September 2026
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Success at the Ekka PAGES 45
A call to the capable PAGE 18
Warra Warra success Rhys Herbert and Trish Carroll from Pastoral Properties (Cropping), Warra Warra on the Darling Downs have won the AgriRisk High Achiever of the Year Award at the Australian Cotton Industry Awards. The awards dinner concludes the 2026 Australian Cotton Conference on the Gold Coast and is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of growers, innovators, leaders and researchers who strive to keep the industry moving forward. Pastoral Properties, a large-scale irrigated and dryland operation, has increased cotton yields by some two bales per hectare over the past five years and has improved fibre quality through better planting timing and careful variety selection. STORY PAGE 2
Fears for Pookila Fresh concerns are held for the future of one of Queensland’s least-known native mammals, after a landmark statewide survey found just one Pookila despite years of targeted searching. Researchers from the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) conducted more than 10,500 overnight trapping attempts across seven of the state’s 10 known sites over nearly three years. They recorded only one tick under the native rodents’ column, highlighting growing uncertainty around the species’ survival in the state. According to a research article in the latest edition of the Australian Journal of Zoology, the lone Pookila was caught in an aluminium box trap during the 640-day survey, on a private property east of Warwick near Cunningham’s Gap. STORY PAGE 24
Santa goes pie high The rich flavour and eating quality of Santa Gertrudis beef has delivered a major win at the prestigious Royal Sydney Fine Food Awards. The Mighty Santa Pie scored an outstanding 91 points out of 100 in the savoury pie category, earning gold medal honours and the title of the competition’s highest-scoring pie. Named in honour of the “Mighty Santa Gertrudis”, a breed renowned for thriving in challenging Australian environments while consistently producing high-quality beef, the pie marked a significant milestone for the breed. STORY PAGE 13
The 2025 Santa Gertrudis Breed Ambassador Eleni Fogden with the Mighty Santa Pie and a Santa Gertrudis calf at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in April this year. (Supplied)
Leaders in cotton Fifth-generation Lockyer Valley farming operation Moira Farming, run by the Brimblecombe family, has been named the 2026 Bayer Cotton Grower of the Year at the Australian Cotton Conference. The prestigious award recognises leadership, innovation, sustainability, and contributions to
the broader industry. Although the family’s cotton roots date back to 1959, they paused production in the late 1990s due to high input demands. Re-entering the market six years ago, they utilized modern biotechnology and drought-tolerant cotton to put lower-
quality bore water to productive use. Starting with 100 acres, Moira Farming has expanded its cotton program to roughly 1500 acres. The crop seamlessly integrates with their existing vegetable operations, balancing seasonal labour, machinery use, and cash flow.
Focused on future efficiency over sheer size— aiming for higher yields per acre—the Brimblecombes demonstrate how traditional farming and modern innovation can successfully drive business resilience. STORY PAGE 3
INSIDE
NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au
EKKA SUCCESS ............................... pages 4-5 COTTON CONFERENCE ................... pages 6-7 DAIRY CRISIS ..................................... page 15 WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE.......... pages 20-21 FUTURE COTTON LEADERS .............. page 26 MARKET ROUND-UP .......................... page 39 SPORT ................................................ page 40
DAM LEVELS BEARDMORE ...................................... 70.17% BJELKE-PETERSEN ............................. 96.06% BORUMBA ..............................................99.1% BOONDOOMA ..................................... 92.26% CEDAR POCKET .................................... 94.4% CHINCHILLA WEIR .............................. 64.85% COOLMUNDA ...................................... 55.96% LESLIE ....................................................57.5% PARADISE ........................................... 95.73%
Rhys Herbert and Trish Carroll, Pastoral Properties (Cropping), Warra Warra won the AgriRisk High Achiever of the Year Award at the Australian Cotton Industry Awards. (Supplied)
SOMERSET ......................................... 79.05% WIVENHOE ............................................ 83.6%
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Big win for Warra Warra By Fiona Gowers Rhys Herbert and Trish Carroll from Pastoral Properties (Cropping), Warra Warra on the Darling Downs have won the AgriRisk High Achiever of the Year Award at the Australian Cotton Industry Awards. The awards dinner concludes the 2026 Australian Cotton Conference on the Gold Coast and is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of growers, innovators, leaders and researchers who strive to keep the industry moving forward. Pastoral Properties, a large-scale irrigated and dryland operation, has increased cotton yields by some two bales per hectare over the past five years and has improved fibre quality through better planting timing and careful variety selection. Its integrated weed management strategy includes camera spraying to improve accuracy and reduce chemical use. Pastoral Properties has recently been myBMP certified and has a strong focus on workplace culture, capable staff and the flexibility to adapt to changing weather, water availability and seasonal pressures. “Culture’s a really big thing; I think it’s really important from management down that you lead by example and have that positive attitude,” Trish said. “We’re proud of what we do and proud of what we grow and we’re very humbled to be named the AgriRisk High Achiever of the Year,” Rhys added. “Our goal for the future is to keep getting better at what we do and, hopefully, be able to wear the cotton that we’re growing.” Alexandria Doyle, a grower services representative with Louis Dreyfus Company based in Emerald, was named the CRDC Chris Lehmann Young Cotton Achiever of the Year. Alexandria is president of the Central Highlands Cotton Growers and Irrigators Association and has contributed to agronomy, grower engagement and community leadership. Her work focuses on strengthening cotton communities, encouraging the next generation and supporting growers through practical advocacy and connection. Dr Katie Broughton was named Cotton Seed Distributors Researcher of the Year for her groundbreaking work on how cotton systems re-
Alexandria Doyle and Liz Stott. Alexandria was named the CRDC Chris Lehmann Young Cotton Achiever of the Year at the Australian Cotton Industry Awards. (Supplied) spond to climate variability and environmental stress, helping growers better manage seasonal risk in a changing climate. Over 19 years, her field-based research has improved industry understanding of water-use efficiency, crop management and yield stability, with current work on novel plant growth regulators offering new tools for both irrigated and rainfed cotton systems. Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay congratulated the 2026 recipients, saying they highlighted the breadth of talent and commitment across the cotton supply chain. “These awards recognise the best of the best in Australian cotton and Rhys and Trish are outstanding examples of growers who are continually improving, investing in their people and producing high-quality, sustainable cotton,” Mr Kay said. “Alexandria and Katie are also making valuable contributions to growers, regional communities and the long-term success of Australian cotton. “Together, these recipients demonstrate the innovation, resilience and willingness to share knowledge that make Australia’s cotton industry so highly regarded. “They should all be very proud of this recognition.”
Plenty of reasons to be optimistic These days there is a tendency to be unkind about young people. Apparently, they are difficult to employ, impossible to retain and would rather spend their days looking at a screen than getting their hands dirty. Well, happily, I beg to differ. After spending the past few weeks talking to young professionals across the cotton and beef industries, I am genuinely impressed and more optimistic than ever about the future of agriculture. From the Australian Cotton Conference to the Ekka, I have met young people who are knowledgeable, articulate, ambitious and, perhaps most importantly, passionate about the industries they have chosen. They are embracing technology, research, innovation and new ideas, but they also understand that agriculture is ultimately about people... the relationships between producers, employees, researchers, advisers, businesses and communities. What has particularly impressed me is their willingness to learn. They are confident enough to challenge conventional thinking, but humble enough to listen to those who have been in the industry before them. They are not simply looking for a job. They want meaningful careers, opportunities to contribute and the chance to help shape what agriculture looks like in the future. And, perhaps, that is exactly what our industry needs. Every generation has its critics, but the young people I have met recently are a timely reminder that we should spend less time worrying about what is supposedly wrong with young Australians and more time recognising what they are getting right. They are impressive. And, if they are representative of the next generation of farmers, professionals and industry leaders, the future of Queensland agriculture is in very safe hands indeed.
- Fiona Gowers
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Cotton industry’s finest By Fiona Gowers A long-standing Lockyer Valley family has been recognised at the highest level of the Australian cotton industry, with Moira Farming taking out the 2026 Bayer Cotton Grower of the Year award. Presented at the Australian Cotton Industry Awards on the Gold Coast, the honour caps off a strong return to cotton for the Brimblecombe family, one built on innovation, diversification and a clear-eyed approach to risk and sustainability. For Mitch Brimblecombe - who operates the Forrest Hill property alongside his wife Mariah and parents Linton and Melinda - the recognition reflects both the past and the future. “Yes, we had a great week at the Australian Cotton Conference,” he said. “And it was a real honour to be named the 2026 Bayer Cotton Grower of the Year.” The award acknowledges not only production outcomes, but also leadership, sustainability and contribution to the broader industry, areas where the Brimblecombes have steadily built a reputation. Deep roots, evolving systems The family’s connection to the land stretches back more than a century, with Mitch representing the fifth generation on the property. Like many farms in the Lockyer Valley, Moira Farming has evolved over time, adapting to markets, climate and technology. “Earlier generations probably started with lucerne, grain, corn, some hay crops and probably some pumpkin and onions,” Mr Brimblecombe said. Cotton itself is not new to the family. Mitch’s grandfather first introduced the crop in October 1959 - on just a single acre. “He did all those early crops then introduced cotton really early on,“ Mr Brimblecombe said. That early venture continued through to the late 1990s, before the family stepped away from cotton production. “We stopped growing it as the technology, the gene technology wasn’t there and input usage was high.” A calculated return The decision to reintroduce cotton six years ago came after careful consideration of both agronomic and business factors. Industry-wide, cotton was increasingly recognised for its improvements in water use efficiency and integrated pest management, particularly with advances in biotechnology and best management practices such as myBMP certification, standards Moira Farming was keen to adhere to. “We felt confident enough to re-enter that market,” Mr Brimblecombe said. Seasonal conditions also played a role. Following dry conditions in 2020, the family began seeking ways to better use available water resources. “Six years ago we were very dry and we wanted a productive use for our bore water, which is a little bit lower quality,” Mr Brimblecombe said. “We wanted to use it and we know cotton can handle it. We sort of looked at it as a tool to help us through the dry times, using the resources of water that we couldn’t really use on our vegetables.” The move has proven successful, with the cotton program expanding rapidly from modest beginnings. “We started with 100 acres (40 hectares) in our first year trial, that went to 400 acres (160ha) the next year and then to 800 (320ha) after that.” Today, the business has settled at around 1500 acres (607ha) of cotton within a broader rotation that includes vegetable production, helping balance labour, machinery use and income streams across the year. Diversification driving resilience That integration of cotton into a diversified system was a key factor highlighted in the award citation. “We know that diversification is quite important to what we do. Looking at our history has helped us look into cotton for our future,” Mr Brimblecombe said. “Cotton has a really good fit in our business; it’s a less labour-intensive crop than the vegetables and it’s also a globally traded commodity. “That gives our business marketing risk diversity and is a different cash flow to the vegetables. “Often summer gets a little bit quieter for our vegetable production, whereas that’s when the cotton ramps up and can keep our machinery going, our staff going and our land working for us.
Kate, Linton, Melinda, Mitch and Mariah Brimblecombe accept the 2026 Bayer Cotton Grower of the Year award. (Supplied) “The positivity, the sustainability, it’s a wonderful industry to be a part of.“ People at the centre Beyond production, the Brimblecombes place strong emphasis on people, both within their workforce and across their supply network. The business employs nine full-time staff, expanding to as many as 50 during peak vegetable harvest and works closely with research organisations including CSIRO, the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Griffith University. “Yeah, look, we try and have a pretty positive workspace. There’s no point being miserable, I suppose,” Mr Brimblecombe said. “We need, for us to do what we do, we need people and we need staff and suppliers. It’s not just us, it’s a broader network of suppliers and we need them on our side working for our goal of all the things we’re doing.” That approach extends to staff development and retention. “So, yeah, it’s just a process of retaining staff and, yeah, that’s it, finding tasks that suit our staff and, yeah, knowing their strengths, I suppose, that’s probably one way to put it.” “It’s just a matter of, you know, upskilling and giving them the skills and the room to grow if they want to. “Some people don’t want to, they’re happy just doing their thing and we need to understand that as well, you know, where to push and what they enjoy and what not.” Focus on efficiency Looking ahead, the family is focused on refining their cotton operation rather than simply expanding it. “Yeah, we do set short-term, medium-term, long-term goals. We may not have it written down on a whiteboard. No, but there certainly is a bit of a plan there,” Mr Brimblecombe said. “For example, we want to grow our cotton business. We may consolidate a little bit in the Lockyer Valley, but we certainly want to grow more cotton, more efficiently.” “I’d rather grow less acres and get more bales. Grow more efficient cotton, that’s what we’re working towards.” Industry recognition The Bayer Cotton Grower of the Year award is one of the industry’s most prestigious honours, recognising growers who demonstrate excellence across productivity, sustainability, innovation and community contribution. Presented during the Australian Cotton Conference, it highlights the role progressive farming businesses play in shaping the future of Australian agriculture. For the Brimblecombe family, the recognition is both a milestone and a motivator—af-
firming the decisions made over generations while reinforcing a commitment to continual improvement. In a region better known for its intensive vegetable production, their success also underscores cotton’s growing role in diversified farm-
ing systems across southern Queensland. And as the industry continues to evolve, businesses like Moira Farming are showing how tradition and innovation can work hand in hand—delivering both resilience on-farm and confidence for the sector’s future.
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Two national titles at Ekka The 2026 Agricultural Shows Australia National Young Judges and Paraders Championships have been held at the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka). Australia’s best young judges and paraders compete across beef and dairy cattle, grain, Merino sheep and fleece, meat breeds sheep and poultry, alongside the Australian Young Farmer Challenge and National Rural Ambassador Award. Competitors qualified through regional and state championships, with this year’s national finals hosted by Queensland Agricultural Shows. Agricultural Shows Australia Chair Jacqueline (Jac) Wilson-Smith said the championships celebrate the next generation of agricultural leaders and highlight the important role shows play in developing skills and industry connections. “These young competitors have earned their place through months of competition and the national championships give them the chance to test themselves against the best in Australia,“ she said. “Agricultural shows have always been about learning, mentoring and creating opportunities. The experience these young people gain here will stay with them throughout their careers and help strengthen Australia’s food and fibre industries.“ Poultry Young Judges Winner: Hayley Walker, 23, Cedar Vale, QLD Hayley Walker is the first generation in her family to have a strong passion for agriculture. She’s involved in breeding and showing poultry but also has an interest in the beef cattle industry. Hayley’s an active supporter of breed club shows, including the Indian Game Club of Australia and Pekin Bantam Club of Queensland events, as well as the Ipswich Poultry Club show. Hayley believes agricultural shows play an important role in opening doors for people from all backgrounds to build connections and lifelong involvement in the industry. “This win means a great deal to me,“ she said. “I am the first generation of my family to be involved in the poultry industry. I have spent a lot of time breeding, showing and revising the breed standards to get to this position today.“ Second: Bryson Lee, 17, Maclean, NSW Bryson Lee has been raised around chooks since day one. He’s a fourth generation poultry enthusiast and his grandfather and father have shared everything they know. Bryson’s been the Sydney Royal Poultry Young Judges champion for two years running. “I am grateful for this place today,“ Bryson said. “I love all things poultry and want to continue into the industry mentoring the younger generation as well.“ Australian Young Farmer Challenge The Australian Young Farmer Challenge saw teams of four young farmers aged 18-35 compete in a fast-paced relay of farm tasks, including fencing, wool handling, first aid and livestock skills. Queensland won on home turf with team members Piper Christiansen, Lawrence (Larry) Schmish-Lahey, Montana Sanderson and Parker Dean. The Queensland team’s title didn’t come easily. They completed the challenge three times that day, first winning the state challenge, then backing it up with wins in both the opening heat and the grand final of the national competition.
