THREE generations on and Moora Poll Hereford Stud is going from strength to strength.

Started by Wally Price at Broadwater in 1957, the stud is one of the longest running poll Hereford studs still breeding stud stock for commercial operations.

 "Moora" was founded on studs such as Ardno, Strathdownie, Appleton, and in later years Glen Osmond, The Braes, Sundown and Homeden.

Moora Poll Herefords has specific breeding objectives, placing emphasis on milking ability, docility, structure and conformation. 

In 2007, Moora purchased Valma Lieutenant by Allendale National, a bull that had a very positive influence over the herd at Moora. The stud has also undertaken a wide-ranging AI program in the past few years using some of the leading genetics in Australia. Semen was used from bulls such as South Bukalong Shannon, Wirruna Callan, Heatherdale Bonanza, Doonbidee Hustler, Bowen Tornado, and Yalgoo Boulder.

Linton Price is the driving force behind Moora Poll Herefords today and he emphasizes the need to breed bulls that are affordable to the commercial herd breeder.

“We aim to breed a strong and reliable bull, with the best of genetic traits that remains affordable to the commercial herd breeder. We have a huge emphasis on calving ease – I can’t remember the last time we pulled a calf, to be honest.

“Typically, our bulls are around the $8000 mark, with our latest AI genetics coming from ‘Morganvale’ Jagos, ‘Bowen’ and ‘Days’ Godfather – we can provide the genetics for both dams and sires, and occasionally we will keep one of our own bulls for the breeding plan.”

Along with the poll Herefords, Moora runs a poll Dorset stud and Corriedale commercial sheep and Kelpie breeding enterprise. Like all farmers – the amount of paperwork involved in operating these studs is both meticulous and tedious – but as Mr Price explained, “it is crucial to achieve the desired outcomes”.

He thoroughly enjoys tracing the best genetics to put with his maternals and is eagerly awaiting the next drop of calves.

“Calving is when you see all your work come together – when those calves hit the deck, you get to see those genetics come through – it will always be a process of refinement, but that’s the best bit.”

Moora Poll Herefords had a great showing at Beef Week. They sell their bulls privately and, with ten bulls offered, only one remains unsold.

Like many commercial operations, Moora run their cattle with sheep in the same paddocks to maximise grazing potential of their pastures.