October 2024-Newsletter
To say it is interesting times to be in the beef cattle industry would be an understatement. Every week seems to present another example of a particular breeds growing stranglehold on the market and offers up even more challenges for all other breeds including Speckle Park. As farmers we get used to fluctuating weather and markets but when the industry itself seems to be attacking our livelihood it can feel pretty disheartening.
There is no denying that quality is the key and the sooner the industry focuses on quality, productivity and sustainability the better we will all be. And so onwards and upwards we go.
We continue to grow our commercial herd and with calving almost completed we are running close to 1000 head across our properties in the Tamworth and Central West regions of NSW. Both areas have enjoyed a wet winter and Tamworth in particular is having a magnificent spring. Oberon's spring stalled somewhat due to late frosts and horrible winds however recent falls of 20mm-25mm has certainly made the season look more promising.
Our last February Female Sale was in 2018 and we are excited to announce it's return in 2025. On the 21st and 22nd February 2025 we will be holding an on-farm Private Treaty Female Sale in Oberon, NSW. On offer will be weaner heifers, ready to join heifers, PTIC heifers and PTIC cows plus genetic packages. Each lot will have a set price and will be sold on a first in first served basis. More details, photos and videos will be available in the coming months. As luck would have it Oberon Rodeo is on Saturday 22nd February so why not make a weekend of it. We would recommend booking accommodation early as the rodeo is very popular. You can follow the Oberon Rodeo Facebook page here
And exciting news! We have a National Champion in our ranks. Olivia Delaforce recently travelled to Melbourne Royal Show to compete in the Agshows National Paraders and Grain Judging Competitions. She came away with Reserve Champion in the Grain judging and National Champion in Paraders. A massive achievement three years in the making. Congratulations Liv.
Triple Treat Sale Results
Toowoomba Showgrounds
6th September 2024
Thank you to the buyers, underbidders, and supporters of our Triple Treat Sale. With over 140 people in attendance plus bidders on Auctions Plus and Stocklive it was a great day of selling great cattle to great people.
Purebred lots
31of 48 bulls sold to a top of $18000 ave $8018
22 of 22 heifers sold to a top of $11000 ave $6667
16 of 16 embryos sold to a top of $1800 ave $1300
12 of 16 semen straws sold for $375/straw
Commercial cattle
25 of 25 Speckle Park steers sold to a top of $1400/head and averaged $1298/head (Average weight 341kgs @ $3.80/kg)
119 of 123 Speckle Park commercial heifers sold to a top of $1500/head and averaged $1126/head
12 of 12 Speckle Park commercial cows & calves sold to a top of $2200/head and averaged $2067/head
Conversation Starter
What's your thoughts on the this quote from an article published on The Land's website 15/10/2024-I wonder will coat colour still be a factor? And what does it mean for bull sales for other breeds?
"It's expected that by early next year the framework will be in place for animals with just 50pc Angus content - so for example the progeny of an Angus bull put over a Hereford or Brahman herd - to be called Angus."
