Congratulations Steve & Helen Pailthorpe Rangeview Charbrays, their Cricket Team Sponsorship was a great way to promote our breed at a fun filled day at Mungungo on Saturday the 26th of August.

Team: Charbray Bulls, Haille Pailthorpe, Maddy Moir, Rod Price, Steve Pailthorpe, Helen Goody,
Vernon Goody & Paul Knight.

CHARBRAY SOCIETY PRESIDENTS REPORT 2016

Welcome

My first year as President is slowly coming to an end. The year has been positive with cattle prices remaining high, weather conditions more favorable, Charbray cattle winning carcass and fat cattle competitions and continue to bring top prices at store and cattle sales.

This year the Charbray society has lost two life members with the passing of Ted Kirk, a man who was instrumental in the formation of the Charbray Society and Jill Olman a Councillor who was highly regarded for her no nonsense approach and passion for the breed. These two life members will be sadly missed.

A Charbray feature show was held at Gympie this year, although cattle numbers were down the quality was of a very high standard. Prize money was donated by life member Bill Bishop for which the society is extremely grateful. I congratulate all competitors and winners with special congratulations to John & Roz Mercer "Kandanga Valley" for winning the stud section and Michael Connolly "Emjay Charbray" the trade section. Appreciation goes to Warren Smith for the time and effort he put into the running of this successful event.

As Councillors we are always looking at ways to raise money for our Society without continually hitting the hip pockets of our Membership. This year the Charbray and Charbray infused store show and sale was held at Monto hosted by Brad and Donna McInally of Monto Cattle & Country. 1240 head was yarded with these cattle competing for $17,500 in prizes. A percentage of commission was kindly donated to the Charbray Society by Brad & Donna. This event proved financially rewarding with a date already booked for 2017.

The Steer project has also been started with Members being asked to donate a steer which will be grown out, then sold with the proceeds going to the Society. The goal for this project is for it to become a self-funding project after the initial donation, once sold part of the profit will be re-invested. Although the response has not been overwhelming it has been a positive move and a good start. A big thank you to Paul Connor who has kindly offered to run these steers on his property.

I would like to thank our Councillors for their tireless effort towards the evolving of our Society. George Hoare has stepped down from Council and I thank him for the valuable contribution he put in and I wish him Cathy and family all the best.

With Gaye at the helm our office continues to run like a well-oiled machine, the professionalism and dedication shown is second to none. We are very lucky to have such a passionate person working within our Society. Also Eve, I thank you for your contribution to the office, it is always gratefully appreciated.
With the continued commitment that is shown by the Councillors and Members we are progressing towards our goal which is for Charbray to be recognized as a purebred animal. For too long we have been known as a crossbred and with the fine tuning of our breeding table it easily shows the destination to which we are heading. Our Trademark, Certified Charbray Breeder is another tool which will help us reach our goal.

With the 39th National Charbray Bull and female sale approaching I wish all the vendors and buyers the best of luck.

Les Marshall
President
Charbray Society of Australia Ltd

2016 Meet & Greet

On the eve of our 39th National Sale our Charbray community came together to socialize at our annual Meet & Greet. A special mention must go to North Qld Independent Fuel Supplies (NQIFS) for their support and sponsorship of the evening which provided complimentary savouries and drinks. The evening included the announcement of our 2016/2017 Council Team together with returning President, Les Marshall. Vice President: Matt Welsh, Treasurer: Warren Smith Councillors: Paul Connor, Trevor Ford, Kerod Lindley, Bruce Mikkelsen, John Mercer & Anthony Curtis.

We are fortunate to have Councillors who are dedicated to our Breed and are more than happy to donate their valuable time to the Society and its Members. Councillors encourage Members to call whether you need advice, have concerns or have a great idea for advancing our breed in the marketplace.

5th Annual Elite Heifer Auction

The evening was wrapped up with our live Elite Heifer auction in the arena of the Great Western Hotel. Brian Wedemeyer from Elders kindly donated his services to conduct this auction. Top bidder for the night was Lachlan Hill from Green Park Charbrays who paid $4500 for Lot 1 offered by Kevin & Diann Bush, Northern Charbrays. Vendors donated 10% of their sale proceeds back to the Society promotional fund for the on-going promotion of Charbray cattle. A very sincere thank you, to all Vendors, Buyers and Elders.

The 2016 Hec Maynard Memorial Trophy of Excellence was presented to
Bruce & Sue Mikkelsen, Wiluna Charbrays

Congratulations Bruce & Sue, a well-deserved win for your on-going pursuit of excellence, dedication and service to the Charbray Breed.

This awards namesake, Ronald Francis Maynard (OAM), known as Hec, a popular Central Queensland grazing and community identity who was instrumental in establishing the Charbray breed in Australia in the early 1970s. As the Charbray Society's founding president Hec's passion for the breed was instrumental in steering it to where we are today. The trophy is a bronze cast of one of Hec's old work hats, with part of its wooden base crafted from timber found on his property Greenfields. This prestigious annual trophy is selected by nomination from fellow members, the finalists for 2016 were: John & Roz Mercer, Kandanga Valley Charbrays & Bruce & Sue Mikkelsen, Wiluna Charbrays. Both finalist Nominations were presented with a $500 voucher which was kindly donated by Allflex.

