The Santa Gertrudis Breeders’ Association of Australia has appointed experienced stud cattle breeder and judge Bill Dunlop to the position of general manager.

Association president Phillip Hague, Rockingham Santa Gertrudis, Lake Cargelligo, NSW, confirmed the appointment to Beef Central yesterday.

Mr Dunlop brings considerable experience to the role as a stud cattle breeder, breed organisation representative and livestock judge. He was involved in bringing the first European cattle into Australia, and has judged most breeds of cattle across major shows in Australia and overseas.

He also has significant experience in managing breed organisations as a past chairman of the Charolais Society of Australia and the World Charolais Council.

“We’re pretty excited to have him,” Mr Hague said. 

“He is very energetic and he is excited about getting his teeth into the role.”

Mr Hague said Mr Dunlop’s experience would be valuable leading into a big year for the Santa Gertrudis breed in 2012, which will include a 14 day World Santa Gertrudis Congress to be held in NSW and Queensland in early August, and the triennial Beef Australia 2012 exhibition in Rockhampton.

“We definitely want a manager in the role, someone who can get out and promote the breed as well, and a person who is able to organise events, which we reckon Bill can handle.

“His experience will be a great value.

“It is a people business, it is not just a cattle business, and we reckon he will be good for our breed.”

Mr Hague said Mr Dunlop no longer had involvement in other breeds was now focused specifically on his work with Santa Gertrudis.

Mr Dunlop will be based at the Santa Gertrudis Breeder’s Association headquarters in Brisbane and starts in the role on Monday.