Livestock

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.

Are you having to balance a lack of feed and holding ewe condition in a dry Autumn? This episode is jam-packed with technical knowledge from two farmers and a veterinarian. Mark Zino shares how to juggle feeding grain and silage to not overdo it, Alistair Bird shares why he’s not mating his ewe hoggets this season, and vet Peter Anderson of Marlborough gives key tips for tupping, teaser rams, timing and triplets.

With Golden Shears 2024 being packed with crowds and the sheer number of women coming into both shearing and wool-handling, how do we keep stoking the fire of talent whilst we wait for a return to better wool prices? 

In a special bonus episode, independent nutrient advisor Melinda Turner helps balance animal health with the soil nutrients we are applying to ensure we aren’t curbing the animal’s performance in the meantime.

Derek and Leanne White's exceptional performance on their Waiouru farm won them the 2023 Wairere Central Districts Red Meat Farm Business of the Year award.

Rick and Shirley-Ann Mannering run an integrated sheep and beef farm and two dairy operations just south of Auckland and they’re making big strides to remove pests from their bush bordering the Hunua Ranges. By Glenys Christian.

The pros and cons for integrating livestock and arable production were discussed in depth and from many angles at a recent industry field day, Sandra Taylor writes.