Robert Fraser, Herd Founder
The Stern Angus stud was founded in 1937 on Motere and Tautane bloodlines in Southland by Robert Fraser, the present owners’ grandfather. The stud was moved to Sterndale in 1942 and went through a very successful period under the stewardship of his son Robin Fraser before his son James and wife Fe Fraser took over in 1992. The business is now transitioning to their son Rob, the fourth generation at Sterndale.
It is interesting to note that Fe’s Family has a longer association with Angus cattle.
Her family were shareholders in the New Zealand and Australian Land Company which first imported stud angus cattle to New Zealand in the 1860’s.
An original portrait of Tillyfour Lass, one of the first six pedigree angus females imported, hangs above the living room fireplace at Sterndale.
Today Stern Angus stud mates more than 700 cows and yearling heifers. Summers are often dry with a 600mm annual rainfall. Cows are frequently grazed over neighbouring properties and further afield ensuring a strong commercial bias. Winter temperatures can range down to -12˚C with occasional snow and summer temperatures have been recorded over 40˚C.
The stud has enjoyed many successes including sales to $28,000 for heifer Stern Bushelle at the 1981 Angus World Forum and $98,000 for Stern Razor 521 in 2023 together with regular semen and embryo sales both nationally and internationally.
Annual winter sales are held in June comprising around 100 rising two year old bulls, and spring sales in October of yearlings comprisng of approximately 50 head.
Braveheart of Stern was a phenomenal success New Zealand wide in 2012 with over 60 sons averaging $11,000, and seven sons selling over $30,000. Sired by Highlander of Stern and from a double bred Stern Fitzpatrick cow, Braveheart has been a New Zealand sensation.
More recently Black Rock of Stern bred $85,000 Stern Castle Rock, purchased by Dean and Teressa Sherson. Black Rock semen has sold widely in New Zealand and Australia.