals are sold through the nearby export works, Greenhams, only 40 kilometres away and it is vital that the animals offered fit requirements of a number of brands set up by Greenhams. The main brand is the well known Cape Grim, with others being Vintage beef for older cows, not less than sixty months, which have superior marbling. The older the animal the higher the marbling. There is also the GAP program, Global Animal Partnership, which involves an annual audit. All the cattle are part of the Never Ever Program which requires a grass fattening regime with no grain.
The Sawards target two markets. The heavier group which are sold at 28 - 30 months of age at 340 - 380 kgs (approximately 700kgs live weight) and the lighter group, which are the yearling steers and empty heifers at 240 - 260 kgs, which suits the Greenham’s grid. To meet these weights, bull selection is most important. When asked what criteria he uses in selecting new sires, Paul said,”A frame score of 5 to 6 is ideal, but our main emphasis is on carcase quality. To meet MSA and other grid requirements, fats, EMA and IMF are the critical factors for us. We are rewarded for marbling and obtain a higher price for meeting MSA indexes. Overall, we achieve greater than 95% MSA.”
The management of the female herd is strictly controlled. Heifers are multiple joined for four weeks, and the cows are joined for six weeks. Any empty females are fattened and sold. With this regime, a very fertile herd of females has been created.
In this beautiful part of Tasmania, with its reliable rainfall of 1150mm, Paul and his family have shown dedication and care in producing these wonderful Murray Grey cattle.
Replacement heifers
A group of older heavier steers ready to go
A group of 157 thirteen to fourteen month old steers
Magnificent matrons with calves at foot
STRONG BREEDING TRAITS CONTINUE
By Chelsea Ashmeade
What started with Alan Zerbst’s father Bill in 1969 continues today at Burnett Downs Pastoral Co in Brigalow, Qld.
The family began with commercial Herefords, however Bill wanted to go 100 per cent Murray Grey.
They sold the Herefords and bought in mainly Angus with a few Murray Greys and used a Murray Grey bull to build the stud from there.
It continues today with Alan and his love for the cattle.
“They are good all round cattle. They seem to sell quite well at any age and we quite often get good money for them,” Mr Zerbst said.
The Zerbst family now sells about six to eight bulls a year.
“I sell some in the paddock and I take some to the Top of the Range sale at Glenn Innes.”
“They are a great lot of vendors and the agents, Colin Say & Co, are really very good agents,” he said.
Based in Brigalow, Western Downs Queensland, Mr Zerbst said they were in a grain growing region.
Mr Zerbst said across his 400 hectares it’s evenly distributed to crop and pasture.
He currently runs about 80 breeders and has three sires - he sells yearling steers through the Dalby Saleyards.
The current sires include Yallembie Kaputar K9, owned by David King.
“He is an extremely good bull. He is one of the better bulls I have had in the 50 plus years of breeding,” Alan said. This bull also sired the bull which won the 2022 Mike Traynor Yardman’s Pick award.
Kaputar also sired one of the steers (team of three) that won the Ken McDonald Memorial Shield competition (three steers of the same breed) at this year’s Brisbane Ekka Show - he was shown by David King.
Mr Zerbst has seen success in the ring with his bulls throughout the years and has, on a couple of occasions, taken home the grand champion bull at Toowoomba Show.
In a career highlight, a bull bred by Mr Zerbst, Burnett Downs Quartpot Q1, took home the coveted 2021 Mike Traynor Trophy. The same bull sold for $9000.
Mr Zerbst said it was positive for the breed that Murray Greys were now an affordable choice in cattle.
He said unlike the 60s and 70s when breeders crossed multiple times to achieve the straight Murray Grey genetics, it was easier to pick up the breed these days.
Mr Zerbst said it wasn’t unusual in those days to see studs carrying Angus cows crossed with Murray Grey bulls - after four crosses for a bull and three crosses for cows, you had a Murray Grey.
“In the early days the Murray Greys were fairly expensive, so breeding up from Angus was another option.”
Mr Zerbst runs pure Murray Greys but said he had used bulls with a “fair bit of Angus in them”.
“They (Murray Greys) are good all round cattle, they are very much underrated.”
With more than 50 years of breeding there’s many a funny tale to tell and Mr Zerbst said one of the notable stories involved a Murray Grey classifier.
“An unclassified heifer bought at the Roma dispersal sale in the late 1960s had one white hoof. Now, you wouldn’t normally keep them in this day and age but dad spoke to the classifier and he said ‘just run her through a bit of mud before she gets classified, she’ll be right’. She did get classified ok.”
The specific heifer and her descendants are longgone, as is the classifying.
Mr Zerbst said he would keep Murray Greys at Burnett Downs for many years to come.
“They are heat tolerant - due to their light coat colouring - they’re suitable for our climate. They’re just a good all-round cattle.”
Alan Zerbst (right) with Burnett Downs Neptune 479 sashed grand champion bull at an early 1990s Toowoomba Show. Alan is pictured with judge Margaretta Morgan and Jane MacLean
Alan Zerbst checks cattle on horseback
2024 PHOTO COMPETITION
Thank you to everyone who participated in our photo competition! We’re excited to showcase the top 10 photos, published in no particular order.
Crissy & Tim Thomas of Stillwater Murray Greys in USA have claimed the coveted front cover, voted on by you.
Crissy & Tim Thomas, Stillwater Murray Greys
Courtney Hazeldene, Ganado Murray Greys
Crissy & Tim Thomas, Stillwater Murray Greys
Sarah Chaplin, Mount Major Murray Greys
Charles & Janet Wallace, Woodbourn Murray Greys
Courtney Hazeldene, Ganado Murray Greys
Crissy & Tim Thomas, Stillwater Murray Greys
Annika & Dan Collins, Glanmire Murray Greys
Courtney Hazeldene, Ganado Murray Greys
Crissy & Tim Thomas, Stillwater Murray Greys
MURRAY GREYS FIT WELL IN GREAT SOUTHERN
By Kyah Peeti – Farm Weekly
AFTER experiencing farming in both WA and New South Wales, the Duncan family can testify that West is best when it comes to growing quality Murray Grey cattle in a reliable climate at their Great Southernbased property.
Farming across more than 1200 hectares of prime cattle country, spread over six properties in the Redmond shire has set Les Duncan and his family up for ultimate success in the cattle game. Going back generations, the Duncans started out with a Hereford herd in the Hunter Valley region in NSW, with years of generational farming experience under their belts, which has only added to the current generation’s passion towards breeding their own stock. Since leaving the mining industry more than five years ago and travelling Australia with his wife Liz and two children Maddi and Harry, Mr Duncan’s decision to settle in Redmond with his parents, John and Janet in 2018, after they took over from John’s uncle Ted in 2010, was an easy one. Now at the home farm, Merinvale, which has been in the family since 1966, the three generations of Duncans pride themselves on their sturdy herd of 600 Murray Greys, which is based on the herd of Murray Greys that were introduced to the farm in the mid 1970s. According to the family, with Murray Greys being the mainstay of the operation, they see them as the most fitting breed to suit their climate and perform best on their low-lying country. “In the time my family have had Murray Greys, they have noticed they are very hardy and do well down here, as well as being resilient throughout the summer period,” Mr Duncan said. “Temperament is a big thing for us and we find they are really good in terms of docility and being good mothers.”
A 40 head sire battery is what helps drive the breeding program at Merinvale, made up of 34 homebred and bought Murray Grey and six Gelbvieh bulls. “We purchase our Murray Grey bulls from Tullibardine Murray Grey and Angus stud, Albany, Melaleuca Murray Grey stud, Manypeaks, Southend Murray Grey stud, Katanning, and our Gelbvieh bulls from the Summit stud at Narrikup,” Mr Duncan said. “We keep 16 of our own homebred bulls as back ups in case we have a breakdown.” When selecting bulls both visual appraisal and Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs)
are taken into consideration. Using the help of their stock agent, Elders Albany livestock manager Wayne Mitchell and Tullibardine stud principal Alastair Murray, the Duncan family selects heavily on low birthweight, carcase traits and good growth each year. “Visually, we look for smaller heads, muscle across the hindquarters, good conformation and good feet,” Mr Duncan said. “The help from our agent is valued, as well as Alastair because he purchases some of our steers, so he knows what we are breeding for too.”
The introduction of Gelbvieh bulls has been more prominent in recent years, adding hybrid vigour to the herd which has increased weight gain figures. “We use the Gelbvieh bulls over our older cows, usually anything from a third calver or older,” Mr Duncan said. “The aim is to try to breed bigger-framed cattle, which we have noticed a big difference in since using the Gelbviehs. “When we weighed our first drop of steer calves, there was a 15 kilogram difference, so it’s good to run some Gelbvieh-Murray Grey calves and still have purebred Murray Grey calves too. “Going forward, we plan to trial the Gelvieh bulls over our second calvers.” To ensure the heifers are well looked after during their first mating, they are joined four weeks prior to the main breeding herd. “We join our maiden heifers in May, and they will get four bulls over a six-week period to make sure they have a tight calving period,” Mr Duncan said. Four weeks after the bulls go out with the heifers, another set of bulls are put out with the main breeding herd, which are allocated based on age groups, for eight weeks. “We have a younger bull team, with our oldest bull about six years old,” he said. “We put an older bull with two young bulls each year to reduce the chance of fighting. We also allocate these bulls to a certain breeding group so that there is no chance of inbreeding.” A well-planned joining system has resulted in positive conception rates throughout the herd. “Our most recent scanning session with Jess Schilling from Bovitech Veterinary Services saw just over 550 of our 600-head herd in calf,” Mr Duncan said. Following the scanning process, heifers that are marked dry will be sent to a local feedlot or saleyard immediately. “When it comes to any dry cows, depending on how many there are or their condition, we will hold on to them and fatten them up,” Mr Duncan said. “If there are only a few we will keep them and put weight on them to sell at a later date.”
The heifers begin to calve in early February, followed by the main breeding herd, which starts calving in March. “Any pregnant cattle that have bad feet or are
getting too old, will get sent to another one of our farms to make sure they don’t get rejoined to a bull the following season,” Mr Duncan said. “Eventually they will drop their calves, and when they dry up we will fatten them and sell both the calves and cows. “We do this so we are not breeding older cattle with bad traits back into our main herd. As soon as the calves are weaned, we will mark the calves separately so we know they are to be sold.”
The marking and animal husbandry processes are carried out once the majority of the calves have dropped. “We drench our stock four times a year, starting with our calves at marking which helps us get our calves used to the yarding process,” Mr Duncan said. “The calves will also receive a Vitamin B12 and Multimin vaccine.” Recently, to improve their animal health program, the Duncan family signed up for a worming trial through their local vet, Ms Schilling. “We did two lots of worming samples to see if we were eligible to take part in the trial, but they came back negative both times,” Mr Duncan said. “Although we couldn’t take part in the trial, it was great that our cattle had no worms. “We make an effort to change our drenching brands every two years so they don’t build up an immunity to any of them.”
In October, the calves are weaned for seven to 10 days in the Duncans cattle yards, which are specifically set up to wean 150 calves. During their week-long weaning process, the calves are fed hay and silage by the Duncan family to get them used to eating roughage and being in the yards. “After they leave the yards we will send the heifer calves to another farm so they are away from their mums, and our steers go onto our flat, low-lying country to feed before they are sent off for sale,” Mr Duncan said. “Our steers are usually sold just after weaning in late October, early November, when they weigh about 320kg, depending on what the feedlots are looking for. Throughout those two months we will usually run them through the yards and pick the heaviest ones off until they are all sold.”
In an ordinary year, the heifers are put through a selection process in mid- January and roughly 120 to 150 are kept, but this year, due to a weak hay and silage season, all calves were retained. On top of the season, with prices in mind, a lot of the heifers were retained as future breeders from the recent calving season. “Normally we would have sold three quarters of our herd this year, being our cull heifers and all our steers,” Mr Duncan said. “We were able to hold onto
all our calves this year because we had plenty of feed on our flats to keep them here.” To ensure no feed goes to waste this year, the Duncans strip grazed their paddocks. “It is a good way to make the feed last longer, otherwise the cows waste it, so this way they cleaned up the whole paddock,” Mr Duncan said. “Our breeding objective at Merinvale is to produce low birthweight, quick growth, calving ease, bigger frames and good temperament.” With the property set up for rotational grazing due to the Duncan family reducing the size of their paddocks so that the cattle can rotationally graze all-year-round. “Our paddocks are now 10 to 15ha each, which can accommodate mobs of 110 head and less,’ Mr Duncan said. “Depending on feed availability and herd sizes, we will rotate them between the same three paddocks every two weeks, on average.” Within these paddocks, cattle feed on pastures that although are currently being renovated, are usually seeded with an oat, barley, ryegrass mix. “This mix works best for us, the cattle will graze the oats off early and then the ryegrass comes through for making hay,” Mr Duncan said. “We also planted a 12 hectare Roundup Ready canola crop last year to clean up a paddock, which breaks the paddock up. “It grew really well, especially with the mix of barley and ryecorn we put in with the canola too.” On top of the trial canola crop, Mr Duncan said they also seed a summer crop made up of Banker forage sorghum, ryecorn, Cocksfoot and Phalaris. “When the flats dry out we start seeding it,” he said. Along with the help of the summer crop, the cattle are supplementary fed with hay, silage, molasses, and summer lick blocks during the warmer months and winter lick blocks during the wet season. “We sowed just over 120 hectares for hay and silage last season,” Mr Duncan said. “We feed out hay when there’s green feed, so the cows have dry feed if they need it during the winter.”
Merinvale is also part of the Torbay Catchment Group, which aims to improve revegetation and landcare on not only their property, but other properties on the South Coast. “The group provides grants to put towards the fencing gear for the trees, and with that we have planted 1500 trees in the past year,” Mr Duncan said. “We did a trial to see what type of tree grows the best, and it turns out to be the Jarrah trees, so we will grow them from now on. “It’s a great program because it prevents the cattle from destroying the saplings when they are small and gives them a chance to grow and get more revegetation back onto the farm.”
Les Duncan (left) with his two children Harry and Maddi with some of their stock at their Redmondbased property that spreads across 1200 hectares of land which is split into six properties in the area owned by the Duncan family
FOURTH GENERATION OF THE BATTEN FAMILY
CONTINUING THE LEGACY OF SHOWING GOLDEN MURRAY GREY CATTLE
Six girls of the Batten family, aged 9 to 18, are continuing the legacy of young people preparing Golden Murray Grey cattle for show and sale.
The girls are the grandchildren of Robert and Roslyn, and great grandchildren of Len and Betty who started the stud in 1981, prepared and paraded cattle and participated in junior judging at the Narromine and Forbes shows in August and September 2024.
Robert said “this continues the engagement of young people with Golden Murray Greys where hundreds of young people have learnt the skills to prepare cattle for show and sale”.
As well as the four generations of the family, students from country high schools including Gilgandra High School, Dubbo South High School, Dubbo Senior Campus, Bathurst High School and the Central Coast have been involved with preparing and showing cattle from the stud.
From the outset selection pressure was placed on temperament as the family believed that cattle needed to be quiet to handle and that quiet cattle perform better in the show ring and as carcases.
During the 1980s and 1990s promotion and marketing of Murray Greys relied heavily on agricultural shows and multi-vendor shows and sales including the MidState Murray Grey Sale at Dubbo, Gunnedah Murray Grey Bull Sale and the National Show and Sale. Murray Grey feature shows were organised by the Mid-State Murray Grey Breed Promotion Group at agricultural shows.
The quiet temperament of the Murray Grey Cattle proved invaluable as the family and school students prepared their animals for showing.
In the early 1990s the stud provided animals for students to prepare for showing at the Mid State Murray Grey Junior Heifer Show in Dubbo. Junior handlers came from across NSW to learn about Murray Grey cattle and their place in the cattle industry.
The current team of handlers is under the leadership of third generation parader, and mother of three of the girls, Regina, who enjoyed success in regional shows and at the Sydney Royal winning grand champion cow with Macquarie Diana and a steer that she prepared.
Rob Batten 2nd generation
Olivia & Gorgina
Damian & Reg
Matilda and Anita
Nicole Batten
Lainie and Uluru
When asked why they like showing Murray Greys and what are their favourite things about the animals the girls responded; Georgina and I had a friendship from the start, she was so quiet but didn’t like big people. She gets tired feet from waiting for her class and we had a rest together. At the end of the show day we were both tired and she let me lay on top of her. Greys are special because of how quiet they are. (Olivia, 9)
You have to have a connection with your animal otherwise they won’t listen to you and I find that talking with my heifer and explaining what we are doing keeps her calm. I like leading the greys because it has shown me how to build team skills and Anita and I won junior champion heifer in 2023 and won champion in 2024. I can’t wait to see her calf.
