NEW kids on the block at Northern Beef Week, Avignon Herefords, Loomberah, chose 2016 to debut their new and exciting North American bloodline to the beef industry.
Running more than 200 head on 300 hectares near Tamworth, Geoff Birchnell and his family, have the passion to breed Hereford cattle which will make a long-lasting impact on the breeds genetic future.
Launching the stud in 1992, the focus shifted from the foundation herd of cows from Emu Hole Herefords, Quirindi, Parson Hill, Tamworth and Hillcrest Herefords, Willow Tree, to building a strong herd via artificial insemination and embryo transplants, including out-cross American genetics.
Mr Birchnell said the focus however remains on breeding quality maternal traits, calving ease, milk and gestation length.
“We also focus on breeding carcase and commercially relevant bulls, to keep these genetics strong, we began working with North American studs to implement the Line One program,” Mr Birchnell said.
Since beginning the program three years ago, he said they are now seeing the North American traits come to fruition.
“We will be showing our first 100 per cent North American blood calves during Northern Beef Week,” He said.
“You don’t see this often so we are really excited to be able to share this with people who come visit.”
“It will be a good experience for interested people to compare our 100pc Australian bulls to the 100pc North American bulls and then the combination of Australian and North American bulls altogether.”
Saying that there is great advantage in potential clients being able to view the entire spectrum of the Avignon Hereford breeding plan, Mr Birchnell is eager to discuss why they strive to build an animal that is efficient, versatile and high performing.
“The aim is to breed a better animal then we did the year before; we are expanding the positive traits which we are beginning to build within our herd,” Mr Birchnell said.
Choosing an October-November join to maintain feed requirements, about 100 calves are expected to hit the ground in August-September.
“We calve in spring because in our conditions we get a lot of summer storms, it’s our best window to make sure we can grow good feed,” Mr Birchnell said.
“Feed is always a focus, especially for the calf in first nine months, this helps produce quality carcass and therefore we have access to premium markets,” he said.
By introducing out-cross genetics to an Australian genetic base, Mr Birchnell is confident the direction of his herd will continue to breed even more efficient and industry relevant cattle.
“Over the years the cattle industry has certainly changed and that’s why we began looking for stronger genetics from maternal aspects right through to carcase,” he said.
Being well aware of the presence and drawing capacity of Beef Week, the Birchnell’s have chosen 15 bulls of varying ages and genetics to put up for sale.
Avignon Herefords, open day is June 29, “Avignon” 788 Loomberah Road, Loomberah.
