OUR HERD
Our stud foundation females were purchased from the Merric Performance Angus and Oak Hill Angus herd dispersals. Other females have been selectively added to the core breeding herd over the past 5 years and include genetics from the Booroomooka and Farrer herds. These animals were primarily chosen for their depth of breeding over many years and for providing a solid base for future breeding.
We believe that performance recording using Estimated Breeding Values (EBV's) within Angus Group Breedplan and continual visual appraisal of every animal is vital for the continued success of our operation. We record data on all HBR and APR registered animals and periodically weigh and assess all animals.
Each year large artificial insemination programs are conducted on-farm by John, using both proven and new genetics to complement the base attributes within each female. Using a high proportion of sires with documented and superior genetic merit, along with high EBV accuracies and known pedigrees, enables us to provide progeny with a high level of predictability. Through intensive sire selection, use of AI and strict culling, we believe each years calf drop is superior to the last. This is reflected in the genetic trend monitoring of our herd through Breedplan. Including mating to some of our own home-grown bulls and use of a limited number of unproven semen sires, we are able to provide animals focused on the key areas of economic importance in the marketplace - calving ease, growth, fertility, meat quality, structural soundness and temperament.
Our commitment towards quality improvement is demonstrated with our support of Livestock Production Assurance schemes such as Cattlecare (Accreditation no: P2001870) and Breedplan. We abide by best practice stock handling procedures in the regular handling and inspection of our herd and cattle are accustomed to being mustered on quad bike and foot. We place a lot of emphasis on temperament and choose not to stress cattle with dogs. Most paddocks are electrified so animals learn at an early age to respect fences.
Greswick Angus lies in a Johnes protected zone and regular health treatments are carried out on our herd. Calves are vaccinated at 6 weeks of age, drenched for intestinal parasites at weaning, and all cattle are given annual boosters and are regularly monitored through parasitology testing and blood testing for trace minerals. Bulls are vaccinated for Bovine Ephemeral Fever (3-day sickness) and Vibriosis annually. Sale bulls are ear notch tested free of Pestivirus and DNA sampling for genetic disorders is conducted prior to sale to ensure each bull provides a sound breeding package.
All bulls for sale are vet checked, semen tested and structurally assessed, ensuring that the bull arrives ready to go to work. Bulls are grown predominantly on high quality pasture and are sold as rising 2 year olds. Supplementary feeding is only used to fill seasonal shortages and is not used as a strategy to improve structure and "looks" prior to sale.
