36 | Lifelong connection to the family property The bull Hemingford Uncharted out among the heifers. Karen Phelps RURAL PEOPLE » Te Pukerakau Stud Te Pukerakau Stud in Eketahuna is a multigenerational project, says owner Campbell Lawrence. “To secure my children’s future in farming I am dedicated to cultivating an exceptional herd that they can choose to inherit later in life if they wish,” he says. Raised on the farm, Campbell has maintained a lifelong connection to the family property, which has expanded over the years. Converted to dairy from sheep and beef when he was eight, the farm operated in that system for over two decades. After completing a building apprenticeship, Campbell returned to the farm 15 years ago and has remained ever since. The 472-hectare property, of which 425 hectares are effective, is owned by a family trust and leased by Campbell who is in his eighth season. The farm supports a herd of approximately 240 commercial cattle, predominantly Herefords, alongside a stud of 60 pedigree Herefords. There are approximately 100 Charolais that are currently mostly commercial, though some DNA will be sent this year to start developing about half of them to a pedigree status therefore giving them breed plan EBVs. Four Charolais animals have already achieved pedigree status. When his father Jet Lawrence was farming there the property was called Hillwood Farm. Te Pukerakau Stud, named after the Maori term for ‘woody hill’, was formed in 2022, although Campbell has been breeding Charolais for eight years. He credits Anna Fisher from Silverstream Charolais for guiding him through the breed-up process, helping to shape the stud’s direction. His selection process focuses on bulls suitable for yearling heifers while also capable of mating across the herd. The Charolais cattle, mated as yearlings to calve at two years, must produce a live calf to remain in the herd. Campbell only selects polled heifers for replacements, which means he has a good strong polled herd. “My expectation for my stud cows is that they are a strong female that can be retained in the herd for breeding purposes.” A standout acquisition last year was Hemingford Uncharted, one of New Zealand’s top-priced bulls. “He exhibits excellent temperament, muscling, carcass traits and low birthweight for ease of calving. He’s definitely a bull I am looking forward to seeing make an impact on the herd.” 06 323 0309 | tractors@trctractors.co.nz Charles 027 224 7678 | Logan 027 224 7679 | Lewis 027 224 0403 • Tractor & Machinery Sales • Side by Sides Wh tever your business nd ccounting needs, get in touch tod y. Cheri Henricksen B.B.S., C.A. Senior Associ te We’ll help drive your business forw rd
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