CattleKing celebrating 20 years

This is sponsored content for CattleKing Agricultural Services

It has been 20 years since Warren Hunter, the owner/operator of CattleKing Agricultural Services, started producing Quicklick, a liquid supplement for cattle.

The first load of Quicklick went to Oaklands owned by Jerry and Robin Douglas who were running 1400 wagyu cows. Due to phosphorus and other trace mineral deficiencies their calving rate had averaged 52 per cent.

"We fed them Quicklick Wet Season with phosphorus and chelated trace minerals. The Spring and Summer were very dry that year - it didn't rain until February 2002," Mr Hunter said.

"The cows were preg-tested in May, and 92pc were in-calf. It was a great result and although the property has changed hands we have supplied Quicklick Topline to Oaklands for the last 20 years," he said.

For nearly as long CattleKing has been operating, Mount Coolon-based stud beef producers Kelvin and Margaret Maloney, Kenilworth Brahmans, have been using QuickLick Topline Dry Season to provide protein and other essential trace minerals and vitamins to help prevent weight loss, and to assist in getting their cows back in calf as quickly as possible.

"I can't even remember how many tanks of Quicklick we've used over the years. We don't like using grain if possible so we deliver the supplement through a molasses lick. In our hard country here we can't afford to let our cattle lose condition, as calves are the name of our game so the supplement has been very handy," Mrs Maloney said.

"Warren has done his research, and knows his subject really well. He has worked very hard to achieve what he has with the business," she said.

The Maloneys are effusive in their praise for the support CattleKing provides.

"You couldn't deal with better people than the staff at CattleKing. They're great with their accounts, it doesn't matter what time of day we call, somebody always answers. Their delivery drivers are wonderful as well, they always stay in touch and let us know how far along the route to us they are."

Many advancements were made with CattleKings' product range in its first two years of business, with the most significant being the manufacturing of its own chelated minerals designed for the CattleKing Topline Dry season supplement.

"These chelated minerals have a far higher absorption rate and are important to achieving maximum results from your cattle. Our product is customised to suit nutritional needs and industry trends such as PCAS and Grasslands. Another important material that we sell are protein meals and pellets that is sold in bulk, one ton or 25kg bags."

Mr Hunter purchased a fleet of trucks and specifically designed plastic tankers were built at CattleKing to handle the corrosive material and rough roads across which CattleKing products are distributed.

"The CattleKing product line has become well known across Queensland. We distribute through more than 60 produce stores and rural outlets throughout the state."

This year CattleKing has again expanded its operational capacity to produce phosphorus and urea based loose licks which have been incorporated into the businesses chelated minerals for better absorption.

"These will be on display at Beef 2021 along with some new specially formulated horse feeds and supplements and our 600kg Fatta Fasta protein cake."

He said the CattleKing Fatta Fasta boxes are excellent for weaning calves as they deliver high protein and important nutrients, while eliminating stress and weight loss at weaning.

"The boxes save time and ensure that every calf, no matter their size, gets their share.

"They can be used in a creep feeder before weaning and then after weaning to push them along, for holding sale cattle, extra protein for the first calf heifers or a few bulls etc.

"There is no need for grain feeders or troughs and they are rain safe."

When Mr Hunter started CattleKing in 2001, Beef Australia was the first event he attended to showcase the business.

"What an amazing time we had. We were able to show cattlemen back then something new and cost effective at only nine cents per litre.

"Beef was the event that gave us the exposure the business needed and CattleKing has gone from strength-to-strength since that time.

"We thank all the cattlemen and cattlewomen that have continued to support us through the wet and very dry years. We hope to see you at Beef 2021."

This is sponsored content for CattleKing Agricultural Services