Brindabella earns Australia’s Holstein Master Breeder status

Jade and Georgia Sieben have been awarded Holstein Australia’s Master Breeder status under the Brindabella prefix. The recognition covers sustained breeding performance, animal conformation and lifetime production over successive generations.

The Brindabella operation began in 1997, after the Sieben family moved from Queensland to the Riverina with six cows. It now milks about 200 registered Holsteins, together with selected Jerseys, at Torrumbarry in Victoria.

Jade Sieben is the third generation in her family to receive the distinction. Her involvement in cattle showing began during her childhood, when she exhibited animals at regional agricultural events and at the Royal Queensland Show, known as the Ekka.

The herd’s breeding programme has been built around several established cow families, including the Nans, Fredias and Tammys. The Nan line, which traces to Judel Starbuck Fan, has produced brood cows, high-butterfat animals and show-ring competitors over more than two decades.

Brindabella has also participated in syndicate investments. One recent purchase, View Fort Jagger Satin, cost A$54,000 and established an Australian all-breeds record for a two-year-old. The animal later classified EX-93 and was reserve champion at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Georgia Sieben is developing a separate interest in registered Jerseys. At the same time, the farm is dealing with water-supply pressures in northern Victoria. The property operates in irrigation Zone 7, where rising temporary-water prices have restricted autumn pasture establishment.

To complete silage-corn crops, the farm has used permanent water entitlements. It is also moving towards lucerne and summer millet, which the Siebens identify as more drought-hardy options. They are assessing the future structure of the dairy business, including whether to move to an irrigation district with more affordable and secure water supplies as they consider further herd expansion.