In Their Words: Proven Performance in Tough Country
15 July 2025
Andrew Marland & Mick Mendez
Veterinarian & Graziers
Bundaberg, QLD
AT JARRAH GENETICS, WE BREED BULLS FOR THE REAL WORLD, WHERE TICK PRESSURE IS HIGH, THE SUMMERS ARE HOTTER, AND MARKET PERFORMANCE IS NONNEGOTIABLE. BUT DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT.
Herefords Holding Their Own on the Coast
For coastal producers, Andrew Marland and Mick Mendez, Bundaberg QLD, the goal was clear: breed cattle that could thrive in heat and humidity, meet MSA grading targets off grass, and hold up to animal welfare expectations.
Running a breeding and finishing operation on the river, the duo had tried other British breeds over his Brahman and Charolais base, but struggled with temperament and heat tolerance.
“We weren’t happy with the way Angus handled the coastal humidity or their attitude in the yards,” Andrew said. “Introducing Herefords from Jarrah was a step outside the box locally, but it made sense when we saw they were being bred nearby in tick country, under similar conditions.”
Today, they use Jarrah Herefords as a terminal sire over F1 Charolais cross females and maiden heifers. Their quiet nature and sleek coats have improved both handling and heat tolerance, whilst capitalising on hybrid vigour for their operation.
“They're comfortable in the heat, they grade well off grass, and importantly, they’ve got the temperament we need for low-stress handling.”
“Jarrah has really lifted the bar in what they offer and how they manage their herd, it shows in the calves we turn off.”
Beyond animal performance, it's the trust and responsiveness of working with Sam and Sarah that has kept Andrew & Mick coming back.
“I can give honest feedback and know it’ll be received well. That relationship, alongside the performance, is worth a lot.”
FROM THE COAST TO THE INLAND, JARRAH BULLS ARE HELPING COMMERCIAL OPERATORS LIKE ANDREW AND MICK HIT PREMIUM MARKETS AND BREED CATTLE THAT THRIVE IN THE TOUGH STUFF.
THE QUEENSLAND HEREFORD. BRED TO PERFORM.
