The New Zealand Hereford Association Member Newsletter - June 2008

Issue 94 Contents:

1. South Africa, the sleeping giant of the Hereford world
2. Herd Of Excellence Award Made To Morrows
3. Steak of Origin 2008 Best of Cross Breed Class won by HEREFORD-FRIESIAN CROSS
4. Hereford Handler takes out Coveted Youth Ambassador Title
5. Proven High Country Hereford Honoured at Expo
6. President’s Note

 

1. South Africa, the sleeping giant of the Hereford world

Bruce Robertson, Duncraigen Herefords.

On April 5th I had the opportunity along with my wife Carolynn and good friend John Guise of travelling to South Africa to judge the Royal Hereford Show in Vryburg. Vryburg is known as the Texas of South Africa and the main centre of their beef breeding industry.

It is situated two hours west of Blomfontein and three hours south of Johannesburg. Knowing very little of what lay ahead for us, other than their proud history in rugby, it was certainly a journey into the unknown. Our whole tour was organised by the South African Hereford Society and we spent 18 days touring the country before arriving at the show.

This was a good chance to meet the breeders and view their cattle in their natural environments which gave us a good insight into the type of cattle each of them were trying to breed for their particular area, as well as getting to know the traits that were of greatest importance to each one of them. Talk about a trip into the unknown.

I had no pre-conceived ideas as to the type of cattle or the type of country they would be run on and I was pleasantly surprised to say the least. The countryside in general was harsh and very dry with mostly native vegetation so they have concentrated on a type of cattle suited to this situation. I was most impressed by the cattle, a good frame 5-6.5 in size with very easy doing ability.

I felt their carcass qualities and back ends on the cattle overall were superior to what we have in New Zealand. They have paid great attention to structural soundness notably feet, sheaths and testicles which were quite outstanding. On to the show itself, I had the privilege of judging 150 Herefords in classes of up to 15 animals. The top end of these classes would be equal to if not slightly superior to what we have here. The females were judged in the morning and males in the afternoon. The quality of the champion animals in each section was very high and I would have loved to have had them in my paddock back home.

A highlight for me was the fact that the next day in the interbreed classes, Herefords won them all, bar-one and also took out the interbreed supreme champion, something that has not been achieved by Herefords for at least 15 years – made even more remarkable by the fact it occurred in a very strong Simmental and Brahman area.

The cattle were generally led by black handlers who were patient quiet workers but in some cases lacking some of the better leading skills. Presentation wise the cattle were lightly clipped but shown in very forward condition. My overall impression of their cattle is that they would fit into and enhance our New Zealand breeding programmes.

They are performance recorded, sound and have a background of being breed in harsh conditions similar to Central Otago and inland Canterbury. I certainly intend to try and bring some of their genetics back to New Zealand if possible, as I believe South African genetics would cross well with our Herefords both horned and polled. I know there is a lot of interest in New Zealand genetics in South Africa and I did my best to promote New Zealand genetics over there. Now to the Hereford breeders.

We were hosted by nine different families and the hospitality was unbelievable. They spoilt us rotten, loved having contact with the outside world and in particular Kiwis. They are very good farmers and extremely proud of their Merinos and Herefords as well as their wine and food which was very abundant during our tour.

The wildlife and game reserves were spectacular and we had five days touring these parks seeing the animals in their natural environment. The shear size and number of wildlife and beautiful birds will remain in our minds for many many years and we will certainly return for another visit in the not too distant future. South Africa itself is a beautiful and vast country but it does have its political problems and the longer you are there the more apparent it becomes how complex things really are.

Coming to a satisfactory conclusion for both the black and white people will be a large headache especially while Zimbabwe remains as it is. I would recommend to New Zealanders wanting to go to South Africa to make the effort to do so in the immediate future. We felt very safe except for in Johannesburg and for us it was the trip of a lifetime.

The exchange rate was 7 Rand to $1 and it was an extremely cheap country to tour. A bottle of good wine was $6-7 and a lovely three-course meal $10-12. Finally thanks to the New Zealand Hereford Association for the opportunity to represent them in South Africa and in particular to World Hereford Secretary General Jan Wills who made it all happen.

