The event provided an opportunity to showcase the Blasta Mhor breeding program alongside leading Highland cattle breeders from across Australia.

GENETICS STANDING UP IN THE RING

In its first year of exhibition, Angus Mhor of Blasta Mhor (ET) placed second in Class 9 (Bull 8 months and under 12 months), while Maighdein 1st of Blasta Mhor placed third in Class 5a (Cow or Heifer 24 months and under 36 months).

Blasta Mhor genetics were also represented through cattle exhibited by Butler Highlands. Solly of Blasta Mhor placed first and Calmore of Blasta Mhor placed second in Class 3 (Heifer 16 months and under 20 months). In Class 2 (Heifer 12 months and under 16 months), Duchess Dustee of Blasta Mhor placed second, with Lady Brogarth of Blasta Mhor also exhibited in the class.

Of particular interest was the continued performance of cattle sired by Duncan Riabhach of Sea Crest. Duncan has been the principal stock bull at the Glenquarry fold for several years, and his progeny again demonstrated the consistency and quality that first attracted us to him.

The results also reflect the significant contribution of the Butler family, whose support, preparation and presentation of Blasta Mhor cattle played an important role throughout the weekend. The Butler family have been strong supporters of the Blasta Mhor program, and we are grateful for the time, effort and care they continue to invest in cattle carrying Blasta Mhor genetics.

“This was an important weekend for us. We are still in the early stages of building the fold, so to see cattle carrying Blasta Mhor genetics perform well across several classes was very pleasing. A great deal of credit also belongs to the Butler family. They put an enormous amount of work into preparing and presenting cattle throughout the weekend and have been tremendous supporters of the Blasta Mhor program. We were also particularly pleased to have Angus and Inga make the trip from Scotland to join us. Blasta Mhor was established to connect strong Scottish Highland cattle genetics with Australian conditions, so sharing our first National Show appearance together was a significant milestone.”

PAUL REESE, DIRECTOR

SCOTTISH CONTEXT IN AUSTRALIAN CONDITIONS

Blasta Mhor was represented at Bathurst by Paul Reese and the Australian team, together with Angus MacGillivray and Inga MacGillivray from Ardteatle, Scotland, who travelled to Australia to support the fold.

Angus plays a key role in identifying and sourcing Highland cattle genetics in Scotland for the Blasta Mhor program and was able to see the progress of Australian-bred Blasta Mhor cattle firsthand.

“It was a pleasure to travel to Australia and see the quality of Highland cattle being exhibited at Bathurst. The standard across the show was very strong. For Blasta Mhor to have cattle exhibited for the first time and perform well in that company provides a solid foundation for the future.”

ANGUS MACGILLIVRAY

A STRONG WEEKEND FOR THE BREED

The National Show brought together exhibitors, handlers, breeders and supporters of the Highland breed from across Australia. The event included individual class judging, championship judging and a well-attended awards evening celebrating achievements across the breed.

The show also highlighted the strong sense of community that exists within the Highland cattle industry, with exhibitors travelling from across the country to support the event.

The weekend concluded with Blasta Mhor receiving the Most Successful First Time Exhibitor award, providing a fitting end to the fold’s first appearance at a National Show.

Blasta Mhor congratulates the Australian Highland Cattle Society on delivering a successful National Show and extends its congratulations to all exhibitors, handlers, judges, volunteers, sponsors and prize winners.

A STRONG WEEKEND FOR THE BREED

Preparations are already underway for future shows. Maighdein of Blasta Mhor, who missed Bathurst due to a minor foot issue, is expected to return to the ring.

She is expected to be joined by Lachlan 1st of Blasta Mhor, a young bull sired by Lachlan of Callachally and out of Sonasag OG 27th of Pennygown Farm. The mating brings together bloodlines sourced directly from Scotland and represents genetics not previously available in Australia.

The cattle will continue to be prepared and exhibited by Tanika, Ben and Lincoln Butler at Red Rock Farm as Blasta Mhor continues to build from its first National Show appearance.