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Simmental Australia’s CEO, Peter Speers, undertook a Market Development trip to Mexico in October 2005, as part of its export market development program. He also participated in the Council and Committee meetings of the World Simmental Fleckvieh Federation (WSFF).

During these meetings he presented proposals aimed at enhancing exports of Australian Simmental and Simbrah genetics and evaluated the Simmental and Simbrah production systems existing in Mexico in order to better identify the most suitable types of Australian Simmental and Simbrah genetics to market to Mexico and other represented countries.

The program included visits to a number of stud herds, operating in a range of environments, from prickly scrub to irrigated pasture. These Simmentals had heavy influence of Canadian and German bloodlines. Keen interest was evident in importing new and well adapted Simmental and Simbrah, including Australian genetics.

A highlight of the program was the Guadalajara Show, where 350 Simmentals and 200 Simbrahs were exhibited over two full days. The quality throughout was of a high standard.

Both Simmental and Simbrah are increasing in popularity in Mexico, with registrations of Simbrah rapidly approaching those of Simmental. Both breeds are having a major impact in crossbreeding with Brahmans and other bos indicus breeds.

PHOTOS

	*Simmental bulls in some typical Mexican scrub country.*
	*A fine display of Mexican Simmental heifers*
	Dr Richard Pichler, Austrian Simmentals, presents a Simmental Bell to Manrique Serna Chapa, El Sauz Simmental stud on winning the Grand Champion Simmental Female award at the Guadalajara Show.
	*Some of the large showing of Simbrahs at Guadalajara.*
	David Galvan Ancira, President Mexican Simmental Society, (left) and Peter Speers (right) congratulate Most Successful Exhibitor, Manrique Serna Chapa, El Sauz Simmental stud.
	Pictured at the show dinner, Peter Speers, Vicente Galvan (La Ermita Simmentals), Bruce Holmquist (President, Canadian Simmentals), Saul Trijena Wolf, (Mexican Society) and Dr Omar Bellenda Cousillas (Uruguay)