Business Rural North Autumn 2024

North Matt and Megan Humphreys represent the fifth generation to operate Wilencote Polled Hereford Stud near Gisborne - Page 62 104 years and counting Autumn 2024 www.waterfordpress.co.nz

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Rural North accepts no responsibility for loss of photos or manuscripts. #businessruralnorth #yourstory www.waterfordpress.co.nz   Laurieston Farming �� 03 Anui Stud �� 05 Andrew, Emma and Mary Martin �� 06 Breckon Farms �� 08 Auahi Charolais �� 10 Beef It Simmentals �� 11 Broadwood Charolais �� 12 Colvend Shorthorns �� 13 Cory Norman - Herefords �� 14 David Fullerton �� 15 Dirk Sieling �� 16 Eadon Highland Cattle �� 17 Hononga Farming Ltd �� 18 Hugh Ritchie �� 19 Iwinui & Titirangi Stations �� 20 John and Mary Allen �� 21 Kaimoa South Devons �� 22 Kerrah Simmentals �� 23 Maranui Herefords �� 24 Komako Angus �� 25 Kotu Station �� 26 Nikau Coopworths �� 28 Morton Shorthorns �� 30 Poko Poko Station �� 32 Matapouri Polled Herefords �� 34 Moanaroa Angus �� 36 Millstone Red Devons �� 37 Okaka Angus �� 38 Piquet Hill Farms Ltd �� 39 Rockview - Colleen Hunter �� 40 Orere Angus �� 41 Reece and Natasha Cox �� 42 Richard Rowe Merchiston Angus �� 44 Stokman Angus �� 45 Rauriki Charolais �� 46 Rockend Polled Herefords �� 47 Riverhill Farm �� 48 Suncrest White Galloway �� 50 Tarangower Angus �� 51 Tawanui Herefords �� 52 Te Uranga B2 Inc �� 53 Terawhiti Farm �� 54 Triple Farms Genetics �� 56 UpTheValley �� 58 Wairere Angus �� 59 Wairongo �� 60 Westgate �� 61 Wilencote Polled Herefords. �� 62 Whakatohea �� 63 Waitawhiti Station �� 64 Shian Angus �� 65 Super Air Ltd �� 66 Tararua Heliwork Ltd �� 67 Seeds & Cereals 2000 Ltd �� 68 Precision Slurry Ltd �� 70 EMNZ �� 72 Arable Solutions �� 74 McFadzean Cattle Co �� 76 Parker Lime �� 78 Quality Sheds �� 79 RTB Heli Ltd �� 80 Reymer Ag Contracting �� 81 Grange Transport �� 82 Haycock Contracting �� 83 Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd �� 84 Farmers Air �� 85 Sandfords Rural Carriers �� 86 Affordable Sheds 2014 Ltd �� 88 AgResearch (Invermay) �� 89 Patrick and Isabelle Crawshaw �� 90 Rangitapu Station �� 91 Tawai Fencing �� 92 Raukaunui Farm �� 93 North OUR PARTNERS: Christchurch Office 112 Wrights Road, Addington, Christchurch Phone 03-983 5500 PO Box 37 346 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Queenstown Office 70 Glenda Drive, Queenstown 9300 PO Box 2581, Wakatipu MANAGING DIRECTOR James Lynch james@waterfordpress.co.nz BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Chris Pearce chris.pearce@waterfordpress.co.nz EDITORIAL Editor Randall Johnston randall@waterfordpress.co.nz Paul Mein paulmein@waterfordpress.co.nz Journalists Anne Boswell, Ange Davidson, Kelly Deeks, Hugh de Lacy, Tracey Edwardes, Russell Fredric, Alexia Johnston, Richard Loader, Kim Newth, Karen Phelps, Sue Russell, Rosa Watson, Virginia Wright. RESEARCH & MARKETING Sam Dart, Adam Feaver, Chris Graves, Megan Hawkins, Lisa Moffat, Colin Morais, Catherine Norton Annie Patrick, Chris Pearce, Danielle Percival, Adam Shirra, Leo Smith, Alasdair Thomson sales@waterfordpress.co.nz PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT General Manager Luke Lynch luke@waterfordpress.co.nz Graphic Artists Connor Gosnell, Anton Gray, Francesca Hildawa, Sophie McCleary, Liki Udam. art@waterfordpress.co.nz CONTENT COORDINATORS Ann-Marie Frentz, Alissa Crosby. OFFICE AND ACCOUNTS Helen Bourne accounts@waterfordpress.co.nz Jill Holland reception@waterfordpress.co.nz Lyn Barlow lyn@waterfordpress.co.nz 32 | Poko Poko ‘love a good challenge’ 36 | Second oldest angus stud in New Zealand 56 | Top performance when under pressure 48 | Diversifying income in the King Country

