Curtain set to fall on Knutsford

Next week's Monterey production cattle sale, to be held on Wednesday and Thursday, may be the last cattle event held at the Knutsford Cattle Complex in Kojonup.

Located just outside the Kojonup township, Knutsford has played a big part in the rich history of WA's cattle industry, much of which can be attributed to the late Pat Walsh (1937-2003) and his family.

Mr Walsh was described as a quiet man who had dedicated his life to improving the State's cattle industry.

Through his generosity and dedication, he built the Knutsford Cattle Centre to serve both the family's Knutsford Devon stud and to be the home of the Knutsford Bull Trials.

In making the complex for the trials, Pat's son Simon said it was a way his father could serve the beef industry community by way of a bringing people of like knowledge together to explore the same dreams.

The Walshes' property hosted the Knutsford Bull Trials for 20 years in which time the family managed to care for other breeders' cattle for 12 months so that a fair comparison could be measured based on each bull's growth under paddock conditions.

"It was as honest as how Dad was when he contemplated his own uncompromised breeding decisions," Simon said.

Pat's kindness also shone through at every bull sale that took place at Knutsford.

He always was a keen keeper of the saleyards.

The grounds were almost holy like when he welcomed guest studs to his lush green complex.

When Pat died, Simon was there to remind Knutsford patrons that sometimes one man can make a difference for the better.

The events at Knutsford may have come to a conclusion, due to the property being on the market, but for many people, who have lived during its cattle heyday, the memory of such a special place will remain forever.