24 | ‘Good genetics’ sees lift in maternal line The farm covers 1010 hectares effective and includes 250 Angus breeding cows. 79 R3 heifers, 164 yearling heifers 132 yearling steers and 15 sire bulls – and the odd thirsty dog. Russell Fredric Hauhungaroa 2C manager Cam Brown is encouraged to see genetic gains appearing in the farm’s sheep and cattle, despite the results not always transferring to the farm’s annual balance sheet. “They are looking really good, but we are a commodity price-taker and we just take what the market gives us at the time,” Cam says. “Our yearling heifers this year are really pleasing, they’ll average about 370 kilograms when they go to the bull in the next few days, and the heifers which calved as a two-year-old are looking extremely good too this year. We are starting to see that progression in the maternal side more and more which is a big part of using good genetics. “If you can’t lift your maternal side up, you’re up against it really.” Located on the western shores of Lake Taupo, the farm system is biased towards operating as breeding unit, with seasonal conditions dictating decisions around the livestock carried. The farm covers 1010 hectares effective on a total of 3227 hectares and operates under one of many trusts or incorporations governed by Tuwharetoa iwi, with the Maori ownership providing members of the iwi access to employment opportunities, training and mentorship. It usually supports about 4500 to 4600 Romney crossbred ewes, 1500 to 1600 hoggets, and Angus cattle comprising 250 breeding cows, 79 R3 heifers, 164 yearling heifers, 132 yearling steers and 15 sire bulls. Bulls are sourced from Ruaview Simmental and Angus, Puke-Nui Angus and most recently Stokman Angus Farm, while Komako Angus genetics have been used in the past. Adding Stokman genetics has added a new genetic pathway while boosting hybrid vigour, but each stud makes its own positive contribution and Cam has tremendous respect for all breeders. “This year we have purchased two bulls from Stokman stud. One in particular has got some pretty outstanding genetics, being in the top 1% in growth rate and on 400 and 200 day and in the top 4% on 600 day weights, plus having all the calving ease. They’ve got to calve as a two year-old, and calve by themselves, and that leads on as a mature cow because they are spread out amongst the ewes.” Despite the strong emphasis on growth rates, it has been dif cult to nish the cattle in the past two seasons due to drought impacting on feed availability and ultimately pasture quality, and this season is off to a slow start due to a cooler spring. “Even though we’re not selling at weaning time, we are selling them as a forward store as a yearling to 18 months, so they’ve got to be able to move in those rst 400 days.” Cam prefers to purchase bulls as a two year old as they are “just a bit more grown out” as their traits are more easily assessed by the eye at that age, whereas with yearlings there is more reliance on the EBV’s and “your gut feeling”, he says. With the cattle on a positive pathway, he is equally pleased with the progress being made in the sheep genetics, which, in the commercial ock RURAL PEOPLE » Hauhungaroa 2C Block (Genetics) have transitioned from Coopworth, Texel, East Friesian cross to Romney. “We’re still enhancing the genetics, but I guess we are now at a stage where we can ne tune it. The ve year-olds still have that genetic mix in the ock, so it takes a long time to come through, but we can see the changes in the ewe lambs now.” Noticeable are improved maternal attributes, better bone pro le compared to the previously neboned animals and improved constitution. Puke-Nui Stud rump. One year Stokman sires. Simmental and Angus Ruaview ANNUAL BULL SALE Thurs 18May 2023 on Farm 801 Raetihi Road, Ohakune. Proudly supporting Cam and his team at Hauhungaroa 2 C John & Helen Hammond Ph 06 3858 040 Mob 0274 314 992 Email john_helen@xtra.co.nz Web Ruaview.com
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