CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS: Raetahi's Okahu Herefords Kelly O'Neill (left) receiving the PGG Wrightson Champion of Champions silverware from John McCone with rising 2-year old rising bull Sonny Bill which has been sold to Otapawa Stud at Tiraumea. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED WTA270514SUPBULL02
Champion beast a 'must have' buy for breeding programme
As far as Stuart Robbie is concerned Sonny Bill is one impeccable bull and a "must have" for his breeding programme.
From Okahu Herefords, the bull was named Supreme Champion Hereford at AgInnovation 2014 and fetched the highest price of the event across all breeds.
Sonny Bill was bought for $40,000 by Mr Robbie of Tiraumea's Otapawa Station.
The rising 2-year-old bull will be on show at the Tiraumea Sales on Tuesday.
Mr Robbie said Sonny Bill was an impressive bull which he just had to buy to add to the station's breeding herd. The station has 200 breeding cows and 30-35 sale bulls and supplies bulls throughout the North Island and to farmers at the top of the South Island.
He said Sonny Bill was a perfect bull, the second best behind an Australian bull he imported about a decade ago."He's just tremendous. He just had so much growth and weight for his age. His carcass traits were just impeccable."
The bull would add quality to the station's breeding stock. "We are in the business of producing beef. He will add a lot of performance and value to our breeding programme ... I certainly believe Sonny Bill will do just that. He was a bull worth going that extra distance for, to secure him for our herd.
"At Otapawa, we are focused on producing bulls that are bred to perform in commercial environments, requiring minimum input to achieve maximum returns. Strong carcass and maternal traits are important and complemented by a sound structure."
Mr Robbie was one of the judges at AgInnovation 2014 and immediately wanted to add the Hereford to his breeding herd. "We rated Sonny Bill as a 'must have bull' for our stud," he said. "He ticked all the boxes twice. He is extremely sound and moved extremely well."
Many farmers were choosing Hereford or Hereford cross bulls for breeding rather than "straight" Angus bulls, he said.
Okahu Hereford stud's Kelly O'Neill said from about 3 months old, Sonny Bill had been a stand-out calf.
But he was floored by the price the bull fetched.
"I couldn't believe it and there's no question about it, it's a compliment," he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Robbie invites breeders and farmers to check out the new bull at Tuesday's Tiraumea Sales from 12pm.
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