FORT WORTH, Texas ― “What we are doing has never been done before with bucking bulls,” proclaimed James Wang, CEO of Xinnu International Sports Culture Company. “So we are excited about being the pioneers in this process and establishing a long-term business relationship with Australian bull breeders.”
After months of discussions between PBR executives, including PBR Chairman and CEO Jim Haworth and Chief Global Events Officer Dave Cordovano, and Wong, the reality of establishing PBR China as early as this year has taken yet another step.
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Only this time it was on the other side of the world—in the land down under.
Wang was recently in Australia, where he spent a few days familiarizing himself with the bucking bull industry and identifying 250 potential bulls and breeding heifers his company would be interested in purchasing and then shipping to China as the foundation of their own bucking bull program.
In his first trip to Australia, Wang worked closely with Glen Young, general manager of PBR Australia.
In three days they drove over 1,700 miles and visited with the likes of Matt Adams, George Hempenstall, Gary McPhee, Ron Woodall and Happy Gill, all of whom made available the best bulls in their pens.
The five men are among the top stock contractors in Australia.
“Our journey was not only enjoyable in seeing this great countryside, but also fun,” Wang said.
In previous updates, Haworth has stressed the idea that it’s a slow and complex process.
Because of an equally detailed process in exporting animals, Young explained that he and Wang selected a large pool of potential cattle to begin with and that all of them will now be tested to identify a defined selection of 105 bulls that will meet the requirements for export.
Australia is one of only three countries in the world, and the only one associated with the PBR, allowed to export livestock to China.
J.P. Gill showed James Wang some of his bulls during a recent trip to Australia.
After a final list of bulls is drawn up, they will be quarantined in Australia for 15 days before being shipped to China. Wang will have two choices. He can transport them in a 14-hour flight using a cargo plane or a 10-day trip by ship.
Once the bulls arrive in China they will be quarantined for another 30 to 45 days.
“I had no idea on what to expect this trip,” Young admitted. “I was amazed to see the selection of bulls that were made available for sale. The majority of these bulls are used on our tour and are very handy bulls with generations of strong breeding genetics in their bloodlines.”
Once the bulls are relocated to China, Young said plans are in place to have their current owners fly over to assist with the settling of the animals, implementing a feeding program, arranging the bull pen, securing vet care and other necessities.
“It was a great feeling to hear about not only their passion, but also their dedication to establish PBR in China,” Young said about Wang and others associated with developing PBR China.
“We do have a very challenged task ahead,” Wang said, “yet, at the same time, we are committed to developing the PBR in China and making this project happen.”
Follow Keith Ryan Cartwright on Twitter @PBR_KRC.
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