Hawke’s Bay Hereford achieved New Zealand yearling record, while Bay of Plenty stud sends bulls nationwide.

Two recent yearling bull sales left vendors and purchasers smiling, none with wider grins than the buyer and seller of a Hawke’s Bay Hereford bull that achieved a New Zealand record of $29,500.

Koanui Polled Herefords of Maraetotara, Havelock North hasn’t held a yearling bull sale since 2008, opting to sell all their yearlings privately instead. Chris Chesterman said they went back to a sale this year in response to clients in the beef industry wanting to buy.

“With so many positives in red meat at the moment, this seemed an ideal year to put our best yearlings up for auction, and let the market set the price.

“We selected bulls for the sale mainly emphasising calving ease and birthweight, knowing that our clients are primarily looking for heifer mating.”

Koanui put up 34 yearling bulls, which all sold, averaging $6,350. The record breaking $29,500 bull sold via bidr to a Maranui, Waihi family that has regularly bought Koanui bulls in the past.

“We were delighted that they succeeded. They have supported us well and are thrilled with their purchase,” says Chris.

Stokman Angus, Waikite Valley, Rotorua offered 122 yearlings on 17 September for a clearance of 114, averaging $7,044, compared to the $5,337 average achieved at their 2024 sale, and a top price of $27,000.

Jake Stokman says while one bull sold to Dipton and one to Kaitaia, most clients are either from Hawke’s Bay or King Country.

“We have plenty of return clients who we know well, though we picked up eight or nine new clients at our sale this year. We select for lower birth weights and above average growth, which clients respond well to.

“While 20 per cent of our bulls usually go to dairy farmers, this year the competition was keen, with the dairy interests dropping away when the prices rose, meaning only about 10 per cent of our bulls went to dairy farms this year.”

Stokman Angus donated the proceeds from one bull to Greenlea Rescue Helicopter Trust, which is based in Taupo and serves the Central Plateau and Lakes region. Jake’s father Mark has required the services of the helicopter twice, and the family was pleased to be able to give back. PGG Wrightson also donated the drench and commission fees associated with that sale to the trust, and Gallagher donated a voltmeter.

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