18 December 2003

The Board wish to advise that Don Story has taken on the role of publicising Murray Grey Beef Cattle Society.

Don is a former managing editor of Stock and Land newspaper, a Churchill Fellow and recipient of the Beef Improvement Association's Howard Yelland Award.He currently produces the Australian Poll Dorset Journal and Meat and Livestock Australia's Prograzier magazine and continues to do some work for Stock and Land.

"I'm looking forward to help Murray Grey breeders promote and publicise their cattle," he said this week. "I seem to have a lifetime's association with Murray Greys. I remember my father saying in the 1960s 'we should get into Murray Greys'. I wish we had.

"I also recall attending the big Murray Grey sales in the marquee at Wodonga saleyards in the mid-1970s as a young livestock reporter for Stock and Land." He is keen to hear from Murray Grey breeders at any time with worthwhile snippets of information and other ideas to keep the Murray Grey name at the forefront.

Don operates from his home at Kyneton in Victoria and can be contacted on Phone/Fax 03 54 221 889 or email don.story@bigpond.com.Don Story

PO Box 182, Macedon, 3440
Phone 03 54 221 889
Fax 03 54 221 889Email: don.story@bigpond.com

18 December 2003

The Board of Directors has approved the appointment of a part time Field Officer in Tasmania to facilitate the growth of commercial markets for Murray Greys.

Rob Perkins, who recently retired as full time manager of Elders Tasmania, was happy to take on this part time role.He has extensive contacts in the industry in Tasmania and interstate and has had a long involvement with Murray Greys through his previous employment as Livestock Manager for Webster Limited and in that role was auctioneer at all Murray Grey stud sales for Woodbourn, Robern, Waverley, Kynwood/Parknook and Island State sales.

The appointment is for a 12 month period that commenced in early December 2003 and Rob will report in this role to Tasmanian Director, Lyndon Menegon and the Chairman of the Tasmanian Breed Promotion Group, Charles Wallace.

The appointment has been well received in Tasmania by members with a well attended and enthusiastic meeting held to discuss ideas of possible projects for Rob to be involved with. It has been stated that this is the most positive thing that has happened in the Breeds’ history in Tasmania and has the full support of the Tasmanian Breed Promotion Group.

The board sees this as a trial and if successful it could be used in other areas of Australia.

21 October 2003

Sale Results 

Five Star Sale

The Five Star Murray Grey Sale was held at Wandoan, Queensland in September and attracted a top price of $4,000 with 16 bulls sold averaging $2,562.

The top price was paid for Broad Gully Jackpot, offered by Ed and Marion Randell of Broad Gully Murray Grey Stud, Wandoan and was purchased by Lynelle Smith of Wallumbilla. Second top price of $3,750 was paid by the Hoffman family of Gulugaba for Baroona Park Sentinel which was offered by Sally and David Taylor of Toowoomba.

Wheelview Sale

The Barratt and Walker families presented an excellent line-up of cattle and were pleased with the results at the combined Wheelview/Breelong sale held in late August at Tenterfield. It was the 7th Annual sale for Wheelview and the first with Breelong as guest vendor. There was much interest in the cattle with 52 registered buyers however it was left mainly to three buyers (one on the phone) to take the bulk of the cattle. The 6 senior bulls offered averaged $3,000 and this included two Angus/Murray Grey crosses which had little interest shown in them. Straight Murray Greys were definitely the preference at this sale. Junior bulls sold well and included Wheelview Mr Muscles for $3,750.

Breakout Sale

Bulls sold to $5,000 twice at the Glenliam/Ondiong sale held at Wallabadah in late August. The sale was held on behalf of the Crowley family (Glenliam stud, Glen William via Dungog) and Paul and Sandra Francis (Ondiong Stud, Dorrigo).
Shaun Darcy, Ballymore Stud, Murrurundi paid equal top price of $5,000 for Ondiong Doomben, an 808kg bull with an EMA of 115sq cm. He was sired by Ondiong Gallagher (Junior and Grand Champion at Sydney Royal in 2000). The other sale topper was the 842kg Glenliam Farm Wildside which was purchased by Namoi Pty Ltd, Bundella and was sired by Glenliam Farm Tahara. Doug Cowan, Glen Martin Park Stud, Glen Martin bought 2 bulls for a top of $4,500.
13 stud heifers sold to a top of $2,100 and averaged $1,350 with the top priced heifer (Ondiong Susan 62nd) going to Kenton Murray Grey Stud in South Australia whilst 20 PTIC commercial Glenliam blood heifers sold to a top of $1,125.
Of the 38 bulls offered, 28 sold to a top of $5,000 to average $2,687. Sales were made to South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland.

Wallawong Sale

Despite many NSW cattle producers still feeling the effects of the drought, the 6th annual Wallalong sale has posted an impressive result. Bulls sold to a top of $2,750 and averaged $2,025 whilst commercial joined heifers averaged $675. The top priced bull Wallalong Las Vegas had a frame score of 5.8, weighed 710kg and was a son of Glenliam Farm Rammer R33. He displayed excellent structure combined with above average growth EBV’s and an EMA of 106sq cm. The second top priced bull, at $2,500 was Wallalong Lladudno; with a frame score of 5.5 weighed 755kg and was sired by Wateela Ultra Bright R66. He combined thickness with an excellent IMF scan of 4.8 and an EMA of 104sq cm. Many who attended the sale commented on the excellent structure, quiet temperament and value for money.

21 October 2003

Melbourne Results Stud Cattle

Judge:David Copping

Exhibitors: 15

Entries: 39

Junior Champion Heifer : Millwood Gemma X231- Millwood Past. Co, Werribee

Reserve Junior Champion Heifer: Moorabinda Elite X29 - F Lindsay, J Glover and K Metherall, Yannathan

Senior Champion Female: Millwood Jeanette 257, Millwood Past. Co, Werribee

Reserve Senior Champion Female: Lerwick Park Wattle - Lerwick Park, Clyde

Grand Champion Cow/Heifer: Millwood Jeanette 257, Millwood Past. Co, Werribee

Junior Champion Bull: Keighlians Swalesdale - MJ Storton, Angaston (SA)

ReserveJunior Champion Bull: Watermill Xion, Watermill Past.Co, Red Hill

Senior Champion Bull: Watermill Wiseman - Watermill Past. Co, Red Hill

Reserve Senior Champion Bull: Shellgardi Mister Charmer - Shellgardi Stud, Murrumbateman (NSW)

Grand Champion Bull: Watermill Wiseman - Watermill Past. Co, Red Hill

Supreme Exhibit: Millwood Jeanette 257 Millwood Past. Co, Werribee

Most Successful Exhibition: Watermill Past. Co, Red Hill

21 October 2003

Myanga Steers To Rangers Valley

The Myanga Stud of Roger and Glenda McIntosh from Laggan near Crookwell recently sold a line of 62 rising 12 month old steers to the Rangers Valley Feedlot for $2.25/kg to be backgrounded prior to entry to the feedlot. The steers were sired by a range of stud bulls being used by Myanga.

Due to the continuing dry season the steers were sold earlier than normal (at around 300kg) not being able to be carried thorugh to the usual entry weight.

The McIntoshs have had a devastating year due to the drought but the quality and known performance of their stock stood them in good stead and they were very pleased with the result.

21 October 2003

Old and New Fans Help Celebrate

Celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the Murray Grey breed stepping into the showring kicked off after this year's judging at Melbourne Royal Show with an impressive gathering of old and new fans of the breed.

During the festivities, four of the breed's stalwarts were honoured for their contributions to the breed. Amongst these was Peter Sutherland, of Thologolong Murray Greys, Tallangatta, who was awarded a life membership in recognition of his achievements over many years. Mr Sutherland, who owns the oldest Murray Grey herd in the herd book, has an impressive record in the show ring, being the only breeder of any breed to exhibit champion steer or carcase at all four royal shows - Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra.

Mr Sutherland's award was presented to him by Murray Grey Society President, Gary Buller. 

Graeme Wesley, Orcadia Park Murray Greys, Flinders, was also presented with a life membership for his longtime contribution to the breed, especially in the stud cattle arena.

