86 | Stud prepares for its 79th bull sale The core philosophy at Tarangower is to breed sound cattle with a good temperament, structure, muscling and fertility. This year’s sale, set for 28th May, promises to raise the bar even higher. Karen Phelps When Rob Purdie’s grandfather established Tarangower Angus Stud in 1926 he could hardly have imagined that almost a century later his legacy would be thriving in an era of precision genetics and digital farming. Yet as the stud prepares for its 79th annual bull sale this May it’s clear that some things - like the pursuit of excellence - never change. “A good bull today needs the same fundamentals as it did in my grandfather’s time,” says Rob Purdie, Les’ grandson who runs the operation with his partner Nikki. “Sound feet, good temperament and the ability to thrive on grass alone.” The proof is in the pudding, as demonstrated by Tarangower’s 2024 sale results. With a top price of $15,000 (Lot 6, which headed off to Mt Mable Angus Cattle) and 32 out of 35 bulls finding new homes at an average of $8,771, the market has clearly endorsed the stud’s breeding philosophy. This year’s sale, set for 28th May, promises to raise the bar even higher. Forty carefully selected rising two-year-old bulls will go under the hammer, each one representing generations of sound breeding decisions. The lineup features progeny from industry-leading sires including Oregon P129 and Turiroa 20R440, marketed alongside neighbours Rock End Herefords in what’s becoming one of the region’s premier bull-buying events. Tarangower Angus Stud also sells 30-40 yearlings to dairy and beef market each year by private treaty. Located between Hamilton and New Plymouth, the Purdie’s property runs 200 stud cows alongside 1,100 Perendale ewes, with a trial of shedding sheep showcasing the Purdies’ willingness to embrace change when it makes sense. The stud’s history reads like a chronicle of New Zealand farming. From the days when young bulls walked 66 kilometres to sale at Te Kuiti, to today’s sophisticated on-farm auctions, Tarangower has evolved while staying true to its founding principles. Modern record-keeping and marketing might have replaced the handshake deals of yesteryear but the fundamentals remain unchanged. The core philosophy at Tarangower is to breed sound cattle characterised by good temperament, structure, muscling and fertility. A rigorous culling process ensures that only the best genetics contribute to the stud’s legacy. R2 heifers are mated for one month and from the age of three years cows are expected to raise a calf annually. Any that don’t meet the stud’s stringent criteria – such as poor performing cows and any with bad temperaments or conformation problems - are culled. Bulls are run as a single mob from weaning until mid-June then split into smaller “Successful farming isn’t done in isolation.” ON FARM » Tarangower Angus Tim Jones B.Com. (Ag). C A. Aaron Cornelissen BMS. C A. www.osbornesca.co.nz Making a positive di erence in your life! Call us on (07) 873 8189 Proud to support Tarangower Angus
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