Showgirls shine on the big stage
and other MPs.
Runner-up was South Burnett’s Carly Jaenke from and showgirl’s choice Shanika Tappert.
Read more about Carly’s experience on page 48
A twist to cotton
and
Showgirl
2025 Showgirl winners: showgirl’s choice Shanika Tappert, winner Aleacea Nixon,
runner-up Carly Jaenke. (Supplied)
The 2025/26 cotton season has begun for some growers, with the first planting starting around Emerald in the Central Highlands. And, in an interesting twist, many have just finished picking last season’s cotton.
FARM ANGELS pages 4-5
AG IN SCHOOLS pages 8-9
WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE pages 14-15
SOCIAL SCENE page 34
EKKA pages 36-42
REGIONAL MARKET ROUND-UP page 55
SPORT page 56
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New branch is top notch
By Fiona Gowers
With its confidence in agriculture brimming, Elders has opened a state-of-the-art branch in Toowoomba designed to deliver greater capacity, efficiency and service for rural clients across the region.
The new facility is set to be the headquarters for southern Queensland and a major distribution hub.
Purpose-built to meet growing demand, it includes a 1000-pallet warehouse to boost logistics and stock availability, a modern, fully-stocked retail store and an expansive outdoor display area for larger equipment and merchandise.
Speaking at the opening in August, Elders executive GM network Tom Russo said while the new site was “a big commitment, a big investment“, it was established with conviction given the current confidence underpinning the rural industry.
“I think right at the moment, in my view, it’s probably the most exciting time ever to be in agriculture,“ Mr Russo said.
“At the end of the day, if you look at what’s driving our industry and what’s going to drive our industry for the next 50 years, the fundamentals are amazing.
“You know, we’ve got a global population that’s well and truly on the march to hit that 10 billion by 2050, even with China slowing down.
“And then on our doorstep, we’ve got this demographic shift to a really big middle class in all of these Asian nations that we trade with. So we’re thinking 3.5 billion middle class people sitting in Asia come 2030.
“So, you think about that, 35 per cent of the world’s population is going to be sitting in our neighbouring countries, cashed up and moving towards a situation where they want higher quality food, they want higher quality fibres, they want safety.
“And who else is better to deliver that than Australia? So I think investing now to participate in that supply response to that amazing demand
The cake says it all ...
is a truly, really exciting opportunity.
Elders Toowoomba welcomed more than 250 clients, suppliers and community members to celebrate the official opening of its new branch on Tuesday, 12 August.
Reflecting on the day, Toowoomba branch manager Thomas Stevens said the event showcased both the high standard of the facility and the people behind it.
“The response from the community has been fantastic,” he said.
“This facility allows us to provide an even greater level of service and efficiency and it was great to celebrate that with so many of our clients, suppliers and friends.
“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Elders south east Queensland area manager Mark McNamee said the branch reflects Elders’ commitment to the region.
“The Toowoomba team is passionate about delivering the full range of Elders services,“ he said.
“From rural products, agronomy and livestock to real estate and financial services. All backed by a state-of-the-art facility. It’s a real asset for the region,” Mark said.
Agricultural education is pleasingly becoming fundamental for future learning in regional Queensland schools.
At Aldridge State High in Maryborough, for example, its agricultural department, which began in 1992, combines handson learning with real-world relevance. Students there work on a fully-equipped three-hectare facility that boasts a greenhouse, hydroponics and machinery, giving them early exposure to the agricultural economy that shapes their community.
Further south, Boonah State High’s Paddock to Plate initiative offers an outstanding example of cross-disciplinary innovation. Students grow, prepare and serve produce in a coordinated event involving agriculture, hospitality, business, IT, design and the arts, strengthening skills that span technical know-how, culinary arts and marketing.
Meanwhile, at Toogoolawah State High, a new $40,000 greenhouse, which provides a protected learning space for produce such as zucchini and lettuce, is more than infrastructure; it’s a statement of commitment to agriculture.
As the principal emphasised this year, it gives students a chance to experience industry at school, fostering understanding and engagement.
These programs aren’t just boxes ticked in a curriculum, they matter. A lot. They connect students to the land, equip them with practical skills and open pathways to jobs in agribusiness. Indeed, programs such as CQUniversity’s Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools reinforce this, offering mentorship, ag-tech resources and school-based trainee opportunities.
For regional Queensland, where agriculture underpins community and economy, these school programs are vital. They nurture the next generation of producers, innovators and entrepreneurs and ensure industry and regional resilience.
- Fiona Gowers
Elders has opened a state-of-the-art branch in Toowoomba. (Jane Lowe)
Lloyd Janke, Peranga Brian Mulkerin, Gowrie Junction, Robert Ciesolka, Southbrook and Denis Janke, Peranga at the branch opening in Toowoomba. All started as Elders clients in 1970.
Elders’ executive general manager network Tom Russo officially opens the branch in Toowoomba.
Planting as picking ends
The 2025/26 cotton season has begun for some growers, with the first planting starting around Emerald in the Central Highlands.
And, in an interesting twist, many have just finished picking last season’s cotton.
Emerald grower Aaron Kiely has already planted 70 hectares of an initial 95ha due to soil moisture levels and increasing temperatures after deciding to grow-on part of his cotton crop last season.
“We had to do the calculations to see if it would be viable, but we chose to harvest some and grow-on other cotton for up to 90 days and that meant we were picking last season’s crop only days before planting this season’s in another field.”
Growing cotton-on can mean additional inputs in water, fertiliser, herbicide and defoliation but Aaron is pleased he decided to go ahead, resulting in good fruit loads, strong growth and a substantially improved yield.
“I started planting last Friday (14 August) because the timing was right for us,“ he said. “The seed beds are in great condition with good moisture levels and soil health has been enhanced by the rotation of mung beans.
“In February we mulched and root cut after harvesting and that assisted with the stubble breakdown, adding to the soil condition, so we are confident, despite not having access to much water, that this crop will be worthwhile.”
Other growers are expected to begin planting cotton over the coming days as temperatures increase with higher temperatures both at night and during the day, helping seeds to germinate.
Ross Burnett is planning on planting about 840ha of cotton across two farms however with no water allocation yet, he is hopeful of some rain.
“We have some water saved and carried on from last year and we will use that for some of the cotton, but we have to take a calculated risk and hope that rainfall, inflows and a possible allocation will help the rest of the crop.”
Planting for cotton in much of New South Wales and Queensland normally takes place in October, with picking starting across most farms in late March or throughout April, but this can vary dramatically with cotton now being grown in some part of the country across the year.
Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray said the signs for this season were positive, with Australia’s 1500 cotton growers - 90 per cent of them family farmers - expecting to generate about 4 million bales across Australia generating $2.7 billion for the economy.
“This year we are expecting about 400,000 green hectares to be planted, predominantly in New South Wales and Queensland with crops also being planted in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.”
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Emerald cotton grower Aaron Kiely in the field with AGnVET rural agronomist Ellie Amory.
Cotton bolls.
Cotton Australia regional manager Robyn Lehmann and Emerald cotton grower Aaron Kiely. (Supplied)
Touched by Farm Angels
By Fiona Gowers
Kingaroy farmer Kate Cosh thought she had lost everything - her job, her home, her cattle - but nothing - nothing - compared to the moment she lost her vision.
After Kate was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) doctors were thankfully able to restore her sight but her livelihood on the land was at risk.
Farm Angels were a lifeline for Kate and her two young boys. Now, she’s giving back as an ambassador for Flanno for a Farmer.
“I can tell you one thing, if Farm Angels hadn’t helped me when they did, I wouldn’t be where I am now,“ she said.
“And I’ve stepped up, I’m following my dream. I haven’t gone backwards, I’ve gone forwards. And that’s because Farm Angels believed in me.
“And, another thing to get through life, whether it’s a happy time, sad time or in the middle, you need the team of people. It’s your friends, it’s your family that you have around you.
“And each family member or friend has their own little niche of helpfulness.“
Kate is a single mother of two boys and a cattle farmer from Kingaroy.
In 2021, she lost her job, house and car.
Kate then lost one of the few things she had left - her cattle - after they were riddled with ticks. Already hanging on by a thread, she was hit hard by drought and came dangerously close to running out of hay.
Amid the heartache of losing her cattle, Kate experienced extreme fatigue, something she just passed off as a reaction to the long hours she was working to make ends meet.
Then, one day, Kate began to lose her vision. She immediately sought medical help where she was later diagnosed with MS.
Thankfully, doctors were able to restore the vision she had lost, but warned that rest was essential to prevent future flare-ups. Kate knew she would struggle with the idea of “rest“ when it came to her livelihood.
While managing her MS and struggling to keep her cattle alive, Kate sold her property to buy a more mobile-friendly property where she did everything - built the house, did the mustering, the trucking, the plumbing - all herself.
During this time, Kate was still struggling to put food on the table for her two young boys, Hunter, 16 and Fletcher, 14. While the MS diagnosis brought clarity, it also forced Kate to plan carefully for her health and future.
Her two boys work tirelessly at home with little reward, noting that even small treats such as packets of lollies or chips were out of their budget.
“The two little cherubs have literally been with me through everything,“ Kate said. “So wherever I go, those two have been glued to me. I homeschool them and we all work on the farm together.“
The stress of her situation caused her MS flared up again, this time she started to lose feeling in her legs.
Following her second flare-up, Kate had to
undergo chemotherapy for her MS.
She felt like she had no one to turn to, no family or friends close by who could assist her in the darkest of times. That’s when Farm Angles came into Kate’s life, delivering a Christmas hamper and visiting Kate’s property.
“They sat with me on my verandah and listened to me. They bought the chemicals that killed the ticks off my cattle, they bought food for my kids, I can’t thank them enough. Without them over the past year, I wouldn’t be here.”
Farm Angels have since given Kate the support that has enabled the purchase of cattle im-
munisations, saving poddy calves and helped her get back on her feet.
Kate is an ambassador for Farm Angels’ upcoming campaign Flanno for a Farmer fundraising campaign, which calls on Australians to don their best flannelette shirt and raise money for farming families in need.
“I was very close to going under, mentally and physically and they (Farm Angels) were my team,“ she said.
“It wasn’t a machine on the end of the phone, it was a compassionate voice. Not only that, they always followed up. I’ve even had one ’Angel’ sit
on my bed and have a coffee with me.
“There’s a lot of phone calls, it’s real. It’s not a feel good moment, we’ve given you this package, here’s a little bit of money, move on.
“They actually follow up and then follow up again.
“I’ve gone through another bit of a drama and it was really terrible, it was not fun, what I went through. I pulled myself through it and I didn’t need anyone.
“However, I knew Farm Angels were there and I knew they were genuine.
“They mean the world to me.“
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Farm Angels were a lifeline for Kingaroy farmer Kate Cosh and her two young boys. Now, she’s giving back as an ambassador for Flanno for a Farmer. (Supplied)
Comiskey Group helps out
By Fiona Gowers
Queensland-based family-owned hospitality and entertainment giants Comiskey Group last month outbid all parties to secure a 350 kilogram purebred Tasmanian Hereford steer at the Ekka.
Paul Comiskey personally bid $8000 on behalf of the family who own a number of iconic venues such as Eaton’s Hill Hotel, Sandstone Point Hotel, The Imperial in Eumundi, The Doonan and the newly-opened Dakabin Hotel.
“For a long time I’ve loved the work that Farm
Angels has done to support farmers from across Australia and the sole reason for me to go to the Ekka this week was to ensure we won the auction,“ Mr Comiskey said.
“I spoke to Liam Richards the night before the auction and told him it would take a lot to outbid me because we really wanted to ensure the Hereford steer got a good price and the money would go to support the amazing work of Farm Angels.
“I’m from Emerald originally and I know what it’s like to live and work on the land, it can get lonely at times and it’s good to know that organ-
isations like Farm Angels are out there to support farmers and their families when they need it most.
“The Hereford will be processed at Nolans in Gympie and delivered to our butcher store at Eatons Hill and then distributed to our various pubs across north Brisbane,” Paul said.
Liam Richards said he was blown away with the success of the auction, which far exceeded his expectations.
“We had a number of people bidding, in-
cluding several hospitality identities, but I knew it would take something special to outbid Paul Comiskey,“ Mr Richards said.
“This was a real team effort to make this fundraiser a success and it’s great to support the incredible work of Farm Angels.
“I’d like to thank everyone who put in a bid at the auction and a big vote of thanks goes to the Comiskey Group whose generosity and leadership within the community continues to make a real impact across the state.“
BUILT TO WORK AND PLAY HARD
The Comiskey group topped the bidding at $8000 to secure the 350kg purebred Tasmanian Hereford steer auctioned at the Ekka to raise funds for Farm Angels. (Supplied)
Rural doctors get together
By Fiona Gowers
Rural doctors from across Queensland and interstate met in Stanthorpe last month for specialist hands-on Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) training.
Hosted at Stanthorpe Hospital, the event — organised by ACRRM - focused on equipping 14 rural generalists (RGs) with practical ultrasound skills tailored to their unique practice needs.
The full-day workshop capped attendance to ensure high-quality, supervised instruction.
Led by experienced rural clinicians and ultrasound specialists, attendees rotated through six skill stations, covering:
• Trauma assessment using eFAST
• First-trimester obstetric scans to confirm viability
• Guided vascular access
• Musculoskeletal and abscess scanning for infection
• Compression scans for DVT
• Systematic lung ultrasound protocols.
Lead instructor Professor Kambiz Bahaadinbeigy said hands-on training helped RGs build confidence using ultrasound in everyday practice.
He said RGs learnt how to assess injuries, check veins for drips, scan during pregnancy and examine the heart, lungs and joints like the shoulder, elbow and knee.
“Training in places like Stanthorpe helps doctors learn in an environment that reflects where they actually work - it’s more relatable than being in a metro hospital,” Professor Kambiz Bahaadinbeigy said.
“ACRRM undertakes training in regional and rural centres across Australia, transporting specialist equipment, which is usually only available in cities.
“It gives doctors the skills to assess and treat patients locally, rather than sending them long distances, reducing the time away from their communities.
“We’re showing that high-quality medical education doesn’t just happen in cities—it can hap-
pen anywhere.”
Professor Kambiz Bahaadinbeigy is an emergency medicine doctor, experienced in using ultrasound in time-critical situations. His facilitation team in Stanthorpe included Dr Allan Whitehead, a highly skilled emergency physician in ultrasound and Dr Siew Goh, an RG and Fellow of ACRRM.
For many RGs, access to specialist imaging such as CT or MRI may be unavailable.
With mobile ultrasound equipment supplied on-site, trainees gained hands-on exposure rather than purely theoretical instruction. Observing peers and practising under guidance helped solidify both image acquisition and interpretation skills — essential for rural clinics, emergency departments and mobile health teams.
RG Chantel van Werkum said the training in Stanthorpe Hospital was “highly beneficial“.
“Travel is always challenging with a young family and balancing two workplaces. Having it convenient increases the likelihood more local practitioners attend and we can consolidate our skills as a local team.
“I can see myself using this (training) most of my hospital shifts.“
Ms van Werkum said a particular highlight for her was fluid assessments, which were helpful when managing serious infections (sepsis) and balancing chronic disease management.
Based in Stanthorpe, Ms van Werkum works part time at the Stanthorpe Hospital and in private practice as a local GP.
She studied at the University of Queensland,
through the Toowoomba Rural Clinical School.
“I previously worked as a pathology scientist providing locum coverage to rural Queensland,“ Ms van Werkum said.
“This started an interest in rural medicine, which was consolidated through rural experiences in medical school and then by early career training in Stanthorpe and Goondiwindi.“
RGs working in settings similar to Stanthorpe, these hands-on POCUS workshops not only refine clinical acumen —they empower practitioners to deliver faster, more accurate care across time-critical or isolated contexts.
The Stanthorpe event stands as a model for delivering practical, context-relevant education that strengthens rural healthcare capability and resilience.
Western Downs GP care boosted through the region
Junior doctors from southern Queensland will have the chance to experience the life of a rural general practitioner as part of a new placement program on the Western Downs.
Darling Downs Health’s Dr Samaar Alva was recently welcomed to the team at the Wambo Medical Centre in Jandowae, as part of the John Flynn Prevocational Doctor Program (JFPDP).
The medical centre has become the fourth GP clinic on the Darling Downs to employ interns.
Dr Alva said he was excited to learn as much as possible about working as a GP in a rural setting.
“General practice is so broad, you get to learn about little bits of everything,” Dr Alva said.
“It’s important to learn how rural healthcare is done and how that’s different from someone who has access to like a major hospital such as Toowoomba.”
Darling Downs Health executive director of Medical Services Dr Liam Flynn said the program demonstrated the Health Service’s strong commitment to rural communities and the rural medical workforce.
“The advantages for the Jandowae community, the rural medical workforce and Darling Downs Health are significant,” said Dr Flynn.
“This year, 85 per cent of our first-year doctors will spend at least one of five terms working and learning in a rural hospital or rural GP practice.”
Wambo Medical Centre practice owner Dr Luke Dwyer said it was fantastic having a Darling Downs Health junior doctor there.
“Having that extra set of hands, that extra trained eye, that extra person who can assess, evaluate and manage a patient presenting in
general practice has been huge,” said Dr Dwyer. Dr Dwyer said he hoped programs such as JFPDP would continue to expose junior doctors to rural medicine.
“If they have an understanding of what it’s like to be a patient from a rural area, they will have a greater understanding and greater connection with those patients.”
The JFPDP, which began in 2023, provides primary care rotations for eligible hospitalbased prevocational and junior doctors in regional, rural and remote areas and is designed to increase exposure and interest in rural general practice.
The JFPDP receives funding under the Australian Government’s Federation Funding Agreement.
Dr Luke Dwyer and Dr Samaar Alva. (Supplied)
Professor Kambiz Bahaadinbeigy. (Supplied)
Rural generalist Chantel van Werkum.
Choppers claim Ekka glory
By Julian Lehnert
North and South Burnett woodchoppers have once again left their mark on the Ekka this year, taking out an Australian title, several runners-up, and a ’Champion of Champions’ trophy.
The woodchop at the 2025 Royal Queensland Show began on Saturday 9 August and concluded a week later on 16 August.
Several Burnett axemen and -women took to the arena to chop for gold.
Their efforts paid off: Blackbutt’s Mitch Argent claimed the 325mm standing block Australian championship, edging out Toowoomba’s Brayden Meyer and Jake Dingle from Mundubbera for the title.
Argent also took out first place in the first division of the Open 300mm standing block handicap and second in the Open 300mm standing block Royal Queensland Show championship.
Together with his partner Anne Paterson, Argent further came third in the Jack and Jill 375mm double-handed sawing Australian championship.
Paterson, who came runner-up in the women’s 275mm underhand Australian championship event at the Ekka, was named the Queensland Axemen’s Association’s 2025 Champion of Champions, retaining the perpetual trophy for the fourth year in a row.
The Burnett also chalked up a number of other woodchop wins at the Ekka. Okeden’s seasoned axeman Craig Wagner won the veteran’s 275mm underhand handicap, with his son Bryan taking out first in the open 300mm treefelling handicap event.
The pair also dominated the father-and-son 250mm combination relay event, finishing in first place after a hard double-feature of underhandand standing block chopping.
Craig Wagner was also named one of two new life members of the Queensland Axemen’s Association at this year’s Ekka, accepting the honour alongside John Gossow.
Rodney Dingle from Mundubbera took out first place in the second division of the 250mm open standing block handicap, coming runner-up in the open 275mm underhand as well as the father-and-
son relay won by the Wagners, where he competed with Jake Dingle.
