Page 144 - 2020 NZ Hereford Magazine

Our Breeders

The Southern Districts Club –

the breeders of Otago and Southland

WORDS STEPH DEW PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED

REGULARLY BOASTING EXCEPTIONAL SALE RESULTS, these bull sold at an on-farm sale in New Zealand, a record that still
are breeders at the forefront of the industry, driving the breed to stands. Bidding had started at $7000 and appeared to begin
perform to the best of its potential. Knowing what their clients are to peter out at $55,000 before continuing on to the final price.
looking for and what the end market demands is their focus. With Once the reality of this achievement had sunk in, Chris and
a proud history, the depth and strength of this club is undeniable. Jayne Douglas and their family were proud of their success but
Passionate breeders, studs with proven track records, and the also had a great sense of satisfaction, as this was ultimately
camaraderie amongst our breeders is the foundation of our club. an acknowledgement from their peers of a successful breeding
programme. The successful purchasers were four stud breeders
BULL SALES who used the strength of a syndicate to ensure they secured
Another strong sale season this year saw Locharburn Mort 142 the winning bid. The syndicate comprised Chris and Amanda
sell for $37,000 to Gordon Shearing of Pourakino Downs stud – Jeffries from Grassmere Polled Hereford Stud near Cheviot, and
the southern circuit’s standout sale. This was the highlight of the the Kane family from Westholm stud at Tapanui; semen rights
sale, which had a complete clearance of the 27 bulls on offer. Gray were bought by the Robertson family from Duncraigen stud at
and Robyn Pannett of Limehills Herefords had another strong sale Wyndham, and James and Becky Murray from Matariki stud at
with an average price over 53 bulls of $10,333. They are one of Conway Flat, near Kaikoura.
our breeders who in recent years have increased their bull sale
catalogue numbers; over a five-year period they have gone from 40
to 55 for the upcoming season, making theirs the largest on-farm
sale within our club. The King family of the Waiau stud take the
longevity title for our club, hosting their 52nd on-farm sale in 2020.
The demand for Herefords has increased and cow numbers
are on the rise. In 2019 registered cows in Otago/Southland
increased by 17% to 3112. Reasons for this include the good
returns being enjoyed by sales of both calves and animals going
right through for fattening, the lesser workload of cattle over
sheep, and the benefits of hybrid vigour. These benefits are well
promoted by the New Zealand Hereford Association and have
seen an increase in Hereford bulls going over Angus cows.

ABOVE: Monymusk Gallant 110089 sold in 2013 for $71,000
and still holds the national record for the highest price paid for a
Hereford bull at an on-farm sale.

TRADITION AND COMRADESHIP

Breeder initiative saw the official establishment of the club back
in 1971. We now have third-generation family members involved.
Membership stands at 23 herds and we generally meet three times
a year, aiming to combine the meeting with an activity or farm tour.
Unique to our club is our annual pre-bull sale tour that visits
our members’ properties to view bulls the week prior to the
southern sale circuit. Having started out of practical necessity
ABOVE: The $37,000 price tag of Locharburn Mort 142, sold to
Pourakino Downs, was the top 2019 price by a Southern Districts more than 30 years ago, this tour has become a special club
Club member. tradition that members look forward to each year. It is a full
two-day trip from the bottom of the South Island to Oamaru,
clocking up more than 1100km and viewing more than 300
NATIONAL RECORD bulls. The long bus ride gives breeders the opportunity to

In 2013, the Monymusk stud based at The Key near Te Anau discuss current relevant issues affecting the industry and breed,
had a sale to remember when Monymusk Gallant 110089 sold along with plenty of good-hearted banter, ensuring a good time
for $71,000. This set a new record for the highest price Hereford is had by all.
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