The Underwoods first started breeding Droughtmasters in the early 70s on the family sheep property "Sandalwood" 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 and Roger established his own sheep and cattle operation in 1994.
Today Eversleigh runs a commercial herd of 1600 pure Droughtmaster breeders. The herd is continually being upgraded with the introduction of new sires from a variety of studs most notably Lisgar, Wallace Vale, Ivanhoe, Bernborough and Glen Ruth.
In 2009 we purchased the entire Wallace Vale stud and commercial herd as well as the prefix. The stud cattle are run on Eversleigh while the commercial herd is run on Aireworth.
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.
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Roger's parents, Ian and Betty Underwood, who founded the family property "Sandalwood" and established the original Droughtmaster herd. |
Roger and Jenny Underwood, Principals of Eversleigh & Wallace Vale Droughtmasters |