Photos from Around the Paddock: click to view
Our History
Mac & Gayle Shann both have a long history of breeding cattle on both sides. Gayle's Grandfather Monty Atkinson, was the founder of the droughtmaster breed. It all started back in 1910 when 2 North Queensland graziers imported 2 Zebu (Bos indicus) bulls into the area from the Melbourne Zoo. In 1921 Robert Lamont (Monty) Atkinson made an important observation when riding 2 mares to a blood stallion at Bluff Downs Station near Charters Towers. Monty had seen several Zebu/British crossbreed cattle. They were in good condition in comparison with the rest of the cattle he saw. These were the descendants of the bulls sent north in 1910. Monty then set about developing what ultimately became the Droughtmaster breed.
In 1922 Mont & his father Bob were in Sydney purchasing horses for the cane fields and visited the Taronga Park Zoo. There was a Zebu cow and calf imported from India. They eventually purchased the bull calf for 20 guineas and when he reached 6 months old he was weaned and was put on a boat heading for Townsville. Unfortunately he died of travel sickness on the boat and this stalled proceedings for a while.
In the early 1930's a consignment of Brahman cattle were imported by a syndicate of graziers (including Monty's brother, Ken) and the CSIRO. Mont then had access to 3 red half-bred bulls. Throughout the following years the best progeny of these crossed over the Shorthorn and Shorthorn/Devon herd were retained.
The breed Mont was aiming for had to be fertile, a dominant colour and docile, withstand the severe enviroment of the tropics, have tick resistance, eliminate eye cancer problems, yet still retain some of the better attributes of the Bos Taurus breeds. It came at a time when graziers were looking for answers. Drought, heat, ticks and general hard times were causing severe losses in British herds in the north.
In 1952 Monty instigated a meeting in Townsville and the Australian Zebu Cross Beef Cattle Breeders' Association was formed. In 1956 this society was divided into 3 groups, these being the Braford, Brangus & Droughtmaster. The Droughtmaster Stud Breeders' Society commenced in 1962. Monty was the Patron of the breed from 1966 to 1985.
Droughtmasters' today have seen huge successes and general popularity because they are so adaptable and are such an easy care breed. Monty would be proud of what has become of his breed.
In 2002 the Droughtmaster Sale MAGS was started. It has grown from strength to strength and Mont's son, 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, sell at this sale.
