Shifting market dynamics in the red meat industry have heightened the importance of infusing British breeds through tropically-adapted cattle in central and northern Queensland.
Herefords Australia CEO Michael Crowley says Hereford cattle offer fertility, longevity, productivity and carcase quality traits that complement tropical breeds without compromising their ability to survive and thrive in challenging environments.
He says he believes central and northern Queensland holds big growth potential for the Hereford breed and producers seeking to infuse British breed genetics through their herds to drive key profitability factors.
“As we look at the direction the industry is going, introducing Hereford cattle and crossbreeding with tropical breeds in northern Australia, we will create shorter-term productivity gains for the industry, particularly on fertility and carcase quality.
“You also get hybrid vigour and heterosis off the back of crossbreeding, which is a free productivity gain reducing the cost of production and, ultimately, selling a higher value product at the end of the day.”
Furthermore, Mr Crowley says Hereford producers are seeing price incentives from the feedlot sector, as well as over-the-hooks in Queensland, as demand for flatback cattle increases. Cross breeding with Hereford cattle reduces the bos indicus content without compromising productivity.
“Herefords are really complementing and helping the commercial operators achieve those goals,” he said.
“There’s price premiums into the feedlot for flatback cattle and rewards for improving MSA grading outcomes over the hooks.”
Mr Crowley, a former senior Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) executive, became chief executive officer of Herefords Australia in March.
He says the move to Herefords Australia represents a positive development and career progression opportunity.
“I am looking forward to implementing a lot of the research that industry has invested in with the Herefords Australia membership and commercial beef producers.”
Mr Crowley told Queensland Farmer Today that while Herefords Australia membership and female inventory numbers of registered cattle had remained stable over the past five years he was keen to drive growth.
A strong strategy that includes sustainability, cross breeding and youth programs would underpin this, as would building connections through the commercial supply chain.
“The strength of our seed stock members is the core part of our business,” Mr Crowley said.
“Our members are really committed to the breed and I think the quality of the cattle puts us in a great position.”
Mr Crowley’s family runs a Poll Hereford stud at Barraba, about two hours drive from his home in Armidale, NSW.
His 20 years of red meat industry experience includes supply chain operations, processing, on farm management, ownership of a cattle and beef marketing business, as well as the past 14 years with MLA, working across MSA, international marketing and market access, research, development and adoption.
