Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Alastair Dowie
Prestigious Lex Bunn dairy award to Matt Templeton - one of the good guys
Brian Leslie makes the emotional presentation of the 2025 Lex Bunn Memorial Award to to Matt Templeton. Picture by Alastair Dowie Being awarded the 2025 International Dairy Week Lex Bunn Memorial Award topped off an emotion-filled supreme champion judging for Jersey judge Matt Templeton, Dixie, Vic.
Udder lifts Riverlane cow to Jersey crown at International Dairy Week
Carly Hallett and Stewart Menzies, Riverlane Dairy, Numbaa, NSW, with the grand champion Jersey of International Dairy Week 2025, Rivendell Victorious Vienna. Picture by Alastair Dowie Quality was the simple cornerstone of 2025 International Dairy Week Jersey Show judge Matt Templeton's decisions, and true to that mantra was his choice of Rivendell Victorious Vienna as grand champion Jersey of the show.
Syndicate snaps up Holstein for big price at International Dairy Week sale
Lot one of the STG sale sold for $20,000 led by Ethan Couch, pictured with the vendors, Luke, Amy, John and Cherie Gardiner, Nar Nar Goon, Vic, selling team at back of Scott Lord, Dairy Livestock Services, Paul Douglas, STG business development, Simon Tognolo, sale organiser, Marty Glennen (obscured), sale organiser, Brian Leslie, auctioneer, with buyers Marcus Young and Brent Mitchell.
Munden Farms stoked with young cow's stunning performance in Ayrshires
Karl Munden, Munden Farms, Bulb Buln East, Vic, and partner, Imogen Steiner, with the 2025 International Dairy Week Ayrshire grand and intermediate champion Munden Farms Lexus Vinca. Picture by Alastair Dowie Munden Farms achieved the rare feat of having their intermediate champion heifer go on to take the grand champion exhibit of the Ayrshire Show at the 2025 International Dairy Week.
Retirement on hold for aged 2025 International Dairy Week Illawarra champ
Presenting the 2025 International Dairy Week grand champion Illawarra ribbon is IDW director, Declan Patten, judge Simon Tognola, Tatura, Vic, and exhibitors Kieran Coburn, Jess Eagles and Trevor and Brian Coburn, and World Wide Sires sales representative, Mark Pattulo.Picture by Alastair Dowie A late-lactation aged cow received the ultimate recognition at the 2025 International Dairy Week taking out senior and grand champion Illawarra cow.
Smit Boondarra sale builds on inaugural sale success
Buyers of the two rams that made $4000 are Cooper Jukes, Nutrien agent Gus Foott, Jaime Jukes, Duncan Jukes, Sophie French, Jordan Jukes with vendors all in blue shirts - Nat, Karen, Zack, Wayne, Taleeka and Loggahn. Pictures supplied A total clearance and an increased average highlighted a pleasing result for Wayne and Karen Dingle's 2nd annual Smit Dorper and Boondarra White Dorper sale on Friday, October 25.
Auctioneers work hard to offload 8000 sheep at dusty Wycheproof market
Pictures by Alastair Dowie Difficult seasonal conditions, frosted crops and stagnant wool prices failed to deter sheep producers as they bid for nearly 8000 sheep at the Elders Wycheproof annual spring sale on Friday.
Telpara Hills' heifer lineup shines at annual sale
Auctioneer Anthony Ball, Elders, Malanda, Brittany Pearce, Telpara Hills, Atherton, and Tammie Robinson, Stocklive, Toogoolawah with the top priced heifer at $36,000 at the Telpara Hills Brangus and Ultra Black sale. Buyer was Peter and Roz Alexander, Hidden Valley Beef, Manning Valley, NSW.
Repeat buyers drive 97 per cent clearance at Eidsvold bull sale Original
Top price bull Greenup Noble U22, pictured with thee Greenup children James, Rory and Ruby, with Rick, and Jay Coonan, niece of buyer John McLoughlin and manager of Rainbow, Rolleston, with Johns sister Patricia Coonan. Picture supplied. Repeat buyers dominated the results across a catalogue of 120 bulls offered at the Greenup Eidsvold Santa Gertrudis sale, Eidsvold Station, on Thursday, September 19, helping achieve a clearance of more than 97 per cent.
