42 | MEAT & WOOL » Brad Williams - The Gums Renewed confidence in beef markets The Williams have carved out a niche in breeding and selling in-calf heifers. Bernadette Cooney Renewed confidence in beef markets and strong results from its first-cross heifer breeding program, are driving positive change for South Otago sheep and beef farmers Brad and Rochelle Williams, emerging from a tough six years since leaving Palmerston to farm The Gums in Circle Hill, near Milton. Taking a leap of faith and finance to take their operation from 3000 to 5000 stock units, Brad and Rochelle and their young daughters, moved to the 463-hectare property in 2019 which had historically been sheep and deer country. “It’s been a tough six years, no doubt,” says Brad. “High interest rates, rough market - everything hit at once. But we’re starting to see results now.” Running 2500 Romney Texel ewes, 650 hoggets, and up to 300 cattle, the Williams have carved out a niche in breeding and selling in-calf heifers. Over the past three years their cattle programme has focused on First Cross Hereford-Angus heifers, with calves sourced from reputable breeders which are then put to Angus bulls from Te Mania stud. “These are genuine first cross heifers - Hereford cows to Angus bulls. It’s a proven cross with very good hybrid vigour and calving ease.” The couple source heifers from well-regarded breeders including Lindsay Kirk of Middlemarch, Bryce Wishworth in Tuapeka West, plus Awakiwa and Summerhill’s. Selection is based on reliability and genetics, and the program is a blend of breeding, buying, and partnership. Some heifers are bred on-farm, others bought in and some from a Hereford share-farm partnership where Brad takes the heifer calves, while the partner keeps the bulls. The Gums annual on-farm heifer sale, held in late March or early April, is gaining traction. Last year, the sale was brought forward and billed as a drought sale due to poor grass growth. Even so, its top line of rising three-year-old heifers sold for $1550 each. In contrast, this year’s sale saw a pen of 15 three-year-old heifers fetch $2200 a piece, reflecting improved market confidence and better seasonal conditions. “Prices for good cattle have really lifted, as have the prices of everything ” says Brad. “Commercial farmers seem to be pleased with our heifers and we’re really happy with the people we’re buying calves from.” A special moment at this year’s sale saw heifers purchased by a manager from the farm where Brad’s mother grew up, before her father died and they had to sell up, 60 years ago. MAHENO SOUTH SUFFOLK STUD Proud to be ram suppliers to Brad & Rochelle Maheno South Suffolk Stud Mark & Sue Lawrence 021 217 5261 Oamaru Romney • Romney Texel • Sufflex “HAVE TWO, REAR TWO” 1318 Waitahuna West Rd, RD3 Lawrence, 9593 • MOTHERING ABILITY • LAMB SURVIVAL • GROWTH RATES • SIL RECORDED Hamish Erwood: 027 931 5582 Email: farview@kinect.co.nz
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