SANTA
VOLUME 11
NOVEMBER 2026
EXPRESS
EYES ON THE FUTURE Welcome to the November 2026 edition of Santa Express – news, information and updates from the Santa Gertrudis Breeders’ (Australia) Association uploaded on the first Monday of every month.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Youth Camp: Sponsorship opportunities available Kimberley Pilbara: Karratha conference hears more about Santas
Beef Australia: Promotional packages to open soon World Congress: Registration countdown begins
Better conversations, better outcomes At the time of writing, we are less than three days out from the new-look Members’ Forum in Dalby. Since our President Rick Greenup announced that our traditional Delegates’ Day would look different this year, I’ve been asked several times about why we’re taking this approach. One of the consistent messages I've heard from members over recent weeks is that while our traditional forums gave everyone the opportunity to speak, they didn't always give everyone the opportunity to be heard. Too often, discussions became focused on individual issues, past grievances or debates between a handful of voices. While those conversations have their place, they don't always help us identify the broader priorities, opportunities and actions that will move our Association forward. The Members’ Forum process we've adopted this year has been designed differently. Rather than relying on a single open-floor discussion, we've gathered input through surveys, online meetings and one-on-one conversations with independent facilitator Jo Eady. This has allowed members to contribute their views in a way that is thoughtful, constructive and accessible, regardless of their location or confidence in speaking before a large group.
The Forum itself will build on that work through structured discussions focused on outcomes rather than individual agendas. The goal is not simply to identify problems, but to agree on priorities, explore solutions and develop a clearer understanding of what members want their Association to deliver both now and into the future. No process is perfect, and healthy debate will always be part of a strong member organisation. But by creating an environment where more voices can be heard and where discussions are focused on finding common ground, we give ourselves the best chance of producing meaningful outcomes that benefit a broader cross-section of the membership. Thank you to everyone who has participated so far. Your willingness to engage in this process has already helped create a richer and more representative picture of where our Association stands today and where it should be heading tomorrow. We’re really looking forward to bring all of that together – and more – in Dalby this week. Brad Cooper General Manager Santa Gertrudis Breeders’ (Australia) Association
Shaping the future together More than 50 members, Councilors and staff are expected to gather in Dalby on 4 November for what will be one of the most important conversations about the future of our Association in recent years. Wednesday’s Members’ Forum at the Dalby Events Centre is the culmination of an extensive consultation process designed to give members every opportunity to contribute their thoughts, ideas and aspirations for Santa Gertrudis in Australia. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has participated so far through the member survey, video conferencing sessions and one-on-one conversations with independent facilitator Jo Eady.
While registrations have now closed, the conversation does not end in Dalby. A comprehensive summary of discussions, key themes and proposed actions will be shared with all members following the Forum, ensuring every member can understand the outcomes and contribute to the ongoing journey. Thank you to everyone who has embraced this new process. Your willingness to engage, share ideas and challenge us to think differently is helping shape a stronger future for the Santa Gertrudis Breeders' (Australia) Association. A reminder the day starts at 8.30 am with the Young Breeders Forum, finishing at 10am. The general members’ forum starts at 10.30am, finishing at 4pm.
The day will focus on two key questions: what members need from their Association today, and what they will need from it in the future. Discussions will explore the current state of the breed, the opportunities and challenges ahead, and the priorities that should guide the Association's next chapter.
Much of the day will involve small group work addressing specific topics that emerged as priorities for members during the survey and pre-forum process. However, two open sessions, allowing members to ask questions from the floor and offer comments have been included either side of the lunch break.
A dedicated Young Breeders Forum will also provide members aged 18-35 with the opportunity to discuss how the Association can remain relevant, responsive and attractive to future generations of Santa Gertrudis breeders.
We look forward to engaging in the conversation and bringing all of our members the outcomes achieved in follow-up communications.
Beef Australia 2027 update Planning for Beef Australia 2027 is continuing at pace, with the Organising Committee now putting the finishing touches on what promises to be an exciting and expanded presence for Santa Gertrudis at Australia's premier beef industry event. While there is still more to reveal, we're pleased to confirm that members will have the opportunity to display cattle within the Santa Gertrudis site at Beef 2027. A range of pen configurations and sizes will be available, providing flexibility for members wishing to showcase their cattle to the thousands of producers, commercial beef businesses and industry stakeholders expected to attend. Beyond cattle displays, we're developing a suite of enhanced marketing and promotional opportunities for members who want to maximise their investment and leverage the significant traffic that Beef Australia attracts. These packages will be designed to help participants tell their brand story more effectively, with options incorporating a mix of video, social media, digital and print publishing, creating the opportunity to extend promotion well beyond the boundaries of the event itself.
Visitors to the Santa Gertrudis site at Beef 2024.
