| 45 Entering a new phase Top bulls on offer Karen Phelps Russell Fredric Roscliff Shorthorns is entering a new phase as the fledgling stud built by Ross and Esme Riddell moves from a hobby herd into its first sale of cows. It began eight years ago after Ross and Esme transitioned from dairy farming and being heavily involved with Jersey cows to purchasing a small 20 hectare block to pursue beef Shorthorns as a semi-retirement passion. “I’m not sure why Shorthorns apart from we liked the look of them. We like the roan colour and they also have good growth. I’ve always had a passion for cattle genetics,” says Ross. Early development drew on genetics sourced from Raupuha Stud at Mahoenui. “They were putting their complete line of in-calf heifers up and you could select up to two out of the five in the ring at the time. It was a way to get into good genetics from the start. We have also bought cattle from shorthorn dispersal sales to build a strong foundation herd.” This season Roscliff Shorthorns, which comprises around 28 to 30 registered pedigree cows, will for the first time sell surplus stock including 17 weaners, six in-calf heifers and up to eight in-calf cows. Stock will be sold through online listings on the Shorthorn New Zealand website and at the Te Kuiti sales. “It’s exciting to get to this stage because breeding is a slow game,” says Ross. Raupuha Shorthorn Stud will present a line-up of quality bulls on-farm on May 26, featuring genetics shaped for strong performance in commercial systems. Located in Mahoenui, Waikato, the stud is offering 12 to 13 rising two-year-old bulls, described by stud owner Russell Profitt as an even line bred to deliver consistency across a range of farming systems. The bulls are predominantly sired by the sons of Sprys Heritage P73, which has become a cornerstone of the stud’s recent progress. Bred by the Sprys Shorthorns in New South Wales, Sprys Heritage P73 has been widely used across Australian and New Zealand herds for his balanced performance. He is known for producing progeny with strong carcass traits, particularly eye muscle area and intramuscular fat, alongside moderate growth. His progeny also offer structural soundness and maternal strength, with daughters noted for fertility and milking ability, Russell says. “He’s been very good for us. He’s got balanced figures and his progeny are leaving good quality carcass animals with good bone and structure.” That influence is evident in Raupuha’s current Shorthorns where carcass traits remain a key focus, particularly intramuscular fat and eye muscle area, with many of the bulls recording above breed average for IMF. The programme is underpinned by performance recording, with data used to support selection decisions and give buyers confidence in what they are purchasing. Alongside carcass performance, the stud’s breeding decisions are anchored in producing cattle that offer ease of calving and productive females. “A live calf is the most important thing for any business. From there we’re trying to maintain RURAL PEOPLE » Roscliff Shorthorns / Raupuha Shorthorn Stud “We didn’t get many heifer calves in the early years but in 2024 we suddenly had 22 heifer calves and eight bulls, which has allowed us to cull and progress more quickly.” The beef Shorthorn breed is valued for its early maturity and strong maternal ability, with cows typically calving easily and producing calves with good pre-weaning growth and temperament, making it a practical choice for both stud and commercial systems. Ross says Roscliff Shorthorns will focus on these key traits including fats. Despite semi-retirement being the aim Ross is also a TOP inspector, qualified condition scorer and judge for Jersey New Zealand, and works as a livestock agent with Link Livestock, balancing early morning farm duties with a near full-time workload in the sector despite being 79 years old. He plans to continue to be deeply involved in the day-to-day running of the stud and says working with cattle continues to be a source of enjoyment and purpose, particularly watching herd behaviour and calf development across the seasons. Roscliff Shorthorns is a member of the New Zealand Shorthorn Association and will focus on selling yearling bulls, weaner steers and in-calf heifers suited to its 20-hectare property, which cannot carry all young stock through to finishing. “We’d like to get to a position where we are selling to other studs as well as those new to the breed. I really like working with good cattle and have been privileged to do so virtually all my working life. Cows and calves are a joy to watch in the paddocks with their mix of personalities.” growth without getting overly big cows, and still keep good fat cover and muscle.” That balance reflects a long-term approach to Shorthorn breeding, with the stud building on more than 50 years of genetic development focused on temperament, milk production and doing ability. Overall, Raupuha’s Shorthorn genetics have been sourced from a mix of leading New Zealand studs and selected Australian bloodlines. “We support good local studs and bring in a bit from Australia as well. It’s about using what works and keeping the herd moving forward.” The result is a type of Shorthorn suited to both purebred herds and crossbreeding programmes, and the bulls on sale are expected to appeal to farmers looking to lift hybrid vigour and carcass performance across Angus and Hereford-based systems. Feedback from clients has reinforced that position, with progeny finishing well and hitting target weights at a relatively young age. “We’re seeing calves grow out into good carcass cattle and being killed at around 18 months. That’s what makes them profitable.” While numbers remain relatively small in New Zealand, the stud is also seeing interest from the dairy beef sector, where Shorthorns offer another option for producing quality calves. “There is a place for them in dairy beef. We do some work in that space and the calves perform well; it’s just about scale at the moment.” Operating across a mixed contour property with both sheep and cattle, Raupuha’s direction is shaped by the need for animals that perform under varying, and sometimes challenging, farm conditions. “The cows have got to perform on our place. If they do the job here, they’ll do it for someone else. “We just want to breed good, honest cattle that people can rely on year after year.” Proud to support Roscliff Shorthorns with professional accounting services. Ken Shearer - Owner Operator 027 472 8672 Te Awamutu/Waipa shearer123ag@gmail.com Round Hay Balage | Mowing | Ground | Cultivation Regrassing | Undersowing & Tip Trailer | Muck Spreading S&S Ag Contracting Ltd 100% Grass-Fed Lamb As Nature Intended. www.tknaturallamb.com Free Range | Gluten Free | No Antibiotics | No Hormones | No GMO TK Natural Lamb is proudly supporting Raupuha Shorthorn Stud Early development drew on genetics sourced from Raupuha Stud at Mahoenui.
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