Breeding success over the generations
The McKenzies have been breeding cattle on their Wairarapa property for over a century.
Bruce McKenzie was the fourth generation to lead Maungahina Stud, east of Masterton, and has been at the forefront of genetic development in the primary sector over the past 50 years. His remarkable eye for desirable animal characteristics and his ability to breed them into stock has led to major improvements in the national herd quality.
When we didn’t have what he was looking for in this country McKenzie would find the genetics in animals around the world.
He pioneered the importation of different livestock breeds, as well as material such as frozen embryos and semen, which has produced a lasting legacy.
Though he passed the reins of Maungahina Stud to son Mark in 2007, McKenzie still takes an active role in raising the bulls.
The animals responded well to good treatment and were always happier on a full belly, he said.
‘‘You see something different in them all the time. They all have their own personalities and you get quite attached,’’ he said.
Predominantly raising Herefords, the stud has innovated with other breeds.
McKenzie refined the Charolais breed, creating the Red Charolais, by selecting for the colour variation when he noticed the reds were more productive.
In the past decade the McKenzies introduced a new cattle breed, Speckle Park, into New Zealand, which was showing dividends in terms of quality and yield increase.
One aspect of his involvement in the cattle industry over the years that brought particular enjoyment was cattle judging.
McKenzie earned a reputation as a leading cattle judge at major events in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
He said he quickly learnt that a good judge needed to be able to quickly assess the attributes of stock and be diplomatic when expressing judgment.
McKenzie said he was honoured to receive the Queen’s Birthday recognition and wanted to also give credit to his late wife, Jenny, who was always a ‘‘big part of the operation’’.
With a passion for a range of livestock, McKenzie also imported fallow deer in the early 1980s, sourcing stags from Sweden and hinds from the UK.