Beef Country

Central Otago couple, Ben and Rebecca Trotter, have set up an intensive bull beef finishing operation along with a commercial strawberry enterprise on the outskirts of Wānaka. It is a busy, diverse and highly productive and rewarding farming business making the best use of their land and skills. Words Sandra Taylor, Photos Elle Perriam.

With their inherent fertility, feed efficiency, longevity and excellent temperament, combined with ongoing genetic progress, Herefords are the breed of choice for purebred programmes and a vital component of any crossbreeding system. Words Robert Peacock.

Not only has Andrew Law’s participation in the Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Informing New Zealand Beef Commercial Herd Programme confirmed that he is on the right track with his genetic selections, it has fired his enthusiasm for data collection. Words Sandra Taylor.

Simon Parks gets great satisfaction from growing his Charolais cross weaner steers, heifers and bulls out to heavy weights as quickly as possible. This is made even more satisfying knowing that the calves he is finishing were born on a farm in which he and his wife Emma are equity partners. Words & Photos Sandra Taylor.

AngusPRO has unlocked the genetic potential for feed efficiency and reproductive success with the introduction of the Mature Body Condition (MBC) EBV. Words Sarah Horrocks.

The latest figures from the New Zealand Meat Board show just how important market access and quota systems are for more money in farmers pockets. Words Nick Beeby.

Having the ability to identify beef cows that use feed more efficiently and produce less methane, while remaining productive and profitable, is a win-win for the industry and the environment. Words Sandra Taylor.

Rams that are genetically resistant to internal parasites have been available to sheep farmers for many years, but cattle breeders do not have that same choice available to them. Words Sandra Taylor.

Angus NZ is progressing the development of new Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) – Body Condition Score (BCS), Hip Height (HH) and Structural Soundness (SS).

By retiring unproductive land and using Halter to manage intensive bull beef on hard hills, a Waikato family has transformed their farm's profitability. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Photos Jay French.