Queensland Square Meaters Breeders Group

 The need for a Square Meaters Breed Promotion Group in Queensland came of age with its first inaugural ‘meating’ at the  Vesco Square Meaters base in Queensland's Lockyer valley on Saturday 3^rd December 2005.  The new group grew out of a  need to promote awareness of Square Meaters cattle in Queensland.  It has also been seen as a necessary means to assist  both  old and new members in every aspect of their venture.

 

The inaugural ‘meating’ was preceded by two training days held at Vesco.  The training was provided for, by the Southern  Queensland Institute of TAFE’s Rural Training Consultant, Dugall McDougall.  Dugall, who is also a Charolais breeder, ran a  TAFE short course in show preparation and handling for the Queensland group. He was also the Judge for the Square  Meaters  breed at the Brisbane RNA Show (affectionately know to Queenslanders as the Ekka) in August of 2001.  Dugall  has  been very supportive of the Queensland Groups’ efforts and sees a definite place for this great and original Australian  breed.

 

The Queensland group recognises that breeders come from many different backgrounds; some are experienced in the cattle  industry, some are looking for a life style change and were drawn to the versatile nature of the Square Meaters.  Others are  fulfilling a childhood ambition to breed an easy handling quality breed of cattle.  Whatever the reason, all our breeders  recognise  the need to learn and grow with their cattle and what better way is there than to be encouraged by like minded  people.

 

The Queensland Breeders Group plans for three or four events a year enabling breeders and potential new members the  opportunity to visit Square Meaters studs in the region.  Breeders, no matter how experienced, are encouraged to become a  part of this opportunity to walk, talk and learn.

 

The growing interest in Square Meaters has encouraged breeders in Queensland.  In its first year the breed was able to more  than double the number of cattle shown at the Brisbane Exhibition in 2006 with 26 head shown by 12 breeders.  This was up  from 11 head and 5 breeders in 2005.  The increased numbers have been a boost for the breed and allowed for new categories and prizes for the  2007 Exhibition due to the increased numbers.

 

The 2007 Brisbane exhibition saw a slight decline to 18 head being exhibited due to the harsh drought conditions in this part of the country, but enthusiasm has remained strong.  A training day was held in October 2007 and local prominent in the industry, Travis Luscombe, was invited to provide some expertise in show preparation.  Combined interest in a Square Meaters "Breeds for Small Farms exhibit" held at the Vitulis Lowline Stud near Laidley in November, also saw Square Meaters Breeders in attendance fielding  numerous enquiries about the breed from the visiting public.  This was a great opportunity to show that the breed was not a small breed but nevertheless the Squares are very much a breed for Small Farms.

 

Other ventures by the group include a combined show of force at a range of regional shows in order to promote the  Square  Meaters breed.  All members and interested fellow travellers are most welcome to participate at whatever level they  are comfortable with.  Enquiries can be directed in the first instance to Jo Van Elten on Ph (07) 54268137 or fax (07) 54268097.