OUR
BREEDING PHILOSOPHY
FOUNDED ON TRADITION
The 1970s and 1980s saw the influence of American
genetics beginning to impact on Australian Angus
herds. Although Stuart could see some advantages
in terms of weight and height, he was determined
to keep balance in his cattle and not be swayed
by the rush to massive size which later adversely
affected many Studs. He remained less than impressed
by the appearance and structure of most of the
American bulls, believing that in due course the
integrity of the Angus breed would suffer if their
genetics became too widespread in Australia.
It was Stuart’s decision at this time to
look to New Zealand for stud Sires which ultimately
set the foundation for the Glengowan stud as it
is today. His experience in New Zealand confirmed
that he could achieve the weight performance and
marbling that the Australian markets demanded without
compromising his ideals of structure and constitution.
FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE
Stuart was forced to retire from active work in
2000 due to failing eyesight and in 2005 his daughter
Sandra and her husband Richard Retallack took over
the ownership of the Glengowan stud.
Today, as a result of Stuart’s philosophy,
the Glengowan herd has some of the best New Zealand
genetics on offer including: Hingaia, Turihaua,
Tangihau, Rangatira, Sturn, and Turiroa. In more
recent years some Australian sires have also been
used at Glengowan and sires of young bulls include
NZ Tangihau, Bald Blair, Banquet,Wattletop, Woolamia
and Cluden Newry. Current sires in use include
NZ Fossil Creek Ranger, NZ Burke 22 of Turiroa,
Banquet, Chale and Booramooka.
Richard and Sandra plan to keep the stud evolving
by introducing some new N.Z sires and embryos as
well as some Australian Sires. They aim to provide
breeders with a practical alternative to the prevailing
American bloodlines while continuing to produce
cattle that demonstrate a true balance of type
and performance, best suited to the Australian
market.