Villa Brae, an all-Angus enterprise spans 1,600 acres at Creighton’s Creek, near Euroa in central Victoria.
The 340 cows operation is managed by Trevor Sargeant on a split breeding program with 60 spring calvers, and 280 head calving in autumn.
Trevor works with a full-time staff member and hires additional part-time help when needed.
Trevor first purchased Te Mania Angus bulls in 1990, with his previous employer, joining Team TMA in 2004. Rejoining with the Villa Brae operation was a straightforward decision.
“It’s a good deal. I’ve done the sums, and it more than adds up with everything you get,” he says.
“I was paying $15,000 or $16,000 per bull at the sales in recent years before I rejoined. Now, I have a fixed price over three years, and it ticks all the boxes—from finance to marketing, 100 percent.”
As Trevor is satisfied with the size of his herd, he appreciates having a clear handle on his genetics costs moving forward.
Trevor targets the restocker market with his females, while his steers are versatile, heading to feedlots, backgrounders, the nearby Yea saleyards, or AuctionsPlus.
His spring calvers typically go to market in September, with weaners weighing 320kg to 340kg. Depending on the season, this can increase to 400kg for both heifers and steers.
By 2024, Trevor’s conversion to pure Te Mania Angus genetics will be nearly complete, with eight of his 11 bulls already from Te Mania Angus. Once fully converted, he plans to leverage the power of the Te Mania Angus brand in the marketplace.
“I’m also keen to participate in the Team Te Mania online commercial female sale once we’ve gone pure Te Mania Angus blood,” Trevor adds.
Key details:
- Member of Team Te Mania since: 2024
- Calving periods: March and August-September