Team Queensland. (Supplied) New South Wales was awarded second place with team members Kate Bourke, Blake Calderon, Cassie Bush and Jim Watts. Also competing were Western Australia with team members Jake Davies, Zachary Antonio, Sean Sandercock and Andrea Sandercock and South Australia with team members Katherine Thiele, Charles Thiele, Nathan Lush and Katie Bell. Dairy Cattle Young Paraders Winner: Abbie Hanks, 20, Cobden, Vic Abbie Hanks began showing dairy cattle with her family’s Wellcoora Holsteins stud at the age of eight, following in her mum’s footsteps. In 2023 her Red Holstein, Elmar Mirand Farlex, was crowned Junior Champion at International Dairy Week. “It was a really tough class, the heifers and the overjudge really made us work,“ Abbie said. “I am very proud of winning the National Dairy Parader class as I have always aspired to achieve this national title.“ Runner-up: Chris Thompson, 19, Mitcham, SA His first ever show experience was at the Royal Adelaide Show, with Mount Pleasant Show marking his debut as an exhibitor. “I fell in love with agriculture through my grandparents’ property and have never looked back since,“ Chris said. In 2025 he represented South Australia in young judges at the Royal Adelaide Show. His highlight so far is winning Grand Champion Heifer at the 2026 SA Calf Day. “Being awarded reserve in this national competition is a highlight for me. It’s exciting to be over here representing my state of South Australia and I am thankful for the mentors and family who have helped me get to this level of competition,“
Dairy cattle young judges (left to right) Mikaela Daniel, Victoria and Molly Klasen, NSW. Chris said. Dairy Cattle Young Judges Winner: Mikaela Daniel, 21, Nathalia, Vic Mikaela Daniel has been showing and judging dairy cattle from a young age. Now working in real estate, she’s still involved in the dairy sector and enjoys getting to International Dairy Week. Some of her fondest show memories are of competing at the Royal Melbourne Show and winning her first handlers class. “It’s definitely not something I expected,“ Mikaela said. “I used to be quite scared to get on the microphone so I am quite proud of this achievement.“ Second: Molly Klasen, 17, Tamworth, NSW Inspired by her grandparents’ dairy farm, Molly Klasen began competing in dairy judging through school and has since built an impressive resume in both dairy and beef cattle. Now in Year 11, Molly is busy with two part-time jobs at Browns Dairy and local fruit shop Paradise Farm Markets. She won the Dairy Cattle Young Judges at the Sydney Royal Easter Show after steadily improving over three years. “This award is very special,“ Molly said. “I feel like I am giving something back to my grandparents who have just shut their dairy but they are still very passionate about the dairy industry.“ Grain Young Judges Winner: Hollianne Hallam, 16, Wonwondah, Vic Fifth-generation grain farmer Hollianne Hallam has been driving a header during harvest since she was 10-years-old. Hollianne is completing Year 11 at St Brigid’s College as well as a school-based apprenticeship in agriculture on her family farm, while also studying automotive skills through VET. A long-time supporter of agricultural shows,
Poultry Young Judges (left to right): Bryson Lee, NSW and Hayley Walker, Queensland. Hollianne previously exhibited poultry before earning selection as a Grain Young Judges finalist. “It is very special to win this award,“ Hollianne said. “My brother insisted I take part and I am so glad he made me do it. It has been an amazing experience and learning curve.“ Second: Brooke Emery, 22, Brisbane, QLD Brooke Emery runs her own doggy daycare business and works as an agricultural assistant at Burpengary State Secondary College. Although she grew up in Brisbane’s suburbs, Brooke has been competing in judging events at the Ekka since she was 13-years-old. “It feels really amazing, especially competing against others who come from a grain background,“ Brooke said.
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QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au
Dairy cattle young paraders (left to right): Chris Thompson SA and Abbie Hanks, Victoria.
Team NSW.
Team WA. (Supplied)
Grain young judges (left to right): Brooke Emery, Queensland and Hollianne Hallam, Victoria.
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Team SA. (Supplied)
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NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au
Daniel Skerman, Grant Porter and Stefan Hajkowicz during the ‘Putting AI to work on the farm session’.
Cotton Australia board member April Cavanagh with CA Chair Liz Stott and Queensland Shadow Minister for Primary Industries and Rural Development Tom Smith.
Daowei Sun and Megan Woodward.
Record crowd, bright future By Fiona Gowers Record attendance and a packed three-day program have highlighted strong optimism across the Australian cotton industry, with the 2026 Australian Cotton Conference attracting its largestever crowd. Held from 4-6 August at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, the conference attracted 3070 delegates from across the cotton supply chain for three days of learning, networking and discussion under the theme Future Fit Cotton. Conference Chair Gus O’Brien said the scale and atmosphere of the event reflected the strength and confidence of the industry. “To say I’m proud to be part of this industry is an understatement,” Mr O’Brien said. “People say there’s no other ag conference like it and we proved this right once again. “Thank you to everyone who attended, for your engagement in the sessions, your energy and enthusiasm. And a huge thanks to our volunteer committee and team, who did so much heavy lifting behind the scenes.” The Future Fit Cotton theme focused on how Australian cotton can adapt, innovate and continue to thrive in a changing production, market and policy environment while strengthening its reputation as a sustainable, high-quality fibre. The program featured 29 sessions and six workshops, with more than 150 presenters addressing issues across the industry, from productivity, risk and sustainability to markets, traceability, digital agriculture, soils, water stewardship, workforce and community wellbeing. Market access and the role of science and policy in shaping the industry’s future were also explored. The conference program united perspectives from both inside and outside agriculture, with speakers covering business, leadership, markets and wellbeing. Among the speakers were entrepreneur Mark Bouris, former Australian women’s cricket captain Alyssa Healy, ANZ Head of Geopolitical Risk Cameron Mitchell and TradeMutt/TIACS founders Daniel Allen and Edward Ross. Cotton growers, researchers and supply-chain specialists also spoke. The conference culminated in the 2026 Australian Cotton Industry Awards, which recognised growers, innovators, leaders and researchers making a significant contribution to the industry. The Brimblecombe family from Moira Farming in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley was named the 2026 Bayer Cotton Grower of the Year. Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay said the Conference demonstrated the value of uniting people from across the cotton supply chain. “By bringing people together across the supply chain, we’re helping the industry make more informed decisions and tell a stronger story for Australian cotton,” Mr Kay said. “While the formal sessions delivered headline speakers, research updates and expert debate, some of the most valuable moments happened between sessions - over coffee, in the aisles of the Trade Hall and in conversations between old friends, new connections and people comparing notes from different regions and parts of the supply chain.” The Trade Hall was again a major feature, with more than 150 sites showcasing machinery, technology, services, research and practical solutions for the Australian cotton industry. Mental health and wellbeing also remained a 6 TODAY September 2026
Ben Barraclough, Callum Cooper, Layne Raveneau and Dean McCulloch from AgFlow Solutions. (Supplied)
CEO Adam Kay at the first timers event.
The Charity Auction at the Cotton Conference.
Delegates in the TradeMutt shirts.
Emma Bond from Madi and Pip doing live fashion illustrations at the WINCOTT High Tea.
strong focus throughout the conference, with delegates raising more than $41,000 for Beyond Blue through the live auction and direct donations. The fundraising effort was supported by del-
egates wearing TradeMutt conversation-starter shirts and blue clothing on the final day, helping raise awareness of mental health services for people living in regional and rural Australia.
With the 2026 event now complete, attention has already turned to the next Australian Cotton Conference, with the 2028 event scheduled for 1-3 August.
QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au
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Troy Smith (left) and daughter Jasmin from Real Skills Ag Training with Joe Briggs, Coleambally.
Liana and Cleave Rogan of St George. (Supplied)
Philip Armytage, Joe Burgess, Edward McClymont and Dallas Gibb.
The Trade Hall.
Greg, Mary and Joe Briggs from Coleambally.
Grant Porter of the Darling Downs with his son.
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Start: 9.00am, Friday 25th September 2026 - Timer On: 5.00pm, Saturday 26th September 2026
Heifers will also be offered providing buyers with an opportunity to secure females carrying some of the sale’s featured genetics. (Supplied) comprehensive preparation program, with The Repro Group undertaking breeding soundness evaluations, including crush-side semen testing, while morphology testing will be carried out by Kelly Ag Morphology Services. Talgai manager Malcolm Gadsby said prospective buyers were welcome to inspect the cattle ahead of the sale. “Buyers are welcome to inspect the cattle prior to the sale, and we encourage anyone interested in the offering to get in touch and arrange a time to view them,” he said.
Inspections can be arranged through Roy Bartholomew, Garth Weatherall or Rhys Bodey at Bartholomew & Co, or directly through Talgai. Free on property delivery is available within 150 kms radius of ‘The Gorge’ Nindooinbah Qld. Further afield deliveries will be available to Warwick, Toowoomba, Gatton, and Toogoolawah. Any west of Toowoomba will be transport from Moreton Saleyards. We will help in any way with deliveries. An open day will also be held from 2pm on Saturday, September 26, giving prospective buy-
ers the opportunity to inspect the bulls and heifers. Burgers and refreshments will be available on the open day, with prospective buyers and fellow Santa Gertrudis breeders encouraged to attend, view the offering and meet with the selling team. With proven genetics, new bloodlines and a carefully selected line-up of young sires and females, Talgai’s second online production sale is shaping up as an opportunity not to be missed by commercial and Santa Gertrudis breeders looking to strengthen their programs.
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Talgai Santa Gertrudis is set to build on the success of its inaugural online production sale, offering buyers another outstanding opportunity to secure quality Santa Gertrudis genetics when its second online sale is held on September 25 and 26. With a strong line-up of young sires and females, the sale brings together proven genetics alongside exciting new bloodlines, providing commercial and stud breeders with plenty to consider. Conducted through AuctionsPlus, with Bartholomew & Co as the selling agent, bidding will open at 9am on Friday, September 25, with the online auction closing under the timer system from 5pm on Saturday, September 26. Talgai will once again be joined by Red Oak Santas, while first-time vendors Rocky View Santas will also feature in the sale. The catalogue comprises 20 classified and commercial sires aged between 21 and 24 months, with the offering including 13 Homozygous Poll and seven Heterozygous Poll bulls. All bulls have been DNA tested using the HD50K-AU test through Zoetis, giving buyers valuable genetic information when making their selections. Adding further interest to this year’s offering is the introduction of new and exciting bloodlines, with the influence of Woodmillar Sergio, Cooinda Turner T202 and Spring Creek Q128 featuring throughout the draft. Five classified heifers will also be offered, having been running with Cooinda Turner T202, providing buyers with an opportunity to secure females carrying some of the sale’s featured genetics. The sale offering has also been backed by a
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Saturday 5th September, 11.00 a.m. | Coolabunia Sale Complex Kingaroy
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69 DROUGHTMASTER BULLS
Bulls from 23 vendors The 13th Annual Bunya Droughtmaster Bull Sale will be held on Saturday 5 September at the Coolabunia Selling Complex, Kingaroy. Sixty-nine Droughtmaster Bulls from 23 vendors have been catalogued with the sale starting at 11am. Pre-Sale Inspections from 3pm Friday 4 September. All bulls are vaccinated with a minimum of 5 or 7 in 1, 3 Germ Blood and 3 day sickness. Registered bulls will be offered with DNA Sire Verification, Horn/Poll and Pompes testing. This year will see 98 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 60 per cent. The catalogue will see more bulls than ever offered with Breedplan Figures and Morphology results (97 per cent of the the 2025 offering were Morphology tested). Bulls are pre-treated for ticks and pre-scratched 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. Industry relevant young sires with pedigree and performance are what will be 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, offering the best bulls in the Burnett. Selling agents – Mark Duthie, GDL 0448016950 Mitch Jackson, Elders 0498670392 Sale Contact – Graham Brown 0427 779 707
Lot 45 - Vale View Hayes 2 (PH) sold for $22,000 to the Rawlinson Family, Jandowae and are pictured with Colleen Fricke from Vale View Droughtmasters, Manumbar. (Supplied)
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NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au
Emerald agent takes title RBV Rural’s LACHLAN SPRY has emerged as Queensland’s top young auctioneer, with his Ekka victory rewarding years of livestock experience and a determination to put vendors first By Fiona Gowers At just 23, Emerald livestock and property agent Lachlan Spry has already achieved a goal he dreamt about as a young boy. Last week at the Ekka, Mr Spry of RBV Rural Pty Ltd won the 2026 ALPA Queensland Young Auctioneers Competition, securing the Queensland Country Life Shield, the Don Steele AM Cup and $500 in prize money. “Winning this was always in my ambitions when I was a young guy, a young fellow from the age of eight to 15,“ Mr Spry said. “That was my dream to do these competitions and those dreams always come back to you.“ The victory has earned the young auctioneer a place at the coveted 2027 ALPA National Young Auctioneers Competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, where he will represent Queensland and RBV Rural. “It was a thrill that I didn’t expect, but I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to go forth and take number one,” he said. Mr Spry grew up on a stud cattle property at Tamworth, NSW, where his family run Spry’s Shorthorns and Angus operation. He studied at Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School before embarking on a career in the livestock industry. After leaving school, he headed north to the Kimberley region in WA before returning to Queensland to work for Nutrien, under both Rod Turner in Roma and Terry Ryan in Dalby. Today he works for RBV Rural in Emerald as a livestock and property agent, servicing clients across Central Queensland, drafting cattle, as well as trading livestock. Each week, RBV Rural hosts a prime and store cattle sale at the Emerald Saleyards and it is here that Mr Spry has honed his sales skills. While competition auctioneering provides an opportunity to showcase the skill and theatre of the profession, Mr Spry said his primary focus on Thursdays was to deliver the best possible result for clients. He credits RBV Rural colleague Matt Beard with playing a major role in his development as an auctioneer. The Queensland competition brought together 10 finalists from across the state, each having progressed through the ALPA Queensland Auctioneers School earlier in the year. With commercial cattle in the ring and expe-
2026 ALPA Queensland Young Auctioneer Competition runner-up Beau White, Elders Rural Services, Charters Towers and winner Lachlan Spry, RBV Rural Pty Ltd, Emerald. (Supplied) rienced buyers competing for stock, the finalists were required to perform in a genuine selling environment, with every bid carrying significance. Now in its 37th year, the Australian Livestock & Property Agents Association Queensland Young Auctioneers Competition has become an important development pathway for young people entering the livestock agency profession. Competitors are assessed by an experienced panel of livestock industry professionals across criteria including diction, voice, values, manner, presence and overall presentation. The competition requires far more than simply being able to call a fast bid. ALPA Chief Executive Officer Peter Baldwin congratulated all finalists on the standard of competition. “Every one of these young auctioneers should be immensely proud of what they achieved today,“ Mr Baldwin said. “Auctioneering is about far more than calling
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Honour Roll 2026 ALPA Queensland Young Auctioneers Competition winner Lachlan Spry, RBV Rural Pty Ltd, Emerald 2026 ALPA Queensland Young Auctioneers Competition runner up Beau White, Elders Rural Services, Charters Towers 2026 ALPA Queensland Young Auctioneers Competition finalists Kade Buntine, Kennedy Livestock & Property Pty Ltd, Clermont Jack Dougherty, Elders Rural Services, Dalby Logan Evans, Elders Rural Services, Roma Daniel Ford, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Rockhampton Tom Hukins, GDL Rural, Chinchilla Lachlan Mann, Ray White Rural Roma, Roma Zac Robinson, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Roma Billy Swain, TopX Roma, Roma
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Region plays critical role
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bids. It requires professionalism, market knowledge, confidence, integrity and the ability to earn the trust of buyers and vendors alike. “The standard we witnessed today demonstrates that the future of our profession is exceptionally bright.“ For Mr Spry, however, there is no secret formula to becoming a successful auctioneer. He believes the fundamentals are straightforward - know your clients, be honest with yourself and concentrate on doing the best possible job for the vendor. “Don’t worry about the finer sounds, you know, it doesn’t matter if you don’t sound pretty, so to speak,“ Mr Spry said. “Just get out there and do a job for the vendor because that’s all you care about at the end of the day. “That’s all you’ve got to do.” Runner-up in this year’s Queensland competition was Beau White of Elders Rural Services in Charters Towers, who also earned a place in the national final.
More than 250 energy stakeholders gathered in Dalby this week for the 2026 Surat Basin Energy Summit, reinforcing the Western Downs region as Queensland’s Energy Capital. Hosted by Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE), the summit brought together leaders from across the coal, gas, renewable energy, infrastructure and local government sectors to examine how regional Queensland can continue delivering reliable, affordable and secure energy while supporting economic growth and community prosperity. TSBE Chief Executive Officer Jo Sheppard said the summit highlighted the importance of practical, balanced conversations about Australia’s energy future, with the Summit’s focus around ‘Striking the Balance’. “One of the strongest messages to emerge from this year’s summit was that the Surat Basin region is not choosing between energy technologies, it is delivering them all,“ Ms Sheppard said. “Our region continues to demonstrate that coal, gas, renewables and emerging technologies can work together to support energy security, economic growth and emissions reduction while creating opportunities for regional communities.“ Discussions throughout the day focused on the role of the Toowoomba, Western Downs and Maranoa regions in supporting
Australia’s energy transition, with panellists highlighting the importance of maintaining investment confidence, developing infrastructure and ensuring communities continue to benefit from major energy projects. Ms Sheppard said the calibre of speakers and attendees demonstrated the growing national significance of the region. “The Surat Basin has become one of Australia’s most important energy regions and the conversations held at this Summit underscore why decision-makers continue to look to regional Queensland for solutions. “We heard from leaders across the full energy spectrum who share a commitment to reliability, affordability and long-term regional prosperity. That willingness to collaborate is one of our region’s greatest strengths. “The energy conversation is increasingly being shaped in regional Australia because that’s where projects are being built, jobs are being created and innovation is occurring. “TSBE is proud to bring together leaders from across industry, government and the community to ensure our region remains at the forefront of Australia’s energy future.“ The summit also marked the launch of the latest Western Downs Development Status Report, providing stakeholders with insights into investment activity and development across the region. View the report on TSBE’s website.
