Page 122 - NZ Herefords Magazine 2018

the bigger farm; we are currently 17% up on last season on the
sharemilking job, and we ended up 10% up here before we finished.
“That probably would have continued increasing too.”
Despite the increase in milk solids, the couple is focused on
profitability over production. The farm is entirely pasture-based
with minimal feed bought in, and only if necessary.
“We look at costs and profit as the ultimate, rather than the
solids we put in the vat,” Michael says.
“Milking 15 days earlier gives us options in a dry area. We
plan on getting 80% of the milk in the vat by the end of the year;
if we had stayed on this farm, I’m pretty confident we would
have achieved that.”
The couple are unsure where they will purchase their next
farm but wherever they go, they will continue using Hereford bulls.
“We definitely plan on doing this again.
“Financially we’re already ahead of where we thought we’d be.
We thought it would take two years of not grazing heifers to make
up the difference of buying them, but we think we’re already there
due to cows sold, no carry-overs and the money earned from
white face calves. We’ve still got yearlings coming through too, so
there’s a three-year gap before we have to buy heifers again.
“It was always our intention to sell the farm and move
somewhere a bit bigger – we haven’t decided where yet, but
we’ll go wherever there’s a farm that suits us.”

TOP TO BOTTOM: The 54ha Galatea farm has been sold and the
family is awaiting the next purchase opportunity; Michael Steiner
and daughter Hayley.

ANNUAL YEARLING BULL SALE

Monday 10 September 2018 • 2YR OLDS SOLD PRIVATELY
th

• Bred for performance under commercial conditions • 300+ females in herd •
• Easy calving • Impressive growth • Super conformation •
• BREEDPLAN recorded and carcase scanned •

ENQUIRIES WELCOME • DAVID & SUE HENDERSON • Ph: 07 825 2677, David’s Mobile: 021 166 1389
429 Rukuhia Road, RD2, Ohaupo • Email: craigmore.hereford@gmail.com • www.craigmoreherefords.co.nz

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