(Matilda, 9)
I got to lead my first ever heifer and she was great. My cow is great and she is calm and incredible letting myself lead her. When I was nervous she helped me be calm. (Haylee, 12)
Being able to have the opportunity to be a part of the cattle industry with my family is something I will be forever grateful for. I am one of the fourth generation involved with Murray Greys. The thing I love most about showing Murray Greys is that I get to form a great connection with my heifer and how great we bond with each other and how good of a temperament she has. (Courtney, 15)
I like showing Greys as I’m the fourth generation in my family to be handling them and because they have a very quiet temperament and they have the ability to show the animal off for their natural features. My bull has always been so quiet. (Lainie, 16)
Showing Greys is not about ribbons and prizes, it’s about the lessons learnt and skills built which are retained for life. It has shown me how to work as an individual and on a team. Most of all my bull has taught me to be calm otherwise if I was nervous or scared he sensed it. He wasn’t easy to break in but now has taught me many lessons. (Amber, 18)
LEGACY CONTINUES WITH THIRD GENERATION
By David Taylor
Baroona Park Murray Grey stud was established in 1985 with foundation females purchased at the Warwick Murray Grey stud sale.
In the early days, bulls were sourced from Queensland and New South Wales studs, but now artificial insemination is used extensively to introduce new bloodlines.
This allows us to match the characteristics of the cows with those of a bull which will result in a calf with the desired attributes. By doing this it has been possible to utilise genetics from leading Australian Murray Grey studs, such as Monterey, Woodbourn and Lindsay.
We exhibited our first cattle at the 1990 Royal Queensland Show (the EKKA) at which Baroona Park Felicity was awarded Junior Champion Female.
Felicity’s son, Baroona Park Lexington, won Senior and Grand Champion Bull at the 1993 EKKA.
Since then we have continued to show stud cattle and steers at local and Royal shows.
We consider that showing cattle has major advantages for promoting the breed and our stud, as well as providing us the opportunity to compare our cattle with others and to keep up to date with the place of Murray Greys in relation to other breeds.
Our daughter, Kathryn, has been involved with the stud from the beginning and when she returned from working in England in 2006 we transferred one of the good stud females, Baroona Park Magnolia, to her as the basis of her Kingsgrove stud.
Magnolia went on to win Senior and Grand Champion Female at the 2007 EKKA and her progeny have formed a solid basis of her stud. Fast forward to 2021, when Kathryn’s daughter, Millie, received her foundation female, Baroona Park Millie-Rose, as a Christmas present, and Amelia Park Murray Grey stud was established.
To carry on the family tradition, Amelia Park stud won Senior and Grand Champion Female in 2023 and Junior and Grand in 2024. Next year, 2025, will mark 40 years of our family’s involvement with the Murray Grey breed.
We are confident that Kathryn and Millie will continue their involvement with the breed into the future.
Taylors at EKKA 2024
MAYFIELD FARMING: BRINGING IN THE NEXT GENERATION
By Chelsea Ashmeade
Of the 3500 acres they occupy, the Kendal family runs a strong commercial Murray Grey herd. But it didn’t start out this way.
Reg and Lillian Kendal purchased Mayfield (the current farm) in 1937. Reg, a shearer, continued his trade while they established the farm, but it wasn’t long before it provided an alternative income.
Mayfield was completely covered in green timber and the majority of it was suitable for the production of eucalyptus oil. Reg turned the timber into a successful business venture and as the land was cleared he was able to expand his sheep numbers and purchase a few cows.
Fast forward a few years and Reg and Lillian’s two sons - Alan and Paul - would be working together, trading as RH Kendal & Son.
It was in the 1960s when the Murray Grey breed originated in Australia, catching the eye of both Alan and Paul.
Before long they had replaced their entire herd with Murray Greys, which also led to the dispersal of their entire sheep flock. Together the brothers had huge success with the breed and it continues today.
Alan’s passing in 2013 saw a new trading entity established and Mayfield Farm Trust has become a familiar name in the commercial Murray Grey circle.
On the farm today you’ll find Paul and his wife Robyn along with their three sons - James, Todd and Cameron - and their families.
“Our goals and objectives are still the same. That is, to produce a quality
product, responsibly and ethically, with integrity, that meets market demands and that we can be proud of,” Robyn and Paul Kendal said.
The family have added a number of properties to their portfolio over the years with the last parcel - about 700 acres - purchased nine years ago.
“That’s allowed us to do the succession planning we have done.”
The succession planning has taken about 10 years and Robyn said they were now in the final stages of passing the land over. While it’s taken time, they’ve managed to split the land between the children and have their own home perched on the farm as well.
Throughout the years the family have bred thousands of cattle and James currently runs about 900 breeders across the properties they have acquired.
While Todd and Cameron have about 100 breeders each.
James works on farm while his brothers work off.
“James has done really well,” Robyn said.
Through bushfires, flooding rains, to dry spells and a forever changing market, the Kendal family have seen it all.
“For the last 10 years we have done very little but we have helped out when we have been asked to.”
From land once used to process timber, Robyn said she now
Paul and Robyn Kendal
spends time replanting trees where she canfuture proofing and giving back to the land for the years to come.
“James, Todd and Cameron and their families have been managing their own portions for the last couple of years and we envisage that the next few months will complete this generation of succession planning,” Robyn and Paul said.
As the next generation begin to take over, the following generation isn’t far behind.
James Bremner said his children were already involved in the farm operations and had loved being part of it.
Living in an urban area, James was an accountant but decided he would rather raise his children on the farm.
James said he hoped to continue to do what his parents did but also increase the herd size.
He’s already managed the land to add in more fertiliser and he’s spreading urea, he also has a large lime program in place.
“I’m hoping to increase productivity through soil fertility,” he said.
“The main goal (now) is to get feeder steers off the place as quickly as possible.”
Previously the family turned over about 400 steers a year but James said he’s consistently been more than 600.
With 780 coming off the farm in 2023.
“I’ve nearly doubled the production in the last 10 years.”
“I’ve got systems in place to get the stock off the place as quickly as possible.”
James said he loved the Murray Grey breed and hoped to continue with them in years to come but with a significant price difference (less) compared to a black Angus he may have to make changes.
He has seen a price difference of .60 cents.
“If that price discrepancy continues there might be some thought behind breeds. But it’s a 10-15 year program to do that. I do not want to do that, but at what point do you get forced to do it?” he said.
For now though, the family should see the process of the success plan come to an end in the next few months.
The Kendal family will continue to breed stock for commercial sale and put back into the land to reap the rewards.
TIMELINE
2012: James returned to the farm. This brings us to a new stage of transitioning inthe succession planning process.
2015: We were successful in purchasing the adjoining Northvale property expanding the property to its current 3500 acres enabling an expansion of the beef herd to 900 breeders and economies of scale that will ensure viability into the future.
2024: We are at the final stages of succession planning with land about to change hands to the next generation.
BEEF 2024
The Murray Greys had a great turn out to BEEF in Rockhampton in May 2024. Congratulations to all exhibitors and it was amazing to have a member catch up with people from all over Australia. Murray Greys were lucky to have a segment on BEEF TV, where Nigel Eylward (2023 President) & John Contarino (2024 President) discussed where the future of Murray Greys are heading.
2024 NUTRIEN AG SOLUTIONS STUD
CATTLE CHAMPIONSHIP
MURRAY GREYS:
Judge Kurt Wise
Calf Champion Male
Maple Downs U-Betya
Reserve Calf Champion
Male
Shell-Dee Barcode
Calf Champion Female
St Germains Charlie
Reserve Calf Champion
Female
Shell-Dee Ultra Special
Junior Champion Male
Maefair Talbingo T30
Reserve Junior
Champion Male
NB7 Titan T10
Junior Champion
Female
Maefair Lucy T50
Reserve Junior
Champion Female
Sixpence Park Pepper T1
Senior Champion Male
Maefair Turrmurra T24
Reserve Senior
Champion Male
Shell-Dee Mr Mascot
Senior Champion Female Maple Downs Tarella
Grand Champion Male Maefair Turrmurra T24
Grand Champion Female Maefair Lucy T50
Exhibitors Group Maefair Murray Greys
Sire Progeny Stakes Maefair Murray Greys
GREYMAN:
Judge Graham Brown
Grand Champion Female NB7 Tennessee T12
Grand Champion Male Maple Downs Triumph
Grand Champion Greyman FemaleNB7 Tennessee T12
Grand Champion Greyman BullMaple Downs Triumph
Grand Champion FemaleMaefair Lucy T50
Grand Champion Bull - Maefair Turramurra T24
PAISLEY FAMILY WHEN THE TEAM WORKS, THE DREAM CONTINUES
By Chelsea Ashmeade
For Glenn Paisley it’s all about helping out his parents - alongside his brothers - to continue the breeding of their commercial Greyman herd.
The cattle blood runs deep for Glenn and his brothers, with both sets of grandparents also running different herds in years gone by.
The farm, Derryvale, is based at Tucki Tucki, near Lismore, NSW.
There, the Paisley family runs a small commercial enterprise across about 275 hectares.
For the past 30 years Glenn has helped his parents John and Lyn on the farm.
The entire family - parents and Glenn along with his three brothers - have always worked off farm, with the cattle being an additional income.
Because of this, they chose the Murray Grey breed for its ease of care and they’ve added in the Brahman cross for additional qualities.
Glenn said the docility of the Murray Grey meant he’s happy enough for his children to be in the same yards as them and his father, now retired, can also safely be around the animals.
He said despite none of the cattle being pets, that didn’t stop them from being friendly and with the addition of the Brahman traits, it made them “fairly inquisitive”.
It began back in 1977 when John and Lyn started with six Murray Grey heifers and in the early 90s they decided to cross with two Brahman bulls.
“We have been doing it ever since.”
Glenn said the second cross females made great mothers.
They’ve currently got about 170 breeders mixed F1 and F2, which includes a mob of 40 straight Murray Greys which they join to a Brahman bull to get the F1 breeders.
“Murray Greys have always been known for easy finish and carcass qualities. By adding Brahman we haven’t lost that at all and have gained growth and much more doability in our herd,” Glenn said.
Glenn said they don’t usually buy any females in and calve 25 heifers a year, while most of their bulls come from Onward Murray Greys.
At their Yorklea property, near Casino NSW, Glenn said they have a number of steers where they finish them off ready to sell.
He said there can be anywhere between 35-40 steers on the property, but they typically finish 20 off a year.
They also leave a bull out with the cows year-round but the heifers calve in July.
The love for cattle across their acreage has seen the family commercially sell animals to local butchers, through the market and some private paddock sales.
“They calve at three here. Being on the coast we find it’s better. You get a better first calf…two (years old) just doesn’t work.” Glenn said.
Following the ‘22 flood through Lismore, when about 250 acres was underwater for about eight weeks, Glenn said the Brahman did really well and the crosses performed “so much better” than other breeds in the area.
“We had that flood and then we went into a dry spell,” he said.
He felt their herd bounced back quickly and with minimal disruption - another reason to continue the Greyman breed.
Glenn said his father also chose the Greyman blend for its lighter coat, keeping the buffalo flies away, reducing the need again for constant maintenance.
Throughout the years they’ve added and upgraded to the farm (and adjoining properties) and have included crib feeders to fast-track their finish off and get the animal to the butcher.
“Only calves have access to the crib feeders to finish them off. When we wean them (at about eight or nine months) we can lot feed them to get to the higher carcase weight sooner.”
They can get a calf to a 190kg carcase weight with 9-10mm of fat coverage in a short time, ready for processing.
Looking forward, Glenn hoped to increase the number of F1 breeders to catch the replacement buyers in the coastal region.
“There’s a lot of people with 100ac blocks where they are getting in replacement cattle, it’s attracting good prices.”
He said of the calves they do get, they are typically left with 15 first cross.
“So we do not really have a line to sell. If we do have excess ones, they usually do find a home pretty quick. I want to get a more consistent line.”
But, for now, Glenn (and his brothers) is happy to keep their parents going for as long as they can and enjoy the cattle they’ve always bred.
“We have had to have quiet cattle and it has come about by mistake but now that dad is older and I have kids working with them, it makes sense.”
“They are just easy and I like easy,” Glenn said.
“We all help out and do it with dad (and mum). I really enjoy it. I plan to continue it in the future.”
PICTURED TOP TO BOTTOM
John Paisley still loves his cattle and wouldn’t change it for the world
Some of the cattle at the Paisley family property With the help of their four sons, Lyn and John Paisley are still involved with the Greyman commercial enterprise.
YOUTH PRESIDENT REPORT
Wow, wow, wow! What a fantastic and fun filled 2024 we have had!
This years AGM saw a full committee elected for the first time since covid as well as the allocation of our own treasurer as the Murray Grey Youth continues to expand and stand on our own two feet. 2024 also saw the Murray Grey Youth seat in representation on the Board of Directors.
Before I commence my annual report upon the Murray Grey Youth, I would like to take a moment to thank and show appreciation to our hard working committee. Your dedication to the youth and our breed most certainly does not go unnoticed. All the late night meetings, phone calls and catch ups have certainly contributed to some amazing things and events that we have pulled off this year and its been such an exciting movement to be apart of! The committee consists of the following members below:
Albury was where we kicked off the year with our Murray Grey Youth Stock show in April, although entrant numbers were small, that certainly didn’t stop the committee putting on an awesome show! Many thanks to the previous committee for all of the hard work and effort you put into this event and thank you to the sponsors, without your support we simply would not be able to run such events.
The Murray Grey Youth have also had great success around the country competing in other youth and agricultural shows.
Some of the highlights include the Tasmania Junior Beef Expo saw 7 Murray Grey Youth members compete with another round of great results, especially our own Jacob Merrick rising to the top and winning Champion Parader!
SA Junior Heifer Expo which saw 24 entrants and animals represent the Murray Grey Breed, not only on a stud but a commercial scale too. Congratulations to all participants and many thanks to the breeders for providing the animals!
Melbourne Royal 2024 saw the debut of the “Cratloe Paraders Competition” in honour of Ian and Anne Burnside for their contributions to the Murray Grey Youth over the years. Congratulations to all competitors and we look forward to running this event for many more years to come!
Moving on throughout the remainder of the year, the youth committee are full steam ahead in planning our 2025 Murray Grey Youth Stock Show which will be held in Geelong (Vic) on the second weekend in November. We look forward to seeing you there. Stay tuned across our social media for more information and promotion of the event!
Wrapping up what has been a very successful year for the Murray Grey Youth, I would like to take a moment to thank our dedicated sponsors, breeders and mentors for your ongoing support, generosity and time. I know that we most definitely would not be able to do what we do without you.
Look forward to sharing an EPIC 2025 with you all! Have a happy and safe celebration over the Christmas and New Years break.
Emily Lewis might live in Panorama, Adelaide, but her roots are tied to the family property in Lobethal.
The love for cattle runs in her blood and with a dad who is still passionate about Murray Greys, it’s no surprise Miss Lewis, 18, is following those footsteps.
The property at Lobethal is about 32 hectares and while small, Miss Lewis said it kept them busy.
“We only run Greys because we love Greys,” she said. “It’s quite small but it’s more focussed on breeding.”
When her dad, David Lewis, purchased the current property, the family inherited a number of cattle - all different breeds.
“He (dad) sold all the others and just kept the Greys.”
Since purchasing the property, the family has bred and sold for commercial purposes, but Miss Lewis wanted to get into showing.
So, in 2019, they developed the stud - The Elms Murray Greys - and Miss Lewis purchased her first heifer in 2021.
“Dad is pretty passionate about the cows and I think he was happy with it as that’s what he loves to do,” she said.
It has slowly expanded from there with Miss Lewis now regularly attending and showing her cattle at various country shows.
This includes Mount Pleasant Ag Show, Royal Adelaide Show, National Youth Show and Sale (in Albury, NSW), Gawler Show and the Heifer Expo.
This year’s Royal Adelaide Show (2024) saw the family’s bull - a Ganado Greys bull - win Champion Senior Bull. They also took champion cow in the cow and calf competition and a number of other ribbons for their stock.
“We were very happy about the results.”
They currently run about 35 head of Murray Greys and Miss Lewis hoped to one day hold her own onproperty sale.
Miss Lewis said it was the personality of each and every one of them that hooked her to the breed.
“When you spend time breaking them in, you get to see how they all have different personalities,” Miss Lewis said.
“(I love) their temperament, they are quite calm, reliable with their breeding and their calving. They are pretty placid and their meat quality is pretty good.”
Her involvement within the industry isn’t just with her own stud, Miss Lewis is an active member of the SA Murray Grey committee and she helps with the SA promotional Murray Grey group media.
Emily Lewis, Adelaide, is a keen and enthusiastic member of the SA Murray Grey committee
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE A YOUNG PERSON’S PASSION
By Chelsea Ashmeade
Spend just five minutes talking about Murray Greys with Jacob Merrick of Combo Singleton, NSW and it’s obvious how passionate he is about the breed.
At just 16 years of age, Jacob is already making his mark in the industry and he doesn’t plan to stop any time soon.
Based in the Hunter Valley region in NSW, Jacob lives with his parents - Ty and Michelle - where they run TMJ Pastoral Company and produce about 30,000 bales of prime (irrigated) lucerne hay each year.
More recently, Jacob has added to the paddocks with his own small herd.
“I started the cattle company alongside mum and dad in 2021,” Jacob said.
“I have about eight breeders at the moment.”
It all began at school, about seven years ago, at St Catherine’s Catholic College when Jacob joined the show team.
His passion then grew some more when he started showing cattle about four years ago for the Ernst family at Dehavalyn Murray Grey Stud.
