12 | Beef Shorthorn and Santa Gertrudis studs Asked why Santas are in demand, David explains they have a natural disposition to enjoy hot conditions. Sue Russell RURAL PEOPLE » Glenrossie A kind winter followed by a great spring is delivering on the weather-front for fourthgeneration Northland farmer David Ody. Glenrossie is home to Beef Shorthorn and Santa Gertrudis studs, established back in the late 60’s early 70’s. The latter especially is not a well established breed in this country, however David says their impact when cross-bred is substantial. “There’s only one other main breeder in Middlemarch and a few small breeders left and sadly the Santa Gertrudis Breeders Association has folded with two or three older breeders having either sold their farms or got out of the stud business,” David explains. This year’s bull sale at the end of June went very well he says. Demand for Glenrossie genetics continue to remain strong, with the majority of rising two-year-old bulls sold to Northland farmers. All the Santas sold and all the Shorthorns bar one. Given the very small number of Santa Gertrudis breeders now, obtaining new genetics is really challenging David says. With a stud herd of Santas standing at 30 there’s not enough natural genetic variation. David says feedback from buyers is the bulls are doing the job well. A number of clients have relatively small herds and tend to purchase fresh genetics every second or third year. Asked why Santas are in demand, David explains they have a natural disposition to enjoy hot conditions. The breed eminates from Texas where very hot is the normal order of the day. “They are extremely good doers and are very free moving, easily moving 15km in a day in places like Australia where food and water can be in short supply.” For the purposes of cross-breeding Santa Gertrudis bulls when mated to any other breed of cow deliver substantial conformation and weight benefits to calves at weaning time. Another benefit is that there is a much higher ratio of lean beef, sought after by consumers these days. David’s herd of Santa Gertrudis cows have been fully registered since the late 90’s. Both Shorthorn and Santa Gertrudis heifers are run on the hills on 485 ha Glenrossie Farm, 40 minutes drive east of Whangarei on the Whangarei Heads. The stud Shorthorn cows are wintered in the farm’s dry rocky volcanic mountain which rises 800ft above sea-level. David and wife Tracy each work full-time on the farm and they employ a young cadet sourced through the local A & P Association. When Rural North spoke with David in November they had welcomed their second cadet through the initiative. “The training they undertake is a very good one, working on-farm four days a week and in class on Mondays. The programme is only run from Whangarei but should be expanded further”. Taking on a cadet, David reflects, is quite a commitment, especially in the early days. “They are doing everything for the first time, however it doesn’t take long for cadets to find their feet. It’s our way of contributing to the future of the industry. Our cadet is very keen and has worked on Saturdays when needed. All she wants to do is farm. We’re looking forward to having her on the farm for another year which will give her a really good grounding.” A new stock management plan, introducing ‘nudie’ rams to the romney flock is in its infancy. The plan is to put the rams over the two-tooths. With a very depressed wool market David is hoping this will substantially reduce the need for shearing. “These rams have been around Northland for a couple of years with good reviews. After 40 years of breeding romneys its quite a big decision, however we think it’s certainly worth trying and see what results we produce. Our sheep, over the years have been bred for natural tolerance to eczema and worms.” As a long-established family farming enterprise Glenrossie carries a proud history in the region and a strong reputation represented by very positive annual sales. “Having had such a good season to date, following what was an awfully wet one the year before, we’re very satisfied with how the farm and stock are producing.” GLENROSSIE Beef Shorthorn and Santa Gertrudis Stud www.glenrossie.co.nz All Glenrossie bulls are guaranteed. Glenrossie bulls are TB status C10 and have all been tested and vaccinated for BVD. We aim to breed quality beef bulls with structural soundness, conformation and muscle. We want our cattle to be easy to handle, good doers that yield high amounts of good quality beef. These are the values we strive for when breeding bulls for our commercial beef producers. GET IN TOUCHWITH US! 09 4340 987 Fred: 027 4340 987 Tracy: 027 543 1045 contact@glenrossie.co.nz Glenrossie, 405 Ody Road, R D 4, Whangarei 0174 • Fertiliser & Lime Spreading • Fencing • Post Ramming Agricultural Contracting 22 - 27 Stonehoven Drive RD8, Whangarei 027 247 6221 Mobile
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