36 | The next generation at Stern Angus Offering 150 bulls across two sales in June and October gives buyers a big selection of value-for-money bulls. Kim Bowden MEAT & WOOL » Stern Angus Stern Angus has successfully led the New Zealand angus seedstock industry for nearly ninety years and the next generation of the Fraser family is excited about the future for the stud and angus cattle. Rob Fraser is the fourth generation in the business and is just as passionate as the first who established the herd in Southland. Rob’s early experience came at Sterndale but also on Walter Peak and Mt Albert Stations as part of completing a degree at Lincoln University before a few years in the banking industry in Canterbury and Southland. That experience is valuable in the business of farming, Rob says. He thinks there’s tremendous pressure on farmers from all angles, with the main driver being profitability, and that’s where Stern Angus can help with improved genetics. Its aim is to be regarded as the home of superior genetics with a robust phenotype to thrive in hill country. Offering 150 bulls across two sales in June and October gives buyers a big selection of valuefor-money bulls. The October sale is exclusively yearling bulls designed for easy heifer mating. There have been many highlights over the years for the stud but Rob was in the sale ring in 2021 when Albert of Stern sold to Tangihau stud for a record $64,000. Albert went on to breed the record $135,000 priced bull in 2024 and 28 sold sons for an average of $28,000 across Stern and Tangihau. That was great - but it’s the business’ repeat commercial clients that are the strength of the stud. “Breeding bulls is not just a job, it’s a passion, and it’s a passion for farming as well as the cattle and the genetics, and the passion for being able to help people too,” Rob says. “It’s incredibly satisfying when you go to a client’s property and you see how thrilled they are with their cattle and the progeny of your bulls. You are helping take their business forward.” Selecting the next herd sire is one of the biggest challenges for a stud breeder and Rob travels extensively to inspect prospects. Time spent in Australia and the United States is important, Rob says, as it keeps us current with trends and there’s nothing like seeing bulls in the flesh. “I saw hundreds of top sires in the US in March and it’s a matter of filtering them to suit our herd, keeping in mind our clients’ requirements. “The most successful bulls at Stern have been home bred, such as Albert and Braveheart, but there’s always a bit of imported blood in the background. “We have people who have been buying from us for three generations, where their grandfather has Stern Angus Greg Bailey Colin Scannell 027 449 9062 (Stockfood) 027 297 7648 (Seed) bought bulls off my grandfather, or great- grandfather even. We value their trust in our program highly. “I get a fair sense of pride to be continuing on a legacy like this, but it also means there’s massive boots to fill with the three generations before me.” It’s young intelligent breeders like Rob that will take the industry forward and Stern is well placed to play an important industry role in the years ahead. jayamy.stringershearingltd@gmail.com Ranfurly Otago For AQuality, Prompt and E cient Shearing & Crutching Service, Woolpress &VanHire + Accommodation and Laundromat Facilities Call JayOn027 444 9158
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