38 | Progeny of sought-after sire available Stokman Angus records every possible trait and conducts carcass scans for all carcass traits. Karen Phelps The upcoming yearling bull sale of Stokman Angus on 18 September will offer farmers the opportunity to purchase the first progeny of the highly sought-after sire, Stokman Solution S329. “I’m expecting his progeny to be popular,” stud manager Jake Stokman says of S329’s offspring. “They have definitely bred like their sire.” Selected for the Angus Australia Beef Progeny test, S329 made waves as the highest-priced semen bull in the Agri-Gene catalogue last year, selling 3,000 units in Australia. More recently LIC has contracted him for 20,000 units of semen for use in the dairy industry. “S329 is in the top percentage of almost every EBV trait and comes from an exceptional cow line,” explains Jake. “He’s been a very popular sire and has even improved from what we thought originally, with the calf data coming back now with his progeny.” This success of S329 underscores Stokman Angus’s commitment to genetic advancement through rigorous testing and data collection. Every calf at Stokman Angus undergoes Zoetis HD50K genomic testing, as well as sire and dam verification. “Data, recording, and testing are fundamental to Stokman Angus. This is so that farmers can have confidence in what they are purchasing and make informed decisions,” says Jake. This level of genetic insight has revolutionized the industry’s approach to yearling bulls. “A decade ago, people were concerned about buying yearling bulls as the data was not as reliable or proven as a two-year-old,” Jake recalls. “Genomic testing has changed the game with hugely improved accuracy.” In addition to genomic testing, Stokman Angus records every possible trait and conducts carcass scans for all carcass traits. Jake advises potential buyers to scrutinize a breeder’s records and observed traits to ensure alignment with their specific needs. With its roots in a century-old American Angus breeding tradition and a foundation built on embryos from the prestigious Sitz Angus ranch in Montana, Stokman Angus has grown and now has 360 spring and 50 autumn registered Angus stud cows. The family-run business, with Jake gradually taking on more management responsibilities alongside his parents and the dedicated stock manager Craig Moyes, continues to push the boundaries of Angus breeding. Stokman Angus’s commitment to innovation extends beyond genetics with recent investment in Halter collars for their breeding cows and sale bulls. “It’s new, but so far it’s been excellent,” says Jake. “We are looking forward to seeing extra pasture utilization and if we can increase our stocking rate or retire some steeper country but retain our existing stocking rate with less land.” The Stokman Angus sales catalogue is due for release in August and will include approximately 15 “We are looking forward to seeing extra pasture utilization and if we can increase our stocking rate or retire some steeper country.” RURAL PEOPLE » Stokman Angus sons of S329 among the 110 bulls on offer. Forty heifers from the stud’s registered herd will also be available offering buyers “a good way to increase genetic gain in their breeding herd” says Jake. “Everyone can agree, good cows produce good bulls, and we believe in the power of our cow base. When we select our AI and herd sires, we look in the pedigrees for bulls that are noted for producing outstanding females. If anyone wants to have a good starting base for their Angus herd, the heifers we are offering for sale can do the job.” With the debut of S329’s progeny and a diverse selection of high-quality bulls and heifers Jake says “there will be a bull for everyone” at the sale: “We feel the bulls this year are the most uniform and overall the best we have every offered. They are a complete package from calving ease and moderate birth weight to above average growth and carcass merit.” STOKMAN ANGUS A practical, predictable and profitable program. Next Sale Yearling Bull & Heifer Sale Wednesday 18 September at 1pm Auction to be held on farm, 1708 Te Kopia Road, Rotorua. 07 333 2446 | www.stokmanangus.com | mtkiwi@farmside.co.nz Jake Stokman 027 787 4008 Mark Stokman 027 640 4028
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