OUR CATTLE
Our cattle are bred and run in genuine high country extremes — where cold, terrain and altitude quickly expose weakness. Only cattle with sound structure, strong maternal instinct and true resilience remain.
Performance here isn’t theoretical. Only cattle that work, last and rebreed stay in the system. These genetics are shaped by real pressure, producing cattle with the resilience to perform across commercial environments.
In a country where conditions change fast, hardiness isn’t optional — it’s essential because if they can perform here, they can perform anywhere.
OUR BULLS
We run three breeds – Angus, Hereford and Composite – with bulls available for sale early June.
Angus
Angus is now our biggest herd of cows reflecting strong sales.
We are looking for moderate framed thick easy doing cattle with good structure and enough data to perform in all environments. As with our other breeds temperament and structure are paramount.
Challenging our cows is an annual occurrence due to our environment so we put a large emphasis on fertility.
Hereford
The first breed with started in 1977 and the back bone of New Zealand’s cattle herd for many years.
We have similar breeding objective to the Angus – compact hill cows that can stand the test of time, producing calves and getting in calf each year.
Composite
Earnscleugh Composites are a mix of 4 complimentary breeds – Angus, Hereford, Simmental and Gelbveigh. Our aim is continually keep our bulls as close to maximum hybrid vigour as possible. We do this by creating new crosses every second generation. This way the clients can have a high hybrid vigour herd without the complexities of a 3 way system and the ability to select their replacements from all of their heifer calves rather than just a portion. Bulls are selected for moderate birth, rapid finishing with excellent carcase qualities, as well as structure and docility.
OUR BREEDING OBJECTIVES
Earnscleugh’s policy has always been to treat the stud cattle in a similar fashion to our high country client’s herds. This means that while our bulls will not carry the condition of those from more favourable areas, their genetic ability to pass on growth is not affected and their ability to shift is greatly enhanced.
Earnscleugh stud females are run entirely on semi‑improved and native tussock country where they are subjected to the same pressures expected of commercial cattle. Under these conditions, cattle that don’t have a‑strong constitution and the ability to walk and forage will show up and are culled.
The bulls are weaned onto grass and wintered on brassicas and then finished on grass.
ON-FARM BULL SALE
Friday 5 June 2026
viewing from 10am
In early June, we host our annual bull sale. This is a helmsman auction, with all three breeds selling at the same time. Viewing is from 10am on the day with the auction commencing at 1pm. Bulls are in pens for clients to assess. There is coffee and smoko on arrival and a BBQ lunch. There are plenty of refreshments and a sober driver is recommended as well as a warm jacket (can be cold).
If you are using Google look up 382 Conroys Road, head up pass the pine trees to the woolshed.