ALPINE Angus at Porepunkah is celebrating 10 years in the business.The stud is open for Beef week on Friday, February 1, and manager Willie Milne and its prized aussie ranked bull, Lawson Dinky Di, can’t wait to greet visitors.
Written by DON HEATH.
ALPINE Angus, Porepunkah, is celebrating 10 years in the business, and exciting plans are in hand to mark the important milestone.
Established in 1998, the stud is again part of Beef Week and is also planning its 10th anniversary annual sale.
"We are planning to put 45 bulls and around 20 of our select, elite females up for sale on March 19, and we are sure that is going to create much interest," Alpine Angus manager Willie Milne said.
"We believe getting the female side of a breeders’ operation is all-important in such a competitive industry, and we are really committed to doing just that."
Alpine Angus is currently involved in a vigorous embryo transfer program to take advantage of its already strong genetic make-up.
"We are aiming for a consistent product right through, and believe developing an elite herd of breeding females to match up with recognised bulls is going to produce the type of progeny we are aiming for," Willie said.
Alpine Angus boasts one of Australia’s highest ranked bulls in Lawson Dinky Di, with his semen going to numerous other studs around Australia.
But Willie is not prepared to just sit on his hands and continue along in a straight line.
"Much of our bloodline has emanated from the well-known Future Direction and 036, and we decided it was timely to ‘outcross’ and add another dimension to our genetics," he said.
So, it was to this end that Willie travelled to the USA and New Zealand to inspect bulls and source the semen he was after.
He selected a young US bull, Rito 6656 and Atahua TJ from New Zealand to expand and diversify his bloodlines.
"When you think about it, much of the genetics in Australia originate from a fairly narrow base," Willie said.
"I wanted to move outside the square and change into a different gear by introducing something altogether different.
"We are still looking for that sound structure and easy doing ability at which we have always aimed.
"But, now, we are adding to that by focussing on breeding animals that are quick finishers as well.
"We believe that is where the future lies, and so we are aiming for our progeny to fit into that area.
"You always keep Breedplan in mind, but I maintain that is not the be all and end all of it.
"This move is all about the future, which is going to be tough, I believe, and we are simply aiming at being more efficient."
Alpine Angus is open on Day Five, Friday February 1, 2008 and all enquiries are welcome.
"If you can’t make it on February 1, then please call us (03 57562254, mobile 0427 562254) and arrange another time," Willie said.
During Beef Week, the majority of the bulls and females up for sale at Alpine Angus’ annual sale will be on display.
"We always aim to have a good cross section of our herd for visitors to inspect," Willie said.
Alpine Angus is located in Cavedon’s Lane, just off the Great Alpine Road at Porepunkah.
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