Jacob has stretched his involvement to the Murray Grey Youth Committee where he started off as a general member and now sits as vice president.
But it’s all in a day’s work for Jacob who said Murray Greys weren’t his first choice.
“I was hell bent on the Hereford and I bounced around a few breeds. Going to Sydney with Tom (Ernst) and being around the Murray Greys, I have grown to love them.” he said.
“It has worked out well. Yes, I was coaxed into it (the Murray Grey breed) but I love them. In my opinion, we have some of the better qualities.”
“I wanted something different from everyone else and once I got into it, I grew a love for it.”
Jacob’s a big fan of the Murray Grey’s docility.
“I love them for that and their hybrid vigour. Overall they do better than a black. Their temperament and their vigour really sells it for me.”
With his sights set on growing his herd and getting some more land, he said his parents have been supportive the whole way - his mum in particular who gets up early with him to attend shows.
Looking long term, Jacob wants to increase his herd to 60 breeders - calving 30 in autumn and 30 in spring.
“Once we do that (increase the land) I will have more opportunities to grow my numbers but I would rather have five cracking cows that will sell and produce good calves.” he said.
In the short term, Jacob has his eye on setting up good breeding values.
“Good bull selection, good values and good genetics: to produce quality calves is my big aim at the moment.”
Jacob Merrick, 16, of TMJ Pastoral Company is passionate about the Murray Grey breed
RISING TO THE CHALLENGE:
THE JOURNEY OF TED DAVIDSON & MOUNT MAJOR UGO U11
This year I attended the RASV steer competition with one of our (Mount Major) steers and was lucky enough to lead the Borthwick trophy out for the Murray Grey team.
The Borthwick Trophy is 3 of the best steers from each breed that go against each other in a competition to see which team will be predicted to have the best carcass scores. When he was judged on his carcass my steer Mount Major Ugo U11 weighed 584kg with an EMA of 93cm, he dressed at 57.31%, at 13months old. Ugo placed 13th out of 37 in his class scoring 91.01 points out of 100, there was only a 1 point difference between 1st and 13th. I also competed in the on the hoof export class where I placed 3rd in my class and highest placed school exhibit in my class. Then I competed in the paraders competition where I placed 1st in my class and went on to the champions parader competition where I did not place.
The whole week of show steers was great, I enjoyed staying around the cows all day making sure they are neat and tidy as well as feeding them hay and making them drink. I also enjoyed cleaning the steers and making their beds in the morning. The only part I did not like/enjoy was waking up at 4:30 in the morning to make sure the steers were clean before the public arrived.
From the start, my steer was always the most jumpy and flighty out of the group at Longerenong, but I kept persevering and was able to keep him under control. When he got to the Royal Melbourne Show, my steer improved so much from where he started, he no longer wanted to struggle to walk and ended up being a very good steer. (It was hard having to leave the steers behind when we had to leave)
Doing show steers gave me the opportunity to be able to prepare my own cattle for a show and to be able to lead them by myself, it also gave me more confidence with working with difficult cattle. I plan on donating a steer to Longerenong next year as I will be unable to prepare a show steer myself, as I will be studying the Bachelor of Agriculture CSU Wagga Wagga where I look forward to the Meat Science course.
CRATLOE PARADERS COMPETITION
Paige Mountford and Emily Pendlebury were having a conversation one night on the phone and Paige voiced how she would love to start an event in honor of Ian and Annie for their significant contributions to the Murray Grey Youth over the years.
After much planning, the girls decided to create the “Cratloe Paraders Competition”, which is a paraders competition held in conjunction with Murray Grey breed judging at Melbourne Royal Show.
The competition incorporates a “secret judge” who judges the entrants off a point score system. The entrants are identified by an arm band worn in the ring so the entrant can be judged accordingly on show ring etiquette, showmanship and presentation. This competition is an open paraders which means anyone, aged between 8 – 25, leading a Murray Grey animal in breed judging can compete.
This year we saw 17 entrants with 4 major awards to be won.
• Champion Parader went to Matilda Sullivan (MGY Committee & Member)
• Reserve Champion Parader went to Elise Miller (MGY Member)
Highly Commended Parader went to Bonnie Sullivan The Superstar Award went to Toby Fraser from Catherine McAuley College
Many thanks to our sponsors, your generous support allowed us to have some amazing prizes for our first year! The Murray Grey Youth are very grateful for your generosity and baring with us whilst we navigated our way through the event.
Once again, many thanks again to Ian and Anne Burnside from Cratloe Murray Greys. Thank you simply is not enough for all of the donations, sponsorship and time the two of you have dedicated to the youth over the years.
From the Cratloe Sub-Committee, we would like to thank everyone for their support of for event and we look forward to running this event for many years to come!
Grand Champion L-R - Paige Mountford (Jarradyne MGs), Event Coordinator | Zeke Groom, Judge | Anne Burnside (Cratloe MGs), Life Member of MGBCS | Matilda Sullivan (Warrina MGs), Grand Champion Parader | Emily Pendlebury (Ricklee MGs), Event Coordinator & MGY President
Our year began in April with the Murray Grey Youth Stock Show held in conjunction with the Murray Grey National Show & Sale. Although entrant numbers were small, the show was still mighty!
With workshops ranging from animal husbandry, nutrition, animal preparation, clipping and fitting to ringcraft and to top it all off we were lucky enough to conclude our workshops with a EBV based mock bull auction, a round of Barnyard Olympics, and a breeders panel session consisting of Murray Grey producers from different operations (Dan Collins, Glanmire MGs | Rebekah Branson, Lakota MGs | Barry MacDonald, Torrisdale MGs & NZ MG President | Stephen Robertson, Bennooka Park MGs) and a special guest Reegan Frey from Freyburn Farms in Canada (Angus).
Friday was show ring day where the Junior Judging, Cattle Classes & Paraders Competitions were judged by Mrs Jo McLauchlan & son Mr Lochie McLauchlan.
First up was Junior Judging where competitors were split into their age groups and were asked to judge 3 lots of cattle. Many thanks to Jo for judging this class. Junior Champion awarded to Lucy Godbolt. Intermediate Champion awarded to Ryan Smith. Senior Champion awarded to Nikki Vaughan. Congratulations to Zeke Groom for taking home Grand Champion Junior Judge.
Then it was onto the Cattle Classes. Thank you to Lochie for judging these classes. Reserve Champion Female awarded to Compass Creek Capri Lass led by James Sutcliffe. Reserve Champion Male awarded to Rouchelle Black Tuxedo T131 led by Breanna Holmes. Champion Female was awarded to Carrsview Miss Jeanette T69 led by Charlotte Dendy. Champion Male awarded to Jumping Rock Unreal U1 led by Nikki Vaughan. Congratulations to Carrsview Miss Jeanette T69 led by Charlotte Dendy who was awarded with Supreme Exhibit of Show.
In the Paraders Competition, the heat was on, all of the competitors were on the ball and in it to win it. Junior Champion awarded to Lucy Godbolt. Intermediate Champion awarded to Elise Miller. Senior Champion awarded to Nikki Vaughan. Congratulations to Nikki Vaughan for winning Grand Champion Parader and many thanks to Jo for judging the heats and finals.
This year we also had many luxurious scholarships up for grabs. The applications process for these scholarships included a resume, cover letter and a summary to the questions based on the scholarship. Congratulations to the following award winners and we look forward to seeing how you go on your travels and purchases with your scholarships.
Junior Ambassador – an entry into a youth show of your choice – Georgina Buick Most Potential Breeder – a sum of money to purchase a Murray Grey animal in a stud or breed sale – Matilda Sullivan
• Educational Bursary – a sum of money to go towards a course or study of choice to benefit your agricultural career – Ally Peter
• New Zealand Exchange – 3 week exchange to explore in New Zealand – Emily Pendlebury
• Senior Ambassador – a sum of money to travel and explore in Texas – Charlotte Dendy
All weekend the Herdsman Competition was being judged by the MGY Committee and Neil Carr. Congratulations to all competitors, the competition was fierce! Junior Herdsman was awarded to Lucy Godbolt. Intermediate Herdsman was awarded to Matilda Sullivan. Senior Herdsman was awarded to Zeke Groom. Congratulations to Nikki Vaughan for winning Grand Champion Herdsman.
Well done to all participants on an awesome show and we look forward to seeing you in Geelong in November 2025 to do it all again!
Monterey Murray Greys and Angus were proud to be part of a history making live consignment of Western Australian stud cattle to the Republic of Botswana earlier this year.
The Republic of Botswana government’s initiative aims to fast track the growth, production and genetic merit of the country’s beef breeding herd through artificial programs using top genetics sourced from beyond the landlocked southern African country’s borders.
A group of technical and veterinary consultants overseen by Thapelo Setlalekgosi, 3in1 Agric Consultancy Pty Ltd, Gaborone, Botswana, travelled the State in March/April visiting beef studs and privately purchased a total of 77 cattle, comprising European, British and Bos Indicus bred bulls and heifers from nine WA studs.
The consignment made history on several fronts, including being the first live Murray Grey cattle ever exported to the African continent.
The Bullers sold 12 Murray Grey and Angus bulls and heifers as part of the consignment.
Originally only looking for Angus and having no knowledge of the Murray Grey breed, the delegation noticed Monterey Super Trooper S286 who was running with the Angus bulls. They were so impressed with his overall quality, size, structure and fleshing and temperament that they wanted to see more Murray Greys.
The Bullers generously donated a yearling bull, Monterey Ultra Star U3, to an appreciative Botswanan government, who then went on to purchase three Murray Grey heifers alongside the Angus bulls and heifers.
The three Murray Grey heifers were daughters of Monterey Limitless L198 and Monterey Monarch M278. They were later Spring drop, vet checked, well grown beautiful heifers ready for mating and straight off grass paddocks without supplementary feeding prior to their inspection.
Ultra Star is by Monterey Marvellous M130 out of Monterey Joyce J296. Joyce was the dam of a well performed stud sire, Monterey Pharaoh P224, currently breeding at Ayr Park Murray Grey stud at Woodstock in NSW, and Marvellous’ first crop of sons averaged $11,500 at the 2021 Monterey sale.
Prior to their departure, the cattle were quarantined at an export accredited feedlot at Popanyinning in WA, and then airfreighted from Perth International airport to their new home.
Monterey Ultra Star U3
Delegation
UNITED KINGDOM: THE HAREWOOD HERD OF MURRAY GREYS
Written by Jonathan Chapman
We have continued to grow our herd in 22/23 with purchases of heifers from the Oakley and Calveley herds and some older cows from the Melview herd.
We are conscious of trying to build a diverse genetic base to our herd at this stage in our breeding programme. To this end we have also purchased a half share in Urup Dam Grizzly from Calveley, a bull who started life as an embryo import from Australia, born in Denmark and imported to GB to use on our autumn calving herd. He is a bull that really fills the eye, incredible fleshing in a compact frame, impressive EBV’s with great agility. We eagerly await his first calves with us this July/ August out of some high class Oakley cows.
A second and unexpected bull purchase was Oakley Geronimo from the Oakley herd. I had seen him and his progeny on several occasions and admired his fleshing , length and breadth over the rib married to a refined head and shoulders, great feet and locomotion and an equable temperament. If a bull can be both a maternal and terminal sire, Geronimo is the closest to it , I have seen. He will run with our spring calving herd of Murrays and some of our commercial Devons.
Urup Dam Grizzly (4 years old) Sire - Bottlesford Kudos
Oakley Geronimo (4 years old) Sire - Cadfor Genesis
NEW ZEALAND: MURRAY GREYS HITTING THE MARK IN SOUTHLAND
Written by Barry MacDonald
Only the best beef makes it into the Alliance Pure South Handpicked programme. Southland sheep and beef farmers Elliot and Janine King are proud that their Murray Grey cattle consistently make the grade for the premium grass-fed beef brand.
The Kings, who farm near Balfour in northern Southland, began farming Murray Greys more than a decade ago after buying a small group of in-calf heifers from the Torrisdale stud in Winton. The breed is renowned for their hardiness, quiet disposition and good calving ease, producing calves that are easy to rear and grow well.
Adding to the appeal is the quality of their red meat. In Australia, DNA testing has identified genes for both tenderness and marbling and the NZ Murray Grey Cattle Society is also reporting what appears to be a high incidence of tenderness genes in Murray Greys here. It is consistent with the results Elliot and Janine are getting from their cattle.
“There are quite specific criteria around carcass weight, colour and marbling that our Murray Greys have to meet for the Pure South Handpicked programme,” says Elliot. “To be fair, the only ones we’re supplying to be killed are the rising two-year-old heifers that we don’t require as replacements. It’s the poorer ones we’re killing but they still go so well and we get paid a premium for them.”
Farmers in the programme must also meet robust farm assurance standards. Elliot and Janine have long been careful stewards of their land and stock. In 2010, they were the supreme winners at the Southland Ballance Farm Environment Awards and they are actively involved today with the Balfour Catchment Group in their area. Their 308-ha sheep and beef property called Pahiwi, on the lower flanks of the Hokonui Hills, has been in Elliot’s family for four generations.
Elliot says they are calving 56 Murray Greys this year, with the first calf born in early August. “That was 16 days early, so that was a bit of a surprise but the calf looks great.”
From mid-October, the couple sell bulls as yearlings, privately and through stock firms, mostly to dairy buyers with a few also going to beef buyers to put over beef heifers. Many of these being repeat buyers that have been there since the start
Along with the cattle, the family’s farm carries some 2800 ewes and 750 hoggets, predominantly hardy Romneys. The first wave of lambs born to older ewes started in early August, with the rest of the flock starting on the 5th September.
Meanwhile, the couple’s daughters (21 and 19) are now away studying in Christchurch at teachers college and Lincoln university respectively. Their son, 16, is at high school in Year 11. “Up until now it has worked out well as they’ve all been here for the holidays and able to help us with the big jobs like docking and weaning!”
Currently the bulls have just gone out with the cows (November 10), and even though there has been a tough spring in Southland the cows and heifers with calves at foot have remained in excellent condition and appear to be cycling well. Promising signs for the beef industry as far as price and export demand bodes well for future bull sales in both the dairy and beef sectors.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: MURRAY GREY CATTLE FIND A PLACE IN U.S. BEEF
Written by Heather Smith Thomas
CALIFORNIA’S EAGLES RUN
Kris and Diana Anderson raised purebred Murray Greys on their 500-acre Eagles Run Ranch near Livermore, Calif., for many years. For a while their operation was the largest representation of Murray Gray in western states, producing seedstock to fit the needs of commercial cattlemen.
“Many people realize their cows have gotten too big,” Diana Anderson says. “They buy a beautiful young bull with leg and length and are happy with the calves. But when they keep females, they grow too big, are costly to maintain and sometimes a challenge to get bred early.”
The Andersons made a large investment in imported semen and embryos from Australia. “Australia has hundreds of thousands of Murray Grey cattle,” says Diana.
Her cows were easy-fleshing and feed-efficient. “We recorded weights, and our average cow was about 1290 to 1500 pounds, but frame score was between 4.5 and 5.5,” she said. Frame scores (determined by hip height) range from 1 to 10, and many beef cattle today are frame score 6 to 8.
“If you compare a Murray Grey that weighs 1400 pounds with a 1400-pound Angus the typical Angus has more leg (and usually a larger frame) but the Murray Gray has more body,” Anderson says. “A mature Murray Grey looks like a refrigerator on its side. All the important meat producing parts are in the rectangular body; the legs are never long.”
Not all cattlemen want the same type of animal, so we need genetic diversity in seedstock and a variety of breeds and types. No one type fits every operation or environment. “The cattle industry should not go the route of turkeys—where the end product is total uniformity,” Anderson says.
Most people who bought their cattle were seeking to improve carcass quality and create better females. A good Murray Grey puts a lot of meat on a smaller frame, and finishes quickly and efficiently on grass. For many years she and Kris sold steers to FFA Students. “Those steers always placed at the top in carcass competitions, but the Students told us they could only feed 1/3 of the recommended grain supplementation because these steers could not handle much grain,” Anderson says. “They were more cost-effective to raise, yet marbled well enough to place in carcass competitions. Murray Greys are one of the few breeds that are high in marbling and still retain ability to flesh easily and efficiently.”
She feels there are five reasons Murray Greys are wellsuited to produce grass-fed beef:
1. feed efficiency for low maintenance, 2. easy going temperament; calm cattle focus on feed conversion,
3. moderate size for earlier finishing,
4. carcass yield, tenderness and flavor, and 5. good fertility and excellent mothering.
Some cattle marketed as grass-fed are tough and stringy and consumers think grass-fed beef isn’t very good. Not all cattle have the genetics for finishing on grass, and don’t do well in terms of quality in a grassfinish market. Selecting the right genetics for grassfed operations is critical for success.
NEVADA’S 7 LAZY 11 RANCH
Mike Lowry grew up on a ranch near Jordan Valley, Ore. then worked on cattle ranches in Nevada and California. His first exposure to Murray Greys was in the mid 1990’s after his parents began to use Murray Grey bulls on first-calf heifers to alleviate calving problems.
