Bull sale to support Angel Flight in honour of rural vet

In a heartfelt tribute from a North Queensland farming family, 100% of the proceeds from the upcoming sale of a prized bull will be donated to Angel Flight, in memory of respected vet and close friend Dr John Hosie.

Dr Hosie, 38, tragically lost his life in an ATV accident on his family’s property near Richmond on September 18 last year. In a gesture of mateship and enduring respect, Baronessa Farming will offer their lead bull, Baronessa Voyager U62, as Lot 1 at the Richmond Field Days All Breeds Bull Sale on Friday, June 13, with all proceeds supporting Angel Flight – a service Dr Hosie believed in deeply.

Elders Stud Stock Agent Anthony Ball, who was Dr Hosie’s best mate of 35 years, said the donation was a way to honour a man whose passion for helping people in the bush extended beyond the vet clinic.

“John was incredibly passionate about the service Angel Flight provides for people in rural Australia. He’d always hoped to fly for them one day,” Mr Ball said.

“We just wanted to keep his memory alive and give something back to the bush. Angel Flight is such an important service — it’s there for so many families — and we felt it was the kind of charity John would want his name associated with."

Baronessa Farming, operated by the Stazzeri family near Atherton, breeds Brangus, Ultrablack, Charbray and Charolais cattle. The family will offer 12 bulls on sale day, but it’s the Ultrablack bull, BARONESSA VOYAGER U62, the lead bull, who carries special meaning this year.

Sired by renowned American Angus bull SAV Checkmate 8158, Voyager U62 combines early maturing growth, muscle shape, fertility and softness — an ideal sire for herds seeking calving ease without sacrificing performance, according to its description. 

Agents have also waived commission on Lot 1 to ensure the full sale amount goes to Angel Flight.

Dr Hosie, known affectionately as ‘Johnno’, was a well-known figure across the Gulf and North West cattle country. A pilot and veterinarian, he worked tirelessly serving remote stations through Tableland Veterinary Service (TVS) — the business he took over from his father, Dr Ian Hosie.

He was the first James Cook University veterinary graduate to be recognised as a Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Reproductive Medicine, and was widely admired for his natural ability with both animals and people.

After returning from overseas and becoming a partner in TVS, Dr Hosie eventually moved west with his wife, fellow vet Dr Michaela Hosie, to run Yan Yean Station near Richmond. The couple married in 2021 and welcomed their son, Hayes, in 2023.

The Stazzeri family said the donation was their way of giving back to a friend who had supported them from the start.

“John believed in us and encouraged us to back ourselves in this industry,” they said.

“This is for him – and for all the families in the bush who might need Angel Flight one day.”

The Richmond All Breeds Bull Sale will be held on Friday, June 13, 9am – Richmond Racecourse. Bidding available via AuctionsPlus and on-site.