Queensland Country Life

Hicks Beef focus on profitability through genetic gain

Hicks Beef focus on profitability through genetic gain
Hicks Beef focus on profitability through genetic gain

Story sponsored by Hicks Beef.

If you're going to increase the profitability of your commercial cattle herd you need one thing above all else: well balanced, highly productive, highly fertile animals that can thrive in a real world environment.

That's why Hicks Beef's rigorous breeding program focuses so heavily on these outcomes. The stud's co-principal Tom Hicks says their upcoming spring bull sale will be a great opportunity for anybody looking to improve the efficiency of their herd per hectare.

The on-property Spring bull sale at Annandayle South, in Holbrook, on Wednesday, September 2, and will see them part company with 58 of their best composite bulls as well as 13 Red Angus, all bulls have gnomically enhanced EPDs.

The stud runs more than 1000 registered cows and all are bred under strict commercial conditions.

"We really want to make sure they can withstand a commercial stocking rate because their real purpose is to thrive in a commercial environment," Mr Hicks explained.

"We join for two cycles to put pressure on fertility and everything that comes into the herd has to pass independent structural assessment."

In fact, every cow must conceive, calve and wean a calf every year in order to maintain a spot in the herd. After all, Mr Hicks says, there's no room for passengers in a profitable beef enterprise.

Hicks Beef focus on profitability through genetic gain
Hicks Beef focus on profitability through genetic gain

The Hicks family have been breeding cattle in the Holbrook region for more than 70 years and they've always tried to stay ahead of the game.

Today, that means genomic testing all of their animals and using both genetic data and traditional breeding methods to produce cattle that rank in the top 4pc in the All Purpose Index of the world's largest multi-breed database.

"Our goal is to create as much profit for our clients as we can by improving genetic gain," Mr Hicks explained.

"Our Australian Beef Composites combine the desirable traits of British and European breeds to create an animal that puts more weight on without sacrificing carcase quality and maternal production," he continued.

"Breeding with composites is also the simplest and most effective way to incorporate hybrid vigour into a beef enterprise, without the complexity of a rotational crossbred system."

Mr Hicks runs the family stud along with his wife Kate, his two children, and his parents Andrew and Anne.

For more information on the upcoming Hicks Beef spring bull sale visit their website: https://www.hicksbeef.com.au/

Story sponsored by Hicks Beef.