About us
The Monie family have always maintained a close link with pedigree cattle breeding. Across both Angus and Hereford breeds, the breeding principles always remain the same. As the third and fourth generation of the Monie family to run the Thornleigh Hereford herd, Ben, Annabelle, Hugo, Cilla and Oscar Monie made the move to incorporate Angus genetics into the operation in 2021.
The move to include Angus genetics and form Northtor Angus is so complimentary to the Thornleigh Hereford herd. The Monies look through the same selection microscope for both breeds and see a real synergy in the breeding objectives of both - the Monies run their Angus and Hereford herds under identical conditions.
Stud history
In 1933, the late KV Monie commenced the Thornleigh Hereford Stud at Thornleigh, Bingara where it ran alongside a commercial herd of Hereford breeders and merino sheep under KV’s guidance. His untimely passing in 1954 meant the operation was run by his family and ultimately Peter Monie for the next generation along similar lines. Ben and Annabelle Monie, being part of the third generation breeding Thornleigh Herefords, purchased country between Delungra and Inverell in 2010 and the Thornleigh herd has been based at North Torrakina since 2013.
The cornerstones of the Thornleigh herd are some of the strongest foundation female lines in the Hereford breed including Snowflake, Loyalty, Juliet and Constance lines that are derived from the best Cuppa and Bexley females – there have been very few external lines of females introduced since – the Bramble Katherine line being the only one of significance in recent years.
Thornleigh cattle have always been made to work hard and their hardy constitution, strength of conformation and whole herd fertility are the results of nearly a century of selection for these traits. Longevity, in both the breeding of Hereford cattle and the individual breeding life of cattle means the breeding base is strong.
Foundation females for the Northtor Angus Stud include females purchased from East West Angus Dispersal and a private purchase of females from John and Robyn Knight at Campaspe Rocks, Bendigo. Some of the strongest breeding lines within the Angus breed are the base, including Wilcoola, Kerry and Princess going back to Ardrossan, Royal Line and Jedda to Te Mania and Prue (Prudence) from Millah Murrah.