© 2009 Big S Group
Stud Principles: Frank Ashman
Stud Location: 348 Wyatt Road
Undullah
Qld
Phone: 0427 762 787
Email: frank@shannonbrookpastoral.com.au
Website: www.shannonbrookpastoral.com.au
Shannonbrook Pastoral Pty Ltd was given 2022 as its stud number in 2008. Frank Ashman heads up the drive and had for many year wanted to develop a cattle breeding operation but time and finance did not coincide until 2000 when the Undullah (near Beaudesert) property was purchased.
An early interest in Angus cattle developed but an Engineering profile was priority in the early years but a keen eye was kept on happenings within the cattle scene. A business, Nelson Exhaust (Qld) P/L, which related to diesel engine exhaust/intake supply and installation, was created. Also during this period an ailing cattle handling manufacturing business was purchased. The Warwick Cattle Crush Company evolved out of the embers and soon became widely respected in the cattle industry. This operation has been sold on but remains a vital part in the chain of safe animal management.
Many field days and shows were conducted with the major wool houses Dalgety’s, Elders, etc. Very valuable contact and knowledge was made with cattle breeders, property managers and industry representatives for genetics, nutrition, chemicals, plant life and machinery.
A desire for the Santa Gertrudis breed became very strong after observing their
success in many areas of the country at commercial and stud level. The Santa Classification
system was an inspiration as too many “so called” purebred animals of other breeds
were able to re-
A strong trend toward polled animals is occurring for obvious safety and animal cruelty reasons so if a herd was to be established it would have to be with polled or scurred genetics.
In a relatively short space of time the female line has been purchased and now breeding. Time did not exist to ‘breed up’ to the level sought so the female line consists of special cows/heifers that are genetically spaced apart.
Frank is a strong advocate of artificial breeding. The general availability of high quality semen enables all levels in the breeding spectrum the opportunity to elevate their herd quality in a short space of time. Even though the AI procedure can be arduous the results outweigh the frustrations. Also the purchased semen can be out crossed ensuring ongoing fertility and trait retention.
To this end visits to North America enabled semen to be obtained from bulls that showed correctness in structure and beef quality.
Santa Gertrudis cattle were the animal of choice for many reasons: Their beef quality is very good with moderate fat cover, their ability to finish, their ability to forage and do well on marginal grassland, their mothering ability, protection and milk supply, their tick resistance and their general acceptance within the beef industry. Frank and Lynn are getting on and getting the job done. Hard work does not stand in the way but to do it smartly with the aid of modern technology sure helps.
Frank & Lynn
Frank inspecting a sale bull
Above: Waco Treasure & Bull Calf