About Us

AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE ANGUS
OUR TIMELINE

Since our inception, Australian Heritage Angus have evolved over the years to be where we are today, “Traditional Genetics, Sustainable Beef”.
Originally from the Australian Lowline herd and with the first red coated registered cattle, our association was formed in 2002 under the name ‘Redline’. Consisting of both black and red cattle, a name change was sought to be inclusive of both colours within the registry, hence the name ‘Ausline Cattle Association’ was adopted in 2012 to better serve our breed and to expand its objectives to become a viable, commercially orientated, alternative breed.

Since this time we have made changes to our makeup, introducing Scottish Native Angus and select New Zealand pre 1968 Angus genetics. Our herdbook is not closed, allowing the “breeding up to purebred” process. All of this has been done in order to differentiate Australian Heritage Angus from our original source, the Australian Lowline. We want our cattle to have a distinct difference while preserving the heritage of our Angus descendants. We have always supported change, enabling our breed to meet the diverse demands of cattle producers.

The introduction of these genetics has also given us the increase in size that we were looking for. Our target weight range of 500kg – 580kg for mature females and 700kg – 800kg for mature males is being consistently achieved.

Australian Heritage Angus genetics can be used in a whole range of breeding programs, providing not only diversity but hybrid vigour and as such, while still moderate in frame size, they are excellent beef producers with all the qualities that Angus genetics are reknowned for.

The Australian Heritage Angus Cattle Association supports this distinctively different breed by:

  • Our Australian Heritage Register includes percentage, purebred and fullblood cattle.
  • Upgrading from percentage to purebred status is encouraged
  • Purebred and Fullblood Australian Heritage Angus have equal showing rights
  • Australian Heritage Angus are represented by both black and red cattle in the show ring
  • Progeny resulting from breeding Australian Heritage Angus x Heritage Angus Resource Registry are known as Australian Heritage Angus
  • All coloured cattle can be accepted into the register as a base for breeding up
  • There is a height limit of 130cm for the show ring only
  • All registered animals are DNA blood typed for parent verification and integrity
  • Our fees and admin costs are low in comparison to other breed registers
  • We conduct an Annual High Point Achiever Awards for members
  • Our association organizes information sessions, social events and representation at Cattle industry Field Days are supported

The Australian Heritage Angus herd is maintained with DNA parent verification to ensure the purity of the herd. All Australian Heritage Angus animals can trace their parentage to Heritage Angus genetics which includes the Trangie and Glen Innes Angus herds which incorporated both the original Aberdeen Angus and Canadian Angus genetics first imported in the 1920’s. Pure Aberdeen Angus herds from the United Kingdom and New Zealand are also part of the Heritage Angus Resource Register.

The process of “Grading up”

Grading up to purebred status is accepted, with a requirement that ‘Pure Bred’ animals must have 15/16 (93.75%) Australian Heritage Angus breeding. Because grading up is permitted, new breeders can choose to enter the breed at a lower percentage level using base animals from other breeds and over time work up to Pure bred animals. This will open the breed to a wider membership while creating a market for Australian Heritage Angus animals. In addition, Purebred Australian Heritage Angus are able to be shown with Fullblood Australian Heritage Angus.

The emphasis for the Australian Heritage Angus Cattle Association is on providing seedstock for the wider beef industry. Bulls are sold to breeders of larger breed cattle to moderate the size of their cattle and to provide easy calving for heifers.

Australian Heritage Angus cattle are well suited for the production of a gourmet beef product. It is well known that smaller cattle have finer grained beef and finer grained beef is the most tender. The ability to combine the natural flavour of beef with tenderness qualities is one that sits well with the gourmet consumer.

The Management committee includes a number of experienced, successful producers dedicated to the promotion and advancement of the breed. The Australian Heritage Angus regulations allow for a progressive Association that can adapt to its members and industry needs with some very exciting plans for the future.

The breed exhibits annually at Brisbane and Toowoomba Royal shows and is well represented throughout the year at local agricultural shows. Beef Week, held every 3 years in Rockhampton is a prime location for promoting our Australian Heritage Angus cattle. Australian Heritage Angus cattle are also exhibited at Toowoomba Farmfest in June of each year.

People with smaller acreage may want smaller framed cattle but they still want to be able to earn a return on their investment and the Australian Heritage Angus Cattle Association’s various registers allows for this. Grading up to pure bred status is encouraged, with a requirement that Pure bred animals have 15/16 (93.75%) Australian Heritage Angus blood. The inclusion of other genetics in the register also encourages hybrid vigour in their breeding program allowing for diversity and flexibility.

The formation of this Association, with its goals of a realistic, viable breed of cattle, has an exciting future both in the stud and commercial beef arenas. The Australian Heritage Angus regulations allow for a progressive association which is managed by experienced, successful and active members of the beef industry. Transparency and an emphasis on financial responsibility has seen the association grow with an annual increase in our reserves, something not too many other breed societies are able to do in this economic climate.

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