52 | First progeny of Limehills Stardom available Situated 25 minutes from Stratford, Tawanui Farms has undergone a transformation in recent years. Karen Phelps The journey of Tawanui Herefords took an interesting turn three years ago when Janelle Downs and her husband Lance made headlines by acquiring the most expensive Hereford bull in New Zealand that year – Limehills Stardom 190156. The first progeny of this remarkable acquisition are now making their debut in Tawanui Herefords’ upcoming sale in June. Janelle says Limehills Stardom, brought with him a blend of desirable traits – low birth weight, robust growth, excellent carcass data, and a remarkably calm temperament. “All of this has really come through in his progeny and they are nice strong bulls with all the right markings. They are also insanely quiet and we can already scratch one in the paddock and we haven’t even started feeding out silage yet,” says Janelle remembering that when Limehills Stardom placidly got off the truck arriving to the farm they were able to trim off the log scraggly hair at the end of his tail in the paddock. They target average to below average birth weight, EBV, calving ease, good growth, positive fats and IMF and Herefords that can compete on the Taranaki hill country. “It’s nice to see, when you’re trying to improve and you’ve bought a bull that you think will do it, to see it flow on through and we’re certainly seeing that – better carcass, animals with good constitution. It’s exciting to see the improvement in the herd.” The sale will feature 20-30 bulls, each a testament to the success of their breeding endeavors. Tawanui Farms has a second sale each September aimed at the dairy service bull market. Situated 25 minutes from Stratford, Tawanui Farms has undergone a transformation in recent years, evolving from a large combined family operation into a more personal and dynamic enterprise. Janelle and her husband, via the family’s strategic succession planning, acquired portions of the family farm and have recently purchased a further 1418 hectares of additional land, resulting in the birth of Tawanui Farms which now spans 2,468 hectares, with the majority being in one block. The farming business comprises of 600 cows, 300 of which are commercial Angus, as well as 8000 ewes. Hogget’s are lambed and trade lambs are also purchased in addition to all progeny (cattle and sheep) finished on farm. RURAL PEOPLE » Tawanui Herefords Janelle and Lance’s children, Ellie (8), Tim (6), and Millie (4), represent the fifth generation of Hereford breeders on the home farm. “Ellie is the most enthusiastic. She is fully invested in the farm and stock and runs her own flock of sheep. Tim is our huntergatherer. He loves fishing and hunting and shot his first ten point stag recently with his uncle Lloyd.” Looking towards the future, the Downs envision building a farm that not only sustains their family but also serves as a model for excellence. “Our aim is to keep moving in a positive direction, building and growing the farm for our kids along with continuing to improve the new blocks. The new farms have tied in beautifully, and it’s an awesome achievement to have created a new station out of six farms joined together.” ELTHAM 11 Stanners Street 06 764 8305 NEW PLYMOUTH 36 Eliot Street 06 759 0105 www.schurrireland.co.nz Empowering your ideal future. Schurr & Ireland are proud to support Tawanui Herefords.
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