Jersey Focus NOV - WEB by JerseyNZ

NOVEMBER 2024

FOCUS

President’s Perspective

General Manager’s Comment

Introducing Brent Baldwin

Production Highlights 2023-24

2023/24

JerseyNZ Production Awards

World Wide Sires Photo Competition 2024 Results

Kaycee Farms Ltd - A Legacy of Innovation and Jersey

Excellence

World Jersey International Conference June 2024

Evleen Jerseys - Dedication and Passion in Northland Kiwi spearheads global Jersey strategy revamp

Jersey Future

NZAEL Update

JerseyGenomeTM Update

JerseyGenomeTM News

Good TOPs in Two-Year-Olds = Good Omen for Future on the Milking Platform

International News - NextGen dairy in Minnesota lets cows be cows for the future

Jersey Advantage

JerseyNZ Annual Conference 2025

Vagabond of Oaklands

RAS Centenary 1924 - 2024

Sale Results

Link Livestock Update

Jerseyland Farms Update

Jersey Focus Survey

Kimberley Simmons embarks on journey to Royal Agriculture University in the UK

Email: info@jersey.org.nz

Website: jersey.org.nz

Facebook: Jersey NZ

ISSN 2537-9232. Disclaimer

Statements

Jerseys come ‘full circle’ as dream being realised

Dates to Remember

Obituaries

New Members

Scholarship Fund Roll of Honour

Regional Ambassadors

Te Aroha Jersey Club Report

Te Awamutu Jersey Club Report

World Wide Sires Herd Scene Class 2024 Winner - Photo taken by Toia Ferguson

President’s Perspective

The November edition of the JerseyNZ Focus gives us the opportunity to reflect on another busy year for the management and Board of JerseyNZ.

At the recent AGM we welcomed a new appointed director –Brent Baldwin. The inclusion of two directors from outside the membership has meant a new perspective and some valuable insight as we have gone about Board business.

The Annual Conference provided a broad range of experiences, with a good mix of culture, politics, education and cows. We enjoyed hosting two Jersey Australia Board members. Barry and I, along with several other New Zealanders attended their conference a week later.

The progress Australia is making with genomics and the Jersey breed has been made possible with the national database – DataGene. This is a collaboration of herd improvement, genetics suppliers, breed associations and dairy industry organisations . Their Mission is to ensure that DataGene delivers world-class genetic evaluation, software and decisionmaking tools to enable Australian farmers to improve their herds and maximise their profit through data-driven decisions and innovative industry services.

The report from the New Zealand Independent Working Group has been received, and JerseyNZ along with many others are waiting patiently for a New Zealand solution to match or better Australian genetic gain.

I have been fortunate to have been given opportunities to promote dairy farming, and our Jersey animals. It is somewhat daunting to see oneself on the cover of a magazine, or on national news. The positive news stories are worth the effort it took. The Good Sorts newsclip was shared to Rabobank managers in Australia.

Jersey NZ Board

Julie Pirie

President

Ngatea jpirie@jersey.org.nz 027 608 2171

Tony Landers

Vice President Hawera tlanders@jersey.org.nz 027 458 4465

Barry Montgomery

Dargaville bmontgomery@jersey.org.nz 021 034 0068

Another role I have is Chair of the Donald Pearson Farm Limited. Sam Waugh (manager) and the Board of Donald’s Farm are looking forward to hosting a day as part of the Conference in April 2025. Jersey cows have played a large part in improving profitability and ease of management on the farm located within viewing distance of the Sky Tower. I hope that many of you will be able to book in some time off farm to attend.

I’d like to thank Tony, Glenys, Barry, Fiona and Brent for your contributions to the JerseyNZ Board, and also to Pam and her team for their dedication to our organisation.

Thank you to members for your continued support of JerseyNZ. I’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a great New Year – 2025!

Julie Pirie | President

Glenys Ellison

Hamilton gellison@jersey.org.nz 021 147 4490

Fiona Carrick

Cambridge fcarrick@jersey.org.nz

Brent Baldwin

Cambridge bbaldwin@jersey.org.nz

Our Strategic Purpose

Supporting our membership and wider Jersey community by promoting and driving the Jersey breed and Jersey products

Animal Evaluation Data

Unless otherwise stated, all BW, PW and LW ratings shown throughout this issue are as at the Animal Evaluation run of 25 October 2024.

Unless otherwise stated, all NZMI figures quoted throughout this issue are as at the NZMI run of 25 October 2024.

Julie Pirie

General Manager’s Comment

It truly feels too early to be considering Christmas yet this year, but by the time this issue of the Jersey Focus arrives in your mailbox it will truly be ‘silly season’ and we will be winding down the year.

There is still plenty of activity happening with the TOP season still in full swing until the end of November, followed by the Semex On Farm Challenge judging in December. Herd Books and Production Register will be caught up too before Christmas.

2025 will look a little different for the JerseyNZ team. The contractor’s agreement with Ayrshire New Zealand has been renewed with one major change - there will only be one Ayrshire magazine produced per annum in the spring. The JerseyNZ Board remains committed to providing services to Ayrshire New Zealand at a small percentage over cost, while ensuring that the services are not subsidised by JerseyNZ members. JerseyNZ and Ayrshire New Zealand look forward to continuing their successful relationship and supporting Ayrshire New Zealand members.

The contractor’s agreement with NZ Milking Shorthorn Assn will come to an end on 28 February 2025. This contract came to JerseyNZ as part of the Ayrshire New Zealand contract in 2015. For the past 10 years the JerseyNZ team has been proud of the operational improvements and efficiencies provided to Milking Shorthorn members including their website, social media presence, magazine and breed competitions. Transition arrangements will be worked through early in the new year.

What these changes mean for JerseyNZ members is that we can return to publishing the Jersey Focus in March and September. I know this will be a welcome move for many members, and we look forward to increased member support in the form of advertising. We thank those members that took the time to respond to the Jersey Focus survey recently. Your

Jersey NZ Team

Pam Goodin

General Manager pgoodin@jersey.org.nz

Michelle Calcott Business Administrator mcalcott@jersey.org.nz

Alayna Judge Member Services Administrator info@jersey.org.nz

feedback is included in this issue and will continue to drive the Jersey Focus.

With very clear membership support for member feature articles, in this issue we profile two well-known Northland farms. Kevin, Christine & Katherine Tucker of Kaycee Farms Ltd at Tapora milk the Jersey herd on their selfcontained farm through eight robot milkers. Find out how that transition has gone for both them and the cows. Evan and Shirleen Smeath of Evleen Jerseys, Hikurangi, are well-known breeders now milking once a day. We talked to them about their farm, herd and family and how the cows have supported the community focus of Evan’s life.

As always in the spring issue we highlight the recent production season, celebrating those cows and herds that have excelled and will feature in Production Awards. We enjoy an article on the famous bull Vagabond of Oaklands from Cliff Shearer along with updates from regular contributors , Jersey Advantage and Link Livestock. New Director Brent Baldwin is welcomed and we find out a bit more about his experiences and skills.

Former JerseyNZ President Alison Gibb was elected as the new World Jersey Bureau President at the WJCB Conference in Denmark in June. Alison is the first New Zealander to hold this honour, and only the second woman in the history of the Bureau. Please join us in congratulating Alison on this exciting role.

Pam Goodin | General Manager

Sean Bresnahan

Digital Design Coordinator sbresnahan@jersey.org.nz

Jackie Kennedy Communications & Marketing Coordinator jkennedy@jersey.org.nz

The Jersey FOCUS

The Jersey FOCUS is the official publication of Jersey NZ published bi-annually in June (Winter) and November (Spring) respectively.

Jersey NZ is the official trade name of the New Zealand Jersey Cattle Breeders’ Association Inc.

Pam Goodin

Introducing Brent Baldwin

Background

Brent was born and raised in the South Waikato, where his parents were dairy farmers. Their farm was originally a sheep operation owned by Brent’s grandfather before being converted. The district was home to many Baldwins, with a tight-knit farming community.

The family always farmed Friesians, though some of their neighbours raised Jerseys. Brent went to school in Tokoroa, then moved to Dunedin to complete his degrees in law and history. After a brief stint in Hawkes Bay post-graduation, his career took him to Auckland, where he spent ten years working primarily in commercial and property law.

In 2008, Brent had the opportunity to work for a law firm in Dubai, a local firm established by the then Minister of Justice of the United Arab Emirates. It was an eye-opener to work with a wide range of nationalities—Arabs, Asians, Eastern Europeans, Americans, and English professionals. This was just before the Global Financial Crisis, a time when money flowed easily on the back of property speculation. Buildings sprang up everywhere, from 30-story apartment complexes to villa communities housing thousands, not to mention hotels and other ground-breaking developments such as the Palm Jumeirah. But as with all bubbles, the crash hit hard, drying up money and causing many developers to go out of business. Eventually, Dubai recovered (with a substantial loan from Abu Dhabi) and went from strength to strength, becoming a haven for people looking to avoid turmoil elsewhere—a fortunate circumstance we in New Zealand also enjoy.

After working his way up in the firm, Brent decided he wanted a more commercial role and transitioned to a company in Abu Dhabi as the head of the legal team for a major investment company. The firm had investments in the US and Algeria but was very active within Abu Dhabi, developing apartment and villa communities, hotels, and facilities management projects. Later, he took a similar role with a company focused on tourism and leisure projects, like luxury campgrounds, a “Kelly Slater wave pool,” and other recreational facilities.

With a family and children, Brent had long thought about raising his sons in New Zealand. When COVID struck, he took the chance to return home, where he now works as Special Counsel for a Hamilton-based law firm, Ellice Tanner Hart.

Work and Governance Experience

It was during his time working for private companies that Brent developed a strong interest in corporate governance. In those roles, he served as Board Secretary and was part of the executive leadership teams, providing counsel to the directors. This experience led him to pursue further governance training, completing a Chartered Governance Professional course with the Chartered Governance Institute New Zealand. He enjoys playing a role in “steering the ship” and ensuring shareholder interests are protected through proper governance procedures. This is an area he has committed to expanding on since his return. Brent currently serves on the board of the Waipa Community Facilities Trust.

Family, Personal Life, and Interests

Finding time for personal interests is a challenge as a parent of two young boys. Much of Brent’s social life revolves around their schooling, although he does have a motorbike that he wishes he could ride more often. Like many in the Waikato, Brent enjoy escaping to Whangamata whenever possible (roads permitting).

What Brent Brings to JerseyNZ

Brent brings a solid understanding of legal developments, compliance issues, and potential risks. He is highly focused on solutions and experienced in implementing strategy. While it’s not the director’s role to manage day-to-day operations, directors play a crucial role in ensuring the organisation stays aligned with its strategy and that members’ interests are safeguarded. He also brings strong communication skills and the ability to connect with people from a variety of cultural and professional backgrounds.

Welcome to the team Brent!

Brent Baldwin

Ngatea

Jerseys

FUTURE FOCUSED

Supporting JerseyNZ through the use of JerseyFuture Sires.

Encouraging Youth & Supporting the next generation.

Season Highlight - Ngatea Ogi Clover S2J winning the Semex On-farm Competition 6 & 7 year class.

Brian, Julie, Celine and Ella Welcome visitors to their home and farm near Ngatea, Hauraki Plains.

Ngatea Jerseys

Brian - 027 2919533

Julie - 027 6082171

Production Highlights 2023-24

JerseyNZ is pleased to announce the top ranked herds for the 2023/24 season. These tables are based on registered Jersey cows, and results are limited to those herds that have completed a minimum of FOUR herd tests in the 2023/24 season.

Name

C Shearer

Frecklington Farms

Trilogy Farms Limited

Henley Farming Company

R & S Trainor

P & D Capes

P & K Horn

R & G Ellison

G P S 2007 Limited

Gralyn Farm No 1

C Shearer

Trilogy Farms Limited

R & S Trainor

Frecklington Farms

Henley Farming Company

P & K Horn

David & Nicola Moffitt

Brooklands Dairies Limited

N J Moffitt Trust

Gralyn Farm No 1

Ltd

Disclaimer: Jersey NZ is reliant on information received via reports ordered via BreedIT from the Dairy Industry Good Animal Database (DIGAD). While every effort is made to ensure data is correct, Jersey NZ accepts no responsibility for any incorrect information printed.

Top 10 herds by milksolids

2023/24 JerseyNZ Production Awards

Production awards are a recognition to members with significant herd and production statistics. The following awards will be presented at the JerseyNZ Annual Conference in South Auckland 2025. Congratulations to all members who will receive awards.

