Hereford delegates take satisfaction from a tailored breeding program

As president of the Herefords Queensland Youth Association, Miss Reid ran the 2017 Herefords Australia national youth expo this month where she was awarded the Queensland ambassador title.

Miss Reid’s official duties continue with her involvement in her family’s Hereford stud, Talbalba Herefords, Millmerran, created in 1984.

The family join about 250 breeders, retain replacement heifers and turn off 70 bulls through their annual sale.

Turning 21, Miss Reid received her pick of the herd and chose a high quality female to begin her own breeding program.

Miss Reid has also completed honours in a bachelor of animal science majoring in livestock production and was accepted into a graduate position with the Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) this year.

“I get to experience the different enterprises that make up the beef business and I believe this will be a great foot in the door to build my career upon,” she said.

Miss Reid said breeding precision in today’s era was a personal highlight.

“The fact we can grasp genetics from around Australia and internationally is a huge advantage,” she said. “There is a strong future for genomic selection in our national beef herd that will allow us to make earlier breeding decisions resulting in high genetic gain – a win win for all.” 

James McWilliam managed Kanimbla Poll Hereford Stud, Holbrook, NSW, for 10 years before buying into the company as a co-owner two years ago.

He stayed on as manager and said the ability to change an entire program with a couple of decisions made breeding beef cattle an exciting experience.

“To be able to have full control over your breeding program and be able to tailor it to exactly what you want in your paddock is very satisfying,” he said.

He believes in staying true to the type of cattle you like.

“The industry goes through many trends and it’s important not to get caught up in breeding what everyone thinks they need,” he said. “I’d like to see genomics testing simplified and its accuracy improved so both stud and commercial producers can strive for optimum consistency and a clearly defined direction.”

He hoped the next 10 years would allow research and development into genomics testing and feed efficiency trials to flourish, opening many doors for protein production in Australia. 

Anna Holcombe grew up on her parents’ property near Walgett, NSW, where her family have run the Rayleigh Poll Hereford stud herd for 60 years.

She graduated from the University of Sydney with first class honours in a bachelor of science in agriculture last year, and has since worked as a market operator at AuctionsPlus.

Miss Holcombe said technology was having a huge impact on the way producers select, manage and market their stock.

“Particularly when considering the mapping of the cattle genome and incorporation of genomics into breed plan data, producers have access to more and more information to assist them in selecting their sires,” she said. “Breeding technologies also present a unique opportunity for producers to introduce specific genetic material into their herds.”

However, there were potential risks.

“When considering genome sequencing the Australian beef industry must be careful to maintain genetic diversity across breeds as I believe this diversity is integral to ensuring our industry is able to continually adapt to change,” she said.

“I believe demand for red meat is set to increase globally and the Australian beef industry is uniquely placed to continue to increase its export markets, particularly when marketing our beef as a disease-free, high quality product.”

Geoff Birchnell wasted no time getting into the seedstock producing scene, starting his Hereford stud, Avignon Cattle Co, Loomberah, at just nine years of age.

A move from Newcastle to rural NSW in 1993 nurtured Mr Birchnell’s love of cattle production. His primary role within the stud alongside his parents, brother-in-law and grandfather was in the genetics program. “I love the excitement of selecting genetics, often from overseas, and the anticipation of seeing whether they have achieved our desired result,” he said.

Mr Birchnell said the ability of producers to use technology was a crucial element.

“I can see cattle producers becoming increasingly aligned with supply chains and products,” he said. “Australia exports more than 70 per cent of our production and the more we can market this production to a specification the more profit will flow through the system.”

He aims to breed economically superior cattle focusing on traits including calving percentages, cows that raise heavy calves, calves with growth and market flexibility. “I believe grass-fed or short-fed cattle have a tremendous industry appeal. Global markets move quickly and identifying emerging opportunities is the most important factor to success.”

Capitalising on the opportunity to combine her love for working with cattle and other farmers has led Meg Bell, Red Gum Herefords, “Emerald”, Millicent, SA, to build her own livestock consultation business as well as remain hands-on at the family farm. Operating a commercial enterprise of 1800 breeders with her parents Andrew and Annie and brother Sam, and a newly formed stud operation of about six breeders, Ms Bell has the best of both worlds.

"I enjoy consulting because I am able to help farmers, and be involved in research and development," she said. "My brother and I became more interested in breeding and the genetic side of cattle production."

Ms Bell aims to build her knowledge about genetics and genomics to assist in bull selection for the family's stud and commercial operations. 

Brandon Sykes, Longford, Victoria, has worked full-time at his parents’ Mawarra Herefords stud for five years.

The 22 year-old recently started a livestock photography business and has travelled around the country taking photos and videos.

"I had done videos at home for a couple of years, and then had a couple of guys ask if I could help them, and through word of mouth, it's just taken off," he said. "During quiet periods, I do head home to help on farm, but majority of the time I'm on the road," he said.

Business-minded and practical, Sarah Day, Days Whiteface, Bordertown, SA, has forged ahead into what she hopes is a long career working with cattle.

Studying a bachelor of agriculture and business in Armidale, NSW, and working on the family farm in study breaks, Ms Day continues to play a dominant role in the business after spending much of her childhood helping her father, Lachy Day.

"We are trying to create an animal which will achieve good carcase on producers progeny but also keep all those muscling traits as well – so we work pretty hard to make sure we are creating that," she said. 

Ms Day is interested in industry programs and new technology led by bodies such as Meat and Livestock Australia. 

"I would like to work with producers in that aspect and help to bring those tools to them," she said.