Contact Contents Association Manager. Editorial ...... 2 Anastasia Fanning President’s Paragraph...... 2 Office...... Brahman House Halgenaes’ Egret stands out at ...... 183 East Street ...... Rockhampton Q 4700 the 2020 All Stars Female sale . . . . . 4

Postal...... PO Box 796 Brahrock success took time

...... Rockhampton Q 4700 and dedication ...... 6

Phone...... 07 4927 7799 More than a Token interest ...... 12 Accounts...... 07 4927 7690

Advertising...... 07 4921 2506 Brahmans key to

Registrations ...... 07 4921 4726 cross-breeding powerhouse ...... 16

Fax...... 07 4922 5805 Sturt Plains thriving on high-grade

Email...... [email protected] Brahman genetics...... 22 4 Website...... www.brahman.com.au Edgar Hudgins Scholarship...... 25

Tropical Beef Technology Services ‘I’ll see y’all later’ ...... 26

Contact...... Paul Williams Northern BIN Steer Project Update. . . 28 Mobile...... 0427 018 982 Vale Shirley Streeter (nee Mckenna) Email...... [email protected] 1929 - 2020...... 32 Web...... http://tbts.une.edu.au Beef Study Tour to Canada The Australian Brahman Breeders’ Association Limited reserves the right to accept or reject USA and Mexico 1974...... 35 6 any advertisement submitted for publication in “Brahman News”. Congratulations Mrs Ivy Fraser . 100 years young ...... 36 While every effort will be made to publish advertisements as ordered, no responsibility Andy Olsen – Neslo Brahmans’ is taken for the failure of an advertisement to co-founder remembered...... 40 appear as ordered.

Opinions expressed in “Brahman News” are not Consistent presence and message necessarily those of the Association. at Seymour Field Days...... 42

Front cover photographic credits. Slice of history ...... 44 Photo by. Mark Coombe 25 Around the ridges...... 45 Designed by. ABBA Brahman Graphics Junior Beef set to go ahead in

Printed by. Harding Colour Printing, Tingalpa September...... 46

Congratulations ...... 47

Dundee Brahman Stud ...... 48 Directors Sales and Events...... 50 Advertisers Index...... 51 President...... Wendy Cole 32 Services & Suppliers ...... 51 Senior Vice-President...... Reade Radel

DNA price list...... Junior Vice-President. . . . Matthew Noakes 54

Treasurer ...... Brett Coombe Breeders' Directory ...... 56

2020 SEPTEMBER BRAHMAN NEWS DEADLINES Bookings required by FRIDAY, 31ST JULY 2020 Artwork & photos required by FRIDAY, 7TH AUGUST 2020 42 Editorial

Certainly not the plan for the start of 2020 but one that I see all of the breeds other stud sales operating on their planned was taken out of our hands and as a consequence dates. Unfortunately, the Ponderosa hopefully our members and staff remain safe and healthy. Sale, NT, which would have been happening in the next few weeks, It has been quite an interesting time the EKKA and numerous shows has been cancelled along with the over the last two months after and events in between have been NSW Stud and F1 Female Sale. closing the doors to Brahman cancelled and we can all look House on the 25th of March due to forward to attending them either The Gympie Female Sale will COVID-19 and working a revolving at the end of the year or in 2021. be happening on the 6th of June roster of staff in the office while The most important of events being as scheduled however it will be those that could work from home Rockhampton Brahman Week and operated as an online sale from did. Thank you to the staff for the Gold City Sales preparations 9.30am to 12.30pm on the Elite working hard through this difficult are in full swing and management Livestock Auctions platform. There and at times frustrating period. of the relevant Saleyards are are some beautifully feminine preparing for full operation of the females available for purchase and Many events that had been planned sales even with the current April / it would definitely be worthwhile for from the Sydney Royal Show to May restrictions. With this in mind,

President’s Paragraph

2020 sure has thrown us all into unknown and trying October. With all the shows being times ahead. With the outbreak of COVID-19 so many cancelled for the rest of the year we feel for our juniors who look forward things have now changed and many events we look to this event to learn lots and catch forward to each year have been postponed or cancelled. up with their mates. For once being in the rural industry has been positive The Gympie female sale committee for us with our form of isolation being much more deciding to have ABBA’s first multi- enjoyable than our city counterparts. With outback vendor online sale has certainly spaces, plenty of cattle work to do, not much has really added a new way of marketing for changed work wise for people involved in the rural members. They have done some industry. The promise of a wet winter has the hope’s great promotion and I wish them every success with the great line of up for many of our members who did not fair as well females they have on offer, including as others earlier in the year. some new genetics.

Congratulations to the vendors of NSW commercial female sale, Many questions have been asked the Rocky All Stars female sale on Ponderosa Annual Bull sale and the regarding Brahman Week and Gold presenting a beautiful line-up of postponement of The Cloncurry City sales which have had excellent females for their annual sale which Genetic Muster as members and staff number nominations. We are all recorded a top price of $23,000 and had put a lot of time and organisation hopeful that things will be back to 100% clearance. into these events. Our Junior Beef near normal by then and it will be committee is planning to run an event run as usual but I guess we can only It was disappointing to see the for our juniors from 29th Sept to 1st approach things day by day. cancellation of our feature shows,

2 JUNE 2020 members to have a look at the ABBA online catalogue.

The Rocky All Stars Elite Female Sale achieved an excellent result mid-March and its results are featured within. Also this issue we have some excellent Stud and Commercial Operation Features for your reading.

Stay safe and healthy.

The Editor. Anastasia Fanning

Our markets have remained fairly strong, fluctuating according to supply and demand. It was pleasing to see a new entrant into the live export market with ACE sending its maiden shipment of 4500 head of Brahman and Brahman cross steers and bulls from Townsville to Vietnam on May 7th, 2020.

Many thanks to Anastasia and her staff who have kept the office running so smoothly during this lock down time. Lots of genetic testing is taking place and with the introduction of DNA requirements for future calf registration as of January 1st, 2021, this can only be for the betterment of our breed and provide our buyers confidence in their purchases long term.

President Wendy Cole

JUNE 2020 3 Halgenaes’ Egret stands out at the 2020 All Stars Female sale By Cindy Benjamin Photos by Sheree Kershaw, QCL Another new record was set at the 2020 Rocky All Stars Elite Female Sale at CQLX Gracemere on 21 March.

Peter Tuxworth’s red poll yearling heifer Halgenaes Egret attracted plenty of attention from buyers, selling for $23,000 to Rosetta Station.

Thirteen vendors, Glengarry, Bungarribee, Pioneer Park, El Ja, Eureka Creek, Glen Oak, Stockman, Token, Muan, Palmvale, Elmo, Elmo J and Halgenaes prefixes offered a total of 88 quality females, including one cow with her calf at foot. Purchaser Gavin Scott, Rosetta Grazing, Collinsville, with the $23,000 sale topper, 12-month- old Halgenaes Egret (IVF)(PS). The CQLX Gracemere sale cleared 100% of the offering to record a $5380 average overall, with 55 grey females averaging $5472 and 33 reds averaging $5227 – yielding a total value of $473,500, well up on last year’s result.

Sale-topper Halgenaes Egret is the IVF daughter of polled sire Caiwarra Leader and successful dam NCC Dienka 1510. She was purchased for Rosetta Station who also selected Lot 46, unjoined El Ja Marina Manso for $12,000.

Other than Egret, greys dominated the leaderboard at this year’s sale. Vendor Scott Angel, Glengarry Brahman Stud, with $16,000 Glengarry S Teacher 3081 (H). The second top price was paid for Roger and Sue Hayden’s polled Glen Oak Miss Hannabul 171 who sold to Les female. She was purchased by Scott Donald family’s El Ja Mariah M Manso, and Helen Donald for $16,000. Miss and Vicki Hayes of Yenda V, Mundubbera. who was purchased by Tim and Hannabul is the IVF daughter of NCC Lynette Olive for Apis Creek prefix, Teacher 3081 carries two crosses Bohemian and Glengarry Miss Hannibal Marlborough for $15,000. of polled cattle on both sides, she 2068. She was AI mated to Glen Oak is the daughter of polled sire Oak Mariah M Manso is the unjoined AI Mr Bojangles 010 in January 2020. Polled Campese 238/6 and her dam is daughter of imported sire JDH Massai Also selling for $16,000 was Scott and Glengarry S Teacher 2643 (PS). Manso 608/6 and El Ja Emma E Manso. Leah Angel’s Glengarry S Teacher 3081, Fourth on the leaderboard was Another Oak Polled Campese 238/6 a blue pointed clean polled unjoined the top-priced horned female, the daughter, polled Glengarry S Kayon

4 JUNE 2020 Manso 3005 sold for $11,000 to Highest average was $9375, achieved There was less difference amongst Greg Davey, Starbra Brahman Stud, for four red females listed by Peter the reds with the 28 heifers in Gilldora. Her dam is NBS Kayon Manso Tuxworth, Allingham, led by the sale the poll/scur category averaging 117-8 who was purchased at the NBS topper Halgenaes Egret. $5285 while the five horned heifers Stud dispersal many years ago. averaged $4900. Will Weir, Ammaroo Station, via Alice Largest draft offered at the 2020 Springs took home the only cow Six homozygous polls (1 grey, 5 red) sale was 14 head from Scott and and calf lot at the sale for $14,000. averaged $5833 and sold to a top of Geoff Angel’s Glengarry prefix, Roger and Sue Hayden’s Glen Oak $14,000 for the cow and calf at foot lot. Rockhampton. The draft averaged Neta 130 is gene tested homozygous Largest draft of six head was $5464 selling to a top of $13,000 polled (PP). She is the daughter of purchased by A and W Hobbs for an for Lot 71 grey matron Glengarry polled sire Glen Oak Mr Bo Jangles average $3250 and to a top of $4500 Miss Didor 2988 (PS). This Oak Polled and polled dam Figtree Neta. Neta for a line of Pioneer Park females. Campese 238/6 daughter was sold 130 had a heifer calf at foot, sired by unjoined to Danny Sondergeld for Moreno Mr Polled Kyros, and she was Orzora Brahmans, Buxton. AI mated to JDH Mohawk Manso 113/5 in December 2019. Second largest draft of 11 head was offered by the Donald family to The 15 grey heifers with the poll or average $6181, led by El Ja Mariah M poll/scur trait were in high demand Manso for $15,000. Her half-sister and sold to an average of $8266, El Ja Marina Manso sold to Rosetta compared to the average of $4425 Station for $12,000. paid for their 40 horned counterparts. Brahrock success took time and dedication By Cindy Benjamin It’s been a few years since a young Royce Sommerfeld “I started going to cattle sales in 1963 with experienced local cattleman, had charge of ten dairy cows as they grazed the ‘long Gordon Titmarsh of Tandora, and paddock’ around Walkers Point near Maryborough. The learned to recognise traits that last route he used brought him past the 160 ha ‘bush block’ year-in year-out,” he says. “I also learned to be very wary!” that he would go on to buy in 1958, just a few years after the largest flood experienced in recent history in the The 1970s was a time of great development at Brahrock as the Mary River. Sommerfelds did their best to move Royce fondly remembers the days Royce. “Brahmans were the obvious forward during the renowned beef of his youth when a young man from choice for us.” slump. Royce and Beryl were pioneers a humble family could work hard in developing Wallum country and cutting cane and use the earnings to Every year Royce would clear a there was keen outside interest in buy land, and then go share farming little more of the bush and establish how cattle would do on such low to buy his first cows. improved pasture as he could afford nutrition soils. it. For many years the Sommerfelds Soon after buying the home farm grew Rhodes grass for seed, which “Beef officers from the DPI were he purchased a 2500 ha block just helped establish a strong stand coming here every three months 2 km down the road and in 1973 he of Rhodes grass pasture and also to weigh cattle and we could see established Brahrock Brahman stud, funded the ongoing development of how well the Brahman calves were after marrying Beryl, the love of his the property and the stud. As time doing here,” he says. “Gill Marlow life, in 1967. In 1966 the Sommerfelds went on Royce was able to stop seed suggested we try using AI and after sold half of the large bush block and production and began introducing some experimentation we found that Royce continued to manage it, running Pangola grass and forage legumes it was a great way to access better a commercial herd of Herefords to the pasture sward. genetics for our herd. Buying one for the new owner for 20 years. wrong bull is usually a very expensive mistake, but it can be mostly avoided When the property went back on Breeding program the market Royce and Beryl bought with AI.” When it came to selecting animals back a section of grey forest country for their breeding program, Royce After 20 years of buying in premium adjoining the cattle handling area. listened to suggestions and advice bloodlines from Cherokee, Garglen, “A cousin of mine had Brahman cattle from friends in the industry, attended Pioneer and Lawes College and running on some hard country and I’d shows and sales, and trusted his own careful breeding, Brahrock Mr El seen how well they performed,” says judgement of quality cattle. Wise Guy 1266 became their first

Brahrock’s Rockhampton Brahman Week Sale 2020 Bulls.

