We have purchased two Riverine cross heiffers and now the herd continues to slowly increase with further additions of live births. Currently standing at 18 head as of March 2006. All our meat animals are processed locally and sold locally. We have been averaging two animals a year with a steady increase.

Wings Farm Park at Gunns Plains has three animals. Click to View Brochure

ZooDoo at Richmond has a Buffalo bull. Click to View Brochure

First commercial buffalo were introduced to Tasmania on 14th January 1997 by Phillip and Denise Oates consisting of 3 cows. Six weeks later a 3 year old bull and yearling heifer arrived.

Since January 1997 we have had a population increase to currently stand at 15 animals. Most of our sales until recently have been live. Our first slaughter occurred in April 2003, aged 2 1/2 year old male, suitable for the local restaurant trade. Despite this we have had numerous door sales from local residents and consequently repeat business. 

Live sales consisted of initially a heifer and bull to Zoo Doo at Richmond, tourist venture and 2 juvenile bulls to Wings Farm Park at Gunns Plains Tasmania.  Exchanging of stock between the three properties have allowed 3 ventures with breeding stock. 

We have recently purchased a 7/8 Riverine bull calf from Queensland and hope this will improve the blood lines of our herd and provide improved adaptation skills to the Tasmanian Climate. The Riverine bull calf arrived in Tasmania on the 7th March 2004. The Riverine calf is the first of its type in Tasmania.

Contacts

Phillip & Denise Oates
425 Nichols Rivulet Rd
Oyster Cove, Tasmania 7150
Phone/Fax: 03 6267 4402
Email: oystercovebuffalo@hotmail.com

Australian Buffalo Industry Council
26^th February,  2006.

Tasmania had the priviledge over the weekend of 26^th February of hosting the ABIC Annual General Meeting, hosted by Tasmanian Representative  Phillip Oates. 

The meeting and accommodation was held at the Black Buffalo Hotel in Hobart.  Representatives from most States and Territories attended. 

Phillip Oates  (TAS), Athol; Smith (VIC), Doug Robertson (NSW), Mitch Humphries,Malcolm and Margaret Thompson(QLD), Michael Swart, Barry Lempke, and Neil Ross (NT), Bob Cook and Milton Stevens (SA), Andrew Stewart (WA), and RIRDC Representative Peter McGuiness (ACT). 

The AGM was held on 25/02/06 - Phillip Oates was elected President, Michael Swart was re-elected Vice President, Athol Smith was re-elected Secretary/Treasurer. 

The meeting was productive and various issues werediscussed.  State and Territory reports were provided, a report was outlined on the RIRDC research project.  It was decided to research and define the constitution and discussion occurred re marketing plan for the industry.

On Sunday the 26th February, members were invited to attend a farm tour of the Oyster Cove Buffalo Farm, and were accompanied by Babs McCue - ABC County Hour Reporter.  This provided opportunity for morning tea and a close up with some buffalo. Oyster Cove Buffalo Farm meat for consumption and several Riverine Swamp crosses - they are trialling this cross to see if it adapts better to southern climates. 

Prior to this the tour included a visit past the Cascade Brewery, down the old Huon Highway through the Huon Valley, down to Cradoc Abattoirs where local buffalo are slaughtered and processed. Many thanks to David Stephens and his Staff for their hospitality. 

A very nice luncheon was had following the farm visit at Peppermint Bay where some of the Mainland Representatives enjoyed local roast water buffalo with roasted vegetables.  Thanks also to Chef Steve and Staff. 

In the latter part of the afternoon the tour included a visit to ZooDoo at Richmond where Representatives got close and personal with some of the local wildlife including Tasmanian Devils, Deer, Kangaroo and other more domesticated animals and not so local that is Water Buffalo, Camels, Ostriches, Emu, ect., during a safari wagon excursion.  ABIC extend thanks to Trevor Cuttriss for an enjoyable afternoon.

ABIC Representatives experienced atypical Tassie weather during their stay, humid evenings both warm and cold days,a Queensland Representative requiring a jacket for Sunday afternoon.  Phillip and his Family hope all enjoyed the Tassie hospitality.

Phillip Oates      ABIC President