Northland sisters building future with pedigree Charolais and Brahman herd

In their 20s, yet firmly focused on the future, sisters Jamie and Jess Hoggard are steadily building a name for themselves in Northland’s cattle industry.

Based in Whangārei, the pair share a clear ambition: to establish a pedigree Charolais and Brahman stud defined by quality breeding and strong stockmanship.

Although their personalities differ, with Jamie preferring working behind the scenes while Jess is more comfortable as the spokesperson, the sisters are united in purpose.

Their approach is deliberate and disciplined, prioritising genetic quality over herd size.

Jamie, 28, initially pursued dairy farming before deciding it was not the right long-term fit.

In 2023, she began breeding Charolais cattle on her grandmother’s property in Whangārei, alongside a small flock of self-shedding sheep.

Having achieved her goals with the sheep, she shifted her focus fully to cattle.

Today, Jamie manages around 50 head of Charolais across two properties: the home block and a grazing block at Riponui, a rural locality about 25 minutes away.

While the Riponui block has limited infrastructure, consisting largely of an old cowshed, Jamie views the challenge as part of the journey.

“I am so glad that I have quiet cattle because there is certainly a lack of infrastructure,” she said.

“We manage, and as they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

Sister Jess, 23, has long had an affinity for Brahman cattle.

Earlier this year, she joined Jamie in a new venture, becoming co-owners of a Brahman herd.

The sisters said they were lucky that local cattle breeder Joanna Taylor, from Longhill Farm in Kawakawa, knew a Brahman crossbred cattle breeder from Kerikeri, and introduced them to him.

“From there, it was game on.”

This led them to purchase crossbred heifers and invest in imported embryos to strengthen their genetics.

They have now secured all the Brahman cattle semen they require from Australia and are currently selecting which cow in Australia to embryo flush from.

Presently, they are running five crossbred Brahman heifers alongside a pedigree Brahman bull, with plans to expand through breeding in the coming seasons.

The sisters are particularly optimistic about spring, when they expect to see the results of their breeding programme begin to take shape.

Support from industry professionals has played a key role in their progress.

They acknowledge the guidance of their stock agent and veterinary support from Kamo Vets, both of whom have contributed to building their confidence and capability.

Looking ahead, the Hoggard sisters are preparing to highlight their cattle at the Whangārei A&P Show in December, where they plan to present a tamed Brahman cross.

For them, the event is not only an opportunity to demonstrate the quality of their stock but also to connect with the public.

“We want people to enjoy interacting with them and to see just how calm and well-natured these animals can be,” Jess said.

They have plans for their first pedigree sale in September, which will be held at the Maungakaramea sales yard.

“We are so grateful to Carroll from Maungatapere Transport, and Judith from the saleyards, who are really helping us get organised for our first ever sale; wow, what a community we live in,” Jamie said.

Their sale will also include Bulls for Schools (Comrie Park Kindy, Hukerenui and Matarau schools), which the sisters support and Ruminants for Rescues, with funds going to Heli Rescue, Ambos, and Fire Service.

With a clear vision, practical experience, and growing industry support, the sisters are well on their way to achieving their long-term goal of establishing a respected pedigree stud.