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Herefords excel in the feedlot with efficient weight gain, reduced days to slaughter, and premium carcase yield. The breed adds desirable carcase characteristics and boosts MSA market suitability. Picture supplied
THIS IS BRANDED CONTENT FOR HEREFORDS AUSTRALIA
Cattle breeding used to be all about instinct, a good eye, a feel for structure, and a bit of faith in a bloodline.
While those skills still matter, there’s a tool in the Hereford breeder’s belt that’s being used more than ever: science.
Today, DNA, data and performance records are helping producers across Queensland, and the rest of Australia, make more confident, accurate decisions, reshaping the way herds are bred and managed.
Thanks to genomics and performance recording, breeders can identify standout animals early, long before they’ve had a chance to prove themselves in the paddock.
Traits like rib fat, eye muscle area and intramuscular fat, once only visible after processing, can now be predicted while a calf is still on mum.
Herefords Australia RD&E specialist, Hamish Chandler, said it’s taken the guesswork out of a lot of decisions.
“We’re not just hoping a bull will deliver; we’ve got the data to back it up. It’s helping fast-track progress without compromising the things we love about the breed,” Mr Chandler said.
Add desirable carcase characteristics and boost MSA market suitability with Herefords. Picture supplied
In a market where quality and consistency define value, Herefords are proving their worth. Herefords Australia has collated more than 35,000 MSA carcase records voluntarily submitted from across the country. The data shows Herefords are hitting the mark, consistently ranking in the top 25-30 per cent of all carcases nationally on the MSA Index. These results highlight Herefords’ ability to deliver heavy carcases at younger skeletal maturity. It’s clear: Herefords aren’t just meeting market specs, they’re exceeding them.
Breedplan has been a cornerstone of genetic improvement for years, but with the addition of genomic testing, the numbers are even more accurate. Especially for young bulls that haven’t had progeny on the ground yet, genomic-enhanced EBVs mean you don’t have to wait years to see how a sire will perform. That gives producers more confidence to invest in the right animals and make bold decisions.
It’s not just the studs that are benefiting. Commercial producers are also starting to look harder at the numbers behind the bulls they buy.
With processors and feedlots providing more feedback, and more carcase data coming back through the chain, it’s clear that breeding decisions have a direct impact on profitability.
Reduced days to slaughter. Better yield. Greater consistency. It all adds up, not just in cents per kilo, but in a better experience for the consumer and a stronger reputation for the breed.
A homozygous polled Hereford bull with Braford females at Winvic Pastoral, Clermont. Picture by Georgie Connor
In Queensland, it’s clear that the Hereford community has been embracing this opportunity.
Many studs are already integrating genomics into their programs, and commercial producers are asking smarter questions when it comes time to pick their next bull.
The goal is the same as it’s always been: cattle that thrive in tough conditions, produce top-quality beef, and keep the business moving forward.
Herefords deliver where it counts, offering the right balance of performance and adaptability.
They bring sustainability to the forefront through their ability to perform with less, less feed, less stress, less intervention, all while maintaining long productive lives in challenging environments. They drive productivity through efficient growth, strong fertility, and reliable performance across breeding and finishing systems. And they uphold a reputation for quality, producing beef that meets the expectations of today’s market.
The data supports the decision-making, and the results speak for themselves. Herefords are delivering a powerful, high-performance package for the future of Australian beef.
THIS IS BRANDED CONTENT FOR HEREFORDS AUSTRALIA
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