The next big thing in the bull industry has arrived.
Manawatu bull Maire IG Gauntlet-ET beat 17 of the country's top registered Holstein Friesian sires to win the much-coveted Mahoe Trophy at the recent Holstein Friesian New Zealand (HFNZ) Awards.
Bred by Craig and Chantelle Rowe of Maire Farms Ltd in Palmerston North, and marketed by LIC, Gauntlet stormed the Mahoe scoreboard with 587 points, putting 274 points between him and the 18th place-getter.
Simon Worth, LIC Livestock Selection Manager, said Gauntlet is one to watch.
"This guy is simply outstanding. Bulls such as Gauntlet do not come along very often at all.
"It is the fact he offers so much in the one package - being outcross, index, protein, udders and all-round dairy conformation. I have seen a number of the Gauntlet daughters and they really are something special," he said.
"I believe we will be talking about Gauntlet for many years to come."