The podium placements at this year’s Ekka
achieved by Burnett locals are:
325mm Standing Block Australian Championship
• First: Mitch Argent
• Third: Jake Dingle
350mm Underhand Australian Championship
• Second: Jake Dingle
Open 300mm Underhand Handicap
• Third: Jake Dingle
Open 275mm Underhand Handicap
• Second: Rodney Dingle
Veterans 275mm Underhand Handicap for Competitors 60 years and over
• First: Craig Wagner
Womens 275mm Underhand Championship of Australia
• Second: Anne Paterson
Open 300mm Standing Block Royal
Queensland Show Championship
• Second: Mitch Argent
• Third: Jake Dingle
Open 325mm Standing Block Handicap (First Division)
• Third: Brodie Dingle
Open 300mm Standing Block Handicap (First Division)
• First: Mitch Argent
• Second: Jake Dingle
Open 250mm Standing Block Handicap (Second Division)
• First: Rodney Dingle
Open 300mm Treefelling Handicap
• First: Bryan Wagner
Open 325mm Treefelling Championship of Australia
• Second: Bryan Wagner
Open 400mm Relay Handicap (Teams of Two)
• Second: Brodie Dingle and Bryan Wagner
Father and Son 250mm Combination Relay Handicap - Underhand and Standing
• First: Bryan and Craig Wagner
• Second: Jake and Rodney Dingle
Jack and Jill 375mm Double Handed Sawing Handicap
• Third: Jake Dingle and Emma Maxwell
Jack and Jill 375mm Double Handed Sawing Championship of Australia
• Third: Mitch Argent and Anne Paterson Women’s Champion of Champions: Anne Paterson
Blackbutt woodchopper Anne Paterson claimed her fourth straight win of the Queensland Axemen’s Association’s Champion of Champions trophy. (Head First Photos)
Square Meaters at Aldridge
By Fiona Gowers and Jane Lowe
Aldridge State High School in Maryborough isn’t just focused on academic and cultural excellence, it’s also home to a thriving Square Meaters stud, giving students hands-on agricultural experience.
The school’s dedicated agriculture department, established in 1992, supports a range of practical learning facilities — including a beef production herd — as part of its vocational curriculum.
This program enables students to breed, groom and show cattle under guided, real-world conditions.
Square Meaters — a breed celebrated for its manageable temperament and suitability for schooling environments — are showcased by Aldridge State High in local and regional shows.
Most recently, at the Kilcoy Show in July, the school’s cattle team achieved impressive results with six of its show cows, three steers, two heifers and a bull.
Their heifer “Violet” claimed Champion Junior Square Meaters Female, while the steer “Valentino” placed third in his class and their bull Ulysses came second in his class.
Student Logan placed third in the Junior Prime Judging against a tough field while the Aldridge State High School team won the Junior Herdsman’s award, which is judged on presentation, teamwork and independence throughout the show.
This success follows earlier highlights when the school’s Square Meaters stud earned top honours at agricultural showcases, including multiple stud cow awards at the Sunshine Coast Show, Toowoomba Show, Beef Australia 2024 and Ekka 2025.
These achievements reflect both strong student engagement and careful breeding of the Square Meaters.
Mr Yates said the support the school had received from the Square Meaters Association of Queensland, alongside all studs, had been “very pleasing“.
“We know we have a whole team behind us,“ he said. “They have helped develop the students in all aspects of breeding.
“For example, the society organised a clipping day and, prior to that, a showing day, which was sponsored by the Rotary group in Redlands. Travis and Julie Issepi organised a handler and junior judging day and Brian Surawski, formerly of Highchester Meats, did a session on selecting Burcher steers and breeds of cattle for prime beef.“
Also, Lachlan Howland of Golden Pastoral lent Aldridge State High School a bull, allowing them to infuse excellent Victorian genetics through its herd.
“The Aldridge Farm manager, Mr Hillier has worked closely with breeders and other schools in creating a rotation system with our bulls, which will allow us new genetics at a very low cost as we do not have to purchase new bulls each year,“ Mr Yates said.
“The sire rotation, supported by our team and the society’s breeders, has allowed us to venture into new genetics.“
Participation in the Square Meaters program brings more than accolades — it fosters responsi-
bility, confidence and industry knowledge.
Students learn everything from animal husbandry and nutrition to exhibition standards,
developing skills that prepare them for careers or further studies in agriculture.
Indeed, the Square Meaters stud at Aldridge
New director of boarding for TAS
Toowoomba Anglican School (TAS) is delighted to announce the appointment of Kyle Langman as its director of boarding in term four.
Mr Langman brings more than 15 years of experience in leading and transforming boarding programs across Queensland, the United Kingdom and South Africa.
Currently serving as head of leadership (boys and girls) and head of year 12 boys’ boarding at The Rockhampton Grammar School, Kyle has an impressive record of fostering inclusive, values-driven residential communities that enable students to flourish academically, socially and personally.
In addition to his strong Queensland boarding school leadership, Mr Langman’s career has taken him to internationally respected institutions, including Cothill House in Oxford and Maritzburg College in South Africa.
His global perspective has shaped an approach that blends the best of Australian board-
ing traditions with innovative practices from leading schools worldwide.
TAS principal Nick Johnstone said Mr Langman’s appointment marked an exciting new chapter for boarding at TAS.
“At TAS, boarding is more than an accommodation house – it’s a home where young people are known, valued and inspired to grow,” Mr Johnstone said.
“Kyle’s proven ability to build exceptional boarding cultures, his international outlook and his deep commitment to student wellbeing will ensure our boarding continues to set the benchmark across Australia.
“I am thrilled to welcome him to the TAS executive team as we build on our proud legacy of exceptional care and opportunity for our boarders.”
Mr Langman’s leadership philosophy is centred on authenticity and purposeful connection,
qualities he has embedded in his current school.
His work has empowered students and staff alike, fostering environments where young people are encouraged to lead themselves, collaborate with others and make a positive impact on their communities.
Reflecting on his new role, Mr Langman shared:
“The opportunity to shape a ‘second home’ for young people at TAS is a privilege.
“My family and I are excited to join the Toowoomba Anglican School community and to work alongside staff, students and families to ensure our boarding program is warm, inclusive and transformational.“
Kyle Langman has been appointed director of boarding at Toowoomba Anglican School. He is pictured with his wife Monique and their children, Nathan and Hannah. (Supplied)
State High School is more than a school project, it’s a celebrated educational initiative that cultivates excellence, builds confidence and prepares students for agricultural futures.
Supreme Champion Square Meaters female, Rosellino’s Violet, owned and shown by Aldridge State High School (Beau Gordon handling). Violet was bred by Eric Ross, Rosellino’s Square Meaters, Loganholme. (Supplied)
Members of the Aldridge State High School Ag Team representing their stud, The Ridge Square Meaters, at the Ekka. The team is pictured with their Supreme Champion Square Meaters female, Rosellino’s Violet, bred by Eric Ross, Rosellino’s Square Meaters. From left, S. Manski, M. McKinnon, N. Woods, C. Yates, S. Hillier, G. Hillier, D. Hillier and B. Gordon. The Ridge Square Meaters: “Headquarters for Hindquarters”. (Supplied)
Guiding young enthusiasts
By Fiona Gowers
At Boonah State High School’s Cattle Club, students gain hands-on experience preparing cattle for competitions — thanks, in part, to support from Jamie Gadsby of Talgai Santa Gertrudis.
Over the past three years, Mr Gadsby has enjoyed mentoring the year seven to 12 students. He helps with teaching the practical tasks such as cattle preparation before and during shows, exposing them to real industry standards, ring etiquette, grooming, parading and show presentation.
“My best mate Aidan Richters, head of department of Trade and Industry, which includes the Cattle Club and Agriculture at Boonah State High said, ’I want to get the cattle side of things going again’.
“This is when the idea of the Cattle Club came to life and I said that I would see how we could help the vision become a reality.
“It’s excellent for the students, there is a really good group of kids who are excelling.
“And, for me, it’s brought back a bit of passion to the show ring.
“The kids have even embraced my own daughter who is 10 and she has become a bit of an honorary addition to the Cattle Club team.
“The partnership with Boonah State High has also been beneficial to the Talgai team and we really enjoy seeing the kids excel and try new things.“
The Cattle Club boasts 60 students from year seven to year 12 who attend a lesson on Friday. Within that group, 30 students form the Show Team, which also attends a lesson on Tuesday.
“It gives them confidence in agriculture and provides networking opportunities with industry professionals, which can open career paths for the students,“ said Mr Richters.
“Pleasingly, we have noticed an increased engagement in years 11 and 12 as students want to stay at school and be involved with the Cattle Club.
“We could not do this without community support.“
Boonah State High School students certainly have the track record to show the benefits.
Its Show Team has won awards in events such as FarmFest, Beefweek 2024 and EKKA 2024/25, with one of the school’s steers winning a broad ribbon with Reserve Champion Carcass.
These successes point to the quality preparation and confidence built through behind the scenes mentoring and hands-on practice.
Meanwhile, Boonah’s broader Paddock to Plate initiative — melding agriculture, hospitality and industrial technology — demonstrates the
school’s commitment to real- world learning.
Students raise and prepare school-grade beef for community dinners, with industry partners engaging in project mentoring and collaboration.
Meanwhile Talgai, under the leadership of Malcolm and Chick Gadsby, is deeply embedded in youth education through the Santa Gertrudis breed network.
Indeed, support from local studs such as Talgai enhances that experience by bridging classroom theory with live animal practice.
Talgai’s ethos emphasises breeding cattle that are easy to manage, good-tempered and adapt-
able — traits ideal for teaching young handlers’ best practices in cattle presentation and welfare.
By offering mentorship on animal care, grooming and show ring etiquette, Jamie Gadsby helps translate industry standards into student skill.
The result: Boonah students enter competitions such as FarmFest and Ekka with confidence, preparation and polish — and produce successful outcomes.
This partnership underscores the value of stud school support in nurturing community-based agricultural leaders.
2.9m / 9.5 under
Boonah State High School’s Cattle Club celebrates its success at the Rosewood Show. (Supplied)
Demand drives clearance
By Kate Boshammer JK Cattle Co
Buyers from across Queensland and northern New South Wales converged on Condamine on Monday 4 August, for the fourth annual JK Cattle Company bull sale.
Vendors Justin and Kate Boshammer recorded a complete clearance across the 78 bulls offered, averaging $11,923 overall.
Angus and Brangus bulls shared top-price honours, each reaching $24,000, with solid prices throughout the catalogue.
The Angus offering averaged $12,813 across 48 bulls, while 16 Brangus and Ultrablacks averaged $12,500, and 12 younger Wagyu bulls averaged $8583, topping at $16,000.
Bulls sold into a wide range of regions and production systems, reflecting the stud’s growing reputation for fertile, balanced sires bred from a commercially relevant program.
Repeat buyers once again featured prominently alongside many new clients, with strong feedback on the quality and consistency of the offering.
The sale kicked into action with the Angus opening lot selling for the equal top price of $24,000.
The 23-month-old JK Cattle Co Understandable U663 weighed 868kg, and was a popular pick for his natural muscle expression, volume, soundness and temperament.
He was secured by repeat clients, Ted and Jenny Murphy, Tayglen Station, Dysart.
The Murphy family have experienced success with JK sires, including progeny featuring in their wins in the recent Central Queensland Carcase Classic.
Lot 27 was the Brangus bull to equal the sale’s top price of $24,000, and sold to repeat clients
and Kira
JK Cattle Co Unlimited U517 weighed 828kg at 23 months, and was a standout in the JK Brangus breeding program to date.
The bull’s unique blend of exceptional phenotype, structure and balanced EBVs made him an ideal prospective A.I. sire, with a limited quantity of semen sold to other seedstock operations prior to the sale, and some retained for in-herd use.
Joining Unlimited U517 for bull breeding duties at Bogarella was lot 34, JK Cattle Co Unmatched U575.
Unmatched offered a rare combination of breed-leading EBVs and an appealing phenotype, and sold for $16,000.
A quantity of semen was also sold prior to the auction and retained in this sire. In total, Reddan
Organic Beef purchased four Brangus bulls for an average $14,500.
The Wagyu offering topped at $16,000 for lot 89, a polled purebred. The 15-month-old JK Cattle Co V057 was out of a fullblood cow, and in the top 5% for Breeder Feeder Index.
He was selected as one of six bulls purchased by Julie-Ann Brown, Heart2J Cattle Company, Spring Creek, Jericho.
The sale concluded with the traditional offering of Zara’s Day charity lots in memory of Justin and Kate’s baby daughter.
The Diamantina Grass Fed rib fillet and Diamantina Wagyu striploin lots donated by Stanbroke raised $6450 for the Steve Waugh Foundation and the Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland Section.
Agents: Ray White Livestock Dalby, GDL, Stocklive and guest auctioneer Wayne York.
Stuart
Reddan, Reddan Organic Beef, Bogarella, Augathella.
The sale day team included Phillip Lambert, Emer Marsh, Cian Maguire, Scott Fry, Lydia Newbury, Kate and Justin Boshammer, Mark Bowtell, and Bruce and Jess Collyer.
Kate and Justin Boshammer of JK Cattle Company, Condamine. (Supplied)
Building nation’s backbone
By Jane Lowe
In a country known for its tough climate - and equally tough people - it’s no surprise that Australians expect their buildings to stand up to anything nature can throw at them.
That’s exactly what True Blue Sheds, a proudly Australian-owned company, delivers — durable, reliable sheds built to withstand the extremes of life under the Southern Cross.
Founded more than a decade ago, True Blue Sheds has grown from a small regional operation into a national leader in the design and supply of premium steel shed kits.
With more than 1000 satisfied customers and 26 delivery locations across Australia, the company has made a name for itself by staying true to its roots — supporting local manufacturing, providing top-tier service and engineering sheds to suit every environment from the coast to the outback.
“We’re not just selling sheds — we’re providing protection for what matters most to Aussies: their homes, their farms, their animals and their businesses,” says managing director Ashley Barrett, who has more than 12 years’ experience in the shed industry.
Using 100 per cent Australian-made BlueScope steel and genuine COLORBOND® or ZINCALUME® cladding, every True Blue Shed is engineered for strength and longevity.
Whether it’s a machinery shed on a remote cattle station, a horse stable in the Snowy Mountains or a solar-ready structure on a self-sufficient property, the company’s mission is clear: build it once, build it right and build it to last. Built for the bush — and beyond True Blue Sheds offers a vast array of shed solutions designed to meet the unique demands of
rural Australia. Their popular farm shed range includes hay storage, open gable sheds, dairy sheds, shearing sheds and heavy-duty machinery sheds.
“Farmers don’t have time for weak structures,” says Mr Barrett. “They need reliability and that’s what we deliver — sheds that go the distance in the most unforgiving conditions.”
Each shed is customisable down to the millimetre, thanks to advanced design software that considers everything from wind region to terrain category.
Customers can choose from various roof pitches, spans from three metres to 25m-plus awnings, insulation, skylights, vermin-proofing and more.
And it’s not just farmers who benefit. The company also supplies custom sheds for residen-
tial clients, small businesses, tradespeople, and even off-grid solar installations.
Safe, certified, and fully compliant
True Blue Sheds holds ShedSafe® accreditation, which means every design is independently audited and meets or exceeds the stringent standards set by the Australian Steel Institute.
They also provide free site-specific engineering and all necessary certification documents for council approval.
“Safety and compliance are non-negotiable for us,” Mr Barrett explains. “It’s one of the reasons customers keep coming back. They know we don’t cut corners.”
Supporting local manufacturing At a time when many competitors are importing
cheap steel or outsourcing fabrication overseas, True Blue Sheds stands firm in its support for Aussie-made materials.
“We’re proud to say we only use Australian BlueScope steel — no imports, no compromises,” Mr Barrett says. “It’s about keeping jobs here and delivering a better product.”
This commitment to quality and local sourcing not only benefits the economy, but also ensures consistent performance in Australia’s varied and often extreme conditions.
Custom sheds with personal service
One of the hallmarks of True Blue Sheds is its endto-end service. From the first phone call to delivery day, customers are supported by a team that truly understands the industry and takes pride in every shed that rolls off the production line.
The company even offers a free online shed designer, a mobile app and the ability to request a no-obligation quote — making it easier than ever to start a project.
“Whether you’re building a backyard workshop or a 25-metre-wide machinery shed, we treat every job with the same level of care,” Mr Barrett says.
Built by Aussies, for Aussies with its blend of cutting-edge design, local expertise, and unwavering quality standards, True Blue Sheds is more than just a supplier — it’s a partner in building the future of regional and rural Australia.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding to see our sheds standing tall across the country,” Mr Barrett reflects. “From Tassie to the Territory, we’re proud to be helping Aussies protect what matters most.”
Protect your property, machinery, livestock, or business with a shed built for the long haul.
Please visit truebluesheds.com.au.
True Blue Sheds delivers durable, reliable sheds built to withstand the extremes of life under the Southern Cross. (Supplied)
Stud’s stellar Ekka showing
By Julian Lehnert
Kingaroy’s Jen-Daview Livestock celebrated a generational run at this year’s Ekka, taking out a grand champion sash and 10 other first-place finishes throughout the stud beef, led steer and led heifer events.
The Jen-Daview team took their finest Limousin cows, calves and bulls to the 2025 Royal Queensland Show with their selection paying off: Krystal S13 took out the 36-60 month-old cow, senior and grand champion cow awards for her breed, capturing the attention of the attending judges.
Jen-Daview’s Brent Evans explained Krystal came out on top due to her capacity, productivity and the size of the calf at her side, Value Packed.
Krystal’s wins at the Ekka followed her receipt of the reserve senior champion female award at
Beef 2024 in Rockhampton, as well as her recent first-place performance at the Springsure Limousin feature show in May.
The Evans’s will now retire Krystal from the show circuit and allow her to produce further award-winning offspring as one of Jen-Daview’s lead cows, with the South Burnett stud already setting the champion up for an embryo transfer down the line.
Jen-Daview also saw success in several other categories. The Evans family won the 12-16 month Limousin heifer section with Temptress V18, the 12-16 month bull and junior champion bull events with Victor V21, and the Limousin breeder’s group class in the stud beef category.
In the led steers events, Jen-Daview claimed gold with a 591-650kg steer, won champion heavyweight led steer with Black Magic, and also produced the grand champion led steer carcass
in Carby, exhibited by the Coulda Shoulda Woulda syndicate.
“It’s probably the highlight of our career,“ Mr Evans said of his stud’s success at the 2025 Ekka.
“We’ve had a successful year, but there was no way we ever anticipated doing what we did at the Ekka. We’re still tickled pink about it.“
He explained that Jen-Daview’s commitment to the Limousin breed had paid dividends over the decades.
“We’ve been breeding Limousins for close to 20 years now,“ Mr Evans said.
“The bull that Krystal’s by [King George] was one of our first that we registered. Similarly, the bull that Victor and Tempress are by, Mr Pinnacle, is 10 years old now - we bought him as an embryo out of Canada.
“It’s certainly been a long time making them as such, but we just backed our program and had
belief in it. We’re proud of what we’ve done,“ he said.
While the senior Evans’s are celebrating their win, the ’next generation’ of Jen-Daview is already keen to carry on the stud’s legacy.
Cousins Poppi and Archie Evans, 18-months and three-months-old respectively, won twice during their very first Ekka attendance.
The pair of pint-sized cattle exhibitors walked their heifer Black Beauty to victory in the 461530kg class and went on to claim the champion junior led heifer award.
“It’s bred into them,“ Mr Evans said of the childrens’ success.
“Poppi is old enough to love animals and love cattle. She certainly loves being outdoors and around animals.
“Little Archie will no doubt grow up into that as well.“
Upcoming TSBE events
Join us for our September Enterprise Evening where we’ll explore the vision and real-world execution behind one of the world’s most ambitious city-building projects: NEOM in the Middle East.
We’re thrilled to welcome Nalin Mehrotra, Consultant Director at Q5, as our keynote speaker.
When: Thursday, 4 September 2025
Time: 5.30pm – 8.30pm
Location: Gips Restaurant, Toowoomba
Thank you to our event sponsor Carousel Consulting.
Purchase your ticket on TSBE’s website at www.tsbe.com.au
Join us on Thursday, 18 September 2025 for our Contractor Connector event on the Sunshine Coast.
Hear from Brad Moses, General Manager – Pre-Contracts at Shadforth, one of Queensland’s largest family-owned civil construction companies.
When: Thursday, 18 September 2025
Time: 5.30pm - 7.30pm
Location: The Rooftop Bar, 8 Maroochydore Road, Maroochydore
Sponsored by Master Hire, this event series provides a casual networking platform for businesses in the construction sector.
Purchase your ticket on TSBE’s website at www.tsbe.com.au
Jen-Daview Livestock out of Kingaroy cemented themselves as one of Queensland’s premier Limousin studs after winning several champion sashes at this year’s Ekka - including the grand champion cow award for Krystal (right). (Jen-Daview)
Jen-Daview’s Black Magic was named the Ekka’s champion heavyweight led steer.
Bellevue shines at Ekka
The versatility of Bellevue Dorper genetics has once again shone through at the Ekka Prime Lamb Carcass and Paddock to Plate Competition, taking home ribbons in all classes entered in the 2025 competition.
