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Latest News Releases | Keeping The Beef Cow Competitive | 'Pioneer' keen to push boundaries | Long-term, genetic gain the main aim Kakahu has to be able to work for itself and be self-sufficient By Sandra Finnie, Courtesy Straight Furrow, 7th April 2011 Tom Hargreaves at Kakahu with Macey, his labrador. KAKAHU consists of 1214ha (3000 acres) ol flat to lowlands and steep hills. Much of the farm's management is geared toward the annual on-farm sales of the stud Angus and Charolais bulls and in-calf heifers. Kakahu supports 200 stud Angus bulls, 200 stud Angus heifers, 50 Charolais stud bulls, 50 Charolais stud heifers, 450 stud Angus cows, 110 stud Charolais heifers, 100 commercial Angus heifers, 2500 ewes plus Friesian bulls, all of which are fattened on the irrigated land. At its peak, the farm carries 15,000 stock. The aim was to make the farm work for itself and to be self sufficient as much as possible. Discussing farming in general from a young man's perspective, Tom reckoned farmers had to be optimists now because there were so many challenges to overcome. "I didn't know what type of person I was until I got home: I'm still here, so 1 must be an optimist too. "Id love to prove that farming is an industry that has advantages for rural people as well as urban, because there is a tie between the two" He believes a lot of positives will come out of farming. "There is a massive shift in the farming industry, for us, we want to keep up with the changes. I’m   aware of the environmental issues, and where the world Is going, and the demands we face". Tom agreed that for his generation, farming was not the ideal lifestyle. But in your early 30s and 40s you have to work hard to have a stable base. "Farming is big business and very challenging, one wrong call and you can lose a lot of money." Tom and Anna’s lifestyle will always revolve around the cities and farming. As if the physical rigours of farming were not enough. Tom has completed two Coast-to Coast endurance races and does a lot of running and biking. Nowadays he could not imagine working fulltime in the city. "I loved the rush of the city but equally, not having that when I'm out on the farm with my dogs." Tom and Anna are both outward looking and said their lifestyles would ensure their children appreciate the best of both worlds. Kakahu Buys Centrewood Charolais Stud May, 2007 Kakahu has purchased Centrewood Charolais Stud from Jamie and Dougal Sutherland Gerald Hargreaves, owner of Kakahu Angus says: "I believe it will be complementay to our angus operation.  Many angus breeders like to use a different follow up sire for the third cycle, and the Charolais is excellent as it is easy to distinguish late calvers and so cull and keep herd calving periods short. Besides this their good growth will give profitalbe calves from later calving cows." "The Centrewood herd an old stud, with genetics very well established. Jamie has practiced good basic animal husbandry. His cattle are quiet, easy calving and relatively hardy being run in paddock conditions." "A functional line of 120 cows are coming to calve at Kakahu this year." Kakahu wins lamb prize! February 14th, 2007 Kakahu Farm has just won the annual "Waitrose Lamb Producer of the Year" - 2006.  Waitrose is a British supermarket chain which we have been suppliers to for some years   This is a huge accolade of Gerald's strong belief and attention in detail, and to be able to produce the right product for the needs of the supermarket and consumer. This is no different from cattle breeding! The prize is a trip for two to UK   Kakahu Angus & Lawson's Angus partnership 11th May, 2006 Click the press releases to read them. Requires Acrobat Reader. Get here if you do not have it.   Kakahu Angus & Woodleys Transport Team Up! 1st December, 2005 KAKAHU ANGUS would like to thank Woodleys Transport for the opportunity to advertise on the road nation wide.   Click images for larger view   Previous popular news Keeping The Beef Cow Competitive by Andrew McFarlane - presented during a Beef field day at the Todhunters in Cleardale, Rakaia Gorge, May 2004. (Read more...)