And… the winners are Bruce & Sue Mikkelsen, Wiluna Charbrays.

Bruce & Sue Mikkelsen accepting the Hec Maynard Memorial Trophy of Excellence from Hec's wife Mrs Ruth Maynard.

Below is an extract from the winning nomination that was submitted for consideration by fellow members.

Bruce is currently an active member of Council although his and Sues commitment to the breed dates back many years. They have embraced the objective of the Society which is to encourage the improvement, exhibition and sale of Charbray cattle.

Bruce's eagerness and dedication to help the Society has never been more evident than with the establishment of the 2016 Inaugural Charbray and Charbray Infused Prime and store Cattle Show & Sale of which Bruce was one of the main drivers.

Bruce quietly worked behind the scenes in insuring this event was successful including securing our hosts Brad & Donna McInally, Monto Cattle & Country, he canvassed participants, sort sponsors, provided sponsorship and cattle for the sale.

This sale not only proved to be a promotional win for Charbray cattle but also provided a financial boost for the Society and has been earmarked to be staged annually.

We feel this type of commitment embraces the pursuit of excellence, dedication and service to the Charbray Breed and Society and that Bruce & Sue would be deserving winners of the 2016 Hec Maynard Memorial Trophy of Excellence.

2015 Presidents Report

Once again, it's the time of the year to look back at what has happened over the last 12 months. Although the last 12 months have been very busy and challenging, times ahead look much brighter as a whole for the Charbray Breed. Confidence is at an all time high, with cattle prices reaching record breaking levels. All we need now is favourable weather conditions which make life a little easier for everyone. With confidence in the Beef Industry, also comes the attention of a breed that can get you that extra value at the end of the day. Personally, I believe people like what qualities they are seeing in the Charbray Breed, with the cattle now talking. I still believe Charbray Cattle are at the top of the tree in terms of cost of breeding an animal to the return profit which you receive.

The main highlight throughout the year would have to be the success at Beef 2015. I must pay tribute to all the exhibitors for their time and effort they went to promote the Charbray breed. The Stud and Commercial Animals were all seen as a fine example of the Charbray. Our trade site was the best in which we have had, with the atmosphere created and several pieces of positive feedback being said about the Charbray Tent. I send a special thanks to all those who were involved during the week; however, none of this could have happened without the Expertises of Gaye.

I would also like to pay tribute to all of the valued contributions the membership has given to the council. I appreciate the commitment in which everyone is making and the support that the council members have given to me, on promoting and lifting the profile of the Charbray Breed. With the launch of our Trademark, we as a council believe that being a Certified Charbray Breeder will now give our members an edge in the market. Our membership is constant, and with the consultation that all councillors receive, this feedback is valuable to the Progress of the Charbray Society.

The 38th National Bull and Female Sale is on track to be our best one yet. The demand and enquiry in which the Charbray Breed is in is extraordinary. With a quality line up of bulls again being offered, with multiple outstanding sires, this year is sure to be a showcase of our breed as we push ahead to find our own identity.

The contribution in which our office is continually making is first class. Led by Gaye and the help of Eve they run an enthusiastic and efficient office, with fingers always on the pulse. The extra hours and tireless commitments in which Gaye puts into the success of the breed could never be questioned. Without Gaye running the society, I certainly wouldn't be able to function in my role.

In closing, I would like to thank the members for their support in my time as president, as they have given me support, advice and ideas over the previous 3 years. If any members wish to make a difference please put your hand up for being on the council board, even though it is voluntary, it's rewarding. I know you will all get behind our new president, as we continue with a bright future in the beef industry.

Paul Connor
President
Charbray Society of Australia Limited

2015 Meet & Greet

On the eve of our 38th National Sale our Charbray community came together to socialize at our annual Meet & Greet. A special mention must go to Merial Australia (eclipse products) for their support and sponsorship of the evening which provided complimentary savouries and drinks. The evening included the announcement of our 2015/2016 Council Team together with the introduction of our incoming President, Les Marshall and a presentation to our out-going President Paul Connor who has made a significant contribution and difference during his term as President.

2015/2016 Charbray Council
President: Les Marshall, Vice President: Matt Welsh, Treasurer: Warren Smith
Councillors: Paul Connor, Trevor Ford, Kerod Lindley, Bruce Mikkelsen, John Mercer,
George Hoare & Anthony Curtis.

We are honoured to have 10 Councillors who are passionate about our Breed and are more than happy to donate their valuable time to the Society and its Members to encourage the improvement, exhibition and sale of Charbray cattle. Our Councillors encourage Members to call whether you need advice, have concerns or have a great idea for advancing our breed in the marketplace.

