28 | Purchased the iconic Malvern Downs stud Charlie plans to continue to build on the strong relationships Malvern Downs has established with its clientele over the years. Karen Phelps Charlie emphasises selective breeding and flock health, with a focus on natural worm resistance. “We don’t want to build in more drench resistance in the flock, so we’re pretty focussed on targeted drenching these days.” RURAL PEOPLE » Patearoa Station Patearoa Station has just purchased the iconic Malvern Downs polled merino stud marking the start of an exciting venture, says owner Charlie Hore who is already well-known for his Romney stud. “It’s a very well-known stud and it will be challenging but good fun. The stock is good and the wool is fantastic so hopefully we can move it forward,” says Charlie. “I’m very appreciative of the opportunity to take it on as I’m sure it’s been hard for the previous owners to let go of it.” At 102 years old this year, Malvern Downs is the oldest registered polled merino stud in New Zealand. It was owned by Robbie and Chrissie Gibson at Tarras with Robbie’s parents Bill and Frances first introducing polled sheep to New Zealand in the 1950s. The purchase comprises 300 ewes and will see the stock move to Charlie’s Central Otago property 27 km south-west of Ranfurly. Charlie plans to continue to build on the strong relationships Malvern Downs has established with its clientele over the years and is excited to bring the benefits of polled merinos into his own operation. Patearoa Station, also owned by Belinda Colling, runs a combination of commercial merinos, Romney and half-bred sheep, along with Hereford cattle. The station carries 2,900 merino ewes to the ram, 1,640 merino hoggets, 850 half-bred ewes, 400 half-bred ewe hoggets, 160 half-bred ram hoggets, 2,900 wethers, 160 Hereford cows, and 150 calves. With the addition of Malvern Downs, Charlie hopes the new genetics will complement his existing breeding programme. Patearoa Station sells merino wool through Merino NZ – now called Zentera - under contract. The property’s 150 ha under irrigation and careful grazing management help mitigate the challenges of Central Otago’s dry climate. All ewes are grazed on higher country and lambs are finished on irrigated pasture. Charlie emphasises selective breeding and flock health, with a focus on natural worm resistance. “We don’t want to build in more drench resistance in the flock, so we’re pretty focussed on targeted drenching these days,” he explains. Although the cattle side of the operation is smaller, there to fatten up and run over pasture behind the sheep, the focus on good genetics remains the same with the Hores buying bulls from Okawa Polled Herefords and Stoneburn Polled Herefords. “Hopefully they will add a bit more to our cows and their progeny - growth rates, yield and IMF.” Charlie has a long-standing connection to the district. Enquiries and Inspections welcome. Nick France: 027 567 8019 Proud to support Patearoa Station Proud to support Patearoa Station He was raised at Stonehenge Station, established in 1910, and continues to trade rams with his brother Andrew, who now runs the home farm and has his own merino stud. With prices from wool, lamb and beef having lifted, Charlie says this has boosting confidence across the farming community. For Charlie this means the station can invest in improved fertiliser regimes and reduce debt, supporting ongoing farm development.
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