LOT 2 FORRES BURNETTE P5

ONE OF THE ELITE DONOR COWS SOLD AT THE FEMALE SALE ON THE 14TH & 15TH MAY 2004

SALE OF A LIFETIME

Gross of $832 500 at Forres

At a two-day sale which ran like clockwork for the Forres Angus stud at Dungog, females reached a top of $13 000 twice and grossed $832 500 for 403 lots, including embryos.

The “opportunity of a lifetime” sale was the unreserved offering of registered Forres females, representing a major downsizing on behalf of owners Jon and Christine Erby, who were happy with the result and proud of the team led by manager, Brett Thomson.

In the breakdown, 140 heifers sold to $13 000 and averaged $2 456; 100 PTIC cows to $13 000, averaging $2 307; 25 cows and calves to $11 000, averaging $3 170; and 78 embryo packages averaging $850 per embryo.

Most of the nine passed in at auction were sold immediately after the sale.

Victorian breeders, John and Joan Woodruff, Witherswood Angus, Glenrowan, were keen to secure young breeders with 25 years of cow family background to further build the maternal strength of their herd, following the $34 000 Australian record purchase of Brenda U7 (AI) from Millah Murrah Angus, Bathurst last year.

The Woodruffs paid $13 000 on Friday for the July 2000-drop Forres Jedda V44 (AI) (ET), whose grand dam, Te Mania Jedda J49, was bought from Witherswood in 1994.

“She’s a lovely long-bodied, deep, sound and stylishly feminine breeder, as proven by her Nebraska-sired calf which sold for $9 000”, Mr Woodruff said.

The July-drop calf was sold using the AuctionsPlus system to Norm and Dianne Bazeley, “Elswick”, Walcha.

On the Saturday, Witherswood matched the $13 000 top money for a heifer, Forres Burnette X112 (AI) (ET), a Future Direction daughter from Forres Burnette R42.

The March 1996-drop R42 was knocked down first as the buyers’ choice of the catalogue, picked for $12 000 by Phillip and Wendy Morton, Willsbro Angus stud, Port Macquarie.

Witherswood also snapped up Forres Abigail W22 (AI) (ET) at $7 000, and Forres Ester Y53 (AI), went to the Merrigrange Ester family at $6 500, and Waitara Ex Tootsie W25 (AI) at $5 000.

Former owner of the Forres herd, David Raff, Raff Beef Cattle, Drillham, Queensland, bought six lots for an average of $2 916, to a top of $9 000 for the nine-year-old Forres Doris P73.

Tasmanian couple, George and Christine McCardle, Speyburn Farms Angus stud, Dairy Plains, near Deloraine helped begin their stud with the purchase of eight at an average of $2 094, and Year 11 Calrossy student, Kate Tickle, “Sugarloaf”, Dungog, purchased three at an average of $2 083 to start her K-Bar Angus stud.

Cassilis producers, John and Gwen O’Brien, and family, bought 40 cows and heifers, three calves and 20 embryos, with the females priced from $1 000 up to $5 750. The purchase will form the basis of a bull breeding herd to be based at “Stradbroke”, Woodville, providing genetics for their 2 500 breeder commercial herd.

There was strong local support, including neighbours Jaime and Jenny Mackay, “Cangon”, who bought six for an average of $2 292, having supported every Forres sale the Erbys have held.

Elders auctioneers Paul Dooley and Andy McGeoch took the bids, in what Mr McGeoch described as an outstanding sale of high performance, practical Angus cattle, especially considering the tough seasonal conditions.

“We achieved a 98 percent clearance and met the market all the way”, Mr McGeoch said.

The annual Forres bull sale will offer 50 bulls on August 5, with the operation open for inspection during The Land Northern Beef Week from June 22 to 23.

Leanne Savage
THE LAND

The Forres Females and their Families

It has often been said "Behind every successful man there is a woman" – and where in life could this statement be more relevant than in a cattle breeding herd. The Forres females have been developed and continuously improved over a period of thirty-nine years, by using the very best genetics available from Australia and overseas.

