12/05/2026
Ask Jake Stokman what drives the operation at Stokman Angus Farm, and his answer is simple: "We're trying to breed the perfect cow. We'll get there one day…"
It's this breeding philosophy that shapes everything at the Waikite Valley property, nestled between Rotorua and Taupo on the pumice soils that border Lake Ohakuri. The 200 bulls they produce and sell as yearlings? They're simply the byproduct of that relentless pursuit of the ideal female.
Jake knows that the Angus breed is constantly evolving with the introduction of new technology and new genetic information, so they need to ensure they’re fluid in their direction, ensuring females produce offspring that are efficient and profitable for their customers.
“That perfect cow gets back in calf every year after breeding as a heifer; she's fertile, maintains her condition, is structurally sound, and rears a good calf every year," Jake explains.
"You never notice her because you never have her in the yards with any issues, and she just does her job year in and year out.
That perfect cow remains the goal, but Jake's mother Sherrie is excited about where the herd has arrived after decades of careful breeding.
"After building the herd for so long from so few cows, we're now at the stage where we can keep the elite females each year and tighten their uniformity. We can get those 'peas in a pod' cows that produce good calves consistently,” says Sherrie.
READ THIS STORY & MORE IN THE 2026 ANGUSPRO MAGAZINE 👉 https://issuu.com/horrocksmedia/docs/anguspro_magazine_2026?fr=sZGUxNzgzOTQ5NjM
