The Ross family runs a progressive bullock fattening operation from their property “Mt Joseph” south of Biggenden. Brahman and Brahman-cross bullocks have been used extensively in the operation since 1952.
Farm practice, pasture improvement and innovation have been directed to fattening prime grassfed bullocks for the export market that consistently score the premium price, weight, and age on the price grid. The aim is to turn off this product in a 12-month period. Sourcing store bullocks of the quality required to meet this objective has become increasingly difficult.
The stud was developed in 2000 as an innovative project to breed Brahman bulls to be sold directly to our regular suppliers of store bullocks. The aim being to provide the seed stock for our suppliers to produce the particular store bullocks that consistently meets our bullock fattening objectives. Consequently, development of the stud herd has evolved from the commercial reality of the grass fed prime beef market, rather than fashion, prestige, or show ring success.
The breedplan is squarely aimed at enhancing the traits that best achieve the objectives of maximising product price by hitting the targets of premium price grid and 12-month turn off. Minimum herd maintenance is also a priority.
The philosophy of the stud is to use better breeding to produce better beef. The stud is necessarily small and efficient, as it is ancillary to the bullock fattening operation. Pedigrees are strictly fully imported, and register of renown. All breed lines must be readily recognizable as industry icons or trait leaders. The core of seven donor dams is rotated through the multiple breeding program and natural calf. IVF and AI have been adopted to minimise the stress on donors.