6 JUNE 2020 big success in the auction ring. Wise “IVF is better for the donor cows females are central to the Brahrock Guy sold for $50,000 in 1994 and than embryo transfer (ET), as there breeding program. continues to be an influential sire for is no need for hormonal treatments To create clones, ear tissue is first the Warraka and Jaffra prefixes. to induce super-ovulation,” says Royce. “We run a herd of mixed collected from the animal to be “We have only taken one bull on the breed recipient cows that we buy in cloned and sent to Speedbreed in show circuit,” says Royce. “Brahrock specifically for this purpose.” Melbourne to prepare the sample Magic Man 1612 was an outstanding and collect the DNA. Egg follicles polled grey and an early outcome of In 2003 the Sommerfelds imported are collected from the ovaries our work in embryo transfer. His first some of the last live cattle into of slaughtered females and the appearance was at Beef Week 1997 Australia, having previously imported centre of the follicles is removed where he was named grand champion JDH Mr Manso 996/1 (IMP US) (ET) (H) and replaced with the DNA of the in 1998. animal being cloned. After 5 to 7 Brahman bull and he went on to days of growth the clone embryo is impress judges all over Queensland.” The 2003 imports were three 12 implanted in a recipient cow. month old heifers JDH Lady Escamila Maximising genetic benefit Manso (IMP US), JDH Lady East Manso The breeders run in large paddocks Having started in AI in the late 1970s, (IMP US) and JDH Ms Fitness Manso and Royce has built dams and Brahrock began using embryo (IMP US), along with two young bulls installed solar pumps on bores to transfer (ET) in 1986 and in-vitro JDH Mr Ebenezer Manso (IMP US) and provide water to all the paddocks. fertilisation (IVF) in the early 2000s. JDH Mr Manso 946/3 (IMP US) (H). The cows are brought to a smaller IFV is now the mainstay of their Since importation of live animals from paddock near the houses for breeding program although they have the USA ceased the Sommerfelds observation during calving. also dabbled in cloning to maintain have continued to import semen and embryos from JD Hudgins bloodlines. “The IVF calves particularly are key US bloodlines. expensive to bring into the world so The IVF program involves sequencing In 2012 the Sommerfelds engaged we like to watch the cows and ensure the recipient cows on the property Dr Richard Fry of Speedbreed in safe delivery,” he says. then collecting the follicles from Melbourne to produce three clones of Brahrock’s influential dam Miss All the general cattle management the donor cows and sending them and IVF work is done in a large set to Brisbane where the fertilisation Empress 1412 (ET) (H). Over the next few years they also generated two of covered timber yards built in the occurs. Successful embryos are 1960s. Royce prefers timber yards grown for one week before they are clones of JDH Lady Escamila Manso (IMP US) and one clone each of JDH as they are quiet to work in and don’t returned to Brahrock to be implanted spook the cattle. in the recipient cows, which are by Lady East Manso (IMP US) and JDH Ms then one week into their cycle. Fitness Manso (IMP US). These cloned

Royce with some of his sale heifers.

8 JUNE 2020

Pasture development The pasture development that Royce has orchestrated is impressive, particularly considering the poor nutritional status of the Wallum soils found on the majority of the property (about 25 per cent of the property is better quality grey forest soils).

The average rainfall for the property is around 45 to 48 inches, or 1125 to 1200 mm, so wet years can be more difficult to manage than dry years. Although close to the coast the low lying country is prone to frost, which reduces the quantity and quality of the pasture in winter. Even so the improved pastures have raised the stocking rate on the Wallum sands to an impressive 7.5 cows per ha.

To achieve this Royce applies Royce planting Pangola runners into his pasture with his modified stick designed especially for this job. phosphorus and potassium fertiliser every two years and keeps a sharp “The Rhodes grass was grown in beds at ‘Inverrio’, Duaringa. In years past eye out for weeds like Giant Rat’s Tail half a chain [about 10 m] wide with a they also supported the Wilangi Sale grass, which is present in the district shallow ditch drain on either side,” in Charters Towers. They sell about but not at Brahrock. he says. “I planted the runners in the 60 bulls direct from the paddock, ditch drains to get them established mostly to repeat buyers. Starting in 1974, Royce planted and within about 10 years the pangola Rhodes grass and harvested seed had spread across the beds and now In recent years Royce has found that as he cleared the country of tea tree provides good ground cover, even in 120 days of agistment at Biggenden scrub. During the clearing phase very dry years.” helps prepare the Brahrock bulls for Royce retained large clumps of native the Rockhampton and NCC sales. He vegetation to provide windbreaks and Royce planted the runners using says their time there hardens the shelter during storms. a modified walking stick at a rate bull’s feet and softens their skin. of ‘five miles a day with a runner “The cattle usually camp near the every five yards’. He also introduced Brahrock females have featured at trees and at the first signs of a lotononis and Wynn cassia to improve the Gympie Brahman Female sale cyclone they head for shelter,” he the nutritional quality of the pastures since the Sommerfelds first listed says. “We have built diversion banks and fix atmospheric nitrogen. heifers in 1975. Royce and Beryl to protect the property from floods usually catalogue about 25 females but generally the property is not To manage their fire risk after frost at the sale and sell another 20 or 30 prone to flooding.” Royce bales hay along paddock through paddock sales. boundaries and this year has sold 1000 Selling the Rhodes grass seed paid The Brahrock Ashley, Brahrock bales of pangola/Rhodes grass hay. for further development until, after HJ, Brahrock MT and Brahrock N 20 years, Royce was able to wind prefixes are testament to the love up the seed production business and Sales and promotion of Brahman breeding that Royce and concentrate on pasture improvement. The Brahrock stud is comprised of Beryl have passed on to their sons 250 Brahman breeding cows, 25 to and daughters-in-law Neville and In 1958 Royce had acquired a sugarbag 30 replacement stud heifers and 100 Shannon, Mark and Trudy and their full of pangola runners from Fairymead, recipient cows for the IVF program. grandchildren Ashley and Hayden, near Bundaberg and planted them Olivia and Dylan. out on the home farm. In the 1990s When it comes to selling their cattle, he started taking runners from these Royce and Beryl sell about 25 bulls established pastures to plant in the at the Rockhampton Brahman Week Rhodes grass paddocks. Sale and a similar number at the NCC Annual Brahman Bull and Female sale

10 JUNE 2020

More than a Token interest

By Cindy Benjamin Breeding the ideal animal; now that’s a challenge! For Tony and Kathryn Mortimer, it’s become a driving force – almost an addiction.

As one of four daughters of Ron and Daphne Kirk from Yenda Brahman Stud at Gayndah, Kate has a strong background in and connection to Brahman breeding. Starting out as a young Brahman breeder in her own right, Kate bought heifers at various sales and was soon selling ‘Yenda K’ bulls at the Rockhampton Brahman Week Sale. Kathryn and Tony with their boys Cody, Darcy and Cameron.

“Our whole family is involved in In 2011 the Mortimers imported a In 2017 they purchased a new home the stud Brahman industry and Quarterhorse colt ‘Timed and Tuned’, base at Dalma, west of Rockhampton. continuing the tradition of breeding who was successfully campaigned The scrub soil supports a mix of quality cattle,” she says. “My first and they now market his progeny Rhodes grass, green panic, butterfly bull purchase was in partnership through the Tamworth Classic Sale in pea, siratro and native grasses along with my sister Vicki. Together we February every year. with brigalow and bottletree. imported JDH sire Stafford Manso, who provided an excellent base for After marrying in 1998, Tony and Kate After three very dry years there was Yenda K genetics.” purchased their first bare block on good rain in January and February, and the Burnett River at Gayndah. They the pasture responded remarkably. Tony comes from a Braford breeding sold this block to purchase ‘Cotswold’, In the drought they dispersed the and commercial cattle production Eidsvold and moved there in 2002 commercial herd to preserve their background. He is an accomplished when their first son Darcy was one stud herd of 200 cows and heifers. horseman, competing and winning year old. They continued to trade as numerous challenges and campdrafts Yenda K until 2007 when they decided “We hope to build up another throughout Australia. His passion for to rebrand as Token Brahmans and commercial herd in time,” says Kate, breeding and training performance Horses to bring their cattle, horses “but for now we need to concentrate horses fits neatly with their Brahman and family under the one banner. on our stud cattle program.” breeding pursuits.

Heifers part of an AI program checking out what is happening down the paddock.

12 JUNE 2020

Token Brahmans and Horses has built years now, producing many valuable While showing takes considerable a reputation for sound quality, using bulls and heifers. commitment and hard work, the a variety of polled and horned sires. Mortimers see great benefits in They are introducing a range of new RBWS and Big Country are the two the social aspect of shows and the genetics, particularly for the polled main sales the Mortimers use to exposure it gives to their product. trait, and have started using AI and promote and sell their bulls. They IVF in the last few years. have now reached the Brahman Week With no shows to go to in the last allocation of 16 head and their sons’ few months they entered Token “We are really pleased with the Cadet prefix also sends three bulls. A Laredo 874/9 in the Five Star Creative promising IVF calves from Mr V8 Noble select number of females are sold at Promotions Covid19 cattle show, 458/7 on the ground now,” says Tony. the Rockhampton Elite All Stars sale, where he was named champion bull and some are sold privately. by judge Mr Jim Williams from the When looking at bulls to buy or use famed V8 Ranch in Texas, USA. their semen, Kate and Tony visually “We also think it’s important to attend assess the bull first then back their different Brahman sales to support Tony and Kate are also keen to give decision by checking the bull’s figures, other vendors and see what they are their sons a helping hand to get started such as EMA and scrotal measurement. trying to breed,” says Tony. in Brahman breeding, helping them establish their Cadet prefix in 2007. “We also look for good temperament, Their weaners are trained to work Together, Darcy, Cameron and Cody good conformation, structural with horses, motorbikes, dogs and purchased a heifer, Bardia Madeline, at soundness, good bone, strong backline kids. Kate and Tony, want their young the World Brahman Congress in 2016. and muscling, with a strong sirey cattle to remain quiet and steady head,” says Tony. “If we find a poll with when they are alone in the pound, and Madeline went on to show with those traits, then that’s a bonus.” they cull heavily for temperament. amazing success, winning Grand Champion Brahman Cow at 2018 Beef At the Rockhampton Brahman Week “We have a small herd so we aim for Week, Bundaberg feature show and Sale last October the Mortimers good quality with a gentle nature,” the EKKA. She also came third in the were thrilled to achieve an impressive says Kate. 2018 Brahman female world contest. personal-best with 34-month-old sire Token Joe 693/7 (PS), a son of Glengarry In the last few years the Mortimers “We are grateful to be involved in the Gillette 2469 (P) and a Token Dominator have invested time and effort in stud cattle business,” says Tony. “It daughter, selling for $100,000. regularly entering their show team is a privilege to have this life through in smaller regional shows, feature breeding and presenting stud Brahmans “We took this result as a vote of shows and then on to the Royal and horses. Our goal is to breed the confidence in the direction we have Brisbane show (the EKKA). At 2018 best quality we can whilst increasing taken our breeding,” says Kate. “We Beef Week they were awarded most our numbers. Helping our boys to get purchased Gillette in 2015 to add successful exhibitor. started and encouraging them to stay strength to our home bred polled in the industry is important to us.” Dominator daughters who are “We aim to have a team of six to eight breeding on well for us.” head, representing several individual Like all stud breeders, Tony and Kate classes and providing a solid breeders have a genuine desire to breed an This result built on an earlier highlight group of three head,” says Kate. “We ‘exceptional animal’, or even better, a of selling Token Interest, a son of have found that showing certainly line of ‘exceptional cattle’. Gracemere Longfellow, to Brett generates interest in the cattle we Nobbs’, NCC prefix the previous year are producing and we often see for $60,000. Longfellow has been an people who express interest at the influential sire at Token for over ten shows go on to bid for our cattle in the sale ring.”

