Hereford producer chooses local weaner sale to feature high-quality pens

Andrew Sellars-Jones, Chandpara Pastoral Co, Tylden, will offer about 30 Poll Hereford steers and about 16 mixed-sex Black Baldies at the Kyneton weaner sale in January.

Mr Sellars-Jones said his herd were based on heifer weaners they purchased from Casterton more than 30 years ago.

"They were a really-lovely group of heifers and they were the foundation of the herd," he said.

He said they sourced bulls locally and supported nearby sales regularly.

"Recently we've purchased bulls from Allendale in South Australia and they've made their mark, we're really happy with them," he said.

"We're very strict on [the herd] too, being a veterinarian we pregnancy test and everyone knows it's a fundamental part of raising cattle.

"I take pride in my cattle being very quiet, they'll be pre-weaned as well."

He said they calved twice a year to manage the Macedon Ranges' "brutal" winters.

"For spring calving to work we need to have the season we're having now, if the season was cut really short it could be over and the calves would stop," he said.

"The winters here are brutal and that's a burden, but when they get to spring they're at an age and a stage where they really make the most of the spring feed."

He said he had sold at Ballarat previously, but chose to sell locally for 2024.

"Agents are quite confident there will be good support, my cattle are known locally and we do have repeat customers"