“What sold me on them was calving ease and how well those calves performed,” Lowry says. “My parents turned cattle on summer range allotments, and in the past their first-calf heifers came back in the fall with runty calves. Crossbred calves on those heifers were better. Then when they hit the feedlot, those calves took off and grew.”
In 2003, he and his wife Gaylene started their 7 Lazy
11 Murray Grey herd in Fernley, Nev. With additional leased ground, the herd expanded and the Lowrys developed markets in grass-finished and organic grass-finished beef business for clients using their genetics.
“A fifth-generation rancher near Susanville, Calif., called about 8 years ago wanting Murray Grey bulls,” Lowry says. “He started Panorama Meats (organic grass-fed beef from cattle born and raised in the U.S. by family ranchers) in 2001, to produce grass-finished beef for the Whole Foods market. He told me they had a Murray Grey producer in this co-op of ranchers and every time they harvested animals, that set of cattle had the best data on carcass quality and yield.”
BACKBONE RANCH IN TEXAS
Located northwest of Dallas, the Backbone Ranch has been in the Boyd family for 50 years and 3 generations.
Veterinarian Hays Boyd and his mother run it now.
“We started with Murray Grey cattle in 2011,” says Boyd. “My mother, also a veterinarian, was taking over ownership and management of the ranch from my grandmother and wanted cattle that are heat tolerant, perform well on grass and produce a quality product. For decades our family had a conventional cow-calf operation, with Herefords, Santa Gertrudis, and Brangus.
“I researched beef breeds, evaluating fertility, temperament, calving ease, birth weights, mothering ability, daily gain to weaning and finishing, ability to finish well on grass, carcass yield and quality, tenderness and marbling and decided Murray Grey cattle filled these criteria,” he says.
In 2011 he and his mother invested in a small purebred Murray Grey herd, intending to sell local, naturally raised beef direct to consumers.
“Our steers consistently grade Choice on grass alone,” says Boyd. Genetic testing can be utilized to determine which individuals have higher prevalence of tenderness and marbling genes.
There’s growing interest in this breed, with increased popularity of grass-fed and grass-finished beef (healthier meat than grain-finished beef) and small farmers who want a few cattle that can efficiently use a small acreage and be easy and safe to handle.
Though they are genetically similar to Angus, they tolerate heat better, especially the ones that are silver-grey.
“Here in Texas, cattle are subjected to summer days that often hit 110 degrees,” Boyd says. “When neighboring herds are standing in ponds trying to cool off, Murray Greys are still out grazing, converting grass into beef. Dark pigmentation on udder and muzzle reduces incidence of sunburned teats and udders, and pinkeye.”
British-based genetics (Angus and Shorthorn) have
some advantages over zebu (Brahman type) cattle.
“Around here Brangus are still popular, but Murray Grey color is beneficial in the heat—maybe not as good as Brahman, but they more than make up for it in meat quality and disposition,” he says. “In recent years, we’ve sent semen to producers in Costa Rica and Mexico who want heat tolerant cattle with better carcass attributes than the Bos Indicus breeds (like Brahman and Brahman crosses) of their regions.”
Calving ease is another benefit. “We use the same bulls on heifers as on our mature cows.” This is handy for a small herd; you don’t need two bulls.
Cows are known for mothering ability and longevity, usually producing quality calves into their teens.
“The oldest cow in our herd is 15 and we have several 14-year-olds that raise our top calves,” Boyd says. You don’t have to keep as many heifers if cows stay in production longer.
The bulls cover many cows in a season.
“Using a single sire for forty cows, we’ve had 90% of his calves born in the first 21 days of calving season,” he says Calves born close together are more uniform at weaning.
“One producer we sold yearling bulls to in 2012 turned out 4 of them with 100 heifers, and that was the first year he didn’t have to pull a calf. He runs 700 cows and has been utilizing more Murray Greys. He partners with a gentleman who owns a butcher shop and several restaurants, and they advertise Murray Grey beef,” Boyd says.
Back Bone Uncle Tony (5 years)
Back Bone Goldie and 006 Heifer (5 years and 7.5 months)
MANAGING CHALLENGING TIMES IN AG
By Louise O’Neill, Farm Life Fitness
Like many of you reading this, I wear multiple hats in life—a counsellor, a mum, a wife, and a farmer navigating the challenges of trading livestock. The reason I share this?
So you can hear these words from someone who has experienced both the highs and lows of farming, someone who had to help herself before helping others.
Amidst everything we face, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, with little time to spare. Yet, I urge you to take just five minutes to read this. You might be surprised by what resonates and what you can carry forward.
Firstly, while I can offer suggestions and insights, the journey to sound mental health rests in your hands. No one else can take those crucial steps for you. It may seem daunting, but I assure you—you can do it. We often feel that to create change, we must take BIG actions, but that just leads to more pressure and worry about how to achieve them. Every small action, every moment of self-reflection, is a step toward growth. And it could start right here.
In the complex world of agriculture, where factors like markets, policies, and weather constantly fluctuate, finding a sense of control can seem impossible. Now more than ever, we are making choices we never thought we’d face—particularly with our livestock. These decisions are not easy, and they weigh heavily on our hearts and minds, causing stress, overwhelm, and fear. Navigating these challenges requires strength, mindfulness, and strategic thinking.
It also requires recognising that much of what happens in agriculture is beyond individual control. It’s not personal, and it’s certainly not your fault— it’s part of a larger systemic issue. Dwelling on the ‘why’ can consume valuable energy. Yes, our voices deserve to be heard, but focusing on anger will only harm us. Accepting what we can’t control and focusing on what we can is the key to managing our emotions.
So, what can you do to positively impact your wellbeing?
MANAGING FAMILY DYNAMICS
Stress in agriculture doesn’t exist in isolation—it affects family dynamics. Recognising signs of stress in yourself and loved ones—especially children—is vital. So too is managing how much stress children
absorb. Maybe save tough conversations for when they’re at school or in bed. If they’re older, have an honest conversation about how you’re feeling. This encourages them to be open and honest with you in return.
Indulge in family members’ stories. Listen to them, even if only for five minutes. This connection grounds you in the present, reducing stress and overwhelm. By focusing on others, you take a break from worrying about your own stresses.
Look for signs of stress in loved ones: changes in behaviour, tiredness, withdrawal from social circles, or giving up hobbies. If you notice this, simply ask if they’re OK. Don’t feel pressured to fix everything; sometimes, they just need a sounding board and reassurance that their feelings are valid.
MOVE FOR MENTAL HEALTH
We can’t live without oxygen. Every time we move, we push oxygen around our bodies. The more oxygen we get, the more our internal systems stay balanced. This helps our hormones, like serotonin and dopamine—our “happy hormones”—to be released, making us feel good. When we feel good, cortisol (the stress hormone) lowers, improving decision-making, thinking, and productivity.
NAVIGATE SOCIAL MEDIA
In today’s digital age, social media can be both a blessing and a curse. While it connects us and provides information, it can also heighten anxiety. Be mindful of what you consume. Choose trusted sources and avoid getting lost in negativity. This helps maintain balance and reduces unnecessary stress.
Perhaps take one idea from this article and think about how you could make a small change in your life. Remember, it doesn’t have to be something big.
LASTLY: IT’S OK TO STRUGGLE
It’s hard right now, and that’s OK. Accepting that it’s tough and that you need help doesn’t make you weak. It takes courage to admit that things aren’t going well. Sometimes, pausing to feel what’s going on inside is the biggest step forward. But remember—you are not alone.
And you never will be.
Farm Life Fitness Beyond Blue Sober in the Country Lifeline
SOUTHEND
Conception to consumption pure silvers
Progeny available by these sires, 2025 sale
Southend Solo WMM S694
Sire: KELSO CRACKER C17
Dam: SOUTHEND CLEOPATRA P330
Form birth solo has been an outstanding bull and was selected as another elite home bred sire. He has developed into a very impressive bull that displays everything that I’m looking for. Structurally very sound with a docile temperament Solo has the makings to become a very influential sire. 1130kg in this photo. A maternal brother to Southend Roman. Spring drop son available in 2025 sale.
Southend Roman WMM R545
Sire: SOUTHEND KOHAN
Dam: SOUTHEND CLEOPATRA P330
A proven sire with over 120 naturally conceived progeny on the ground at 4 years of age. The first calf out of P330. His progeny have really hit the mark with outstanding growth and are very consistent in type. This is reflected in his tremendous set of growth figures. A real curve bender +1.7 birth weight to +109 600 day weight and +123 mature cow weight. 1150kg in this photo. A real impact sire that has been leaving his mark.
Southend
Ralph WMM R539
Sire: SOUTHEND NARSSIST
Dam: SOUTHEND N91 SUGAR
Ralph was our 2023 sale topper, selling for $24,000. Using him as an AI sire only his progeny are very consistent. One of the best natured bulls we have bred with loads of production. Proving to be a short gestation bull with moderate birth weight.
Conception to consumption pure silvers
Southend Narssist WMM N185
Sire: WALLAWONG XYRIS
Dam: SOUTHEND K-PERFECTION K769
Narssist is one of the most exciting and influential sires we have had. He has proven the ability to breed high quality progeny consistently. At 7 years of age and over 250 progeny on the ground. Producing many top price progeny here at Southend and even the top price bull at Monterey 2024 sale of $25,000 for Monterey T-Bone.
29th
Southend Tiptop WMM T992
Sire: SOUTHEND ROMAN
Dam: SOUTHEND Q461 URBAN GIRL
Tiptop was our 2024 top price bull and our stud record price bull. Purchased by Aurora Murray Grey NSW for $25,000. He displays an outstanding combination of genetics. Retaining a 1/4 share we AI a small number of cows to tiptop in our 2024 AI program. With an outstanding set of EBVs he is a very exciting bull for the breed.
Backed by the maternal power of 350 head breeding herd
BULL BREEDING SOUNDNESS EXAMINATIONS
By Bill Tranter BVSc PhD FANZCVsc (Hon)
A bull breeding soundness examination is performed to assess the likely fertility of a bull before he is used or to help determine possible reasons for poor reproductive performance in a herd after a joining period.
Australian cattle veterinarians have adopted a standardized way of conducting these evaluations and have named such a standard examination, “Bullcheck.”
Passing a Bullcheck examination does not guarantee a bull’s fertility and a breeding soundness certificate does not state that a bull is fertile. It reports whether or not the results of the examination are consistent with an agreed set of standards. A satisfactory result is an indication that the bull is likely to be fertile in a paddock mating situation at the time of the examination and in the immediately foreseeable future. A bull that fails aspects of the examination is at considerable risk of reduced fertility at least in the short term.
The components of a Bullcheck examination include.
1. Identification and details of the bull. Vaccination history is recorded for diseases such as Vibriosis, Three Day Sickness, Tick Fever, Botulism, Clostridial diseases and Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD). Any tests results for diseases such as BVD are listed.
2. General Physical examination. Aspects of a bull’s conformation that could impact his short- or longterm fertility are examined and reported. Particular attention is paid to feet and leg conformation, gait and the head.
3. Examination of the reproductive organs. The scrotal circumference is measured as it is highly repeatable and heritable. It is a good indicator of daily sperm production. The testes, epididymis, penis and prepuce are palpated looking for abnormalities or signs of testicular degeneration. Evaluation of the erect penis during service is the preferred method of examination but this would normally be done as part of a serving ability test. Examination of the sheath is particularly important in Bos indicus bulls as poor sheath structure is often associated with traumatic injuries. The secondary sex glands (seminal vesicles, prostate, bulbourethral glands and ampullae) are examined by rectal palpation.
4. Crush-side semen evaluation. Semen can be collected using an electro-ejaculator or artificial vagina or by per-rectal massage. Samples are examined within a few minutes of collection. The proportion of individual sperm progressing in a forward direction (known as progressive motility) is positively associated with fertility. Samples usually need to be diluted and examined under magnification so that individual sperm can be visualised. Results are categorized as > 60% (low risk), 30-60% (may well be suitable for paddock mating), < 30% (high risk).
5. Evaluation of sperm morphology. Morphology or sperm structure is a predictor of sperm fertility.
Normal Sperm under microscopeProvided by Ced Wise Artificial Breeding Services
100 individual sperm are examined using a highpowered microscope by an experienced sperm morphologist. Defects are categorized. Sperm with morphological defects that do not affect fertility are included in the count of normal sperm. It is strongly recommended that sperm morphology be assessed with every bull examination. Sperm defects are divided into two categories: compensable and noncompensable. Non-compensable defects are the worst kind as sperm with these defects cannot be compensated for by the addition of more sperm as they can fertilise an egg, but the resulting embryo will be non-viable. Results are categorized as > 70% normal sperm (low risk), 50-70% normal sperm (qualified) and < 50% (high risk).
6. Serving ability. Observing whether a bull can successfully serve a cow within a 10- (Bos taurus) or 20-minute period (Bos indicus) is important especially when investigating reasons for poor reproductive performance over a mating period. Problems with libido or serving ability may be involved. Particular attention is given to problems with the back, stifles and hocks that may be interfering with the ability of the bull to mount and achieve a successful service. Abnormalities with the penis can also be observed.
A Bullcheck examination could be regarded in the same way as performing a roadworthy test on a used car. It makes good sense for a prospective buyer to have a qualified mechanic examine the vehicle and raise concerns about issues that may result in the car not performing as expected or that may result in breakdowns in the immediately foreseeable future. It also protects the reputation of the seller who would like the buyer of the vehicle to be happy with their purchase. A roadworthy certificate does not guarantee that sometime in the future the car will not have problems. Nor does it infer that a car that fails a roadworthy because it has bald tyres is guaranteed to have a blow-out. Passing a roadworthy reduces the risk that a buyer will purchase a “lemon”.
When purchasing or selling bulls it makes good sense to have breeding soundness examinations performed to reduce the risk of the buyer being disappointed with the fertility of a recently acquired bull and to enhance the reputation of the bull seller who takes pride in the bulls sold with the hope satisfied buyers will return.
Reference: Bullcheck Veterinary Breeding Evaluation – 4th edition, 2021: published by the Australian Cattle Veterinarians
IT’S A SIGN OF BETTER PRODUCTIVITY AND ANIMAL HEALTH
‘Immune Ready’ is a guideline for the care of sale cattle. It helps protect cattle in the preparation, transport and arrival post sale.
FOR BUYERS
It reduces the risk of disease in purchased cattle
It improves farm biosecurity
It improves animal health and welfare
FOR SELLERS
It prepares your cattle for potential disease challenges
It allows you to promote and sell premium cattle
It helps safeguard against disease and improve productivity
Learn more about Immune Ready Guidelines
USING BREEDPLAN AT CADFOR MURRAY GREYS
By Helena Warren with Rod Hoare
The last few decades of the 20th century were an exciting time to be involved in genetics research.
In 1984 I was working for NSW Agriculture at the Trangie Agricultural Research Centre (TARC). This was also the home of the cattle used to evaluate the response to divergent selection for yearling growth rate in Angus cattle. This experiment, starting in 1974, provided the basis for calculating the heritability of traits such as birth weight, weaning and yearling weight and feed efficiency. This set of data was invaluable for the development of BREEDPLAN.
The Lowline cattle from the research trial at Trangie formed the basis for the development of the Australian Lowline breed in 1993. These cattle are smaller than Angus cattle, following decades of breeding for lower average daily gain.
Three years later I was back in Sydney working with a research team led by Hutton Oddy. The animals used in these projects, to identify biochemical and genetic markers for growth and body composition, were the weight plus and minus sheep selected at Trangie over the same period as the high and low line cattle.
The research undertaken at the Genetics, Nutrition and Feed Evaluation Unit was varied and valuable to identify even more traits than could be determined by the original projects at TARC. Lloyd Fell was investigating docility and stress in feedlot cattle, Peter Healy and Julie Dennis were setting up biochemical and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods to identify genetic disorders in beef and dairy cattle, we were still investigating the response of body composition of genetically diverse animals and studies on dietary supplements.
In 1992, Bill McKiernan started evaluating the heritability of body composition in cattle at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI). Rod Hoare and I were members of the Animal Care and Ethics Committee at EMAI, so we had plenty of opportunities to evaluate the results of this project.
The Beef Cattle Collaborative Research Centre was established at Armidale in 1993. The research officers based at EMAI relocated to Armidale to continue their research essential for the ongoing refinement of BREEDPLAN. I stayed in Sydney to work on a dairy fertiliser trial based at Camden.
In the early 2000s, the CSIRO commenced projects to unravel the cattle and sheep genomes. This work opened up a whole new world of genomic research. These experiences, and my understanding of BREEDPLAN, were of great value when Rod Hoare and I established our Murray Grey stud at “Cadfor” at Binda on the NSW Southern Tablelands in 2002. From the outset we placed great importance on getting complete data from all our animals to get the best possible accuracy for our BREEDPLAN results.
OUR 2024 BREEDING PROGRAMME
Last year we used seven bulls in our breeding programme. Woodbourn Roebuck was used over our heifers. Cadfor Falcon N2 and Banksia Ridge Harry H1 were used by artificial insemination. We chose these bulls because we admire their females and they have high accuracy EBVs to compare with the young bulls Cadfor Tudor T111, Cadfor Thaxted T113, Wallawong Silver Bullet S1 and Woodbourn Stuttgart S96.