(Top Herd by Milksolids)

Jubilee Cup - Presidents Section

Herd Size 20-150 cows - Cliff Shearer

Milksolids: 683 Registered Jerseys: 31 Milk: 7,071 litres

Fat (kgs): 393 Protein (kgs): 290 DIM: 294

Jubilee Cup - Council Section

Herd Size 151-300 cows – Frecklington Farms, Christine Frecklington

Milksolids: 669 Registered Jerseys: 222 Milk: 7,253 litres

Fat (kgs): 379 Protein (kgs): 289 DIM: 281

Jubilee Cup - Breeders Section

Herd Size 301-500 cows - David & Nicola Moffitt

Milksolids: 487 Registered Jerseys: 382 Milk: 4,800 litres

Fat (kgs): 281 Protein (kgs): 206 DIM: 262

Jubilee Cup - Pioneers Section

Herd Size 501+ cows - Gralyn Farm No 1, Graham & Vanda Robinson

Milksolids: 503 Registered Jerseys: 529 Milk: 4,710 litres Fat (kgs): 296 Protein (kgs): 208 DIM: 273

Jersey NZ Production Award Trophy

Top Milksolids Cow – Cliff Shearer – Glenalla Colton Comet ET, 88

Milksolids: 1035 Milk: 9,873 Litres Fat (kgs): 661 Protein (kgs): 374 DIM: 298 Age: 5

KA Bennett Memorial Trophy

Top Milksolids Cow (10 years & over)

Frecklington Farms – Cartref Celeb Eliza

Milksolids: 811 Milk: 9,102 Litres Fat (kgs): 461

Protein (kgs): 350 DIM: 268 Age: 10

Mitchell Challenge Trophy

Top BW Cow – Summit Farms (Otorohanga) Ltd No 1 –

Mount Cosy Liam Poppy JG, 88

BW: 655 Age: 4

JNZ Production Award Trophy

Top Herd by BW - Payne Farms Ltd

Registered Jerseys: 33 BW: 457/ 33

Show Season

Championship Dates

North Island:

South Island:

NZ Dairy Event - Feilding - 20 - 22 January Semex On Farm Challenge

How Are Production Statistics Calculated?

Production information is sourced via BreedIT. BreedIT is sourcing all data for this reporting from DIGAD (Dairy Industry Good Animal Database). While DairyNZ sources all raw data from the herd testing companies, they then apply the ICAR Cattle Milk Recording guidelines https://www.icar.org/index. php/icar-recording-guidelines/. This means that the calculated lactation records including DIM (and therefore herd averages and indexes) will look different to what members are seeing on their MINDA records. While the reported data does not match members MINDA records, as the data is calculated in a consistent manner rankings of animals and herds are not affected. Mid-season cow sales may render herd numbers inaccurate in some cases.

Herd and animal data is calculated on animals that calved in 2023 (between 1 January and 31 December) with a with a minimum of 4 herd tests within 305 days after the start of the lactation.

As an internal control, JerseyNZ individual animal data is also limited to S3J registration status & above for the purposes of production reporting & awards. A herd must have a minimum of 20 registered Jerseys. Herd average data includes all registered Jerseys, regardless of registration status.

Production programmes are usually run in October annually. This allows for late calving animals to complete their lactation and be included. Breed Societies only receive data on registered animals, therefore we can only calculate herd awards based on registered animals by breed.

Disclaimer: Jersey is reliant on information received via BreedIT from DIGAD. While very effort is made to ensure the data is correct, JerseyNZ accepts no responsibility for any incorrect information printed.

PROUD BREEDERS OF

Glenui Zambesi

Glenui Zambesi Linden

Glenui

Glenui Orsim

Glenui

Cows

Dam of Lincoln + Linden, Photo as a 2yr old

Do you want high quality authentic photos of your best animals?

Book in now to get your animals captured whilst looking at their best this summer and autumn Our Cowshotz camera will be covering most of New Zealand achieving many more outstanding shotz again this season so the time to contact us is now.

Call Nigel on 0274 343 153 to discuss your livestock photography options.

World Wide Sires Photo Competition 2024 Results

The 2024 competition saw a total of 89 entries from 29 members. Special thanks to Judges Christina Jordan, Jeremy Gloyn and Ross Morton. Thank you also to our very generous sponsors, World Wide Sires

Ferdon Victorious Shirlee - Ferdon Genetics - W & M Ferguson

Ferdon Venus Fashion - C Ferguson & C Illand

Ferdon Skyclass Fancy - Corey Ferguson

Glenalla First Go - T Jeyes

Kuku Casino Lilly - T Jeyes

Kuku Vic Precious - Horn

- Entries

Ferdon Tbone Veneer - Ferdon Genetics - W & M Ferguson

Manor Kaino Luna S3J - Jeyes Family

Ferdon Fizz Viyella - Ferdon Genetics - W & M Ferguson

- Entries

Ferdon Tequila Caramel - Ferdon Genetics - W & M Ferguson

Ferdon BS Vienna ET - Ferdon Genetics - W & M Ferguson

Ngatea Ogi Clover S2J - Pirie Farms Ltd

Spring

Bashful Love Lola ET - Clonlara 2008 Limited - C & K Bourke

Victorious Dolce - Jeyes Family

Glenalla First Go - T Jeyes

Ferdon Victorious Flower - C Ferguson

Ferdon Matts Lady - C Ferguson

Westell Front Cassie - T Jeyes

Ferdon Applejack Faline - C Ferguson

Lynbrook Miss Goldie - Lynbrook Farm Ltd - S & N Ireland

Becks

Jezmia Skyhigh Glowing - Jessie Hunter

Ngatea Chloe Peanut - Chloe Sargent

Sherborne Kama Dash - Archer Scherer

Karaka Star Lottie - Ben Turner

Ngatea Chloe Ellie - Chloe Sargent

Louise - Rebecca Turner

Kaycee

Farms Ltd -

A Legacy of Innovation and Jersey Excellence

by Pam Goodin

Located on Lemon Tree Bay Road in Tapora, Wellsford, overlooking the Kaipara Harbour, Kaycee Farms Ltd is owned and operated by Kevin and Christine Tucker, along with their daughter Katherine. The 325-hectare farm is a testament to their hard work and passion for dairy farming.

Kaycee Farms Ltd has a long history with Jerseys, with Kevin’s grandparents purchasing a farm and predominantly Jersey herd at Glenbrook in 1964. Two years later, Kevin’s parents bought the farm and stock due to his grandparent’s ill health and in time, registered the ‘Glenoming’ stud. In 1975 Kevin started work on the farm, then sharemilked alongside his brother for their parents, and in 1978 trained as an AI technician holding an AI run for the next 25 years. When he and Christine married, she bought out Kevin’s brother’s share of the herd. The Glen Kaycee stud was registered with JerseyNZ in 1981 and in 1984 the couple came to Tapora.

Kaycee Farms Ltd has since grown with the amalgamation of four other small farms, all originally developed from the Lands and Survey ballot system in the 1960’s. This steady expansion has allowed the farm to be largely self-sufficient, with 570 cows being milked at present and a focus on breeding strong, productive Jersey cows.

Kaycee Farms Ltd presents a unique geographical challenge due to its proximity to the Kaipara Harbour and its varying soil types, which range from shallow peat to Warkworth marine clay. These soil types can become sticky and unworkable in the winter but harden to a near-concrete state in the summer. Rainfall in the region can fluctuate dramatically, from as little as 900 mm to 1500 mm annually. The farm is drought-prone, particularly from November onwards, making it crucial for the Tuckers to manage their

calving schedule carefully to ensure they maximise milk production during periods of sufficient rainfall. While the drains can fill, if water does pool on the small area of flats, it is gone in hours. The microclimate of the farm (harbour & hills), and the excellent data they can now access, assist with decisions around drying off the herd. They haven’t actually fully dried off for three years, with late calvers and empties finishing just as calving is about to start. This hasn’t been planned and may be different this season, but the Tuckers will take advantage of the availability of grass in the autumn to continue to produce milk.

The decision to incorporate a robotic milking system has been transformative for the farm. The Tuckers were drawn to robotic milking due to staffing challenges, and to help the cows reach their genetic potential. Eight milking stalls were commissioned in June 2022,

Christine, Christopher, Kevin & Katherine Tucker

Christine, Katherine, Christopher & Kevin alongside the robotic milk machines

the number recommended for 500 cows. However, as Jersey cows tend to have lower volume – “quality over quantity” - throughput of cows per stall is increased, meaning the cows milked per hour rate allows a higher herd number for the farm. Individual cow milking frequency varies from higher volume cows milking up to 3.5 times in 24 hours, to some only oncea-day. In the peak, herd frequency averages 2.2 times per 24 hours, gradually reducing to 1.8 times per 24 hours towards the end of lactation.

The Tuckers have observed the cows love the robotic system and enter the stalls with no hesitation because they like the consistent routine of the milking process and the ability for them to be milked when they prefer rather than at regimented times that suit a farmer. It has also benefited the cows by allowing them to move at their own pace resulting in a dramatic decrease in lameness, and a significant change in their natural behaviour with some preferring individuality, and others preferring to have company in “mini” herds. The introduction of the robots raised initial concerns about the cows’ temperament due to less human interaction, but the herd has become even more relaxed and visitors have all commented on how friendly they are.

The collar-based heat detection has helped improve the herd’s reproductive performance, and the Tuckers have quickly learnt how to interpret this new data, finding it especially helpful for “quiet” cyclers. Cows are automatically drafted to a holding paddock, saving time, the paddock is cleared twice a day when cows are brought in for insemination by either Kevin, or Katherine, who trained as a DIY technician. Mating starts 1 September for 9 weeks. This season, despite using no short gestation bulls, 120 cows were calved by the planned start of calving on 10 June, with the midpoint reached only 11 days later. Midpoint is usually 12 -14 days after planned start date. The collar technology sends information to the computer which determines routing, milking, and tracks activity levels and eating minutes, providing invaluable data for both the Tuckers and the farm’s nutritionist, Scott Freeman, to make informed decisions about feeding and health. The family is open to trialling different farming methods and feeding regimes, but if there are no obvious health, production or reproduction benefits they won’t continue.

shed after an exceptional year weather-wise. The family aims for a minimum of 400 kg/ms per cow (230,000 kg MS), and regard anything over that as a bonus. Current per cow production is on par with pre-robots, and changes in the feeding regime have seen the same amount of feed used, just targeted and used more efficiently. In their third season with robots, the Tuckers recognise they now need to concentrate more on culling poor performers after waiting to see how in-herd rankings changed with the new system.

The feedpad and in-shed feeding system allow the Tuckers to optimise home grown and bought in feed. Grass is still the most important feed, but to encourage cow flow and grass intake, a three way grazing system is used whereby cows can access a different block roughly every 8 hours. With only 2-3 weeks per year that the grass on farm is ideal for the cow’s needs, supplementary feeding provides balance to their diet with feed quantity and content varying dependant on grass, weather and time of lactation. 60 ha of maize, grass silage and hay needs are grown on farm. While the maize yield is weather-dependant, it is fed out yearround on the feedpad along with minerals, grass silage, tapioca, palm kernel and molasses for energy. Barley straw is added over winter and spring. The feedpad is topped up morning and night through a mixer wagon with cows having access after each milking. Two blends of meal are provided through the in-shed feeding system. The first starch-based product is supplemented with minerals and fed at 1kg per cow per day. A second protein-based blend is fed to all cows but the amount is based on individual production, rewarding higher producers who convert this feed more efficiently.

The Tuckers must still conventionally herd test as Lely data is not currently accepted to meet NZ herd test standards, and it is the only way for potential contract cows to be identified. The component testing method used by the robots is different to conventional herd testing. This difference is more noticeable for Jerseys, especially the fat percentage, which is usually higher on the robots. LIC use volume data from Lely via the certified milk collection jars, but then test the milk samples for fat, protein and SCC. Conventional herd

The farm record for production was achieved in the 2017/18 season with 305,760 kg milksolids supplied to the factory (after rearing calves), from 600 cows through the previous rotary

Farm overview, the Kaipara Harbour is just to the left of photo

Cows grazing with the feedpad in the background

testing is a snapshot of one day, the data provided via the robotic milking system shows that a lot can change for a cow in just a few hours and is proving to be a successful management tool with more accurate data which can be graphed to show individual cow trends. The Tuckers use the Lely data to make decisions about mastitis and dry cow treatment.

At the heart of Kaycee Farms success is their breeding programme, which aims to produce “robot-ready” Jersey cows. The herd has always had great capacity and a good frame. The family is focused heavily on breeding for udder quality, a trait they considered to be weaker in the herd.

