Farmer has the passion for cattle

Doug Corker of Mayanup is a third-generation farmer with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for cattle breeding.

While cattle trends come and go, one of the world's most ancient cattle breeds - Chianina - have been residing on his Wada-Doo station outside Boyup Brook for more than 40 years.

In 1975, Mr Corker began his stud breeding based on the great Chianina bull Bando, of the La Fratta herd in Italy.

"There were a lot of people experimenting with new European bulls such as the Charolais, Simmental and Limousin back then and it was through researching different breeds that the Chianina caught my attention," Mr Corker said.

"Their sheer size alone was impressive."

Originating in Italy more than 2000 years ago, Chianina is one of the world's biggest and oldest bovine breeds. A mature bull stands up to 1.8m tall.

"They're a very regal looking animal," Mr Corker said.

This commanding presence contributed to one of Mr Corker's prize bulls leading to an overhaul of the Interbreed judging at Sydney's Royal Easter Show and big changes at Perth in the 80s.

It was in 1988 that his Nunkeri Downs Angelo won Supreme Exhibit at Sydney and was pegged to win the Interbreed class.

"You have to appreciate that this was in New South Wales, the heart of Hereford country, and it would have been virtually sacrilegious to award the Interbreed Supreme to a Chianina bull and cow," Mr Corker said.

When Angelo and his matching cow did not take out first place, a dispute ensued - resulting in the rules being changed from a single judge to a panel for future events.

Angelo also stirred exhibitors in the 1988 Perth Royal Show, weighing in significantly heavier than a favoured Charolais bull.

"He weighed in at an extra 200kg which many could not believe just looking at him," Mr Corker said.

"Meat is heavier than fat, however, and Chianina cattle produce a much leaner meat than a Charolais."

Despite being a hot favourite among exhibitors in the Interbreed class, Angelo was again overlooked - and again sparked a review of the judging system, with a blackboard system introduced to reveal each judge's score for each Interbreed exhibit.

Mr Corker has retired from the showing but continues to breed his cattle for sale and enjoys the leisurely aspects of farming. He not only breeds Chianina for their fantastic growth rate and quality meat but also for their temperament, intelligence and manageability. With 90 head on his property, he has developed a mutually respectful relationship with the animals and enjoys their personality quirks and animated demeanour.

"They're very intelligent and reserved - they recognise me, they respond to me. Once I discovered the Chianina breed and all its attributes, I said 'I'm not changing anymore'."