18th September 2026 • 12 noon • On Property.
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BULL & HEIFER SALE
Setting the benchmark By Fiona Gowers A consistent draft of Angus and Charolais bulls, backed by generations of female selection, will headline the 2026 All Polled Ascot Spring Bull Sale at Warwick on Friday, 18 September. Ascot Angus and Charolais studmaster Jim Wedge said the consistency across this year’s offering was one of the standout features of both breeds, reflecting the long-term selection pressure applied to the Ascot female herd. “The consistency within our draft of sale bulls and heifers is what most impresses everyone that has inspected both breeds of sale bulls this year,” Mr Wedge said. “It is not easy to achieve consistency but our years of hard selection in both breeds within our females is starting to take effect.” The sale will feature 94 Angus bulls and 55 polled Charolais bulls, alongside 60 stud registered heifers, all born and raised on-property in Queensland. Ascot’s breeding objective centres on balance, with the sale bulls selected for docility, structural correctness, good weight for age, MSA-focused carcase traits, fertility and polledness. The cattle have been exposed to both crop and pasture throughout their lives and are now undergoing a mild sale preparation. Mr Wedge said the Ascot program was focused on producing cattle that could perform across a broad range of commercial environments. “Our sale bulls display the balance we are breeding for with docility, structural correctness, good weight for age, MSA-focussed carcase traits, fertility and polledness,” he said. All bulls and heifers are suitable to go anywhere in Australia, including Western Australia, with 47 heifer bulls included across the two breeds and identified in the catalogue. The sale will be conducted at Warwick from
12pm on Friday, 18 September, with live video and audio available through AuctionsPlus and phone bidding available through agents. Angus sale bulls The Angus offering comprises 94 bulls, including 49 two-year-olds and 33 bulls aged between 18and 19 months. The draft features the progeny of breed-leading artificial insemination sires and back-up bulls, many of which are AI sires in their own right. The leading sires represented include the $160,000 MM Sugar Ray, $140,000 Dunoon Prime Minister, Ascot Revolution, $240,000 Landfall Signature, New Zealand sire Stokman Solution and US sire Woodhill Comstock. The draft also includes the first sons of powerhouse sire Gilmandyke Thor. A total of 41 Angus bulls are suitable for heifer joinings and are identified accordingly in the catalogue. The depth of sires represented provides buyers with access to a broad range of proven and exciting genetics, while the consistency of the draft reflects the selection pressure being applied within the Ascot female herd. Charolais sale bulls The Charolais offering comprises 55 polled Charolais bulls, including 36 two-year-olds and 19 bulls aged between 17 and 18 months. A major feature of the Charolais draft is the number of genetically-verified homozygous polled bulls, with 40 bulls DNA tested as homozygous polled and clearly identified in the catalogue. The bulls generally exhibit the characteristics Ascot is seeking in its Charolais program, combining thickness and softness with moderate frames and easy-doing attributes. Sires represented include the $100,000 Palgrove Rockerfella, Ascot Sceptre and US AI sire LT Governor, as well as the first sons of the $42,000
Moongool Simulcast. Ascot Sceptre was previously a top-priced Ascot bull, selling to Appleton Cattle Co for $54,000. He also sired Ascot’s top three high-selling bulls at last year’s sale, which topped at $42,000. Other sires represented include Ascot The Man and Ascot Sandstone. Stud heifers A real feature of this year’s sale is a line-up of stud registered heifers that represents, in our view, the best group of females Ascot has ever offered at auction. All 60 heifers are polled and have been selected from the heart of the herd. They are being offered only to maintain the herd at a practical and serviceable level. Unlike many stud female sales, these heifers feature some of the latest genetics available, providing buyers with an opportunity to access new bloodlines at an early stage. The Angus offering comprises 40 heifers, with breed-leading sires represented including MM Sugar Ray, Prime Minister, Gilmandyke Thor, Ascot Revolution, New Zealand sire Stokman Solution, $240,000 Landfall Signature, Woodhill Comstock, MM Rembrandt and Lawsons Rocky. The Angus heifer draft also includes the first release of females by Milllah Murrah Ultimate U170, as well as ET calves by Ascot’s leading Milllah Murrah donor cows. The Charolais offering comprises 20 Polled Charolais heifers. Sires represented include the $100,000 Palgrove Rockafella, the first daughters of the $42,000 Moongool Simulcast and the first daughters of Ascot The Man, which sold for $60,000. All of the Charolais heifers are polled, with 13 DNA tested as Homozygous Polled. Quality assurance and health Quality assurance, structural soundness and ani-
mal health remain key components of the Ascot program. All animals have been independently assessed by Jim Green for structure and temperament. All bulls have undergone veterinary checks and have been semen and morphology tested to bull-check standard by Ced Wise Vets. The bulls have also been vaccinated to an immune-ready standard. Ascot is a tested Pesti-Free herd, while all animals have been DNA parent or sire tested and include genomically enhanced EBVs. All animals are Breedplan recorded, giving buyers access to performance information and genetic data to assist with selection decisions. “Our years of selection are about putting together cattle that can work commercially,” Mr Wedge said. “We want them to be sound, fertile, easy to handle and able to perform, while also delivering the carcase traits our commercial and stud clients are looking for.” Sale details The 2026 All Polled Ascot Spring Bull Sale will commence at 12pm on Friday, 18 September. The sale will be conducted as a live auction on-property at Warwick, with the sale interfaced with AuctionsPlus and supported by live video and audio. Photographs and a video of every bull and heifer in the sale will be available on the Ascot website in the lead-up to sale day, with the videos also appearing on the AuctionsPlus website. Phone bidding through agents will also be available. A five per cent commission will be paid to any outside agent who provides a letter of introduction at least 24 hours before. Buyers are encouraged to contact their preferred agent before sale day to make arrangements. Free delivery will be available many major centres throughout Queensland and NSW.
BULL & HEIFER SALE 145 POLLED BULLS 60 POLLED STUD HEIFERS 18TH SEPTEMBER 2026 • 12 NOON BORN, RAISED & SOLD ON-PROPERTY NORTH TOOLBURRA, WARWICK Contact us for a catalogue jackie@ascotcattle.com.au
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CATTLE SALE - 65 BULLS * 13 HEIFERS.
Lot 26 Woodmiller Vincenzo. (Supplied)
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16th August 12:30pm
Lot 28 Welbatch Yes Sir (P)
Best of Brisbane Valley The 2026 Brisbane Valley Santa bull sale will be held at the Toogoolawah Showgrounds on Wednesday, 16 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, all
pre-sale weighed at the saleyards on Tuesday, 15 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 53 classified bulls and 90 per cent with polled genetics. Also on offer are 13 purebred heifers. 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, Dal by, 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 Therese Humphreys 0448 859 633 or can be downloaded from the link on Brisbane Valley Facebook Page.
16th SEPT 2026 TOOGOOLAWAH SHOWGROUNDS 12.30PM
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QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au
NEWS
Mighty Santa takes crown The rich flavour and eating quality of Santa Gertrudis beef has delivered a major win at the prestigious Royal Sydney Fine Food Awards. The Mighty Santa Pie scored an outstanding 91 points out of 100 in the savoury pie category, earning gold medal honours and the title of the competition’s highest-scoring pie. Named in honour of the “Mighty Santa Gertrudis”, a breed renowned for thriving in challenging Australian environments while consistently producing high-quality beef, the pie marked a significant milestone for the breed. It was the first Santa Gertrudis beef pie entered in the Royal Sydney Fine Food Awards and claimed victory at its first attempt. Santa Gertrudis Breeders’ (Australia) Association General Manager Brad Cooper said the result highlighted the exceptional quality and versatility of Santa Gertrudis beef. “This award is a fantastic endorsement of the eating quality, flavour and consistency that Santa Gertrudis cattle are renowned for,“ Mr Cooper said. “To see a pie carrying the Santa Gertrudis name not only win gold but achieve the highest score of the entire savoury pie class is a tremendous result for everyone involved, from our breeders through to the bakery team that brought this concept to life.“ The award-winning pie featured beef supplied by Queensland processor Nolan Meats, sourced from purebred Santa Gertrudis cattle from the nearby Wide Bay region and short-fed for 70 days at the company’s Cinnabar feedlot west of Gympie. “The result reinforces the breed’s growing reputation for producing high-quality beef that delivers outstanding eating experiences from paddock to plate,” Mr Cooper said. “Santa Gertrudis cattle are renowned for their ability to thrive in challenging Australian environments while still producing cattle that grade exceptionally well under the Meat Standards Australia eating quality system. “Whether finished on grass or in short-fed programs such as this one, Santa Gertrudis cattle consistently produce tender, flavoursome beef. “That combination of adaptability, efficiency and eating quality helps lower production costs while increasing value and profitability throughout the beef supply chain – a win for industry and consumers alike.” The success follows a two-year collaboration between the Santa Gertrudis Breeders’ (Australia) Association and the Baking Association of Australia to introduce Santa Gertrudis beef pies to consumers at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. More than 6000 Mighty Santa Pies have been sold over the past two years, showcasing the quality and flavour of Santa Gertrudis beef to a broad consumer audience. Following the success of the Easter Show partnership, recent carcase competition success in Central Queensland and the Royal Sydney Fine Food Awards win, Mr Cooper said plans were underway to take the Mighty Santa Pie to a new and discerning customer base at Beef 2027 in Rockhampton. “We expect the feedback from Beef 2027 patrons will be just as outstanding,“ he said.
“For nearly 75 years, Santa Gertrudis breeders have been building cattle capable of thriving in Australia’s toughest environments. “Winning the highest-scoring pie at the Royal Sydney Fine Food Awards is proof that this resilience doesn’t come at the expense of eating quality. “It delivers exactly the opposite: exceptional beef that consumers actively seek out and revisit due to its consistency and flavour.“
The 2025 Santa Gertrudis Breed Ambassador Eleni Fogden at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in April this year. (Supplied)
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Census night was Tuesday 11 August. It’s compulsory for each household to complete the Census to help plan for Australia’s future. For help, visit census.abs.gov.au or call 1800 181 227.
Every answer matters. The Mighty Santa Pie scored 91 points out of 100 in the savoury pie category at the Royal Sydney Fine Food Awards.
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September 2026 TODAY 13
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BETTER OUTPUT LESS INPUT
‘Meating’ the market Growing demand for quality Speckle Park beef is creating opportunities for commercial producers and the Hot Spot Multi-Vendor Speckle Park Auction is offering buyers more than just genetics to produce it. Returning to Colinton, Queensland on Saturday, 19 September, Hot Spot will bring together ten vendors from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia for what organisers describe as Australia’s most diverse Speckle Park auction. This year’s catalogue includes purebred bulls and females, commercial females and even a trained cattle-breaking donkey, with purebred cattle coming from breeding programs operating across a diverse range of Australian production environments. For commercial producers however, one of the most compelling features of the sale sites beyond the auction ring. Every bull sold at Hot Spot – regardless of which vendor bred or offered him – is backed by a commercial calf buy-back guarantee. The guarantee is underwritten by sale host, Ivery Downs, which operates an established commercial Speckle Park beef program alongside its seedstock operation and has forward demand for quality Speckle Park weaners beyond what its own commercial herd can currently produce. Under the program, qualifying commercial progeny naturally sired by any bull purchased at Hot Spot have a guaranteed market at current market rates, with some vendors going a step further and offering premiums above market price for progeny by their bulls. For commercial producers, that creates a relatively simple entry point into the breed. Hot Spot bulls can be introduced over existing commer-
Bull M - Ivery Downs cial females, allowing producers to trial Speckle Park genetics within their current operation while knowing there is already genuine demand and an identified market for the resulting calves. It’s part of a broader push to encourage more commercial producers to consider Speckle Park
genetics and help meet growing demand. Ivery Downs has also been actively seeking suitable cooperator herds to increase the supply of Speckle Park-sired cattle into this beef program. For producers considering the breed, Hot Spot provides the opportunity to inspect bulls
from multiple breeding programs and production environments in one location, including Queensland born and raised cattle, and purchase with the added confidence of the sale’s fertility, structural soundness and commercial progeny guarantees.
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14 TODAY September 2026
QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au
NEWS
Crisis hits Imbil farmer By Arthur Gorrie An Imbil family is at the pointy end of an emerging existential crisis for the dairy industry in Queensland. Only six months after industry leaders expressed optimism for the industry’s future, Jason Rozynski and his wife Lisa say they will be forced to cull their family’s prized and prize-winning herd of Brown Swiss cows, if they can’t find a processor to buy their milk. Their farm, in the family for 80 years, now depends for its survival on Jason finding a new buyer in the next three to four weeks. It comes after news that their contract with Maleny Dairies won’t be renewed. “My grandfather bought the farm in 1946 and we celebrated 80 years of farming here on 20 June,“ Jason said. His mate, North Burnett farmer Robbie Radel was forced out of business after 117 years of family operation, when the processor Lactalis stopped buying his milk in 2023. Mary Valley farmer turned independent processor Dick Schroder was processing Robbie’s milk at his Dagun plant, until business pressures and retirement put an end to the 21-year-old Cooloola Milk brand. Dairy industry deregulation hit their industry hard earlier this century. Another Imbil farmer, Rob Priebe, commented back then: “We seem to be regressing, but that’s what we call progress these days.“ Now, it’s happening again. “There are a lot of worried dairy farmers around,“ one local industry figure is said to have told equally worried friends recently. Queensland does not produce enough milk to meet domestic demand, but there is an oversupply which many farmers attribute to a flood of milk coming in at low prices from interstate. Mr Radel said on social media he believed Bega was sending milk from Victoria and Lactalis was sending some which was processed in Sydney. Maleny Dairy’s Ross Hopper told Channel 7 his company would be forced to bear the full cost of “oversupply“ if it continued to buy Mr Rozynski’s milk. Gympie MP and Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said he was “extremely concerned,“ but the problem was a contractual arrangement which had come to an end between a processor and a farmer. He said his Department of Primary Industries was “working with this farmer to make sure (the department) understands the position this farmer is in. “This is about the future of dairying in this state,“ he said. The bad news comes only six months after Mr Perrett expressed optimism for the industry, a pillar of the Gympie region economy for generations. He launched Queensland’s first Dairy Industry Plan in February at Bev Gear’s Cedar Pocket property, where industry leaders said dairying’s 20-year
decline after deregulation was over. However, Mrs Gear said nothing was simple in an industry where scale and efficiency had become lifelines, where cows were monitored by computer and successful farmers had to do four or five jobs at once – growing fodder crops and pasture, ensuring water security, caring for cattle from a veterinary perspective, breeding the best cattle and keeping a complex business running smoothly and reliably.