The table below provides the actual data from the 2024 spring drop calves out of our cows. Data included are the birthweight EBV and the accuracy of the trait, the average and range of the calves’ birthweight and the number of calves by each bull.
All the data from these calves has been submitted to BREEDPLAN so we are expecting improved accuracy for the birthweight EBVs of the younger bulls. Over time, and as more data is submitted, we will have more confidence in the growth and carcase EBVs for these sires.
For this year’s spring joining we will be using T113, S1 and S96 which will provide additional data for these bulls. We will also be using, by AI, Southend Narssist and an Angus bull, Texas Top Shelf, which will give benchmark comparisons with highly ranked MG and Angus bulls. Cadfor Uncle Brian U123 and Cadfor Uncle Dennis U126 will be used over our heifers.
A CASE STUDY OF TWO STEERS AT CADFOR
Cadfor Lady Linda N365 and Cadfor Annette N362 both had bull calves by Woodbourn Stuttgart S96 in March 2024. N365’s grey calf was significantly heavier at birth and at 200 days than the black steer out of N362. Both calves are free of the myostatin variant NT821. The cows and calves have always run together on pasture with hay provided through winter.
The EBVs for the calves and their dams for birthweight and 200 days and the actual weight data for the calves are listed in the Table below.
Steer (Dam)
HR1 V103 (HR1 N362)
The EBVs for birthweight and growth for N365 and her calf V101 are higher than N362 and her calf V103 as the raw data indicates.
The data used to calculate EBVs are the animal’s own performance, the performance of known relatives, the heritability of each trait and the relationship between the different traits. As more information is provided on the animals and their relatives, the accuracy of the calculation improves. At Cadfor we have had a long history of providing data to BREEDPLAN so the estimates for our cattle are more reliable.
HOW WE WEIGH OUR CALVES
Our old Landcruiser is fitted with a hoist with a remote control. To this we attach a weigh scale and a cradle. At birth we catch the calf and place it on the cradle and weigh and tag the calf. We record the date, dam, sex, colour and weight of the calf. We use the cattle management programme CattleLink to record the data and this then gets submitted to BREEDPLAN once we have finished calving.
IMPORTANT STEPS TO GET THE BEST FROM BREEDPLAN
1: Keep contemporary groups together, do not include data for animals that have been treated differently e.g. show animals that have been fed, twins or poddies.
2: Include all data (birthweight, 200, 400, 600 day weights, body composition etc) for all animals in a contemporary group. If the measurement from the worst animals are removed, the mean for the whole group goes up. This means that animals that would normally be just above average will be given a below average EBV for that trait.
3: Include a high accuracy linkage bull in the mating group. Either by AI or purchasing an older bull from an established stud with 4 or 5 stars for completeness of data.
4: BREEDPLAN calculations also use the data from closely related animals as well as the raw data from the individual animal that is earning its EBVs. Don’t ignore the females in the herd, in fact, females should be weighed and scanned alongside their brothers.
BREEDPLAN does not replace the importance of structural assessment. It needs to be used in conjunction with the physical attributes of the animal. Feet, udders, testes, conformation, temperament, production and environmental suitability should all be considered before considering the numbers. An animal’s EBVs is a powerful tool when choosing a heifer bull, or a bull suitable for producing high growth steers. More information can be found on the BREEDPLAN website: BREEDPLAN.une.edu.au.
PICTURED LEFT: The setup on the side of the ute
PICTURED RIGHT: a calf being weighed
BUILDING STRONG CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS
- THE KEY TO STUD STOCK BRAND SUCCESS AND GROWTH -
By Tegan Buckley, Founder & Director, Mallee Marketing Pty Ltd
In agribusiness, particularly in the stud stock industry, building strong customer relationships is vital for long-term success and growth.
Customer loyalty, word-of-mouth recommendations, and a nuanced understanding of your client’s needs not only drive repeat sales year on year out but also set one apart from competitors in a competitive marketplace. For bull studs, this means more than selling cattle—it means creating a brand known for quality, reliability, and customer-centric values.
Satisfied customers become ambassadors of your brand, often spreading positive reviews to their networks and reinforcing the stud’s reputation. Building trust and loyalty takes time, but when done well, it results in a stable, profitable customer base that appreciates the business’s dedication to meeting their needs.
THE ROLE OF DIGITAL MARKETING IN BUILDING CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS
In today’s market, digital marketing is invaluable for building strong relationships with bull clients. Techniques like social media, video, and email marketing offer stud stock breeders powerful tools to foster engagement, demonstrate value, and create lasting impressions – for a fraction of the price when it comes to advertising spend. Here’s how each channel can play a role in driving brand awareness, building trust, and growing customer loyalty:
1. SOCIAL MEDIA: AMPLIFYING YOUR STUD’S REACH AND ENGAGEMENT WITH TARGETED BUYERS
Social media platforms allow bull studs to engage directly with clients and potential buyers on a personal level. By showcasing the quality of stock, stud history, and customer success stories, you can position yourself as trusted, transparent, honest and client-focused.
For example, posting updates on Facebook and Instagram before your bull sales, sharing animal photos and videos, and highlighting the attributes of each bull gives clients confidence and enables them to make informed decisions. However, try to post more regular content throughout the year demonstrating your client’s success stories, how you are managing and raising your stud stock, and share industry news, research or information so that you are not just sharing content when you have something to sell to people.
Position yourself as the thought leader and go-to in your industry by showing up with helpful content for your followers – give before you take (or ask for the sale in this case!)
The point is to build a loyal online community that feels connected to the brand – but be sure to build your email
list while you’re at it – more on that later on in the article!
In a nutshell, Social Media platforms can help you build brand awareness and foster trust by providing a direct line of communication, encouraging a two-way relationship with potential clients and current customers.
2. VIDEO MARKETING: SHOWCASING STOCK AND BUILDING TRUST
Video marketing has become an essential tool in the stud industry thanks to the Covid lock-down days! By offering a highly engaging way to showcase stock and share the story behind each bull your videos allow potential buyers to assess physical characteristics and movement, while also giving them a sense of who you are as a brand which is why video is so powerful in how you can convey your story and the value of your genetics.
For example, creating short videos to introduce your bulls before sales events can build excitement and give clients a “behind-the-scenes” view. Detailed videos showcasing individual bulls’ pedigrees, temperament, and breeding potential can influence purchasing decisions by creating familiarity and trust.
By visually connecting with clients and demonstrating the unique value each animal offers, video marketing builds credibility, making clients feel confident in their purchasing choices and fostering deeper relationships with the stud.
So, if you’re not on the video bandwagon yet I encourage you to take a good look at this space across other breeds of stock and businesses.
Looking over your classmate’s shoulder in school was called “cheating”, but in business, it’s called “market research!”
Remember, less is more. Keep your videos under 1 minute for maximum engagement online. The next generation has shorter attention spans and capacity when scrolling so whatever you post in a video make it punchy and impactful.
3. EMAIL MARKETING: PERSONALISED COMMUNICATION FOR LOYALTY
Email marketing is a powerful channel for delivering personalised content directly to customers, nurturing relationships long after a sale. By sharing updates on upcoming sales, breeding insights, and exclusive offers, bull studs can stay top-of-mind and provide value even when clients aren’t actively purchasing.
For example, sending out regular newsletters with practical tips, updates on available stock, or seasonal breeding advice not only keeps customers informed but also demonstrates expertise. Segmenting the email list by client preferences (e.g., past purchasers or prospective buyers) allows for targeted messaging, making each recipient feel valued.
Personalised email campaigns can increase loyalty by showing clients they’re part of an exclusive community, with access to valuable insights and special offers tailored just for them.
Building your email list from your social media followers is essential because social media platforms are borrowed real estate. While it’s great to be proud of your followers, likes, and engagement— and you should be! But it’s important to remember that Meta, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter) own those platforms, not you. They can change policies or shut down accounts without warning, and it’s happened before.
By converting followers to email subscribers, you ensure that you own your contact list, preserving access to your audience no matter what happens on social media. In conclusion, digital marketing is a powerful tool for cultivating strong, lasting relationships with your clients—especially when approached strategically with a focus on customer needs. By leveraging digital channels thoughtfully, you not only build trust and loyalty but also ensure sustainable growth and a resilient brand presence. Embracing a customer-centred digital strategy paves the way for deeper connections, greater client satisfaction, and an edge in today’s saturated and highly competitive stud stock marketplace.
If you’re interested in developing an effective digital marketing strategy, Mallee Marketing can provide the guidance you need. Contact us for a chat about how to strengthen your stud stock marketing and sales approach to build lasting customer loyalty for the next generation of cattle breeders.
One of the most common questions we hear, is “how do we begin succession planning?” There is no easy answer to this question, as succession is and always has been a complex topic, with many things to consider. The first essential step to take, is to really understand what succession planning is. In its’ purest sense, succession planning is choosing for a business to continue; it is the transfer of management responsibilities within a business, followed by the transfer of leadership (those critical strategic decision-making abilities and powers), and finally, it is the transfer of ownership of business and/ or land. In cases where a decision is made for a business to not continue, succession planning will an exercise in exiting business owners from the business, which may or may not involve a sale of business and/or land. In any event, succession planning is undisputably part of good business management, and a lack of succession planning is often the cause for the demise of a business, or the fracturing of the relationships we have with the people we love most in the world - our family. So, how then do we approach this delicate and complex topic with our family members? It all starts with truly understanding ourselves and being able to share our truth in front of our family. It’s like being able to choose a bunch of puzzle pieces which accurately represent our own self, how we see the world, and our hopes wishes and dreams for the future, and being confident to show our family those puzzle pieces. The second element to approaching succession, is having a true desire to hear from and understand our family members; to really see and understand the puzzle pieces shared by them. We also need a thorough understanding of the business – the inclusion of those puzzle pieces helps us to understand a threshold for viability, which is often one of the top priorities for families where business continuity is chosen. Succession planning is the building of your family’s puzzle, incorporating all those pieces, irrespective of how impossible it might feel to make it work. Needless to say, engaging in a succession planning process requires the desire to find outcomes that can work for all family members, and a huge amount of courage to be vulnerable enough to do so.
CHALLENGES WITHIN A SUCCESSION PROCESS
Succession planning is challenging from a relationship and communication perspective, as it requires families to stretch well beyond the ‘normal’ safe parameters of how we interact. It is common in families to not speak openly and honestly in order to protect ourselves or other family members.
When it comes to succession planning, family members need to be vulnerable and put themselves first – something that everyday communication within our family structures does not demand of us. We see parents grappling with having to put their own needs first which is a product of many years of prioritising the needs of their children and businesses. We see the next generation of farmers wanting for their parents to live the kind of retirement which gives justice to all the sacrifices they have made for the business to continue, while being acutely aware of how challenging it can be to stay afloat in the often volatile agricultural industry. We see non-farming children struggling to find ways to make succession planning seem fair and valuable for them; they feel they are entitled to something and know that rarely means that assets can be distributed equally. With the assistance of good facilitation, families can think of themselves as a unique prism, with each family member representing one facet of the prism. Facilitators will encourage each family member to constantly turn that prism in order to understand the perspective of other family members. Great outcomes lie in a family’s ability to do this.
PRACTICAL STEPS TO ENSURE SMOOTH TRANSITION
By engaging in a holistic, whole-family facilitated succession planning process, families are putting themselves in good stead to achieve outcomes which will be implemented. In a succession process, facilitators are encouraging families to open a can of worms by expecting each individual to be vulnerable enough to share their truth on how they see the world. This is how a family finds outcomes that every family member can live with. In situations where families lack the intent and courage required to implement those outcomes, there is a great risk that business transition will not occur, or that relationships will breakdown as a result of broken promises.
The future of Australian agriculture lies in families doing succession well. Too often we see the For Sale sign go up, because families lack the intent and courage to roll up their sleeves and get this job done. It is a true measure of the value of legacy and the best possible example business owners can set for the younger generation.
IMMUNE READY GUIDELINES
OCTOBER 2024
The new Immune Ready Guidelines program continues to gain traction and support throughout the cattle industry.
BACKGROUND
Immune Ready is a cross industry collaboration to improve vaccination uptake and on farm biosecurity.
The ongoing risk of endemic diseases in the cattle industry drove the establishment of a working group to look at vaccination guidelines to reduce the risk of disease transfer while cattle are traded through the supply chain. The ACV brought together a working group of veterinarians representing a range of cattle production systems - dairy, beef, feedlots, live export, academia and pharmaceutical. The goal for the group was to define the criteria of core vaccines and risk-based vaccinations, and then apply these criteria across different classes of cattle and in some instances geographical regions, to create the vaccination guidelines that suited different trade markets within the vast diversity of cattle production systems in Australia.
THE OUTCOME
The outcome was the development of the Immune Ready Guidelines that identify the key diseases that need to be managed and / or monitored with appropriate vaccinations to mitigate disease transmission. The Immune Ready Guidelines are also endorsed by all the leading industry bodies including AVA, Australian Cattle Veterinarians, MLA, Animal Health Australia, Dairy Australia and Australian Lot Feeders Association as well as all key industry suppliers such as Zoetis Australia.
THE NATIONAL CATTLE HEALTH DECLARATION (NCHD) AND THE IMMUNE READY GUIDELINES
The Immune Ready Guidelines are underpinned by the NCHD. These declarations are a way for producers to provide information about the health status of the cattle they are selling and their vaccination status. Buyers should ask vendors for a declaration and use the information provided to determine the health risks associated with the animals on offer.
When sellers utilise the Immune Ready Guidelines logo, they agree to provide the NCHD verifying the health status of the animals advertised.
By following standardised vaccination programs and increasing biosecurity, participants can safeguard the health of their cattle and enjoy a more sustainable future.
The ACV encourages the industry to continue to support and communicate the benefits of the Immune Ready Guidelines. Further information is available from the Immune Ready Website at: www.immuneready.net.au
MEETING THE TRACE ELEMENT REQUIREMENTS OF YOUR CATTLE JUST GOT EASIER!
One of the most challenging things in meeting the daily trace element requirements of your cattle is ensuring those requirements are sufficiently met on an ongoing daily basis. There is no dispute as to the importance of ensuring adequate trace elements are made available to assist in maximising returns from improved animal health with a good supply regime for trace element supplementation throughout your herd.
Eroding trace element boluses are now one of the major delivery methods in both Cattle and Sheep production for effective long-term supplementation throughout the world. Due to the requirement for APVMA registration for such products in Australia the industry has been slow to embrace oral bolus technology, but this is changing. All-Trace trace element bolus for cattle has been a strong stalwart of bolus technology in Australia for decades, but a new line of bolus products from the same manufacturers is hitting the rural stores. 24.7 Smartrace is a new range of eroding bolus products that has been developed and marketed through Europe, the first products from this range are now available to the Australian cattle producer with 24.7 Smartrace Grower and Adult Cattle, with 24.7 Smartrace sheep anticipated to be available for sheep producers later this year.
The introduction of new cattle bolus products is a significant steep forward for Australian producers providing greater flexibility and choice. Now there are multiple products from which to choose allowing for a greater targeted approach to long term supplementation. Mark Jones, ANZ Manager for Pacific Biologics said ‘It is a pleasure to add to our strong nutritional line with the new 24.7 Smartrace products. All-Trace has been such a strong product
for many years and the new 24.7 Smartrace lines will complement our current product offerings. It is important to provide producers with greater flexibility and choice to meet their herds production requirements’. Given the significant importance of trace element supplementation on improved herd health and production in the Australian environment it is nice to see a company like Agrimin bringing their world leading technology to our market.
The new 24.7 Smartrace Cattle boluses introduce new technology systems for accurate, effective delivery of targeted trace elements for 6 months. Delivering Cobalt, Selenium, Iodine and Zinc, 24.7 Smartrace is a fully eroding bolus and has nil withholding period.
A single treatment provides producers with the piece of mind that your animals are securing their daily requirements ‘All day, every day’.
24.7 Smartrace Cattle is also compatible with 24.7 Copper and can be administered in a single application if copper supplementation is also identified as a requirement. If a wider range of trace elements are required producers can rely on the proven benefits of All-Trace to deliver (Copper, Cobalt, Zinc, Iodine, Selenium, Sulphur, Manganese and Vitamins A, D and E) on a daily basis for 240 days minimum.
Flexibility, efficiency and piece of mind. Longacting trace element boluses are the key to assisting producers to maximise production efficiencies in their herd. Pacific Biologics specialises in the utilisation of bolus technology and continues to work closely with the world leaders in the production and development of long-acting bolus products for Australian Producers in both the Cattle and Sheep sector.
This year the Board have been exploring avenues where the Society are able increase member incentives. Going forward the Board are continually investigating ways to be able to incentivise members. If you have a constructive idea, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
IMPLEMENTED:
Female Inventory Credit – 1 female inventory credit will apply for each animal exhibited at each state Royal show. This credit will be applied to bulls, cows, heifers or steers and will be submitted to the Society by the shed captain. If your state has more than one Royal or has an event that would be deemed more beneficial to members, please contact your state representative to raise this with the Board.
Steer Prize Money - $300.00 will be awarded to each of the exhibitors selected to represent the Murray Grey team of 3 in the respective carcase competition. The steers must be sired by a registered MGBCS bull.
