| 37 “Hemingford Uncharted exhibits excellent temperament, muscling, carcass traits and low birth-weight.” Stilton(S197) from the Silverstream 2023 sale. Photo by Ben doubleday. RURAL PEOPLE » Te Pukerakau Stud Charolais beginning calving around 20 September and the Herefords on 1 September. Charolais bulls are also run over dairy-cross cattle in the commercial herd, producing top-weighted weaners and calves that finish well. The Hereford stud aims to produce cattle suitable for heifers and beef, retaining the calving ease inherited from the Ardo herd while prioritising growth and efficiency. “They are a very efficient user of grass. I get good weight gains with my Hereford cattle and they hold condition through the winter as they have a lot of fat on their back,” says Campbell. Cows are mobbed into large mobs post mating and then expected to work hard amongst themselves. During mating the majority are single sire mated so Campbell can keep track of genetic lines though commercial mixed age Herefords are mated in a big mob of about 120. Around 20 Hereford bulls are sold each year, bred both from the stud and from sires sourced elsewhere, and around 30 Charolais bulls. Campbell hopes to eventually have a 50:50 split between commercial and stud cattle. “The commercial element is important so I’m always testing myself. That’s where I get my best information as to how the animals are performing in a commercial environment,” he explains. “Supplying ANZCO allows me access to dressing-out percentages, providing valuable data to inform breeding decisions. Every animal needs to finish before its second winter as heavy clay soils and long wet winter don’t mix so the goal is fast finishing cattle.” He says Te Pukerakau Stud remains focused on calving ease, growth, muscling and carcass traits, with mixed-age cows mated together and grazing managed carefully to leave strong residuals. “We have a long winter and a wet spring so it’s a challenging climate and a good test for the herd,” says Campbell. Currently a member of NZ Herefords and the New Zealand Charolais Association, Campbell sells bulls by private treaty, with potential for an on-farm sale in the future. Jason Sutherland - 027 465 5927 | jason@bushengineering.co.nz MACHINERY REPAIRS CERTIFIEDWELDING CERTIFIEDTRUCK REPAIRS HYDRAULIC HOSES MACHINING FOLDING & BENDING NEWTRUCK DECKS LINE BORING CNC PLASMA CUTTING 4X4 HI-AB TRUCK STEEL, STAINLESS & ALUMINIUM STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING Annual Yearling Bull Sale 9thOctober 2026 Forbes Cameron 027 529 4050 | Angus Cameron 027 299 1350 Winter Angus Bull Sale Monday, 8th June
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