Herefords to lose one of best known studs in dispersal

The Bailieu family will reluctantly disperse the Hereford stud, with Antony Bailieu telling clients that it is with “deep regret” that the decision needs to occur.

The Yarram Park Hereford stud, owned by the Baillieu family, will disperse.

One of the nation’s biggest Hereford studs is calling it quits.

Yarram Park, at Willaura, owned by the Baillieu family and established in 1948, sent a letter to clients on Thursday to break the news.

“As a valued client who has been an even greater supporter of Yarram Park, I wanted to inform you that after much deliberation, the family has reluctantly decided to disperse the Hereford stud at Yarram Park,” Antony Baillieu said in the letter.

“Like all families, no doubt, we are at present going through succession planning.

“Our three children, who have grown up on the land, are now leading very separate lives and as a consequence, they neither have the passion or the understanding to manage a Hereford stud.”

Mr Baillieu said he had observed that if sufficient enthusiasm for a stud was not there, “the demise is very rapid”.

The cow herd will be sold in November-December this year and the final bull sale will be held next February.

“It is with deep regret on my behalf that this needs to occur, but I believe it is right under the circumstances,” Mr Baillieu said.

“In respect to my father, who started the stud and passionately loved it, we will depart the scene in a manner he would be proud of.”

Herefords Australia chairman Marc Greening said it was a great loss to the breed to lose such a progressive herd.

“We wish Ant and the family all the best in the future,” Mr Greening said.

“Businesses evolve and this is an example of a business evolving.”

Mr Greening said the dispersal would give Hereford breeders and new entrants to the breed the chance to continue on the female lines at their dispersal later this year.

“Yarram Park has had a huge influence on the Australian beef industry and Ant Baillieu will be missed as a participant in the Hereford seedstock industry,” he said.