74 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Rockburn Farming: Evan Chapman Wagyu beef paying good dividends Growing the Wagyus works extremely well in Rockburn’s farm system. The Wagyus are slower growing than traditional beef breeds. Russell Fredric Staking a modest claim in the Wagyu beef industry is paying good dividends for South Canterbury couple Evan and Clare Chapman. The sheep and beef farmers have been growing Wagyu on their 540 hectare property, Rockburn Farming, for seven years, supplying processor and exporter First Light Farms. Located in Kakahu, South Canterbury, the hill country farm carries a total of 450 Wagyu comprising 150 of each age group of calves, yearlings and two year-olds. They start life on the property as 100 kilogram calves and are usually grown to around 700 to 750 kilograms, but in August 2020 one of its steers weighed in at a record breaking 946kg. Growing the Wagyus works extremely well in Rockburn’s farm system, of which 160ha has irrigation available, and provides certainty, Evan says. “The reason we went with [First Light] is because in the buying and trading of cattle you don’t know what you’re going to get, you don’t what you’re going to have to pay, and you don’t know what you’re going to get at the other end when you sell them. “Whereas with First Light, you know what you’re going to pay for the calves, and they have a 12 month contract, so you know what you’re going to get when you sell the calves at the other end. You can budget that way, can’t you?” The Wagyus are slower growing than traditional beef breeds but are always at the top of the food chain regardless of seasonal conditions as the premium paid makes it worth any extra investment in feed. They are treated like royalty and dine on quality grass and during winter, a kale mix which includes annual clovers, plantain and a small percentage of ryegrass, in addition to baleage. “They’re first class citizens here, you’ve got to look after them to make sure that you do keep them growing and that they do marble; that’s where you make the money, is in the marble score.” First Light’s contract schedule is based on a marble score ranging from 2 to 9. Its website says less than 10% of the First Light Wagyu herd grades 7-plus and a miniscule percentage of the world’s grass fed beef scores 7 to 9. During the past two seasons Rockburn’s average marble score has been 4.8 and 5.6 respectively. “The highest average kill score we have ever had was on four animals that scored 8.8, with 9 being the highest score achievable.” Having access to Wagyu beef has ruined every other steak for Evan and Clare’s three daughters who are aged 13,15, and 17. “They just think it’s the best meat out there. They can’t get enough of it. You can cut the steak with the side of your fork, you don’t really need a knife to cut it, it’s beautiful meat.” Outside of the Wagyu operation, Rockburn’s stock comprises 2500 breeding ewes, and 800 hogget replacements of which the top 500 weighing more than 42kg are mated.The sheep are Snowline which produce finer wool than comparable dual purpose breeds. “They’re a crossbred sheep but their fleece is finer; we’re trying to get down below 30 micron for the ewes; ideally, we would be down to 27-28. “We’ve been using the rams for about four years now; half the flock are 50% Snowline; we are trying to bring the micron down to try and increase the value of our wool crop.” Spraying• Fertiliser Spreading & Cartage • Seeding • Pest Control Mustering • Lifting • Surveying 027 433 1918 | 03 615 6966 richard@helisc.co.nz www.helisc.co.nz 221 Spur Hut Road, Waitohi Lifting the Standard For a personal approach to all your business advisory and accoun�ng requirements, contact CEG today p 03 479 0400 e admin@cegnz.co.nz w www.cegnz.co.nz Proud to support Rockburn Farming Company Limited adding value business advisors chartered accountants
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=