JUDGINGSCHOOLCHALKSUPSUCCESS
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
JudgingSchoolhighlights:SantaGertrudis hasreviveditspopularJudgingSchools, withaweekendeventatYulgilbarbringing togetherseasonedbreedersandnew starterstogainpracticalinsightsintocattle structureandgenetics
Councilelectiondetails:Tencandidates, includingexperiencedbreedersand industryleadersfromacrossAustralia,are contestingsevenpositions,presenting diverseexpertiseingenetics,governance, andbreedpromotion
NewTVcommerciallaunch:A campaignwilllaunchinregionalNSW showcasingSantaGertrudiscattle's resilience,temperament,andefficiency, aimingtoattractfuture-focused producers.
KingRanchvisitorexchange:Twoyoung TexasranchersaretouringQueensland andNSWproperties,participatingin Australiancattleculture,andreinforcing internationalbreedconnections.
Ekka2025events:TheSantaGertrudis breedwillfeatureprominentlywithstud judging,aJubileeHotelnetworking event,theRJKlebergScholarship announcement,andtheAnnualGeneral Meetingscheduled ForAugust9
Welcometoanotherpacked SantaExpress
WelcometothislatesteditionofSantaExpress,acelebrationo edand communityexceptional.
FromthejudgingschoolatYulgilbartoawhirlwindtourbyourvisitorsfromKingRanch,it’sbeenamonth richwithknowledgeandconnection
Eachstoryinthiseditionreflectsthedepthofcommitmentourmembershavetocontinualimprovement, tothenextgeneration,andtoshowcasingwhatmakesSantaGertrudiscattleanidealfitforthemodern beefindustry
Withbullsaleseasononthehorizon,ournewtelevisioncampaignhittingregionalscreensinNSWand Queenslandhaslandedattheperfecttime.
Itreinforceswhatweallknow:SantaGertrudisdeliver.Fromadaptabilityandmarketflexibilityto performanceandtemperament,theyremainthenaturalchoiceforAustralianproducers.
Youmightalsonoticethiseditionisalittlefullerthanusual,withmoreadvertisingandcontributionsfrom rightacrossthemembership That’snoaccident
SantaExpressisgrowingasaplatform,notonlyforsharingstories,butforbuildingbrandrecognition, promotingyourenterprise,andcelebratingthebreadthofourAssociation
Ifyou'reinterestedinadvertisinginfutureeditions,contactShereeKershawon0447429693 oremailsheree@aligndigitalmarketing.com.autobookyourspotandbe partofthisgrowingchannel.
Onbehalfoftheteam,thankyouforbeingpartofaprogressive,passionate,andproudcommunity.We lookforwardtoseeingyouatupcomingsalesandeventsandcelebratingmoresuccesstogether.
BradCooper
GeneralManager SGB(A)A
Allclass:Insidethe2025
SantaGertrudisJudging SchoolatYulgilbar
YulgilbarStation,Baryulgil,NSW,camealivefrom July4–6asbreedersandbeefenthusiasts gatheredfortheSantaGertrudisJudgingSchool, alearningexperienceasrichinpedigreeasthe cattleondisplay.
Theimmersiveeventblendedscience,tradition, andstorytellingintothreedaysofjudging expertise,hands-ondemonstrations,and thoughtfulmentorship.
Heldannuallyandopentoproducersofall breeds,JudgingSchooliswhereaspirationmeets analysiswithahealthysideofsocialisingover mealsandaroundthecampfire.
OverseerGlenPollardappreciatedthepracticalcontent
Wisdomoftheages
AmongtheheadlinespeakerswasNeilWatson ofWatasantaStud,Tamworth,whopulledback thecurtainonwhatmakesajudging performanceresonateintheshowring.
Lessabout“textbook”deliveryandmoreabout authenticity,hisstylefocusedontrustinginstinct andbeingconfidentinyourownnarrative
“Ihatetextbookjudges,”headmitted withagrin “Ifyoustartreelingoffthings like‘extensionofneck’and‘flowsinto smoothshoulders,’theaudiencewill switchoff.Justsaywhatyousee.”
Neilhadstudentssortandrankfourbulls basedonphenotype andthenjustify theirdecisionsaloud,mirroringthehighpressureenvironmentofrealshow commentary.
YugilbarJudgingSchoolCont...
THEREALLESSON?
“Ownyourviewpoint,presentwithclarity,and remember:yourfirstimpressionisprobably right,”hesaid.
Meanwhile,ScottHann,aHerefordbreederand judgingveteranofmultipleroyalshows,including theSteerCompetitionduringthisyear’sSanta GertrudisFeatureShowatSydneyRoyal,reminded studentsthatpurposematters
“You’vegottobepositiveabout thebreed you’rejudging.Ifnot,don’taccept thegig,”he said
BIGIDEASANDPRACTICALTAKEAWAYS
Acrossthesessionsinthecattleyardsand Yulgilbar’ssellingcomplex,therewasnoshortage ofbigideasandpracticaltakeaways,especially aroundstructure,soundness,andgenetic selection
JenHart,managinga500-headSantaGertrudis herdatTabulam,NSWsaidshecametodeepen herknowledgeofbreedingdecisions.
“ThemoreIknow,thebetterchoicesIcanmake, especiallywithheifersandbulls,”shesaid “There’sdecadesofexperiencehere,andI’m soakingitup.”
Penswereanxiouslypoisedasstudentsrefined theircattlejudgingtechniques.
