| 65 RURAL PEOPLE » Torrisdale - Murray Greys Quality genetics drive Torrisdale sale Russell Fredric The quality of genetics on offer will again take centre stage when Torrisdale Murray Grey Stud presents a line of top quality yearling bulls at its annual sale this October. Owned by Barry Macdonald, the Central Southland stud has spent more than 50 years breeding Murray Grey cattle for New Zealand’s commercial beef and dairy-beef industries. Being the largest Murray Grey stud in New Zealand, Torrisdale genetics are used by commercial farmers, fellow Murray Grey breeders and artificial breeding companies throughout New Zealand and overseas. “In the past we’ve always had an emphasis on quality, easy-doing cattle that are relevant to the New Zealand beef industry. The market for Murray Greys has generally been more geared towards beef on dairy, but we also put forward cattle that are relevant for beef on beef.” This year’s bull sale, being held on Wednesday, October 7, will be promoted differently than in the past. With the neighbouring SJC Speckle Park stud and under the ‘Ballyhooley, Over The Fence’ banner, two bull sales will be held on the same day. Torrisdale Murray Grey will offer about 40, performance recorded, semen tested, fully vaccinated, carcass-scanned bulls through a hybrid on-farm, online auction. The catalogue will allow buyers to assess a comprehensive set of performance data. Torrisdale has long placed particular emphasis on Breedplan and estimated breeding values, while maintaining phenotype integrity, “We always have performance in mind and also focus on carcass EBVs, EMA (eye muscle area), fat cover, (fats) and intramuscular fat/marbling (IMF). We also retain those attributes which get live calves on the ground, moderate birth weight, shorter gestation and calving ease.” Barry says the herd consistently performs above the breed average for carcass quality reinforcing the stud’s focus on producing cattle that deliver value beyond simply achieving rapid growth. That philosophy has become increasingly relevant as demand for beef-on-dairy genetics continues to grow. While Barry acknowledges the industry’s emphasis on growth rates, he believes equal attention should be given to eating quality and the characteristics that create higher-value beef for premium markets. “The Murray Grey is a more moderate breed of animal with renowned carcass quality. We’ve got a really great opportunity to supply a lot of quality beef, and it would be a shame to lose that opportunity by emphasising just one aspect, which is, to my mind, growth.” Barry also sees the breed’s consistent, moderate growth and doing ability as an advantage for commercial farmers, allowing cattle to be processed before a second winter or retained longer to achieve heavier weights if market conditions suit. Another advantage is the breed’s distinctive silver coat colour. Silver Murray Grey bulls carry a double dilution gene, meaning their progeny are colour-marked at birth when used over dairy cows. “That means when a calf is born, farmers will be Complete Silage, Baling, Cultivation, Effluent, Spraying & Excavator Contracting Service Phone: 03 225 8488 Rabco Ag Ltd E-mail: admin@rabco.nz Web: www.rabbitt.co.nz Maximise your Genetic Gain without the hassle of Artificial Breeding Brooklands Jerseys 3rd Annual Yearling BULL SALE Phil Garaway | 027 210 0714 | greenstone@netspeed.net.nz Jamie Shepherd | 027 473 0800 | Jamie.Shepherd@rll.co.nz High BW Jersey Bulls CONTACT Monday 2 September 7pm able to tell whether it’s a Murray Grey or a replacement dairy calf, because it’s colour marked as a grey colour.” Alongside the genetic focus, Torrisdale has refined its own farming system. Now the stud winters about 150 breeding cows on-farm, as well as 60 R1 bulls on a grass and baleage regime while the 70 R1 heifers are grass wintered elsewhere. This has many animal health benefits as well as resulting in less transition on and off winter platforms than previously when using winter crops. Torrisdale 10 month bulls in July on grass. Hardegger Ag Ltd is a committed agricultural contracting business. We are based in the Isla Bank area with a focus on providing a quality service for our customers. The services we provide range from cultivation, baleage and the use of a 3kmumbilical systemwith air compressor, stirrer and a positive attitude to spread your e luent. Contact Josh 027 236 2552 HardeggerAG
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