Merchiston Estate, northeast of Marton in Manawatū, was settled in the 1880s and has been in the Rowe family for four generations.

Merchiston Angus was established by the late Lloyd Rowe in 1955 on 1,000 hectares of prime flat land, previously predominantly sheep and beef. 

After Lloyd’s sons, Richard and Lloyd, took over in 1981 they expanded the stud stock herd and sold the commercial herd.  Complementing the stud, the Rowes finish cattle, typically buying clients’ progeny as weaners, therefore enabling them to measure their own genetics. They also farm approximately 5,000 commercial ewes and grow commercial grain and crops.

Merchiston Angus’ long term genetic legacy is based on astute selection and first-class stockmanship.  Like Merchiston’s rich heritage, the relationship with PGW has grown through several generations.  “We build relationships with the companies we work with and PGW is a big part of our business,” says Richard.

Much of the relationship focuses on the Genetics team that operates within PGW Livestock.  Our genetic specialists work alongside our clients to help develop breeding programmes, source and sell quality livestock, and build robust businesses.

PGW National Genetics Manager, Callum Stewart has worked with the Rowes for 15 years. “I enjoy advising Richard and Lloyd.  It’s a true partnership, creating growth and adding value.  Using the right tools and genetics are major influences on breeding programmes and commercial operations,” says Callum.

“Callum has been an integral part of our genetics stud stock business, starting when he auctioneered for us, before he became our stud stock manager,” says Richard.

Callum and Richard meet regularly, especially leading up to a sale.  In March 2022 the stud’s major foundation female sale offered 170 mixed age cattle, comprising the entire Merchiston-based cow herd.  Uniquely, it gave breeders the opportunity to purchase females and cow families going back nearly 70 years.  A hybrid sale, it attracted more than 100 people on-site, plus more than 180 from Kaitaia to Gore attending online via bidr®.

PGW’s CEO, Stephen Guerin, attended the sale, alongside PGW’s General Manager Real Estate and Livestock, Peter Newbold.    “This sale is a milestone for the family. I am delighted PGW achieved such a positive result, particularly with 20 per cent of sales via bidr®,” said Stephen.  Peter added, “One of the nicest outcomes is that stock has gone to all parts of the country.”

PGW Livestock Rep, Paul Peterson, has served the Rowes for 30 years.  “The Rowes have been very good clients and we understand what’s required of each other to make the business relationship successful.  They trust me to do my best on their behalf when marketing their stock and I have confidence in the quality of the article being sold.  Over the years I have developed close ties with the family, including now dealing with the next generation,” says Paul.

Richard adds, “You need to know each other’s business inside out to work for each other.  Paul has become more than an agent, he’s a friend of the family.”

Working with PGG Wrightson

National Genetics Manager, Callum Stewart, joined PGW in 2006.  Based in Manawatū, he leads the nationwide team of dedicated genetics specialists. 

Callum enjoys developing relationships, “When I’m invited around the coffee table, there’s trust and an open forum within those walls.  I get to know the whole business, understand the moving parts, and work out where I can add value.  I feel privileged getting to know a client’s family because genetics is a family business.”