Page 149 - 2020 NZ Hereford Magazine

NGUTUNUI HEREFORDS, TE AWAMUTU

ALLAN AND DELWYN KNIGHTON
Allan and Delwyn’s Hereford journey began with the purchase
of three Hereford cows for their daughter on her 18th birthday.
“We loved that they were quiet, easy to handle, and great at
mothering their calves,” they say.
“In the past, each year we have had a 200-Jersey service
bull operation, but as we are getting older we thought Herefords
would be a good option. We purchased a small herd from an
existing stud in Rotorua which were split autumn/spring calvers.
We have since built the herd up to about 80, with a 50/50
autumn/spring calving split.” 5281; in 2019 they bought Glenbrae Norton 1716 at the national
Bull calves are sold as yearlings or at 18 months old and as Hereford bull sale.
heifer numbers have increased, female cattle are sold as well. “Our ambition is to continue breeding good quality low birth
The majority of the herd came from the Mahuta stud. Two weight bulls for sale. As dairy farmers new to beef breeding, we
sires they have used are Okawa Cowan 2005 and Ardo Fargo are enjoying the change and challenges that it brings.”

SEAVIEW HEREFORD STUD, TE PUKE
HENRY AND MARIA BY DE LEY
Henry and Maria moved to their grazing block in June 2017;
after selling their dairy farm and cutting back herd numbers they
were looking for another interest.
“When dairy farming, we always used Herefords to tail off
the herd. We found by using Herefords, we had minimal calving
difficulties and a strong demand for the calves. Also, the empty
rates were consistently low, which gave us more options.
Equally, the Herefords’ good-natured disposition and appealing
looks made the choice to start a stud easy.”
The Seaview Hereford Stud has 77 first calvers.
“We have found the experience to be quite a learning curve. “One week later we went on the Northland Hereford tour
Weighing and tagging within 24 hours of birth has been fun. A and in that short time met some lovely people who have been
couple of our mothers really take their job seriously!” so helpful and forthcoming with advice and sharing their
For mating, they have two bulls and an AI semen package, knowledge with us newbies.”
all from Koanui. At this stage, the stud’s direction is commercial, with a focus
In March 2019 they sourced their entire herd, all in-calf on easy calving and short gestation with bulls for the dairy
heifers, from Matapouri. industry. Numbers will be built up naturally to around 120.

RED HILL HEREFORD STUD, KATIKATI
JASON AND CLAIRE HILL
Red Hill Hereford Stud, located in the Kaimai Ranges at Katikati, is
owned by Jason and Claire Hill and managed by Dudley Thorburn.
The Hills started breeding Herefords in 2012, originally
purchasing 120 weaner heifers, including 20 heifers, from Herepu
Stud. Over the next few years they slowly built up the number of
registered animals by purchasing females from Karamu, Castle
Douglas, and Panorama dispersal sales. A recent addition to the
herd has been the purchase of three in-calf cows from Colraine.
Red Hill Hereford Stud currently has 50 registered cows
with calves last season sired by Kokonga Baritone, Limehills “Advice given to us early on was to find a stud that had the
Streaker and Kairuru McCormick. same type of Herefords we wanted and to breed and purchase
“We took a liking to Kokonga’s herd and have purchased animals along the same lines.”
a number of bulls from Bruce and Pip over the past few years. Red Hill Hereford Stud is looking forward to its first on-farm
Pip has freely given us advice and shared his opinions. He has bull sale in 2021.
always been happy to answer any questions we have on the The Hills were encouraged to attend the 2019 National
finer points of breeding Herefords.” Hereford Sale and as new breeders found it a valuable way
This year Red Hill has added two bulls to their team – to meet other studs and network. “We hope this event is well
Craigmore Unanimous 180201 and Kokonga Ironman 8025. supported and continues well into the future.”
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