| 19 The changing face of premium prime beef First Cross Steers (main image). Monymusk Sale Bull 240127 (inset). Kelly Deeks MEAT & WOOL » Monymusk Herefords Rising beef prices and renewed confidence in the prime market are setting the scene for a strong autumn, and Monymusk Herefords is preparing to capitalise when it hosts its 39th annual on farm bull sale in the Te Anau Basin this May. On Wednesday May 27 at 11am at the bullshed on Gillespie Road, Chris Douglas, alongside Jane, Henry, Ally, and Amanda will offer a very even line up of rising two year old polled Hereford bulls. Chris says the changing face of prime beef is creating real opportunity for commercial breeders. “Record beef prices are shaping up to deliver a record calf selling season,” he says. “White faced Hereford Angus cross steers and heifers are consistently topping the sales, and that trend is only getting stronger.” Angus breeders, he says, are increasingly using Hereford over their B grade cows to lift performance. The hybrid vigour from the cross can deliver a 10 to 15 percent lift in weight gain, equating to around 30 kilograms extra carcass weight. On a ten dollar schedule, that gain is significant. “Crossbred cattle finish earlier and grade better. It is genuine performance gain and it is very hard to ignore.” Chris says Herefords bring additional advantages beyond hybrid vigour, including docility, feed efficiency, strong bone, and longevity. White faced heifers are also highly sought after as replacements and are capable of reaching the 240 kilogram plus carcass weights the industry demands. First cross heifers and steers are sought after by processors for their premium grass fed programmes and by local trade butchers, as well as being eligible for the Quality Hereford Prime Brand. “With the feedlot readily taking white faced cattle and very limited Angus premiums from processors, the advantages of using Hereford genetics are huge.” This year’s A1 sires draft features another strong line-up by Limehills Stardom, and new Australian super sire Ke Warra Maxwell, alongside homebred sires Monymusk Phantom, Monymusk Quantum, and Monymusk Outback. Chris says the stud’s type has not wavered. For all Alkathene laying, Trough & Tank Installations Contact Simon 027 229 7193 Aspinall Contracting • Water Schemes • Agricultural Work • Bulldozers from 15-36 ton SERVICING THE NORTHERN SOUTHLAND AREA TE ANAU (03) 249 5000 TIM JACKSON 027 889 3179 teanau.haulage@hwr.co.nz - BULK CARTAGE - - FERTILISER SPREADING - - STOCK CARTAGE - Fully SIL recorded. Available for sale at the beginning of November. Guy & Fi Martin - 219 Carters Rd, Lincoln | 027 538 3741 | guy@icl.org.nz TOUGH, SOUND, MEATY, TERMINAL RAMS THAT LAST. “We breed thick, deep bodied, good boned cattle. That has been our trademark right from the start.” The Douglas family runs 300 stud cows within a wider commercial operation, wintering and finishing additional progeny alongside around 4000 commercial ewes. There is a strong emphasis on fertility and performance, with all yearling heifers mated and required to get in calf as yearlings and two year olds to remain in the herd. Rising three year old heifers in calf are also sold, with surplus progeny either retained or finished. “There is no room for passengers. Every cow has to perform.” All sale bulls are BVD tested and vaccinated, genomically tested, semen tested, and come with free delivery. With beef schedules strengthening and store demand building momentum, Chris says the timing of this year’s sale aligns well with renewed confidence across the sector. Strong calf prices and tighter supply are supporting optimism, and he believes commercial breeders are focused on proven genetics that add performance, efficiency, and finishing ability. “We are proud of the cattle we produce and confident in the performance they deliver. In this market, proven genetics that add weight and value matter more than ever.” Enquiries to Chris 0275498588, Henry 0272914414, and Amanda 0275397975.
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