| 11 Gearing up for another successful bull sale Cricklewood covers the country to find genetics for its stud that breed a reliable and resiliant animal. Rosa Watson RURAL PEOPLE » Cricklewood Angus Cricklewood Angus is priming itself for its sale this June, following on from a successful first ever on farm sale last year. All going well, fifteen bulls will be available, manager Michael McMillan tells Rural North. It comes after a successful first on farm sale last year. It was also the stud’s 90th year, “so it was quite a big moment”, he says. A highlight was the sale of Cricklewood U909 to Alan and Cathy Donaldson of Pukenui Angus, which went for $156,000 – holding the record for the highest price Angus for one day. He was a very structurally sound, consistent animal with balanced EBVs, he says. He is looking forward to showcasing the animals up for sale in the East Coast Bull Walk on May 25. While the animals are bred at Cricklewood, they will be at the farm’s Tahaenui property from the end of May until the sale where they will be able to be viewed by prior arrangement. The stud is run on a 3,000ha effective property, alongside 8500 commercial ewes and 1100 commercial cows. The operation uses its own bulls for breeding. Although the stud operation made up only a small part of the farming business, it is a vital part, he said. Cricklewood covers the country to find genetics for its stud that breed a reliable and resiliant animal. “We want to remain structurally sound.” Temperament is also crucial, he says. “The target is to breed for ourselves, so they need to work for our own commercial herd.” There are currently 150 calving Stud females, which includes yearling heifers. “So, it’s a smaller herd, but it’s a big driver of our commercial performance on the stations. “We sell only a handful of bulls, just to see how they knit with the rest of the commercial farms. They need to work for us before anyone else.” The stud was recently moved from Tahaenui Station back to Cricklewood Station where it originated from. It has a rich history that dates back to the 1930s. Humphry Bayly Snr established the stud, believing Angus outperformed other cattle breeds, especially on hill country. 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 John Bayly then carried on his legacy with a passion and dedication, leaving his own legacy. Michael says at the moment things are looking bright for farming. “It’s good to see farmers are finally being rewarded for their resilience on farm with higher prices.” He says the stud operation is working to improve their EBVS without losing their structural soundness, type and phenotypic traits, so selecting a stud bull has become more challenging. STOCK AGENT: Jamie Hayward 027 434 7586 STUD MASTER: Michael McMillan 021 682 321 All bulls have been AA inspected Cricklewood Angus proudly presents 15 bulls to be sold at our bull sale at Tahaenui Station, Nuhaka on Sunday 21st June at 4.30pm. Viewing at 2.30pm or by prior arrangement.
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