Conformation, functionality and trueness to type were the key traits judge, Roger Evans, and associate judge, Dayna Grey, sought as they assessed the paraded cattle during the Clipex 52nd Murray Grey National show, held in Wodonga.
Mr Evans, Nagol Park Shorthorns, Tamworth, said Murray Grey was a breed which had the ability to soften.
“They don’t lose yield and they have the ability to produce quality carcases,” he said.
“That is something the breed can really excel in and push forward in terms of promoting the Murray Grey breed, not only as seedstock, but within the commercial industry.”
Mr Evans and associate judge Dayna Grey, Sheffield, Tasmania, thought the champion led bull, Dehavalyn Wakefield, a rising two-year son of Dehavalyn Did It, bred by the Ernst family, Dehavalyn Murray Greys, Singleton, was outstanding for its length and thickness.
“I think the structural soundness of this bull, his ease of movement is a credit to the breeder,” Mr Evans said.
Reserve champion led bull went to Onward Machette M38 shown by Sue Francis, Onward Murray Greys, Dorrigo.
The champion unled bull, Onward Mario M39, a July 2016-drop son of Onward Toto J34, bred by Mrs Francis, was noted for its muscling and fat cover.
The reserve champion unled bull, Arki Metal Work M78, was shown by Geoff and Kate Buick, Arki stud, Western Flat, South Australia.
Champion led female was Glenliam Farm Grey Lady M63 shown by Bryce and Dianne Whale, co-managers Glenliam Farm Murray Grey stud, Dungog.
“We have a female which is about to calve and I like her natural presence and style,” Mr Evans said.
“She has a great topline and is really good behind … I like that tail set, and for me it is an indication of an ‘easy calving’ female.
“I really like the softness of the skin we see in this female and I think we will see better things from her progeny.”
The reserve championship for led female was awarded to Glenliam Farm Elizabeth E71, a 2009-drop daughter of The Glen Marshall.
Associate judge Dayna Grey said the cow had a lot of capacity.
“Females like her show the Murray Grey breed has a lot of potential,” she said.
The champion unled female was Glenliam Farm Linda D37, shown by Glenliam Farm stud, Dungog and Mr Evans thought her an outstanding example of the breed.
“I think the longevity this female shows and her capacity in all production processes and she will be a boost for any new herd as an AI or donor female,” Mr Evans said. (see page 4)
Reserve champion unled female was Glenliam Farm Grey Lady E13 shown by the Glenliam Farm stud, Dungog.
“She has power and femininity,” Mr Evans said.
Sale wrap
Committee chairman Bryce Whale said the sale of females a credit to the breeders, but thought current seasonal conditions are making bull sales difficult.
“We had some exceptional females and they sold very strongly,” he said.
Top price at $13,000 was paid by Annika Whale, Double A Cattle Company, Glen William, for Glenliam Farm Antionette H46 with her bull calf by Ondiong F78.
Other excellent sales included Glenliam Farm Linda D37 (the supreme exhibit) purchased by Errowanbang Murray Greys, Errowanbang, for $8500 and Glenliam Farm Antoinette G96 sold for $8000 to the Koopman family, Tungkillo, SA.
Siekman and Kent Partnership, Labertouche, Victoria paid $6000 for Glenliam Farm Lady G46.
In the heifer offering, top price at $7500 was paid by Burnett Pastoral Trust, Turrumurra, for Glenliam Farm Beroleanne N40, the junior champion at 2018 Sydney Royal and a daughter of Tullibardine Jeopardy.
Bulls sold to $6000, twice, when Onward Mario M39 was bought by Greenhills Murray Greys, Hawkesdale, Victoria, and Arki Muscles M6 was purchased by Carlinga Family Trust, Boggabri.
Ten semen straws offered by Dajory stud, Grahamvale, Vic, were bought by Steele Rudd Murray Greys, Greenmount.
Two embryo packages offered by Glenliam Murray Greys were bought for $1200 by Sam Reynolds, Young, and Ian Lamb, Manilla, respectively.
The sale was conducted by Elders, Landmark, and Atkins Marketing Livestock.
