Farm Fest more than just a show
- Andrea Schultz, Coulton's Country
- Jun 24, 2016
- 2 min read
For John Brandon, Toowoomba’s annual Farm Fest is more than just an agricultural exhibition. It’s a place to catch up with old friends and meet new ones, whilst at the same time promoting the breed he is truly passionate about- Senepol’s.
John operates Boomerang Park Senepol’s at Yangan, near Warwick, and has been exhibiting at Farm Fest since 1978.
He remembers it being ‘little humpies and wooden yards’ in the early days, and as it has grown into the event it is today, so has his client base.
“We’ve always had strong inquiries about our cattle at Farm Fest, and good follow up for bulls afterwards,” John said.
“One of the best things about Farm Fest though is the friends you meet and catch up with. It’s worth going to hear stories about how someone purchased a bull several years ago and now they’ve got a line of calves on the ground that they’re over the moon with. “
John had several cattle on display at Farm Fest, including one of his favourite Senepol sires, Solomon.
“Solomon is a 10 year old bull but he is still in great condition. His feet are prefect, and he is one of the most mobile bulls I’ve owned even though he would weigh a tonne,” John said.
“With bulls like this, it’s not hard to understand why demand is increasing for the Senepol breed. I’ve been lucky enough to have had inquiries at Farm Fest from areas all over the Downs, and as far out as Morven and Mitchell in Central Queensland.
“Senepol’s dehorn people’s calves for them. Dehorning is one of the worst jobs on the farm, so if you can dehorn with parents, then you’re in front.
“One of the other great things about Senepol’s is the low birth weight. You don’t have to worry about your females, whether they are maiden heifers or cows. They have small claves every time which makes the job easier.”
For Clifton producer Tim Johnson, he was interested in what John had to say about the Senepol breed. Tim runs a small Droughtmaster breeder herd, and was at Farm Fest to try and decide which breed would provide him with the best crossbreeding benefits.
“I like the Senepol’s for their meat content. These cattle are nice and thick, they’re polled, and their sleek red coat makes them very desirable,” Tim said.
“I think they could work well in my operation, to get that hybrid vigour I’m looking for.”
Image: John Brandon, Boomerang Park, Yangan, with Tim Johnson, Clifton, who was looking for quality bulls at Farm Fest to cross with his Droughtmaster heifers
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