58 | Three top lines of stud yearling Angus bull Cows and calves leading up to the weaner fair. Owner Johnie McFadzean with some cows and calves in the background. Hugh de Lacy RURAL SERVICES » McFadzean Cattle Co With a breeding base of 1500 in-calf cows, farmed alongside 18,000 ewes, the McFadzean Cattle Company has the genetic grunt to offer no fewer than three top lines of stud yearling Angus bull in their annual auction, slated for September 14. The McFadzean operations are spread across four Wairarapa properties, all farmed independently but taking a joint approach to breeding. The cattle and sheep operations are based on the core herd and flock that are carried at the home property, Glenbrae. It’s there that the Macfadzean Cattle Company business began nearly half a century ago with Helen and John McFadzean building the farm area up to carry 510 cows and 4700 ewes where they raised three sons, Johnie, Lachie and Corey, and sister Tess. When John and Helen started out, the original Glenbrae farm comprised just 1620ha, but son Johnie has since added another block of contiguous land to boost it to 1820ha. Johnie and wife Laura now reside at Glenbrae, while Lachie and partner Karla live at a nearby property, Glenburn, alongside Helen and John. The 2800ha Glenburn farm was bought in 2007 and carries 680 cows, 7000 ewes and 200 hinds. Third son Corey and his wife Rosa run the 1100ha Val d’Or farm that was bought in 2021 and currently carries 240 cows and 4800 ewes. The fourth property, Ngahere, is managed by Tipi Haira and partner Charlie, and comprises 520ha carrying 180 cows, 1800 ewes, 140 stags and 140 hinds. The McFadzean family has been breeding topproducing Simmental Angus cross cattle for 45 years, travelling the country to buy top genetics so they can supply their clients with a proven product that will have an immediate impact on production yield, and also attract premiums at sale. “What we offer is three signature breeds of Angus cattle for the progressive cattle producer, bred to give instant gains on weaning weights and maternal traits,” Johnie McFadzean says. Heading the list of bull types is the McFadzean Super Angus which is seven-eighths or more Angus. They are are moderate framed hill country animal exhibiting excellent growth rates and superior muscling, plus positive fats and high IMF, backed up by strong milking and maternal traits. Then there’s the McFadzean Meat Maker, based around about a quarter or more Simmental genetics, and selected for superior weaning weights and impact on calf size, growth and muscling, high carcase yields, higher EMA scores, and also with strong milking and maternal traits. The third line is the McFadzean Cruisy Calve Angus, bred to meet a consistent demand for Angus bulls with positive calving ease, short gestation, positive for fats and good growth, and suited to heifer mating. The company will offer a total of about 80 bulls over the three types at its September auction. Inspired in part by poor strongwool returns from the Romney flock, the deer are a fairly recent addition to the company’s output, and after dabbling in venison the McFadzeans are now switching to velvet, with hinds gradually giving way to stags. SHEAR EXPERTISE LIMITED - Masterton - Paddy Mason - 06 377 0368 - 027 443 3106 Simon Dennes - 06 377 0334 - 027 443 3320 DAVE 06 375 8032 027 626 5625 SCRUBCUTTING GORSE SPRAYING TREE PLANTING
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