Our Limousin Story

Gary Kennett and Marilyn Montgomery
We got involved in Limousin by accident. In 2005, we purchased a lifestyle block in Tai Tapu near Christchurch. We leased a Limousin bull to run over some cross-bred heifers grazing on the property and the resulting progeny were absolutely stunning. Our stock agent wanted to know if we had more to sell! This made us find out a bit more about Limousin cattle!
In 2006, we registered our stud under the name Piwakawaka Limousin. Piwakawaka (fantail) are very special to us. We purchased our first stud females from Silverstream (Warren Millar) and Topaki (Selwyn Meads). Over the next couple of years, we purchased more heifers from Ben More (Warrick James), Springcreek (Bob Neill) and Snake Gully (O’Sheas).
In 2007, we decided to get into showing cattle and have shown at the Canterbury A and P Show every year since. We have also shown regularly at the annual Malvern Show and several times at Oxford. We thoroughly enjoy preparing the animals for showing and working closely with them.
In 2010, we moved to another property in Tai Tapu. The heavy soils in this area are fabulous for growing grass but aren’t particularly suitable for running breeding cows all year round. At about the same time Warrick and Cece James were moving properties and invited us to move our cows up to their new property at Flagpole. Their stud, Ben More, is the oldest Limousin stud in Australasia (est 1973) and they run about 100 mixed aged Limousin breeding cows (stud and commercial).
Our animals have thrived in the much tougher environment of the Malvern Hills in inland Canterbury and we are very grateful for the opportunity to run our stud with Ben More. The climate at Flagpole is similar to the environment under which this breed evolved in Limoges, France – hot, dry summers and cold, harsh winters. The cows stay fit and healthy in this tough environment. Both studs have jointly purchased stud sires, shared genetics, and benefited from an annual AI programme.
We have met some wonderful people in our time with Limousin. In 2007, we travelled to Italy for the International Limousin Conference – what an experience! We would love to attend other ILCs. We have made many Limousin friends in both New Zealand and Australia. Most overseas holidays involve visits to local studs!
Marilyn has a keen eye for conformation from her horse background. Gary has a strong interest in genetics and numbers. There are some interesting discussions! The outcome is a selection of highly functional cattle that are genetically superior. Paramount is structural integrity and bombproof temperament.
We truly believe that the Limousin breed has much to contribute to the New Zealand beef industry. The modern Limousin will add muscle, calving ease, growth rates and docility, particularly over traditional British breeds.
Gary is the Chair of NZ Limousin (LBBNZ) and is also the NZ Director on the Australian Limousin Breeders’ Society (ALBS).

We love talking Limousin and welcome your contact whether you are an overseas visitor, commercial breeder, a prospective stud breeder, or are just interested in these great cattle. Feel free to email or phone – we would love to hear from you.