William Beak

William Beak (15 January 1878 – 5 June 1966) was an Australian cattle breeder and local government politician.

He is best known for introducing the Poll Hereford breed of cattle into Australia.

Early life Beak was born on the family property "Pennard" at Mount Hedlow in 1878, and was the sixth child to his parents, Henry Beak and Essie Beak (née Matchett).

He attended Mount Hedlow State School, a local primary school which opened in 1880 and closed in 1920.

After finishing primary school, Beak learnt cattle husbandry from his father, who founded the Henry Beak & Sons pastoral company in 1905 after acquiring a number of Central Queensland cattle stations following a severe drought.

Beak settled on a property called "The Meadows" between Nerimbera and Nankin.

Career Cattle breeding In 1913, Beak purchased two "freak" hornless Herford bulls in an attempt to produce polled progeny.

In 1936, Beak sold his property "The Meadows" situated between Nerimbera and Nankin to the Central Queensland Meat Export Company. Beak and his wife then relocated into Rockhampton where they moved to a house on the corner of Denham Street and Agnes Street in the suburb of The Range.

With an interest in stud cattle breeding and carcass judging, Beak published The Key to Divine Designs and their Guidance for the Improvement of Beef Quality in 1956, in which he endorsed the controversial theory of telegony. He served as chairman until his defeat in 1927.

He again returned to Livingstone Shire Council in 1933, seeing out his last three years as a councillor, finishing up upon his defeat at the 1936 local elections.

In addition to his local government duties, Beak was also a chairman of the Rockhampton Harbour Board from 1924 to 1926.

Beak's wife Flora died on 26 September 1941, and was buried in the North Rockhampton Cemetery on 27 September 1941.

Beak died in Rockhampton on 5 June 1966 and was buried in the North Rockhampton Cemetery on 7 June 1966.

Just five days after his death, Beak was honoured in the 1966 Birthday Honours with an MBE in recognition to his service to the beef industry.