Victorian Beef Week is more than a showcase of premier genetics, according to Maffra Vet veterinarian Katherine Snell, who says the event highlights the results of long-term planning, herd health, and proactive management.
“Standing in the paddocks, watching cattle ruminate, settle with the crowds and tolerate a steady stream of opinions, I’m reminded that Beef Week is about far more than what’s printed in a catalogue,” Ms Snell said.
She said the cattle on display are the outcome of countless breeding decisions, careful nutrition planning, timely vaccinations, parasite control, and consistent handling.
“Feet and leg conformation, body condition, easy temperament and longevity don’t happen by luck. From a vet’s perspective, Beef Week cattle tell a story of programs that work,” she said.
Ms Snell highlighted the importance of proactive herd health management, which she said is at the heart of ProLivestock, the partnership she is involved in. “Healthy cattle are built over time, not at the last minute. The best herds don’t avoid problems entirely, but they do tend to have very few surprises,” she said.
She added that monitoring fertility, anticipating disease pressure, and addressing small issues promptly helps produce calmer, more productive cattle and fewer emergencies on-farm.
Beef Week, she said, is also a reminder that herd health has impacts beyond the farm gate.
“Healthy cattle underpin food safety, market access and consumer confidence. Good welfare, sensible antibiotic use, and sound biosecurity aren’t trends — they’re sustainable farming practices,” Ms Snell said.
She said the week reinforces why she became a livestock veterinarian. “It wasn’t just to treat sick animals or pull stuck calves, although that does keep things interesting, but to partner with clients to achieve common goals. Over time, you see the impact on both the business and the cattle in the paddocks,” she said.
Victorian Beef Week showcases the best of the industry, but Ms Snell said its true value lies in the systems and partnerships behind the animals.
“Behind every standout animal is a partnership supporting it, and behind every strong partnership is a commitment to prevention rather than reaction. That’s something worth celebrating this Victorian Beef Week.”
