Shamrock Angus was established by Harold and Rachael O’Grady in 2019.
Harold and Rachael established the stud based on their enthusiasm for their commercial breeding herd and the feeling that they could add extra, particularly given they have always had a discerning eye for buying good quality Angus Sires.
The stud programme started with the purchase of nine (9) in-calf cows from the Springdale dispersal. Stud numbers increased with the purchase of stud heifers from Kaharau Angus over a number of years and 21 females at the Rangatira dispersals.
Initially farming in the steep, coastal hills of Kotemaori, in the Wairoa District, Shamrock Angus is now located between the Ruahine and Kaweka ranges in the Kereru District of Hawkes Bay.
“Here at Shamrock Angus we aim to breed genuine hill country cattle that will shift anywhere.”
Harold, Rachael and Family
Farming is in Harold’s blood. He was born and raised on a farm at Kotemaori. Harold’s family have been breeding Angus cattle since 1962.
Harold farmed on steep hill country all his life and has appreciated the qualities Angus cattle have to perform well in harsh environments.
Farming is all Harold has ever wanted to do.
Rachael has come from a teaching background specialising in science and maths. She has adopted many of those skills to their farming practices.
Rachael is keenly involved with the local community and has been fortunate to hold many volunteer positions.
Harold and Rachael run the farm themselves with the assistance of some eager grandsons (from time to time).
Farming
Breeding good cattle has always been a passion for Harold and Rachael. They have focussed on ensuring that the breeding fundamentals of structural soundness, fertility, phenotype, calving ease, good growth and temperament are not compromised while looking to improve other attributes.
- With their commercial herd, Harold and Rachael have been breeding cattle that could be finished in the harsh environment of medium and steep hill country, or lower grade pasture, and cows that rear a good calf and get back in calf every year in that same environment.
- Cattle, including dry cattle, get used for cleaning up paddocks ahead of sheep in years of surplus grass growth. They are doing the same with their stud cattle which run with the commercials and are expected to perform in the same environment and produce superior cattle.
- Bulls are fed consistently through the year to let them express their potential as much as possible.
- Feed supplements are not used except when cattle are held at the front for weaning, TB testing or around sale time.
- In years where conditions have meant finishing stock is not possible, surplus cattle have been sold as stores. They always do exceptionally well, with repeat clients eager to buy any surplus stock Harold and Rachael have on hand.