| 35 Big ambition in fourth calving season The stud began with the purchase of 34 cows, including six from Whananaki Charolais, before the Darkes attended the Premier Stud Sales in Christchurch. Karen Phelps RURAL PEOPLE » Rockland Charolais On a 134-hectare farm in Tikorangi, Taranaki, a relatively new stud is quietly making its mark in the beef-on-dairy space. Rockland Charolais, established by Andrew Darke and his son Harry, is now entering its fourth calving season with clear ambitions to produce high-performing, marketable cattle for New Zealand farmers. While both men balance successful off-farm careers - Andrew as owner of CMK Accounting and Harry running Harry Darke Builders - over the past decade, the pair have leased blocks across Taranaki, trading and finishing cattle while building their knowledge of the industry. “Four years ago Harry and I realised we were doing all this work trading cattle so why didn’t we do something we were passionate about and that was Charolais cattle,” says Andrew. That decision led to the creation of Rockland Charolais, which now comprises 110 stud cows along with sire bulls and replacement heifers. The aim is to produce 45 to 50 bulls annually, alongside grazing around 100 dairy heifers on the property. Andrew, who grew up on a sheep and beef farm in Aria in the King Country, says the stud is also a family effort. “Alongside Harry and I my brother Matthew and his wife Emma are owners of the stud as well. They identified that Charolais were really good to go over their Jersey cows so they came in with us and built the stud up,” says Andrew. “We’re focused on producing low birthweight, high calving ease, calves that are clearly marked and highly saleable to the beef industry while maintaining very strong growth rates,” says Harry. “We are also working towards a fully polled herd.” The stud began with the purchase of 34 cows, including six from Whananaki Charolais, before the Darkes attended the Premier Stud Sales in Christchurch, where they secured a bull named Smooth Operator from Hemingford Charolais. That purchase proved influential. “As a result of seeing that stud and focusing on temperament we have also bought cows from that stud,” says Andrew. “Our herd now largely traces back to Hemingford genetics.” “We’ve got very good temperament and that’s showing through,” says Harry. This, combined with performance traits, has underpinned strong early demand for our bulls. The most exciting time of year is calving where each individual calf is tagged, weighed and recorded as this is key information for our breeding program. They are up and go pretty quick so Dad has to be on his game.” Last year the stud sold 18 bulls across Taranaki and Waikato. “It went well and we’re building clientele. We’re very careful what we offer for sale,” says Andrew. “We’ve had great feedback from a client in Waikato that the bulls met his needs and the progeny are growing well and the client came back and bought another six.” Repeat business has also extended to stud buyers. “We sold one stud bull in our first year. The client came back this year to buy a second stud bull,” says Harry. This year marks a milestone with the stud’s first on-farm bull sale scheduled for 15 September in Taranaki, with online bidding available via bidr. Harry is currently constructing covered cattle yards on their farm for the event. The pair are also expanding into genetics, supplying straws from proven, low birthweight, high calving ease bulls to dairy farmers nationwide. “We’re also seeing record prices for Charolais cross calves and weaners right across the country, says Andrew. “It’s a very satisfying thing to try to breed the perfect animal for the industry and witnessing beautiful dairy beef calves going through the sale yards and seeing the influence the Charolais breed is having,” says Harry. “It’s about continuing to focus on the quality and key traits so our bulls are resulting in calves that are up there with the best in the industry.” Services darren.viabull@gmail.com 027 288 0980 Collect Your Own Bull and Save Money Viabull has been operating for over 5 years, with the past 4 years based at our purpose-built facility in Scotsman Valley. Our 88-hectare farm includes a 20-hectare MPI-approved export bull centre, designed to meet the highest industry and biosecurity standards. Viabull is owned and directed by Darren Williams, who brings more than 25 years of industry experience. Our laboratory operations are led by Huw Willis, with over 10 years of specialised expertise. We provide professional semen collection services for all major artificial insemination companies, as well as individual farmers. Collections are carried out at our centre or on-farm, offering flexibility and reliable service tailored to our clients’ needs. On-Site Storage Options Available Collection $3-$5 Per Straw Fertility & Disease Testing
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