UNDER REVIEW:
Sponsorship of Feedlot Trials
• Reduction Commercial Member’s Annual Fees
ULTRASOUND SCANNING PROFICIENCY
Genetic analysis of the ultrasound scan data in BREEDPLAN relies on the proficiency of the scanning technician to get consistent and repeatable results that reflect the carcase trait. Technicians are therefore required to undertake and pass proficiency tests on a regular basis in order to have their data analysed in a BREEDPLAN analysis.
Note: Scanners are re-accredited at regular intervals. The expiry date listed under each scanner’s name indicates when the scanner is due for reaccreditation. Ensure your scanner is accredited at the time of scanning your animals.
For a digital version of this list scan the QR Code
The Metcalfe family offered 17 Murray Grey sires from its Melaleuca stud and there was solid competition on them, ensuring the family achieved a good result given seasonal and market conditions.
By the end of the run, 11 of the 17 bulls had sold to 10 different buyers to a top of $14,500 and an average of $7,000, which was back $1,536 on last year. Leading the way in the Murray Grey offering and achieving the $14,500 top bid was Melaleuca Trident T60 in lot 102 when it was knocked down to Kurt Wise, Southend Murray Grey stud, Katanning. The late March 2022drop, 830kg, silver bull is by Melaleuca Phantom P110, which was the sire of last year’s top-priced Melaleuca bull and out of Melaleuca Rosary K195, which is by Melaleuca Hurricane H19.
The next best price in the Murray Grey offering was $9,000 and it was achieved when Nutrien Livestock, Williams agent Ben Kealy had the final bid on lot
112, Melaleuca Thunderstorm T23, on behalf of return buyer Salamar Pty Ltd, Boddington. Also heading to the Salamar’s Boddington property was a second Melaleuca sire, Melaleuca Tyrant T28 at $5,000. The third highest price for a Melaleuca sire was $8,000 and it was bid by Lancelin Nominees, Albany.
LINDSAY PRODUCTION SALE
By Bryce Eishold – Stock & Land
Overall, the stud sold 23 of 32 bulls to average $8570.
Lindsay Murray Greys stud principals Craig and Jacinta Grant said the top-priced bull, Lot 12 Lindsay Tapioca T97 was one of the stud’s best bulls because of his overall style, presence and balanced EBV dataset.”He was below-average for birth weight +2.8 and well above-average for his 600-day weight at +71,” Mr Grant said.”I think those figures are important in any bull because we have to get the balance in moderate birth weight, which equates to calving ease, and aboveaverage growth to get a good return on investment.”
The second top-priced bull, Lot 28 Lindsay Toblerone T80, was knocked down for $16,000 to long-term clients, Cavanagh Partnership, at Tintinara, SA. The SA operation bought two bulls at the sale, including Lot 13 Lindsay Taco T157, for $7000.
Lot 2 Lindsay Treasure T22 was knocked down for $13,000 to Rod Marshall, Kiahbarree, Pomonal, while Lot 16 Lindsay Tequila T71 sold for the same price and was bought by Atriem Murray Greys stud, Seymour.
“The buying support came from all over the place and we’re very lucky to have a good spread of clients across Victoria, South Australia and of course Tasmania,” Mr Grant said. “We’re actually trying to be competitive and breed our cattle to suit a range of markets. We’re targeting them towards the heavy grass-fed market, and even breeding them to be suitable to be grown out as bullocks as well.”
The second volume buyer was Chris and Sarah Hines, Green Hills Murray Greys, Minhamite, who bought two bulls to a top price of $11,000.
The top bull bought by the pair was Lot 3 Lindsay Tornado T1, followed by Lot 1 Lindsay Torque T49 which was knocked for $8000.
Agent Christian Howlett, Nutrien Casterton, said the sale was supported by buyers from three states.
“We realise the studstock job is not where it has been, but considering the state of the industry at the moment, we believe the sale still held firm and was strong,” he said. “An average of more than $8000 is nothing to be shy of and the bulls displayed excellent temperament and condition. We’ve noticed a decline in crowds at bulls in general this year so people are being more money smart and considering how they spend their money.”
Top Priced Bull - Lot 102 - Melaleuca Trident T60
The top-priced $21,000 bull, alongside Christian Howlett, Nutrien Casterton, and Josh and Craig Grant, Lindsay Murray Greys, Coleraine
INVITATIONAL BULL SALE
By Kyah Peeti - Farm Weekly
Another exceptional line-up of quality bulls were presented by the participating vendors in this year’s 31st Annual Invitational Bull and Female Production sale that was held exclusively online. The Murray Grey offering was again the largest line-up this year, with 21 bulls offered from two vendors, which saw 14 sell during the sale to a high of $7,750 and an average of $5,607.
The Benview stud, Pemberton, was unfortunately unable to sell its two quality sires, while the Bagshaw family’s Young Guns stud, Hyden, cleared 14 of its 19head offering to average $5,607. Catching the eye of many buyers was an 856kg sire, Young Guns Triton T101, which sold for the sale’s highest prices of $7,750 to Andrew James, Abban Farms, Karlgarin. Mr James is a long-time supporter of the Young Guns stud and has five Young Guns bulls servicing his 100 head Murray Grey breeding herd.
Taking out second top price honours was an April 2022- drop Young Guns Quicksilver Q40 son, Young Guns Tonto T45, which was snapped up by an Elders
Geraldton account for $7,250. Trailing closely behind was the $7,000 third top-priced bull from lot three, Young Guns True Blue T19, which was bought by CJM & NJ Tapper, Holt Rock. The Holt Rock account rounded out its purchases with a 860kg, $5,000 Young Guns bull from lot six, which is also a Young Guns Romeo R59 son, Young Guns Tiby T15.
MONTEREY 32ND ANNUAL BULL SALE
By Kane Chatfield - Farm Weekly
Murray Grey bull values reached $25,000 amid solid overall results at the 32nd annual Monterey Murray Grey and Angus bull sale at Karridale last week.
The Buller family and the Monterey team presented an outstanding even quality team of 72 Murray Grey and Angus bulls, which buyers have come to know and respect with the Monterey brand.
Testament to the stud’s highly regarded reputation, the fixture attracted interest Australia-wide, with return buyers joining some new faces, either inspecting the extremely well-bred and presented catalogue of bulls and viewing the video sale live on farm or joining the sale online.
The line-up of 36 Murray Grey bulls yielded 34 bulls (94pc) selling at auction to average $7,765, back $2,048 on last year’s sale average where 40 of 44 bulls sold at an average of $9,813.
The Murray Greys did reclaim the sale’s $25,000 top-priced honours with an outstanding silver sire Monterey T Bone T55 in Lot 23, the third Murray Grey bull catalogued, going to the winning bid of Nutrien Livestock, Boyup Brook agent Jamie Abbs, on behalf of Guy and Emily Burnett, Maefair Murray Grey stud, Marrar, NSW and Craig and Jacinta Grant, Lindsay Murray Grey stud, Coleraine, Victoria. The partnership perhaps also later scored the buy of the day, when a $10,000 bid secured them Monterey Sensational S270, an early November 2021-drop son of Monterey Kalahari K304 and a Monterey Juggernaut J18 daughter Monterey Showtime M107.
Long-time buyers of more than 20 years the Avery family, WA, BE & DC Avery, Scott River, kicked off the second leg of the Murray Grey line-up with the sale’s $22,000 second top-priced bid for the powerful grey
bull Monterey Super Trooper S286. The Averys had earlier paid $14,000 for the second Murray Grey bull offered, a versatile 832kg silver late March 2022 born son of Southend Narssist. The next highest Murray Grey price of $12,000 was paid by Gabyon Pastoral Company, Irwin, for one of two bulls, Monterey Top Shelf T117, the fifth Murray Grey bull offered. A South Australia buyer from Naracoorte on AuctionsPlus also secured two Murray Grey Bulls paying a $11,000 top price for Monterey T Money T195 catalogued deep into the sale. Another South Australian buyer Woolawae Downs, Edillilie, also paid $11,000 for their selection Monterey Tex T85, a 866kg silver early April 2022 born son of Monterey Limitless L198. With encouraging rains throughout the Goldfields, consistent buyer of Murray Grey numbers Mark Forrester, Kanandah station, Goldfields/ Esperance, used the tempered market to stock up with 13 Murray Grey bulls costing $5,000 to $8,000, to stamp a sound floor in the Murray Grey section of the sale. Mr Abbs remained busy throughout the Murray Greys, representing two accounts which each tallied three Murray Grey bulls at sale’s end, going to return buyer RH Norman & Son, Busselton and Easel Pty Ltd, Dardanup.
Top Priced Bull - Young Guns
Top priced Monterey Bull
SOUTHEND 28TH ANNUAL MURRAY GREY SALE
By Kyah Peeti, Farm Weekly
An exceptionally even lineup of well-presented silver Murray Grey cattle, both bulls and heifers, ensured there was plenty of buying opportunity for all sale attendees at the Wise family’s 28th annual on-property sale at Katanning last week. A catalogue made up of 48 bulls, 10 registered heifers and 70 commercial heifers that had outstanding genetics and visual appeal, along with impressive Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs), were offered. When it came to the bulls, 33 of the 48-head offering sold to an average of $7,773 and a whopping high of $25,000. In the female side of the catalogue, five of the 10 registered heifers found new homes, averaging $2,480 and reaching $3,500, while all 70 unregistered heifers were sold (in lots of five each) to a high of $950, three times, averaging $857. Elders auctioneer Pearce Watling took bids from left, right and centre for the lot one bull which caused a bidding frenzy, both in-sale and online when it was knocked down at $25,000 to Stephen Sims, Aurora Murray Grey stud, New South Wales, via AuctionsPlus. Southend Tiptop is a son of Southend Roman R545 and out of Southend Q461 Urban Girl. Taking out second top priced honours was Southend Tango, which attracted lots of spirited bidding and was eventually snapped up by Nutrien Midvale account for $14,000. The third top price sum of $12,500 was paid by a NSW account for an 837kg bull from lot five, Southend TNT. There were three volume buyers in the bull offering, all securing three bulls each. Ocumup Grazing paid the highest average of the three accounts, at $7,000 and a high of $8,000, twice, while Lake Muir Prime Beef, Lake Muir, paid a high of $8,000 to average $6,667, and Deeside Muirs, Manjimup, paid an average of $5,667 and a high of $6,000, twice. Ocumup Grazing first purchased a Southend Narssist son, Southend Truman, followed by a Southend Roman R545 son, Southend Thirsty. Lake Muir Prime Beef also paid a high of $8,000 for a Southend Rollo son, Southend Thick. Deeside Muirs paid $6,000 on two occasions, firstly for a Wallawong Xyris son, Southend Tyrant, while the other $6,000 sire Southend Tomas, by Southend Narssist. Other notable accounts purchasing from the top end were Whitefield Estate, Scotsdale, and BA & LD James & GE Bell, Kalgan. Whitefield Estate secured two bulls to a $8,750 average and a high of $10,000. They first secured $10,000 Southend Thanos, which is a 927kg sire by Wallawong Xyris and out of Southend K-Perfection and then a $7,500 Wheelview Finn son, Southend Toby. Thanos ranks in the top 1pc for 200 and 400-day weight and CWT, top 5pc for 600day weight and top 10pc MCW and milk.
The Kalgan account also secured a $10,000 sire, Southend Tucker which weighs 962kg and is sired by Southend Narssist and out of Southend H-Cindy. In the registered heifer offering, five of the 10 heifers offered sold, with prices reaching a high of $3,500. Nangara Grazing, Manjimup, paid the sum for Southend T65 Tulip, which is a daughter of Southend Roman R545 and out of Southend Q502 Tulip. The Manjimup account rounded out its purchases with a heifer from pen 58, Southend T71 Raelen which is also a Southend Roman R545 daughter and out of Southend L926 Raelen at $2,900. Taking out second top price honours in the run was $3,000 female, Southend T60 Perfection, which is a daughter of Southend Roman R545 and out of Southend N106 Reflection, which was knocked down to GD Wicks & Son, South Australia. The Wicks family rounded out its sales with one of two remaining $1,500 females, a Southend Roman R545 daughter Southend T64 Gemstone. The remaining $1,500 registered female, Southend Roman R545 daughter, Southend T67 Temptation was secured by Napier Cattle Co, Napier. Last to sell was the 70-head offering of unmated, unregistered heifers, which sold in lots of five and had no trouble finding new homes. The top price of $950 was achieved on three occasions and was met first by Napier Cattle Co. The five unmated, unregistered heifers were born from March through to May (nine to 11 months old on sale day) and weighed an average of 428kg. Tilba Pastoral, Denmark, was the other account that paid the $950, twice, for a total of 10 heifers across two pens which ranged from nine to 11mo and weighed a 407kg/ave for the first pen and 415kg/ ave for the second pen. The Denmark account took five pens home with them (25 head) to average $920. AG & JC Murray, Narrikup, were the volume buyers in the run securing 35 unmated, unregistered same age (nine to 11mo) heifers that averaged $807 and ranged from 342kg/ave to 428kg/ave. The remaining pen of heifers were bought by Henco Rural, Donnybrook, for $800.
With the top price bull, a Southend Roman R545 son, Southend Tiptop which sold for $25,000 to Stephen Sims, Aurora Murray Grey stud, New South Wales, via AuctionsPlus is Elders Katanning agent Steele Hathway (left), Elders auctioneer Pearce
GINGIN BULL SALE
By Jodie Rintoul & Kane Chatfield, Farm Weekly
The quality line-up of 83 bulls representing four breeds, drew a large crowd of 53 registered buyers in person and another two active bidders on AuctionsPlus, from as far away as Albany and Pemberton in the south, to Merredin in the east and Geraldton in the north, as well as all points in between. The Murray Grey bulls were third into the ring and in this run the Stickland family, Mungatta stud, Wongan Hills, offered 12 bulls. By the end of the offering nine had been cleared under the hammer to a top of $6,000 three times and at an average of $5,333. Dandaragan producers David Wilson and Rhonda Wybrow, Mikkelsen & Wilson, purchased
WA SUPREME SALE
By Kane Chatfield, Jodie Rintoul & Kyah PeetiFarm Weekly
WA’s largest multi-vendor Bos Taurus bull sale again attracted a good crowd to the Alan Evans Selling Complex to see the catalogue of 86 bulls representing eight European and British Breeds and 17 breeders, have their time in the sale ring. Nutrien Livestock auctioneer Tiny Holly said the bulls presented well. “The quality of the bulls was good and the vendors did a great job,” Mr Holly said. “Vendors should be congratulated on the quality of their stock, both genetically and how they were presented on sale day.”
Three studs made up the quality, well-bred 11-head Murray Grey offering this year, which saw four bulls sell under the hammer to an average of $5,500 and a high of $6,000 on two occasions. Achieving the $6,000 top price twice, was Cameron Harris and Kylie Proctor’s Nangara Murray Grey stud, Manjimup, which offered seven bulls and sold three of them to a $5,667 average. The first bull to achieve the $6,000 sum was an 812kg Monterey Gotcha Z36 son, Nangara Transformer T20, which is a March 2022drop bull out of Southend L837 Wildcherry. Transformer T20 was bought by Elders, Boyanup representative Alex Roberts on behalf of his client MC Telini, Dardanup. The second bull to reach the $6,000 high was Nangara Tinky Winky T10, which was
Mungatta co-principal John Stickland (left), buyers Rhonda Wybrow and David Wilson, Mikkelsen & Wilson, Dandaragan, Elders stud stock representative Graeme Curry and Nutrien Livestock, Wongan Hills representative Grant Lupton
two of the Mungatta bulls at $6000. They purchased Mungatta Waldorf T74 from Lot 75 and Mungatta Wheeler Dealer T30 from Lot 79. Also heading to the Dandaragan property at $5000 was Mungatta Walk On T7. Mr Wilson said they had been buying from Mungatta for 20 years and continue to buy because their bulls do the job for them. The third Mungatta sire to make $6000 was the 838kg, Mungatta Watson T48, in Lot 78 when it was knocked down to Warragenny Holdings, Toodyay. The other five bulls in the Mungatta team to sell were all knocked down at $5000 and were split between two buyers Saltwater Beef, Wannamal, which purchased three, while Emerald Farms Pty Ltd, Toodyay, collected two.
snapped up by Elders, Bridgetown representative Deane Allen on behalf of a Brunswick account. The Dimitriou family, VS & C Dimitriou, Manjimup, bought the remaining Nangara sire to sell, Nangara Total Darkness T28 at $5,000. Next up in the order of selling was the Corker family’s Wundam Park stud, Boyup Brook, which sold one bull of the two it offered under the hammer for $5000. Wundam Park Touchdown T2 was snapped up by Nutrien Livestock, Brunswick/ Harvey agent Errol Gardiner for DF & J Riegert & Son, Yarloop.
Top Priced Murray Grey - Nangara Transformer T20
GREEN TRIANGLE SALE
Our 14th Annual Green Triangle sale at Western Flat on Wednesday 27th of March 2024, producing a higher average than 2023, but unfortunately at the end of the day given the season we have been through and the drop in cattle prices as the industry is at an eight or nine year low, a tough day, with only 42% of the bulls selling.
