The breeder who has trucked cattle more than 2000km to Rockhampton

It’s taken a 2000km trip but a southern Victorian breeder was determined to show her cattle to the world at Beef 2024 at Rockhampton in Queensland.

Steve Martin from Myona Charolais at Coonamble, NSW, and Vanessa Selleck, who brought cattle from Merricks North to exhibit for the first time at Beef 2024 at Rockhampton, Queensland.

The role that Charolais can play in the northern Australian beef industry was just one of the factors that attracted a southern breeder to bring her cattle more than 2000km to show them off.

Vanessa Selleck from Winkel Park Charolais at Merricks North in Victoria has two exhibits — a bull and a heifer — as part of the 120 Charolais on show at Rockhampton, Queensland this week, as part of Beef 2024.

It’s been a staggered trip for the cattle, with the December 2021-drop bull Myona Stoplight, making its presence felt at the Royal Easter Show at Sydney before acclimatising for a few weeks at Tamworth, NSW.

But Ms Selleck made the long haul this week as she exhibits at Australia’s major beef event for the first time.

She said Charolais could offera lot to northern cattle.

“They can really pack a punch into other breeds,” Ms Selleck said.

“The breed slogan is cross into profit and they could add power and meat.”

Ms Selleck, who runs the stud on her own, said the breed not only had meat traits but excellent temperament.

Her stud is just three years old and to date comprises 25 stud Charolais cows so the decision to come to Rockhampton was not taken lightly.

But she said there was only one way to get exposure for her cattle and that was through showing.

Her bull, which she bought about 12 months ago, was bred by fellow Charolais seedstock producer Steve Martin from Myona at Coonamble NSW and will be for sale this week.

The breed has 54 lots on offer as part of Beef 2024 which are being sold through AuctionsPlus as part of the Gold Star Genetics Sale, allowing breeders from across Australia to bid, with the auction closing on Thursday.

And while Ms Selleck is hoping for big things in the show ring and the sale this week, good results will be bitter sweet.

“He is a great bull but we have good young bull coming on and we have used him and now it is a chance for someone else to benefit,” she said.