Our Stock

Ngakouka Herefords was established in 2000 when Bruce and Chrissina Donald were farming at Ngakouka, in the Ponatahi Valley, Wairarapa. Ngakouka is the namesake of the stud and is now based at Mironui Station, Dannevirke on the Weber Road. Bruce is from a strong family breeding background across a number of animal breeds and has always had an interest in Herefords.

We use both natural and AI sires with New Zealand and international genetics. From our dam list three dams have been recently flushed for a very successful embryo programme. Photos and descriptions of sires and dams are in the link below. 

Stock Policy

Our policy is to maintain a healthy, self sufficient cow on hill country grazed under pressure from sheep that can produce a healthy saleable calf at weaning .

To help us breed this cow we use many tools, both practical and technological. Three key tools are Breedplan, muscle scanning and DNA testing. We have also changed our policy on calving and now set stock rather than calve behind a wire. 

We believe that by selecting animals that are easy doing, easy handling, soft skins and structurally sound with good form and function you will inherently attract great results at low cost. Add good individual pasture and stock management practices to this and you will get fabulous results with Ngakouka Cattle. 

Breeding Principles

Ngakouka Herefords work on the belief that ‘the cows work for us, we don’t work for the cows’. Our cattle are commercially tested on ‘Mironui’, and will perform very well anywhere they are placed.  We have only 15% of 500 effective ha wheel tractor country, hence the cattle are well conditioned to hill country.  They will shift.