As usually the bulls were presented really well across both studs. Elders SA stud stock manager and the sale’s auctioneer Tony Wetherall said it was a “terrific line-up” and opportunity for anyone looking for a herd improver or wanting to start a stud with some top females. “They had good growth, softness and easy doing ability and were great genetic packages,” he said. “Anyone looking for a Murray Grey bull whether they wanted a vealer type or one to improve a cow herd, they were there.”
11 of the 26 bulls catalogued by Geoff and Kate Buick, Arki stud and Denise and Anthony Fabris, Beeamma stud, averaged $7100- up $300 on 2023’s result.
Arki stud secured the $9500 top price honours with lot 7, Arki Three Musketeers T82 - a September 2022 drop which had been the winner of the 10-14 month old class at the 2023 Royal Adelaide Show. The 816 kilogram bull which exhibited a lot of softness had the BREEDPLAN figures to match with positive rib and rump fat, ranked in the top 1% for milk at +12. Jason and Tanya Henty-Anderson, Henty, Vic, put in the winning bid through Auctions Plus, to secure the son of Ayr Park Nugget N34a bull which Arki have used extensively since buying him in 2018, which also sired their 2023 sale topper.
The Fabris family’s top price of $8000 came at lot 12, Beeamma Trademark T2, for a versatile bull which could be used over both cows and heifers, with a low birth weight of +3.1. Selling to LW & WJ
Willis, Wagga Wagga, NSW. The Willis’s family also bought the $7500 second highest price bull from Arki stud, lot 5, Arki T-Rex T29.
Again, an impressive draft of commercial heifers which had calved in the past few weeks.
DB & AM Slattery, Mount Gambier, paid $1800 for the first pen of five from the Buicks which had calves on the ground sired by Wattyvale Nitro Circus N4. The Slattery’s also took the second pen at $1700 from the Fabris family.
For the same money Ronnie Dix purchased through Elders Lucindale. He made the most of the good buying snapping up three pens to go into his cross breeding program.
This year Elders Naracoorte will conduct the sale with Tony Wetherall as the auctioneer interfaced with Auctions Plus.
We will again offer 26 bulls, 4 stud and 60 commercial heifers with calf at foot or ptic, on Wednesday the 26th of March 2025.
Beeamma Top Priced Bull - Beeamma Trademark T2 _ Courtesy of The Stock Journal
Arki Top Priced Bull - Arki Three Musketeers T82 Courtesy of The Stock Journal
WOODBOURN MURRAY GREY
Strong buyer competition produced some solid results at this year’s Woodbourn Murray Grey sale. Held on farm at Cressy, this was the Woodbourn’s 45th annual sale.
Charles Wallace said “What a pleasure it was to present such magnificent Murray Greys this year and to hear such great comments about them The sale went very well with almost total clearance and a great average price. With such low commodity prices and drought conditions, it was hard to gauge how the sale would go, but our loyal followers were there in spades. One third of the catalogue will travel interstate and the other two thirds will be spread throughout Tasmania. Thankyou to everyone.”
As well as a strong contingent of local purchasers, the sale attracted buyers from New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.
Of 39 bulls offered, 36 were sold, making an average price of $8657. The top price was $20 000 which was paid for Lot 16 by MJ and AV Smith and Son.
There were 10 mature cows offered with calves at foot and were all sold for an average of $5500.
The top priced cow and calf combination, sold for $9500 to JC and CJ Richter.
The stud also offered 20 heifers which made an average of $2145.
The top priced heifer was Lot 53, bought by Cloverside Murray Greys for $4750.
The last heifer offered was donated to the Royal Flying Doctors.
Nutrien Livestock agent Warren Johnston said it was a really good result to see such high clearance rate, especially among the females offered.
Lot 53 Woodbourn Sally T104
Lot 71 Woodbourn Evita T117 Donated to the Royal Flying Doctors
Lot 43 Woodbourn Miss Gretel K19
Lot 16 Woodbourn Trumpcard T128
ELDERS MULTIBREED BULL SALE
By Kyah Peeti, Farm Weekly
There was a broad range of quality genetics and well presented stud sires at the Elders Albany multi-breed bull sale held at the Mount Barker Regional Saleyards. A total of 27 bulls were offered, represented by five breeds from seven studs to suit all buyers’ needs and breeding objectives. Two Murray Grey bulls were entered in this year’s sale, which was made up by new sale vendors Barker High Murray Grey, Mt Barker. Of the two impressive September 2022-drop bulls, one was successfully bid on at $5000 by Elders, Mt Barker agent Dean Wallinger on behalf of a local Mt Barker client.
AYR PARK FEMALES IN DEMAND
Ayr Park 14th On Property Sale was very strong with the females. Cows and calves topping at $6,000 and in calf heifers topped at $3,750.
Eleven of twelve cow and calf units sold to a top of $6,000 to average $3,818.
Top priced cow lot 21 Ayr Park Wallflower N38, a wellstructured feminine cow with a potential stud sire bull calf at foot, sold to Annette and Kerry Fairall, Fourways Park Murray Greys for $6,000, who also purchased lot 24 Ayr Park Trial & Error Q37 with a classy heifer calf at foot for $4,000 and rejoined to Ayr Park Travis T20.
Top priced heifer, lot 34 Ayr Park Antoinette T18. An outstanding Monterey Pharaoh P224 daughter purchased by Glenn and Narelle Oag. They also purchased a top young cow, lot 28 Ayr Park Antoinette S25 with a heifer calf at foot.
Three of the five heifers offered sold for an average of $3,250.
Volume buyer of the females, new client Ben Tongue, Delwood Murray Greys, Loomberah NSW. Purchasing five cow and calf units and two joined heifers.
Charna Karsten, Boorowa purchased two cow and calf units. Lot 20 Ayr Park Annabelle N25 with a classy heifer calf at foot and lot 27 Ayr Park Wallflower S8 with a heifer calf at foot.
Jacob Merrick, TJM Murray Greys, Singleton NSW purchasing lot 22 Ayr Park Roberta P70 with an outstanding bull calf at foot.
Top priced bull Lot 12, Ayr Park Troy T55 selling for $5,500 to Neil Cummins, Crookwell who has been a long-time client. T55 an Ayr Park Nevada N31 son out of Lot 21 Ayr Park Wallflower N38 who was the top priced female of the sale. Two of seven bulls sold for an average of $4,500.
Highest Priced Murray Grey - Barker High Tim
MONTEREY WINTER BULL SALE
By Jodie Rintoul & Kane Chatfield, Farm Weekly
Monterey stud principals Gary and Julie Buller offered a team of 53 Murray Grey and Angus sires and there was a bull to suit all producers’ requirements from powerful bulls for mature cows to spring-drop heifer joining bulls. Unfortunately, dry seasonal conditions and a depressed cattle market over the past 12 months affected buying support when compared to previous years, resulting in both prices and clearances being back. 13 of 24 Murray Grey bulls (54pc) were cleared to a top of $6,500 and an average of $5,423. Nutrien Livestock auctioneer Tiny Holly said it was a tough game stud breeders were in at times and this was a prime example. Topping the Murray Grey offering at $6,500 was the 896kg Monterey Tahiti T31 in Lot 52 when it was knocked down to return buyers Len and Kerri Hill, AL Hill, Ravensthorpe, who bid with the assistance of Nutrien Livestock, Great Southern manager Bob Pumphrey. The first bull to hit $6,000 was the 894kg, silver, 24mo Monterey Too Good T153 which was
purchased by a return NSW buyer based at Courabyra, who operated on AuctionsPlus. The Courabyra buyer also bought two other Murray Grey bulls at $5,000. The second buyer to take a Murray Grey sire at $6,000 was KN Trucking, Herne Hill, securing Monterey Tsar T164 in Lot 30. KN Trucking also purchased a second black Murray Grey bull, Monterey Teddy T152 later in the catalogue at $5,000. The final bull to make $6,000 in the Murray Grey run was Monterey Tribune T224 in Lot 47 when it sold to a buyer from Blayney, NSW, which bid through the AuctionsPlus platform. Along with the buyers already mentioned that secured multiple Murray Grey bulls, there was one other buyer in the grey side of the catalogue that picked up multiple Lots and it was Collier Peak Grazing, Porongurup, which operated through Elders, Muchea representative Graeme Curry. The Porongurup-based buyer purchased a grey Monterey Pharoah P111 son at $5,500 and a silver Monterey Limitless L198 son at $5,000.
WALLAWONG CARCASE QUALITY SALE
Wallawong genetics were again met with solid demand at their Annual Carcase Quality Sale, 4th July 2024. Those who attended commented on the outstanding carcase, growth and industry relevant characteristics that have underpinned Wallawong’s ability to win class 7 of the Beef Australia National Carcase Competition for the 3rd Consecutive event.
10/13 Bulls sold locally and into Queensland to top at $9,000 and average $6,400. The top priced bull, Wallawong Twin Engine T1985, sold to the Lawson family, Muswellbrook NSW.
5/7 Joined and unjoined females were selected to a top of $4,000 to average $3,300. 3 heifers sold into North NSW commercial herds, with 2 destined for Lindsay Murray Greys, Vic.
Top Priced Murray GreyMonterey Tahiti T31
TO P OF THE RANGE
CONTACTS
Alan Zerbst Burnett Downs MG’ s 0435988233
Kym Carlton . Carlinga MG’ s 0427593707
Tom Ernst. Dehavalyn MG’ s 0400385289
Wayne Smith Glenview MG’ s 0447750088
Wendy McDonald. Hideaway Park 0408653634
Paul Francis. Ondiong MG’ s 02 66572008
Sue Francis Onward MG’ s 02 66572539
Glen Innes. NSW Fri. 11th Ju ly 11:30am and interfaced with Auctions Plus Offering, Murray Grey Bulls. Stud females. Commercial Females.
Jon Pinferi Parsons Green MG’ s 0467819579
Paul Richards Rouchelle MG’ s 02 65435191
Ben Spry. Sentry Box MG’ s 0428374947
Kareena Dawson Tintara MG’ s 0476243333
Graham Hobbs. Waroona MG’ s 0429076617
David King. Yallembie MG’ s 0427123221 Peter Marsh Yalumba MG’ s 0411377075
In the ring and on standby are Parsons Green Grazing PTIC heifers (one with calf) selling to $1700, whilst the Traynor Trophy bull awaits his turn to sell as the opening lot of the registered catalogue
TOP OF THE RANGE SALE
Presenting their annual drafts of sale teams, with outstanding representatives of each of their respective herds, the New England Murray Grey Breed Promotion group and invited vendors put forward a catalogue of 37 registered sires, 25 registered females and some exceptional lines of commercial breeders.
With a focus on commercial industry beef production traits, the standard of cattle was again of such quality to appeal to both high end MG stud breeders and commercial breeders across 3 states.
The sale focus of consistently providing as full a suite as possible of information and full disclosure of such, is attracting much complimentary discussion and appreciation from all prospective purchasers, ensuring they are confident in the integrity of the health and genetics of animals offered. This now includes raw carcase data, weights, EBV’s, DNA and genetic testing, vet checks and semen testing, and health tests and treatments of all bulls offered.
The opening lots of purebred commercial females offered by Waroona Murray Greys consisted of 19 first calf heifers with calves at foot selling at $1,800. 2 pens of PTIC MG heifers account of Parsons Green Grazing realised $1,650 and $1,700. All these young commercial females will provide a lifetime of efficient, fertile production for their new owners in the Tamworth and Northern Rivers regions respectively.
The Mike Traynor Trophy winner, selected by the Yardsmen on the day and given the prestige of selling first of the bull draft, was awarded to Lot 21, Waroona Trevor. He made $9,000 to return purchaser Scott Easterbrook from McKees Hill.
Top price for the day was $15,000 for the Ernst family’s, Dehavalyn Trojan purchased by the Smith Partners Glenview stud who also took home Waroona Tayto at $5,000.
Next high sellers were Lot 11, Carlinga Talisman at $11,000 and the youngster Onward Ulysses at $10,500 being purchased by long time sale supporters A & S Christie of Wyadra MG’s at Goulburn. Also selling strongly was Ondiong Jed at $8,500 to Glen Innes locals and regular supporters KC McMullen and Partners. The second Ondiong sire found a new home with P Rosenbaum at Gloucester giving Ondiong a $6,750 average.
The Glenview draft and new vendors to the sale, the Marsh family’s Yalumba herd saw purchasers from northern NSW. P & S Harris from Burren Junction purchased 4 new sires at an average of $5,125. B Fittler from Armidale purchased 2 new sires at $5,000 each. 22 from 37 bulls sold, topping at $15,000 and for an average of $6,545.
Three stud cows with calves at foot topped at $4,000 with the top seller, Waroona Clarette N35 heading east with G & B Hudson of Rogilla Park MG’s who also selected a PTIC Tintara heifer from Kareena Dawson.
Top price bull, the Ernst family’s Dehavalyn Trojan selling at $15000 to Glenview MG’s
Traynor Trophy winner, Waroona Trevor sold to Scott Easterbrook for $9000
Young breed enthusiast active in the bidding was Nik Charlton, selecting 2 females, including Sentry Box Selene at $3,500, to reignite a long history of family involvement for the Charltons with Murray Greys at Stanthorpe.
An outstanding draft of unjoined heifers was the top price female at $5,500, Glenview Rose U29, selling to sale stalwart Kym Carlton of Carlinga MG’s whilst the $4,000 mark was achieved multiple times.
Tarryn Worth acquiring Dehavalyn Flash Lass at $4,000 for her newly registered CHB stud at Wherrol Flat, NSW.
Matilda Sullivan used a prize voucher from a MG Youth incentive adding Onward Susan U34, purchased for $3750 to her Warrina stud at Barnawatha Vic.
3 Onward yearling heifers, averaging $3,333 headed in the opposite direction to Atherton in Far North QLD for the Gadgarra stud of J Contarino and T Leary exemplifying the adaptability of Murray Greys to some extremes in environmental conditions.
16 stud females from the 26 offered topped at $5,500 and averaged $2,922.
Selling agents were Colin Say & Co of Glen Innes and the Top Of The Range sale is an initiative of and conducted by members of the New England Breed Promotion group and invited Murray Grey Society members.
Just a few short weeks after the 2024 sale, it was with a great deal of pride to see a list of names of TOTR connections, splashed throughout the media following results from the Brisbane Ekka’s Steer and Carcase competition.
A fabulous endorsement of the Australian beef industry’s commercial focus the TOTR sale endeavours to uphold in its sale philosophies.
Top price stud female, Lot 28, the Smith Partners Glenview Rose U29 sold at $5500 to Kym Carlton of Carlinga MG’s
Graham Hobbs of Waroona MG’s accepting the Traynor Trophy awarded to Lot 21, Waroona Trevor. Presenting the trophy is Ben Wirth, representing Colin Say & Co_s team of yardsmen who selected the prize winner
Waroona MG’s purebred commercial first calf heifers with calves at foot sold at $1800
WAROONA MURRAY GREY STUD PRODUCTION SALE 2024
In a sale that did not reflect the quality of the cattle on offer, bulls sold to $8000 and females to $3300 at the Waroona Production Sale on Friday 16 August 2024. Despite the cattle on offer being the best offered by Graham Hobbs and family since starting their onproperty sale, the sale was affected by the outage of AuctionsPlus which impacted all of the eastern state sales on the day. The sale saw a clearance of 6 of 13 bulls offered and 5 of 12 females.
The top priced bull was purchased by Kim Carlton from the Carlinga Murray Grey Stud at Boggabri. John Atkins bought two bulls for repeat clients of Waroona, with other bulls going to Condobolin, Orange and Carcoar.
Stephen Robertson from the Bennooka Park Murray Grey Stud, Bemboka bought two cows including the top priced cow Waroona Mimosa S17 with a heifer calf at foot. Other purchasers included Annette Fairall, Fourways Park Murray Grey Stud, Harden, Daniel and Annika Collins, Glanmire Murray Grey Stud, Bathurst and Ben Kuchel, Idriess Murray Grey Stud, Orange.
Stud Principal, Graham Hobbs, said he was satisfied with the sale considering the circumstances with the outage of AuctionsPlus. He thanked Luke Whitty and the team from Kevin Miller Whitty Lennon and Company and all purchasers and under bidders for their support.
The 2025 Waroona Murray Greys Production Sale will be held on property on Friday 15 August.
PREMIER MURRAY GREY SALE
The 35th Premier Murray Grey sale, a true Multi-Vendor sale saw 12 vendors from 5 states, offering a quality line up of cattle including some coming straight from the Royal shows.
The sale was held on Auctions Plus with a display of 26 out of 40 lots at Albury Showgrounds with a social get together and a Barbeque lunch provided on the day. Approximately 28 potential buyers attended the sale at Albury NSW. The sale catalogue on Auction Plus achieved 3,536 views, the online sale ran for 51 minutes had 58 registered bidders, 27 guest viewers and 17 active bidders. In total 18 lots sold resulting in a 45% clearance rate with sales into six Australian states.
The Premier Murray Grey Sale committee would like to congratulate the vendors on the quality of cattle offered on the day and thank them for their support. A special thanks goes out to the purchases for their patronage given the current tough seasonal conditions across Australia at the moment.