OriginallyfromNewZealand,Jennowrunsthelivestock operationattheHuntingtonportionofherhusband’s family'sPlainsStationaggregation,balancingthe responsibilitiesofparentingtwochildrenwithmanagingherperformance-drivencommercialherd.
“Ihavetosay,though,thatwedon’thavealotofissueswithourcattle,”shesaid. “TheSantasareverylowmaintenance,andtheyrewardhighly,anotherreasonI’mhere:tomaximisethe opportunitiesthiswonderfulbreedoffers”
TheNextGenerationStepsUp
TheJudgingSchoolwasn’tjustforseasonedbreeders younggunscamearmedwithambitionandnotepads
FaithGreen,18,foundedherstudGreenMachinesat ColleyBlue,nearQuirindi,NSWwhenshewasjust13 BetweensittingherHSCandrepresentingNSWinrugby unionfortheJuniorCorellas,Faithmadethesix-hour drivetoattend
“BeinghereisachancetosharpenwhatIknowand learnfrompeoplewho’vebeenbreedingtop-tier animalsfordecades,”shesaid.
HerfamilytransitionedfromLimousinstoSantasin2019, andtheynowrun300breedersandabuddingclassified femaleherdusingsemenfromMunnabarandGyranda intheirstudAIprogramandsemenfromYulgilbarsires toAItheircommercialfemales.
Meanwhile,EmilyAshman,partoftheDoeringfamily behindWalmonaStud,iskeento“brush-up”onher cattleassessmentskillsafteronceheavilyinvolvedwith SouthAustralia’sJuniorHeiferExpo
NowayoungmumbasedbetweenMendooranand Tooraweena,shecametorefreshherskillsand reconnectwithotheryoungpeopleintheSanta Gertrudiscommunity
NSWbeefproducersFaithGreen,ColleyBlue,EmilyAshman, CoolahandJenHart,Tabulamenjoyedthecontentandthe networking.
“There’sjustasmuchlearningintheconversationsyou haveoveracuppa,”shesaid
ForGlenPollard,theJudgingSchoolwasbothfamiliar andfresh AsanoverseeratYulgilbar,he’samongcattle daily,butthestructuredinsightswereinvaluable
“I’mlearningheaps,”hesaid.“Howstructuraltraitsrelate toperformance,andhowtoapplythisinouroperation it’sallreallypractical,”hesaid.
MakeyourvotecountthisCouncilelection
��CouncilElectionNotice
Ballotpapersforthisyear’sCouncilelectionweredistributedtoordinary(stud)membersonFriday,August4 Tencandidatesarecontestingsevenavailablepositions,witheachnominee’sbiographyprovidedtoassist membersinmakinganinformeddecision.
Completedballotpapersmustbereturnedby9:30amonAugust4
Thenominatedcandidatesare:
�� CandidateProfile:LizAllen(QLD)Location:Brisbane&Blackall,QLDOccupation:Consultant&Partner,FamilyGrazingBusiness
CurrentRole:PresidentofSGBAA(elected2024)
Summary:
LizAllenbringsmorethanthreedecades ofhands-onexperienceinAustralia’s redmeatandcattleindustries
BasedbetweenBrisbaneand Blackall,sheco-managesa familyrunoperationof3,500 SantaGertrudisbreeders. Theirstud,ForestPark(No 1350),annually sells60–70bulls,primarilyattheBarcoo BreedersSale
Liz’scareerincludeskeyleadershiproles withAgForceQueenslandandMeat& LivestockAustralia,wheresheled innovation,policy,andbeefextension projectsacrossthenationalsupplychain
ShehasalsoheldpositionswithRNAcommitteesandnationalbeef researchadvisorygroups,consistentlyadvocatingforresearch adoptionandindustryadvancement
ElectedtotheSGBAACouncilin2018andPresidentin2024,Lizis committedto:
Buildingastrong,skills-basedboard ExpandingmembershipandmarketingtheSantaGertrudis breed Championingresearch,innovation,andclassificationstandards
Throughherconsultancywork,shedeliversMLA’sEDGEnetwork workshops,helpingproducersapplyscience-drivenpracticesto improvereproduction,nutrition,andgrazingmanagement
�� CandidateProfile:AngelaDoering(QLD) Location:Tansey,QLDOccupation:Grazier&Businesswoman Stud:SpringCreekSantaGertrudis(est 1996)
Summary:
Angela Doering brings decades of experience in cattle breeding, local government,andcommunityleadership
After founding the Spring Creek Santa GertrudisstudwithherhusbandinSouth Australia, she has since built operations across multiple states, now based in Tansey,QLD
Herprofessionalbackgroundincludes: FormerRegionalLiaisonOfficerforthe FederalGovernmentinMoree
Eight years as a Councillor with GwydirShireCouncil(NSW)
Four years as Director of the Border Rivers Gwydir Catchment ManagementAuthority
Summary: Afourth-generationSantaGertrudis breeder,ThomasFogdenbrings youthfulenergy,deepfamilyheritage, andapassionfortheindustrytohis candidacy
Broad experience in public administration, finance, and policydevelopment
Since relocating to Queensland in 2023, Angela has focused on genetic verification and marketing of their herd, showcasingSantaGertrudiscattlethroughcarcaseandsteer competitions
Shecurrentlyservesas: Chair,TanseyProgressAssociationInc Treasurer,HeartlandSantaGertrudisBreedersGroup
Angela is a strong advocate for grassroots engagement, transparent governance, and long-term strategic planning HerkeyaspirationsfortheSantaGertrudisbreedinclude: Growingandsupportingthemembershipbase
Launching a targeted marketing campaign to highlight SGversatilityandquality
MentoringfutureleadersfromwithinSGyouth Activelypromotingthebreed’sreputationonallfronts
SantaGertrudiscattleandmentoredbyhisfatherand grandfather,Thomasnowco-managesthefamilypropertyand overseesthreeenterprises:cattlebreeding(SantaGertrudisand Charolais)andacroppingprogram
AgraduateofLongerenongCollege,Thomasvaluesconnectionbuilding,continuouslearning,andcollaborativeleadership His aspirationtojointheSantaGertrudisCouncilisdrivenbyadesire tocontributefreshperspectiveswhilecarryingforwardthe legacyofhisfamily’sinvolvementinthebreed
CouncilElectionscont..
