FEATURED CATTLE

2022 has seen the Nioa family commit to taking the breeding program at NIOA Santa Gertrudis to the “Next Level” with an investment in Santa Gertrudis genetics unmatched in the industry.

Two of the breeds record breaking sires have been acquired in the Spring of 2022, not only seeing NIOA Santa Gertrudis source industry record topping sires but also significantly expand the extent of globally superior bloodlines represented in the breeding program for the Stud.

Leading the “New Design” genetic program at NIOA is the Australian Record priced Sire, Yarrawonga Spartacus S316(P). Purchased for $250,000 this Impact sire represents the cream of Australian Santa Gertrudis Genetics. Spartacus represents modern industry relevant phenotype, backed by an impressive pedigree of “Who’s Who” in Australian Santa Gertrudis pedigree. Rarely has a sire presented that combines balance, structural soundness, optimum carcass traits yet retaining ideal Santa Gertrudis Breed Character.

Further enhancing the pursuit for excellence has been the acquisition of another record breaking sire in the Homozygous Poll Stud Sire, Riverina Roland Sanchez R88 (PP).Purchased for what at the time was the new Australian Record of $160,000,this Sire represents 75% Imported US genetics that provide outcross genetics in this country. Sired by the $197,000 US Sire, Red Doc Never Better (P) and from the Record breaking $50,000 Yulgilbar Nightingale(Reserve Champion Cow Brisbane Royal 2019), Nightingale was in turn sired by the 2015 US National Champion bull- 777 Vegas 411(P),while Nightingale’s mother was grand- sired by the legendary Warenda Sahara (PP) who sold for the Australian record in 2007 at $80,000.

“Pedigree backed by Optimum Phenotype” best describes these two industry leading sires.

Thru Natural Service , Artificial Insemination and IVF both these bulls have been used heavily since purchase, leaving no stones unturned, in the pursuit of breeding the best in Industry. Watch for first release sons in 2024,while semen in both sires will be offered for the first time in 2023.

An aggressive expansion of not only the best available bloodlines, but also the acquisition of neighbouring properties adjoining Talgai Homestead, is enabling an expansion in the Stud Herd size.

The stud remains focussed on breeding high performance poll cattle that retain power, fertility and soundness, traits Santa Gertrudis cattle are renowned for.

The NIOA female herd was originally based on the acquisition of select quality females from Glen Oaks, Yulgilbar, Rosevale, Talgai, Bullamakinka, Santalands Goolagong, Riverslea, Tookey Creek and Gyranda studs, while founding Sire -Wave Hill Jager J14(PS) was purchased at the 2015 Santa Central Sale for the equal top price of $67,500 after winning Grand Champion bull at the Brisbane Royal Show.

These foundation bloodlines have laid the basis of a most impressive set of NIOA bred females in the herd today.

Other sires have also been purchased from Bennelkay, with Industry leading AI sires from the likes of Moongana, Cardona and Canowindra studs.

Not only are NIOA bred females now performing at industry leading levels in the show ring and production wise, they are commanding recognition of their quality as demonstrated by the recent sale of NIOA Lucy Q14 (P) for $50,000.

Equally NIOA bred sires are now recognised at top dollar, with NIOA Ronaldo R32 (P)(AI) selling for $55,000 at the 2022 Annual Production Sale.