2015 Charbray Meet and Greet

The evening was wrapped up with our 4th Annual live Elite Heifer auction in the arena of the Great Western Hotel. Brian Wedemeyer from Elders kindly donated his services to conduct this auction. Top bidder for the night was Ron Loakes from Lochaber Creek Charbrays who paid $3250 for Lot 3 offered by Kerod & Clare Lindley, Spring-Villa Charbrays. Vendors donated 10% of their sale proceeds back to the Society promotional fund with one very modest however dedicated and generous vendor donating their entire proceeds to the Society promotional fund. A very sincere thank you, to all Vendors, Buyers and Elders.

2015 Hec Maynard Memorial Trophy of Excellence

Mr. Chas & Mrs. Judy Nobbs, Cordelia Charbrays

Chas & Judy Nobbs accepting the Hec Maynard Memorial Trophy of Excellence from Hec's son in-law Les Marshall

Congratulations Chas & Judy, a well deserved win for your on-going pursuit of excellence, dedication and service to the Charbray Breed.

Below is Chas & Judys winning nomination that was submitted for consideration by fellow members.

Chas and Judy Nobbs would be worthy winners of the Hec Maynard Trophy. Their name has been associated with quality Charbray cattle for decades. They breed both quality stud and commercial animals, which are keenly sort after. They are quiet achievers of our breed that are very dedicated to the Charbray cause. Chas and Judy are very humble people that have a passion and vision for our breed that we could all learn from. The success that they accomplished at Beef 2015 commercial cattle championships was exceptional. The Nobbs family won champion pen of grass-fed females, reserve champion pen of grass-fed females and champion pen of grass-fed steers. Also at Biloela show they received champion steer, champion pen of steers, champion pen of females, champion and reserve champion single female. They also claimed champion female carcase at the Callide Dawson valley carcase competition. With these results and the promotion that Charbray cattle receive from this I believe that Chas and Judy should be thanked for their contribution by receiving the Hec Maynard Trophy.

Charbrays in the Winners Circle

Braylyn Charbrays
Springsure Grand Champion Bos Indicus & Supreme Champion Male
Alpha Senior Champion Male,
Capella Reserve Senior Champion Male,
Clermont Reserve Senior Champion Male.
Rockhampton Senior & Grand Champion Bull of the combined Tropical & Bos Taurus Breeds

Balmoral Charbrays
Kempsey Supreme Champion Female, Supreme Champion Male, 2015 Supreme Champion Beef Exhibit

Greenfields Charbrays
Callide Dawson Beef Carcase Competition, Winner Pen of 3 Grassfed Steers, Champion and Reserve Champion Grassfed Steers
Biolea, Reserve Champion Bullock

Cordelia Charbrays
Callide Dawson Beef Carcase Competition, Winner Single Export Grassfed Heifer
Biolea, Champion Bullock, Champion pen of steers, Champion pen of females, Champion and Reserve Champion single female.
Beef Australia 2015 Commercial Cattle Championships, Champion pen of grass-fed females, Reserve Champion pen of grass-fed females and Champion pen of grass-fed steers.

Craiglands Charbrays
RNA Paddock to the Plate, Winner Highest individual weight gain: 70day         

I am sure we have many more exciting Charbray results around the country from Members, and I am sorry if I have missed yours however as you can appreciate the office is very busy and does not have man power to follow the seasonal show and carcase comp circuit in detail,  we can only report on results that have been relayed to the office.

Charbray Certified Breeder Trademark

The Charbray Society of Australia's Trademark was launched at Beef 2015.

This trademark has been developed to give members an edge in the market place; it will allow members to give assurance of a genuine article so their customer can have total confidence in the purchases that they are making.

The Society will be incorporating and promoting our Certified Charbray Breeder Trademark as a way of recognizing a registered Charbray Breeder in the marketplace. We encourage Members to apply to display the Trademark within their own promotional material; to create a recognizable point of difference for the buyers.

2014 Presidents Report

It is the time of year again where we reflect on the last twelve months, but more importantly look to the future. The year has been demanding and rewarding for the Charbray Society. I'm proud to be part of a team that has continued to promote and lift the profile of the Charbray Breed.

Last year we saw the passing of Life Member, Jim Connolly. A true gentleman that loved a yarn, life and his Charbray Cattle. He was involved with the Charbray Breed from the inception, breeding quality animals. Also our thoughts are with another life member, Mrs Jull Olman as she battles illness.

It has been a pleasure for me to work with a great bunch of people. I thank all councillors for their strong commitment and support. Rob Newcombe has stepped down from Council and I thank him for his contribution and effort he has put in. I wish him and his family all the best for the future. Our office continues to work extremely well. Led by Gaye, the professional approach, her work ethic and dedication can never be questioned. I would also like to thank Eve for her contribution to the office it is greatly appreciated. Our membership is united and stable, from which we are receiving great support, innovative ideas and working towards a common goal.

I would also like to thank everyone who has promoted Charbray animals throughout the year. It takes a lot of effort and costs a lot of money. The return is not there at that time, but continually exposing ourselves, we are in the eye of potential buyers and general public which is the best form of advertising.