South Australian breeder, Jill Fiebiger was presented with an Honorary Life Membership and Bill Cato received a Fellowship for their outstanding contributions.

A commemorative set of glasses was presented to Danny Phegan who is the grandson of Herb Freyer - who first judged the Murray Greys at Melbourne Royal in 1963. Danny was one of the organisers in the horse ride for cancer from Darwin to Corryong - instigated after his grandfather died of the illness.

20 October 2003 

Stud Cattle Results - 2003 Royal Brisbane Show

Senior Champion Bull: Baroona Park Sentinel - DG & SA Taylor, Toowoomba

Reserve Senior Champion Bull: Shell-Dee Mr Universe - SM Hansen, Kingaroy

Grand Champion Bull: Baroona Park Centaur - DG & SaA Taylor, Toowoomba.

19th September 2003

GREYS TOP YARDING IN MAREEBA 

9th September 2003

A pen of eight-month old Greyman heifers have taken out the Champion Pen of Weaner Heifers at this year's Primac Elders, Moura Blue Ribbon Weaner Sale. 

Sold by the Sainsbury family of Glen Eden, Baralaba, the heifers weighed in at 288 kilograms and sold for 121 cents a kilogram to Marcelford Wholesale Meats, Morningside. 

The heifers were sold straight off their mothers. 

9th September 2003

At this year's Five Star Murray Grey Sale held at Wandoan, 16 bulls sold to a top of $4,000 to average $2,562. 

Top-price animal, Broad Gully Jackpot, offered by Ed and Marion Randell of Broad Gully Murray Grey Stud, Wandoan, was purchased by Lynelle Smith of Wallumbilla. 

Second top price, $3,750, was paid by the Hoffman family of Gulugaba for Baroona Park Sentinel, offered by David and Sally Taylor of Toowoomba. 

8th September 2003

Australia’s premier performance breed in the steer and carcase stakes, the Murray Greys, have come out on top again at this year’s Royal Adelaide Show.

On the hoof, the breed secured the Reserve Lightweight Steer title with Unity Fearless Bundy exhibited by Unity College, as well as the Reserve Heavyweight Steer title with Bottlesford Harry, exhibited by Oakbank Area School.

The O’Connor Trophy, on the hoof, was also won by the Murray Grey breed.

Balaklava High School, Unity College, Lucinda Area and Oakbank Area placed first on the hoof in four steer classes, while Trinity College, Naracoorte High and Willunga High Schools received second placings and Maitland Area placed fourth on the hoof.

Please stay tuned for more results as they become available.

2nd September 2003

Murray Grey Youth member, Melissa Storton, Meljays Murray Grey Stud,  has continued her showing success with some big wins at this year’s Royal Adelaide Show.

Meljays Tinkerbell was awarded Reserve Champion Female for the third year in succession.

In the bull classes, Melissa was awarded Reserve Junior Champion with Keighlians Swaledale.

Both Tinkerbell and Swaledale are by the registered AI bull, Mr Nice Guy.

After her success with the animals, Melissa entered the strongly contested Senior Handlers competition and took first place. In the past she has won Junior Handlers in 1999 and Intermediate Handlers in 2000. She is now looking forward to competing in the next National Title at the Melbourne Royal Show in 2004.

2nd September 2003

Contributed by Kathie Barratt

With so many positives on our side, this year’s sale was to begin on the right foot but you can never county on buyers until they arrive.

And arrive they did. Inspections started at 10am and our first buyer was on the dot. We later discovered that he had driven from Dubbo to buy Lot 33 Orcadia Park Tycoon semen – paying $820 for 10 straws.

The weather was beautiful for Tenterfield in August and the cattle were soaking up the rays, as too were the Walker family from Woodenbong. We think they too were impressed with the temperature not below "0" to start the day always helps. With 52 registered bidders, the sale commenced at 1pm. Peter made his welcome speech and Lot 1 entered the ring.

The seats were far from full but with two bulk buyers and a ‘mobile link’ buyer, our senior bulls sold fast and well. With six senior bulls averaging $3,000 things were looking okay. Two of the six bulls were Murray Grey cross Angus bulls and unfortunately there was zero interest in these two lots. Subtracting these two lots meant our senior bulls averaged $3,650. This is a good indicator of the difference between Murray Grey and Murray Grey cross bulls for that particular crowd. We have since sold both Murray Grey cross bulls to a Southern NSW interest.

Then our first lot of junior bulls entered the ring - Lot 23, Wheelview Mr Muscles, was Peter’s pick of the sale bulls. This bull was the only lot to have a reserve at this year’s Sale. With keen interest from several stud and an astute commercial operators, the reserve was easily reached, Wheelview Mr Muscles made $3,750.

Wheelview sold 16 bulls to top of $6,000 to average $2,875, one 10-straw semen package sold for $820. Breelong sold three bulls to top $4,000 and average $2,667 and three semen packages to average $167. We are pleased to report that all passed-in bulls have been purchased since our sale.

Wheelview would like to thank Agents, bidders, under bidders and all those who helped make our 7^th sale a success. May our paths cross soon and all the very best for the remainder of 2003.

1st September 2003

Nine Murray Grey exhibitors paraded under the watchful eye of Mr Ron Anderson at this year’s Royal Adelaide Show.

Despite the overcast weather, the rain managed to stay away and many onlookers enjoyed the exceptional quality Murray Grey cattle on display.

An early start to the day didn’t deter the celebrations after judging, with drinks, nibbles and presentations being enjoyed later that evening.

Congratulations to MGY member, Josh Wiltshire of Moohaki Murray Grey Stud, for winning this year’s Herdsman competition with a team of Murray Greys, and also the Junior Judging competition.

Results are as follows:

Heifer 10mths under 14mths - 1st: Louise-A-Jane Xenia (LAJ X2).

Heifer 14mths under 16mths - 1st:Arki Peggy Sue (RIB X36).

Heifer 16mths & under 18mths – 1st:Kenton Regan (PRK X14), 2nd: Kenton Melody (KPR X9).

Cow/heifer 18-20mths - 1st: Eylwarra Sands Sheila (NEW X4).

Junior Champion Murray Grey - Kenton Regan (KPR X14).

Reserve Junior Champion Murray Grey Heifer - Kenton Melody (KPR X9).

Cow 30mths & over - 1st: Boxvale Sunshine (S10), 2nd: Meljay`s Tinkabell (SMJ V1), 3rd: Mt View Gwen (JC R5).

Senior Champion Murray Grey Cow - Boxvale Sunshine (S10).

Reserve Senior Murray Grey Cow - Meljay`s Tinkabell (SMJ V1).

Grand Champion Murray Grey Female - Kenton Regan (KPR X14).

Pair of females – R.A & S.F Randell, 2nd: B.H & J.L Catt, 3rd: G.Buick, 4th: M.Storton.

Bull 10mths & under 14 mths - 1st: Waitara Park Xuechang (WWD X6), 2nd: Keighlians Swaledale (KPS X1), 3rd: Rosehill Boston (BNL X17).

Bull 18-under 20 mths - 1st: Eylwarra Sands Mr Extreme (NEW X11).

Junior Champion Murray Grey Bull - Waitara Park Xuechang (WWD X6).

Reserve Junior Champion Bull - Keighlians Swaledale (KPS X1).

Bull 24-under 30 mths - 1st: Boxvale Wilbur (BOX W5).

Bull 30 mths & over - 1st: Rosehill Jack Robinson (BNL V19).

Senior Champion Murray Grey Bull - Boxvale Wilbur (BOX W5).

Reserve Senior Champion Murray Grey Bull - Rosehill Jack Robinson (BNL V19).

Grand Champion Murray Grey Bull - Waitara Park Xuechang.

Pair of Bulls - B.H & J.L Catt.

Sires Progeny Group - G.Buick (Arki Skys the Limit).

Breeders Group - 1st: B.H & J.L Catt, 2nd: G.Buick.

Supreme Murray Grey Exhibit - Waitara Park Xuechang (WWD X6).

Most Successful Exhibitor - B.H & J.L Catt.