While the Tuckers prioritise strong udder traits and production, they also work on maintaining genetic diversity within their herd by outcrossing to international bloodlines before returning to New Zealand Jersey genetics. The farm has used genetics from Denmark, Australia, the U.S., and Canada, supplied by Semex, Samen, World Wide Sires and STgenetics ensuring that their herd remains resilient and diverse. International sires make up about one third of each year’s intake, with one third each to New Zealand sires from LIC and CRV. The Tucker family also support JerseyNZ’s Jersey Future programme proving young Jersey sires. While their primary focus is not indexes, moving between NZ and overseas genetics helps to maintain indexes and bolster udder traits and litres. About 25 AI sires are used annually, including some polled sires. No natural mating bulls are used over the herd, however, cows of lower conformation or production, are mated to AI easy calve Angus .The preference to have a total A2/A2 herd is nearly complete after initial testing showed most of the cows were already A2/A2, another potential means to market stock or milk diversely. Yearling heifers are mated for 3 weeks to AI Jersey, picked on a daily basis. Easy calve Angus bulls are then run for a further 6 weeks to provide a breed marker. With over 75% of their two-year-olds calving to AI, the Tuckers have built a strong foundation for future generations of Jersey cows.

Beyond

& Laue calf feeding robots, as notably, bobby calf service is very limited. Around 150 Jersey heifers are kept as

replacements, with surplus heifer calves sold, and about 60 Jersey bulls remain on farm for sale at 15 months of age. The remaining bull calves are sold under contract as weaners, and Angus-cross weaners are sought after by local buyers. All calves are reared in sheds until weaning when they are transferred to HerdHomes where they continue to be fed meal and fibre, along with going outside on grass.

The recent success of Glen Kaycee Sherlock JG winning JerseyNZ’s J T Thwaites Sire of the Season award (refer Jersey Focus June 2024) was a huge surprise for the family. Excitingly, Sherlock is also a product of JerseyNZ’s collaboration with CRV in the JerseyGenomeTM programme. Sherlock was also New Zealand’s top bull across all breeds in the April 2024 Ranking of Active Sires (RAS) List. The Tuckers have been long-time supporters of JerseyGenomeTM, and also have had several bulls purchased by both CRV and LIC.

Kevin, Christine, and Katherine each play vital roles on-farm, with Katherine (an equity stake holder) taking on a significant part of the farm management alongside her parents. Kevin does most of the machinery work and farm maintenance, while Christine takes responsibility for the paperwork, breeding, grazing and assists with calf rearing. Katherine manages the calf rearing and the yearlings. She also manages the milking shed, and does machinery work when needed. A well-oiled machine, all three know what needs to happen on farm and will help out where needed.

Christopher, the Tuckers’ son, is also involved on farm. Living with his family about 45 minutes away at Kaukapakapa, Christopher is an electrical and electronic engineer. His expertise was invaluable in the design and implementation of the farm’s robotic milking system. His technical skills have saved the farm significant costs, and along with Kevin and Katherine, handles most of the repairs and maintenance that the robotic system requires with the closest Lely technician in the Waikato. He spends many hours helping at cropping time, with any other job on the farm, and future projects. Christopher also has his own personal projects related to dairy farming after seeing or finding issues on the home farm that he may be able to improve on.

Katherine came to the farm straight from High School. With good academic skills, her plan to fly fighter jets was stymied only by her lack of height! Once the family started employing staff, she completed AgITO courses by correspondence so that she knew what the staff should be learning.

She also became involved in Young Farmers, and in 2012 represented Northland in the Young Farmer of the Year grand final in Dunedin. At the time she was only the third woman to compete in a grand final in the 44 years of the competition’s history. She helped to organise the final in Auckland the following year, before heading overseas for nine months, competing one more year after that before aging out. Her 2014 trip saw

dairy production, all calves are reared on farm using Holm

Glen Kaycee cows

her visit Egypt, Europe and the UK, Alaska, Canada and USA mainly doing organised tours to see the tourist sights. Using contacts, she also got to spend time at Lencrest Jerseys in Canada; the Sunset Canyon herd and a 30,000 mainly Jersey herd supplying Tillamook Cheese in the US; everything from 30 to 30,000 cow herds, tie-stall barns to robots. Katherine was hosted by Derrick Frigot around Jersey Island, and he helped arrange a visit to the late Queen’s herd at Windsor which was very special.

While traveling in Canada, Katherine spent time on a horse farm and was able to go to the Calgary rodeo. This visit rekindled her interest in horse riding, and on her return home she purchased a horse truck and started trekking regularly. Riding in several local treks, she also takes part in the Trek for Life, a charity walk/bike/ride that is moving through New Zealand one week a year, raising money for local first responders. Katherine has trekked internationally too, describing a trek in the Masai Mara region of Kenya and cantering alongside giraffes as the best week of her life. Two further planned treks were Covid affected, but in May this year she travelled to Salt Lake City and a Nevada ranch. She is still hoping to do other treks internationally.

Katherine certified as a TOP Inspector a few years ago, and found it very interesting seeing other herds in different regions until life got too busy on farm and she was unable to continue her commitment. She hopes to recertify and rejoin the pool of inspectors when circumstances allow.

Looking ahead, the Tuckers are focused on consolidating their operations and continuing to improve their herd. Their goals include completing infrastructure projects, improving the feeding regime, and reducing farm debt. They are not seeking to expand further but are intent on optimising what they already have. A significant part of their future plans involves finding reliable staff to alleviate some of the pressure on the family.

The Tuckers have built a farm that is both productive and resilient. As they look toward to the future, their commitment to excellence ensures that Kaycee Farms Ltd and Glen Kaycee Jerseys will remain a beacon of modern dairy farming for years to come.

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World Jersey International Conference

In June of this year we had a wonderful conference in Denmark followed by a very scenic trip to Norway. The conference itself covered a large range of discussion topics: Feed Intake, CFIT and Green House Gas, emissions and the ONIMIT project, beef on Jersey, monogenetic traits of Jersey, developing dairy products from Jersey milk to name just a few.

We also visited a large number of herds. Every single visit was an opportunity to talk to farmers, share stories, enjoy their cows and learn of the variety of technologies available to farmers – always interesting to see how they compare with your country. Thank you to all of the farmers who hosted and warmly welcomed us onto their farms. We appreciate the preparatory work and dedication that goes on in the background to ensure the smooth running of these visits.

Thank you to Peter Larson and all of the team at Viking Genetics who provided us with an informative, interesting and friendly conference.

After the conference, we travelled by overnight ferry to enjoy a wonderfully scenic tour of Norway under the care and guidance of Sindre Arsvoll and Bjorn Lende. I believe we went through 47 tunnels and even experienced a roundabout in one or two of them. It is interesting to note that the regulations in Norway are such that if you have been out of the country visiting farms you are not permitted to go back to your farm for four days hence the beginning of the tour didn’t involve farm visits. Once we did, it was great to see the cows out on pasture for part of the day and once again enjoyed farming discussions with the Norwegian Jersey breeders. Thank you to you all for your wonderful hospitality.

Often these trips are viewed as a glorified holiday for retired farmers. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are

many issues facing the dairy farmers and they are similar issues throughout the world; carbon emissions, bobby calves, dehorning, waterways and global warming to name but a few. The opportunity to mix with farmers from around the globe, to discuss and debate them, provide us with thoughts and ideas before returning home with a fresh outlook on an issue or simply appreciate that a regulation that we thought was tough in our own backyard isn’t nearly as bad as in another country. Knowledge is key. We appreciate that not everyone has the opportunity to travel, so World Jersey needs to bring the world to you through its website, Facebook and other social media channels. This is our challenge going forward.

We welcome any thoughts or ideas you may have.

Excerpt taken from the latest World Jersey newsletter, written by Alison Gibb

Evleen JerseysDedication and Passion in Northland

by Pam Goodin

Nestled in the lush landscape of Hukerenui, Northland, Evleen Jerseys stands as a testament to hard work, family dedication, and a deep love for farming. Owned by Evan and Sherleen Smeath, this 190-hectare dairy farm, situated 30 minutes north of Whangarei, is not only a thriving agricultural enterprise but also a cornerstone of the local community. With a history deeply rooted in the land and a forwardthinking approach to farming, the Smeath family has built something truly special.

Evleen Jerseys traces its roots back to Evan’s parents, who owned the original family farm at the far end of the road which is now owned by Evan & Sherleen’s daughter Rosalind and her husband, along with their son and his partner. When Evan & Sherleen purchased their farm in 1978, it was just 80 hectares. Over the years, through hard work and strategic purchases, Evan expanded the farm by acquiring four smaller neighbouring blocks, bringing the total size to its current 190 hectares. This expansion has returned the land to almost the size of the original farm from 50 years ago.

Although growth has been part of the farm’s success, Evan and Sherleen are content with the size of the farm as it is today. “We can’t go any bigger now, and we don’t want to,” says Evan, reflecting on the balance between growth and sustainability. With a milking platform of 90 ha, the

Sherleen Smeath

remaining 100 ha makes up the support block. They see the cows as a great asset, with all the years invested in breeding now paying off.

The farm has always had Jersey cows, but it wasn’t until a visit from a Jersey Field Officer to inspect his cows for the new supplementary registration system that Evan became more involved in pedigree breeding. This interaction sparked a lifelong passion for improving the quality of his herd, an endeavour that continues to this day.

Both Evan and Sherleen grew up on dairy farms. When Evan left school he did casual milking around the district. He then worked part-time for his father, catching possums and eeling to supplement his income. Eventually he moved to a local farm to help out a recently widowed woman for six months and stayed for over two years while still helping out on the home farm. It was here that he met Sherleen though mutual friends when she came out shooting. Three years later they were married, and will celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary in March. After they married they had the opportunity to purchase the block next to Evan’s parents farm in their own right. In that first season they produced 11,300 kg MS from 120 cows through

Evan &

a serious drought. In late February it finally rained and ‘saved their bacon’. They have experienced a lot of dry spells since, but in that first season all they could do was feed hay. They now have a lot more tools in their toolbox.

Despite the scale of operations, the farm remains a family-run business. Clinton, Evan and Sherleen’s son, along with his wife Pam, have been contract milkers on the farm for 16 years and own a small portion of the herd. Together, they manage the daily operations with no additional staff, a testament to their dedication and efficiency. Another daughter, Alison, is also farming in Taranaki with her family.

Evleen Jerseys is home to approximately 270 Jersey cows, with a few crossbreds owned by Clinton & Pam mixed in. The farm operates a self-sustaining model, where most of the feed is grown on-site, including maize and silage. Some baleage is bought in if it gets really dry. The flats on the farm produce great crops, with 28 tonnes of maize gown off 10 ha last season. Already this year the first cut of silage is done and the second ready after an early spring. The land is prone to flooding, especially in winter, but Evan and Sherleen have taken extensive measures to mitigate the effects, including installing 18 km of drainage on the flats. The couple’s commitment to good land management is evident in their approach to pasture care, flood recovery, and the regrassing programs they’ve implemented over the years.

The farm’s milking system was upgraded in 2007, expanding the milking shed from an 18-aside to a 28-aside herringbone, significantly increasing efficiency. Today, they milk their herd once a day, a decision partly driven by Evan’s involvement in various community activities and leadership roles, and the results have been impressive. Already milking once a day from December, it made sense to move that way full-time. The cows kept milking and still doing good production. They did lose a couple of cows with udder breakdown, and still lose 1-2 a year but they are always older cows. Importantly, they have halved their empty rate. Once-aday (OAD) milking has not only reduced labour pressure but has also improved the overall well-being of both the cows and the family.

The best production year on farm was 10 years ago when the herd produced 93,000 kg MS on twice a day. These days, they are closer to 80-84,000 kg MS on once a day and rearing up to 150 calves. The change to OAD came just a couple of years after their top production season. Numbers were cut back a bit, cows were fed better, and the young stock were reared on the hills as the cows made too much mess up there. All stock are wintered on farm.

Due the size and shape of the farm (long & thin, hills & flats) the cows are run in two herds milked back-to-back, with the 2-3 year olds in one herd and the older cows in the second. Cows are given access to supplement on the covered feedpad about an hour before milking in the morning, with the first herd coming in automatically via a batlatch gate. The second herd comes on to the feedpad as the first is milking. Evan notes that there is no wastage with the use of the feedpad.

When visited, the cows were split a little differently through the mating period. Currently doing AI, the tail enders are running with bulls in one mob. Their empty rate after seven weeks of calving this season was 2.9%, an improvement on 3.4% the season prior. Evan believes this is down to once-a-day milking, Jerseys, and selective breeding. They don’t keep pre-mating heats, there are no inductions and they don’t keep empty cows.

Breeding is a central focus at Evleen Jerseys. Over the years, Evan has honed his breeding program to produce high-quality cows with the right combination of size, strength, capacity, udder, good milk components and temperament. As a trained TOP (Traits Other than Production) inspector, Evan understands the intricacies of genetic selection and has used this expertise to build a herd that excels in milk production and health.

