| 41 A strong legacy of quality genetics The Johnsons maintain rigorous genetic selection. Karen Phelps Last year marked the first on-farm sale for Orere Angus in what is going to be a regular event. The 2024 sale on June 24th will once again showcase the stud’s carefully bred genetics as Ben and Kylie Johnson offer 18-20 rising-two-year-old bulls to the market. Ben says the bulls will be the last lot sired by Turiroa Ragnar P224 and also sons of Kaharau P412 and Turihaua R87, the heifermating specialist. Situated 45 minutes southwest of Gisborne in the Pehiri district, the Johnsons’ farm spans 1175ha total, 1050ha effective, after the recent acquisition of an additional 440ha. The difference is made up of native bush and regenerating scrub with 25ha in a QE2 covenant. The diverse landscape ranges from flats to medium to steep hill country, showcasing a balance of north and south-facing slopes and an annual rainfall of 1000-1200mm. It was in 2017 that Ben and Kylie purchased the family farm from Ben’s parents, Lee and Maria. That same year they also established Orere Angus, starting with 20 cows purchased from the dispersal of the Alpine Angus herd. Fast-forward to the present, and their stud has expanded to include 100 registered cows. Ben and Kylie have a clear breeding philosophy, formulated from their experience as commercial farmers. They are aiming to produce traditional East Coast cattle - moderate in size, robust in meat and RURAL PEOPLE » Orere Angus bone, structurally sound, and emphasising fertility and maternal traits. For stud sires, the Johnsons target genotypic traits that are middle-of-the-road, avoiding extremes. The emphasis is on breed-average birth weight and calving ease, coupled with growth EBVs and good milk production. Phenotypic traits contribute 80% to the selection process, ensuring the bulls look right and exhibit soundness. Beyond the stud, the Johnsons maintain rigorous genetic selection for their commercial herd. The top bull calves are offered at the Matawhero weaner fair and the rest carried through to 18 months old and sold as stores. Running alongside the Orere stud cows are 300 commercial Angus cows and 4500 Romney ewes. The aim is to finish all of the sheep at an average of 18kg carcass weight. The Johnsons have three children, Lachlan 18, Natalie 16, and Sophie 13, who all enjoy the rural life. Ben’s father Lee was working full time on the farm but has recently retired and the farm will employ a stock manager to take charge of the commercial side of the operation. Before Cyclone Gabrielle the Johnsons had refenced much of the farm but the cyclone wrecked havoc on fencing and tracks so they are in the process of repairs. Ben estimates it will take three to four years to get the farm back to where it was. All flat land had a layer of silt they will re-grass this autumn. But the land is starting to regenerate as nature takes over once more with slips already covered in new grass. SECOND ANNUAL Monday 24 June 2024, 9am Turiroa Ragnar P224 Kaharau P412 Turihaua R87 Orere Q28 Call us on 06 868 7200 Cartage of livestock, fertilizer,general farming supplies citrus, apples, and kiwifruit. James 027 3167590or068388776 Jamie 0276709899 triplej1916@gmail.com Sheep&CattleScanning TripleJ isyour one-stop-shop for all your bovineandovine ultrasoundpregnancydetectionneeds. Based inWairoa,we proudlyservice thewiderHawkesBayandEast Cape regions. Trusted byOrereAngus
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