The beautiful nature of the bulls produced by Reldarah Brahmans is one of the key traits that sees the McEvoy family continue to source bulls from the stud at the Rockhampton Brahman Week Sale (RBWS) for use in their pure Brahman commercial breeding program.
Troy McEvoy runs the operation with his sister Helen on their well-watered, undulating ex-rainforest country at Trolen, a 227ha block in Eungella, which they've owned for 15 years.
Troy's wife Julie runs her own business, Centred Breath Eungella Wellness Retreat, on Trolen. And the pair are also kept busy raising their sons Timothy and Lachlan.
The McEvoys breeding program is comprised of 300 females which are joined with nine bulls, at present, throughout the year.
"We're pretty stringent with our breeders. We shift any cows that aren't producing a calf each year, though our young heifers do get a slightly longer leash," Troy said.
He said they sell weaner steers at 300kg though the CQLX Saleyards, mostly to the feedlots, while cull heifers are sent to the same market slightly lighter.
"We're fortunate that we don't have to sell at present as prices are down a bit lately. We'll hold onto the stores until values bounce back," he said.
The family established the program on Trolen using Brahmans straight from the start.
"They're the best breed to help stay away from ticks in our wetter climate."
Troy said their aim is to breed natural poll cattle which is another reason why they chase the Reldarah bulls from the Titmarsh family.
"We purchased our first bull from them eight years ago at the RBWS, and he's still in the herd today. I couldn't sell him even if I wanted to as the kids love him, and ride around on him. That's how calm he is."
He said the RBWS is a great sale to attend due to there being so many vendors offering their best bulls.
"The prices were up a bit last years, but the two years before that it more of a buyers market. We usually find the prices quite reasonable."
The McEvoys currently have four Reldarah bulls in their herd, including Reldarah Pat, which they purchased for $8000 at the RBWS last year.
"He's a nice heavy, fleshy bulls who also has a great temperament. He's been performing really well in the paddock and we're looking forward to seeing his calves when they drop in about six weeks.
Troy said the great temperament of the Reldarah bulls shines through in their progeny.
"They're damn good quality cattle and they pack on the kilos quickly. The Titmarsh's are also great to deal with, they're a great family."
