Best breeding comes to the current generation through the female line at a ratio three to one compared to the male input - or so say those who spruik that formula.
John Claydon, ‘Springfield’ Mingoola, believes passionately in the pursuit of sensible production through his female line. Many of his silver Brahman breeders descend from Walla Miss D 637, a daughter to landmark bull Walla Don Gustavo Manso who was top of his class in the 1980s.
Brahman genetics are chosen carefully in Mr Claydon's eye, with recognition of pin to tailbone, depth, and muscle over hump being the critical parameters. Breeders must be quiet and are selected as such. A broad muzzle is a good thing too.
Longevity seems to be an inherited trait, with his oldest cow still producing calves at 20 years old. Her mother was 22 when she was born. A bull by that cow sold for $25,000.
At the recent Tenterfield Show, judge Alistair Rayner, Tamworth, decreed Mr Claydon’s females the pick of the bunch in the prime cattle section.
“Don’t be afraid of the Brahman,” he had advised those Tablelands breeders who tend towards Angus. “Length times height times width equals volume and what we see here is a lot of volume.”
Mr Claydon first learned to love cattle and ride a horse in the steep mountain country of Kyogle, at Roseberry Creek, where his father, a stock inspector with the department, was an early adopter of the breed and marveled at its ability to infuse British genetics with vigour at the first cross.
Sadly old Jack died of cancer within a year of his colleagues – 35 in total – employed to dip cattle with a toxic brew. His enthusiasm for Brahman lives on.
Not that this second incarnation came without challenge. John has struggled through failed loves, defended his property against bastard banks by working harder – a remarkable achievement considering he was paralysed for four months a dozen years ago when a horse crushed his back and pelvis.
Just last month he rolled his truck and dog coming down the eastern fall towards Casino. The concussion that followed forced him to spend a fortnight on the couch. “That holiday,” he said. “Did me a world of good.”
Genetics provide best base
John Claydon credits Rob Innes from Walla at Gin Gin for educating him about Brahman cattle when he worked there as stud manager 28 years ago.
“Rob taught me so much about the breed,” he said. Rob’s sister Elizabeth Fahey brought Brahman knowledge to the Clarence through Nettle Creek at upper Copmanhurst.
Another sister, Margaret Morgan of Lillyvale feedlot at Condamine might recall the time John, working there as livestock manager, sent a consignment of Brahman cross Simmental cattle to Woolworths at a time when Brahman content was disallowed. The Woolworths buyer later praised that draft of cattle that hit the grid in every way. When the cheeky ringer broke the news that those cattle were Brahman cross the buyer refused to believe it.
Mr Claydon’s current bull is by Tony Fenech, Wowan via Rockhampton. Other bulls have come from Roger and Lorena Jefferis ‘Elrose’ Kuridala via Cloncurry.
