Young cattle handler Albert Telford walked away from the Herefords Australia National Youth Expo at Parkes with a foundation heifer for his new herd.
Albert, 14, of Mumble, NSW, was the recipient of the Herefords Australia Most Potential Breeder Award, and received a registered heifer, Kidman Vanity T181, donated by Kidman Poll Herefords, Dubbo, NSW.
The formal announcement was made by Nelson Carlow, Kidman stud, at the National Youth Expo dinner at the Parkes Leagues Club on July 8.
Mr Carlow said Albert Telford had a passion for the Hereford bred and he could sense his enthusiasm for Hereford cattle.
A Year 9 student at Scots All Saints Bathurst, Albert joined Herefords Australia Youth three years ago and has been devouring Hereford sale and semen catalogues since.
“My parents have a commercial Hereford herd in the Victorian high country and I am a sixth generation Hereford breeder,” he said.
Albert is impressed with the temperament and carcase of the breed, and is keen to expand his own stud, Telford Vale Poll Herefords, founded 18 months ago.
“It was incredibly exciting to receive this heifer and she will join my four older cows and three weaned heifers,” he said.
“I will take her around the local shows early next year, then wait for her to grow out and join to a nice heifer bull.”
He sourced his foundation cows from his grandparents, Eddie and Gail Sellers, Bendoc Park Poll Herefords, and is hoping to be selling his first bull within a few years.
“I like the big carcase cattle that breed bulls and steers with carcase quality, while maintaining fertility in the females,” Albert said.
He paid tribute to mentor Gary Wilkinson who has helped Albert with his embryo and AI programs.
“Before this expo I never knew how to clip and I have found that very interesting, I also picked up new ways of how to lead as this is only my second show I have been to. The last one was Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza in Year 5, so it’s been a while.
“It was something quite extraordinary to come here and win a heifer.”
Nelson Carlow, Kidman Poll Herefords, Dubbo, presents Albert Telford, Mumble, NSW, with a donated heifer for the Most Potential Breeder award.