�� CandidateProfile:MichaelDoering(NSW) Location:Coolah,NSWOccupation:Principal,WalmonaSanta GertrudisStud(No.871)CouncilExperience:Councillorsince2006;President 2022-2024
Summary:
Alifelongadvocatefor SantaGertrudiscattle, Michael Doering brings over 40 years of experience in stud operations, herd promotion,andbreedadvocacy.
Asprincipalofthelong-establishedWalmona Stud—originallyfoundedbyhisparents,Wally andMona—Michaelhasshowcasedbothstud cattle and led steers for more than three decades.
Originally based in Truro, SA, Michael partnered with his brother Paul until a recent restructureledtotherelocationofthestudto Coolah,NSW,in2022,allowinghimtointensify hisfocusoncattlebreedingandpromotion.
Keyinterestsandareasofcontributioninclude: Championing the Santa Gertrudis breed through agriculturalshows
Advocating for the increasing role of DNA verification andgenomicsinherdimprovement
Supporting the value of Breedplan in bolstering bull sales,especiallyacrosssouthernmarkets Michaelhasalsocontributedtoyouthdevelopmentviathe SAJuniorHeiferExpoandplayedanactiveroleinhislocal churchcommunity.Withalong-standingseatonCouncil since 2006, he continues to be fully dedicated to the advancementofthebreedandtheAssociation’sgoals.
�� CandidateProfile:RickGreenup(QLD)Location:South&NorthBurnettRegions,QLDOccupation:Principal,GreenupEidsvoldStation Studs:Studs:GreenupStud(No.1909)&EidsvoldStation(No.2)CurrentRole:Councillorsince2021;Chair,SGBAATechnicalCommittee
Summary:
RickGreenupisahighlyexperiencedbeef producerandstudbreederwho,alongside hiswifeAlice,establishedGreenupPtyLtd in1999withjust45heifers.
Today,theiroperationspans25,000 hectaresacrossQueensland,runs6,000 EU-accreditedcattle—including3000stud SantaGertrudis—andproduces300–400 bullsannually.
TheirmergedGreenupandEidsvold Stationherdsformoneofthelargestand longest-runningperformance-recorded SantaGertrudisoperationsinAustralia.
Rick'scareerincludes:
Hands-onworkacrossextensivepastoralstationsintheNT,QLD andWA Strategicgrowththroughlandacquisitionandstudexpansion Long-term engagement with research through the MLA RepronomicsProjectandtheBINprogram Leadership in breed promotion through the Santa Infused SpecialStoreSaleatEidsvoldsince2011
An experienced show judge at major events including Beef12 and Beef24,Rickprioritisesstructure,conformation,andcarcasequality inhisbreedingprogram.HemaintainsastrongfocusonBreedplan performance data and seasonal adaptability through managed pasturesandirrigation.
RickbringstoCouncil:
A deep understanding of both small and large-scale cattle operations Businessacumenandgovernanceskills Passion for collaborative leadership and strategic breed promotion
He envisions a dynamic future for Santa Gertrudis, firmly rooted in sound systems, genetic improvement, and expanding the breed’s roleacrossAustralia’sbeefindustry.
CouncilElectionscont..
�� CandidateProfile:MaggieWelsh(NSW)Location:Talarm,NSWStud:Welsh’sCreekSantaGertrudis IndustryInvolvement:Breeder,youthadvocate,formertransportindustrydirector
Summary:
Withdeepruralrootsandacommitment to breed development, Maggie Welsh brings both lived experience and a forward-looking mindset to her Council nomination
She and her husband Ross transitioned from the transport sector to run the family farms at Talarm, establishing Welsh’s Creek Santa Gertrudis with the benefitofa40+yearlegacyinthebreed
Keyfocusesinclude: Breedingsustainable,adaptableherdssuitedtovariedclimates Developingyoungtalentintheindustrythroughshowingandyouth programs
Strengtheningqualitygeneticsviacollaborationwithestablished breeders
Maggie’sleadershipbackgroundincludesboard-levelexperienceinamajor transportassociation,equippingherwithgovernanceandorganisational skillsshe’seagertoapplywithintheSGBAA.
Herplatformreflectsastrongbeliefinmemberengagement,breedintegrity, andcontributingtoaprosperousfutureforSantaGertrudis
�� CandidateProfile:AdamMayes(QLD)Location:ChilgerrieHill,betweenWandoan&Taroom,QLD Occupation:ChilgerrieHillSantaGertrudis(est 1975) Studs:Breeder,mentor,showjudge,juniorcampleader
Summary:
Marking50yearsofChilgerrieHillSanta GertrudisStudin2025,AdamMayes representsafive-generationlegacyof dedicationtobeefcattlebreedingin SouthWestQueensland.
