Truvalle Droughtmaster Stud principal Margaret Wilson will bid a fond farewell to the stud selling ring when the majority of the family's founding Droughtmaster stud herd are presented for sale at the Coolabunia Sales Complex, Kingaroy, on Saturday, November 28.
In all, a total of 71 registered females, four sires and seven yearling bulls will be offered by Truvalle during the dispersal sale which has been incorporated into the annual Cream of the Crop Droughtmaster Female Sale this year.
Margaret said since Truvalle was registered with the Droughtmaster Society in 1966 (as stud No.22), the family has aimed to breed hardy, rugged cattle, of quiet temperament and good conformation, that thrive in all conditions.
"The bulls and females included in this draft are no exception. They'll perform well in stud or commercial operations across the country," she said.
Through its 54 years of operation, Truvalle, situated at The Valley south of Blackbutt, in South East Queensland, has etched its name in the annals of the Droughtmaster Society's history, as one of the breeds more influential enterprises.
The stud was originally established on The Valley by Joseph Wilson, initially with bulls from the Mungalla Stud, and heifers from the Bellevue Stud. He joined the Droughtmaster society in 1962.
Joseph's son Peter Wilson joined the partnership soon after, and when Joseph passed away in 1978, Peter and Margaret took the reins of the operation.
From that time they continued to progressively build the stud while utilising genetics from the Delaney, Strathfield, Billabong, Glen Houghton, Alcheringa, Clonlara, Canelands, Valley, Minlacowie, Swan, Coolalinga, Wingfield, Woodbine, Alma, Garthowen, Huntly, Dalmally, Talgai and Lorandale, Oakmore, Brigalow Park and Vale View studs.
After Peter passed away in 2002, Margaret and her son Cameron continued to operate the business until Peter's cousin, Alexander Hammond, arrived at The Valley, and Cameron and his wife Trinity moved to The Range, in the Nanango area, which Peter had purchased to run half their herd on.
Over the years the Wilsons have garnered well deserved recognition at stud sales and in the show ring for the article they produce.
Some of these highlights are as follows:
- At the 1972 Droughtmaster Feature Show, Truvalle was awarded Grand Champion Bull while Truvalle Dalkeith, Grand Champion Female with Truvalle Fleur, and Truvalle won the Breeders Group section
- In 1974, Truvalle Cain led the Droughtmaster breed in the National 'Sire of the Year' contest
- Also in 1974, Truvalle Fabian was awarded Grand Champion Bull at the Ekka, and went on to become the Beef Sire of the Year in 1977 and 1978. When sold he continued to sire champion stock
- In 1985, Truvalle Nelly, with calf at foot, sold for a then record price of $4800
- In 1987, Truvalle Treasure, with her bull calf, was named Grand Champion Female at the Ekka
- In 1989, Truvalle Adelaide, a 17 month-old heifer set a world record price of $10,000 at the Gympie Droughtmaster Female Sale
- In 2004, Truvalle Magpie V topped the female section at $7000 at the 23rd annual South East Queensland Female Sale in Gympie
- At the 2014 Droughtmaster National Sale,Truvalle proved the consistency of quality in the bulls they produce by averaging more than $10,000 for six young two year old potential sires
- The consistency of the quality of the Truvalle cattle was recognised at The 30th Annual Droughtmaster Futurity Show held at Gatton in 2015 (which Peter helped found) when the stud was presented with the Champion Female Heifer award
- In recognition of her long-held passion and support for the Droughtmaster breed Margaret was awarded Life Membership of the Droughtmaster Society in 2015
Margaret said Truvalle has also enjoyed success at store sales, with bulls, steers and females predominantly sold through the Shepherdson and Boyd Toogoolawah Saleyards for consistently solid returns.
"Truvalle has also proudly supplied the foundation stock for many Droughtmaster studs. We've sold cattle right across Australia, as well as into Taiwan, Malaysia and China."
Looking ahead, Margaret said she will still have a handful of young bulls to sell.
"Maybe later, we'll buy some commercial females, but that is something to explore down the road."