Photos from Yulgilbar's post Christmas 2019
As I write these Christmas greetings, I reflect on the blur of the last few months since our Annual Production Sale in September.
Again a massive thankyou to all our clients who supported us this past year and we have been humbled by the support for our cattle under trying circumstances.
Drought and Fire head up for many of us the challenges of the past few months, whilst the Santa Gertrudis World Congress in the US and our Annual Yulgilbar Production Sale head up our highlights since our last Newsletter!
Lorraine and myself were privileged to have attended the World Santa Gertrudis Congress in the United States in September /October. Meeting breeders from around the World and discussing Santa Gertrudis made for a great time, renewing old friendships and making many new friends. We are delighted to have secured new Genetics from the US and look forward to these bloodlines making an impact on the Yulgilbar herd in the years to come.
With only a few days left for 2019, it has been extremely sobering to reflect on the lack of rainfall received year to date .Records here at Yulgilbar go back to 1890 and year to date we are sitting at half the previous lowest rainfall on record with 245mm for the year. This follows on from extreme drought conditions in 2018.
Our resilience has certainly been tested with fire raging on Yulgilbar now since the day of our Annual Sale in September to the present time. Never have I seen the extent of fire, compounded by drought in my lifetime and know many others are experiencing the same.
The first 3 weeks in November rate as “tough as it gets”; and has left memories etched in the team here at Yulgilbar that can’t be erased and will forever remain; as to the extent fire can test all of us. In normal seasons well planned fire breaks and timely control of fire are sufficient to keep control of fire at Yulgilbar. These past few months have not been normal as this “Fire Monster” kept coming back determined to wipe us out!
I cannot be more proud of the Yulgilbar team for their resolve in fighting to save structural assets on the Station. The team work and determination by all our permanent and casual staff, contractors, past employees , neighbours and friends to protect Yulgilbar was extraordinary and has cemented a bond with all who endured this difficult time.
108 km of fencing has been destroyed ,a herd of our best Stud cows lost to fire and approximately 32000 acres out of 35000 acres of pasture have been lost to fire , resulting in the majority of cattle remaining at Yulgilbar requiring a total mixed ration, with agistment for a JBAS 7 , EU Accredited herd next to impossible to find.
Finding our feed reserves already low and no prospect of summer irrigation water /rainfall to plant fodder crop, required some left field thinking to find a way to feed 3500 adult cattle and circa 1500 calves.
A huge thank you to our agronomists, nutritionists, and mentors for their assistance in helping make things happen and to our silage contractors for acting quickly to assist in getting a feed program up and running.
Using standing sugar cane as a base for a Total mixed ration, 3000 ton has been cut and pitted at the Broadwater Division. Over 200 trucks carting cane silage , palm kernel ,concentrate ,hay and other commodities in a little over 2 weeks made Yulgilbar a busy place in getting a plan in action, while cattle were mustered and consolidated down from 60 odd groups to 20 paddocks to contain cattle and ensure cattle were getting fed. The fires were one physical challenge, however feeding these cattle regularly certainly has added to the daily work -load.
I cannot thank everyone enough for their moral support during this time and I am conscious of the numerous phone calls, messages and emails that remain unanswered from myself. Having been time poor, Please know how much these forms of support have been appreciated!
Out of adversity I am confident we will see opportunity in the time ahead as seasonal conditions improve. With the cow herd depleted, Supply and Demand will take Cattle prices into unchartered territory and we look forward to being part of that Journey along with our valued clients.
On behalf of the Yulgilbar team, both Lorraine and myself wish you all a very Merry and Wet Christmas and positive vibes for a great New Year.
Rob Sinnamon ... See more
