STRONG growth rates, exceptional muscling and a quiet temperament make the Limousin breed the perfect fit for Ross Brennan's vealer operation, based at Mangoplah, NSW.
The experienced shearer and farm hand purchased his current 93-hectare property, Pleasant View, about two years ago, and is in the process of improving the farm's infrastructure and pastures.
Mr Brennan's interest in the Limousin breed began about four years ago, after seeing the high prices paid for several pens of Limousin-cross vealers at the Wodonga saleyards.
"There were some good lines of Angus vealers making up to 180c/kg, but then three pens of Limousin-cross vealers came in and the prices jumped up to 238c/kg and I decided there and then to get a Limousin bull," he said.
After attending the breed's National Show and Sale at Wodonga several times, Mr Brennan has built up his numbers to 19 pure Limousin cows, sourced mainly from Garren Park Genetics, and is keen to increase his numbers further.
"I like to see the quality genetics on offer at the National Show and Sale and will definitely be making the trip back there again this year."
Mr Brennan uses a combination of visual appraisal and estimated breeding values for his bull selection, with a focus on doability, docility and fast growth rates.
"Docility is number one for me as I have to handle the cattle by myself and I think if you have a docile bull, your stock have a much better chance of being calm which also helps their growth rates," he said.
"I look at the Breedplan figures for 400-day weight which I want to be more than +40 for vealer production and structural soundness, including good feet, is also important."
Current herd sires include the five year-old bull, Garren Park King's Ransom, who features genetics from the renowned Wulf stud in the United States.
"He is the only bull with these genetics in Australia and is also homozygous polled and proto free by DNA test, I am hoping to sell some straws of semen from him in the future."
The cows calve from early September onwards and the calves are sold as vealers through the Wagga Wagga saleyards, NSW, with a live weight of 300-350kg targeted.
Quality lineup for 2019 Limousin National Show and Sale
SOME of the country's best Limousin genetics will be on offer when 24 studs exhibit and sell at the 2019 National Show and Sale on May 2 and 3.
Studs will show their cattle for judges Peter Collins, Merridale Angus, Tennyson, Victoria, and Jack Whitty, JR Limousins, Forbes, on May 2, before the sale, featuring 89 lots, on May 3.
The sale day begins with a helmsman auction for nine frozen genetic lots, before the bull and female sale which begins at 12pm.
The catalogue features 35 bulls and 45 females from studs based in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.
Visit www.limousin.com.au for more information.