18 | Aiming to increase ewe production Recent lambing has seen steady performance, but Chris is determined to lift lambing percentages. Bernadette Cooney RURAL PEOPLE » Iwinui Titirangi Stations The introduction of Coopworth rams to its Romney flock of two tooth ewes is expected to increase ewe production rates for Gisborne’s Iwinui and Titirangi Stations, which form part of Hanui Incorporation farms, alongside Pukemaewa and Seaview in Tolaga Bay. Under General Manager Chris Torkington, these farms run a diversified operation with sheep, cattle, and citrus covering 27000 hectares (2300 effective). At their peak, the stations manage around 25,000 stock units, including 6,500 Romney breeding ewes, 2,200 hoggets, and 600 AngusHereford breeding cows. Their output is impressive, finishing 18,000 lambs annually, alongside buying 9,000 trading lambs for fattening. “We’re also running 500 Friesian bulls with all progenies carried through to two years. Cull heifers are sold as yearlings, while bulls are finished entirely,” says Chris. Recent lambing has seen steady performance, but Chris is determined to lift lambing percentages beyond the current average of 143%. “We’ve been addressing deficiencies in B12 and copper in the ewes and managing challenges like campylobacter this season which affected our survival rate a little bit, but overall, it’s been pretty good.” To enhance performance, Coopworth rams have been introduced to their Romney flocks, yielding promising results in the two-tooth ewes. “The Coopworth cross brought fertility and mothering ability. They scanned well and lambed well but their condition during lambing has been tougher to maintain. We’ll refine this system to create a three-quarter Romney, quarter Coopworth mix,” he adds. “The market outlook is promising, with lamb prices starting to lift a little but the store market has been so high, and we have a good amount of feed, so we’re probably going to maintain our own bred lambs and take them to heavier weights,” says Chris. The cattle operation has seen steady performance with a consistent 93% scanning rate and robust calf survival. Last season, they welcomed approximately 580 calves. “We’re focusing on Gisborne-bred Angus-Hereford genetics, aiming for strong, high-performing Angus Hereford progeny,” says Chris. “Some of our older studs have seen lifts in their average sale price, so we need to purchase a few more reliable bulls, but there are some pretty strong store markets out there at the moment, so we’re going to wait and put more weight into the cattle we already have on, rather than rushing into store markets.” Strategic decisions around calving paddocks and feed management are helping to mitigate challenges posed by long, wet winters. Weather challenges, including heavy rain following Cyclone Gabrielle, had impacted pasture and livestock health. “Despite this, our lamb weights at weaning are climbing, averaging 36–37 kg.” Beyond livestock, the farms feature a 14-hectare citrus orchard bought with Seaview Station five years ago. Navel oranges and mandarins harvested in summer, add further diversification to the Hauiti Mike Wilson | p: 021 331 140 e: mike@gisborneheliworx.co.nz www.gisborneheliworx.co.nz SERVICING THE GISBORNE & EAST COAST REGION Specialising in Agriculture Application More than 15 years experience CALL HAMISH 027 410 0881 Stations farming portfolio. Support from Hanui Incorporation shareholders and the board has been crucial, following some tough years, but it is rewarding to exceed earlier results and focus on lifting production says Chris. As summer unfolds, Iwinui and Titirangi Stations are well-positioned to tackle seasonal challenges while driving growth.
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