Atherton Tableland Senepol cattle breeders, Peter and Katrina Spies, recently made an impact on this years’ Far North show circuit – exhibiting their Senepol at the Cairns, Malanda and Atherton shows. A number of the northern Show societies have had a dilemma on what Section the Senepol should be showed – whether British/European (Bos taurus) or as a Tropical breed. However, the Senepol is beginning to make some in-roads.
In Cairns, the Spies and their Senepol cattle won both Champion Bos taurus bull with their exhibit Five star Tarzan, a 26 month old bull and Champion Bos taurus cow with Pinnacle Pocket Becky, a 28 month old cow with a four month old calf at foot and three months back-in-calf. “She exemplifies the fertility in the breed” Mr Spies said.
At Malanda the Senepols also enjoyed success winning Senior British/Euro bull and Reserve Champion British/Euro cow. Five star Tarzan also won Senior Champion Tropical Breed Bull in Atherton.
The Spies’ see it as a very important part of their enterprise development to benchmark and one of the most important ways to do this in the Stud industry is through the show ring. “The Show Ring is the shop window to your stud and the breed” Peter said.
The comment was made in Cairns during the Grand Parade by the Cattle Judge that “these cattle would stand up well anywhere in Australia and a real credit to the breeder”.
Whilst it was a successful show season for the Spies’, Peter said that he was more overjoyed with his 17 ½ month old toddler son Tom’s first lead of a heifer at Cairns… leading Pinnacle Pocket Bella in the U12 paraders (with assistance from Jade Tighe). The Judge loved Tom’s enthusiasm. Peter reckons Tom showed no fear and loved it so much that when he went out of the ring he went straight up to another girl and wanted to lead her bull for her!!!
Jade Tighe, of True Blue Fitting Service, Chinchilla, who has been staying with the Spies’ did a wonderful job in the preparation of the cattle and keeping the team going over the time as well as teaching Thomas the finer points of showing cattle!
It is also of note that the Spies’ 35 month old Droughtmaster bull, Pinnacle Pocket Butthead was awarded Grand Champion stud bull and crowned Supreme Champion stud exhibit of the Cairns show.
The Spies’ breed both Senepol and Senepol/Droughtmaster composite cattle.
Judge Mr Michael Fahey of Bizzy Brahman Stud, Grafton, NSW; Ms Jade Tighe, True Blue Fitting Service; and
Owner Mr Peter Spies, Pinnacle Pocket Senepols with Five Star Tarzan.
Owner/Breeder Mr Peter Spies, Pinnacle Pocket Senepols, Mr Bill Smith, Steward, presenting the
Grand Champion sash and Jade Tighe, True Blue Fitting Service.
Pinnacle Pocket Bella being led by Tom Spies (17 ½ months) and Jade Tighe True Blue Fitting Service. “The docility of the breed cannot be faulted”
Overall results (for Senepol) in broad ribbon categories
Cairns
Champion Bos taurus Senior Bull and Grand Champion Bos taurus Bull – Five Star Tarzan
Champion Bos taurus Senior Cow and Grand Champion Bos taurus Female – Pinnacle Pocket BeckyMalanda
Senior British/European & AO BT Breed Bull (Five Star Tarzan)
Reserve Champ. British/European & AO BT Breed Bull (Five Star Tarzan)
Reserve Senior Champion British/European & AO BT Breed Female (Pinnacle Pocket Becky)Atherton
Senior Champion Tropical Breed Bull – Five Star Tarzan
