32 | Glenbrook’s top-tier cattle breeding stock Each bull undergoes rigorous testing with all animals being both Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) and service tested. Karen Phelps Glenbrook Shorthorns is preparing to offer approximately 30 bulls for sale by private treaty in May, promising a good opportunity for farmers seeking top-tier cattle breeding stock. Each bull undergoes rigorous testing with all animals being both Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) and service tested. “We’re always seeking to improve the cattle and we’re pretty pleased with what we’ve got on the ground,” says Simon Williamson, co-owner of Glenbrook Shorthorns. Included will be what Simon describes as “an exceptional sire” by Dr Pepper. “He’s leaving some stunning calves, has got really good IMFs, is a sound compact build, perfect for New Zealand hill country and conditions. His first offspring are on the ground now and will be in next year’s line-up but he also had some heifers last year so there are two to three bulls available this year for sale.” A bull from Colvend Shorthorn & Angus Stud is also part of the genetic mix in this year’s lineup. “We bought him as a young bull and he’s in his second year with us and we have calves on the ground by him as well. We also have some bulls available from him for sale this year.” Genetics from Australian stud Broughton Park and bull Marawhenua Rising Sun from Duntroon also form part of the stud’s breeding mix, chosen to produce bulls that meet the rigorous demands of New Zealand farming conditions. “Our cattle are run under commercial conditions - no molly coddling. They have to go out and work,” explains Simon. “This ensures that the cattle are robust, adaptable and capable of thriving in challenging environments.” At the heart of Glenbrook’s success is its commitment to producing cattle with exceptional intramuscular fat (IMF) and versatile characteristics with meat companies increasingly recognising the value of these traits, offering premiums for cattle with superior meat qualities. “At Glenbrook Station we aim for structurally correct cattle with a good temperament, calving ease and intramuscular fat with good colour and meat that holds together well,” says Simon. The Williamson family’s journey with shorthorn cattle began in 2014 when they acquired the stud from John and Lindy Dobson. Since then they have developed a comprehensive breeding programme that leverages artificial insemination to access the best global genetics. Operating across 3700 hectares the farm also runs 3500 merino ewes with all lambs finished and additional lambs brought in each season, finishes MEAT & WOOL » Glenbrook Station Shorthorns 400-500 beef cattle annually and manages 400 hectares of diverse crops including mustard, bok choy, radish, peas, white clover, chicory, plantain, barley, wheat and oats. Their stud Glenbrook Shorthorns comprises 50 stud cows and 30 heifers. There are also around 90 cows that were ex stud cattle and deregistered and their progeny are finished each year. Simon and Kirsty also run SH 8 Merino, a wool business with international connections with US companies Global Merino and First Lite with merino wool supplied to these companies through Carrfields Primary Wool Limited. “We’re passionate about merino wool. Price is back a little bit, a tide over from Covid, but the long-term outlook for merino wool looks good. We enjoy the relationship with end users – it’s great to know where the wool is going and who will be wearing it. It’s a nice way to do business.”
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