THE Simmental ring was full of action on Thursday at the Ekka, and for the Skene family, Meldon Park Simmentals, Dalby, the day could not have been more successful.
As the time came for the judging of the grand champion bull, Rodney Skene, Meldon Park Simmentals, said the situation was more than they could have ever hoped for – with two of their bulls standing off against each other.
After Meldon Park Matador took out the junior champion bull award, Mr Skene said he was astounded to watch their senior bull, Meldon Park Lightning Jack, take out the seniors.
It was then time for a shoot-out for the two bulls for the champion – which Matador won.
“There was a really strong lineup of junior bulls today but we were quietly confident that that young bull would get up there,” he said.
“We probably didn’t expect the senior bull to win but it was good to have them both out there - it's a win-win situation for us.”
Matador was a favourite of Mr Skene’s, and he said he comes from a great line.
“He's by Lucrana General which is a bull we've used heavily in the past couple of years and have had great success with him,” he said.
“He's out of a Meldon Park Zoom cow line.
“Zoom was a bull that won senior champion in Sydney about ten years ago, and we've got a few cows out of that line - it's one that's really clicked for us.”
He said taking out the win was “brilliant”.
The senior bull, Lightning Jack, will be offered at Meldon Park’s sale, however Matador is destined for Beef next year, where Mr Skene said he is hoping for “big things”.
In the females, it was Claire and Scott York, Bill Park Simmental, Dulaca, who had the big win – with Bill Park Poll Khloe K82 taking out the grand champion female.
The stud has about 200 registered females, is based at Glengyle, Dulaca, and run by Mr and Mrs York, and Mr York’s two brothers Wayne and Luke and their families.
Mr York said the outcome at the Ekka was a “great effort”.
“We came with her last year and she was in the junior senior class and she stood up pretty well; so we thought we'd come back this year with a calf at foot and give her a try,” he said.
“She's the one we came for.”
He said the cow was his personal favourite from the herd.
“We just love her because she's beautiful and soft, long, great depth of body and just a functional cow that's going to go out and do the job day-in, day-out no matter what sort of feed you put in front of her,” he said.
“She's by a polled sire who has really performed for us, Churchill, and he's really performed for us in our herd.
“She's one of the last direct daughters of him. It's pretty excited to pick up a big win for that.”
Kelly Butterworth
Rockhampton-based journalist covering all things ag.
Rockhampton-based journalist covering all things ag.
