Episode 6 | Josh Heck, H & H Pastoral Company
Episode notes
In Episode 6 of Breeders’ Blueprint, we sit down with Josh Heck to hear the story behind a lifelong passion for cattle, breeding and the stud stock industry.
Growing up around Gympie, Josh was introduced to stud cattle through his family’s involvement with Droughtmasters and the Droughtmaster handling school. From showing cattle and young judges competitions to developing his own breeding interests, those early experiences laid the foundations for a career that would eventually take him to Rockhampton and into the stud stock agency industry.
Josh shares the journey of building a small operation with his sister, including their Droughtmaster herd, a developing Brahman stud and the challenges of breeding with relatively small numbers. He explains why he has taken a long-term approach to his Brahman program, including the influence of NCC cattle, Brett Nobbs, IVF work and the importance of building the female herd before chasing the next great sire.
The conversation also explores Josh’s philosophy around breeding cattle, including the importance of fertility, functionality, structure and putting quality females at the centre of a breeding program. He talks openly about the temptation to get cattle onto the market too early and why he believes patience and consistency are essential to building a reputation that lasts.
Josh also takes us through his journey in the agency world — from working with Michael Lawton and studying agribusiness at Gatton, to his time with Savage Barker and Backhouse and eventually becoming part of the growing GDL network. Along the way, he reflects on the people who have influenced his approach to cattle, selling and the industry.
From a Grade 7 dream of becoming a stock agent in Rockhampton to selling some of the country’s leading cattle, Josh’s story is one of passion, persistence, learning from those around you and continuing to chase better cattle.
A fascinating conversation about breeding, selling cattle, the people who shape an industry and the long game of building a successful breeding program.
This is the blueprint behind Josh Heck.