ABOVE: Bar worker Jess West with the branding board at the Commercial Hotel, Casino.
Susanna Freymark
Publican Marnie Macdonald said there is a story about a bull that came into the Commercial Hotel in Casino and put its hoof through the wooden floor.
She isn’t sure if it’s true but reckons the farmers that come into the bar swear it is.
It’s a good story too, because in that same bar a cattle branding board has pride of place.
For years, farmers have been burning cattle brands onto the board. They have used a branding iron and fire right in the front bar to sear the cattle mark into the wood of the historic board.
As part of this year’s Beef Week, the branding rights are up for auction.
“The highest bidder in our silent auction will win the exclusive right to place their brand on the board for 2023,” Ms Macdonald said.
The branding ceremony this year will take place in the main ring, outside the Commercial Hotel, on Beef Week Saturday.
All bids have to be submitted by close of business on Tuesday, May 23.
The winner will be announced at the Commercial Hotel, Casino, on Wednesday, May 24 following the Twilight Steer Auction at Beef Week.
“If we have several bids at a similar amount in our silent auction, we’ll notify those bidders and will then live auction the branding rights on the Wednesday evening,” Ms Macdonald said.
“The winner will need to be available to attend the branding ceremony in the main ring on Beef Week Saturday.”
The branding board is for cattle producers and farmers, and not for brands for non-animal husbandry purposes.
Proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Beef Week ambassador program. $250 of this will be awarded as a prize to the most promising ambassador of 2023 and any remaining money will go towards the Beef Week ambassador program for next year.
To submit a bid for the 2023 branding board rights email info@commercialhc.com.au or call Marnie on 0414 725 695.
More Beef Week stories here.
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