Bellevue’s 2025 Ekka results:
Prime Lamb Carcass Competition:
• Champion Single Lamb
• Champion Grass Fed Pen of Three Lambs
• Overall Champion Pen of Three Lambs
• Overall Reserve Champion, Pen of Three Lambs
• First and Second Pen of Three Heavy Trade Lambs 24.1-28kg
• Second, Pen of Three Light Trade Lambs 2024kg Paddock to Plate Competition:
• First Paddock to Plate, Pasture Fed 24-30kg
• Paddock to Plate Carcass Champion.
Bellevue stud principal David Curtis said he was “thrilled to see that the Bellevue Dorper prime lambs kept coming out on top, ground truthing our rams and our stud breeding program“.
“For the Bellevue Dorper stud, carcass feedback is invaluable,“ he said.
“We continue to supply Bellevue Dorper lamb to Meat at Billy’s in Brisbane and to Eumundi Meats at Noosaville.
“The expectation of product quality and consistency from both of these exceptional butchers keeps us well informed about the requirements, expectations and the important carcass attributes of our Dorper lamb.
“The feedback is priceless and it is great to see our lambs consistently coming out on top.
“The breeding objectives of the Bellevue Dor-
per stud remain firmly focussed on the production of a quality, commercial prime lamb, with a carcass that is preferred and sought after by the meat trade.
“Every Bellevue Dorper ram sold is a product of a breeding program that places maximum emphasis on balancing the important commercial production traits of early maturity, weight gain, exceptional and high yielding carcasses, enough fat for excellent eating quality and maternal traits, visual selection for structural correctness, qual-
ity, temperament and soundness.
“A huge thank you must go to the competition organisers, sponsors and judge of this industry relevant event.
“Judge Greg Carey whose knowledge and enthusiasm is lifelong and unparalleled.
“Sponsors Carey Bros Abattoir, MLA, Victoria Hill Lamb, Protein Partners Australia, Frasers Livestock Transport, Riverina Stockfeeds, Ashton’s Butchery and Stocklive.
And to Honorary Council Steward Peter Hood
and his many volunteers and officials who so generously give their time, year after year, organising this important industry event.”
Bellevue will offer 120 rams at its 25th Dorper and White Dorper ram sale, to be held on Friday, 26 September, on-property at Bellevue, Millmerran.
The auction will be conducted by Nutrien and interfaced with AuctionsPlus.
To register for sale updates, click the link at www.bellevuedorpers.com.au.
Robbie Curtis, Bellevue, competition auctioneer Ben Johnston of APL McDougall and Sons, Warwick, David Curtis, Daphne Madge and Sophie Madge, all of Bellevue Dorpers, Millmerran. (Jane Lowe)
Bellevue Dorpers Champion Prime Lambs (Class 2, Pen of Three Heavy Trade Lambs, 24-28kg dressed). First and second place Champion Single Lamb, Champion Grass-Fed Pen of Three Lambs, Overall Champion Pen of Three Lambs.
A digital village in the bush:
By Fiona Gowers ALICE WOODS, Toobeah.
How many children do you have? Ages? James 6.5, Nick nearly 4, Josie 7 months.
How did you find out about Motherland? I started listening to the podcast after it was recommended to me by a friend.
When did you become a member? And Why? I joined MV in February 2022 after having my second child and starting to feel quite isolated, living an hour from town. The Motherland Village (MV) had just started so I jumped right in to try and find mums who could relate to what I was feeling and were in the same stage of motherhood as I was.
What has being a member of Motherland brought you and your family?
I have made lifelong friends with my entire MV group and some of us talk every couple of days and, as a group, we communicate nearly daily. Through MV I believe I am a much more balanced mum (although I still regularly feel like the rug has been pulled from under me), which makes a household a much more relaxed environment for the entire family.
KATE HEADING, Coppabella Queensland, 155km west of Mackay.
How many children do you have? Ages? Two girls, 4.5 years and five months
How did you find out about Motherland? I was scrolling on Facebook one day in October 2021, whilst in the dark, dark depths of postnatal anxiety and saw a call out for anyone who would be keen to join the very first Motherland village group. I thought that I could give it a go, with no idea of what it would entail other than committing to six hours over a six week program. I am so grateful to have been chosen to be a part of this group, with eight other wonderful ladies, facilitated by Steph herself. I still feel privileged to be matched with the eight ladies in our village. We seriously get on like a house on fire, love talking daily, love sharing a wine when we catch up and chatting via zoom for way too many 45 minute intervals (one of us needs to buy the real zoom so that we can speak for unlimited minutes). It was all very new for everyone back in February 2022, very overwhelming for a lot of us, but we started to form amazing friendships that are as strong as ever today. Me particularly with Alice Woods. We have all met each other face to face over the years, some of us in Dunkeld, some in Tasmania, some in Cairns for our yearly catch up, family holidays in each other’s towns and at Alice’s Motherland events. 2026 is taking us to Brisbane for a girls’ weekend. We all can’t wait.
When did you become a member? And Why? As above. I remember thinking when I signed up that it might be a good way to chat to some other ladies who understand the challenges of isolation, living rurally, being at home all day by yourself and becoming “unproductive” in the family business. Oh how wrong was I, it’s a very rewarding job raising your children on the land.
What has being a member of Motherland brought you and your family?
For my husband: a happier, more content stay at home mother/wife. For my children; a happier and more settled mother. For me; lifelong friends and the ability to be seen/heard by other mums who truly know what it’s like, a great opportunity to take time away for myself (whether a few hours a month for our zoom catch ups, or a week away from home each year for our annual catch up). Mostly, it’s brought me Alice Woods, who I simply cannot live
us.
KRISTY HAWKINS, Taroom.
How many children do you have? Ages?
Elsie 5, Tommy 3, and one on the way. How did you find out about Motherland? Through instagram
When did you become a member? And Why? I joined the Motherland Village in 2023 to find
some like minded mums and to form some strong connections.
What has being a member of Motherland brought you and your family?
I have made some wonderful friends since being in the Motherland Village and also strengthened existing friendships outside of Motherland as it really reinforced the necessity of having a village and a strong network around you, particularly in rural areas.
Contiuned page 15
Regional mums set to converge on Toowoomba
Queensland has won the bid to host a major national conference for rural women, helping mothers on the land to connect, combat isolation and improve mental health outcomes.
Dubbed Australia’s biggest rural mother’s group, Motherland, Australia’s first national charity for rural mums, has announced Toowoomba will host its biennial two-day conference in early 2026.
The event will see hundreds of rural women from all corners of the country converge on The Garden City to celebrate rural motherhood, hear from an incredible line up of star-studded speakers and focus on their emotional wellbeing and mental health.
The announcement follows the huge success of Motherland’s inaugural National Conference, which was held in Tasmania in 2024 to a sell-out crowd.
The news comes as Motherland bolsters its presence across Queensland, calling on local
rural mums to participate in a first-of-its-kind national survey into rural motherhood to help address gaps, identify pain points and enable impactful solutions, which the charity will take to decision makers across all levels of government.
Motherland Queensland ambassador Melanie McNaughton, who lives and farms at the foot of the Bunya Mountains, said it was exciting to see Queensland selected to host the next conference.
“Joining Motherland Village changed my life and I am so thrilled that more Queensland women can learn about the game-changing work of Motherland through our conference, because every mum needs a village during the good times and the bad,” Mel said.
“We also need Queenslanders to have their say in Motherland’s national survey, to ensure we bring local issues from across the state to light and give Queensland rural mums the sup-
port they deserve.”
Motherland founder, CEO and 2024 Australian of the Year for Tasmania Stephanie Trethewey said today’s announcement builds on Motherland’s recent expansion into Queensland, following support and funding from the Queensland Government.
“Mums are the beating heart of Queensland’s bush communities, wearing many hats and juggling many balls, so it’s critical they can access the support they need,” Stephanie said.
“Over 90 per cent of farms in Australia are family owned or operated, but unfortunately, despite being the glue holding rural households together, rural mothers are underrepresented when it comes to having their say on a national scale, which is why our survey is so important.“
Motherland’s National Survey will address the gap in reporting of rural mothers to identify their key concerns, uncover mental health trends, unlock insights into their emotional
wellbeing and assist Motherland in advocating and providing improved and additional support services for rural mothers and their families.
“Queensland is such a vital part of the Australian agriculture industry, and we are so incredibly excited to increase our footprint across the state, ensuring more rural women are seen and heard through projects including our conference in Toowoomba, our national survey and our continued advocacy,” Stephanie said.
Motherland will release further details on its national conference in the coming months.
Motherland’s National Survey on Rural Motherhood is now open to all rural mums nationally, with the charity planning to take the findings all the way to Parliament House in Canberra.
without. We both wish that there wasn’t 950km between
Alice Woods. (Supplied)
Kate Heading. (Supplied)
Kristy Hawkins. (Supplied)
From page 14
MELANIE MCNAUGHTON,
I live just outside Maidenwell at the foothills of the Bunya Mountains.
How many children do you have? Ages? I have three children. Mary is 9, Annabelle is 8 and Ned is 2.
How did you find out about Motherland?
I can’t remember exactly how I found the Motherland podcast but from the very first episode, I was hooked! Steph has an incredible ability to tell raw, real and empowering stories of rural women. Listening made me feel seen in a way I hadn’t realised I needed.
When did you become a member? And Why? I joined Motherland while pregnant with my third child. My first experiences with newborns were pretty tough. I felt really isolated and I didn’t have the support network I needed. This time, I wanted things to be different. Motherland gave me the chance to build that village I’d been missing and connect with women who truly understand life in the bush.
What has being a member of Motherland brought you and your family?
Motherland has given me genuine, supportive friendships that have had a ripple effect across our whole family. My daughters have seen me lean into connection, be open about how I’m feeling and ask for help. They’re learning that there’s real strength in vulnerability. It’s also changed the way my husband and I communicate, we’re more open and honest and that’s made us stronger as a family!
RHIANNON FINGER
How many children do you have? Ages? I have four children. Oscar, 17, Imogen, 14, Hugo, 9 and Elka, 6.
How did you find out about Motherland?
I am an OG follower of the podcast and have loved Steph and the movement she has created from its inception.
When did you become a member? And Why? I’ve been a Motherland Village member for a few years. I found myself struggling to connect with the mothers I was friends with simply because our children were different ages. Being geographically isolated I was excited at the prospect of having a group of mums I could connect with regularly without leaving my own home. What has being a member of Motherland brought you and your family?
It carried me through some exceptionally difficult times while navigating the struggles my daughter was experiencing during her transition to boarding school. It gave me comfort and reassurance in the decisions I was making and advice on topics that were age appropriate to my children. It also opened my eyes to the experiences and lives of women from other areas and forged friendships I’m grateful to continue to foster.
Melanie McNaughton. (Goldfinch Photography and Film)
Rhiannon Finger. (Supplied)
Prime lamb market soars
The export lamb market climbs to new heights almost every week, now at a record $480.
Can it make $500?
Overall, the prime lamb market just keeps getting better with heavy crossbred lambs hitting new records over and over again.
Poll Dorset cross lambs are almost always in the mix.
Chris and Meryl Rubie from Sovereign Poll Dorsets in southern Queensland see their breeding objectives of targeting the heavy export lamb market as part of their commercial success.
With genetics built to provide finished lambs from the trade weights to heavy export lamb.
Chris quoted a recent private kill for their freezer of a lamb dressing 36.4 kilograms at 200 days – no grain, pasture only.
This lamb had fantastic eye muscle with just enough fat cover. The ewe lamb was randomly selected as not suitable to retain in the stud breeding flock.
For Queensland the market is probably a breeding ground for those store lambs capable of going on to finishing at heavy weights.
The Merino-cross lamb is ideal for that with Poll Dorset/Merino lambs commanding top prices from the feed on market.
When seasons suit, taking these lambs on to heavy weights is easily done.
Additionally, Merino ewes pregnancy tested in lamb to Poll Dorset rams are much sought after.
Sovereign Poll Dorsets are very proud to have won the Queensland Champion of Champions meat sheep ram of the year five years in a row.
Chris said Sovereign had rams available yearround.
For more information please contact Chris on 0497 094 179.
The power of sharing agriculture’s story at EKKA
By Brendan Taylor, Agforce Grains President
If there’s one thing I’ve become more certain of over the years, even while so much around us is changing it’s that authentic voices matter.
There’s no better spokesperson for Queensland agriculture than a farmer.
Agriculture is the backbone of rural and regional Queensland communities. And nowhere is that more evident than at the great uniter of city and country than the Royal Queensland Show.
We as producers should never underestimate the value of participating in shows like EKKA.
No matter how much they’ve changed, they still give our city cousins a chance to engage with agriculture in their own backyard.
I see it first-hand: when producers share their personal stories at EKKA, the public lis-
tens.
What we do at the Ag Hall, particularly with grain and other commodities, is give people a chance to connect the dots between what they see on supermarket shelves and what we grow.
It’s a rare opportunity we should never take for granted.
Most showgoers live in urban areas and are generations removed from the land.
But a simple conversation with a farmer can shift perceptions and spark understanding.
When visitors learn their bread starts in a grain field, their clothes began in a wool shed, or their beef comes from a family grazing enterprise, it personalises the supply chain.
Agriculture touches every life, every day: whether it’s toast and sugar in your tea, a warm jumper, or a steak on the BBQ. EKKA helps people understand that connection and appreciate what we do.
It also shows the diversity of our industries from touching wool and grain to learning how cattle by-products are used in medicine and cosmetics, or how sugarcane’s bagasse becomes biofuel.
It’s a sensory, educational experience.
But more than that, it builds trust. Sharing what we do and why supports our social licence.
Conversations with our city cousins help shift hearts and minds.
You don’t need a polished speech just your story.
It’s amazing how many people walk away excited just to say they met a farmer.
For a child who’s never seen a cow or tasted fresh grain, this kind of immersive, hands-on experience stays with them.
It helps them make sense of the world and that’s powerful.
Brendan Taylor, AgForce Grains President. (Supplied)
For the fifth consecutive year, Chris Rubie, Sovereign Poll Dorsets (pictured middle) accepts the award for Queensland Champion of Champions meat sheep ram of the year, which, for the first time, included the Morris Byrnes Memorial trophy. The trophy was presented by Noeleen Byrnes (right), with judge Leslie Brewer, SA also pictured (left). (Supplied)
Consistency holds the key
By Jim and Jackie Wedge
Welcome to the 2025 All Polled Ascot Spring bull sale at 12pm, Friday 19 September.
A special thank you to all our previous buyers and underbidders, many of whom have been supporting us for more than 10 years.
This year’s sale will, as usual, be a live auction on property at Warwick, as well as interfaced with Auctions
with live video and audio.
Alongside photos, we will have a video of every bull and heifer in the sale on our website and the Auctions Plus website.
Phone bidding via agents will also be available, with a five per cent commission to be paid to any outside agent who sends a letter of introduction at least 24 hours before the sale or who attends the sale.
Please contact your preferred agent before the sale to arrange.
The consistency within our draft of sale bulls is what most impresses everyone that has inspected both breeds of sale bulls this year. This pleases us. We feel if you have consistency then this breeds on for us and for our buyers.
It is not easy to achieve consistency but our years of hard selection in both breeds within our females is starting to take effect.
Our sale bulls display the balance we are breeding for with docility, structural correctness, good weight for age, MSA-focussed carcass traits, fertility and polledness.
All bulls and heifers are born and raised onproperty in Queensland and suitable to go anywhere, including WA. All bulls have spent their lives on crop and pasture and now on a mild sale prep.
There are many heifer bulls in the sale in both breeds and marked accordingly in the catalogue. Angus sale bulls
The sale comprises 82 angus bulls: 49 x 2-yearolds & 33 x 18- to 19-month-olds.
All are by breed-leading AI sires and back-up
bulls that are mostly AI sires as well including:
$260,000 Millah Murrah Rocketman, first sons of the $160,000 MM Sugar Ray, Ascot Silverado, $160,000 MM Paratrooper, $140,000 Dunoon
Prime Minister, Ascot Revolution, $140,000 Lawsons Rocky, first sons of the $240,000 Landfall Signature, first sons NZ sire Stokman Solution, first sons $190,000 Knowla So Right and first sons of US sire Woodhill Comstock.
Charolais sale bulls
The sale comprises 55 Polled Charolais bulls: 36 x 2-year-olds & 19 x 17- to 18-month-olds. There are 40 DNA-tested homozygous polled bulls in the sale and marked accordingly in the catalogue. They all generally exhibit thickness and softness, are moderate framed and easy doing.
Sires represented include: first sons by Ascot Septre (spelling), a previous top-priced bull sell-
ing to Appleton Cattle Co for $54,000, first sons sold in Australia by LT Governor, the $100,000 Palgrove Rockefeller, Ascot Recharge, Ascot Regent (all high selling bulls in our previous sales.)
Other sires represented include: Ascot Rockstar, Rosedale Lump Sum, Rosedale Quantum Leap and Paringa Kilo Packer.
Stud heifers
A real feature of this sale is that we are very proud to present the best and largest line up of stud registered heifers we have ever put up for sale. All are polled. The 66 heifers are from the heart of the herd and only sold to keep our numbers to a serviceable level. Unlike many stud female sales these females are by the latest genetics available allowing buyers to get in on the ground floor to some of these new blood lines.
Fifty Angus heifers with breed-leading sires
represented: Prime Minister, MM Paratrooper, MM Rocketman, Ascot Revolution, NZ sire Stokman Solution plus first heifers of $240,000 Landfall Signature, Ascot Statesman, $240,000 MM Santiago, $190,000 Knowla So Right and Woodhill Comstock. Sale also includes ET calves by two of our leading Milllah Murrah donor cows.
Sixteen polled Charolais heifers. Sires represented include: Palgrove Rockafella, Ascot Septre, Ascot Sandstone, Rosedale Lump Sum and Belbourie Park Royalty. All are polled with 13 homozygous polled.
Quality assurance and health
All animals are independently assessed by Jim Green for structure and temperament.
All bulls vet checked and semen and morphology tested to bull check standard by Ced Wise Vets.
All bulls vaccinated to an immune-ready standard including, tick fever, 3-day sickness, pestivirus, 7-in-1, pinkeye, botulism and vibrio MH and IBR.
Ascot is a tested Pesti Free herd
All animals are DNA-parent or sire-tested & include genomically enhanced EBVs.
All animals are Breedplan recorded with birth weights recorded plus scans for fats, EMA and IMF conducted as yearlings and again before the sale.
Ascot is a JBas 7 tested herd
Free delivery on all animals to most major centres in Queensland and NSW.
Supplementary sheets with weights, scans, semen tests and scrotal size will be available about 10 days before sale day and will be emailed to our database and put on our website.
Free morning tea, lunch and afternoon refreshments are available on sale day.
All animals available for inspection from 9am sale day, with the sale starting at 12pm.
Pre-sale inspections by appointment any time before sale day.
Ascot yearling Charolais bulls. (Supplied)
48th National Charbray Bull Sale
Quality from Charbray
By The Charbray Society
Buyer and breeder interest is at a high, which has set the table for a memorable 48th National Charbray Bull Sale, offering a select line of top genetics at CQLX on Monday, 29 September.
“Fifteen certified Charbray breeders are offering 83 bulls with depth of breeding that will produce predictability and consistency, those musthave ingredients for a profitable operation,” said sale committee chairman Trevor Ford. “This sale presents the perfect opportunity to secure genetics to produce all-round paddock performers; they will step up and improve your bottom line, producing easy doing cattle that finish quickly and can withstand a harsher environment.”
Extract 2025 National Sale Catalogue
Alan ‘Griff’ Symonds runs breeding operations across Mt Flora and nearby Oxford Downs with several staff, his wife Janet and their son Brett. Griff and Brett represent the third and fourth generations of the family on Mt Flora, which was purchased in 1954.
“We began utilising Charbray genetics seven years ago, initially over Brahman, then later Droughtmasters cows, for improved finishing results to then sell and trade these crossbred weaners to repeat commission buyers and regular clients,” Griff Symonds said.
The Symonds have noticed that they’re receiving 30-40c/kg more for their Charbray-cross weaners than for the pure Droughtmasters.
“We sold 156 Charbray-cross cattle on 7 August, through CQLX, the top pen made 496c/kg, while the top Droughtmaster pen made 440c/kg.
“The bulls presented at the National are exceptional. Since we started attending the National, the sale has gone from strength to strength as the cattle have consistently gotten better in quality each year.”
