The Boundary Rider’s Report June 2024

Welcome to the June edition of our monthly blog with a big focus on the bull sale with updated links and more information.  Please do not hesitate to come and have a look at our bulls in the lead up to our sale.

Seasonal Update at Bald Blair

We have received good rain recently and nearly 400mm year to date at Bald Blair.  All other properties east of here have received more rain than that.  We have had our first few frosts, plus snow, hail, and sleet;  it is cooling down for winter.  The variation of rainfall between properties is a constant reminder of the benefits of having blocks in different locations and while the logistics is always challenging the weather diversity is a huge benefit. 

Soil Moisture across our properties is currently good. There appears to be a more than likely chance of more than median rain for the remainder of the year.

Annual Bald Blair Bull Sale 

Bull Sale - Tuesday 6th August 2024, 1 pm.

Open Day Sunday, 4th August 2024, from 10am to 3 pm for clients to inspect bulls.

Link to online catalogue Angus Australia CLICK HERE

Link to AuctionsPlus CLICK HERE

Link to early registration CLICK HERE

Link to Reference Sires: Click here or CLICK HERE for the list on the Angus Australia website.

Request a catalogue: Please send your address to kirstywhite@baldblair.com.au

The bull sale team preparation is in full swing. 

There will be bulls for sale at 2 Years of age, 18 months of age and 12 Months of age. 

We have completed our first round of bull breeding soundness examination (Bull Check) by our vet Dr Leisa Brown - please see letter on our website and catalogue. 

We have submitted our bull sale team to the Angus Society and it is now available online and on AuctionsPlus.  The lot order is subject to change leading up to the bull sale catalogue being printed. 

We are delighted to once again be able to serve Bald Blair Angus beef from our steers fed at Rangers Valley Feedlot.  Being able to serve a paddock to plate experience at our bull sale provides an amazing opportunity for you to experience what the Bald Blair Angus genetics are capable of.  Our commercial herd is the proving ground for our genetics and our steak is the end result.  We really appreciate the support of the team at Rangers Valley Feedlot for enabling us to share this special product with you.

This year we will have a great lineup of Bulls for sale, with bulls by sires:

• Tehama Patriarch, 
• Sitz Resilient, 
• Rennylea L519, 
• Paratrooper P15, 
• Chiltern Park Moe, 
• Bald Blair Phenotype P97, 
• Bald Blair Pheonix P52, 
• Bald Blair Momentous R71, 
• Bald Blair Quebec Q133, 
• Bald Blair Q155. 
• Sterling Confidence Plus 804, 
• SS Brickyard, 
• Myers Fair n Square.

For links to these sires please CLICK HERE

The bulls have received all animal husbandry treatments to ensure they are fit to work as soon as you take them home:

• 
  Bovi Shield MH - vaccine for the control of bovine respiratory disease caused by Mannheimia haemolytica.
• Flukazole C - control of benzimidazole-sensitive mature and immature roundworms, lungworms, tapeworms and early immature (including 2-week old fluke), immature and mature liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) in cattle.
• Pestiguard - vaccine for the prevention of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV), otherwise known as Bovine Pestivirus.
• 7in1 - Ultravac 7in1 is used for the routine immunisation of cattle for the prevention of: • enterotoxaemia (pulpy kidney disease), • tetanus, • black disease, • malignant oedema (blackleg-like disease), including swelled head in rams, • blackleg in cattle and sheep and • leptospirosis (L. Hardjo and L. Pomona).
• Vibriovax - Vibrovax® vaccine is used for the prevention of infertility and abortion in cattle caused by Vibriosis.
• Tick Fever - Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is a vaccine used to prevent tick-borne encephalitis. 
• Lice treatment.
• They have all been tested for the presence of PI’s, non were detected and as Bald Blair has a whole herd vaccination in place. 

We work very closely with Dr Leisa Brown BVSc Hons,  the owner and manager of Guyra District Veterinary Services. Leisa is a member of the Australian Cattle Veterinarians (ACV) Association. Each year before our annual on property bull sale, Leisa conducts a ACV Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluation on each bull listed in the bull sale catalogue. This test includes:

• A physical examination,
• Examination of the reproductive organs,
• Semen collection and assessment of gross motility,
• Semen morphology – with samples being assessed by an accredited morphologist at the Australian Veterinary Semen Morphology.

Leisa is always on call for any other cattle husbandry requirements when required and we greatly appreciate her skill and availability. CLICK HERE for a video from Leisa.

BULLCHECK™ is a standardised accreditation scheme for assessing the breeding soundness of bulls. It evaluates five fertility components: general physical examination, testes inspection, libido assessment, semen analysis, and sperm morphology. Meeting minimum standards indicates high fertility probability. Though not a guarantee, it signals breeding potential. The Australian Cattle Veterinarians (ACV) recommend all components for valuable bulls, with customizable options for buyers and sellers. ACV offers a 'Gold Standard' accreditation since 2007. BULLCHECK™ ensures objective fertility assessment, aiding informed bull selection beyond aesthetics. For more information check out this website: CLICK HERE

Bull Structural Assessment

• An independent structural assessment has been done on our bull sale team. This service is provided by Dick Whale, Independent Breeding Services. 
• Feet - description.

