Max Hobson worked as a mechanical engineer and project manager for 50 years spending time in in South America and Australia, and at the age of 68 found his Eureka moment when he re-discovered the Hereford breed from a long lost interest.
Max and his wife Julie operate Aintree Farm Herefords on 101ha at Terip Terip, near Euroa, originally founding a commercial herd on Merindoc females a decade ago.
Today, Aintree Farm is a low volume stud running 60 breeders and specialising in the sale of heifers, PTIC females and bulls.
The couple were participating in their third annual Beef Week open day, showcasing bulls in their February sale on the digital platforms of AuctionsPlus and FarmTender.
In the past around 20 grass fed bulls each year have sold into straightbred commercial herds south to Camperdown and north to Bright, Mansfield, Shepparton and Tatura.
Max said clients were after low birthweight bulls with docility, calving ease and above average 600-day weight.
“Steers are sold after weaning to small lot backgrounders for growing out while the heifers are sold to restockers as breeders.”
The couple use US genetics in their AI program but have sourced bulls from Wirruna, Glendan Park and Warwick Court.
Max continues to look for new information on production and productivity for his herd and farm.
The couple has spent much time improving the productivity of the property with new internal fencing, lime and fertiliser applications, shedding and sown pastures of ryegrass, cocksfoot and clover.
“We try to have three paddocks empty for at least three to four weeks in a rotational grazing system so as not to overload the pastures,” Max said.
“This year we will apply more single super and have a 12-month pasture improvement plan in place to lift pasture quality, improve moisture retention, achieve 100 per cent ground cover year-round to create resilience in dry times and fill the autumn-winter feed gap.
“I like a diverse multi-species pasture mix for the cattle and that will pay off with increased growth rates.”