'Best yearling steers in the district’ the focus of long association for the Dempster and Blakely families of East Otago .

Along with son James and daughter-in-law Sarah, Lindsay and Margaret Dempster farm Hummock Run, a 4,600 hectare breeding and finishing enterprise comprising several properties, including developed hill tussock and downland finishing country in East Otago. While Lindsay and Margaret have had Hummock Run since 1994, the Dempsters and Margaret’s side of the family, the O’Malleys, are both multi-generational farmers, tracing their histories in the region back to the 1870s and early 1900s respectively.

Four generations of the Dempster family have sold cattle at the Palmerston saleyards, covering approximately 60 years, always via PGG Wrightson, or predecessors of the company since merged. East Otago rep for PGG Wrightson Livestock Gerard Shea says Hummock Run steers are among the district’s best.

“As a line up in the spring sales they generally achieve the top price each year, and are sought after throughout the South Island due to their breeding, temperament and growth rate.”

Another long term constant for the Dempsters has been the Blakely family, who farm just out of Ranfurly. Steve Blakely says they have bought steers from the Dempsters for at least 20 years, and his father also bought Dempster sheep back in the 1980s.

“They offer the best cattle available at the Palmerston sale. They are well grown, from a good breeding programme, quick fattening, and with an easy temperament. We have been happy to take Hummock Run steers for several years. They are well suited to our farming conditions.”

For any livestock queries, you can find and contact your local PGG Wrightson Livestock rep here.