Business Rural Autumn 2021

36 | Dryland farming central to success Cows and calves on hill country on a typical January day in Marlborough. MEAT & WOOL » Taimate Angus Karen Phelps T he completion of a major development in 2019 at Taimate Angus has seen an increase in the farm’s vineyards resulting in a shift in how livestock is managed. The project has included a new 300,000 cubic metre dam fed from a nearby river 2.5 kilometres away. Vineyards have been expanded with an additional 65ha planted, giving a total planted area close to 100ha. In order to be able to do this, the farm’s ewes have had to go. One of the farm owners, Paul Hickman, says it was a very tough decision to have to make but a necessary one. “Simply put, grapes are more profitable. This will however allow the cattle numbers to increase slightly. It is envisioned by 2022 we will have 300 females calving,” he says. The dam water allows for future expansion of the vineyards but the pastoral farming side of Taimate will still be dryland. This is important, as it’s been a vital ingredient in Taimate Angus’ success. Paul is a firm believer in breeding bulls on the country for which they are intended. “A bugbear of mine is that a lot of studs breed their Angus cattle on what is essentially dairy country – flat irrigated land. But what a commercial client needs is an animal that can run hills and fight for its meal. “Our bulls are raised in one of New Zealand’s driest climates with irrigation only for the vineyards, and run on hill country for 75% of their lives to sale day. They are able to handle climatic conditions throughout the country, and are still able to perform and hold their condition. That’s why our cattle has been so successful as we produce a bull that shifts well.” • to page 38 “Simply put, grapes are more profitable. This will however allow the cattle numbers to increase slightly. It is envisioned by 2022 we will have 300 females calving.” . Xcell Proudly Supporting Taimate Angus Stud