| 21 Clear breeding goals that they stick to Storth Oaks is a pioneer in the integration of genomics in beef breeding. Kelly Deeks At Storth Oaks Angus, breeding better beef starts with a clear direction. For over three decades, owner Tim Brittain has had one objective in mind: to breed profitable, functional Angus cattle that deliver for commercial farmers and meet the high expectations of modern beef consumers. “We’ve always taken a long-term view,” says Tim. “Cattle breeding isn’t something you can chop and change. It’s critical to have clear breeding objectives and stick to them.” Those objectives - fertility, calving ease, growth, carcass quality, docility and structure - are the foundation of every bull bred at Storth Oaks. “Fertility is number one. Without a calf, there is no profit,” Tim says. “We want animals that calve unassisted, grow well, and deliver a high-quality carcass. Farmers are paid on weight, and the consumer is paying for eating quality.” Storth Oaks is a pioneer in the integration of genomics in beef breeding. Since 2016, long before most in the industry, the entire calf crop has been sire-verified and DNA-tested using HD50K. This technology, now part of single-step BREEDPLAN analysis, ensures reliable EBVs and accelerates genetic progress by allowing early selection of high-performance animals. “We think we were the first Angus stud in New Zealand to implement HD50K across the board,” says Tim. “We’ve been recording EBVs since the beginning, but adding genomics has taken it to the next level.” With 75 rising two-year-old bulls catalogued for the upcoming on-farm bull sale in June, all fully recorded, moderate-framed bulls with excellent structure and growth performance on hard hill country, an average IMF EBV of +3.72 (more than 4x the NZ average of 0.9), with high index values and backed by AngusPure ratings, buyers can be confident in long-term returns. Set on 386ha of King Country hill country, Storth Oaks is run commercially , with stud cattle expected to perform under the same conditions as commercial herds. “We’ve always farmed them hard. If they don’t get in calf, they’re gone,” says Tim. “Our cattle are bred to work.” The stud also places major emphasis on docility. “You don’t want to be chased around the yard by a stroppy bull. We put a lot of pressure on temperament and structural soundness. It makes a difference , in the paddock and on the hook.” With deep industry involvement, including as former Chairman of AngusPure NZ, President of RURAL PEOPLE » Storth Oaks Angus Stud Angus New Zealand, and Secretary General of the World Angus Secretariat, Tim has always had an eye on the bigger picture. “I’ve always said if beef farmers aren’t profitable, they’ll convert to something else. That’s why we’ve built our programme around profit traits, not just showring appeal.” The use of tools like Total Genetics Resource Management software, traditionally seen in dairy and pork industries, keeps inbreeding low while maximising gain. “Our goal is to help our clients make measurable progress,” says Tim. “Whether it’s using HD50K, selecting on the $PRO index, or tools like HeiferSELECT, there’s real value to be gained, faster than ever before.” Buyers are invited to the Storth Oaks on-farm sale on Tuesday June 4 to view the bulls in the environment where they’ve been bred and grown out. And true to form, Kelly Brittain and the team will be putting on a great spread, including Kelly’s famous venison pies. Offices in Otorohanga, Te Awamutu & Taumarunui info@baileyingham.co.nz | www.baileyingham.co.nz PHONE: 07 873 7325 | FREEPHONE: 0800 482 928 Quality Service to Farmers & Businesses 9 Barnes Pl, Hastings 4175 | Phone (06) 879 6238 | info@aqualinecontractors.co.nz | www.aqualinecontractors.co.nz MOLE PLOUGHING, TRENCHING & WATER RETICULATION SERVICES “We want animals that calve unassisted, grow well, and deliver a high-quality carcass. Farmers are paid on weight, and the consumer is paying for eating quality.” Set on 386ha of King Country hill country, Storth Oaks is run commercially, with stud cattle expected to perform under the same conditions as commercial herds.
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