Cree Santa Gertrudis bulls attract top bids at Thangool sale
Buyer of lot 10 at $22,000, Ben Joyce of the Dr Joyce Family Trust, Tyrone, with vendors Jo and Shaun McGuigan, Cree Santas, Kiah, Thangool. Picture by Alastair Dowie A strong penning of Santa Gertrudis bulls at Shaun and Jo McGuigan's Cree Santa Gertrudis, Kiah, Thangool, 10th on-property sale sold to solid demand before a good crowd in attendance as well as a number of active online bidders.
Expansion of Pye operation at Parilla pays with White Suffolks
Parilla Perfect Potatoes livestock manager, Bill O'Driscoll, has overseen a massive increase in ewe numbers up to 8000, joined to White Suffolk rams at Parilla. Picture supplied Developing a large-scale sheep operation within an even larger scale horticultural production business is the assignment for livestock manager Bill O'Driscoll.
Wycheproof Nutrien store sheep sale gets subdued buyer interest
Pictures by Alastair Dowie The headwinds created by supply and demand issues hitting local prime sheep markets were reflected in the results of Nutrien's store sheep sale at Wycheproof on Friday. The spring sale saw 4250 sheep penned for bidding by what was a small band of buyers. Nutrien auctioneer Nick Byrne, Bendigo, said the yarding comprised of 1200 first-cross sheep and 3000 Merinos, principally bred from the local area.
Promise of a quick return for SIL ewes proves attractive option at Wycheproof
The topsy-turvy nature of the current sheep and lamb market was reflected in a slow sale at Wycheproof on Friday. Despite the slow sale, buyers from across the region, as well as Ouyen and Kilmore, paid $30-$40 a head for the better-quality end of the yarding compared with the November 2023 sale. Agents and vendors have been left scratching their heads as the prime sheep market is up at one saleyard and then down at another sale in the same week.
Mount William stud principal says recent bull sale was a 'buyer's market'
Terry Dove, Fargo Minda, Colac, with the bull he bought for $11,000 with Mount William Charolais stud principal Rob Abbott, and Charles Stewart Howard director Shelby Howard. Picture by Alastair Dowie A BLEND of return buyers and a few new faces paid to a top of $11,000 on two occasions for bulls at the annual Mount William Charolais bull and heifer sale on Friday.
Weeran hopeful for better year after recording wettest year in six decades
The Weeran Angus team including Alec Moore, Leah Drendel, Lucy Moore, Jack Dowell and Jo Moore. Weeran Angus stud principals Alec and Jo Moore, Byaduk, are excited about the future after a challenging 2023. The excitement is fueled by new genetics, new staff and the promise genomics offers for future progress. "I'm very excited about the opportunity we've got with our middle daughter [Lucy] coming home to work on the farm," Mr Moore said.
Lex Bunn award to long-time dairy show exhibitor Lindsay Marshall
Winner of the 2024 Lex Bunn Memorial Award at International Dairy Week, Lindsay Marshall, was presented with award by the 2023 winner Mark Patullo, Vic. Picture by Alastair Dowie An emotional Lindsay Marshall was lost for words when named the 2024 winner of the Lex Bunn Memorial Award at International Dairy Week. In announcing the award, Brian Leslie, said Mr Marshall "is someone who is a giver; someone who shares everything he can with the industry".
Charellen is still increasing its numbers as it celebrates 30 years of operation
Charellen Poll Hereford stud principal Stan Walker, Pearsondale, with some of his Poll Hereford cattle. Picture by Bryce Eishold THE opportunity to exchange ideas and philosophies with a group of like-minded cattle breeders has proven valuable and stimulating for Gippsland Poll Hereford breeder Stan Walker. Mr Walker and wife Denise operate Charellen Poll Herefords at Pearsondale, which is celebrating its 30th year since establishment.
