Bryce McKenzie is the Immediate Past President of the NZ Charolais Cattle Society. He realised the potential of the breed and wanted to have a say in its future. He was first elected to council in 1979 and resigned after a 10 year period. In 1998 he was re-elected and became President in 2004.
In 1968 Bryce’s brother Jim was impressed with the Charolais cattle he saw and worked with in Britain. On returning to the family farm he convinced his father Warrack and Bryce to get involved in the breed.

Jim insisted that Charolais had exceptional growth rates, were true colour markers and were great to work with.

In 1969 they joined the NZCCS and started a grading up process using Charolais semen from Britain over their Angus cows. The stud was named McKenzie Downs Polled Charolais.

Calving problems were encountered in the early days. Bryce offered to take the breed on with the condition that he could make all of the decisions concerning the herd.

He decided to buy AI straws from North America as these Charolais were free range, easy care cattle. They had the added advantage of being polled.

McKenzie cattle were shown at A&P shows until they were able to sell all of their bulls. Once this goal was achieved Bryce commenced sales on the home farm to sell their 18 month old bulls. They have now had on-farm sales for 14 years.

Bryce is very happily involved in the excellent Colorado State University performance recording system which includes all members of the NZCCS. Over the last ten years he has used it to gain impressive improvements in his herd.

The McKenzie’s farm 350 hectares: 214ha in the 2nd generation home block and a lease block next door of 136ha. Until this year they ran 3000 composite ewes and 80 Charolais cows as well as their replacements.

At present, in order to get both of their sons farming, they are converting the 214 ha to dairy with 520 cows to be milked this year.

In 1978 Bryce married Karen. They have four children: Michelle 28 an assistant principal and school teacher, Stacey 25 a social worker, Warrack 22 works on the farm. Jared 20 has just given up shearing to come home to the farm.

Bryce’s interests are rugby, being a past Otago Representative. He is still actively coaching. He also enjoys fly fishing and occasionally helps Karen with her beauty therapy business!