On The Land
3 June, 2023
Field Days cattle display an outstanding success
OVER eight different breeds of beef cattle from around 18 different studs were showcased at this year’s Rotary FNQ Field Days.
OVER eight different breeds of beef cattle from around 18 different studs were showcased at this year’s Rotary FNQ Field Days.
John Contarino, from Gadgarra Murray Grey Stud, said that this year’s cattle display was a first-class display of all breeds.
“It has been, without a doubt, the biggest and best line-up of cattle that the Field Days have ever had in terms of numbers and quality,” he said.
“I said it to Trevor (Cattle Display coordinator) on Tuesday afternoon and then everyone else was saying it as well. “There has also been a record number of new exhibitors.”
Nick Trompf, from Tallangalook Shorthorns and Santa Gertrudis, has been bringing his cattle to the Rotary FNQ Field Days for around the past 17 years.
“These field days have become one of the key marketing activities we do for the year,” he said. “This year has been the biggest.
“It gives us a lot of exposure with people coming from as far north as the Cape, as far south as Ingham and from out west as well.
“This year’s Field Days have been the busiest in terms of enquiries and people coming through the cattle display. As well as existing clients, we have picked up a lot of new clients.”
Gordon Carcary, of Acton Ridge Ultrablacks, was a second time exhibitor at the Field Days this year. “It’s great advertising for us,” he said.
“There is a wide selection of people, of potential customers that go through the cattle display.
“It’s a great opportunity to put your name out there for when people are ready to purchase, and when they are, they will remember you. There is something to suit everyone here.”
One of the highlights of this year’s cattle display was Scott and Rachael Bowden’s Miniature Herefords from Millstream Miniature Herefords.
They are the first registered Miniature Here-ford Stud on the Atherton Tablelands. They selected Miniature Herefords due to their small acreage of 20 acres which they have at Millstream.
“We felt that smaller cattle would lend them-selves better to our situation and felt that Miniature Herefords would be ideal,” Rachael said.
“We also established the herd for our grandchildren to become involved in.
“They are great confidence boosters for children to learn to lead cattle with and also to work with.
“We purchased our first cow two years ago from Ipswich and our bull came from the Port Macquarie area.
“We registered our stud this year. Their quiet, placid temperament is a big plus as well.”
Their nucleus herd currently comprises of two bulls, six cows and their five progeny.
Scott and Rachael currently have both horned and polled animals and are aiming to breed more polled animals in the future
