42 | RURAL PEOPLE » Rimu Partnership No retirement plans for the Dittmer’s Don Dittmer on the left, Neville Clark (his auctioneer) in the middle. On the right is Ben Noller. He manages Australian stud Palgrove Charolais who Don has bought bulls in partnership with in the past. The sale bulls (below). Karen Phelps At an age when most people are well into retirement Don and Larraine Dittmer are not only running an 804-hectare farm in Taumarunui but are also preparing for their first public bull sale, marking a significant milestone in their two-decade journey of stud breeding. “We’re in our 70s now but there are no retirement plans coming up any time soon,” says Don. Having grown up on a small dairy farm in the area, Don’s agricultural roots run deep. After a 40 year career as a stock agent and selling their livestock company, he and Larraine seized the opportunity in 2000 to share farm the property of one of his previous clients, the Salmond family. The 650ha effective property includes 50 hectares of tractor country and 600 hectares of steep hill country. The farm runs just over 6,000 stock units including 3,000 Waimai Romney ewes known for their eczema tolerance. The cattle operation includes 75 Charolais stud cows and in-calf heifers, alongside 170 Angus cows and heifers that are all bred to Charolais bulls. Their crown jewel is the Rimu Charolais stud the couple established in 2001 with just seven cows purchased from Rusty McIntyre’s Waimoe Stud. “It’s been 20 odd years in the making. Rimu Charolais is only a small part of this farm but it’s more than a hobby now,” says Don. The stud has achieved remarkable success particularly through strategic bull selections. In 2014 a bull they purchased, Silverstream Holster, caught the attention of Australian breeding giant Palgrove, leading to a successful semen rights deal. We provide professional quality advice and friendly service to dairy, drystock, forestry, horticulture and rural businesses throughout New Zealand. Bailey Ingham are proud to support Rimu Partnership 18 Maniapoto Street Otorohanga 07 873 7325 41 Bank Street Te Awamutu 07 870 1888 | 29 Hakiaha Street Taumarunui 07 895 7312 info@baileyingham.co.nz | www.baileyingham.co.nz ALL BULLS USE OUR ANGUS HERD
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