Hereford cross delivers consistency and carcase performance for Queensland producer

Murray and Jane Walsh have been running Hereford bulls over Santa Gertrudis cows at their Injune property for 15 years, and the results speak for themselves.

Operating Taylor Grazing across 30,000 acres in central Queensland, Mr Walsh said the Hereford-Santa cross has become the backbone of their production system.

"There's plenty of bone in them, they make a good animal, make a good feeder, a good bullock," he said.

The cross produces weaners at 300 to 320kg, with cattle backgrounded for a year before being finished on oats. Finished cattle are turned off as two-tooth bulls at around 650kg liveweight.

Those results have attracted attention beyond the farm gate. The Walshes ranked in the top 100 MSA graders in Queensland last year, and have had consistent success in carcase competitions through the Santa Gertrudis cross. All cattle are EU-accredited and raised without hormones.

According to Herefords Australia’s Chief Executive Officer Hamish Chandler there is renewed interest in using Hereford bulls in cross breeding programs.

"Herefords cross well with most breeds. In the north in particular we are seeing people use Hereford genetics to improve weight gains and MSA grading outcomes at the same time as adding extra fertility and temperament," Mr Chandler said.

“Herefords are a great match for Bos Indicus cow herds and a great option for accessing flatback markets."

In the south people are trending towards using Hereford genetics to improve compliance for grassfed markets and short-fed feedlot programs out to 120 or 150 days, according to Mr Chandler.

“The lower bull breakdown rate is becoming more of a consideration for breeders, and the temperament means they are easy to work with," he said.

Temperament is a non-negotiable for Mr Walsh when selecting bulls, regardless of breed.

"Temperament's a huge issue, and the cross has been good for us," he said. "We've always tried to stick with positive EBVs when buying bulls. Anything that blows up doesn't get a start with us."

Heifers are weaned in June and joined at 14 months in November, with weaning rates running between 92 and 94%.

Mr Walsh said sticking with established, high-volume breeders matters when you're buying six to eight bulls a year.

"We like to stick to those bigger breeders," he said. "People that have got the numbers behind them to back it up."

Consistency of line is another reason he keeps coming back to the cross. When it comes time to sell, a uniform mob is a marketable mob.

"They all look the same, which I reckon is a big thing when you're selling cattle," he said. "It makes it more attractive than a mixed mob."

For Mr Walsh, the Hereford-Santa combination hits a sweet spot that straight-bred herds on either side struggle to match.

For upcoming Hereford Bull Sales, check out the sales and events calendar at Herefords Australia – Performance Cattle | Superior Beef.