This time next year we will have completed the 2008 Devon Conference and tour. It is now less than 12 months to the time that we can welcome you and show you some of the Australian Devons and our country side.
At this time of year the weather is quite changeable, today it is cold, it could rain, the wind is blowing, all in all it is quite miserable outside. Last week we were recording one of the hottest days for August and it was very pleasant.
At the end of the first week of the tour we will all meet up at the Barnstaple Devon Bull and Female Sale which will be followed by the Post Sale Dinner. (Vic we know loves to dance so come prepared for anything!)
The cost of the whole tour will remain under $AUS 3000. Bob is working on the costs of the tour sectors as well as the overall costs. We would like you to join us for the whole tour of course as we have so many different properties (farms) to show you but we hope to accommodate people who can only participate for short legs. We need to know your intentions as soon as possible. Whether you are from home or abroad could you please indicate your intention to be part of our tour to:-
A reminder if you are eligible to apply for the youth tour sponsorship. Applications are open to members of the DCBS who are 18 and under 25 years and close on the 3 rd of December 2007, with interviews being held in February 2008. Tell us why you would like to be part of this World Conference and tour and send your application to the Secretary of the DCBS of Australia, PO Box 72, Gloucester, NSW 2422.
Now, a brief itinerary of the next 4 days which cover the Northern area of NSW.
Day 6. Sunday 14th September.
From Gunnedah we travel NW to the town of Barraba in the heart of the Nandewar Range. Here we will see and be able to buy some local art and craft ( pottery, paintings and other craft) at the Clay Pan gallery run by a committee of volunteers one of those who is heavily involved is Barb Groth, our next host.
On leaving Barraba – a short trip through grazing country will find us at the Groth familys’ Park hill Devon Stud at the property “Dunee”. This cattle business is very much a family operation of Barb and Maurice and sons Tim and Gavin who have been involved from a young age, both with a very keen eye for cattle. Tim has followed his love of big machinery, while Gavin and his finance Beck live and work on the property. Maurice has always been particular about the type of cattle he breeds. They must have ample frame and the ability to put meat on that frame, selling yearling stock to the supermarket trade or feedlot at an average weight of 450kg live weight.
The whole family has been involved with the organisation of the Devon promotional barbeque held annually at the Ag Quip field days – Barb was recently awarded life membership of the Society for her efforts.
A warm welcome will be made to the touring party, where they will be shown some of the cattle, have lunch and be able to wander the garden.
After lunch we depart for the Northern Tablelands town of Glen Innes.
On the way we will stop at the De Jon Sapphire Centre for the opportunity to fossick for sapphires as well as to purchase them. A 30 minute drive to
our overnight accommodation follows this interesting stop.
Day 7 Monday 15th
Depart for Rangers Valley feedlot, Australia’s only dedicated large scale producer of 300 day longfed Angus cattle, selling grainfed beef to Japan, Korea and Taiwan. This 32,000 head feedlot sources cattle directly off farm with an entry weight between 400kg – 500 kg.
It will then be a privilege for the Wright family to be your host at the next property. Home of Benoak Devons, Paul and Loma, together with Greg and Joanne and their little family will show you our Devons. Many years of breeding have resulted in functional, easy care cattle with a high market compliance. All our sires are Genestar recorded for marbling, tenderness and feed efficiency. The Genestar representative will be available to speak further about this technology. Inspection of our cattle will be followed by lunch.
Mid afternoon we travel south to the city of Armidale, home of Australia’s first regional university, the University of New England (UNE). Also home for three private boarding schools, four senior and eight primary schools, one of which is O’Connor Catholic College, our next host, where the pupils will show us their Devon stud.
Overnight will be in Armidale.
Day 8 Tuesday 16th Sep
This day will be spent gathering technological information. The UNE is home to Beef CRC (Cooperative Research Centre for Beef Genetic Technologies) and ABRI (Agricultural Business Research Institute - where Breedplan is based). We have planned an exciting day at the University where we hope to be given updates on research and where possible examine the answers to frequently posed questions by cattle producers.
Overnight in Armidale.
Day 9 Wednesday 17th
Today we leave the tablelands via the spectacular scenic Dorrigo road to Kempsey on our way to our Conference destination, dropping in on Devon Studs along the way. More about that in my next newsletter.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any enquires you may have.
With best wishes until my next newsletter,
Loma Wright.