Graneta balances phenotypes and genotypes to create practical Angus stud in Queensland
Blending traditional phenotypic selection with innovative genomic testing is allowing Graneta Angus to build an industry relevant stud in Queensland, all while showing the benefits of genomic testing are clear and unmistakable.
The Gaffney family of the Graneta stud have been breeding beef cattle in the Bell district of the Western Downs Region of Queensland for more than 150 years.
In that time, seven generations of accumulated knowledge have been passed down, making it possible for the current operators, Jon Gaffney and his son Peter, to consistently produce cattle that that meet the practical needs of their customers.
With an eye on what they saw as a shifting marketplace, the family took their first steps towards transitioning from a successful Limousin stud in 2010 to breeding seedstock Angus with the purchase of 30 Angus heifers.
Jon describes Angus as a progressive breed, perfectly suited to what they were trying to achieve with their program.
“I like being able to do what we want to do with them,” Jon said. “[They are] nice and easy cattle and tick all the boxes with fertility and temperament.”
Today, Graneta Angus produce high-quality seedstock cattle specifically bred to suit the tough Queensland conditions.
Noted for their longevity and resilience, Graneta bulls are a popular choice for producers from western NSW through to North Queensland, as they exemplify a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.
Rooted in a rich history of cattle breeding, the Gaffney family have embraced genomic technologies to enhance the quality and performance of their cattle.
The use of genomic testing has helped them accelerate improvement in their herd. They began by using parent verification but now do an Angus GS profile of their animals consistently year on year to assist with more informed selection decisions.
Peter said the benefits have been clear and unmistakable.
“What started as a 60 percent average on EBV (estimated breeding values) accuracy brought it up to mid-80 percent just through genomics,” he said.
“While us doing a manual task of doing 400- or 200-day weights are only increasing it by 3-5 percent.”
Jon said their main breeding objective is to develop a fertile herd that can handle the strict Queensland conditions, and the focal point for the calendar each year is their annual bull sale held in August.
However, they don’t wait for the sale to find out what their customers need. Instead, they take a more proactive approach and make personal visits to sit down with clients each year to speak to them directly.
“It’s amazing when you talk to the client to learn what they they’re chasing,” Jon said.
Peter said more than 90 percent of their bulls are used as terminal sires in crossbreeding programs with most of those programs prioritising carcase weight, muscle shape, and high growth.
According to Jon, the direct use of genomic technology amongst Graneta’s commercial customers is still in its infancy but he expects it will inevitably become more widespread.
“It will take a while,” Jon said. “When they start seeing the benefits – when they get their carcase results coming back – that’s when it will probably start getting more evident that they’ll start using it.”
In the meantime, he observes many of them are already benefitting from having EBVs published in sale catalogues.
While phenotypes remain the priority consideration, the use of genomic technology is helping his customers make more informed decisions.
“They’ll start looking at figures, how accurate they are and their percentages, that’s what they’re looking for, and they’ll be chasing certain traits and different things,” Jon said.
“Some want the low birthweights because they’re using them as maternal sires. Some of them don’t worry about birthweight they want the biggest growth they can have to put on more weight.”
Graneta Angus have been working with the Neogen team for several years, due to the company being a leader in the genomics field, operating out of Australia.
“We don’t want to be sending stuff overseas. We don’t know what was going to happen,” Jon said.
“We just thought it’s better to keep it local and it’s worked out, especially with the new lab in Ipswich. It’s just a big plus.”
Over time the relationship has only grown stronger with Peter saying there has never been any reason to even consider looking elsewhere.
“They’ve never done anything wrong by us,” Peter said. “It’s been great for us. We really haven’t had to do much input on our end. They pretty much do everything.”
While Graneta don’t currently export genetics overseas, Jon said it is something they would consider as their herd continues to improve, and genomics ensures they will be in the position to do so if the opportunity arises.
“I think our herd will get there,” he said. “At the moment, we’re probably not at that level, but I definitely think so in the future, that’s an option.”
This commitment to excellence ensures that Graneta Angus remains a trusted name among cattle breeders, delivering genetics that thrive in Queensland’s challenging conditions and beyond.