Industry leaders were optimistic only six months ago, but now the industry is iin trouble again. Cedar Pocket dairy farmer Bev Gear, with Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett and eastAUSmilk president Tim Bale at the Gympie launch of the state’s first Dairy Industry Plan. (536054)
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Some of the Rozynski family’s prize winning herd at their Beez Neez operation at Imbil. (Supplied via social media)
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September 2026 TODAY 15
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Aussie do trials for the new fire pump with 90m high head capability. (Supplied)
Livestock owners beware By Aussie Pumps With Australia heading towards a potentially hot and dry Spring, livestock producers need to prepare now for the possibility of fire. Australia’s farmers have enjoyed two strong production years, but the conditions that have supported that success can also create a significant bushfire challenge. The Bureau of Meteorology’s latest outlook points to hotter-than-average temperatures across much of Australia, while parts of eastern and southern Australia are facing an increased risk of below-average rainfall. The current El Niño pattern can also increase the likelihood of drier conditions across eastern and central Australia. For livestock producers, that means now is the time to prepare — not wait for the first major heatwave or bushfire warning. FIRE BRIGADES CAN’T BE EVERYWHERE Firefighters do a magnificent job, but during a major bushfire they can’t be everywhere at once. For farmers, graziers and rural property owners, preparation and self-reliance is critical. This is particularly important for properties located on the urban-rural fringe, where expanding residential areas meet grassland, bush and farms. Large areas of dry grass, pasture, hay and forest vegetation can have a significant fuel load. Once a fire starts under hot, dry and windy conditions, it moves extremely quickly. Livestock also present a particular challenge. Cattle, sheep, goats and other animals can’t simply be loaded into a vehicle at short notice. Moving large numbers of animals requires planning, transport and suitable alternative locations. WATER … YOUR FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE For properties intending to defend themselves, an adequate water supply is fundamental. Dams, bores and large water tanks can provide an important reserve for firefighting and livestock protection. A tank of 20,000 to 30,000 litres provides a useful starting point for many properties, although bigger is better where practical. Water can be used with hoses and sprinklers to protect sheds, yards, livestock facilities and other vulnerable structures. Keeping roofs, buildings and surrounding areas wet can help reduce the impact of radiant heat and embers. But water is only useful if it can be delivered when it’s needed. A RELIABLE FIRE PUMP MATTERS A quality firefighting pump is an important part of a property’s emergency fire equipment. Australian Pump Industries produces the Aussie Fire Chief range for rural firefighting applications. The range uses genuine Honda petrol engines and is available with recoil or electric start. The company says its Fire Chief pumps are designed to deliver water at high-pressure, giving operators the ability to reach buildings, vegeta16 TODAY September 2026
tion and other areas threatened by fire. For properties requiring greater capacity, Aussie Pumps also produces larger twin-impeller firefighting pumps, the Mr T twin impeller range including a 3-inch model powered by a 13hp Honda engine. Diesel-powered alternatives using air-cooled Yanmar engines are also available, including electric-start configurations. The important point is not simply owning a pump — it is having equipment that is correctly sized, maintained and ready to operate. Aussie’s Chief Engineer, John Hales, says the Yanmar diesel engine pumps are safer because diesel is less volatile than gasoline and safer too. PRACTICE BEFORE THE EMERGENCY Firefighting equipment should never be left sitting in a shed until an emergency occurs. Before the bushfire season, pumps should be serviced, lubricated and checked. Fuel should be available and the pump should be tested under operating conditions. Operators should know how to start the engine, prime the pump and operate the hoses and nozzles. A short practice session can make an enormous difference when everyone is under pressure. PREPARE FOR LIVESTOCK EVACUATION Every livestock property should have a bushfire plan. That plan should consider whether animals will be evacuated or sheltered on the property, where they will be moved, how they will be transported and which roads or alternative routes can be used. Livestock owners should identify suitable emergency holding areas and make sure gates, yards and accessways are easy to operate. It is also important to keep hay, feed, fuel and other combustible materials away from livestock shelters and buildings wherever possible. If animals need to be moved, having appropriate vehicles, trailers and handling equipment available before an emergency is essential. PREPARATION SAVES LIVES Australian Pump Industries has produced a Bushfire Survival Guide, available free online and in hard copy. It covers property preparation, personal safety, livestock protection and firefighting preparedness. The guide reinforces an important message: Preparation cannot begin when the fire is already approaching. For livestock producers, the time to check water supplies, service pumps, clear vegetation, inspect accessways and practise emergency procedures is now! A bushfire can change conditions in minutes. Having water, equipment and a wellpractised plan ready could make the difference between protecting a property and losing valuable livestock and infrastructure. Prepare early. Check your equipment. Know your plan. Don’t wait for the fire to arrive. For more information and to access the Bushfire Survival Guide, visit aussiepumps.com.au.
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September 2026 TODAY 17
NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au
Middle Percy Island seeks a new generation of caretakers
Fresh produce grown on Middle Percy Island.
A stunning skyline beyond Middle Percy Island.
A call to the capable By Fiona Gowers Far off the Queensland coast, where the Coral Sea stretches uninterrupted and the mainland fades to memory, Middle Percy Island has long been a place of legend. Known to sailors as a welcoming haven and to historians as a site layered with Indigenous heritage and European exploration, the island today faces a more immediate and practical challenge: finding the right people willing to help sustain it. For Cate Radclyffe, that challenge is deeply personal. “I’m very grateful for an opportunity to spread the word of this unique island, which is for the people and the whole benefit is for the people,” she said. “You wouldn’t do this on your own.” Based just outside Proserpine, Ms Radclyffe has spent decades connected to Middle Percy Island through her late cousin, former leaseholder Andy Martin. What began as a family tie evolved into a long and costly legal fight to restore the island after a tumultuous period in its history, one that still shapes its present-day reality. Today, her focus is firmly forward: rebuilding a self-sufficient, community-driven island supported by volunteers willing to trade comfort for purpose. A layered past Middle Percy Island’s story stretches back thousands of years. The Darumbal people visited the Percy Isles seasonally, drawing on their natural resources long before European contact. In 1770, Captain James Cook sighted a land mass from a mainland summit and named it the Northumberland Islands after his benefactor, the Duke of Northumberland. When Captain Matthew Flinders later sailed through the area in 1802, he identified the many islands within the group and named them after the Duke’s family name, Percy, famously describing the lagoon as “one of the prettiest little places imaginable”. But, like many remote Australian outposts, its history is not without conflict. A violent clash in 1854 between the crew of the Ketch Vision and local Aboriginal people marked a dark chapter, one that remains part of the island’s broader narrative. In more recent decades, the island became known for its off-grid lifestyle and welcoming culture, particularly under the stewardship of Andy Martin and later the Hicklings, who transformed it into a thriving, self-sufficient outpost. “During their 12-year residency, the Hicklings donated wonderful lunches to thousands of visitors to help support the island financially,“ Ms Radclyffe said. “They had things like 100 banana trees and pineapples. Oh, they were just amazing. Everybody loved them.“ A turning point That era of stability unravelled in the early 2000s, when the island’s lease changed hands under controversial circumstances. While the details are complex, Ms Radclyffe describes the period as a “real nightmare” that saw the island fall into disrepair. Within a year, the once self-sufficient haven had deteriorated dramatically. 18 TODAY September 2026
The Yacht Club on Middle Percy Island.
German Ralph Ender said he was drawn to Middle Percy Island in search “of his purpose”. (Supplied) “Under the new landlord it was just a disaster,” she said. “No water, no food, no nothing.” Determined to restore her cousin’s legacy, Ms Radclyffe embarked on a legal battle to regain control of the lease. The effort spanned years and came at significant personal cost. “It was a big and a very expensive battle,” she said. By 2008, she had successfully secured the leasehold and returned to the island, where the scale of the task became immediately apparent. “He (the former landlord) just took everything on the island… from the gas stove to tools and equipment,” she said. “It was a huge job.” Rebuilding from the ground up What followed was more than a decade of restoration. With the help of volunteers and supporters, Ms Radclyffe oversaw the rebuilding of infrastructure, re-establishment of gardens and repair of essential systems. “We just improved everything, just fixed everything,” she said. “Re-fenced the garden, replanted the garden, fixed all the buildings.” The work came at a cost, financially and physically. “It cost $100,000 a year… it was unbelievable.” Despite the challenges, the island once again became a functioning - if fragile - community. But in 2019, family commitments drew Ms Radclyffe back to the mainland, forcing another transition in management. Since then, Middle Percy Island has been maintained by a small, dedicated network of volunteers and committee members under the Percy Island Conservation Group. “It’s all labour of love, self-funded,” she said. Life on the edge Today, the island operates under the Nature Conservation Act, with 83 per cent designated as
national park and a smaller portion managed for conservation and limited residency. There is no government funding for day-today operations and no wages for those who live and work there. Instead, the island relies on individuals willing to embrace a fully self-sufficient lifestyle. “We need permanent, self-funded residents,” Ms Radclyffe said. The wish list is extensive: beekeepers to help sustain hives amid the Varroa mite threat, mechanics to maintain machinery, solar technicians to manage off-grid power, gardeners and food producers to rebuild self-sufficiency and hospitality-minded people to help the steady stream of visiting sailors. “There’s no electricity apart from what we provide,” she said. “You are two days sail away to the shops.” Accommodation exists - ranging from a refurbished homestead to a treehouse and hillside lookout - but the expectations are clear. Residents must bring their own supplies initially and contribute to the island’s upkeep. “We just need people to bring their own food over until the place is made self-sufficient again,” she said. The search for the right people Finding suitable volunteers has proven difficult. At present, only a handful of residents remain, with numbers fluctuating as people come and go. “It is hard to find self-sufficient people… absolutely,” Ms Radclyffe said. The ideal candidates, she says, are those with practical skills and the right mindset. “Capable, adaptable, common sense, all the skills required that you need to live off the grid.” It’s a tall order but one she believes is achiev-
Gardener Don Bartley lived on Middle Percy Island for many years before his retirement in May. He is pictured with Cate Radclyffe. able, particularly among rural Australians. “This is why we’re thinking of farmers, they’re capable, they’re adaptable, they can do multiple jobs.” In many ways, the opportunity mirrors life on the land, albeit surrounded by ocean instead of paddocks. “There might be somebody out there who wants to live in the middle of the ocean instead of the middle of the land.” More than a lifestyle For those willing to take on the challenge, Middle Percy Island offers something increasingly rare: a chance to live simply, contribute meaningfully and to be part of a living piece of Australian history. It is also, as Ms Radclyffe emphasises, about preserving something bigger than any one generation. While the island’s future remains uncertain, its past - and the passion of those who have fought for it - suggests it is far from finished. “There will be people out there,” Ms Radclyffe said. “There will be, I just know it… but it’s as easy as finding a needle in a haystack.” For now, the call is simple: if you have the skills, the resilience and the willingness to live off-grid in one of Australia’s most unique environments, Middle Percy Island is waiting. And for the right people, it may offer not just a place to live but also a purpose.
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September 2026 TODAY 19
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Targeting the capital gap By Fiona Gowers A Goondiwindi-based consultancy is set to introduce a new model of investment to regional Queensland, after securing a $25,000 State Government grant to help connect rural businesses with alternative sources of capital. Engage & Create Consulting Pty Ltd - owned and operated by long-time local Julia Spicer OAM - is among 11 organisations to receive funding through the Crisafulli Government’s Innovation Events Fund. The funding will support the delivery of Invest Rural Goondiwindi on 12 November, a targeted event designed to bridge what Cr Spicer describes as a persistent “capital gap” in regional communities. Raised on a family farm north of Roma at Injune and now a Goondiwindi resident of 20 years, Cr Spicer said the initiative was driven by a clear need to expand funding pathways beyond traditional bank finance. “Part of the challenge for funding innovation is that it’s hard to get it over the range to the rest of us in rural Queensland,” she said. “And so we kind of often only see the bank as our way of accessing funds.” The Invest Rural Goondiwindi event will form part of a broader roadshow delivered by investment facilitation group Invest Rural, marking the organisation’s first event in Queensland after operating successfully in New South Wales. Designed as a hands-on, practical experience, the program will run across a full day and evening, with a strong focus on helping rural businesses better understand the investment landscape, including venture capital, philanthropic funding and alternative financing models. “What Invest Rural does is come in and deliver programs and opportunities for people to understand what else is out in the innovation ecosystem and support them around funding,” Cr Spicer said. Unlike traditional networking events, the Goondiwindi initiative will be tightly curated, targeting businesses actively seeking growth and capital, rather than a broad audience. “So we’re really clear that it’s not open to all and sundry,“ she said. “It’s really businesses who are looking for support or wanting to understand more about the funding.“ The structure will also flip the conventional investment pitch model, giving businesses a chance to better assess potential funding partners. “Think of Shark Tank in reverse where those with funding, those with money share why the businesses should work with one venture capital over another basically,” Cr Spicer said.
Cr Julia Spicer OAM of Engage & Create Consulting Pty Ltd, Goondiwindi. (Supplied) The day session will focus on business participants, while an evening component will open the door to a wider audience, including local industry groups, government representatives and community members interested in understanding emerging funding opportunities. Participants will hear from investors travelling from Brisbane and Sydney, alongside regional business owners who have successfully navigated the investment landscape.
“We’ve got people who invest in businesses coming out of Sydney and Brisbane, but then we’ve also got people sharing their stories who live across this region who will be really relatable for any of the people who come along to do the work,” Cr Spicer said. A key benefit of the State Government funding, she said, was ensuring accessibility for regional businesses that might otherwise be priced out of such opportunities.
“What the Queensland Government’s funding allows us to do is to make sure that it is affordable for people to attend,” she said. “It helps us reduce the overall cost. So instead of people having to spend hundreds of dollars on a ticket and travelling to a larger centre, it makes it more affordable for people and brings people to our region.” Cr Spicer said while the event may have proceeded without the grant, it would have likely required higher ticket prices or additional local sponsorship, potentially limiting participation. The program is expected to appeal to a broad cross-section of rural enterprises, particularly those looking to expand but unsure of how to access capital beyond traditional lending. “I’d say any business that is looking to grow and therefore needs money, and wants to see what the other options are that are out there,” she said. “So if you’ve heard a bit about investment or venture capital but you don’t really know what it means, come along.” The funding announcement comes as part of a wider $270,445 allocation across Queensland, supporting events aimed at strengthening innovation, collaboration and economic development. Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said the program was designed to unlock the state’s potential by backing grassroots ideas and connecting innovators with the right networks. “Great ideas can come from anywhere and we want to make sure Queenslanders have every opportunity to turn those ideas into success stories,” Mr Powell said. “These events bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, investors and industry to create new opportunities, solve real-world challenges and help grow Queensland’s economy.” He said investment in innovation delivered strong economic returns and would play a key role in shaping the state’s future. “Innovation is one of the strongest economic drivers we have, returning more than three dollars to the economy for every dollar invested,” he said. For Cr Spicer, whose business Engage & Create Consulting was established in 2012, the funding represents not just support for a single event, but a step towards reshaping how regional businesses think about growth. By bringing investors directly to regional centres such as Goondiwindi, she hopes to demystify funding pathways and empower local enterprises to scale with confidence.
Dr Melissa George adds to Cattle Australia knowledge Cattle Australia has appointed southeast Queensland grazier and veterinarian Dr Melissa George to its Regional Consultative Committee (RCC), following a recent by-election for Region 15. Dr George, who brings more than 25 years’ experience across the beef supply chain, was elected after securing a majority of votes in the July ballot, which drew a turnout of just over 62 per cent from eligible members. Cattle Australia CEO Will Evans said Dr George would be a strong addition to the committee, which played a key role in representing grassfed producers. “Congratulations to Dr Melissa George on her election to the Regional Consultative Committee,” Mr Evans said. “Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience across the beef supply chain and I look forward to the contribution she will make in representing producers across Region 15.“ Dr George operates cattle grazing properties in southeast Queensland with her husband 20 TODAY September 2026
Matt and also runs Bovine Dynamics Pty Ltd, a veterinary and nutritional consultancy supporting Australian producers. The RCC forms a central part of Cattle Australia’s governance structure, providing a direct link between producers and national policy development. “The RCC is an important part of Cattle Australia’s governance framework, ensuring grassfed cattle producers have a direct voice in the development of policy and industry representation priorities.“ Mr Evans said. “I’d also like to thank Amanda Burchmann and Tom Harrington for nominating and contributing to the election process and all eligible members who took the time to cast their vote. “Strong participation from our members helps ensure Cattle Australia continues to represent the interests of producers across the country.“ Voting for the by-election was conducted between July 2 and 22, with 49 of 79 eligible members casting a vote.
