THE PAST
Strathfield Droughtmaster Stud is one of the Foundation Members of the Droughtmaster Breeders Society. The stud prefix "Strathfield" was named after the family property at Nebo in Central Qld which was settled in the late 1800's by Robert Perry. The nucleus of the herd was established by Robert's Grandson Noel and his wife Audrey in 1956 with the first animals registered in 1960. The stud was founded on Brahman/Shorthorn/Hereford cross cows mated with Droughtmaster bulls.
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Strathfield Station comprised of mostly natural forest country, running a beast to 20 acres. Survival ability was a key factor in selection due to the arid conditions and the build-up of the cattle tick population. In those days the cattle were dipped every 12 to 16 days.
In 1982, the Strathfield herd was relocated to "Fletcher's Awl" in the Clermont area. After a few years here, the stud was again moved to "Lara" outside Emerald but has made it's final move back to "Fletcher's Awl" following the retirement of stud principals Noel & Audrey Perry in 1995. Noel & Audrey's youngest son, Shane and wife Wendy, now operate the stud at "Fletcher's Awl", assisted by their sons Josh and Brodie.
Noel Perry leading Strathfield Ironside at the Brisbane RNA 1971
Strathfield Monarch
Top Price Bull National Droughtmaster Sale 1975. Pictured with Noel Perry, Purchasers and Selling Agents
Strathfield Garrick - Grand Champion Bull, Brisbane Ekka
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In the past, the Stud has been successful in winning Senior, Junior and some Interbreed championships for bulls at Townsville, Mackay, Charters Towers, Clermont, Rockhampton, Cairns, Capella and Brisbane shows. A bull performance test was won in 1965 as well as three successive victories in a bone-out competition held in conjunction with the Mackay show. At that stage, this competition was considered the leading beef assessment competition in Australia in the early 1960's.
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Over the years, we have exported both stud and herd Droughtmasters, male and female, to New Guinea, Brunei, Kuala Lumpur, Taiwan, the Philippines and south America. Our first stud females sold went to Western Australia in 1971. Our first stud reduction sale was held at Gracemere, Rockhampton in 1988 and the second was at Clermont in 1999.
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Strathfield Cows & Calves at "Matchem" Gracemere, circa 1975
Noel Perry and Strathfield Gambler, Old Sale Ring, Gracemere