Angus New Zealand  FMG Bull Evaluation Unit

1. Introduction
2. BEU Diary
3. Weights
4. BEU Open Day
5. BEU location map
6. BEU Report

2009/2010 FMG NZAA Bull Evaluation Unit.

Updated 9th October, 2009

The FMG New Zealand Angus Association Bull Evaluation Unit (FMG NZAA BEU) was set up 6 years ago at the request of NZAA Breeding Members to bring together(in a common environment)  bulls that may go forward to the National Sale, so that they could all be treated the same.

The feeling was that by feeding the bulls in a competitive environment where they all have the same opportunities would see the genetic ability shine through and the very best float to the surface to go forward to the National Sale.

We saw evidence of this starting to emerge with the 2007/2008 group, where out of 36, 18 went forward to the National at weights around 800kgs - in a very difficult season, with 10 of the 18 entered being sold to stud, averaging just under $8000, with all sold.

The new intake of bulls for 2009/2010, 36 in all , arrived at Maurice and Margaret Berwick’s property on Milson Line at Palmerston North during the last week of May. From 33 breeders from throughout the country, all have settled in well and are putting on weight satisfactorily.

Our programme for the year comprises:

- A monthly weighing

- A day of light inspection/cull in late October.

- 2 “Open Days” – one on 3rd November and one in April 2010(advised closer to time)

- Scanning in September and March.

- Service capacity and Semen tests in February and March.

- Final day of inspection / cull in April in preperation of the National Sale.

On arrival all animals are quarantined until they have received a combination drench, vaccinations for BVD & 10:1, copper capsule, a drench for Liver Fluke and their current weight taken. Then as one group they are introduced to the first paddock in their Winter rotation.

The following month (this year it is on the 1st of the month) they are again weighed, and drenched and booster vaccinations administered by the vet.

This is a normal intake (36) with the bulls averaging 325 kgs on arrival – back around 25 kgs on last due to the adverse summer conditions in many areas that the bulls cam to the Unit from.

Each month they will be weighed and the weights posted on our website (www.nzangus.co.nz) under BEU/weights, with accompanying ‘diary notes’ which record different happenings that occur form time to time.

The bulls are fed on grass, hay and baleage only for the greater part of the year but we do plant turnips to have on hand for the winter and the dry period in January to March. No other feed is offered to the bulls.

All transportation to and from (including bulls bought at the National Sale that originate from the FMG BEU) the FMG BEU is paid for by the Unit and all visitors are very welcome at both our ‘open days”. 

Keep an eye out for the dates; the first day is on 3rd November, 2009 at 1pm (location map)

SPONSORS:

We have tremendous support for our FMG Bull Unit from a large group of sponsors and they need to be acknowledged at every opportunity for their generosity.

FMG are our major sponsor and for them the FMG NZAA BEU is their primary focus in their relationship with NZ Angus and they support NZ Angus very generously in making the unit the success it is.

Listed above are the other companies that support the NZAA at its Bull Unit and we thank them all for their assistance in so many areas in the running of the FMG NZAA BEU.