Gearing up for this year's bull sale

After 45 years of farming, Martin Farming owner Richard Martin still finds great enjoyment every single day running his Angus and Hereford Stud operation. Located 30 minutes south of Nelson in Wakefield’s countryside, 330 hectares of predominantly steep hill country is home to 200 registered cows (150 Angus and 50 Hereford), heifers and sale bulls.

Richard says the stud has a strong and uncompromising focus on producing cattle that are structurally sound, have good constitution and conformation, and high levels of fertility- attributes that will ultimately add value to their clients progressive breeding programs.

Richard, along with his wife Denise and family, are gearing up for its annual rising two-year-old sale on Monday June 12, at a new time of 1pm, where it will offer 32 Angus and 7 Hereford stud bulls.

There is considerable selection pressure when it comes to deciding on the line up of bulls to offer prospective buyers. Key tools are used in Richard’s process. All lots have genomically enhanced EBVs and are independently structurally assessed for soundness, including docility scored. They undergo a comprehensive fertility test, and are ultrasound scanned for EMA, IMF, and Rib & Rump Fat. Buyers can be assured that all bulls come to the sale fit and ready for service.

The Martin’s are proud of the fact that many of their clients have been purchasing bulls from them for more than 30 years, with typically over 50% sold out of the district. To attract such farmers, Martin Farming covers the freight component for all purchases and if approached, can discuss delayed delivery.

This year’s line-up of bulls features some exciting new AI sires, as well as top home bred sons used as part of their progeny testing policy as yearlings. “There will be a bull for every budget on sale day and we are very pleased with the consistent group of thick, moderate framed bulls throughout the entire catalogue” says Richard. “We like our clients to take home a bull that is well suited to their own individual herd requirements and believe that with our bulls being bred and raised on steep hill country, they adapt well to their different environments”.

A bull walk will be held on Friday May 26^th for potential purchasers to get a first glimpse, and if that day doesn't suit, you can contact the family for a private viewing.

Catalogues will be available at the end of May and if you wish to receive one by mail, please email richard@martinfarming.com. Alternatively, head to their Facebook page to view a digital version and keep up to date with sale information.