Alan and Liz Griffin at Sharoy Park Limousin stud, Warragul South, have been working with the French breed since 2004.
After years of producing vealers and seeing the improved returns from using a Limousin bull they steadily built up their Limousin herd from purchases at dispersal sales and using the best AI sires.
The breeders like the characteristics of the pure french animals with their muscling and volume and have been breeding to retain those traits all while adding polledness.
Most of their sales are from repeat buyers and word of mouth but they have also used Stock & Land Beef Week to promote their stud.
The Griffins this year have five entries in the Gippsland Limousin Breeders production sale on August 11 at Pakenham VLE. After last year’s successful inaugural sale which saw a total clearance of the 28 females with heifers being sold to $2700, Cows sold to $3300 and Cows and calves to $4500. This year the sale has grown to include 29 female lots as well as four bulls on offer. While the number of participating vendors has grown from eight to 12 with well known breeders Gary and Karen Hedger, Garren Park Limousins, Culcairn, NSW, also supporting the sale with 2 hiefers on offer.
The Hedgers recently sold the top priced animal at the 2016 Limousin National Show and Sale.
Leigh and Greg Price, Debonair Limousins, Trafalgar, have two cows in the sale and they have enjoyed a lot of success in the showring recently showing their predominantly black Limousins.
President of the Gippsland Limousin Breeders Promotion Group Mark Reynolds the sale will offer a range of animals to suit the established stud looking for new genetics, breeders wanting to start with Limousin or commercial producers looking for some quality animals.
“I believe that we have not only the best of Gippsland cattle represented but also a great selection of cattle from outside the region,” Mr Reynolds said.
“I believe the cattle on offer will provide opportunities for established stud breeders looking for new genetics, breeders wanting to start with Limousin or commercial producers just looking for quality livestock.”