22 | Australian genetics proving popular Karen Phelps Gold Creek Simmentals’ annual bull sale in May will include the rst sons to be offered in New Zealand by Woonallee Phar Lap who set a New Zealand record semen price in 2021 at $850/ straw. Tom says this year’s sale, which will offer around 35 bulls plus heifers and semen packages, will build on the success of 2022 when all 29 bulls were sold including seven stud transfers indicating con - dence in Gold Creek genetics. It generated stud and commercial interest from all over New Zealand and the average sale price was $9150, up signi cantly on the previous sale average of $6500. Tom says the fact the stud has used genetics from Woonallee Simmentals in Australia since its inception has made it popular with purchasers: “The Simmental gene pool in New Zealand is getting smaller and smaller with the same bloodlines used. A few overseas genetics have been trialled but have never been very successful. We’ve persevered and it’s given a successful outcross for breeders to progress their herds. We have a strict culling policy for the structural traits. We measure and record all traits with BREEDPLAN and are making big gains on the performance side of things as well.” The 2023 sale will be held on 22 May at 2pm with an open day on farm on 5 May. The sale catalogue will be available at goldcreeksimmentals. nz prior. Tom and wife Adeline started Gold Creek Simmentals in 2009. Tom is the third generation on the land and spent time working in Europe before coming home to New Zealand and working on a number of prominent East Coast sheep and beef stations. He returned to the family farm in 2008 in a management role, and in 2009 jumped at the opportunity to purchase a number of registered cows from various stud dispersals. From here Gold Creek Simmentals was established, and his journey as a stud breeder began. Gold Creek Simmentals is now a 100% stud breeding operation after selling off its commercial herd. The stud comprises around 80 heifers and 80 bulls and will calve 230-40 in 2023. The aim is to breed predominantly polled cattle as Tom says that this is something the industry is increasingly moving towards. The stud is producing well-balanced cattle with good temperament and consistent gures across the board including growth and carcass traits. Great emphasis is placed on producing faster nishing, RURAL PEOPLE » Gold Creek Simmentals high yielding eshy animals. Tom and Adeline not only have shares in the family farm but have also entered a 50% equity partnership with a couple of friends in a 1100ha property at Whangara. This property includes Whangara Angus stud comprising 450 registered cows and 200 commercial cows. In 2022 Whangara Angus sold the second highest priced bull in New Zealand for $92k. GOLD CREEK SIMMENTALS PROUD TO BE WORKING WITH L to R: Ross Mitchell, Daryl Fergus, Rob Fergus, Tim Petro, Luke Bates, Deano Brenssell. www.fergusrural.co.nz • admin@fergusrural.co.nz Gisborne: Wairoa: Rob Fergus 027 4496007 Deano Brenssell 027 8638923 Luke Bates 027 4211653 Daryl Fergus 027 2092787 Ross Mitchell 027 4048965 Environmental Solutions Consultant: Tim Petro 027 3390400 Livestock and Agribusiness consultants. AGRIBUSINESS Gold Creek Simmentals’ Tom and Adeline Sanson will offer sons of record-breaking Australian bull Woonallee Phar Lap at its 2023 sale in May.
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