INTRODUCING the Simmental breed to their mixed farming enterprise has been a wise move for Richard and Dianne Whiteman, "The Rookery", Cobar.
Together with their son Craig they run 300 Simmental breeders along with 1500 Dorper ewes on their 22,600-hectare operation.
"You have to farm smarter these days," Mr Whiteman said.
"Introducing a breed that gives you better results in the long run is essential.
"We introduced Simmental into our herd about 15 years ago and we couldn't be happier with the result."
Mr Whiteman said Simmentals have a terrific growth rate when compared to other breeds and often can mean the difference of 100kg in a 12 month period.
"You may not get them as fat as an Angus or Hereford, but they have got a good big frame; they will be heavier when its time to sell and that's what it is all about," he said.
"Fertility is also a notable trait; our calving rate with Simmentals has been impressive.
"Overall the Simmental is very big, fertile and has a good temperament to work with."
A third generation farmer, the Whitemans settled at "The Rookery" more than 100 years ago, originally operating with just Merinos.
Mr Whiteman said when the Merino industry "fell over" they made the transition to the Hereford cattle breed as an additional revenue path.
"When we first put the Simmental over our Hereford heifers the first cross calves on the ground were excellent," Mr Whiteman said.
In 2006 the Whitemans introduced the Barana Simmental bloodline.
In both 2013 and 2011 they paid the top price at the Barana on-property bull sale.
In 2013 the Whitemans purchased, in partnership with Daniel Stephens, 21-month-old Barana Gullive G207.
The red bull, sired by the 2011 Brisbane Ekka senior and grand champion bull Barana Echura E024, and out of a Brewers dam, weighed in at 958 kilograms with a scrotal circumference of 46 centimetres, eye muscle area (EMA) of 140 square centimetres and a rib fat of nine millimetres.
Mr Whiteman also secured Barana G131, a 23-month-old son of Barana Emotion E059.
He said the move to purchase from the Barana stud has been beneficial, regularly sourcing a replacement sire from them every two years to keep the numbers up.
"The Barana bull seems to me to be a superior type of animal," Mr Whiteman said.
"I am happy with them and the results achieved through our herd, the bulls have assisted in giving the females that genetic lift."
Mr Whiteman said across the years they have introduced holistic management through rotational grazing to get optimal feed for the cattle.
He said they have also concentrated on pasture improvement on what he calls "a pretty bad area".
"We have been very fortunate at 'The Rookery' and have never been forced to hand feed and this spell is no different.
"The season at the moment is just hanging in there; it's not luxurious, but we were more fortunate than some of our neighbours and received the earlier drop of rain."