2. Herd Of Excellence Award Made
To Morrows

Ashburton Hereford breeders David and Rosemary Morrow have been recognised as the first ever recipients of NZ Hereford Herd of Excellence award. The announcement was made during the Meat & Wool NZ Beef Expo in Feilding last month. The title was developed to recognise Hereford breeders for overall excellence in farming and Hereford breeding.

David and Rosemary Morrow have been announced
the inaugural winners of the Hereford Herd
of Excellence Award.

The Morrows farm with Tony and Becky Marett as stock and plant equity partners at Mt Somers, Canterbury. The 800ha property carries 2950 cattle stock units and 5780 sheep stock units. In the past four years the ewe flock has averaged 152% lambing and the cows 94% calving.

The Morrows and Maretts describe their Okawa cattle herd as a no-frills honest commercial hard working herd run in an environment and with sufficient numbers to put the animals under pressure. It was clear to the judges that Okawa’s vision was to produce a strong, consistent herd of females.

The 11.2su/ha and the sheep to cattle ratio of 66:3 4 ensures the cattle’s performance is well tested under pressure. A panel of four judges critiqued the three finalists to decide the winner, which the judges say was an exceptionally difficult task. The judges were World Hereford secretary general Jan Wills, renowned East Coast Hereford breeder Pete Humphreys, ASB Banks Richard Spittle and David Dodge from Merial-Ancare.

The Morrow’s breeding principles are focused on functional traits that deliver a high quality cost effective product. “The farming business has a clear direction and a business plan is in place, with the operation having a strong financial focus to ensure long term viability,” agreed the judges.

Strong succession plans are being implemented for the future with the partnership between all parties working very well. The innovative stock and plant equity ownership structure for Tony and Becky Marett is to be commended the judges said. The primary focus is to constantly produce a line of functional cattle that meet the requirements of commercial beef farmers which will also provide industry genetics to seed stock producers if required.

The Hereford stud is run as a well managed commercial herd, preparing pastures for sheep and controlling surplus feed. They also aim to continue developing the herd in the direction their clients want and need, while keeping in mind the requirements of the markets for grass fed beef.

A challenge they face is the sourcing of genetics to suit our herd and the herds of their clients.

“We’ll meet this challenge by doing homework on other herds and trying to source semen from proven sires and buy bulls from appropriate herds.”

The Morrows have twice bought neighbouring land to achieve a better balance of land type. The first purchase needed major development work in terms of fencing, water reticulation, shelter and pastures and the second property provided naturally well sheltered hill country.

Unseasonal or extreme snowfalls are one of the major challenges the Morrows and Maretts face. To reduce the impact they carry two years supply of silage and straw and have two 4WD tractors with snow ploughs. It’s also not a naturally healthy country for young stock, particularly sheep and cattle play an important role in the pasture preparation and control for sheep.

The sheep to cattle ratio is important for animal health. David recently retired from 10 years serving on the NZ Hereford Association Council and was president for two years. He’s been an active member of the Canterbury Hereford Club and played an integral part in the bull growth rate trail for several years.

Locally David has been active in his local farm discussion group, Monitor Farm programme, he was a founding member of the Canterbury Romney Breeders group, has been active in the Collie Club, on school boards and various sport clubs in the district. Awards of distinction were awarded to the Langtry family and the Shepherd family.

A public field day offering an in-depth look at the Morrow business is planned for the near future.

3. Steak of Origin 2008 Best of Cross Breed Class won by
HEREFORD-FRIESIAN CROSS

Courtesy of PBB NZ, In Beef

Southland farmers and Hereford breeders Bruce and Carolynn Robertson have long been supporters of the Steak of Origin competition, because it reinforces the pasture to plate concept.

“There’s no point in producing steak if it’s not a good eating experience every time,” Bruce says.

Bruce and Carolynn Robertson winners
of the 2008 Steak of Origin best of cross breed
class with a Hereford-Friesian cross.

Their success at winning the Best of Breed crossbreed and other in the 2008 Steak of Origin competition is certainly testament to that. As a member of NZ Hereford Prime, Bruce practices what he preaches, understanding that he not only needs to produce tender meat with good texture, he also knows it has to be consistently good.

