A switch to durable Santa Gertrudis cattle five years ago has proven to be a profitable decision for a producer in the Cunnamulla district.
With three cattle properties totalling 70,000 hectares, including acreage at Mungindi and Cunnumulla, Fred Barlow, Wyadrigah Pastoral Company, has traditionally operated a herd of 3500 cows.
However given the dry season, the past two years has reduced this to 1500 breeding cows.
The family owned enterprise began in the 1960’s, and with the help of his son Anthony, a cropping and irrigation operation is also apart of the mixed farming business.
Prior to changing to a Santa Getrudis herd, Fred Barlow was breeding Angus cattle, however he decided that the adaptability and durability of the breed in western country was too great to ignore.
Saying that the breed seemed to suit the region, Mr Barlow was confident the breeders would perform.
“There are a lot of Santa Gertrudis producers’ throughout south western Queensland and it’s because they suit the tougher country especially in dryer conditions,” Mr Barlow said.
“They are self sufficient cattle who are not afraid to get moving and go for a walk for water or food if they are required to; so basically they seem to survive the tougher conditions with more strength than other breeds,” he said.
The original Wyadrigah herd was built on bloodlines from Australian Agriculture Company in the Northern Territory.
In the 2011 and 2012, Mr Barlow decided to purchase 3000 cows and heifers and began purchasing top-quality bulls from Yulgilbar Station, Baryulgil.
“We began with bull bloodlines from numerous studs however since 2011 we have purchased 52 Yulgilbar bulls, including 11 from last years’ sale,” Mr Barlow said.
“Rob Sinnamon at Yulgilbar is very involved in the breed and we trust his breeding and the capabilities of his stud bulls.”
Looking for bulls that have the ability to produce strong weaners, Mr Barlow focuses on bull estimated breeding values (EBVs) with solid growth rate in the early stages.
Aiming a large portion of his produce at feedlots in northern NSW and southern QLD, progeny are sold at 14 months-old or custom feed for 100 days in a feedlot to about 630 kilograms.
“We are getting great results with our Santa herd through this practice,” Mr Barlow said.
“The performance of our cattle is well known in the trade and we have no problem getting contracts.”
“We will stay with the breed because they perform in the way we need them to in sometimes tough conditions, giving a great end result.”
