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Koonandah Station has been managed and operated by Albert, Gladys and son, Dale, for many years. Today, Dale, his wife Marilyn, their son Bruce and partner, Anne, continue to work the 3200 head of stud cattle as a united team.

Dale and Marilyn Smith – 2023

In 1993, Koonandah Station began submitting genetic data to Breedplan and so began comprehensive data records for the herd. With this data, predictable genetics is obtained that shows adaptability, fertility, muscle growth and quiet temperament. Accurate reporting and analysis comparisons with other herds are compiled. With Estimated Breeding Values (EBV) data, graphs show days to calving, scrotal size, live export and central production indexes.

The Breedplan data process for the family was a ‘paradigm’ shift in terms of adjustment to management and paddock operations. However, with a clear vision and purposeful need to raise the fertility of the breeding herd with a low cost per kilo of production and to produce Brahman cattle that were suitable for north Australian conditions, it was a ‘no brainer’. This decision paid off and was of utmost importance in guiding the family’s decisions and principles going forward.

In recent years Koonandah has participated in geonomic studies and this has led us to begin profiling the genetics in our herd to identify the superior genetic merits of individual animals. We are able to make informed decisions on breeding or culling our cows and ensure that the next generation of Koonandah Brahmans will be even more profitable and productive.

Over the years, Koonandah Brahmans have sold bulls to many buyers throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory. A big focus has been on breeding polled Brahmans. Today, the herd is now 70% polled or scurred. Over the years, bulls were purchased from several studs. It wasn’t until the late 1980’s that Dale purchased bulls from CBV, Alf Collins Senior’s, Collins Belah Valley genetic pool.

With over 60 years of proven breeding excellence and maternal performance, the tropically adapted and carefully selected traits ensure that bulls are provided that are “assured” in terms of balanced future breeding that meets client’s expectations.

“Our goal is to assist commercial producers to bring quality beef to the table of all Australians.”

Visitors are always welcome to stop in and inspect the stud.

Management

The property has experienced average seasonal rain in 2024.  The country has responded well with over 300mm of rain falling this wet season.

It is important to note that 100% of the Koonandah Brahman herd is presented “off grass”.  The sale bulls for 2024 are rising 2 year olds that are sold ready to work.  The Sire joining period for the Breeders is from 1st October to 31st January (120 days) and the Heifers are from 1st October to 31st December (90 days).  The female calving rate for 2024 is quite pleasing. The Heifers pregnancy test results were 82% and the Breeders was 74%.  The Yearling Heifers test results were 13%, with 30 testing pregnant. Our expectation is that all females must wean a calf annually or be culled.

Koonandah’s management concentrates on producing bulls that make producers more profitable through better genetics that will carry their herd through “tough” times.  The regenerative pasture management system of matching stocking rate to carrying capacity and the provisioning of well rested paddocks has resulted in a greatly improved pasture with a plentiful supply of biomass to help improve soil health and diversity. In turn, all cattle are always turned off property with the maximum kilograms of beef possible.

The Smith family believe in functional cattle that perform in the paddock year in and year out.  It is understood that fertile bulls are essential for a profitable herd.  The “Koonandah” herd is serviced by ‘keeper’ bulls which allows management to monitor performance and select desirable traits. By selectively breeding in desirable traits, “Koonandah” bulls have enabled management to achieve some really outstanding results. 

Koonandah Station

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