INSIDE THIS ISSUE
SantaExpress:Newsletter nowonthewebsitewithad opportunities.
YouthCamp:130+ participantsatMorganPark; updatesonsocialmedia.
NewHire:CaritaHoldenjoins asDataAssistantonJan13, 2025.
FeedlotTrial:Startsnext monthinQLD;entrantsget performancedata.
WELCOMETOANEWYEAR ANDNEWLOOK
The Santa Gertrudis office in Geebung has re-opened, coinciding with the issue of a new-look Santa Express ahead of what promises to be a busy and productive 2025
We hope you all enjoyed the festivities of Christmas, and the season where you live has so far been favourable
At the end of last year, we reviewed how our electronic newsletter was being delivered and concluded that uploading directly to our website would be faster and more effective than emailing
Better still, the new format allows for advertising. if you’d like to advertise, please contact Maddison McCafferty by emailing sg@santagrertrudis.com.au
Santa Express will still be issued 12 times a year on the first Monday of every month, and now available to a wider audience
Brad Cooper, General Manager
Santa Youth Camp ready, set, go!
We’re exactly one week out from more than 130 young people and their families descending on Morgan Park, Warwick for four days of cattle camp fun and learning
Of course, no Santa Youth Camp would be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, with massive thanks to silver sponsor Queensland Country Life and bronze sponsors Zoetis, and Nutrien Ag Solutions, who are also providing auctioneer, Dustyn Fitzgerald, from their Dalby office
.We also thank donor sponsors Performance Feeds, Neogen, Riverina Stock Feeds, AuctionsPlus, Ross Martin, Datamars, George & Fuhrmann, B Feeders Feedlot, Offisder Ag Equipment, Warwick Budget Steel, Bulmer Family, Brigodoon Cattle Company and Kilcoy Global Foods, Duff Pastoral, Anipro and John Dee
More security for Youth Camp semen straw donors
A new process to eliminate the confusion and lack of clarity surrounding the registration of progeny from semen straw sales will be implemented for the first time at the Santa Youth Camp semen auction on Friday, January 17.
With the countdown on until the auction starts at 7.30pm (Qld time) on the camp’s last night, straw donors and buyers will have a clear and binding written contract in place spelling out exactly how many registrations will be authorised with each package sold. The number of authorised registrations will be noted on the animal information form in the sale catalogue.
Prized heifer awaits champion herder
SGB(A)A extends its sincere thanks to Daniel and Kasey Phillips of Murgona Stud, Taroom who have generously donated a heifer for the Champion Herdsperson at this year’s National Youth Camp.
The overall champion will take home Murgona Sprinkles S101 (P), an ideal candidate for an aspiring stud breeder on which to build their herd.
Feedlot trial given the nod
Enough Santa Gertrudis producers have expressed interest in participating in a feedlot trial scheduled to start next month in southeast Queensland.
The event was proposed late last year, with expressions of interest managed by the classifiers Russell Yeates and Russell Smyth before being closed on December 13.
Cattle from Queensland through to southern NSW will be bound for Pakaderinga Feedlot, Nanango, where the operators have committed to providing all entrants with full performance and carcase data under commercial feedlot conditions.
We’ll have further details next month.
Santa Judging School Confirmed
Save the dates March 14-16 in your diaries if you’re keen to learn some of the finer points of cattle assessment
Santa Gertrudis judging schools offer cattle producers a forum to assess their operations and breeding programs through presentations by guest speakers These sessions include lectures, practical demonstrations, and opportunities for participants to engage in discussions, ask questions, provide feedback, and share their selection criteria.
Learn judging etiquette and get tips on how to improve your commentary in the show ring, as well as receive insights on selecting and judging bulls, females and steers.
Held only once a year, the Santa Gertrudis Judging School is always in high demand. Places are limited to 30 people aged over 18.
The cost is $165 (inc GST) per person and covers all meals and camping on-site
Camping facilities are available at Broadwater Sales Complex, Yulgilbar stud, Baryulgil, NSW and include showers, toilets and kitchen facilities
Off-site accommodation is an option at the participant’s own cost.
Payment is due upon registration and registrations will be taken on a first in, first served basis. Registrations close on February 28
You can access the registration form here.
For more information contact Scott Ferguson on 0407 645 917
New data role appointed
Carita Holden will be joining our office team full time in 2025, starting on January 13 as our Data Assistant in the Geebung office, reporting to Registrar and Office Manager, Kaylene Mann
Carita comes to us with strong skills in data analysis and reporting, process optimisation, workflow automation, program design and client relationship building, all important attributes for supporting our members with datarelated operations.“I’m thrilled to be joining the Santa Gertrudis Breeders (Australia) Association as a Data Assistant, bringing together my passion for helping others and my love for streamlined solutions,” Carita said
“My career began in the equestrian world, where I worked as an equine veterinary nurse and later as a horseriding coach for the McIntyre Centre Riding for the Disabled.
“Just like coaching riders, managing processes requires identifying individual challenges, tailoring solutions, and focusing on practical outcomes,”
“I’ve developed skills in tools like Power BI to improve workflows and simplify tasks, all with the goal of saving time and resources I’m excited to meet members at events throughout the year, learn more about their work, and provide the support theyneed
“I look forward to contributing to this passionate team, understanding the unique challenges of the industry, and helping the Santa Gertrudis Breeders Association continue to thrive.”
Marcus Oldham scholarship open
Do you fancy having a crack at one of Australia’s most respected rural leadership programs?
Santa Gertrudis Australia is giving members or someone who works closely with the Santa Gertrudis breed, ideally aged between 25-35, the opportunity to receive a Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program scholarship valued at more than $4000.
The five-day program from April 27-May 2 will give you the skills and confidence to be a beef leader of tomorrow.
Applications are now open and close February 21, 2025.
For more information and to apply visit https://santagertrudis.com.au/youth/
VALE Ian
Dieckmeann
Veteran Santa Gertrudis stud breeder Ian Dieckmann, who enjoyed a successful breeding and showing career for more than three decades has died at 78, four days before Christmas.
Establishing the Keystone Santa Gertrudis Stud (No. 916) in 1970 in partnership with his wife Alison, Ian was active in breeding and showing cattle until the stud herd’s dispersal in 2001.
Ian’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, January 8 at 10am at Clifton Cemetery, Qld.
Let’s set the record straight! Things can change in 12 months.
That’s why at this time of year, before things get busy again, we’re asking you to update your member details with us
Changes to email addresses or phone numbers can sometimes be easily forgotten.
This is your opportunity to take stock and make sure we know how to find you. You can easily update your details by scanning this QR code and filling out the form or simply follow this link to enter your details https://forms.office.com/r/9XMHqq7Fb8
