42 | MEAT & WOOL » Opawa Simmentals There’s always plenty to be done Sue Russell It’s been six years now since Charlotte Moore and husband Rory came home to manage the family operation at Opawa Downs, located some 40 minutes inland from Timaru at Albury. Returning to the farm established by Charlotte’s parents, David and Jayne Timperley, has been a significant step forward in the couple’s farming business journey and there’s always plenty to be done between the stud, the commercial beef herd, dairy support and the sheep operation. Opawa Downs is home to Opawa Simmental stud, and an array of other stock including 350 commercial Hereford/Simmental cross beef cows, 160 stud cows, 500 beef young stock, 240 young dairy grazers, 3100 ewes and 1000 hoggets. “It’s heartening to see more interest and good prices being attained for Simmentals servicing both the beef and dairy industries. In the past the breed hasn’t been marketed as well as others, yet their performance in terms of growth rate and faster finishing potential is outstanding.” At this year’s annual on-farm sale mid-May Opawa sold 25 of 27 bulls stood up for auction, with a top price of $22,000 paid by Potawa Simmentals in Piopio, along with three stud transfers, including Lot 1 for $14,750 to Beresford Simmentals, Owaka. The sale averaged at $9,930. Asked when selection decisions begin to surface for an upcoming sale, Charlotte says her and David begin to make the selection well over a year in advance when the stock are calves. “In November, they get eye muscle scanned and over a period of twelve months they change considerably. We always have a good idea early on as to which bulls will be presented for sale and its always an exciting time when sale day comes around to see just how the market responds.” Opawa Simmental stud was established in 1993 with the vision to focus on temperament, constitution and growth rates. David has been heavily involved in the Simmental Breeders Board and has accrued a reputation as an expert on the breed. “We get really positive feedback from clients finishing calves produced by our bulls over their commercial herds. Returning to the farm established by Charlotte’s parents, David and Jayne Timperley, has been a significant step forward in the couple’s farming business journey. Opawa Downs is home to Opawa Simmental stud. Partners: Paul Wolffenbu�el | Jasveen Singh | Nick Krivan | Kalpesh Hari | Mark Evans HC Partners LP are proud to support Opawa Simmentals 39 George Street, Timaru 7910 | PO Box 125, Timaru 7940 Email: hcmail@hcpartners.co.nz | Phone: 03 687 9222 | Website: www.hcpartners.co.nz 021 0849 7055 | whittakerag@gmail.com For all your ground spraying needs Locally owned and operated by Tom & Jess Whittaker. For all your spraying needs & questions, give us a call! Proudly supporting Opawa Simmentals
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