| 19 Fernvale has a busy summer ahead Fernvale Genetics was founded in 1946 and is now into its third generation of family stewardship. Kelly Deeks RURAL PEOPLE » Fernvale Genetics Family-owned West Otago sheep and beef operation Fernvale Genetics is preparing for its first on-farm Angus bull sale next autumn, marking an exciting new chapter in the Brenssell family’s long-running focus on genetic excellence. Based at Moa Flat, Fernvale Genetics is led by Lloyd and Angela Brenssell, with 2IC Jack Brennan taking the lead on stud cattle management. Lloyd says the timing is right to take the next step and bring Fernvale’s bulls to auction. “We’ve built our herd up to a point where we’re confident in our genetics and comfortable with the animals we’re breeding,” he says. “We’ve sold everything privately until now but demand has grown, and we’re ready to hold our first on-farm sale.” The sale is planned for late April or early May 2025 at 1530 Moa Flat Road, and will feature around 400 eighteen-month-old Angus store cattle, 30 stud bulls, and 60–70 in-calf two-year-old heifers. “When you think about the logistics, there’ll be close to 600 cattle yarded for the day,” Lloyd says. “We’ve got a busy summer ahead with a lot of new infrastructure to build, including selling arenas and upgraded yards. It’s a big project - well north of $150,000 - but we’re doing it properly.” Fernvale Genetics was founded in 1946 and is now into its third generation of family stewardship. Lloyd has continued the stud’s long tradition of selective, data-driven breeding, focusing on the Angus traits that deliver performance both in the paddock and on the plate. “We’ve been breeding Angus for around 20 years and concentrating on intramuscular fat (IMF), birth ease, longevity, and growth,” he says. “Those have become the dominant traits in our herd.” Jack, who oversees much of the cattle operation, says temperament is another key focus. “Temperament is a genetic trait, and we select for it right from day one,” he says. “We’re watching calves in the paddock before they’ve been handled, so we can identify natural docility early on. That gives us confidence we’re producing quiet, well-mannered cattle.” The stud has also introduced new bloodlines this season from Umbrella Range and Earnscleugh Station to complement Fernvale’s established Kakahu base. “Those herds share the same emphasis on IMF and temperament,” Jack says. “It’ll be exciting to see those new genetics come through in next year’s bulls.” Fernvale’s IMF focus has been driven by its strong relationship with Alliance Group and the Pure South Handpicked programme. About eight years ago, Lloyd began testing his herd for IMF, discovering Fernvale’s females scored particularly high. “Instead of buying a dozen $8000 bulls, we decided to invest in one $40,000 stud bull each year,” Lloyd says. “It’s paid off. Our cattle perform well in the Handpicked programme because they consistently meet the stringent IMF criteria.” He credits Alliance for championing premium grass-fed red meat. “The deal Alliance has recently done with the Irish Dawn Meats Group is a masterstroke not only for Alliance but for the meat industry as a whole. These Northern Hemisphere and global connections put us on the cusp of the 20 Framptons Road, Hinds PH 03 303 7083 brian@hindsseed.co.nz golden era of sheep and beef. It’s a restructure of our meat industry, and the next thing we need is a restructure of our fibre industry. I can see it happening, and hopefully this deal will be the catalyst.” Looking ahead, Lloyd says Fernvale will continue balancing innovation with loyalty to its customers and community. A new client-loyalty initiative is now offering returning buyers the chance to enjoy guided hunting and fishing experiences on Fernvale’s vast hill country. “It’s about giving something back,” Lloyd says. “We’ve got a beautiful property and great clients. This sale, and everything around it, is about building those relationships and doing things the right way.” Fernvale Genetics, located in Moa Flat, West Otago is an elite ram breeding company that has seen 3 generations of the Brenssell family over the past 80 years develop the stud to its current status. The stud today has entrenched key breeding policies that are used to produce superior animals that will have the Genetic make up to enhance the commercial sheep farming operations they are transferred into. These key breeding policies include: • Only multiple born & reared animals sold or retained in stud. • Quality outside bloodlines used every third generation. • Commercial pressure though 45,000 stock units. • Two year ram performance guarantee. • All ewe hoggets put to ram 027 201 8181 fernvale@farmside.co.nz www.fernvale.co.nz Fernvale Genetics is part of a large 45,000 stock unit sheep and beef operation. Not only is the focus on the stud, but the commercial side of the sheep and beef operations have to be pro table. The combined farming operation includes 18,500 Beef stock units with 1,200 breeding cows. Pregnancy Scanning Sheep & Cattle Proud to Support Fernvale Genetics Phone Blair: 021 673 174
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