Testimonials
Mr John Pratt- Belgrave Pastoral Co, Mumbannar VIC.
Belgrave Pastoral Company is a family owned and managed business that originated in 1871 when the Pratt ancestors purchased their first property in Mumbannar, an area noted for its consistent rainfall, and mild temperate climate, due to the proximity to the coast. The sandy loam soils are ideal for growing phalaris/rye grass pastures with clover and fescue added to the mix.
Hereford cattle breeding has always been at the forefront of the business, and originally the annual steer draft were grown out to Jap ox weight and sold at the local Mt Gambier Saleyards. Over the years, the steers have been sold earlier and at a lighter weight, specifically for the EU market. After switching to spring calving in the late 1990’s, the stocking rate was able to be increased and the returns per hectare rose accordingly.
The majority of the steer draft are now grown to backgrounding weights, and sold to major feedlots, especially those that target the EU market.
Previously Hereford sires were bought from various local bull breeders, but a lack of consistency due to the range in genetics was creating a herd with great variation. After reading an article in the autumn 2007 Prograzier magazine about the Injemira Advantage, it seemed to be the answer to our genetic future. After discussions with stud master Marc Greening, followed by a farm visit, the decision was made to join the Injemira Advantage program, and we have never looked back.
Every bull in the breeding program now is carefully selected with the help of Marc, from proven sire lines that have been tested in Injemira’s own backgrounding operation. The guess work has been taken out of the equation, and the herd is taking on a much more uniform genetic path, with clear breeding goals.
Another major benefit of the Advantage program was a greater awareness of markets and marketing. As well as following the EYCI as a guide to the markets, the relationship with Marc has bought with it great marketing assistance. Marc was able to put us in contact with some other Hereford breeders who purchase our EU steers to grow out to slaughter weight. He is also able to keep us up to date with what is happening with the feedlots, and can advise us as to the best time to offer our steers to them. Marc has contacts with Hereford buyers and sellers Australia wide, and is always able to advise on the best strategy for marketing our cattle.
Mr John Wyld- Koolomurt Pastoral Co, Coleraine Vic.
Koolomurt has been exclusively using Injemira bulls over our Hereford cows for some 15 years. Our aim is simple – to grow big, quiet animals as fast as possible to meet market requirements. Our principle aim is the EU market, but we also supply the domestic market.
We carry our animals through to slaughter, so we know how they perform, and we are very happy with the job the bulls have done, and continue to do. All our steers are turned off before they reach 2 years old, which maximises our returns.
Marc continues to strive for greater efficiency in beef production, and has not been afraid to set the trend, rather than follow. The development at Injemira of polled lines, and the emphasis on carcase performance are what commercial cattle producers have embraced and been rewarded for. This is evident from the competition that Injemira sired calves achieve in weaner sales around the country.
