Water buffalo from Katherine in the NT are being persuaded to be more like cattle for sporting events in drought-hit NSW.
The traditionally cranky buffalo are of the farmed variety and are being re-educated with horse riders who are training for Australia's largest campdraft and sale,
About 70 buffalo have been sold to organisers of the 10-day Nutrien Classic and transported to Nebo, Queensland.
They are "currently undertaking proper education and training on horses", organisers said.
The buffalo will be exercised in replacement of cattle for pre-works during The Classic, however will not be used for any competition events.
Held at The Australian Equine and Livestock Centre (AELEC) in Tamworth, The Classic, renowned in the equine and livestock industry. Like many other events of its kind, Nutrien are looking for ways to overcome the challenges of the current climate conditions; and event organisers believe that the sourcing of Water Buffalo is one way to do this.
"Sadly, many farmers have been forced to de-stock which means the cattle numbers just aren't around for event use and any cattle that are, are doing it tough," says Nutrien's Mark Barton.
"Water buffalo are stronger and can be run more times without tiring as easily as cattle. This means that buffalo will have the strength to do the job that normally we would require around 700 cattle to do."
Buffalo are farmed in the NT for live export to Asia in growing numbers.
There are estimated to be more than 150,000 wild buffalo roaming Arnhem Land.
Nutrien has been liaising with the Qld Government authorities to ensure the buffalo are properly treated and NLIS tagged before being transported to NSW.
Twelve of the Katherine buffalo will be sold through a novelty auction during the sale component of the event and the remaining buffalo are available for sale through direct request to Nutrien.
"We have received really positive interested in the buffalo; and The Classic is shaping up to be another successful event. It's now more than ever that our breeders, competitors and spectators that attend The Classic really need something to look forward to, and we are striving to provide that again in 2020," Mr Barton said.
Held from February 1 to 9, The 2020 Nutrien Classic in Tamworth will celebrate 13 years, and over its time has earned the title of Australia's biggest campdraft and sale.
The Classic annually hosts up to 500 competitors, 300 horse handlers, 5500 visitors daily and more than 491,000 livestream views during the event.
Chris McLennan
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