Token Sale Bulls walking back to the yards.

Brahmans key to cross-breeding powerhouse By Cindy Benjamin The Burnett Group aggregation of six properties in the Kilcummin area north of Clermont in Central Queensland is a diverse operation focused on producing cross-bred cattle to meet the Jap Ox market.

The operation runs about 10,000 lower content Brahman steers and breeders on a total area of 190,000 we find they need to spend more time ha, with the cross-breeding program on forage crops to finish, although centred on the Burnett family’s home their finished weight is usually heavier base, Bendemeer. than their higher Brahman-content counterparts,” he says. Doug and Amanda Burnett now head up the beef genetics operational The aggregation turns off bullocks side of the business and manage for the Jap Ox market year-round, Bendemeer, allowing parents John meeting specification at around and Jan to focus on a more strategic 650 kg liveweight. The bullocks Doug Burnett role as directors. Doug’s brother are predominantly sold direct to Steve and his wife Lizzie manage the meatworks in Rockhampton and “Buying in superior bulls to breed our Monteagle/Kalang properties and the South-east Queensland. own herd bulls is a cost-effective way company employs managers for Mt to distribute superior genetics more The seasonal conditions over recent Hope, Yackadoo, Jo Jo and Frankfield. rapidly, and gives us a level of quality years have led to modification in control over the bulls we are using in “We run a few different breeding the marketing of young cattle with our herds,” he says. programs but the aim is to maintain at more steers going into the live least 50 per cent Brahman content in our export trade. Doug says they have When looking for bulls to buy in, Doug cattle,” says Doug. “We find that animals no problem meeting the Brahman- puts a high priority on high growth rates with any less Brahman blood really content minimum requirements for but keeps a careful eye on birth weight struggle to thrive in our environment.” this market. too – not wanting to create problems for themselves with calving difficulties. In the rotational cross the Burnetts use Brahman, Simmental, Charolais and Buying in superior Brahman bulls Doug likes to have access to a bull’s EBV Braford bulls to maximise hybrid vigour The Burnetts source most of their new data on growth rate, fertility and birth in the progeny. They also run a 2-way sires from Rockhampton Brahman weights. With more breeders using cross program that results in both high Week Sale but they miss the Clermont the single-step Brahman BreedPlan and low Brahman-content progeny. Bull sale that was a good source of program, he finds the information bulls until recent years. They also valuable as it helps to rank bulls that he “With the way the rotational breeding buy in up to 50 bulls through paddock has selected as possibly having a good program works we do produce some sales at various studs. fit for their operation.

Walking a mob of Commercial Breeders into the yards.

16 JUNE 2020

“Taking the hair sample and having Herd management Braford bulls over their Bendemeer it DNA tested is the only way to get The Burnetts run a controlled mating Braford females. an insight into the hard-to-measure program and join their heifers at traits that we are most interested After taking the bulls out there is an 12 months of age. Doug says they annual mid-year muster for weaning in for commercial production,” he select more replacement heifers says. “We want to be able to use and later for branding. Weaners are than they need to allow for the fed in the yards for a week and then purchased Brahman bulls over our expected 70 per cent calving rate maiden heifers and we are being tailed out in holding yards for another in heifers. The replacement heifers week. The steers and heifers are careful to not bring in bulls with too are preg-tested at least six weeks much USA Brahman influence as the split up and in September or October after the bulls are taken out, and any the heifers are brought in to select high growth rate is often coupled with empties are culled from the herd. higher birth weight.” replacements. The cull females are The bulls run with the herds from grown out to 18 months of age and “We think that Brahman breeders are January to April. sold into the domestic market. Steers doing a good job with the polled trait “We control mate as best we can so are backgrounded for 12 months and and we buy polled bulls when we can,” that the bulls are properly rested and then finished on Leucaena or forage he says. “While we are keen to infuse we have a gap in calving that makes crops and ideally sold at 2 to 2.5 pollness into the herd it can’t be at it easier to identify un-productive years of age into the Jap Ox market. the expense of other economically females,” he says. important traits, particularly growth Strategic breeding herds rate and fertility.” At Bendemeer, the herd of about 300 maiden heifers are joined to young About two-thirds of the commercial In general Doug doesn’t have a Brahman and home-bred bulls and breeder herds are managed using a preference for reds or greys, except then put with older cows to calve out. three-way rotational cross-breeding when it comes to buying in bulls to Doug says they see benefits in having system. Doug says although this use in the Red Herd to breed their own the older cows help the young ones program requires a higher level of composite bulls. to mother their calves and provide management, the reward has been creche support. seen in improved growth rates and “Semen morphology data is essential more marketing choices, which in when we are considering a bull to The breeder mobs are also mostly turn has fuelled the expansion of the buy,” says Doug. “We have also been around 200 to 300 head and are Burnett Group cattle business. semen testing the bulls we produce grouped according to their breed ourselves as this is critical to the bull’s or composition. For example, the Herd One consists of Braford performance in a commercial setting.” heifers from the high Brahman- crossbred cows (progeny of Herd 3), content cows x South Devon bulls which are joined to both red and grey All these considerations are layered Brahman bulls. Using good growthy on top of the functional essentials for join the ‘Red Herd’ after being mated with a red Brahman bull. Brahman bulls means the steers bulls operating in Central Queensland produced from this herd are capable environments – good conformation The Burnetts also run a Braford of grading Jap-Ox and with the ¾ and tidy underline and sheath. stud herd where they use purchased Brahman content are generally the first bullocks to finish and be sold. Replacement heifers in improved pasture The high Brahman-content heifers from this cross, become the breeders in Herd Two.

Herd Two consists of high Brahman- content crossbred females (progeny of Herd 1). These cows are joined to European bloodlines – predominately Simmental bulls. Steers produced from this breeding herd grow into big, well-muscled bullocks, but compared to their higher Brahman-content counterparts, require more time or higher quality pasture (forage crops or Leucaena) to finish properly. The heifers from Herd Two go on to become the breeders in Herd 3.

The breeder cows in Herd Three are There are also two herds breeding selecting and buying enough bulls for selected from the female progeny composite bulls at Bendemeer. The their property’s breeding herd while of Herd Two. These Simmental cross first is a line of higher Brahman- meeting their allocated buying budget. cows are very fertile and provide content breeders joined to selected excellent milk for their calves. Once South Devon bulls. The females “The sale gives the property managers culled for age and finished they are produced from this cross grow to ownership of the selection process for very valuable fat cows. The breeders excellent big framed cows with bulls,” says Doug. “There are also in Herd 3 are joined to Braford bulls, exceptional udders and mothering several outside buyers in attendance, mostly from the Bendemeer Braford abilities. The heifers produced in this and this provides extra competition Stud herd. Steers from Herd Three herd are similar in appearance to and an unbiased commercial test for grow quickly into excellent bullocks Droughtmaster cattle and become the value of the bulls sold.” and are turned off throughout the the breeders in what the Burnetts call The bulls are presented at two years year. The Braford cross females their ‘Red Herd’. old, in ‘ready to work’ condition, produced from this herd become the fully vaccinated and with a complete breeder cows in Herd one. In the Red Herd, these South Devon cross Brahman breeders are joined to record of weight gain, fertility and On Frankfield, a two-way composite (predominately polled) red Brahman semen morphology data. All bulls breeding system is used that involves bulls. The resulting higher Brahman- have been raised together on grass the breeders being split into two content heifer calves become the and finished on an oats crop when main herds based on their Brahman replacement breeders for the higher available, so they are ready to go content. The lower Brahman content Brahman content breeder herd crossed straight out to the paddock and work cows are joined to Brahman and with South Devon bulls. after the sale. To round out the day, high content Brahman-cross bulls. a guest speaker is invited to provide Conversely, the breeder cows with “The bull calves from all three herds staff and visitors with up-to-date higher Brahman content are mated to are weighed at weaning and then information relating to beef industry pure-bred and cross-bred European regularly as they grow, at least production. and British breed bulls. every six months,” says Doug. “At each of these weighings the lower In 2020, Doug and Amanda will Generally, heifers born in each herd performing males are removed host the 10th annual Bendemeer are suitable replacements for the from the group until the highest Production Sale on 26 November, other herd – maintaining a level of performing young bulls have been with invited vendors, Winvic Pastoral hybrid vigour in both herds. The bulls selected. Throughout this process who have been selling bulls at the used at Frankfield come mostly they are also assessed for other Bendemeer sale since 2018. through the bull breeding activities functional and economic traits to at Bendemeer, and a small number ensure only the best contenders of pure-bred and cross-bred bulls remain in the program.” are bought from outside producers each year. Once mature, all the bulls have scrotal measurements taken and are semen tested for both motility and Bull breeding morphology before being considered The Burnetts also run Braford and for use with the Burnett Group, or for composite bull breeding operations on sale. The Burnett Group produces Bendemeer, producing bulls for use in about 80 bulls a year through this their commercial breeding herds. program and keep about 60 for their own use. Pure-bred Braford bulls are produced from the Bendemeer Stud herd. This herd has been running since Bendemeer Production Sale the early 1980s, based on females The job of distributing this significant that were selected when Brahman number of bulls amongst the Burnett bulls were first used over the original Group properties has become a big Bendemeer Polled Hereford breeders task. In 2010, the company decided in the 1960s and 70s. The select to hold their inaugural on-property Braford cows in this herd are usually ‘Bendemeer Production Sale’ to joined with superior Braford bulls, streamline the bull distribution process but Doug will also often use an elite in an economically relevant way. This Brahman bull over these cows to sale is now conducted annually, using keep a wide genetic base and maintain the Helmsman selling system with a higher level of Brahman content. the Burnett Group property managers

20 JUNE 2020

Sturt Plains thriving on high-grade Brahman genetics By Cindy Benjamin The Dyer family (who trade as APN Pty Ltd) are long-standing Northern Territory pastoralists whose operations have centered on Hayfield Station adjacent to the Barkly Tablelands, south of Daly Water since the 1970s.

