Page 22 - Hereford Magazine 2021

The first two bulls go under the hammer at the 2020 Wilencote sale.

“A little bit more tweaking and then I think we’ll have it
pretty good,” Peter says.
“It’s nice and traditional. We use hay for seating and then
it’s used to feed the older sires through the winter.”
No special invitations were sent out for the 100th celebrations,
but given the nature of the anniversary, it created an excitement
of its own. Neighbour Mike McIldowie was the MC.
“Our families have lived side by side for so many years at
the end of a no-exit road; that’s a special relationship. They’re
a century farm too,” Peter says.
“I also want to mention the Savage family – Potutu and
Kowhai Nui – they’ve been a backbone of this stud through
good times and tough times. They’ve probably got 1000 cows
between them and they’ve bought bulls from us all the way
through. We’re grateful for their support.” A sale in the Wilencote cattle yards, thought to be in 1935, where
The couple say reaching the century milestone wasn’t overly some of the first Royal Gem progeny were auctioned.
important to them for a long time, but it was thrilling to reach
it. Fulfilling, Peter says.
“I think there are a few Humphreys before me who would be
pretty happy with that.”
It’s a milestone for the current generation of the family
too, because Peter and Susie had always said they’d enjoy the
100th party, and then look at what the future might hold.
“We’ll get to 2020 and then we can make some really good
decisions. There have been highs and lows in the past 40 years,
with us and with the Hereford industry, but we’ve done it and
I’m proud of that.”

THE HISTORY

What began as a Humphreys & Son partnership between
George and his son Fred in 1920 at Strathallan Station has, Fred at the Poverty Bay A&P show with a bull thought to be
over 100 years, moved into a fourth and fifth generation at Jubilant Gem.
Wilencote.

20 HEREFORD MAGAZINE Year 2021