Young Droughtmaster Bulls doing well on mixed pasture where R.U.M. is the only nutrient

There can be no doubting the commitment to raise 500 Droughtmaster cattle on 2000 acres. These big, classy cattle of marvellous temperament, have long been favourites of butchers 'in the know'. John and Margaret Lloyd have been breeding them on their 'Heitiki' Stud, near Inverell, for over 30 years and, says John, "For much of that time we have sold exclusively to one or two butchers who are always prepared to pay us attractive premiums for Droughtmaster beef."

Proof that John knows his cattle is evident from the way that Margaret has decorated much of the homestead with Grand Champion ribbons, awards and trophies won in show rings from Brisbane to Sydney. But, as John will quickly tell you, "cattle aren't stupid, they know what's good for 'em."

Which is why he is a 'R.U.M.-original', one of that happy band who have been using R.U.M. for the six years it has been commercially available.

"The cattle thrive on our mixed pastures of kikuyu, clovers and vetch", John says. "I also cut a lot of lucerne which I like to sow with native grasses. It's all grown with just 5L/ha applications of R.U.M. through the boom spray. Also, I've noticed that lucerne that's been R.U.M.-grown doesn't suffer from mildew or disease as much.'

John also pays tribute to son Tim who is responsible for the stud's breeding and rearing operations. "When he argues with me, I know he's getting the hang of it."

Peter Irwin (Manager Director, Beaulieu R.U.M.) checks lucerne progress with John Lloyd, 'Heitiki' Droughtmaster Stud, near Inverell, northern NSW.