| 3 RURAL PEOPLE » Laurieston Farming Taupo hospitality Karen Phelps Having control of their beef from farm to plate has helped Taupo farmers James and Elissa Cooper start a successful local burger bar, further diversifying their farming business. Jimmy Coops Lakehouse is a joint venture with successful local hospitality business owners Vaughan and Leanne Nairn. Situated on Lake Taupo’s waterfront, after opening its doors in 2021 Jimmy Coops Lakehouse serves burgers, toasties, salads, snacks and desserts and has grown its revenue around 80% in the past year alone. The Coopers also supply their Lakeman Brewing craft beer to Jimmy Coops Lakehouse. Back in 2009 Elissa was working as a veterinarian in a local practice and James had taken on a lease block and was farming sheep and cattle. When Environment Waikato found the freshwater quality of Lake Taupo was under threat a raft of changes were implemented which resulted in all farms within the lake catchment having their nitrogen inputs capped. James and Elissa purchased 120 hectares and farm 400ha total with a lease block. With a low nitrogen discharge allowance and regulations and the size of their operation their farming business was very marginal. It became evident in the first couple of years that they needed another income stream, which led to the birth of Lakeman Brewing. After much hard work it is now an award winning brewery supplying customers around New Zealand. On their farm the Coopers calve 165 Simmental cows selling the bull calve as weaners, around 8085, keeping replacement heifers with the remaining Sale date Tuesday 21st May heifers heading to Jimmy Coops, around 25-30. They use Kerrah Simmentals as the supplier of bull genetics. “It’s the maternal side of things we focus on. If you have a good cow, that’s your base. Kerrah Simmentals have good cows that are productive even in tough times and turn grass into profit quicker. We’re producing a leaner meat and by feeding the grain the flavours really come through resulting in a beautiful tender, juicy steak,” says James. Jimmy Coops customers are a mix of locals and tourists, all of whom appreciate knowing where the meat has come from. Demonstrating the interrelated nature of their enterprise, with the brewery sitting in the middle of the farm, the spent malt is fed to young cattle – which James says is a bit like having hot porridge on a cold winter’s morning. All wastewater irrigates surrounding paddocks, and the John Deere tractor is on hand to load the beer orders directly from the chiller into the delivery truck. James and Elissa are both involved in the day to day operations of all their businesses and James says having a good team has been key. “It’s not easy but Jimmy Coops and Lakeman Brewery have gone amazingly well. We have some very good chefs on board and some experienced brewers who are doing great things with our burgers and beer. Selling the end product, when it comes to the beef, is helping our overall profitability in the business going forward. It’s a diverse business but all works in together and is the only way we can survive. It’s fun seeing the businesses going forward.” Taupo farmer James Cooper. After much hard work Lakeman Brewing is now an award winning brewery supplying customers around New Zealand. We’ve been helping farmers get the most out of their sheep and beef farming operations since 1966. • Maternal composite • Romney • Sheddmaster • Suffolk • Angus Stud • FE testing for 36 years, & above FE Gold Standard for 9 years • Romney sires tested at 0.72mg of Sporidesmin/kg of live weight & Maternal Composites 0.68mg • Ewes run in commercial conditions under no drench policy • Modern & proli c ewes lambing between 140-150% on hard hill country • All rams guaranteed for soundness & structure for 2 years • Romney & maternal Composites have a lifetime guarantee against FE www.piquethillfarms.co.nz william@piquethillfarms.co.nz Will Jackson 027 739 9939 Building Better Bloodlines. “Our Romneys & Maternal composites come with a lifetime warranty against Facial Eczema.”