Genetic Verification of Sire and Dam

• The majority of Bald Blair Angus bulls offered for sale will be Parent Verified. 

Immune Ready

This year you will see the Immune Ready logo in our bull sale catalogue.  It is a relatively new guideline that we have been adhering to already for a long time, as you will see in the above information.  We will continue to complete a comprehensive animal husbandry program with our bulls and provide a National Cattle Health Declaration.

For buyers: Immune Ready Guidelines allows buyers to assess the vaccination status of cattle before purchase and informs the purchaser of required future treatments and actions. By purchasing Immune Ready cattle, buyers offset many of the inherent disease risks that comes with introducing new cattle on farm.

Immune Ready advises the buyer that a National Cattle Health Declaration will be provided to verify the treatments given. Buyers should consult with their local veterinarian for a herd health plan best suited to their locality and enterprise.

For sellers: Immune Ready allows sellers to be recognised for producing healthy, productive cattle that have been adequately prepared for sale. The risk of disease in these cattle has been reduced through appropriate vaccination schedules.

For more information CLICK HERE

Bald Blair Stirling NBB21S86

Stirling S86, an outstanding son of Paratrooper P15 and also a heifers first calf, while in his third year, has been used as a coversire and AI sire in the past 2 years and in both Autumn and Spring Joinings, he will be well represented in future calf crops;  he is also progeny evaluated in the ASBP (Angus Sire Benchmarking Program).  We had this bull in the yards the other day and have collected more semen from him for use in commercial AI Programmes.  If you are interested in using him please check him out and give us a call. Alternatively you can fill in the form on our website. CLICK HERE

Pastures & Weeds

With the recent rain our pastures are holding up well going into winter, with only a few light frosts.  The grass is still green.  We continue to spray Knoddy thistles this late in the season, the frosts do not appear to be limiting them that much.

Farm Safety Lunch

We are looking forward to working with Farmsafe for the National Farm Safety Week Campaign. We are the venue for a lunch on 3rd July.  Farmsafe Australia aims to enhance the wellbeing and productivity of Australian agriculture by promoting health and safety practices. It provides resources, education, and advocacy to reduce farm-related injuries and fatalities. Supported by the National Farm Safety Education Fund, Farmsafe connects various agricultural organisations to foster a safety culture in farming communities.

For more information and resources CLICK HERE

Young Farmer Business Program

The NSW Young Farmer Business Program empowers young farmers with business skills and resources, offering financial education, business planning, and networking. Established in 2016, it aids sector recovery and resilience post-2021 storms. The program fosters innovation and sustainability, ensuring a prosperous future for NSW agriculture. Contact: young.farmer@dpi.nsw.gov.au.

https://www.youngfarmer.nsw.gov.au/ 

Northern Tablelands Local Land Services Board Elections

Voting for Northern Tablelands Local Land Services board positions is now open until June 14. Five candidates are vying for three positions. Ratepayers must request a voting pack by June 12 to vote. This is an opportunity to ensure the board reflects community needs. Request packs online or call 1300 795 299.

Integrity Systems

As livestock producers we must maintain records and align on-farm practices with the Livestock Production Assurance Program and National Livestock Identification System. Australia's $31 billion red meat industry relies on food safety, quality assurance, and traceability. Integrity Systems Company manages this vital system.

For more information and updates CLICK HERE sign up for their  News and events | Integrity Systems

World Angus Forum 

Save the Date: 7-8 May 2025

Bonus 8 Day pre-tour starting 29 April 

(including visit to Bald Blair on Monday 5th May !)

Extra Bonus  7 Day post-tour until 15 May

Calling all cattle enthusiasts and breeders to the 2025 Neogen World Angus Forum! This event unites the global Angus community to share knowledge, promote the breed, and advance cattle breeding and management. Hosted by Angus Australia, it’s an unmissable opportunity to celebrate and learn.

More information: CLICK HERE

Proagtive presents the inaugural ‘Regeneration’ event in Dubbo on Wednesday 14th August.

Proagtive’s role in succession planning extends far beyond servicing the families who engage in their process. They advocate for family harmony, business continuity and ultimately to keep Australian farm ownership in the safe hands of Australian farming families.

Being the extremely complex topic that it is, the motivation behind this event is to break down the different aspects of succession planning, and for participants of ‘Regeneration’ to leave feeling clear about what succession planning is, what they can expect from engaging in a facilitated process, and what is the first step to take in achieving holistic, whole-family goals.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/regeneration-tickets-883748283907

Podcast

Navigating Succession: Aligning Families, Growing Wealth & Protecting Legacies with The Lord Family - Lord Pastoral

AgriCoach Wealth & Wisdom Podcast by The Financial Bloke

Are you navigating the complexities of family business succession! With RaboBank and Gen McAuley, this interview was recorded at Beef Australia 2024.This conversation captures the heart of effective succession planning, featuring the Lord family of Lord Pastoral who are based in NW QLD. Their journey is filled with lessons on alignment, communication, and overcoming the challenges.

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/agricoach-wealth-wisdom-podcast-by-the-financial-bloke/id1598835360?i=1000657488703

Reading: The Birdman’s Wife - Melissa Ashley For more information CLICK HERE

Sam & Kirsty