WILKAH Hereford Stud was established by Andrew and Angela Lyons in 2011 with 70 Melville Park breeders, and was named using a combination of their children’s names – Will and Kaylah.

They   have driven their business with a quiet but resolute passion, choosing Glenellerslie ‘Manly’ a horned Hereford and Strathvalley ‘Gun Powder’ as their base sires, and have steadily grown their stud herd.

Andrew was particularly impressed with the progeny from these sires – improving structure and carcass.

The stud has grown now to calving 100 stud cows and 60 commercial cows. Andrew said it’s important to know what your bulls can do in a commercial operation, as that is a large portion of his clientele.

He is very happy with the direction Wilkah has taken and the proof is in the bulls on offer. Andrew has placed a huge emphasis on sound structure, good dark colouring and muscle depth and his EBV’s reflect that. Stud breeding is now based mostly on artificial insemination from the best genetics available – both new and some old.

Wilkah Hereford Stud has taken part in Beef Week since they began and the response to their bulls has been very positive. Potential buyers came from everywhere from Gippsland, Warrnambool, Seymour and Mount Gambier, and areas in-between.

“We had a really good turn out on the Friday, with genuine, honest people looking to enhance their herds,” Andrew said.

He emphasised the importance of fertility traits and keeping a moderate birth weight for ease of calving – having had no issues with calving down his own calves. Andrew refers to the ‘magic triangle’ when looking at a bull head on – making sure that the front shoulder is smooth and not too wide, while maintaining good structure and depth.

Like everyone in farming, Andrew has had to manage the late wet season – while it has presented some challenges, the cattle have come through it well.

Originally, Wilkah started with a private treaty sale, but have now adopted a helmsman and Auctions Plus system.

Wilkah on-site bull sale will take place on Monday, February 27, at 4pm at 885 Melville Forest-Vasey Road, Vasey VIC 3407.

There will be 19 stud bulls available, from 23 to 24 months of age. The bulls on offer will be straight, solid, well coloured and muscled, without being fed up. Like the owners, they present honestly and you will know exactly what you are purchasing – solid and reliable commercial bulls.