34 | Marking 60th anniversary this year The 2023 sale achieved an average price of $5500, with nine out of ten bulls sold. In 2024, five bulls were sold at an increased average price of $6500. Bernadette Cooney RURAL PEOPLE » Morton Shorthorns Morton Shorthorns, a Katikati-based Shorthorn Stud, is set to mark its 60th anniversary this year, celebrating 60 years of breeding Shorthorns for commercial beef farmers and other studs. While the herd is relatively small, with around 50 breeding cows, it is highly intensive, also rearing about 140 calves annually. The Morton Family have dedicated years to improving the breed, sourcing genetics from Australia to maintain high standards. The Morton family began importing Sprys Shorthorn embryos in the late 1990s, with Sprys Prophet Muriel becoming a cornerstone of their breeding program. “Shorthorns are one of the oldest breeds in New Zealand, having come out with Samuel Marsden,” says Craig Morton. “Today they have evolved to produce structurally correct bulls with high IMF and EMA traits. They bring to the herd a docility and fertility and milking ability that makes Shorthorns excellent for crossbreeding, particularly with Angus and Hereford herds.” Craig and Maree Morton use Shorthorn bulls over a Friesian base cow herd and rearing about 140 Shorthorn Friesian cross calves annually. In recent years Craig has introduced new genetics from Futurity Shorthorns, one of New South Wales most respected breeders. “We imported embryos by Futurity Kokoda four years ago and have successfully bred bulls and heifers from this line,” says Craig These new genetics bring enhanced IMF traits and structural soundness, offering buyers a fresh selection of bloodlines at the Morton’s 60th anniversary, of breeding Beef Shorthorns at the 11th annual on-farm bull sale scheduled for Thursday 22nd May. “There will be 12 to 14 Raising 2yr Shorthorn Bulls for purchase at our sale.” Buyers can expect bulls with quiet temperaments, strong structural integrity, and desirable IMF and EMA traits,” he says. In previous years, the sale has seen strong results. The 2023 sale achieved an average price of $5500, with nine out of ten bulls sold. In 2024, five bulls were sold at an increased average price of $6500, reflecting the quality of the herd. By consistently integrating new genetics, Morton Shorthorns ensures that each year’s offering includes a variety of top-tier bulls. All top picks by Craig are DNA Sire verified for the sale. These Bulls can be used in studs knowing that they are Sire verified. “We get buyers from all around, but Gisborne would be the biggest place for us,” says Craig. “Over the years we have sold a number of Bulls into the Chatham Islands.” Morton Shorthorns offer personalised service and enjoy long standing relationships with their clients. They guarantee all their bulls, ensuring replacements if an animal does not perform to expectations. Spanning sixty hectares, the farm has remained in the Morton family since 1887, carrying on a legacy of excellence in Shorthorn breeding that first began in the 1960’s. Founded by Ken and Betty Morton and originally known as Orena Stud, Craig is the fourth-generation caretaker of the business. As the 2025 sale approaches, Morton Shorthorns remains dedicated to breeding excellence and providing top-tier bulls to commercial beef and dairy farmers as well as Beef Stud Farms. Phone Earl Mathers 022 427 1618 madmathers@hotmail.com MATHERS CONTRACTING Agricutural Contractor for all your digger, hay & silage requirements Proud to support Morton Shorthorns SHORTHORNS Morton 11th ON FARM BULL SALE THURSDAY 22nd MAY – 60 Years of breeding Shorthorns. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mortonshorthorns | Contact: Craig - 021 520 244
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