End of an era: Yarram Park gears up for dispersal

Yarram Park, one of the nation’s most storied and longest-operating Hereford studs, will disperse its female herd by the end of the year, with its final bull sale to follow in February.

More than 500 head of Herefords will be sold, as principal Antony Baillieu of ‘Willaura’ Victoria, has made the difficult decision amidst family succession planning.

“After much deliberation, the family has reluctantly decided to disperse the Hereford Stud at Yarram Park," Mr Baillieu explained.

"Like many families, we are going through succession planning, and with our three children now leading very separate lives, they neither have the passion nor the understanding to manage a Hereford stud."

This decision was a strategic and deeply considered move to ensure the stud's legacy.

“In my lifetime, I’ve observed that if sufficient enthusiasm isn’t there when a seedstock business is handed over, the demise can be very rapid,” Mr Baillieu said. 

Honouring the stud's history dating back to its 1947 founding, Mr Baillieu reflected, “It is with deep regret that this has to happen, but I believe it’s the right decision under the circumstances.”

“In respect to my father, who started and passionately loved this stud, we will make our departure in a way that he would be proud of.”

Since its inception, the stud has exported bull semen throughout Europe, the US and Canada.

Earlier in the year, Mr Baillieu took home the top-priced $46,000 bull at the Herefords Australia National Show & Sale in Wodonga, with the purchase of Mawarra Whiteout T290.

Elders Hamilton Stud Stock Manager, Ross Milne, said the decision marked the end of an era and one of the most significant Hereford breeding programs in Australia.

"It will be one of the largest Hereford dispersals we've seen in some years," Mr Milne said.

"It's always sad when a stud like this disperses, but it will provide a lot of opportunities for stud and commercial cattlemen to access some of Australia's best white-faced genetics."

Mr Milne said they’re expecting to see plenty of attention from interstate buyers as well as local Victorian interest.

“The cattle look fantastic and present well. They’re a good line at cows and the calves that  won't disappoint on inspection.”

Mr Milne highlighted Yarram Park’s influential legacy in Hereford breeding, describing it as "one of the most iconic and one of the longest-running studs in the breed".

The female sale, scheduled for November 28-29, will feature over 500 lots, marking a significant moment for Australian cattle genetics as Yarram Park prepares to bid farewell to its storied herd.

You can view the female sale catalogue here. Details of the bull sale will become available early next year.