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Aussie
First for Peppercorn Stud
The
old adage that what you get out of something is proportionate
to what you put in rings particularly true for Terry &
Karen Pierce of Peppercorn Belted Galloways.
The
couple saw their first Belted Galloways on a trip to the
USA.
"We
were living in Sydney at the time but later moved to the
property where we are now, near Gloucester NSW", say
Terry.
"We
started a long evaluation process for which breed would
best fit this smaller block and kept coming back to Belties.
I just could not see why more stud breeders were not buying
into the breed."
Photo
Glen McCurtayne Newcastle Herald |
The
Pierce's first purchase was at Wodonga in 1996 when
they took ownership of a bull and five females, one
of which was in calf and another with a calf at foot.
From
this fairly modest start, their passion for the breed
has taken them a long way in the ensuing years. They
have taken a quantum leap from carting their animals
all over the country where they have won Champion,
Grand Champion and Supreme Belted Galloway Exhibit
at Royal Shows, to be the first stud to export a live
Belted Galloway from Australia to neighbours, New
Zealand in fact.
During
a trip to the isles to "test the water"
the Pierces travelled the length and breadth of the
country, beating the drum for their Belties and attempting
to generate interest in their stud, with a slick presentation
on their laptop. Always well presented and prepared
they duly impressed many of the 17 plus studs they
visited. Looking quite the professional team, they
exuded a strong corporate image from their stud logo
dress and accessories to the quality of their information. |
|
Zula
at 14 months old at Gloucester before his great adventure
|
After
arriving home they decided to embark on an ambitious
plan to take a live bull to New Zealand. After months
of red tape and protocol during which the bull spent
120 days in Melbourne where he underwent exhaustive
health tests, the big day arrived and in June Terry
finally took the flight out with the bull.
The
"bull", should you be curious, was not just
any bull. Peppercorn Zula is the
grandson of Mochurm Kingfisher. Born on 29.11.2005,
his sire is Peppercorn Wisdom, Grand
Champion at Sydney and Brisbane Royals in 2003. His
dam is Peppercorn Ursula, Reserve
Snr Champion Canberra 2002 in a class of nine and
without a calf. |
Zula
at 18 months old at the breeding centre in New Zealand
|
Zula in his "comfortable" accommodation en
route for New Zealand
|
Zula's "bull" box |
Zula being loaded onto the aeroplane for New Zealand |
Typical
of their uncompromising attitude with regard to the quality
of the herd, Terry and Karen wanted to send abroad what
they considered to be the best they had. Zula is a very
correct young bull with an excellent temperament. He displays
great muscling from shoulder through to hindquarters, has
a strong straight topline and stands up straight on good
legs and feet. An extremely alert young bull with a good
head. At 18 months of age he weight 445kgs, is 107cm long,
46 cm wide, 43cm from hip to pin, stands 127 cm high and
has a scrotal circumference of 34cm - impressive figures.
Zula
will reside at the Taurua Breeding Centre for semen collection
before heading to the South Island to service two studs.
In November, Zula will make his debut at Royal Christchurch
Show where Terry and Karen hope to further their showing
prowess.
So
congratulations Terry and Karen, your determination, ability
to think "outside the square" and unflinching
faith and conviction in your goals, has led to the distinction
of being pioneers in putting an Australian bred Beltie overseas,
where it is hoped he puts the Peppercorn
stamp on the New Zealand herd.
