Key Takeaways
- Tangihau Angus, a breeding stud at Tangihau Station, has broken the New Zealand on-farm sale record with a bull selling for $135,000 and later set the record for the highest priced bull in New Zealand across all breeds with a sale of $161,000.
- The stud, founded in 1949, focuses on breeding cattle that are suited to the specific terrain and climate of Tangihau Station, which is very steep and prone to snow and drought.
- General manager Dean McHardy has been breeding bulls on the property for 35 years and has been selecting for the right qualities, including structural soundness, depth, and quiet nature.
- The bulls are sold via on-farm sales each June, which reduces transport stress for the stock and allows potential buyers to see where the animals have been raised.
- Tangihau Angus has had the highest bull sale average in New Zealand for the season and has sold a charity bull to help raise funds for a local school.
Introduction to Tangihau Angus
Tangihau Angus, a breeding stud located at Tangihau Station, has been making waves in the New Zealand cattle industry with its recent record-breaking sales. The stud, which was founded in 1949, has been breeding cattle that are specifically suited to the unique terrain and climate of the station. With its steep hills and unpredictable weather, Tangihau Station requires cattle that are hardy and adaptable. General manager Dean McHardy has been at the helm of the stud for 35 years and has been working tirelessly to breed cattle that meet these requirements.
History of Tangihau Angus
Tangihau Angus was founded in 1949 due to the difficulty in sourcing bulls that were suited to the specific terrain and climate of Tangihau Station. At the time, the station was struggling to find cattle that could thrive in its steep and rugged hills. To address this issue, the station began breeding its own cattle, with a focus on selecting for the right qualities. Over the years, the stud has grown and developed, with McHardy taking over as general manager 35 years ago. Under his leadership, the stud has continued to focus on breeding cattle that are well-suited to the station’s unique conditions.
Breeding Philosophy
McHardy’s breeding philosophy is centered around selecting for cattle that are structurally sound, deep, and quiet-natured. He believes that these qualities are essential for cattle to thrive in the rugged terrain of Tangihau Station. Rather than chasing extreme estimated breeding values (EBVs), McHardy focuses on breeding cattle that are functional and well-suited to the station’s conditions. This approach has paid off, with Tangihau Angus producing cattle that are highly sought after by other stud breeders and commercial buyers.
Sale of Bulls
The bulls from Tangihau Angus are sold via on-farm sales each June, which reduces transport stress for the stock and allows potential buyers to see where the animals have been raised. This approach also gives buyers the opportunity to see the cattle in their natural environment, which can be beneficial in determining their suitability for specific farming conditions. The sales have been highly successful, with Tangihau Angus breaking the New Zealand on-farm sale record with a bull selling for $135,000 and later setting the record for the highest priced bull in New Zealand across all breeds with a sale of $161,000.
Future Plans
McHardy is hopeful that the upcoming sale will be just as successful, with a new mob of yearling bulls that are already weighing around half a tonne. He is planning to sell up to 70 bulls next year, up from 48 this year, and is quietly hopeful that the sale will be a good one. With the continued focus on breeding cattle that are well-suited to the station’s unique conditions, Tangihau Angus is likely to remain a leading player in the New Zealand cattle industry.
Technology and Innovation
Tangihau Station has also been embracing technology and innovation, with the recent rollout of wearables for part of its commercial herd. This technology allows the station to monitor the cattle’s health and well-being more closely, which can help to improve breeding outcomes and reduce stress on the animals. The use of technology is just one example of the station’s commitment to innovation and excellence in cattle breeding.
Conclusion
Tangihau Angus is a leading breeding stud in New Zealand, with a focus on breeding cattle that are well-suited to the unique terrain and climate of Tangihau Station. With a strong breeding philosophy and a commitment to innovation and excellence, the stud has produced cattle that are highly sought after by other stud breeders and commercial buyers. As the stud looks to the future, it is likely to continue to play a major role in the New Zealand cattle industry, with its record-breaking sales and commitment to breeding exceptional cattle.