Rising Baralaba Brahman breeder proves quality rises above in tough market

At just 20 years old, Baralaba's Alex Tzioutzias is already making waves in the beef industry.

During this year's February All Breeds Sale, she successfully sold two Brahman bulls in a challenging market for many seasoned vendors.

The stud principal of the Orea Brahmans sold Orea Caliber for $5000, while Orea Casanova fetched $4000.

Both bulls were sired by Wairuna Zulu 2810, a bull Ms Tzioutzias purchased in 2021 at Beef Australia for $8000.

"I've just run a small stud since I started five years ago, with my first two stud cows," she said.

"I breed to him yearly and take my pick from the draft. I'm pleased with the bulls I sold, and they're going to good places where they will be used."

Ms Tzioutzias' late grandfather, Nick, moved from Greece and settled in Baralaba, establishing a cattle property, now run by Alex's father as a commercial breeding and fattening operation.

"Establishing my stud was a great move for me at 15," she said.

"It taught me how to get into the cattle business, deal with people, and manage registrations and memberships. I've been selling privately out of the paddock and had my first heifer sale last year."

Looking to the future, Ms Tzioutzias' goal for Orea Brahmans is to continue breeding good-quality cattle.

"I just want to breed quality cattle, not focus on quantity," she said.

"It's easier for me to run less head than more. I want to produce heifers with good udders, good mothers, and bulls that are fertile, quiet, and stand on good bone."

One of her best decisions was purchasing Wairuna Zulu 2810 in 2021.

Though the bull was tucked away at the back of Beef, Ms Tzioutzias saw potential.

"He's turned into an impeccable sire. We bought him when he was just 20 months old, and since then, I've had calves from him each year out of excellent heifers," she said.

"I've had about lovely little heifers born this year, so I expect to bring a few to next year's sale. I'd like to get to Brahman Week eventually, but I think that's a bit big for me now."

Ms Tzioutzias currently works on the family cattle property, learning the ropes with the hope of one day taking over the operation.