BEEF WEEK 2026 East Gippsland Newspapers 7 Thursday, January 29, 2026 It’s all happening at Wattlewood The Wattlewood Angus team is bringing its dream to life with a purpose-built 80-acre bull sale complex. Modeled on their existing home setup, the site features six small paddocks designed to pen sale bulls for upcoming events, including Beef Week on Saturday, January 31, the MLA Bredwell Fedwell Workshop on February 10, and the annual on-farm bull sale on Thursday, March 5. The Glovers have constructed a shed with roller doors, allowing airflow on warm days or full closure when the weather turns inclement. Visitors will enjoy a welcoming, homely atmosphere, with food and drinks served in the beautiful repurposed silos on site. Beef Week will showcase 35 "cream of the crop" bulls, all fully vaccinated, health-checked, and semen-tested. "Being part of the industry-backed Immune Ready program gives us confidence that the bulls are ready to work effectively and efficiently. They are parent-verified, so clients can make an informed selection of their next top sire to improve their herd," Fiona Glover said. Following a credible third-place finish in last year's Beef Week Heifer Challenge, the Glovers are proud of their female breeding herd, which contributes 50 per cent of the bulls' genetics. "Getting the female herd right is key to producing bulls that just work and get the job done," Fiona said. Providing opportunities for producers to improve their operations is central to Wattlewood Angus. The upcoming MLA Bredwell Fedwell Workshop will teach attendees about genetic selection and maximising herd performance. The property will come alive again for the Wattlewood Angus Annual On-Farm Bull Sale on Friday, March 5, from 4pm. Visitors are invited to enjoy a cuppa during Beef Week and are encouraged to ask questions about the bulls or the breeding program. Those unable to attend can contact Fiona Glover to arrange a suitable time. Lot 3 Wattlewood Vroom. Across Eastern Gippsland, Herd Solutions vets Chelsea Hair and Alison Gunn have become trusted allies for commercial producers and seedstock breeders alike. Their hands-on approach to bull management isn't just about ticking boxes — it's about giving local businesses every genetic and health advantage possible ahead of breeding season. Through their bull health and fertility services, Chelsea and Alison conduct Veterinary Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluations (VBBSE), ensuring that every bull put to work is capable, sound and fertile. "Producers invest heavily in their bulls," Chelsea said. "A quick pre-breeding check can make the difference between a successful season and a costly one." Just as importantly, they place strong emphasis on vaccination programs, protecting herds against reproductive diseases such as vibriosis and pestivirus — issues that can quietly erode fertility and herd performance if unchecked. Beyond the yards, their expertise extends into bull selection and genotyping, helping producers choose sires that match their herd's production goals and environment. Using genomic tools and EBV interpretation, they assist farmers in identifying bulls that will deliver reliable calving ease, growth, and carcase traits suited to local markets. Their latest project is a MLA Producer Demonstration Site to show the cost effectiveness of using genomic testing of commercial heifers to guide heifer selection and monitor how producers are meeting their breeding goals. By combining practical herd management with scientific insight, Chelsea and Alison exemplify the modern veterinary role — bridging on-farm service with genetic progress. Their work ensures each joining season begins with confidence and ends with stronger, more profitable outcomes for local beef and dairy producers. Supporting breeders Beef up The Kia Tasman. Drive Away estimate from $56,858 *Kia Genuine Accessories shown at additional cost. Visit Peter Dullard Kia peterdullardkia.com.au (03) 5152 0100
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTU5ODU=