To source consistently reliable bulls for use in their commercial breeding operation, the Galloway family on Barrain, north-west of Blackwater have, for decades, been a regular fixture at the Braford National Sale.
Barry and Ainsley Galloway run their 900 head (90 per cent Braford) breeding herd, with their son Scott, on 10,125ha of undulating softwood country at Barrain and Coalmine, which border 27kms of the Mackenzie River. Barry drew Barrain in 1972 and Coalmine was purchased in 1986.
In addition to cattle production, the family also grow cotton, sorghum, wheat, chick peas and mung beans under 700 acres of irrigation in a separate operation on-property managed by sharefarmer Greg Kruger.
In the breeding operation Braford bulls and a small number of Red Brahman bulls are joined with the females from November 1 through to late March, early April each year.
The resulting progeny are fattened and sold into the Teys Grassland EU MSA market.
"We aim to sell our steers as two and half year old, two to four tooth's at 320kg dressed and our cull heifers, sightly older, at 280kg dressed," Scott said.
"We haven't sold through the saleyards since 2004, due to the premiums we receive by selling to Teys," he said.
Scott said Braford production has always been the focus on Barrain, as Barry came from a Braford breeding family himself..
"They're hardy in the drought, tick resistant, and dress well for the works. They always do the job we need them to. They constantly prove their worth."
He said the family has been attending and buying at the Braford National pretty much since the inaugural sale was held.
"The bulls we've purchased from the sale have always done a great job for us.
"We've tried other breeds to mix things up but we always come back to Brafords."
Scott said at the National they try to support as many vendors as they can, and look for bulls that will fit into their herd efficiently.
"We look for all-round bulls with length, rump shape and a short pizzle."
Meeting these requirements are the bulls produced, and offered through the National sale, by the Kenny family, Harriett Valley Brafords, Gayndah.
"The Kenny's bulls never fall apart when we bring them home, and they're reliable performers for us.
"We've been buying from Harriett Valley for 15 years and at present we have three of their bulls in the herd.
"We purchased one from them at the National last year which is now in the bull paddock at. We'll put him in with the females on Melbourne Cup day. We're looking forward to seeing his calves when they drop next year."