The farm’s breeding program includes the use of artificial insemination (AI) with both local and international bulls. Evan uses bulls from both CRV & LIC and occasionally looks overseas for outcross genetics, incorporating Danish, American, and Australian sires into the herd. He is particularly proud of one bull bred on the farm, Evleen Integrity Larsen, who has excelled in both size and milk production. Evan is particularly

The Evleen herd

proud that Larsen was not the result of a contract mating, but his own breeding. Evan’s success in breeding has not gone unnoticed; over the years several bulls from the farm have been purchased by leading genetic companies LIC and CRV, with bulls such as Lighthouse, Limelight, Tornado and Larsen going on to be marketed, one available on sexed semen. With plenty of contracted cows in the herd, Evan also carefully looks at each bull calf born for potential Jersey Future nominations, but there has yet to be any that meet his standard for nomination from cows not already contracted.

Still a bit wary after previous experiences with genomically tested bulls, Evan has yet to use any Jersey Future semen. He will use a couple of young genomic sires each year, but talks his decisions through with people like Danie Swart (LIC) and Aaron Parker (CRV) first, valuing their opinions. A lot of time is spent poring over semen catalogues!

Most cows are mated to AI nominated sires along with the top 50% of the heifers. The bottom quartile of the cows are run with Angus bulls, and the balance of the heifers with Jersey bulls. With mating starting on 14 October, 90% of the herd goes up in the first three weeks. CRV scratchies are used for heat detection, with contract mated animals (CRV, LIC and JerseyGenomeTM) all different colours for ease of identification. Evleen Jerseys is a strong supporter of the JerseyGenome™ program, which focuses on improving the Jersey breed through advanced genomic technologies.

Calving starts on 23 July. This is a little later than normal for the area, but the timing suits the topography and their concentrated calving pattern, with all calves on the ground by mid-September. All AI bred calves are reared. Contract bulls are kept of course, plus a few top BW bull calves that are reared for sale later as yearlings or two-year-olds depending on market conditions. With a local market for the Angus cross calves, these are also reared to the same ages. Males are retained selectively based on size, strength and bones.

Farming in Northland presents unique challenges, particularly

with the region’s unpredictable weather. Annual rainfall varies from 1100 mm in a dry year to 2500 mm in a great year, with 15-1600 mm the average. The farm’s low-lying land, situated in the top end of the Hikurangi catchment area, is prone to flooding. Evan recalls that in a big flood, it can take up to 10 days for the water to recede, requiring extensive regrassing and pasture management. Usually though, the water will drain away in 3-4 days with no silt left behind, a little debris but no infrastructure damage. Despite these challenges, the Smeaths have developed a robust system for dealing with the effects of flooding, including regrassing the flood-prone plains with rye, clover, chickory, plantain and lucerne and the rest of the farm with rye, clover, cocksfoot and fescue that thrive in the area’s conditions. Still trialling for the best varieties, Evan comments that this blend needs good pasture management, but makes awesome silage.

Pasture management is key for Evan. With high empty rates many years ago (up to 25% in the heifers), Evan believes that the wrong fertiliser advice was the culprit. Now using the Neil Kinzie fertiliser & soil testing programme based on the science of William Allbrick, he looks at base saturations, tests and balances the soil – magnesium 10%; calcium 70%, hydrogen 15%; and other elements in smaller quantities. With balanced soil there is no need to dust magnesium. He has never looked back, striving for the ideal soil fertility, pasture species and pasture management. Avoiding pugging at all costs, he will move the cows on to the feedpad in the

middle of the night if necessary to get them off the paddocks. He firmly believes that this and the move to once-a-day milking has led to the significant reduction in his empty rates.

Cyclone Gabrielle, which hit Northland in February 2023, was one of the most severe weather events the farm has faced. The storm destroyed 70 trees and required over three weeks of cleanup, followed by two weeks of regrassing. Yet, Evan and Sherleen’s resilience shone through, as they worked tirelessly to restore the land and continue their operations.

Beyond the farm, Evan and Shirleen are deeply involved in their local community. Evan comments that he helps and supports the “school, the pubs and the clubs as all are needed to make a community”. Evan has served on the Executive Committee of the Whangarei A & P Show for 24 years, including as President for the last three years. Exceptionally proud of their farm intern programme, he is a key person in this organisation. He is also a life member of the Whangarei group calf club, and both he and Sherleen have contributed significantly to local schools, museums, and agricultural programs. Their commitment to education is particularly evident in their work with local schools, where they help organize calf judging and have hosted host school children on the farm.

In addition to his farming and community work, Evan is the chairman of the Northland College Farm Committee and the Jack Morgan Museum in Hukerenui, where Sherleen also volunteers. He is also a spokesperson for the Hikurangi Swamp Committee, liaising with the District Council to manage the swamp drainage scheme, which plays a critical role in flood prevention and conservation in the area.

Evan is one of the JerseyNZ representative trustees on the Jersey Advantage Trust Board and relishes this role. A firm supporter of both JerseyNZ and Jersey Advantage, he is heartened by the collaboration being demonstrated between the two organisations and their investment in Jerseyland Farm. With significant experience with various Incorporated Societies and Trusts, he was proud to be able to assist in drafting the Jersey Advantage trust deed.

The farm success they are most proud of was winning the Supreme Award for Northland in the 2007 Ballance Farm Environment Awards. The award highlights their commitment to sustainable farming practices, environmental stewardship, and community involvement. Another thrill was Evan’s involvement in the Country Calendar episode that covered the Amazing Maze with Hukerenui School.

At nearly 70 years old, Evan is beginning to plan for retirement, though he remains deeply passionate about farming. He and Sherleen have started succession planning, subdividing sections of the farm and selecting a site for their future home, which offers stunning views towards Whangarei & the surrounding districts and is backed by bushland. Evan still expects to be milking for a couple of years yet though.

Though Evan is beginning to step back from the physical demands of farming, he remains active in various community roles and has plenty of other interests to keep him busy. He is an avid fisherman and hunter, and he and Sherleen enjoy biking together, having completed the Central Otago Rail Trail. The couple also has a beach house and boat on the Karikari Peninsula, where they hope to spend more time in the years to come.

Evleen Jerseys is more than just a farm; it is the embodiment of a lifetime of passion, hard work, and dedication. For over four decades, Evan and Shirleen Smeath have nurtured the land, cared for their animals, and contributed to their community in countless ways.

Evan Smeath

Kiwi spearheads global Jersey strategy revamp

The global organisation for Jersey breeders has undergone a strategy refresh - spearheaded by new president and the first New Zealander to hold the post, Alison Gibb.

The World Jersey Cattle Bureau will now trade as World Jerseys and has adopted a new vision: Jerseys feeding the world and sustaining the planet.

Gibb, only the second woman to hold the post, wants to change the perception of World Jersey from just “a travel agency for retired farmers” to the “go to” organisation for all things Jersey, to assist member associations to advocate and promote the breed. A seven-member international group was set up and met via Zoom regularly to develop the new strategy.

“The strategy has a strong emphasis on communication with members and member associations,” she told Dairy News.

It covers four focus areas: communication, youth/succession, scientific, and financial.

“With social media and Zoom we have greater ability to reach out and communicate the key messages, of the Jersey breed, amongst our members and beyond.”

Gibb believes that connection with the young Jersey farmers of today will ensure that the knowledge, advocacy and

appreciation of the breed will continue to grow.

“They are our future. To do that we need to provide them with the opportunities to connect with other young Jersey farmers globally, to share and learn from each other.”

Science plays a vital role in the promotion of the breed and there is plenty out there, she says. To that end it is hoped that the organisation will be able to provide the science translated into several languages for members across the globe.

Naturally these ideas come at a cost and World Jersey will need to be financially viable to succeed in the delivery of the strategy and are currently researching avenues for that financial security, Gibb says.

Gibb believes that Jerseys are the answer to feeding the world whilst sustaining the planet.

“Because they are lighter animal, they are an extremely efficient animal,” she says.

“Jerseys regularly produce milksolids equivalent to their body weight, for example a 450kg Jersey can easily produce 450 kgMS, and do it on less feed than other breeds.

Sudesh Kissun - Dairy News

“She is more heat tolerant, has less calving issues and greater fertility. Science proves that Jersey is the sustainable breed.” Gibb is no stranger to governance roles in NZ. She served on the JerseyNZ board from 2016 to 2023, including as president from 2016 to 2021.

She has been attending World Jersey conferences and trips since 2008, serving as treasurer and most recently as Oceania vice-president. Gibb was recently awarded the Cyril Dermer

Cup in recognition of outstanding service to the breed and the association at the JerseyNZ annual conference. Gibb with husband Russell and daughter Natalie Dyson farm at Taupiri in the Waikato. She has been trustee of Dairy Women’s Network, a mentor with Primary ITO, president of Friends of Waikato Museum and president of Arts Waikato.

Gibb says she’s a firm believer that every organisation must have a sound governance structure and policies in place.

Gibb says unfortunately there can be a lot of emotion in the decision-making process which often cloud the issue.

“Policies and procedures strip the emotion away, allowing you to debate the facts, not the person.” She loves recalling her mother’s words when she served at the chair of local board of governors at the secondary school Gibb attended.

“There was a green manual for providing policies and procedures which was consulted often. From that, the phrase - it’s not who’s right but what’s right - was developed. This phrase has always resonated well with me.”

For the last eight years, Gibb has run a Governance Development Programme to teach young people the intricacies of governance. “They are our future industry leaders and it is an absolute pleasure to work with them,” she says.

Article written by Sudesh Kissun

Jersey NZ Farm Signs

Hang it like the Lansdaal’s, screw it to a fence, smack it in your shed, or jimmy up a light display from the electric fence and flash everyone who drives past.

Single Sided = $150.00 excl gst

Double Sided = $200.00 excl gst Delivery on farm additional POA To order email info@jersey.org.nz

PURIRI JERSEYS

Wilson Farms

TE WAIU JERSEYS

J & N Guy

World Jersey president Alison Gibb, Waikato, wants to change the perception of the global organisation.

PROGRAMME SUCCESS PROGRAMME SUCCESS

Young bulls selected by Jersey Future are all backed by productive cow families of high genetic merit, with good longevity. We can proudly announce that from previous crops seven bulls stand out from the programme and are available in 2024 Alpha nominated or the preliminary Premier Sires Teams. Some of these bulls have left outstanding daughters across the nation and are proving their high genetic merit.

By identifying young bulls with high potential and with the help of kiwi farmers, we’re finding the sires of the future.

Tironui Integ Meg, VG2

Dam of Tironui GB Montage-ET

Lynbrook Star Bowie, VG86

Dam of Lynbrook Trigg Bravado

Williams Terrific Emma ET, VG2

Dam of Williams Brisbane Frenzy

Lynbrook GFD Trick ET, VG85

Dam of Lynbrook TN Te Anau

Tironui GB Williams Brisbane Lynbrook Trigg Montage-ET Frenzy Bravado

These bulls are not available through the 2024 Jersey Future programme but are available through LIC

JerseyNZ celebrates the unprecedented success of the Jersey Future programme with 25 young bulls going on to be marketed since the programme’s inception in 2017.

Upland Park Cem Bruce ET

Norlands PKC Roxton ET

Hawthorn Grove GH Oganeev

Posterity Banff Desire

Glanton Punch Baxter ET

Lynbrook Popeye Tailormade

Okura Titus Kowhai

Williams Kaino Summer, VG87 Paspalum GTG Linda 40, EX3

Dam of Williams Banff Substance

Dam of Paspalum Ol Limelight

Glanton Cobra Beatrix ET, VG86

Dam of Glanton CMM Burton

Paspalum Ol Limelight

NZAEL Update

At New Zealand Animal Evaluation Limited (NZAEL) our aim is to support the sector to improve New Zealand’s rate of genetic gain in dairy, so we can remain internationally competitive and increase farm profitability and sustainability.

Last November, an Independent Working Group (IWG) was set up with the support of DairyNZ to help the sector achieve world-leading rates of animal genetic gain. Numerous stakeholders, including dairy farmers and Breed Societies, had the opportunity to engage as it considered the sector’s work.

Following this process, the IWG made several recommendations, including four workstreams to be developed, which are:

1) the process for establishing the NBO, 2) improving phenotypic data quality, 3) developing a system to achieve one gBW, and 4) cooperating on communication, education and extension services for farmers regarding the importance of genetic gain.

One IWG recommendation was that genomic estimated breeding values (EBVs) should be delivered by LIC and CRV, due to their access to the largest genomic reference populations.

The natural flow on from these recommendations is that the development of NZAEL’s genomic evaluations (NZAEL 3.5) will be put on hold, while we work with LIC and CRV to investigate an alternative genomic AE solution for the industry. We will also ensure that the learnings from this project are available during the development of the alternative national genomic animal evaluation solution.

Economic value updates:

This December will still see the annual update of Economic Values (EVs) occur. These EVs are adjusted annually to ensure breeding worth (BW) is reflective of the most recent market values and reflect real world costs and revenues farmers are facing.

