BEEF WEEK 2026 East Gippsland Newspapers 6 Thursday, January 29, 2026 Beyond the bloodlines Victorian Beef Week is more than a showcase of premier genetics, according to Maffra Vet veterinarian Katherine Snell, who says the event highlights the results of long-term planning, herd health, and proactive management. “Standing in the paddocks, watching cattle ruminate, settle with the crowds and tolerate a steady stream of opinions, I’m reminded that Beef Week is about far more than what’s printed in a catalogue,”Ms Snell said. She said the cattle on display are the outcome of countless breeding decisions, careful nutrition planning, timely vaccinations, parasite control, and consistent handling. “Feet and leg conformation, body condition, easy temperament and longevity don’t happen by luck. From a vet’s perspective, Beef Week cattle tell a story of programs that work,”she said. Ms Snell highlighted the importance of proactive herd health management, which she said is at the heart of ProLivestock, the partnership she is involved in. “Healthy cattle are built over time, not at the last minute. The best herds don’t avoid problems entirely, but they do tend to have very few surprises,”she said. She added that monitoring fertility, anticipating disease pressure, and addressing small issues promptly helps produce calmer, more productive cattle and fewer emergencies on-farm. Beef Week, she said, is also a reminder that herd health has impacts beyond the farm gate. “Healthy cattle underpin food safety, market access and consumer confidence. Good welfare, sensible antibiotic use, and sound biosecurity aren’t trends — they’re sustainable farming practices,”Ms Snell said. She said the week reinforces why she became a livestock veterinarian.“It wasn’t just to treat sick animals or pull stuck calves, although that does keep things interesting, but to partner with clients to achieve common goals. Over time, you see the impact on both the business and the cattle in the paddocks,”she said. Victorian Beef Week showcases the best of the industry, but Ms Snell said its true value lies in the systems and partnerships behind the animals. “Behind every standout animal is a partnership supporting it, and behind every strong partnership is a commitment to prevention rather than reaction. That’s something worth celebrating this Victorian Beef Week.” Maffra Vet veteranarian, Katherine Snell. The highest priced bull on sale day at Newcomen Herefords will have extra special meaning as the gavel falls, with half the sale price going to a bushfire relief fund. Newcomen’s stud manager, Raelee Jager, grew up around Euroa and knows many people who have lost everything in the recent fires, especially around Longwood and Ruffy. She said Barry’s offer of half the top-priced bull was very generous. Barry, 87, is participating for the 20th year with the Beef Week Open Day. “I feel that everyone else is helping in some way with the recovery after the fires, but I don’t have any hay to give, so this is one way I can help,” Mr Newcomen said. The Newcomen sale is the 23rd for the family, held annually at the family property, ‘Kanangra’. Ms Jager said Newcomens will offer 43 bulls this year, down from last year’s 60 head, selecting the ‘best of the best’ for the bull sale. Stud sires include Yavenvale Ripper, Quamby Plains and Mawarra bulls, with 18 horned bulls in the mix. Barry is hopeful the sale will be better than the previous year, with a turn in weather and markets. “I feel that market wise we’ve been through the worst of it,” he said. “We had an inch of rain a week ago and it doesn’t look too bad, last year we had higher than our average rainfall, but we had a lousy year. “The winter was cold, September and October had wind every day and by the end of October it was bare and dry. “We got rain in November and managed to make a bit of hay, but the hay yields in the district have been pathetic. “We’ve managed to keep the bulls looking pretty good.” The 23rd Newcomen sale will take place on the morning of Wednesday, March 11, at ‘Kanangra’, Ensay. Bull sale to help bushfire relief Newcomen stud manager, Raelee Jager, with Smokin Joe in the paddock at ‘Kanangra’, Ensay. Improve reproductive rates using advanced technology and lab support, maintaining results right through to weaning Expert veterinary consultancy to identify herd health and reproductive issues while supporting abattoir and organic certification Tailored programs backed by our cattle vets, including biosecurity planning, treatment protocols and a complete online vet supply shop WORKING TOGETHER TO IMPROVE YOUR GAINS Gippsland Veterinary Hospital introduces Visit for more information prolivestock.com.au 03 5147 1177 maffra@apiam.com.au 10 Johnson St, Maffra VIC 3860 Call our clinic to talk to our vets today 23RD ANNUAL ON-PROPERTY BULL SALE '" ' ' ' %!! ' $ $ '''''''''''''''''''&"# '#"#'# %$ $$' % $! ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''&"& ' '& % ' %! % '''''''''''''''''''''''''''&"&&' & '# LOT 4 - NEWCOMEN VOCATION (HPR) (H) | Ident: BTNV111
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