8 | RURAL PEOPLE » Kohitiata Specialists in breeding Charolais bulls Herd Sire. Karen Phelps Dairy farmers Norm Atkins and his wife Del, who operate the Glen Rua Charolais Stud near Ormondville east of Norsewood, have established themselves as specialists in breeding Charolais bulls that meet the specific needs of dairy farmers. “I sell most of my bulls to the dairy industry so have to pay a lot of attention to birthweights and birth EBVs,” says Norm. “I don’t like keeping bulls for my own use above 45kgs birthweight.” The Atkins family moved to their current 430- hectare property in 2004, having previously farmed at Turakina. Their diverse operation includes a 140-hectare dairy platform running predominantly pedigree Jerseys with some Friesians, Ayrshires and Shorthorns, with the remainder dedicated to drystock, including their 50-cow Charolais stud. The journey with Charolais began long before the official establishment of Glen Rua, with the Atkins using polled bulls and artificial insemination since the 1980s over the beef cow herd. The stud itself was formally established in 2002 when he purchased foundation stock at Rusty McIntyre’s Waimoe dispersal sale. The stud’s genetic base was further strengthened with four cows from the Greenwood Park dispersal in Central Hawke’s Bay from the cow Diligent of the Silverstream Chandler line and from Kaitoki Stud along with other purchases over the years. Another significant milestone came in 2004 with the purchase of their first natural mating polled bull from the Cotswold Stud by McKenzie Downs Sam. Subsequent to that the family purchased McKenzie Downs Edward. In both cases the polled blood came from LT Unlimited Duke bred in Dakota in USA. Subsequent to that LT Wyoming Wind, Windstar, Bluegrass and Venture. Norm says that what sets Glen Rua apart is its focus on polled genetics, a trait increasingly sought after by dairy farmers. “We’ve been focusing on polled genetics for a lot longer than anyone and Charolais has taken off hugely in the dairy industry - they want ease of calving and polled,” says Norm who is a member of the Charolais Society and sells approximately 20 bulls annually by private treaty during winter. “I believe we’ve had a good track record in the dairy industry with ease of calving.” The Charolais cows are run on steep limestone hill country about 10 kilometres from the dairy farm, creating a natural environment that tests their foraging abilities. “I’m looking for a big weaner and good milk producer,” explains Norm. “I don’t believe you need to sacrifice the muscling of the terminal sire if you breed a bit of milk in your cows.” Temperament is another crucial selection criterion at Glen Rua. “We cull for feet and cull hard for temperament. I’ve now got a very quiet herd,” says Norm. “Some of the early AI bulls left some pretty toey animals but we’ve sorted that now.” The dairy operation itself peak milks 360 cows through a 28-aside herringbone shed. The herd comprises approximately 230-240 spring calvers and 120 autumn calvers, with the balance being carry-overs. A Jersey stud operates under the name Kohitiata, while the other breeds come under the Edenmore banner. The farm’s geography presents challenges, with the Makotuku stream running through a large gully that effectively splits the property. One side is flat, comprising about a third of the farm, while the other side is more rolling. This layout results in some long walks for the dairy herd, with the furthest paddock about two kilometres from the shed. In addition to the main dairy unit, the Atkins family operates five other blocks that provide run-offs, supplementary feed and diversity through sheep and beef operations. The “wight” choice for quiet thick muscled hill country born and raised R2 bulls. 3 year feet guarantee. Top polled NZ and American genetics tried and tested for 25 years. Proven calving record in the dairy industry for 10 years including our own Jersey herd. Contact your agent or Norm Atkins kohitiata@gmail.com CATTLE SOCIETY INC. OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT • SERVICING • AUTOMOTIVE • LIGHT ENGINEERING 027 877 9116 djrmechanical92@gmail.com
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