| 57 Matapouri Fern 0957 (National champion heifer 2010) and her 10th calf in 2020 – she is about to have her 13th RURAL PEOPLE » Tui Hills Herefords Ross recalls that when they decided to establish the stud they bought the national champion bull from the last National beef expo in 2018. “We bought ‘Mustang’ from Foulden Hill stud in Middlemarch. He was in all the publications and was just like a celebrity. Will Gibson had showed him right from an early age, he was crowned Canterbury Supreme Campion, the inter-breed Champion &won both Junior & Senior Meat & Wool cups at the Canterbury Show, a first achievement for one animal to win all these titles. Will then put him up for sale in the National beef expo Bull sale.” The circumstances of the purchase were interesting too. Having seen a series of videos prior to the sale, something about ‘Mustang’ immediately caught Ross and Schirelle’s eye. “I think it was that when the video focussed on Mustang, he turned and looked directly at the camera, as if to say, ‘look at me!’” Thinking that Mustang’s auction price would be well out of reach Ross says he couldn’t believe that when they opened the bidding that he and Schirelle would be the new owners of a this National Champion bull. “We still have him with us today, He’s produced some excellent progeny and is very special to us.” All in all Ross says he’s pleased with where he’s at with his farming journey. He and Schirelle travel with their quarter horses competing in western ranch events, roping, cutting and enjoying a common interest together. “We hope to travel to the States doing this as well. The small farm and Hereford stud along with the dogs and horses and the forestry machinery leasing business keep life busy and interesting for us.” Mustang relaxing in the paddock with Schirelle.
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