The dry year of 2024 impacted on farming operations across the South East region including a prominent Furner beef cattle stud.


On the eve of their annual on-farm sale, Woonallee Simmentals proprietors Tom and Lizzie Baker have written of the changes forced on their business.


“2024 certainly came with many challenges and the dry start was one of the worst we have ever seen in this district and South Australia as a whole,” wrote the Bakers.


“Hay and fodder supplies were quickly used up and plenty was purchased to fill the gap required.


“Although hard to watch and navigate it was pleasing to see our selection for easy keeping cattle with efficiency, constitution and fertility pay off and allowed us to still return a pregnancy test result of over 90%.


“This was incredible considering what the cow herd had endured.


“It has been great to see the recent weaner sales in South Australia feature many drafts of Woonallee blood calves.


“Although 30-40kgs lighter due to the season, they showed the softness, fleshing and weight for age they normally have. They sold to strong demand to both backgrounders and feedlots with many return buyers back to purchase these cattle.


“We are proud of this year’s draft of bulls. They had to work pretty hard to get to where they are today on limited paddock feed.


“The draft of bulls will be slightly lighter in weight due to the season but will present in good order and ready to work.”


The 18th annual sale at Woonallee will be held on February 13 and feature 109 bulls.