BESTOFTHEWEST
WelcometotheMay2026editionofSantaExpress–news,informationand updatesfromtheSantaGertrudisBreeders’(Australia)Associationuploadedon thefirstMondayofeverymonth.
Westernadvance
The2026saleseasonhasopenedona highnoteinWesternAustralia,with strongclearances,solidaveragesand buyerconfidenceunderscoringthe relevanceofSantaGertrudisgeneticsin thewest.
WiththeintroductionofanewWASanta saleonthecalendarthisyear, AssociationPresidentLizAllen,Councillor NeilWatson,GeneralManagerBrad CooperandFieldDirectorRussellYeates travelledwesttosupportourWA members,engagewithbuyersand agents,andgainfirsthandinsightinto thisstrategicallyimportantmarket.
TheSantacommunityfromacrossAustralia convergedonWAinApriltosupportlocal members,fromleft:WendyGould,Bolgart,WA, NeilWatson,Tamworth,NSW,LizAllen,Blackall, Qld,Mark&ChloeMadew,RegansFord,WA,Peter Mahony,Theodore,Qld,GlennHasleby, Northampton,WAandAssociationstaffRussell Yeates(FieldDirector)andBradCooper(General Manager) Image:KyahPeeti,FarmWeekly
SantaGertrudisBreedersCombinedWA BullSaleandtheannualBiaraSanta Gertrudissale,Northampton,bothof whichdeliveredencouragingoutcomes anddemonstratedreneweddemand acrossabroadcrosssectionof commercialandseedstockproducers. WAsalessignalstrongmomentumfor SantaGertrudis
Thevisitcoincidedwiththeinaugural
TheSantaMuster
Members may have noticed an additional way we’re sharing information.
We’ve introduced a direct email bulletin, TheSantaMuster, designed primarily to keep members informed by linking to sale catalogues for upcoming Santa Gertrudis bull sales another practical way we’re supporting breeders in promoting their sale animals.
From time to time, The Santa Muster will also share links to webinars, seminars and other industry events that arise at short notice from external organisations such as Meat & Livestock Australia or ABRI, and which can’t wait for our monthly newsletter or aren’t ideally suited to Facebook.
With the next Santa Gertrudis bull sale still more than a month away, The Santa Muster may take a brief pause, but keep an eye on your inbox. It will certainly ramp up again as the Spring sale season approaches.
Confidentdebutfornew
WAmulti-vendorsale
A new combined selling venture aimed at harnessing renewed demand for Santa Gertrudis in Western Australia made a confident debut on April23atBundarra, Dandaragan.
The inauguralSantaGertrudisBreeders CombinedWABullSale saw four vendors meet the market with a quality, industry relevant offering, attracting strong buying support from both new and long term Santa Gertrudis users.
CombinedSaleSnapshot
29bullssoldfrom 38 offered 76%clearance
Average:$6310
The sale topper was CundarraV008, selling for $11,500.
Confidenceheading intotheseasonahead
SantaGertrudisGeneralManagerBrad Coopersaidthestrongperformancesof bothWAsalesreflectrenewed confidenceinthebreed,thecommercial relevanceofcurrentbreedingobjectives, andthevalueproducersareplacingon predictable,fitforpurposegenetics.
“TheAssociation’sWAvisitprovided invaluableopportunitiestoconnect directlywithmembers,buyersand agents,andtobetterunderstand regionalprioritiesaswecontinueto promoteandsupportSantaGertrudis
NutrienagentsWillMcLartyandLenoVigilowith theirclientsStuartandShannonBlair(left), buyersofthetoppricebullbredbyMarkand ChloeMadew,picturedrightwithEldersMoora LivestockManagerClintFletcher.
The 24‑month‑old bull is a Rosevale JackerooP294(P) son out of a Greenup EidsvoldStationdam.
Bred by MarkandChloeMadew, Cundarra Santa Gertrudis Stud, Regans Ford, the bull was purchased by Stuart Blair, Sunblade Holdings, operating across the Gascoyne–Pilbara region.
acrossdiverseproductionenvironments,” hesaid.