28th August 2003

The 2003 Murray Grey Youth (MGY) Federal Committee is a committee with clout.

There is no doubt the diverse experience, varied knowledge and endless enthusiasm these youngsters possess will spur them along to achieve big and bright things within Murray Grey, and Australian beef industry, circles.

Newly elected president, Ian McConnell of Esk in Queensland will be drawing on his vice-presidency experiences from 2001 to increase the growth and profile of MGY.

"I hope to run greater events and encourage participation in MGY co-ordinated activities throughout Australia," said Ian.

Ian took out the prestigious MGY Colorado State University Study Tour in 2002, spending time at events such as the National Western Stock Show and The National Cattleman’s Beef Association Conference and studying under Dr Tom Field at the University.

Attending youth, society and directional meetings for a variety of breeds enabled Ian to gain an insight into the latest technological advancements and the uses of them.

Also an experienced MGY Ambassador is vice-president Alison McIntosh.

Currently employed by MLA as the Membership Services Officer for Industry Affairs and Communications, Alison’s family run Myanga Murray Greys and Angus Stud at Crookwell in New South Wales.

Alison won the 2001 MGY New Zealand Stud Tour Scholarship giving her the opportunity to take the Associate Judge position at last year’s Murray Grey National Sale.

Combined with a Bachelor of Rural Business under her wing, Alison plans to use her industry experience to promote and facilitate communication and team work, nation-wide, so that MGY can grow and become the future leaders of the breed and industry.

Handling the MGY finances will be Bruce McConnell, brother of president, Ian.

Bruce landed a job with the National Australia Bank in their Toowoomba branch working in their agribusiness sector, after completing a Bachelor of Agribusiness at the University of Queensland.

Bruce hopes to ensure the MGY as a whole, actively promotes the Murray Grey breed and the varied roles MGY can play within it.

"I’m looking forward to getting heavily involved within the committee and hopefully see MGY reach a new level this year," said Bruce.

Twenty-one year old Amba McGoldrick is the MGY Publicity Officer. Amba’s roles involve compiling the MGY newsletter and ensuring MGY have a presence at the many royal shows and events throughout Australia.

Amba plays an active role in her family’s Karawi Hill Murray Grey Stud at Jaspers Brush while enjoying her time in dressage circles.

This year Amba took out the 2003 MGY National Ambassador Award securing a Study Tour to New Zealand.

MGY aims to encourage its members to become industry leaders and take breed development through to the next century and beyond and to provide stepping-stones towards personal and professional development which will aid in establishing successful careers in the beef industry. 

28th August 2003 

Commercial heifers attracted spirited bidding at this year’s annual Breakout Murray Grey Sale held at Wallabadah, near Tamworth last week.

Selling to a top of $1,125 with an average close to $1,000, the females, based on Glenliam Farm bloodlines, managed to outsell their brothers who achieved an average of only $840 when sold several months ago.

"It was a wonderful sale in a commercial aspect," said Bryce Whale of Glenliam Farm Murray Grey Stud.

"For the females to sell for more than the steers was a bonus."

The 20 females were offered in pens of 5, 6, and 4 head with three pens selling to J & A Mullen of Lochinvar and another lot selling to J Bumak at Wallabadah.

Vendors Glenliam Farm and Ondiong Murray Grey Studs, were also pleased with the 100% clearance and prices achieved in their stud females.

13 stud heifers sold to a top of $2,100 to average $1,346 with top price female, Ondiong Susan 62^nd selling to the Randell family of Kenton Murray Grey Stud in South Australia.

Of the 38 bulls offered, 28 sold to a top of $5,000 twice to average $2,687.

Commercial Murray Grey breeders, Bundella Station near Quirindi, purchased equal top-price bull, Glenliam Farm Wildside while Sean Darcy of Murrurundi purchased Ondiong Doomben W24.

A second top-price of $4,500 was achieved by Glenliam Farm Whittler who sold to Glen Martin Park Murray Grey Stud of Clarencetown.

New and repeat buyers attended this year’s sale, and the sale vendors would like to pass on a thankyou to the purchasers and underbidders for their support.

26th August 2003

Murray Greys are on top in Australia’s west, reaching top prices at many market sales held in recent weeks.

At the recent Midland sale, Murray Grey steers sold for the top price of $1002.08.

The three steers were offered by Terrigal Farm of Hyden, WA, who also sold six steers for 185-193c/kg, $973.89, and nine heifers for 145-178c/kg, $716.41.

Of the 2900 cattle offered at Midland, Murray Greys were in demand with CR Wise of Katanning selling 33 grain-fed steers for 190-200c/kg, $860.70, 13 heifers for 170c/kg, $731.00 and 6 cows for 131.5c/kg, $618.05.

Dellna Grace Dewar of Gingin, offered 31 Murray Grey and Angus heifers to sell for 145-153c/kg, $480.85.

At the Great Southern Selling complex, VC Adams & Co sold five Murray Grey MSA grain-fed steers for 197.5c/kg to bring $973.67. VC Adams also offered six Murray Grey MSA grain-fed heifers for $199.5c/kg to bring $837.90.

RJ & PL Barr sold, in total, 23 Murray Grey MSA grain-fed steers and heifers to top 204.5c/kg.

Barbiston Pastoral Co sold seven Murray Grey grain-fed heifers for 199c/kg to bring $792, while Blendon Downs sold seven Murray Grey steer vealers for 186c/kg to bring $576.60.

A larger yarding at the Boyanup Sale saw Green Valley Pastoral Co sell one Murray Grey steer for 160c/kg to bring $720. ME & LD Bashford also sold a single animal, one Murray Grey heifer, for 140c/kg to bring $756.

JD & DF McLaren sold 14 Murray Grey heifers for 153.5c/kg to bring $585.49.

Another increased yarding at the Waroona sale, saw Vince Caccamo sell 10 Murray Grey steers for 184.5c/kg to bring $527.67.

WE & MK Rosenthal sold three Murray Grey heifers for 139c/kg for $683.42.

21st August 2003

Another outstanding line-up of Murray Grey cattle were on display for the record crowds that passed through the gates at this year’s Ag-Quip Field Days at Gunnedah.

Glenrockie Sunlover (pictured above), an impressive 1100 kilogram, four-year old bull from Stan and Margaret Pye’s Glenrockie Stud at Currabubula, as well as a steer and a young bull from Lachlan James’ Wallawong Stud at Boggabri, attracted the passers by.

"The Murray Grey breed again presented the rural community with a great line-up of cattle as well as a great tasting steak," said Ted Wilkinson, of Temar Murray Grey Stud and spokesman for the event.

Close to 5,000 steaks were sold during the three-day event, with the students from a Tamworth hospitality college getting hands-on manning the barbecues.

On-site to demonstrate the many benefits of the Livestock Recording Australia herd recording system, was Bob Barwell from LRA and was pleased with the genuine enquiries he received.

LRA and the MGBCS will be running several FarmBis accredited workshops throughout eastern Australia in the upcoming months. Keep a look out!

21st August 2003

With many NSW cattle producers still recovering from the recent drought, the 6^th Annual Wallawong Murray Grey Bull sale has posted an impressive result. Bulls sold to a top of $2750 and averaged $2025, while commercial joined heifers sold to average $675. The bulls on offer once again proved their commercial acceptance with bulls being bought by new and return clients.

The top priced bull at $2750, Wallawong Las Vegas (pictured above), a frame score 5.8, 710 kg son of Glenliam Farm Rammer R33, displayed excellent structure combined with above average growth EBVs and an EMA scan of 106cm².

The 2^nd top priced bull at $2500, Wallawong Llandudno, a frame score 5.5, 755 kg son of Walteela Ultra Bright R66, combined thickness with an excellent IMF scan of 4.8% and EMA scan of 104cm².

Many who attended the sale commented on the excellent structural correctness, quiet temperament and value for money of the bulls on offer.

Wallawong Murray Greys look forward to offering their 2002 drop bulls and selected females at the 7^th ANNUAL WALLAWONG MURRAY GREY BULL SALE in July 2004.

13th August 2003

The 23 hour truck trip up to Brisbane paid off for Victorian Murray Grey Stud, Millwood Murray Greys.