We are now in the process of organising Beef 2015. Beef is a chance for all the membership to be involved and any input will be greatly appreciated. I urge you all to either consider the stud or commercial sections at Beef. This is the most effective form of advertising for yourself and the Charbray Cattle.

Much has been achieved with our breed over the last decade, but I believe we must continue working on developing our own identity. Our breed has definitely stabilized but it needs to also to progress. We are now starting to see enough Charbray genetics to make our breed more pure. We need to stand up and be a Purebred in the market place. This will increase membership and our market share. Let's breed the Charbray Animal that can pass on the desirable traits. Let's take ownership of the Breed and Breed the Breed.

I look very much forward to not only the next twelve months but also the near and distant future of the Charbray Animal.

Paul Connor
President
Charbray Society of Australia Limited

2014 Exhibitor Encouragement & Appreciation Award
(RNA Maiden Exhibitor Award)

Robert & Amy Brown, Kooroon Charbrays

2014 Exhibitor Encouragement & Appreciation Award (RNA Maiden Exhibitor Award) - Kooroon Charbrays

Robert & Amy Brown, Kooroon Charbrays took home the 2014 Charbray Society of Australia Exhibitor Encouragement & Appreciation Award. Kooroon Charbrays representation of the breed at the 2014 Brisbane Royal Show was highly praised.

2014 Hec Maynard Memorial Trophy of Excellence

Mr Kerod Lindley, Spring-Villa Charbrays

Kerod Lindley accepts this Trophy of Excellence from Hec's son in-law Les Marshall

Kerods dedication and service combined with his passion and vision for our breed and the Society without doubt show's he is a very deserving recipient. Congratulations Kerod! Below is Kerods winning nomination that was submitted for consideration by fellow members.

Kerod is currently an active member of Council although his association with the breed dates back many years. This includes previous terms on Council. During this time Kerod has promoted the breed and the Society both commercially and to its member base. The struggle to keep the Society office and herd book not just going but growing has been at the fore front of his intentions. Proof of this is his willingness to dip into his own pocket for breed promotion as well as genetics.

Kerods generosity includes the building and funding of a Billboard in consultation with Council, then going the extra step to set up a fund to help establish more of this promotion. This fund includes offering members access to his genetics for donations back to Society for this cause. He has also being the driving force behind the Society's steer project, making several personal donations over the years for the betterment of the Society.

Kerods eagerness and dedication to help the Society has never been more evident than at Beef Expo's. He was hands on in bringing together the Societies commitment to support the school teams judging at this major tri-annual event. His efforts in setting up the Societies site and manning it are certainly noticeable.

The Charbray breed is finally moving ahead under the vision of this award's figurehead, Mr Hec Maynard. The effort and passion that Kerod exerts in this area proves he certainly shares that vision and is very deserving of this award.

Charbray Society - From the Paddock with the Bull Whisperer

Most imponderables are just harmless teasers that can send you crazy trying to figure them out, whereas our industry is facing an imponderable that, if we don't figure it out soon, could sentence us to a life of poverty with hard labour.

Those harmless imponderables include the question of why we will spend an hour searching for the TV remote instead of just changing the channel manually.

Or why we keep pressing the same keys on the computer harder and harder when it's obvious we are not pressing the right ones?

And then there is the age-old imponderable that asks: If a man is in the middle of a forest speaking, and his wife is not there to hear him, is he still wrong?

Go figure those at your leisure, but the serious unexplainable that requires an urgent answer is this: Why, when we are reading reports of record beef exports, growing international demand, and, seemingly, all the planets aligning in our favour, then please tell this hard-bitten producer why our farm gate prices, relatively speaking, are the worst in living memory?

For the record I am not a doubter. Five months of record export beef shipments, each exceeding 100,000 tonnes, a volume never seen before in Australian exports, demand up 23 percent on the same period last year, China coming into the mix, all these factors certainly augur well for the future.

Wonderful, but what about the now, that time zone which determines if indeed there is a future when we can reap the benefits of all these highly promising indicators.

The now is when we fill up with diesel that, unlike beef prices, doesn't cost less than it did 10 years ago. Now is when we pay our power costs that rise month on month, along with the rates and phone bills. Now is when there's no money in the kitty after a crippling drought and when we must market and showcase our current situation and cash flow to the banks in order to keep the business running.
Now is when we need the markets to kick, but we are still waiting.

But cheer up and be patient. The future, if we get there, is all rosy. Imagine if Sebastian Vettel was driving for Stud Bull instead of Red Bull, sitting in the pole position on the grid with the race apparently in the bag — conditions have never looked better, the tyres, the engine, the suspension all ready to roar.
Flag drops — accelerator pedal says to linkages go! Linkages reply please provide proper authorisation. Deduct 10 percent. Check. Linkage says to electronic pressure module get report on external ambient air pressure. Deduct 10 percent. Check. Issue requisition for appropriate volume of air for fuel injection system. Deduct 10 percent. Check. Electronic fuel regulator in turn talks to the crankshaft which talks to the drive shaft which sends instructions to the tyres which unfortunately have gone flat from standing too long on the grid.