“Biara’soutstandingresultandthe successfullaunchofthemulti-vendor formathighlightsboththeadaptabilityof SantaGertrudisgeneticstoWAproduction systemsandthebenefitsofcollaboration betweenbreederstopresentconsistent, commerciallyfocusedproducttothe market,onewhichisshiftingtowards greaterfocusonproduction,carcase performanceandmeatquality.”
WithapositivestartinWesternAustralia, attentionnowturnseast,withthenext SantaGertrudisbullsaleonthecalendar beingSummerlandatCasino,northern NSW,onThursday,25June.
Biara’sbestresultthis decade
ThemomentumstartedattheBiara SantaGertrudisStudSaleonApril21, wheretheHaslebyfamilyrecordedtheir strongestresultofthedecade.
From87bullsoffered,77soldfora clearancerateof89%,averaging$7026, withasaletoppingpriceof$24,000 The salegrossed$541,000,underscoringthe depthofdemandandconfidenceinthe Biarabreedingprogram.
Ablendedsellingmodelwasagain employed,withselectedstudsiresand asmallnumberofherdbullsoffered throughthering,whilethebalanceof thecataloguewasmarketedviathe Helmsmanauctionsystem.This approachallowedbuyersextended inspectiontimealongsidecompetitive,
AgentRichardKeachandLukeKanny(left) celebratethepurchaseofthetoppricebullwith vendorGlennHaslebyandbuyerJasonKanny.
privatebiddingthroughaccredited auctioneers.
ToppriceonthedaywaspaidbyJason Kanny,BonegillaGrazing,Walkaway (WA),whosecuredLot2–Biara4056 (PP)for$24,000.
TheclassifiedSbullissiredbyGyranda NewtonN202(PP)andoutofaBiaracow carryingRosevalebloodlines,combining performance,fertilityandadaptability traitswellsuitedtoWAconditions.
Awordonsalereports
Weknowourmembersvaluetimely SantaGertrudisbullsaleresults,andwe workhardtosharethisinformationas quicklyaspossible.
Resultsarealwayspublishedfirstonthe SantaGertrudisAustraliaFacebook pageandthenuploadedtotheSale ResultssectionoftheSantaGertrudis website.
Whilebeingpromptisimportant,our priorityisaccuracy,consistencyand reliability.
Wemaynotalwaysbethefastest,but wearecommittedtoproviding high‑quality,dependableinformation.
Thankyouforyourpatienceand understandingasweworktodeliversale resultsasquicklyandaccuratelyaswe can.
Kleberg Scholarship openfor applications
Young adults with a passion for the Santa Gertrudis breed and a proven track-record of experience and commitment are invited to apply to become the 2026 RJ Kleberg Scholar, earning the right to be the Association’s Breed Ambassador.
The RJ Kleberg Scholarship honours the legacy of breed founder Robert J. Kleberg Jnr, whose vision led to the development of the Santa Gertrudis breed at King Ranch, Texas, US before expanding to Australia in 1952.
The RJ Kleberg Scholarship provides unparalleled professional development opportunities and a platform to drive youth engagement and play an active role in shaping the future of the breed.
The recipient also receives $5000 towards funding a trip to King Ranch, Texas and other notable Santa operations in the US. Apply here.
ThenewSantaGertrudissignatToogoolawah Saleyards,SoutheastQueensland.
Whynotsignuptothis idea?
Ifyou’rehostingasaleatasaleyardthisyear orareawareofalocalsaleyardthatregularly runsadedicatedSantaGertrudiseventorclass —whynotexploretheopportunitytoinstallone ofournewpropertysignsatthefacility?
TheBrisbaneValleySantaGertrudissalegroup recentlyapproachedtheAssociationwiththis idea,whichwewerepleasedtosupportby adaptingthesigndesigntosuitasaleyard setting
Asaresult,SantaGertrudissignageisnowon displayatToogoolawahSaleyards(pictured), withanotherinstalledatBeaudesertSaleyards insoutheastQueensland.
