The continuing emergence of grassfed markets and the Murray Grey breed’s dominance of carcase characteristics stood the breed in good stead, according to Brett Davidson.
Brett Davidson and Sarah Chaplin, Mount Major Murray Grey stud, near Dookie, believe the evolving grass fed markets are a boon for the breed.
Murray Greys had the temperament and carcase characteristics suited for those markets, Mr Davidson said.
He said there were “very good” markets for pasture fed cattle at premium prices particularly through Teys and JBS – “it’s a good time to be in Murray Greys”.
Mount Major foundation cows were bought from Dajory at Congupna and Mount View, Rochester, that were based on The Glen and Willalooka bloodlines.
“We purchased two to three cows in various sales, selected to match our objectives, and then breeding on from there,” he said.
The proof is in the data with the Mount Major herd currently the highest ranked herd in the breed for intramuscular fat (IMF) and eye muscle area (EMA).
All the animals in the herd were also in the top 10 percent of the breed for Estimated Breeding Values (EBV).
Mr Davidson said every animal was scanned and assessed including feet scoring.
He said they had been able to maintain their birth weight figures - around 36 kilograms for heifer calves and 38kg for bull calves – while increasing all other traits.
“You need a live calf first and then you want them to grow and produce something special,” he said.
Every animal was correctively mated with four to five sires used including one or two new sires each year.
“You need to keep bringing new genetics into the herd to give diversity for clients for outcross animals,” he said.
Mount Major sells around 20 bulls a year and are looking to expand their landholdings to run more females.
The catchment for buyers ranges from Wagga Wagga to Tasmania, including King Island this year, and South Australia via private selection.
“We prefer to work with buyers to match animals to people’s herds and needs,” he said.
The majority of client herds were straight Murray Grey herds aiming at the pasture fed premium brands.
The balance were used in cross breeding programs or by clients switching over to Murray Greys because of their temperament and carcase results.
“If you have got the right cattle there are some handy premiums around,” he said.
“It’s really pleasing to get feedback from clients about sale results and carcase feedback.
“I think we have the balance fairly right producing genetically superior animals that are giving good data.”
Mr Davidson said he was excited about DEXA coming. “You want people to be paid for what they produce. Good breeders will end up with a lot more clients because they are producing a quality product,” he said.
He said the market signals were there – big and strong. Consumers wanted quality, sustainably raised animals.
“For me the margins in agriculture are tight so you need to be producing a quality product aiming for a premium,” he said.
The feedback from processors was also that the importance of Murray Grey’s quiet temperament reduced the number of dark cutters.
Mr Davidson said the season had been tough.
They had a store of hay and silage to get them through the season and have purchased additional supplies from local failed crops.
The stock had done well on the feed and were looking good.