Millwood came away winning both the Junior and Senior Champion Female Murray Grey ribbons, winning with Millwood Gemma X231 and Millwood Jeanette V257 respectively.

Judge Gary Buller of Monterey Murray Greys awarded the Grand Champion Cow ribbon to Millwood Jeanette V257.

More broad ribbons went Millwood’s way, winning Reserve Champion Junior Heifer with Millwood Glenpre X52 and the Reserve Junior Champion Bull award with Millwood Bailey X225.

Taking out the big one, Grand Champion Murray Grey bull, was husband and wife team, David and Sally Taylor of Baroona Park Murray Grey Stud with Baroona Park Centaur.

Centaur, sired by Cranbrook Pheonix and out of stud dam, Baroona Park Karisma, was also sashed Junior Champion Bull.

The Taylor’s also exhibited Baroona Park Sentinel to win the Senior Champion Bull ribbon.

EKKA regulars the Lea family and Shelly Hansen won the Reserve Senior Champion Cow and Reserve Senior Champion Bull ribbons respectively.

Placings for the Murray Grey breed were as follows:

Heifer 12 months and under 16 months.

First - Millwood Gemma X231, exhibited by Millwood Murray Greys. Second – Millwood Glenpre X52, exhibited by Millwood Murray Greys. Third – Shell-Dee Princess Jewel, exhibited by SM Hansen.

Heifer 16 months and under 18 months.

First – T-Field High Carol X2, exhibited by Tenterfield High School. Second – Kurande Bextor, exhibited by Y & M Sakaguchi. Third – Yallembie Fleur A1 AI, exhibited by DW & JA King.

Bull 12 months and under 16 months.

First – Millwood Bailey X225, exhibited by Millwood Murray Greys. Second – Millwood Marshall X238, exhibited by Millwood Murray Greys. Third – Chvalli Terminator X8, exhibited by DJ & VJ Smith.

Bull 16 months and under 18 months.

First – Chvalli Xplorer X6 AI, exhibited by DJ & VJ Smith. Second – T-Field High Sundance X1 AI, exhibited by Tenterfield High School.

Bull 18 months and under 20 months.

First – Baroona Park Centaur, exhibited by DG & SA & KJ Taylor. Second – Hideaway Park Gentle Ben, exhibited by W McDonald. Third – Moogerah Lake Kathmandu W23, exhibited by JW Forsyth.

Heifer 20 months and under 24 months.

First – Jasina Carrie, exhibited by M Hunt. Second – Shell-Dee Heaven, exhibited by SM Hansen.

Heifer 24 months and under 30 months.

First - Bookoola Chloe W1, exhibited by RL & SM Lea. Second – Hideaway Park Bernadette 5^th, exhibited by W McDonald.

Cow or heifer 30 months and under 36 months.

First – Millwood Jeanette V257, exhibited by Millwood Murray Greys. Second – Baroona Park Alissa, exhibited by DG & SA & KJ Taylor. Third – Shell-Dee Princess Devine, exhibited by SM Hansen.

Bull 20 months and under 24 months.

First – Barnoona Park Sentinel, exhibited by DG & SA & KJ Taylor. Second – Pandora Mahogony, exhibited by Pandora Murray Grey Stud. Third – Penfield Stonewall Jackson, exhibited by DR & J Walker.

Bull 24 months and under 42 months.

12th August 2003

Australia’s own beef breed, the Murray Grey, is a breed of opportunity for the country’s cross-breeding beef cattle producer with the grey’s carcase attributes shining through at this year’s Royal Brisbane Show.

Renowned for excelling in the steer and carcase stakes, the Murray Grey breed was the secret ingredient in several big wins at this year’s EKKA.

The Grand Champion Carcase title went to the experienced Ross and Knox team of Elrington, NSW, with a Limousin/Murray Grey cross steer that was judged live at 326 kilograms to also take out the Champion Lightweight Led Steer ribbon.

The Carcase, which dressed to weigh 202.8 kilograms for a 62.5 dressing percentage, scored maximum points for Fat Depth P8, Fat Colour, Meat Colour, Meat Yield and Eye Muscle Area.

Entered by Mr Bill McUtchen of Murgon near Warwick, this year’s Reserve Champ Lightweight Led Steer and Carcase, was sired by a Murray Grey bull and out of a commercial Black Limousin cow.

Entered in the 350-374 kilogram class, the steer scored 44.5 points on the hoof to combine with 94 carcase points to gain a total of 138.5 points, only 1.5 points behind the Grand Champion Carcase.

The carcase scored maximum points for Rib Fat, Fat Colour, Meat Colour and Meat Yield.

Wheelview Lexington V25, bred by Peter and Kathie Barratt of the Wheelview Murray Grey Stud at Tenterfield, was purchased by the McUtchen family as a calf and was a punt that has paid off.

"Lexington was bought to soften our cattle as we’d been using Belgian Blue bulls that were injecting far too much muscle into the steers," said Mr McUtchen.

Selected for his muscling and growth rate, Lexington sired all four led steers entered by the McUtchen family at this year’s EKKA.

Running what Mr McUtchen affectionately calls a herd of liquorice allsorts, the McUtchen’s steers have been injected with Murray Grey genetics for years to win four Champion and Reserve Champion ribbons at the EKKA.

To date, the highlight of competition for the McUtchen family at the EKKA has been winning the 1995 Champion Heavyweight Carcase ribbon with a Belgian Blue Murray Grey cross.

The Willcocks and Joliffe Partnership bred this year’s Champion Medium Weight Steer in a Murray Grey Limousin cross.

The steer drew a top bid of 470 cents a kilogram from Woolworths.

The magic mix of a Charolais Bull and Murray Grey cows produced this year’s Reserve Champion Pen of Three Local Trade Weight Steers.

Bred at Yuraan, one of the three Mountview properties, near Tamworth, the 12-month old steers had been fed for 100 days at the Rodgers Creek Feedlot on a standard feedlot mix.

The Mountview team use Murray Grey cows for their mothering and milking ability, traits grey females are renowned for.

"The growth characteristics of the Charolais bull and the maturity and milking ability of the Murray Grey cow is a cross we’re very happy with," said Mr Barry Vincent of Mountview Pastoral Company.

"This cross also won us the same ribbon last year."

The pen sold for $2.40 per kilogram, grossing close to $1,100 – a very pleasing result for Mountview Pastoral Company.

8th August 2003

The Murray Grey Beef Cattle Society have joined forces with Austraila’s only on-line herd recording and carcase feedback system, Livestock Recording Australia, to provide a series of one-day training workshops aimed at maximising efficiencies for Murray Grey breeders and suppliers to the GreyStar Beef program.

With a commitment to advancing the breed within Australia’s beef industry, the MGBCS and LRA Workshops will demonstrate how beef producers can get the best from breeding Murray Grey cattle.

Those attending, will be shown how they can combine carcase feedback with LRA’s recording system to identify the impact of various bloodlines within a herd.

The LRA System is an innovative herd management system that can link the entire production chain for commercial producers, feedlots, processors and brand managers, as a single animal can be tracked from paddock to feedlot to abattoir and even as far as end product.

Utilising the power of the Internet, LRA is an economical and easy to use system that can provide subscribers with a valuable quality assurance tool to assess the on-farm performance and carcase feedback of their herds.

The FarmBis accredited workshops will be held at: the Emerald Agricultural College on Monday, September 1; Roma Learning Centre on Wednesday, September 3; and the Toowoomba Learning Centre on Friday, September 5, 2003.

Participants can attend these LRA Worskhops, with subsidies from FarmBis, for $55 GST Inc. It is worth noting that more than one person may represent an entity or ABN.

To enrol in these days, or for further information please contact John Kauter, at LRA by phone (02) 6772 5316 or email him at john@livestockrecording.com.au

5th August 2003 

Murray Greys have at last been recognised as a breed and granted permission to form a stud book in South Africa.

South Australian Murray Grey studs, Keighlians and Meljays, contributed 350 straws of semen which arrived in Durban during January this year.

