Going on a Simmental journey

Judging in the Victorian branch of Simmental Australia was conducted by Peter Collins and involved a three-day journey across 3000km.

“It was an enjoyable trip because we got to see some really good cattle,” Mr Collins said.

“I travelled from farm to farm and judged over 180 head of cattle into 21 different classes.

“And from that we selected the overall champion female and male for the state.”

This year marked the 50th anniversary of Simmental Australia, with the first semen imported into the country in April 1972 before live importation through New Zealand began the following year.

Victorian branch secretary Gary Gillet said the year had been well celebrated.

“We had a great night at the Novotel in Geelong two weeks ago with an online auction in which we were able to raise $22,000 for the Victoria branch,” Mr Gillet said.

The anniversary celebrations also saw the members’ bar at this year’s Melbourne Royal Show renamed the 'Simmental Blue Ribbon Bar’ in honour of the milestone, with artefacts on display dating back to 1972.

“We had a fantastic response from the show’s organisers; it could not have gone any better,” Mr Gillet said.

The branch received a special commendation from Melbourne Royal Show chief executive officer Brad Jenkins.

Mr Cameron said he chose to produce the Swiss breed for its widely-known good temperament.

“That’s why I went for them, they are very quiet,” he said.

“I used to auction them 35 years ago when they first came here, and now to see the statewide competition, it is good to have the breed promoted.”

The next national show for Simmental Australia will be held online in June.

The show is being renamed as the ‘Opportunity Sale’.

“Having an online sale saves a lot of money normally spent on costs,” Mr Gillett said.

“The sale was previously held in Dubbo, but going online saves people travelling long distances and hiring venues.

“I would have to agree that online sales are the best thing to come out of COVID.”