| 23 Gabrielle forces plan B for bull sale Sue Russell Speaking with Forbes Cameron, in the wake of cyclone Gabrielle, painted a good picture of what that experience was like and its impact on Ngaputahi Station in the picturesque Pohangina Valley, north of Feilding. Low-lying land on Coal Creek and the Pohangina River has either eroded away or been covered up to a metre in sand. “Well, we’ve lost the bridge so it takes me 25 minutes to drive around from where I live to the main farm,” is how Forbes sums up part of the experience. Forbes has been farming since the 1960’s and Ngaputahi Station, which actually comprises several different properties runs as one farm, except 153ha at Aokautere which is being used exclusively for cattle finishing. The station extends, with some lease land, around 2000ha with approximately 1700ha effective. It is home to 6000 ewes and 600 breeding cows, plus a large number of young stock. Stock includes two sheep studs: Romney and Growbulk, an Angus stud plus 50-60 Salers cows. “We’ve gone with the Angus breed because there’s such a huge genetic base worldwide. If you’re trying to improve a particular trait you should be able to do that relatively easily.” Angus come with other benefits too, given the no-nonsense approach Forbes, and son Angus adopt to how their stock are expected to perform. All stock at Ngaputahi, regardless of pedigree or breed, are treated commercially and expected to perform under pressure with the cream rising to the top. “To us, its all about efficiency and profitability, with the superior genetic package allowing progeny to excel.” For heifers to enter the stud herd they must have good EBVs, above average docility, be structurally sound, and in-calf at 16 months. To be retained they must remain sound, annualy rear above-average calves unassisted, with built-in carcass traits. That is, breed average to positive fats and above breed average for EMA and IMF. It’s also important for stud cows on hill country to have a medium mature weight. In the past the quality of Ngaputahi sheep and beef has been nationally recognised with multiple wins in the Glammies and Steak of Origin competitions. “We’re very particular about the quality of our meat.” The Angus bull sale has taken place on the second Monday in June the previous four years. The sale has been held in a local hall but with Gabrielle destroying the bridge and the bull sale display area this year will be plan B. RURAL PEOPLE » Ngaputahi Station “At this stage the bull sale is set to be held at our main cattle yards Monday June 12th. Follow Ngaputahi Station on Facebook for 2023 sale updates.” Around 40% of the bulls born pass all the necessary criteria to make the cut for the sale. They have to pass structural assessment, docility and good EBVs. At last year’s Bull sale, prices averaged about $9,000. “The 150ha cattle finishing block, in Aokautere 30kms away, was bought to demonstrate the premiums achievable with the correct beef genetics. And it’s fair to say the extra 10-12k per unit load of steers or heifers is enough to pay for your next bull.” Assisting on the farm full-time are six hard working employees who are much appreciated. Lambing and calving is a busy time where all stud progeny are weighed and recorded at birth with appropriate comments on phenotype, docility, udder and teat placement and mothering ability. For Forbes, farm responsibilities extend over seven long days every week, a situation he is happy with. “I never really get off the farm.” And just as the cattle are expected to perform, the same applies to the sheep; having to do everything by themselves. NZ Wide Accredited Transport - Proud to Support Ngaputahi Station - www.timcoombsdeerandstock.co.nz • P: 027 444 1937 • E: coombs@vetta.net.nz For advice you can trust, give the purebreds of agri-accounting a call on 0800 356 5511 or email Ryan Ayers at ra@bennettcurrie.co.nz Bennett Currie is proud to provide first class accounting and administration services to Ngaputahi Station for over 15 years 502 Main Street, Palmerston North www.buildingbestbusiness.co.nz Ngaputahi’s annual Angus bull sale is set to be held at the station’s main cattle yards on Monday June 12
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