10 | Glenbrook Station’s steady genetic progress The continued rise in demand for Shorthorn genetics is something the stud is witnessing firsthand. Karen Phelps MEAT & WOOL » Glenbrook Station Shorthorns Glenbrook Station Shorthorns is gearing up for its May private-treaty bull sale with a line-up that reflects both steady genetic progress and rising demand for Shorthorn cattle across the beef and dairy sectors. Around 30 bulls will be offered, all fully service tested and carrying solid Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs), as the stud continues its focus on producing robust, versatile stock. “This year’s bulls are all looking good - moderateframed cattle that are a good cross for beef or dairy,” says Simon Williamson, co-owner of the stud. “The strength of the line-up comes from milking ability out of the dam side and the IMF and eye muscle out of the beef side, traits that we have consistently prioritised.” A key feature of this year’s draft is the influence of Canadian sire Dr Pepper, a bull increasingly central to the stud’s breeding direction. “Dr Pepper is a bull we are really keen on, with good figures and a good, sound build,” says Simon. “We’ve used him last year and this year. Some of the bulls offered this year are his offspring. His progeny are already attracting interest for combining structural soundness with strong carcass traits suited to New Zealand’s varied farming country.” The continued rise in demand for Shorthorn genetics is something the stud is witnessing firsthand. Longacre Herefords mark murphy - MARK.DANIEL92@GMAIL.COM longacre herefords · Docile · easy calving · low birthweight · early maturing · beef & dairy compatible · delicious 027 917 8519 · Hokitika “We have a good client base that covers a cross-section of beef and dairy farmers,” says Simon. “Our bulls seem to be slowly growing in popularity all the time. As people are paid for what they produce rather than the colour of the animal, I think we’ll see more go down the Shorthorn route.” He says though that Shorthorns are far from a new trend. “They were a staple cross with original breeds. For a while people got into exotics, the black cattle with the white face, but there’s been quite a swing back to Shorthorns, particularly in England, Scotland and Australia.” According to Simon, the shift is driven by practical performance rather than fashion. “It’s the milking ability. They are great milkers, so the maternal value is just as important to a breeder as the steak at the end of it. If your cow is producing more milk, the calf will do a lot better.” He says that the breed’s adaptability gives it an edge: “They have a summer and winter coat so they suit a variety of climates as well as being naturally high in IMF and eye muscle.” Glenbrook’s cattle continue to be run under commercial conditions, ensuring that only animals capable of performing in real-world farm environments make the cut. The stud aims for structurally correct cattle with good temperament, calving ease and strong meat quality. Alongside the cattle operation the wider Glenbrook Station also manages SH 8 Merino, a wool business affected in recent seasons by international tariffs. “The tariffs have affected things as the American market doesn’t have any scouring, spinning or weaving technology,” says Simon. “So the wool goes to China from here and there is now a 40% tariff. Last year our wool went to other markets but I believe the USA markets will come back over time as things change.”
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