Jamber-bred cow tops Jersey showing at 2024 International Dairy Week
The 2024 International Dairy Week grand and senior champion Jersey, Jamber Colton Veronica, with one of the owners Brad Gavenlock. Picture by Alastair Dowie A cow described by its breeder as just getting better with each calf scooped the broad ribbons for senior and grand champion Jersey of the 2024 International Dairy Week. Jamber Colton Veronica, was shown by Robert and Ash Wilson and Brad and Jess Gavenlock, Jamberoo, NSW.
2024 International Dairy Week Jersey judging picture gallery
Your digital subscription includes access to all content on our agricultural websites across the nation. Access unlimited content and the digital versions of our print editions - This Week's Paper.
2024 International Dairy Week Jersey judging picture gallery
Your digital subscription includes access to all content on our agricultural websites across the nation. Access unlimited content and the digital versions of our print editions - This Week's Paper.
2024 International Dairy Week Jersey judging picture gallery
Your digital subscription includes access to all content on our agricultural websites across the nation. Access unlimited content and the digital versions of our print editions - This Week's Paper.
South Australian breeder tops International Dairy Week Ayrshire honour roll
Grand champion Ayrshire cow, Geelunga Burdette Grace, with exhibitor, Peter Edmonds, Jalks Dairying, Naracoorte, SA, and leader Mark Patullo, Vic. Picture by Alastair Dowie Jalks Dairying pulled off a triumph at the 2024 International Dairy Week taking home broad ribbons for senior and grand champion Ayrshire as well as the intermediate champion. The win by Geelunga Burdette Grace was no surprise to Peter Edmonds who had his eye on the cow when she was shown at the Adelaide Royal Show.
Bold bidding lands top Holstein for $36,000 at International Dairy Week
Buyers of the top-priced lot at $36,000 Anthony Coombes and son Matthew, NSW, with vendors Brad and Jess Gavenlock, Tallygaroopna, Vic. Picture by Alastair Dowie A catalogue of 40 lots sold under often animated bidding to top at $36,000 at the 2024 ST Australia Create the Future dairy sale at International Dairy Week. The all-breeds sale grossed $454,000 and averaged $11,350 across six breeds with vendors and buyers from Victoria, South Australia, NSW, Tasmania and Queensland.
Ayrshire Show at International Dairy Week 2024 photo highlights
Your digital subscription includes access to all content on our agricultural websites across the nation. Access unlimited content and the digital versions of our print editions - This Week's Paper.
Nine-year-old Illawarra cow wins championship first time in the show ring
The 2024 International Dairy Week senior and grand champion Illawarra cow Ovensdale Scarlet 351 with owners Aiden, Mikaela, Sam and Phillip Daniel, Nathalia, Vic, and leader Scott Robinson. Picture by Alastair Dowie It was a memorable day for the owners of nine-year-old Illawarra cow, Ovensdale Scarlet 351, when the cow was judged the grand and senior champion female of the 2024 International Dairy Week Illawarra Show.
Nine-year-old Illawarra cow wins championship first time in the show ring
It was a memorable day for the owners of nine-year-old Illawarra cow, Ovensdale Scarlet 351, when the cow was judged the grand and senior champion female of the 2024 International Dairy Week Illawarra Show. Owners Philip and Sam Daniel, and children Mikaela and Aiden, Nathalia, Vic, soaked up the accolades heaped on the cow, which they bought as a heifer, in her show debut.
Action from the International Dairy Week Illawarra Show classes
The 2024 International Dairy Week Illawarra Show was held on Monday, January 15. Australian Dairyfarmer was there to capture some of the action from the class judging. Check out our other picture galleries from 2024 International Dairy Week: Read our 2024 International Dairy Week show reports: Get the latest WA news in your inbox Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. Email address We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy.
Action from the International Dairy Week Illawarra Show classes
Your digital subscription includes access to all content on our agricultural websites across the nation. Access unlimited content and the digital versions of our print editions - This Week's Paper.