4 | WAIRERE ANGUS Established 1936 PRO Bidr On Farm & Online Sale For catalogues or information contact: Cedric Lander | email: cedric.lander@yahoo.co.nz 06 272 2899 or 021 144 33862 or PGG WRIGHTSON 12.30pm Tuesday, 19th March, 2024 DISPERSAL SALE N e w Z e a l a n d ® RURAL PEOPLE » Laurieston Farming It became evident in the first couple of years that James and Elissa needed another income stream, which led to the birth of Lakeman Brewing. 3rdAnnual Yearling Bull Sale 11thOctober 2024

| 5 RURAL PEOPLE » Anui Stud Dandaleith angus gears up for bull sale Between the two properties there are 4000 Romney ewes including 600 stud Romney, along with 300 Dorset Down stud ewes and the 250-cow Dandaleith Angus Stud. Karen Phelps The 2024 Dandaleith Angus bull sale will showcase around 30 R2 bulls, promising a consistent line of high performing hill country sires, says George Philip. The 2023 sale saw a good clearance of the bulls offered as buyers targeted the stud’s sound cattle that perform on hill country and the expectation for this year’s sale is the same. “We target structural soundness as our clients are hill country farmers, and a moderate sized cow that calves easily, is a good mother with strong maternal performance and has a great temperament and is a pleasure to manage as well as bringing in the carcass attributes, which are bringing premiums to cattle farmers and result in a great eating experience,” says George. The family business - Philip Land Company – comprises two properties. George’s uncle Willy farms 210ha Anui farm at Dannevirke while George’s father John and George run the 870ha hill country block near Weber east of Dannevirke. Between the two properties there are 4000 Romney ewes including 600 stud Romney, along with 300 Dorset Down stud ewes and the 250-cow Dandaleith Angus Stud. Dandaleith Angus Stud has its origin in Scotland. It was started by Willy and John’s grandfather Bill Philip who immigrated to New Zealand and started Dandaleith Angus in New Zealand in 1950. All the stud cows are run on the Weber hill country block, proving themselves on the hill with bull calves sent to Anui to grow out to their full potential in July each year after the sale. “We focus on strong genetics that will grow well to ensure good weaning weights and quick finishing as no matter which way you look at it, farmers are paid by the kilogram,” says George. “By challenging cows on hill country, farmed in a sheep and beef system this ensures they are sound and perform well clients.” Dandaleith Angus continues to invest in the best genetics it can source that align with the breeding objective. The stud added three strong sires to the team last year and are excited to see the progeny hit the ground this coming spring. In addition to a strong sire team Dandaleith Angus artificially inseminate around 90 cows annually, utilising the best genetics domestically and internationally. This has seen Willy travel to Australia looking at genetics available there. George travelled to Australia to attend the Gen Angus Future leaders conference run by Angus Australia and has recently been appointed to the board of Angus New Zealand. 063747701 27HighSt, Dannevirke Replacement yearling heifers are mated to the stud’s own yearling bulls showing it backs its own genetics. “These heifers have to have a calf as a two year old and get back in calf quickly to remain in the herd. We continue a rigorous culling process in the cow herd to ensure only the best cows are bred from. With structure, temperament and maternal performance constantly assessed to up hold the quality of the herd.” The 2024 Dandaleith Angus bull sale will take place on June 11 on the family’s Anui farm at 102 Laws Road, Dannevirke.

