Mokairau better their average too

BRAVE HEART: Mokairau Stud at Whangara has added some powerful genetics to their line with the $28,000 purchase of Maungahina Brave Heart from Masterton (pictured). The stud produced an improved average last year and a total clearance. File picture

Mokairau Hereford Stud at Whangara enjoyed a complete clearance in their rising two-year-old bull sale on Thursday morning, a sale that produced another lift in average for the stud.

The Reeves family put up 32 of their strapping young bulls for sale by auction in their on-farm rostrum and sold the lot. The top price of $11,500 was paid for Lot 1, purchased by regular Mokairau clients Papuni Station in the Ruakituri Valley. It was the second year in a row Papuni Station secured the top priced bull in the stud’s sale. The bulls sold for an average of $6774.

“It has been a tremendous 12 months for us, except for the last month because of the floods earlier this month,” studmaster Peter Reeves said in his opening remarks.

“For the bulls though it has been a playground as they’ve had fun in the silt.”

Mr Reeves said it had been an “excellent” sale for them.

“There was great spirited bidding and it was good to see the bulls going to new homes across the district, and outside of it.

“It’s always good to have them go to a variety of new homes. Today there was a bull for everyone and it was good we had a complete sale,” he said.

“To be honest it’s always a bit of a relief to see them go on their way.”

Auctioneer Chris Hurlstone from PGG Wrightson said it was a good sale, with all the regular buyers there, and a few new ones.

“The average is up on last year and the sale has to be classified as a success.

“It’s great to see the impact of the stud’s impact sires coming forward in the quality of the cattle,” Mr Hurlstone said.

“It’s also great to see the ‘poster pin-up boy’ for the ECT rescue helicopter — Peter — back in action again after his quad bike accident.”

Peter Reeves said the stud invested in two further new sires at the Beef Expo this year.

“We look forward to seeing their progeny start to come forward in 2020.”

He paid tribute to retiring PGG Wrightson agent Steve Goldsbury in his opening remarks.

“Steve has been coming up our driveway for 40 years. He’s a friend and a colleague, with an excellent eye for the stock. Steve, you will be sorely missed across the district.”

Sale details — Papuni Station $11,500, $10,000; McNeil Farming Ltd $6500, $8000, $7000, $5500; Arakihi Station $10,500; Te Aroha Station $8000; Raroa Station $6500, $7000; Arowhona Station $6500, $7000; Paringahau Station $7500, $5000, $6000, $5000, $5000; Treble B Trust $8000; Nettleton Trust $10,000; Hinenui Genetics Ltd $7000; Nuhiti Station $9500; Hikutai Station $6000; Mangapoi Station $5500; Titirangi Station $5500; Mahaanui Station $6000; Riverflat Family Trust $5500.