Beef Country - Kaiwara Angus: Balanced genetics for commercial success

In this episode, Jo Scott speaks with George and Penny Johns of Kaiwara Angus. They discuss breeding structurally sound, resilient bulls for dryland systems, with type and functionality prioritised alongside data. 

The pair highlight the importance of matching genetics to farming systems, managing milk for fertility, and balancing phenotype with performance to deliver practical, commercially relevant cattle. 

Guests:

• George Johns, Farm Owner, Kaiwara Angus
• Penny Johns, Marketing/Administration, Kaiwara Angus

Host:

• Jo Scott, Genetic Specialist, Targeted Breeding

 

Kaiwara Angus is built on two decades of practical breeding by George and Penny Johns, with a clear focus on structural soundness, maternal ability and resilience under commercial hill country conditions. The herd is selected for type first, then balanced with data, ensuring bulls are both functional and appealing to the eye, while delivering reliable performance.

George and Penny emphasise the importance of diversity within the Angus breed, believing that no one bull suits every system. They encourage commercial farmers to align breeding objectives with the environment, and value bulls that thrive in dryland conditions while maintaining fertility and longevity.

Milk EBVs and 200-day weights are managed carefully to ensure growth doesn’t come at the expense of herd efficiency. Early-calving cows are prioritised, with a strong focus on first-cycle fertility. The couple note that climatic variability and dryland profitability remain key challenges, making adaptability and cow efficiency critical.

They also see value in bulls that balance phenotype with figures—animals that look the part, are structurally correct, and also carry the data to back it up. For George and Penny, the ideal is a bull that ticks both boxes: something that stands up visually in the paddock but also drives performance and profitability through the herd.

 

Kaiwara Angus bull sale:

13 June 2025, 11:00am
Amuri Plain, Kaiwara Homestead Road, 163, Amuri Plain 7391

Find out more and RSVP on their website below:
https://www.kaiwarafarm.com/

 

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