“If you’re paying $3 0 plus for a meal out, you need to know it’s going to be worth it.”

The emphasis on quality reinforces the philosophy behind Hereford Prime. Bruce and Carolynn have 70 registered Hereford cows on the Duncraigen stud, at Wyndham near Gore, and a commercial herd of 150 Hereford/Friesian cross animals, selling to both local trade and to export. The farm buys in weaners for growing out to 18 months.

Bruce said a lot of farmers have cross bred cattle out there, and Hereford Prime isn’t just about pure-bred Herefords.

“A lot of Hereford bulls are used for cross breeding.” Hereford Prime accepts half bred Herefords for processing in the North Island.

NZ Herefords president John Morrison said Herefords have long been regarded as the best crossing beef breed and best of cross breed class win reinforces that. As well, the 640ha light to rolling Southland property carries 5000 ewes, 1000 of which are recorded Romneys and 150 Dorset Down stud ewes.

The Robertson’s farm experiences cold winters, usually with two or three snowfalls a year, but with a good rainfall spread throughout the year. He doesn’t winter over the commercial stock, but because he can grow good grass in spring and summer, it’s good land for realising the true potential of the Hereford breed.

Bruce and Carolynn have been farming in the region for 4 years, and know from experience that a steady feeding regime is crucial to the quality of the final product, so pasture management is vital.

“We don’t have a pinch period, and we also make sure animal health is kept up, so the cattle do not experience stress.”

He doesn’t believe big carcasses are necessary, growing medium framed animals, and he also highlights the importance of good temperament to pH and overall carcass quality. It’s the third year the Robertsons have entered the Steak of Origin with Hereford cross beef, and he is actually very chuffed to win.

“It’s the recognition that we’re doing it right. I love the competition; anything we can do in the beef industry to enhance awareness of the importance of producing quality has got to be good.”

“The beef industry is a good place to be; the bigger picture for New Zealand is very very good, and I’m certainly happy to continue on with what I’m doing,” he concluded.

4. Hereford Handler takes out Coveted Youth Ambassador Title

From the moment Daniel Clayton sat down before the 2008 Future Beef Hoof & Hook interview panel, he made a strong impression on the industry leaders sizing him up.

To take out the coveted and inaugural beef ambassador award, it was necessary that Daniel excel in a number of areas of competition; but it was the interview process in which competitors really had the chance to distinguish themselves.

Daniel Clayton the first ever Future Beef NZ beef ambassador
and Merran Hain of Beanbah stud with the Beanbah Hereford
cross steer Daniel entered in the hoof and hook competition.

The Tru-Test, Allflex, Prattley, (TAP alliance) and FBNZ executives who made up the interview panel described Daniel as strikingly genuine, polite, and ambitious. They were impressed with the 20-year-old’s maturity, and with his potential to make the most of the scholarship on offer.

The importance of Daniel’s ability to interview well cannot be understated, the beef ambassador’s role is not only to travel and learn - but to represent the future of the cattle industry. Daniel must impress upon the farmers, politicians and industry leaders he meets, the sense that our industry anticipates a bright future - and that he is representative of the potential our industry must embrace.

In his role as the TAP alliance beef ambassador Daniel will be travelling to and visiting some of New Zealand’s largest properties – Lochinvar Station, Ngamatea Station, Landcorp, Lonestar farming and Fivestar feedlot. Daniel also attended Feildays and will be travelling to Australia to visit the Brisbane Royal Show and visit Allflex headquarters. At the end of it all, he will meet with either the Minister of Agriculture or Meat & Wool NZ Chief Executive to present his views on the beef industry.

The announcement at the Steak of Origin dinner that Daniel would be travelling to Australia came as a surprise.

“Australia was a big shock. It’s quite exciting.” “It (the entire prize package) is going to be a great experience and I’ll make a lot of good contacts. They are all the big players.”

The TAP alliance intended to introduce the trip to Australia next year, but were so impressed by Daniel they bought it forward a year. Daniel expects to learn a lot on the tour, seeing first hand how different farmers do things and learn lessons that he can put in to place in his future career. Daniel’s performance in the stockmanship component of the competition was as impressive as his interviewing ability - he was placed Reserve Champion Handler, behind Champion Trudy Robertson.

