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Australian history of Santa Gertrudis Breed
Necessity brought about the development of the Santa Gertrudis breed in the United States of America. Through genetic engineering and Australian beef cattle management skills, this has progressed to what is now one of the major true beef breeds of Australia.

King Ranch Australia introduced the breed in 1952 with the importation of 75 bulls and 200 heifers. They established headquarters at Risdon, Warwick, Queensland and offered 12 bulls at public auction on November 14, 1952. King Ranch Australia made a further importation in 1954.

Included in the original shipment were three bulls for Mr. Murdo Mackenzie of "Old Hidden Vale", Grandchester, Queensland. Others to import were: Joyce and Joyce, Eidsvold Station, Eidsvold, Queensland; Joyce and Joyce, Gyranda, Cracow, Queensland; Peel River Land and Mineral Company, Goonoo Goonoo, Tamworth, N.S.W; Tropical Cattle Pty Ltd., Ingham, Queensland; Lyle Kirkby, Moree, N.S.W.

Shortly after this, a total embargo on importation of bovines was placed by the Australian Government to prevent the possible introduction of Blue-Tongue Disease so no further importations were possible until the establishment of the Cocos Island Quarantine Station in 1981.

From these small numbers, the breed spread to all States of Australia, contributing significantly to beef production in all areas. Many breeders, by grading-up, have reached the fourth cross and are producing purebreds for classification and registration.

The Santa Gertrudis Breeders' (Australia) Association was formed in 1954 and has maintained firm control on registration and classification procedures. The Association was registered as a company limited by guarantee in 1975.
Santa Gertrudis blood has been introduced into commercial herds by the use of specially selected first, second and third cross as well as purebred bulls.

Geneticists, scientists and practical cattle breeders today assess the value of stock by their genetic make-up; therefore, provided a crossbred bull comes from quality root stock and is himself a high class individual, he can be used to introduce the Santa Gertrudis blood to a herd with every confidence. Although purebred bulls have largely taken the place of crossbreds, the infusion of Santa Gertrudis blood into Australian commercial herds will always be an economical proposition.

The Santa Gertrudis Breeders' (Australia) Association remains the only beef society in Australia to maintain a strictly controlled Herd Classification System.
The implementation of the Classification System on all cattle in the Association's herd book is the solid stamp of approval that your purchases meet strict minimum standards.

As a commercial cattleman the benefits you receive using Classified 'S' Santa Gertrudis bulls will become obvious in your first crop of calves. You will see increased muscling, rapid growth, easy calving, higher weaning weights and better overall performance, whether in the paddock or in a feedlot.
 

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