Two-year-old bull sale marks 60 years of breeding and business association spanning the generations.

Atahua Angus held its two-year-old bull sale in mid-June, marking 60 years of breeding for the Kiwitea, Manawatu stud.

After a presentation from Angus NZ board member Andrew Stewart commemorating the Diamond Jubilee, 43 registered buyers competed for 33 lots, resulting in a total clearance, with a top price of $19,500 and the bulls selling on average at $11,924. Most lots sold locally to commercial farmers, though a few studs were represented at the sale and a contingent of East Coast farmers attended, attracted by the consistency, power and muscle for which Atahua bulls are renowned.

Atahua owners Alan and Michele Dalziell say the stud’s long relationship with PGG Wrightson is a key part of their enduring success:

“When Alan’s parents Verdon and Elsie Dalziell established the business in 1961, they worked with FCDC, which subsequently became Dalgetys and eventually PGG Wrightson. 

“Bill Stewart was Verdon and Elsie’s rep in the early days, and through PGG Wrightson we are still with the Stewart family today. We remember Callum here as a little boy, coming along to the sale with his dad Bill. Wind forward to the present and Callum Stewart has run the auction prior to this year, while his brother Maurice Stewart is our main contact. 

“Sam Wright did this year’s auction solo, after sharing it with Callum last year. He did a good job, keeping the sale’s momentum moving along. He has a strong voice and held it really well, with the bids coming thick and fast.

“We also have a tremendous relationship with the girls in the office, who come out to do all the admin for the sale. They say: ‘I hope you are having your apple shortcakes again this year.’ It is an easy, comfortable, and good relationship.

“If there is anything we want, it’s done straight away, which makes a big difference to how you operate. It’s a relationship that has endured through the generations.”

Callum Stewart was the PGG Wrightson rep for Atahua Angus before he became National Genetics Manager, Maurice Stewart is the Area Livestock Manager based in Feilding, dealing most frequently with the Dalziells’ commercial sheep and cattle operation, while Ryan Shannon and Sam Wright are both from local farming families.

Callum Stewart, PGG Wrightson Livestock National Genetics Manager