Breeds combine for National event
Story by Kristi Frost – The Land
For the first time in Australian stud cattle industry, two breeds are combining for one national show and sale event to be held at Dubbo in June 2017.
Red Angus, which has had its own national show and sale since 2000, has invited Simmental Australia to join it for the event.
Red Angus Society executive officer Kate McDonald said a few of the members have both Red Angus and Simmental, so for crossbreeding purposes they are two breeds that marry well together. “The society was looking for ways to improve the sale and boost the profile of the breed,” Miss McDonald said.
“Hopefully by having two breeds, it will influence more breeders to take part. There is already talk of Victorian, South Australian and even Western Australian members combining and bringing a truck together, making it a worthwhile trip.”
It is anticipated the combination will lift the profile of the two breeds. “We believe it will be for the betterment of the industry and memberships,” Miss McDonald said. “The last 12 months have been extremely positive for the beef industry as a whole and it’s an exciting time to be part of the industry. We felt it was a good time to do it.”
Executive officer of Simmental Australia, Felicity Reeves, said the move was nothing but positive for both breeds, especially since Simmental Australia had not held a national show and sale for a number of years. “We had been approached by members to re-think holding a national event, so it made perfect sense for us to join with Red Angus being such a complimentary breed,” Mrs Reeves said. “We believe this is forward thinking in working together to bring all the members to Dubbo to give them the opportunity to showcase their herds. It’s great to have a central position which both producers from the north and south can attend.
“Working together also made perfect sense in the marketing and promotion of the event – doubling the exposure.”
The Ausmectin Red Angus and Simmental Show and Sale will be from the June 19 to 21, 2017, at the Dubbo Showgrounds. Anyone interested in being involved contact either Kate McDonald from the Red Angus Society, (02) 6773 3022, or Felicity Reeves, Simmental Australia, (02) 6773 5758.