That might be a rubbish analogy and I apologise for my lack of knowledge on the intricate mechanics of a Formula 1 cart but I do know that beef production and crop production today are both highly efficient operations finetuned using every scientific tool available. Every saving and advantage that can be achieved through genetic progress and management practices has been harnessed and applied. Farmer Plod retired many long decades ago.

But today's highly efficient beef production model is still standing at the tail end of the grid waiting for something to happen. History has taught us in this industry that upward movements in supermarket shelf prices for our product drip back very slowly and very diluted to the farm gate. If the price of a loaf of bread or a kilo of beef is suddenly doubled at Woolies the producer would barely notice an effect on his bottom line.

There is a massive problem with our whole agricultural production system. Somewhere in there, from the accelerator pedal to the tyres if you like, there is an imponderable blockage, and anyone old enough to remember will tell you there was no Bonanza at the Imponderosa.

The Wonderful Jim Connolly

By Andrew Los (Grandson)

The cheekiest smile and the manners of a gentleman.
The funniest jokes and the most serious of lectures.
The man of many places who was also a denizen.
The fellow who loved all, with all kinds of gestures.

A wise man was the wonderful Jim Connolly,
Full of love for his family and love for his work.
Those were the two things he could never do wrongfully,
And that was one bloody good perk.

The wonderful Jim Connolly was a humble man,
He would "give you the shirt off his back".
It didn't matter to him if there wasn't a plan,
Because he would always give it a crack.

A half an hour job turned into a day,
And in a way it was a classic Jim Connolly prank.
The charismatic man would always see people on his way
And all of these shenanigans were done on an empty fuel tank.

The wonderful Jim Connolly had a repository of talent.
A limitless human being
He was able to have the perfect balance,
As if it were all a dream.

With an orange slice biscuit and a cuppa tea,
He would sit in his chair and yarn.
Being calm and quiet were most certainly key,
When it came to the running of his farm.

"I know you, but who the bloody devil are ya?",
The wonderful Jim Connolly would say.
He was definitely the most spectacular of grandpas,
And he will always be that way.

The wonderful Jim Connolly was a loving Father,
He wanted a family of thirteen!
That number could have gone further,
But I don't think grandma was too keen…

He brought us together and he showed us love,
He was honoured to know us all.
And now that he has gracefully gone above,
We have so much to thank him for.

The inaugural 2013 Hec Maynard Memorial Trophy of Excellence recipient was announced at the 2013 Pr-Sale Meet and Greet on the 24th of September.

Hec's wife, Mrs Ruth Maynard presented Welsh Cattle Co, Huntington Charbrays as the 2013 inaugural winners. The Welsh families passion for and commitment to the Breed is evident across the board. Their efforts not only through their own operation, rewarded with the record for the top price Charbray Bull sold at auction of $27 000; their hands on approach to supporting the Society and its Members in any way they can. This true commitment to the breed and the Society has to be admired by all. Congratulations Welsh Cattle Co.

Ruth Maynard, took great pride in presenting the inaugural 2013 Hec Maynard Memorial Trophy of Excellence
to Welsh Cattle Co, Huntington Charbrays, Taroom. Picture here with Rachel, Matt, and Luke Welsh.

Queensland Country Life - 10 October 2013
Click to view the article - 246 KB PDF document
(Opens in a new window)

Courtesy of the Queensland Country Life

It is an exciting time for me to step into the role of President of the Charbray Society. It has been an easy transition following the last three years with Matt Welsh in charge. I thank him for his strength, vision and commitment he has given the Society. I appreciate the advice and help he has given me over the last year.

Much has been achieved in our breed in the last 12 months. I thank everyone who has promoted our breed through the Show Ring, Carcase Competitions and Shows on the Hoof, through Open Days, Field Days and Ag Shows. Also to Members that fly the Charbray flag at their private sales. A special thanks to those vendors that support the National Sale. Congratulations must go to the Huntington Stud for recording a record price of $28 000.00 with Huntington Forester at last year's National Sale.

Charbray Cattle have all the attributes that really matter in the beef industry, Fertility, Temperament, Ease of Handling and Market Suitability. Our Membership continues to grow as people see Charbray Cattle as an asset for high beef production at a minimal cost of production.

With the economic climate and trying times on the land I encourage all Members to remain confident. The future for our breed and industry looks bright with strong enquiry from local, Thailand, South Africa and South American interests.

I have enjoyed working with such an enthusiastic and positive group of people. I thank all Councillors for their strong commitment to our breed. I thank Warren for all the extra time and effort he puts in. Our office has never been more efficient which is due to Gaye and Eve and the wonderful job they do, the professionalism and dedication they bring is second to none.

As with previous Councils, not all decisions are popular, however all Councillors volunteer their time to improving the breed and to ensure the breed progresses to be a force in the beef industry. I ask the Membership to have faith in the Council you have appointed and to trust their decision making is for the benefit of all members.

In closing I would like to thank all the Membership for being part of the Charbray family. I thank you for promoting Charbray animals whenever possible. I look forward to the next 12 months as our breed continues down the road growing its status.