For members looking to elevate their profile, connect with new commercial clients and showcase their genetics to a national and international audience, Beef 2027 will offer far more than just pen space. If you are interested in displaying cattle at the Santa Gertrudis site, please contact Brad Cooper, gm@santagertrudis.com.au to register your interest and discuss the options likely to be available. Further details, including pen configurations, marketing packages and participation opportunities, will be released in the coming weeks.
Important reminders Nominations for the Nutrien Cattle Championships open this month and nominations for the Stud Judging Competition will open in December.
National Youth Camp 2027 Update Preparations are well underway for the Santa Gertrudis National Youth Camp, and we're excited to report that registrations have exceeded expectations, with 130 young people aged 7 to 17 years already signed up to attend the camp at Morgan Park, Warwick, from 13-16 January 2027. Santa Gertrudis Youth Camp has become one of the premier youth cattle events in Australia, providing young people with hands-on learning opportunities, leadership development, lifelong friendships and valuable experience working with cattle in a supportive and welcoming environment.
In a significant boost for the event, Australian Community Media has been confirmed as the camp's Official Media Partner, helping us share the stories and achievements of our participants with a wider audience. We're also pleased to confirm that Nutrien Ag Solutions will once again facilitate the camp's popular semen auction, continuing a partnership they have delivered so professionally and successfully over many years. There are still opportunities for businesses and individuals to become involved. If you are interested in sponsoring the camp, aligning your brand with one of Australia's most successful cattle youth development programs, or donating cattle to ensure every participant has access to their own animal for the week, we would love to hear from you.
We're also delighted to welcome back several of our long-standing supporters, To register your interest, please contact along with several new sponsors who admin@santagertrudis.com.au. have recognised the value of investing in the next generation of the beef industry.
Youngsters enjoying Youth Camp in 2026.
Santa Gertrudis World Congress 2027 Update Planning continues to gather momentum for the Santa Gertrudis World Congress 2027, and we're now getting close to unveiling the full program for what promises to be a memorable celebration of our breed and industry. Set to run from 2-12 August 2027, the Congress is already generating strong interest both at home and abroad.
One exciting addition to the 2027 program will be a major feedlot trial, providing an opportunity to showcase the performance credentials of Santa Gertrudis cattle under commercial feeding conditions. With cattle inductions currently planned for May 2027, members are encouraged to start thinking now about suitable animals that may be entered into the trial. Further details on eligibility, timelines and trial parameters will be released as planning progresses.
We're currently in discussions with a number of potential sponsors and are encouraged by the enthusiasm being shown by our international Santa Gertrudis friends, many of whom are already making plans to join us in Australia for what is shaping up to be an The World Congress offers a once-in-aexceptional program of cattle, generation opportunity to showcase education, industry engagement and Australian Santa Gertrudis genetics, our fellowship. members, and our commercial industry to a global audience. We look forward to Members can expect to see our sharing more details soon and marketing and promotional campaign encouraging members to be part of this ramp up significantly in the coming landmark event. weeks as we build towards registrations opening in December.
Summer Santa Journal: Advertising Bookings Now Open Advertising bookings are now open for the December Summer edition of Santa Journal, with bookings closing on Friday, 13 November. We're pleased to welcome back Sheree Kershaw from Align Digital Marketing, who has returned to assist with advertising sales after a break this year. Wendy James is also coordinating bookings and artwork submissions, with all advertising material required by 20 November to ensure the magazine can be printed, mailed and delivered to members' letterboxes before Christmas. You can reach both Sheree and Wendy via media@santagertrudis.com.au
thank your buyers for their support and promote any upcoming sale activity in 2027. If you’ve been on the buyer side, what better time than to introduce that exciting young sire prospect you now have in the paddock! Santa Journal is one of the Association's most widely read member publications. It's an excellent platform to keep your operation front of mind with members across the country.
This edition will feature comprehensive To secure your advertising space, reports from the 2026 Spring bull selling contact the Association office before 13 season, making it an ideal opportunity to November.
Final Reminder: Advertising auction closes tonight A reminder to members that bidding for premium advertising positions in the 2027 editions of Santa Journal and the Santa Gertrudis Calendar remains open on AuctionsPlus.
Bidding closes at 6pm Eastern Standard Time tonight. Don't miss your chance to secure a premium position in two of the Association's flagship publications. Follow the link here to place your bid: https://auctionsplus.com.au/auctions/c harity/claim-your-place-in-history-thesanta-75th-ju/129142
Taking the Santa Gertrudis message to northern Australia A big thank you to Field Director Russell Smyth and the Western Australian members who recently represented the breed at the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen's Association Conference in Karratha, Western Australia. The conference provided an excellent opportunity to promote the strengths of Santa Gertrudis cattle and their suitability for the northern Australian pastoral industry, putting our breed in front of influential commercial producers from some of the country's largest and most challenging cattle production environments. Russell participated in a breed society panel discussion alongside representatives from other breeds, delivering a strong presentation on the commercial advantages of Santa Gertrudis genetics and the role they can play in improving productivity, adaptability and profitability in northern beef operations.