6 | RURAL PEOPLE » Andrew, Emma and Mary Martin Glenbrae Herefords sale a big one Glenbrae Hereford stud was established by the late Martin Taylor over fifty years ago. Carrying on the grand tradition of hosting Glenbrae Herefords’ annual on-farm bull sale just before King’s Birthday weekend, this year’s auction will be held on the 30th of May, with about 25 prime two year old bulls on offer. Glenbrae Hereford stud was established by the late Martin Taylor over fifty years ago, and is now in the caring hands of his daughter and son-in-law Emma and Andrew Martin. “Emma and I are both very proud to be part of the stud and know it is quite a responsibility to carry forward,” says Andrew. “We both love Herefords. Their temperament is probably one of the main attractions. They’re just nice and easy to work with. They’re a good sound animal, and throw ideal calves, especially cross breeding with them. They have good longevity and fertility.” Held at Glenbrae, a 570-hectare rolling hill country property in Central Hawke’s Bay, this year’s auction will be the family’s 36th on-farm sale. With a handful of very fertile river flats, Andrew says Glenbrae is perfect for bringing the stud bulls up to peak condition before the annual sale. “We aim to breed bulls that are specifically suited to the beef market, with excellent carcass and growth traits, while still focusing on structural soundness and temperament. Glenbrae Herefords’ are fully performance recorded, all bulls are DNA gnomically tested, ultrasound scanned, BVD tested and vaccinated, and they’re all semen and service tested presale — so they’re ready to work as soon as they arrive at their new homes. The bulls also have to meet our own expectations and we work on the basis that everything we put up for sale, we would also be happy to put over our commercial cows.” Andrew says that while sale day can always be stressful, it is a day that he, Emma and Emma’s mother Mary Taylor really look forward to and enjoy. “We try to visit a few of our clients during the course of the year, but you can’t get around them all, so auction day is a really good chance to see how things are going, over a BBQ and a few drinks. Normally twenty – thirty registered buyers attend the auction, though we sold a few on-line last year.” With 23 out of 25 bulls sold last year and an average sale price of $7900, Andrew says he and 06 374 7701 27 High St, Dannevirke Specialising in Hay and Balage and supplying quality feed supplements. Contact Colin on 027 497 5713 or at jacobscontractingnz@gmail.com JACOBS CONTRACTING Proud to support Andrew, Emma and Mary Martin in the pursuit of breeding excellence Give us a call on 0800 2 GOLDPINE Jump on to www.goldpine.co.nz POSTS & POLES • OUTDOOR TIMBER • FARM BUILDINGS • OUTDOOR FURNITURE • WIRE, GATES & NETTING www.timcoombsdeerandstock.co.nz • P: 027 444 1937 Office: 027 555 1118 • E: coombs@vetta.net.nz NZ Wide Accredited Transport - Proud to support Glenbrae Stud i i - l Emma were very pleased with the clearance, particularly because last year saw a few tough sales. “Several Glenbrae bulls were sold up Gisborne way and into Wairarapa and we have quite a few good local clients as well. One of our bulls was also sold to Canterbury’s Orari Gorge Station for $20,000, so that was a bonus.” Glenbrae’s genetics have been sourced from around the country, including Beechwood Stud from down south, Otapawa Stud, and last year a yearling was bought from Mahuta Stud. Currently leasing Glenbrae, Andrew and Emma also farm a neighbouring 530-hectare property which is home to 2500 breeding ewes, plus replacements, and 800 – 1000 trading lambs, depending on the season. About 100 mixed aged Angus and Angus/Hereford cows are run on the property, along with 25 first calving heifers. All cows go to a Glenbrae Hereford bull. Although a few weaner steers are sold, most progeny are finished on farm. Along with the stud bulls, Glenbrae is home to 150 registered Hereford cows, including heifers. Andrew and Emma’s long term lease of Glenbrae enables both properties to be run together. While Andrew and Emma work very much as a team on the farm, Mary provides an extra set of hands when needed, continuing her connection with the farm she shared with Martin for so many years. Richard Loader

| 7 RURAL PEOPLE » Andrew, Emma and Mary Martin www.glenbraestud.co.nz Annual Bull Sale 30th May 2024 Andrew says Glenbrae is perfect for bringing the stud bulls up to peak condition.

