Hazeldean Angus marks 35 years supplying hardy southern-bred bulls to northern Queensland herds
Summary
For 35 years, Hazeldean Angus has supplied southern-bred bulls to northern client herds, helping producers breed more productive and profitable progeny across a range of markets. The Cooma-based stud first took Angus bulls north for sale in 1991, becoming the first southern seedstock operation to sell southern-bred Angus genetics into Queensland, and its bloodlines have since been tested from Tasmania to north Queensland. The stud reports that northern clients are chasing improved fertility, carcase weight, temperament and carcase quality, with hybrid vigour and a black coat increasingly sought by feedlots as the Queensland finishing sector expands rapidly. Quality control on structural traits such as feet, leg structure, coat type and pizzle conformation is treated as essential, and with more than 1450 bull calves arriving each year, the operation applies stringent selection and heavy culling so bulls can withstand tough seasons and climates. The stud emphasises proven families over fads, noting that it takes at least 20 years to prove genetics can breed replacement females that replace themselves, and three years to see the first crop from a new breeding direction. With significant numbers of breeding cows leaving drought-affected systems, the operation argues that producers who invest in the right genetics now will rebuild fastest and most profitably. As an 80-year-old stud, Hazeldean points to consistent client performance at saleyards, on AuctionsPlus and into feedlots. More than 420 bulls are on offer across three sales: 180 at Drillham, Queensland, on July 31; 65 at Bective Station near Tamworth on August 12; and 180 at Cooma on September 3.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Years supplying bulls north | 35 |
| First northern sale | 1991 |
| Bull calves born each year | more than 1450 |
| Stud age | 80 years |
| Total bulls on offer | more than 420 |
| Drillham sale | 180 bulls, July 31 |
| Bective Station sale | 65 bulls, August 12 |
| Cooma sale | 180 bulls, September 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long has Hazeldean Angus been selling bulls into northern herds?
The stud has been taking bulls north for 35 years. It first sold Angus bulls into Queensland in 1991.
How many bulls are on offer across the sales?
More than 420 bulls are on offer across three sales. These are split as 180 at Drillham, 65 at Bective Station near Tamworth, and 180 at Cooma.
When and where are the three sales held?
The Drillham, Queensland sale is on July 31 with 180 bulls; the Bective Station sale near Tamworth is on August 12 with 65 bulls; and the Cooma, NSW sale is on September 3 with 180 bulls.
What traits do northern clients look for in the bulls?
Northern clients want improved fertility, carcase weight, temperament and carcase quality. Hybrid vigour and a black coat are also increasingly sought by feedlots.
How many bull calves does the operation produce each year?
More than 1450 bull calves arrive each year. That scale allows very stringent selection and heavy culling.
How long does it take to prove cattle genetics?
It takes a minimum of 20 years to confirm that genetics can breed replacement females that then replace themselves. It takes about three years to see the first crop from a new breeding direction.
Why are this year's genetic decisions seen as important?
Significant numbers of breeding cows have left some drought-affected systems, so restocking and rebuilding is coming. The view is that producers who invest in the right genetics now will rebuild fastest and most profitably.
How old is the Hazeldean stud?
Hazeldean is an 80-year-old stud. It is known for consistent client performance at saleyards, on AuctionsPlus and into feedlots.
