56 | Stud breeders continue 90-year legacy Cricklewood Angus has been breeding quality bulls since the 1930s. Rosa Watson After 90 years, Cricklewood Angus in Wairoa, northern Hawke’s Bay, is still proudly producing stud bulls for the market. The stud is run on a 3149ha effective property, alongside 8500 commercial ewes and 1100 commercial cows. There are currently 130 in-calf stud cows. Stud manager Micheal McMillan said the stud was recently moved from Tahaenui Station back to Cricklewood Station where it originated from. There was a rich history to the stud, that dated back to the 1930s. Humphry Bayly Snr established the stud, believing Angus outperformed other cattle breeds, especially on hill country. John Bayly then carried on his legacy with a passion and dedication, leaving his own legacy. “It’s a bit of a story in itself, really,” stud manager Michael McMillan told Rural North. The stud operation was predominately to support the Cricklewood farming operation, producing its own bulls for its commercial cows, but also supports additional farms owned by the company. “So, we’re really breeding for ourselves. We are our biggest client,” Michael said. Surplus bulls are then sold to the market. Micheal said they were working through this year’s stud bulls and would have bulls for sale at their June sale. He expected there would be up to eight available. Nature was the most important trait the operation was looking for, he said. “We want user friendly, quiet cattle. The animal also needs to be resilient to the local conditions. “We want a type of animal that can stand dry conditions. It’s got to be able to hold itself through periods of dry.” Micheal was pleased with how this year’s bulls were looking. “They’re probably a little behind what we’d like them to be, but they are coming on strong now.” The current focus was to continue to improve the breed’s data without losing its type, he said. Micheal said while he had always been interested in breeding, stud breeding was all new to him when he took on the role of manager four years ago. ON FARM » Cricklewood Angus He has been working with outfits such as Performance Beef Breeders (PBB) and Zoetis, with data entry and recording support. “They’ve helped out a huge amount.” But knowing good performing animals was the main qualification needed. “I know what I like.” A recent highlight had been the sale of Cricklewood Pandemic in 2020 that sold for $92,000. Michael said the bull “stood out from his peers”. “(He had) really good eye appraisal and a bit of data to go with him.” Although the stud operation made up only a small part of the farming business, it was a vital part, he said. “It drives a huge part of our business, really. So, we’ve got to get it right ourselves.” This meant they had reliable animals to sell to the market. “We believe if it’s right for us it should be right for our buyers.” They have culled a number of stud cattle over the last few years to keep the line tidy. “We couldn’t see the point in having anything that wasn’t good enough for us. “When you do that, you reduce your numbers ... but you are better to be breeding from quality.” “So, we’re really breeding for ourselves. We are our biggest client.” 027 276 0963 021 124 4 926 manawatu.shearing@gmail.com . . Call us today! Manawatu Shearing Top Service Competitive Rates Covering Manawatu, Rangitikei &Wairarapa areas Like to come shearing in the sunny Hawke’s Bay? We have jobs available frommid-May to end of September and mid-October through to March for seasonal sta . If you’d like to move here to live we have permanent positions available for the right people. All you need is a good work ethic and your gear. Accommodation available. Phone Colin on 022 183 2200 or 06879 5553 LIME - UREA - FERTILISER BLENDS - STANDARD FERTILISER Call us today to discuss your requirements Bulk fertiliser and Lime spreading across the Wairoa District Contact: Craig Henneker Phone: 021 751 235 Email: craig@wss.nz Locally Owned and Operated
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