Southeast Queensland grazier and veterinarian Dr Melissa George has been appointed to Cattle Australia’s Regional Consultative Committee. (Cattle Australia)
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Why farm leaders must rethink how they lead
Harnessing people power By Fiona Gowers In an industry built on resilience, innovation and hard work, one of agriculture’s biggest challenges isn’t seasonal, it’s human. At this year’s Australian Cotton Conference on the Gold Coast, Goondiwindi psychologist Chantal Corish urged farm leaders to take a closer look at the way they lead their people, arguing that the future success of agriculture may well depend on it. Speaking as part of a workshop alongside RuralScope’s Jo Eady and Central Queensland University researcher Dr Nicole McDonald, Ms Corish brought both professional expertise and lived experience to a conversation that is gaining traction across the sector: How to build strong, motivated and sustainable farm teams. For Ms Corish, the message is simple yet confronting: Agriculture has work to do when it comes to people management. “Managing people can be really challenging – humans are complicated and there’s a wide range of challenges that regularly come up for farming teams working together from day to day or in high-pressure situations,” she says. It’s a message grounded in more than two decades of psychological practice and a lifetime in agriculture. Based in Goondiwindi, Ms Corish grew up in the district where her father ran an agricultural aviation business, before returning as an adult to build a career - and a life - in the region. Today, she balances her work as a registered psychologist and founder of consultancy FurtherAField with her role alongside husband Simon as part of Corish Farms, a cotton and mixed grain enterprise. It’s a dual perspective that allows her to bridge the gap between research and the realities of life on-farm. “I have practised psychology for 20 years in Goondiwindi,” she says. “When I started, no one spoke about mental health. It was a taboo subject - now it’s everywhere.” That shift in awareness has been profound, but Ms Corish believes agriculture is still catching up when it comes to translating that awareness into everyday workplace practices. Her current PhD research - conducted in collaboration with Central Queensland University and the Cotton Research and Development Corporation - focuses on workforce development in agriculture, particularly the role of psychological safety and leadership in building effective teams. It’s work that has taken her onto farms and into conversations with producers, managers and staff across the cotton industry, revealing both the strengths and shortcomings of current approaches. “There’s lots of beautiful bosses who have long understood the importance of treating their people well,” she says. “But there’s still a lot who don’t and who need to understand that an autocratic style of management just doesn’t bring in the people and doesn’t keep the people.” The consequences of getting it wrong are becoming increasingly apparent, with labour shortages and high staff turnover continuing to challenge the sector. At the same time, agriculture is attracting a new generation of workers - many from nonfarming backgrounds - who bring fresh expectations around workplace culture, communication and leadership. “The cotton industry seems to attract that young generation who aren’t necessarily from the land,” Ms Corish says. “It’s becoming so technical. It’s mentally and intellectually demanding and that’s attracting really bright young people who want a career in agriculture.” For farm businesses, that presents both an opportunity and a challenge. “These are the people we want,” she says. “But we need to make sure we’re setting our farms up so they want to stay.” That’s where last month’s workshop came in,
Central Queensland University researcher Dr Nicole McDonald and Goondiwindi psychologist Chantal Corish in a cotton field. (Supplied)
Central Queensland University researcher Dr Nicole McDonald, RuralScope’s Jo Eady and Goondiwindi psychologist Chantal Corish in a cotton field.
At this year’s Australian Cotton Conference on the Gold Coast, Goondiwindi psychologist Chantal Corish urged farm leaders to take a closer look at the way they lead their people.
designed to give farm leaders practical tools to improve communication, manage conflict and create more engaging workplaces. “This workshop (gave) farm leaders an understanding of how to build their workplace cultures so that it not only meets the requirements of psychosocial safety standards, but helps the business create an engaging workspace where staff get along well with each other and are motivated to drive productivity,” she says. Participants hopefully left with a communication plan and a clearer understanding of how to handle difficult conversations, a critical skill in high-pressure farming environments. They also explored what it meant to create a psychologically safe workplace, where staff feel comfortable speaking up, admitting mistakes and contributing ideas. For Ms Corish, this is not about being “soft”, it’s about being effective. “Are we letting our people speak up?“ she says. “Can they tell us if they make a mistake without us dumping on them and making them feel terrible about it? “Do we have a space where we allow people to go, ‘Hey, I’ve got a better idea’?” Creating that environment, she argues, is essential for fostering innovation and improving productivity, particularly in an industry that is rapidly evolving. “If people feel good, if they feel like they want
“What we do on our farms matters to the broader perception of agriculture.” That perception is critical at a time when the sector is competing for talent with a wide range of other industries, many of which are already investing heavily in workplace culture and leadership development. “We know that attracting and retaining staff in agriculture has been really difficult in recent years,” she says. “Getting clear on what your farm business offers is really important to becoming an employer of choice.” For Ms Corish, the solution lies not in sweeping change, but in consistent, practical improvements at the farm level, supported by a willingness to learn and adapt. “It’s about stepping into it,” she says. “Being aware of it and being prepared to do things a bit differently.” As the cotton industry leaves the Gold Coast for another year, her message likely resonated with many in the room, particularly those grappling with the realities of managing people in a modern farming business. Because while the challenges may be complex, the goal is straightforward: Better people practices, stronger teams and a more sustainable future for agriculture. And, as Ms Corish makes clear, that future starts with leadership.
to contribute, they go above and beyond,” she says. “That’s what you want. You want people to have your back.” But she is equally clear that psychological safety does not mean a lack of accountability. “There has to be accountability and boundaries,” she says. “It can’t just be all one way. It’s a balance and it’s hard.” That balance is at the heart of her message to the industry... that leadership in agriculture must evolve, not by abandoning traditional strengths, but by building on them. “There’s a perception sometimes that this is just another thing farmers have to do,” she says. “But if you get this right, it actually makes your life easier.” It’s a point reinforced by the broader goals of the SHIFT – Our Enterprise, Our People project, which underpins the workshop. The research has highlighted the need to better support both existing and emerging farm managers, giving them the skills to lead teams effectively in increasingly complex environments. It also reflects a bigger picture - one that extends beyond individual farms to the reputation of agriculture as a whole. “As an industry, we need to agree on how we treat our people,” Ms Corish says.
September 2026 TODAY 21
ROBINSON’S LIVESTOCK READY TO WORK BULLS NOW AVAILABLE. 12886510-AM35-26
Practical genetics focus For Darling Downs cattle producers Brad and Hayley Robinson, breeding Angus cattle is about more than chasing figures on a page. Their focus is on producing functional genetics that can perform from the paddock through to the feedlot and ultimately deliver a quality beef carcase. With experience spanning cattle breeding, feedlotting and meat science, the Robinsons have developed a breeding program centred on practical outcomes for commercial producers. “We don’t try to breed for everything,” Hayley says. “We have clear objectives. We want cattle whose progeny can perform in the feedlot and produce great beef, while keeping the things that matter at home — sound, functional females that are good mums and easy to manage.” The approach is particularly relevant in Queensland, where cattle can move through a range of production environments before reaching the consumer. For commercial producers, genetics need to perform on grass, respond when cattle enter a feeding program and produce carcases that meet market specifications. At Robinsons Livestock, breeding decisions therefore extend beyond any single measurement. Phenotype, structural soundness and temperament are considered alongside genetic evaluation and carcase traits, with feedback from throughout the supply chain also helping shape the program. “Brad and I are really careful with our breeding choices because there is a lot to consider,” Hayley says. “We try to do the analysis and the boring stuff behind the scenes so that the people who buy our bulls can get on with their job, producing cattle that work for their business.” The same philosophy is reflected in the Robinsons’ approach to bull sales. As a smaller op-
Brad and Hayley Robinson focus on producing functional genetics that can perform from the paddock through to the feedlot and ultimately deliver a quality beef carcase. (Supplied) eration, the family uses many of its own young bulls commercially, giving them a practical understanding of the challenges facing producers looking to invest in genetics. “To be quite honest, we use our bulls as yearlings because we can’t afford to buy bulls of equivalent quality to back up our AI program,” Hayley
says. “We want commercial producers to be able to access good genetics at a sensible price.” For the Robinsons, success is not measured by the number of bulls sold, but by the relevance and performance of the genetics they produce. “We’re never going to sell the most bulls, so that’s not our measure of success. We’d rather
be disciplined about our breeding decisions and produce cattle that are relevant to the market.” Ultimately, the Robinsons’ breeding philosophy is straightforward: produce cattle that work, perform and return value. As Hayley puts it, “size doesn’t matter — except when it comes to profit.”
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Santa strengthens position As the 2026 spring bull selling season gets underway, commercial beef producers considering their next genetics investment have compelling reasons to take a close look at Santa Gertrudis. Strong growth in breeding female numbers, exceptional marketplace demand and resilient cattle prices over the past 12 months point to a breed gaining momentum across the Australian beef industry. Together, these indicators suggest increasing producer confidence in Santa Gertrudis genetics and provide a positive backdrop for the upcoming bull sale season. Two independent measures of performance tell the story. National herd data shows a significant increase in Santa Gertrudis breeding females, while sale yard and online marketplace results highlight strong and sustained buyer demand. Analysis of Meat & Livestock Australia’s Beef Producer Intentions Survey (BPIS) by agricultural economist Matt Dalgleish identified Santa Gertrudis as one of the breed’s biggest growth stories. Between 2023 and 2025, the number of Santa Gertrudis breeding females increased from 673,963 head to 1.93 million head, a rise of 185.9 per cent. During the same period, the breed’s share of the national breeding female herd grew from 3.8 per cent to 9.6 per cent. Australia’s breeding female herd expanded by 14.6 per cent over the same period, highlighting that Santa Gertrudis growth far exceeded the broader herd rebuild. Santa Gertrudis Breeders’ (Australia) Association general manager Brad Cooper said the figures reflect growing producer confidence in the breed’s commercial performance. “Santa Gertrudis offers a unique balance of
fertility, maternal performance, growth, market flexibility and environmental adaptability,“ he said. “The MLA figures suggest producers are voting with their breeding decisions.“ That confidence has also been evident in the marketplace. According to AuctionsPlus market analyst Hugh Courts, Santa Gertrudis cattle outperformed the broader online cattle market throughout the 2025-26 financial year. The breed achieved higher clearance rates than the overall AuctionsPlus cattle offering in 11 of the 12 months, including a perfect 100 per cent clearance rate during October 2025. Across the financial year, Santa Gertrudis averaged an 89 per cent clearance rate compared with the overall cattle market average of 81 per cent. Demand remained strong even during softer trading periods, underlining buyer confidence in the breed’s commercial value. Strong demand has also been reflected in prices. Santa Gertrudis steer values closely tracked the broader market recovery, rising from around $1,670 per head in January 2026 to almost $1,780 in February before remaining above long-term averages for much of the year. “The combination of growing breeding female numbers, strong clearance rates and competitive prices points to a breed that is gaining further traction in the Australian beef supply chain,“ Mr Cooper said. “Most importantly, these results are being driven by commercial producers making practical business decisions, reinforcing Santa Gertrudis’ reputation as a productive, adaptable and profitable option for a range of Australian beef enterprises.“
Santa Gertrudis genetics and provide a positive backdrop for the upcoming bull sale season. (Suipplied)
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September 2026 TODAY 23
NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au
Above: Lead researcher and UniSQ PhD student Abby Dennien. Right: The Pookila is one of Queensland’s least-known native mammals. (Oppidanus Digital Marketing)
Fears grow for Pookilas By Fiona Gowers Fresh concerns are held for the future of one of Queensland’s least-known native mammals, after a landmark statewide survey found just one Pookila despite years of targeted searching. Researchers from the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) conducted more than 10,500 overnight trapping attempts across seven of the state’s 10 known sites over nearly three years. They recorded only one tick under the native rodents’ column, highlighting growing uncertainty around the species’ survival in the state. According to a research article in the latest edition of the Australian Journal of Zoology, the lone Pookila was caught in an aluminium box trap during the 640-day survey, on a private property east of Warwick near Cunningham’s Gap. Also known as the New Holland mouse, the Pookila (Pseudomys novaehollandiae) is listed as Vulnerable in Queensland and nationally, yet its northern populations remain poorly understood despite the species being identified in the state almost 30 years ago. Lead researcher and UniSQ PhD student Abby Dennien said the low detection rate may reflect many underlying issues. 24 TODAY September 2026
“We know southern populations have declined because of pressures such as habitat loss, fragmentation, invasive predators, altered fire regimes, climate change and small population sizes,“ she said. “It’s possible many of these same threats are also affecting Queensland populations.“ The study - published in the Australian Journal of Zoology - marks the first targeted, rangewide survey of the species in Queensland and suggests the Pookila may be experiencing local declines, natural population fluctuations or shifts in distribution. Ms Dennien said the findings reinforced the importance of paying closer attention to native rodents, which are often eclipsed by more recognisable species. “Our native rodents disperse seeds and fungi, help pollinate native plants, turn over soil and provide food for other native animals, making them an important part of Australia’s biodiversity,” she said. “Unfortunately, because native rodents receive far less attention, many people hear the words ‘rodent’ or ‘mouse’ and immediately think of invasive species like the house mouse or black rat. “Protecting biodiversity is about protecting
those lesser-known species, as well as iconic animals like koalas and platypuses. “By increasing awareness of our native rodents such as the Pookila, we can help people better appreciate Australia’s unique wildlife and understand that even small, elusive species are important to the ecosystem.” Senior author and UniSQ wildlife scientist Dr Meg Edwards said the research was sparked by a chance discovery during a 2022 field trip. “We captured a Pookila during a field trip with our students, which turned out to be the northernmost record of the species,” she said. “That discovery prompted us to focus on the distribution and ecology of the species, which is poorly understood in Queensland, where very little research has previously been undertaken. “We wanted to find out about their habitat use, diet, interactions with other species and threats, but this quickly changed when we started surveying and couldn’t find them.” Dr Edwards said the lack of detections made it difficult to confirm a definitive population decline, but warned the findings could have serious implications for the species’ long-term survival in Queensland. “Due to the lack of previous research or monitoring on the species in Queensland, it is hard to
definitively confirm a population decline, but this study highlights the need for continued monitoring of this species, and other rodent species, in Queensland,” she said. “The sooner we understand what’s happening with these populations, the better chance we have of protecting them before it’s too late.” The findings come amid broader national concern for the Pookila, which has already experienced declines in the southern parts of its range, raising questions about its persistence if similar trends are occurring further north. Researchers say the cause of the low detection rate remains unclear, but could include a combination of population fluctuations, environmental pressures and the inherent difficulty of detecting small, elusive species. The team will continue to monitor the remaining known sites in Queensland and urges landholders and the wider community to play a role in protecting native habitat, including retaining ground cover such as grass tussocks and fallen logs and keeping pet cats indoors. The research was supported through the Queensland Government’s Threatened Species Research Grants program and involved collaboration between UniSQ and the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
GELBVIEH & BALANCER bull sale 30 quality red and black bulls • 11am - 26 September • Coolabunia Saleyards Kingaroy 12893637-MS35-26
Gold Ribbon genetics There is something particularly significant about a bull sale built around genetics with a clear purpose, cattle that are expected to perform, reproduce and add value long after sale day has passed. That philosophy will again be in focus when the Gold Ribbon Gelbvieh & Balancer Bull Sale takes centre stage at the Coolabunia Saleyards on Saturday, 26 September. Commencing at 11am, the sale brings together an opportunity for commercial cattle producers to invest in genetics designed for the realities of modern beef production. Gelbvieh and Balancer genetics have earned a place in progressive breeding programs because they offer producers the opportunity to combine traits that matter in the paddock and ultimately in the marketplace. Growth, fertility, maternal performance, carcass merit and hybrid vigour are not simply figures on a catalogue page, they are components of a breeding program that must work year after year. For commercial producers, selecting a new herd sire is one of the most important genetic decisions made each year. The right bull can influence the direction of a herd for generations, making sound selection based on performance, structure, temperament and breeding values essential. The Gold Ribbon sale provides an opportunity to make that investment with a focus on Gelbvieh and Balancer genetics. Importantly, the event also reflects the strength of the Queensland seedstock industry and the confidence breeders have in providing commercial producers with genetics suited to
demanding production environments. A successful bull sale is ultimately about more than the price achieved on the day; it is about the calves that hit the ground, the females retained in the herd and the additional kilograms and dollars generated across the years that follow. The 2026 sale will be held at Coolabunia, with Aussie Land & Livestock handling the selling agency responsibilities. Chris Crouch and Midge Thompson are listed as selling agents, while Brian Kaddatz & Chris Braithwaite are the sale contacts. With the bull catalogue still to be released, attention will increasingly turn towards the individual lots and the genetic opportunities they present. For buyers considering their next herd sire, it will be a sale worth having firmly marked on the calendar. In an industry where efficiency, adaptability and productive longevity continue to shape breeding decisions, the value of a bull is ultimately measured by what he leaves behind. That is the real promise of the Gold Ribbon Gelbvieh & Balancer Bull Sale — an opportunity to invest not simply in a bull, but in the future direction of a beef enterprise. The Gold Ribbon Gelbvieh & Balancer Bull Sale will be held at Coolabunia Saleyards on Saturday, 26 September, commencing at 11am. Online bidding is also listed through StockLive.
