Business Rural North Autumn 2021

28 | RURAL PEOPLE » Black Ridge Angus: Dean & Teresa Sherson An investment in top genetics has been a game changer for Dean and Teresa Sherson, including spending $62,000 on Tangihau Maximus 458. Photos: Teresa Sherson . Top genetics on show at popular bull sale Karen Phelps B lack Ridge Angus is set to hold its fifth on farm sale on 1 June when approximately 27 R2 bulls will be offered to the market. Phenotype, longevity and do-ability are the trademarks of Black Ridge Angus bulls and are clearly evident in the line up this year, says stud owner Dean Sherson. Dean comes from a long line of Angus breeders. He is the son of Brian and Sharon Sherson of Shian Angus. Dean and wife Teresa purchased their 260ha farm at Taringamotu, approximately 10kms from Taumarunui, in 2004 and purchased 30 cows off Dean’s parents a year later for their own farm op- eration with no intention of starting a stud. Offering yearling bulls to the market was the start and soon the economics of running what had quickly become a burgeoning stud meant they had to make the de- cision to take it more seriously. Success selling R2 bulls at their parents’annual sale encouraged them to start selling R2 bulls at their own sale in 2017. Since then their passion for cattle has seen them invest heavily in genetics. In 2020 they purchased $50,000 Kaharau Lazarus 343 and the year before spent $62,000 on Tangihau Maximus 458. They have weaner calves on the ground from the latter. “Both bulls have great constitutions, beautiful feet, huge thickness in the back end and do-ability with meat in all the right places,” says Dean. “When Tangihau Maximus 458’s calves were born they were good sized calves and it took only a few weeks to see that thickness across their backs. They’re built like bricks.” Their results are backed by strong EBVs combined with calving ease, plenty of growth with good eye muscle and positive fats. They have also invested in Stockman South Dakota and have three of his progeny in their sale, which have good data to back them up, says Dean. Also offered will be bulls from Stern Angus, a top bull they purchased in 2018, making for a great line up this year. Dean and Teresa’s farm runs the stud cattle, around 215 stud calving females including heifers. It also fattens approximately 2000 lambs annually. They also have a 250ha farm located 20 minutes from the home farm on which they winter 350-400 weaner steers and fatten 2000 lambs. They employ no staff and run both farms together in a real team effort. Both are very hands on and try to complete most farmwork themselves, including having their own digger. Teresa also has her own photography business and is renown for taking stunning shots of cattle. Dean and Teresa have two sons: Nicholas, 13 and Christopher, 11. “I love cattle,” says Dean. “Striving to breed the perfect animal is my passion. I love calving and seeing the results of all our work. It’s very exciting and each year it just gets better and better.” PHOTOS: Black Ridge Stud’s Dean Sherson with sons Nick and Chris. The Sherson boys bareback on the farm pony. Limited 168 Totara St, Manunui 3924 Ph 07 895 8492 • Mobile 027 418 670 Fax 07 895 7687 • ongaruetransport@xtra.co.nz t t, i il t t t . . Proud to be associated with Black Ridge Angus Stud i i l i