For Augathella's John and Lorraine Creevey, Brahman content in their commercial crossbreeding operation is essential for their cattle to survive in the dry.
The Creeveys run 800 Brahman and Charolais females which are joined with Charolais and Brahman bulls on 6192ha of buffel country at Lucknow, which has been in the family for 35 years.
"Our goal is to fatten our crossbred weaner steers to 350kg at eight months old and to then sell them through the Roma Saleyards," John said.
"The article we're producing is looking like it's coming off an oats crops, they're doing so well," he said.
"While we have plenty of water here now the Brahman is ideal for the dry."
He said they join their Brahman bulls with their first calf heifers as the Charolais are too big for the job.
"We prefer heavy-type bulls that we can see above the height of our cows, so they need to have plenty of size, a good square rump, hooded eyes, a good hump and looseness in the front end.
"We also like a good frame, loose skin and a quiet nature, as we don't want any problem animals."
Due to the size of their property, the Creeveys leave their bulls out with the breeders throughout the year.
"We've found that they regulate themselves well, and we'd rather have a few late calves to deal with than none at all."
John said to diversify their Brahman genetics they've been purchasing bulls from the Wilson family, Samari Plains Red Brahmans, Surat for five years now.
"We purchased a bull from the Wilsons at last year's Rocky Brahman Week Sale which ticked all our boxes.
"He has been producing really good red calves, which are still dropping now."
He said they also bought five Brahman and Queenslander bulls from Samari earlier this month in Roma.
"We like the deep red colour of the Queenslander, which we're looking to incorporate into the breeding program."
John said they have no plans to change direction with their operation.
"We just hope we can continue to keep producing good quality, quiet cattle."
