Booragul produces Angus for all conditions

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Breeding Angus cattle has been a part of Tim Vincent's life for more than 40 years, though what started out as a hobby, with the establishment of the Booragul Angus stud has evolved into a fully fledged, family-run seedstock bull selling operation.

The stud, based in northern New South Wales between Tamworth and Gunnedah,has become a breed leader for its consistency in producing robust cattle that can handle all conditions, while meeting market requirements.

Their region is renowned for its high-class feedlots that supply quality branded Angus product along with a strong demand for heavy supermarket trade cattle.

"Our bull production focusses on important traits of growth, heavy carcase weight and IMF (intramuscular fat), without sacrificing bone and softness. Eating quality and meat tenderness are directly related to marbling regardless of the market you are supplying," Mr Vincent said.

All Booragul progeny are genomic tested, DNA tested, raw data scanned and assessed on docility.

"This year we've taken the step to vaccinate all our sale bulls with 3 Germ for our northern based clients."

Strong client relationships have resulted in a large number of repeat buyers.

"Our biggest achievement over the years is our consistency and having many clients that we've been able to serve year in, year out."

Booragul bulls are now sought after from as far north as Newcastle Waters in Northern Territory to South Australia and Victoria.

The Vincents' efforts with the Booragul herd will be showcased at their 24th bull sale being held at Downfield in Piallaway on Thursday, July 13, from 1pm, where 75 bulls will be offered.

"We reached our highest sale average last year at $19,300. It was a strong result underpinned by support from our regular commercial clients through to fellow seedstock operations."

One man who's no stranger to Booragul bloodlines is Tamworth-based stock and station agent Neil Watson, who has been buying the Vincents' bulls since they began selling at the old timber Tamworth Saleyards more than 25 years ago.

This relationship was forged through Mr Watson's role as the stock agent for Jim and Jane O'Brien. He oversees their pure Angus herd on their properties Peri, at Rocky Creek, and Terry Hie Station towards Moree. The O'Briens went into Angus, chasing the cents per kilogram premium the breed provides, close to 30 years ago and have had sustained success ever since.

"They target the feeder market, mainly selling to Rangers Valley, as the Peri article have outstanding weight gains in the feedlot, and their marbling score is quite good when fed," Mr Watson said.

He said steers are usually sent to the feedlot at 10 to 12 months old and in the mid-300kg range.

"The market has come back between 40 to 50 per cent across the board from a year ago, though producers, like the O'Briens, who are utilising top-end genetics aren't experiencing that downfall. It's times like this when quality is rewarded."

He said quality is synonymous with Booragul bulls, which he described as "no nonsense-type cattle".

"There's no fluff or puff with Booragul bulls. They're prepared in the paddock and what you see is what you get. They're ready to work, and always perform."

Mr Watson has attended the Booragul sale every year.

"The Vincents are good, honest people to deal with, who run a well-oiled, family-orientated operation.

"I will also say a big drawcard for me attending the sale annually is Margaret's coconut marshmallow slice."

An ongoing priority of Booragul is to consistently source new sires to enable them to offer their clients new genetics each year.

Mr Vincent is excited to have some of the first progeny on offer from Dunoon Prime Minister and Te Mania Parenthesis this bull selling season.

"These two sires have bred well over the Booragul herd offering bulls with light birth weight, high growth and tremendous carcase qualities. The first progeny of Booragul Momentous Q70 will also be on offer. This sire has an IMF of 4.9pc, which is in the top 4pc of the breed."

Photos and videos of the lots will be on AuctionsPlus and the Booragul Angus website closer to sale day. The catalogue will be online in early June, with hard copies to be posted three weeks out from the sale.

Booragul is also part of Northern Beef Week, with the Vincents to have their open day on June 21, providing visitors with an chance to inspect the bulls pre-sale. Inspections can also be organised at any time via appointment.

For enquiries call Elders sale agents Nathan McConnell, 0429 653 901 or Brian Kennedy, 0427 844 047, and Tim Vincent, Booragul Angus, on 0429 031 610.

This is branded content for Booragul Angus