| 29 Fifth generation focus Sue Russell Matt and Megan Humphreys took over responsibility for the day to day operation of Wilencote Polled Hereford Stud, 30 minutes west of Gisborne at Ngatapa, five years ago, becoming the fifth generation in the family to tend the historic property. Matt’s parents Peter and Susie Humphreys stepped back somewhat in 2020, however Peter is still very much involved in bigger picture breeding decisions and is a constant source of advice and support as the young couple continue to build on the hard work of previous generations. Breeding has always been focussed on providing Wilencote’s commercial customers with well-balanced, sound, fertile, good-natured bulls, capable of working well in challenging hill country conditions. When Rural North spoke with Matt and Megan in the New Year, Matt acknowledged that the weather conditions, particularly rain-fall, had been a positive for the 420ha (390ha effective) farm. “I know compared to farmers up North at this time we’ve been very fortunate. We’ve had consistent good rain these past seven days and since the start of this year 180ml has fallen, giving us really good pasture growth. There’s plenty to eat.” The hard work and careful attention to presenting bulls in the best possible condition, culminates in the annual Wilencote Hereford Bull Sale, held on-farm in June. Asked how last year’s sale faired, compared to others, Matt says they had the best one yet, with favourable market conditions supporting very good sale values and a full clearance. “We were fortunate to enjoy a solid network of support from both existing and new clients. Our bulls offer good growth from 200,400 and 600 day weights, with a moderate birthweight, producing good easy-going cattle on the hill country. This is exactly what our clients need; the reliability that our bulls will get out their and do what they’re supposed to with minimum fuss. One of the key factors to delivering a successful rising 2 year-old sale each year is in quietly observing the behaviour of the stud cows on giving birth to their calves. Matt says its an important indication as to the temperament and mothering capability. “You want them to have a good maternal instinct. They have to respect the dogs and all these things play into our assessment of capability to do their job well as they age.” RURAL PEOPLE » Wilencote Polled Herefords / Tarangower Angus This season, Wilencote’s genetic pool has been bolstered with the addition of a fabulous bull ‘Matariki Qualifier Q361’, purchased in partnership with another leading Polled Hereford Bull Stud, Mokairau, owned by Peter and Christine Reeves, who farm on coastal property 40km’s north of Gisborne. “Matariki Qualifier came from Kaikoura and has impeccable EBV’s and Genomic data. He certainly ticked a lot of boxes; very structurally sound and really athletic. Since Megan and I have been back home we’ve been investing in proven genetics. It’s cool we’re starting to see a dividend from these decisions.” The foundation of our program is the quality of our females, with every genetic decision aimed at improving our cow herd. This year, Matt and Megan are focusing on completing genomic testing across their entire female breeding herd to enable informed selection and ongoing herd improvement. And its not all about growing very capable bulls for sale that keeps Matt and Megan busy. A 1.5ha wetland remains the focus of intense restoration efforts. Megan says a couple of native tree planting initiatives have seen a significant number of trees planted in the area, boosting its ecological value and securing its health for future generations. “We’ve been lucky to be involved in Trees That Count and Trees For Survival. We’ve had school groups come on to the property, having grown natives from seed and planted them in the wetland. It’s been wonderful to see their engagement in this activity. Last year we planted 2,500 trees with the help of these two programmes,” Megan says. While a few months away, Matt and Megan know there’s a lot of ground work to be done to create the next sale catalogue, and to present a line up of bulls they are proud of. “We really start honing in on which animals we’ll be standing up for sale and ensuring we have all the information on their lineage, their genetic and EBV values documented. As the next sale time approaches we begin to really get a feel for each year’s offering. The market is still in a strong situation, particularly as clients seek the benefits of hybrid vigour that comes from introducing Wilencote genetics into their herds,” says Matt. So, its business as usual for Matt and Megan as they look forward to another engaging, busy year, marking their stamp on a family-owned farm that’s enjoying its second century. Your Rural Insurance Specialists 0800 428 429 Farm Vehicles | Liability | Farm Assets | Livestock Proud to Support Wilencote Polled Herefords Soil Scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram is one of New Zealand’s leading experts in Agronomy. As an experienced environmental farm consultant he is commited to helping New Zealand farmers get the most out of their soil so that their farm can work more proficiently and be sustainable while still increasing the farm profitability. Proudly supporting Wilencote Polled Herefords GORDONRAJENDRAMSOILSCIENTIST.CO.NZ RAJENDRAM@XTRA.CO.NZ 021 466 077 9 KAKANUI AVENUE, HILLCREST, HAMILTON A well-earned century The property runs 200 stud cows. Karen Phelps Tarangower Angus is set to celebrate a century of breeding excellence this May, with its 80th annual bull sale promising to be more than just a commercial event. It will be a gathering that marks the stud’s 100th anniversary. “It’s amazing really. I suppose the old fellas never thought it would get this far. It’s a proud moment to have the stud going for so long,” says Rob Purdie who runs the operation with his partner Nikki. “The sale is not just about bulls; it’s a chance for the community, our clients and our family to celebrate the stud and what it represents.” The Purdie family first purchased land in Mahoenui in 1905, laying the foundation for a farming legacy that has spanned four generations. The stud was started by Rob’s grandfather Les in 1926. Originally the bulls from Tarangower were sold privately or walked to Te Kuiti, covering a distance of 66 kilometres, until around 1940. The sale tradition shifted to Te Kuiti sale yards until 1946 after which it returned to the Tarangower property becoming an annual event from 1947 onwards. Key milestones mark the stud’s long history including in 2007 when Tarangower Vice sold for $55,000 at the Nationals, the second-highest price that year. Rob says that such achievements reflect the stud’s reputation for producing cattle with strong structure, good temperament and fertility, qualities that remain as important today as they were a century ago. “The fundamentals of a good bull have not changed. They still need sound feet, strong constitution and the ability to perform on grass alone. That has always been the measure of success at Tarangower.” Located between Hamilton and New Plymouth, the property runs 200 stud cows alongside 1,100 Perendale ewes with trials in shedding sheep demonstrating the family’s openness to innovation. Bulls are carefully managed, run as a single mob from weaning until mid-June, then separated into smaller groups. Cows are expected to raise a calf each year from the age of three and any animals that fail to meet the stud’s standards are culled. The proof is in the pudding, as demonstrated by Tarangower’s 2025 sale results. With a top price of $32,000 (two stud buyers were bidding for the lot) and an average price across the sale of $11,400, the market has clearly endorsed the stud’s breeding philosophy. The centenary sale on 27th May will feature 40 rising two-year-old bulls, each representing generations of careful breeding and selection. For this year the Purdies are adding extra touches to make the occasion a true celebration, including a marquee and additional food and drink, and are expecting more attendees than ever before. Rob says the event brings together buyers and neighbours, reinforcing ties across the region and celebrating shared farming heritage. Alongside the sale of bulls, the stud markets 30-40 yearlings annually to the dairy and beef sectors by private treaty. Rob and Nikki complement each other in the running of the stud with Nikki managing marketing, bookkeeping and stud data and Rob overseeing the day to day farm operations. While succession plans are not yet finalised the family is committed to keeping the stud thriving into the future. With children Grace and Tyla already showing an interest in the business, Rob says the family looks forward to seeing how the Purdie farming legacy will develop. Proud to support Tarangower Angus Call us on (07) 873 8189 Making a positive difference in your life! Tim Jones B.Com.(Ag).C A. 83 Kio Kio Station Rd, RD4, Otorohanga Ph: 07 873 1800 Mob: 029 833 0011 Email: johnclarkcontracting@xtra.co.nz
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=