Case study

STEPHEN PELLETT

JABULANI STATION

 

LOCATION

  • 5km West of Gisborne

 

BACKGROUND

  • First generation farm, first purchased nine years ago.
  • Used Angus/Hereford cross on previous farm.
  • Sheep and Beef farm running 2500 sheep and 550 cattle.
  • Mates yearlings so requires low-birth weight bulls.

SIMMENTAL
INVOLVEMENT

  • Changed to Simmental for the better fit with his farming policy – bought first Simmental bull eight years ago.
  • The rapid growth rates enable him to finish his cattle after one winter, which allows more flexibility with other classes of stock.
  • Very close to being a straight Simmental herd and also on the way to establishing their own Simmental stud.

 

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RESULT

  • The shift from Angus to using Simmental Bulls has paid dividends.
  • Takes progeny through to 18-month steers and slaughters at around 320-340kg.
  • The growth rates speak for themselves and the quiet nature of the bulls make a significant difference when it comes to handling.
  • Altitude ranges from 550-800 meters above sea level and Simmental do really well – which disproves the view they are too big for the hills.

 

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