Mayne attraction: Ben and Wendy Mayne from Texas Angus as they appear in the 2022 NAB Calendar.

The NAB regional and agribusiness calendar has become a popular annual showcase of leading primary producers from around Australia each year.

Among the 13 agricultural businesses showcased in the 2022 Christmas edition launched in the NSW Hunter Valley last night are Ben and Wendy Mayne from Texas Angus, Warialda NSW.

Speaking at the formal launch, NAB Northern NSW State Business Banking Executive, Khan Horne, drew attention to the number of people and businesses that are migrating from capital cities to regional and rural Australia, which he said is continuing at a higher level than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This continues to present opportunities, and a few challenges, that we all want to help support,” Mr Horne said.

“These changes bring specific challenges, from infrastructure and housing to labour and climate concerns. Understanding how to grow sustainably and thrive in this transforming world is a key issue for business.

“In 2023, we salute those incredible local businesses that are tackling these challenges head on. In different ways, each of our NAB customers are working to create brighter futures for their families, their staff, and their communities.

“Some are investing to manage climate change risks or adopting smart customer service strategies to build their brand. Others are fulfilling longstanding ambitions to deliver efficient solutions for long-term regional prosperity.

“Sustainable growth takes big picture thinking as well as guts and determination, traits we see in Australian businesses every day.”

Ben and Wendy Mayne, Texas Angus

In their bio featured in the calendar, Ben and Wendy Mayne, highlight the special group of 22 heifers that started the Texas Angus line in 1936 -“So special that not a single new maternal line has been introduced for over 87 years.”

Double vision: Ben Mayne chats with Khan Horne in front of a backdrop showing their picture in the 2022 NAB calendar.

And buyers seem to agree, paying an Australian record of $225,000 for a single bull in 2021 and averaging over $28,000 for 209 bulls at their 2022 sale.

“We try to breed bulls to what the buyer needs, but we also breed to a type,” Ben explains.

“It’s about having cattle that perform.”

But it’s not all about genetics. Breeding is combined with sustainable and holistic land management on their stud at Warialda, NSW.

Two decades ago, they eliminated chemical fertilisers, turning to natural fertilisers and introducing multiple species of perennial grasses.

“People used to look at us like we were witch doctors,” Wendy laughs.

The health of the Maynes’ soil translates into the health of the cattle. That means their cattle can adapt more quickly into different environments with faster weight gains, adding to the profitability of clients’ cattle herds.

“A lot of Texas Angus thrive in areas where Angus cattle generally don’t even survive,” Wendy says. “Our bulls are known for their longevity and ability to adapt.”

Ben agrees: “The closer we can get to nature, the more efficient we can be.”

Source: NAB