Takingoverfromhisparentsinthelate 1980s,Adamhasexpandedthestud herdandshowncattleacrossmajor showsfromBrisbanetoMelbourne
Hisprofessionalcontributionsinclude: 33yearssellingbullsattheHeartlandSantaBreedersSaleinRoma LeadershiprolesasPresident,Secretary,andPublicityOfficerwithinthe Heartlandgroup
LifelongsupportoftheSantaGertrudisJuniorCamp,helpingasa committeemember,cattleprovider,andgroupleaderalongsidehiswife, Karen
Extensiveexperienceasashowjudge,includingthe2024Kleberg Scholarshipandregionaljuniorjudgingfinals
Adam’slongstandingcommitmentalsoincludes40+yearswiththeWandoan ShowSociety,particularlyinthestudcattlesection.Nowwithgrandchildren joiningthejuniorcamp,Adamcontinuestoadvocateforthenextgeneration whilecelebratingtheenduringsuccessoffamily-operatedstuds HeoffersCouncilavoiceforsmall-scalebreeders,deeprootsincommunity engagement,andapassionforpromotingSantaGertrudisthroughyouth developmentandhands-onleadership
�� CandidateProfile:PeterMahony(QLD)Location:Theodore,QLDOccupation:Owner&Principal,GyrandaSantaGertrudisStud CouncilExperience:Businessowner,geneticsadvocate,governanceprofessional
Summary:
Peter Mahony is a producer, entrepreneur, and strategic thinker who brings a global business background and 14 years’ stewardship of one of Australia’s most renowned Santa Gertrudis studs,Gyranda
With professional experience across the UK, France, and Australia, Peter has worked in finance, property, recruitment, and not-for-profit sectors,ofteninleadershiprolesand start-ups demanding ingenuity and discipline
Originally from Blackall and educated in Agricultural Economics, Peter and his wife Nikki acquired Gyrandain2011
Under their leadership, the stud has grown into a benchmark for data-driven,commerciallyorientedgenetics.
Peter values collaboration with the research community and believesstronglyinevaluatingSantacattleagainstnationalbreed standardstomaintaincompetitiveness
HisplatformforCouncilincludes:
Improving staff retention through clear role delineation and supportivestructures
Maximisingreturnsonmarketinginvestment
Reviving committees (Youth, Marketing, Technical) to foster leadershipandpolicyinput
Ensuringfair,transparentenforcementofrules
Advocating for stronger breed integrity and more agile governance
Peter is focused on building an Association as impressive as the cattle it represents emphasising trust, accountability, and strategicrenewal
CouncilElectionscont..
Summary:
Witharichbackgroundinlivestock inspectionandbeefproduction, BevanPearcebringsadual perspectivefromboththeregulatory andproducersidesoftheindustry
Inpartnershipwithhisfamily,Bevan managesfourpropertiescomprising:
10,000Merinowethers
2,000SantaGertrudiscattle
SinceregisteringtheBendallaprefixin2009,Bevanhasfocusedon buildingaresilientstudoperationalignedwithcommercial performance HisbreedingprogramnowincorporatesDNAprofiling, whichheseesasessentialtothefutureoftheclassificationsystem a processhestronglysupportsforitstransparencyandbenchmarking integrity
Ifelected,Bevanaimsto:
Supportbothseedstockandcommercialmembersthrough practicalgovernance UpholdandevolvetheSantaclassificationsystem ChampiontheuseofDNAanddatatoadvancebreedreliabilityand reputation
Promotebalanced,long-termdecision-makingthatreflectsthe realitiesofseasonalvariabilityandregionaldiversity
�� CandidateProfile:CraigRoss(QLD)Location:Nebo,QLD Stud:KemmisCreekSantaGertrudis(est 1966) Operation:RossGrazingCompany StudandCommercial Enterprise CouncilFocus:Industryinsight,intergenerationalcontinuity,andbreed progression
Summary:
With over six decades of family involvement in Santa Gertrudis breeding, Craig Ross brings deep generationalrootsandglobalinsightto hisCouncilnomination
Operating from Kemmis Creek in Nebo alongside his daughter Alexandra, Craigrunsastudof300classifiedcows and a commercial grazing enterprise across two properties, where Santa bullsaretheexclusivesires
Craig’sexperienceincludes:
Successfulexhibitionofstudandprimecattleacrossmajorshows ontheEastCoast JudgingappointmentsatCentralQueenslandcattleevents International exposure through time spent at leading US operations such as King Ranch, John Martin Ranches and LongfellowRanch Boardexperienceacrossothersectorsofprimaryproduction
Craig is passionate about breed integrity and development With a lifetime of experience behind him and a forward-facing outlook, he offers the Council a grounded yet refreshed perspective to help navigatethechallengesandopportunitiesfacingbothmembersand theAssociation
NewTVcommercial launchedinNSW thisweek
NewTVCampaignShowcases SantaGertrudisastheNaturalFit forAustralianBeefProducers
After months in the making, a bold new television campaign is hitting regional New South Wales and Queensland this week just in time to stir momentum ahead of the NSW bull sales kicking off August19.