8 | RURAL PEOPLE » Breckon Farms New state of the art equine facility The new facility will boast 48 boxes, providing the much-needed space for the burgeoning number of horses. Karen Phelps Waikato based equine facility Breckon Farms is preparing to embark on a significant chapter in its illustrious history. The brainchild of Ken and Karen Breckon, the 75 hectare farm has been a beacon of excellence in harness racing, and its upcoming equine facility is poised to elevate its standing in the industry. Nigel Fahy, farm manager since mid-2019, says the project has been in the pipeline for around a decade arising from the farm’s exponential growth, especially in the yearling sales. “From sending 20 yearlings a year to now 36, the existing facilities could no longer accommodate the demand,” he says. “The new facility will boast 48 boxes, providing the much-needed space for the burgeoning number of horses.” The farm’s strategic response to the changing landscape of the industry is evident in the context of the TAB’s acquisition by Entain from Australia. “It’s been a really positive step forward with an increase in stake money providing incentive for young horses to be raced,” says Nigel. “It’s also provided incentive for us to breed more horses to meet demand. The signs are definitely positive and hopefully keep improving and snowballing.” The upcoming infrastructure will also include a function room with a full kitchen and bar facilities suitable for events like weddings and conferences. Nigel says the addition reflects Breckon Farms’ commitment to creating a versatile space that extends beyond equine activities. The farm’s roots trace back to August 1, 2007, when Ken and Karen purchased Yarndley Farms from long-time friends Sandy and Jan Yarndley. Renamed Breckon Farms, it quickly became synonymous with success in harness racing, due to the investment of the Breckons which saw contouring improvements to the land, widening of laneways, and the addition of post and rail fencing transforming it into a first-class nursery for Standardbred bloodstock. Ken, driven by a lifelong passion for the sport, actively entered the harness racing scene in 1995 alongside his late brother Peter. Their initial purchase, Megaera, marked the beginning of a legacy that would see the Breckon name associated with numerous champion horses. Ken and Karen’s dedication to the industry goes beyond ownership. Both commit significant hours to the administration of the sport through club and kindred body committees. Their success reached new heights with the retired champion trotter, I Can Doosit, thrusting them into the spotlight as CONCEPT PLANS CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS 3D RENDERING www.newvisionarchitecture.co.nz JASON KRAAYVANGER info@newvisionarchitecture.co.nz 07 871 5452 | 021 805 452 Proud to be the lead designers for Breckon Farms new Stable and Function Room project Specialising In All Fencing AGRICULTURAL ⁄⁄ LIFESTYLE ⁄⁄ RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL ⁄⁄ RETAINING WALLS ⁄⁄ MUCH MORE 027 346 6379 sean@ful lyfenced.co.nz // www.fullyfenced.co.nz prominent owners and breeders. Their commitment to excellence earned them the title of New Zealand Breeder of the Year in 2021, with accolades including breeding New Zealand Pacing Horse of the Year, Bettor Twist, and Australasian Horse of the Year, King of Swing with Breckon Farms securing leading vendor status at the NZB Standardbred Sales in both 2022 and 2023, a testament to its investment in quality broodmares and proven performers. Over 20 Group 1 victories with Breckon Farms Syndicates underscore their dominance in the industry. The Breckon Farms Syndicates were established by Ken and Karen in 2013 with the syndicate taking racing leases out on six to ten of New Zealand’s best bred fillies and hopefully enjoying a wave of success. Breckon Farms offers a range of professional services, including foaling, weaning, yearling preparation, broodmare care, and agistment facilities. The foaling night watch service, led by well-trained staff and supported by Nigel, ensures that each foal gets the best start in life, says Nigel. AI breeding services are offered in collaboration with the Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre. The farm has a proud legacy of having been a nurturing ground for many champions including I Can Doosit, Elle Mac, Bettor Twist, High Gait and Luby Lou, Breckon bred winners of group races. “We have some nice young mares coming off the race track who have performed really well and are now embarking on their new careers as mothers, with the likes of Bettor Twist producing her first foal this past spring,” says Nigel. “It’s always exciting every year to have top quality mares foaling and seeing the results when they eventually perform on the race track.”

