Kyneton doctor set to sell weaners

Dr Priest said he and his family moved to the 80-hectare property, just to the south of the town, about 20 years ago.

The previous owner also ran sheep, but Dr Priest said he switched solely to cattle as they were simpler.

"It's a different type of work, the cattle don't answer you back and you can fit the work in when you want to," he said.

He said he relied heavily on the advice of local stock agent Kieran McGrath, McGrath Rodwells.

"Up until recently, I've been buying cows with calves at foot because I didn't want the problems of first-calvers," he said.

"This year, I've kept back some heifers because it's just too expensive, buying cows with calves at foot."

While he admitted he wasn't strong on traits, he said he had a clear aim in mind.

"I'm looking to do quite well at the Kyneton weaner sales, there is a bit of prestige if you can come near the top," he said.

He was currently running four bulls.

Last year, Dr Priest added Boonaroo's sale-topping bull, GPS J6 M103 to his operation, buying the sire for $18,000.

M103 was an 18 month old, 810-kilogram bull, out of a New Zealand-bred Cricklewood 466 cow by Anvil J006.

Feeding hay and silage was probably one of the largest parts of the operation.

"I do cell graze, I have 19 paddocks and rotate them around, and that increases production by about 10 per cent or more," he said.

He said he'd like to see a local group of beef producers set up to discuss common experiences and challenges.