In a demanding industry that has become more technical and sophisticated with each day, Forres is continuing to take advantage of performance testing and other forms of scientific assessment to make management decisions.

It is interesting to note that since the introduction of the foundation females in 1965, very few additional females have been purchased. It has also been interesting to watch the various family lines develop over the years and in some cases like the Burnette and Doris families, branch into their own family subsets. We hope the purchasers have as much pleasure as we have in following the history of the families as they develop in the future.

Please remember that your female herd is the most valuable asset that any breeder can have. How well and consistently she performs usually depends on her pedigree. It is better to have a small number of elite females than a large herd of average ones, but do not sacrifice the important traits of performance, fertility and structural correctness.REMEMBER THE POWER OF THE PEDIGREE.

THE BURNETTE FAMILY

In 1965 when David Raff founded what is now known as the Forres Angus Stud, the foundation stock included four aged cows from the Sarum Stud. One of these females was Sarum Burnette 10th by Sarum Embassy 3rd and hence the beginning of the legendary Forres Burnette family, which in turn has produced two of the most famous cows in the history of the Angus breed in Australia, Forres Burnette A22 and her daughter, Forres Burnette C60, both of whom enjoyed enormous success in the show ring. The majority of the Burnettes in the sale are descendants of these two outstanding individuals.

The Burnette family has an enviable reputation in the show ring, their quality performance, eye appeal and style make them standout. Burnette cows are renowned for their femininity and quiet temperament. They are good breeders being very fertile and are good milkers that rear their calves well.

The Burnettes have been the most successful cow family in the Forres herd and numerous Angus studs have used Forres Burnette females as foundation animals.

THE DORIS FAMILY

In 1965 when David Raff founded what is now known as the Forres Angus Stud, the foundation stock included four aged cows purchased from the Sarum Stud. One of these was Sarum Doris 19th by Bruce 36th Mangatoro (NZ) and hence the beginning of the famous Forres Doris family. Forres Doris U31 was Senior and Grand Champion Angus Cow at the Brisbane Royal in 1979. Her daughter, Forres Doris B4 was the first calf born at Forres by embryo transfer.

The Doris family would have to be regarded as the performance family of the original Forres cow families as they tend to produce big strong bulls and high performing females. The calves of the Doris females tend to be the heaviest calves at weaning. The Doris cows that have made a significant contribution to the genetic strength and balance of the herd include Forres Doris C80, Forres Doris C82, Forres Doris D45, Forres Doris F36 and Forres Doris L50 (who had a very successful show career). The majority of our Doris cows are descendants of these five cows.

Forres Doris N69, a daughter of Forres Doris D34 sired by Ranui All Black was the top priced female at the Inaugural NEAB Female Sale in 1997.

THE JETS PAGENT FAMILY

The Jets Pagent family was introduced in 1997 as the result of two frozen embryo packages, the matings of TC Stockman 365 to two flush sisters, St Pauls Jets Pagent P14 and St Pauls Jets Princess P10 (the daughters of GT Jet Max and Willow Fields Laura L3). The success of these two packages resulted in the purchase of two more embryo packages out of St Pauls Jet Pagent P14 this time by B/R New Design 036 and GAR Traveler 1489.

All the Jets Pagents females have been outstanding producers in the Forres herd. The bulls are big, strong well muscled individuals that always sell well, while the females are great performers being very fertile and great mothers. The top priced bull in last year’s bull sale, Forres New Design W81 sold to John Snodgrass of Young for $10,000, was out of a Jets Pagent cow, and we retained another Jets Pagent bull calf to use as a stud sire.

We believe the Jets Pagent family, given time, could have become one of the dominant families in the Forres herd.