Paul Connor
President
Charbray Society of Australia Ltd

Recently a delegation from Thailand, consisting of a Government Minister, Officials and a high ranking Vet, visited Australia. Their mission was to look at Charbray, Brangus and Braford animals. The intention is for the Thailand Government to purchase 1000 Registered Heifers and ship them to Thailand, which will then be divided up amongst villages. Many thanks to Brad Mulverhill of Ruralco for involving the Charbray Society. Paul Connor (President)

Thai Officials Inspect Heifers at "Rosewood Charbrays"

Jeremy & Monique Cruickshank of Piora Charbrays took home the Charbray Society of Australia 2012 Exhibitor Encouragement and Appreciation Award. This award was designed to recognise Charbray Breeders who work hard to promote the merits of Charbray cattle in the show ring. Piora Charbrays representation of the breed at both Beef 2012 and the Brisbane Royal Show secured this achievement. Congratulations Jeremy & Monique!

President Paul Connor with Jeremy and Monique Cruickshank, Piora Charbrays

The 2012 Tartrus Trophy has been awarded to Kerod and Clare Lindley, Spring-Villa Charbrays, whose efforts both physically and financially is recognised as vital to continuing to promote the Charbray breed. A testament to the assuming manner in which the Lindley's go about their support was the sheer disbelief that they would be disserving of this award. Kerod & Clare your efforts are appreciated!

President Paul Connor with Kerod and Clare Lindley, Spring Villa Charbrays

Recently a fellow was travelling up the Bruce Highway and felt the urge to relieve himself of his daily business.

.Now when selecting a spot to squat you would think the most likely place would be within the 200m wide timbered stock route but no this fellow decided to walk that extra bit to give his business a greener landing.

Now to this urban fellow he may think this is wide open country but to our man on the land this is his front yard!!

Much to the urbanites horror whist pulling up his trousers he was confronted by our man who advised him in no uncertain terms to pick up his droppings and take them with him.

Not a happy fellow was he plodding back to his car with his business in hand!!

Further to the above occurrence an amused fellow member has submitted the following limerick...

Our Breed Our Future

Graham Neilsen & Jeanette Richardson, Bunjurgen Charbray’s will be recognized wherever they go.

Great eye catching promotion not only for their stud but also for our breed. Very impressive!

2011 Exhibitor Encouragement & Appreciation Award

Bill & Julie Lewis together with their daughter Carlyn of Diamond Dove Charbrays were thrilled but surprised to be awarded the Charbray Society of Australia inaugural 2011 Exhibitor Encouragement and Appreciation Award designed to recognise Charbray Breeders who work hard to promote the merits of the breed in the show ring.

Congratulations Diamond Dove Charbrays!

2011 Promotor of the Year

The 2011 Tartrus Trophy has been awarded to Paul, Georgie, Riley & Bow Connor, Rosewood Charbrays, whose efforts at numerous beef industry events were recognised as vital to continuing to promote the Charbray breed. This together with their humble approach and true commitment to promoting the breed has to be admired by all.

Rosewood Charbrays your efforts are appreciated!

Meet & Greet

A tremendous roll up of Members/Vendors, Buyers and Media socialized at our annual pre National Sale Meet & Greet.

Although a very informal evening, we did introduce our 2011/2012 Council Members and a presentation was made to our outgoing Councillors.

The 2011 Tartrus Trophy winner was announced and the inaugural 2011 Charbray Society of Australia Exhibitor Encouragement & Appreciation Award was presented.

Several people were presented with a small gift as acknowledgement for the extra support they have given to the office and society in the past 12 months.

The evening was wrapped up with an auction of donated items from our participating National Sale Agents; Elders, SBB and Landmark as well as 2011 Limited Edition Charbray Labelled Wine, Port, Scotch & Champagne.

We raised a total of $810 which will go towards the Societies Billboard fund. Top bidder for the night was Mr Adam Marshall from Greenfields Charbrays who paid $150 for his Charbray Scotch.

Thank you, Adam. Thank you also to Mr Jim Connolly for being our Auctioneer.

Extract from 2011 Presidents Report

As I put together my Presidents report for 2011 I find myself reviewing the last year with some anxiety. Anxious because of the fact that both myself and council have a clear understanding of what the future holds for this great breed but we all want to get there yesterday. The enthusiasm and confidence of council is unwavering and for this I am very grateful. Actually it is somewhat infectious to the degree that the dinner table at home is sometimes declared a Charbray “no go zone”. (Apparently there are other issues.)

Our “Evolution to Perfection” campaign is certainly gaining recognition with our new breeding plan being more understood and utilized; this has become the main vehicle behind this recognition. Along with continual marketing, especially the frequent editorials appearing that are endorsing our product.

In closing, I would like to thank you, our members, for your unswerving commitment to the breed over the last twelve months, especially my fellow councillors for your continued support. I know I can speak for all members in saying your efforts certainly do not go unnoticed. This commitment is what separates our breed and society from the minor league to the A grade level of the Australian beef industry.