Thesleek30-secondand15-secondspots highlight the versatility, resilience, and market alignment of Santa Gertrudis cattle, underscoring their proven performance across diverse Australian landscapesandconditionssince1952. However, SGB(A)A General Manager Brad Cooper said this was no look in the rearview mirror, but a powerful pitch to future-focusedbeefproducers.
“Themessageisclear,”hesaid.
“San temp toda clim prod
“In all respects, we see Santa Gertrudis as the natural breedfitforAustraliaandthebeefsupplychain”
Bradsaidthecampaignseamlesslyblendedthebreed’s legacy with a forward-facing narrative, one of innovation,efficiency,andenvironmentalrelevance.
“With Australian producers increasingly seeking cattle that tick all the boxes, this campaign makes the case thatSantasdeliver,on-farmandbeyond,”hesaid.
A special 90-second feature version of the commercial will also be available online, offering a deeper dive into the breed’s standout qualities, from feedlot suitability
Dronefootageofcattlebeingmusteredwillbeacentrepieceofthe newTVcommercials
TexansonTour: YoungKingRanch ambassadorsdiveinto Aussiecattleculture
From the vast pastures of Texas to the heart of Queensland cattle country, two young ranchers from the iconic King Ranch are soaking up the experience of a lifetime thanks to the warm hospitality of the Santa Gertrudiscommunity.
KoltonGrigg,20and KingKleberg,21),bothagribusiness studentsfromTexasA&MUniversity,arrivedinAustraliain June to embark on a two-month immersion in the Australianbeefindustry.
Their journey was born from a budding exchange program between the Santa Gertrudis Breeders’ (Australia) Association and their families back in the UnitedStates.
TheirrootsrundeepinSantaGertrudis.Kingisthegreatgreat nephew of Robert Justus Kleberg Jr., the founder of the Santa Gertrudis breed, and both hail from King Ranch, an 334,000-hectare powerhouse home to more than 30,000 Santa Gertrudis cows and a high-capacity feedlot
“I’m just here to see how y’all do things over here and how we could do that back home,” said Kolton to QueenslandCountryLife,wide-eyedandjet-laggedafter onedayinRoma
After kicking off their trip at the ALPA Auctioneers School at Roma Saleyards on Friday, June 20, the young cattlemen spent a packed fortnight hosted by Ben and Amanda Adams of Dangarfield near Taroom Their itinerary was a true working holidaySantaGertrudisstyle andthensome
On their first full day in Australia, livestock agent and Santa Gertrudisbreeder,SteveGoodhew,tookKoltonandKingonatour of the Roma Saleyards and to various properties around the district
King and Kolton on a visit to Peter Seawright’s Jazzmaree stud, Injune
TexansonTour:Cont...
Saturday: Picked up in Roma and straight into country camaraderie at Murgona’s golf day hosted by Dan and Kasey Phillips.
Sunday:SweepingviewsfromIslaGorgeandacattleyard visitwiththeHayfamily
Monday: A full tour of Dangarfield’s operations, followed by lunch atSkeletonsLagoon
Tuesday: Pre-dawn start to help load 100-day grain-fed bullocks atSpion-Kop;afternoonvisittothefamed“QueenBee”atMurgona Stud,followedbytoursanddinneratBrigODoonwithBillSpeed
Wednesday:Hands-onweighingorganicbullocksatDawsonVale, thenbacktoKingswoodforsteelworkrepairs
Thursday–Friday: Assisting with lice treatment for sale bulls, and a chopper ride with Scott Hawkins over Kingswood and Two-Up, completewithatasteoflocalwildlife
Fridaynight:Outonalicensedpigharvestwithalocalpro
Saturday:MusteringatKingswood,followedbyanafternoon ontheDawsonRiverwithrodandreel
SundaytoTuesday:Recharging, pub mingling, and inter-property cattlecartinginaB-double—eachtakingaturnatthewheel
Wednesday:AttendedtheDalbySaleyardstoseesalesinaction. Thursday: Fittingly and thanks to the hospitality of Rob and Eliza Nioa and stud manager Shannon Gardner, King and Kolton closed outtheirfirstQueenslandlegatNioa(TalgaiHomestead),Alloraon Friday,July4,enroutetoJudgingSchoolatYugilbar.
ThisweekthetwocowboyswillremainatYulgilbar,hostedby BrettandLucyEllemandenjoyingtheworkingenvironmentwithYulgilbar’s professionalstaffgroupofyoungcattlemenandwomen. Evenbeforetheirexperienceofalifetimehasproperlystarted,Kolton andKingwerestruckbythescale,pace,andprecisionofAustralian beefproduction.
“We’veneverseenanythinglikeyourroadtrainsbackhome,”laughedKing, whenconveyingtoQueenslandCountryLifehisfirstimpressionsofhisfirst hoursinthecountrytravellingfromBrisbanetoRoma.
“InTexas,it’sraretoseemorethanonetrailer—hereyou’vegottwoor three!”
Thepair’spassionandcuriosityleftanimpressionateverystop.With aspirationstocarryinsightshomeandstrengthentheinternational exchangebetweenSantaGertrudisbreeders,theirjourneyisstilltoreachthe halfwaymark.
Akeengolferandbeefenthusiast, Kingalmosthadtheperfectday out–winningclosesttothepinand receivingameattrayasrewardfor hisefforts.
Staytuned!
We’llhavemoreupdatesnextmonth.
GettingintotheswingofAussieculture outontheTaroomGolfCourse.
