22 | Set for an assembly of prime bulls Richard Loader RURAL PEOPLE » Kaimoa South Devons Transport Ltd 4 Short Road, Pahiatua • Phone: 06 376 8128 • Fax: 06 376 6644 Dean’s Mobile: 027 444 7413 • Email: fitsy.trans@xtra.co.nz We are proud to work with Kaimoa South Devons Kaimoa South Devon Stud’s annual on-farm bull sale, traditionally held on the second to last Monday in May, is as much a community event as it is a gathering of keen buyers and an assembly of prime bulls in the ring. That reflects the wonderful spirit of annual onfarm bull sales around the country. “Sale day is all about putting your best bulls on show for people to look at, and the pleasure of catching up with people you don’t see as regularly as you would like because of where they live around the country,” says Mark Eagle, who in partnership with his wife Di and son Anthony owns the well-established stud in Tararua. “It not only reflects the hard work that the family all puts in, but it’s also about the team around us including my mother who always helps out with the food. It’s also an opportunity for the wider community to come along after the sale and enjoy a drink and a catch-up. It’s is a great community day really.” On offer this year at the Eagle’s 350ha property on Mangaone Valley Road, between Pahiatua and Eketahuna, will be 20 R2 bulls including some new blood from new sires in the stud. “We think that people will be impressed with the docility of the bulls along with the scanning data. All bulls have been semen tested, they have a good carcass and conformation. Most buyers are looking for a South Devon to put over the likes of Angus cows to improve the hybrid vigor of the herd and get progeny that will grow out bigger. There will be a number of ‘standout’ bulls that buyers should look out for on the day. Because the bulls are still growing so well, it is surprising how they can develop between now and when the sale catalogue is produced in March. We expect the top end to be in the mid 800kg range.” One of the quietest of the cattle breeds, the South Devon’s temperament is one of the major plusses, along with carcass attributes. They are also good for cross breeding, explains Mark. “The majority of our bulls now are homozygous polled, which means that even when put over a cow with horns, the offspring should be horn free. Most of our genetics are sourced from the UK, because that’s where the breed originated from and still has the biggest population of South Devons in the world. Some of our genetics are sourced locally — again looking at conformation, EBVs, temperament, carcass traits and something that will enhance our breeding programme.” Of the 19 bulls offered for auction last year, 17 sold, averaging just under $7000 and a top price $10,500. The South Devon’s temperament is one of the major plusses. “We were pretty pleased with that result, given the outlook in the rural communities is not as good as it once was, particularly with more and more good pastoral land being taken up with pine tree plantations, and how many sheep and cattle that is taking out of our farming communities. That has a real flow on effect and will continue to do so for future years.” MONDAY MAY 20, 2024
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