34 | Thriving sales reflect quality breeding Mixed-age cows with calves at foot from the Matapouri breeding herd. Ian Clements (right) and son Jamie (left). Karen Phelps Originating in the heart of Matapouri Bay, the legacy of Matapouri Polled Herefords stems from a rich history of passion and dedication. Established in 1972 by the late Brian Clements and his wife Jean, the stud has grown from six cows to a formidable force in the Hereford breeding community, reaching 500 registered Hereford cows across 1,000 effective hectares, both owned and leased, between Tutukaka and Marua with everything run as one big unit. Brian and Jean’s son Ian joined the stud fulltime in 1984, and grandson Jamie, who joined fulltime in 2019, is now the third generation with an enthusiasm for the popular and versatile Hereford breed. Ian says the success of Matapouri Polled Herefords can be measured, in part, by the strategic decisions made by the family in response to market trends. In 2019, recognising the declining demand in the beef sector in Northland, the family made a significant shift, focusing primarily on supplying Hereford bulls to the dairy industry. The move was accompanied by the sale of their Charolais cattle stud, marking the end of combined Hereford and Charolais sales. Ian and Lorraine says this shift showcased not only adaptability but also a commitment to staying ahead in a dynamic industry. Navigating the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Matapouri Polled Herefords demonstrated resilience and creativity. The planned May sale was adapted into a private treaty format, which has continued to this day. “This allowed the stud to continue serving both dairy and beef clients. This flexibility in sales strategies ensured that the stud remained connected with its clients and met their needs despite the unprecedented circumstances,” he says. “The popularity of the private treaty sales has seen these continue each year. Held in the autumn it suits both the clients and the stud.” The cornerstone of the sales calendar remains the annual on-farm spring bull sale. Set for September 6th, 2024, at the Marua Road bull selling complex, Matapouri Polled Herefords will showcase approximately 130 R2 and yearling Hereford bulls. Notably, all yearling bulls included in the September sale rank in the top 25% of registered Herefords in NZ for low birth weight, underlining the stud’s commitment to providing superior genetics. RURAL PEOPLE » Matapouri Polled Herefords Ian says that the sales philosophy at Matapouri Polled Herefords is deeply rooted in the quality and the characteristics of the bulls offered. With a focus on providing bulls to the dairy sector, the stud ensures calving ease while producing calves that fetch a crossbred premium at sale yards. Ian says this targeted breeding strategy aligns with the needs of dairy farmers, positioning Matapouri Polled Herefords as a reliable source for premium genetics. The offering of both two-year-old and yearling bulls caters to a diverse clientele, covering the needs of both cow and heifer mating. The stud’s commitment to minimising calving issues is evident in its practice of calving its own heifers as twoyear-olds, adding value to the bulls it sells. Each year, Matapouri Polled Herefords successfully sells 150-200 bulls into the beef and dairy sec- 0800 96 36 36 09 433 8471 rousemc info@rousemc.co.nz www.rousemc.co.nz 38 Rewa Rewa Rd, Whangarei / Ph: 09 438 1319 salesn@piako.co.nz. / piako.co.nz / murrayb@piako.co.nz. PIAKO TRACTORS NORTHLAND LTD PROUD TO SUPPORT MATAPOURI POLLED HEREFORDS (Formerly Bryant Tractors) Sales / Service / Spares Tractors, Machinery & Spray Equipment
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