stocking rate than finishing. Run in mobs of 30-40 and shifted once or twice a week, the bulls have plenty of space to move and that reduces behavioural problems. Most are Hereford, Angus or Jersey. But the Mackenzies also supply Murray Grey and Red Devon sires if demand is there. Some of their clients are looking for easy-calving bulls to put over heifers, others want beef bulls to maximise the value of progeny from tail-end cows. The Hereford-Friesian (whiteface) is a popular cross, especially in the Waikato and South Auckland regions. Dave says deciding how many bulls of each breed to run is based on client feedback and the previous season’s bull numbers.
Bred for calm temperament Many of the Hereford and Angus bulls are sourced from the East Coast as yearlings. They arrive in mid to late November. Dave tries to buy direct from farmers where possible and he has a number of regular suppliers. They have built up a good relationship with them. Trust is very important. “They know we have to make money but
FARM FACTS • Waikokowai, west of Huntly • Farming about 530ha • Running 1400-1500 beef bulls on home farm and lease land • Grazing Jersey bulls off-farm • Supplying lease and sale bulls for dairy mating • Finishing ex-lease bulls we want them to make money too. It’s got to be win-win for it to work.” Yearling prices vary from year to year, depending on the schedule. He says they have to be prepared to meet the market and pay the same price as a store steer, otherwise the suppliers have no incentive to run bulls. Dave says temperament is the “number one priority” when selecting potential sires. Dairy farmers want quiet bulls that focus on the job and don’t cause damage onfarm. Some of the yearling bulls are coming off hard hill country and may have had limited human contact. So it’s crucial they are bred for temperament. They are handled carefully when they
arrive on Vue Farm, especially when being shifted or in the yards. They take it nice and gently. “If we are in the rush all the time, the bulls will be in a rush too.” In most cases they can just stand at the gate and call them and they will come. Bulls are generally mobbed according to breed. Sometimes they add Jersey bulls to a beef mob to help them settle in. “The Jerseys are quiet and soon start leading the other bulls.” Dave says while they are much smaller than their beef counterparts, Jerseys like to think they are the boss and don’t back down. The Mackenzies aim to get beef bulls to a weight of 550-600kg by the time they are leased or sold. Most yearlings are bought at 350-400kg, but Dave says they don’t get too hung up on weight. “As long as they have plenty of frame, we can grow them out.” Last year he broke his own rule of not buying weaners. “The weaner market was holding at about $600-$800, which was $200 less than the previous year. So we bought 100 Herefords in May because we had space on the farm.”
50 TOP QUALITY BULLS FOR SALE
ANNUAL TWILIGHT SALE: Wednesday 30th June 2021, at 4pm ON THE PROPERTY, TURIROA, STATE HIGHWAY 2, WAIROA
ENQUIRIES WELCOME:
Andrew Powdrell, Phone (06) 838 8805 Mb: 0276 228 088 Email arpowdrell@turiroa.co.nz Rick Powdrell, Phone (06) 838 7204 Turiroa Angus • www.turiroaangus.co.nz 92
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May 2021