The Gold Ribbon sale provides an opportunity to make that investment with a focus on Gelbvieh and Balancer genetics. (Supplied)
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September 2026 TODAY 25
NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au
Turning ideas into action By Fiona Gowers The next generation of cotton industry leaders is making its mark, with the largest-ever intake of the Australian Future Cotton Leaders Program graduating ahead of the 2026 Australian Cotton Conference. In all, 17 emerging leaders from across the cotton supply chain - growers, agronomists, consultants, researchers and industry representatives have completed the program, bringing with them a suite of practical, on-the-ground projects aimed at strengthening regional communities and the broader cotton sector. The cohort represents a wide geographic spread, from Kununurra in Western Australia to Emerald in Central Queensland and from Walgett in New South Wales through to Sydney, reflecting the diversity of the modern cotton industry. Cotton Australia chief executive Adam Kay said the program continued to deliver real outcomes, not just for participants, but for the wider industry. “The Future Cotton Leaders Program is about building confidence, capability and networks, but it is also about action,” Mr Kay said. “This cohort has embraced the challenge of identifying issues that matter to their businesses, regions and communities and then developing practical projects that can make a difference. “From developing planning templates and toolbox meetings to (retaining) staff, to connecting school students with cotton farms and hosting conversations about women’s leadership and career pathways in the cotton industry, these projects show the value of investing in emerging leaders.” Delivered every two years, the program combines face-to-face workshops, online learning, one-on-one coaching and industry engagement, culminating in individual projects that challenge participants to apply their leadership skills in real-world settings. Among those projects is an initiative by Murrami grower Sam Ryan, who has focused on improving communication between irrigators and water organisations in the Murrumbidgee region. After identifying frustration among growers seeking more direct engagement with decisionmakers, Mr Ryan has been working with Murrumbidgee Irrigation to explore an open-door model that would allow shareholders and customers greater access to senior management and board members. “Water is such a precious resource in our area,” Mr Ryan said. “If growers and irrigation corporations can work together better, it benefits the whole community. Irrigation and healthy rivers mean kids in schools, people in local shops and strong regional towns.” Further north, Arriga grower Jason Salvetti is tackling a different challenge - helping build knowledge and confidence in a developing cotton region. Operating in Far North Queensland, where cotton production is still relatively new and conditions can be highly variable, Mr Salvetti is creating an online resource to share practical insights into farming in the region. “The idea is to create a place people can go to find out information,” Mr Salvetti said.
Australian Future Cotton Leaders 2026. (Supplied) “Cotton is a great industry but it’s always tricky when you’re starting off and you have to deal with a unique environment like that in Far North Queensland. “So, if we can share what we have learned and help others get started, hopefully we can help grow the cotton industry in the north.” His project will use social media and video content to document real-time decision-making on farm, including lessons learned and mistakes made, as his family integrates cotton into a rotation with sugarcane and soybeans. In Central Queensland, Emerald-based agronomist Bridget Bender has focused on strengthening professional networks, launching a Young Aggies group to connect early-career agricultural workers in the region. Modelled on the Darling Downs Young Ag Professionals network, the initiative provides a platform for social connection, peer support and knowledge sharing outside the workplace. “It is about connection building and having someone to talk to outside your own workplace,” Ms Bender said. “We meet once a month and it seems to get bigger and bigger every month, which is exciting but intimidating. “I would never have had the confidence to create this group without the support of Jo Eady and the Future Cotton Leaders Program.” The diversity of projects highlights the breadth of challenges - and opportunities - facing the cot-
ton industry, from workforce development and regional connectivity to knowledge sharing and community resilience. Cotton Research and Development Corporation managing director Georgina Pengilley said the program demonstrated the industry’s commitment to investing in its people. “As I begin my role with CRDC, it’s been wonderful to see first hand the Australian cotton industry’s commitment to supporting and developing its people,“ Dr Pengilley said. “Programs like Future Cotton Leaders are a great example of the value the industry places on backing the next generation. “The projects developed by these graduates show what can happen when you give passionate people the confidence, skills and networks to turn good ideas into action. “The benefits extend well beyond the individuals involved and into the broader cotton industry.” Since its inception in 2006, the Australian Future Cotton Leaders Program has produced more than 130 graduates, many of whom have gone on to take on leadership roles across the sector. The 2026 cohort builds on that legacy, bringing fresh ideas and energy to an industry that continues to evolve in response to changing markets, technology and workforce expectations. As they step forward into the next phase of their careers, their projects - grounded in practical outcomes and community benefit - signal
a strong future for Australian cotton, driven by leaders prepared not just to participate in the industry, but to shape it. 2026 Australian Future Cotton Leaders: Emily O’Shannessy, CGS, Kununurra, WA Alexander Stephens, McVeigh Partnership Pty Ltd, MacAlister, QLD Angus Dalgliesh, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Cloncurry, QLD Bridget Bender, AGnVET, Emerald, QLD Henry Perry, Perry Farming, Goondiwindi, QLD Jason Salvetti, Salvetti Farming Co, Arriga, QLD Lauren Roellgen, Tyunga Farms, Brookstead, QLD Liam Blackwell, Clark Farming Group, Billa Billa, QLD Ashley Hollis, Cotton Australia, Sydney, NSW Georgia Carrigan, Australian Food and Fibre, Warren, NSW Georgina Rowlands, Australian Food and Fibre, Ashley, NSW Hugh Lennon, Hancock Agriculture, Merah North, NSW Lachie Holz, B&W Rural Walgett, Walgett, NSW Jessie Schwager, Priag Marketing, Narrabri, NSW Megan Baker, CRDC, Narrabri, NSW Natalie Aquilina, Cotton Seed Distributors, Narrabri, NSW Sam Ryan, RynCo Enterprises, Murrami, NSW.
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PAT H F I N D E R
Queensland Spring sale 2026 12892213-RV35-26
Hand-selected for QLD Pathfinder Angus will offer a dedicated line-up of bulls set aside specifically for Queensland buyers, with 115 bulls to be sold 18 September 2026 at Roma Saleyards. Cyril Close has travelled down to Pathfinder to hand-select this QLD draft himself, ensuring only bulls suited to Queensland conditions and buyers make the cut. Every sire behind this draft has been chosen through first-hand research, with Pathfinder travelling regularly to the USA and New Zealand to inspect structure, feet and docility in person before committing to a sire. EBVs aimed at the most profitable traits remain central to selection, giving buyers confidence in the figures behind every bull. Maternal suitability is also a key focus this year, with strong representation from granddaughters of Y69 and Blueblood 6502 – two world renowned females for producing outstanding, easy-doing cows. The result is a genuine QLD-focused draft, combining growth, carcass, structure and docility with proven maternal strength. Bulls will be available for inspection prior to sale. Pathfinder Bull Sale 10:30am, Roma Saleyards, Friday 18 September 2026. Please contact Nick, Sara or Elle Moyle for any further information.
V570 - Pathfinder Angus. (Supplied)
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September 2026 TODAY 27
NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au
Up to 240 cars to the narrow one kilometre street circuit over the weekend. (Trapnell Creations)
Organisers estimated as many as 20,000 people attended across both days of the 2026 Historic Leyburn Sprints. (Supplied)
Legends headline Leyburn By Jeremy Cook Thousands of motorsport fans descended on Leyburn in August as the tiny rural town converted itself into a makeshift racetrack for the 30th anniversary of the Historic Leyburn Sprints. Up to 240 vintage and historic race cars roared around the town’s one kilometre closed-street circuit, delivering two days of high-speed action for an estimated crowd of 20,000. The racing was complemented by appearances from motorsport legends including Dick Johnson, John Bowe, Colin Bond, Kevin Bartlett, Bap Romano, Steve Masterton, Charlie O’Brien, Graeme Lawrence, Bruce Allison and Andrew Miedecke. Hundreds of fans lined up across three autograph sessions to meet the star-studded lineup. Beginning in 1996, the event pays tribute to the famous 1949 Australian Grand Prix held in Leyburn. To celebrate 30 years, organisers held a special anniversary function under the stars at retired NRL legend Shane Webcke’s 102-year-old woolshed ahead of the event on the Thursday night. Historic Leyburn Sprints president Tricia Chant said final ticket figures were still being counted but organisers estimated as many as 20,000 people attended across the two day-event. Aside from some logistical issues with toilets and showers, Ms Chant said the weekend ran smoothly. “We got in seven runs which is what we strive for, so that went really well,” she said. “The on-track action went really, really well, and had massive crowds on Saturday and also Sunday. Sunday is always quieter - that’s sort of been the case for a fair few years. “But overall the crowds were definitely up.” Ms Chant said the size of the event also impressed several of the visiting motorsports legends. “Having all the VIP drivers out here, and those who hadn’t been here before, people like Steve
First held in 1996, the Historic Leyburn Sprints pays tribute to the famous 1949 Australian Grand Prix held in Leyburn. (Supplied)
Former AGP drivers Colin Bond, Kevin Bartlett, Bruce Allison, Graeme Lawrence and John Bowe at the 1949 Leyburn Australian Grand Prix memorial alongside original entry GK Ford Special now owned by Chris Hughes. (Roz Harman Photography)
All eyes were on students and staff from Leyburn State School during the opening ceremony of the 30th Historic Leyburn Sprints. (Samantha Wantling: 572706)
Masterton and Andrew Miedecke, all made the comment they could not believe how big it was,” she said. “Obviously it’s really good when it comes from people like that who are impressed with what we’re doing here.” Ms Chant said the event would not be possible without “a good bunch” of volunteers who helped
“People just take pride in showing off their town I suppose to all the visitors.” Now 30 years down, the committee will turn its attention to the next chapter. “We’ll sit down the next few weeks and talk about what went right, what went wrong. We’ll use any of [that] feedback into coordinating for next year,” Ms Chant said.
transforming the town into a racetrack each year. She also highlighted the ongoing economic benefits the Sprints bring to Leyburn each year. “It’s not just the economic benefits from the actual weekend itself, but it’s also the ongoing benefits for the rest of the year where we have campers and visitors coming because they’ve heard about Leyburn because of the Sprints.
Producers called to shape future of grassfed levy Grassfed cattle producers are being urged to have their say on the future of levy investment, with the Cattle Transaction Levy Review Committee releasing its second discussion paper as part of the 2026 review process. The paper marks the third phase of industry consultation and builds on feedback from earlier engagement, as the committee works towards recommendations on how the grassfed cattle transaction levy should be structured and spent. Levy Review Committee Chair Bryce Camm said producers were calling for a system that better reflected industry needs. “During recent consultation sessions, producers told us they want a levy system that is transparent, accountable and responsive to emerging industry priorities,” Mr Camm said. “This review is focused on delivering exactly that. We want to ensure the grassfed cattle levy remains relevant, effective and accountable, while continuing to support the long-term success and competitiveness of Australia’s grassfed cattle industry. 28 TODAY September 2026
“This next phase of consultation provides an important opportunity to further test ideas and hear directly from producers before recommendations are finalised.” The discussion paper seeks feedback across several key areas, including: The flexibility of the current levy system and its ability to respond to emerging industry priorities. Alignment of levy reviews with industry strategic planning cycles. Future priorities for levy-funded marketing activities. Investment in industry integrity systems, including the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) and Livestock Production Assurance (LPA). The role and funding of industry representation. Improving producer engagement and participation. The importance of independent oversight and accountability for levy expenditure.
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Unlike previous reviews in 2006 and 2009, the current process is taking a broader, system-wide approach focused solely on the grassfed cattle sector, rather than individual levy streams. The review follows the establishment of Cattle Australia - replacing the former Cattle Council of Australia - and is the first comprehensive assessment of levy arrangements in more than 15 years. Findings from this consultation phase will inform formal recommendations to levy payers, expected to be released in September 2026. “These recommendations will play an important role in shaping the future direction of levy investment as the industry begins planning for Red Meat 2040,” Mr Camm said. “Producer participation remains critical to ensuring the review reflects the priorities and expectations of levy payers across Australia.” Levy payers will then have the opportunity to vote on proposed changes at the Meat & Livestock Australia Annual General Meeting in November 2026.
Levy Review Committee Chair and Cattle Australia director Bryce Camm. (Cattle Australia)
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Queensland Red Angus Sale
POWER OF RED XI Saturday 5th September
Offering 42 Bulls, 11 Females, 16 genetic lots. @Dalby Regional Saleyards
Red power set for Dalby Red Angus breeders from Queensland and New South Wales will converge on the Dalby Regional Sale Centre on Saturday 5 September for the 12th Queensland Red Angus Power of Red sale. Commencing at 11am, the sale will feature 42 bulls, 11 females and 16 genetic lots from 16 vendors, with the number of bulls doubling from last year’s offering. The increased catalogue, combined with redevelopment at the Toowoomba Showgrounds ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games, has prompted the move to Dalby. The sale will provide buyers with access to a broad range of Red Angus genetics, with all lots available for inspection on-site. Scanning and weight data will be available before the sale following scanning on Friday morning. Lots will be sold via screens in the canteen area of the Dalby Selling Centre, with online bidding available through Stocklive. David and Ashleigh Hobbs of Round-Em-Up and Moorwatha Red Angus, Molong, NSW, will open proceedings with Lot 1, Round-Em-Up The Night V55, a 22-month-old son of Round-Em-Up The Night S38. The Hobbs family has the largest offering by a single vendor in the sale’s history, with bulls, heifers, embryos and semen across Lots 26-36, 48-51, 61-63 and 66. Fishington Red Angus, Wongwibinda, NSW, will offer three bulls in Lots 2-4, all sired by Moorwatha The Night S26. Foundation vendor Heather Davies of Rosemullion Red Angus, Goomburra, will present Lots 5 and 6, sired by Ki-Eyrie Red Rejoice and Rosemullion Red Norton respectively. GK Livestock, Dalby, another founding member of the sale, will offer Lots 7 and 8, both AI sons of Paringa Trademark T14 and Red U2 Dominion. The operation will also offer heifers and genetic
The Power of Red stall at this years FarmFest. lots, including embryos and semen. Moorevale Red Angus, Langley Vale, NSW, will present Lot 9, a 21-month-old son of Red Cockburn Assassin, along with an embryo package featuring the same influential sire. Boonyouin Red Angus, Kingaroy, will offer three bulls in Lots 10-12, while Heartland Red Angus, Tamworth, NSW, will present five bulls, a heifer and semen package across its draft. Goonoo Red Angus, Tamworth, will offer two sons of EKKA champion K5X Significant S117, while Palmview Red Angus, Stony Creek, will present four bulls representing Millwillah Black-
out, Red SSS Soldier and Boonyouin Tarzan T41. The sale will also welcome first-time vendors Noel Sippel of Mountain View Red Angus, Julie and James Brophy of Jilibry Red Angus, and Rick and Cheryl Cruff of Rough Rider Red Angus. Their drafts include bulls bred in tick country and genetics featuring Red Get-A-Long Wander 905, Jilibry Ultimate Red Rock and Red Cockburn Assassin. Mellowood Red Angus, Loomberah, NSW, will offer a son of Red Lazy MC Trooper 21Y and a semen package, while Pledge Red Angus and Stockhorses, Kumbia, will present two bulls by Greenwood Park Simba S22.
Junior breeder Millie Martin of AKM Red Angus, Stony Creek, will round out the bull offering with a 19-month-old ET son of Red SSS Soldier 365W and a 15-month-old son of Boonyouin Tarzan T41. Both have been bred and raised in tick country. Two heifers will also be offered. The estate of the late Melinda Hoey will offer a selection of embryo and semen packages, rounding out the genetic offering. Nutrien Livestock Toowoomba will conduct the sale. Enquiries can be directed to Colby Ede on 0417 265 980 or Andrew Costello on 0429 485 191.
Lot 5
Lot 8
Lot 9
Lot 13
Lot 17
Lot 21
Lot 22
Lot 27
Lot 46
Lot 52
Colby Ede 0417 265 980 Nutrien Toowoomba 12884662-MS35-26
September 2026 TODAY 29
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Lot 49 Tomawill Idol equal top price sold to Rebecca Farquhar Calco Droughtmaster Stud Bouldercombe.
