Kaiwara Angus's success lies in the temperament of the bulls, says Kaiwara Angus owner and breeder George Johns.

"Temperament is essential to breeders and farmers and seemed to be an elevated interest and priority this year."

"People joke that our bulls are as laid back as their breeder, but they still get the job done, " Johns  wife Penny Clark-Hall says.

The stud, situated just out of Culverden in North Canterbury, had another successful sale on June 14.

24 out of 26 bulls sold at an average of $7700, with a top price of $13,000.

Sales were up on the previous year when 20 out of 25 bulls were sold at an average of $7000 and a top price of $11,000.

"We have been extremely fortunate to have a loyal customer base who have supported our stud over the years and we are so grateful to them.

"Equally, we are thrilled to welcome so many new customers and farmers who came this year. It is exciting for us to see that we are hitting a mark in the market," Johns said.

Clark-Hall, who has been handling the stud's marketing and social media, said there was good, positive energy at the sale.

"It's was a bit more lively, and we stepped up our marketing this year, which has really helped.

"It's a different game from going to a supplier to going direct to the customer.

"It takes a lot more investment of your time and energy, so I think we saw the benefits of it this year."

Clark-Hall said the drought had put their bulls to the test, but they had held their own well.

"George backs his bulls 100 per cent, always offering a three-year guarantee to clients to replace them if they break down.

"That confidence comes from the fact that they, and their progeny, have proven that they cannot just survive but perform in the hard drought months in the hill country."

by Claire Inkson