Six years ago Lisa Dyer and her partner Brad Inglis took on the management of APN’s Sturt Plains Lisa Dyer and Brad Inglis with a mob of cows. Lisa and Brad manage Sturt Plains. section of Hayfield Station as part of a succession plan that saw Justin and Sally Dyer take over operation of Hayfield from their parents John and Val. Lisa’s brother, Nick operates a heli-mustering business from Katherine and Victoria River Station.

The Sturt Plains section of Hayfield, which Lisa and Brad now run as a separate business entity, was partly un-developed and fairly un-utilised. After camping in a caravan on their new property for six months they cleared a homestead area and built an impressive ‘shouse’ (shed/house) for themselves to raise their young The new yards at capacity. family. They also started fencing and now have 150 km of new fences to help manage their herd of 2800 high grade Brahman breeders.

The 100,000 ha (1000 sq km) property is comprised of roughly-equal areas of Mitchell grass black soil plains and elevated red soil country timbered with bloodwood and lancewood.

Brad says they graze the plains during the dry season and move all the cattle to the elevated country during the wet.

A group of heifers overseeing the trough cleaning.

22 JUNE 2020

“The Dyers have been following this practice for many years to spell the valuable Mitchell grass and this has kept the pastures in good condition,” he says. “We also conduct controlled burning for woody weed control in the raised, timbered country.”

The paddocks are large – mostly 100 sq km or more – and all mustering is done on horses with just three permanent staff and a few casuals, rather than using helicopters. To achieve this, Brad manages the watering points and uses trap yards at the waters closest to the stock Heavy Steers ready for the Vietnam Trade. yards to facilitate easy mustering of shuts the gates on the trapping yard is very comfortable being up close large areas. that otherwise allow free access to with them,” says Brad. During the wet season there are the water point, so that the cattle Heifers are mated at two years of several waterholes on the property have to use the two short races set age to young Brahman bulls, sourced that fill and provide an alternative up with ‘spears’ that only allow one- mainly from the Rockhampton water source for the cattle but in way traffic, in one race and out the Brahman Week Sale. Over recent the dry they rely completely on a other. When it’s time to trap the herd years Lisa and Brad have been active stock water system with 10 bores they close the ‘out’ gate and over the in selecting good quality bulls from supplying 13 water troughs. These space of a few days all the cattle are prefixes such as Glengarry, Elrose, are checked every three or four days trapped at the water points. Lancefield and Brahrock. and the Sturt Plains team do their “The only downside is that you can own bore maintenance. After mating the heifers in their age end up with a cow in the yard and group to the young bulls they are “Where the land suits we will her young calf outside,” says Brad. then added to the breeder herd to pipe water from a bore up to six “Once the ‘out’ gate is closed we go calve down. Bulls are run with the kilometres to a tank with a trough,” out each day so that we can release cows year-round. Any suspected dry says Brad. “The other bores just cows that have become separated cows are pregnancy tested at the supply the one trough each.” from their babies. Eventually all the two mustering times, and culled if cattle we want end up inside the yard they are not in calf. Brad says there is Low stress mustering with practically no stress involved.” good demand for high grade Brahman “Ahead of mustering we start At the end of the year the whole herd breeders in the Barkly area. Those shutting off waters and the cattle is trapped and walked up to the wet that are not sold locally are trucked move themselves until they are all season paddock. to the meatworks at Warrnambool in congregated around the watering Victoria to fill their requirements for At weaning Brad and Lisa spend a points,” he says. “We use a trapping large cattle in the off-season. system to hold them around the lot of time educating their young watering point and then walk the stock before putting them out on Brad and Lisa like to keep their herds cattle steadily with horses to the the Mitchell grass plains to grow out unstressed and always have feed stockyards. This allows the calves to to meet the heavy and feeder steer ahead of them. They use mineral mother up and is a low stress process specification for the Indonesian and supplements to help keep fertility for both the cattle and the people.” Vietnam trade. levels high in the breeders. In the dry season they put out urea blocks and The trapping yards have proven to be Bulls and breeders in the wet these are replaced with very cost-effective when it comes to phosphorus supplements. Sulfur The herd at Sturt Plains is comprised mustering. Each of the waters are blocks are available to the cattle of high-grade, mostly-grey Brahman fenced within a 5 ha holding paddock year round and Brad is conducting breeders of excellent temperament. to provide feed while trapping. Three trials with trace elements including “The cows are big framed but most months ahead of mustering Brad selenium, copper and cobalt. are so quiet that our six year old son

24 JUNE 2020 “Overall, the benefits of improved Brad and Lisa take care to select bulls dipping and spelling yard just off the nutrition far outweigh the costs,” he that walk well and they observe the Stuart Highway. At capacity their says. “Every calf is valuable to us activity levels of the bulls in their new facility can manage 138 truck decks and we do what we can to maximise home. They have certainly noticed with cattle being dipped on arrival, conception and minimise losses.” that some bulls are more active and held in the yard for five days before more willing to work in the extensive being dipped again and reloaded for Buying in bulls environment than others. their journey south. Sometimes cattle are just spelled overnight on journeys Lisa and Brad look to buy in about half Because of their investment in north from Richmond and Winton a dozen young bulls each year from improved Brahman genetics, Brad without crossing the tick line. well-respected Brahman breeders. and Lisa have uncovered a steady Within their selection are usually one demand for commercial bulls bred The facility has all-weather access or two that they believe have qualities at Sturt Plains. When the males are and is busy all year, although demand to further improve the genetics of the drafted off at weaning Brad and Lisa drops during the wet season. In a year Sturt Plains breeders, and they are assess them for potential as ‘herd they cater for the dipping and spelling prepared to pay extra to secure them. improvers’ and offer them to other of well over 15,000 head of cattle. NT pastoralists. This side-line business “We always choose young bulls, up to There are a couple of sets of yards easily equates to double the steer say 28 months, because they seem available to handle the Sturt Plains income otherwise expected for those to adapt the best to our country,” herd, but Brad says they expect to males, and they are easy to market. says Brad. “They must be suitable use the new yards almost exclusively for mating to our heifers with good from now on. temperament and a clean sheath. Dipping and spelling facility We prefer the lighter blue greys and Taking advantage of their location just we are looking for suitable bulls that 7 km north of the tick line, Lisa and bring pollness with them.” Brad have built a 4300-head capacity

Edgar Hudgins Scholarship

Judges Ken Murphy and Catherine George with winner Jeremy Kinnon. Third judge, Chrissy Arthur joined the judging panel online. Thank you to our judges for taking time out of their day to interview our Scholarship Applicants. ‘I’ll see y’all later’

By Lucie-Anne Kirk Upon receiving news that I was a recipient of the Edgar Hudgins Memorial Scholarship I was both privileged and excited for what would prove to be one of the most eye-opening and influential experiences of my twenty-one years.

Welcomed by Lana Forgason (Forgason Division of Hudgins) with open arms upon my arrival at Houston International Airport, I knew I was in for one hell of a trip from the very beginning. My first full day in America saw me head straight to Fortworth livestock show, which proved to be a brilliant introduction into the ‘American Brahman World’. It was there I attended the annual general meeting of the American Brahman Breeders Association and was able to gain a real insight into the undertakings and functions of their society.

With the stock show being my first opportunity to lay my eyes on the flesh of the American Brahman I was intrigued and enthused by the evident influence the original Guzerat, Gyr and Nelor strains still have within the American herd. Lucie-Anne with one of the many gentle giant JDH bulls that she met. After attending Fortworth Stock Show I was then given the opportunity at England Cattle Company filled within their sale line up and I was to travel to south Texas to visit the with photographing the cattle for lucky enough to have one named England Cattle Company, it was here I their first annual on property sale after me, ECC Polled Lucie 358/9. met Michael and Crickett England and in March, I quickly fell in love with Just missing out on being crowned their son Benton along with his fiancé both the people and cattle of the Rio the sale topper polled Lucie sold for Brooke (a past American Exchange Grande Valley. $17,000 and my congratulations go recipient). Enough kind words cannot to the England family for persevering be said about their family and the With a strong focus on polled genetics through tough times, having to move hospitality they showed me during the England’s offered a number of their sale online and still achieving my stay with them. With my days exciting future show ring prospects tremendous results.

26 JUNE 2020 My time down south also awarded hospital and a Rio Grande Valley test opened up the opportunity for me me the opportunity to attend the and trial feedlot. Along with this I was to travel across to Louisiana for a Rio Grande Valley Junior star show, able to attend four livestock shows, true Cajun experience. A huge thank which proved to be an eye-opening inclusive of San Antonio Livestock you goes to Josh and Bridget Duhon opportunity to learn about the workings Show and Rodeo where I was given of 007 ranch, for the unmatchable of America’s youth programs. I also the opportunity to show a Forgason hospitality they showed me during had the opportunity to visit Mexico, division heifer within her class. my time in Louisiana. From Crawfish with the Felcman Family who I owe fishing and boil, to a gater farm and A special part of my trip was a huge thank you to for introducing my first ever turtle sauce picant being able to reunite with a fellow me to their love of Mexican food and (turtle stew), I didn’t want my time in recipient of the American Brahman culture, as well as showing me around Louisiana to end. Breeders Scholarship, Molly Smith, the Wharton county over the course of who travelled across to Australia in The vast change in climate and my stay in America. 2018 and whom I developed a strong environment from Texas through to Following my time down south I friendship with during her time here. A Louisiana and then up to Mississippi set roots in Hungerford Texas, the warm thank you is owed to both Molly meant that the management practices home of J.D Hudgins. Over the next and her father Rodger for opening up of each individual herd differed few weeks I was able to visit each their home to me during my stay and immensely. I thoroughly enjoyed being of the Hudgins divisions and gain always ensuring I was getting the able to witness the changes firsthand an insight into the workings of their most out of my time overseas. and engage in conversations with family business. The strength and individuals across the states as to One of the highlights of my trip was quality of their cattle is an absolute the management and undertakings of attending the Houston Livestock credit to the J.D Hudgins ranch, and their individual operations. Show and rodeo, I was blown away by the breeding guidelines they set in both the number and quality of cattle With plans to visit a number of other place very early on. Sitting in J.D lined up on display during the week. ranches and events, the declaration Hudgins board room and exploring Following the judging from Fortworth of a national disaster in the United the history of the brahman breed through to San Antonio and finally States due to COVID-19 meant my alongside some of the most prolific Houston, the difference in placings trip was unfortunately cut short. It breeders in the world is certainly an and line ups were a reflection of the is with a bittersweet feeling that I experience I will never forget. individual judges’ eye and was also a complete this article reminiscing on My sincere thanks go to Michael demonstration of the strength and the incredible experiences I had and Goudeau, of the Goudeau Hudgins consistency of the cattle through the ones that were yet to come. Due to division, for loaning me a vehicle every class. Houston livestock show these circumstances I can assure you during my time in America which awarded me with the opportunity to that it was not goodbye to America, allowed me to travel independently see some of the best Brahman cattle but just an ‘I’ll see y’all later’ to numerous ranches. With my own in the world, under one roof, and for set of wheels, I was able to travel to that I feel extremely privileged. four states, where I visited a total of During Houston I was also able to twenty-seven independent ranches, meet some amazing people and five collection and breeding centres, fellow brahman enthusiasts which two auction barns, a veterinary Northern BIN Steer Project Update