The on-line catalogue is available now for viewing @ www.charbray.org or register for your hard copy at admin@charbray.org On-Line bidding will be operating through the Stocklive platform www.stocklive.com.au Attending agents are Elders and GDL. Buyers heading to CQLX for the Monday sale are invited to view the offering on the Sunday afternoon, followed by the not-to-bemissed Meet and Greet at CQLX downstairs beside the selling ring from 5.30pm.
The evening will include the sixth annual Elite Heifer lucky number draw, with this year’s prize Elite Heifer donated by Certified Charbray Breeders Trifecta Charbrays. Numbers in the draw are $40 each or three for $100 with only 150 numbers available. Lucky numbers are available by emailing admin@charbray.org
The Meet & Greet will also host a semen auction offering straws from three renowned stud sires Huntington Zeki, Commerce and Forester. All proceeds will be donated to Dolly’s Dream.
Kerod Lindley and Diane Bush have kindly donated these straws for auction. Lot 51.
Lot 60. (Supplied)
Smart money’s on Santas
By Brad Cooper
As spring bull sales roll out across Queensland and New South Wales this September and October, one breed continues to dominate the conversation — and the results.
Santa Gertrudis cattle, long admired for their adaptability and commercial relevance, are once again proving why they’re among the most sought-after genetics in the Australian beef industry.
Versatility plus Santa Gertrudis bulls aren’t just versatile — they’re built for it. Whether it’s the arid rangelands of western Queensland, the cooler tablelands of NSW, or mixed farming systems in between, Santas thrive.
Their ability to perform across diverse environments and production models makes them a go-to choice for producers looking for reliability, resilience, and return on investment.
This isn’t just anecdotal — it’s backed by hard data. According to AuctionsPlus analyst Hugh Courts, Santa Gertrudis cattle topped sale averages and clearance rates across all breeds (excluding Wagyu) in 2024.
“That’s not just impressive — it’s marketdefining,” said Santa Gertrudis Australia general manager, Brad Cooper.
“The 2024–25 financial year has been a litmus test for breed performance amid changing market conditions.
“And Santa Gertrudis have passed with flying colours. Known for their strong growth, deep genetic consistency, and adaptability, Santas have remained a favourite among buyers — and the numbers prove it.”
Resilience in a shifting market
Over the past five years, Santa Gertrudis cattle have averaged an 84% clearance rate on AuctionsPlus — a full 7% higher than the all-breeds average of 77.28%.
Santa lines held their premium — and in recent quarters, that premium has widened again.
demand — and for good reason.
When comparing the Santa-specific AuctionsPlus Young Cattle Indicator (AYCI) to the national EYCI benchmark, the breed’s value proposition becomes crystal clear.
Since 2020, both purebred and crossbred Santa lots have consistently outperformed the EYCI on a cents-per-kilogram dressed weight basis. Even during the sharp market correction of 2023,
That’s not a seasonal spike, Hugh Courts writes, it is sustained buyer confidence. Even in early 2025, where clearance rates narrowed slightly, Santa breeders continued to see strong demand and premium pricing.
Mr Cooper said the trend highlighted a critical insight: in softer markets, buyers still pay more for genetics they trust.
“Santa Gertrudis cattle have earned that trust through consistent performance, adaptability, and commercial appeal,” he said.
“As producers gear up for spring bull sales, the message is clear: Santa Gertrudis bulls are in high
“Their proven track record, versatility across systems and climates, and strong market premiums make them a smart investment for any operation.
“Whether you’re restocking, upgrading your herd, or looking to future-proof your breeding program, Santa Gertrudis bulls offer the kind of reliability and return that today’s producers need.
“This spring, the smart money is on Santas.”
2024’s top-priced Santa Gertrudis bull, Canowindra Excellence, with his breeders Jason and Joanne Wolff, Emerald. (Supplied)
Multiple advantages in first online bull sale
By Fiona Gowers
In a milestone shift for the family-run Talgai and Red Oak Santa Gertrudis studs, the 2025 bull-selling season marks the first time their sires will be sold online.
The Talgai Santa Gertrudis Online production Sale is scheduled from 18 September to 22 September, providing easier access to premium Talgai Santa and Red Oak Santas genetics optimised for fertility, muscle and temperate adaptability.
Talgai’s stud breeding objective remains focused: to produce herd-improving sires for commercial cattle producers.
Bartholomew and Co and AuctionsPlus will facilitate bidding on the 19 classified and commercial Santa Gertrudis bulls, aged 22 to 24 months, which are bred to meet market specifications.
Also in this sale are four PTIC stud femaleswith perhaps a calf at foot by sale time - as well as 24 commercial heifers ready to join.
Bartholomew and Co Garth Weatherall said the online sale allowed access to top-quality bulls without having to leave home.
“It also gives western clients the opportunity to buy top-quality coastal-bred Santa bulls with wonderful temperaments.“
Talgai has sold bulls exclusively through traditional auctions and will still send four sires to the Brisbane Valley Santa Gertrudis Sale at Toogoolawah this year.
The digital pivot offers multiple advantages for buyers and breeders:
Greater accessibility: Buyers anywhere in Australia—canparticipatewithouttravelconstraints, broadening market reach for Talgai genetics.
Convenience and efficiency: Bidders can evaluate bulls remotely at their own pace and bid in real time from their desktop or mobile.
Consistent quality assurance: As in past sales, all bulls will undergo soundness, semen morphology and fertility evaluations prior to sale.
Like earlier offerings from Talgai, bulls will be clearly presented with comprehensive data.
The Talgai enterprise was established in 2004 after owners Max and Roz Baldwin bought the Robenlea Santa Gertrudis stud and property, “Dingyarra” at Toogoolawah.
The Talgai Santas’ prefix and stud number 1990 entered the Santa Gertrudis industry in 2005 as the Baldwin family owned the Australian heritage-listed homestead Talgai near Allora on the Darling Downs.
The entire stud operation moved in 2007 from “Dingyarra” to the Darling Downs when Max and Roz purchased two other properties in the area. In 2014 the homestead was sold.
In March 2018 the company bought The Gorge and then the neighbouring property Broadlands. Both are located in the Nindooinbah area just outside of Beaudesert.
The entire stud operation is based at The Gorge and a commercial herd of Santa/Charolais/Angus breeders is run on Broadlands.
Along with both stud and commercial cattle operations, Talgai runs Talgai Prime Hay Suppliers. Quality hay is produced from both The Gorge and Broadlands.
Malcolm and Chick Gadsby have managed Talgai Santas 20 years.
“We’ve only been in the Nindooinbah area for six years,“ Chick said. “Before that we were on the Darling Downs and there’s a big difference coming onto ticky, coastal country, which we were partly prepared for.
“All cattle in our operation are blooded. The herd has adapted now but it took a couple of years.
“We find, however, when we send our bulls
out towards the Darling Downs, Western Downs, Maranoa and Central West Queensland as far as the Atherton Tablelands areas, they really thrive.“
Talgai plans to host an online catalogue release in August, followed by pre-sale inspection windows and a scheduled sale date in early September.
Buyers will register on AuctionsPlus a minimum of 48 hours prior, confirm identity and complete induction modules —ensuring the bidding process is secure and smooth.
As other studs in southern Queensland continue with hybrid formats, Talgai’s full digital model may become a template for the future of livestock marketing — where high-quality Santa bull genetics from the Scenic Rim can now virtually travel nationwide.
In embracing online selling, Talgai Santa Gertrudis demonstrates leadership and adaptability — aligning time-honored breeding tradition with modern technology.
Talgai Santas will also host an on-farm presale inspection on Saturday, 22 September starting from 1pm.
Please call Malcolm on 0428 689 146 or Garth on 0438 793 100 to arrange an alternative time.
Talgai Santas general manager Malcolm Gadsby, Rhys Body, Bartholomew and Co and Garth Weatherall, Bartholomew and Co. (Supplied)
A legacy of excellence
By Jane Lowe
Established in 1984 and located at Cecil Plains on the Darling Downs, Queensland, Meldon Park Simmentals is owned and operated by Rodney, Elisabeth, Rebecca and William Skene.
At the heart of Meldon Park’s success is their commitment to producing cattle with genetics that cater to multiple markets.
As Mrs. Lis Skene explains, “We produce a bull that can target a vealer market if needed but can continue on to the Jap Ox market.”
This flexibility in breeding has made their bulls sought-afterbyclientsacrossQueenslandandNew South Wales, with strong support from the Central and North Western regions as well as coastal areas from Sarina to Casino. They believe their award winning herd of 250 registered and recorded fertile females of which the majority are carrying the poll genetics will carry them into the future.
The sale and demand for quality bulls Meldon Park now offers an impressive 80 catalogues for their up coming sale. This year’s bulls stand out for their exceptional growth and finishing ability, making them well-suited for various markets. Whether clients sell weaners to backgrounders, send cattle to feedlots, or finish them ongrass,theSkenefamily’sgeneticsdeliverresults.
“The Meldon Park bulls are bred to meet a range of markets, from those selling directly to butcher shops and supermarkets to custom-feeding operations,” said Mrs. Skene. “Our bulls offer the right combination of growth, muscle, softness,
and the ability to lay fat at all ages.”
Strengthening the industry with feedlot operations
Beyond their breeding program, the Skene family also operates the Fed-Up Feedlot, which provides custom feeding services for clients targeting diverse markets. The feedlot benefits from access to irrigated corn silage and expert nutrition advice from Dr. Robert Lawrence, a highly qualified nutritionist with a PhD in ruminant nutrition.
This commitment to feeding and finishing cattle to their full potential ensures that the bulls sold by Meldon Park are not only genetically superior but also well-prepared for the demands of the market.
Looking ahead
As the industry continues to evolve, Meldon Park remains dedicated to producing top-tier bulls that meet the needs of every segment of the beef market. The family’s ongoing success at Beef Australia and their growing reputation across Queensland and New South Wales underscore their expertise and unwavering commitment to quality.
Rod and Lis Skene invite you to visit them at Rolleston, where their bulls are available for sale, and they look forward to continuing their partnerships with clients across the region - 23rd September 2025 - at the Rolleston Livestock and Grain selling complex.
For more information or to inquire about upcoming sales, please reach out to the team at Meldon Park.
ABOVE:
High-grade Angus bulls
The countdown is on for the ninth annual Carabar Bull Sale, with 79 high-grade Angus bulls set to go under the hammer at Meandarra.
Darren Hegarty, principal of Carabar Angus, has spent years refining his herd for temperament, fat cover, longevity and the ability to travel long distances — traits that continue to attract loyal buyers from across western Queensland.
“All of our stud cattle have undergone HD50K genomic testing via Zoetis and have been sire or parent verified,” Mr Hegarty said. “We’ve been
running this program for seven years now and the longevity of our bulls is a big factor in our clients’ interest.”
Mr Hegarty noted that the program has allowed Carabar Angus to facilitate multi-sire joinings while still verifying all progeny — a combination that strengthens genetic confidence for buyers.
This year’s catalogue features 56 U bulls and 23 younger V bulls, with 26 specifically suitable for safe joining to heifers. A diverse selection of
sires have contributed to the sale team’s strong genetics.
Leading the line-up is Lot 1 U251, sired by Esslemont Lotto L3, out of H180 — a daughter of Te Mania Berkley B1 and one of Carabar’s most outstanding donor cows. H180 is also the dam of a $110,000 sale-topper in previous years. Lot 3 is a full brother to H180, while another standout donor, N44, is the dam of Lot 57.
Kicking off the V bulls is Carabar Versatile V80, by Carabar Gunsmoke G53, a promising stud sire prospect.
The sale will be conducted through GDL and Elders, with the catalogue available from mid-August via mail, the Carabar Angus Facebook page and the Carabar Angus website.
Bulls can be inspected prior to the sale by appointment, with enquiries directed to Darren Hegarty on (07) 4665 6164, 0428 748 542 or via email at carabarangus1@bigpond.com.
The cow herd that produces some of the top Carabar Angus bulls. (Supplied)
Younger bulls in the sale.
Brave battle inspires book
By Breanna Lloyd
What began as a terrifying diagnosis and felt like a never-ending nightmare for five-year-old Slater Breckon has transformed into a remarkable story of courage, resilience and hope — one that has now led to the publication of his very own children’s book.
The youngster, known as ‘Moo’, was diagnosed with severe aplastic anaemia just days after his fifth birthday in 2023.
The rare and life-threatening condition stops the bone marrow from producing enough new blood cells, requiring the patient to undergo chemotherapy treatments and, often, a stem cell transplant.
From the day of his diagnosis, Moo’s life — and his family’s — changed forever.
Moo’s mother, Doone Breckon, remembers it as a tragic turn of events.
“It was a very tragic turn of events for us and our little family. Nothing you ever want to experience in a lifetime,” she said.
“Trying to explain it to a five-year-old was one of the hardest things we’ve ever done.”
The Breckon family — Doone, her husband Dylan, Moo, and youngest daughter Frankie — has deep roots in the Clermont community.
Dylan works at the Glencore coal mine, while Doone recently opened her own salon, Doonez Hair Studio.
Moo attends St Joseph’s Catholic School, just like his dad once did, and Frankie lights up Clermont Kindy with her ever-changing costumes.
Following his diagnosis, the family was thrust into a world of doctors’ appointments, hospital visits and an urgent search for a bone marrow donor.
Thanks to little Moo’s bravery, something unexpected was born: a children’s book.
“Moo felt like he was the only one going through this,” Doone said.
“We didn’t know any other families, and we stayed off Google to avoid the worst. Moo wanted to help other kids know they’re not alone.”
From this desire, Doone had an idea — to collaborate with her long-time friend and children’s author, Samantha Comiskey, known to her readers as Aunty Sam.
Together, the pair created a rhyming picture book, Cowboy Moo, which turns Moo’s medical journey into an ‘eight-second bull ride’.
“Slater always wanted to be a cowboy,” Doone said.
“He looked up to PBR stars like Mitchell Power and Jarred Borghero. At daycare, he’d tell his teacher, ‘My name is Moo Moo Cowboy Breckon!’ and it just stuck.”
Samantha reflected on the writing process, saying the bull ride became the perfect metaphor for the ups and downs of Moo’s battle.
“There are so many rounds when you go through illness,” she said.
“It’s just like a sport in a sense. It can be unpredictable, tough, and you have to hold on tight. My aim was to make Moo’s experience relatable and uplifting for other kids in hospital beds.”
Samantha explained she wanted to capture the reality of Moo’s experience — from central lines to the fear of the unknown.
“I wanted it to be something other kids could see and say, ‘Hey, that looks like the room I stayed in,’ or ‘That kid gets what I’m feeling,’” she said.
“We also added a fact sheet about severe aplastic anaemia in the back of the book to raise awareness about the rare illness, which often
goes unrecognised.”
Doone explained that when Moo was diagnosed, no one around them had ever heard of the condition.
“It’s not cancer, but it’s treated like it, and it’s horrendous,” she said.
“We wanted to show other families there’s still hope.”
Throughout Moo’s battle, Little Windmills: The Country Kids Charity supported the Breckons by offering fuel and grocery vouchers, regular check-ins and continued assistance with travel, even two years later.
“They have been absolutely incredible,” Doone said.
“It’s foundations like this that take financial pressure off your mind so you can focus on the fight.”
Now, with his newly published children’s book, Moo is giving back.
Proceeds from the book are being donated to Little Windmills to help other rural kids going through tough times.
“We’re currently selling the books through Moo’s Cowboy Moo Facebook page, and soon we’ll have an online shop,” Doone said.
“Moo is personally signing and sending them out himself. He’s so proud.”
Now stronger and back on the footy field with his mates, Moo is full of life and gratitude.
“It’s okay to be scared of the unknown. Keep fighting, try your best, and never give up,” Moo said.
“It’s okay to cry in hard times. Thanks to Doc Dave, my German donor, the nurses, family and friends for everything.”
His recent ‘rebirth day’ marked two years post-transplant.
“It was a very special day,” Doone said.
“It makes you appreciate how far he’s come. Dylan and I are so proud of him.”
Cowboy Moo is available for purchase via the Cowboy Moo Facebook page, with proceeds going to Little Windmills: The Country Kids Charity.
Slater Breckon was diagnosed with severe aplastic anaemia just days after his fifth birthday in 2023.
Slater with his favourite Dr Dave.
The Breckon family. (Supplied)Cowboy
Moo is available for purchase via the Cowboy Moo Facebook page, with proceeds going to Little Windmills: The Country Kids Charity.
BULL SALE FEATURING 65 BULLS & 7 HEIFERS
Herd improvers on offer
By Russel Gray
The 2025 Brisbane Valley Santa bull sale will be held at the Toogoolawah Showgrounds on Wednesday, 17 September commencing at 12:30pm, where 65 quality, commercially-orientated, herd improvers will go under the hammer.
All bulls have had the same vaccinations, three germ blood, vibrio, seven in one and three day sickness.
All bulls will be scanned and semen tested
by the one person to enable comparisons to be made between drafts and are all pre-sale weighed at the saleyards on Tuesday, 16 September.
The nine studs represented in the sale are all domiciled east of the Great Dividing Range where their cow herds run on forest country giving these bulls a natural doing ability to perform wherever they go.
Commercial clients of this sale have performed well in local weaner sales taking out first
places at Toogoolawah, Coolabunia and Murgon.
There is a broad range of genetics represented in the sale with 23 individual sires giving 50 classified bulls and 90 per cent with polled genetics.
Also on offer are seven purebred heifers from Welbatch stud with some being broken in for potential showing.
The bulls and heifers will be available for inspection at Toogoolawah Showgrounds from Monday afternoon.
The vendors are offering freight assistance to these centres, Murgon, Gayndah, Eidsvold, Dalby, Coolabunia, Beaudesert, Casino and Moreton saleyards if agents are contacted prior to the sale.
Sole agents for the sale are Sheperdson and Boyd and it will be interfaced with AuctionsPlus.
Catalogues are available by contacting Russell Gray 0429 005 013 or (07) 5424 8138 or can be downloaded from the link on Brisbane Valley Facebook Page.
Best bulls in the Burnett
The 12th annual Bunya bull sale will be held on Saturday, 6 September at the Coolabunia Selling Complex, Kingaroy.
In all, 74 Droughtmaster bulls from 26 vendors have been catalogued with the sale starting at 11am.
Pre-sale inspections from 3pm Friday, 5 September.
All bulls are vaccinated with a minimum of 5or 7-in-1, 3 germ blood and three-day sickness. Registered bulls will be offered with DNA Sire Verification, Horn/Poll and Pompes testing.
This year will see 100 per cent of the catalogued bulls being polled or homozygous polled (PP).
They will be weighed, mouthed and scanned and carry a minimum semen motility of 60pc.
The catalogue will see more bulls than ever offered with breedplan figures and morphology results (90pc of the 2024 offering was morphology tested).
Bulls are pre-treated for ticks and prescratched, allowing immediate delivery to clean country.
The sale offers “free freight” on all bulls to six major saleyards, including Gympie, Biggenden, Eidsvold, Dalby, Toogoolawah and Beaudesert.
Stocklive will be operating for those unable to attend in person.
The 2025 Droughtmaster Feature Show held at Toowoomba Royal Show was dominated by Bunya Bull Sale vendors and clients.
Both in stud and commercial classes including feedlot and carcase competitions.
In all, 80 class ribbons were offered in stud classes. Bunya vendors and clients walked away with an impressive 45 of those, culminating in 11
of the 17 champion ribbons awarded to Bunya vendors.
This highlights the calibre of industry-relevant young sires that are available at the Bunya Sale. Real world comparisons against breed and industry-leading operations make the Bunya Sale
an obvious choice with buyers able to compete on a large and diverse offering of new and proven genetics.
Chasing a bull to breed anything from vealers to bullocks or a new stud sire? Then you should plan to attend this “value for money” sale, offer-
ing the best bulls in the Burnett. For more information please contact Mark Duthie of GDL on 0448 016 950 or Midge Thompson of ALL on 0427 710 018.
Sale contact is Graham Brown on 0427 779 707.
The top-priced bull at the 2024 Bunya Bull Sale. (Supplied)
A deep passion for breed
The Ward family’s long-standing connection to the Goondiwindi district stretches back to 1902, when they first began farming in the region.
Today, their property “Mooroobie”, located just five kilometres south-east of Goondiwindi on the banks of the Macintyre River, operates as a mixed irrigated farming and stud cattle enterprise.
In 1995, Lindsay and Helen Ward founded Mooroobie Angus stud, driven by a deep passion for the Angus breed and a commitment to producing beef of the highest quality.
