Posted November 4, 2022
 

Cassaglen Charolais was founded in 2013 and is run by the Skillington family from their home base at Dalveen, south of Warwick.

Kelly and Steve Skillington commenced as Riverina customers in 2017, using XLR8 to supplement weaners throughout the year.

They have now progressed to a Riverina customised feed solution to prepare their stud bulls and heifers for competition, and sell bulls ready to work from the paddock.

Cassaglen’s focus breeding program focuses heavily on temperament, with three young boys joining in wherever they can! Cattle are also selected for structure, type, fertility and performance.

Riverina Stockfeeds is proud to play a part in Cassaglen’s sale and show feeding program, which has reached new heights of success in 2022.

At this year’s Ekka, the team took out the Champion of Champions award with their home-bred bull ‘Raptor’, reflecting the effort put into breeding and developing high quality cattle.

Raptor and the rest of the show team were prepared using Riverina feed, putting them in great shape leading up to show season.

“Our team looked amazing and we received so many comments on how full and healthy they were,” says Kelly.

“They were spot on with fat cover and coat.”

Raptor was pulled from the paddock (where he had been working) and started on Riverina pellets a little later in the year than the Skillingtons had planned. This didn’t slow him down, however!

“He started on the feed well and gained consistently with no issues in his feet or legs, which we were really happy about,” says Kelly.

“He (Raptor) weighed in at 1034kg at Ekka, and scanned well for fat and EMA (eye muscle area) - we had so many positive comments about his preparation and we know Riverina pellets played a big part in how amazing he looked.”

The Skillingtons have built a strong working relationship with their Riverina sales rep, Tony Grob. 

“We can rely on Tony for excellent communication, timely delivery and we have never run out - he informs us of any changes and has ensured there’s no changes to our mix even through product shortages and price increases,” says Kelly.

“The pellet is so easy to ration through a self feeder or hand feeding, and it’s proven to be a superior product that delivers results for us.”

Based in Warwick, Tony has been working with Kelly and Steve over the past two years, gradually finetuning the ration and its specifications to enhance the genetic capabilities of the stud.

“We modify our bull feeding programs throughout the life of the animal, so the energy, vitamin and mineral inclusion rates change to suit yearling bulls through to fully finished animals,” says Tony. 

The Skillingtons also use this custom mix for show heifers, to assist their growth without overfeeding and potentially reducing fertility.

“Tony and Riverina’s nutritionists have been able to create a nutritional profile which demonstrates to us their understanding of our herd’s needs, and they’ve ensured our cattle get everything they need in the pellet,” says Kelly.

“The pellet we’ve used has never caused any gut issues, it’s highly palatable and easy to start, and thanks to Tony we have a mix which enables us to deliver bulls in peak condition.”

To learn more about Riverina products or nutritional advice, chat to your local Riverina team.
Contact Us