Again, in the educational module tests, Daniel proved his worth with a score topping the senior competitors’. Daniel is by no means new to agriculture, in fact he has already established himself as a hard-worker with clear goals. He grew up on a 800 acre sheep and beef property in Waipukurau, and has been working for the Morrison family of Ardo near Marton since early this year. He also graduated from Massey University as the top agricultural student in 2007 with a diploma in agriculture.

Previously Daniel worked under the watchful eye of Simmental breeder, and well-respected cattle showman, Tony Thompson. Looking ahead, Daniel said ultimately farm ownership is on his agenda, however in the nearer future a managing job or leasing a property is on the cards.

However, Daniel is realistic and recognises there is plenty of hard work ahead to reach his goals.

“It is incredibly hard to now start (farming) from nothing and without a family farm to return to.” But Daniel said that shouldn’t put young people off. “If you’re interested, there are definitely ways to get there.” Daniel said after Beef Expo one of his highlights of working in agriculture is genetics and good breeding figures.

He said the Future Beef Hoof and Hook experience was a lot bigger than he expected it to be and more competitive.

“All the other participants were interested and wanted to do well. Young people should get involved if they want to be part of the beef industry.” Another highlight from the Future Beef NZ Hoof and Hook competition was Ben Burgess from Northland.

Ben was judged Reserve in the Intermediate Handlers class with a steer he exhibited from the Ardo stud.

5. Proven High Country Hereford
Honoured at Expo

A South Island high country Hereford breeder, exhibiting at the Meat & Wool NZ Beef Expo for the first time walked away having sold his sire for the top price of the week - $40,000.

Gray and Robyn Pannett of Limehills Herefords in Roxbrugh say their success is still sinking in and they are delighted the sire sold to a syndicate of Hereford breeders.

“It’s very humbling,” said Gray. Limehills Chiefton, was entered as part of the new Hereford initiative, Super Sires and is out of the homebred dam Hillsprings Leonora U116, a silver benchmark dam and sired by Okawa Willis T98 a benchmark sire and trait leader for milk and scrotal circumference.

But the accolades for Limehills Chiefton didn’t stop in the sale ring, as the young bull was also identified by judges Rob Burrows and Helen Malloy, Champion South Island Super Sire and Supreme Champion Hereford, an experience the Pannetts say is very pleasing.

“He’s an outstanding young bull,” said judge Rob Burrows.

“He had good spring of rib and a wide back end. Good feet and leg structure and relevant figures.

He’s the type of bull that will suit the harder country where a lot of Herefords are running.”

Reserve South Island Super Sire was awarded to Seadowns Top Gun bred by Colin and Lynn Gibson, Oamaru. The Pannetts run their herd in a commercial manner which is why the Super Sire concept appealed, prompting them to support the breed at Expo for the first time.

“We focus on our commercial clients, anything else is a bonus,” said Gray.

The Pannett family have been breeding Herefords for close to 40 years and this year host their 29th on-farm sale.

“I’d like to thank all the breeders who have given their support in the past. It is unique to the breed.”

The average price for two-year-old Hereford bulls was $73 56, $2050 ahead of last years average price.

“It was an outstanding sale in a very tough environment,” said NZ Herefords president John Morrison. Another Hereford highlight was achieved by Kevin and Jane McDonald, principles of the Kairuru stud in Reporoa.

The McDonalds offered two sires, one sold for $17,000. This sire, catalogued as Lot 8, was judged the reserve led Hereford.

The second Kairuru sire (Lot 3 6) was the McDonalds Super Sire entry and sold for $25,000 – both bulls finding new homes with other stud breeders. Lot 3 6 was judged Champion North Island Super Sire. Reserve North Island Super Sire was awarded to Awhea Galaxy offered by the Langtry family.

Reserve Supreme Champion Hereford was awarded to the Platform stud of Ritchie and Elaine Robertson, Masterton. This sire, Platform Bangkok, sold for $5500 to the Capethorne Stud, Cheviot.

