36 | Long standing focus on livestock genetics Genetics remain key to success. Alexia Anderson RURAL PEOPLE » Rangiora Trust Rangiora Trust is reaping the rewards of its long standing focus on livestock genetics. Set within the hill country of Tutira in the Hawke’s Bay, the property has built a reputation for steady stock performance, which is driven by its strong focus on genetics. The farm is set across two blocks, called Rangiora and Smith Block, covering 2185 hectares in total, with about 1700 effective hectares. Native bush is also embedded within the centre of the property, which is preserved and maintained by the farm, rather than being used as working land for stock. Ashleigh Coppoolse has welcomed the opportunity to lead Rangiora Trust as general manager, a role she took on in December last year. She had previously spent about seven years working on the property as a shepherd alongside long-time manager Graeme Maxwell. Over that time she has developed a strong appreciation for the farm’s breeding programme, particularly its long-standing use of Simmental cattle genetics. “I think my biggest enjoyment is the genetics side of it and seeing the genetics improve,” she says. The sheep and beef breeding property runs 520 breeding cows across both farms, including 220 Simmental-Gelbvieh cross cows and 300 AngusHereford cross cows, as well as 5500 ewes, which are mainly Perendales and Romdales. Within the beef herd, Simmental bulls are used predominantly over mixed-age Gelbvieh cross cows. The breed has proven to be well suited to the property’s hill country environment, with the Trust favouring Simmental genetics for their high growth rates, even temperament, sound body traits and strong milk production. Each year the farm purchases one to two stud bulls, sourced from Gold Creek Simmental, a stud that has developed a strong track record with the Tutira operation. “They perform really well for us. Tom Sanson from Gold Creek Simmentals does a tremendous job with his genetics and growing really powerful bulls. This has given us a head start in producing a solid calf with good weaning weights being in the high 280-320kg mark,” Ashleigh says. They generally produce stock with good muscle and solid structure, the cows have no birthing problems and provide good birth weights. The results highlight the role genetics plays in livestock performance. Maintaining stock performance is something she has particularly enjoyed throughout her time on the farm, with improvements supported by careful bull selection, strong breeding values and good day-today management across the business. Animal management also plays a part, but genetics remain key to success. “I’m a firm believer that if you’ve got good genetics coming through you will overcome anything that’s challenging at the time.” Alongside the cattle programme, Rangiora Trust’s sheep has also benefited from a long-term focus on genetic improvement. Ashleigh credits the work Graeme has done over the years to ensure a stronger worm and eczema tolerance within the ewe flock, something she is keen to continue as she embraces her management role. Looking ahead, she also hopes to further address issues such as green fly within the flock, while continuing to build on the breeding gains already achieved. After more than 40 years managing the farm, Phone Colin on 022 183 2200 or 06 879 5553 shearing nz. co.nz Like to come shearing in the sunnyHawke’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. When it comes to Motorcycles Hastings Honda is your first stop in Hawkes Bay for Farm Quads, Side by Side's, 2 Wheeler's, Road Bikes, Motocross Bikes, Scooters & Commuters. Graeme has established a solid foundation for further growth, which Ashleigh is only too happy to continue going forward. Overall, Ashleigh says her goal is to build on systems while maintaining genetics already established on the property, continuing the work that Graeme has built over more than four decades.
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