Who we are…
Kakahu spans meandering river flats bound by rolling green hills, to steep gullies coated in rough native grasses. 1600 hectares of flourishing South Canterbury farmland, where we've built a thriving diversified operation that commercial farmers rely on. Our land supports 990 cattle—900 Black Angus and 90 Charolais—alongside 2500 ewes and a 420-strong dairy herd.
From our 175-hectare dairy operation to our comprehensive breeding programs, we've developed integrated systems that deliver quality across sheep, beef, and premium dairy production. The varied landscape of river flats and rolling hills provides ideal conditions for our livestock, while our commitment to excellence drives every aspect of our multi-enterprise approach.
Kakahu is a multi-generational business with a great passion for not just sustaining, but improving the land for the generations to come. Tom and Anna Hargreaves are ably holding the fort for the foreseeable future, under the knowledgeable guidance of Tom’s parents, Gerald and Sue.
Over the past three decades at least, Kakahu have remained steadfast in their commitment to improve the eating qualities of beef for the end consumer. They know that profit for the commercial farmer is partly consumer driven, and therefore in order to increase that profit, there must be a rise in demand for the end product.
Improving our knowledge of what’s under the skin of an animal can go a long way towards us reaching our goals. Analysing a beef animal’s genetics are one of the best scientific ways to improve that eating experience and so, sire by sire, Kakahu have sought genetic profiles that include marbling, high carcass weights and carcass qualities, combined with moderate growth.
Feed and good management are the other two parts of the quality beef equation; these are left up to the commercial farmers finishing Kakahu’s progeny, however our cattle have the DNA in them to perform. Breeding profitable, efficient cattle is what we’re in the stud breeding game for.
At Kakahu, we understand what commercial farmers need because we live it every day—combining proven farming practices with the scale and expertise to consistently deliver quality livestock.
Ethical, sustainable, next generation.