Thecostofasaleyardsignisthesameasa frontgatepropertysign $330plusfreight
FormoredetailsphoneGeneralManagerBrad Cooperon(07)32162708.
Awinningdebutforthe ‘CarcaseCrew’
ThedecisiontosendaSantaGertrudis teamtotheInter‑CollegiateMeat JudgingNorthernConferenceforthe veryfirsttimehaspaidinstantdividends, withteammemberMoniqueAmadoro (pictured)crownedIndividualChampion atagaladinnerinRockhamptonlast month
BringingexperiencefrombothSanta Gertrudisstudoperationsandfeedlot environments,Moniqueclaimedthetop individualhonourintheoverallplacings intheindustrycategoryfromafieldof almost140participants,including students,youngprofessionalsand industryleaders,acrossthefourday event.
HostedbyTeysAustraliaand CQUniversityAustralia,thesoldout conferencefrom8-11Aprilbrought togetherparticipantsfromacross Australiatobuildskills,grownetworks andexplorecareerpathwaysthroughout theredmeatsupplychain.
SantaGertrudisAustraliawasproudto sendateamthisyearthankstothe ongoingsupportofourmembersand businesspartnerswhobackour auctionsatYouthCampandtheEkka, helpingdriveouryouthdevelopment activities.
TheCarcaseCrewSGteamfromleft:captain SamFalls,BridgetMadigan,LachieMartinand
Competingunderthename,Carcase CrewSG,theSantaGertrudisteam includedLachieMartin,Bridget Madigan,MoniqueAmadoro,andteam captainSamFalls.
Congratulationstotheentireteamonan outstandingdebutandafantasticresult fortheSantaGertrudisBreeders’ (Australia)Association.
MoniqueAmadoro.
MoniqueAmadorowascrownedIndividual Champion
Santasshine forSydney
Congratulationstoallexhibitorswho presentedcattlebeforejudgeJason Wolffe,CanowindraSantaGertrudis Stud,Emerald(Qld),attheSydneyRoyal EasterShowlastmonth.
TheGrandChampionSantaGertrudis BullwasawardedtoDenngalVikingV80 (P),bredandexhibitedbyDennisand GregMoxey,DenngalSantaGertrudis, Forbes(NSW).
Earlierintheshow,Vikingsecuredthe JuniorChampionBullsashbeforegoing ontodefeathishalfbrother,theSenior ChampionBull,DenngalVolleyV01(P), forthebreed’stophonour.Bothbullsare siredbyDenngalRomeoR33(AI)(P) fromDenngalbredcows.
Inanalmostcleansweepforthe Denngalstud,DenngalViperV09(P)was namedReserveSeniorChampionBull,
JuniorChampion&GrandChampionFemale NANGARINGAVIKTORIAV770(P)withAlizah Fogden,2025BreedAmbassador/RJKleberg ScholarshipwinnerEleniFogden,exhibitorPeter Fogden,NangaringaStudandSGB(A)APresident LizAllenpresentingtheBassingthwaighteFamily AnnualTrophysupportedbyD&AD Bassingthwaighte&Co
whileNangaringaVegas(P)(V777),bred andexhibitedbytheFogdenfamily, BoulviewNangaringa,Loxton(SA), claimedReserveJuniorChampionBull followingacloselycontesteddecision.
TheGrandChampionSantaGertrudis Femalesashwasawardedto NangaringaViktoria(P)(V770),also bredbytheFogdenfamilyofLoxton,SA ViktoriawastheJuniorChampion Female,edgingoutthemoremature SeniorChampionFemale,Waterloo Untouchable(P)(U7),bredand exhibitedbyGeorgiaKirkby,Waterloo SantaGertrudis,Bellata(NSW).
Completingthefemaleawardswere ReserveSeniorChampionFemale WaterlooRemmiR6(P),GeorgiaKirkby, Bellata(NSW)andReserveJunior ChampionFemaleNangaringaViolette (P)(V756),Fogdenfamily,Loxton(SA).
