60 | MEAT & WOOL » Pyramid Downs 30 years of sales by Pyramid Downs The success stems from Helen’s commitment to breeding cattle that thrive in New Zealand conditions. Karen Phelps At 88 years old, Helen Miller stands as one of New Zealand’s most respected Hereford breeders, and this October marks a significant milestone for her Pyramid Downs stud - its 30th annual bull sale. The event, scheduled for Wednesday, October 15th at 11:30am, represents three decades of consistent breeding excellence from the Northern Southland operation. “The ability of Pyramid Downs bulls to add value to clients’ operations is the result of breeding for over 50 years,” says Helen who has been on her farm for 59 years. “The line-up of bulls this year will represent the consistency I strive to achieve.” Helen had her first sale 30 years ago when an agent saw her exhibiting at the Wanaka A & P Show and encourage her to have her own sale noting how the bulls compared favourably with other exhibitor bulls. The 30th anniversary sale holds special significance with farming cousins travelling from Scotland to celebrate the occasion. Last year marked another milestone when every bull sold at auction. “That was the first time ever and shows there is real demand for them from all over the South Island,” says Helen. The 250-hectare Riversdale property officially became a recognised stud in 1979 when Helen joined NZ Hereford. The operation began in 1972 and has grown to encompass around 100 breeding cows plus heifers, alongside 800 Perendale ewes. The success stems from Helen’s commitment to breeding cattle that thrive in New Zealand conditions. Her philosophy centres on selecting animals that perform naturally on grass-based systems. Helen’s enthusiasm for Herefords remains undiminished, driven by what she sees as the breed’s numerous advantages for New Zealand farmers. “Herefords are better for feed efficiency and superior finishing off grass,” says Helen. “ They’re good foragers, which is crucial in our sometimes challenging conditions.” The breed’s crossbreeding benefits particularly appeal to commercial operators. “All the advantages of hybrid vigour come into play,” explains Helen. “This hybrid vigour contributes to improved growth rates and the ability to finish heifers and steers to export weights and grades earlier.” Market premiums provide another compelling reason for farmers to choose Hereford genetics. “Herefords attract premiums throughout the country,” says Helen. “The breed’s eating quality is another selling point, with Herefords filling export programmes for quality beef and local trade markets.” The stud’s emphasis on Breedplan data, structural soundness, and cow efficiency has earned numerous accolades over the years. Helen continues pursuing genetic improvement, with her most recent purchase being a bull from Canterbury’s Okawa Poll Hereford. “You try and do things better each year. When I buy a stud sire I am very selective,” says Helen. “There are some studs I won’t buy from because they push their animals. If you drive into a stud breeder’s yard and see grain silos it’s an indication they have given their animals an extra boost. But you definitely don’t see a grain silo on this property. We want animals that produce without high inputs. This bull was a well-marked, low birth weight bull with a good milk figure and 600-day weight.” Pyramid Downs has recently expanded, with Helen purchasing an adjacent 10-hectare lifestyle block. “I was going to replace my 4x4 but I bought a paddock instead,” says Helen with characteristic humour. &
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