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10 | Big demand for easy calving Charolais The Charolais from Auahi are renowned for their polled nature. Karen Phelps RURAL PEOPLE » Auahi Charolais Long-established Charolais stud, Auahi Charolais, is set to disperse around 60 prized heifers on April 16. The decision, made by John Henderson, the stud’s owner with 43 years of breeding experience, is driven by the unfortunate loss of a lease block crucial for the stud’s operation and the inability to find alternative land for the valuable stock. “I’m disappointed at having to sell them. I’d love someone to come and buy them all, and then we could see the stud continue and go forward. There is a big demand for easy calving homozygous polled Charolais in the dairy world,” says John. The dispersal follows a sale last year where approximately 90 cows, including in-calf heifers and stud sires, were sold, averaging $3670. The upcoming sale is an opportunity for purchasers to acquire the offspring of carefully bred genetics that have been honed over four decades. Among the notable bulls involved in the breeding program is Silverstream Sandown, a bull John acquired for $50,000, known for short gestation, lower birth weight, calving ease, and homozygous polled traits. The upcoming sale will feature heifers in-calf to homozygous polled bull Silverstream Sandown, showcasing the proven characteristics that have made him exceptional. The sire of a lot of the heifers for sale is also a $27,000 bull called Hemmingford Maximus. “He’s proven to produce calving ease of +15, which is phenomenal for the Charolais breed. We sold some of Hemmingford Maximus’ calves last year and the reports are that people are very happy with them. They were in calf to Silverstream Sandown and some have turned out to be homozygous polled.” John and his brother Perry, driven by their childhood passion for Charolais, established Auahi Charolais in 1981. They began with a cow and two heifers purchased at a dispersal sale, gradually building up the stud using artificial insemination to source the best genetics available. The stud’s name, Auahi, is derived from the road on the family farm in Piopio, a 140ha property used to carry Charolais bulls and younger heifers. The Charolais from Auahi are renowned for their polled nature, calving ease, quick maturation, and good temperament. Farmers frequently use them to crossbreed with Hereford Friesians. The Piopio farm is owned in partnership John and brother Stuart. John is also in partnership on three dairy farms in Otorohanga milking around 850 cows with brother Perry and his wife Kate. Perry’s son Michael is a sharemilker on one of the dairy units. Michael is expected to carry on the legacy of Auahi Charolais, albeit with a smaller number of stud cows. John, passionate about the Charolais breed, emphasises his commitment to assisting his nephew in continuing the stud’s success. As the dispersal date approaches, John says farmers have a rare opportunity to acquire heifers from Auahi Charolais, benefiting from the culmination of 40 years of selective breeding and dedication to the Charolais breed. John remains optimistic about finding a new farm in the future but, as of now, is compelled to sell the stock. Sale date Tuesday 21st May end of April/EarlyMay Bulls available on farm 42 years Breeding

