For 24 years, the Clarkson family have been joining Charolais bulls to their Brahman and Brangus breeders with profitable results achieved.
Rob Clarkson runs the business, Delcosta Pty Ltd, with his parents Paul and Judy, on Cowandilla, north of Linville, towards the head of the Brisbane River.
The family purchased Cowandilla 24 years ago, which was the same time that they introduced the Charolais into their commercial breeding program.
Cowandilla comprises hilly, undulating forest country, which is currently in "looking good overall" according to Rob Clarkson.
"We have plenty of feed, but we've had no run-off water for a long time. We have two creeks running through the property, one of which (Avoca Creek) hasn't run right through the place since 2013," Mr Clarkson said.
The Kandanga Valley bulls acclimatise well when we get them home.
- Rob Clarkson.
He said the Charolais bulls are joined with the weaners from November and taken out of the paddock after they've done their job, season dependent.
"We're generally quite strict of the females we select, but if the season is poor, the heifers get another run to get in-calf."
Mr Clarkson said the crossbred progeny they produce has great hybrid vigour, making them an in demand article when it comes to selling their weaner steer at eight to 10 months-old, and no lighter than 220kg, at the annual Shepherdson & Boyd Toogoolawah Weaner Sale.
"The tops of our steers returned $1680 per head there this year."
The Clarksons look for Charolais bulls with large eye muscle area, excellent bone structure, and in particular a good head when making their purchases.
Suiting these requirements are the bulls produced by John and Roz Mercer, Kandanga Valley Charolais and Charbray Stud.
"We've been buying bulls from the Mercers for 20 years. Kandanga Valley bulls are well suited to help produce the right type of article for our business. We currently have seven of their bulls at Cowandilla.
"The Mercers don't live far from us and we share similar country so the Kandanga Valley bulls acclimatise well when we get them home. We can put them to work straight away. Their customer service is brilliant as well."
Post-drought the family is staying positive and pushing forward with their work.
"We're hoping for some solid run-off rain soon."
