2026 Herd Tour and AGM in The Deep South
By Tracey Neal
March 10th
We assembled in Dunedin. A lack of accommodation at St Clair meant we were scattered all over Dunedin.
March 11th
Everyone managed to meet up in time for the bus, a 15 seater with our friendly ex-farmer driver Russell who we naturally challenged to keep his bus in one piece. A wonderful surprise was the appearance of Alastair Miln and Ross Cockburn, retired breeders who have both given great service to the breed. The other awesome sight was some of our newest breeders making the trip, especially Connor and Sarah Pilet: Rushbrook Simmentals and Nick Whisker: Whisker Cattle Company on their first tour. With 3 more vehicles in tow, we set out for Everd and Marie Strauss’s Leafland Stud at Mosgiel. After a bit of background on the stud, history and current practises we wandered off to view an excellent selection of Simmental R2 Bulls, Cows and Sire Bulls.
After being spoiled with coffee and cake back at the house by Marie, we bid the Strauss farm farewell and travelled on to Owaka to a very nice lunch stop at the Lumberjack Café. On the way we picked up Roger Keech, still working as a stock agent and familiar to many. Keechie became our tour guide, we now know the location of every bowling club in Otago among other highlights.
Everd with his stud bible – ready for any questions.
We carried on to Beresford Simmentals and after a wee chat from Warren Burgess, were let loose to wander through his R2 lineup of bulls. We then loaded up for a trip down through the farm to view a selection of cows with calves at foot. Another quick chat form Warren and we were off back to Balclutha for a very early AGM.
Warren explaining his breed philosophy.
R2 Bulls below the homestead at Beresford.
A highlight of the AGM was a thoughtful speech from Jon thanking Garry (and Julene) McCorkindale for his years of service to Simmental on Council in various roles, with a presentation on behalf of SNZ.
The next highlight was the nomination of our very own Lindy Lawrence to honorary Life Membership of Simmental NZ for her years of service. Lindy has been involved in administration with SNZ since we moved our office to Feilding in 2003 and this year marks her 30-year anniversary with PBBnz. A presentation evening is planned for June to be held in Feilding, where it’s hoped many of our breeders will be able to attend along with friends and family.
Formalities finished it was off to dinner, a very enjoyable evening, especially with the old timers.
March 12th
After a Balclutha breakfast stop – thanks Russell for organising a café, we were off to James Hill’s Hill Valley stud. Unfortunately, so soon after breakfast not many of us had room for the famous Jimmys Pies that James laid on, but those who did said they deserved their reputation!
James has done an outstanding job with the cattle, we saw very well grown R2 bulls and over the road was a lovely lineup of R2 heifers. With only a short time for a visit, we had a quick team photo and headed off to Glenside Simmentals at Waitahuna for the Last Round-up Dispersal sale.
R2 Bulls well displayed at Hill Valley. Right Photo Credit Grant Latimer
SNZ Otago Tour 2026 – some real characters both old and new this year (looking at you AM). David and Jayne Timperley had already gone ahead to Glenside.
We arrived at Glenside and immediately went looking at the stud cattle. With 168 lots it was plain to see the McCorkindale team had put in a lot of hard work to get everything ready for the day. It was a packed woolshed, the cattle had been photographed one at a time previously and were displayed on the big screen as each lot was sold. With Bidr in action the Glenside cattle sold all over the country from Northland to the Catlins, ending 42 years of breeding for two generations of McCorkindales.
Both Trevor and Garry have served on Council, the family were strong supporters of the show circuit and the National sales, in recent years Garry has been on the Board of PBBnz as SNZ representative and worked with the technology experts on behalf of Simmental as well as serving as President and Treasurer for a number of years, the contribution of the Glenside team has been outstanding and will be missed by Simmental NZ.
Above left: Glenside Simmentals – some of the many Lots on display – very well presented.
Above right: An emotional speech from Garry before the sale, with Julene in support. Trevor, Lillian and Richie McCorkindale had front row seats for the Last Roundup.