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

2010/2011 FMG NZAA Bull Evaluation Unit.

The FMG Angus New Zealand Association Bull Evaluation Unit (FMG AngusNZ BEU) was set up 7 years ago at the request of AngusNZ 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 2007/2008 group, where the three groups starting with 40% of the intake went forward to the National at weights around 800kgs with a good number entered being sold to stud.

The new intake of bulls for 2010/2011, 26 in all , arrived at Maurice and Margaret Berwick’s property on Milson Line at Palmerston North during early July. 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 in November 2010 and one in April 2011 (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.

Each month they will be weighed and the weights posted on our website (www.angusnz.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”. 

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 Angus NZ BEU is their primary focus in their relationship with Angus NZ and they support AngusNZ very generously in making the unit the success it is.

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