86 | Success with ‘alternative’ beef breed At their 1400-hectare Kairuru property — farmed by the Henderson family since 1911 — conditions are steep and rocky. Kelly Deeks With beef prices running high and demand for quality animals strong, Takaka Hill farmers Jarred Sircombe and Amanda Henderson are finding success with an alternative beef breed perfectly suited to hill country farming. Their Marble Mountain Red Devon Stud is showcasing the advantages of the traditional British breed - hardy, efficient, and good-natured cattle which thrive where others struggle. While the stud was officially registered in 2021, Jarred and Amanda’s journey with Red Devons began in 2017 when they bought their first bull. Since then, they’ve steadily built a herd that’s proving both profitable and practical on their steep, rugged property. “The whole beef sector is on a high at the moment, and good-quality animals are really sought after,” Jarred says. “If you produce good beef cattle, you don’t have any trouble selling them. The Red Devons are exactly the type of animals we want to breed - moderate-framed, good- tempered, and well-muscled with plenty of fat cover to hold them through the winter.” At their 1400-hectare Kairuru property - farmed by the Henderson family since 1911 - conditions are steep, rocky, and often cold. Altitudes range from 400 to 1000 metres above sea level, with little flat land. These challenges drove the couple to find a breed that could handle the environment without sacrificing performance. “Red Devons are known for being good foragers and efficient feed converters,” Jarred says. “They’ll go out on the hill and come back looking great. They’ve got the strength and constitution for this sort of country, and their calm temperament makes them an absolute pleasure to work with.” That easy-going nature is particularly important at Kairuru, where the family also hosts farmstay guests and walking groups. “We’ve got a young family here and people walking around the farm all the time. You don’t want bad-tempered cows in the paddock. The Red Devons are naturally quiet and easygoing - it’s one of the best things about them.” Visitors to the farm often comment on the striking sight of the ruby-red cattle grazing among the hills. “They really stand out,” Jarred says. “It’s something different from all the black and white around the countryside - and people notice that. The Red Devons are not just good workers; they’re beautiful cattle too.” One of their foundation bulls, now nine years old, has had a lasting influence on the herd, with several generations of daughters and granddaughters now calving down. “It’s really rewarding to see those breeding decisions come through over time,” Jarred says. ON FARM » Marble Mountain Red Devon “We’ve kept a son of his - a phenomenal yearling bull we’re really excited about.” Marble Mountain sources new genetics mainly from the North Island, with very few registered Red Devon herds in the South Island - possibly no more than half a dozen. Jarred says increasing numbers will help raise awareness of the breed’s production value. “The Red Devon isn’t as well-known here yet, but it’s a breed with real potential,” he says. “They’re traditional British cattle that produce high-quality, marbled beef efficiently off grass. They’ve got a lot to offer farmers looking for an alternative to the mainstream breeds.” Alongside their stud work, Jarred and Amanda run 1600 Perendale ewes and a growing beef finishing operation. Strong meat prices for both sheep and beef have helped the business bounce back from a tough few years. “We’ve taken on more finishing country, which is helping add value to both sheep and cattle. The lift in the meat sector over the past 12 months has been phenomenal.” GRAND OPENING Caring for all creatures great & small for over 30 years in the Nelson & Tasman region. Come join us to celebrate our official opening or our new veterinary clinic. Annabel Tripp 021 639 939 Production and Performance in all environments Perendales | Suffolks | Romdales On farm sale December 5th viewing from 10am
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