elder sister, Joanne was Executive Officer of the Australian Jersey Breeders’ Society.
“Breeders from throughout Australia converged on their picture perfect property…..” Ill health led to the difficult decision to auction the herd in 2005/06. A sale report by CrazyCow reflected how devoted my parents were to their cattle and stud farm: “Breeders from throughout Australia converged on their picture perfect property on a stunning Autumn day. Some of the biggest names in the Jersey industry filled Eurarie’s sale shed to capacity and many had to be content with leaning on gates and peering into the ring to get a look at their preferred choices.”* “Eurarie” cows went on to establish valued families in high profile herds, produce well, classify particularly well and win at shows. The third generation Today a small nucleus of “Eurarie” cows are milked at St. Germains, Victoria where I farm with husband, Charles Smith and sons Alex (16) and Hamish (14). Until recently, we milked a 500 cow mixed herd of predominantly registered Holsteins from the “Andes” stud which was developed by Charles’ grandparents Howard and Sidna Smith since the 1950s. We have also milked some “Rockwood Park” Holsteins descended from bloodlines developed by the stepfather and mother of Charles (Frank and Andis Sorraghan.) For over 20 years, our focus was converting a cropping farm to dairy, which is now 920 acres. Two years ago we auctioned our Spring-calved herd in line with our plan to diversify into mixed farming. Top priced Jersey at this sale for $7000 was Eurarie Tbone Princess 2nd who went on to classify EX-92 and win 2nd 5 years in milk at International Dairy Week. I was privileged to be part of a dairy youth movement involving Calf Days, Youth Camps, appointment to the judging panel and the opportunity to travel to the US and Canada as the inaugural winner of the QANTAS/Australian Jersey Breeders’ Scholarship in 1992. A highlight for me was being on the halter of Eurarie Lin’s Serene, VHC when she was Honourable Mention at the Jersey Showcase, Tatura in 1995.
Alex, Charles, Carolyn and Hamish Smith.
I am honoured to continue the “Eurarie” prefix. In an individualistic era when people change jobs and allegiances regularly, it is mind-blowing that my family, for 90 years, has continuously registered Jersey cattle. Sometimes we were leaders of change (e.g., dehorning) and sometimes we were more cautious (e.g., introducing US genetics). But despite which property we are on, or which generation milks the cows or what technology is available, one thing remains at “Eurarie”: if we are milking cows, we may as well be milking cows of the highest quality. Reference: * “Eurarie Sale Report” by Dianna Malcolm, crazycow.com.au, April 14, 2005.
Lester daughters (bred by J & B Jeffery)
Eurarie Graceful Design 80th VHC 90 (bred by J & B Jeffery) Sire: Span 6662L 405kg 6.1% 272kg 4.1% 305d
Eurarie Graceful Design 103rd Sup 93 (bred by C & C Smith) Sire: Lester 6460L 359kg 5.6% 262kg 4.1% 305d
The Australian Jersey Journal – November-December 2019 // 29