Sire, Keighlians Wensleydale U1 is a magnificent silver bull with a frame score of 7 and a Mature Weight of 1180 kilograms and has had wins at Adelaide Royal Show, Mt Pleasant Show and Gawlers Show over the last three years.

Wensleydale is producing quality progeny as expected of him in the United States, United Kingdom and in here in Australia with calves exhibiting the strong characteristics of his length and depth as reported by Pat Richardson of Twin Fir Farms, Oregon.

Meljays Mr Nice Guy, bred by Melissa Storton, has been shown in Australia with great success winning two inter-breed championships and five British breed champion ribbons.

Another grey bull, Nice Guy has a frame score of 6.5 and a Mature Weight of 1060 kilograms and is performing beyond expectation abroad and at home.

Along with my wife Shirley and grand-daughter Melissa, I would like to take this opportunity to wish the South African Murray Grey Society and its breeders all the success in the years to come.

30th June 2003

WINTER ANALYSIS ONE OF AUSTRALIA'S LARGEST 

The 2003 Winter Murray Grey International Group Breedplan analysis has just been completed.

The new Winter 2003 EBVs are based on performance data collected from Murray Grey breeders in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom and are available on the Society’s website at www.murraygrey.com.au

The analysis of 405,000 performance records is one of the larger genetic analyses conducted in Australia.

EBVs are reported for 17 individual traits describing the genetic value of each animal for calving ease, fertility, growth and carcase traits.

The website includes lists of the top 100 sires for the Domestic Supermarket $Index and the Long Fed B3 Export Market $Index, as well as Dam Trait Leader lists for birth weight, milk, 200 day growth, 400 day growth and 600 day growth.

There is also a Junior Sire listing of young bulls which have growth EBVs in the top 10 percent of the breed.

The website has a very powerful search facility which allows sorting and selection of animals including AI sires for a wide range of criteria.

The genetic analysis also provides updated genetic trends for the breed. Since 1984 the average 600 day weight EBV for Murray Greys has increased by 20kgs to now average +27. 400 day weight and 200 day weight EBVs have increased proportionally to now average +11 and +18 respectively. Milk EBVs have increased slightly to +3. Carcase weight EBVs have increased to average +15 for 2002 born calves.

For more information contact Amy McGregor at the Murray Grey Beef Cattle Society phone (02) 6771 5151 or email publicity@murraygrey.com.au

25th June 2003

The Murray Grey breed has excelled yet again in the steer and carcase stakes. This time with two steers exhibited by Pittsworth State High School at FarmFest held earlier this month. 

Travis, a Murray Grey/Limousin cross steer took out the Champion School Steer and Champion Steer of the Show titles. 

Turbo, a Limousin/Murray Grey cross steer won the Champion Heavweight Carcase title with a score of 133 out of a possible 140.

Turbo also placed third on the hoof in the 500 kilogram and over class. 

Both steers are owned and were shown by John and Trevor Stehpens of Pittsworth State High School. 

20th June 2003

Lucy Newham of Pandora Murray Grey Stud, Woodstock, was lucky enough to have the privilege to be a guest judge at last year's Royal Welsh Show held at Builth Wells in Powys. 

Lucy and her son Matthew, are pictured with the Grand Champion cow and bull of the show. 

23rd May 2003

This year's Myanga Murray Grey and Angus Sale held last week at Crookwell, saw 11 Murray Grey bulls sold to $4,500 to average $3,159.

Top price Murray Grey bull, Lot 77 Myanga Pathfinder purchased by Ayr Park Murray Greys, Robertson and Karawi Hill Murray Greys, Jaspers Brush.

Six Angus bulls sold to $8,000 to average $5,542.

Top price Angus bull, Lot 97 Myanga Stockman W12 purchased by Brian Powell, Yamba, Narrandera.

Average for the 17 bulls sold was $4,000.

Six stud heifers sold to $1,025 to average $753.

Top price stud heifer sold to Peter and Annita Fielding, Canowindra.

Commercial females sold to $1,1000 for cows with calves at foot and averaged $890.

40 unjoined heifers sold to $640 to average $581.

First time buyer at Myanga was Laurie Paton, Bathurst who purchased 40 joined and unjoined commercial heifers. There was again many repeat buyers. Roger and Glenda McIntosh were very pleased with the sale considering the dry conditions.

8th May 2003

Woodbourn Murray Grey Stud

25 bulls sold to a top of $6,500 three times to average $3,840. 

4 Semen packages sold to a top of $1,000 twice to average $625. 

12 mature stud females sold to a top of $4,500 to average $2,375. 

The "W" keeper heifer sold for $3,000. 

5 Led heifers sold to a top of $2,250 to average $1,440

7 Unled heifers sold to a top of $1,600 to average $1,029. 

Bulls achieved a 93% clearance while females achieved a 100% clearance. Sale gross $144,400. 

Island State Sale

2 bulls sold to a top price of $1,500 to average $1,500. 

15 females sold to a top price of $2,900 to average $1,280.

Kynwood Murray Greys Dispersal Sale and Parknook Major Reduction Sale

22 cows with spring calves sold to a top of $4,250 to average $1,745.

49 cows with autumn calves sold to a top of $4,000 to average $1,215. 

10 "V" heifers with spring calves sold to a top of $4,000 to average $1,890. 

12 "V" heifers with autumn calves sold to a top of $2,250 to average $1,146.

20 joined "W" heifers sold to a top of $1,600 to average $1,125.

12 unjoined "W" heifers sold to a top of $2,000 to average $1,075. 

16 unjoined "X" heifers sold to a top of $2,100 to average $770. 

1 bull sold to a top of $1,500. 

Sale gross $179,750.

8th May 2003

A total of 16 Murray Greys, exhibited by Broad Gully Murray Greys, Baroona Park Murray Greys, Shell-Dee Murray Greys, Boomerang Park Murray Greys, Aztec Downs Murray Greys and St Josephs Nudgee College, were on display at Beef Australia 2003 held in Rockhampton earlier this month.

Junior Champion Male - Baroona Park Sentinel, exhibited by Baroona Park Murray Greys. Reserve Baroona Park Centaur, exhibited by Baroona Park Murray Greys.

Senior Champion Male - Shell-Dee Mr Universe, exhibited by Shell-Dee Murray Greys. Reserve - Broad Gully Rough Rider, exhibited by Broad Gully Murray Greys.

Grand Champion Male - Shell-Dee Mr Universe (pictured above). 

Junior Champion Female - Broad Gully Sunliner, exhibited by Broad Gully Murray Greys. Reserve - Shell-Dee Heaven, exhibited by Shell-Dee Murray Greys. 

Senior Champion Female - Baroona Park Wattle, exhibited by Baroona Park Murray Greys. Reserve - Amandla Heather, exhibited by St Josephs Nudgee College.

Grand Champion Female - Baroona Park Wattle, exhibited by Baroona Park Murray Greys (pictured top) also placed 10th out of 33 breeds in the Interbreed Judging. 

Performance Class Judging - First place Broad Gully Rough Rider, exhibited by Broad Gully Murray Greys, Second place Broad Gully Jackpot, exhibited by Broad Gully Murray Greys, Third place The Glen Manuel W293 exhibited by Boomerang Park Murray Greys and Fourth place Broad Gully Nominator exhibited by Broad Gully Murray Greys.

Exhibitor's Group - First Baroona Park Murray Greys, Second Broad Gully Murray Greys and Third Shell-Dee Murray Greys.

Sire's Progeny Stakes - First Monterey Starlight, exhibited by Broad Gully Murray Greys.

17th April 2003

Despite the flood of imported genetics arriving in Australia throughout the past 10 years across a range of breeds, "the local product", Australia’s own beef breed, the Murray Grey, has continued its domination of the Sydney Royal Easter Show steer and carcase competition to take out this year’s Grand Champion Carcase title.

The honour has gone to Singleton Murray Grey breeders, Chris and Debbie Ernst of Dehavalyn Murray Grey Stud, who exhibited an 11-month-old steer in the Open Steer Middleweight Division.

The steer weighed in at 438 kilograms live before dressing out at 60.2% for the judging at Primo Australia’s abattoir at Scone last week.

