60 | Not the typical place for a cattle stud Martin Farm View- looking down on the sale complex and where the bulls are run. Karen Phelps MEAT & WOOL » Martin Farming Surrounded by mountains with pockets of arable farmland alongside in excess of 65,000ha of exotic commercial forestry, highly productive land use in horticulture, viticulture, market gardening and hops and national parks encompassing some 300,000ha, the countryside of Nelson is not the typical place for a cattle stud such as Martin Farming to be located. “Occasionally people who visit ask ‘do you think this is an ideal cattle stud farm?’ I reply – not on the surface but yes it is,” says Martin Farming owner Richard Martin. “There is the steepness, traditional summer dry and lack of irrigation but it’s a great testing ground for genetics and in an environment so similar to many of the commercial breeders who purchase our bulls.” With the family’s background in the meat industry (his grandfather William Martin owned a meat company and in the early days the family’s farming was limited to holding and feeding the company’s small abattoir) Richard has always been conscious of the consumer. The stud therefore endeavours to breed structurally sound cattle that will adapt to most environments, has strong conformation, good constitution, high levels of fertility, will add value to progressive breeding programs and ultimately satisfying the consumers’ appetite for a memorable eating experience. “The key for us is maintaining an equilibrium. It’s all about balancing breeding attributes of structural soundness, fertility, constitution, and longevity with predictive breeding of available proven science for optimums, avoiding extremes,” he says. Genomics is a real focus and the stud utilises single-step genomic evaluation to produce genomically enhanced EBVs that Richard says give a more accurate picture of how an animal will breed. “We’ve always embraced these sciences but in a more balanced way, combining structural and longevity traits,” says Richard. The stud is gearing up for its annual on farm sale on June 12 at 1pm where it will offer around 40 rising two year old Angus and Hereford bulls to the market. All lots undergo a stringent fertility testing and are independently structurally assessed for soundness. In addition, a number of yearling bulls are sold by private treaty in the spring. “We have freed our herd all of known undesirable genetic conditions and docility has always been paramount.” Typically over 50% of bulls sold at Martin Farming’s annual sale are sold out of the district. To attract such farmers Martin Farming covers the freight component for all purchases and offers delayed delivery if desired. A bull walk will be held on May 26th for potential purchasers to get a first glimpse and if that day doesn’t suit people can feel free to contact the family for a private viewing. Richard and wife Denise, with the occasional help of family, run Martin Farming comprising around 200 registered females (150 Angus and 50 Hereford) on 330 hectares of predominantly steep hill country. Nelson has not only proved a great place for the family’s stud but also has many lifestyle benefits. “Nelson is a fantastic place to live and we love every single day.” For all your Transport and Logistics requirements www.sollys.co.nz 03 525 9843 Freight | Storage | Bulk Cartage Livestock | Stock Feed | Feriliser Proud to support Martin Farming Level 3 Whitby House, 7 Alma Street, Nelson, 7010 03 548 2369 letstalk@rwcanelson.co.nz www.rwcanelson.co.nz Proud to support Martin Farming with their accountancy & advisory needs.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=