JuniorChampion&GrandChampionBull DENNGALVIKINGV80(P)withexhibitorGreg Moxey,whileMiaDoering,2024Breed Ambassador/RJKlebergScholarshipwinnerlooks onandEmilyBolsterpresentstheJohn&Marie BolsterAnnualMemorialTrophysupportedby MarkBolster,withjudgeJasonWolffandhiswife JoanneWolff,CanowindraStud,Emerald,Qld
Thisyear’sexhibitorsatSydneywerethe followingSantaGertrudisstuds:Barraba, Burramurra,Denngal,Leven,Macaire, Nangaringa,NungarPlainandWaterloo.
Santabeefreputation baked-in
WhileSantaGertrudiscattlewere showcasingtheverybestofthebreedin theshowring,justmetresawayanother Santasuccessstorywasunfolding.
TheAustralianBakeryAssociationwas onceagaindoingaroaringtradewithits popular‘MightySanta’meatpie
ThroughouttheRoyalEasterShow,more than700kgofcookedSantaGertrudis beefwasused,withpiescompletelysold outbytheSaturdayofthefinalweekend.
TheMightySantawasbackatits flavoursomebest,featuringpremium SantaGertrudisbeefsuppliedbyNolan Meats,Gympie(Qld),infusedwith jalapeñosandcheeseforamoderntwist ontheclassicpie perfectly complementingthenaturallysucculent flavourandtextureofqualitySantabeef.
OursincerethanksgotoNolanMeatsfor onceagaincollaboratingonthis initiativeandhelpingtaketheSanta
Gertrudisnameandeatingquality directlytoconsumers.SantaGertrudis Breeders’(Australia)Association CouncillorCraigRoss,KemmisCreek stud,Nebo,Qldalsocontributedtothe costoftheprojectaspartofhis continuingadvocacyforSantabeefto featuremoreprominentlyasabranded consumerproduct.
Addinghersealofapproval,Breed AmbassadorEleniFogden(pictured), NangaringaSantaGertrudis,Loxton(SA), joinedthehungrycrowdsandconfirmed theMightySantapiewasacrowd favouriteonceagain.
EleniFogdenlovedthe‘MightySanta’pie
Newawardhonours legacy
Weareproudtoannounceanew accoladehonouringthelife,legacyand immensecontributionofAlastair Bassingthwaighte(pictured),with submissionsnowopenforthe2025Stud LedExhibitoroftheYear.
TheinauguralAlastairBassingthwaighte MemorialTrophywillbeawardedtothe exhibitorwhoaccumulatesthemost pointsinthestudledshowringduring the2025calendaryear
Alastairwasrenownedforhislifetimeof studandcommercialbreedingandhis tirelesspromotionofSantaGertrudis cattlethroughoutshowringsacross Australia.
ElectedtotheSGB(A)ACouncilin1970, Alastairservedanextraordinary46years beforeretiringin2016.
HewasPresidentfrom1987–1989, awardedLifeMembershipBadge#14in 1992,andservedasPatronfrom2016–2019.
Anastute,wellrespectedcattlemanand atruegentlemanofthebush,thistrophy isafittingtributetoamanofgrand vision,apassionateshowsupporter,and amentortocountlesscattlemenand womenacrossAustralia.
Alsoopenfor submissions
TheEddieHackmanTrophyisawarded totheexhibitorwhogainsthemost pointsintradesteerandcarcaseclasses forthe2025calendaryear.
Theiconicbronzesculpturedsteer, donatedbyEddieHackman,hasbeen competedforannuallysince1987,with thecurrentperpetualtrophy commencingin1995.
SubmissionsforbothawardscloseMay 29.
