Texas Longhorns have long been a symbol of the American West, closely associated with cowboy culture and old western films. Today, the iconic breed is also carving out a place in Australia, where a small group of dedicated breeders are developing their own Texas Longhorn legacy.
Three Queensland studs will come together from across the state for the ninth Trails West Texas Longhorn Sale, to be held at the Roma Saleyards and online via AuctionsPlus on Saturday, March 21.
Known for their striking horns and wide range of hide colours, Texas Longhorns have captured the attention of breeders like Desley Davidson of D7 Spur Texas Longhorns, who has been breeding the cattle for more than two decades.
Mrs Davidson and her husband Gordon run a commercial cattle operation north-east of Tambo, and first began breeding Longhorns in 2005.
“We started in 2005 just as a bit of a hobby,” Mrs Davidson said.
Over time the Davidson’s interest developed into a dedicated stud operation, supported by carefully sourced genetics from the United States.
“Most of our genetics come from America - we’re importing semen and using AI programs to keep bringing in fresh bloodlines,” she said.
Mrs Davidson said the breed’s temperament is often misunderstood.
“People have a misconception that they’re wild because of the horns, but that’s far from the truth,” she said.
“They’re very inquisitive and they’re very protective mothers.”
The Trails West sale was first held in 2017 and has since become a key event for Longhorn breeders and enthusiasts in Australia.
Michael and Lynda Bethel of Horseshoe B Longhorns, Charters Towers, and Gordon and Desley Davidson of D7 Spur Texas Longhorns, Tambo, with the 2023 Trails West sale-topper, a heifer purchased for $18,000. Pic: Supplied
Alongside the D7 Spur Longhorn stud in this year’s sale are Horseshoe B Longhorns from Charters Towers and Brigalow Texas Longhorns from Marmor near Rockhampton, bringing together genetics from across Queensland.
Among the standout offerings in this year's draft, Horseshoe B Longhorn's have listed a bull named HBL Yellowstone.
HBL Yellowstone (Lot 37), offered by Horseshoe B Longhorns. Pic: AuctionsPlus
Described as a standout animal, HBL Yellowstone measures more than 94 inches tip-to-tip, making him the “longest-horned bull in Australia and the only Australian bull inducted into the USA Gallery of Horns ‘Club 90’,” according to his catalogue description.
This year’s catalogue will feature heifers, pregnancy-tested females, cows with calves at foot and steers, providing opportunities for both established breeders and newcomers to the breed.
The buyers come from a wide range of backgrounds, from serious breeders to people simply drawn to the cattle’s distinctive look.
“People buy them for paddock art - just to have them in the paddock and watch the horns grow,” Mrs Davidson said.
The breed’s adaptability is another reason it continues to attract interest.
“They’re pretty hardy cattle - they can live anywhere from the Queensland Gulf right through to the Canadian Rockies,” she said.
While many buyers will attend the sale in person at Roma, the event will also be interfaced through AuctionsPlus, ensuring buyers from across Australia can participate despite recent flooding in parts of Queensland, with the catalogue now live.
For Mrs Davidson, the sale remains a chance to showcase a breed she believes deserves wider recognition.
“They’re unique - there’s nothing else quite like them,” she said.
Andrew Holt from Nutrien Roma is the agent handling the sale.