Herd testing standards:

Outside of the IWG work, there was also a consultation on proposed changes to the New Zealand Herd Test Standards conducted in 2023. These changes were reviewed by a committee of industry and farmer representatives over a twoyear period. They aimed to modernise the standards, align them with industry practices, and establish high data quality standards.

These outcomes will primarily affect herd testing service providers but will have some impact on farmers. However, this helps modernise Herd Testing regulation to accommodate a broader range of management practices, differing preferential treatment of animals and variable milking regimes.

High quality data is important for accurate animal evaluation and to help identify elite animals and continue working towards the goal of improving New Zealand’s rate of genetic gain in dairy.

Learn more at dairynz.co.nz/animal/animal-evaluation/

Any Questions? Contact us at nzael.manager@dairynz.co.nz

Andrew Fear, NZAEL Manager 027 294 2931

Elite heifer programme to identify potential bull mothers

2022 Team Graduations

We celebrate the success of our 2022 Team (2021-born) with animals receiving Graduate, Merit Graduate or Elite Graduate status. A Performance Award is awarded to one heifer that meets the Graduate criteria and who has the largest lift from her ancestry NZMI to NZMI post four herd tests.

The JerseyGenome™ award structure represents three distinctive levels of participation in the programme:

Graduates – heifers that complete the programme.

Merit Graduates – heifers that complete the programme with distinction, who are in the top quartile of the graduation team.

Elite Graduates – heifers that complete the programme with excellence and are in the top group of highest indexing heifers in New Zealand.

A list of 2021-born graduates is below, congratulations to all breeders. All resulting 2024-born progeny from this team are automatically put forward for both the JerseyGenome™ (females) and CRV bull programme (males).

Animal ID Animal Name Breeder Honour

RLWN-21-15

BKGC-21-24

BWPC-21-34

CGCR-21-105

CGCR-21-21

CGCR-21-7

CGCR-21-77

CTVL-21-125

CTVL-21-200

CTVL-21-253

CTVL-21-40

CTVL-21-93

DTJJ-21-83

FMHM-21-42

FMHM-21-62

FMHM-21-67

JHFW-21-2

JHFW-21-28

JHFW-21-31

JHFW-21-55

JHFW-21-60

LCRF-21-95

LDJX-21-133

LDJX-21-166

LDJX-21-57

LDJX-21-78

LMCY-21-30

LMCY-21-98

RLWN-21-39

BKGC-21-81

CGCR-21-66

CTVL-21-238

CTVL-21-36

DQXG-21-58

DRPY-21-4

DTJJ-21-54

HGR-21-4

JHFW-21-30

LCRF-21-42

LMCY-21-48

MNPX-21-31

VFL-21-15

Rocklea Ovation Kate

Gralyn 21-24

Glen Elgin 21-34

Puriri Makara Opal JG

Puriri Liberation Odette

Puriri Trigger Sasha

Puriri Lancer Dina JG

Te Waiu Donatello Portia

Te Waiu Jazzman Hay

Te Waiu Berkly Lucy

Te Waiu Lattitude Marvel

Te Waiu Berkly Fanta

Glenui Titus Regina

Lynrich Lennox Harper

Lynrich Glory Vino

Lynrich Glory Jamie

Waiokura 21-2

Waiokura 21-28

Waiokura 21-31 S2J

Waiokura 21-55

Waiokura 21-60

Lockhart Trig Windy

Freydan Hoss Miro

Freydan Nucleus Katie

Freydan Lunar Celeste

Freydan Hoss Glow

Ellison Wman Heather JG

Ellison Quart Mandy

Rocklea KC Felitta

Gralyn 21-81

Puriri Watchman Kitty JG

Te Waiu Litigator Philippa

Te Waiu Broadcaster Betty

Belgrove Hoss Fern S3J

Somerton Omega Minnie ET

Glenui Bjorn Ronda JG

Karaka Super Julie

Waiokura 21-30

Lockhart Lancer Alice S2J

Ellison Floyd Kate

Wee Burn Floyd Kate

Wee Burn Trigger Uma S3J

DNA Jerseys Ltd

Gralyn Farm No 1

Keoghan Farm Limited

Wilson Farms Ltd

Te Waiu Ltd

Goreland Partnership

RL & CL Lansdaal

Dairy Glenn Farm Ltd

Benjamin Burmeister Trust

DJ & FJ Lynch Ltd

R & G Ellison

DNA Jerseys Ltd

Gralyn Farm No 1

Wilson Farms Ltd

Te Waiu Ltd

Belgrove Farms

Somerton Jerseys Ltd

Goreland Partnership

C & J Turner

Dairy Glenn Farm Ltd

Benjamin Burmeister Trust

R & G Ellison

GPS 2007 Limited

G & P Wilson

Performance Award

Merit Graduate

Merit Graduate Graduate Graduate Graduate Graduate Graduate Graduate Graduate Graduate Graduate Graduate Graduate Graduate Graduate

Somerton Omega Minnie ET

Rocklea Ovation Kate

Ellison Wman Heather JG

Waiokura 21-60

Te Waiu Jazzman Hay

Freydan Lunar Celeste

Te Waiu Donatello Portia

Gralyn 21-81

Te Waiu Berkly Fanta

Lynrich Glory Vino

Somerton Jerseys Ltd

DNA Jerseys Ltd

R & G Ellison

Dairy Glenn Farm Ltd

Te Waiu Ltd

DJ & FJ Lynch Ltd

Te Waiu Ltd

Gralyn Farm No 1

Te Waiu Ltd

RL & CL Lansdaal

Te Waiu Berkly Fanta

Ellison Quart Mandy

Glen Elgin 21-34

Freydan Lunar Celeste

Te Waiu Donatello Portia

Rocklea Ovation Kate

Ellison Floyd Kate Waiokura 21-31 S2J

Puriri Liberation Odette

Te Waiu Berkly Lucy

Te Waiu Ltd

R & G Ellison

Keoghan Farm Limited

DJ & FJ Lynch Ltd

Te Waiu Ltd

DNA Jerseys Ltd

2023 JerseyGenomeTM Team Update

2023 JerseyGenome™ Testing Team (2022 born)

• 101 animals

• 27 breeders

These heifers have all received sire recommendations and mating agreements, with semen provided to owners at no charge. They have begun their testing year and resulting 2024-born progeny will be put forward for both the JerseyGenome™ (females) and CRV bull programme (males).

2024 JerseyGenomeTM Team Update

Congratulations to the 25 breeders and 89 animals that have been selected for the 2024 (2023-born) JerseyGenome™ team. JerseyNZ thanks members for their overwhelming support in sending in DNA samples and supporting the joint venture. We also welcome four new members to JerseyNZ who had their animals identified through CRV.

BKGC-23-42

BKGC-23-80

BYFK-23-169

CGCR-23-104

CGCR-23-112

CGCR-23-114

CGCR-23-126

CGCR-23-19

CGCR-23-26

CGCR-23-41

CGCR-23-42

CGCR-23-71

CGCR-23-87

CGCR-23-95

CGCR-23-97

CGLY-23-9

CKQT-23-97

CWXQ-23-111

CWXQ-23-15

CWXQ-23-17

CWXQ-23-201

CWXQ-23-21

CWXQ-23-242

Gralyn 23-42

Gralyn 23-80

Foxton 23-169

Puriri Mistique Felicity

Puriri Vulcan Susan

Puriri Banff Heidi

Puriri Striker Serenity

Puriri Vulcan Isobel

Puriri Brisbane Maxine

Puriri Montage Belle

Puriri Doctor Paris S3J

Puriri Banff Dickson S2J

Puriri Fellow Daisy

Puriri Vulcan Joan

Puriri Hallmark Gemini S1J

Northern Muffin S3J

CKQT-23-97 S2J

Ngatea Kaeleigh Love

Ngatea Mistique Frizz S3J

Ngatea Banff Winnie

Ngatea Banff Delta S2J

Ngatea Mistique Fran S3J

Ngatea Egl Pippa S3J

Gralyn Farm No 1, G & V Robinson

Huzziff Farms Ltd – B & M Huzziff

Wilson Farms Ltd, S & N Wilson

Northerly Farms Limited – K & L Christensen

JJJ Farms Ltd – G Davie

Pirie Farms Ltd, B & J Pirie

CWXQ-23-33

CWXQ-23-88

DFYL-23-92

DJFX-23-106

DJFX-23-116

DJFX-23-12

DJFX-23-13

DJFX-23-133

DJFX-23-179

DJFX-23-3

DJFX-23-46

DJFX-23-48

DJFX-23-7

DJFX-23-99

DMPN-23-120

DMPN-23-164

DTJJ-23-50

DTJJ-23-61

DTJJ-23-94

FMHM-23-10

FMHM-23-100

FMHM-23-110

FMHM-23-140

FMHM-23-149

FMHM-23-21

FMHM-23-28

FMHM-23-30

FMHM-23-36

FMHM-23-6

FMHM-23-67

GDVN-23-41

HGR-23-12

HGR-23-38

HJPN-23-15

JHFW-23-1

JHFW-23-2

JHFW-23-4

JHFW-23-47

JHFW-23-64

JHFW-23-70

KRDQ-23-42

LCRF-23-59

LDJX-23-105

LDJX-23-107

LDJX-23-135

LDJX-23-16

LDJX-23-25

LDJX-23-26

LDJX-23-34

LDJX-23-37

LDJX-23-60

LDJX-23-91

LDJX-23-99

LMCY-23-94

QLGJ-23-4

QLGJ-23-5

RMLD-23-49

TBDJ-23-106

TBDJ-23-32

TBDJ-23-88

TGRC-23-13

TGRC-23-34

TGRC-23-42

TXWK-23-62

TWCR-23-17

WWM-23-54

Ngatea Marco Pride

Ngatea Bgc Noon

Tironui 23-92 S2J

Glen Kaycee Skyhigh Birdy

Glen Kaycee Titus Juggles

Glen Kaycee Gibson Brooke

Glen Kaycee LRS Beretta

Glen Kaycee AA Dianna -P

Glen Kaycee Lamar Oceania

Glen Kaycee Langford Rewa

Glen Kaycee Dans Perin -P

Glen Kaycee AA Cola -P

Glen Kaycee Skamps Ali -P

Glen Kaycee HL Babylon -P

Malibu Bravado Teardrop

Malibu Kowhai Stitch S3J

Glenui Burnley Lottie

Glenui 1stclass Jackie S3J

Glenui Titus Loucille S3J

Lynrich Brisb Skylor

Lynrich Montage Christa

Lynrich Horatio Haylee

Lynrich Lanford Billie

Lynrich Langford Raise S3J

Lynrich Super Holly

Lynrich Montage Anika

Lynrich Tao Vino

Lynrich Dandi Yang

Lynrich Summit Toni

Lynrich Litigator Jill

Shemariah Lazer Rapelle P

Karaka Rebels Queenie

Karaka Supermans Queen

Benworth DCR Loie S2J

Waiokura Hobson

Waiokura Mia S3J

Waiokura Lady Whistledown

Waiokura Camenbert

Waiokura Thursday

Waiokura Dorothy

Eastgate 23-42 S2J

Lockhart Alliance Welly

Freydan Nucleus Trisha

Freydan Skyhigh Star

Freydan Cruden Falcetta

Freydan Cruden Bailey-ET

Freydan Mondale Alwayss

Freydan Banff Reta

Freydan Cruden Brianna

Freydan Fellow Penny

Freydan Oganeev Glow

Freydan Duke Barb

Freydan Titus Tulip S3J

Ellison LRN Elaina

QLGJ-23-4 S2J

QLGJ-23-5 S2J

Sunrise 23-49 S2J

Gayleywood Leon Diamomd

Gayleywood Leon Phillipa

Gayleywood Leon Jazz

Abba Park Linden Lolly

Abba Park 23-34

Abba Park Reward Olwyn

Maplefern NC Angel S3J

Te Rangi Nucleus Helen P

Wairakau Larkin Java S2J

Pirie Farms Ltd, B & J Pirie

Ede Investments Ltd – M Gibb

Kaycee Farms Ltd, K & C Tucker

Malibu Jerseys, H Dimock

Goreland Partnership, T & L Landers

R F & C L Lansdaal Ltd

Shemariah Farms Ltd, R & J Mills

Karaka Jerseys Limited, C & J Turner

Benworth Ltd, K Bennett & N Brinkworth

Dairy Glenn Farm Ltd, H Mead

Lilyvale Farms Limited, T & R Little

Benjamin Burmeister Trust

D J & F J Lynch Ltd

R & G Ellison

C & D Giles

Higham Dairies, F & H Higham

Gayleywood Farms Ltd, G, M & J Wallace

Abba Park, S Park & N Upson

Maple Fern Jerseys Limited, M & A Dobson

J & A Dibble

Waikatland Trust, N & A Lawry

JerseyGenomeTM News

The Tucker Family

“Since the inception of the JerseyGenomeTM programme several years ago, we were keen to support the idea but have only participated in the years since the animals stayed on their home farm (rather than going to a host farm) due to concerns such as biosecurity.