Contributed by Paul Williams TBTS The Australian Brahman Breeders’ Association (ABBA), Droughtmasters Stud Breeders Society (DSBS) and a consortium of Santa Gertrudis Breeders are currently conducting a joint progeny test project with funding assistance from the Meat & Livestock Australia Donor Company under the Beef Information Pastures. The Northern BIN Steer To date the Northern BIN Steer Nucleus (BIN) program. This Project will provide data which will Project has purchased 2,441 steers, joint Northern BIN Steer assist in the implementation of a with a breakdown of breed and Project has utilised the steer Multi-Breed database and a future calving year shown in Table 1. The progeny from a second MLA Tropical crossbred analysis. This sires of the project steers are either funded project ‘Enabling is possible as the Brahman and proven sires with a large number of Droughtmaster steers (at Spyglass registered progeny (few of which genetic improvement of and Brian Pastures) and also Santa have been performance recorded with reproduction in tropical Gertrudis steers at Brian Pastures BREEDPLAN) or young up and coming beef breeds (Repronomics)’. have been run together since birth, bulls. The Brahman steers are from having only been split during the over 80 Brahman sires (representing The project has currently purchased joining period of their dams in the 41 different stud prefixes). Of these six cohorts of steers from Spyglass Northern BIN Steer Project. steers 1729 have been carcase and four cohorts of steers from Brian

Table 1: Breakdown of steers origin and number per year

COHORT YEAR BRAHMANS DROUGHTMASTER SANTA GERTRUDIS BEEFMASTER TOTAL

Spyglass 2013 59 47 106

Spyglass 2014 95 66 161

Spyglass 2015 99 107 206

Spyglass 2016 135 127 262

Spyglass 2017 111 105 216

Spyglass 2018 106 128 234

Spyglass 2019 132 115 6 253

Spyglass 2020

Brian Pastures 2015 55 37 63 155

Brian Pastures 2016 45 53 65 163

Brian Pastures 2017 50 42 54 146

Brian Pastures 2018 60 58 51 169

Brian Pastures 2019 73 54 81 208

Brian Pastures 2020 59 36 63 4 162

TOTAL 1080 975 377 10 2441

28 JUNE 2020

Droughtmaster, Brahman and Santa steers were run together in one pen due to the lower number of animals in the cohort. The steers were weighed and carcase scanned on the 29th January for P8, rib, EMA and IMF. The Brahman steers averaged 477 kg with an average daily weight gain of 1.01kg per day with scans of P8 fat 11mm, Rib Fat 6 mm, EMA 63 and IMF 2.7%. As with the Spyglass steers it was wet and had been leading up to the data collection which may have affected the weights and a reason for the low weight gain. The steers were scanned and over 1800 have carcase with scans of P8 fat 10mm, Rib Fat slaughtered at Teys, Lakes Creek on data collected in the Abattoir. 6 mm, EMA 66 and IMF 2.5%. When the 17th March with the Brahman the steers were weighed and scanned steers averaging 299.5 kg, Santa’s 2018 Kill Data it was wet and had been for a few 359.2kg and the Droughtmasters days leading up to the day, which 333.6kg. Of the 60 Brahman steers, Spyglass No 18 steers may have affected the weights and 51 graded boning groups 1- 11, 8 Spyglass No18 steers were the low weight gain. The steers were graded boning group 12 and 1 animal backgrounded at Narayen Research slaughtered at Teys, Lakes Creek on did not grade. Table 3 shows the raw Station with the hope of being turned the 17th March with the Brahman average and maximum and minimum off as grass fed Jap Ox steers. steers averaging 308 kg and the for the Brahman Steers After a failed wet season and not Droughtmasters 322.7kg. Of the A total 166 Brahman steers were being successful in acquiring the 106 Brahman steers, 101 went boning slaughtered between the Spyglass new lease agreement for Narayen groups 1-11, 4 boning group 12 and 1 and Brian Pastures cohorts, from Research station the steers were animals did not grade. Table 2 shows 24 sires representing 14 different sent to Barmount Feedlot on the the raw average and maximum and studs and an average weight of 306 18th November to be finished on minimum for the Brahman Steers grain. The Spyglass Brahmans and kg’s. The Steers average value was $2023.83 at $6.64 per Kg. Droughtmasters were run in separate Brian Pasture No 18 steers pens at Barmount feedlot. The steers The Brian Pastures No 18 steers were Brian Pasture No 19 steers were weighed and carcase scanned backgrounded at Narayen Research The Brian Pastures No 19 steers on the 29th January for P8, rib, Station with the Spyglass steers and were running at Narayen Research EMA and IMF. The Brahman steers trucked to Barmount Feedlot on the Station and after not acquiring a averaged 503 kg with an average 18th November with the Spyglass new lease agreement for Narayen daily weight gain of 1.15kg per day steers. Unlike the Spyglass steers the

Table 2: Spyglass 2018 Brahman steers slaughter results

CARCASE P8 FAT RIB FAT EMA MSA MARBLE $ VALUE HUMP HEIGHT WEIGHT

Min 222 8 3 51 140 1453.45 115

Max 364 17 11 92 430 2459.70 300

Average 309 12 6 76 271 2056.23 194

Table 3: Brian Pastures 2018 Brahman steers slaughter results

CARCASE P8 FAT RIB FAT EMA MSA MARBLE $ VALUE HUMP HEIGHT WEIGHT

Min 227 8 2 58 130 1463.51 115

Max 353 22 16 92 360 2382.08 315

Average 299 12 6 75 240 1983.32 167

30 JUNE 2020 Research Station the steers were sent to Raglan Station for a short term before moving to Jimarndy on the 9th of February. The steers were weighed on this date and Table 3 is a breakdown of the averages, maximum and minimum for weights measured. The steers are expected to stay at Jimarndy until they ready for slaughter

Spyglass No 19 steers and Brian Pasture No 20 The Spyglass No 19 steers and Brian Pastures No 20 steers are being run on “Warraka” Taroom with the Spyglass No 19 steers moving on the 16thApril and Brian Pastures No 20 on the 11th May. These two mobs plan to remain at “Warraka” Taroom until they are to be turned off for slaughter. The Spyglass No 19 steers were weighed on the 15th April and Table 4 is a breakdown of the averages, maximum and minimum for weights measured

Spyglass No 20 Table 3: Brian Pastures No 19 Raglan exit weight 9th February

Spyglass No 20 steers will be weaned ALL ANIMALS WEIGHT BRAHMANS WEIGHT in late May and will then be moved to Min 226 226 “Sandstone Park” Taroom the week of the 22nd June and it is planned that Max 473 422 they remain at Sandstone Park until Average 351 329 they are turned off for slaughter.

For more information on the Northern Table 4: Spyglass No 19 exit weight 15th April BIN Steer Project please contact ALL ANIMALS WEIGHT BRAHMANS WEIGHT Paul Williams from Tropical Beef Min 192 226 Technology Services on 0427 018 Max 367 350 982 or via email [email protected] Average 277 269 Vale Shirley Streeter (nee Mckenna) 1929 - 2020 Contributed by Patricia and Alicia Ashe. Born in Bundaberg on the 3rd of March 1929 to parents Alice Emily & Edward Michael McKenna. Shirley was the middle child of five.

At the time of Shirley’s impending birth, the family were at Marlborough where her father worked as a fettler on the railway line from Marlborough to Bundaberg.

Shirley was one of four very close girls and a baby brother, Eddie, whom they all took turns in looking after. Older sisters Joyce and Betty and and Calliope. They considered at “Noveltie” her sister Betty told younger sister Pauline enjoyed their themselves bush kids. her they were short of nurses on childhood in the bush. The family “Middy”, the maternity ward. This Shirley’s first work after leaving lived in tents in the railway sidings was the start of a wonderful time in school in 1945 was babysitting at of Marlborough, Midgee, Gladstone, her life. She was a born nurse. She “Stowe” for the Burnham family. Toolooa, Iveragh, Lowmead and loved babies and loved the work even The Burnham’s took her to the Clayton. She spoke of having only though they nearly did everything Rockhampton Show and they stayed kerosene boxes for cupboards. A in those days. Strict matrons with at the Lionleigh Hotel. It was at this hard life but simple and the family so many rules. The days when the show that she met a young Percy met many lovely people along the fathers were never involved when Streeter. On Mrs Burnham’s insistence railway line. Because her mother was baby was born. She had so many he took Shirley to the “Barton’s so lovely and well liked and Ted had great memories of women she’d been Follies”, a tent vaudeville show. many mates, they were never lonely. on duty for when they had each baby They attended many small schools. He was one of many young men at the and would say, “see you next year!”. Losing their father in a tragic accident Calliope Dances and had a few dances Even after 70 years she could still in the November of 1940 while he was with Shirley but hadn’t showed much recognise and tell people she was on guarding the Calliope River railway interest apart from seeing him often duty when they were born and could bridge during the war was a turning at Vera’s Café opposite the Diggers tell Tricia who their family all were point in their lives. Alice started a Arms Hotel where she spent lots of going back a couple of generations. cleaning job of the men’s quarters at time. She said she was “Sweet 16 and the Gladstone railway station. Hard never been kissed till that night”. In the February of 1946 Shirley was work for a small statured woman. invited to Percy’s 21st and as she was In 1945 Shirley went to Bundaberg to In August 1941 the railway men got home in Calliope, she desperately visit her Aunty Bess. She had Shirley’s together and they found Alice a job as wanted to attend the party at the grandfather living with them. While a station mistress at Calliope. Shirley “Riversdale Farm Barn” at “Fairy there the Victory Day celebrations was 11 years old at this stage. Many Springs”. All the young people were were held after the end of World enjoyable years were had growing up going up but because they were War II. Shirley had four Uncle’s from there and living in the station house. staying overnight, her mother Alice the Kingston family in that war and Travelling the train to Bundaberg wouldn’t let her go. This, I’m sure was they all came home. In the July of to visit family when they could. The the only time they had words!. children went to schools at Gladstone that same year, after nearly a year

32 JUNE 2020 The nurses regularly attended the Calliope Dances and a short while passed after Percy’s 21st and Shirley & Percy had the last dance one night and he asked to escort her home.

The courtship began and he had to get his mother’s approval of course. Plenty of letters back and forth which she kept all of these years. In 1948 Shirley was offered a job working in a café in Calliope. She decided to take the job and move back to Calliope to live. Seeing more of Percy was the draw card! 7th December 1948 Percy & Shirley were engaged. It was a special day as it was also both of Gathered for Brahman Week 1996. Beth & Kerryn, Shirley, Debbie and Edward. their mother’s birthdays. As well as helping at “Fairy Springs” too, they had also established the The café was soon closed and when she could get relief from caring Brahman Stud in 1967. Tricia can Shirley found an office job in the local for Nana Streeter Shirley also did the remember being at “Fairy Springs” sawmill. Shirley’s education was bookwork. Percy also had a cattle feeding bulls and weaners and going fairly intermittent but she learnt a carting business during this time. mustering with her mum. Many long lot in this job which held her in good days on weekends and holidays Shirley’s work ethic was certainly stead over the years doing her own were spent in the saddle following second to none and she never bookwork in later years. Her spelling her mum around left hand branch complained. Always there for all was second to none. paddock in the big steep hills and whom needed help or guidance. pulling Noogoora burr in the creeks Shirley did another stint at nursing in When people questioned her never on the Dan Dan. Gladstone, the job she loved doing. complaining she’d say “I didn’t want The Matron took her back without a to be like Nana Streeter”. One of many highlights of Shirley hitch. Earning no more than 1 pound and Percy’s involvement with the Shirley learnt to ride a horse and milk 13 & 6, which is equivalent to $3.35 a Brahman industry was the trip they a cow, which was a necessity in the fortnight plus keep. took to the USA, Canada and Fiji with early days of her marriage. Percy’s the Australian Brahman Breeders In 1950, the Streeter family asked campdrafting days were a highlight Association in July 1974. During this her to look after their mother Rose and they travelled miles together over time the beef slump was starting. at the house they owned in Calliope. the years with Rose and afterwards Ted’s health was deteriorating and with Edward as a baby. They went all They contemplated not going but Rose had a frozen shoulder and all the way to Warwick. never regretted making the decision the Streeter girls were now married to go as they had an absolutely Polocrosse days followed, with many so Shirley took over their care and wonderful trip and this cemented more miles travelled including more lived in the home. Percy was running more lovely friendships. Tough for Pony Club when Patricia and “Fairy Springs” with Ted up until now. times ahead when they got back Kearin became keen horse people. to Australia. During this time they On 24th March 1951 Percy & Shirley Shirley always helped out where couldn’t afford to do much with married in Gladstone becoming one of she could, canteen on Gymkhana running the property the priority. eight couples in the Streeter family. days and selling raffle tickets at the Percy, Shirley and the boys worked They went to the hospital before their Railway Hotel most Sundays after ever harder at this time. They sold reception that night to visit Percy’s Church. The Calliope Golf Club was lots of hay off the Biloela farm. The father. He passed a month later, also very important to them and a Beach House at Tannum Sands and leaving Shirley to care for “his” Rose lot of time was involved in helping to the hay farm at Biloela were sold as until her death in the November of run the club. part payment to buy “Palmvale”. The 1964. While caring for Rose, Shirley As well as running “Fairy Springs”, purchase of “Palmvale” connected had three children, Edward in 1955, battling droughts and a few accidents “Fairy Springs” and “Cedar Creek” Patricia in 1960 and Kearin in 1964. country together.

