Since deciding to switch to using Limousin bulls in their Clifton-based operation six years ago Julia and Adrian Simmons, have enjoyed great success with the breed.
The pair run their small herd of 50 predominantly Angus ex-stud cows, with a single Limousin bull on their 162ha property Glenville Downs, which they've owned for close to 30 years.
Glenville Downs lies on a 50/50 composition of red and blacks soils. The majority of the land is under improved pastures with a small section set aside for planting oats and barley for winter feed.
Mrs Simmons said they've been purchasing bulls from fellow Clifton local Ben Passmore, Benjarra Limousins, since incorporating the breed into their operation.
"We're into our third drop of calves with Benjarra Coco Rush, which we bought from Ben after the Toowoomba Ag Show in 2015 as a 12 month-old. He was a lovely, meaty, well balanced calf, with a naturally quiet disposition."
They struck gold with a first drop Coco Rush son at the Ekka in 2018.
"We entered in the led steer and carcass competition that year, and had success with a Limousin x Angus steer we nominated in partnership with Clifton's Shaun Daley, which he'd purchased from us," she said.
The 538kg weaner steer claimed the heavy weight and grand champion titles on the hoof, placed third on the hook and was named the overall steer jackpot winner across both hoof and hook in the led steer and carcass competition. The the win netted the Simmons and Mr Daley more than $25,000 in cash and prizes.
Mrs Simmons didn't get to Brisbane for the 2018 show.
"I got the shock of my life when I found out about the win. I did go last year and we had success again, in partnership with Stephen Hayward, with a second drop Coco Rush son which was named the champion light weight steer. We also placed second in the Pen of Six Steers competition."
The Limousin-cross progeny are also sold through the Warwick Saleyards, for which steers and cull heifers are finished and put on a grain bin to put weight on them to target the feedlot market.
"We consistently get a premium for the article we produce."
Mrs Simmons said like many, they contended with unflinchingly dry conditions in 2019, though they were lucky enough to receive a "big heap of rain in January" this year which helped to grow plenty of feed.
"We're well positioned now for the rest of the year."
She said with seasonal conditions improving they aren't looking to make any operational changes in the near future.
"Between the cattle and our passion for breeding and racing horses, which has been our hobby for 50 years, we're kept very busy."