Over the years, JerseyNZ together with CRV, have identified heifers for possible inclusion in the programme, and we have also nominated females that we think may have potential.

After parentage, and lately genomic testing are completed, we receive the final list of candidates and have the right to negotiate recommended sire matings as suggested by CRV, or decline any heifers that we felt were from dams whose type or production would not be up to an acceptable standard.

As with most breeding decisions, the results have been variable, with some progeny not meeting expectations, while others exceed them – the challenges of breeding! Genomic testing is designed to reduce the variability and result in more accurate predictions of type and production. The genomic results from heifers tested for the JerseyGenomeTM imitative are sent to the owners for their information.

The JerseyGenomeTM programme has resulted in successful outcomes, both bulls and heifers, for many Jersey breeders. It came as a huge surprise and honour to have our bull, Glen Kaycee Sherlock JG not only make it to the top of the RAS list, but also win the JT Thwaites Sire of the Season award in 2024. His dam Glen Kaycee Skallywag JG is, and grand dam was, of good type with large frames and above average production. Sherlock is the result of a recommended mating by CRV staff at the time, and his sire, Pukeroa Gun Walker JG, is also the result of work within the JerseyGenomeTM programme.

The JerseyGenomeTM programme is important for Jersey breeders as it not only results in successful bulls, but also promotes and identifies the female side of the breed, which to us, is just as important and sometimes overlooked in the pursuit of the ideal bull. JerseyGenomeTM offers another avenue of adding interest to breeding and the dairy industry as a whole, and we would recommend any breeder give serious consideration to participating in this exciting and successful scheme.

Glen Kaycee Sherlock JG

Good TOPs in Two-Year-Olds = Good Omen for Future on the Milking Platform

Extensive fieldwork appears to confirm that traits-otherthan- production (TOP) in dairy cattle at 2 years of age are effective predictors of cow conformation later on in life.

The findings, based on data from more than 7,850 dairy animals, reinforces the value of incorporating early TOP assessments into breeding programmes.

The research* was led by LIC’s Research and Development team with support from DairyNZ and breed societies.

The catalyst for the research came during one of LIC’s breeding operations group (BOG) meetings.

BOG consists of bull acquisition managers, genetics managers, scientists, and sire proving representatives, with the group collectively responsible for selecting LIC Premier Sires teams and spring bulls.

BOG’s stated aim was to investigate whether TOP scores at 2 years of age was a reliable indicator of determining a cow’s future physical attributes, with a specific focus on udders.

Between February and April animals aged 3 to 6 years were TOP scored by 18 inspectors from Holstein Friesian New Zealand, JerseyNZ, and Ayrshire New Zealand.

Herds with more than 180 animals were inspected by two TOP inspectors at a time, or by one inspector over a two-day period.

All TOP traits were measured in later parities (except for ‘farmer traits’) to estimate the genetic correlations between early- and later-traits, and to assess the traits’ consistency over time.

The genetic correlations between traits measured at 2 years and those measured at 3-6 years were consistently high.

The correlations ranged from 0.92 for Front Teats to 0.97 for Stature. The Udder Overall correlation was 0.94.

These results indicate that genes causing an animal to rank well for TOP traits as a 2-year-old are almost the same as the genes that will cause the animal to rank well for TOP traits later in life (with minimal genetic-by- age interaction).

Genetic correlations between 2-year-old traits and 3-6-year-old traits.

Stature Capacity

Rump Angle

Rump Width

Udder Support

Fore Udder

Rear Udder

Front Teats

Rear Teats

Udder Overall

Dairy Confirmation

In a secondary analysis, second lactation records were removed to create a larger age gap between the first and later lactations.

The secondary analysis provided similar results, reinforcing the reliability of early TOP scores as predictors of future assessments.

Genetic correlations between 2-year-old traits and 4-6-year-old traits.

Stature Capacity

Rump Angle

Rump Width

Udder Support

Fore Udder

Rear Udder

Front Teats

Rear Teats

Udder Overall

Dairy Confirmation

Simon Worth, LIC livestock selection manager, said LIC’s focus on enhancing traits, which were weighted in its Livestock Selection Index (LSI), aligned well with the results.

LIC’s systems currently in place to evaluate genetic merit for TOP were therefore fit-for-purpose, he said.

*Methodology:

Funding for the project came from LIC and DairyNZ. 108 herds were approached based on their high percentage of animals that had been TOP scored at 2 years of age.

Out of these, 40 agreed to participate in the study. Among these, 21 were Sire Proving Scheme herds on farming systems that ranged from 3 to 5. Two herds operated a once-a-day milking system.

Data was collected from a total of 7,853 animals, 1,952 Jersey (J14 and above), 2,275 Friesian (F14 and above), 3,046 KiwiCross, and 580 Ayrshire (A14 and above).

Between February and April 2024 animals aged 3 to 6 years were TOP scored by 18 inspectors from Holstein Friesian Association New Zealand, JerseyNZ and Ayrshire New Zealand.

NB: Rear Leg Set run did not converge in 40 iterations

Credit: Claudia Bryant - Livestock Selection Analyst

Trait

Claudia Bryant - LIC Livestock Selection Analyst

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NexGen dairy in Minnesota lets cows be cows for the future

Article and Imagery

by Kevin Schulz, Farm Progress

Megan Schrupp and the team at NexGen Dairy are building for longevity, and she says a big piece of that puzzle is getting the most out of the cows.

“We milk Jersey and Jersey-cross cows and our goal is milk mature Jersey cows,” she says of her family’s dairy farm operation near Eden Valley, Minn., “so we need to do what we can to get maximum health out of our cows.”

She says they are close to achieving the farm’s goal of three lactations on average, but she adds that milking old cows wasn’t an initial goal. “I think we were thinking about calf health, so that our heifers calving were healthy,” she says. “Then, we’re thinking about fresh cows and that transition period, making sure that is optimal, how they’re going through that as best they can. All of those things build to keeping cows in lactation longer — and then also focusing on genetics.”

Replacement heifer costs are huge for a dairy, and as Schrupp puts it, “Old cows are paid for.”

NEXT GENERATION: Vern Becker and Megan Schrupp, father and daughter, have been working together on their dairy. Megan and her husband, Tim, are in the process of taking over the NexGen Dairy.

Back in the day, Schrupp’s father, Vern Becker, and his brother Joe Becker milked Holsteins, but since 2016 Jerseys have been the breed of choice. Joe Becker still milks Holsteins at his farm.

A walk through the NexGen barns is proof of the emphasis on milking older cows, as a few Holsteins remain in the productive herd.

“We have one everyone calls ‘Grammy’ — she’s 13,” Schrupp says. “She’s still producing, always breeds back on first service and has good calves.”

She says traditional industry thinking is a push for genomics and heifers, “but there’s something to be said about old cows like that, a cow that’s still here at 13. Why is that cow still here and everybody else has left? I’d like heifers out of that cow.”

NEW QUEENS: After years of raising and milking Holsteins, Jerseys have become the breed of choice for NexGen Dairy, putting a higher premium on producing milk components that will end up as cheddar cheese at First District Association in Litchfield, Minn. (Kevin Schulz)

LET COWS BE COWS: Three times a day, 1,200 cows pass through the double-16 parlor. The NexGen crew aims to get more lactations out of each cow, pushing for a herd average of at least three. (Kevin Schulz)

Transition to Jerseys

Despite the Holstein history on the farm, Vern has no qualms that the barns are now filled mostly with Jerseys.

“They’re a lot better cow than the Holsteins,” he says. “When you look at fat-corrected milk for pounds of protein and butterfat, you’re not that far percentagewise behind a Holstein cow, but just look at the size difference. There’s 1,800 pounds of weight on four feet [with a Holstein] versus 1,200 pounds [with Jerseys]. That’s a big difference.”

NexGen milk is shipped to First District Association in Litchfield where it is processed into cheddar cheese, thus putting a higher premium on producing milk components rather than just a large quantity of gallons of milk.

Schrupp also likes the Jersey demeanor, joking, “It’s like milking cats.”

Another reason the farm transitioned to Jerseys is tied to the size of the animals. “The parlor is 24 years old, and the modern Holstein will not fit in the stanchions,” she says, so rather than modifying the facilities, they changed breeds.

NexGen now milks 1,200 cows three times a day in a double-16 parlor.

Tech for replacements

Recognizing the cost of replacement heifers for such a large dairy, the NexGen team uses technology to help along that path with the advent of sexed semen, “About a quarter of my semen is sexed semen, so I know exactly how many heifers I want,” Schrupp says.

The Ho-Jos [Holstein-Jersey crosses] are terminal cross cows, “so we will milk them, but they will all be bred to beef. We won’t sell the Ho-Jos, but rather their calves, which are beef crosses out of the Ho-Jos,” she says.

In addition to sexed semen, NexGen employs technology from Nedap, where each cow wears a collar that tracks eating time, inactive time and rumination, with the ability to add a position tracking component down the road. “Tech coming would allow you to see where the cows are in the barn,” Schrupp says,

saving the 13 NexGen employees time when it comes to locating a cow if she didn’t show for milking.

Even with the technology tracking each cow’s activity, Schrupp and Becker still lean on the human factor. “Our goal is to let cows be cows, and we really try to not go into the pens,” she says, “But, we will go in the pens for a walk-through because the computer doesn’t always find every cow that needs to be caught. There are a lot of things that can be learned by just going in and looking at them.”

All in-house

Just as all replacement heifers are born and raised onsite, Schrupp and Becker try to have a self-contained operation. Vern Becker is a trained nutritionist, Schrupp was in private veterinary practice until 2013 and Tim Schrupp worked construction until he joined the family operation. Megan’s sister, Ellen Stenger, is involved in the operation performing bookkeeping duties.

“We try to do everything in-house as much as possible,” Megan says.

In addition to the dairy herd, NexGen operates 1,100 acres of corn for silage and alfalfa seeded with triticale that is harvested as haylage. “We buy ground corn, distillers grains and sweet corn silage,” Vern says.

NexGen Dairy is using the technology of today, blended with the experience of yesterday to ensure cow longevity gets the operation into the future.

Credit:

Article and Imagery supplied by Kevin Schulz

NEXT UP: All of the replacement heifers are raised and housed on-site, and NexGen uses Jersey sexed semen to ensure the number of heifers to be born.

(Kevin Schulz)

ALL IN ONE: NexGen Dairy has an impressive footprint, as structures have been added at the family dairy farm to ensure that all animals can be housed on one site. (Courtesy of Megan Schrupp)

Jersey Advantage

Rachel Haskew

Jersey Advantage is pleased to contribute to the Jersey Focus Magazine November issue and provide JerseyNZ Members an update on the breed advocacy and promotion work our Action Group and Trust Board are doing. We continue our strategy to have a greater impact through our work programme, greater impact in the industry meetings we’re involved in, greater impact in any events that we run or support and greater impact in the marketing and promotion of the Jersey breed.

From the Commercial Influence Committee Chair: James Courtman, Waikato

In the next economic values update, due in December, we can expect to see Jersey BW improve due to an increased value component ration (VCR) following a year of high fat prices. Our work around volume charge (VC) will see VC reinstated back into BW which is a further win for Jersey.

While the income or earnings side of BW reflects true market realities, we still believe the cost side of the equation is underestimating actual on farm costs. We are working hard to see the liveweight component of BW accurately reflect on farm economics. Liveweight is one of the more complex BW traits as it is 4 EVs within one – cow maintenance, replacement cost, cull cow proceeds and bobby calf proceeds. The sum of these makes up the LWT EV.

Cow maintenance costs have materially increased and Dairybase, and other sources of data, support that cow maintenance costs have followed milk price. It would be hard to find a farmer who would not agree that total feed costs have increased by more than the price of milk. The cost to rear a replacement has increased markedly over the last decade from $800-$900 per heifer to $1400-$1600 per heifer. Cull cow proceeds have crept up with inflation but at a lesser rate than milk price and the value of bobby calves has reduced as compliance and processing costs have eaten into residual carcass value. The value of premium beef calves has been flat as there are less dedicated calf rearers and the beef market has been flooded as more farmers use beef bulls to reduce pressure on bobby calf processing.

We have held meetings with both LIC and CRV over the past 4 months. We can’t expect an increase in bull team numbers, but outcomes from the Industry Working Group (IWG) for Genetic Gain’s report has supported our long-term arguments. A key point of this argument being genomics is resulting in below expected rates of genetic gain. This can be somewhat attributed to bull team numbers being reduced too early in the technology adoption. Farmers can expect some positive outcomes from the IWG report with the hope of the industry having one BW by 2025.