Every mating in their 200-plus registered Angus herd is carefully planned, with sires meticulously selected to ensure structural soundness, fertility and superior eating quality.
The results speak for themselves, with Mooroobie progeny consistently meeting – and exceeding – the demands of feedlotters, abattoirs and premium beef consumers.
Reliability, longevity and quality remain the cornerstones of the stud and these values are reflected in the impressive lineup for their annual bull sale in September.
One repeat buyer bragged recently that he’d had a Mooroobie bull for 11 years and he was still mating more than his share.
This year’s catalogue features:
Angus: 36 in total made up of 14 two-year-old bulls and 27 aged 16–17 months, 10 two-year-olds and 26 16-17 months old.
Wagyu:Nineintotalmadeupoftwo24-monthold bulls and seven aged 16–17 months, two 2-year-olds and eight 16-17 months old.
An open day will be held at Mooroobie on Tuesday, 10 September, giving potential buyers the chance to inspect the sale team in person.
The sale itself will take place online via Auc-
tionsPlus from 11am on Wednesday, 17 September.
Stud principal Lindsay Ward said this year’s Angus offering is their most consistent yet, with both Igenity and Breedplan data recorded for each animal.
“This gives buyers the opportunity to select bulls with the most to offer their herd,” Mr Ward said.
“Igenity indexes for maternal, production, and carcase traits – such as stayability, average daily gain, feed conversion, tenderness, and marbling – are available for every Angus bull in the catalogue.”
The Wagyu offering includes nine bulls in total, sired predominantly by Auribal United – currently ranked as the highest indexing Wagyu bull in Australia.
ABS describes United as “perhaps the best combination bull in the Wagyu breed today”, ranking in the top five per cent for growth, car-
cass weight, marbling fineness and all financial indexes.
On the Angus side, genetics feature leading sires including Dunoon Recharge R102, Landfall Mainland Q494, Booroomooka Paragon and Patriarch. Most of the younger bulls are by sires that have already proven their worth in both commercial and stud herds.
Independent assessor Dick Whale of IBMS, Wangaratta, has graded the majority of the bulls at Grade seven (with eight being the maximum for structural and phenotypic excellence). One of the younger sires is Grade eight, the highest grade.
Feeding programs have been tailored to suit each age group, with older bulls grazing Kracken forage barley with corn silage, while younger bulls have been on a custom ration developed by animal nutritionist Vincent Posada.
Mr Ward said buyers could expect long lasting bulls that were structurally sound, fertile and bred to produce beef highly sought after by the market.
“This is the most even line we’ve ever offered,” he said. “Whether you’re chasing Angus or Wagyu genetics, there’s something in this catalogue that will make a real impact on your herd.”
Lot 1 Angus. (Supplied)
Lot 44 Wagyu.
27th September 2025 11am
Silverdale Saleyards
Bred for local conditions
By The Droughtmaster Diamond Genetics Sale Committe
The Droughtmaster Diamond Genetics Sale will celebrate its third year at the Hayes & Co Silverdale Saleyards on Saturday, 27 September.
Our multi-vendor Droughtmaster sale predominantly showcases locally-prepared cattle specifically bred for local conditions.
The event unites vendors from the Scenic Rim and southern Queensland, all of whom are committed to the breed and recognise the benefits Droughtmaster cattle offer to the Australian cattle industry.
This sale presents both stud and commercial buyers with the opportunity to select from a diverse range of high-quality Droughtmaster genetics sourced from more than 25 highly-regarded and emerging studs.
All bulls and females will undergo rigorous DNA and fertility assessments, including semen and pregnancy testing, conducted by an accredited veterinarian and bulls will be fat and muscle scanned.
We encourage buyers to come along for a presale inspection from 3pm on Friday, 26 September.
This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a supplementary sheet, have an early viewing of the quality cattle on offer and enjoy a chat with the vendors.
Our comprehensive website can be viewed online via www.diamondgeneticssale.au.
We are very proud of the website, which highlights the quality animals on offer.
It is regularly updated with photos, videos, vet testing results, fat scanning results, vaccination records and pedigrees of individual animals, all of which adhere to the Droughtmaster breed excellence standards.
This year, the sale will commence with registered females, featuring 30 unjoined and seven joined females from quality bloodlines, followed by 11 commercial females.
This is an opportunity to buy quality commercial females from stud vendors, complete with vaccination histories, exceptional genetics and good temperaments.
Preceding the auction of the 32 registered and herd bulls, regular sale supporters Ridley Stockfeeds have generously donated two Barastoc Grow & Show Dry Feed 1000kg Bulka Bags and Brazen have donated a round bale feeder, all of which will be auctioned as Lots 38 -39.
The Hayes & Co selling agents have invited renowned auctioneer Simon Kinbacher to join their highly experienced team this year. These agents have the full support and confidence of the vendors due to their broad understanding of the south east Queensland market and the pride they take in selling quality cattle with proven genetics.
The sale will be livestreamed via the Stocklive Elite online bidding platform for those unable to attend in person.
Silverdale Saleyards are conveniently located in south east Queensland, one of the largest growth areas for Droughtmaster cattle.
The saleyards are ideally situated along the Cunningham Highway, facilitating easy transport for both vendors and buyers.
Silverdale offers a clearing dip service, with all animals pre-treated prior to the sale, allowing for same-day transport into clean country.
The Droughtmaster Diamond Genetics Sale is grateful to have the ongoing sponsorship and unwavering support of many local businesses including Lockyer Valley Ford, Ridley Stockfeed and Brazen.
We would also like to acknowledge Allflex management tags, FatGalah for their invaluable
skills and professionalism in helping to set up our first-rate website, Brother & Co for marketing support and Droughtmaster Australia.
New sale partner, WFI, offer livestock insurance policies and will be available on the day for anyone requiring their services.
Special mention must be made of local business, Wood Rural, who have worked tirelessly at the saleyards over the past two years to make this sale such a success.
The Droughtmaster Diamond Genetics Sale is a significant event in our region that provides local beef producers access to quality Droughtmaster genetics right on their doorstep.
We invite cattle producers to take advantage of this opportunity and join us on Saturday, 27
September from 10am at the Silverdale Selling Complex, 5380 Cunningham Hwy, Silverdale Queensland.
Since its inception, a strong bond has developed among the vendor group and we all look forward to catching up again to share our love of cattle with like-minded people.
For more information, please visit the sale website at www.diamondgeneticssale.au, follow us on Facebook at Droughtmaster Diamond Genetics Sale or contact the selling agents at Hayes and Co on 5463 8099, Peter Hayes 0418 755 732, Landon Hayes 0448 952 187, Simon Kinbacher 0427 736 620 or sale coordinator Justin Bowman on 0407 938 684.
Equal top-priced bull at the 2024 sale at $12,000 Lot 28 MAJOR Checkmate with buyer Leon Brennan, Boonah and vendors Matthew, Wesley and Rebecca Brooks.
Equal top-priced bull at the 2024 sale at $12,000 Lot 24 Diamond Hill Banjo bought by Ironhide and Tomawill studs. Pictured are vendors Darren and Peter Enniss with Derek and Thomas Mays, Tomawill Droughtmasters.
The 2024 female sale topper at $10,000 Lot 83 Nindethana Parisabel with vendors Michael Hawkins and Bronwyn Betts and buyers Sarah and Shane Hauschildt, View Field Droughtmaster stud. (Supplied)
Beef producers square off
By Fiona Gowers
Beef, but make it award winning!
Held once a year in conjunction with the Ekka, the RNA Paddock to Palate competition is Australia’s richest beef supply chain competition.
It pits the best cattle producers against each other to create arguably Australia’s best and most prestigious beef.
Proud host of this competition is Australia’s largest lot feeder and beef producer; JBS.
Producers from across Queensland enter cattle into the competition, where they are fed for 70 or 100 days, depending on the competition class.
The entrants are then processed through JBS’s vertically-integrated Beef City feedlot and processing plant, located west of Toowoomba.
The competition cattle are available through the Royal 100 beef brand, highly sought after by food service operators and retailers across Queensland during the Ekka period.
They are renowned for delivering consistent, delicious tasting beef.
Entrants in the RNA Ekka Paddock to Palate Competition represent our diverse and valuable producer community from across regional Queensland, including Darren and Alice Marks from Winvic in Kilcummin, 40km north of Clermont in central Queensland.
The Marks said participating in this competition is to benchmark their cattle and demonstrating their commitment to producing quality beef is a “key motivator“.
“Our whole reason for doing what we do is to produce delicious beef,” they said.
Fellow competitors, Peter and Pat Mahoney from Gyrandra Santa Gertrudis at Theodore, central Queensland, regularly enjoy the fruits - or should we say beef - of their hard work.
The Mahoneys often process their own beef, knowing exactly where it came from and would like the same experience for those who aren’t on the land.
“I do see the value in that for a consumer as well, to be able to see that story of where their beef came from,“ Peter said. “We’re part of that, you know.“
Meet more of our valued producer partners by following Royal100Beef on Instagram.
Royal 100 beef is now available from:
• Super Butcher physical stores in Brisbane, and online
• Ekka’s Stocky’s Bar
• Deery’s Restaurant, Brisbane
• Albatross Bay Resort, Weipa
• Cattle Camp Hotel, Charleville
• Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta
• Criterion Hotel, Dalby
• Grand Hotel, Thursday Island
• Grand View Hotel, Bowen
• Hotel Metropole, Proserpine
• Isa Hotel, Mount Isa
• Lees Hotel, Ingham
• Longreach Tavern, Longreach
• Maraboon Tavern, Emerald
• Royal Hotel, Ingham
• Seabreeze Hotel, Mackay
• Sunset Tavern, Karumba
• The Australian Hotel, St George
• The Club Hotel, Chinchilla
• The Commercial Hotel, Chinchilla
• The Commercial Hotel, Kingaroy
• The Criterion Hotel, Warwick
• Walkabout Lodge, Nhulunbuy
• Windsor Hotel, Dalby.
Royal 100 award winning beef - Class 38.Royal 100 award winning beef - Class 40.
Dee Maloney and Matthew Wallace from Deery’s Restaurant. (Supplied)
Peter and Pat Mahoney.
140 bulls are up for sale
Pathfinder Angus will offer the biggest ever line of Angus Bulls in Roma. An outstanding draft of 140 bulls to be sold 19 September at the Roma Saleyards.
The draft of quality bulls will appeal to the most astute cattle breeder for their incredible growth, carcass, structural integrity, docility and easy-doing characteristics.
Pathfinder sale bulls are run in large contemporary groups and have been selected from 650 bulls, so they can guarantee that only the best will be offered for sale.
The line-up will feature some stand-out sire lines:
Baldridge Goal Keeper has proven to produce heavy, moderate, thick, docile progeny, topping sales wherever he has been used. He has explosive early growth with top 1 per cent growth and structure.
Pathfinder has the biggest line-up of his progeny in the country. If you want exceptional, weaner weights – he’s the one!
The other large powerful sire group is from Nationwide, an Intensity son that sires incredible growth, thickness, structure and docility. He is a sire that is extremely easy-doing. Complementing these thick bulls will be a large group of New Ground sons to come through the ring.
Pathfinder continues to offer a large run of sons from all-rounder sire, 38 Special. He is bred by the best cow in the industry, Isabel Y69 and is noticeable for his exceptional daughters.
If you are looking for heifer bulls, Newly has been used widely as a docile, calving-ease, curvebending specialist and has many impressive sons in the sale.
For those wanting to add doing-ability, the feature carcass sire, Intensity L519 adds marbling,
docility and structure, all in the top five per cent of the breed indexes.
The 2025 sale team is an impressive group of bulls with extra capacity, softness and excellent
carcass qualities.
via
for
prior
Please
Bulls will be available
inspection
to sale
appointment with Cyril Close and Billy Swain at TopX Roma.
Pathfinder Bull Sale 10:30am Roma Saleyards, Friday, 19 September 2025.
contact Nick, Sara or Elle Moyle for any further information.
Elle, Nick and Sara Moyle. (Tracey Kruger)
Capturing the bush beauty
By Isabella MacDonald
Far out in the heart of western Queensland, where red dust hangs in the air and the horizon stretches endlessly, Wendy Sheehan captures rural life in all its raw beauty.
A grazier, photographer, and storyteller, Mrs Sheehan lives on Trinidad Station, a 250,000-acre sheep and cattle property near Quilpie, with her family, surrounded by the vastness of the Australian outback.
Through her popular social media page Bulldust & Mulga, Wendy has amassed a loyal following.
With more than 26,000 followers on Instagram and 64,000 on Facebook, her photos and videos offer a look into station life, one that’s equal parts gritty and glorious.
Mrs Sheehan loves life on the station, the wide, open spaces, the quietness, spending ample time outdoors and working with animals all make station life extraordinary.
While the isolation offers peace and quiet, it also poses risks, especially with the nearest hospital being more than 200km away.
Almost everyone that she knows has had to use the Royal Flying Doctor Service at some point.
Her family, like many others in the bush, relies heavily on the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).
Over the years, they’ve called on the RFDS for emergencies ranging from snake bites and allergic reactions to broken bones.
In an average year in southwest Queensland, the RFDS provides more than 5550 primary health care patient consultations, handles more than 2700 telehealth calls, conducts more than 650 clinics and transports more than 1200 patients.
The nearest hospital to Mrs Sheehan is hours away and when a medical emergency happens things can take a scary turn very quickly.
Providing a quality education for her kids was hard as schools in her area are scarce, meaning boarding school was the only option apart from home tutoring, which didn’t work out for their family. Lots of travel is also required living so remotely.
Another challenge this year in particular was the floods that hit western Queensland and caused widespread devastation.
Fortunately, the floods didn’t impact the Sheehans as badly as others as they are situated on higher ground.
Trinidad Station copped 25 and a half inches, which is close to their two-year annual rainfall average, in the space of around 10 days.
They had some stock losses as a lot of their feed was destroyed and stock died from exposure to the elements and bogging.
Despite the challenges that come with working in agriculture and living rurally, Mrs Sheehan says she loves living in western Queensland and the people and places is what makes it truly special.
No day on the station looks exactly the same. Bookwork, stock work, and general property maintenance are all a part of her duties on the station.
Problems can also arise that can easily turn into an all-day job.
Mrs Sheehan’s interest in photography began when she was young.
She bought her first camera when she left high school and from then, her passion for photography and videography took off.
Her area of interest is landscape photos, capturing life on the station and the unique flora and fauna that she comes across.
She said she can get used to her surroundings but looking at the scene through a camera can help her rediscover the beauty in the everyday and pick up on the smaller details around her.
When she first began her page Bulldust & Mulga roughly nine years ago, she admits she was clueless about the vast world of social media.
“I mostly wanted to check out social media because I knew that my kids would be using it at some point,” Mrs Sheehan said.
“I had quite a negative opinion on social media at the time.”
She quickly found her niche and connected with accounts that posted agricultural photos.
She was stunned by the quality of agricultural photos she found on Instagram.
However, she noticed there wasn’t a whole lot of context attached to the images, which left space for people to make their own interpretation
of what was happening in the photo.
One of her goals when starting her social media pages was to educate her audience about agriculture.
She uses captions to explain what is happening in the photo she has posted and share a wealth of knowledge with her audience from a lifetime on the land.
When she started her pages, there was a lot of negativity circulating in the media surrounding livestock agriculture.
Mrs Sheehan said there was a lot of coverage of animal activists breaking into piggeries, diaries and feedlots around the state.
She wanted to share real and accurate information.
Mrs Sheehan also encourages anyone with an interest in agriculture to enter the industry.
“The industry has a lot of traditionalists but there is also a lot of forward thinkers,” Mrs Shee-
han said.
“There’s a lot of growth and advancements in technology happening and also plenty of opportunities for people keen to give it a go.”
Last year she entered the Royal Flying Doctor Service Outback Explorer Competition with her short video ‘Wonderful Western Queensland’. Her video resonated with thousands across the state, from those within the agricultural industry to others simply captivated by the rural way of life.
She won the competition and took home $10,000 which she put towards getting a new camera and saving some of the earnings to go towards a long-awaited family holiday to New Zealand.
Winning the competition also exposed a whole new audience to her content and her social media following grew.
“Winning the competition was awesome and a
lovely surprise,” Mrs Sheehan said. She is returning this year as a judge for the 2025 competition and say she is keen to see the creative talents of fellow western Queenslanders.
Mrs Sheehan started the Bulldust & Mulga page to give other Australians an inside look at life working and living on a remote station.
With most of the population living on the coast, she wanted to share the facts, debunk common misconceptions, and offer a truthful perspective on rural life and agriculture.
“It’s a good way to share what we do, where we are and why we do what we do,” Mrs Sheehan said.
At its heart, her story is simple: it’s about love for the land, commitment to community, and finding beauty in the everyday.
Through Mulga & Bulldust, she invites others to see what she sees—a life full of dust, challenges, and breathtaking moments.
Wendy Sheehan has a social media platform ‘Bulldust and Mulga’ which has accrued 26,000 followers on Instagram and 64,000 followers on Facebook.
Wendy Sheehan is a grazier and talented photographer who owns a 250,000 acre Western Queensland cattle and sheep station. (Supplied)
Better output, less input
From the drought-stricken western downs to flood-prone river flats, Queensland cattle producers know that adaptability and efficiency aren’t optional – they’re essential.
On Saturday, 20 September, 13 leading Speckle Park seedstock producers from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia will unite to offer genetics proven to deliver on both fronts.
The third annual Hot Spot Multi-Vendor Speckle Park auction will be held live on-farm at the Ivery Downs Speckle Park selling complex in Colinton, south east Queensland.
Inspections open from 2pm, with the auction starting at 4pm. For those unable to attend in person, online bidding will be available via Stocklive, with the full catalogue – including photos and videos – at speckleparkauction.com.au.
Largest multi-vendor Speckle Park auction in Australia.
Buyers will have access to 30 purebred females and 22 purebred bulls, all registered with Speckle Park International, plus commercial Speckle Park-infused and Angus females PTIC to worldrecord black Speckle Park bull Born Ready Shady and select elite genetic packages.
It’s one of the few Speckle Park auctions in Australia to offer purebred bulls and females either born and bred in Queensland or acclimatised here before sale – a major advantage for buyers in warmer, tick-prone regions.
Vendors are offering cattle from both tick and clean country and all stud animals are vaccinated for tick fever and three-day sickness, treated and cleared for ticks on sale day.
Thriving in Queensland’s extremes
Speckle Park is renowned for its meat-eating quality – tender, flavoursome and highly marbled
– but for Queensland producers, their efficiency is where the breed truly shines.
In regions where feed costs can make or break a season, they consistently maintain condition on less.
“The biggest cost in any beef operation is feed,” says Hot Spot host Dale Jones.
“When you’ve got a breed that can finish sooner and requires less feed to get there, you’ve got a genuine advantage – particularly in Queensland, where we can swing from tough dry spells to big
wet seasons.”
In drought conditions, Speckle Park cattle utilise lower-quality feed and still hold condition, giving producers breathing room when pasture quality drops.
In good seasons or after floods, they convert available feed into growth efficiently, reaching market specs sooner and reducing time – and cost – on feed.
This adaptability means they suit a variety of systems, from grass finishing in extensive opera-
tions to short-fed programs targeting premium MSA markets.
Built-in buyer confidence
Hot Spot vendors are so confident in their cattle that they offer two guarantees rarely seen in the stud stock arena.
The Commercial Progeny Buy-Back Scheme guarantees the purchase of any commercial progeny naturally sired by a bull bought at the 2025 auction at current market rates, with some vendors paying a premium.
This gives buyers an immediate, secure market for their calves.
In addition to standard fertility guarantees, every vendor provides a structural soundness guarantee on bulls.
In the unlikely event of a breakdown due to structural failure, buyers will receive a replacement bull or a refund, not just a credit.
Diversity of programs, unity of purpose
With vendors from four states – including some of the breed’s most established studs and exciting newcomers – the sale offers buyers access to a broad range of pedigrees, breeding philosophies and production environments.
Whether seeking proven bloodlines, outcross opportunities or cattle acclimatised to Queensland’s toughest conditions, there’s a program represented at Hot Spot to meet the brief.
“This sale really is a one-stop shop for Speckle Park genetics,” Dale says.
“It’s rare to compare this variety of programs and pedigrees in one place – and it’s all backed by guarantees designed to give buyers absolute confidence.”
