QSBS Sale Co-ordinator Work Placement and World Simmental/Fleckvieh 50th Anniversary
When I flew out of Australia last February, it was a stifling 38°C. The cattle operation I was on in New South Wales hadn’t seen rain in months. Landing in Calgary, I was greeted by -25°C and snow.
My trip to Canada is a personal research and development activity in which I was also proud to represent the Queensland Simmental Bull Sale (QSBS) at the 50th Anniversary of the World Simmental Fleckvieh Federation (WSFF). This event was a milestone not only for the breed, but also for the global community of cattle producers, researchers, and enthusiasts who gathered in the heart of Canadian cattle country.
Simmental in Robotic Milking Systems
The Australian Simmental industry was well represented, with several studs and breed enthusiasts attending with Australian genetics being identified as well respected on the global stage. The event brought together farmers, scientists, and industry leaders from across the globe—from Romania to South America, Germany to the USA—all passionate about the versatility and performance of Simmental and Fleckvieh cattle.
A highlight was hearing from farmers in Romania using Simmental as a dual purpose breed who have embraced AI and robotic milking systems on farm proving the breed’s adaptability to intensive European systems. I was amazed how the implementation of this technology enabled monitoring of many aspects of cow health, milk quantity and food intake for cattle in Romania from the congress in Calgary occurred in real time.
Canadian Insights & Industry Comparisons
Beyond the WSFF anniversary, I took the opportunity to immerse myself in Canadian agriculture, attending numerous industry sessions across Alberta and visiting major events, Auction Marts, multiple Simmental Bull Sales and 4H and other youth development cattle shows.
It was interesting that Canadian beef producers face different challenges than Australia- short grazing seasons, harsh winters, and a strong domestic feedlot industry. There’s a strong focus in Canada on traits like feed efficiency, marbling, calving ease and growth rate. Crossbreeding British and European breeds is commonplace with Simmental, Angus and Charolais appearing to seem most popular
Whilst in Canada I also met with Dr. Kajal Latimer, head of genetics (Angus) where I gained insight into Angus Canada priorities within their research and breed improvement programs.
Looking Ahead
It’s been a whirlwind year of industry research and international engagement—one that’s deepened my appreciation for the global cattle community and the innovation shaping our future as producers. After attending the 50th Anniversary of the World Simmental Fleckvieh Federation in Canada I have learnt even more about Simmental and different productions systems using the breed.
Catharine Jennings
Sales Coordinator – Queensland Simmental Bull Sale
Meat and Livestock Australia – Red Meat Ambassador
