Stars aligning at Ensay

The Ensay local has been breeding Herefords for 55 years, successfully juggling a commercial operation since the 1960s - and more recently a stud since 2001.

"Fat cattle prices have improved too this year. There's certainly every indication this year's Mountain Calf sales are going to be very good," he said.

The stars appear to be aligning for the High Country farmer, who's a regular at the annual Ensay weaner cattle sales.

This year Mr Newcomen is gearing up to offer 200 mixed-sex Hereford and Hereford-Shorthorn calves, 10-11 months, at Ensay on March 11.

The calves have been weaned since January.

"They are all looking great," he said.

One big difference this year will be a specially selected line of 25 heifers, which have been individually tagged and tattooed.

Buyers will easily be able to access the background of each calf, including their sire and dam.

"The heifers are a bit special, because I was going to keep them," he said.

With breeding females in demand, Mr Newcomen is hopeful of his calves attracting good prices.

On sale day, potential buyers will also have the added bonus of viewing of the Newcomen bulls on-farm.

"It's something I've been doing ever since I started the stud," he said, adding his 12th annual bull sale will be held the week after the Mountain Calf sales on March 18.

Mr Newcomen's operation includes 240 commercial cows, 50 Hereford-Shorthorn cows and 60 registered Hereford females, which are predominantly autumn-calving.

He says one of the keys to breeding quality Herefords is investing in quality bulls.

"I couldn't always afford to do that, but it's something we've really focused on," he said.

In 2012, he shelled out $30,000 for Bowmont Storm F909, with the impressive sire's first calves among this year's Ensay sale draft.

He also invests in leading genetics for his artificial insemination program too, selecting both horned and polled animals.

One of the more valuable lessons Mr Newcomen has picked up over the years is how to pick a good bull.

"It makes a big difference," he says.

"I go for an animal that has reasonable size, and is well-balanced."

He's also learnt from one of the breed's most renowned characters: Jim Allen, of South Boorook Herefords.

"Jim once told me that you always go for the bull that looks over the gate - not through the gate, because he has good neck extension and good shoulder development," Mr Newcomen said.

Figures are equally as important.

"The bull needs the figures to match, but you can't pick a bull on figures alone."

One of his most recent accolades was being named as a finalist in the 2015 Beef Week heifer challenge competition.

"We were one of two Hereford studs in the top 12," he said.

"The heifers weighed well and were well-grown. I'm really proud of that, because it's a reflection of the quality cattle we are breeding."