64 | Simmentals ‘leading animal for growth’ Reubin and Lisa Wright run 440 breeding cows of Friesian-Hereford, Friesian-Angus and Simmental cross genetics, all of which are calved to Simmental. Anne Boswell A Far North commercial beef farmer that uses Simmental genetics over his entire herd of breeding cows says other breeds “can’t hold a candle” to the Simmental’s growth and structure. “They are the leading animal for growth,” Reubin Wright says. “Simmentals have 8.5-23.3% extra live weight gain at weaning. My male calves are 320kg by March.” Reubin, who was born and bred on a beef farm in the Far North,owns 90 Mile View Station with wife Lisa near Kaitaia. The couple owns two properties totaling 260ha – 190ha effective and another 70ha in native bush. They also lease two blocks – 80ha next door to the home farm and 45ha next door to the second property they own. They run 440 breeding cows of Friesian Hereford, Friesian-Angus and Simmental cross genetics, all of which are calved to Simmental. The hybrid vigour of the profitable and wellperforming crossbred herd suits both the business’ breeding structure and allows Reubin to take advantage of the positive traits of each breed. Reubin, who has also worked as a stock agent for Carrfields for 27 years, has been using Simmental bulls for around 15 years, buying around five annually. He says the Simmental breed has many positive traits, from fast growth and stature to quiet temperament and exceptional muscling. On the maternal side, Simmental cross females excel in milk and mothering traits, further boosting the weaning weight of their progeny. Reubin favours genetics from two studs in ON FARM » 90 Mile View Station particular – Beefit Simmental Stud in Kaikohe, and Kerrah Simmentals in Waitoa, Hawkes Bay. With 520 fully registered calving females, Kerrah Simmentals is Australasia’s largest, and one of the leading gene pools of fully recorded Simmentals. “Both studs have big cow numbers, so everything they put up for offer are the best of the best,” Reubin says. Reubin says bull selection is paramount, and while calving ease is a trait of the Simmental breed, he doesn’t specifically select low birthweight bulls. “Low birthweight is not an issue, especially over terminal cattle,” he says. “I can’t get a big weaner from a small calf.” The herd calves July 25, for 42 days. With Simmentals reaching their optimal carcass weight before their second winter, they are well received at the sale yards. “I sell 200 heifers annually at the Tuakau Weaner Sale, and I’m part of a syndicate that puts up a total of 550 Simmental bulls at the Peria Annual Weaner sale each year,” Reubin says. Before live export cattle was banned in New Zealand, Reubin was exporting around 30% of his Simmental cross heifers to China, making excellent returns for himself and clients. “Simmentals were flying out the door,” he says. Reubin says the breeding cow looks to be coming back into favour, and Simmental genetics are an excellent choice for a profitable system. “Breeding cows have their place, particularly in Northland,” he says. “They are an efficient pasture management tool. “Farmers have to get smarter with rising costs, including freight. You can cut costs in a breeding cow system. I freight about five bulls in and 440 calves out per year, and it is a viable business.” · Livestock · Logs · Water · Readymix Concrete · General Cartage 09 406 0087 | mangonuihaulage.co.nz Proudly Supporting 90 Mile View Station Phone 09 408 1950 – www.kaitaiamotorcycles.co.nz
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