20 | The heaviest 6 to 7 month-old bulls The herd is founded on genetics from Kerrah, Rissington and Oripak is mostly naturally mated, but artificial insemination is used at times. Russell Fredric RURAL PEOPLE » Hillbrae When it comes to fast growth rates, Simmental cattle are simply unbeatable, Barry Gledhill says. Barry runs Hillbrae Simmental stud on a 140 hectare beef unit on flat to steep hill country with gullies south of Palmerston North. Farming is very much in the family’s blood. Eldest son Mark farms a 111 hectare dairy farm in Tokomaru which includes Hillbrae Friesian stud. Another son, Daniel, has a beef farm in Kimbolton while the other, Leyton, has recently purchased a dairy farm in North Otago for June 1 possession. Barry farms his block without dogs, “just a four wheel motorbike and a new knee and two hip replacements”, he says. His Simmental cattle are the heaviest six to seven month-old bulls at the Fielding saleyard every year, this year averaging 327 kilograms which is much heavier than the other breeds at the sale, Barry says. “I just think they’re the best and I top the first Fielding weaner sale every year, year after year. They are usually the biggest.” Simmentals have a reputation as well-muscled animals, long and deep-bodied with strong bone, have good temperament and high milk production. Their carcasses are significantly heavier and leaner than other European breeds, with little waste and yield a higher percentage of saleable meat. Hillbrae’s 18 month old heifers were more than 500 kilograms by the end of March this year. The herd is founded on genetics from Kerrah, Rissington and Oripak is mostly naturally mated, but artificial insemination is used at times when Proud to Support Hillbrae For all your harvesting needs Grass, Wholecrop, Maize, Stacking, Bagging, Buying & Selling, Round Bales, Hay & Baleage, Conventional Bales & Ground Work Call Murray: 021 414 227 Proudly Servicing Hillbrae’s Rural Transport Needs 06 354 9464 027 288 78 74 ruralventuresltd@xtra.co.nz John Scarlett - Owner Operator
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