| 23 RURAL PEOPLE » Kaimoa South Devons Preparing to showcase its finest bulls Kaimoa has 460 breeding cows including 130 stud cows. The breed’s docile temperament has proven to be a major selling point, alongside its impressive carcass attributes. Karen Phelps Kaimoa South Devon Stud is preparing to showcase its finest bulls at its annual on-farm sale with owner Mark Eagle confident the lineup will impress prospective buyers. The sale, to be held on 19 May, will feature 20 rising two-year-old bulls at the stud’s 350-hectare property on Mangaone Valley Road between Pahiatua and Eketahuna. “They are a good line up, it’s been a good growing year for us, so they should come forward in really good condition. The top bulls will weigh around 900kgs,” says Mark who runs the stud in partnership with his wife Di and son Anthony. Kaimoa’s breeding programme has introduced new bloodlines this year with fresh sires contributing to the genetic pool. The stud maintains a strong focus on sourcing premium genetics, primarily from the United Kingdom, where South Devons originated and maintain their largest population globally. “When sourcing genetics we are looking at conformation, EBVs, temperament, carcass traits and something that will enhance our breeding programme,” says Mark. The stud has a commitment to farming its animals under commercial conditions. The family’s commercial business involves fattening heifers, bulls and steers. “We breed a lot of our own animals. We know what is working for us in our commercial business in terms of genetics and breed accordingly. All our animals are only fed grass and baleage – no lollies or hard feed like other breeders do. We don’t need to. We are very much commercial based, which means what farmers see is what they get and they transfer well,” explains Mark. This approach has proven successful, with last year’s sale seeing 16 out of 17 bulls sold, achieving an average price of just under $7,000 and a top price of $11,000. Mark says the results were particularly encouraging given the challenging circumstances facing rural communities including the conversion of pastoral land to forestry. Operating across 1,450 hectares over three properties, Kaimoa has 460 breeding cows including 130 stud cows. Its bulls are particularly sought after for crossbreeding programmes. “Most buyers are looking for a South Devon to put over the likes of Angus cows to improve the hybrid vigour of the herd and get progeny that will grow out bigger,” says Mark. The breed’s docile temperament has proven to be a major selling point, alongside its impressive carcass attributes. A notable feature of this year’s offering is the predominance of homozygous polled bulls. Transport Ltd 4 Short Road, Pahiatua • Phone: 06 376 8128 Jane’s Mobile: 027 474 6227 • Dean’s Mobile: 027 444 7413 Email: fitsy.trans@xtra.co.nz We are proud to work with Kaimoa South Devons Dip.Ag., B.B.S., C.A. We give you time for the things you “The majority of our bulls now are homozygous polled, which means that even when put over a cow with horns, the offspring should be horn free,” says Mark. The upcoming sale catalogue, due to be produced in March, will provide detailed information about each bull,including scanning data and semen test results. However, Mark emphasises that the bulls continue to develop significantly between the catalogue’s publication and the sale date.
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