Third-generation cattle and cane farmers Ray and Leah Vella have made history by completing one of the largest sale agreements made in decades after purchasing all lots from the NCC Brahman herd through a privately negotiated arrangement.
NCC Brahman’s former owner Brett Nobbs decided to disperse his 800-head herd in January this year and planned a dispersal sale on 7 and 8 June at Inverrio Duaringa.
The month-long settlement was facilitated by GDL Rockhampton branch manager Joshua Heck in February when the Vella family queried about an entire herd purchase.
The genetic benefits included are the entire female herd, young sires, breeding sires, imported and frozen embryos and all IVF progeny.
Having previously bought NCC cattle, Ray said they were very excited and humbled by this opportunity.
“I would say he has one of the world’s best genetics and his herd is one of the leading herds in the Brahman breed,” he said.
“Now it’s on our doorstep.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that we will not put to waste.”
The Vella family owns and operates 10,000 acres at Breadalbane Plains, Proserpine, running 3000 commercial Brangus and Brahman cattle, 150 stud cattle, Vella Brahmans, and farming 80000 tonnes of sugar cane.
“One of the reasons we did this was to invest in Brahman genetics because of their proven economic efficiency and heat tolerance to tropical environments,” Ray said.
Josh Heck said it’s a significant achievement for both parties involved.
“For the Vella family it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get in and have a proper crack at the stud game,” he said.
“It was a very pleasant sale, both families were great to deal with.”
Ray said thank you to the GDL team for the initial dealing between both parties.
“It was very professional how everything was handled,” he said.
The Vella family is now preparing for their upcoming annual sale set for spring.
“We are yet to finalise a date, but it looks to be around the October period,” Ray said.
