The inaugural Beef Cattle Precinct display proved to be a resounding success with show visitors last year, and will return, expanded in scope, for 2017.
The display aims to showcase a range of breeds and studs in northern Victoria and southern New South Wales in 2017, and coordinator Mark Bazeley, Riverina Wool, Moama, said the initiative will showcase the diverse range of breeds within the region.
“I was gobsmacked over the amount of interest shown in the display last year, we had heaps of people coming in to have a look at the cattle,” Mr Bazeley said.
“A lot of my wool clients run cattle, so we put together exhibits of two to four animals from about a dozen breeds to give visitors a good cross section of cattle to inspect,” he said.
“It made people aware that you don’t have to buy bulls from big studs, we have lots of good small operators around the region.”
He said last year some cattle being exhibited sold on-site, and the event provided solid business for exhibitors post-event.
“I exhibited a bull in the Santa Gertrudis display from Robert and Julie Vise, Rochester, which later in the year sold at Tamworth for over $50,000; the Precinct was a great place to get the word out about the cattle we produce.
“I was very pleased with how it all went, and the response we received.”
Studs exhibiting in the Beef Cattle Precinct this year will include: Strathvalley Poll Herefords; Eureka Park Brangus; Nelore’ Angus; Wattledene Murray Greys; Waterford Charolais; Beckenham Limousins; Tataila Shorthorns; Red Cactus Red Polls; Bolton Girls Red Angus; Eureka Creek Brahmans; Hanging Rock Speckle Parks; and Burramurra Santa Gertrudis.
“We may also have exhibitors representing the Simmental, Maine Anjouis and Wagyu breeds, attending the event as well.”
Mr Bazeley said as well as the exhibits, this year he’s organised for a veterinarian, a cattle nutritionist and Santa Gertrudis classifier Russell Gray to present over the period of the show.
“I’m still working out the details with the vet and the nutritionist, but Russell, will be talking about what he looks for when inspecting animals for Santa Gertrudis classification.
“He’s very good at explaining the good and bad characteristics to look for when making commercial selection decisions.”
Mr Bazeley is already looking ahead to the 2018 show, and hopes to further advance the Beef Cattle Precinct.
“Next year we’re going to be seriously looking at introducing a competitive element to the display.”
*For enquiries please call Mark Bazeley on 0417 599 686 or email rivwool@mcmedia.com.au
