Limo breeders go west for genetics

Chauffered in a minibus around SA by independent consultant Tim Bayliss of Tim Bayliss Livestock, Armidale, NSW, about a dozen breeders from NSW and Vic visited the four sales across SA and bolstered bidding at two.

Mr Bayliss said between the contingent, they bought about 19 lots from the Mandayen Limousin sale (three bulls, seven cow and calf units and the balance heifers) as well as the top cow and calf, two embryo lots and a semen package from Maryvale Limousins.

The trip was instigated for the first time last year by Mr Bayliss.

"It started last year trying to get eastern bidders over to SA to have a look at their stock really," he said.

In terms of promotion, Mr Bayliss said it was a great idea to have the Limousine sales together in one week.

"It's awfully hard and expensive for everyone from the east to head over for one sale only, but with the four it's worthwhile.

"I was able to coordinate it, and we stayed at Hahndorf and also visited a few wineries - the McLaren Vale and Barossa are pretty easy spots to take visitors.

"I think we are now starting to gain momentum, and starting to add some value for (SA) studs as well."

The visitors were impressed with the quality and type of cattle they saw through the week.

"We thought all the genetics and programs, and the cattle, were excellent at all four studs," Mr Bayliss said.

"Everyone when we jumped on the bus after the last sale said they were awfully impressed with the programs and where the breed is at here.

"We hardly saw anything stir up, obviously that's been a Limo trait for years and they've worked awfully hard to get rid of it and we think they have."

He said all the studs were very hospitable and friendly and everyone on the bus was keen to return next year.

Bus numbers were probably hampered somewhat by the Limousin feature at Royal Canberra Show, but Mr Bayliss said he had spoken to several breeders at Canberra who were happy to come on the tour next year.

"I think we'll have up to 20 next year," he said.

Breeders on this year's tour included Col and Lorna McGilchrist, Quirindi, NSW; Ken and Kirstin Bisley and kids Kylie and Will, Amber Park Limousins, Wingham, NSW; Craig Corby and brother Jade, Goldstein Park Limousins, Cobargo, NSW; Bruce and Sue Griffiths, Beckenham Limousins, Kyneton, Vic, and Wayne Churchill, Nunkeeri Park Limousins, Kilcunda, Vic, all pictured with Mr Bayliss at Maryvale Limousins, the first sale of the week.