One BW and the Genetic Stakeholders Group

Following the recommendations from the IWG’s final report in July, stakeholders i.e. breeders, Federated Farmers and other breeding companies outside the LIC/CRV duopoly,

came together to establish the Genetic Stakeholders Group (GSG). The initial primary goal of the GSG is to represent its members and the wider dairy industry as we navigate the implementation of recommendations from the IWG collaboratively and within an acceptable time frame.

A new ‘Governance Group’, which is made up of LIC, CRV and DairyNZ has also now been established to put into practice the IWG recommendations. The Governance Group is looking to appoint an independent Chair for a two-year term, alongside a Project Manager.

The Governance Group is keen to provide clarity and transparency about this process to key stakeholders such as the GSG and will share more information about the work programme being commenced. The Governance Group recognise the technical expertise and experience the GSG possess and the contribution they have made to New Zealand’s dairy genetics sector to date. It will be important that the views of the GSG be taken into account in the relevant workstreams.

The work of the Genetic Stakeholder Group’s committee needs to be acknowledged and thanks given to the ongoing dedication of the team – Chair Philip Brewster, (Matriarch Genetics Limited and Jersey Advantage), Secretary Julie Pirie, (JerseyNZ), Warren Berry (Matriarch Genetics Limited), Owen Copinga (Holstein Friesian Association), Karl Deane (Federated Farmers), Craig McKimmie (Samen), Craig Robinson (World Wide Sires) and Roger Ellison (Jersey Advantage, JerseyNZ).

From the Environment Committee Chair: Rachel Short, Taranaki

Fonterra farmers have received their Dairy Insight reports for the 2023/24 season. These reports have shifted to a more accurate greenhouse gas model from AgResearch - the Agricultural Life Cycle Assessment (Ag:LCA). Under the old model, all herds were assumed to have cows weighing 500kg, and peak cow numbers on farm for the entire season. Under the new model livestock is based on breed mix, seasonal stock numbers, including young stock and wintering and this gives a more accurate livestock emissions number. A more accurate assessment is a positive move for those farming a smaller breed and a good opportunity to review how the new reporting has influenced the accounting of your greenhouse gas emissions.

Fonterra has never before invested so much in cow efficiency. Science and on farm data speaks for itself in support of Jersey genetics producing the most efficient dairy cow. Fonterra is spending a lot of time interpreting farmers’ own data and showing the lighter, browner, J 12 cross bred cow to be the most efficient

no matter the farm system. Consultants, some rural banks and leading large scale corporate farmers are also aligning with the efficiency message and placing greater focus on cow efficiency as they come to understand milk efficiency is closely related to emissions efficiency and profitability. We believe there has been a small shift toward using more J genetics this mating.

Banks across New Zealand are required by their Net-Zero Balance Alliance commitments to set dairy emission intensity reduction targets. This may restrict lending to the agriculture sector, however there is a parliamentary inquiry into rural banking underway. Given the current investment in cow efficiency, now is the time to raise awareness with lenders of the role that cow efficiency plays in reducing emissions.

Dairy Beef and Non-replacement Calves

Farmers are being encouraged to take up more dairy beef options in their mating programmes to reduce nonreplacement calves and improve the quality of the beef cross animal. Whilst this strategic intent is a positive for the industry and reducing non-replacement calves is a collective goal for all farmers to walk towards, it’s important to remain focused on breeding replacements for efficient milk production. Milk return is a necessary priority for our dairy businesses.

GENEZ Beef Semen Auction

Congratulation to the winners of the Genez Semen Auction: - Phil Brewster from Little River Jerseys - Jake Thomson of MooJuice Dairies Limited

Also sincere thanks to Ben Watson from GENEZ – Performance Genetics for Dairy Beef for the generous support in offering beef straws for Jersey Advantage to auction. Prior to launching his beef semen business, Ben looked after the Dairy beef and Non-replacement Calf portfolios for Jersey Advantage. It’s great that Ben has continued his support for the breed and Jersey Advantage. Many thanks for your generous support Ben.

Bull Fundraiser 2024

A special thank you to those who generously donated the proceeds from the sale of a Jersey bull during sale season. Your ongoing support is greatly appreciated by the Action Group and Trust Board.

Jersey Advantage Funding Model and Growth Options

The Trust Board has focused on this growth opportunity over the past few months, aligning our thinking on the grow options available. The number of dairy farms on the market around the country has increased and with interest rates on a downward trend, payout going up, the rain easing up and land drying out, the market is expected to be renewed in the coming months.

Donations and Bequeaths

For those lifelong Jersey farmers who have enjoyed the Jersey experience, and banked the financial benefits of Jerseys, next time you update your wills and expression of intent in how you would like your estate managed, please consider whether a bequeath to Jersey Advantage has merit. You may stipulate to Jersey Advantage Trustees the funds are gifted for Jersey Advantage farm investment, research or for scholarships for people development.

With Sympathy

It’s with sadness in our hearts that we acknowledge the passing of Colleen Bocock. Eric and Colleen are founding investors in Jerseyland Farms. Our thoughts are with Eric and family at this sad time.

Team Update

Our General Manager, Rachel Haskew has tended her resignation and will be moving on in the New Year. We’d like to thank Rachel for the hard work and determination she has brought to the role. She has built a comprehensive, advocacy-based work program and reestablished the Action Group and Committees and Jersey Advantage has benefited greatly from her leadership and high level of professionalism. Trustees are saddened to see her go and wish her all the best for her future endeavours.

Rachel Short (Chair of Environment Committee) has been appointed to the Dairy Environment Leaders National Committee, a DNZ levy funded forum that brings together farming leaders in the environmental space. She’s had her first meeting in Wellington and is keen to bring a focus on genetics and develop an understanding of how cow efficiency aligns with emissions efficiency. Rachel will be an advocate for the environmental benefits of the Jersey breed in this forum and it’s a great opportunity for her. Great work Rachel!

Are you passionate about the Jersey Breed, come and join our committees!

We’re looking for passionate, committed people to join our committees. The time commitment is manageable with your on-farm commitments as we have monthly Zoom meetings and attendance at industry meetings for some of the team. If you’re interested in getting involved, get in touch with Rachel, rachel@jerseyadvantage.co.nz

Support Jersey Advantage

Jersey Advantage is a not-for-profit organisation, founded and funded by farmers to promote the economic, environmental and animal welfare benefits of the Jersey breed.

To support us through the donation of a cull cow or cash donation please email rachel@jerseyadvantage.co.nz or click the Contact Us link on our website – jerseyadvantage.co.nz

Annual Conference 2025

1st - 3rd April 2025 - Save the Date!

Location: Hilton DoubleTree, Karaka

Planning is well underway for an exciting Conference to be held in South Auckland from Tuesday 1st April to Thursday 3rd April.

We are looking forward to hosting JerseyNZ members for yet another Conference that will be themed around ‘The Right Balance’. The Conference will bring together industry leaders and enthusiasts and will include interesting keynote speakers and a Fielday that will showcase the Jersey breed on Donald’s Farm.

Conference timings

The Conference this year, will be slightly different in terms of timing. The Conference will kick off at midday on the 1st of April and conclude in the afternoon of the 3rd. This schedule has been designed to help reduce costs for our members as only two nights of accommodation will be required. We’re excited to offer this streamlined event, while still delivering the same valuable content and experiences.

Accommodation

We will be blocking rooms at the DoubleTree Karaka Hotel in order to receive a reduced room rate for our group and rooms will be booked through the JerseyNZ office. Members will be expected to pay for their own accommodation upon arrival at the Hotel.

Hotel room charges will be as follows:

• King Guest Room - 2 people, including breakfast - $240.00

• King Guest Room - 1 person, including breakfast - $215.00

Make sure you save the date and stay tuned for registrations which will be available soon.

World Jersey Conference - Australia 2025 6th - 22nd April

For more information, please see visit the Jersey Australia website – jersey.com.au

ELLISON JERSEYS

Vagabond of Oaklands

Brampton Dreaming Sam is widely regarded (and rightly so) as the greatest Jersey bull imported into New Zealand. However when he was imported among a group of bulls, the breeder he was intended for took one look at him and rejected him. It wasn’t until after his progeny showed their class that he became a household name. Until then no one had really heard of him.

No, the bull who was imported as the most famous was one, Vagabond of Oaklands. Born in 1929, he was imported from Jersey Island to the Brampton herd in Canada where he was offered for sale as Lot one on Saturday 19th of July in 1930 at the Brampton Jerseys Summer Auction of imported show cattle. Vagabond was only allowed to be bought by Brampton as his breeder had two older half-brothers in use. Brampton, owned by the Bull family, at the time was the greatest herd of Jerseys on the planet with over 800 head of Jerseys on their 1200 acre farm in Brampton, Canada. Brampton had been importing animals from Jersey Island since 1913 and supplied great bulls and cows to the rest of the world, many coming to New Zealand.

The Oaklands herd on Jersey Island needed no introduction to the Jersey world being known as the most premier elite breeding herd in all the world at that time and quite possibly of all time since. Owned by Mr Perree, the Oaklands herd was later sold as a complete herd to Brampton. All of these animals making their way to Canada by ship.

Anyway, Vagabond was listed as Lot one in the 1930 sale befitting his blue blood pedigree. His dam, Valley Daisy (pictured above), regarded as one of the most beautiful cows of the breed, won the young cow class (68 entries) and was Supreme Champion at the May 1928 Jersey All Island Royal Show and also Supreme Champion cow overall Jersey in August 1928. Daisy was twice Champion overall Jersey, no mean feat in those days as the Island made most of its money from selling show Jerseys around the world. Her older son Valiant of Oaklands, was 1st prize two year old and Champion of the St Saviour Parish Sweepstakes and was Champion bull of Gronville and St. Saviour parishes, 1930. Daisy was sired by the immortal You’ll Do’s Volunteer, one of the most famous sires of the breed of all time with numerous show wins and

sire of many high producing cows and show winning progeny. His sons included Dreaming Sam, the sire of our Brampton Dreaming Sam. Vagabond’s sire Royal Jester was 1st prize two year old bull at the St Saviour parish Show in 1928. Jester’s sire was Design’s Fern Oxford, another destined to go down in history as one of the greats.

So, to the sale. Mr E Griffiths of Taranaki, New Zealand, a well known importer of Jerseys to New Zealand, paid an incredible price of $4000 to secure Vagabond for Taranaki. This is equal to about $75,000 in 2024 NZ$ and at the time was one of the highest prices paid anywhere in the world for any Jersey animal. To understand this clearer in today’s world of online sales where you can watch (and bid) on a sale anywhere in the world as it happens, this was 1930. The sale catalogue alone had to come to NZ in a ship, and the letters back and forth would mostly take a month each way. The logistics of even bidding on an animal from NZ to Canada are incredible to todays internet, instant world. Then the bull had to be shipped from Canada to New Zealand, his second long sea voyage in two years.

Arriving in New Zealand, Vagabond stood at the Barton stud owned by Mr Griffiths, Fitzroy, New Plymouth. He was used there and for special matings in several other local herds. Vagabond was sold in the 1935 Barton dispersal sale for 310 guineas ($14,500 2024 NZ$) to Mr Heapy at a time when prices were very low because of the Great Depression. Many lots in the sale making under 10 Guineas. Vagabond was Champion bull at the New Plymouth and Stratford A & P Shows and Reserve Champion bull at the New Zealand Royal Show in Auckland.

Vagabond became a Champion Butterfat Bull (C.B.B) the highest honor that a sire in New Zealand could receive. His daughters included Hupenui Opal HC 900 lb fat at 5 years, Woodlands Valley Daisy 605 lb fat at 3 years, Daisy Fern CP 612 lb fat, Pinewoods Valley Daisy VHC, CP 554 lb at 2 years and won seven first prizes at Shows (pictured) and Pinewoods Anella, three first prizes.

Pinewoods Valley Daisy

Pinewoods Valley Daisey

Cliff Shearer

His most famous daughter was Barton Bangle sold at the dispersal sale as a calf for 26.5 guineas and she in turn had the most famous set of twins in New Zealand Jersey history namely Glenmore Flashlight Bib and Glenmore Flashlight Bub. To begin to list the descendants of just two cows would fill a very large book but within a few short generations they had made their mark on herds such as Glenmore, Big Hollow, Tarnhowe,

Brookdale, Cedar Lodge, Beledene, Primley, Fairway and Madeley Park. A few generations later and most of the early AI sires in New Zealand carried several crosses of Vagabond blood and it would be impossible to find a pedigree Jersey in the country now without many crosses of Vagabond of Oaklands blood. A sire whose pre sale hype was lived up to and then some.

RAS Centenary 1924 - 2024

The Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand has celebrated agriculture and New Zealand’s rural lifestyle and communities since 1924. They are taking an opportunity to spend 2024 celebrating the formation of the membership body that supports New Zealand’s A & P, breed and kindred members as they showcase rural excellence.