Moreinformation,includingaward criteria,howthepointssystemworks, andlinkstoenter,canbefoundviathe SantaGertrudisAustraliawebsiteonthe homepage
NewawardhonoursAlastairBassingthwaighte’s legacy
YulgilbarSantas clean-upRAS
BeefChallenge
70-dayclass
Santa Gertrudis and Santa x cattle from the operation of Yulgilbar in northern NSW under the management of BrettEllem have proved dominant in the Royal Sydney Beef Challenge, winning:
70-day Domestic Class
Champion Pen (Santa Gertrudis)
70-day Domestic Class Reserve Champion pen (SantaXAngus)
70-day Domestic Class
Individual Champion Steer (Santa Gertrudis)
70-day Domestic Class
Individual Reserve Champion Steer (Santa Gertrudis)
Profitability (Santa Gertrudis)
Individual dress percentage (Santa Gertrudis)
Carcase grid (SantaXAngus)
Feedlot total (Santa Gertrudis)
NeilJohnstonandGlennYeates(left)withAussieLand &LivestockprincipalMidgeThompsonandMr Johnston’sagentJustinAlmond.
CoolabuniaWeanerShow &Salesuccess
Santa‑infusedsteersenteredbyMaidenwell beefproducerNeilJohnstonwerenamed ChampionPenfromthehundredsyardedatthe CoolabuniaWeanerShowandSale,hostedby AussieLand&LivestocknearKingaroy,Qldon Thursday,April23.
AssessedbyjudgeandKingaroybuyingagent MatthewCurtis,MrJohnston’schampionpenof 12steersaveraged327kg,latersellingstrongly at498.2c/kg,returninganimpressive $1,600/head.
HotontheirheelswereSantaGertrudissteers fromGlennYeates(Nanango),averaging243kg andsellingfor496.2c/kgor$1,200/head.
Onthefemaleside,Santaheiferspresentedby NeilJohnstontoppedtheSantafemaleclass.
JudgedbyMurgonbuyingagentStephenDunn, theheifersaveraged295kgandsoldfor 3702c/kg,equatingto$1,100/head
Beaudesertsaleyards
seered
CongratulationstoBartholomew&Co Auctioneersandvendorsforan outstandingsaleofcattleatthe BeaudesertSantaGertrudisInfused Show&Salewithover500head presented.
JudgeCarlWarrenfromTopXRomahad hisworkcutoutandpraisedvendorsfor thequalityyardingofcattletellingthe crowd“thecattlehavestoodup tremendouslywell,theylookfantastic.A credittoallthevendors”.
Feederandrestockersteerssoldtovery strongcompetitionandsoughtafter heiferswithbreedingpotentialsoldtoa dearermarket.
Santaweanerstopsat Silverdale
QueenslandbeefproducerKateCahill wasallsmilesafterweanerssiredby TalgaiSantabulls,achievedoutstanding successatSilverdaleSaleyardsin southeastQueensland,takingout:
�� ChampionPenofHeifers–also awardedChampionPenofWeaners
�� ChampionPenofSteers
Theseresultsareastrongendorsement ofthequality,consistencyand temperamentcomingthroughKate’s cattleusingSantageneticsfromalocal SantaGertrudisseedstockproducer.
Ifyou’relookingtoachieveresultslikethese,youcanfindaSantaGertrudis breederontheSantaGertrudiswebsite
IfyouhaveresultstopromoteonFacebook,remembertotagSantaGertrudis Australiasowecanshareyournews.
TheodoreFeature BreedShow-one weektogo!
We are now only a week away from Theodore Show where Santa Gertrudis are Feature Breed.
Stud led judging commences at 8am on Tuesday,12 May. Judging will break for awarding of Stud Unled bull and Prime Beef classes through the day Pop into the Santa Gertrudis hospitality tent through the day.
Thanks to our generous sponsors who have donated $2,750 in prize money –Arioca Stud, Barcoo Santa Breeders Bull Sale Group, CPB Livestock Photography, Dangarfield Stud, Forest Park Stud, Insight Repro, Jamally Stud, Moongana Stud, Santahat Stud, Santalands Stud, Walmona Stud and Welsh’s Creek Stud.
For more information and for the program, go to the Santa Gertrudis website or click here.
Follow us on Facebook for regular updates from Theodore next week.
SantaGertrudisJudgingSchoolsareagreatwayto enhanceyourcattleassessmentskillswhilelearningin arelaxedandsupportiveenvironment.