JUNE 2020 33 everyone went. What their top prices were and the all-important average.

In 2007, after 66 years of living in Calliope, Shirley made the decision that she’d had enough of living by herself and she found a nice little block in the Upper Ulam Valley with Wayne & Tricia. Back in the bush where it was much quieter than the now very busy Calliope town.

In 2012 the first of the Great- Grandchildren arrived. There are now 9, including a set of twins. With each arrival there was great excitement.

In October 2018, Shirley’s health rapidly declined and she moved into the home at Bethany. They were all amazed at how she could recall names. As we all know, Shirley always had a marvellous recall for names and faces and made everyone feel special. Patricia and Shirley with one of the sale bulls for Brahman Week 1981 in the yards at “Fairy Springs” Calliope. Shirley had a love for watching tennis and golf and her hands never In the March of 1980, Edward and 1985 saw Shirley handover the remained still, right to the last Debbie married. In July of that same properties to Edward and Kearin. week of her life, with her love for year, after selling a lot of mill timber They continued to work “Fairy cross-stitch, crochet, knitting and and sleepers off both properties, Springs” & “Palmvale” until they sold patchwork. Many beautiful pieces tragedy struck the family when Percy up in the early 90s and both bought were made to remember her by. was accidentally killed in the Railway blocks over the range. Yards at Calliope. Shirley was patient, kind, forgiving, With the grandkids now growing trusting and loyal to whomever she Through all of this Shirley just kept up, Nana became the official met in her life. Continually thanking strong for the family trying as photographer & videographer. Bull people for a small kindness which hard as she could to keep everyone sales, shows & Junior Beefs were goes a very long way. She always functioning as a family. It was tough such a highlight through the years. managed to keep in touch on the for Kearin at 16 and still needing his Joe, Sarah, Alicia & Remy all had the phone, it was her lifeline. father’s guiding hand. love for cattle while Shane had a passion for sport. Many a Saturday Nana has left a huge hole in our At only 51 years old Shirley put morning where spent at the Soccer hearts and will be dearly missed but her heart and soul into the Calliope and footy fields. She split her time if she taught us anything it’s how Golf Club becoming the only Ladies between the 3 families, in the early to be strong and that we can get Associate Life Member to this day. years at Monto and Thangool, and through anything. Late in 1981 grandchildren started Marlborough and Bowen before her to arrive and in the years to come 5 health declined. Grandchildren arrived for “Nana” to Bull Sale time meant a week in Rocky love and spoil. in October. Staying with friends or After losing Percy, Shirley had more family or the motel with Kearin, time to devote to her own her mother, Beth & Remy. In the later years, at Alice, better known as Ma, who lived Bull sale time, she would sit by the with her sister Betty and husband Pat phone patiently waiting to hear how in Wynnum.

34 JUNE 2020 Beef Study Tour to Canada, USA and Mexico 1974 From the Shirley Streeter collection

Percy Streeter at Frazer River Rapids.

Joan Ward, Shirley Streeter, Grace and Ted Kirk, Margaret Pask and Betty Dubois at Lake Peyto, Alberta, Canada. Mr Edgar H Hudgins visiting Bronson Ranch in Hinton, Canada.

Ted and Grace Kirk with Percy Streeter and Judith and Wally McKenzie. Dr Stone and Shirley at Summit Pikes Peak. Congratulations Mrs Ivy Fraser. 100 years young. Contributed by Jeanette Grother This is some of Mrs Fraser’s story. She is quite a remarkable woman who has lived an amazing life.

Ivy Clarke Ferguson was born in the Charters Towers Hospital on 28 January 1920. She was the second born of four daughters to James Duncan (Jimmy) and Jessie Ferguson. At the time of Ivy’s birth, Jimmy was the Head Stockman and later the manager at “Lyndhurst” Station. In about 1925 the family moved to “Dotswood Station”, south of Mingela where Jimmy was the General Manager. During this time Olive (the oldest girl) and Ivy did Primary Correspondence School with a governess. By this time Jean and Laurel had arrived so as well as looking after two babies, Jessie filled in as the Bubba Hudgins, JD Hudgins, Ivy Fraser and Merv Simpson with Apollo Miss Ideal. station cook from time to time. Jimmy was often away mustering. While had died was drawn off, the wicks become a teacher, Ivy went to work the family were living at “Dotswood”, were soaked in the serum and then in the Townsville Telegraph Station, they bought “Currajong” in Hermit threaded under the skin of the tail of Jean went to live with Jessie in the Park Townsville. This is where the a healthy beast. Causeway Hotel. Currajong had been Mater Hospital is now. The Townsville taken over by the Australian Army as Due to the inability of the family to Airport was at Ross River near the the base and Military Hospital. Laurel secure the services of a governess, Ross River Meatworks. began nursing at the Charters Towers Olive, Ivy and Jean were sent to Hospital. Jimmy was now an inspector The next move was to “Lawn Hill Townsville to live with Jimmy’s sister of State Stations and spent most of Station”. Ivy remembers an idyllic Aunt Lottie Page so that they could his days on the road. Throughout the life swimming in Lawn Hill Creek, attend the Mundingburra State School. war, Ivy worked on the switchboard mustering and milking goats and They hated it. They were desperately of the Telephone Exchange. She has playing in the historic homestead. It homesick, they didn’t like the food vivid memories of bombs falling on was an exciting time to be living in the and they were on the receiving end of Townsville. Fortunately, the Japanese bush. The Royal Flying Doctor was endless schoolyard bullying. bombers were not very accurate. flying and Ivy remembers Alf Tragear When the war ended, they were told visiting to install the pedal wireless For their secondary education, the that their jobs would be given to and the Reverend John Flynn saying girls were sent to Osbourne College servicemen and women. Knowing mass for everyone. at Blackheath in the Blue Mountains. Once again, they hated it. They were that there was no security at the It was during the family’s time at homesick and remember being Telephone Exchange, Ivy moved to Lawn Hill that thousands of cattle constantly cold. They completed Sydney to start nursing at Royal died from pleuro-pneumonia. To the Intermediate Certificate. By then, Prince Alfred Hospital. immunise cattle, the girls plaited Australia was at war. Olive went She was there for four years. When cotton thread into short wicks. The to a Primary School to study to completing her final exams, she not fluid from the lungs of a beast that

36 JUNE 2020 only topped the hospital, she topped been taken to “Blue Range Station” to “Dundee” (in the heat of December) the state of New South Wales. west of Ingham. The Fraser’s watched in two days. They only had one this experiment with great interest. overnight camp. It was during one of her visits home for Ivy’s younger sister Jean was married holidays, she met Dick Fraser. Within The beef industry in Australia would to Mac Core from “Blue Range”. six months December 1950 they never be the same again. were married and living at “Burnside” In due course two bulls and three The Brahman cattle were not well Station at Ingham. “Burnside” was heifers arrived in 1952. received. The family were subjected a cattle property. The cattle were In 1952 Frank Fraser snr died and the to relentless bullying, and endless mostly Shorthorns. They steered properties in Ingham were divided sarcasm. However, the family stuck away from Hereford cattle because between Dick and his brother, Lex. together and supplied Brahman they were dreadfully effected by pink Dick got the cattle property, the bulls to most properties in North eye. The biggest problem was cattle cattle and the Station Hotel. Queensland. Many people stole ticks. The only chemical that was cattle, but Dick and Ivy refused to available was arsenic. No matter how In 1957, the Station Hotel and Burnside take action. As Ivy said, “At least they much arsenic was put into the dips, the were sold and the family - now know good cattle”. ticks became resistant. Australia was with two little girls - packed their headed towards being a cattle-free belongings in the Willy’s Jeep and In 1980 the family sold “Dundee” country. It was at this time Dick and his in December moved to “Dundee” at Richmond and moved to “Dundee” Raglan. father decided that the only solution Richmond. The precious Brahman Dick died in 1999. In 2015 Ivy went into was to change the breed of cattle. cattle, the milkers and a couple of care at “Bethany” in Rockhampton. Artie Fadden (an old Ingham boy) Shorthorn cows that were retained She celebrated her 100th birthday on was the Prime Minister and he gave were loaded on the train and headed 28 January 2020. permission for Brahman cattle to be west. A couple of work horses, and imported from America to Australia. a couple of race horses and the load Previously, two Brahman bulls that was complete. The stock arrived in had been in the Melbourne Zoo had Richmond and walked the 65 miles

Andy Olsen – Neslo Brahmans’ co-founder remembered On ANZAC Day, well-known and widely respected Brahman breeder, Reginald George Andreas (Andy) Olsen passed from this life after a brave battle with brain cancer. As co-founder of Neslo Brahmans, Andy will be fondly remembered by many in the Brahman breeding community. The following is from the Eulogy written by his son Marcus.

