| 73 RURAL SERVICES / ON FARM » ION Ready / Kairaumati Hereford Stud Next gen step up Karen Phelps The reins of running the day to day operation at Kairaumati Hereford Stud is now firmly in the hands of James and Nicole Ward, with James’ parents, Roy and Kaye Ward, making way for the next generation to mark their stamp on the 500ha (180ha effective) Coromandel sheep and beef operation. “We’d been managing the business for a number of years and took over two years ago. Roy and Kaye live on the farm and have been amazing building it up to what it is today,” Nicole explains. And that business is centred around producing fine quality polled Hereford genetics, with a focus on low birthweight, good growth and great temperament. “Good easy calving has been one of the priorities of our breeding programme. Our clients want to know that progeny from our bulls will be no fuss and while small at birth, can thrive in hill country conditions.” One bull, Maverick, has proven his value, having been selected for the Beef & Lamb NZ progeny test. where semen has been used over beef and dairy cows and progeny tested for breeding traits. The Ward’s decided to submit him for consideration in the trial and he hasn’t let them down. Asked what the trial involved, Nicole says, semen is taken from the bull and introduced into an array of beef and dairy herds where the progress of progeny is tested for breeding traits “Maverick’s actually going on a new adventure. He just left us this morning, so it will be interesting to see how he performs while away.” The stud herd comprises around 200 breeding cows and with split calving the aim is to have anywhere between 50-60 to select from for the annual bull sale which takes place in September at Turua, Thames. Nicole says results from last year’s sale were very pleasing. “We’re proud of the quality of our bulls. They go to both dairy and beef farmers and feedback we’ve received is that they’re doing really well.” Asked how the family came into association with the breed, Nicole says it came down to personal selection by Roy and Kaye, choosing to go with Hereford given their temperament and capability in conditions experienced on the farm. “Crossing Hereford with a dairy herd you get a nice calf, well recognised and they’re good to manage and grow well.” In March, the Colville Cattle and Weaner sale happens at the local privately-owned Colville sale yards, where local farmers present their stock for sale, with the majority being herefords there are other breeds as well, this year’s sale saw approx 450 head sold . Farmers from Coromandel and beyond come year after year to purchase their cattle here. And there’s more to life at Kairaumati Hereford Stud than the growing of great stock! ‘Hereford n a Pickle’, a café/butchery was established 10 years ago by Kaye and daughter Cathy, offering those travelling along the main Colville Road the farm borders, with an array of home-made pickles, burgers made with the farm’s own meat, real fruit ice creams and fresh baking. “It’s been wonderful to see Hereford n a Pickle grow to what it is today. Given its sitting next to a busy road, especially over summer, it offers travellers a lovely place to stop and experience the taste of our beef and the café selection.” Vacuum-packed Kairaumati Beef can also be bought at the café, with many customers making special trips to purchase “Roy and Kaye knew that by diversifying and creating other income streams they strengthened its resilience and created a pathway forward for succession.” Nicole describes the Colville community as really solid, with a permanent population of about 350, swelling to thousands over the summer months. AGRICULTURAL HELICOPTER OPERATORS THE COMPLETE ON FARM HELICOPTER COMPANY CALL US TODAY 0800 2 ROTOR (0800 276 867) OR CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE WWW.ROTORWORK.CO.NZ Maverick. As New Zealand farmers look to reduce costs, emissions and maintenance demands, electric farm bikes are steadily gaining ground. Among the brands leading that shift is Surron, a company that has evolved into a serious player in agricultural transport. “With no petrol engine, no oil changes and significantly fewer moving parts, electric bikes reduce time spent in the workshop. That simplicity is proving attractive to farmers juggling long workdays and rising operational costs,” says Eric Chang, Managing Director of Ionready Group NZ, Surron’s exclusive distributor in New Zealand. Founded in 2014 by three partners from different professional backgrounds, the business emerged from what many initially dismissed as a hobby. “Surron set out to build machines that feel intuitive, efficient and enjoyable, while making sustainable transport second nature,” says Eric. In the paddock, he says electric bikes run quietly, allowing stock to be moved with less stress. Early morning or late-night jobs can be carried out without disturbing anyone. Combined with New Zealand’s increasing reliance on renewable electricity, the environmental appeal is also strong for farmers, he says. “Charging from locally generated electricity instead of relying on imported fuel is a practical step forward for farmers seeking to run their operations more sustainably.” Surron models such as the Light Bee X and the more powerful Ultra Bee HP are designed to handle demanding terrain while remaining lightweight and easy to operate. Weighing as little as 57kg curb Eric says the Light Bee X offers agility that suits tight farm tracks and varied ground conditions. “Its electric motor delivers immediate torque, removing the need for gears or clutch control. For many users, particularly staff with varying levels of riding experience, that simplicity improves safety and confidence,” he says. At the higher end, the Ultra Bee HP delivers increased power and range with advanced traction control and multiple riding modes tailored to different conditions. “Features such as regenerative braking and adjustable throttle response give riders greater control on steep or slippery terrain, common challenges on New Zealand farms.” Eric says that real-world feedback from farmers suggests the technology is proving valuable to their farming operations. Waikato dairy farmer Tom Bebbington, who has used the Ultra Bee for over six months, reports significant benefits. “I would never go back to a petrol powered two wheeler,” says Tom. “The bike is brilliant on all terrain and with the added traction control feature it makes any gradient a lot easier to manage. The bikes ability to handle all ground (mud, clay, sand, dirt) with ease I have found has made it safer to use. I’m happy for staff to use it due to its ease of operation and ability to be managed by all skill levels. There’s no flooding/stalling/clutch/gears or choke to worry about. Getting cows in silence in the early mornings is brilliant with no worries about waking the family up when you leave. The battery lasts two days between charging and there is way more power than you’ll ever need.” As pressure mounts on the agricultural sector to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact Eric says Surron electric farm bikes will be well positioned to play a larger role. Surron bikes are available nationwide through a strong distribution network, including authorised dealers, Farm Source rural supply stores and Farmlands Card partners, making access easy for farmers across New Zealand. Your One-Stop Shop for Everything on Two (and Four) Wheels! Whether you’re looking for the silent, electric snap of a Surron, the precision engineering of a Husqvarna, or a reliable used bike that’s ready for the dirt, we’ve got your next ride waiting. From the farm to the track, we keep you moving. 09 412 9430 parts@watsonmotorcycles.com 11A Weza Lane, Kumeu, Auckland 0810 Karen Phelps Waikato dairy farmer Tom Bebbington, who has used the Ultra Bee for over six months, reports significant benefits. Electric farm bikes
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