Highest Priced Female - Waroona Mimosa S17
MOUNT MAJOR MURRAY GREYS INAUGURAL ON-PROPERTY SALE
The inaugural on-property sale at Mount Major Muray Greys on 2 October 2024 was well-supported with buyers travelling from Canberra, NSW, SA, Tasmania and Gippsland.
A healthy crowd of supporters was generously catered for with complimentary (and extensive) morning tea and a sale day sausage provided by the local Lions Club.
Twenty yearling bulls were offered for sale, having passed bull breeding soundness exams, and scanning and assessment by Liam Cardile of BeefXcel, with 9 sold to an average of $4,722. Return buyer, Chris Hines of Greenhills Murray Greys purchased 4 bulls.
In addition, 5 cows with calves at foot and 6 unjoined yearling heifers were offered. Five out of 6 heifers sold to an average of $2,080 and a top price of $2,400. The top priced heifer, Mount Major Tarella U3 went to Rod
Hoare and Helena Warren at Cadfor Murray Greys. Two cows with calves at foot were sold to an average of $4,000, one going to Stephen Robertson of Bennooka Park Murray Greys and the other to Rod Hoare and Helena Warren at Cadfor Murray Greys.
The top priced bull, Mount Major Ulysses U33 went to Charles & Janet Wallace at Woodbourn Murray Greys for $6,500. At 12 months old, Ulysses weighed 528 kg off pasture, with an EMA of 70 cm2 and an IMF of 4.0 %. The thickest and heaviest bull in the draft, his growth EBVs were all in the top 10% of the breed. We look forwards to seeing how Ulysses performs at Woodbourn.
It was pleasing to see the number of repeat clients who returned to support our sale, despite the dry season across Victoria and Southern NSW. We hope that this sale marks the beginning of a tradition and look forward to seeing a good crowd next year.
7 cows and calves sold to a top of $9,500, Ave of $5,792
• Top Price Cow was Lot 11 Bennooka Park Princess N30 and purchased by Charles & Janet Wallace, Woodbourn Murray Greys - Cressy, TAS.
8 Heifers sold to a top of $4,000, Ave $2,250
Top Price Heifer was Lot 25A Monterey Miss Jewel T34 and purchased by Guy Burnett, Maefair Murray Greys - Turramurra, NSW.
• 3 bulls sold to a top of $5,500, Ave $4,833
Top Price Bull was Lot 43 Monterey Utopia U21 and purchased by Cameron Harris, Nangara Murray Greys - Manjimup, WA.
The 36th Premier Murray Grey Sale will be held on 18th October 2025.
Lot 11 Bennooka Park Princess N30, Pictured with Purchaser Charles & Janet Wallace
Mount Major Murray Greys inaugural on-property sale was interfaced with AuctionsPlus. Sale lots were presented for physical inspection
Mount Major Katrina P28 with calf Vernon V25, sold to Stephen Robertson of Bennooka Park Murray Greys
CANBERRA ROYAL
BULL
Junior Champion
Dangarra Tydus exhibited by Dangarra Murray Greys
Reserve Junior Champion
Ganado Undertaker exhibited by Ganado Murray Greys
Senior Champion
Bennooka Park Superstar S24 exhibited by Bennooka Park Murray Greys
Grand Champion
Dangarra Tydus exhibited by Dangarra Murray Greys
FEMALE
Junior Champion
Aurora Brittany U25 exhibited by Aurora Murray Greys
Reserve Junior Champion
Bennooka Park Fenella T10 exhibited by Bennooka Park Murray Greys
Senior Champion
Aurora Margarite S2 exhibited by Aurora Murray Greys
Grand Champion
Aurora Margarite S2 exhibited by Aurora Murray Greys
Supreme Exhibit
Dangarra Tydus exhibited by Dangarra Murray Greys
SYDNEY ROYAL
BULL
Junior Champion
Maefair Talbingo T30 exhibited by Maefair Murray Greys
Reserve Junior Champion
Dehavalyn Trojan exhibited by Dehavalyn Murray Greys
Senior Champion
Maefair Turramurra T24 exhibited by Maefair Murray Greys
Reserve Senior Champion
Dehavalyn Talisman exhibited by Dehavalyn Murray Greys
Grand Champion
Maefair Turramurra T24 exhibited by Maefair Murray Greys
FEMALE
Junior Champion
Maefair Lucy T50 exhibited by Maefair Murray Greys
Reserve Junior Champion
Maefair Belinda U18 exhibited by Maefair Murray Greys
Senior Champion
Rouchelle Linda T110 exhibited by Rouchelle Murray Greys
Reserve Senior Champion
Dehavalyn First Kiss S22 exhibited by Dehavalyn Murray Greys
Grand Champion
Maefair Lucy T50 exhibited by Maefair Murray Greys
Grand Champion Male.
Grand Champion Female
Grand Champion Female Aurora Margarite S2 exhibited by Aurora Murray Greys.
Supreme Exhibit - Dangarra Tydus exhibited by Dangarra Murray Greys
NATIONAL SHOW & SALE
Supreme Exhibit & Grand Champion Led Bull
Ganado Too Cool exhibited by Ganado Murray Greys
Top Priced Animal
Ganado Too Cool exhibited by Ganado Murray Greys $11,000
Reserve Champion Led Bull Carrsview Testament T57
Grand Champion Led Female
Lakota Lydia U7 exhibited by Lakota Murray Greys
Reserve Champion Unled Female
Ganado Topaz exhibited by Ganado Murray Greys
Grand Champion Unled Bull
Garanggi Top Gun exhibited by Moorilla Rise Murray Greys
Reserve Champion Unled Bull
Eylwarra Sands Touch Down T76 exhibited by Eylwarra Sands
Murray Greys
Grand Champion Unled Female
Arki Peggy-Sue N34 exhibited by Arki Murray Greys
Reserve Champion Unled Female
Eylwarra Sands Queen R13 exhibited by Eylwarra Sands Murray Greys
TOOWOOMBA ROYAL
GREYMAN
Grand & Junior Champion Greyman Female
NB7 Tennessee T12 - C & K Teske
MURRAY GREY
Grand & Junior Champion Murray Grey Bull
NB7 Titan T10 - C & K Teske
Calf Champion Murray Grey Female
Red Gum Mollie - Jim & Veronica O’Shea
Junior Champion Murray Grey Female
NB7 Talula T11 - C & K Teske
Reserve Junior Champion Murray Grey Female
NB7 Touchstone T5 - C & K Teske
Grand Champion Murray Grey Female
Red Gum Mollie - Jim & Veronica O’Shea
Arki Peggy-Sue N34 exhibited by Arki Murray Greys
Garanggi Top Gun exhibited by Moorilla Rise Murray Greys
Lakota Lydia U7 exhibited by Lakota Murray Greys
Ganado Too Cool exhibited by Ganado Murray Greys
Grand Champion Greyman Female - NB7 Tennessee T12
Grand Champion Murray Grey Bull - NB7 Titan T10
BRISBANE ROYAL
BULL
Junior Champion
Amelia Park Spartan exhibited by Amelia Taylor
Reserve Junior Champion
Hideaway Park Utah exhibited by Wendy McDonald
Senior Champion
Baroona Park Trademark exhibited by DG & SA Taylor
Reserve Senior Champion
Shell-Dee Iron King Pin exhibited by Marilyn Hansen
Grand Champion
Baroona Park Trademark exhibited by DG & SA Taylor
FEMALE
Junior Champion
Amelia Park Miss Rose exhibited by Amelia Taylor
Reserve Junior Champion
Red Gum Mollie exhibited by Veronica & Jim O’Shea
Senior Champion
Kingsgrove Rose T1 exhibited by Kathryn Taylor
Grand Champion
Amelia Park Miss Rose exhibited by Amelia Taylor
Supreme Exhibit
Baroona Park Trademark exhibited by DG & SA Taylor
A team of three Murray Grey steers has won the prestigious Ken McDonald Memorial Shield for the first time since 2016!
This victory is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all involved.
MELBOURNE ROYAL
Junior Champion Heifer
Ganado Anna 7th exhibited by Ganado Greys
Reserve Junior Champion Heifer
Ganado Madonna U10 exhibited by Ganado Greys
Pictured Left to Right: A steer bred by Sentry Box Murray Greys; exhibited by John Willcocks Middle steer. Bred by David King of Yallembie Murray Greys; exhibited by David King and John Willcocks. Bred by Nathan Purvis, sired by a Dehavalyn Murray Greys sire; exhibited by Nathan Purvis and John Willcocks.
Photo by Kate Jones Photography
A huge congratulations to all the exhibitors and breeders for their outstanding efforts.
Junior Champion Bull
Ganado Undertaker exhibited by Ganado Greys
Reserve Junior Champion Bull
Jomal Glen Universal U9 exhibited by Jomal Glen
Murray Greys
Grand Champion MG Bull - Baroona Park Trademark
Photo Credit IAH Rep - Shannon Lawlor
Grand Champion MG Female - Amelia Park Miss Rose
Photo Credit IAH Rep - Alan Biddle
Junior Champion Female - Ganado Anna 7th
Junior Champion Bull - Ganado Undertaker
ADELAIDE ROYAL
The Jiranda Trophy Junior Champion Murray Grey Cow Or Heifer
Junior Champion Murray Grey Cow Or Heifer
Bottlesford Miss Serenity U58 exhibited by Bottlesford Murray Greys
The Carrsview Trophy Reserve Junior Champion
Murray Grey Cow Or Heifer
Reserve Junior Champion Murray Grey Cow Or Heifer
Bottlesford Miss Serenity U29 exhibited by Bottlesford Murray Greys
The Phillips Cattle Company Trophy Senior Champion Murray Grey Cow
Senior Champion Murray Grey Cow
Bottlesford Cristy P29 exhibited by The Elms Murray Greys
Reserve Senior Champion Murray Grey Cow
Moorilla Rise Storm exhibited by Moorilla Rise Murray Grey Stud
The Mga Insurance Prize Grand Champion Murray Grey Female
Grand Champion Murray Grey Female
Bottlesford Miss Serenity U29 exhibited by Bottlesford Murray Greys
The Arki Trophy Junior Champion Murray Grey Bull
Junior Champion Murray Grey Bull
Bottlesford Unbelievable exhibited by Bottlesford
Murray Greys
The Waitara Park Trophy Reserve Junior Champion
Murray Grey Bull Reserve
Junior Champion Murray Grey Bull
Bottlesford Ultimate exhibited by Bottlesford Murray Greys
PERTH ROYAL
Junior Champion Bull
Barker High Utterance exhibited by Mount Barker Community College
Reserve Junior Champion Bull
Barker High Underdog exhibited by Mount Barker
Community College
Senior Champion Bull
Monterey Think Big T260 exhibited by Monterey
Murray Greys
Grand Champion Bull
Monterey Think Big T260 exhibited by Monterey
Murray Greys
Junior Champion Female
Barker High Ultra Violet exhibited by Mount Barker
Community College
Senior Champion Female
Tullibardine Oona T147 exhibited by Tullibardine
Murray Greys
Grand Champion Bull Bottlesford Unbelievable - Exhibited by Bottlesford Murray Greys
The Bottlesford Trophy Senior Champion Murray Grey Bull
Senior Champion Murray Grey Bull
Ganado Too Cool exhibited by The Elms Murray Greys
The Beeamma Trophy Reserve Senior Champion
Murray Grey Bull
Reserve Senior Champion Murray Grey Bull
Beeamma Theodore T42 exhibited by Beeamma
Murray Greys
Grand Champion Female
Tullibardine Oona T147 exhibited by Tullibardine
Murray Greys
Supreme Champion
Tullibardine Oona T147 exhibited by Tullibardine
Murray Greys
Supreme Exhibit + Grand Champion Female Bottlesford Miss Serenity U58 - Exhibited by Bottlesford Murray Greys
MERRIWA SPRINGTIME SHOW PRIME CATTLE FEEDLOT COMPETITION
Murray Greys from the Waroona Murray Grey Stud and Golden Murray Grey Stud at Molong NSW took on the might of the NSW beef cattle industry in a feedlot and carcase competition as part of the Merriwa Springtime Show.
The trial conducted by the Merriwa Show Society, Alexander Downs Feedlot and Greenstock, a division of Woolworths, was run under very strict commercial conditions. Teams of 3 animals with a maximum of 2 teams per entrant participated in the trial.
201 head of cattle including Angus, Santa Gertrudis, Hereford, Shorthorn, Limousin , Charolais, Speckle Park and Red Angus were inducted at Alexander Downs on 7 June and backgrounded in the paddock for 24 days. Steers entered the feedlot on 1 July and were fed for 79 days, weighed and trucked to Merriwa Show for judging on the hoof by Nicole Nichols, Tookawile Charolais.
At this point a team of Golden Murray Grey Steers grew at a rate of 2.45 kg per day and ranked 1 of the 61 teams in the competition and were placed sixth on the hoof. A team from Waroona with a growth rate of 1.86 kg per day placed fourth on the hoof. The average daily gain across all teams was 1.9kg per day. Steers were fed for a further 14 days to a total of 93 days on feed and averaged a daily weight gain of 1.9kg per day. The Golden Murray Greys continued their winning way and ranked 1 for the total feeding period with an average daily gain of 2.43 kg per day. The second Golden team grew at 1.94 kg per day.
HOBART ROYAL
BULL
Junior Champion
Cloverside Understruck U7 exhibited by Cloverside
Murray Greys
Reserve Junior Champion
Three Shades Uncle Grug U05 exhibited by Three Shades Murray Greys
Grand Champion
Cloverside Understruck U7 exhibited by Cloverside Murray Greys
FEMALE
Junior Champion
Fire-Ro Park Miss Brillo U27 exhibited by Fire-Ro Park
Murray Greys
Reserve Junior Champion
Cloverside Nola U5 exhibited by Cloverside Murray Greys
Senior Champion
Woodbourn Miss Sally R88 exhibited by Three Shades Murray Greys
Grand Champion
Woodbourn Miss Sally R88 exhibited by Three Shades Murray Greys
The Waroona steers that placed fourth on the hoof, improved their average daily weight gain to 1.91 kg per with the second team at 1.79 kg per day. When it came to the carcase competition things changed with the fast growing animals slipping well down the rankings to thirty eighth and the second Golden team and Waroona teams performing well. The Golden team placed fifth and the Waroona teams twelfth and eighteenth respectively.
Graham Hobbs from the Waroona Murray Grey Stud and Peter Batten from the Golden Murray Grey Stud said “their reason for entering the trial was to see how their cattle performed under the strict commercial conditions the trial offered”. What they learned is invaluable and both studs have been invited back next year.
Golden Murray Greys Team of Steers at Merriwa Show
Grand Champion Female - Woodbourn Miss Sally R88
Grand Champion Bull - Cloverside Understruck U7
ALBANY SHOW
Supreme Exhibit
Champion British & All Breeds Female Barker High Paisley (BSH P8) exhibited by Mount Barker Community College
Mount Barker Community College also won Reserve Senior British female Breeders Group of Three Reserve British Junior Bull and Heifer
UK SHOW SUMMARY 2023 & 2024
2023 marked the 50th anniversary of the Murray Grey Beef Cattle Society which was celebrated at the Royal Three Counties Show in June by international Murray Grey members from the UK, Denmark, Germany, USA, Argentina and Australia who joined in the weeklong programme of herd visits and tours arranged by Sam Owen. Our celebration cake was cut by Society Secretary Rosemary Kent and enjoyed by all.
The 2023 show season began back in early June at the Royal Bath and West Show with another cracking line-up of cattle from Oakley Murray Greys. Wendy and Gill Finucane were thrilled to win the Interbreed Beef Pairs Championship, as well as taking the Any Other Native Beef Female Champion and Reserve. A brilliant result made even more special in the 50th year of the society.
At the Royal Three Counties Show three herds exhibited (Melview Farming; Oakley Murray Greys; and Fenland Murray Greys). Ashrose Beverly 33rd exhibited by Melview Farming took Breed Champion. The Oakley herd’s success continued, winning the Native Champion Cow and Calf class with Ashrose Rita 34th, and Reserve Native Beef Champion in the Group of 3 with Oakley Persuasion 3rd, exhibited along with Ashrose Beverly 33rd from Melview Farming.
Over in East Anglia at the Royal Norfolk Show in June, Fenland Murray Greys won the Any Other Native Beef Cow and Calf class, and Any Other Native Breed Champion with Fenland Emma.
Fenland Murray Greys were joined at the show by new Murray Grey members Joan Angel and Kevin Rowe (Seraphim Murray Greys from Norfolk) who
exhibited Fenland Holly and her twin bull calves, winning Reserve Any Other Native Cow and Calf champion.
To end a fantastic showing year for Oakley Murray Greys at the Agrifest South West Show in November, achieving both 1st and 2nd place in the Any Other Native Calf born in 2023 class, with 3rd place for Oakley Liquidator in the Any Other Native Bull Calf born in 2023.
Bath & West 2024
Any Other Native: Breed Champion: Oakley Ice Man, 2nd Cow class: Oakley Rita 12th, 1st pairs
Royal Three Counties: Breed Champion: Oakley Ice Man- sire: Oakley Geronimo