Born to Reginald and Neena Olsen in February 1942, Andy started life in Andy with his Red Cows. Chinchilla, the middle child in a family of five. His father was a pioneer settler flag in 1966. He then drove all over In 1971 they transferred to Bundaberg in the Brigalow/Wychie/ Chinchilla Tassie before returning home, visiting where he worked as a fertiliser rep and district and returned soldier of the 2nd relatives along the way. Keeping in second son Richard was born. Dad has Australian Light Horse, having seen touch with his cousins in Victoria and always loved a chat and that wasn’t action in the charge of Beersheba. travelling to see them is something he really helpful to selling a lot of fertiliser. Andy lived on the family farm kept doing right up to now. Soon after he was transferred to ‘Wooroora’ that his father took up in Brisbane where he worked in the office In 1965 country dances were the popular of the company. They bought a house in the Wychie district north of Brigalow form of entertainment. While others in 1907, until they moved closer to Coorparoo, Dad started an accounting were out drinking in their utes, Dad would degree, 3rd child Andrea was born and Chinchilla to ‘Wilga Lea’ in 1946. Before dance with all the good sorts. This is and after school Andy and his brothers they enjoyed quite a good stress-free how he met his future wife, Margaret, social life in Brisbane. would help with all manner of farm a young school teacher in her first year jobs like milking cows, feeding pigs and out of Teachers College. She gave him a However it wasn’t long before Dad’s ringbarking Brigalow scrub. In his early wink, he winked back while dancing with yearning to be a farmer led to the years Andy attended Seven Oakes another partner, asked her for the next purchase of ‘Carramar’ north of school and then later Chinchilla school. dance, and the rest is history. They were Wandoan in 1976. That Christmas they In Grade 9 he left school to work on the married in Toowoomba in 1967. all moved, leaving the comforts of the farm and develop it into a broadacre trendy Brisbane suburb of Coorparoo grain farm. In 1960 they cracked a With work scarce there, Andy lined up for Carramar with a house with no inside bumper wheat crop, but like farming at 4 am one morning to be selected toilet or gauze on the windows and only today, the weather beat them, getting for a job as a builder’s labourer and the back door to keep out the snakes. only a few acres off before 6 inches crane driver for Clarkeway Homes What a reality check! of rain fell that night ruining the crop. in Toowoomba, where he worked for several years. In 1969 he tragically lost They settled into farming life and got Having joined the Junior Farmers his parents in a car accident on their way involved in a good young local farming Association, he enjoyed visits to home from his brother’s wedding. community, making lifelong friends. many farming districts right up to the Quite a social time with the CWA hall Atherton Tablelands and across the During the 1970s Dad, very much and tennis court down the road. Grain Darling Downs. In 1964, taking a year a bush lawyer, joined the Young farming was what the banks wanted off in Victoria where he worked for Nationals/Country Party, where he coming out of the 70s beef slump, but Sunshine Machinery in Melbourne, Andy met Cam Muir who got him a job Dad soon bought some cattle. Dad also got to go to the Melbourne Cup, working for ACF & Shirley Fertilisers. and his good mate Brian Baker each see the Beatles and got to know the This job rekindled his keen interest purchased a bull from the Gordell stud. famous Daryl Balldock, captain of St in soil science and agronomy and he That was the start of the Neslo Brahman Kilda VFL team, who wanted him to conducted many fertiliser trials across stud and long-term association with the try out at training because he was the Darling Downs. At the same time Brahman breed, which continues today. so tall. Who knows what might have he was doing night school to earn his happened if he had taken him up on Senior Certificate. Eldest son Tony was With farming going along OK, their 4th his offer as St Kilda won its only GF born while in Toowoomba. child Marcus was born in 1979 followed

40 JUNE 2020 by another daughter Kara in 1982. With the extreme drought in the 80s, Mum went back teaching, retiring in 2005. Dad was involved with various community groups – Pony Club, Wandoan Show, Rural Youth, Grain Growers Assoc. and often took carloads to various JRL and Netball carnivals. He was also very involved in the local history of the area.

Dad was always up for a yarn or argument depending on the situation. It could be embarrassing at times, Andy’s beloved working dogs. but he was generally right. Looking UK) and researching his Norwegian Dad leaves behind a loving wife, 5 kids we can laugh about it now. Some of family (through his grandfather). and 13 grandkids. He took with him a his good mates from the Brahman wealth of knowledge, some of which we game would nick name him ‘Have a A highlight was travelling through the hope has rubbed off on us. Dad loved a chat Andy’ and knew if they got into Red Centre with the family. Dad’s job good yarn, discussion or argument; had a discussion they could kiss goodbye every morning and night while reading a powerful and scientific brain; was a to an hour or two of time. a book and having a cuppa, was to deep thinker with a strong Christian faith entertain all the young grandkids Never being content with 1500 acres, that helped him and all of us get through while the rest of us prepared meals. Dad made many road trips inspecting this far; a family and war historian and a Something he loved. One of the blocks in Central Queensland, and very loving, caring family man. grandkid’s favorite memories would unsuccessfully going into ballots, have to be sitting on his lap and Dedicated to the Brahman Breed, he finally adding neighbouring Kywung dunking baby bikkies in his tea. was always trying to improve faults and Thordon Park to put together 4200 and traits while at the same time acres. A bumper wheat crop in 2003 For his 70th Dad got to see Cooper promoting the value of Brahmans as helped set them up. Cronk kick the winning goal at the 2012 feedlot cattle and working to promote State of Origin decider at Lang Park. They started getting some really good and preserve old Australian bloodlines. You couldn’t wipe the smile off his face prices for their red Brahman bulls at as he walked through a packed Caxton One of Dad’s classic lines was, “You RBWS and paddock sales and started St full of screaming Queensland fans. only die in one place; if you know buying some top bulls as well. Dad where that is, don’t go there.” We just wasn’t a gambler but this was their vice/ Dad’s cancer journey began in May couldn’t get him out of Toowoomba. obsession and they really enjoyed it. 2019 when he collapsed in the cattle yards. After two operations All round good bloke, great mate, With all children now living around and treatment, with some respite, it Dad, Grandfather and husband. We the country, and more time on their regrew into a highly aggressive form, all love you heaps and miss you mate hands, Mum and Dad got to sink a lot paralysing his right side and slowly but we’ve been fortunate to have you of time into their passions of Brahman robbing him of speech. Some positives in our life this long. Some aren’t so cattle and working dogs with strong were reconnecting with some lifelong fortunate. Life is precious. See you on Lithgow bloodlines, travelling to see family friends, and all the grandkids the other side. Rest in Peace. family, overseas travel (Brazil, Texas, getting to spend a lot of time together. Norway, The Somme battlefields, the

Andy and Marg with their 13 Grandkids Christmas 2016. Consistent presence and message at Seymour Field Days By Cindy Benjamin Each February the Southern about a one hour drive north of the Brahmans are, without having Branch of ABBA does their Melbourne and attracted about any training or previous exposure to 20,000 visitors this year. Chris said large crowds.” best to exhibit at the Seymour the visitor numbers were down a little Alternative Farming Expo. on normal this year, possibly due to the Chris said the number of Brahman Their consistent effort pays fire events in the area over summer. cattle in Victoria is increasing and having a presence at field days like off in premium exposure for “The location of our exhibit site provides this gives people an opportunity the Brahman breed in a Bos maximum exposure as we are on a to learn more about how to best Taurus-dominated area. main thoroughfare rather than in the manage their cattle. cattle pavilion,” he said. “Just about Chairman George Mercieca, and his son everyone who attends the field day “It is good to be able to reassure people Chris, from GTM Brahmans, Kyneton, would walk past our site at some point.” about how easy the breed is to manage, Victoria and Anthony Blackman from the benefits of cross-breeding and Leigh River Brahmans, Inverleigh, Chris said people are often surprised the minimal calving difficulties the Victoria are the main organisers of the at how well Brahman cattle can Brahman cows have,” he said. perform in non-tropical environments. exhibit, with support from the other The Southern Branch of ABBA enjoys branch members. “Our display cattle always attract the support of the 28 active members “When people see us there year after attention and that gives us opportunity of the breed, with 21 prefixes in year it helps build confidence in the breed to explain some of the benefits of the Victoria and seven in South Australia. and the support networks that exist if breed and to answer questions,” he said. “Some people are surprised when we Chris says the support of the they decide to introduce Brahman blood Australian Brahman Breeders into their breeding program,” said Chris. tell them how well the breed performs in a wide range of environments in Association in paying site fees and This year the main attraction was a southern regions of Australia.” insurance, and providing handout cow and her heifer calf from Leigh materials is well-appreciated by the River, with both parents of the calf “We like to take cattle straight out Branch members. having been bred by GTM Brahmans. of the paddock to exhibit at the field day so people can know exactly what The three-day event held in February to expect,” he said. “People often each year at Kings Park, Seymour, comment on how quiet and relaxed

George and Chris Mercieca at the Brahman breeders display. On display were a registered polled Brahman cow bred by GTM Brahmans and the calf was bred by Leigh River Stud. The Brahman display at the Seymour Field Days has a great location on a major thoroughfare, gaining maximum exposure.

42 JUNE 2020

SLICE OF HISTORY... Around the ridges Junior Beef set to go ahead in September

By Cindy Benjamin While the 2020 Rockhampton Maya has recently started working at the Champion Led Commercial Heifer, Peter Chiesa’s Palm Creek Stud where Miss Starkle, twice. Junior Beef event has she is enjoying the challenges of the been postponed to the early stages of preparing cattle to show. He has really enjoyed the opportunity to build his confidence around cattle September school holidays Maya has been raised on a cattle and to meet young people who share (29 September to 1 October), property and hopes to own her own his interest in cattle, and gain the that hasn’t dampened the herd sometime in the future. She is benefits of meeting and learning looking forward to attending Junior from experienced cattle breeders. excitement for those lucky Beef for the first time and expects enough to be attending. to learn a lot about the beef industry Chelsea Campbell – NSW and to gain valuable experience. Among them will be ABBA area representatives Maya Threlfall (North Qld), Boyd Hetherington (South Boyd Hetherington – Southern Qld Qld) and Chelsea Campbell (NSW).

Maya Threlfall – North Qld

Chelsea Campbell, NSW area representative with Junior Champion Heifer, Mogul Miss Cindy at Primex 2019.

Boyd Hetherington, South Queensland area representative, at home with his family’s Representing the NSW branch, 12 commercial Brahman cattle. year old Chelsea Campbell is looking forward to Junior Beef as a great North Queensland area representative, Maya Representing the Southern Queensland opportunity to meet other Brahman Threlfull after being named QCAS competition branch, Boyd Hetherington is breeders. Chelsea’s own herd of 25 winner at EKKA 2019. brimming with enthusiasm for the Brahman cows is her keenest interest cattle industry. Now in Year 8 at and she is currently preparing her bull Representing the North Queensland Isis High School, Boyd has already for the show circuit, having shown branch, Maya is a Grade 12 student attended three Junior Beef events and him for the first time last year. at Tully High School where she has is a member of ABBA in his own right. studied agricultural science. Since Currently in Grade 7 at St Mary’s High Grade 9 Maya has specialised in He is very grateful to Cynthia and School, Casino, Chelsea is keen to start animal husbandry and been involved Richard Stark for nominating him to her agricultural studies at school next in preparation and showing of the represent the Southern Branch at year, which will include an element of school’s Droughtmaster cattle team Junior Beef and is very appreciative of cattle handling. and competing in junior judging events. the efforts the organising committee goes to each year. In the last few years Chelsea has As the winner of the 15–19 yrs Junior enjoyed success in the show ring, Cattle Parading competition at the He has always been interested in taking out the Junior Champion Cairns Show in 2019, Maya became cattle, starting with his grandparent’s Parader at the Santa Gertrudis camp the North Queensland Sub-Chamber dairy cows and now his family’s in 2019 and Champion Junior Judge at Representative to compete at the 2019 commercial beef herd. For Boyd, being the Hereford camp in Inverell. Royal Queensland Show (Ekka), where around show cattle is a whole different she was selected as the Queensland experience and he has learned a lot Three years ago Chelsea attended Chamber of Agricultural Societies’ (QCAS) from Junior Beef and other activities. Junior Beef with her family when her Champion Stud Beef Young Parader. This elder brother was participating. This was particularly exciting as Maya had Boyd enjoys all aspects of the Junior gave her a sneak-peak into the event never competed at the state level before. Beef event but the highlight for him and she is keen to be fully involved in She will compete at the Nationals for is competing in the cattle judging all the activities in this year’s event. Parading, which has now been postponed events. Although he prefers doing the to 2021, to be held in New Zealand. judging, Boyd has also experienced success in the showring, parading

46 JUNE 2020 Congratulations....

George and Joan Harriman on their 60th Wedding Anniversary Mitchell and Hanna Redding from 14th of May 1960. Sunnyside Park Brahmans with their daughter, Macy Wilhelmina Redding. Welcomed her into the world on the 5th of December 2019.

