The Knowsley-based stud has focused on producing the most structurally sound, ‘best-doing’ cattle on grass-only, according to owners Clint Worden and Bridgid Fry.
Culling focuses on any issues with hooves, udders and calving ability.
“At Maine Park, the only way to improve the herd is to eliminate faults so cattle with problems do not make it to stud,” Ms Fry said.
Having only ever grass-fed, Maine Park has been able to produce cattle that perform in both the stud market as well as commercially.
This stud has chased the commercial market — not ribbons.
“With these cattle what you see is what you get — good-doing, sound animals that can do the distance on grass,” Ms Fry said.
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Taking a progressive approach, Maine Park aims to breed polled cattle — all bulls born with horns are steered, and used later in meat sales.
All calves are weighed at birth and weights of bulls are recorded every four weeks; this monitors each bull's progress and that information is used to select the best animals for breeding.
Ms Fry said Maine Park was focused on utilising genetics from proven bloodlines that work, an approach that has developed animals that have created interest from all over the world.
She said Maine Park was pleased to be working alongside Beefgen Australia in the further promotion of genetics both nationally and internationally.
The Maine Park herd is J-BAS 8 (Johne's Beef Assurance Score) and has always tested pesti-virus free.
All cattle are DNA tested and calves are parent verified.
Maine Park offers a three-year structural guarantee on its cattle.
Maine Park will be open for Beef Week on Saturday, January 30 with all cattle close to carparking and undercover. Maine Park is at 408 Drummonds Lane, Knowsley (between Heathcote and Bendigo).
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