Genetics from generations
Charbrays are the breed of choice for Ford family
CHARBRAYS have been part of the Ford family for three generations.
Trevor Ford runs a stud and commercial charbray herd on two properties at Chinchilla, Oakleigh and Lone Starr, as well as properties they lease. He runs the operation with the help of wife Lolita and his four children, Chloe, 17, Daniel, 15, Liam 12, and Samuel, 6.
“I took over from my grandfather and father, who have been breeding charbrays since 1980,” Trevor said.
“Wattlebray Charbrays was formed in 1995. We bought the first property, Oakleigh, about 15 years ago and we’ve expanded with Lone Starr two years ago.”
Trevor’s grandfather Stan Ford and parents Eric and Joan Ford were based at Kingaroy before the family made the move to Chinchilla.
“My grandfather and father started a charolais stud in the late ’70s and we moved into charbrays in the ’80s and we’ve kept those genetics straight through.
“We only use certified charbrays in our operation.”
The Ford family runs 350 head of cattle across their stud and commercial operations, with 120 registered females.
“Wre`e currently destocking on the back of a pretty dismal summer season so far,” Trevor said.
“We rely heavily on our summer rain to get us through the winter months.
“We had some rain in December and a bit in October but the last real decent fall was February 2018.
“We aren’t complaining, we are still in a much better position than many others across the state.”
Trevor and his daughter Chloe took six bulls to the February All Breeds Bull and Female Sale at Gracemere this week.
“Chloe is at home at the moment. She just finished Year 12 (and is) having a gap year,” Trevor said.
“She is a major part of our operation breaking in our show cattle.
“We have expanded our sale bull numbers and aim to get more of our stabilised generation bred charbrays out to buyers.
“Recent success at the Charbray National Sale at Gracemere has been the top-priced bull in 2016 and 2018. We also sell paddock bulls to new and repeat clients.”
Trevor said the February All Breeds Sale was a place for people who may have had late rain or need a replacement to purchase bulls.
“I would say the dry weather and extremely wet weather in the north could impact the sale,” he said.
“It’s a gamble, you nominate the bulls for this sale in November and start preparing them. We’re committed now and we’ll ride the wave with everyone else.
“If people turn up to the sale and buy one of our bulls they won’t be disappointed.”