Equal top price bull at the 2025 Droughtmaster Diamond Genetics Sale was Lot 48 Tomawill Idol sold to Middlemount Range Pty Ltd Sandy Creek for $9000. (Supplied)
Committed to the breed The Droughtmaster Diamond Genetics Sale will celebrate its fourth year at the Hayes & Co Silverdale Saleyards on Saturday 26 September. Our multi-vendor Droughtmaster Sale predominantly showcases locally-prepared cattle specifically bred for a range of conditions. To date, sale animals have been purchased by stud and commercial operators throughout the state. The event brings together stud vendors who are all committed to the breed and recognize 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 over 25 highly-regarded and emerging studs. All bulls and females will undergo rigorous DNA and fertility assessments, including semen morphology and pregnancy testing, conducted by an accredited veterinarian, and bulls will be fat and muscle scanned. We encourage buyers to come along for a pre-sale inspection from 3pm on Friday 25 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. As a new initiative, a Bull Judging Masterclass for Young Judges will take place at the saleyards from 10am on the Friday morning. Participants will also get to put their skills to the test when they compete in the judging of selected commercial females. The overall winner will receive the honour of being the inaugural winner of the Bruce Wilson Memorial Trophy. This year, the sale will commence with registered females, featuring 34 unjoined and 12 joined females from quality bloodlines, followed by over 30 commercial females. This is an opportunity to purchase quality commercial females from stud vendors, complete with vaccination histories, exceptional genetics and good temperaments. Preceding the auction of the 37 registered and herd bulls, regular sale supporters Brazzen have donated a single raised steel dog pen (Lot 47) while Hayes and Co have donated a Kincrome Tool Set (Lot 48) and a DeWalt Drill Set (Lot 49). Buyer incentives of a $500 sale credit will once again be presented to the purchaser of the toppriced bull, registered female, and volume buyer, with a new bonus for a first-time buyer at the sale. Selling agents Hayes & Co have the full support and confidence of the vendors due to their broad understanding of the Southeast Queensland market and the pride they take in selling quality cattle with proven genetics. The sale will be livestreamed via the StockLive online bidding platform for those unable to attend in person. Silverdale Saleyards are conveniently located in Southeast Queensland, one of the largest 30 TODAY September 2026
Top price female was PTIC heifer Cooly Lunar sold to Roger & Jenny Underwood Eversleigh & Wallace Vale Droughtmasters Blantyre for $7500. 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 Brazzen. We would also like to acknowledge Allflex management tags, FatGalah for their in-
valuable skills and professionalism in helping to set up our first-rate website, Brother & Co for marketing support, Droughtmaster Australia, and new sale partner Rabobank. Special mention must be made of local business, Wood Rural, who have worked tirelessly at the saleyards over the past three years to make this sale such a success. Since its inception, a strong bond has developed amongst the vendor group and we all look forward to catching up again to share our love of cattle with like-minded people. The Droughtmaster Diamond Genetics Sale is a significant event in our region that provides local beef pro-
ducers access to quality Droughtmaster genetics right on their doorstep. We invite cattle producers to take advantage of this opportunity and join us on Saturday September 27 from 10am at the Silverdale Selling Complex, 5380 Cunningham Hwy, Silverdale QLD. For more information, visit the sale website at www.diamondgeneticssale.au; follow us on Facebook at Droughtmaster Diamond Genetics Sale; or contact the selling agents Hayes and Co on 5463 8099, Peter Hayes 0418 755 732, Landon Hayes 0448 952 187; or sale coordinator Justin Bowman on 0407 938 684.
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September 2026 TODAY 31
NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au
Brangus bull tops the sale Strong repeat client support and confidence in proven genetics underpinned another successful annual bull sale for Justin and Kate Boshammer of JK Cattle Company, Condamine, with 95 of 98 bulls selling to average $14,989. The fifth annual on-property sale, held on 3 Monday August, achieved a 96 per cent clearance and saw buyers travel from widespread areas of Queensland to secure the Angus, Brangus and Ultrablack bulls. Leading the sale at $40,000 was lot 40, JK Cattle Co Vincent V519 (P). The 23-month-old, 750kg Brangus bull was purchased by Sam Whiley and Celine Duggan of YLE Grazing Company, Perola Park, Wallumbilla. The family purchased five bulls to average $22,000. “Our top purchase will be joined to our Brangus females, while the remainder will be used to produce both feeder and heavier ox cattle, depending on the season,” Mr Whiley said. “We were looking for growth, scale and body shape in our selections.” Across the Angus offering, 66 bulls averaged $14,393 and reached a top price of $35,000 on two occasions. The first of the equal top-selling Angus bulls was lot 3, JK Cattle Co Valdemar V707, a 23-monthold, 882kg son of Landfall Mainland Q494. The purchaser, Brackloon Grazing, Blackwater, secured the first four Angus bulls through the ring to average $27,500. The second $35,000 Angus bull was lot 7, JK Cattle Co Vickery V698, a 23-month-old, 863kg son of Millah Murrah Rector R53. He was selected by Ted and Jenny Murphy, Tayglen Station, Dysart, who acquired three Angus bulls to average $31,000. As repeat clients of the JK Cattle Company program, the Murphys said structural soundness and carcase performance remained key selection criteria. “We’ve been buying bulls from this sale since it began,” Mr Murphy said. “They’re consistently good cattle. The maternal lines behind these bulls are closely related to sires that have produced some of our winners in the Central Queensland Carcase Classic. We’re always looking for strong IMF and EMA figures, backed by sound structure, particularly good feet.” The Brangus section proved the strongest on average, with all 17 bulls selling to average $17,882, while the 12 Ultrablack bulls averaged $14,166 and topped at $22,000. The top-priced Ultrablack bull was purchased by the Hafemeister family, Oakleigh, Injune, who selected six bulls overall to average $16,667. Repeat buyers again featured prominently throughout the sale. Tom Rolfe and family, Rolfe Grazing, Springsure, purchased four Angus bulls to average $19,000, while Stuart and Kira Reddan, Reddan Organic Beef, Bogarella, Augathella, secured three Brangus bulls averaging $18,667. The Grummitt and Smyth families, Bogarella, Augathella, also returned to purchase four bulls at an average of $18,500. Other volume buyers included Hindmarsh Pastoral Company, Charleville, purchasing four bulls to average $14,000, while the Willis family, Bullamon Plains, Thallon, added three Angus bulls averaging $11,333 following purchases made in previous years. The sale draft was distributed widely, with bulls also destined for Alpha, Morven, Taroom, Quilpie, McKinlay, and Gympie, with several sires secured by local producers in the Condamine and Chinchilla districts. Following the sale, JK Cattle Company again held its annual Zara’s Day charity auction in memory of Justin and Kate Boshammer’s daughter. Three premium beef lots donated by JK Cattle Company raised $9,100, with proceeds supporting the Steve Waugh Foundation and the Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland Section. Selling agents were Ray White Livestock Dalby and GDL, with guest auctioneer Wayne York conducting the sale alongside online bidding through StockLive.
Lot 7 was the equal top price Angus bull, selling for $35,000. Pictured are vendors Kate and Justin Boshammer, JK Cattle Company, and sale agents David Felsch, Ray White Livestock Dalby and Sam Clarke, GDL Wandoan. 32 TODAY September 2026
The $40,000 top price Brangus bull with vendors Kate and Justin Boshammer, JK Cattle Company, purchasers Sam Whiley, Celine Duggan and David Whiley, YLE Grazing, and sale agents David Felsch, Ray White Livestock Dalby and Sam Clarke, GDL Wandoan.
Lot 3 was the equal top price Angus bull, selling for $35,000. Pictured are vendors Kate and Justin Boshammer, JK Cattle Company, and sale agents David Felsch, Ray White Livestock Dalby and Sam Clarke, GDL Wandoan. (Images: Kent Ward)
DORPER AND WHITE DORPER RAMS - 25 SEPTEMBER 12887166-RV35-26
Bellevue takes the win Securing Champion Single Lamb and Overall Paddock to Plate Champion, Bellevue Dorper genetics has again shone through at the 2026 Ekka Prime Lamb Carcass and Paddock to Plate Competition. David Curtis, Bellevue stud principal, said that “the feedback is invaluable, Bellevue Dorper prime lambs keep ground truthing our rams and our stud breeding program.” “The breeding objectives of the Bellevue Dorper 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.” Regarding production, David Curtis said all producers can improve productivity by considering the following: “Ewes are the base of our operation. Having ewes that perform is critical. Ewes must be able to lamb and raise a lamb. For any lamb producer, it is vital to focus on where the biggest production gains are to be made, which is between birth and weaning. On average in Australia, 30% of lambs perish between birth and weaning. This is the ‘low hanging fruit’ of the sheep industry. Using big heavy rams is a risk for getting live lambs on the ground. Use rams that have a moderate birth weight, which will get more live lambs on the ground. You cannot grow a dead lamb.” “Let the preg scanner be your classer. Then at lamb marking time, take the effort to ‘wet and
•
•
dry’ your ewes. If they were all scanned pregnant and some turn up dry, decide whether to give them one chance, or remove them from your flock.” “Another consideration is size. Size is just a decision you make. Dorpers were bred to be a good, medium framed animal. You can grow bigger sheep, but keep in mind that they will eat 3%-4% of their body weight a day. If you run bigger sheep, they will simply consume more food, and you will run less per hectare. Its simple maths.” “Consider where is your market, where do you want to be? The main thing is that you have to be grounded and rooted in the idea that you have to get those lambs out by the time they are 12 months. You need lambs that can finish. You cannot believe that you can put a massive framed ‘greyhound’ style ram, that cannot put meat on, over your ewes and think that you will fatten and finish her lambs. Because you will not fatten a greyhound. There are a lot of greyhound rams out there. Be aware. Don’t get caught up in the ‘spin’. Bellevue will be offering 120 rams at their 27th Dorper and White Dorper Ram Sale to be held on FRIDAY 25 September 2026, on-property at ‘Bellevue’, Millmerran. The auction will be conducted by APL McDougall and Sons, Warwick and interfaced with AuctionsPlus. To register for sale updates, click the link at www.bellevuedorpers.com.au
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At this years 2026 EKKA David Curtis with young Daphney Madge and Riverina representative. (Supplied)
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September 2026 TODAY 33
NEWS QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au
Winston Churchill tops day The 14th annual Coolabunia Classic Charolais Bull sale, held at Coolabunia on 13 August, was conducted by selling agents Aussie Land and Livestock Kingaroy, and the online format provided by Stocklive. This year the auctioneering expertise was provided by Lincoln McKinlay. The Coolabunia Classic Bull Sale cleared 54 bulls from 57 offered in a solid market with the dry outlook taking some confidence out of the present strong cattle market. The sale achieved a healthy average of $11,463 per bull which was a $200 increase on last year. Competition for the top end bulls was very fierce with 30 bulls making $10,000 or higher. Three bulls cracked the $30,000 mark for the first time in the 14-year Coolabunia Classic History. Bulls sold through the Brisbane Valley, Durong, Mt Perry, Goomeri, Tara, Millmerran, Dalby, Augathella, Winton, Kilcoy and the local area. Lot 28 Charnelle Winston Churchill (P) offered by Graham & Katrina Blanch won the day with a $32,000 bid from Yo Yo Trading Co Clara Creek, Augathella. Winston Churchill was the youngest bull in the catalogue at 17 months. Had a weight of 715 kgs, EMA 122, fat 7/6 and IMF% 4.7. He was a bull from the Charnelle ET program by ANC QPac. Lot 25 Warilla Evolution V30 (PP) offered by Graham & Katrina Blanch was the first to crack the $30,000, selling to MAG Charolais, Alice Creek. Evolution V30, son of the great Silverstream Evolution boasted a weight of 950 kgs at 24 months, EMA 145, fat 6/5, IMF% 4.6. Lot 44 Clearview Vanquish, by Lilydale Hard Yakka, also achieved the $30,000 price tag which was a great excitement for the young stud masters Gabby, Alex & Lachlan Stokes. Vanquish, just 23 months, had a weight of 965 kgs, EMA 144, fat 10/8, and IMF% of 5.3 and found a new home at the Scott family’s Gleneriffe Farming Nanango. Pat, Tania and Angus Haynes, River Run Charolais, had another great sale selling their entire draft of 15 bulls for a $12,666 average. Lot 3 River Run Vagabond (PP) at 23 months with a weight of 895 kgs, EMA 146, fat 13/10 and IMF% of 5.6 sold to Inverstandley Pastoral Co Crossdale for $24,000. Lot 7 River Run Vesper (PP) with a $20,000 price tag sold to Don Rush Eskdale. The two River Run top sellers are sons of Ascot Rafferty. Les & Sharon Leddington-Hill were back at the Classic with a good draft of 5 bulls, with their top seller Lot 37 LHU Vegas (P) by Charnelle Panama
Vendor Grahman Blanch with Winston Churchill, Aussie Land and Livestock Midge Thompson and auctioneer Lincoln McKinlay. (Supplied) selling to Bruce Godfrey, Winton for $22,000. Three buyers on the day took home three bulls each Neil Hobart, Toogoolawah took home three bulls for a $9334 average Jed McCoy, Mt Perry took home three bulls for a $8666 average Karen Mc Innes took home three bulls for a $8333 average Vendor Results: Clearview 6/6 Top $30,000 Av $13,666
• • • •
• LHU 5/5 22,000 13,200 • River Run 15/15 24,000 12,666 • Charnelle 15/15 32,000 11,266 • Diamond L 8/8 12,000 9125 • Silverwood 5/8 11,000 7800
The Vendors would like to thank all the staff at Aussie Land & Livestock for their 110% effort to make this sale the huge success that it is. We would like to thank Ben and Jaimie 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. 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: 54 (95%) Gross: $619,000 Average: $11,463 Top Price: $32,000 Sale Conducted by Aussie Land & Livestock Kingaroy
• • •
Flanno for a Farmer returns to help those doing it tough Australians were encouraged to pull on a flannelette shirt last month and support farming families facing mounting challenges, as the annual Flanno for a Farmer campaign returned. Led by rural charity Farm Angels, the initiative culminated on Friday, 14 August, with schools, workplaces, sporting clubs and communities across the country urged to “throw on a flanno” and raise funds for farmers doing it tough. The campaign came at a time when many producers are continuing to recover from drought, floods and bushfires, while also navigating rising input costs and ongoing financial pressure. The scale of the challenge is reflected in sobering figures, with Australia losing a farmer to suicide every 10 days. Since its launch, Flanno for a Farmer has raised more than $1.269 million, helping deliver practical assistance to farming families, including emergency financial relief, food hampers, care packs and mental health and wellbeing support. Farm Angels founder Natasha Johnston said the campaign was about turning a simple act into meaningful support. “Farming families are facing enormous challenges right now and many are carrying those burdens quietly,“ she said. “Throwing on a flanno is a simple way to show they’re not alone, but it’s the donations behind it that allow us to provide practical support when families need it most. “Every registration, every donation and ev34 TODAY September 2026
Australians were encouraged to pull on a flannelette shirt last month to support farming families facing mounting challenges. (Supplied) ery person who throws on a flanno helps us continue supporting farming families through some of the toughest times of their lives. Together, we can remind them that someone cares.“ Farm Angels works with farming families across Australia to help them remain on the land, offering tailored assistance during times of crisis, including financial aid, essential supplies and mental health support.
This year’s campaign was backed by a number of Australian businesses, highlighting the role industry can play in supporting rural communities. Iconic rural outfitter RB Sellars has produced the official 2026 campaign shirts, with all proceeds from sales directed to Farm Angels. “At RB Sellars, our connection to rural and regional Australia runs deep,“ says RB Sellars
CEO Jim Gall. “Supporting Flanno for a Farmer and Farm Angels is our way of backing the people and communities who feed and clothe Australia, helping deliver real, practical support when it’s needed most.“ Australian-owned lager brand travla beer has also continued its support of the initiative, building on its involvement since 2023. Founded by actor Travis Fimmel and a group of friends with rural ties, the brand will again donate 100 per cent of beer sales on Flanno for a Farmer Day, while also hosting fundraising events at pubs nationwide. “I’ve seen neighbours, mates and my own family struggle with what the land throws at them - droughts, floods, fires, isolation,” Travis Fimmel says. “Every 10 days, we lose a farmer to suicide. That’s not just a stat - that’s something we need to change.” Organisers say the strength of the campaign lies in its simplicity, with individuals and communities able to take part regardless of location - whether on-farm, in town or in the city. Australians are encouraged to register events, make donations or purchase official merchandise, with funds going directly towards supporting farming families in need. As seasonal volatility and financial pressures continue to test the resilience of rural Australia, campaigns such as Flanno for a Farmer aim to ensure producers and their families know they are not facing those challenges alone.
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Grand Champion features The elite genetics behind the Grand Champion Santa Gertrudis bull at Ekka Beef Week are set to feature prominently at this month’s NIOA RL Pastoral sale. Riverina U-Tube U96 (IVF) (PP) won Senior Champion and Grand Champion at the 150th Royal Queensland Show, which wrapped up in Brisbane last week. The son of NIOA Santa Gertrudis’s leading sire Yarrawonga Spartacus S316 (P) and former prize heifer NIOA Lucy Q14 (P) impressed judges with his combination of structural correctness, muscle expression, growth and overall breed character. Riverina U-Tube’s prestigious double was among a clutch of ribbons for Rob and Lorraine Sinnamon’s Kyogle-based RL Pastoral Co, which is again partnered with NIOA for the 3 September sale at Talgai Homestead, Allora. The two studs have catalogued a 63-strong bull draft, including 19 sons of Yarrawonga Spartacus – the current Australian Santa Gertrudis breed record-holder - and eight sons of former sale topper Riverina Roland Sanchez R088 (PP). “We were thrilled for the Sinnamons and incredibly proud to see bloodlines from both our breeding programs perform at the highest level and receive recognition on one of the industry’s biggest stages,“ NIOA Santa Gertrudis General Manager Shannon Gardner said. “Riverina U-Tube’s success is a testament to the strength of the genetics behind him, including the influence of our top sire Yarrawonga Spartacus and Lucy – a NIOA-bred female who is performing at industry-leading levels in both the show ring and commercially. “Those same sire lines, maternal strength and performance traits are strongly represented throughout this year’s sale team, giving commercial producers and seedstock breeders an opportunity to access some of the most soughtafter bloodlines.“ Rob Sinnamon, an Ekka stalwart since 1973, said the stud’s show ring success reflected years of disciplined breeding focused on producing
Riverina U-Tube claimed the prestigious double of Senior Champion and Grand Champion from an elite Ekka Beef Week field. (Supplied) cattle that perform both visually and commercially. “This year’s Royal was incredibly special for our family,“ he said. “We’ve been showing cattle at the Ekka for more than 50 years and have enjoyed success along the way, but winning Grand
Champion bull is something we’ll always treasure. “U-Tube is a great example of the type of genetics we are striving to breed and buyers will see those same traits represented throughout our upcoming sale draft.“
The NIOA RL Pastoral Sale will be held at Talgai Homestead, Allora, on Thursday, 3 September , with inspections from 10am and the auction starting at 12pm. Online bidding will again be available through Stocklive.
