Breeding Objectives
Our breeding strategy embodies a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation, guided by a deep-rooted commitment to excellence and adaptability. Central to our approach is the integration of three distinct breeds—Brahman, Brangus, and Simbrah—each contributing unique attributes and strengths to our operation.
BRAHMAN
The Brahman breed was the foundation of our cattle endeavours, being a large part of our love and admiration for breeding cattle. Their unbelievable nature, intelligence, and gentle personalities contribute to our deep respect for the breed.
This breed possesses the adaptability, durability, and capability not only to thrive in numerous environments but also to excel in meat markets and crossbreeding programs, making them an integral part of our enterprise.
Their ability to add growth, clean coats, and heat and drought tolerance enhances our Simbrah and Brangus programs, which aim to produce cattle that are an asset to any commercial program they may enter.
BRANGUS
The Brangus breed has been an integral part of our family operation for many years, serving as the true foundation of our commercial herd alongside my grandfather. This early exposure instilled in us a deep appreciation for their value within a commercial operation. When presented with the opportunity to establish a stud herd with the Brangus breed, we eagerly seized the chance.
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Our focus on the breed was underpinned by a commercial outlook, aiming to breed cattle distinguished by their softness, exceptional doing ability, growth potential, and gentle temperament. These qualities epitomize the attributes we strive to cultivate within our herd. Additionally, the breed's adaptability to diverse environments across Australia further heightened its appeal, prompting us to expand our operation beyond purely commercial considerations.
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With this vision in mind, we embarked on a journey to not only enhance our commercial enterprise but also to contribute to the broader Brangus community. Through strategic breeding practices and a commitment to excellence, we aim to elevate the prominence and desirability of the Brangus breed while ensuring the sustainability and profitability of our operation for generations to come.
SIMBRAH
The Simbrah breed was introduced to the West Oak operation in 2017, marking a significant step in our ongoing efforts to adapt to the increasingly unpredictable climate conditions. Recognizing the need for resilience and versatility in our herd, we sought out the qualities that Simbrahs bring to the table.
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Our journey with Simbrahs began with the purchase of our first animal from the Ticoba inaugural sale. Integrating this black Simbrah into our established commercial Brangus herd was both exhilarating and daunting—a leap into the unknown. However, the success of this endeavor exceeded our expectations, inspiring us to further explore the potential of this out-cross.
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Given the challenges posed by climate variability, we recognized the Simbrah's ability to meet diverse market demands as a valuable asset. Motivated by this, we made the strategic decision to breed Simbrah bulls, aiming to share the benefits of our success with the wider commercial market. Our focus primarily centered on black Simbrahs, capitalizing on their ability to command a premium price while also possessing early weaning capabilities conducive to meeting early turn-off targets.
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In embracing the Simbrah breed, we continue to uphold our commitment to innovation and adaptability, ensuring that our operation remains resilient and responsive to the ever-evolving demands of the industry.
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