| 33 Anita in front of some of her cattle. Photo: Matthew Deighton RURAL PEOPLE » Westwood Shorthorns 0800 22 5899 03 225 8356 Otautau | 03 225 5899 Pukemaori admin@kingsrural.co.nz | kingsrural.co.nz RURAL TRANSPORT STOCK / BULK FERTILISER • GRAVEL CONTRACTING • TRANSPORTING The herd includes 40 registered stud and 85 commercial cows and Anita says she knows them all well. Westwood Farm extends across 455ha and carries 4,500 s.u. Along with being home to the Shorthorn stud and its operation, there’s a flock of primarily Romney ewes and the Westwood Black and Coloured sheep stud. “We put minerals on the farm early August because we wanted it in the soil in time for when the ewes started lambing and it paid off because we had our biggest weaning draft as a result.” The mix included colbolt, selenium, copper, sulpher, boron and zinc. “We talked to Livestock Supplies rep and I definitely think the ewes looked better. Last year we sold 55% of our lambs as store and this year that figure was reduced to 28%, so that says something.” Westwood Farm also hosted the NZ Beef Shorthorn Association tour where invited guests from PGG, Silver Fern Farms and Otautau Vets enjoyed an afternoon that was different from what they usually do on the farm. Those who visited were also treated to a presentation from Matthew Deighton of Cropmark Seeds while standing in a paddock the company had sponsored. A crop of swedes have been propagated, along with crimson clover, plantain and phacelia. “Phacelia attract bees and aphids don’t like bees. We’re also about to spray Agrisea’s Ocean and Pasture Nutrition along with Molasses because ‘bad bugs’ can’t digest sugar. We just keep trying different things and being open to new ideas that work in harmony with nature.” All in all, Anita says she’s happy with the situation of the farm and its stock. Her cherished shorthorns are progressing well. “I think I just like the fact that there’s always something evolving on a farm, something to keep you thinking about what’s the best thing now to do. It’s challenging and very rewarding.”
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