Chad Smith (left), Nutrien Ag Solutions and Glenn Hasleby, Biara Santa Gertrudis, Northampton.
Russell Smyth and Wendy Gould, Wendalla Santa Gertrudis, Bolgart, at the Santa Gertrudis stand.
Just as importantly, the event created valuable opportunities to connect directly with producers seeking more information about the breed. Those conversations have already generated new interest and strengthened relationships with pastoral businesses looking at genetics that can thrive in northern conditions. Promoting Santa Gertrudis in key commercial production regions remains an important part of the Association's work, and it's pleasing to see our breed represented so positively on the national stage.
Russell Smyth presenting at the KPCA in WA.
Thank you again to Russell and our Western Australian members for flying the Santa Gertrudis flag and helping build awareness of the breed across northern Australia.
Strathmore sale set to challenge the record books The Strathmore Santa Gertrudis Bull Sale is shaping up as one of the latest sales ever conducted on the Australian Santa Gertrudis calendar, after persistent rainfall across Central Western Queensland forced two postponements from its original 19 October date.
Michael Smith, Elders with Andrew and Amanda Walker at last year’s Strathmore sale.
"At least we'll be able to pay for the fuel we're spending mowing around the house yard," she joked. "You can almost If the sale proceeds as planned on 9 hear the grass grow. No sooner do you November at Ravensbourne, Blackall, it finish mowing than you have to start will be held just days short of the tidying it up again. The grass is just so anniversary of the first Santa Gertrudis thick and the country looks magnificent." sale conducted in Australia at Risdon, Warwick, on 14 November 1952. The Walker family will offer 120 Santa Traditionally, Strathmore's annual sale marks the final week of the Santa selling season, but this year Mother Nature has had other ideas. As of 2 November, the forecast was for a welcome run of dry weather through to the following Wednesday, raising hopes that the revised date will remain baked in. According to Strathmore co-principal Kerrie Walker, access to the property remains open and conditions continue to improve as the country dries out. While the delayed sale has tested everyone's patience, Kerrie says the family is looking forward to finally getting the event underway.
Gertrudis bulls, with the sale commencing at 12 noon, conducted by Elders and interfaced through AuctionsPlus.
Meanwhile, the same day will also see the inaugural Hughenden Bull Sale, a new multi-vendor, multi-breed event featuring Santa Gertrudis representation from two well-known members. Ken Sorensen, Landsborough Santas, Winton, and Nick Trompf, Tallangalook Stud, Atherton, will each offer six bulls as part of the catalogue. With improving conditions and strong cattle on offer, Santa buyers will have plenty to consider on 9 November as the successful 2026 sale season draws to a close.
Fresh Santa Gertrudis gear - order yours now! It's time to refresh your Santa Gertrudis wardrobe! We've put together a fantastic range of official Santa Gertrudis merchandise, now available through our Shopify online store. Whether you're heading to a sale, field day, campdraft, show or simply working around the property, there's something to suit everyone. The range includes: Men's and women's work shirts Polos Padded vests Caps Bucket hats
Shop the range and place your order here. Christmas orders Close Sunday, 8 November 2026 This is a special-order promotion, with all orders being placed with our suppliers once ordering closes. Merchandise is expected to be dispatched in time for Christmas, making it a great opportunity to update your wardrobe or organise a gift for the Santa Gertrudis enthusiast in your life. Looking ahead We're planning to offer our clothing and accessories range twice each year, with seasonal ordering opportunities in autumn and spring. Our future spring releases will also feature additional coldweather apparel and accessories.
If you know someone who'd love some With a variety of colours, styles and sizes fresh Santa Gertrudis gear, please share available, it's never been easier to show the link and spread the word. The more your support for the breed wherever you Santa colours we see out and about, the go. better!
The new Santa Gertrudis merchandise range.
7 December 2026
Next Issue
For the diary
4 November
Santa Gertrudis Members' Forum, Dalby Events Centre
5 November
Santa Gertrudis Council Meeting, Windsor Hotel, Dalby
8 November
Santa Gertrudis merchandise store Christmas orders close
19 - 20 November
Young Beef Producers Forum, Roma
Promote your stud, business or event Nobody ever sold a secret so if you have something to promote to the Santa Gertrudis community across Australia, then why not advertise in Santa Express or Santa Journal. The next Santa Express will be uploaded on Monday 7 December.
Key deadlines for the upcoming edition of Santa Journal are: Advertising booking deadline: 13 Nov Distributed: December Call Wendy James to book your advertising campaign – 07 3216 2708 or media@santagertrudis.com.au
Santa Gertrudis Breeders’ (Australia) Association www.santagertrudis.com.au PO Box 57, Geebung QLD 4034