36 | Home farm spanning four generations White-coated animals provide clear identification benefits in dairy systems. Virginia Wright RURAL PEOPLE » Kakahu Farm Kakahu Farm in South Canterbury has been in the Hargreaves family for more than 100 years, spanning four generations. The Kakahu Angus Stud was established by Tom Hargreaves’ grandfather in 1954, with the Charolais stud developed by Tom and his father in 2006. By 2027, Kakahu expects to have both black and white homozygous yearling bulls, along with semen, available from its newly developed Changus genetics the result of more than a decade of collaboration with Clayton Station. In 2016 Clayton Station, run by Tom’s cousin Hamish Orbell, purchased Angus cows from Kakahu and began breeding them to a Charolais bull selected for calving ease and growth, traits aligned with the dairy industry’s needs. Since then Clayton Station has continued to breed and sell Changus bulls into the dairy sector. Five years later, confident in both performance and demand, Kakahu began formally developing a more defined pedigree line. “We strategically selected Angus cows with the genetic profiles we believed would work and crossed those with top Charolais sires already proven in the dairy market,” Tom says. “That allowed us to build a consistent, pedigree Changus line.” Dairy farmers now have two options: purchase bulls from Clayton Station or use Kakahu semen to take a more targeted genetic approach within their own herds. A key focus for Kakahu has been breeding for homozygous coat colour. White-coated animals provide clear identification benefits in dairy systems, while homozygous black Changus bulls also present opportunities for beef producers. With hybrid vigour, these cattle offer strong growth potential while retaining market compatibility. Using a homozygous black Changus bull over Angus cows produces progeny that are three-quarter Angus and black-hided, allowing them to meet specifications for programmes that reward Angus-type cattle such as those supplying premium beef markets. “We’re excited about what Changus can offer the beef market as well as dairy,” Tom says. “Those black-hided animals still carry strong Angus influence but benefit from the added performance of Charolais.” Colour also plays a practical role on farm. Dairy farmers can easily identify calves destined for beef systems, while retaining suitable replacements within the herd. This adds management efficiency while also improving the overall value of the calf crop. Underpinning all of this is Kakahu’s Angus programme, which remains the core of the business. Built on 75 years of selection the herd continues to focus on traits that drive profitability including marbling, carcase weight, fertility and consistency through the supply chain. The stud supports two annual bull sales and continues to supply genetics to a wide range of commercial beef operations. Kakahu Angus genetics are gaining traction internationally with semen now being used in Australia, the United Kingdom and Uruguay. Tom believes this reflects the strength of New Zealand’s grass-based Angus systems and their relevance in global beef markets. “We see real opportunity for Angus, both in New Zealand and offshore, particularly as demand grows for high-quality, grass-fed beef,” he says. The next Kakahu Angus bull sale will be held on-farm on June 15, with 60–65 bulls available. A small number of Charolais bulls will also be offered by private treaty. Recently weaned Changus calves, both black and white, will be available for viewing, with yearling bulls expected for sale next season. PROUDLY ASSOCIATED WITH BALLANDEAN LTD OFF-ROAD LIVIN’ PROUDLY SUPPORTING KAKAHU FARM 03 688 7517 www.eastcoastpowersports.co.nz Proud to support Kakahu Farm Phone - 03 685 4880 Mobile - 027 280 4831 Rd 17, Fairlie 7987 39 George Street, Timaru 7910 | PO Box 125, Timaru 7940 Email: hcmail@hcpartners.co.nz | Phone: 03 687 9222 | Website: www.hcpartners.co.nz HC Partners LP are proud to support Kakahu Farm Partners: Nick Krivan | Emma Gilkison | Jasveen Singh | Kalpesh Hari | Mark Evans
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