| 33 RURAL PEOPLE » Lowridge Simmentals Simmentals breed of choice for family Sue Russell Karl Farrell, from Lowridge Simmentals near Mangaweka, Central North Island, knows why Simmentals are the breed of choice at his stud. “There’s nothing to match them for growth, docility and the hybrid vigour you get is second to none.” Karl’s Grandparents, Colin & Catherine Hutching, were some of the rst people to start to breed Simmentals and the family have remained true to the breed ever since. The registered herd of about 50 cows has served the business well, with Karl selling 18 month old bulls through private treaty agreements. This season, however he’s made the decision to shift to selling yearlings by auction in October, given the farm is a breeding block rather than a fattening farm. “I nd it dif cult to add considerable weight and condition past a certain point.” This year’s sale is due to take place in October. The farm, which Karl leases from his parents, Rob and Marianne, today carries 50 calving stud cows plus replacement heifers, 1400 ewes and 400 hoggets. There are two lease blocks which run 250 Angus cows calving to a Simmental bull plus 4000 ewes and 1200 hoggets. The highest elevation on the farm reaches 700m above sea level. The farm experiences all weather, from snow, to dry so the cattle need to be capable of looking after themselves. “We used to be summer safe but no longer. We have very steep hills that can be prone to erosion in severe rainfall.” Karl’s farming policy is tailored around everything going at weaning, reducing stock down to wintering numbers. As he says ‘you have to farm for the country you have got’. The farm is now operating at a size and scale that works for its situation. Karl says that the farm’s Romney sheep take up about 90% of the stock work. “Romney are de nitely best suited for our country.” When Rural North discussed his farming in early February, the main shear had just nished. And when opportunity presents Karl maintains interests off the farm. Rugby has played a big part of his life and he is currently club captain of Utiku and Old Boys Rugby Club based in Taihape. “I also enjoy Dog trialling. We have about 18 dogs at home between my partner and myself and there’s a lot of training involved to have a trial dog. The home farm is at Managaweka with the Stud and lease blocks situated near Mataroa west of Taihape. Assisting Karl on the farms is partner and shepherd Michaela Hayes. Asked how he gains a sense of which bulls will meet the standard Karl says it comes down to experience and just a good feel for what the calf will develop into. “You can tell when they are a couple of months old; certain bulls stand out and then at weaning you get a sense. I put up between 10 and 15 bulls for sale and I’m fortunate to have a lot of mates who are keen on buying them.” Karl also maintains the sale price at about the same each season – $4000 or thereabouts. He nds the private treaty sale process has worked well, with a reserve price in place for each bull but for fairness to buyers he is going to try selling by auction in 2022. He also enjoys calving time and checks on them every day. “I don’t intervene as Simmentals are very good mothers.” His breeding policy is to produce progeny which is of moderate birth weight, docility and high growth rates. “The bulls get used in challenging commercial situations and need to produce calves that thrive in that environment.” Calving takes place later than in other districts, just to give the calves a good chance of growing well with plenty of grass available. Simmentals are a well-established breed in New Zealand. They’re respected and liked for their consistent performance, their gentle disposition and their ability to thrive in situations where the approach is very much ‘hands off’. For Karl, having his own Simmental stud, to complement the other income sources of the total farming business, is a real positive. “I have a lot of time for them and wouldn’t be with any other breed. I have enjoyed building up my herd to the high performing herd it is now.” Taihape Honda Proud Supplier to Lowridge Simmentals 06 388 1211 89 Hautapu Street, Taihape sales@taihapehonda.co.nz w w w . o t o r o h o n d a . c o . n z Enough Veterinary Excellence to Fill Your Gumboots! 24 hours a day, 7 days aweek! Here at Taihape Veterinary Services we pride ourselves on a ordable, high quality care for your livestock, working dogs and pets. Emergency Contact: 06 388 0863 • 24-hour service Proud to be supporting Lowridge Simmentals 06 388 0863 / Fax 06 388 0657 taihapevets@xtra.co.nz Karl Farrell’s breeding policy is to produce progeny of moderate birth weight, docility and high growth rates.
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