Gold Creek Simmentals – The next chapter for Simmental genetics

Tom Sanson from Gold Creek Simmentals is focused on expanding the role of Simmental genetics in commercial beef systems, with the introduction of black Simmentals and the recent acquisition of the historic Rissington Simmental herd marking a significant step forward for the stud. In this episode, Sarah Perriam-Lampp talks with Tom about how the business has evolved, the thinking behind adding black Simmental genetics and how Gold Creek is combining phenotype, structure and performance data to build a more commercially focused offering for farmers.

Host:

• Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide

Guest:

• Tom Sanson, Gold Creek Simmentals

Tom Sanson explains why black Simmentals could offer an opportunity for commercial beef producers wanting to retain black-coated calves while adding hybrid vigour, growth and performance into their systems. He discusses the development of the herd through genetics sourced from New Zealand, Australia and North America, the integration of Rissington’s long-established maternal and performance-recorded bloodlines, and the importance of genomic testing and large-scale data analysis through International Genetic Solutions. The pair also discuss how performance recording, economic indexes and genetic data are being applied within New Zealand’s grass-based beef systems, while outlining what buyers can expect from Gold Creek’s largest and most consistent bull sale draft to date.

Find out more about Gold Creek Simmentals’ latest catalogue here: https://goldcreeksimmentals.nz/gold-creek-simmentals-sales-catalogue-2026/