WHEN this steer goes under the hammer at the Wagga Livestock Marketing Centre in November he will carry the expectations of some local school children.
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The Poll Hereford steer will raise funds for Willans Hill School in Wagga and it is hoped he could tip the scales at more than 550 kilograms after three months of preparation and feed.
For John Rodd this will be the 14th charity steer he has prepared in conjunction with the support of Wagga RSL Club.
Various breeds have sold for a valuable purpose and the preparation of cattle has been a team effort between the steer donors and Mr Rodd's daughters Kimberley and Nicole.
Both girls have a keen interest in the cattle industry and over the years they established both a Murray Grey and Poll Hereford Stud.
Preparing charity steers is a way of giving back to the community and also continuing to do what they love.
Mr Rodd acknowledged the fact that a lot of physical events had been called off this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, he wasn't deterred when it came to preparing the steer and getting him quiet.
He said a big part of selling steers for Willans Hill School was the educational benefits.
Because Willans Hill School children had varying disabilities it was imperative that the cattle were quiet enough that the the pupils could get close enough, and at the same time be safe.
Mr Rodd said there would be opportunities for the school children to see the steer before he sells in Wagga on November 9.
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"I think he will weigh around 550 kilograms, maybe even 600 kilograms when we sell him ... he's got a good three months to go," he said.
The steer was bred at Gregadoo and is sired by a bull called Wagga National.
Wagga National is by Wirruna Daffy D1 (P) out of Wirruna Golden Vanity F395 (ET) (P). This particular female is sired by Allendale National W168 (PP).
Mr Rodd said this pedigree had helped to breed an exceptional steer.
"I like his colour, his skin and hair ... he is a very attractive steer, and I think he will look very good by November," he said.
Using previous charity sales as a guide it was estimated the steer would make in the vicinity of $10,000 before being donated back and going under the hammer into the open market again.
Mr Rodd explained that 100 per cent of the profits would flow into the Willans Hill School.
Using their cattle fitting skills the Rodd family will put their best efforts forward in preparing the steer.
Over the years they have enjoyed success at royal shows and local events.
Mr Rodd said his personal interest in cattle went back a long way.
He remembers showing cattle for the Wirruna Poll Hereford stud of Holbrook at the Sydney Royal Easter Show back in the 1960s.
"I like cattle, I will never get sick of looking at good cattle," he said.