Top honours at Beef 2024

Lot 3 in the heifer sale, Meldon Park U47. (Supplied)

Meldon Park’s continued success from Beef Australia 2024 and the growing demand for quality bulls

Meldon Park has once again proven its position at the forefront of the cattle breeding industry, achieving remarkable success at Beef Australia 2024. This year, the Skene family celebrated not one but four Grand Championships, marking their fourth consecutive win. Additionally, they earned top spots in the Interbreed competition, securing a place in the top seven — a testament to their dedication and the high-quality genetics they produce.

A legacy of excellence in genetics

At the heart of Meldon Park’s success is its commitment to producing cattle with genetics that cater to multiple markets.

As Mrs Lis Skene explains: “We produce a bull that can target a vealer market if needed but can continue on to the Jap Ox market.”

This flexibility in breeding has made their bulls sought-after by clients across Queensland and New South Wales, with strong support from the central and north western regions, as well as coastal areas from Sarina to Casino.

The sale and demand for quality bulls

Meldon Park now offers an impressive 100 bulls for sale annually, with upcoming sales including the Black Stump Sale at Blackall in March 2025 and their Invitational sale at Rolleston in September.

This year’s bulls stand out for their exceptional growth and finishing ability, making them well-suited for various markets. Whether clients sell weaners to backgrounders, send cattle to feedlots or finish them on grass, the Skene family’s genetics deliver results.

“The Meldon Park bulls are bred to meet a range of markets, from those selling directly to butcher shops and supermarkets to custom-feeding operations,” said Mrs Skene.

“Our bulls offer the right combination of growth, muscle, softness and the ability to lay fat at all ages.”

Strengthening the industry with feedlot operations

Beyond their breeding program, the Skene family also operates the Fed-Up Feedlot, which provides custom feeding services for clients targeting diverse markets.

The feedlot benefits from access to irrigated corn silage and expert nutrition advice from Dr Robert Lawrence, a highly qualified nutritionist with a PhD in ruminant nutrition.

This commitment to feeding and finishing cattle to their full potential ensures that the bulls sold by Meldon Park are not only genetically superior but also well-prepared for the demands of the market.

Looking ahead

As the industry continues to evolve, Meldon Park remains dedicated to producing top-tier bulls that meet the needs of every segment of the beef market. The family’s ongoing success at Beef Australia and its growing reputation across Queensland and New South Wales underscore their expertise and unwavering commitment to quality.

Rod and Lis Skene invite you to visit them at Rolleston, where their bulls are available for sale and they look forward to continuing their partnerships with clients across the region.

Upcoming sales

* Meldon Park will offer 20 bulls at the Black Stump sale on 18 March, as lots 64 to 83.

* Meldon Park will then host its female sale – 35 pure registered females and two pens of five unregistered heifers – on 29 March.

* On 23 September, Meldon Park will offer 80 bulls at its annual Meldon Park invitational bull sale at Rolleston.