| 55 Annual bull sale much anticipated event Shane Dromgool with grandson Ratu-James. Sue Russell Rural North last spoke with Northland farmer Shane Dromgool in March last year and uppermost in the coversation was how their farm had faired through Cyclone Gabrielle a few weeks earlier. Thankfully, while there was a lot of rain, the farm didn’t bare the brunt with just a couple of trees blown over and a bit of surface water to contend with. Longview Shorthorns is located on Mangakaretu Rd, RD 2 Kerikeri, about half way between Kerikeri and Okaihau. It sits at an elevation of 300m above sea level, giving it good drainage and outlooks. The affinity with the Shorthorn breeds stems back to Shane’s father who farmed the cattle for over half a century. “We enjoy the temperament of Shorthorn cattle. They grow exceptionally well and serve both the dairy and beef sectors well,” says Shane. The annual bull sale is held in May, this year’s one is on the 19th of the month and by February those potentially standing up for sale had been whittled down to 40, with the view that about 20 or so will present on the day. Shane says about 20 is a good number to sale each year, attaining good values. Asked how the farm has been generally Shane says everything has been ticking along well. “We had a terrible autumn last year but a reasonable spring that carried on to early summer. Now at the tail end of summer we’re getting quite dry.” Sale day itself is a time Shane looks forward to. There’s no nervousness but rather the looking forward to catching up with like-minded people and talking the talk. “You’re never going to get paid what you think the animal is worth. We do this for the passion and belief in the breed.” Having said this, Shane was pleased to see his weaner steers top the Kaeo sale recently at $1,090 per head. The dairy farm is a backbone to the whole operation but Shane stresses the situation on the farm is always open to changing, given market conditions and opportunities that present. “I call it ‘unders and overs’, where different parts of the business are either up or down. It seems to work out reasonably well from one year to the next.” Son Jake is also carving out a business on the land, having established ‘144 Islands’ vineyard, producing unique singular fine wine. His passion for viticulture found him working for a local vineyard, The Landing, which provided fertile ON FARM » Shane and Dot Dromgool ground for Jake to learn the fundamentals of growing grapes and producing wine. “It’s been a real success story. Jake helped out on the dairy farm and the balance of his time is spent on the vineyard. We knew this was a great place to grow grapes because we stumbled upon some old grapevines planted decades ago which had grown to an enormous size. This is really how it started,” Shane explains. Over time and as its reputation has grown, the vineyard has increased in size. Asked what engages him on a daily basis Shane says he enjoys the stock work. Staff are employed to take care of the milkings Monday – Friday while he steps in on the weekends. And with eight grandchildren, aged from a few months to six years old, the household is never quiet. “All our children live on the farm so that’s really wonderful for us all.” “You’re never going to get paid what you think the animal is worth. We do this for the passion and belief in the breed.” LONGVIEW SH LONGVIEW BEEF SHORTORN 705 Mangakaretu Road RD2, KERIKERI 0295 Shane and Dot Dromgool LONGVIEW BEEF SHORTHORN ANNUAL ON-FARM AUCTION 1PM, Friday 24 May 2024 22 Bulls Deferred payment options to 1 October 2024 – prior approval needed through your booking firm Contact: Shane and Dot Dromgool 021 0295 2030 E: s.d.dromgool@actrix.co.nz Neil Miller 027 497 3492 Cam Heggie 027 501 8182 Bruce Orr 027 492 2122 Vaughan Vujcich 027 496 8706 Neville Clark 027 598 6537 PGG Wrightsons Carrfields Quiet temperament, high growth rates, excellent cross breeding sires, strong maternal traits INSPECTION ANYTIME Sale includes 12 In-Calf Shorthorn heifers with 3 generation pedigree Rob Titter Farm Services Ltd Repairs on all makes & models r��er@xtra.co.nz Ph: 09 401 1774 | Mobile: 027 522 6248 34 Station Road, Kaikohe.
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