| 61 ON FARM » Willowspring Polled Herefords Breeding quality cattle a passion for couple Bernadette Cooney Cattle breeders Gary and Lorraine Peters have been part of the Hereford industry for 33 years and members of the South Auckland Hereford Club, holding various committee roles for a combined 26 years. They love what the industry has to offer. While only running a small scale operation, selling 15-20 bulls a season off their 50ha Otorohanga farm, Gary runs his own building business full time. “I’ve always had a love for farming and I’m looking forward to doing more of it in my retirement,” he said. Gary actually started out milking cows when leaving school – “all I wanted to do growing up was milk cows” – and then ended up going down the beef track instead. A lot of his building clients are farmers so he gets to see both sides of it. Their first property they owed was at Waiuku back in 1990, and then the couple moved to the Waikato in 2003, spending 15 years in show rings around the North Island promoting their livestock. Their most successful animal is Willowspring Miss Brit 355 who is the oldest cow in the herd at 15 and has had 13 calves. She has won six Meat & Wool Cups and numerous championships. ‘She is the epitome of longevity,” he said. Selling their bulls by private treaty straight out of the paddock - the bulk of them will go straight into in the dairy industry, but some will be sold to beef and stud duties as well. Genetics are sourced from NZ and overseas and this year offer some of the first Kanimbla Power Quest progeny. “We look for balanced traits rather than extremes with birthweight, milk and colour being non negotiables.” At Willowspring they have three rising two-year- old bulls available this year. They have been used in herd and are top genetic packages. There are also 50 Romney ewes on the property and the stocking rate of the cattle is based on 10 units/ha. “Everything goes full cycle in terms of breeding, with the fattening and finishing,” he said. They look for a low to moderate birth weight animal with good calf attributes, “ the main focus of the breed at the moment is carcass quality.” “We have used a couple of top herd sires for extended periods that has given us consistency of type in the herd base and are excited with where we can go with this.” Still being fully on the tools as a builder at 62, Gary enjoys coming home to the farm at the end of the day and mixing with his stock. “I just love being out in the fresh air and the peace and quiet. It’s a great way to wind down.” “We’re pretty passionate about it but it has to be financially viable – which it is.” The couple now have a solid operation and son Nick is away shepherding in the South Island so it will be interesting to see what the future holds. Willowspring Miss Brit 355 with her September born heifer calf. The bulk of the bulls sold by private treaty go straight into the dairy industry, but some will be sold to beef and stud duties as well. 5 Bonner Rd, Otorohanga | 07 873 7599 | peters.willowspring@farmside.co.nz RESIDENTIAL • NEW / ADDITIONS • RENOVATIONS • FARMBUILDINGS Gary Peters - Builder QUALITYWORKMANSHIPGUARANTEED
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