Ivery Downs Unfaithful U11 prepares for the Hot Spot Multi-Vendor Speckle Park Auction. (Supplied)
Energy, agriculture unite
Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) hosted the 2025 Surat Basin Coexistence Symposium - a landmark event uniting leaders from the energy and agriculture sectors.
Held in Dalby, the symposium brought energy and agriculture companies, industry experts, and local stakeholders together to share real-world experiences and insights on how these two essential industries have and will continue to thrive side by side.
TSBE Executive Director, Dr John McVeigh said our goal was to foster collaboration and learning between industries.
“Power and food are not luxuries, they’re necessities,” Dr McVeigh said.
“The Western Downs is experiencing rapid growth in both sectors, making it an ideal location to showcase innovative coexistence strategies.
“This event ensures both industries can continue to grow sustainably in the region.
“Attendees were able to engage in open dialogue about what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next for the region.
“The event’s aim was to highlight the collaborative efforts already underway and identify areas for improvement through shared, on-the-ground insights.
“The symposium provided a platform for open and honest conversations.
“We know the unknown can be daunting, and that’s exactly why these discussions are so important.
“While the symposium won’t solve every challenge, it marks a significant step forward in shaping the future of the Toowoomba and Surat Basin region.”
Insights from the day will be compiled into a report to guide future efforts and support other regions facing similar opportunities and challenges.
Thank you to Western Downs Regional Council for partnering with TSBE on this event.
Surat Basin Coexistence Symposium, a landmark event in Dalby that united leaders from the energy and agriculture sectors.
Katie-Anne Mulder and Mayor Andrew Smith.
Meg Hooper and Jen Ryder.
Cherie Jeffery, Cathie Schnitzerling, Rowie Beveridge and Stephanie McMahon.
Johnny Wapstra and April Cavanagh.
Richard Thayne, Anthony Holzwart and Garnet Radford.
Agrifutures chair Cathy McGowan delivers her keynote address.
TSBE executive director John McVeigh and Agrifutures chair Cathy McGowan. (Supplied)
Surat Basin Coexistence Symposium panel discussion with Caitlin Crowley, Warwick Squire, Jo Sheppard, Katie-Anne Mulder and Keld Knudson. Ashley Williams and Trevor Watts.
Michael Scobie, Renee King and Pippa Jones.
THE TRIPLE TREAT
Building herds, backing you
Accredited Speckle Park cattle and proven maternal lines on offer at Wattle Grove’s Triple Treat Sale this month.
Wattle Grove Speckle Park will once again shine the spotlight on premium Speckle Park cattle and genetics when they host their Triple Treat Sale on Friday, 26 September 2025 at The Moathouse, Toowoomba Showgrounds.
The event will be conducted by Top X Roma with guest auctioneer, Lincoln McKinley of LINC’D Marketing.
On offer will be a select line-up of registered purebred Speckle Park bulls and females, exclusive genetic packages, and commercial Speckle Park cattle – each backed by the Wattle Grove Accreditation program.
Setting the standard for quality
The Wattle Grove Accredited program is the cornerstone of the Humphries family’s breeding operation. Every animal presented for sale has passed stringent benchmarks for structural soundness, temperament, and genetic merit. This commitment ensures buyers have absolute confidence in both the performance and profitability of their investment.
Maternal strength and genetic depth
Wattle Grove’s herd has been built on decades of selective breeding, with a strong emphasis on maternal traits, functionality and fertility. The genetic depth behind the catalogue ensures consistency and performance. Wattle Grove bulls offer the commercial breeder not only hybrid vigour but the carcass improving traits of Speckle Park, opening up the domestic market and higher MSA grading of progeny.
Wattle Grove females provide proven herd building pedigrees in a functional, structurallysound package.
Supporting clients beyond the sale
Wattle Grove has a reputation for supporting clients beyond the sale and are developing a dedicated supply chain for Speckle Park beef. Buyback agreements, repeat business and premium returns will underpin the system, rewarding quality production and building long-term partnerships. Adaptability and market demand Speckle Park cattle have proven their worth in Queensland’s diverse and often challenging conditions. With feed efficiency and adaptability to various management systems and climates, they
are increasingly sought after by producers looking for resilience and profitability. Demand is also surging beyond the farm gate. In recent months, Wattle Grove has fielded increased enquiry from processors, meat wholesalers, butchers, and restaurants seeking to secure consistent supply of Speckle Park beef, renowned for its marbling, tenderness, and eating quality.
Sale day details
The Triple Treat Sale promises a top line-up of genetics and livestock that reflects Wattle Grove’s ongoing dedication to quality and value. On of-
fer will be registered Speckle Park bulls and females, exclusive embryo and semen packages and selected commercial Speckle Park steers and heifers. The sale will be conducted in person at Toowoomba Showgrounds 5pm, Friday, 26 September 2025 with inspections from 1pm. Online bidding is available through Stocklive and AuctionsPlus ensuring maximum accessibility for those that can’t make the sale.
For more information or to request a catalogue, contact Wattle Grove Speckle Park on 0429 360 419 or visit wattlegrovespecklepark.com.au.
A group of Wattle Grove sale bulls. (Supplied)
Ekka 2025 yields success
By Fiona Gowers
Brisbane’s Ekka 2025 has once again reaffirmed its role as a thriving showcase of Queensland’s agricultural innovation and heritage.
Over nine days (August 9 to 17), the Royal Queensland Show attracted the biggest crowds in almost 20 years, with more than 425,000 attendees.
RNA chief executive Brendan Christou said this year’s success was testament to the enduring love Queenslanders had for the Ekka.
“(The) Ekka is more than just a show, it is a reunion of city and country, a celebration of resilience and a showcase of Queensland’s finest,’’ he said.
“We are very grateful to every Queenslander who came through the gates and made this the most successful Ekka since 2008.
“The community showed up in droves to celebrate what makes Queensland truly special; we saw smiles, laughter and a genuine sense of pride.
“We can’t wait to welcome you back next year to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the show.”
Mr Christou said visitors enjoyed the traditional and unique experiences such as the competitions, live entertainment including the night show and fireworks, animals, rides and showbags, as well as the nation’s finest food and wine.
“Our competitions continued to attract interest locally and nationally with entry numbers up by 20 to 30 per cent in several of the 46 competitions, with more than 21,000 entries in total,” he said.
“The Ekka competitions showcase the very best of Queensland and visitors were amazed by award-winning entries and exhibitors in cookery, creative arts, quilt making, blacksmithing, wood-
chopping, stud beef, poultry, fleece breeds, canine, cats, horse and showjumping.”
Young participants also shone through the Youth in Agriculture competition. High school groups showcased regional produce in elaborate displays, reinforcing the important role of agriculture in schools and community learning.
This emphasis on educational outreach links into Ekka’s broader mission as “Queensland’s largest classroom,“ offering engaging, curriculum-aligned activities—from cheese making to gardening, all woven into the show’s programming
Asalways,theEkkashoneasavibrantplatform for Queensland’s agricultural industry. It blended immersive education, live demonstrations, youth involvement and competition success.
And, importantly, with strong turnout and diverse programming, the show reinforced the vital connection between city, country and the future of farming.
Fiona Gowers | E: fiona.gowers@queenslandfarmertoday.com.au For all your classified and advertising enquiries, contact our team.
Jane Lowe 0408 488 609
E: jane.lowe@queenslandfarmertoday.com.au
Daniel Pelcl 0408 956 830
E: daniel.pelcl@burnetttoday.com.au
Sharon Jones
P: 07 4182 0451
E: sharon.jones@burnetttoday.com.au
40,000 readership per month
Inserted into the following newspapers:
• South Burnett Today
• Central & North Burnett Today
• Warwick Today
• Stanthorpe Today
• Leader Today
• Jimboomba Today
• Beaudesert Times
• Emerald Today
• CQ Today
• Goondiwindi Argus
Also available from the follow outlets:
• Hartleys Newsexpress Toowoomba
• Roma Sale Yards
• Warwick Sale Yards
• Highfields News & Post
• Pittsworth Newsagency
• News Extra Central City
• Dalby Saleyards
• The Barn, Oakey
• Crows Nest Newsagency
• CQLX Gracemere,
• Longreach saleyards
• Emerald saleyards
• Meringandan Produce
• Goombungee Newsagency
Grand Champion Interbreed female with Gavin Iseppi and Christie Fuller, Tom Radzevicius, Santos, Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett, Marty Lill and Spencer Morgan with judge Jenni O’Sullivan, Elders. (Jane Lowe)
Grand Champion Interbreed bull Ekka 2025, TeAngie Poll Herefords with Andrew Meara, Elders, Tom Radzevicius, Santos, owner Richard Ogilvie, handler Boudicea Blatch, judge Spencer Morgan, Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett, Shannon Lawlor and judges David Smith and Marty Lill.
Victoria Downs cleans up
By Jane Lowe
Will and Narda Roberts of Victoria Downs, Morvan won Grand Champion Merino Fleece of Show at the Ekka.
Judge Scott Thrift, Narromine NSW assessed more than 65 fleeces, saying they represented a “very good“ display of wool cut with a weight range from five kilograms up to 14 kg for the stud fleeces.
“There was a very good selection of wool from NSW and Queensland from both commercial and
stud breeders,“ he said.
“It was a real credit to the breeders and exhibitors that entered fleeces and it was so good to get my hands into this very good wool.
“The Supreme Champion Fleece was off a medium wool ewe from Victoria Downs that scored well in all its points systems and marker points.
“It is a very stylish medium-type wool that would test around the 18.5 to 19 micron and it’s a fleece that jumps out at you; a lot of bulk and, with the weight and its markers, it had all its points.“
Brett Smith, Elders, Peter Thomas, “Beaconsfield”, Ilfracombe and Duncan Ferguson, Elders Longreach. (Jane Lowe)
Judge Scott Thrift and and Duncan Ferguson, Elders Longreach with the Champion Ewe Fleece from
Mt Ascot, a medium wool fleece.
Elders Wool
JudgeScottThrift,Narromine,NSWwiththeGrandChampionFleeceEkka2025andownerofthefleeceWillRobertsVictoria Downs,Morvan,BrettSmith,EldersTamworthandDuncanFerguson,EldersLongreach.(Supplied)
Road to the grand prize
By Jane Lowe
Will and Narda Roberts, Victoria Downs, Morvan, donated 400 ewes and 14 rams to a property heavily affected by flooding.
They knew the only way to help the severe losses was by helping a farmer restock some of the losses.
“The greatest gift you can give is to help someone in need and this brings our family the greatest joy,“ Mr Roberts said.
“The ewes were going to go to an abattoir so I decided I could help by donating them to grazier Steven Hall, Greenmulla, Quilpie as he had lost over 2500 sheep in the floods earlier in the year.
“A massive shout out to Tegan Crook-King, Bill Crook-King and Pam Gobbert who donated their time and skills to crutching our ewes and 14 rams who are heading to their new home at “Greenmulla“ with the Halls today.
“Also to C Brooks Livestock and General Carriers Pty Ltd who are carting them there at no charge.
“We appreciated this support.“
Victoria Downs also sent 320 ewes and 10 rams to people at Stonehenge and 80 rams to Quilpie to be given to people who lost significant
numbers of rams.
Earlier this year Victoria Downs also won a broad ribbon at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo with Champion Medium Wool Merino Ewe and placed first, second in the 2-tooth medium wool poll ewe class.
Will said: “It was nice to see our sheep standing up well against the best in Australia.“
ThiswasontopoftheirwinsattheQueensland State Sheep show held at Charleville in May where they won Grand Champion Poll Ewe and Junior Champion Poll Ewe.
Other wins were Champion Medium Wool Poll Ewe, Reserve Champion Strong Wool Merino Ewe and Reserve Champion Strong Wool Poll Ewe.
They placed third, fourth and fifth in the production class against a lineup of 19 quality ewes.
At the Ekka, meanwhile, they won:
• The TC Hacker Memorial and Champion Merino Stud Rams’ Fleece.
• Reserve Champion Merino Stud Ewes’ Fleece.
• Champion Queensland-grown Stud Merino Fleece, and
• Grand Champion Merino Fleece of Show.
VICTORIA DOWNS
VictoriaDownsalsowonReserveChampionFleecewithitsMerinoStud Ewe’sFleecewithatotalscoreof79.(JaneLowe)
WillandNardaRobertswiththeirwinningfleece.(JaneLowe)
It’s a real family affair
By Kath McUtchen
This year has been busy for the McUtchen Family of the Jambili South Devon stud.
This year they took a team of eight South Devons to the Ekka, featuring six of the 23 bulls that will be on offer at the JAK Production sale on 1 September at the Bell Showgrounds.
These six bulls are from both the Kildare and Jambili studs and featured Kildares Black genetics.
The sale will feature broad ribbon winners from both the Brisbane and Toowoomba Royal Shows.
Lot 1 Jambili Uru a 946kg is a gentle giant who was awarded Senior Champion South Devon Bull and Lot 2 Jambili Uelese Res.
Junior Champion at the Brisbane Royal, he is a powerful December calf, Lot 5 Kildare U Beauty was the 2025 Toowoomba Royal Grand Champion South Devon Bull.
The selling agents will be Aussie Land & Livestock, with the auction online through Stocklive, with all bulls delivered free of charge to purchasers.
The McUtchens will also offer heifers and steers with show ring potential, as well as their very popular “Calf at Foot“.
They offer their first drop of calves to purchasers, these calves are kept with their mother until December where they are weaned, cut, vaccinated and started on feed prior to the purchaser collecting them for their 2026 show season.
The Jambili and Kildare cattle a renowned for their temperament. This year’s Ekka was proof of this with three of the four McUtchen children presenting animals of various sizes in the show ring.
GrandChampionSouthDevonFemale,AnthonyBallElders,JudgePeterCookandErinMcUtchen holdingJambiliUrma.(JaneLowe)
Most notably and, possibly the most popular pairing, was Erin (aged nine) and Grand Champion Female Jambili Urma a 19-month-old heifer who is due to calve in December.
Not to be outdone, her 13-year-old brother made an exciting return to the show ring by showing 10-month-old calf Jambili Vunivalu to the Junior and Grand Champion Ribbons and their
GrandChampionSouthDevonFemale,Jambili UrmamakesErinMcUtchenlooksmallasshe preparesfortheInterbreed.
CallumMcUtchenwith11-month-oldbullJambili VunivaluandAlannah,ErinandKathMcUtchen.
sister, 12-year-old Alannah showing that a good relationship with your animal is essential when she led 952kg Kildare Utopia 2 in the Senior Bull Class, a bull that is 24 times her weight.
ROYAL QUEENSLAND SHOW 2025
Respected in industry
Midas Gelbvieh, a respected name in the Australian cattle industry since 1990, continues to make its mark with standout results at this year’s Ekka in Brisbane.
The stud, founded by Robert Smith and Chris Braithwaite, built its reputation on producing sound, functional cattle capable of thriving in both stud and commercial operations.
Their journey began when Mr Smith and Mr Braithwaite first encountered the Gelbvieh breed at Ekka in 1990.
Intrigued by its strong performance data from the Clay Centre in Nebraska, USA, they formed a joint venture with other breeders to introduce the cattle to Australia.
Since 2006, Midas Gelbvieh has enjoyed consistent success in the showring, mirrored by strong demand in the commercial sector for its genetics in crossbreeding programs.
At Ekka 2025, Chris Braithwaite claimed multiple accolades, including Grand Champion Cow or Heifer, Senior Champion Bull, Breeders Group and Most Successful Exhibitor.
Judge John Mercer praised the winners for their outstanding breed characteristics and trueto-type qualities.
In particular, the Grand Champion Cow drew attention for her femininity and the quality of her bull calf at foot — a testament to the Gelbvieh’s renowned milking ability and strong udders.
Gelbvieh Grand Champion cow, Midas Emm with calf, handlers Danny and Thomas Gould, showgirl Megan Reid, owner Chris Braithwaite, Mitch Jackson Elders and judge John Mercer. (Jane Lowe)
“She is a very feminine cow with a magnificent calf,” Mercer said, noting the impressive potential shown in the young bull calf.
With results like these, Midas Gelbvieh continues to prove why the breed — and the stud — hold a special place in both the showring and the paddock.
The Senior Champion Bull Midas will sell at the Golden Advantage Gelbvieh sale near Clermont on 9 September, 2025
Pioneers of the breed
Brian and Jasmin Kaddatz, along with their family, of Merrindale Gelbvieh at Cinnabar, have been dedicated to the Gelbvieh breed since 1989. Their journey began in Mackay, Queensland, when they promoted the first Gelbvieh cattle in tropical Australia, paving the way for the breed’s expansion across the state and beyond.
The Kaddatz family were true innovators, being the first in Australia to cross Gelbvieh with Bos Indicus cattle – a hybrid now recognised for its superior characteristics, including adaptability, growth, and carcase quality.
Over the years, Merrindale Gelbvieh has been a strong supporter of the breed nationwide and continues to achieve outstanding show results. At BEEF 2024, they claimed the prestigious Grand Champion Gelbvieh Bull with Kadfarm Gelbvieh Spartan. Most recently, at EKKA 2025, Merrindale Ulrick was awarded Reserve Senior Champion Male.
Gelbvieh are a unique breed in the beef industry, combining strong maternal instincts
with excellent growth rates and muscle development. Known for their quiet temperament and early maturity, Gelbvieh begin laying down fat at a young age, allowing them to reach market weight faster while delivering optimum finish and tender, flavoursome beef.
Visually, the breed is equally appealing, with colours ranging from a golden honey hue to deep red and black. This makes them ideal for crossbreeding, producing uniform, solidcoloured progeny that present well both in the paddock and at the saleyards.
Globally, Gelbvieh are valued for their versatility, complementing both British and tropical breeds. In fact, they are the most used breed in the USA for composite breeding, testament to their adaptability and performance.
From humble beginnings in tropical Queensland to national show success, the Kaddatz family’s commitment has cemented Merrindale Gelbvieh as a leader in promoting and developing this remarkable breed across Australia.
Group shot of the Merrindale Gelbvieh bulls that will be offered at the Calveston on property bull sale 9th October. (Supplied)
Toogoolawah State School EKKA 2025 wins
Their dedication pays off
Three Toogoolawah State High School students have proven that hard work beyond the classroom can lead to success on the state stage, with impressive results in the Interschool Judging Competition at this year’s Ekka.
Clancie, Dusty, and James are no strangers to the cattle yards.
Each of them has spent countless hours outside of school, on their family properties and at cattle camps, developing the skills needed to handle, prepare and judge livestock at a professional level.
From early mornings feeding and checking cattle, to halter training, grooming and perfecting their show presentation techniques, the trio have been living and breathing cattle work for months.
Their preparation also included attending cattle camps and clinics across the region, where they learned from industry professionals and refined their judging skills, assessing structure, muscling, temperament, and breed characteristics, and presenting their evaluations with confidence.
Agriculture Teacher, Angela Lynch, said the students’ achievements reflected their personal commitment and passion for the industry.
“While the school program provides opportunities for competition and support, the bulk of the hard work has been done by these students in their own time.
The hours they’ve put in at home and at cattle camps are what has really set them apart,” she said.
The school’s agricultural program has been proud to provide a platform for students to showcase their abilities, with training facilities and coaching that complement the skills learned beyond the school gate.
For Clancie, Dusty and James, the Ekka was more than just a competition, it was the culmination of years of hands-on experience and a love of working with cattle, proving that success is built one early morning, one yard session and one cattle camp at a time.
NIOA VIP claims senior bull class honours at Ekka
NIOA VIP has lived up to his moniker claiming top honours in his class at the Royal Queensland Show.
Backing up after his Reserve Junior Champion sash at last year’s Ekka Beef Week, V70 caught the eye of judge Jason Wolff in the Santa Gertrudis Senior Bull (22 months and under 24 months) section.
“He’s got the length - that’s probably what got him into first place - he’s a big volume bull, good muscle, moves around well,” judge Wolff remarked as NIOA VIP was led around the show ring by handler Sam Falls.
“VIP” could well stand for “Very Impressive Pedigree” – the 22-month-old future sire is the first son of former Australian breed recordholder Riverina Roland Sanchez R88 (PP), who himself is the first Australian son of globally recognised Red Doc Never Better (USA).
A 2023-spring drop calf out of NIOA Jalara Q07, VIP weighed 934kg with an eye muscle area of 133 square centimetres and P8 and rib fat measurements of 10mm and 17mm respectively.
Back in the pens after the competition, Mr Wolff went further, describing VIP as “the complete package”.
“I like his straight top line, the thickness in
his top. He’s very tidy underneath, big boned. I thought he was the complete package,” the respected Canowindra Santa Gertrudis (Emerald) stud principal said.
