In Episode 7 of Breeders’ Blueprint, we sit down with Shane and Sandra Bishop from Garglan Brahmans to explore a family legacy spanning generations, the cattle that have shaped their breeding program, and the philosophy behind one of Australia’s established Brahman studs.

Founded by Shane’s father in 1955, with the stud formally established in 1962, Garglan has a long history in the Brahman breed. Shane and Sandra reflect on growing up around cattle, the influence of their fathers and respected cattlemen such as Geoff McCamley, and the experiences that helped shape their approach to breeding.

The conversation dives into Garglan’s breeding program, including the cow families and influential sires that have left their mark on the herd. Shane and Sandra explain why improving the female base remains central to their operation, how they use IVF to multiply proven genetics, and why donor cows must continue to perform in the paddock.

We also discuss their recent bull selections, including JRL Blockout, the traits they’re looking to strengthen, and the importance of structural soundness, fertility, consistency and practical cattle suited to the tough conditions of northern Australia. Shane and Sandra share the crosses that have worked for them and their thoughts on the progress of polled Brahmans.

From memorable sale highlights and influential bloodlines to the satisfaction of seeing their genetics succeed in other herds, this is an honest insight into the decisions, patience and passion behind a long-running breeding program.

A great conversation about family, cattle, genetics and the ongoing pursuit of better Brahmans.

Discover the blueprint behind Garglan Brahmans.

In Episode 6 of Breeders’ Blueprint, we sit down with Josh Heck to hear the story behind a lifelong passion for cattle, breeding and the stud stock industry.

Growing up around Gympie, Josh was introduced to stud cattle through his family’s involvement with Droughtmasters and the Droughtmaster handling school. From showing cattle and young judges competitions to developing his own breeding interests, those early experiences laid the foundations for a career that would eventually take him to Rockhampton and into the stud stock agency industry.

Josh shares the journey of building a small operation with his sister, including their Droughtmaster herd, a developing Brahman stud and the challenges of breeding with relatively small numbers. He explains why he has taken a long-term approach to his Brahman program, including the influence of NCC cattle, Brett Nobbs, IVF work and the importance of building the female herd before chasing the next great sire.

The conversation also explores Josh’s philosophy around breeding cattle, including the importance of fertility, functionality, structure and putting quality females at the centre of a breeding program. He talks openly about the temptation to get cattle onto the market too early and why he believes patience and consistency are essential to building a reputation that lasts.

Josh also takes us through his journey in the agency world — from working with Michael Lawton and studying agribusiness at Gatton, to his time with Savage Barker and Backhouse and eventually becoming part of the growing GDL network. Along the way, he reflects on the people who have influenced his approach to cattle, selling and the industry.

From a Grade 7 dream of becoming a stock agent in Rockhampton to selling some of the country’s leading cattle, Josh’s story is one of passion, persistence, learning from those around you and continuing to chase better cattle.

A fascinating conversation about breeding, selling cattle, the people who shape an industry and the long game of building a successful breeding program.

This is the blueprint behind Josh Heck.

In Episode 4 of Breeders Blueprint, we sit down with Brett McCamley of Fern Hills Red Brahmins to uncover the history, philosophy and genetics behind one of Australia's long-established red Brahman programs.

Fern Hills is a fifth-generation family property, settled in 1882, with the stud registering Brahman cattle since 1982. Today, the operation runs around 7,200 acres and approximately 400 breeders, including around 220 registered red Brahman females.

Brett takes us through the evolution of Fern Hills, from the early days of running both red and grey herds to the decision to focus on red Brahmans. He discusses the people who influenced his approach to breeding, including breeders and mentors who taught him the importance of selecting cattle with consistency, structural correctness and commercial value.

We dive deep into the genetics behind Fern Hills, including influential sires such as Fern Hills Travis, Fern Hills Kingston, Mewan Venture, Palmvale Scout and B&A Lexington, as well as the cow families that have helped shape the herd over generations. Brett also explains why Travis became such an important sire for Fern Hills and why he is still considering going back to those genetics.

Brett also shares his thoughts on EBVs, BreedPlan, phenotype, fertility, structural soundness and carcass traits, including why he believes breeders need to look beyond numbers and assess cattle in the paddock and in the flesh. His breeding philosophy ultimately comes back to producing cattle that can perform in the commercial industry.

We also talk about the upcoming Heart of the Herd sale, how Fern Hills selects its sale females, why the operation leaves those heifers open for buyers to make their own mating decisions, and the importance of offering genetics from the heart of the herd.

Brett reflects on almost four decades of selling at Rocky Brahman Week, some of Fern Hills' most successful sale bulls, the importance of repeat buyers and seeing Fern Hills genetics go on to perform in other breeding programs.

And, in one of the key messages of the episode, Brett offers his advice to anyone coming into the Brahman industry:

Do your homework, get in the car, visit breeders, study their cattle and, above all, remain consistent.

In this episode:

• The 1882 history of Fern Hills
• Establishing the Fern Hills Brahman stud in 1982
• The evolution of the red Brahman program
• Fern Hills Travis and the genetics that shaped the herd
• The story behind Fern Hills Kingston
• Mewan Venture and the next generation of Fern Hills genetics
• Phenotype vs EBVs and BreedPlan
• Fertility, structure and commercial performance
• The importance of consistency in a breeding program
• Heart of the Herd and selecting sale females
• 38+ years of Rocky Brahman Week
• Successful Fern Hills sires and sale bulls
• International demand for Fern Hills genetics
• Brett's advice for the next generation of breeders

This is a great insight into the thinking behind a long-established Australian Brahman breeding program—and another look at the people, decisions and genetics that make up the Breeders Blueprint.