��ExperienceEkkaLikea
VIPwithSantaGertrudis
Whether you're exhibiting or just soaking in the sights, this year’s Ekka is brimming with opportunities you won’t want to miss.
�� Betherewhenitallkicksoff Stud judging kicks off before the official Ekka gates even open— Friday, August 8 at 8am in the Main Arena. With 105 elite Santa Gertrudis cattle from 18 leading studs across Queensland, NSW and Victoria, it’s a showcase of top-tier genetics in action.
Bonus: Entry to the grounds is freeon Friday!
�� CelebrateinStyleatthe Jubilee
From6:30pm,jointheherdatthe JubileeHoteltounwind,network,and partySantaGertrudis-style.
�� Livemusicuntillate
�� Deliciousfood&drinks
��Secureyourfeaturein the2026Calendar&SantaJournal
��BigMoment: RJKlebergScholarship Announcement
Ahighlightoftheeveningwillbetherevamped RJKlebergScholarshipaward,presentedby KingKleberghimself—great-great-nephewof ourbreed’sfounder.Thenewambassadorwins adevelopment-packedtriptotheUS,including avisittothelegendaryKingRanchinTexas.
��
AGM:YourVoice,YourBreed
Members:Free|Guests:$55pp Withonly120spotsavailable,thisis anexclusiveevent!
RSVPbyAugust1to: admin@santagertrudis.com.au
WrapupyourEkkaweekendattheSanta GertrudisAGM
�� Rydges,FortitudeValley
�� Saturday,August9at9am
Helpshapethefutureofourbreedandyour association.
��TheEddie HackmanSteer Trophy:It’sGameOn!
AspartoftheSantaGertrudisAGMtradition,the prestigiousEddieHackmanSteerTrophyisback ontheline—anaccoladethatcelebratesthe finestinsteercompetitionandhonoursalegacy ofexcellence.
�� Ifyou'rereadingthisonMonday,July7, thecountdownison—entriesclosetomorrow!
Thisisyourfinalchancetomakeyourmark beforethewinnerisrevealedintheAnnual Reportatthisyear’sAGM.
Thewinnerwillbefeaturedinthe2025Annual Report,withatrophypresentationatthe2025 AnnualGeneralMeetingonSaturday,9August
��QuickRecap:HowItWorks
Pointsareawardedforunledandledtrade steerclasses,aswellasequivalentcarcase classes,basedonthefollowingcriteria: PointsAllocation
GrandChampion–10points
SectionChampion–10points
SectionReserveChampion–5points
FirstPlace–2points
Thesepointsaremultipliedbasedonthe show’ssignificance: RoyalShows(Brisbane,Sydney,Melbourne, Adelaide,Perth,Hobart)×10points
SpecialisedPrimeCattleShows, RecognisedFeatureShows&Hoofand HookCompetitions×8points
AllOtherShows×5points
SummerlandSantassell
to$7000twice
Abullfromafirst-timevendorandanother fromabreedstalwarttoppedtheSummerland SantaGertrudissaleattheNorthernRivers LivestockExchange,Casino,NSWonJune27.
Whilepresentingamodestnumberofbullsto buyers,thevendors’qualitydraftencouraged energeticbiddingforsomelots,especially elicitingspiritedbidsfromproducerswithsolid credentialsinturningoffhighlysought crossbredprogeny.
Amongthesuccessfulpurchaserswas renownedSanta-Herefordcommercialbreeder JohnSmith,Woodenbong,NSWwhopaidthe topmoneyforlot41,AnvilCreekT3,aCooper ParkQuantitee(P)sonoutofKamawaPrincess (PH),adaughterofDenngalLancerL12
TheveteranproducerwhomaintainsaSanta Gertrudissirebatteryof45headtoservicea 1000-strongHerefordcowherd,madehis selectiononthe3yearold’searlymaturing highgrowthgeneticssuitedtovealer productionandexceptionallyquiet temperament.
T3,offeredbyAnvilCreekmanagersDavidand JaneDawson,MountSeaview,NSW,willbe joinedattheWoodenbongpropertybyanother ofthestud’sQuantiteedrop,T11,outofa Macairedam,partofthefoundationalbreeder herdpurchasedtwoyearsagofromDenis McCarthy.
MrSmith’s$5000outlayonthethick-bodied risingsireatlot44sawtheAnvilCreek debutantscleartheirofferingatanaverageof $6000.
Picturedfromkeftwithequaltopprice,AnvilCreekT3, isLeefallsprincipalsKerrieandJoeFallsandAnvil CreekmanagersJaneandDavidDawsonwith WoodenbongbuyerJohnSmith
Thesale’sothertoppricebullat$7000,Leefalls Thumper,(PP),lot39,wasboughtfromlong servingvendorsJoeandKerrieFalls,LeefallsSanta Gertrudisstud,EastCoraki,NSWbyfatherandson RobertandMatthewDuff,Tenterfield,NSW NSWbyfatherandsonRobertandMatthewDuff, Tenterfield,NSW.
TheGlenalbynNedKellysonoutofLeefallsNina,a daughterofDangarfieldUnderbelly,metthe marketwithacleansheath strongtoplineand earlymaturingpattern,traitsboundtoinfluence progenyfromthenewowners’Britishbased breeders.
TheFallsalsosoldanotherGlenalbynNedKelly son,LeefallsToodles(PP),lot43,outofLeefalls Macey,anotherDangarfieldUnderbellydaughter for$5000.
