| 43 MEAT & WOOL » Opawa Simmentals “It’s heartening to see more interest and good prices being attained for Simmentals.” Traditionally, Simmentals were viewed mainly as a terminal beef breed, however there is a shift to using them maternally, and they are being largely used in the dairy industry, which has been very encouraging to see. “The beef terminal sire will always be our bread and butter though.” The farm extends over 1200 hectares and is a 50:50 mix of flat to rolling paddocks, along with some steeper tussock areas. Charlotte says their Simmentals are known for their strong bones and good feet and the breeding focus has been on eliminating horns through sire selection. “Polled bulls are in higher demand than horned, and now that we have the ability to test and breed for this desired trait its a great tool to have in the tool box. As time goes on and technology develops we have the ability to move with it and make more accurate decisions around our breeding selections. Its easier to make slight changes when you have a solid foundation, and that’s what Dad and Mum have created over the last 30 years.” The commercial herd is a mix of Simmental and Hereford and Charlotte says she’s pleased with their condition, however there’s been noticably more rain this year and a lack of good sun. Simmentals (Swiss Fleckvieh) originate from Switzerland, and have always been considered a solid dual-purpose cattle. They’ve adapted very well through successive generations to New Zealand’s pastural conditions and climate. Known particularly for their efficiency in turning feed intake into weight, they’re a popular choice to add hybrid vigour and capability into both the dairy and beef farming sectors. Along with the annual bull sale in May, a handful of Simmental yearlings are sold privately around October. “We also have our Spring cattle sale on the 14th October when 100 yearling commercial bulls are for sale. These bulls are bred off the tussock hill country and are usually purchased by dairy farmers as chaser bulls or go to finishing farms.” Simmental bulls are known for their robust breeding capabilities, reliably producing strong progeny successfully over several years. IMPORTERS & DISTRIBUTORS OF FARM MACHINERY Ph: 03 688 2031 Email: sales@pwtractors.co.nz 70 Racecourse Rd, Washdyke, Timaru www.paulwilkinstractors.co.nz mainlandwool@xtra.co.nz 2 Smallbone Drive, Ashburton Store Phone.................... Chris Bell........................ Dean Harrison................. Brent Jary........................ 03 308 0150 027 432 2547 027 229 1833 027 554 5547 Locally owned Wool Merchant Prompt, Professional, Personal Service Mid Canterbury’s leading low cost wool service provider “Because we have our own commercial herd, we’re continually testing and assessing our genetics. We know the genetics we sell will deliver results our clients expect and deserve. It’s what this stud’s reputation has been built on and I’m so proud of the work Dad and Mum put into establishing it over 30 years ago.” And while Dad may have stepped back somewhat from the day to day responsibility of the whole farming operation, Charlotte says the stud is still very much his main focus and passion. “He just carries so much knowledge about the breed. For Rory and I it’s invaluable to have his wisdom and guidance.”
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