Local buyers and East Gippslanders purchase the vast majority of Kyneton store sheep
A consignment of first-cross ewe lambs from a long-time vendor topped the Kyneton store sheep sale at $172 a head. The pen of lambs pipped the best of the 2022-drop first cross ewes which made $170 on Thursday. The sale featured about 5000 mostly Border Leicester/Merino-cross ewes that sold to a gallery made up of mostly Kyneton and Bendigo-district buyers, with a healthy dose of competition from East Gippsland.
Older ewes take the limelight at Wycheproof as rain and muddy conditions slow prices
Looking for positives at the annual November Wycheproof sheep sale was difficult as prices for most classes were back on the October sale result. Heavy rain on sale morning left the Wycheproof yards a muddy mess and it was a credit to the vendors and agents that the sheep still presented "quite well", several buyers said.
Small Ballarat steers jump $150-$200 at November 3800-head store cattle sale
A late lift in cattle numbers consigned to the November Ballarat store cattle sale did not deter buyers who pushed the market higher when compared with the October sale. Agents had advertised for 2500 cattle, however, producers, driven by a fast closing season and the potential costs of retaining cattle for longer, pushed the yarding to 3836 head.
Wycheproof Merino, crossbred prices pick up pace at Elders' October store sheep sale
A better quality line-up of Border Leicester/Merino-cross ewes and Merino ewes caused the Elders Wycheproof store sheep sale to record a $40-$50 a head jump in the crossbred price, while straight Merino ewes lifted $50 a head compared to September's sale. With a good crowd of buyers bidding with more confidence that the September sale, the top end of first cross ewes sold to $204 on Friday, compared with a top in September of $135, while Merino ewes sold to $188, up from $110 four weeks ago.
Merino stud principal 'very happy' with his clearance rate given current climate
Buyer of the top-priced lot at $6500, Ian Ross, Telangatuk East, with Melrose Merino stud principal Warren Russell, Nurrabiel. Picture by Alastair Dowie Strong support from a loyal group of return buyers took Merino ram prices to a top of $6500 at the annual Melrose on-property sale at Nurrabiel on Wednesday. The sale resulted in 55 of 60 rams selling for an average of $1854. Melrose stud principal Warren Russell said he was "very happy" with the clearance rate.
A principal who said he'd be happy if half his rams sold has enjoyed a full clearance
Will Schilling and Billie Barber, Gerang Gerung, were "over the moon" with the result which saw 66 of 71 offered sold under the hammer and those passed in sold before the end of the day. Mr Schilling said he walked out of the house that morning thinking that if half the penning sold "it would be a good job". "To have a result like we did, in a buyer's market, was terrific and that's why people keep coming back even when the market is down," he said.
An UltraWhite ram that made $10,000 was the highlight of a sale of more than 200 sheep Original
With the top-priced UltraWhite ram at $10,000 were buyer Steve Funke, Bundara Downs stud, Western Flat, SA, and Anden principal Joel Donnon. Picture by Alastair Dowie Return buyers were the backbone of bidding at Anden White Suffolk and UltraWhite stud's 28th annual sale at Willangie on Thursday. The Donnan family offered 253 lots with 209 selling under the hammer, with an UltraWhite ram topping the sale at $10,000, White Suffolk rams selling to $7000 and White Suffolk ewes to $1600.
Two South Australian studs swooped in to buy top Booloola White Suffolk rams Original
Rory and Remi Baker, Booloola, and buyer of the top-priced lot Martin Harvey, Paxton stud, Western Flat, SA, with the two rams he purchased (top-priced ram is on the right). Picture by Alastair Dowie SOUTH Australian studs bought the top and second-top rams for $10,000 and $5500 respectively at the 18th annual Booloola White Suffolk ram sale on Tuesday. Booloola stud principals Shane and Amber Baker, Baringhup West, were thrilled with the result.
Buyers shrug off negativity at Wycheproof as sale records total sheep clearance
The physical saleyard proved it was the place to sell and buy sheep as the annual September store sheep sale at Wycheproof recorded a total clearance of more than 5000 sheep on Friday. With online sales experiencing high passed-in rates, the Wycheproof result, albeit at reduced prices, had sellers prepared to meet the market and buyers receiving some good buying opportunities.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Alastair
Contact Alastair, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack