Lowline Journal 2012 - Australian Lowline Cattle Association

Tammy leaves lasting legacyDubbo Lowline breeder TammyBreuer, an inspiration to many, hasdied after a 10-year battle withcancer. Tammy rated her greatestachievement as her role as amentor to young up-and-comingLowline breeders, many of whomnow own studs and returned onoccasions to help Tammy onthe property so she could keepshowing her cattle while fightingher illness.● From p12The award was made inrecognition of her service to theorganisation and breed.Tammy ran Allambie LowlineStud at Dubbo with herhusband Bart, her father Robertand brother Peter.When she received the awardlast year, she said the experiencewas humbling.“The cattle are a tremendousform of therapy,” said Tammy,who gave away a career in thecity for a more peaceful existencein the country.“Things have been a bit flatlately, so this came as a wonderfulsurprise. The life membershipmay have been awarded tome personally, but it could nothave been achieved without thesupport and practical help ofmy family and the extended‘Allambie family’ who help atall the shows.”Tammy’s association withLowline cattle began in 1997when her parents bought 16hectares in the lower HunterValley and started breedingDexter cattle. While visiting theSydney Royal Show, Tammy’sfamily members were introducedto Lowlines and were immediatelyimpressed with theirconsistency in colour and size.“As a breed, they are far lessintense,” she said. “They are a‘You can learnso much byreading books,but it’s far betterto take a look,listen and askquestions.’practical beef breed, as opposedto dual purpose.”They bought a female and abull from the Sydney Show asthe foundation for their stud.The pair went on to win seniorand grand champion bull,and reserve and junior championfemale at the BrisbaneExhibition months later.“Dad always said, ‘Get thefoundations right and you’llpay less in maintenance later’so we bought the two best animalswe could afford,” she said.“It got us hooked on showing.”Today, the family’s 250-headLowline stud is on a 1069haproperty at Dubbo. The Lowlinesshare the pastures with a200-head commercial herd ofAngus, Brangus, Limousin andMurray Grey cattle that arejoined to their Lowline bulls.Tammy said showing hadhelped the family learn aboutthe cattle industry.“We started in the cattle industrynot knowing anything,”Tammy said. “You can learn somuch by reading books, but it’sfar better to take a look, listenand ask questions.”Tammy served as a memberof the Australian Lowline CattleAssociation Council from2001 to 2009. During that time,she held the position of juniorvice-president in 2004 and seniorvice-president from 2006 to2009. She had also served asbreed captain at Sydney RoyalEaster Show since 2002, with2011 set to be her 10th year inthe position.Tammy rated her greatestachievement as her role as amentor to young up-and-comingLowline breeders, many ofwhom now own studs andreturned on occasions to helpTammy on the property so shecould keep showing her cattlewhile fighting her illness. Tammysaid young people were thefuture of the cattle industry.“I hope my legacy will be thework I have done with ouryouth,” she said.● This obituary is adapted froman article by Lea Coghlan in 2010.Serena DownsAustralian Lowline CattleHome of ChampionsGreat BreedOutstanding GeneticsRegistered and CommercialBulls, Heifers and Crosses availableSerena Downs Captain ArthurChampion Senior Bull, Canberra 2010, 2011Christine & Michael Noel42 Nutwood LaneWindsor Downs, NSW, 2756Telephone: 02 4574 3867Mobile: 0402 628 967Email: christine.noel@optusnet.com.au15786512012 AUSTRALIAN LOWLINE CATTLE ASSOCIATION JOURNAL 13