Snake Gully Limousin

Dannie & Bethley O’Shea formed the Snake Gully Limousin Stud in 1989 after buying their first Limousin bulls to use over their commercial herd of Hereford, Murray Grey and Simmental cows in 1983.  By 1989 they had many cross bred Limousin cattle on the 1300 acre Omana Road property so to avoid confusion they set about establishing a Full French Limousin Stud.  Gradually the commercial herd numbers reduced as the stud grew.  Part of the development of the Stud was the inclusion of pure bred and polled bloodlines and by 2008 the Snake Gully herd included 150 registered females plus 250 commercial Limousin breeding cows. 

As the Stud numbers increased Natalie and David purchased a 100 acre block which joined a boundary of the O’Shea’s Omana road property.  Both of them were then employed on the property and over the next 20 years they, and their two boys, Sean and Brady, played an important part in the promotion of Limousin and the Snake Gully Stud at various show fixtures.  Dannie was also successful in the Hoof and Hook competitions winning accolades in both local and New Zealand competitions with Limousin carcases.  During this time the O’Shea’s imported semen from around the world and also did embryo work to increase both the genetic base and the quality of their herd.  Many private imports were made following establishing contact with Limousin Breeders in other countries.

In 2008 the Omana Road property was sold and Dannie & Bethley retired to 20 acres at Maungatapere.  One hundred acres joining Natalie and David’s property was retained and the Snake Gully Stud was able to continue with reduced numbers.  At this point Natalie took over the everyday management of the Stud while Dannie, assisted by Bethley, continued to introduce new bloodlines to the Snake Gully Stud.  It was at this time the Black/Polled Limousins were introduced with care being taken to maintain the high quality of the already established Snake Gully stud.  As the actual hands on health care and recording became strictly Natalie’s contribution, David went to work at the NZ Refinery as a Crane driver.  The family have given her their support to assist with all farm chores when possible which includes a small Texel flock. 

The year 2017 saw another huge shift for Dannie & Bethley as health reasons saw them move into Whangarei and full retirement.  For them it has been a great satisfaction to know that Natalie and David have been prepared to continue breeding Limousin cattle, taking over the extra land and Snake Gully Stud.  For Dannie in particular nothing gives him more satisfaction than to visit Natalie and be taken on a tour to see her good quality Limousin cattle in well maintained pasture.

As present owners of Snake Gully Limousin Stud we are very grateful for the opportunity to continue the Stud that has such a wide genetic base enabling us to breed on and offer our clients a variety of Full French, Pure and Polled, Apricot and Black bloodlines, some which are exclusive to Snake Gully.  We aim to continue to present good quality animals that will give satisfaction and promote the Limousin breed. 

Snake Gully holds their annual Bull Sale on the second Tuesday of June every year where approximately 18 bulls and a small selection of mixed ages cows and heifers are presented for sale on farm.

We enjoy talking the talk and welcome visitors to take a walk with us to see our guys and girls.