The Underwood family first started breeding Droughtmasters in the early 70s on the family sheep properties "Sandalwood" & "Aireworth" south of Hughenden. The dominant breeds in North Queensland at that time were the Shorthorn and Brahman however Roger's father, Ian, preferred the Droughtmaster because of the breed's colour, temperament and strong poll. The original sires and 40 breeders were sourced from John Stewart-Moore's Telemon Stud west of Hughenden.
In later years the herd was further influenced by the introduction of Kengoon, Mungalla and Strathfield bloodlines.
The family purchased "Eversleigh" in 1986, adding to the family operation. Roger established his own sheep and cattle operation in 1994 including a herd of 1600 pure Commercial Droughtmaster breeders. In 2004 we began "Eversleigh Droughtmasters" with a selection of D1 females from the Commercial herd plus a handful of D5 females purchased at the National Female Sale.
We have maintained a strong poll background and strive to produce an animal which is early maturing, has good temperament and can adapt to any season and a variety of conditions. This ability to adapt has been proven by our recent relocation to "Pine Hills" in the Maranoa/Warrego region of south-west Queensland.
Eversleigh Droughtmasters (Stud no 1101) was originally based at Eversleigh approximately 100km south of Hughenden and 220km north of Longreach, central western Qld. Combined with Aireworth near Stamford, Eversleigh was 24,000ha of open black soil downs with some channel country predominantly growing Mitchel and Flinders grass with some herbage during the winter months.
In March 2009 we added to our stud operation with the purchase of the entire stud and commercial herd of the renowned foundation stud Wallace Vale including the stud prefix and relocated the herd from Tully to Eversleigh and Aireworth. The Eversleigh and Wallace Vale studs are run as separate enterprises.
In mid-November 2015 we sold our western properties, Eversleigh and Aireworth.
After owning Pine Hills since July 2014, it is now our new home. Packing up 30 years of history was no small exercise but we did it and trucked the last of our cattle south and moved in time to celebrate the 2015 Christmas at our new permanent address. Our country type now is predominantly undulating brigalow/belah/bottletree soils running back to sandy loam soils. The predominate grass being buffel with some green panic throughout. The cattle have readily adapted to their new surroundings. Bulls and Females are sold both in the sale ring, AuctionsPlus and in the paddock. Visitors are always welcome!
