It is a privilege to be involved, as a fourth generation family, in the 100 years that the Humphreys have been breeding Herefords.

What began as a “Humphreys & Son” partnership between George and Fred in 1920 at Strathallan Station has, over the 100 years, moved into a fourth and fifth generation here at Wilencote.

The original three cows produced three registered calves as recorded in the 1920-21 Herd Book (purchased from E Short, Parorangi). In 1923 the herd was transferred to F E Humphreys and moved to Wilencote. A number of the original females were by overseas sires (namely President Wilson, Eaton Oak and Eaton Chancellor).

In 1930 several more heifers were purchased from Parorangi dispersal sale and one of those females, Happy Hilda 22nd was the dam of Beau Gem.

Beau Gem was the first Polled Hereford bull to win a New Zealand Royal Championship in 1935. He was also the Royal Champion Bull in 1936.

Prior to this, Fred imported the first Polled Hereford into New Zealand. That bull was Royal Gem from the herd of the Hodgson Bros, Illinois, USA. In order to promote the Polls, showing became an important promotion and over the years, cattle were shown extensively and had their own fair share of success winning eleven New Zealand Royal Championships.

Wilencote cattle were exported to a number of countries but primarily Australia.

In 1952 Dick was taken into partnership with his parents and was a gifted seedstock producer until his untimely death in 1972.

Adjusting to circumstances, Fred came out of retirement and eased me into the breeding operation. It didn’t take long to grow a passion for the Red and Whites and, along with Erica and a brother Guy returning home, we together set about to continue the Hereford breeding tradition. Guy and I formed a partnership for around 15 years until growing families and different farming goals saw the partnership dissolved as Guy moved to Smithfield and Susie and I formed a new partnership to farm Wilencote 1996. The last 25 years have evolved with many ups and downs as the Hereford breed faced many challenges from other breeds and also within itself.

Our breeding objectives have been kept as simple and functional as possible with a focus on Balance and Soundness. We both sincerely thank all those who have supported WILENCOTE HEREFORDS over the last 100 years and we hope that will continue as the next generations become involved in farming Herefords at WILENCOTE.

Peter & Susie Humphreys