| 25 Breed’s potential drives stud’s growth Kirkland Simmentals has been steadily building up numbers since starting in 2016 and now numbers 70 registered Simmentals, all polled. Karen Phelps It was when Brad Johnston was working as a stock manager that he first noticed the Simmental breed. “We ran a Simmental across the dairy cows and the calves always came out bigger and grew faster than the Angus or Shorthorn breeds,” he says. In Queensland working as an electrical linesman they drew his attention again as many farmers in the region used Simmental crosses as they had thicker skin and were less likely to get cattle ticks. So when he returned to New Zealand and bought his first farm with wife Dana in 2012 in Hakataramea Valley near Kurow, just four years later they started Kirkland Simmentals. The base of their stud came from Peplow Simmentals and they have been building up numbers to give a total of 70 registered Simmentals – all polled. Kirkland is run from a 40ha block and the Johnstons only keep the best animals in the stud. Anything that doesn’t stack up goes to his brother’s farm at Geraldine for fattening. With 180 days of winter and temperatures ranging from 40 degrees in summer to minus 10 degrees in winter, Kirkland Simmental animals must be hardy. “If I can get a cow that can maintain herself through the driest period of winter and still produce a good calf, that’s what I’m looking for,” says Brad. High 400-day growth rates are also on his radar as his clients, who mainly hail from the dairy industry, are looking for short turnaround stock. MEAT & WOOL » Kirkland Simmentals • to page 26 BEEF FARMERS: Join the rush, buy a GLENANTHONY SIMMENTAL BULL this year for: • Extra live weight at weaning • Extra live weight at finishing • Less feed, less cost, less fuss! Glenanthony Democrat Bull Sale Thursday 9th June Farm Rd Waipukurau Enquiries to Tony Thompson 027 280 6148
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