Beef Farming in New Zealand

Angus cattle have been the predominant breed of cattle run on Whenuanui since the early 1950s, chosen then because of their durability, ease of breeding and excellent meat tasting qualities.

The same characteristics have endured to this day, and have actually been greatly enhanced due to improvement in their genetics and the improved feed quality they now receive. These characteristics explain why Angus beef now attracts a premium price, whether it be in the sale yards or on the supermarket shelves.

Top quality Angus bulls are sourced from leading Northern stud breeders to be mated to the 250 mixed age cows and 50 yearling heifers.

Generally a calving percentage of 94% is recorded annually. After 50 replacement heifers are kept to go in the herd each year, the remaining heifer and all steer calves are sold to a Shelly Beach beef fattening property which is operated by the McEwan Kidd partnership and managed by their son David Kidd.

Prior to 2011, all cattle were retained and grown to maturity on Whenuanui, but the policy has changed, allowing a significant increase in the number of beef cows run on the farm.

Images courtesy of Beef + Lamb New Zealand