Vet Geoffry Fordyce picks up the pen for debut novel ‘Breeding’

A well-known NQ vet has released a debut novel about the trials of a young station guy as he tries to improve his herd’s genetics and hurdle the largest challenge of all - getting a girlfriend.

Geoffry Fordyce

Geoffry Fordyce, a distinguished figure in the agricultural and veterinary sciences, has turned a new page—both literally and figuratively—with the release of his debut novel, “Breeding.”

With a rich background rooted in North Queensland, encompassing family beef cattle and sugar cane farms, Fordyce offers a unique blend of practical experience and academic prowess to both his profession and now, to his readers.

“I grew up in the Mackay district on family beef cattle and sugar cane farms. After completing a veterinary science degree, augmented with postgraduate study, research of beef cattle systems, especially of reproducing cattle in the tropical world, has been my life’s work,” shares Fordyce.

His extensive career involved working for the University of Queensland and collaborating with beef business operators and scientists across northern Australia, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste.

His contributions have not gone unnoticed; Fordyce was awarded the inaugural medal for Excellence in Research by the North Australian Beef Research Council in 2006 and an Honorary Doctor of Science degree by James Cook University in 2021.

Breeding by Geoffry Fordyce - and unintentionally funny cover considering the genre of story contained inside it’s pages.

In his novel ‘Breeding’, Fordyce crafts a narrative that encapsulates cattle station drama and romance.

‘Breeding’ finds a young Bruce Arnold with the reins of a large debt and a large beef cattle station in the Charters Towers area.

He sets about improving the profitability of the business through better breeding and management of the cattle.

The story interweaves respect, leadership, and robust business principles while navigating typical dramatic incidents and uplifting social experiences.

The livestock vet in his natural habitat.

Fordyce’s inspiration to write stems from the challenge of translating scientific research into practical business practices.

“As a scientist, I’ve struggled getting research outcomes into business practice. I saw an opportunity to describe modern business practice implementing recommendations from good business and research in the context of a novel.”

Fordyce also aimed to deviate from the norm of thrillers filled with violence and disrespect, focusing instead on telling a positive story about young people, particularly women, in agriculture.

One of the more emotional scenes Fordyce enjoyed writing involved the disappearance of a young boy.

“When writing about the disappearance of a young boy, I became emotional, and even though I was the bloke writing, I was wondering how this specific drama would end! The fingers were in a blur, as the story spilt out.”

Fordyce attributes his writing skills to two key teachers during his school years and the extensive experience of writing scientific papers.

Geoffry Fordyce working overseas.

“I couldn’t write for quids as a young bloke. It wasn’t till I’d been through the mill of hundreds of scientific publications, plus a few books, that I finally had the confidence to embark on my first expedition into fiction writing.”

Getting “Breeding” published wasn’t without its challenges.

“I was unable to convince the major publishers to take on a greenhorn. I found a great publisher who made the process a downhill run. I’d already done all the hard yards, on my lonesome.”

Looking ahead, Fordyce aims to continue writing.

“I love to give it another go, that is, punch out a few more novels. I have plenty of ideas. What I can achieve will depend on time available as I have many other professional commitments, that I also love.”

The book is available through geoffryfordyce.com.au

Local readers can pick up a copy at Mary Who in Flinders St, or the Grand Secret bookstore in Charters Towers.

Originally published as Vet Geoffry Fordyce picks up the pen for debut novel ‘Breeding’