| 11 Reputation as a top Simmental breeder This year’s sale is scheduled for the 5th of May at the Kaikohe Saleyards. Richard Loader RURAL PEOPLE » Beef It Simmentals 5th June 2024 - Kaikohe Saleyards Contact Aaron Gubb: 021 590 915 30 r2 Simmental Bulls | Our bulls are guaranteed for structural soundness DNA tested | Fertility tested | Muscle scanned | Beef classed | EBL & BVD negative 5TH Rob Titter Farm Services Ltd Repairs on all makes & models r��er@xtra.co.nz Ph: 09 401 1774 Mobile: 027 522 6248 34 Station Road, Kaikohe. • Round & Square Hay and Silage • Cultivation, Cropping & Drilling • Maize Planting & Harvesting • Bulk Haulage • Conventional Hay • Weighbridge Services • Lime and Fert Spreading • Digger Hire Ryan and the team at RTA Contracting are proud to support Beef It Simmentals 160 Hariru Rd, Ohaeawai RD2 Kaikohe office@rtacontracting.co.nz 021 813 421 For the last five years Far North dairy and beef farmers Aaron and Bernadette Gubb have been quietly establishing a respected reputation as Simmental stud breeders, with the results reflected in the annual bull sale at the Kaikohe Saleyards. Aaron and Bernadette own and operate the Beefit Simmental stud. Last year, of the 28 two-year-old bulls and 6 autumn born yearling bulls put up for sale, three quarters sold on sale day, with the rest sold post sale. “We achieved $5500 for a couple of the twoyear-old bulls and averaged $4000, with a bit over $3000 for the yearlings,” says Aaron. “Most bulls are going to local commercial beef farms. A couple sold to other Simmental studs last year — one in Palmerston North and another in Dargaville. Some of the bulls were also sold to dairy farmers. So, we’re starting to grow our reputation and clientele.” Aaron acknowledges that while farmers with bigger herds come back every year to top up, those farmers running 50 – 100 cows might only need two bulls. “Simmental bulls have longevity and high libido with the ability to handle a high mating load. So, you only see some of the buyers every second or third year. Most of the bulls will go over commercial cross bred beef herds for hybrid vigour and the progeny finish very fast. In the Beef + Lamb Progeny Testing trials Simmentals have proven to be unbeatable with an extra 8.5% to 23.3% extra liveweight gain at weaning, and extra 10% live-weight gain at finishing and a 3% extra return on finished carcass weight.” This year’s sale is scheduled for the 5th of May at the Kaikohe Saleyards and promises to demonstrate a progressive improvement in Beefit Simmental’s offering. “We expect to put between 30 – 40 bulls up for sale. The stud is now into its 5th year so we have more bulls to select from and there’s a more even and consistent line of bulls than there has been in the past. The herd really is just starting to get to where I want it to be. We have plenty of cows to pick bulls from and we’re putting pressure on the cows themselves, culling those that are not performing. So, there’s pressure right from cow selection through to bull selection.” The placid Simmental breed has been a major part of Aaron and Bernadette Gubb’s lives. The couple had used unregistered bulls bred from their purebred Simmentals over their dairy herd for about fifteen years, before taking the opportunity to take things to another level about five years ago. “We bought an entire stud consisting of fifty cows and heifers from Peter Hill in Whangarei, along with other stud cows from disbursement sales. We’re up to about 230 pedigree cows and heifers calving this year, and breed for a structurally correct, docile animals suitable for both beef and dairy.” Aaron and Bernadette select genetics from Kerrah Simmentals. Located north of Wairoa, on the boundary of the Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne districts, Kerrah is Australasia’s largest Simmental herd and one of the leading gene pools of fully recorded Simmentals. “We bought an entire stud consisting of fifty cows and heifers from Peter Hill in Whangarei, along with other stud cows from disbursement sales.”

