Friday, March 29, 2024

Charolais have it all

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It has been 15 years since Simon and Wendy Collin established Rauriki Charolais stud when they bought their first in-calf R2 Charolais heifers from Pouriwai Stud at Gisborne. 
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That was in 2004. Since then they have bought more cows and heifers from six other Charolais studs around the country with the objective of breeding moderate, sound and functional bulls with exceptional temperament.

Originally based at Matapiro, west of Hastings, the couple have made several moves over the years, firstly to Whetukura, northeast of Dannevirke, and more recently moving to the two farms they now own in Central Hawke’s Bay.

Pukerua is 660ha with an adjoining 190ha lease block, which is double the size of their previous farm and has enabled them to also double the number of stock units.

The lease block was a big factor in their decision to buy the property.

“Having the lease block was a really important factor because if we had to buy the total acreage that we have now it would have been a bit more difficult to buy.”

Those first animals from Pouriwai Stud were the basis of the stud they run today.

“We picked 12 R2 heifers that were in calf to Pouriwai S335 and newly imported French bull, Laurel,” Collin says. 

“Every time we bought cows we paid particular regard to obtaining cattle that have a red factor background or were in calf to red factor bulls.”

More recently their objective of having a sole red factor cattle herd has changed to incorporate the more traditional white or cream colour but still offer red-factor bulls for commercial farmers who prefer red-coated cattle.

Their bulls are now sold across the lower North Island.

Charolais originated in the old French provinces of Charolles and neighboring Nievre. While the exact origins are not known legend has it white cattle were first noticed in the region as early as 878AD. By the 16th and 17th centuries they were popular in French markets and like other cattle of continental Europe were used for pulling, milk and meat.

The breed is known for its growth ability, efficient feedlot gains and in carcase cut-out values and is well suited to fattening for high finished weight and to all-purpose crossbreeding.

Colin says when they started they were looking at stud cattle that had the most potential, which he believes the Charolais has.

“They have a very good live weight gain for age, they’re good for growth and conformity and ease of calving.”

Of particular interest to them is the dairy industry and the potential they can see for growth in that direction with the breed.

“What we are getting is demand for Charolais to put over Holstein cows as a terminal breed,” he says. 

“We can see a lot of further development in the dairy industry side and a lot of potential benefits so that is something we are very interested in developing, the supply of terminal sires to the dairy industry. You’ve got to breed the right type of bull into dairy. I’m very conscious of the bulls. We may also be looking at a newer bloodline to have available this spring.”

The couple like the growth rate of Charolais cattle as well as their temperament. 

“Their temperament is a big thing. If the temperament’s wrong it doesn’t matter what age it is, it’s gone. We cull hard for temperament because it’s so important.

“With our breeding programme we are also looking at structural soundness, medium frame and easy maintenance, calving ease and high fertility.”

As well as breeding Charolais, they also show their cattle and Simon is president of the Hawke’s Bay A&P Society and they are both involved with the Dannevirke A&P Show.

They have enjoyed a lot of success over the years including last year when their cow Rauriki Jasmine J20 won the senior cow in the Charolais section and her bull calf Rauriki Nero (Nigel) won the bull calf class to then take out the champion Charolais male at the Auckland Easter Show.  

This year at the Masterton A&P Show Rauriki Nelson won the all breeds yearling bull title and went on the win the same title at the Royal Show in Hawke’s Bay.

Daughter Lucy is also keen on Charolais and last year competed at the Royal Melbourne Show where she was fourth in the national handlers class.

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