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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 Ɇ OĿijĺǶĚŕēƙ sĚDžƙ ʨ ¡ūƙƥ Ɇ ¡ĿƥƥƙDžūƑƥĺ sĚDžƙîijĚŠČNj • News Extra Central City • Dalby Saleyards • The Barn, Oakey • Crows Nest Newsagency • CQLX Gracemere, • Longreach saleyards • Emerald saleyards Ɇ qĚƑĿŠijîŠēîŠ ¡ƑūēƭČĚ • Goombungee Newsagency
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Remote crews connected Rural Fire Brigades in Bollon, Mungallala and Yowah are among the first in Queensland to receive new satellite communication technology, providing volunteers with an additional way to stay connected during emergencies. The equipment will be installed in frontline Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) vehicles, allowing crews to maintain communications in remote areas where traditional mobile coverage can be limited or unavailable. The rollout is part of a $5 million commitment to provide more than 400 RFSQ brigades across Queensland with satellite communications capability. The new technology is designed to provide an additional communications option for volunteers responding to bushfires, severe weather events and other emergencies, particularly in areas where conventional networks may not be reliable. Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers and Member for Warrego Ann Leahy said the rollout would strengthen the communications capability available to volunteer firefighters, particularly in remote communities. “Additional communication options is one of the most important tools our volunteers can have when they are protecting lives, property and communities, particularly across large and remote areas like Warrego,’ Minister Leahy said. “Our Rural Fire Brigades are often operating in areas where mobile coverage is non-existent, particularly during bushfires, severe weather events and other emergencies, so having a reliable backup communications capability is critical,” Minister Leahy said. “By equipping Bollon, Mungallala and Yowah Rural Fire Brigades with satellite communications, we are helping volunteers coordinate their response, stay connected and continue protecting their communities when they are needed most.” RFSQ Chief Officer Kaylene Jones said the technology would provide another layer of sup-
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operations in the field. “As we prepare for another higher-risk bushfire period, investments like this continue to strengthen the capability of our volunteer brigades across Queensland.”
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Numbers fall across region Cattle Report Report Date: 19/08/2026 Saleyard: Casino Numbers were down slightly for a yarding of 1,250 head, consisting of a good supply of young cattle and a few less cows. The yarding of young cattle was made up mainly of weaners along with several pens of yearlings. Quality was similar to last week with several pens of weaners and yearlings in good condition and extra weight, along with lines of well bred cattle. Demand was keener again this week with restocker weaner steers and heifers selling 20c dearer with some variation in prices at times. Restocker weaner steers sold from 422c to 576c with the medium weights averaging 513c/kg. Restocker weaner heifers ranged from 360c to 450c with the medium weights averaging 414c/kg. Yearling steers to background toped at 532c and the yearling heifers sold to 472c/kg. Grown steers sold to a top at 414c to feed and the grown heifers sold to 394c/kg to process. The cow yarding was fairly mixed with several pens of heavy well finished cows, along with the plain conditioned lines. Plain condition 2 score cows couldn’t maintain last weeks prices to be down by 10c with light weights selling from 240c to 300c, while the 2 score medium weights saw little change ranging from 320c to 348c/kg. Medium weight 3 score cows averaged 352c, while heavy 4 score cows sold from 362c to 390c/kg to be 10c/ kg dearer. The bull market remained strong with heavy weights reaching a top price of 407c/kg. Report by Doug Robson Report Date: 19/08/2026 Saleyard: Charters Towers Numbers fell by more than 1150 for a yarding of 2486 cattle. Quality was mixed, comprising of some very pens of heavy bullocks and cows, mixed quality grown heifers and an increased supply of plain conditioned cows, supported by small mixed lines of young cattle. All regular operators and two live exporters along with one southern processor were active throughout. Cattle were drawn from Mt Isa to Georgetown and south to local and costal areas. Demand for prime and feeder types improved this week, resulting in most categories improving in price with improved quality and some supply shortages in the south. Medium weight yearling heifers to feed lifted 30c to 55c, grown steers and heifers to the trade gained up to 35c, bullocks improved 20c to 40c and prime cows averaged 25c to 30c better. A small offering of young cattle and feeders sold according to quality. Good quality vealer steers returning to the paddock reached 450c to average 385c, similar heifers to the paddock made 334c/ kg. Yearling steers above 330kg to feed averaged 388c, selling to 408c, steers above 400kg to feed averaged 402c/kg. Light yearling heifers to the trade made from 290c to 348c/kg. Heifers above 330kg to feed averaged 332c to 348c, trade types averaged 348c, while heifers above 400kg to processors and feed both averaged 378c/kg. Prime grown steers above 400kg to the trade ranged 376c to 386c, steers to feed made from 368c to 390c/kg. Heavy steers to processors topped at 390c to average 380c/kg. An improved offering of prime grown heifers to the trade sold from 330c to 372c/kg. A good supply of heavy full mouthed bullocks to export slaughter topped at 396c, most
Andromeda Cattle Co’s steers. sales from 360c to 386c/kg. Medium weight 2 score cows to processors averaged 293c selling to 318c, 3 scores sold from 272c to 344c/kg. An increased supply of prime heavyweight cows averaged 338c, best cows topped at 348c. Heavy bulls to processors in pen lots made to 380c. A very small offering of cows and calves sold to $1,300 per unit. Market Reporter, Mick Kingham Report Date: 19/08/2026 Saleyard: Dalby The trend of declining numbers continued at Dalby, with agents penning 4,100 head, down 1,032 from the previous sale. The offering included 816 cows and 233 bulls. There was a wide variation in quality across most classes especially in the young light weight cattle. Export buyer attendance was good along with most of the regular feeder operators. The strong interstate restocker support evident the previous week was absent, resulting in light weight yearling steers and heifers selling 5c to 30c/kg cheaper with larger declines recorded in some areas. However feeder buyers showed solid demand for yearling steers and heifers that met feeder weight specifications, lifting prices by 5c and up 30c/kg. A fair selection of bullocks sold to a market 20c/kg better. All classes of cows lifted in price with gains 7c to 11c/ kg with the vast majority purchased by a Victorian processor. Light weight yearling steers to restockers made to 540c and averaged from 491c to 508c/ kg. Yearling steers to feed for the domestic market made to 538c with most sales from 514c to 518c/ kg. Heavy weight yearling steers to feed made to a top of 594c with a good sample averaging 528c/ kg. Light weight yearling heifers returning to the paddock averaged from 401c to 425c with isolated sales to 490c/kg. Medium weight yearling heifers to feed made to 510c and averaged from 447c to 467c/kg. Heavy weight yearling heifers to feed made to 520c with most sales around 444c/ kg. A handful of bullocks made to 476c and averaged 452c and export heifers made to 446c/kg. Medium weight 2 score cows made to 367c aver-
aged 346c/kg. Heavy weight 3 score cows averaged 375c and the best of the cows averaged 394c and sold to 409c/kg to return $3,662/head. Heavy weight bulls made to 464c/kg some returning $5,406/head. Market Reporter, Trevor Hess. Report Date: 18/08/2026 Saleyard: Roma Store With the continuing dry conditions Roma Agents offered reduced yarding of 5,813 head 2,018 less than the previous sale. All the regular buyers attending with additional buyers from NSW and VICTORIA. The quality of the yarding was very mixed across all classes especially runs of store conditioned cows offered. The market stayed solid throughout however prices fluctuated on quality. Yearling steers under 200kg made from 360c to 528c/kg to backgrounders. Yearling steers 200 to 280kg sold from 300c to 568c/kg 12c/kg dearer to backgrounders. Yearling steers 280 to 330kg made to 558c to average 511c/kg to backgrounders. Yearling steers 330 to 400kg sold to a dearer trend to make to 548c to restockers and 538c/kg to Lot Feeders. Yearling steers 400 to 480kg also improved to make to 530c/kg to Lot Feeders. Yearling steers over 480kg selling to 490c/kg to processors almost 60c/kg stronger. Yearling heifers under 200kg made to 374c/kg to backgrounders. Yearling heifers 200 to 280kg improved almost 16c/kg to make to 460c/kg to restockers. Yearling heifers 280 to 330kg topped 492c/kg to restockers almost 50c/kg dearer. Yearling heifers 330 to 400kg sold to dearer trend to make to 456c to restockers and 502c/kg to Lot feeders. Yearling heifers 400 to 480kg with only a small number selling to 434c/kg to processors. Grown steers 400 to 500kg selling from 424c to 536c/kg to processors. Grown steers 500 to 600kg topped 530c/ kg processors almost 40c/kg stronger. Bullocks over 600kg improved 5c/kg to sell to 458c/kg to processors. Grown heifers over 540kg sold to 446c to restockers and 456c/kg to Lot Feeders. Once again a large consignment of cows penned which included runs of store conditioned cows. The 4
score topped 390c with the 3 score cows with two exceptional high yielding cows selling to 410c/kg to processors. The 1 and 2 score cows sold from 130c to 240c with the lead score 2 cows selling from 250c to 368c/kg to processors. Bulls over 600kg selling to 458c/kg to processors. Market Reporter David Friend Report Date: 18/08/2026 Saleyard: Warwick Ongoing dry seasonal conditions contributed to a larger yarding at Warwick, with numbers increasing by 341 head to 1,332. The yarding was dominated by plain condition cows supported by a mixed quality line up of feeder cattle across a range of categories. The regular panel of export buyers plus feed and restocker operators were in attendance and operating. An improvement in the quality of light weight yearling steers and heifers resulted in higher average prices. Yearling steers and heifers to feed sold to a strong market for the quality penned. All classes of cows sold to a market very similar to the previous week. Light weight yearling steers returning to the paddock averaged from 493c to 500c with sales to 576c/ kg. Yearling steers to feed for the domestic market sold to 520c with most sales from 478c to 484c/ kg. A small selection of heavy weight yearling steers to feed made to 470c and averaged 449c/ kg. Light weight yearling heifers returning to the paddock averaged 391c with some well bred lines making 472c/kg. Medium weight yearling heifers to feed averaged from 410c to 430c with the very occasional sale to 546c/kg. A few bullocks made to 468c and averaged 444c/kg. Heavy grown heifers sold to 434c/kg. Medium weight 2 score cows in the largest numbers averaged 306c/kg. Heavy weight 3 score cows averaged 355c and the best of the cows averaged 377c with the occasional sale to 395c/kg. Heavy weight bulls made to 460c/kg. Market Reporter, Trevor Hess. Sheep Report Report Date: 18/08/2026 Saleyard: Warwick The reduction in supply to 796 lambs and 491 grown sheep at Warwick resulted in not all processors being able to operate which resulted in prices easing on the heavy lambs however lambs suited to the butcher trade lifted in price from $18 to $29/head. Buyers in the store and feeder lambs were selective which resulted in certain lines back by $39/head with type and quality being the major factor. Young lambs in the 12-18kg range to restockers sold from $82 to $170/head. Young lambs in the 18-20kg range to the butcher trade sold to $186/head. Older side lambs in the 18-20kg range to butchers sold from $149 to $170/ head. Lambs in the 18-22kg range to feed sold from $160 to $221/head. Lambs to suit the wholesale meat trade sold from $271 to $308/head. Heavy lambs to processors sold from $290 to $321/head. Hoggets to processors sold from $150 to $230/head. Light weight plain conditioned ewes to restockers sold from $110 to $180/head. Heavy ewes to processors sold from $140 to $206/ head. A line of merino wethers with skin sold to restockers at $181/head. Ram lambs to processors sold from $153 to $260/head. Meat rams sold from $120 to $176/head. A large line of ewes and lambs sold to $230/unit. Market Reporter Errol Luck.
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Matt Denny of Australia celebrates with his son Roman after winning the Men’s Discus Throw Final during the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland, Saturday, August 1, 2026. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)
Matt Denny of Australia celebrates with his gold medal after winning the Men’s Discus Throw Final during the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland, Saturday, August 1, 2026. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)
Golden Games for Denny By Tania Phillips It was a golden day in Glasgow and a big weekend for Allora on a Saturday in early August as Matt Denny became the first man in 68 years to defend his Commonwealth Games discus title. Though Denny was the star of the show his young son Roman, born earlier this year, joined his dad on a victory lap and who was in the stands with his mum Mia watching the tense competition stole some of the spotlight. But the Allora man and Olympic bronze medal was more than happy to share the limelight as he celebrated his second discus gold following on from his Birmingham gold and his silver in the hammer throw on the Gold Coast. Denny had been hoping to secure the Commonwealth Games record as well, according to mum Karen Denny who watched her youngest sone from her Allora home with friends and family. However, a strong side wind made conditions difficult and he had to be happy with a throw of 67.73m. He beat out Jamaica’s Fedrick Dacres (65.10) and his English training partner Lawrence Okoye (64.45). The last man to successfully defend a Commonwealth discus title was South Africa’s Fanie du Plessis, who won in 1954 and 1958. “Didn’t he do well – he did very well considering the side wind – it was picking the discus up and dropping them into the ground before they should,” his proud mother said. “But anyway, he managed to get a very good one away for the conditions – or more than one. Worked the conditions well and got a couple of decent ones out there. “I had a couple of paces of the hallway. “He’s a very calm person always has been as a child. It does take it all in his stride – underneath their would be nerves but he hides it well. It think he was just content, he had Mia there and his little baby – they’ve been travelling with him which makes it a lot easier on the athlete it takes away the home sickness. “This is his third games, Gold Coast, Birmingham and now Glasgow. It wasn’t possible to go this time, it’s a bit hard to miss out on but that’s the way things happen sometimes. “We are looking to go to LA for the Olympics and maybe the World Championships next year, we’ll see how things pan out.” As a mum Karen said it was amazing to see her son compete on some of the biggest stages in the world but it’s also “very nerve-wracking sometimes,” but somehow she always knew that Matt would do well in his chosen sport. “I knew how determined he was as a young fella, his whole life revolved around his discus and I knew how much he loved it, knew he’d push all boundaries to be the best he could be,” Karen said. “He’s done very well, I’m very proud of him. “He started with athletics at school. 40 TODAY September 2026
Matt Denny of Australia competes in the Men’s Discus Throw Final during the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland, Saturday, August 1, 2026. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett) “He threw a long way – we’re talking primary school – he was a big child. He just started there and did it more and then did it more and then he asked if we could get him a coach. We thought that would be a couple of trips to Toowoomba and he’d learn how to throw properly and here we are. “He was coached in Toowoomba for many years and I used to take him two or three times a week, then we’d go to Brisbane and the Gold Coast for competitions in his junior career. “As things progressed he moved to Brisbane. It’s been a good journey, he just loved it, always has and probably always will. It’s just the challenge I think.
“Like all children if they choose something that absolutely love doing, it makes their careers a lot easier.” Like Ben Armbruster’s mum Shannon – Karen Denny spent a lot of time getting her son where he needed to be. “I think when he was younger I was on the road more than I was off,” she laughed. Allora Sports Museum curator Perry Cronin said it had been a big night in Allora with the event actually coming in a prime time rather than in the small hours of the morning like most of his competitions. “I was down at the pub on Saturday night with a few of Matty’s cousins,” Cronin said.
“Everybody went home to watch it. “Had a few on Saturday night with them again – the main topic was how cute Roman is,” he laughed. “Mathew’s lost his shine,” Karen Denny laughed. “He’s a beautiful little baby, he’s very easy going. They’ve been blessed, he’s happy and he just smiles – he’s just a smiler. You like to think when they smile at you that it’s only you, but he smiles to the whole nation.” While Karen is hoping to see her grandson and daughter-inlaw soon it will be a couple of months before Denny himself is back in the country.