Droughtmaster

Droughtmaster was the name originally coined by a group of astute cattlemen in North Queensland for the breed of cattle which they developed through crossing Bos taurus and Bos indicus breeds to overcome the perennial problems of drought, cattle ticks, heat, eye cancer and many other problems that reduced production and profitability.

With the arrival of cattle ticks into North Queensland in 1896, it became apparent that maintaining herds of British breed cattle (such as Shorthorns, Herefords and Shorthorn-Devon cross) in the harsh tropical environment was virtually impossible. Consequently, graziers began experimenting with crossbreeding.

In 1910 three Zebu bulls (the first Bos indicus cattle imported into the area) from the Melbourne Zoo were made available to grazier friends in the north by the Curator of the Melbourne Zoological Gardens.
These bulls created a strong and favourable impression on northern graziers, at a time when drought, heat, ticks and general hard times were causing severe losses in their herds of British bred cattle.    more...

Upcoming Droughtmaster Cattle Shows and Events

NSW Beef Spectacular & Trade Expo
     Location: Dubbo Showground, Dubbo, NSW, Australia, 2830
     When: Tuesday 17th to Thursday 19th March 2009

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Beef Australia 2009
     Location: Rockhampton, Queensland
     When: Monday 04th to Saturday 09th May 2009

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Upcoming Droughtmaster Cattle Sales / Auctions

NSW Beef Spectacular & Trade Expo
     Location: Dubbo Showground, Dubbo, NSW, Australia, 2830
     When: Tuesday 17th to Thursday 19th March 2009

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Beef Australia 2009
     Location: Rockhampton, Queensland
     When: Monday 04th to Saturday 09th May 2009

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