GarthWilliams,LindsayParkSantaGertrudisstud, Goonellabah,NSWsoldacompact,structurally correctcommercialheiferbullfor$5000
ThesalewasconductedbyRamsey&Bulmer, Casino,withWayneBulmercallingthebids.
UpcomingBullSalesinNSW
TheNSWSantaGertrudisbullsalesbeginnextmonth,startingwiththeGlenalbyn-MunnabahsaleatWellingtononAugust19at 1pm,theHardigreenParkandBrooksideBullandFemaleSaleatWallabadah,August20at10am,followedbyWatasantaatthe on-propertyWatasantaSalesComplex,Tamworthat1pm.
TheBenelkaysaleatMullaleywilltakeplaceonAugust21at1pmThenextSantaGertrudisbullsaleinNSWwillbetheDoorabeeba onlinesaleviaAuctionsPlusonAugust28at10am,thenYulgilbar,September5at12noon,andRockingham,EuabalongWest,on October2at12noon
SteerssellstrongatSanta sponsoredBlackallsale
Steerssoldtoatopof464.4c/kg,heifers358.2c/kgand cow/calfunits$2350attheSantaGertrudisandSanta Gertrudisinfusedcattlesale,BlackallSaleyardonJune12
OrganisedbytheBlackallLivestockAuctionAssociation, theeventheldinconjunctionwiththeweeklysale,saw almost1200headsoldtodistrictbuyersandthosefrom furtherafield.
JudgeBobSpeed,BrigodoonCattleCompany,Retreat, Jundahcommentedonthe“excellentpresentationand quality”fromthevendorsandnotedthehugepolled factorcomingthroughineveryone’scommercialcattle.
HesaidSantaGertrudisalsoshowedthevaluetheir geneticsinjectintocrossbreedingprograms,illustrated bythedepthofqualityintheSantainfusedclasses
Winnersoftheclassesand$37,300isprizemoneywere:
CLASS1SANTAGERTRUDISFEEDERSTEERS
WINNER:CHANDLERFAMILY,‘KYNETON’BARCALDINE
$500cashfromtheSantaGertrudisAustralia+$5,000 BullCreditfromForestParkSantas.
Runner-Up:Kerry&TrishBailey,‘Margo’Isisford $250cashChoyceLivestockTransport+$5,000Bull CreditfromYarrawongaCattleCo
CLASS2SANTAGERTRUDISWEANERSTEERS
WINNER:BILLGRAHAM,“TIIJUANA”MUTTABURRA.
$500cashfromtheBlackall-TamboRegionalCouncil +$5,000BullCreditfromSwanHillCattleCompany Runner-Up:LizAllen,‘AliceDowns’Blackall $250cashfromStaffordWelding+$500Voucherfrom WildRiverConcrete
CLASS3SANTAGERTRUDISINFUSEDSTEERS
WINNER:BANKSFAMILY,”SPRINGLEIGH”BLACKALL
PresidentLizAllenwithanexceptionallystrongyarding ofSantaGertrudiscattleatBlackallSaleyards
CLASS5 SANTAGERTRUDISINFUSEDHEIFERS
WINNER:B&JAYEHALL,‘BIBIL’MUTTABURRA
$500cashfromtheBlackall-TamboRegionalCouncil+ $5,000BullCreditfromRosevaleSantaGertrudis
Runner-Up:BillGraham,‘Tijuana’Muttaburra
$250cashfromGerardJohnson+1xZoetisDectomaxpouronEndectocide
CLASS6SANTAGERTRUDISORSANTAGERTRUDIS INFUSEDPTICFEMALESORCOWS&CALVES
Winner:
$500cashfromSuperSteelAustralia+$2,500BullCredit fromDrensmaineSantaGertrudis
Runner-Up:Gavin&SueMarshall,‘Lissoy’Blackall.
$250cashfromBarcooHotel+1xZoetisDectomaxpour-on Endectocide.
$500cashfromtheBlackall-TamboRegionalCouncil+$5,000 BullCreditfromBullamakinkaSantaGertrudis. Runner-Up:BanksFamily,‘Springleigh’Blackall. $250cashfromHawkinsPastoralCo+1x5LCoopersEasyDose Pour-onCattleLiceAndFlyTreatment
CLASS4SANTAGERTRUDISHEIFERS
WINNER:LIZALLEN,“ALICEDOWNS”BLACKALL
$500cashfromtheBlackall-TamboRegionalCouncil+$2,500 BullCreditfromTripleSSantas Runner-Up:BillGraham,‘Tijuana’Muttaburra. $250cashfromNu-Tank+1x5LCoopersEasyDosePour-on CattleLiceAndFlyTreatment.
Santasprovetheirweightin PaddocktoPalate
Theodore’sGyrandaSantaGertrudisStudandHinz GrazingfromMileshadgreatsuccessatthe17June announcementoftheRNAPaddocktoPalate competitionweightgainsection.
Fromahighlycompetitivefieldof1085headof cattle,SantaGertrudisplacedinthetopthree weightgainforbothClass37Steer(HGPExport100 day)andClass38(HGPExport70day)
RESULTSClass37ABestWeightGainforPenofSix Grain-FedSteers(HGPExport100day)
2nd-HinzGrazing,ADG:2737kg,ShorthornSantaX, MilesQLD
RESULTSClass38ABestWeightGainforPenofSix Grain-FedSteers(HGPExport70day)
2nd-GyrandaPastoralCompany,ADG:2.792kg, SantaGertrudis,TheodoreQLD 3rd-GyrandaPastoralCompany,ADG:2.774kg, SantaGertrudis,TheodoreQLD.
