54 | New bull an exciting addition to stud Their most recent prized bull was purchased from Koanui Polled Herefords in 2023, Koanui Oropi S386 (left). Bernadette Cooney Sarona Herefords is a family-owned and operated registered Hereford stud nestled in the hills of Ohauiti, overlooking the sea views of Tauranga. Established in 2016, Sarona consists of 85 registered cows and R2 Heifer replacements farmed on 80 hectares of rolling to steep country. Sarona Herefords is managed by Matt Hey. Although he does not come from a farming background, Matt has fond memories of growing up on a rural property and visiting his late grandparent’s small sheep and beef holdings. Before establishing the stud, Matt worked as a chef predominately in Auckland and the UK before returning to NZ and working in a boutique restaurant in Mount Maunganui. A change of ownership at the restaurant, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, spurred Matt to make the switch to farming, which has always been his ambition. Matt focuses on breeding low-to moderatebirthweight yearling bulls with high calving ease and negative gestation, excellent carcass quality and growth combined with a quiet temperament, well-marked and fertility-tested bulls. In recent years, Matt has tried to bring in more intermuscular fats. “So, more IMF and EMA, rib and rump fats,” says Matt. ON FARM » Sarona Herefords “We aim to produce bulls suitable for both dairy and beef operations.” Their most recent prized bull was purchased from Koanui Polled Herefords in 2023, Koanui Oropi S386. Oropi is structurally sound and has an excellent phenotype. “As a stud, we are excited to see how he performs within the herd. We believe he has much to offer going forward,” says Matt. Matt AI’s the majority of his herd in October by synchronisation, following up with single sires. “With successful scanning, we only had one empty in the mature cow mob, which is pretty good.” Matt has managed to shorten the calving window to six weeks, calving from mid-July. His last calving season produced 30 yearling bulls for sale this year. “I was really pleased with them and, in fact, have pre-sold 20 of them, predominantly to the commercial dairy sector.” Matt welcomes bull-viewing anytime; their bulls are on the market through private treaty from September onwards. He also maintains an active Facebook presence for the stud, sharing updates on their bulls and day-to-day operations with their followers. They DNA snip-test all calves for genetic testing and parent verification. Matt believes this makes the EBVs more accurate. “As a registered Hereford breeder, you can sell with confidence, and the purchaser can buy with reassurance,” says Matt. Matt’s plan is for overall growth and genetic diversity and a steady-as-she-go approach to expanding the stud from here. Matt and Dennis (Matt’s father) also make concerted efforts to maintain the farm’s ecology, having planted 11 hectares to protect two streams that run through the block in natives. Matt’s vision for the stud moving forward is to see it become multi-generational. “It’s a great lifestyle. I’d like to see my kids, nieces, and nephews enjoy it, take it on someday, expand and put their stamp on it.” Visit our website WWW.JCLCONTRACTING.CO.NZ Your agricultural contractor in the greater Bay of Plenty Services Grass silage • Cultivation Maize silage • Earthworks • Feed supplement Get in touch P: 07 533 1828 | M: 021 244 9481 o ce@jclcontracting.co.nz
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=