An impressive carcase, scoring maximum points for p8 Fat, Fat Colour, Rib Fat and pH, with an Eye Muscle Area (EMA) of 92 square centimetres with recorded scans of nine millimetres of fat for both rib and rump.

The 120-day grain fed steer was placed third on-the-hoof during last weekend’s judging, before gaining points as a carcase to come in ahead of the steer sashed Grand Champion on-the-hoof.

Regular exhibitors in the Sydney RAS steer section for the past decade, the Ernst’s are aware of what it takes to win after taking out the Open Heavyweight Steer title back in 2000.

"Out of Dehavalyn Kiss Me Quick and sired by Highfields Park Millennium, this year’s steer was joined specifically for the purpose of being a carcase," said Chris.

Success for the Murray Grey breed didn’t stop at the top.

In the Open Lightweight Steer section, Tom Huggins of "Bonnie Brae", Tamworth, took out the Champion Lightweight Steer and Reserve Champion Lightweight Carcase titles with his 372 kilogram steer.

The carcase dressed at 204.5 kilograms to receive 87 points, scoring maximum points for pH and P8 Fat, with scans of 7 millimetres recorded for both Rib and Rump.

The Middleweight Open Steer Division titles were shared by The Ernst Boys, who took out Champion Middleweight Carcase (also winner of Grand Champion Carcase), Brian Powell of Yamba Murray Greys and Emily Stearman of Calrossy Girls School in Tamworth.

The Yamba steer won the Reserve Champion Middleweight Carcase title with a score of 90.5 points.

The carcase weighed in at 446 kilograms live to dress at 273 kilograms, receiving maximum points for p8 Fat, Fat Colour and pH with scans of 7 millimetres for Rib and 10 millimetres for Rump.

Emily Stearman took out the Reserve Champion Middleweight Steer title, while the carcase scored 88 points to be placed second in its class.

Murray Grey placings in the steer and carcase competition included:

Lightweight Section - Cudgegong Park Murray Grey Stud second on-the-hoof and eighth on-the-hook in Class 4; JM & BB Francis were placed third on-the-hoof and second on-the-hook in Class 5; and TW & JA King were placed second on-the-hoof and third on-the-hook in Class 6.

Middleweight Section – Temar Murray Grey Stud second on-the-hoof and fourth on-the-hook in Class 7; C Warner first on-the-hoof and twelfth on-the-hook in Class 7; RL & SM Lea second on-the-hook in Class 7; and Glencairn Murray Greys second on-the-hook in Class 9.

Heavyweight Section – DR & J Walker second on-the-hoof and second on-the-hook in Class 10.

16th April 2003

Murray Greys have triumphed at the 2003 Sydney Royal Easter Show to take out the prestigious Stan Hill Trophy for the third year running.

The breed is renowned for its performance in steer and carcase competitions, and this year’s Murray Grey team strengthened that reputation.

The three-steer team scored a total of 372.5 points – 104 for live-weight and 268.5 carcase points - to take out first place ahead of Limousins on 371.5 points and Angus on 356.5 points.

Comprised of steers exhibited by TW Huggins, E Stearman and The Ernst Boys the team impressed judges both on-the-hoof and on-the-hook to beat a field of 11 other breeds to take out the trophy.

Every breed competing at Sydney aspires to winning the prestigious Trophy, as it recognises excellence on both the hoof and hook. The competition identifies breeds such as the Murray Grey, which have the versatility to produce quality carcases that can successfully target a wide range of market requirements.

Exhibited in the Lightweight Open Steer Division, Class 6 360-380 kilograms, TW Huggins’ steer weighed in at 372 kilograms live to be placed first on-the-hoof with 35 points.

Dressing at 204.5 kilograms and a total score of 87 points, the carcase scored maximum points for pH and p8 fat to take out the Reserve Champion Lightweight Carcase title.

Exhibited in the Middleweight Open Steer Division, Class 8 416-440 kilograms, the steer exhibited by E. Stearman weighed in at 416 kilograms live, placing first on-the-hoof with 34 points and won the Reserve Champion Steer title.

The carcase dressed at 250.5 kilograms to be placed second on-the-hook with 88 points.

Exhibited in the same class, The Ernst Boys’ steer weighed in at 438 kilograms live and was judged third on-the-hoof with 35 points, before going on to dress at 263.5 kilograms and achieve 93.5 points on-the-hook.

The carcase earned maximum points for p8 Fat, Fat Colour, Rib Eye, Rib Fat and ph to take out the Grand Champion Carcase title.

The Murray Grey breed took out the Stan Hill Trophy last year, 2001, 1995, 1994 and 1993.

"Winning three years in succession is a very significant achievement and shows the depth of quality carcase genetics available to the industry through the Murray Grey breed," highlighted Murray Grey Beef Cattle Society president, Gary Buller.

16th April 2003

First – Millwood Gemma X231, exhibited by Millwood Murray Greys. Second – Highview Lily X1, exhibited by Mr I & Mrs Y Evans. Third – Wheelview Linda X22, exhibited by PG & KL Barratt.

First Vishala Park Agricola X2, exhibited by Mrs DMCP Bacon. Second – Yamba Lindy X86, exhibited by BC Powell. Third – Dromara Park Grand Lady X1 (AI), exhibited by Lundy Constructions Pty Ltd.

First – Mindaribba Devine W8 (AI), exhibited by RKC Ward & Jevide Pty Ltd.

First – Millwood Glenpre W171, exhibited by Millwood Murray Greys. Second – Cranbrook Andrea W17 (AI) (ET), exhibited by Lohemi Pastoral Co. Third – Glenrockie Intent W10, exhibited by Mr SG & Mrs MM Pye.

First – Yamba Roberta W123 (AI), exhibited by BC Powell. Second – Bookoola Chloe W1, exhibited by RL & SM Lea. Third – Vishala Park Angel W13, exhibited by Mrs DMCP Bacon.

First – Mindaribba Valcess V18 (AI), exhibited by RKC Ward & Jevide Pty Ltd.

First – Millwood Jeanette V257, exhibited by Millwood Murray Greys.

First - Yamba Linda T58, exhibited by BC Powell. Second – Bellbowrie Kathryn (AI) (ET), exhibited by Mr RK & Mrs ME Maley. Third – Pandora Dusty Rose, exhibited by Pandora Murray Grey Stud.

First – Millwood Bailey X225, exhibited by Millwood Murray Greys. Second – Millwood Marshall W238, exhibited by Millwood Murray Greys. Third – Dromara Park Xtraspecial X2, exhibited by Lundy Constructions Pty Ltd.

First – T-field High Sundance XI (AI), exhibited by Tenterfield High School.

First – Chvalli Warlock W35, exhibited by Mr D & Mrs V Smith. Second - Moogerah Lake Kathmandu W23, exhibited by Mr JW Forsyth. Third – Mindaribba Ceaser W5 (AI), exhibited by RKC Ward & Jevide Pty Ltd.

First – Yamba Werewolf (AI), exhibited by BC Powell. Second – Pandora Mahogany, exhibited by Pandora Murray Grey Stud. Third – Glencairn Maximus W15 (AI), exhibited by Glenburgh Pty Ltd.

First – Breelong Jackson, exhibited by Mr DR & Mrs J Walker.

First – Yamba Waratah, exhibited by BC Powell. Second – Chvalli Warrigal W2, exhibited by Mr D & Mrs V Smith. Third – Quindalup Victor V14, exhibited by Mrs BJ Collis.

First – Cranbrook Virtue (ET), exhibited by Lohemi Pastoral Co. Second – St Brelade Frederick, exhibited by FWH & AL Janvrin.

First – Yamba Werewolf (AI), exhibited by BC Powell. Second – Pandora Mahogany, exhibited by Pandora Murray Grey Stud. Third – Dromara Park Xtraspecial X2 (AI), exhibited by Lundy Constructions Pty Ltd.

First – Yamba Waratah, exhibited by BC Powell.

8th April 2003

FEMALES ACHIEVE A 78% CLEARANCE AT                 NATIONAL SALE

Despite the unrelenting drought that has driven Australia’s cattle producers to sell-off their breeding stock, and the recent unprecedented numbers through Victorian saleyards, females managed to reach a 78% clearance at this year’s Murray Grey National Sale.