Fullweightgainresultscanbefoundhere:READ MORE
ThecarcaseandMSAeatingqualityphasesofthe competitionwillbeannouncedatthePaddockto PalateandBeefIndustryDinnerpresentedbyJBS AustraliaattheBrisbaneShowgroundson Thursday7August.
PicturedisGyrandastudprincipalPeterMahony
We’reonarollin Qld’sSouthBurnett!
Hotontheheelsofoursuccessfulfeedlottrialat PakaderingaPastoral,SantaGertrudishaskeptthe biggainscoming,lastmonthclaimingChampion PenofSantainfusedsteersandGrandChampion PenoverallatAussieLand&Livestock’sCoolabunia WeanerShow&Sale.
NeilJohnson,Yarraman,alsoclaimedChampion PenofHeifers,siredbyBrisbaneValleySanta Gertrudisbulls.
TheCoolabuniaresultfollowslastmonth’sequally exceptionaloutingbycommercialSantaGertrudis producers,BruceandKymRyan,Nanango,who presentedtheOverallGrandChampionPenatthe inauguralEldersLimitedWeanerSale,Murgon
TheRyansarekeenadoptersoftheSantaGertrudis Australiaservicethatisofferedtocommercial Santabreederslookingforguidancefromour accreditedFieldDirectorsonelevatingthequality oftheirherds-anapproachclearlyreflectedin theirimpressiveresultsatMurgon
Santasimpressat FarmFest
ThankstoJohnMcCarthy,Rosehillstud,Cliftonand JonathanMaskall,Homeleighstud,Meandarrafor flyingtheflagforSantaGertrudisatFarmFest, attractingkeeninterestamongthoseenjoying somemildToowoombaweatherfromJune3-5.
Amongtheyoungandyoung-at-heartdroppingby wasPeterMaher,celebratinghis80thbirthdayand droppinginwithhiswifeYvonnetocheckoutthe Santasondisplay
Peter’sgrandfatherwasastudgroomat RisdonSantaGertrudisstud,Warwickinthe early1950sandstillrememberstheearliest importsfromtheUStomarkthebirthplaceof ourbreedinAustraliain1952
“It’sgreatseehowthey’vecomeonandspread sofarandwide-they’regreatcattlethat’sfor sure,”Petersaid.
TheSantaGertrudisAustraliasitehadplentyof literatureavailableforthoseneedinginfotoget astartinthebreed.
Withournewmarqueeandteardropbanners wavingaloft,wewerecertainlyeasytofind
PeterMahercelebratedhis80thbirthdayvisitingtheSanta Gertr time
SantaGertrudisgaveitsnewmarqueeitsfirstpublicoutingat FarmFest
What’scomingup
TheresultsoftheCallideDawsonCarcaseCompetition,whichattractsentriesfromSantaGertrudis producersthroughoutthedistrict,andissponsoredbytheSGB(A)AwillbeannouncedinBiloelaon Friday,July11
TheSGB(A)AAnnualReportforthe2024-25financialyearwillbeonthepressFriday,July11andposted tomembersfromFriday,July18intimefortheAssociation’sAGMinBrisbaneonAugust9.
PlanningisunderwayfortheSantaGertrudisdisplayatAgQuip,Gunnedah,NSWfromAugust19-21 Thisyear,theAssociationhasarrangedgenuinegrain-fedSantaGertrudissteaksfromTeysAustralia toserveonburgerscookedon-site.Lastyear,theSantasiteturnedoutmorethan3000steakburgers acrossthethreedays.Volunteersforthesitearealwaysneeded.Toregisterpleaseemail admin@santagertrudis.com.au
Meat&LivestockAustraliawillholdaNorthernAustraliaGeneticsFieldDayatSpyglassBeefResearch Station,ChartersTowersonWednesday,August27.Thedaywillfeaturethelatestgeneticsresearch, livecattledemonstrations,meattastingandindustrytradedisplays,whichSantaGertrudiswilljoin.
Salecatalogueservice
Doyouneedasalecataloguebutdon’thave timetotypeoutanimalpedigreedetails? Simplyemailtheofficetorequestapedigree report,andyou’llreceiveanExcelspreadsheet coveringthreegenerationsofpedigrees �� Afeeappliesperanimal. �� Requestreportsvia: sg@santagertrudis.com.au
Promote yourstud, businessor upcoming event
Nobodyeversoldasecretsoifyouhave somethingtopromotetotheSanta GertrudiscommunityacrossAustraliathen whynotadvertiseinSantaExpressorSanta Journal
Animaltransfers
Areminderthatallstudanimalssoldfor breedingpurposesmustbetransferred. Sellersshouldemailtheanimaldetails,including societyidentificationandthebuyer’sdetails,to sg@santagertrudiscomau Thissimplifiescalfregistration,ensuringa smoothprocess.
ThenextSantaExpresswillbeuploadedon Monday,August4
Keydeadlinesfortheupcomingeditionof SantaJournalare:
Advertisingbooking:July11
Advertisingartworkdeadline:July18 Distributed:w/cAugust4
CallShereeKershawtobookyour advertisingcampaignaheadofSpringbull sales–0447429693or sheree@aligndigitalmarketing.com.au
