Hazeldean purchases Te Mania Super Sire
Following the exciting purchase of Te Mania Berkley B1, Jim Litchfield discusses this super sire and the reasons
behind the decision:
1.
Why B1? What are his EBVs/$Index figures which attracted you/or progeny you have seen?
Every now and then a bull comes along in the industry that I would describe as a watershed sire. Some that come to
mind include Scotch Cap, 036, and Traveler. In their time they are just that much further ahead genetically than their
contemporaries and provide the base for the next big lift in the breed. I think Berkley is the bull that will provide the
next big lift. Genetic improvement is not always a straight line graph - it is more often than not a case of big lifts being
followed by periods of slower gain before the next big lift and Berkley is a big lift bull. His performance data can only
be described as exceptional. From a moderate birthweight EBV of +4.7 he follows through to explosive growth EBv’s
that reach +103 at 400 days and +126 at 600 days and carcase data that puts his Long Fed CAAB index at +$153.
Importantly with all this his fertility and calving ease direct EBV’s are equally outstanding. He also has a very quiet
temperament and super sound structure – his first calves at Hazeldean are very impressive.
2.
What do you plan to do with him?
We will collect semen from him as a first priority for our own use and for sale and once we have sufficient quantities
will use the bull at home as a back up to our AI program where he will feature prominently.
3.
Does this build on the success of your past genetic link to TMA through Kelp?
Kelp was a major influence on our stud and in his day a leading sire. I think Berkley is a better bull, relatively
speaking, and we look forward to working with the Gubbins and McFarlane families again with our ownership of him.
4.
What is the current direction of Hazeldean in Angus genetics?
The direction of our genetic program hasn’t really changed since we started the stud although it has been significantly
enhanced by developments in technology over the years. The impact of the Japanese market and developments in
meat science have also had an influence . One thing we have steadfastly avoided is chasing fads in all our livestock
breeding programs. Inevitably when you follow a fad the goalposts change once you are just about there. Our core
business is providing functional, profitable bulls to the commercial beef industry and this means first of all maximising
the number of live calves hitting the ground, building onto that base rapid growth rates and on top of that superior
carcase data. It has to be in that order to make money in the beef industry. One of the main reasons we had a
mature age stud cow dispersal in 2008 was because our primary goal is not to provide registered bulls for other
registered herds but more to provide bulls to the commercial industry. We do still have a number of top HBR cows
and obviously there will always be some bulls produced from these that will interest other studs but this is not our
main focus.
5.
Where do you currently sell each year?
We have sales in South Australia, Queensland and NSW.
6.
How many bulls do you plan to market in 2011?
For a number of reasons including drought our bull numbers are back for 2011 so we will be selling in South
Australia, Queensland but only having a Spring sale at Cooma. We expect to put 250 bulls under the hammer next
year
7.
Is the Hazeldean herd currently focused at a specific market or are you producing a range of types?
There is absolutely no doubt that the reason for the growing popularity of the Angus breed is the development of the
Japanese market. It created the platform for the dramatic growth of the breed over the past 30 years. Since then the
breed has expanded into other markets as well and recently reached the “tipping point” where it is now indisputably
recognized as the number 1 beef breed for the best in quality beef. This was most recently demonstrated by the
McDonalds, Hungry Jacks and 4 and 20 uptake of the Angus brand in their products and promotion. So we are
focused on further improving the breeds reputation in this regard but do so with the understanding that Australias
broad climatic differences require different genotypes to deal with specific environmental issues. This is why we have
included Senepol genetics with Angus in some of the bulls we produce for northern Australia.
8.
What is the current size of the Hazeldean herd and are they all at Cooma?
The current herd size is around 4000 animals and they are based at Cooma, Hay and South Australia.