30 | Taimate only put up top quality bulls Bull sale day one. Karen Phelps Momentum continues to build at Taimate Angus with its annual on-farm bull sale this year, held June 15, with a larger catalogue and an injection of new bloodlines. “This year we catalogued 108 bulls,” says stud master Paul Hickman. “We have been steadily increasing numbers each year, selling 81 bulls in 2023, 88 in 2024, and 96 last year, so it reflects both demand and our ability to expand.” That growth has been supported by the purchase of additional land three years ago, allowing it to increase cow numbers and ultimately produce more sale bulls. At the same time, it has remained selective about what makes the final line-up. “We’re very conscientious to only put up quality bulls,” says Paul. “The demand is there, but we won’t compromise standards. If the bulls are good enough, we’ll offer them and let the market decide.” A key feature of this year’s sale has been the introduction of new genetics, blended with the stud’s proven bloodlines that have underpinned its reputation for decades. Among the new additions is Alpine Real Deal R163, an Australian sire for which Taimate Angus holds exclusive New Zealand rights. Selected for both performance data and phenotype, the bull has been chosen to complement the stud’s established base. “He’s got a lot of really good data and the type we believed would suit our more traditional females,” says Paul. “This is the first year his progeny are offered.” Another highlight has been the first crop of sons from a sire purchased from Earnscleugh Station three years ago, adding further depth and diversity to the offering. Alongside these new influences, it continues to build on the strength of its established sires, including Lazarus and Roy, which have been widely used throughout New Zealand and internationally. RURAL PEOPLE » Taimate Angus Stud Their progeny have consistently performed at the top end of sales, reinforcing the stud’s reputation for reliable, high-performing cattle. Paul believes people come to Taimate Angus, which was founded in 1956, because of the consistent performance of its animals time after time. “We have a very well balanced herd which gives a consistent product. When you look at the strong phenotype we have, it’s backed up with very good and always improving EBV’s. www.eckford.co.nz 1 Auckland Street, Blenheim . Phone: 03 578 3002 STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING: Steel Fabrication · House Beams Galvanised Brick Lintels · Winery Catwalks and Platforms Proud to support Taimate Angus Stud YOU NEED THE BEST. TO LOOK AFTER THE BEST. When it comes to the transport of stud livestock you can’t go past Downlands Deer and Studstock. During the past 40 years, we have pioneered the way in studstock transportation with purpose built trucks, calm expert livestock handlers, efficient nationwide transport routing and now with visual tracking from pick up to delivery. Talk to Downlands Deer and Studstock today to ensure your livestock arrives in the best condition possible. Marlborough | Ph 03 972 3948 | Cell 027 544 3917 | Web www.patchettagair.com Specialising in Lime & Fertiliser Spreading on Hill country & Viticulture There probably aren’t too many other herds in the same boat. But at the end of the day it’s all about results, and the clients are continually coming back to us because of how the bulls are performing, and often bringing a neighbour. We don’t advertise at all and have a number of finishers wanting our list of clients so they can buy those calves.” Temperament is key and all the cattle have to be naturally quiet and Taimate Angus is widely regarded as having the quietest cattle around, he says. The farming operation itself, where the stud is based, has likewise continued to evolve. Development of the additional block has seen it expand into a broader farming system, finishing close to 8000 lambs last season, alongside around 100 trade cattle and winter dairy grazing. In total, it can carry more than 1500 cattle through the winter months.
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