Angus NZ president John Cochrane says he’s disappointed to see the 24 studs leave for Australia, but stands by the quality and scope of the services offered to breeder members.
“Angus NZ has to accommodate everyone in the membership. It is not there to tell anyone how to breed cattle or sell their bulls. Angus NZ is there to serve the needs of all members, not just a group within the membership,” Cochrane says. “That said, Angus NZ has been in very regular contact with Angus Australia and we will continue to collaborate and build on our strong relationships,” he says. Angus NZ will soon release a new long term strategy which Cochrane says will show members what’s ahead in terms of services and marketing. Another new feature about to be released ahead of bull sales season is a set of trait ‘scores’ for bull buyers which provide a score of 1-10 on several key traits to make it simpler to incorporate data into their selections. Cochrane confirmed Angus NZ would take a massive financial hit from the loss of 24 member studs and more than 10,000 registered female cattle. “We’re fortunate that Angus NZ is in a very strong (financial) position now and we’ll be okay for the foreseeable future. However, we will need to continually look
for new revenue streams in the future and that will mean we have to be very smart with decisions made with members about their herd data.” He also refutes the suggestion from AngusPRO that Angus NZ is underresourced with staff. Although it employs just one staff member, it contracts all its registry, financial, membership management and media relations out to external contractors. He says he is unaware of any other studs contemplating joining the breakaway group. Brittain says he’s had a few conversations since AngusPRO announced its move to Australia and is expecting a second wave of studs to join the 24 already there. From the North Island, the studs in AngusPRO are Focus Genetics, Kauri Downs, Lake Farm Genetics, Ngaputahi, Puketi, Ranui, Ranui W, Rimanui Farms, Rissington, Seven Hills, Stokman, Storth Oaks, Takapoto, Totaranui, Twin Oaks, Wairere, Waitangi, Waiwhero and Whangara. The South Island member studs are Cleardale, Kakahu, Mount Linton, Te Mania and The Sisters.
Get your hands on this a free copy of the 2021 NZ Hereford magazine! Simply email office@herefords.co.nz and we’ll send you our latest magazine filled with interesting articles, sale dates and industry news/information relevant to commercial beef and dairy farmers.
48
Country-Wide Beef
May 2021