Held in Wodonga last week, 26 of the 33 cows and heifers sold to achieve a top-price of $7,000 twice with led females averaging $2,613 and unleds $2,043.

ONDIONG STUD A WINNER AT THIS YEAR'S NATIONAL SALE 

Ondiong Murray Greys proved their Dorrigo-bred cattle have what it takes to win in the show ring and sell in the sale ring after taking out ribbons and top prices at this year’s Murray Grey National Sale.

Lot 70, Ondiong Jock W143, a 20 month-old bull, was purchased by the Oag family of Braeside Park Murray Greys, Boorowa, for the top price of $11,250.

Jock was sashed first in his class before going on to win Reserve Champion Led Bull.

Ondiong Titian 85^th, also offered by Ondiong Murray Greys, achieved the shared top-price for females. Purchased by Brian Powell, Yamba Murray Greys, Narrandera, for $7,000 Titian was sashed Grand Champion Female earlier in the day.

In it’s 37^th year, the National Sale offered a total of 105 animals, with 63 selling to give a clearance of 60% and a gross of $181,050.

Of the 35 bulls offered: 10 junior bulls sold to top of $11,250 to average $3,325; 4 unled bulls sold to a top of $3,500 to average $2,625; and 21 senior bulls sold to a top of $10,000 to average $3,381.

A total of 26 females sold with: 7 unled females sold to a top of $7,000 to average $2,043; and 19 led females sold to a top of $7,000 to average $2,613.

The total bull average for 2003 was $3,278, while females reached $2,511.

Second top-price bull, Lot 1 Windhaven Visa Card, offered by Windhaven Murray Greys, South Australia, was purchased by Blackwood and Monterey Murray Grey Studs, of Western Australia for $10,000.

Visa Card’s half-brother, Windhaven Wunza Wish, made $10,000 at last year’s Murray Grey National Sale.

Top-price unled bull, Lot 54 Eurangie Park W75, was purchased by VM Carson of Chestnut, VIC, for $3,500.

Top-price unled female, Lot 118 Glenliam Farm Antoinette S33 ET, was purchased by RW & I Smith of Devonport, TAS, for $7,000.

Genetic Lots 126 and 127, both emryo packages offered by David Llewellyn, Katuna Murray Greys and Millwood Murray Greys were purchased by AR & GJ Meyer, VIC and Shellgardi Murray Greys, NSW respectively.

Repeat purchasers at this year’s Sale included: Wills Parternship, Greenthorpe, NSW, who purchased Lot 6 for $2,000, Lot 7 for $2,000, Lot 12 for $2,000, Lot 36 for $3,500, Lot 46 for $2,000 and Lot 65 for $2,250.

Russell and Katie Campbell, Lake Mundi, VIC, purchased Lot 89 for $3,000, Lot 111 for $4,750 and Lot 113 for $1,500.

Kevin Vayro, Miles, QLD, purchased Lot 105 for $1,400, Lot 106 for $1,500 and Lot 116 for $1,000.

For complete lot results head for Sale Catalogues. 

8th April 2003

First Lot 14, Hideaway Park Lone Ranger, exhibited by Wendy McDonald.

Second Lot 13, Cranbrook Virtue ET, exhibited by Lohemi Pastoral Co.

Third Lot 18, Murfield Volcano V2, exhibited by Ron and Dean Murfett.

First Lot 21, Ausgrey Dragonheart, exhibited by Matthew Newham and Pandora Murray Grey Stud.

Second Lot 1, Windhaven Visa Card, exhibited by GR & CJ Pengilly.

Third Lot 20, Pandora Whistler, exhibited by Pandora Murray Greys.

First Lot 29, Pandora Aztec, exhibited by Pandora Murray Greys.

Second Lot 2, Kalkara Watoru W151 ET, exhibited by RS & HL Muscat.

Third Lot 30, Tarlina Winston W24, exhibited by RW & RC Gregurke.

First Lot 39, Watermill Warragul, exhibited by Watermill Pastoral Co.

Second Lot 40, Rogilla Park Willy, exhibited by Rogilla Park Murray Greys.

Third Lot 37, Bennooka Park Smokey W17, exhibited by Stephen Robertson.

First Lot 70, Ondiong Jock W143 exhibited by JM & BB Francis.

Second Lot 72, Rogialyn William Wallace, exhibited by Rogialyn Murray Greys.

First Lot 66, Ondiong Gulliver W168, exhibited by JM & BB Francis.

Second Lot 65, Millwood Lotus Man W433, exhibited by Millwood Murray Greys.

Third Lot 80, Watermill Mystical, exhibited by Watermill Pastoral Co.

CHAMPION LED BULL Lot 21, Ausgrey Dragonheart, exhibited by Matthew Newham and Pandora Murray Grey Stud.

RESERVE Lot 70, Ondiong Jock W143 exhibited by JM & BB Francis.

First Lot 41, Glenliam Park Vindictive V46 ET, exhibited by K Cowley.

Second Lot 50, The Ultimate Justice, exhibited by TA & P Perkins.

Third Lot 43, Figtree Park Wally, exhibited by Helen Sutherland Pastoral Co.

First Lot 47, Millwood Athens W220, exhibited by Millwood Murray Greys.

Second Lot 53, Eurangie Park W59 AI, exhibited by M & L Carson.

Third Lot 52, Millwood Woody W201 AI, exhibited by Millwood Murray Greys.

CHAMPION UNLED BULL Lot 41, Glenliam Park Vindictive V46, exhibited by K Cowley.

RESERVE Lot 47, Millwood Athens W220, exhibited by Millwood Murray Greys.

GRAND CHAMPION BULL Lot 21, Ausgrey Dragonheart, exhibited by Matthew Newham and Pandora Murray Grey Stud (pictured top).

First Lot 95a, Wheelview Babs X11, exhibited by Wheelview Murray Greys.

Second Lot 96

First Lot 85, Ondiong Titian 85^th, exhibited by JM & BB Francis.

Second Lot 101, Rogialyn Heidi W7 AI ET, exhibited by Rogialyn Murray Greys.

Third Lot 97, Wheelview Gaymoon W59, exhibited by PG & KL Barratt.

First Lot 93, Glenliam Farm Ada W68 AI ET, exhibited by K Cowley.

Second Lot 103, Cranbrook Linda W16 AI ET, exhibited by Lohemi Pastoral Co.

Third Lot 106, Waroona Opera Star W23, exhibited by AW, SM & GK Hobbs.

First Lot 111, Yamba Evie T8 AI, exhibited by BC Powell.

Second Lot 90, Arki Perdita T25 AI, exhibited by Geoff Buick.

Third Lot 110, Wheelview Doris T25 AI, exhibited by PG & KL Barratt.

CHAMPION LED FEMALE Lot 85, Ondiong Titian 85^th, exhibited by JM & BB Francis.

RESERVE Lot 111, Yamba Evie T8 AI, exhibited by BC Powell.

First Lot 115, Watermill Beatrice W9 ET, exhibited by Watermill Pastoral Co.

Second Lot 116, Watermill Amethyst W14 ET, exhibited by Watermill Pastoral Co.

First Lot 117, Mt View Charmaine V11, exhibited by AJ Pate.

First Lot 118, Glenliam Farm Antoinette S33 ET, exhibited by K Cowley.

Second Lot 114, Saber Princess R25, exhibited by RJ Fawns.

Third Lot 120, Saber Balcara N66, exhibited by RJ Fawns.

CHAMPION UNLED FEMALE Lot 118, Glenliam Farm Antoinette S33 ET, exhibited by K Cowley.

RESERVE Lot 114, Saber Princess R25, exhibited by RJ Fawns.

GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE Lot 85, Ondiong Titian 85^th, exhibited by JM & BB Francis.

12th March 2003

MONTEREY SALE ACHIEVES 100% CLEARANCE 

The 11^th Annual Monterey Production Sale on Wednesday, January 29 2003 was once again highly successful.

