2024 was both busy and productive for Glenoch Angus, marked by significant milestones, industry involvement, and continued dedication to quality genetics. The year started on a strong note with substantial rainfall in January, which replenished Charleys Creek and the surrounding lagoons. This set the stage for a promising autumn, boosting confidence in the cattle market, although it did delay the planting of winter oats intended to fatten sale bulls.
Throughout the year, preparations for our annual august bull sale remained a top priority. Early in the year, we coordinated marketing activities, engaged with our extended team, and ensured everything was in place for a successful event. As weaning season arrived in autumn, we eagerly assessed our AI sires and homebred bulls. One standout weaner was Glenoch Ultimate QBG23U128, a Beast Mode son, whose strong phenotype makes us excited to see his growth and development.
Marketing and delivering Private Treaty bulls kept us busy throughout the year, providing us the opportunity to visit clients, understand their operations, and discuss how Glenoch Angus genetics could enhance their herds. In May, we attended Beef Australia in Rockhampton, an event that showcases the Australian beef industry to a global audience. Roger and Angus Australia CEO Scott Wright were featured on Beef Radio, promoting Angus cattle, while we also participated in a promotional segment for the World Angus Forum 2025, incorporating Roger’s well-known ‘home among the Gum Trees’ humour.
During May, some of our long-term clients visited to select bulls based on targeted EBV traits. Their insights help refine our breeding decisions and strengthen the quality of our matings. In line with our commitment to animal health, we continued our rigorous vaccination program to ensure our bulls remained in peak condition. A significant genomic project was also completed, verifying the parentage of our entire cow herd through DNA collection. Moving forward, we will now collect tissue samples at weaning to confirm the parentage of each calf.
Following a dry spring in 2023, our cows demonstrated their resilience, maintaining strong performance and achieving high pregnancy rates at weaning. With favourable rainfall throughout the year, we capitalised on the buoyancy of the cattle market by holding non-pregnant cows at optimal weights, ensuring their market readiness. This year also saw a major rebranding initiative as we transitioned from Sandon Glenoch Angus to Glenoch Angus, reinforcing our identity through a refreshed website, social media presence, and a prominent billboard east of Dalby.
August brought significant developments with the purchase of JK Cattle Co Tarantino T636, the top-priced bull at the JK Angus sale, for $38,000. His excellent birth, growth, and carcass traits make him a valuable addition to our breeding program. Our own annual sale in August proved successful, achieving a solid average of $9,891. The event saw participation from both loyal clients and new buyers, offering an excellent opportunity to introduce fresh genetics at great value.
A particularly memorable moment during the sale was the recognition of Roger’s 50 years of commitment to the Angus Society by Angus Australia President Sinclair Munro. This honour was a proud occasion for the Boshammer family, complementing last year’s feature on Roger’s late uncle, Jack Atkin, and the family’s longstanding dedication to Angus breeding.
Following the sale, we embarked on a remarkable journey to Mongolia to support Roger’s daughter, Belinda, as she competed in the Mongol Derby. Witnessing her cross the finish line after this gruelling endurance race was an unforgettable experience. In late August, we also had the privilege of judging the Paraway Pastoral Colt Challenge at Rocklands Station, an event that highlighted the impressive horsemanship of ringers from neighbouring Paraway stations.
Our involvement in the campdraft community remains strong, with continued sponsorship and cattle lending at key events, including Willinga – Juandah Plains Ladies, Chinchilla Grandmother Clock Ladies, and the Dalby Stock Horse Sale. It is always rewarding to see the progeny of our clients excelling in these competitions and to reconnect with friends in the industry.
As the AI season approaches, we carefully select sires that align with our clients’ breeding objectives. This year, our choices included Glenoch Ultimate QBG23U128, Booramooka Theodore, Sterling Confidence Plus, Landfall Keystone, Mandayen Mainland, and Cluden Newry Uppercut. We also collected semen from Glenoch Titus QBG22T133, a 2024 sale bull with exceptional EBVs, to further strengthen our program.
Our Private Treaty yearlings are now available for sale from November through autumn. We invite those interested in Glenoch Angus genetics to contact us for more information or to arrange a visit.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our clients and industry partners for their continued support. We look forward to another successful year in 2025!