Water buffalo from the Northern Territory have been given a temporary home at Nebo ahead of playing an important role at a major equine event.
About 70 head of buffalo from Katherine, NT, have been bought to replace cattle for pre-works during the Nutrien Classic, to be held in Tamworth in February.
With their initial training focusing on getting them used to people and horses, the buffalo will be put through a more intensive routine over the coming events.
While they will play a key role in pre-works during the Classic, the buffalo will not be used for any competition events.
Current climatic conditions have caused challenges for the Classic but event organisers believe that the sourcing of water buffalo is one way to relieve the pressure.
"Sadly, many farmers have been forced to de-stock which means the cattle numbers just aren't around for event use and any cattle that are, are doing it tough," Nutrien's Mark Barton said.
"Water buffalo are stronger and can be run more times without tiring as easily as cattle.
"This means that buffalo will have the strength to do the job that normally we would require around 700 cattle to do."
Nutrien has been liaising with the QLD DPI and the QLD Department of Environment and Science to ensure that the buffalo are properly treated and NLIS tagged before being transported to NSW.
Twelve of the buffalo will be sold through a novelty auction during the sale component of the event and the remaining buffalo will be available for sale through direct request to Nutrien.
"We have received really positive interested in the buffalo and the Classic is shaping up to be another successful event," Mr Barton said.
"It's now more than ever that our breeders, competitors and spectators that attend the Classic really need something to look forward to, and we are striving to provide that again in 2020."
Held from 1 to 9 February, the 2020 Nutrien Classic, formerly known as the Landmark Classic Campdraft and Sale, will celebrate 13 years.
It is expected to host up to 500 competitors, 300 horse handlers, 5,500 visitors daily and more than 491,000 livestream views during the event.
