| 19 Strong interest and confidence in the market Hinewaka Shorthorns has built a reputation for breeding functional, commercially viable bulls. Karen Phelps RURAL PEOPLE » Hinewaka Shorthorns Hinewaka Shorthorns is gearing up for its annual bull sale following its best sale ever in 2025. The stud is hoping to build on last year’s record, when 20 bulls averaged $9,850, thanks to strong buyer interest and confidence in the beef market. Mitch Blockwood, proudly the sixth generation of his family to breed shorthorn cattle, says this year’s sale is particularly exciting as it features the first progeny for sale from two of the stud’s most highly regarded sires, Sprys Down Under S77 (a $70,000 bull in Australia when Hinewaka Shorthorns bought the semen rights for him) and Hinewaka Phantom 5/22. “They both have extremely good growth, are moderate framed, easy doing, thick and with plenty of depth,” he explains. “They’re bred extremely well, with good early weaning and maturing weights. The progeny are reflecting the key traits these sires offer with data to match.” Hinewaka Shorthorns has built a reputation for breeding functional, commercially viable bulls that suit New Zealand conditions. The stud operates on a 680ha rolling-to-steep farm approximately 1,500m above sea level, about 20km south-east of Masterton. The property is home to 110–115 registered Shorthorn cows and also a commercial sheep operation of 2600 Coopworth/Romney ewes and around 900 hoggets. Having taken over the family farm three years ago, Mitch, along with his wife Morgan and their three children, is enjoying carrying the family tradition forward. The aim is to continue to grow the stud and the number of bulls offered for sale. He says they aim to offer purchasers the best data so they can make the right decisions. Bulls are regularly weighed from weaning through to two years of age and at 18 months are scanned for muscle, fat and scrotal circumference. Heifers are also closely monitored from birth to 18 months. Every bull is guaranteed fertile and comes with a one-year feet guarantee. Mitch says Shorthorns are ideal for cross-breeding, offering strong maternal traits such as mothering ability, milk production and fertility, alongside targeted growth rates. “We aim to breed moderate framed cattle with fleshing and softness, able to thrive in the toughest of conditions, and this is what our reputation has been built on over successive generations,” he explains. Fertility is a key driver of profitability for clients and Hinewaka has consistently calved all heifers as two-year-olds since 1984. “We also have a strict culling programme. They have to perform and pay their way,” he says. “We know from ongoing contact with our buyers that our bulls can be relied upon to do their job.” During the on-farm sale at 1pm on June 3 clients will be able to select from around 20 bulls and a comprehensive sales booklet is released in early May to allow ample time for buyers to consider their selections. ANNUAL Mitch Blackwood - 027 496 1462 hinewaka@outlook.co.nz WEDNESDAY 3RD JUNE, 2026 1PM ON FARM - OFFERING 20 BULLS • Strong rugged, hill country bulls for commercial farmers • Well known for their quiet temperament, growth rates & fertility • Ideal cross breeding sire, maintaining maternal traits • BVD tested and vaccinated WWW.HINEWAKASHORTHORNS.CO.NZ • 456 TE WHARAU RD, MASTERTON DEREK GRAHAM FENCING Whether you’re looking to secure your lifestyle block or upgrade your station, Derek Graham has you covered. Serving the Wellington and Wairarapa regions, we provide durable fencing solutions tailored to your land. Agricultural | Residential | Equine Get In Touch 027 817 4001 derekgrahamfencing@gmail.com Proudly Supporting Hinewaka Shorthorns Buyers can view stock from 11am on the day or in the lead up by prior arrangement. The sale will also be held online through bidr. “There has been a lot of positivity in the beef market and that’s been good and is giving people the confidence to invest in their cow herds and bulls. Weaner fairs have been at record highs in the Wairarapa.”
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