Young studmaster Logan Evans recognised at 2024 Shorthorn National | Matthew Passmore named inaugural shorthorn Hall of Fame recipient

Bright future: Young studmaster Logan Evans recognised at Dubbo Shorthorns

Text – The Land, June, 2024 – link

If the future of the Shorthorn breed lies in the hands of young people like Logan Evans, Tamworth, it most certainly will be bright.
The 18-year-old livestock trainee was awarded the Tony Fountain Memorial Trophy at the Dubbo National Shorthorn Show and Sale dinner on Tuesday, June 11, for his dedication and commitment to the breed.

Founding his stud, Howzat, at 8, Mr Evan’s passion for Shorthorns has only multiplied.

“It has been bred into me. I’ve been around cattle my whole life and got the opportunity [to start a stud] so I grabbed it with both hands,” he said.

Dubbo National Shorthorn Show and Sale committee vice president, Luke Collins, Gillenbah, said Mr Evans embodied everything the breed aspired to be.

“He’s passionate, innovative, forwarding thinking, has a desire to succeed, hard working and communicates really well, ” Mr Collins said.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to watch this young man climb through the ranks, and his passion for Shorthorns and the seedstock industry is really second to none.
“I look forward to watching this young man continue to grow and prosper in the beef industry and Shorthorn breed.”

Mr Evans said he was extremely honoured to receive the award.
“It is pretty special as it is one of the awards that is very selective on who gets it, and to be chosen is a massive honour,” he said.

Mr Evans has exhibited at the Dubbo Nationals for a number of years, however, this year was made extra special by the success of Howzat M15 Texasranger T111.
Sired by Bayview Archer M15 and out of Howzat YZ Romance N146, the 22-month-old bull, which won junior champion at Sydney Royal Show and reserve junior champion at Rockhampton’s Beef Week, was purchased by Vuiller Shorthorns, Yanakie, Vic, for $20,000.
“He is the highest priced bull I’ve ever sold so I’m extremely happy,” he said.
“I was nervous as you never know what could happen [at auction], but when I heard them start him at $10,000 I was quite shocked.”

Mr Evans has six cows and a couple head of heifers running alongside his parent’s stud Nagol Park, Tamworth.

He is also undertaking a livestock traineeship with Elders Forbes, and hopes to expand his stud in the future to run it as a full-time business.
“There are many people who have helped me along the way. My father [Roger Evans, Nagol Park, Tamworth], my grandfather [Keith Ridley, Eselar Park, Forbes], and Chris Knox [Coonabarabran].

“I admire the way they lead by example and their willingness to help others.”

Matthew Passmore named inaugural shorthorn Hall of Fame recipient

The Land article – link

Matthew Passmore, Forbes, a dedicated and long-standing supporter of the Shorthorn breed, has been honoured as the inaugural inductee into the Dubbo National Shorthorn Show and Sale Hall of Fame.

Continuing a legacy which began in 1964 by his father, the Passmore family have bought at least one bull each year in Dubbo for six decades.
“I was very flattered [to be inducted] because I think there are a lot of other people who do great things for the breed,” Mr Passmore said.
“I was humbled but largely thrilled to be recognised for a lifetime commitment to animals which I’m very attached to, and my whole family has been for a long time.”

What began as 10 Caroola stud females by his father on a small property near Eugowra in the mid 1960’s has since grown into an innovative family owned operation.
Mr Passmore manages no less than 8094 hectares across 12 properties from Eugowra and Grenfell to Condobolin.
“Both of my children are very interested and my wife has been a huge support, so it really has been a family effort,” he said.
“As is the case for most cattle breeding families, the decision process is always that of a team.”
As part of their operation, the Passmore family run 2500 head of cows with a couple thousand followers.

“We breed purebred Shorthorns, but for the past three or four years we’ve crossed with Wagyu for first calf heifers,” he said.

“There is a distinct advantage because dystocia is very much reduced.”

During his acceptance speech, Mr Passmore thanked the stud breeders for their continuous efforts.
“At every table there is someone from whom we’ve bought bulls that we are very proud of,” he said.
“We have very good quality cattle and it is to you that I have very sincere thanks for providing us with high quality bulls.
“They are remarkable cattle, you are remarkable people and I think we have a brilliant future all ahead of us.”

National Shorthorn Show and Sale committee president Trent Johnstone, Trojon Shorthorns, Lyndhurst, acknowledged Mr Passmore’s commitment to the breed.

“When you go back through the records and see what they’ve done, their efforts are amazing,” he said.

“They’re very rewarding to be the first person to get into the Hall of Fame, and I’m very pleased that they’re in there.”

The Passmore family purchased 14 bulls during this year’s sale to average $7643.