Matt Welsh

In August this year, the Council of the Charbray Society of Australia decided that the time was right to take another step in distancing ourselves from the ‘crossbred’ tag.

Our decision was that as of July 1, 2012, any cattle nominated for showing after this time must have at least one C4, C5 or C6 parent. That is, they cannot be the product of a mating of a Charolais and a Brahman. Some discussion was had on this at our recent AGM and it was suggested that we seek feedback.

Now is your opportunity.

Supply your comments, in writing, by November 30 by email to admin@charbray.org or by post to Charbray Society of Australia, PO Box 848, Cotton Tree, 4558.

Queensland Country Life - 2011 National Sale Launch
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Fellow Cattle Breeders

As a Breed Society we can and do take a very enthusiastic approach to the marketing of our breed. But, a successful marketing campaign is destined to fail if it doesn’t have the product to back it up. (Just look at our current government.)

Very interesting to listen to invited US cattle judge Gerald Fry interviewed on ABC radio during the 2011 Ekka. Gerald Fry is a pioneer of AI and ET and a noted authority on cattle breeding generally. He is a person who has a firm handle on cattle breeding trends in the US where the national beef herd is at its lowest point since 1958. Asked about the difference between survival or failure in a tough situation, Gerald put it succinctly, as Americans often do: The job he said, was to ‘turn grass into dollars and cents’.

We have the perfect vehicle to get that job done. Few breeds will turn grass into dollars and cents more efficiently and economically than Charbrays, but are the wheels turning on our vehicle as well as they should be?

I believe, through feedback, observations and our own experience, that Charbrays are a breed with more potential than any other, a truly standout and remarkable product. Yet the perception is that Charbrays are just a mixture of Charolais and Brahman blood — anyone with one of each parent breed can make a Charbray as easy as making mud pies.

I am sure that if you ask any of the vendors in this catalogue or any dedicated Charbray Breeder, they will give you a much different perception.

While the wheel is constantly being reinvented it is not turning.

We have to stop reinventing the wheel. We need to deliberately and strategically move away from the notion that Charbrays are a two-breed product. We need to recognise, advertise and promote the fact that a purebred Charbray is just that, nothing but Charbray and that no other breed, Charolais, Brahman or any other can match it for its strengths.

This year’s national sale presents itself as the perfect place to showcase what the breed has to offer. I congratulate the vendors on their enthusiasm and efforts on putting this catalogue together, a catalogue that will fly our breed’s flag proudly for 2011.

It is my strong belief, provided we are to keep ourselves closely aligned with the major market focus and demands of the Australian beef industry, that the modern Charbray has all the essential qualities and credentials to become the emerging standout breed in Australia.

The wheel is built. It is perfect for the road ahead. Let’s polish it, be proud of it, and get the bloody thing turning.

Matt Welsh
Huntington Charbrays

Gympie Show 2011 – James shines……

The annual Gympie show gave one of our up and coming junior breeders a chance to show what he is made of.

James Smith from Celestial Charbrays took out the well deserved top honours for Young Judges 7-13 years. 

Congratulations to James!!

Junior Beef 2011 – Connor boys a stand out……

Junior Beef 2011 held at Rockhampton show grounds during the June school holidays highlighted our beef breeders of the future.

Riley & Bow Connor from Rosewood Charbrays took out the top spot in both their age groups in a hotly contested competition.

Bow winning the Overall Age Champion under 10 and Riley winning the Overall Age Champion under 12.

Congratulations to Riley & Bow!!    

Huntington Autumn Bull Sale – 100% Clearance

Congratulations to Huntington Charbrays who achieved 100% clearance at their annual Autumn Bull Sale held at Winton on the 10th of May 2011. A good indication of the strong demand for quality Charbray Bulls.

Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Paulie………happy birthday to you! Hip hooray….. Hip hooray!!

Mr Paul Connor, Rosewood Charbrays who is our very dedicated Vice President has celebrated his 40th birthday on the 12th of May 2011. On behalf of the Charbray Society I would like to pass on our sincere best wishes.

Georgie, Bow & Riley Connor hosted a Party with family and friends to celebrate Pauls special day – Bow & Riley paid tribute in their own words to their wonderful dad which was both heartfelt and very comical – please read below

Thank you all for coming here tonight to celebrate Paul’s 40th Birthday Party. Bow and I have put together a little speech of why Dad is the best.

Dad always makes the time to teach us many things. He has a variety of abilities. Some good and some we are not so sure about.
He considers himself handy with timber. We are lucky enough to have our father build us our own cricket practice net and tennis hitting board. He rolls the arm over most afternoons in the cricket season and we take much pleasure in hitting him down town. In the footy season he runs onto the ‘Rosewood Oval’. He does his best to put on a move but unfortunately looks more like an uneducated pup out mustering.
After he has had a long day on the horse he always leaves his horse saddled for us to ride. He always includes us when he is mustering, drafting and branding. His lack of control with his dogs cracks us up. And what is even funnier is his when he decides to throw a rock at the dogs. His inaccuracy is got to be seen to be believed. That’s when it’s a good idea to offer to go on up ahead and open up the lane. Removing ourselves from the situation is by far the safest option. One of his greatest habits is coming home for an early afternoon smoko. He will offer to take us to look for new calves and gets us out of school work. Stirs the old girl up too.

