WIDE access to profitable markets and the heightened benefits of hybrid vigour have led a Guyra producer to apply cross bred genetics and run a herd of black baldy cattle.
Bill and Jacqui Perrottet, Urandangie Pastoral, Guyra, moved from south west Queensland in 1999 and now operate a 1815 hectare property.
Bringing with them a long family history in cattle production, the Urandangie Pastoral’s original herd consisted of a mixed genetic base.
Purchasing pregnancy-tested-in-calf (PTIC) Droughtmaster, Murray Grey, Angus and Braford cows, the original breeds were then joined to black Angus bulls from Tangley, Guyra.
Choosing Angus for their market adaptability, Mr Perrottet then purchased Hereford bulls from Yalgoo, Walcha, and Arjaym, Llangothlin, to introduce further quality genetics such as temperament, which the Hereford breed is known for producing.
“I purchase my Angus bulls from these studs because of their good figures and grass fed temperament,” Mr Perrottet said.
“I decided to cross breed for hybrid vigour and good maternal traits – I have seen this breed combination produce beneficial results in the past,” he said.
Urandangie Pastoral runs 430 cows and 200 replacement heifers, joining heifers in November and cows in both November and December.
“These joining times fit into feed growth for the district,” Mr Perrottet said.
Aiming to achieve fertility, calving ease, growth and moderate mature body weight, Mr Perrottet retained his own heifers to join for the past 10 years instead of purchasing PTIC cows.
“In the first two years, heifers are joined to an Angus bull and then Hereford bulls there after,” he said.
“I made the change to our own breeders to have control over genetics and breeding cycle – sometimes you can buy other breeders’ problems.
“Since beginning this and our cross breeding combination, the traits we are looking for within our herd are continuing to improve.”
