THE Brahman stud cattle section proved to be a popular drawcard for Ekka visitors with 47 of the breeds’ top bulls, cows and heifers judged in the show ring.
Brahman judge Shane Bishop, Garglen Brahmans, Kandanga said the quality of the cattle on show was exemplary of the breed and caused him some tough moments when deciding on winners in the various classes.
Clint and Robyn Whitaker’s Mundubbera-based Whitaker Brahman Stud prevailed in the senior bull categories, with Whitaker Mr Where'd He judged grand champion senior bull and grand champion bull.
Robyn Whitaker said she was surprised and delighted to see the 1064kg Mr Where'd He receive such high acclaim.
“We only broke him in as a two-year-old and he was never shown as a junior, so winning the grand champion ribbon is an especially proud moment for Clint and I,” she said.
“We’ll be taking him to Brahman Week in October where we’re we think he’ll catch the eye of the bidders, especially with this win on his resume.
The stud’s also won the senior reserve champion bull category with Whitaker Mr E'Vo claiming the ribbon.
Mrs Whitaker said Mr Evo is a great example of the strength of the progeny their foundation dam (and Mr E'Vo's great-grand-dam) Whitaker Maggie has produced for the stud.
She said jokingly that the secret to the studs’ success is that they get their children to name the bulls.
“They come up with some great names that must stick in the judge’s heads.”
The 18-month-old Raglan Couper 2036 (AI) won the junior champion ribbon for Andrew and Roxanne Olive of Raglan Brahmans.
The 792kg sire prospect who will now go back out on-stud to work, has already received considerable acclaim this year after winning the calf champion section at Beef Australia.
Roxanne Olive said she was excited about the win at Ekka.
“It’s always a good feeling to receive this level of recognition from your peers, it shows the work we’re putting into our bulls is paying off,” she said.
The reserve champion junior bull ribbon was awarded to the Dean Rasmussen’s 20-month-old Droonoodoo Collateral of Droonoodoo Brahmans at Kingaroy.
Raglan Brahmans scored again in the female judging with Raglan Miss Valencia taking home the ribbons for senior champion and grand champion cow/heifer, and Raglan Miss Ciana 2028 (AI) named the reserve junior champion heifer.
Roxanne Olive said the 39-month-old Miss Valencia who is in currently pregnant will continue to be used for breeding purposes on-property.
“Her strong Brahman characteristics, overall capacity and perfect hindquarter are traits we want to continue producing in our calves.
Tieri-based Crinum Brahman Stud’s John and Cheryl Randell were very happy to see the Lancefield Malibu Mansfield-sired Crinum Miss Edwina win the reserve senior champion cow/heifer; and Norman and Helen Tranberg of Loma Brahman Stud, Allora, were ecstatic with Loma Edna (H) winning the junior champion heifer ribbon.
