The Storth Oaks Yarn
Combining Farming & Science Since 1980
Storth Oaks is a 386ha hill country property that sits a mere 20km east of Otorohanga. 320 stud Angus females are run alongside 350 commercial ewes.
Through the use of advanced technologies such as HD50k across our entire herd, used alongside a breeding program that involves both artificial insemination and embryo transplant with high performance genetics, we are improving profitability for our clients at an exponential rate.
Our Story
In a journey that hails right back to the Brittain’s family homestead in Yorkshire, England, Storth Oaks (meaning strong) was purchased by Tim Brittain in 1980, and it was then that the quest for quality beef began.
Farmed in an entirely commercial manner, the operation has its primary focus set on profitability — fertility, growth and carcass quality.
Fertility is paramount and it needs to be a given in the economic equation. At Storth Oaks, all our yearling heifers are mated and go on to calve as two year olds. She must then get back in calf every year thereafter in order to remain in the herd.
Through the use of genomic technologies such as HD50k to accurately assess the genetic makeup of every animal on the farm, along with extensive use of artificial insemination and embryo transplant, Storth Oaks are holding firm at the helm of the ship.
The end consumer is always within sight, with their demand for quality beef pulling back through the supply chain. Tender, tasty, juicy — these beef attributes all come from intramuscular fat, or marbling as most know it. While feed and management are part of the equation, without calculated selection of the right high performance genetics, the results that are able to be achieved by a carcass on the hook are finite.
Tim and Kelly Brittain have a passion for Angus that exceeds day-to-day farming. They are striving to better the Angus beef industry as a whole, and quality genetics is the start point.
— Beef by Genetics
Our Team
Tim Brittain
Tim is very influential in the genetic selection for the stud and maintains the client relationships. His extensive work within the beef industry, including his current role as AngusPure NZ Chairman, has ensured Storth Oaks are generating the quality Angus beef that the consumer demands.
Kelly Brittain
Kelly is the overseer of day-to-day farm operations and is fully involved with the stud operations. Kelly has a great eye for cattle and has completed a Beef Class Structural Assessment course.
Bruce Walker
Bruce and Renee along with their family have rejoined Storth Oaks in April 2023 after spending six years with us until June 2022. Ten months away but back with his usual good humour and great knowledge of Angus cattle. We are excited to have Bruce back on the team. Bruce knows the cattle like the back of his hand so if you got any questions don’t hesitate to ask him.
Trudi Aston
Trudi has been on farms her whole life starting out in sheep and beef in Taumarunui before having dairy and stud horse experience so is well versed at animal handling.
