Victorian Buffalo Industry Council (VicBIC)

Visit our new Victorian Buffalo Industry Council web site and Trading Post at www.buffalovictoria.org.au


History of Buffalo in Victoria

Swamp buffalo were first introduced to Victoria in the early 1970's. The first buffalo originated from Ban Ban Spring in the Northern Territory. Bob Steer was one of the early pioneers to graze buffalo here . In the early years there were large loses due to the harsh winter weather. It was concluded that swamp buffalo needed shelter from both the winter cold and the summer heat. A Western District farmer later imported Riverine Buffalo from Italy and Bulgaria to start a Buffalo Dairy for the making of specialised cheeses, yogurt and icecream. New breeders in Victoria are now introducing the Riverine breed to Victoria through A.I. programs and animals sourced from the Northern Territory and Queensland.

Today breeders are concentrating on breeding dairy type buffalo with meat being a by-product. The small group of members work together to promote the industry in southern parts of Australia with the following aims.

VicBIC is recommending all southern breeders consider Riverine and Riverine cross animals for their ability to handle climatic conditions (including drought) and the dual purposes for both meat and dairy products.

If you are interested please go to the Victorian website:www.buffalovictoria.org.au.



Contacts in the VicBIC

President: Bryan Jans (Vic) (ABIC Board Member)      Milk Sales
Sunrise Plains
4156 South Gippsland Hwy
Giffard West , 3851
Mobile: 0410 021 941
Email: jansbj@hotmail.com
Vice President: Athel Smith
    Sales, Purchases & Bull hire Enquiries
300 Hunts Lane, Steels Creek 3775
03 5965 2368
Mobile 0428 878 207
Email: narangi8@bigpond.net.au
Secretary/Treasurer: Neroli Eddy     Membership Enquiries and Sales
62 Powell Rd,
Numurkah 3636
Mobile 0429 438 994
Email: neroli1@live.com.au
Committee: Geoff Eddy     Sales
62 Powell Rd,
Numurkah 3636
Email: neroli1@live.com.au
Committee: Bruce Murray     Meat Animal Sales and Enquiries & Bull hire
710 Bunyip/Modella Rd
Iona Vic 3815
Phone 5629 4270
Mobile: 0438 075 000
Email: murraysbricks@hotkey.net.au
Committee: Robyn Richmond     Buffalo Dairy Milk Company of Australia - offering both bulk & bottled milk
Gunbower Island,
Koondrook 3580
03 5453 3305
Mobile 0447 287 920
Email: shannkirst@bigpond.com
Robyn & Chris Richmond at SHANNKIRST, Koondrook, have instigated a selective breeding program to enhance milk production
Jack and Alice Blow
Victorian Dairy Buffalo Company
645 Craig Rd
Koroop Vic 3579
Mobile: 0428 896 251
Email: victorianbuffalodairys@hotmail.com
     
David & Sally Shannon
Bonza Buffalo- Meat & Milk Sales
123 Dummett Jessops Rd
Verona, 2550
Mobile: 0419 120 553
Email: bonzabuffalo@gmail.com
Honorary Member: Dr.George Malinov     Veterinarian: genetics and reproduction
0407 522 455
Email: george.malinov@absglobal.com