In Episode 4 of Breeders Blueprint, we sit down with Brett McCamley of Fern Hills Red Brahmins to uncover the history, philosophy and genetics behind one of Australia's long-established red Brahman programs. Fern Hills is a fifth-generation family property, settled in 1882, with the stud registering Brahman cattle since 1982. Today, the operation runs around 7,200 acres and approximately 400 breeders, including around 220 registered red Brahman females. Brett takes us through the evolution of Fern Hills, from the early days of running both red and grey herds to the decision to focus on red Brahmans. He discusses the people who influenced his approach to breeding, including breeders and mentors who taught him the importance of selecting cattle with consistency, structural correctness and commercial value. We dive deep into the genetics behind Fern Hills, including influential sires such as Fern Hills Travis, Fern Hills Kingston, Mewan Venture, Palmvale Scout and B&A Lexington, as well as the cow families that have helped shape the herd over generations. Brett also explains why Travis became such an important sire for Fern Hills and why he is still considering going back to those genetics. Brett also shares his thoughts on EBVs, BreedPlan, phenotype, fertility, structural soundness and carcass traits, including why he believes breeders need to look beyond numbers and assess cattle in the paddock and in the flesh. His breeding philosophy ultimately comes back to producing cattle that can perform in the commercial industry. We also talk about the upcoming Heart of the Herd sale, how Fern Hills selects its sale females, why the operation leaves those heifers open for buyers to make their own mating decisions, and the importance of offering genetics from the heart of the herd. Brett reflects on almost four decades of selling at Rocky Brahman Week, some of Fern Hills' most successful sale bulls, the importance of repeat buyers and seeing Fern Hills genetics go on to perform in other breeding programs. And, in one of the key messages of the episode, Brett offers his advice to anyone coming into the Brahman industry: Do your homework, get in the car, visit breeders, study their cattle and, above all, remain consistent. In this episode: The 1882 history of Fern HillsEstablishing the Fern Hills Brahman stud in 1982The evolution of the red Brahman programFern Hills Travis and the genetics that shaped the herdThe story behind Fern Hills KingstonMewan Venture and the next generation of Fern Hills geneticsPhenotype vs EBVs and BreedPlanFertility, structure and commercial performanceThe importance of consistency in a breeding programHeart of the Herd and selecting sale females38+ years of Rocky Brahman WeekSuccessful Fern Hills sires and sale bullsInternational demand for Fern Hills geneticsBrett's advice for the next generation of breedersThis is a great insight into the thinking behind a long-established Australian Brahman breeding program—and another look at the people, decisions and genetics that make up the Breeders Blueprint.