Peter & Mariah Chiesa from Palm Creek Brahmans wish to announce the birth of their daughter, Halle Grace Chiesa, born 27th of May 2020.

Cody & Holly Sheahan of Midway Brahmans Ingham welcomed their son Rory Joseph into the world on February 26th 2020 weighing 11lb 6oz and measuring 57cm long. Rory is also the adored little brother of Cait & Ryle.

Nick & Kira Brownson would like to introduce the new bull to Burdekin Brahmans Henry James Brownson born on the 11th of March weighing 7.4lbs and 51cm Long. He should bring some good genetics to the line.

Charlie James Solari Born 7th of May 2020 Son of Callan and Kelly Solari Little brother for Michael and Sophie Dundee Brahman Stud

Mr Dick & Mrs Ivy Fraser had Stud No 5, Dundee Brahman Stud. They joined as a member of ABBA on the 25th June, 1953. The Dundee Stud had links with the first Brahman imports from the USA to Queensland with the stud being founded by two bulls and three heifers imported from the USA in 1952. Following a trip to the USA, Dick Fraser chose two bulls to bring to Australia however due to permit issues these bulls had to sit in the USA another year. When Two of the successfully shown females by the Dundee Stud, Dundee Lady 353 and Dundee they were due to come over Dick and his Lady De Manso 371. father Frank decided to import the three using six imported Brahman Sires and NSW including exhibiting at the Sydney heifers as well. had more than 500 pure and crossbred Royal Show. The bulls that came out were JTG Resoto Brahmans on its books. Dundee was an invaluable source of Manso Jnr 124 and JTG Resoto Manso Jnr The imported sires included JDH Wendell high quality purebred heifers for new 127. The bulls were bred by JT Garrett. de Manso 571/6 brought to Australia by breeders. Mr & Mrs Fraser sponsored The heifers came from JD Hudgins and the CSIRO in 1953. This bull died on the 4th many Rural Youth competitions and were JDH Lady de Manso 548/5, 618/5 of February, 1969, a few months short donated cattle to worthy causes including and 747/5. of his 18th birthday after having made a a bull in 1966 to the Wewak Correction In the early 1960’s Dundee sold two tremendous contribution to the Brahman Centre in Papua New Guinea following an ¾ Brahman Bulls in Townsville for the breed in Australia. earlier shipment of several females and Australian record herd bull price of 1225 bulls to PNG. The stud consistently topped Townsville guineas ($2511.25). The record stood for and Rockhampton sales and took home The contribution made by Mr Dick & about 15 years. many championships with progeny of Mrs Ivy Fraser to the Brahman breed By 1963 when the stud exhibited seven imported bulls and their sons. The stud extracted from the history book, The bulls at Brisbane Exhibition Dundee was promoted the breed through Qld and into Australian Brahman.

Sales and Events

JULY AUGUST 2020 2020

10th - 12th 18th

MOURA ANNUAL PRIMEX FIELD DAYS BRAHMAN SALE Casino Moura Elders

SEPT-OCT 2020

OCTOBER 2020 Advertisers Index ABBA MEMBERS ACCOUNTS Members are reminded to Allflex ...... 9 Hamdenvale ...... 21 use a Member Reference Number Auctions Plus ...... 19 Highfield Park ...... 15 when making direct deposit payments Bayer ...... 37 Inventia Genetic Technologies . .39 Example: “Mem 1234”

Bizzy & Jomanda ...... 5 JM Hoof Trimming ...... 37 If we cannot identify who the payment has come from Boehringer Ingelheim . . . .27 & 31 MDM - Media Digital Marketing .43 then the amount cannot be credited to your account .

Bungarribee ...... 39 PB Fenech ...... 29 Please contact the office if you require further Bungoona ...... 7 Rocky Repro ...... IFC information .

Gipsy Plains ...... BC SBB & GDL ...... IBC

Glengarry ...... 17 & 23 Stockman ...... 13 Halgenaes ...... 13 Y3K ...... 11 Services & Suppliers

DECEMBERJUNE 20202019 51 PROMOTIONAL MERCHANDISE ORDER FORM CODE ITEM SIZE COLOUR QTY PRICE TOTAL 8205 Show / Display Cards $1.00 8208 Breeding Calculator $1.50 8307 Leather Note Book (A5) $35.00 8269 USB Flashdrive (8gb) $12.00 8292 Pens (Maroon or Navy) $2.00 8293 Mouse Mat $6.00 8302 Plastic Ruler $1.50 8212 History Book $5.00 8218 Beef Cattle Australia Book $95.00 8219 Beef Cattle Australia Book Postage $20.00 8221 Belt Buckles (Small) $17.00 8222 Belt Buckles (Large) $22.00 8240 Pewter Key Ring - Bull on Chain $10.00 8245 Badges- Pewter Bull on Stand $5.50 8246 Bull Statues - (6cmx5cm) $25.00 8249 Stickers - Set of Small Head (Black/Clear, Maroon/Clear, White/ Clear, Silver/Clear Black/White) $10.00 8250 Stickers - Set of Large Head (Black/Clear, Maroon/Clear, White/Clear) $22.00 8251 Stickers - Round (8inches) $8.00 8260 Stickers - Gate Stickers $15.00 8309 Stickers- Brahman Country (Silver/White) $1.50 8236 Ties - Repeated Brahman Head (navy & gold)(green & gold) $20.00 8257 Ties - Repeated Brahman Bull (navy/maroon) $25.00 8253 Large Scarf - Repeated Brahman Head (navy / maroon) $20.00 8227 Childrens Polo Shirt (New Style) Size: 2,4,6 Navy & Red Size 8 Navy $25.00 8272 Adult Polo Shirt Sizes: 2XL & 3XL Maroon Sizes: 4XL&5XL Maroon , Navy & Green $25.00 8273 Ladies Polo Shirt New Style Size 16, Pink/Aqua, 18 Aqua, 20 Aqua, 22 Pink $30.00 8232 Women's New Polo Shirt. Sizes: 8,10,12,14,16,18,20,22, 24 (Black/PinkTrim & Black/White Trim) $40.00 8229 Men's New Polo Shirt : SIZES: M, L, XL,2XL,3XL (Navy/White Trim or Black/White Trim)) $40.00 8283 Reversible Vest (Black Sizes XS, M, L XL 3XL & 4Xl) $45.00 8275 ABBA CAP (Navy Only) $10.00 8262 Brahman Mugs - Roger Croser $10.00 8305 ABBA Stubby Cooler - Roger Croser $6.00 8270 Sunshade $25.00 8271 Hat Pin $5.00 8308 Cattle Canes $4.00 8290 Scarf (New Style) (Orange or Purple) $20.00 8291 Scarf Ring (Lattice or Bar) $20.00 8294 Tote Bag (New)Purple, Green, Black, Navy, ) $3.00 8295 Thermal Mug $10.00 8296 Vacuum Insulated Bottle $20.00 8297 Round Leather Keyring $6.00 8298 Fling Thing Folding Flyer (Red or Blue) $4.00 8299 Drink Bottle (800ml) Purple, Pink, Green, Dark Blue) $4.00 8300 Silicone Wristband $2.00 8301 Liquid Hand Sanitiser (60ml) $3.00 8302 Plastic Ruler $1.50 8304 Hi Bounce Ball $4.00 8306 Cushion Covers $35.00 8309 (A) Brahman Country Sticker (Silver/White) / (B) Brahman Quality Beef Ef ciently Produced (maroon/white & white/maroon) $1.50 + Postage $20.00* SPECIALS AVAILABLE - PLEASE SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS AUSTRALIA ONLY Please complete and return to AUSTRALIAN BRAHMAN BREEDERS’ ASSOCIATION LTD together with your preferred PO Box 796, Phone: 07 4927 7799 Fax: 07 4922 5805 method payment: Rockhampton QLD 4700 Email: [email protected] TOTAL PAYMENT OPTIONS: (please ✔ ) CREDIT CARD Visa Mastercard CHEQUE - Enclosed (goods delivered upon clearance of cheque) Name: ......

Card Number: ...... ...... ...... ...... DIRECT DEBIT - NAB BSB No: 084-901 Account No: 43-989-5744 (Please use membership number as a reference) Expiry Date: ...... ...... DELIVERY DETAILS Name: ...... Member No: ...... Address: ...... Postcode: ...... Phone: ...... Mobile: ...... Fax: ...... Prices as of March 2020 - All prices are GST inclusive - Postage extra *Subject to weight of parcel - with large orders the postage will be calculated by weight.

DNA price list

PRODUCT FEES

Brahman Standard Bundle (GGP TropBeef) Genomic package including Parentage, Horn/Poll and Pompes E7 and genomic EBVs (If parentage requested - a sire/dam list must be provided for each batch)

ABBA BREEDPLAN Members $55.00

ABBA Non BREEDPLAN Members $64.00

Traits Panel Includes E7/CMS, Brahman Dwarfism, Horn/Poll and Tenderness Does NOT include GGP TropBeef profile $38.00 Exclusive to ABBA Members

Stand Alone Tests Microsatellite Parentage (Discontinued 31-12-2020) $39.50

SeekSire Parentage $27.60

Myostatin (MSTN) $30.50

Horned/Polled $30.50

BVDV/PI (Pesti Virus) $11.50

Genomic Result Processing Fee – Samples sent direct to lab $6.50

(Pompes, Polled, PV) Result Processing Fee–Samples sent direct to lab $13.75/batch

DNA Result Animal List $11.00

Hair Sample Fee $3.30

Tenderness $30.50

Hair cards $1.00

Allflex® Tissue Sample Unit $2.80

Semen Extract $6.60

Storage Only (hair/semen/tissue) $1.20

Sample Pull From Storage $1.20

DNA Profile Certificate $12.00

Parentage Verification (PV) Retest $7.00

External Profiles $7.00

Allflex TSU Applicators $102.00

TSU Trays (Free with 100 TSU’s) $7.50

Pompes E7 $30.50

Pompes Hair Testing (EMAI) $32.00

Pompes Urgent Testing Fee (EMAI) $5.00

Pompes Hair Testing (51-199 samples) (EMAI) $27.00

Pompes Hair Testing (200 + samples) (EMAI) $19.00

GGP TROPBEEF: A GGP product designed specifically for Australian Indicus. MYOSTATIN: Analyses for nine different variants of the myostatin gene, even The TropBeef chip was designed in partnership with influential Australian though some may not be found in all breeds. breeders and researchers, and genomic data was generated and used from Horn/Poll: SNP based horn/poll result (no percentages). more than 1000 Australian animals in the initial design population. With over Traits Panel: A standalone test that includes all Brahman recessive conditions 97% imputation accuracy, the TropBeef chip will continue to contribute to the (E7, CMS), SNP based Horn/Poll and Tenderness. Does NOT include GGP accuracy of BREEDPLAN values. TropBeef profile. BRAHMAN STANDARD BUNDLE: Includes Pompes E7 and SNP based Horn/ Poll, parentage and GGP Trop Beef profile for Single Step evaluation. SEEKSIRE PARENTAGE: Approximately 500 SNP markers for parentage only. INDIVIDUAL GENETIC CONDITION: Any of the following conditions: Pompes E7 or CMS

54 JUNE 2020 Advertising in the Breeders’ Directory Breeders' Directory for $99 per yr

JUNE 2020 55 Advertising in the Breeders’ Breeders' Directory Directory for $99 per yr

56 JUNE 2020 JUNE 2020 57 Advertising in the Breeders’ Directory for $99 per yr

58 JUNE 2020 Breeders' Directory

JUNE 2020 59 Advertising in the Breeders’ Breeders' Directory Directory for $99 per yr

60 JUNE 2020