No fuss cattleman Burnett Joyce dies aged 74

The Gyranda Santa Gertrudis Stud was built on more than half a century of breeding experience. It is Stud 3 on the Australian register.

The Gyranda stud operation began with the purchase of a King Ranch bull in 1953, and the importation of three purebred Santa Gertrudis cows from the Armstrong Ranch (USA) in 1954.

Founded by Fitzpierce and Eileen Joyce, Gyranda was later run in partnership with his sons E.B. 'Barney' and Raoul Joyce. In 1967, then the Eidsvold Station based partnership was divided.

Gyranda Pastoral Company was then established by Raoul Joyce and his wife Ida. Ida Joyce-Smith was a proud patron of the Santa Gertrudis Breeders Association Australia until mid-2006, standing down just weeks prior to her death on 9th September, 2006.

Mr Joyce, the second of Raoul and Ida's four sons, established the third generation of ownership in the 1970's with his wife Louise.

Today, under the management of Peter and Nikki Mahony (Nikki the eldest of Burnett and Louise's four children) the stud joins 1500 females and sells in excess of 200 herd and stud bulls annually.

A most unassuming cattleman, Mr Joyce requested that "not too much fuss" to be made after his death, as in his opinion the accolades and acknowledgement received during his life were more than enough.

In line with his wishes, Mr Joyce's body will be cremated and his ashes scattered in locations that meant a lot to him and his beloved wife Louise.

A memorial gathering will be held at Gyranda on Saturday May 29, from 10am-3pm. If you wish to attend, please email nikki@gyranda.com.au for details.

Mr Joyce will be remembered by the many people he loved, supported and shared his experiences, passions and thirst for knowledge with, including his loving wife Louise, their four children Nikki, Hayley, Jo and Dan, and 10 grandchildren.