Sannounced
BreakingNews:ASantaGertrudisJudging Schoolhasbeenconfirmedfor17–18Julyat DangarfieldCattleCo,theTaroom(Qld) propertyofmembersBenandAmandaAdams.
Judgingschoolsprovideparticipantsaged18 yearsandoverwiththeopportunitytofurther developtheircattleassessmentand managementskills,learningdirectlyfromSanta GertrudisexpertsincludingFieldDirectors, Councillors,leadingstudbreeders,commercial producersandlivestockagents.
WesincerelythankBenandAmandaAdamsfor generouslymakingtheirpropertyavailableas thehostvenue,andBreedStandards CommitteeChairScottHumphreysfor coordinatingtheevent.
Furtherdetails,includinghowtoapply,willbe sharedshortly—keepaneyeoutformore information.
WorldCongress Update
PlanningisadvancingontheSanta GertrudisWorldCongresstobeheld from3-12August2027.
TheSantaGertrudisWorldCongress 2027willbeamulti-site,multi-day programdesignedtomaximiseindustry engagementandregionalimpact.
Atitscentre,theCongresswilltella compellingstoryofhistory,partnership
andfuture-focusedproduction one thatoffersoutstandingvaluefor members,internationalguests,sponsors andstakeholdersseekingmeaningful engagementwithasignificantbreedof theAustralianbeefsupplychain.
Theinternationaleventcoincideswith our75 DiamondJubileeandwe’re excitedaboutbringingyoumoredetails overthecomingweeks.
Needaccommodation forthisyear’sEkka?
AspartofourpreparationsfortheWorld SantaGertrudisCongress,we’vebeen workingcloselywithseveralkeyBrisbane suppliers
OneoftheseisCllixApartmentsand Hotels,whichoffersmodernapartmentstyleaccommodationinandaroundthe BrisbaneCBD withmanylocations withineasywalkingdistanceoftheRNA Showgrounds.
ForEkka2026,Cllixisextendingan exclusiveoffertoSantaGertrudis members,with12%offthebestavailable rateforstaysduringtheshowperiod
Toaccessthediscount,simplyenterthe promocodewhenbooking.
Fulldetailsandbookinginstructionscan befoundontheadfeaturedinthis
Updateonpayment options
Aspaymentpracticescontinuetoevolveacross Australia,theuseofchequesisgraduallybeing reduced.
GarthWeatherallfrom Bartholomew&Co,Beaudesert. ImagebySusieCunningham, BeaudesertBulletin.
SantaGertrudis FeedlotTrial
Cattle entered for the Santa Gertrudis Weight Gain and Carcase Competition, organised by Garth Weatherall, Bartholomew & Co, Beaudesert have been inducted at Freestone Feedlot, Warwick, with about 440 head of Santa and Santa infused animals ready to feed in 70-day and 100-day programs.
About 22 producers have entered cattle into the competition, supported by the Santa Gertrudis Breeders’ (Australia) Association.
More updates will be provided as the competition progresses over coming weeks.
ThischangewilleventuallyaffectthewaySanta GertrudisBreeders’(Australia)Associationis abletoacceptpayments,particularlyfor memberswhohavetraditionallyusedcheques. Currently,wearestillabletoacceptAustralian cheques,howeverinternationalchequesareno longeraccepted.
Lookingahead,Australianchequeswillalsobe phasedoutinlinewithbroaderbanking changes.Whenthatoccurs,anycheque paymentsreceivedwillbereturnedwithadvice thatthispaymentmethodisnolonger available.
Tohelpensureasmoothtransition,we encouragememberstoconsideroneofthe followingpaymentoptions,allofwhichare currentlyavailable:
Banktransfer(detailsareincludedonyour invoice)
CashdepositataNABbranch(usingthe detailsprovidedonyourinvoice)
Creditcard,VisaDebitorDebitMastercard paymentsbycontactingouroffice
Ifyouhaveanyquestions,orwouldlike assistancechoosinganalternativepayment method,pleasedon’thesitatetogetintouch— we’reveryhappytohelp.