| 39 All starts with selecting the right bull The stud’s programme reflects a careful balance between the needs of dairy and beef systems. Karen Phelps When a dairy farmer selects a beef bull, it is one of the most critical genetic decisions made on-farm. Get it wrong and the consequences surface quickly - difficult calvings, poor mating performance and calves that fail to deliver at sale time. Get it right and the benefits flow through every stage of the system. For Sarona Herefords, based in the hills of Ohauiti overlooking Tauranga, that understanding sits at the core of its breeding philosophy. Run by Matt Hey, the stud is built on the belief that predictable, proven genetics remove risk and lift profitability for both dairy and beef clients. Matt manages 120 breeding cows alongside replacements across 84 hectares, balancing the demands of the farm with family life alongside his wife Laura. “We’ve put serious investment into sourcing really good genetics, and it reflects right through in the calves,” he says. “The yearling bulls we’re selling into the dairy and beef market are up there with the best.” That investment begins with sire selection. It prioritises bulls from established, reputable breeders and complements these with artificial insemination, ensuring access to leading bloodlines. Every decision is guided by verified Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) with a particular focus on calving ease, birth weight, growth and temperament - traits that matter most to commercial farmers. The stud’s programme reflects a careful balance between the needs of dairy and beef systems. It breeds low- to moderate-birthweight bulls with high calving ease and negative gestation while maintaining strong carcass quality, growth and docility. In recent years, there has also been a deliberate move to lift intramuscular fat and eye muscle area, further enhancing carcass performance. Registered genetics are central to delivering that outcome. Unlike unrecorded stock, they provide a known genetic history and reliable performance indicators before a calf is even born, says Matt. That transparency reduces uncertainty and allows farmers to make informed decisions with confidence. “As a registered Hereford breeder you can sell with confidence, and the purchaser can buy with reassurance,” says Matt. “There’s less risk at calving and a much clearer idea of what those calves are going to do.” RURAL PEOPLE » Sarona Herefords Behind the scenes, management is equally precise. The majority of the herd is artificially inseminated in October using synchronisation, followed by single-sire mating. Tight reproductive control has enabled it to compress the calving window to just six weeks from early July, a key efficiency gain for any farming system. Attention to detail extends to genetic verification, with all calves DNA tested to improve EBV accuracy and to animal health, where regular testing ensures the herd receives targeted nutritional and veterinary support throughout the year. The stud’s progress is reflected in demand. It sold 48 yearling bulls in 2025, with repeat clients steadily increasing their orders, a sign that performance is matching expectation, says Matt. He welcomes bull-viewing anytime; their bulls are on the market through private treaty from September onwards. • Truck and trailer bulk units • Transporter hire • Aggregates • Race Pumice • Fertiliser • Stock Foods/Auger Truck • Reject Kiwifruit For professional and reliable service call the team at Addline Transport Ltd. PROUDLY SUPPORTING SARONA HEREFORDS P: 07 542 4693 | E: o ce@addlinetransport.co.nz He also maintains an active Facebook presence for the stud, sharing updates on their bulls and dayto-day operations with their followers. “I like a plan and I like direction and the goal has always been for it to be a reputable stud. Sarona Herefords positioning itself as a reliable source of genetics for farmers who understand that the right bull is not a cost but an investment.”
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