On Sunday, May 20, 2018, our study abroad group departed from Christchurch and drove to Te Mania Angus Stud ranch in Parnassus, North Canterbury. The Te Mania ranch prides itself on the depth of its breeding program and connection with clients. Our group was able to realize the dedication the family has toward developing personal relationships with its clients as they spent a lot of time chatting with us and fed us a home-cooked meal. We were shown their sale facility, which the group believed could rival any in the United States with its western theme. Students were amazed to learn bulls went for an average of $9,500 a head in last year's sales.
The ranch also offers an amazing "insurance policy" on bulls sold, offering a guarantee for three years of structural soundness, fertility and capability of service. We were served coffee and morning tea upon arrival and were able to explore the sale ring and "Saloon." A tour of the ranch followed where students were able to see the bulls that will be sold in the upcoming months as well as the fodder beets that are fed as supplements to the cattle. As a group we were amazed by the views of the ranch. After taking a brief walk through the pasture, we were able to take pictures at the top of a hill with both the mountains and the beach serving as a backdrop. Driving through the property, our group was able to experience an ocean-front view featuring dolphins and seals. The tour focused on teaching our group about the importance of balancing phenotypically strong cattle with competitive genetics. All of us were extremely impressed of the high quality Angus cattle here in New Zealand and are eager to be able to return home and compare these cattle to our own.
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