Since 1999, generational change has seen the running of the Bongongo stud handed over to Bill (jnr), his wife Shauna and their four children Lauren, Tom, Jessica and Georgia. The stud runs over 400 registered breeders and is backed up by a commercial herd of 500 females. It is now based at “Riverview” on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River at Gobarralong (between Jugiong and Coolac). Another property in the higher, cold country at Adjungbilly as well as some lease country near Gundagai is also used for the herd.
Bill, a large animal veterinarian specialising in cattle reproduction, has extensive knowledge of all levels of the breeding industry. He applies his skills to the Bongongo herd with the same disciplines as his vet business. Extensive AI & ET work continues on an annual basis with the first use of AI on his cattle back in 1974.
Currently, Lauren is working in London. In 2010 Tom began his first full time job as a veterinarian in a rural mixed practice on the mid north coast after completing his degree at Sydney University in 2009. He plans to eventually return home and follow his fathers footsteps. Jess is completing her degree at Sydney University and Georgia having finished year 12 last year is currently in the UK on a GAP year.
Bill, Shauna, Georgia, Jess, Lauren and Tom Graham
Particularly over the last 25 years, extensive AI has allowed the stud to utilise genetics from New Zealand, Australia and the USA. This has been combined with performance recording and rigid structural assessment. This dynamic process also has to fit the basics of breeding functional cattle. A key objective is to ensure that Bongongo continues to breed high performance cattle suited to the Australian commercial breeder.
Each year in early October the annual Bongongo Bull Sale and Commercial Female sale is held at “Bongongo” Adjungbilly. Despite Bill’s brothers David, John and Paul all running their separate farm businesses with their own large commercial herds, all the brothers combine to run this successful sale. This year 2011 represents the 17th annual sale since its inception in 1995.
Bill & David Graham
Sale Bulls at Riverview
Bill & Paul Graham at Bongongo Sale
Jess, Matilda and George Graham
