Our Story

Our Story

Premier Cattle Co. has been built on generations of breeding passion, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in both dairy and beef genetics.

Our journey began in 2008 at Fencourt, Cambridge, where we ran a stud Jersey and Ayrshire herd of 380 cows. Over more than 25 years, these genetics were carefully developed and recognised across Australasia, with our stud dispersal in 2024 setting record prices. The top price of $31,000 for a 3 year old Ayrshire cow set the Australasian record. Today, our milking operation continues with a split-calving herd of 400 Holstein Friesians, based on elite North American and Canadian genetics.

Breeding beef cattle has also been a defining part of our story. Derek’s Hereford stud, established in 1993, reached its pinnacle in 2001 with the sale of a bull for $43,000, setting a New Zealand Hereford national sale record. The Hereford stud was sold in 2011, making way for new ventures.

In 2013, we founded our Speckle Park stud, starting with two cows and five in-calf heifers purchased from SPKNZ. What began small has now grown into a herd of 100 breeding cows, producing cattle that are both functional and in demand.

In 2020, we added Murray Greys to our program, securing quality females from Oak View, Derek’s parents’ stud. This line has quickly established itself as a strong complement to our Speckle Park herd, now numbering 30 breeding cows.

Today, the Premier beef herd runs across the rolling hills of Whitehall, between Cambridge and Karapiro, where we continue to focus on structural soundness, fertility, and performance. Each chapter of our journey reflects our core values: integrity, quality, and progression.