NIOA VIP headlines the NIOA bulls on offer at next month’s fourth annual NIOA RL Pastoral Sale at Talgai Homestead on Queensland’s Southern Downs.
The Ekka blue ribbon was a boost for NIOA stud manager Shannon Gardner who has high hopes for this year’s sale.
Of the 78 bulls catalogued, 32 are the first release progeny of current Australian record priced bull Yarrawonga Spartacus S316 (P), 12 by Roland Sanchez and 12 by proven homozygous sire Yulgilbar Queens Council Q100 (PP) while 10-straw semen packages from each will sell from lots 79-81.
“It’s always good to get a ribbon on a bull that’s at the front of your sale,” Mr Gardner said. “V70 was Reserve Junior Champion last year so it is good that he has gone on.
“It just confirms what we are doing with our breeding strategy and he is a prime example of the cattle we strive to produce for our sale.”
NIOA brought seven head to this year’s Ekka and came away with five sashes including a clutch of third placings for NIOA Wendy W87 (PP) - Heifers 8 months and under 12 months; NIOA V.I.P and NIOA Victory V26 (IVF) (PP)Pair of Bulls; NIOA V.I.P, NIOA Helena R03 and NIOA Willow (W15) - Breeder’s Group; NIOA Willow, NIOA Helena and NIOA Victory – Progeny Stakes Group.
Ekka Beef Week is the biggest stud cattle competition in the Southern Hemisphere – the Santa category alone featured 88 head representing 18 breeders from Queensland and New South Wales.
It was another memorable show for NIOA’s sale partner RL Pastoral whose Riverina brand has been a regular in the main arena for more than half a century.
Riverina Sparkle S9 (PP) took out Reserve Senior Champion cow in a tightly contested section won by Yarrawonga Marshmallow T671.
RL Pastoral also collected ribbons for Riverina U- Sparkle U117 (1st, Heifer, 14 months and under 16 months), Riverina U-Tube U96 (PP) (2nd, Senior Bull, 22 months and under 24 months), 3rd Pair of Bulls, 4th Breeder’s Group, 2nd Progeny Stakes Group and Highly Commended in the Herdsman Competition.
“It’s really nice to be recognised and to showcase our cattle at the show where many people come to look at the cattle and see what’s on offer for the upcoming sale,” Riverina stud principal Rob Sinnamon said.
“When you read our sale catalogue you will see outstanding cattle all the way through ... the significant number of poll cattle, the option to purchase homozygous poll, the broad cross section of sire lines we have on offer.”
NIOA and RL will offer 91 lots at their annual sale on Thursday, 4 September. Cattle will be on display on sale day at Talgai Homestead from 9am with bidding to start from noon.
NIOA Santa Gertrudis owners Eliza and Rob Nioa, general manager Shannon Gardner and handler Sam Falls with class winning Ekka show bull NIOA VIP. (Supplied)
Clancie, Dusty, and James are no strangers to the cattle yards.
Toogoolawah State High School cattle.
ROYAL QUEENSLAND SHOW 2025
Celebrating show success
John Mercer, Kandanga Valley Charolais and CharbraywasthejudgefortheBlonded’Aquitaine and had some positive comments to make about the heifer.
“She was an outstanding heifer, she is showing in calf and you can see the development of the udder and it was the perfect udder.
“She has overall depth and had a lot more softness than the other cattle and a bit of flank, WaiteA-Wyle United was feminine and refined through the front with a beautiful strong cowey head with that lovely strong barrel that carried right through to her hind quarter. Even though she was a typical
Blonde with plenty of meat and muscle she was still very feminine.“
Belinda and Wayne were excited by the win as Waite-A-Wyle United had also won as a calf at Beef in 2024 and had developed a lot since that win.
She was very much true to type and her genetics were from some of the original studs, which they wanted to keep breeding this type of animal. They are a soft and very feminine type of animal that still has a lot of bone and muscle with great udders.
Mr Hess was very pleased to hear the judges
Young guns fire at Ekka
Queensland Ag Shows Prime Beef Young Judges state finals were held at Ekka 2025. JudgeAlexDodsonfromHournandBishop, Moura (right) and David Littleproud (left) presented first place to Jess Chapman, 18, Rowanlea Santa Gertrudis stud, Calliope in central Queensland while runner-up was Annaka Hanson, Bullakena Brangus and Ultrablacks at Theodore, south west Queensland. Annaka Hanson was also runner up in the stud judging state finals.
comments and said that being a butcher, he was able to see the exceptional carcase results and this led the family to then breed their own Blondes and start a stud in 2012.
Wayne says they have an advantage as they follow their cattle from the birth right through to the animal being slaughtered to then hitting the plate as they kill at a local butcher at Maclagan and can then sell through local butcher shops in Toowoomba.
Their stud now consists of around 90 stud cows with most of their commercial herd being majority of Blonde d’Aquitaine being put over
Angus cows. Their commercial cows have the best of both worlds with ideal fat coverage and exceptional meat quality. The yields from the Blondes are outstanding.
Junior champion female: Melander Underbelly, Travis Hahn, Miles
Senior champion female: Waite-A- Wyle, Waw Beef, Wayne and Belinda Hess, Maclagan Reserve senior champion female: Melander Tahoola, Kyle and Tamara Mellors, Chinchilla
Junior champion male: Melander Victoria’s Secret, Kyle and Tamara Mellors, Chinchilla.
Judge Alex Dodson and David Littleproud present first place to Jess Chapman and runner-up to Annaka Hanson. (Jane Lowe)
Kiralee Streeter, Theodore won the state final of the Stud Beef Paraders competition at Ekka 2025. Kiralee is in her second year with Darren and Helen Childs, Theodore, learning all there is to know about stud cattle.
Wayne and Belinda Hess, Waite-A-Wyle Beef, Maclagan with their champion heifer Waite-A-Wyle United. (Supplied)
Grand Champion Blonde D’Aquitaine cow or heifer Waite-A-Wyle United, owners Angus, Wayne, Belinda and William Hess, Waw Beef, Maclagan, judge John Mercer, Alan Biddle and Mitch Jackson.
Proven Limousin genetics
By Jane Lowe
For more than three decades, Talana Limousins has been refining cattle to meet the demands of Queensland’s conditions and markets.
This years Sale will not be held at Emerald Agrow site and all bulls will be available from the Paddock
This is due to some weather issues not having their new sale complex ready for their first on property sale
TALANA LIMOUSINS BULL SALE
This year, 30 paddock bulls are available, all JBAS-7 accredited, performance-recorded, genetically docile, and easy to finish. Since the stud’s beginnings in 1993, founders Garry and Lenore Graham have worked to steadily adapt their herd, identifying the type of Limousin best suited to the region. Over the years, their dedication has produced a line of cattle with both adaptability and high market appeal.
In 2020, Talana achieved a standout result selling all 24 bulls offered under the hammer and setting an Australian breed record average of $10,354.
Gary recalls the stud’s origins clearly.
“We started with the best females we could find, flushing and AI’ing them for many years,” he said.
“Those cows brought us many accolades and high-priced sales, but our herd has advanced so far that if any of those originals were born today, they’d be culled in the weaner pen.”
Today, Talana offers Limousin seedstock focused on real-world production value with large contemporary group performance recording and selection for docility, First selection and softness, fertility, milk, early growth, and yield.
Gary and his son Anthony have applied their genetic research to benefit both stud and commercial producers, particularly for first and second-cross females. While EBVs play a role in their decisions, they see them as only part of the picture.
“EBVs are an indicator not the result and are just one important subset of what makes a good animal,” Gary explained. “We want reliable, predictable performance across all traits.”
Talana’s female base is grass-grown and joined to calve at around 24 months. Females are expected to rejoin on time, raise a heavy calf, and repeat annually demonstrating early growth, fertility, and ease of fleshing. These maternal qualities directly shape the type of bulls the stud produces.
“Our bulls are early- to mid-maturing, with large scrotal development, calving ease, and finish,” Anthony said. “They’re proven performers in Central and North Queensland because they’re already out there doing the job.”
With 32 years of refined breeding behind them and an eye firmly on functional, profitable genetics, Talana Limousins continues to set the benchmark for performance-driven seedstock.
Group of Sale Bulls. (497624)
T104 . (497624)
Garry Graham, Talana Limousin’s with one of the very quite bulls available. (Jane Lowe: 497624)
Ultimate wins the day
The 13th annual Coolabunia Classic Charolais bull sale, held at Coolabunia in August was conducted by selling agents Aussie Land & Livestock, Kingaroy and the online format provided by Stocklive. The Coolabunia Classic bull sale cleared 57 bulls from 57 offered in a very strong market, which came after widespread rain and strong cattle prices, which no doubt has added confidence to the cattle market.
The sale achieved a healthy average of $11,228 per bull. Competition for the top end bulls was very fierce with 33 bulls making $10,000 or higher.
This year’s average of $11,228 was almost a $2000 increase on the 2024 average of $9320 for 50 bulls sold.
This year the results were especially pleasing with five sale bulls going to new homes to do stud duties.
Bulls sold through the Brisbane Valley, Charters Towers, Biggenden, Injune, Eidsvold, Coonabarabran (NSW), Tamworth (NSW), Monto, Emerald, Jandow Kilkivan, Kilcoy and the local area.
Sharon and Les Leddington-Hill of LHU Charolais had a day to remember selling their recent Ekka Grand Champion Charolais Bull, Lot 42 LHU Ultimate (PP) by Canadian Sire CML Distinction to Bruce and Marg McConnaughty, Elstow Charolais Coonabarabran NSW for the top money of $25,000.
He was 24 months, 1065kg, EMA 147, fat 13/10 and IMF per cent 5.3. LHU also sold lot 43 LHU Uncle Johnny, for $17,000 to YoYo Trading, achieving a whopping average of $21,000 for their two bulls offered.
Lot 12 River Run Utah (PP) achieved the second top money of $20,000 when he sold to Luke and Kylie Hamilton, Fine Design Charolais, Tamworth NSW. Utah, a Cassaglen Raptor son, had a weight of 835kg at 24 months, EMA 132, fat 11/8, IMF per cent 6.5.
Pat and Tania Haynes of River Run Charolais had a very rewarding day selling their entire draft of 14 bulls for an exceptional $13,357 average. Lot 28 Charnelle Urban Cowboy (PP) a Silverstream National son, sold to long-time supporters of Charnelle genetics Stephen and Alison Kajewski, Bettafield Charolais Emerald. Urban Cowboy was 800kg at 22 months, EMA 136, fat 6/5 and IMF per cent 4.7.
The Kajewski family also took home Lot 29 Charnelle Uluru (P) for $10,000 and lot 33 Charnelle Uni (PP), a Johnny son for $14,000. Graham and Katrina Blanch of Charnelle Charolais Gatton were very pleased with the sale, selling their entire consignment of 15 bulls for a solid average of $11,133.
Lot 14 River Run U-Turn (PP) sold to long-time supporters of the classic, Inverstanley Pastoral Co for $18,000.
There was a special interest in homozygous polled bulls, with 15 selling for a solid $15,333 average.
Volume buyers on the day include Harold and Pam Dwyer taking home four bulls for a $11,500 average. They bought lots 8 River Run Universe and lot 26 Charnelle Ultra for $14,000 each and lots 25 and 59 for $9000 each.
Four buyers each took home three bulls. These were Bettafield Charolais investing $47,000, Dillon Scott $37,000, Jim Job Cattle Co $25,000 and TW and CL Stevenson $24,000.
Kneeing(lefttoright):AussieLand&LivestockagentsJamesBredhauerandMidgeThompson.Standing(lefttoright):Vendorsofthetop-pricedBullLHU UltimateLesandSharonLeddington-HillLHUCharolaisNanangoandbuyerofthetop-pricedbullBruceMcConnaughty,ElstowCharolaisCoonabarabran NSW.(Supplied)
Vendor results:
• LHU 2/2 Top $25,000 Av $21,000
• River Run 14/14 20,000 13,357
• Cooranga 2/2 13,000 12,000
• Clearview 2/2 15,000 11,500
• Charnelle 15/15 19,000 11,133
• Silverwood 10/10 16,000 9600
• Diamond L 12/12 14,000 8416
The Vendors would like to thank all the staff at Aussie Land & Livestock for their 110 per cent effort to make this sale the huge success that it is. We would like to thank Ben and Taylor for all their effort with the Stocklive online platform.
We would like to thank our sponsors this year Nutrien Ag Solutions Toogoolawah, Ridley’s Agri Products and Leader Products.
Finally, we would like to thank all the buyers, and all other bidders and interested parties for participation in our sale. We wish you well with your purchases.
Highlights include:
• Offered: 57 Sold: 57 (100pc)
• Gross: $640,000 Average: $11,228
• Top Price: $25,000.
Taking heat out of stress
When heat stress hits, cattle eat less and burn 15 per cent more energy just to maintain themselves. Reducing heat stress helps cattle maintain normal feed intake, boosting productivity and fertility—especially vital for northern Australian producers.
Simon Close, who runs Kurra-Wirra Cattle stud with his family in Culla, Victoria, is tackling this challenge head-on.
His Red Angus cattle already benefit from their red coats, which absorb less heat than black. But Simon’s secret weapon is the slick coat gene—a dominant trait that enhances heat tolerance.
“Heat stress starts at 28°C and 60 per cent humidity,” Simon explains. “Coat colour helps delay it, but the slick coat gene takes it further.”
Kurra-Wirra is believed to be the only Angus and Composite breeder in Australia, and possibly the world, testing for this gene in their herd.
Their Slick Angus cattle—red-coated animals carrying the slick gene—are registered with Angus Australia’s Performance Register (APR), which requires cattle to be at least 87.5 per cent Angus. Since testing began six years ago, KurraWirra has steadily increased Angus content while retaining the slick coat advantage.
The journey began 20 years ago with Simon’s father, Robert, who spotted exceptional red cows from Brindley Park station during the 2006 drought. These Senepol–Red Angus crosses had been bred using elite US and Canadian genetics. The Close family purchased 120 heifers and began breeding for Red Angus type and slick coats—initially by eye, before genetic testing was available.
“We’re chasing classic Angus traits—growth, fertility, carcass quality—with added heat tolerance,” Simon says. “We want free-moving animals
with hip height to cover long distances. Some of our cattle walk 10 to 20 km to water.”
Global genetics have been infused into the program to enhance performance. The game changed when the Livestock Improvement Company in New Zealand enabled slick gene testing.
“We haven’t needed Senepol since,” Simon says.
“Now we can tap into the full Angus gene pool and still retain heat tolerance.”
Kurra-Wirra sells 200–300 bulls annually, including 130 in Blackall each September. Their
agent, James Lilburne, has helped connect with northern producers, and demand for slick-coated Red Angus cattle has grown. The stud supplies major cattle businesses across Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Their cattle excelled in the Westech Steer Trial in Barcaldine, winning top honours for average daily gain both in the paddock and feedlot. “We’re lucky to supply some of Australia’s biggest producers,” Simon says. “They’re crossing our bulls with Brahmans and Droughtmasters and
seeing real benefits—better conformation, no horns, and docile temperaments that earn price premiums.”
In Alice Springs, one client reports slick-coated cattle are thriving and carrying impressive weight. Simon attributes this to longer grazing hours. “When cattle overheat, they rest instead of graze.
A study showed slick-coated animals grazed over an hour longer than British breeds on a 28°C day. Across a herd, that adds up.”
Slick-coated cattle also have cooler rumen temperatures—0.5 to 1°C lower—thanks to shorter coats, thinner skin, and more active sweat pores. This physiological edge means better feed efficiency, faster growth, earlier puberty in females, and earlier turnoff for steers.
The slick gene offers more than heat tolerance. It provides tick and parasite resistance. “A Meat & Livestock Australia study found Senepol–Limousin cattle with the slick gene had five times fewer ticks than pure Limousins,” Simon notes.
Environmental benefits are also on the radar.
“To cut methane, we need to grow more beef per cow. Faster-growing animals that leave the farm earlier emit less methane. It helps producers meet sustainability targets—something we believe is critical.”
Clients also love how slick-coated cattle look. “In the saleyards, they shine—fresh, primed, and commanding premium prices,” Simon says. Looking ahead, the Close family aims to push Angus content even higher.
Their dream? A bull sale where every animal is APR-registered and slick-coated. “We’re focused on profitable cattle—lower birthweights, higher growth, bigger carcasses—with walkability and the slick coat gene at the heart of it all.”
Red Angus - Angus & Slick Angus
At Kurra Wirra red animals carrying the slick gene, registered with Angus Australia’s APR, and we call them the Slick Angus.
RELIABLE PRODUCTS ... RELIABLE
Understanding pressure
By Aussie Pumps Australia
AUSSIES FERT SUCCESS
Where would today’s farmers be without fertilizer?
With the Abares report suggesting that we are in for a $100 billion agricultural production year in 2025.
You can see that Australian farmers are taking advantage of modern fertilizer techniques.
Australian Pump understand the need for fast filling of sprayers when the pressure is on. They specialize in what they call ‘Smart Pumps’ that are made from 30% glass filled polyester and fitted out with a range of elastomers, suitable for virtually every corrosive liquid transfer application.
FARM SUCCESS ESSENTIALS
It’s obvious that the three essentials for successful cropping are soil, sun, and water.
This is not news to any farmer, but many people don’t necessarily understand the conditions, challenges, and hazards that farmers have to deal with.
Apart from escalating costs of diesel fuel, seeds and fertilizer, wet weather or drought is a constant worry.
Australian Pump recognise this issue and have come up with a range of liquid fertilizer handling pumps that can tolerate the corrosive nature of these essential ingredients.
“Whether it’s nitrogen, phosphate, or potassium based, our Smart Pumps can deal with liquid fertilizer and fast fill sprayers at amazing rates”, said Aussie Pumps Chief Engineer, John Hales. 2INCH OR 3INCH?
The choice farmers need to make is how fast they need to fill the sprayers and make a selection accordingly.
For example, the 2-inch version of these revolutionary pumps is capable of producing 835 LPM flow.
That’s a lot of fertilizer per minute. It translates to being able to fill a 5000 L tank in around 6 minutes. It’s big brother, the 3-inch version, model RSE3BSV can handle up to 1010 LPM!
Machines are compact, low cost and come with a unique 5 year pump end warranty.
“We have found they are not only good for fertilizer but also for animal digestives like urea, molasses, and similar applications”, said Hales. EVEN MORE VERSATILE
The only difference between the 2-inch and 3-inch pumps is flow and port size.
They come with a choice of either high pressure or high flow configuration.
The 2-inch pump in high head configuration can hit 52 PSI (37meters), with maximum flow of 720 LPM.
The same pump in the high flow configuration impeller and volute, can produce 835 LPM but with reduced PSI to 35, i.e. 25 meters head.
The same applies to the 3-inch version. The big 3-inch pumps maximum flow can do 1010 LPM.
At that volume, the maximum pressure is 35 PSI, again 25m head.
OPTIONAL ELASTOMERS
By far the most popular elastomer for Aussie’s fertilizer pumps is Viton.
Viton is compatible with most fertilizers and will pump diesel fuel, fresh water, sea water, and a wide range of chemicals.
Aussie Pumps free chemical compatibility chart is available for any farmers needing guidance on exactly what combinations they should choose. For example, EPDM will handle most fertilizer and agricultural chemicals, but not all.
Buna is widely used for sea water, diesel fuel and fresh water.
Many Aussie Pump dealers stock all three configurations to make sure the customer is getting the right selection for the specific application.
Aussie also offers a polypropylene version of the same pump.
You can tell the difference because of the pale grey colour of polypropylene compared to the normal black polyester colour.
Polypropylene Smart pumps are highly suitable for AdBlue applications and need to be fitted with Viton seals for these applications.
Exotic mechanical seals like Halar siliconized graphite, are available for extremely corrosive chemical resistant applications.
EASY DRIVE SELECTION
The other major benefit of Aussie Smart Pumps and why they call them smart, is because of their adaptability to drive systems.
By far the most popular of the combination of pump and drive system is Honda’s GX200 61/2 horsepower petrol engine.
When the machines are fitted with the Honda engines, they are mounted on two steel rails with anti-vibration mounts.
That makes for a very neat piece of kit with the handle of the pump itself part of the backplate.
All machines are built right here in Australia, in Aussie Pumps big new factory in Norwest, Sydney.
