Angus

In this episode, Jo Scott speaks with George and Penny Johns of Kaiwara Angus. They discuss breeding structurally sound, resilient bulls for dryland systems, with type and functionality prioritised alongside data.

The pair highlight the importance of matching genetics to farming systems, managing milk for fertility, and balancing phenotype with performance to deliver practical, commercially relevant cattle.

In this episode, Jo Scott speaks with Will Wilding of Te Mania Angus. Will shares how their herd structure balances maternal strength with innovation in terminal and dairy-focused genetics. He explains a new AI tender system replacing stud transfers, designed to prioritise commercial buyers and share value.

Will also discusses finishing their own calves to validate genetics, the importance of weighing for growth, and growing demand for performance-proven cattle.

In this episode, Jo Scott speaks with Tom Sanson from Gold Creek Simmentals, representing Simmental New Zealand. Tom highlights why Simmental bulls are ideal terminal sires, citing growth, carcass yield, and docility. He explains hybrid vigour and its benefits in crossbreeding systems.

The discussion includes tips for bull buyers, the importance of aligning with like-minded breeders, and updates on the IGES evaluation system. Tom also points listeners to online tools like Helical and encourages farmers to explore Simmental genetics to boost performance and profitability.

In this episode, Jo Scott speaks with Paul Williams of Turihaua Angus, one of New Zealand’s oldest Angus studs. Paul shares how the stud balances traditional stockmanship with modern genetic tools, focusing on fertility, structural soundness, and temperament. He discusses the importance of selecting cattle suited to their environment, maintaining genetic diversity, and producing predictable, resilient animals for commercial farmers.
Paul also reflects on the stud’s smooth leadership transition and outlines future plans, including expanding embryo transfer programmes and continuing Turihaua’s legacy ahead of their 125th bull sale in 2031.

In this episode, host Jo Scott speaks with Jono Reed, stud master and owner of Grampians Angus, to discuss the history and breeding philosophy behind their Angus operations. Grampians Angus is known for its focus on functional, fertile cattle bred to perform under tough environmental conditions and shifting market demands.

Jono shares how Grampians Angus combines traditional stockmanship with modern genetic tools to guide their selection decisions. He highlights the importance of matching animals to the environment, and how observation and natural selection still play a critical role alongside data.

In this episode, as part of the Country-Wide Beef Country series, host Jo Scott speaks to Tim Brittain from Storth Oaks Angus ahead of their annual bull sale. Storth Oaks has grown into a progressive Angus stud breeder with a strong focus on performance-driven cattle and forward-thinking genetic decisions.

Tim shares how Storth Oaks integrates tools such as whole herd DNA testing and the latest estimated breeding values (EBVs), including mature cow traits, to deliver bulls that balance maternal functionality with carcase merit.

In this episode, as part of the Country-Wide Beef Country series, we hear from Leefield Station Farm Manager, Greg Crombie. As one of the oldest stations in Marlborough’s Waihopai Valley region, Leefield has undergone a remarkable transformation under the management of Greg.

He shares how the integration of viticulture and livestock on steep, challenging terrain has shaped both the development of the station and its Angus cattle breeding programme. From implementing one of the country’s largest solar-powered water systems to significantly increasing stock units on hill country, Greg discusses the infrastructure and genetic strategies that underpin Leefield’s success today.

AngusPRO is committed to bettering Angus cattle within the New Zealand beef industry and ensuring Angus is the tastiest beef on everyone’s lips. Words by Sarah Horrocks.

A 1900 bull operation in North Waikato which provides sires for beef and fairy mating is one of the largest in the country. Mike Bland reports.

Farmer Tom Sanson and veterinarian Andrew Cribb have leased the Lane brother’s Whangara Angus stud near Gisborne. Tony Leggett talked with Tom to find out more about the duo’s plans for the farm, which also runs commercial cows and sheep.