| 27 High country shaping modern Herefords Locharburn Herefords. Kim Newth Duncan and Allanah McRae share deep roots in the high country. Their home farm is Alpha Burn Station near Wanaka (4500-ha), where Duncan was born. His family has farmed these hills for generations. Three years ago, they bought Locharburn Station(2000-ha) at Queensberry from Allanah’s parents, Geof and Joyce Brown. At the same time, they took over Locharburn Herefords, a fine Hereford stud with a 50-year history in the Brown family. “There has been so much to learn and we’re still learning,” observes Allanah. “[But] we’re gradually getting the hang of it and starting to make it work our way.” Allanah’s father had honed the stud through the years with top genetics from within New Zealand and internationally. That focus on genetic quality remains as strong as ever, with Duncan and Allanah now shaping the stud in line with changing times. “We’re continuing to use some horned, high growth genetics from Australia while also introducing polled genetics from New Zealand with MEAT & WOOL » Locharburn Herefords David Graham 027 474 8325 dave@irritech.co.nz Roger Simpson 027 474 8324 rog@irritech.co.nz • Stock water design and supply • Agricultural irrigation design • Supply of irrigators and materials • Project management • Installation of system • Commissioning Irritech Otago are happy to be working alongside Locharburn Herefords • 16B Connelly Way, Cromwell • admin@irritech.co.nz 238 =396 %:)6%+) *)68-0-7)6 8 % 0 / 8 3 8 , ) ) < 4 ) 6 8 7 8 3 ( % = ;;; 1%-20%2(1-2)6%07 '31 ` 4639( 83 &) %773'-%8)( ;-8, 03',%6&962 ,)6)*36(7 the first calves now on the ground,” says Duncan. “The reality is that the horned market had been dwindling so we had to make that change and, at the same time, we’re building a strong maternal base with a resilient high country background.” Locharburn Herefords next annual on-farm sale is coming up on 29th May and the couple are looking forward to selling 35-40 quality bulls. With improved commodity prices and lower interest rates having given a boost to the rural sector over recent months, they are hoping for a good sale result. “We’re happy with where we are – we’ll let the bulls do the talking on the day,” says Duncan, who notes that the printed sale catalogue will be available from early May. Ever since Locharburn Herefords was established in 1972, the aim has been to breed sound cattle with good bone and fleshing and with a focus on feet and mobility. Locharburn’s stud cows are run on improved and native paddocks where they are put under the same pressures as commercial cattle. Bull calves are raised so as to be quiet and easy to handle, while Locharburn bulls are noted for their shifting ability. This year’s Locharburn Herefords sale is the last to feature solely horned Hereford bulls dehorned. Polled genetics will be making their debut at next year’s sale. There are some exciting genetics coming through, for example from US-based Holden Herefords as well as top Australian sire Mawarra Influential. Lochaburn is raising sons of Mawarra and Duncan says they look outstanding. “We’ll probably retain one or two with the rest going up for auction next year.” With two stations to run and 20,000 stock units, Duncan and Allanah lead busy lives. They have recently completed a major 100-hectare pivot irrigation development at Locharburn and installed 10km of new fences. They are grateful for their awesome farm team including a new stock manager at Locharburn and have had good support from other Hereford breeders too. “We’ve put our heart and soul into Locharburn over the last couple of years, but it has been great,” says Allanah. “We have the best farm team ever and have loved every minute. We are proud to be carrying it on.” Locharburn Herefords next annual on-farm sale is coming up on 29th May and the couple are looking forward to selling 35-40 quality bulls.
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