| 67 Newhaven Farms going for balance Ange Davidson Balance across the board is the modus operandi for Fossil Creek Angus at Newhaven Farms in North Otago. The stud has been breeding and selecting genetics for over 20 years and its progeny are found both throughout New Zealand and worldwide. Jane and Blair Smith became directors in the Angus stud from Neil and Rose Sanderson in 2015 when the Sandersons, who remain shareholders in the business, were looking for hill country and people who were as passionate about genetics as they were. The stud has expanded under Blair and Jane’s watch and this year they will be hosting the 23rd Annual Fossil Creek Angus R2 bull sale at their farm on 15 June. The focus remains on balance across the board, good structure and conformation. “Our point of difference is a real balance of traits, and we strongly believe in good maternal traits. Our calves are born safely and grow the moment they hit the ground whether they’re for breeding or finishing. Once you’ve got that established, you can delve into our suite of other traits. Sticking to the basics and doing them well may not be a headline grabber, but our clients really appreciate it,” laughs Jane. The Fossil Creek Angus team believes that the most important economic trait in the beef herd is the ability for a female to calve at two years and subsequently every year for at least five more years. Getting in calf as a yearling within two cycles sets the biological reproductive clock for the life of the heifer. “Stud breeders are often quick to promote traits that we find exciting like Intramuscular Fats (IMF) and carcass indexes but those are the icing on the cake,” says Blair. MEAT & WOOL » Newhaven Farms “You can’t have high IMF in progeny if the cow never got in calf in the first place or failed to produce a live calf on the ground, year in year out.” While carcass weight is critical and should be above breed average as payment is based on this trait, Blair believes that Eye Muscle Area is a different story as New Zealand farmers are not paid any premiums for this trait. “Rib and Rump fats are totally independent of Intramuscular fats and it’s important to keep an eye on this in your selection processes. There are antagonisms between excessive fats on the carcass needing trimming and being penalised for reduced yields versus a potential negative fertility effect in yearling heifers from low subcutaneous fats. Higher fertility outcomes come from higher fertility traits and not higher fats,” he stresses. “This is why we love the challenge of genetics, it’s a genuine balancing act of all traits, so we can guarantee that every single Fossil Creek Bull is a rock-solid performer.” The 70 strong sale herd for this year’s auction comes from 170 bull calves born in 2021 and have an impressive CV. The herd has 80% above breed average for Calving Ease in Daughters, 200, 400 and 600 day weights and Carcass weight. Between 60- 80% are over breed average for Calving Ease Direct, Birth Weight, Milk and Scrotal Circumference. “We are delighted with our lineup of boys for the sale including a number of sons of Fossil Creek Prophet P136, Musgrave Black Loch, Rockley Q7, KG Justified, Te Mania Powerman 18427, Fossil Creek Q17 and Earnscleugh Pisa Range,” says Blair. Contact the Fossil Creek Angus team to be on their mailing list, or to visit the bulls and breeding herd on farm. 23rd ANNUAL ON FARM FOSSIL CREEK ANGUS BULL SALE Thursday 15 JUNE 2023 | 2pm, Five Forks, North Otago Blair and Jane Smith: (03) 432 4154 / 027 432 4154 newhavenfarms@netspeed.net.nz Neil and Rose Sanderson: 021 332 919 neilandrose@fossilcreekangus.co.nz 2474178-13/4 The Science of Selection NZ’s trusted sheep & beef DNA experts. NZ Beef: Amy Hoogenboom 021 199 0989 | NI Sheep: Dayanne Almeida 027 208 5501 | SI Sheep: Amy Bielski 027 549 3506 17794 17794 Zoetis Genetics Business Rural Ad 60x257.indd 1 12/12/22 18:58 A balanced focus on traits is essential for all herds and Fossil Creek Angus are leading the charge on supplying extra information.
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