The idea came about during a chat between farmers Noel Watson and Jack Burgess over the brand used to mark Scottish-born stockbroker and pastoralist Benjamin Boyd’s cattle – “The Bible”.
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The pair wanted to make sure part of the region’s grazing history was kept alive by placing the various brands used on the region’s cattle on wood above the Bega Showground bar.
History does die when stories stop being told.
- Bega farmer Noel Watson
“Jack said to me if I organised it he would help,” Mr Watson said with a laugh.
Many local brands were recorded in a book by the Fillmore brothers after the pair purchased cattle from various farmers in the region.
The book is now in the hands of Henry Lucas, and Mr Watson is hoping to add to it and self-publish a book for local history buffs.
“People don’t use brands much these days. It’s all E-tags since it’s gone electronic,” Mr Watson said.
“It’s a part of the old farming industry.
“History does die when stories stop being told.”
New brands will be added to the bar on Saturday, with the public invited to watch the process from 2pm at the Bega Showground as part of the Spring Extravaganza Weekend.
Boyd’s brand received its name as it resembles two pages of an open book, and is still in use today.
