After 40 years of breeding high quality beef cattle with universal stud appeal, temperament remains the most prized trait at Samari Brahmans in south west Queensland.
High fertility, constitution, exceptional udders and underlines, as well as overall high yielding beef attributes are also essential.
“We aim to have a highly-fertile animal with better than average growth weights,” Samari stud co-principal Sally Sweetland said.
“Our cattle get one chance with temperament. That is our first stage of culling at weaning. Anyone who has been to Samari will know that safety is the first priority for us and our clients.”
Brahmans are synonymous with north Queensland climates but, after Mrs Sweetland’s parents Keith and Annabelle Wilson bought Samari Plains – 120 kilometres south of Roma – in 1979 they began focusing on their Red Brahman stud, alongside a sheep and cattle business.
“Annabelle loved the Brahmans and could see the positive attributes they could offer to a mainly Euro and British breed cattle area in south west Queensland as diverse seasons, such as drought, became a more regular occurrence,” Mrs Sweetland said.
“Annabelle had a close bond with Arnie and Isabel Kirk and family of Rockley Brahman stud, Rockhampton. Arnie was a great family friend and mentor for young Annabelle.
“The last bull Keith and Annabelle bought off Arnie was Rockley 957(PS) in 1996.
“We have used Rockley 957(PS) in our AI & IVF programs over the past two years as, when he was alive, he threw many of the desired traits we value at Samari.
“We still have females here today by him and collected eggs from a daughter of his for our IVF program. Samari Plains Dinah (PS) 1321 is 13-years-old.”
Alongside her husband Ben and family, Mrs Sweetland has continued the family’s passion for Red Brahmans and has run her stud across the 9000-hecatre Samari Plains for 20 years.
“It’s been rewarding for me to continue the legacy Mum created through the Samari Brahman stud,“ Mrs Sweetland said.
“She worked hard for many years to ensure its success.”
Over the past 10 years, Samari have sold Red Brahmans to Vietnam, New Caledonia, NSW, Victoria and WA, with the cattle adapting with ease to their new environments.
Proving, Mrs Sweetland said, Brahman’s resilience under all conditions.
“Brahmans in general have a sleeker coat to deal with ticks and handle the extreme heat but can also grow a thicker coat in cold climates,” she said.
“They are wonderful, protective mothers, which is of most importance because of the rapid increase of wild dogs.
“Most of our cows happily let us close enough to inspect their calves when we first find them after giving birth.
“They are intelligent and will trust you if you spend time with them. They are family-oriented and have strong bonds within their herd.”
Samari cattle are raised on native pastures regardless of the season.
“If the season permits, bulls are always on pasture in a large area so we can guarantee to our clients that our bulls aren’t pampered,” Mrs Sweetland said.
“They are mobile and can forage for themselves.”
Sensing interest building in the Brahman breed, Sally’s father Keith Wilson approached Blake Munro of Elders in Toowoomba about starting a Brahman/Queenslander multi-vendor sale to provide the Maranoa and surrounds with more genetic choice.
Over four years, it has gone from strength-to strength.
This year, Samari will offer 15 Red Brahman bulls, including four Queenslanders, at the Roma Brahman and Queenslander sale at Roma Saleyards on Wednesday 31 August at 1.30pm.
Pre-sale inspection is available the day before.
