EMROSS Shorthorns of Delungra returned from the Rockhampton Beef Week on May 4-9, with a big nod to the ongoing quality of their breeding program.
Producers Belinda Emery and Matt Ross brought up three August drop flush siblings that swept the Shorthorn calf awards. Young bull Emross Gold Kopy went on to beat the big boys and took home the title of Grand Champion Shorthorn Bull.
In the heifer class, Emross Sweet Home Alabama was sashed as Female Calf Champion and Emross Klassic Alabama came in Reserve Champion.
Much of the Emross success was down to the genetic influence of their outstanding cow Emross All Gold Alabama, Interbreed Champion Female at Ekka 2013. Since then, All Gold was paired with US Shorthorn bull Waukaru Patent 8161, and the recipe proved a success at what is now considered the largest beef event in Australia.
The Beef Week 2015 Shorthorn judge was Jason Catts. Mr Catts currently sits as board president of Australian Shorthorn Beef.
Belinda said her three made an impression when they entered the ring.
“When the heifers came in, all he said was ‘Wow, what a first class’,” and Belinda felt thrilled he was taken with the pair.
Then Gold Kopy made his appearance. Belinda said Mr Catts passed the commentary to his associate judge.
“And he said ‘Wow. This little bull is packed with red meat’. And also his weight for age; he was 467 kilos, he had and eye muscle of 80. At the show he was seven months of age. And four and five in his fat scans,” she said.
With his eye appeal and the credentials, Gold Kopy proved full package.
Belinda felt there was something special about the babies from “day dot”, but keeps an objective eye on her herd.
Additional compliments from people in the industry have been well-received, but she tries to stay grounded when it comes to her ‘Shorties’.
“Sometimes you can put on rose-coloured glasses at home and you go out and you get a reality check,” she said.
“I try very hard not to do that. I am sceptical and I am very critical and when I go out, I don’t have anywhere to fall.”