Central Queensland’s George and Kim Sypher are getting good results out of the crossbreeding operation they began eight years ago using black Brangus bulls over Brahman and Droughtmaster females.
The Sypher’s, with the help of their three daughters Gabby, Gracie and Laura, manage the mixed farming (dryland and irrigation) and grazing operations on 17,790 acres at Karamarra, north east of Dingo on the Mackenzie River, for owners Charlie and Kaye Wilson. They also manage Slatey Creek at Duaringa.
River country backs into forest country with improved Brigelow on both properties, and while Mr Sypher said it has been a “very ordinary season to date”, the river frontage ensures water isn’t a big issue.
“The business targets the MSA market, and became Certified Organic in 2014,” Mr Sypher said.
He said they initially decided to try Brangus bulls over the Brahman and Droughtie breeders, as they were looking for a breed that’s early maturing, “and as we’re organic we wanted to maintain the softness in the progeny without going 100 per cent Brahman, while still keeping the natural parasite resistance”.
He said in those regards the Brangus have fit the bill very well, and the cross is achieving what they set out to accomplish.
“All breeding activity is carried out at Slatey Creek, with the weaners produced there sent over to Karamarra to be fattened and finished,” he said.
He said they usually join 1100 females annually in the commercial operation, with bulls going into the paddock in the second weekend of January, and back out by the end of April.
“We turn off steers at 280kg to 320kg dress weight and heifers at 240kg to 280kg dressed to the processors.
“Despite the overall decline in prices recently, there is still strong demand from processors for organic beef so we’re still getting pretty good prices.”
He said there aim going forward is to maintain the high eating quality of the cattle they produce.
“We’re are always endeavouring to produce a consistent organic article to meet MSA market specifications.”