DRIVES
OTHER
Some of the Navies of the world are standardizing Aussie’s Seamaster. It is the same 2-inch 30% glass filled polyester pump but is mounted on a L48 Yanmar diesel engine.
Built by Aussie into stainless steel frames, resistant to seawater applications, the pumps make an
essential ‘Damage Control’ system with the ability to move water fast, for any kind of extreme requirement, whether putting out a fire or salvage work.
“They also have an application in agriculture and we are pleased to see more and more of these pumps being used in everything from barra farming to abalone and rooster farming as well”, said Hales.
Aussie also offers a number of free training courses.
That includes everything from the Pumpology Training Course to Safety Programs for pressure cleaners and drain cleaning Jetters as well as ‘how to’ get the most out of cleaning your equipment.
Further information is available on Aussie Pumps website aussiepumps.com.au including Pump Smart 9 and Blaster Blitz 9.
These are useful documents with not only specifications and features but also troubleshooting guides, and good advice on how Aussie Pumps and the Gold distributor network can help buyers to pick the right selection for their equipment.
Aussie’s essential Smart Pump is fert friendly. (Supplied)
The Aussie Smart Pump production line in Sydney’s Norwest.Goldacres Batchmate with 3” Aussie Smart Pump.
The Showgirl experience
By Jessica McGrath
A campdraft-loving civil engineer from the South Burnett has been honoured to be the 2025 Queensland Country Life Showgirl runner-up.
Carly Jaenke was the South Burnett SubChamber and Nanango Show Society representative at the showgirl state finals held at the Royal Queensland Show from 5 to 10 August.
Mrs Jaenke was in “complete shock” when her name was read out at the awards night on Friday, 8 August.
“I genuinely was shocked, the other girls were absolutely incredible,” she said, adding, “I definitely wasn’t expecting it.”
The Queensland Country Life Showgirl winner for 2025 was South West sub-chamber’s Aleacea Nixon from Roma Show Society.
On 6 August, the showgirl finalists had the honour of visiting Government House where they were presented their state finalist sashes by the Queensland Governor, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM.
They also got a tour of Parliament House, and shared lunch with the speaker and other MPs.
Overall, Mrs Jaenke said, it was amazing being part of the behind the scenes at the Ekka, including participating in the grand parade and joining the RNA council for a meal.
“It’s such an amazing atmosphere,” she said.
“When you’re there as part of the program, you get a bit of an insider, backstage experience into the workings of the Ekka… it’s a pretty cool experience.”
The showgirls participated in various personal development workshops which covered vocal training, public speaking, and etiquette training over the week.
A highlight of the Ekka showgirl experience for Mrs Jaenke was interacting with the guest speakers including Lisa Hewitt, Elders’ State General Member for Queensland and Northern Territory, and Nanango MP Deb Frecklington who shared about her journey from a showgirl to a career in law and politics.
However it was the breakfast session with the AgForce team that had a lasting impact for Mrs Jaenke.
“My biggest takeaway is how important it is to promote the good things about agriculture,” she said.
“There are obviously lots of hardships in agriculture, it’s a difficult industry, but there are genuinely parts of the lifestyle [that farmers enjoy].”
Part of this promoting the “good things”, Mrs Jaenke explained, extends to welcoming city dwellers, or those who did not grow up on the land, who love the agricultural industry.
“We need to talk about the good things and the lifestyle it gives,” she said.
“It’s the most amazing job in the world… We need to focus on the good, if we want the next generation to take it up.”
Mrs Jaenke now works as a civil and project engineer in Brisbane, overseeing pavements and road projects.
However, she grew up on a Manumbar family farm, lending a hand with the beef cattle and horses.
“Farming has been our form of income growing up, but I always saw it… as the best fun,” she said, reflecting on school holidays spent mustering cattle, branding and fixing fences.
Mrs Jaenke’s grandfather was part of the first Manumbar Campdraft committee, and won the first open campdraft. The campdraft holds a memorial event in his name to this day.
“I’m completely campdraft mad, horse mad, and my family has been very dedicated to the development of the Manumbar Campdraft over the years,” she shared during her showgirl interview.
Over the years she has been part of the campdraft committee and has most recently stepped into the nomination secretary role.
“I’m absolutely so passionate about that campdraft, we’ve brought it from a one day event to a three day event over the years,” she said.
“I’m so passionate about growing our campdraft, but also staying close to our roots -which is to provide a family friendly and affordable campdraft for our local community.”
The Queensland showgirl runner-up reflected on how crucial show societies and campdrafts are.
“The close-knit nature of regional communities is really important, the local show and camp-
draft -it’s so important to the social
While
aspect… to bring people together,” she said.
donning her Queensland runner-up sash, Mrs Jaenke is looking forward to being a passionate advocate for the showgirl program at
South Burnett shows and beyond.
“Give it a go, it’s so worthwhile,” she said.
“It’s an extremely good program that you’ll get a lot out of.”
She will expects to return to her home show
society full of ideas.
“I’ll be bringing all things I’ve learnt at Ekka and getting to experience at other shows and bring it back to Nanango and see how we can learn from them,” she said.
The Queensland showgirl finalists with Nanango MP Deb Frecklington.
Carly Jaenke receives her state finalist sash from the Queensland Governor, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM.
The showgirls got to participate in the Ekka’s grand parade. Carly Jaenke hits sideshow alley.
Carly Jaenke helps present sashes in the cattle section.
Shining on every stage
It’s been success after success this year for the Wise family of Glenisa Angus.
In May, Glenisa proudly hosted 250 Angus enthusiasts from around the world as part of the World Angus Forum pre-forum tour. Guests were treated to a showcase of sale bulls and yearling heifers, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from both international and domestic producers. This global recognition has reinforced the Wise family’s pride in the cattle they produce and the program they’ve built.
Established in 1994, Glenisa Angus is owned and operated by Ced Wise and family on their fourth-generation property, ‘Glenisa’. Once a thriving stone fruit orchard and vineyard, the property has evolved into the heart of Glenisa Angus’ stud and commercial operation.
The program comprises 800 Angus breeders — 300 stud HBR Black Angus, with the remainder made up of commercial and recipient breeders. Spread across more than 8,000 acres of semiimproved Granite Belt and Wylie Creek pastures, Glenisa cattle are raised in tough but balanced conditions.
This lighter grazing country ensures the program consistently produces hardy, adaptable bulls capable of thriving in commercial environments across Australia.
Owner and founder Ced Wise shared, “It was a real honour for our family to welcome people to Glenisa Angus and Wise Repro.
To be part of such a special occasion, surrounded by so many passionate and knowledgeable Angus enthusiasts from all corners of Australia and the world, was something I’ll never forget.”
The Wise family’s commitment to performance was recognised in spectacular fashion in 2024, when Glenisa Angus claimed the Overall
Winner title in the prestigious RNA Paddock to Palate Class 40 HGP-Free competition — their very first year exhibiting.
And they backed it up again in 2025, proving their program is built on consistency, reliability, and value. This year’s achievements included first in Class 37C: Zoetis MSA Eating Quality Competition, first in Class 40B: Pen of 6 Carcass Competition, Reserve Champion Carcass in Class 40B, Champion in class 40C Coopers Animal Health Highest Individual Index Score and to top it all off second in Class 40B Paddock to Palate Overall Winner.
These results confirm what Glenisa Angus clients already know — this is a program producing
cattle with proven performance and real-world profitability.
Stud manager Ben Lobegeiger takes great pride in the genetics the program presents. In his words, “We aren’t the flashiest or prettiest program. At the end of the day, we’re just some cowboys who love good cattle and take a lot of pride in making sure they work for our clients.”
With another award-winning year behind them, the Wise family is excited to present their 15th Annual Glenisa Angus Bull and Commercial Female Sale, held on Friday, 5th September 2025 at 12 noon — on-property at “Glenisa”, Glen Aplin QLD and online via AuctionsPlus.
Within this year sale 46 Angus Bulls and 40
Commercial Heifers go under the hammer of livestock agents Nutrien and George and Fuhrmann.
All bulls are semen and morphology tested, vaccinated for Vibrio, 7-in-1, 3-Day Sickness, and tick blooded — a reflection of the Wise family’s ongoing commitment to delivering reliable genetics that are ready to perform in herds across the country.
From international recognition to back-toback award success, Glenisa Angus has set a new benchmark in consistency, quality, and client confidence. With this year’s sale on the horizon, the Wise family proudly stands by their program and offers cattle that are truly “Bred to Perform, Raised to Last.”
Ben Lobegeiger, Glenisa Manager accepts first place award for Class 40, pen of 6 carcass competition.
Ced Wise, with Glenisa Angus awards from the RNA paddock to palate.
WONDAISPRING GARDENEXPO2025
Discoverthediversityofgardening inQld’sbestbackyard!
27thand28thSeptember
WondaiSportsgroundandLionsPavilion,Bunya Highway,Wondai.
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Qualitystallswithahugevarietycoveringallthings gardeningincludingplants,fertilisers,pots,ornaments, gardenart,tools,specialtyplants,locallymadehoney,wineandso muchmore.Fullycateredwithplentyoffoodanddrinkstallsand coveredseatingareas.
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Australia’s Premier Performance Shorthorn Herd
Home of the highest performing Shorthorn cattle in the country
582yearoldBullsAveraged · 894KG · 40cmScrotal · 134cm2EMA · 7.2IMF% · 12mmRumpFat · 8mmRibFat
4YearlingBullsAveraged · 592KG · 36cmScrotal · 116cm2EMA
7.4IMF% · 9mmRumpFat · 6mmRibFat
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The Morgan family have been breeding Shorthorns in Queensland for over a century and are determined to see The Grove’s influence on the beef industry continue into the future. Along with a strict visual evaluation, the performance recording of large contemporary groups has allowed The Grove to very accurately describe their cattle genetically which means they can breed the desired phenotype with a much higher probability.
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Regional market round-up
Reporting Date: 14/08/2025
Saleyard: Blackall
2,800 head were yarded at Blackall this week with close to 1,500 prime cattle included in the lineup. Most processes were present and active, however the absence of one southern exporter saw prices on prime cows and heifers ease again this week while bullocks and heavy bulls strengthened on previous sales.
A mixed quality yarding of yearlings saw a large variance in averages depending on quality with light weight restocker steers selling to a top of 434.2c averaging 421c, restocker steers 280 to 330kg made to a top of 464.2c averaging 443c and heavy feeder steers made to 424.2c to average 385c/kg.
A good quality run of light weight restocker heifers made to 426.2c averaging 411c, while plainer types averaged 280c, PTE heifers over 400 kg to feed sold to 372.2 with most around 366c and for heavy grown heifers, processors paid up to 380.2c to average 355c/kg. Bullocks sold to 390.2 averaging 385c, up 5c/kg.
Medium weight 3 score cows made to 345.2c averaging 323c and good heavy cows lost 9c selling to 365c to average 350c/kg. Heavy bulls were a stand out, again lifting by 15c topping at 404.2c average 376c/kg.
Reporting Date: 20/08/2025
Saleyard: Casino
There was 1,590 head yarded which was up by 402. The main increase was in larger numbers of weaners, while there was a few pens of yearlings,and a similar number of cows. Quality of the young cattle was mixed, although there was several runs of well bred weaners through the sale.
Restocker weaner steers held firm selling from 400c to 598c with the medium weight steers averaging 510c/kg. Restocker weaner heifers were 10c dearer selling from 340c to 450c/kg. Feeder steers met keen competition ranging from 400c to 454c, while restocker yearling heifers sold from 322c to 410c/kg.
The yarding of export cattle consisted of a few pens of grown steers and heifers, while there was a fair penning of cows. Grown steers to feed sold to a top of 402c, while feeder grown heifers also sold to 402c/kg. Heavy cows sold firm to slightly easier ranging from 340c to 360c, while light and medium weight cows were 10c dearer with 3 scores averaging 336c/kg. Restocker cows were 20c dearer toping at 342c/kg. Heavy bulls reached a top price of 371c/kg.
Report by Doug Robson.
Reporting Date: 20/08/2025
Saleyard: Dalby
The number of cattle penned at Dalby reduced by 203 head to 6,049 and the supply of cows reduced to 1,055 head. Buyer attendance continues to be good and all were active in the market with restockers displaying more interest in the light weight classes of yearling steers and heifers. Good heavy weight cows also experienced a small improvement. Light weight yearling steers returning to the paddock made to a top of 606c with a good sample averaging from 523c to 543c/ kg. Yearling steers to feed for the domestic market
averaged from 432c to 499c the occasional sale to 544c/kg. Heavy weight yearling steers to feed made to 490c to average from 440c to 450c/kg. Light weight yearling heifers to restockers made to a top of 460c to average from 423c to 430c/kg. Medium weight yearling heifers to feed averaged from 385c to 423c with some to 450c/kg. Heavy weight yearling heifers to feed made to 456c to average 425c/kg. Heavy grown steers to export processors averaged 417c with the occasional sale to 449c and the bullock portion made to 420c to average 404c/kg. Heavy grown heifers made to 428c/kg. Medium weight 2 score cows averaged 337c and made to 345c/kg. Heavy weight 3 score cows averaged 363c and the best of the cows averaged 380c and made to 393c/kg. Heavy weight bulls to processors made to 399c and one heavy weight bull found a new home at 408c/kg. Market Reporter, Trevor Hess.
Reporting Date: 08/08/2025
Saleyard: Emerald
The yarding at Emerald sale increased by 229 head to 1224. Cattle were drawn from the local area and north to Clermont and Collinsville. The major portion of the yarding comprised grown cattle for processors and feeders with very few restocker lines. A reduced panel of buyers lead to an easing of prices for most descriptions. The few yearling steers sold to 335c/kg. Yearling heifers went to restockers and processors for the veal trade to average 169c to 231c/kg. Grown steers made to 315c/kg with the best of the trade heifers selling to 270c/kg to average 255c to 262c/kg for the best presented pens.Heavy, four score cows
reached a top of 252c/kg to average 240c/kg to processors. Heavy bulls sold to 235c/kg to record averages of 215c/kg. Reporter: Richard Thomson
Reporting Date: 19/08/2025
Saleyard: Roma Roma agents yarded 7,703 head. All the regular processors feedlotters and backgrounders present. Cattle were dawn from NSW and the normal supply district. A mixed quality yarding penned with the market solid thru out for most categories.
Yearling steers under 200kg topped 544c/kg. Yearling steers 200 to 280kg sold from 300c to 558c/kg for the better pens to restockers. Yearling steers 280 to 330kg made from 334c to 528c/kg to average 483c/kg. Yearling steers 330 to 400kg improved almost 25c/kg to 504c/kg. Yearling steers 400 to 480kg sold to 482c to average 463c/kg to feed. Yearling steers over 480kg sold to 482c to feed and average 428c/kg.
Yearling heifers under 200kg made to 394c/ kg. Yearling heifers 200 to 280kg selling from 240c to 444c/kg to restockers. Yearling heifers 280 to 330kg sold from 300c to 444c/kg to feed. Yearling heifers 330 to 400kg sold from 294c to 462c/kg to restockers. Yearling heifers 400 to 480kg sold to a dearer trend and made to 440c/kg. Yearling heifers over 540kg made to 422c/kg to processors.
Grown steers 400 to 500kg to 480c/kg with larger numbers selling from 384c to 480c/kg. Grown steers 500 to 600kg to 450c/kg to average 441c/kg to feed. A small number of bullocks over 600kg to 418c/kg to processors.
Approx 1400 cows penned which sold to firm to slightly dearer for the score 3 cows over 520kg.
The 2 score cows 400 to 520kg sold from 200c to 378c with the 3 score cows over 520kg topping at 396c/kg. Bulls over 600kg to 400c/kg
Market Reporter David Friend.
Reporting Date: 19/08/2025
Saleyard: Warwick
Warwick agents penned 1,175 head. All the usual processors attended along with feeder buyer and local restockers. All yearling restocker and feeder cattle have sold to dearer trends along with heavy yearling steers and heifers also grown steers and cows to processors lifted from 3c to 13c/kg. Yearling steers in the 200-280kg range to restockers made 506c to average 471c/kg.Yearling steers in the 280-330kg range to restockers sold to 526c and averaged 496c/kg. Yearling steers to feed for the domestic market made 494c to average 441c/kg. Heavy yearling steers to feed sold to 443c and averaged from 436c to 441c/kg. Yearling heifers in the 280-330kg range to feed made 410c to average 389c/kg. Yearling heifers to feed for the domestic market made 434c to average 387c/ kg. Heavy yearling heifers to the wholesale meat trade sold to 438c/kg.
Grown steers to processors made 441c to average 408c/kg. Grown heifers to processors sold to 390c and averaged from 355c to 370c/kg. Light weight plain conditioned cows to processors sold from 210c to 275c with the score 3 lines at 330c to average 320c/kg. Heavy score 3 cows to processors made 340c to average 326c with the best heavy cows topping at 384c to average 353c/kg. Heavy bulls to processors made 377c to average 348c/kg. Market Reporter Errol Luck.
Roma Saleyards.
All set for a rugby feast
The Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) and Santos are thrilled to announce the rugby schedule for the 2025 Santos Festival of Rugby to be held in Narrabri, NSW on September 20 and 21.
The Santos Festival of Rugby combines elite high-performance rugby with opportunities for regional Queensland and New South Wales rugby participants to play on the big stage.
The Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs will meet across four formats in the country NSW hub: Super Rugby AUS and Super Rugby Under-19 competition fixtures, a Super Rugby Women’s exhibition match and four Women’s Rugby Sevens matches.
Other matches include the Classic Wallabies coming up against the Narrabri Blue Boars in an Over-35s match and Queensland Country and NSW Country doing battle at U18 girl’s level.
“We’re unbelievably excited to be heading back to Narrabri at a different time of the year for the 2025 Santos Festival of Rugby,” Queensland Rugby Union chief executive David Hanham said.
“The festival has firmly entrenched itself as one of the highlights of the Australian rugby season, with high-quality rugby and outstanding country hospitality combining to deliver a memorable weekend.
“I want to thank Santos for (its) incredible support of rugby in Australia and look forward to seeing plenty of travelling Queensland fans cheering on the teams in Maroon.”
Santos managing director and chief executive Kevin Gallagher said the annual event reflected all the best elements of rugby and community connection.
“We’re proud to bring the Santos Festival of Rugby back to Narrabri and share in the passion this community has for the game, while giving regional Australia a chance to experience first-rate rugby they would usually have to travel to a capital city to see,” Mr Gallagher said.
“At Santos, we believe in the power of sport to inspire, connect and strengthen communities. We also believe in great initiatives and events that shine a light on some of our incredible regions, like Northern NSW, which also stands to benefit from visitor numbers and the economic uplift of
being host to a fantastic festival.
“That’s why we support sport and back local communities - because when communities thrive, we all benefit.
“Events like this bring people together and we are excited to be part of a weekend that celebrates community spirit, regional pride and great rugby.”
The Classic Wallabies will deliver a free clinic for all ticketed juniors to kickstart proceedings on the Saturday of the festival. Games will commence at 2pm Saturday and 9am Sunday.
The festival will celebrate its fifth year in 2025, alternating between Narrabri (2021, 2023 and 2025) and Roma (2022 and 2024). The switch to September is a first, with previous festivals having been staged in February over each of the past four years.
Santos and the QRU collaborate on the delivery of the festival, a core component of the successful partnership between the two organisations.
Tickets will be on-sale in coming weeks, with other exciting announcements to come. 2025 Santos Festival of Rugby Schedule: Saturday, 20 September:
• ClassicWallabiesKidsClinic,12:30pm–1.30pm
• Queensland Reds vs NSW Waratahs Women’s Rugby Sevens, 2pm
• Queensland Reds vs NSW Waratahs Women, 2.30pm
• Queensland Reds vs NSW Waratahs Women’s Rugby Sevens, 4.30pm
• Queensland Reds vs NSW Waratahs Super Rugby AUS, 5.45pm Sunday, September 21:
• Queensland Country vs NSW Country, U18 Girls, 9am
• Queensland Reds vs NSW Waratahs Women’s Rugby Sevens, 10.20am
• Classic Wallabies vs Narrabri Blue Boars Over 35s, 11am
• Queensland Reds vs NSW Waratahs Women’s Rugby Sevens, 12pm
• Queensland Reds vs NSW Waratahs Super U19s, 1pm.
The Queensland Reds team with Santos CEO Kevin Gallagher and Warrago MP Anne Leahy after beating the NSW Waratahs in last year’s Santos Festival of Rugby (Brendan Hertel, Rugby Australia).