Case study

RUSSELL & MARGOT DEVER

FARM OWNERS, POKO POKO STATION

 

LOCATION

  • Waikaremoana, East Coast

 

BACKGROUND

  • Second generation on the property
  • Introduced Simmental 12 – 15 years ago
  • Farm runs 5000 stock units
  • 50:50 ratio of sheep & beef
  • Maternal and terminal herd
  • Beef progeny sold as weaners

SIMMENTAL
INVOLVEMENT

  • With father-in-law topping weaner fairs in Taupo using Simmental, Russell decided to introduce them to his operation, replacing South Devons.
  • Crossed Simmentals with Hereford to get the combination of body, size, early maturing and good milking ability (Simmental) with hill-country strength (Hereford).
  • He puts a Simmental bull over Simmental looking cows and a Hereford over the first calvers.
  • Keeps 3⁄4 Simmentals as replacements (needs Hereford influence for hill-country strength).

 

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RESULT

  • Topped weaner fairs in Wairoa and Hawke’s Bay once Simmental was introduced.
  • Culled cows sell at around 280 – 300kg, as opposed to 220 – 240kg (pre Simmental).
  • Selling weaners well over 300kg, as opposed to under (pre Simmental).
  • Higher weights at sale means higher profitability.
  • Seeing demand for his progeny (Simmental/Hereford) as live exports to China for milking which is attracting a premium.
  • Temperament is great – much easier to deal with than the South Devon cross.

 

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