NZ Herefords: Beef Expo 2006

Wrightson Champion of Champions - the coveted multi breed contest was claimed by an outstanding Hereford sire - Kotare Zodiac (ET), at the Meat NZ Beef Expo held last week in Palmerston North. Earlier awarded Supreme Champion Hereford, presiding Judge David Bondfield selected the Hereford for top honours. Bondfield explains "the Champion of Champions really picks itself. It is an animal with something extra about it- not only eye appeal and balance - it is something that is hard to put into words- but when you see a true Champion you know which one he is". The Hereford breed also claimed the title in 2002 and 2003.

2005 success also for NZ Herefords supreme quality branded beef product, Hereford Prime. In the fiercely contested Steak of Origin competition endorsed by Beef and Lamb NZ, Hereford Prime has become the only branded beef product to win through to all finals since the inception of the competition. "This achievement reflects the absolute guaranteed consistency of Hereford Prime beef, New Zealand's highest specified beef product" comments Mr Laurie Paterson, Chairman of Hereford Prime, NZ. "The fact that three out of the four finalists in this years Best Branded/ Retail Beef section were of Hereford origin endorses the positive carcase attributes of the Hereford breed' he adds.

Record Hereford entries, despite stringent entry criteria saw 70 animals entered in the 2005 National Hereford Show and Sale. The show judged by guest Australian Judge Mr David Bondfield, who had the pleasure of officiating over all the six breeds participating at Expo, was looking for cattle with natural balance and straight clean lines as well as cattle with the all important structural soundness.

In the Hereford show ring, Judge Bondfield was assisted by Associate Hereford judge, Mr Paul Shepherd from the Waimare Stud of Northland. At the 2004 World Hereford Conference held in Australia, Paul was placed first in an International Youth Judging competition.

Supreme Champion Hereford honours went to Kotare Zodiac (ET), a well muscled, very sound two year old bull bred by the Kotare stud of A C McCall of Gore, Southland. Featuring top Australian and New Zealand genetics in Doonbiddie Hustler and Braxton respectively, Zodiac possess excellent growth and carcase genetics. Purchased for use within the seed stock industry, Zodiac sold at the afternoon Hereford auction to the Streamlands Hereford Stud of Northland for $10,000.

Reserve Champion Hereford honours went to Hukaroa Biceps 03 98, another well balanced bull bred by the Hukaroa Stud of the Hansen family of Te Kauwhata. Again focusing on growth traits and excellent carcase characteristics, Biceps also sold into the seed stock industry purchased by the Koanui Herford stud of Havelock North for $9000.

The Rangitoto Hereford Stud of Fenton Williams, Papakura had a very successful 2005 Show and Sale taking out first and second placing's in the Yearling Bull class, with impressive Canadian 'FCC 60G Maddux 4L' genetics. Both young bulls went on to sell particularly well at auction at $14,000 and $10,000 respectively.

Guest Judge Mr David Bondfield (Right) from Queensland Australia & Associate Judge Mr Paul Shepherd (Left) from Waimare Stud (Winner of WHC 2004, International Junior Judging Competition).

Rangitoto Stud also claimed first place in the Female show class with Rangitoto Madam 4L 0474, again featuring the growthy Maddux genetics. Madam sold for $7000 with Ranigtoto's second female entry, placed forth in the show, selling for $5600. Fenton Williams was also awarded the RA Donald trophy for the 'Best two entries bred and exhibited by one vendor'.

Hereford Herdsperson of the day was awarded to Chris Jeffries from the Grassmere Stud of Blenheim. Chris was judged 'the most competent and well presented animal handler at the Hereford show'.

The Hereford Sale/ Auction saw the highest price attained by Lot 1, Otapawa High Energy 3048 (ET), the first progeny from recently imported Australian bull Studbrook D'Artagnion, a trait leader for all growth traits. Bred by the Otapawa Stud of Eketahuna, High Energy sold to the Big River Hereford Stud of Waikato for $21,500. Second highest price of $20,000, went to the Awhea stud, selling Awhea Dividend, a full brother of Awhea Arrow (sold for $75,000 at the 2003 Expo) to Roselawn Hereford Stud of Fairlie.

A large audience of prospective purchasers attended this year's sale and many of the quality, performance recorded, registered Hereford sires on offer, were contested by commercial cattleman selling in the $3,500- $10,000 price range. Hereford seed stock buyers also purchased strongly at the sale. Hereford sale statistics cite a turnover of $406,300 with 2 year bulls averaging $7713, heifers averaging $5100 and yearling bulls selling strongly, averaging $10,400. Passings totalled seven.

President of NZ Herefords, Mr David Morrow was particularly pleased with the sale, with record entries supported by strong purchasing power. "In addition, to finish the Beef Expo event, with the Wrightson Champion of Champions title going to Herefords is testimony to the quality of animals being bred within the breed" he comments.

Champion Yearling Bull – Rangitoto Omen 0488 bred by the Rangitoto Stud, South Auckland.

Champion Female – Rangitoto Madam 4L 0474 bred by the Rangitoto Stud, South Auckland.

Herdsperson Award – The most competent Herdsperson at the Hereford Show presented to Chris Jeffries, Grassmere Stud, Blenheim.

Points Competition – Best two animals exhibited by one vendor presented to Fenton Williams, Rangitoto Stud, South Auckalnd.

Supreme Champion Hereford – Kotare Zodiac ET, bred by the Kotare Stud, A McCall, Gore. Pictured with Lyn Verring (President APHS) and Lab Wilson (NZHA Sponsor; Merial).

Reserve Champio Hereford – Hukaroa Biceps 03 98, bred by the Hukaroa Stud, South Auckland. Sold to Koanui Stud, $9,000

Top Priced Bull – Otapawa High Energy 3048 (ET), bred by the Otapawa Stud, Eketahuna. Sold to the Big River Stud, South Auckland, $21,500

Champions! Alan McCall and Kotare Zodiac

2005 Champions of Champions to NZ Herefords

2005 Champions of Champions
to NZ Herefords