Simmental challenge recognises best of the breed on farms across Victoria
PHOTOS: Australian Simmental Breeders Association Victorian Branch On Farm Challenge
Pictures supplied
More than 115 Simmental and SimAngus cattle from across Victoria have featured in the fourth biannual On Farm Challenge run by the Victorian branch of the Australian Simmental Breeders Association.
Cattle judge Simon Falkiner, Murdeduke Angus, Winchelsea, said he was impressed with the quality of cattle over the three-day event at the weekend.
"The traits that stood out for me across all visits were excellent foot structure, good toplines, along with great butt shape and muscle expression without the sacrificing of softness and doing ability," he said.
Mr Falkiner said the quality of the commercial herds was outstanding.
"Commercial producers have found genetics to match their breeding objectives and blended them through their herds with great success," he said.
The competition allows Victorian Simmental members to enter animals to be assessed and benchmarked on-farm and in their usual condition by an experienced cattle expert.
Simmental Victoria president Garry Gillett said the event was an opportunity for breeders to hear directly from experts in the cattle industry.
This year's winners included new and long-term members with Bunyip Black Simmentals, Bunyip, taking out the Jean Morton Memorial Best Female Exhibit with Bunyip Blacks Razzamatazz and Brewer Beef, Tallangatta Valley, winning the Ryan-Emerson Memorial Best Male Exhibit with Brewer Beef Storker T203.
"The highlight of the trip was seeing some of the best older cows you would wish to see," Mr Falkiner said.
"Just about every visit had a grand old matron who was exhibiting great structure and femininity but with plenty of muscle and, in general, wonderful udders.
"The longevity of these magnificent cows was exceptional, a trait well worth preserving".
Mr Gillett said it had been a very difficult season for many farmers.
The branch also ran an online auction coordinated by Stocklive Elite, which donated its time to run the auction.
The 2024 winners included:
- Junior champion female - GCL V015, GC Livestock, Breakaway Creek
- Reserve junior champion female - Inverleigh Julie, Inverleigh Simmentals, Invergordon
- Senior champion female - Bunyip Blacks Razzamatazz, Bunyip Black Simmentals, Bunyip
- Reserve senior champion female - Woonallee Julani T193, Lara Rose Simmentals, Toolamba
- Junior champion bull - Glenview Del Q013, Glenview Del Simmentals, Glenburn
- Reserve junior champion bull - Longview Ag U29, Longview Agriculture, Barrabool
- Senior champion bull - Brewer Beef T203, Brewer Beef, Tallangatta Valley
- Reserve senior champion bull - Glenview Del T017, Glenview Del Simmentals, Glenburn
- Jean Morton Memorial Best Female Exhibit - Bunyip Blacks Razzamatazz, Bunyip Black Simmentals, Bunyip
- Ryan-Emerson Memorial Best Male Exhibit - Brewer Beef Storker T203, Brewer Beef, Tallangatta Valley
- Best commercial draft - Inverleigh Simmentals, Invergordon
- Judge's encouragement award matron cows - Glenview Del M020, Pinaroohills Minty and Brewer Beef F509.
