Breeding Objectives/Programs

To maximise our clients performance through provision of modern, practical genetic solutions.

Stern first sale
View larger image

We are very conscious of the structure of bulls to breed consistently year after year. We constantly evaluate the soundness of bulls, test their semen, test for B.V.D. and E.B.L, and cull all empty cows. Fertility is the number one beef herd profitability driver.

We mate 80% of our yearling heifers & cull all empty animals. A further 20% cut are sold PTIC and the balance around 60% are retained based on their performance rearing their first calf.

Older cows are retained based on actual weaning performance irrespective of their EBV's

 Measured introduction of American and Australian genetics and heavy culling ensure a solid balance of practical and paper performance sires. Our clients range from dry hill properties to high hard mountain runs….amongst them are cattlemen who recognise the best balance of type and performance lies in moderate frame moderate performance sires.

We do not aim to be the biggest supplier of Angus bulls, nor to have the highest E.B.V.s which is easily able to be achieved. Our objective is simply to produce quality bulls that best suit our clients’ environment and their market realities at reasonable prices.

Fraser of Stern.
First NZ bull exported
to Scotland.
View larger image

We have been breeding Angus cattle for 70 years. We’ve seen fashions come and go and recognise that pushing extremes whether big or small is counter productive to long term sustainable production.

We do recognise the benefits of artificial insemination and embryo transfers which have been ongoing at Stern for 25 years. We have used and will continue to use high performance bulls, but we cull heavily. We guarantee our bulls fertility and feet for three years.