In an outstanding show of support for the Murray Grey breed and the Monterey and guest vendor studs, 160 registered buyers competed strongly for the catalogue on offer, with 57 bulls selling to a top of $13,000, averaging $5,249 with 100% clearance.

Competition came from all states for the top priced bull, Monterey Whisky Lad, an April 2001 drop bull by Monterey Sundowner with a moderate Birthweight of +3.3 and growth and carcase traits all around the top 5% of the breed.

Whisky Lad, who was used over 35 females as a yearling, weighed in at 830 kilograms and sold to the Simmonds family, West Brookton, who also purchased two females to a top of $4,800 for the Monterey Starlight daughter, Monterey Veronica U4.

Second top price was paid by Tasmanian breeder John Young "Cam Grove", who paid $9,500 for the 952kg Monterey Woosha, a son of Monterey Tremendous.

Woosha had outstanding growth figures in the top 5%, moderate Birthweight and $Indexes of +$42 for Long-fed and +$36 for Domestic Supermarket, both indexes being in the top 1% of the breed.

Mr Young returned to the sale this year after being the under-bidder on last year’s top priced bull, Monterey Gotcha.

Also heading east to return buyers Chris and Graham Pengilly, Windhaven Murray Grey Stud, SA, was MontereyWhirlwind, $9,000, a Starlight son who was also used in the stud as a yearling.

Whirlwind had a Birthweight of +2.9 with 600 Day growth of +58 (top 5%) and outstanding $Indexes of +$49 Long-fed and +$37 Domestic Supermarket, both in the top 1% of the breed.

Volume buyers, Martindale Pty Ltd, purchased nine bulls to a top of $8,200 for Monterey Western Wind, an 844 kg son of Sundowner, with top 5% growth and top 1% $Index for Domestic Supermarket.

Kanandah Station, Kalgoorlie, purchased five Monterey bulls to a top of $5,000 for the 15 month old Monterey Woomera, a Starlight son.

Guest vendors, Tullibardine and Bundaleer also had total clearances with top priced Tullibardine Wyoming, a Millennium son, selling for $6,200 to David Richardson, Toodyay, who bought a further three bulls.

Bundaleer Stud sold to a top of $5,400 for Bundaleer Warratah, a June drop son of Monterey Shiloh, to Martindale.

Top priced female at $6,000 was a daughter of Monterey Finesse with a Maneroo Julian bull calf at foot and PTIC to Monterey Steamroller. Purchaser was John Currie, "Tomango" stud, NSW.

Seven cow/calf units sold to $6,000 and averaged $4,400.

Commercial females met with solid demand with five pens selling to a top of $1,200 for PTIC heifers.

Bidding on semen lots was brisk with 160 straws selling to $130 and averaging $80.

A feature of the sale was the large number of bulls in the top 10% for both Long-fed and Supermarket Indexes. Also pleasing was the strong competition from repeat buyers, who purchased the majority of the offering.

In summary – Monterey offered 37 bulls were offered and sold to average $5,519; Tullibardine offered 15 bulls to average $4,973; and Bundaleer offered 5 to average $4, 080 – Total 57 to average $5,249.

12th March 2003

THE RAIN CAME FOR GLENCAIRN SALE

Torrential, but welcome rain forced the Glencairn Murray Grey stud reduction sale to be relocated to the Glen Innes Sale Yards during February.

186 lots were offered with nine lots passed in.

Top price animal, Glencairn Supreme 8111, a ’97 drop female sold to S & M Hansen, Kingaroy, QLD for $7,000.

Supreme had an outstanding bull calf at foot sired by Monterey Millennium.

Second top price animal, also a ’97 drop female, was purchased by John Darcy, Ballymore Murray Greys, Murrurundi.

Volume buyer, the Burgess Family, Glen Innes, purchased over 26 lots while Lachlan James, Wallawong Murray Greys purchased seven and Limerick Pastoral Partnership, purchased six lots including a cow and calf unit for $2,300.

8th February 2002

MURRAY GREYS SELL FOR $17,000 IN WA

Murray Grey breeders in Western Australia have shown Australia's beef industry and cattle breeders alike, there is a demand for Murray Greys and the cattle can achieve top money.

The Buller family of Monterey, the Murrays of Tullibardine, the Owens of Bundaleer as well as commercial vendors, offered a top line-up of 64 Murray Grey stud bulls, 25 Murray Grey stud females, 118 commercial Murray Grey females, 15 Angus bulls and several Murray Grey embryo and semen packages.

The 240 registered buyers came from most states of Australia, bidding, both in person or by phone, to contribute to a sale gross of $770,760.

Top price bull, lot 4, one of 42 offered by the Monterey stud, was purchased in partnership by Melaleuca and Tullibardine Murray Grey studs, for $17,000 - a three-quarter share.

The Tullibardine stud offered 16 bulls, selling to an average of $6,100.

The first animal offered by the Bundaleer stud, lot 13, topped their six-head offering, selling for $7,200 to the Tullibardine stud.

Thanks go to selling agents, Elders and Wesfarmers Landmark.

SALE STATISTICS

Top price Murray Grey Bulls – Monterey $17,000, Tullibardine $9,000, Bundaleer $7,200.

Top price Angus Bulls – Monterey $9,000.

Stud Females – Monterey $6,600.

Commercial Females – Monterey $1,820 for 10 mated rising two year-old heifers.

SUMMARY

61 Murray Grey bulls offered averaged $6,455.

17 Angus bulls averaged $5,006.

25 stud Murray Grey females averaged $3,800, this included cows, cows and calves, joined heifers and unjoined heifers.

106 joined commercial heifers averaged $1,555.

12 unjoined commercial heifers averaged $684.

Four embryo packages sold for $750 each.

250 straws of semen averaged $82.20.

14 January 2002

GENETIC EVALUATION MAKES HISTORY FOR SOCIETY 

The 2002 Murray Grey International GROUP BREEDPLAN Genetic Evaluation has made history. 

The Murray Grey breed are the first to pool the pedigree performance databases of all member associations to set a record for the number of databases combined in one analysis. 

This milestone has been achieved by combining the integrated pedigree and performance databases of the Australian, New Zealand, American and Canadian Murray Grey Associations, with data from the United Kingdom herds also included. 

Murray Grey breeders now have access to an analysis with an international listing of genetic merit - Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) - for Murray Grey sires and dams. 

The 2002 Murray Grey International GROUP BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation analysed performance records from 19,086 sires and 105,757 dams to calculate these EBVs. 

These high figures are an indication of the continuing commitment Murray Grey breeders have to improve and develop the breed. 

Previous Murray Grey genetic evaluations have analysed the Australian and New Zealand and United Kingdom databases, also including data from participating United States and Canadian herds that were performance recording through the Australian Society. 

This was in effect a variation of the Trans Tasman evaluations conducted by several of the Australian and New Zealand breed societies. 
Since 1998 delegates from the five member associations of the International Murray Grey Beef Cattle Association have been working towards developing a common genetic evaluation. 

Many challenges were overcome to achieve the compatible and integrated pedigree and performance databases Murray Grey breeders world-wide can access for recording and reporting today. 

The Australian and New Zealand Societies were using the BREEDPLAN system provided by Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) and reporting results as EBVs. 

The American Association was recording birth and weaning weights, but lacked sufficient data to generate their own analysis, while the Canadian Association was using a non-compatible system and not recording any performance data. In addition, the Americans and Canadians required an analysis that provided for Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) - the reporting language used in North America. 

The American and Canadian Murray Grey Associations contracted the Canadian Angus Association to provide for their animal registration and performance recording services. 

The Canadian Angus Association was using ABRI software, and staff was conversant with the system. Pedigrees and performance data are now processed in Calgary, Canada. 

American and Canadian Murray Grey Association pedigrees and reports are prepared out of the Canadian Angus office. The Australian society provided some financial and technical support to set-up the compatible American and Canadian Murray Grey Association databases. 

BREEDPLAN utilises the performance information generated from the animal and its relatives and association with other traits. 
EBVs can be generated provided there are pedigree links with some performance information. 

The Australian Society has the largest data-set and extensive pedigree linkages with the other member association databases. The pooling of some 4413 heifer and 396