This bull was also Champion Led Hereford for the show. The Super Sire concept proved very popular with a complete clearance of the proven sires and sound attendances at the open days. To be eligible for sale at Expo the Super Sires must have run with a minimum of 20 females and 75% of the females vetted in calf.

John felt it was the commercial reality of the scheme that appealed. He said a large number of bulls were sold to Hereford breeders, however a strong bench of commercial farmers underpinned the sale for the breed, including several who made multiple Hereford purchases. About 20 bulls were sold to stud homes.

“The balance of the bulls were eagerly sought after by commercial farmers. They really underpinned the sale in a tough economic environment and we thank them for their support.”

Also notable was the fact a number of new members made purchases. A second Hereford initiative, the Starter Pack heifers, also saw a complete clearance with the pairs of unled in-calf heifers averaging $5100/pair.

The yearling bulls were sold when the hammer fell at the end of eager bidding with the three yearling sires being sold to stud, including Aspen 12R Starbuck the Champion Yearling bull. He was bred and offered by Sue Colidcutt and the young sire went on to sell with a price tag of $7000, bought by the renowned Maungahina stud.

“He was another outstanding exhibit. He had a lot of potential,” said judge Rob Burrows.

Sue also took home the EM Williamson Perpetual Challenge trophy and the Eastland Hereford Club mug for the herdsperson competition. The points competition was awarded to the Clements Family Matapouri Stud, Northland for the highest number of points earned by one exhibitor.

The Clements stable took out top honours in both female classes, winning Champion Female and the Pair of Unled In-calf heifers.

“They were a smart pair of heifers,” said Rob. The Hereford breed also unveiled a new VIP area for expo visitors, close to 200 past purchasers and breeders attended the luncheon who then spilled outside to view the walk in the park, which this year attracted one of the larger crowds in recent history.

6. President’s Note

The proof is in the eating. From Bruce and Carolynn Robertson's, 18-month-old Hereford-Friesian heifer came the BEST cross-breed STEAK at the 2008 Steak of Origin Challenge.

Because Hereford have a marvellous temperament, carcase and identifiable white head they have long been regarded as a great crossing breed. Now we know that even when a Hereford bull is joined with an old dairy cow, from the resulting progeny, the steak will taste and be the best. Congratulations Bruce and Carolynn.

Well done – to those of you who attended the Beef Expo be it with an entry in Steak of Origin or Future Beef, if you had an animal in the sale or purchased one, if you came to watch and catch up with fellow breeders or were at the Hereford dinner where we celebrated Rosemary and David Morrow winning the inaugural “Herd of Excellence”. To you all – THANKS. You made the efforts of the unsung workers worth while and you contributed to a sensational Hereford presence.

The Hereford sale at Beef Expo illustrated that with thought, planning and some innovation the fortunes of a breed can change in twelve months. However if we don't “watch the ball, catches will be dropped” and Hereford could slide to where we were twelve months ago.

In spite of initial criticism the Super Sires and Starter Pack captured the imagination and were a great success. With a $40,000 top price for Gray Pannett's Champion and the South Island Super Sires averaging over $10,000 one could be forgiven for over looking the positive impact on the sale of our traditional lead bulls that provided a magnificent spectacle for the “walk in the park” and held everyone's attention during the judging.

Next years Beef Expo will see further development. Changes will be made in an effort to attract the best of young sires and to have an occasion that all want to attend. A number of members have submitted positive suggestions for next year. If you have any ideas please post them to the Council before the November Council meeting.

Super Sire and Benchmark Dam are generic names adopted by Hereford to promote valuable programmes that have developed within our breed. The brands are not 'protected' because the cost to do so is prohibitive. We hoped our membership would respect our intentions for the Super Sire brand and only use it in reference to bulls that have emerged from the North and South Island Super Sire programmes. So it is disappointing to see that some breeders are hopping on the band wagon and using the brand to promote their bulls that have not had any association with the NZHA Super Sire programme.

The New Zealand connection will be prominent at the Australian National Hereford sale held in Dubbo next week. For the Australian Short Feed Index, five of the seven highest index bulls have a sire or grand sire bred on this side of the Tasman and there are big raps for an Okawa Commodore son from South Australia.

Best wishes for an early spring

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