| 17 Embraced by the highland community The Sheldon’s sell their stock gradually, rather than having one big sale. Randall Johnston Kaipara Coast farmers Jenny and Doug Sheldon of Eadon Highland Cattle are passionate about the breed and have dedicated the last 20 years of their lives to refining their genetics onfarm and contributing to the New Zealand highland cattle community as a whole. “Back in 2005 we were looking for cattle to go in front of the sheep on the farm and I thought well, why don’t we get something different that looks good as well?” Jenny explains. “This was at a time when Highland Cattle were selling for a lot of money, but the cost was only one factor we had to consider. They like a variety of feed so they really do help to keep the farm in much very good order and that’s a big benefit.” The Sheldon’s home farm has 225 acres of soil that dries out (almost into concrete) in the sun and turns into mud in the rain, so the property is much better suited to carrying lighter animals, rather that the likes of heavy Hereford cows. The land itself runs the gamut, from near dairy-grade flats to rolling hills and steep hill country. They also have another 24.5 acre property adjoining the home farm in Kaukapakapa, about 15 km north of Helensville in North Auckland. With just over 100 highland cattle, the focus is on quality rather than quantity; they also have magna poll dorset sheep as well as calves, heifers, cows and bulls for sale. Back when they were first looking into highland cattle more than two decades ago, the Sheldon’s went to a stock agent and asked for breeder recommendations. Ian and Shirley Blanchard, who were in Karapiro in the Waipa District at the time, had none available but they put the Sheldon’s in touch with Shirley Aspinall and she was the source of their very first highland cows. RURAL PEOPLE » Eadon Highland Cattle We are a boutique Accounting firm based in the heart of Old Albany Village. In business since 1994, we are a family run business, committed to working with our clients to ensure their ventures are successful. 09 415 6701 | 09 415 6505 | 222 Dairy Flat Highway, Albany, Auckland info@freemanaccounting.co.nz | freemanaccounting.co.nz KEN S FREEMAN CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS LTD Statutory Financial Accounts & Period Reporting Tax Advice & Planning • Business Planning & Development Asset Protection • Trust Management • Small Business Support Doug & Jenny Sheldon Doug 021 938 641 jenny@eadon.co.nz 108 Kanohi Rd, Kaukapakapa, North Auckland FULLBLOOD PEDIGREE HIGHLAND CATTLE: BULLS, COWS, STEERS & HEIFERS EADON HIGHLAND FOLD EADON Highland Cattle www.eadon.co.nz Jenny says that the learning curve was not too steep in terms of looking after highland cattle and learning what they need and prefer. “They have their quirks but under the horns they are still a beef cow. The New Zealand Highland Cattle Society has been a great and a very supportive community for us to be a part of. “I remember Doug wore a (highland cattle) shirt and the moment we arrived at the A&P show in Warkworth in 2006, we were welcomed with open arms. It was absolutely brilliant and some of those people are still great friends to this day” “We have met people throughout the country and in Australia and we have found that generally most people with highland cattle are happy to chat and share their experiences, especially when you are first starting out and need some advice.” Jenny believes that retaining registered cattle and a variety of bloodlines is essential to the future of the heritage breed in New Zealand. “The bulls are always assessed after then have turned one year old, in accordance with the NZHCS rules, by three assessors, marking the bull against the 1882 breed standard, and then either offered for sale or retained for our own fold. All our Highland bulls are very placid and we see this as essential for breeding.” The Sheldon’s choose to sell their stock gradually throughout the year, rather than having one big sale – a system that works very well for them and allows them to offer a more personal and considered service. “We have highland yearlings available and some of the calves are being weaned at the moment, we never wean until they are six to eight months old. We are very careful with the genetics to make sure there is a wide spread and our animals are of a good nature. At present we have several stud bulls, some of which may be for sale. The beef from a Highland cow is very tender and the breed is becoming more popular in New Zealand with each passing year. They have both purebred and full blood highland cattle of all ages, and most have A & P Show passports. The Sheldon’s have daughters, who now live in Australia and two sons, who live nearby who give occasional help on-farm. While Doug and Jenny will likely to move to the smaller block in the next five years or so, they are just as passionate about the Highland breed and as committed to the New Zealand highland cattle community as ever. Anyone interested can check out their website, www.eadon.co.nz, where they have a suggested design for a small set of cattle yards, which are essential for anyone owning cattle, and there is also an article which explains the benefits of Highland beef.
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