THE JEDDA FAMILY

In 1994 we attended the Abbaringa Angus dispersal sale with the sole intention of purchasing Te Mania J49 (AI) (ET). A truly magnificent daughter of Burthlene Patriot, Te Mania Jedda J49 was to make a significant impact on the Forres herd. In 1995 and 1996 we flushed her with great success. Her flush to VDAR New Trend 315 only produced one daughter, but this daughter, Forres Jedda Q124 was to have a profound effect on the Forres herd. She went on to produce 47 progeny. Jedda females are highly productive with outstanding maternal traits.

THE ESTER FAMILY

At the Merrigrange “Mother of All Sales” in 1996 we purchased, in partnership with Bill Cornell of St Pauls Angus at Henty two cows from the very famous Merrigrange Ester family, Merrigrange Ester G125 and Merrigrange M232. Of these two cows Merrigrange Ester M232 (AI)(ET), a Pack Power Scotch Cap 889 daughter, was to have the most significant effect upon the Forres herd. The Ester females have been good producers for the Forres herd and are very highly regarded. A number of Merrigrange Ester M232’s daughters have been used in our Embryo Transfer program.

In his sale notes, Phill Collins stated that “Esters are good, thick. Easy doing, correct cattle, excellent breeders with plenty of growth which has bred through for generations” and this has certainly proven to be the case.

THE JANE FAMILY

At the Merrigrange “Mother of All Sales” in 1996 we purchased, in partnership with Bill Cornell of St Pauls Angus at Henty, a cow from the very famous Merrigrange Jane family, Merrigrange Jane L23, a daughter of Merrigrange Jane G100 (the Victorian Cow of the Year in 1991). In his notes, Phill Collins stated that “Jane females are consistent breeders and winners in the show ring, very correct with plenty of femininity and are great flushers”.

Unfortunately Merrigrange Jane L23 did not flush very well and produced only one daughter for us. As a result the Jane family has not played a significant role in the development of the Forres herd.

THE WILCOOLA FAMILY

The Wilcoola family was introduced to the Forres herd in 1998 with a frozen embryo package of the mating of B/R New Design 323 and Merribrook Wilcoola N8. Unfortunately only one heifer was produced from this package.

The Wilcoola family originated from a Willmay Tarcoola female. Phill Collins of Merrigrange having purchased a Wilcoola female at the Willmay dispersal , says in his notes for the Merrigrange “Mother of All Sales” in 1996, “the bloodline are consistent breeders of feminine, milky, correct cattle with great temperament. They are great flushers and the name Wilcoola has become very famous now in most states of Australia”

THE ABIGAIL FAMILY

In 1995 we attended the Calleen Angus dispersal sale held by the family of the late Barry Marshall, which was to result in the introduction of the very influential Abigail family to the Forres herd.

The Calleen Abigail family dates back to the 1970s and at their dispersal sale in 1995, we purchased Calleen Abigail K64, by Hoff Valedictorian out of Calleen Abigail A8 together with her heifer calf, Calleen Abigail P86 by GDAR Oscar 711. In addition we secured a frozen embryo package of the mating of Hoff Valedictorian and Calleen Abigail E85, (the top priced cow at the dispersal) who was also a daughter of Calleen Abigail A8.

From a very small base this purchase has led to the development of a strong family line within the Forres herd. The Abigail females tend to be very good performers, mostly of moderate frame score they are heavily muscled with thick tops. The majority of the Abigail females in the sale are daughters of Calleen Abigail K64 who was flushed with great success.

The progeny of the Abigail females (both male and female) have always been highly sought after in the sale ring.

THE ROYAL-LINE FAMILY

The Royal-Line family is our own subset of the Dandloo family. At the NEAB Female Sale in 2001, we purchased from Stephen Chase, Waitara Tootsie T1, (a three year old daughter of VDAR New Trend 315 out of Royal-Line Dandloo N32, a daughter of Te Mania Dandloo J34) together with her heifer calf by JLB Exacto, Waitara Ex Tootsie W25. With Stephen’s permission we decided to call the progeny of these two outstanding females “Royal-Line” as it more truly reflected their lineage. Both have been flushed with great success.

