Rebecca Humphreys banks on Brangus

Rebecca Humphreys is taking the reins of her family’s Tallygaroopna Brahman and Brangus operation, and is the first female to do so.

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MANAGING her family’s Brahman operation is a tall order, but Tallygaroopna’s Rebecca Humphreys is up for the job.

The 37-year-old has progressed from farm hand to lead decision-maker on the 80ha property north of Shepparton as her uncle, Henry Humphreys, 70, eases into retirement.

While working full-time at SPC in Shepparton, Rebecca spends her spare time grading paddocks, planting shelter belts and breeding show-winning cattle.

“The age-old goal is to see if I can top the Shepp sale,” Rebecca said. “I get a little disappointed when I don’t make the list.”

She has recently added Brangus cattle to the operation and said they offered the best of both breeds: fast growth of Angus and heat tolerance of Brahmans.

“She is doing a bloody good job,” Henry said.

“She runs all the cattle; does all the AI programs; works out what bulls are going to what cows. And she has a happy knack with the animals. It is unreal.”

Rebecca has also reinstated native vegetation as part of a local catchment management authority program.

“I remember as a kid going tadpoling in the drains,” she said.

“I wanted to stop that disappearing altogether.”

Rebecca is a nominee in the Shine Awards.

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