| 65 Shian Angus excited about quality bulls Russell Fredric Shian Angus stud partners Rob and Tracy Sherson are excited about the quality of the bulls they will be offering at their annual auction in June. “We’ve had a lot of success out of the bulls that we’ve been using,” Rob says. “But the son’s coming up for sale, some of them are by a Tangihua Thumper bull we paid $45,000 for, and then we’ve also got a bull we bought from KJ Angus called KJ BigMac Q324, we paid $56,000 for him,” Rob says. “There’s some pretty exciting sons coming along by those two bulls in particular, as well as by other sires. We’ve got a good new flush of bloodlines coming through.” Shian Angus is part of Shian Farms, a partnership between Brian and Sharon Sherson and their son and daughter in-law Rob and Tracy who have four young children. The farm covers 760 hectare on medium hill country 11 kilometres south-east of Taumarunui. It also runs a sheep stud which includes Romdale rams from a facial eczema tested flock and South Suffolks as well as commercial stock. Achieving genetic gains, both in running the stud and in the commercial livestock is a game of patience and requires a big investment in time and money, Rob says. While he and his father believe estimated breeding values (EBV’s) are a good tool, a structurally sound animal that has the right appearance for Rob and Brian’s breeding goals is a high priority. “Ours are not small by any means, but are more moderate framed bulls that are really well fleshed with length and muscle in all the right places, and they’re definitely passing that onto their sons. In a mob of 30 or 40 you can tell who was bred by who.” This is very satisfying, as well as confirmation that they are on the right track, but it is also a fine balance to produce progeny with good overall traits without going too far one way or another, Rob says. He is also pleased with the female progeny being bred on the stud and is looking forward to them being mated with their yearlings and to see their progeny. Shian Angus’ stock have to be able to perform well in widely varying conditions and have definitely proven they can achieve the milestone weight gains expected of them. The stud marked its 50th year last year and, although there have been a lot of changes in the RURAL PEOPLE » Shian Angus A structurally sound animal that has the right appearance for Rob and Brian’s breeding goals is a high priority. Achieving genetic gains, both in running the stud and in the commercial livestock is a game of patience. Limited 168 Totara St, Manunui 3924 Ph 07 895 8492 • Mobile 027 418 670 info@ongaruetransport.co.nz Proud to be associated with Shian Angus i i i 027 2880980 • Semen Collection • Fertility Testing • Disease Testing ViaBull Ltd cattle, the process of achieving genetic gains has been slow and steady over the decades. “One thing we have always prided ourselves on is not chasing fads or single traits. If you focus on one area of what you’re trying to do you’re going to lose it in other areas.” Rob says Angus New Zealand has done a good job of promoting the breed and the premium beef it produces and this has resulted in better overall prices for farmers. “If you go to a sale and you’ve got an Angus steer and a traditional crossed beef, there’s definitely going to be more of a premium in the market for having those top [Angus] cattle. Shian Angus’ bull sale is being held on its property on Tuesday June 4 at 11am.
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