THE MILDRED FAMILY

The Mildred family was introduced into the Forres herd in 1997 as a result of a frozen embryo package of the mating of TC Stockman 365 and St Pauls Mildred M1, a daughter of Merrigrange Mildred E74, an extremely productive dam with progeny in many herds particularly Merrigrange and Merribrook. This package resulted in two daughters, one of whom was sold as a show heifer. Mildred females are renowned for being excellent performers both in the show ring and the paddock .

The Mildred family are a very strong family which unfortunately we have not developed to its full potential, mainly due to the fact that our Mildred females mostly produced bull calves.

THE HEATHER FAMILY

At the 1998 Willow Fields Angus Stud dispersal we decided to purchase the outstanding well bred heifer Willow Fields Heather P105. However, due to restrictions imposed by the Johne’s Market Assurance program, we were unable to introduce her into the stud herd. We therefore decided that she was to be flushed and then resold. The resulting flush to Scotch Cap USA14 resulted in only one daughter, Forres Heather T151, who was flushed as a 2-year old but produced mainly bull calves.

THE DANDLOO FAMILY

The Dandloo cow family has always performed extremely well for a number of studs throughout Australia, especially for Te Mania Angus at Colac in Victoria. It has been a cow family that we have always held in high regard.

At the Calleen Dispersal sale in 1995, we were fortunate enough to purchase a package of three frozen embryos of the mating of Summitcrest Power Play M032 and Te Mania Dandloo G4. This purchase resulted in two outstanding heifers, Forres Dandloo R34 and Forres Dandloo R35, both of whom were to make a significant impact on the Forres herd.

THE NINAH FAMILY

In 1965 when David Raff founded what is now known as the Forres Angus Stud, the foundation stock included four aged cows from the Sarum Stud. One of these females was Sarum Ninah 35th by Sarum Economy who became the matriarch of the Forres Ninah family which produced the famous cow, Forres Ninah C48. This cow had an significant impact on the Forres herd, producing some excellent bulls for us, a number of whom have been used as sires in the stud, in particular Forres Maclean M33 and Forres Kenny K61. Despite being flushed a couple of times, she did not leave many daughters in the herd.

The Ninah females tend to produce a high ratio of bull calves to female calves. Todd Aitkin had great success at a number of NEAB Show and Sales with sons of Forres Ninah cows whom he bought from us in 1996.

THE CHAMPAGNE FAMILY

In 1996 we purchased from Mt Hunter Angus at Camden, Mt Hunter Champagne P19 a great daughter of GT Max out of Willow Fields Champagne M22. This heifer was flushed in partnership with Bill Cornell of St Pauls Angus at Henty and resulted in two daughters being produced.

THE PERFECTION FAMILY

At the Angus Heritage Sale held at Bowral in 1999, we were fortunate enough to acquire an embryo package of the mating of Stevenson Royce 741C and Sandon Perfection P13. Only one heifer was produced who has mainly had bull calves.

THE QUAIL FAMILY

In 1965 when David Raff founded what is now known as the Forres Angus Stud, the foundation stock included four aged cows from the Sarum Stud. One of these was the matriarch of the Forres Quail family, Sarum Quail 5th by Sarum Embassy 17th. Some of the great Quail cows include Forres Quail E1 and Forres Quail F9 both of whom were outstanding show cows, with Forres Quail F9 being Junior and Grand Champion Female at the Brisbane Exhibition.

The Quail family has produced a number of top selling bulls and the 1992 NEAB Heifer Champion was Forres Quail L14 bought by a very young Erica Steel (Halliday).

THE TELLTALE FAMILY

The Telltale family was introduced with the purchase from Ed and Elaine Blackadder of Wallaroy Angus of Wallaroy Telltale T148 with a bull calf at foot in April 2001. This daughter of VDAR Lucys Boy was purchased on our behalf by Andy McGeoch for her very high carcase EBVs.