Page 97 - NZ Herefords Magazine 2019 Edition

Our Breeders
Teenager

has eyes only for

Herefords

WORDS FRITHA TAGG PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED

THERE MAY BE PLENTY of dairy cows on Hunter Steens’ family
farm, but he only has eyes for his Herefords.
Hunter, 15, and his family have lived on a 172ha 280-cow dairy
farm at Ngakuru on the outskirts of Rotorua for the past 12 years. He
had seen Herefords on the neighbouring dry stock farm and decided
he wanted his own cows. They had to be Herefords.
“I just like them, they are so calm. I like their size and their
attitude,” Hunter says.
Last year Hunter bought two in-calf heifers from Hukaroa
Hereford Stud. Owners Dean and Lisa Hansen are family friends
and Hereford breeders. They chose the two heifers for Hunter and
he was able to buy them for “a good price”. One year on, he has
two cows and two heifer calves.
His mum Nicky is an AB technician and has this season ABOVE: Hunter Steens, 15, pictured with one of his beloved
Hereford cows.
inseminated the two cows with pedigree Hereford semen.
Hunter’s small herd grazes a couple of paddocks near the
house on the family dairy farm, which means he can keep a
close eye on them and make sure they’re doing well. He handles
all the animal husbandry and animal care and is able to use the
farm’s yards and facilities.
His short-term plan is to get another three or four Herefords
to increase his herd numbers.
“At the moment it’s a bit of a hobby but one day when I go
farming I can take them with me to start my own real herd.”
He had thoughts of showing the cattle, but because of
Mycoplasma bovis has decided to keep his cattle at home.
nd
“I check them every day and move them every couple of 32 ANNUAL SALE
days. I have one who will let me give her a pat. They are calm (on farm at TANGITERORIA, NORTHLAND)
and lovely animals.”
th
He was excited waiting for his heifers to calve and checked Tuesday 30 July 2019
them carefully every day. They calved about a month apart. 25 2yr Bulls & 4 In Calf Heifers
“I saw the first calf born but the second one was born during
the night.”
One calf is cruisy and calm while the other is full of energy – Visitors always welcome
quite different in personality.
Hunter would like to be more involved in the Hereford
breeding world and the showing of the cattle breed he’s so
keen on.

“AT THE MOMENT IT’S A BIT OF A HOBBY HERD SIRES NOW IN USE

BUT ONE DAY WHEN I GO FARMING Matapouri Outlaw • Moana Trader
I CAN TAKE THEM WITH ME TO START Koanui Chiefly • Hukaroa Kyle • Mahuta Legend
MY OWN REAL HERD.” FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:
Wayne Lambeth Ph: (09) 433 2902
Email: waynor@xtra.co.nz • www.arahouherefords.co.nz
95