This year’s competition saw judges cast their eye over 10 entrants representing an approximate total of 5,000 Cows and 1,750 Heifers.
The 2nd annual Crookwell AP&H Societies, Commercial Cattle breeders’ competition kicked off this year, with 10 participants entered in the competition, displaying their herds best cows and heifers.
Judges for the competition were Alastair Rayner, Rayner Ag and Gavin O’Brien, Winchester Charolais.
The Commercial Cattle breeders’ competition is divided into two main categories, Joined or PTIC heifers and Cows and Calves.
Entrants are required to display at least 10 heifers and 20 Cows and Calves with entrants judged on Frame, Condition, Conformation, Temperament, Evenness of type, % of herd and Calves.
This year’s competition saw judges cast their eye over 10 entrants representing an approximate total of 5,000 Cows and 1,750 Heifers.
Flowerburn Pastoral seized the major awards again this year, with a clean sweep in both the heifer and cow categories, as well as the peoples’ choice awards, voted by other participants and spectators who follow the judges as they inspect each entrants’ herds.
Flowerburn Pastoral run a herd of mainly Sprys blood Shorthorn breeders and principal Dan Fitzell is extremely happy, if a little modest, with the accolades for his herd.
“The heifers were better this year, although the cows were back a little given the season. But we are really happy with them.”
Judge Alastair Rayner had higher praise for the Flowerburn herd.
The functionality of the Flowerburn females really caught his eye.
“They were a really even herd, moderate maturity, excellent shape, fertile and efficient. The kind of herd you want to hold up and say if you want to know what a great commercial herd looks like, here it is.”
The Flowerburn herd hasn’t happened by accident either, with Mr Rayner commenting on the Fitzells dedication to their breeding program.
“They are capturing the data, keeping really good records and using the feedback to tell them where they need to go. The consistency of the herd is the kind that processors love to see.”
Dan Fitzell’s attention to detail and passion for his cattle and program was also clearly evident.
“He knows what the cattle are and what the specifications for their markets are. He knows he needs functional and fertile females to achieve his aims.”
Dan Fitzell certainly knows his markets, reporting that last years Shorthorn calves achieved around $500 per head more for the steers and $600 per head more for their surplus heifers, which all went into the JBS feedlot as EU heifers.
Market access is also a key feature of the Shorthorn breed.
“Why sell the Shorthorns and buy in Angus. I am making the same money for the Shorthorn calves as the Angus breeders get and there is always more than one market trying to buy them.”
The Crookwell Commercial Cattle breeders’ competition is only into it’s second year, however Alastair Rayner pointed out the importance of these competitions.
“This is a really good competition, certainly worthwhile for breeders to participate in.”