BEEF Country 2025

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.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand has rolled out three New Zealand-specific indexes to help bull buyers make more informed decisions in time for buying bulls this season. Words Sandra Taylor.

International Genetic Solutions aims to serve the beef industry by providing resources for genetic improvement using the best technology available and unprecedented collaboration. Words Jackie Aitken, International Genetic Solutions.

Shared data and collaboration among breeders are helping to expand the mix of traits measured for estimated breeding values. Words Dave Warburton.

The incorporation of nProve Beef into Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Better Beef Breeding resources has made selecting bulls a whole lot easier. Words Sandra Taylor.

Ensuring cattle receive a balanced and adequate mineral intake is paramount for optimal health and productivity. CP Lime Solutions’ new Vitalise range for sheep and beef farmers means ad-lib feeding of minerals in the paddock is more effective 5 year vitalise user of the Dairy blend. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

New Zealand farmers are no strangers to volatility, and 2024 was another year that tested our resilience for beef exports. Words Simon Quilty.

Some of the most arid soils in Canterbury are proving to be the ideal testing ground for Richard and Denise van Asch’s beef genetics. Words Sandra Taylor.