Dad puts a lot of time and effort into helping us break in our cattle for junior beef and the shows. Around bull sale time he always lets us help with preparing the bulls.

Bow and I hope that now that you are forty you will mature a little more and give away dancing and doing you’re sprinkler move.

We love you Dad and want to thank you for all that you do. If there was a competition for the best Dad in the whole wide world, the winner would be you.

Congratulations to Eve Smith from Celestial Charbrays on her appointment as the Charbray Society of Australia’s Registrar. Eve has had a long association with the Breed as well as possessing a broad range of professional office skills. Eve is no stranger to the Charbray office, having volunteered her time on many occasions when Gaye has needed assistance. This combination makes Eve the ideal lady for the job. Eve’s appointment officially commenced on the 28th of February 2011.

The Newcombe Family from Newcombes Charbrays have been presented with the 2010 Tartrus Trophy for their outstanding promotional commitment to the breed.

A hearty round of applause must go to the Newcombe family for their dedication - A lot of time, money and blood sweat and tears goes into any successful operation and the Newcombes are proof that hard work pays off.

Mr Jim Connolly, Emjay Charbrays has been acknowledged with a life Member to the Charbray Society of Australia. Jim is a long serving member and dedicated breeder of Charbray Seed Stock. Jim is a humble gentleman and brought a tear to many an eye with his heartfelt acceptance speech.

With our new breeding plan on a roll and Charbray cattle again gathering pace in the cattle world with our extensive branding campaigns, our foundations are solid to build on. Massive response to our National Sale and breed promotion “The Bulls On Us”, together with client feedback providing us with the encouraging statistics that they are more interested in the type of Charbray they are purchasing rather than the percentage of the derived breed in its bloodlines. One can only draw the conclusion that we have taken a major step in being recognised as a breed in our own right.

Junior Beef 2010 held at Rockhampton Show Grounds during the July school holidays saw three action packed days for our beef breeders of the future.

The Junior Paraders Pee Wee section had 26 enthusiastic and talented competitors, the stand out being Riley Connor who took out the top prize and Bow Connor coming in not far behind his brother with third placing.

Congratulations Riley and Bow!!!

A hearty round of applause must go to the Newcombe family have once again brought home the Grand Champion Bull and Grand Champion Female titles from the Brisbane Royal Show.

Bringing home the prizes from Kingaroy Show..... Congratulations!!!!!!!

A long-time supporter of the Charbray breed, Ms Heather Stewart’s from “Craiglands” Jambin, has had her dedication to the breed rewarded when she was presented with the first new commercial membership package from the Charbray Society of Australia for 2010 at the Gracemere Saleyards.

As part of the commercial membership package, Ms Stewart is eligible for a $100 rebate on seedstock purchased at the National Charbray Sale along with full access to society services, publications and functions.

Charbray takes another step forward in being the breed everyone is talking about. Watch for the billboard on the southern entrance to Rockhampton coming from Central Qld Livestock Exchange (Gracemere Saleyards). A round of applause must go to Les Marshall “Greenfields Charbrays” and his band of volunteers for bringing this project to a reality.

Graham Neilsen & Jeanette Richardson from “Bunjurgen Charbrays” are kindly opening their property to host the 2010 Charbray Cattle Camp.

The event will take place on the 4th 5th and 6th of July and is open to all cattle enthusiasts from 12 years of age.

The three day event includes Tafe accredited modules as well as featuring various industry experts from Breed plan, Animal Health, Marketing & Animal Photography and much more. Interested? Call Graham on 0754 630 356 or the Charbray Office on 07 4925 0510.

The need for a central location to hold Council Meetings throughout 2009 was generously met by Ken & Debbie Rutherford from “Redskin Charbray’s” who opened their home to the Management Council.

At the December pre-meeting BQ, Council made a special presentation in appreciation to Ken and Debbie.

The Charbray Society is very fortunate to have a Professional Photographer within our membership – Georgie Connor, Rural Photographer from Rosewood Charbray’s has been very generous in donating her time and skills to the Society in providing images for our promotional material.

Next time you require the services of a Rural Photographer, Call Georgie on 07 4934 7550

The anouncement took her by complete surprise, and was one she certainly never expected. A member since 1978, and long serving Councillor, Jill Olman of Namlo Charbrays was made a Life Member of the Charbray Society of Australia. Presentation took place at the 2009 Meet and Greet held prior to the National Sale.

Honoured to received such recognition, Jill was humbled and speechless.

Promotion plays an important role in any beef operation, for The Welsh Cattle Co. (Huntington Charbrays), the rewards have preceeded the expectations of the Welsh family.

This year they were recipients of the “2009 Promoter of the Year”, an award presented annually by the Charbray Society, recognising the achievements of one of its members.