One of the only black animals on Glenrowe Pastoral’s Yarck properties is manager Adrian Rowe’s “farm hand” - his Labrador dog, Harley.
While Angus cattle dominate most herds in the Yarra Valley, from Lilydale through to Alexandra, Mr Rowe, like father John, is a firm Hereford fan.
“My father chose Herefords because he liked a certain type of stock, which had a pedigree about them,” Mr Rowe said.
Mr Rowe said he had always had a “hands-on” role with the family run business, Glenrowe Pastoral, owned by his father John and mother Laraine.
Mr Rowe said his sister Melanie, also helped out on cattle muster days, marking and drenching.
“It’s a combined family effort, we have both grown up always helping our parents as much as we can,” he said.
“Back when super wasn’t as refined, it was my job to climb into the bins and push it down.
The two properties, at Yarck, covered 200 hectares and had been developed over 35 years.
“Since I could walk, I’ve been involved in the farm,” he said.
“I would rather be out in the paddock, rather than go and work anywhere else.”
Late last year, Mr Rowe bought 17, 12-month old Chauvel blood steers at Yea. He said cheaper stock was 100 kilograms lighter, but only $50 a head less.
“So I spent a bit more and got the larger animals. We had the pasture and I just wanted my own venture, within the company.
“I did a deal on paddock agistment and it’s added another level to my interest, in helping the family business.”
Mr Rowe said when the farm started 35 years ago, the original bloodlines were Island Bend Hereford (horned) stud females, later complemented by animals from Lowanna and YavenVale.
The family initially used South Boorook, Ardno, Lowanna and Glendale Stud sires but in the past six years, had switched to Poll Hereford, homozygous bulls from YavenVale. Tarcombe and Ravensdale bloodlines had also been introduced to the system.
Glenrowe’s original breeding aims were to produce a good quality line of cattle for the local vealer sales, together with easy calving and maintenance.
Glenrowe joined heifers at about 15 months, to calve at about two years of age.
“The traits we are looking for good rump, medium shoulders, dark colouring and good hooded eyes,” Mr Rowe said.
Glenrowe currently bred about 100 weaners a year, for the January/February Yea sales.
“The main reason for the January Yea weaner sales is because the Yarra Valley and its extension don't get much rain in summer, so you lighten your load.”
This year, Mr Rowe said the family planted a summer crop of millet and rape, growing out the stock to 450-500kg, for sale direct to the works.
Mr Rowe said he disced the paddocks himself, before turning the rest of the preparation and sowing over to Apteds Farm Services.
