THE Alegria Poll Hereford stud herd at Tallandoon began with females purchased at dispersal sales since 2004.
Over the years, stud principals John and Angela Mills have increased numbers using leading genetics in artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET) programs, and now run a breeding herd comprising of approximately 70 females.
Mr Mills said the stud’s focus was on breeding sound, easy-doing cattle, with moderate birth weights, with a strong emphasis on carcase characteristics such as eye muscle area (EMA), intramuscular fat (IMF), and positive fats.
“We’re aiming to keep a reasonable frame size and a bit of bone in our cattle, with a big emphasis on muscling,” Mr Mills said.
“Ninety five per cent of our 2017 born calves are above average for EMA and IMF, and 90 per cent are also above average for all weight gains and market indices, which illustrates the direction and the gains the Alegria herd is making.”
He said doing ability is another top priority.
“We’re also pushing hard on IMF, and good rump and rib fats for good doing ability,” he said.
“We want to produce cattle that will finish easily at any age.”
Polled cattle are the focus, with the stud’s clients moving away from breeding horned breed.
“I do have a few older horned cows left that I won’t cull because they’re really good cows, but I make sure I use homozygous polled sires within the herd, to minimise the chance of horned offspring,” he said.
Bulls are sold mainly to commercial clients, and by private sale.
The stud strives to breed cattle with exemplary performance and quiet temperament.
The stud has been involved in Stock & Land Beef Week for the past five years, and uses the opportunity to talk with clients and discuss the breed, bloodlines and cattle that may suit clients’ operations.
On display will be the stud’s 15 sale bulls, young bulls, and a selection of females.
Mr Mills said the event helps to connect with existing and future clients.
“It’s a good way of getting yourself out there, and you’re targeting people who are actually looking for bulls,” he said.
“The people who are travelling around for Stock & Land Beef Week are genuinely looking for bulls, especially with us being on day nine,” he said.
“So those people who are visiting us are making a real effort to look at our breeding program.”
Alegria Poll Hereford’s Stock & Land Beef Week open day falls on day nine of the event, and is located at the stud’s Tullandoon property, on the Omeo Highway.