A PEN of 24 Poll Hereford steers bred and presented for sale by Edmund Laffan, “Deloraine”, Victoria, won best pen of Hereford steers at the annual Blue Ribbon Weaner Sales in Wodonga.
The sash, sponsored by Herefords Australia, was judged by Nick McKimmie, livestock agent from Tallangatta, Victoria, who said they were the most even pen of calves offered among the selection of very good Hereford steers.
“They are true to type,” Mr McKimmie said.
“And they look to have a quite temperament.”
Indeed, that trait is what Mr Laffan actively pursues when selecting replacement bulls and classing his breeders.
Mr Laffan is the third generation of his family to breed Herefords on the property north of Melbourne which was purchased by his grandfather in 1933.
“The Hereford herd came with the property, and we have stayed with the breed,” Mr Laffan said.
“The cattle do very well on our country, and I like their temperament.”
The ability do perform under tough seasonal conditions has also endeared the breed to the Laffan family over the years.
The autumn 2014 drop weaners were yard weaned, and Mr Laffan said they gained on average 2.2kgs/day whilst being fed in the yards.
The steer weaners were sold to repeat buyer, from Dixons Creek, Yarra Valley, Victoria for $1230.