12 | Broadwood Charolais celebrates 40 years The Semenoffs originally ran a mixture of Angus, Hereford and dairy cross cattle and used an Angus bull to service these. Karen Phelps RURAL PEOPLE » Broadwood Charolais GLENROSSIE Beef Shorthorn and Santa Gertrudis Stud www.glenrossie.co.nz All Glenrossie bulls are guaranteed. Glenrossie bulls are TB status C10 and have all been tested and vaccinated for BVD. We aim to breed quality beef bulls with structural soundness, conformation and muscle. We want our cattle to be easy to handle, good doers that yield high amounts of good quality beef. These are the values we strive for when breeding bulls for our commercial beef producers. GET IN TOUCHWITH US! 09 4340 987 Fred: 027 4340 987 Tracy: 027 543 1045 contact@glenrossie.co.nz Glenrossie, 405 Ody Road, R D 4, Whangarei 0174 · Livestock · Logs · Water · Readymix Concrete · General Cartage 09 406 0087 | mangonuihaulage.co.nz Rising 2yr Certified Charolais bulls available Enquiries and Inspection Welcomed Please contact: Wayne and Gay Semenoff, Broadwood, Northland ph: 09 4095522 email: semenoff@outlook.co.nz Rising 2yr Certified Charolais bulls available Enquiries and Inspection Welcomed Please contact: Wayne nd Gay Semenoff, Broadwood, orthland ph: 027 272 5491 | email: semenoff@outlook.co.nz Broadwood Charolais will mark 40 years of breeding Charolais in the Far North this year. The occasion will be marked at the on farm annual sale on the 28 May. Stud owners Wayne and Gay Semenoff both came from farming backgrounds but it was not until 1980 that they entered farming purchasing their 135ha total, 125ha effective farm at Broadwood near Kaitaia. Although Wayne grew up in the area on a dairy farm he spent most of his early years working for the Bay of Islands Co-operative Dairy Company, managing the trading and merchandise departments, while Gay was a teacher. The Semenoffs originally ran a mixture of Angus, Hereford and dairy cross cattle and used an Angus bull to service these cows. It was in 1984 a friend lent them a 15/16 Charolais bull that they had finished using. The Semenoffs ran him with their herd. That selling season, 1985, they walked 28 Charolais calves the five kilometres to the Broadwood Sale Yards. Their pen of Charolais Steers topped the sale at $485 with the heifers fetching $410. “We were ecstatic,” remembers Wayne. “The calves looked wonderful and received nothing but adulation from the many spectators present.” Convinced that Charolais being colour dominant would standardise their herd they set out to source purebred bulls. Their first purebred registered Charolais bull was bought from Simca Hills and was used over the cross bred cows. Dave and Jan Mein influenced them of the benefits of belonging to the Charolais Society and they decided to start their own purebred herd of Charolais. So in 1987 they bought four purebred heifers and two in calf purebred Charolais cows at a reduction sale of Ian Taylor and John Coleman. This was the start of their Charolais herd and Coleman Farms Bernina purchased at that sale has been the nucleus of a very fertile family group within the herd. They say that becoming members of the N.Z. Charolais Cattle Society, with annual meetings being held alternately in the North and South Islands, enabled them to get a good look at the other members’ cattle and farming styles providing an insight into the bulls they had for sale. In 2010 Wayne was elected President of this society, which he served until 2015. During this time and subsequent years they travelled to three world conferences in Canada, Hungary and the United Kingdom also attending technical conferences. While a few tourist sites were visited, says Gay, more time was spent visiting farms and talking to farmers. “These were valuable experiences which have reinforced our breeding programme,” she says. Over the years they have learned a number of things are vital in establishing a good stud: a defined and accredited genetic identification system or pedigree, accurate and timely measurement of traits, good genetic links between many herds in different environments but under similar management and a credible and accurate breeding value system. “Our society exists to ensure these requirements are met and any registered bull will be backed by known pedigree and breeding value,” says Gay. At the stud’s 2024 sale on the 28 May the Semenoffs will offer some of the best genetic recorded bulls ranked by the NZ Charolais Society and welcome visitors at any time to view the animals.

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