| 9 MEAT & WOOL » Flagstaff Herefords Celebrating 50 years of breeding Herefords QuinineV32 - Son of Ajax. Karen Phelps Flagstaff Herefords will mark a significant milestone in 2026, celebrating 50 years of breeding Hereford cattle at Mahitahi in South Westland alongside the stud’s 29th annual on-farm sale. What began in 1976 by Thomas Condon as a small breeding operation has evolved into a highly regarded stud, known for steady genetic progress and a clear focus on the commercial needs of its clients. The upcoming sale will feature progeny from some of the most influential sires the stud has used in recent years. Of particular interest are the first calves by Wirruna Steakout, a leading Australian Hereford sire recognised for high intramuscular fat (IMF). “It’s really exciting,” says Thomas. “They are looking good, they’ve scanned up well, they are moderate-sized cattle with sound carcasses, and they offer great calving ease and fertility.” Another Australian sire, Ke Warra Maxwell, will also be strongly represented. More of his progeny will be offered for sale, following a successful debut crop last year. “One of his sons topped our sale last year,” says Thomas. “They are good, meaty cattle with a strong phenotype.” As Flagstaff Herefords reflects on five decades of breeding, Thomas says the journey highlights just how much the industry has changed. “As I look back at some of the goals we had in 1976 and where we’ve got to, a lot has changed,” explains Thomas. “I’m always looking for things to improve. There is never the perfect bull. It’s still a work in progress.” Advances in technology have transformed cattle breeding, with modern tools now central to decision-making. Genetic evaluations, scanning information and estimated breeding values allow breeders to make far more informed selections than was possible in the past. “I still have straws from the top bulls of the day back then,” says Thomas, “but a fantastic bull of his day in the 1970s wouldn’t match what we have today. There has been a lot of genetic improvement Your local animal health providers. Shoulder to shoulder with you across the coast. ESSENTIAL FARM SUPPLIES ALL ANIMAL HEALTH NEEDS 24/7 EMERGENCY CARE West Coast Vets NZ www.wcvets.co.nz Call 03 755 8361 PET CARE, WEAR & GEAR SOUTH WESTLAND TRANSPORT Stock Cartage | Owner Driver Phone Gavin Morgan 027 455 0136 Email: info@springcreekfarm.co.nz in the breed over the years.” That steady improvement, also reflected in his own herd, has been particularly rewarding. Over 50 years the herd has been refined with a clear emphasis on fertility, calving ease and efficiency. Flagstaff Herefords has long prioritised getting live calves on the ground, followed by strong mothering ability and milk production to ensure calves grow well in their first year. “We’ve been selecting for increased IMF for years,” says Thomas. “Now that niche markets are demanding marbling our sires can help our clients benefit from those premiums.” To support this focus, it has implemented rigorous performance recording for many years including scanning heifers and bulls for carcass traits. Temperament and adaptability are also key with only the most docile, hardy and efficient cattle retained. Additional attention is paid to structural and functional traits including udder and teat quality, jaw strength, eye setting and pigment. The annual on-farm sale continues to attract buyers from Canterbury, Central Otago and the West Coast, with Bidr giving those further afield access to the offering. Thomas says the 50th anniversary is not just a celebration of the past but a focus on the future. With Thomas’s children involved in farming and associated businesses at Mahitahi, succession planning is underway to ensure Flagstaff Herefords continues into the next generation. • General Freight Nationwide • Bulk Freight, Fertiliser, Hay etc • Refrigerated Freight • Rural Freight • Bulk Fuel • Home Heating Fuel • BP/Castrol Lubricants FREIGHTERS LTD 0800 756 666 • 03 769 9081 Greymouth • 03 429 8265 Hokitika freight@aratuna.co.nz SALE DATE: WEDNESDAY 16th OCTOBER 2026 2 YEAR OLD POLLED HEREFORD BULLS FOR SALE PYRAMID DOWNS Polled Herefords TO BE HELD ON THE PROPERTY AT PYRAMID, RIVERSDALE, SOUTHLAND. 31ST ANNUAL PRODUCTION SALE
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=