Business Rural North Winter 2021

| 25 staff key focus at Hauhungaroa R2 heifers at Hauhungaroa; the farm carries 1600 ewe lambs each winter. In collaboration with Waikato Regional Council, about 180ha has been retired and fenced-off to protect waterways. RURAL PEOPLE » Hauhungaroa 2C Block: Cam Brown Another goal in introducing romney genetics into the flock was to improve wool production. “There wasn’t any focus on the wool at the time and my argument was it costs the same amount to shear two kilos off the ewe as against four kilos.” “If I can increase the wool weight and the general attributes that go with it we’re so much better off.” As a result, Hauhungaroa boosted its wool pro- duction from a total of 25 tonnes to 36 tonnes two years ago and, apart from this season, regularly makes a profit over the shearing cost. Despite wool prices being in the doldrums with little sign of a fair breeze, Cam is hopeful about the fibre’s future. “I’m a firm believer that wool will improve; there’s a huge amount of uncertainty out there, but we’ve just got to be smarter.” On the cattle side, the farm winters 250 breeding cows, plus 80 replacements which are calved as two-year-olds. Normally 100 weaners are bought in, but none were carried during the past season to reduce stock numbers. Like the sheep, the cattle breed was very mixed when Cam first came to the farm. They were also large-framed and expensive to maintain over winter so were immediately crossed with Angus which has improved market opportuni- ties. With the ongoing development of the farm there is still much unrealised potential, Cam says. “This property has got huge capabilities, we are only just starting to realise what it’s got and an emphasis on genetic gain from bulls sourced from Puke-Nui, Komako and Ruaview studs will help achieve our goal.” “When I first came here I thought it was an awesome opportunity to work with the owners and deliver the expectations that they were wanting.” Simmental and Angus Ruaview ANNUAL BULL SALE Thurs 20May 2021 on Farm 801 Raetihi Road, Ohakune. Proudly supporting Cam and his team at Hauhungaroa 2 C John & Helen Hammond Ph 06 3858 040 Mob 0274 314 992 Email john_helen@xtra.co.nz Web Ruaview.com Contact: PADDY LOWRY 0274 472 339 kiwitahi09@gmail.com Kiwitahi Romneys are farmed under commercial conditions in a TOUGH environment to PERFORM in today’s demanding economic environment. Survival — Objectively selected for low reproductive wastage and superior survival BV’s Worm Resistance — Selection through NIL drenching Wool Type — Medium micron, high bulk, colour & length. Stud ock average 7.5 kg/ssu Fertility — Stud ewes average lifetime lamb drop 190%. Replacement ewes lambed as hoggets Growth Rate — Lamb av. 31kg at 90 day weaning. — Lambs nished from 17-26kg CW Guaranteed — SILrecorded — High selection rates — Rams from top 35% only — Structurally sound — TRY before you BUY scheme available KIWITAHI ROMNEYS — “They’re active, intelligent sheep, that shift well and produce fast growing lambs that “survive and thrive” anywhere. They’re bred to make you money.”