| 51 Angus stud prepares for 78th annual sale The core philosophy at Tarangower is to breed sound cattle characterised by good temperament. Karen Phelps Tarangower Angus Stud’s 78th annual sale of rising two-year-old Angus bulls is testament to a legacy that spans nearly a century. Established in 1926 by Les Purdie the stud has been a cornerstone of Angus breeding, evolving with time while preserving its rich heritage now with Les’ grandson Rob and wife Nikki Purdie at the helm. Rob’s family has cultivated the Mahoenui farm, located between Hamilton and New Plymouth, for nearly an impressive 110 years, providing a backdrop to the stud’s enduring commitment to excellence. Today, the farming business comprises 200 stud cows and 1100 Perendale breeding ewes, navigating the challenges of a climate characterised by wet and lengthy winters. The farm’s diversification includes a trial with self-shedding Kaahu White shedding sheep, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to wool management. The core philosophy at Tarangower is to breed sound cattle characterised by good temperament, structure, muscling and fertility. A rigorous culling process ensures that only the best genetics contribute to the stud’s legacy. Cows are expected to raise a calf annually from the age of three and any that don’t meet the stud’s stringent criteria – such as poor performing cows and any with bad temperaments or conformation problems - are culled. No supplements are fed and the herd is raised on only grass and hay. In the pursuit of continuous improvement, Tarangower Angus Stud not only selects one or two quality stud bulls each year but also focuses on enhancing its data collection without compromising the breed’s essential traits. Rob and Nikki complement each other’s skills, with Nikki handling marketing, bookkeeping and stud data, while Rob oversees the farm’s day-to-day operations. Originally, the bulls from Tarangower were sold privately or walked to Te Kuiti, covering a distance of 66 kilometres, until around 1940. The sale tradition shifted to Te Kuiti sale yards until 1946, after which it returned to the Tarangower property, becoming an annual event from 1947 onwards. The upcoming sale, scheduled for May 29, 2024, at 12 pm, will feature 40 rising two-yearold Angus bulls. The bulls are run in one mob from weaning until mid June then they are split into groups of 20-25 and carefully selected till what people see at auction 12 months later. In a unique collaboration, Tarangower Angus Stud RURAL PEOPLE » Tarangower Angus will join forces with their next-door neighbours, Rock End Herefords, to create an event that brings together two esteemed studs. Tarangower Angus Stud also sells 30-40 yearlings to dairy and beef market each year by private treaty. As the stud approaches its centenary in two years, Rob expresses a commitment to the future, anticipating a celebration of 100 years of breeding. With a part-time staff member aiding in the day-to-day operations, and two children, Grace and Tyla, actively participating in the farm life, Tarangower Angus Stud looks ahead to continue the tradition that began a century ago. Rob says the journey is not just about breeding cattle; it’s about nurturing a legacy that withstands the tests of time and remains an integral part of New Zealand’s Angus heritage. 83 Kio Kio Station Rd, RD4, Otorohanga Ph: 07 873 1800 Mob: 029 833 0011 Email: johnclarkcontracting@xtra.co.nz Tim Jones B.Com. (Ag). C A. Aaron Cornelissen BMS. C A. Making a positive di erence in your life! Call us on (07) 873 8189 Proud to support Tarangower Angus 912 Ngatarawa Road RD 1, Mahoenui 07 877 8935 | facebook.com/tarangowerangus TARANGOWER ANGUS STUD SALE WED 29TH MAY - 12 NOON
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