A special part of their celebrations has been to provide members (including JerseyNZ) with a special one-off centenary medal to keep as a momento or to present to someone.

Thousands of our members have been involved with showing stock, administration of A & P Shows and service to the Royal Agricultural Society since the Association was formed in 1902. The JerseyNZ Board has therefore made the decision to accept the medal on behalf of all JerseyNZ members, past and present, who have exhibited at A & P Shows over the past century. The medal now takes pride of place in our trophy cabinet.

JerseyNZ Board, members and staff extend our warmest congratulations to the Royal Agricultural Society on achieving this significant milestone.

Showcasing Rural Excellence

Sale Results

Premier Cattle Company Ltd

Pursuit of Perfection Sale

Derek & Catherine Hayward, Cambridge 27th September 2024 | Hybrid, On Farm and Online

A total of 32 registered Jerseys were sold at the ‘Pursuit of Perfection’ sale in late September at the property of Derek & Catherine Hayward in Cambridge, renowned for their exceptional conformation, outstanding production and longevity.

The total average for Jerseys was $3,527, with the top-priced animal, the 6-year-old Premier Sweet Tequila EX, going for $6,000.

YOUR STUD

DAIRY SPECIALISTS

GET IN TOUCH TO DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS TODAY

Premier Sweet Tequila EX

Link LivestockLTD Update

Greetings to you all. Well spring has sprung again, and while it appears most of the North Island has had a good as spring as we have seen for a while, my thoughts are with those of you in the deep south who have had the opposite! I read a line from someone…….Southland might get you down, but it won’t let you down. So here’s hoping its all upwards from here on in.

The last 15 months have been challenging enough for us at Link, as it has been for all livestock companies. There are a number of factors involved, including tight cashflows, fewer farm sales, resulting in less herd movements, and regardless of opinions on the subject, live exports (or the lack thereof) has had quite an impact on stock company’s bottom lines.

On a more positive note, Link were involved in a number of larger value 1 June transactions, and had a very successful autumn on the auction front. I personally took great satisfaction from the JAYDEE FARM spring herd on farm auction, for a number of reasons. Firstly they were longtime clients and friends, but also this was the first time we had put up our new auction marquee in the Waikato. This auction was very successful, with 25 purchasers, of which 18 were first time users of Link!

Our whole team was involved, including directors Trent, Alison & Jeff and it really did show that Link can run an on farm auction as good as any company out there. I am very proud of the progress Link has made in this space over the last couple of years, where we can now offer the complete auction package, including the multi talented admin team of Lisa & Shevorne producing catalogues in house.

More recently, we held the 6th Annual LYNRICH Jersey bull auction, which was a huge success, even on a strong bull market.

I look forward to meeting/catching up with you all in the near future, but in the meantime, call anyone of the Link agents to discuss any livestock requirements, or feel free to contact myself, for any livestock needs, or just a good chinwag! My phone is always on!

All the Best, Stew

Stewart Cruickshank | 027 270 5288

scruickshank@linklivestock.co.nz

Jerseyland Farms Update

by Julie Pirie

It’s been an incredibly tough calving period for farmers in Otago and Southland. The good autumn and winter meant wetter than normal soil conditions. Relentless rain through September and October has and continues to mean conditions not experienced in most farmer’s lifetimes.

In the June Focus I reported that the season had been set up well – with good cow condition and pasture cover. This helped through the early stages of the season, with production well on target for the 240,000 kgMS budgeted, and 40 percent above last year. The farm is still up year to date – 9000 kgMS, but is currently 6 percent behind October last year.

Tim Dawkins has provided invaluable support for Rachel and Dyllan. Despite the challenges, those on farm are remaining optimistic, and have been proactive in looking for solutions. An abundance of balage in the Southland region has helped –with Jerseyland Farms purchasing 500 bales to keep cows fed. Palm Kernal has also been purchased.

Looking forward, the focus moves to getting cows back in calf. Cow condition is below optimum, but cow intakes are increasing as pasture utilisation improves with better weather. The decision to start AB a couple of days earlier than planned will help maintain the mean calving date.

Full credit must go to the team on farm. The flood last year was a major upset at the time, but they have faced even tougher conditions this year, not only due to weather, but also with vacuum issues in the shed, which should be resolved now, but have been incredibly frustrating.

The Board is currently working through the decision of the Gibson family to sell their investment. This is being resolved by a transfer to the remaining partners of the 10% interest and 120 shares. We are also required to meet Fonterra’s share standard with some shares purchased to date.

In early November Rodney Dobson, Tim and I will look over the farm to assess and pasture damage and look at options to improve the on-farm situation. No doubt the weather will play the biggest part, but being able to show support to the on-farm team is a priority.

-Jerseyland Farms Investors

JerseyNZ gratefully acknowledges the following members who have supported the JerseyNZ investment in Jerseyland Farms through a donation and/or the provision of an interest free loan to JerseyNZ.

Pirie Farms Ltd

Fyvie Meadows Ltd

Lower Waikato Jersey Club

R & G Ellison

Lynbrook Farm Ltd

Goreland Partnership

Te Awamutu Jersey Club

R & E Riddell

E & S Smeath

R H & J Potts

P & S Ingram

Ede Investments Ltd

Jersey Focus Survey Results

In early September, JerseyNZ sent a survey out to all members asking for their opinion on the Jersey Focus. We had a great response to this and overall, the feedback was very positive. Warren Berry was the winner of our prize draw, congratulations!

Below, you will find a collations of the results. These will help us to shape the content in the Focus going forward.

If you were a member who indicated they would like to contribute material to the Focus, please get in touch with us! We are always looking for new and different content. You can email Jackie at jkennedy@jersey.org.nz

We encourage members to advertise in the Jersey Focus in order to sustain the rapidly increasing print costs. From 2025, the magazine will be going back to being published in March and September, we encourage members to take this opportunity to begin advertising their studs again. We believe this form of advertising is a very cost-effective way of promoting your Jersey business.

members responded to the Jersey Focus survey

of respondents read every issue enjoy reading the Sales Results

enjoy reading Jersey-related updates such as JerseyGenomeTM and Jersey Future

69 84% 62.5% 56.5% 72.4% 65.2% 68.1% 91.3%

of members considered the Club Reports to be important in the Focus

Members enjoy reading MEMBER PROFILES and BREEDING AND GENETICS articles the most 66.6% of members think its important to include Competition results

of members consider Youth feature articles to be important in the Focus

of members prefer a print version of the magazine. Due to increasing print costs, we rely heavily on members advertising to sustain a print version of the magazine

of members were very satisfied or satisfied with the current content in the Jersey Focus

Kimberly Simmons embarks on journey to Royal Agriculture University in the UK

Kimberley Simmons is in her second year of a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) at Lincoln University (LU) and has taken on new opportunities by participating in an international exchange programme. Kimberley was selected for the Professor Barry Dent Scholarship and exchange programme, which alternates each semester by sending a student from Lincoln University to the Royal Agriculture University (RAU) and vice versa. Kimberley was honoured to be selected to spend six months studying at the RAU.

Kimberley has embraced her overseas experience and says “I’ve now been here for one month and already made so many unforgettable memories with new friends”. She has taken in many sights and explored London; visiting Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the British Museum. Kimberley also visited the Cotswolds, immersing herself in the beautiful landscape and historic architecture.

In February, Kimberley will return to New Zealand to complete her final year at Lincoln University and she’s enthusiastic about

applying her newly gained knowledge in her career in agriculture.

Kimberley’s time at the RAU reflects her dedication to pursuing her future career in agriculture. We look forward to hearing more of her experiences on her return.

Jerseys come ‘full circle’ as dream being realised

Article by Shawn McAvinue, Rural Life Imagery by Shawn McAvinue and Olivia Gunn

Central Southland dairy farmers Phil Garaway and Olivia Gunn are set to sell their first line of pedigree Jersey bulls. The couple talk to Shawn McAvinue about breeding a better cow and achieving their dream of farm ownership.

A couple are realising their dream of running a herd of pedigree Jersey cows on a dairy farm in Central Southland.

Dairy farmers Phil Garaway and Olivia Gunn milk cows at Brooklands Dairies, on the Oreti Plains, near Winton.

Ms Gunn said she was realising a girlhood dream of farming in the district.

Born and raised on a sheep and beef farm in Te Anau, she had fond memories of family trips to Invercargill and her father Graeme Gunn telling her Winton was “the land of milk and honey”.

“The aim was always to find something around here to farm.”

Mr Garaway said he was raised on a dairy farm in the Bay of Plenty and had always was wanted to own, breed and milk a Jersey herd.

As a contract milker, your main job was to milk and maintain the value of the cows and often breeding decisions were made by the farm owners, Mr Garaway said.

“I’ve been dairy farming all my life, but always milking someone else’s cows,” he said.

When he heard Ashvale Jerseys stud owners Rodney and Jocelyn Dobson were selling their herd in Western Southland, he “pulled out all the stops” to buy 400 of

About 300 crossbred cows, left, get set to depart as 210 pedigree Jersey cows arrive at Brooklands Dairies in Central Southland in June last year.

The Dobsons annual bull sale regularly fetched the highest average price for any dairy breed in New Zealand.

Mr Garaway and Ms Gunn bought 210 cows and 90 heifers in June last year and about 100 of Mr Dobson’s 2022-born heifers in May this year.

“For a female line, you can’t ask for anything better,” Mr Garaway said.

A target has been set for Brooklands to one day run about 700 pedigree Jerseys, which would make it one of the biggest Jersey studs in New Zealand, Mr Garaway said.

Brooklands Dairies had a strong link to the Dobson family as they had a business relationship with Rodney’s late brother John for nine years.

Before John converted Brooklands to a dairy farm, Rodney sent his heifers there to graze in the late 1990s.

During their stay on Brooklands, the herd won a Western Southland on-farm heifer competition.

Now progeny of those heifers lived on Brooklands.

“It feels like it has gone full circle,” Ms Gunn said.

Their daughters, Annabelle, 8, and Emily, 6, hope to continue the winning way by showing their Jersey cattle at Calf Club.

farm at Bell Hill on the West Coast in 2005. She was a technician and he was a farm manager.

The couple moved east to run two Pāmu farms in Canterbury for a year.

“We worked really hard and did a good job, so we thought ‘why aren’t we doing this for ourselves’,” Ms Gunn said.

They began contract milking a herd of mostly Holstein Friesian cows on Brooklands from the 2008-09 season.

John and Lindy Dobson owned half of the farm and a syndicate of five investors owned an equal share of the rest of the farm business.

Mr Garaway and Ms Gunn bought 10% of the business in 2010 and the five shareholders shared a 40% split.

The five shareholders wanted out and were bought out in 2015.

A new ownership structure had Mr Garaway and Ms Gunn owning 25%, Mr Garaway’s parents owning 5% and the John and Lindy Dobson increasing their shareholding to cover the rest.

Ms Gunn said she would be forever grateful to the Dobsons for investing more in Brooklands at the twilight of their farming career, which allowed them to stay on the farm, which they had worked hard to improve.

“It wasn’t in their best financial interest to buy back when the market was high, but we had developed such a great relationship with them they just wanted to farm with us. They are awesome people.”

Lindy now lives in Winton and John passed away in 2017 after battling cancer, Ms Gunn said.

“He was a fantastic community man and family man and a good insightful farmer, who was excellent to bounce ideas off and really good when you were low, because he had seen it before. He always had support to offer. He was an excellent mentor for us and cancer is just a b******,” Ms Gunn said.

The Dobson family sold their share of the farm in May this year and now Mr Garaway and Ms Gunn own about 70% of Brooklands Dairies.

Mr Garaway said he had previously bought Jersey bulls from Ashvale Jerseys to put over the black and white cows he milks in a bid to produce a smaller and more efficient animal.

The introduction of new genetics created a crossbred herd in the top 5% of the best producers in Southland and the top 10% nationally.

“No matter how good that herd was, it was only ever going to be a herd of crossbred cows,” he said.

The path of Mr Garaway and Ms Gunn to farming at Brooklands began when they met working on a Pāmu dairy

Dairy farmers Olivia Gunn and Phil Garaway and some of their Jersey calves on Brooklands Dairies on the Oreti Plains.

These rising 1-year-old Jersey bulls will be auctioned next month.

A plan was to retain some of the better crossbred cows and sell the rest to make room for more pedigree Jerseys.

Ms Gunn said a Jersey cow had “a lighter footprint and can still do the milksolids”.

They like to have full control of their animal’s health and the feed provided to them.

“We like feeding stock well, looking after pastures and he’s just mad on the genetics side,” Ms Gunn said, looking at Mr Garaway.

Up to 1400 bales of baleage was made on farm to ensure they had quality feed to give the cows.

“I like seeing stock fat and fed,” Ms Gunn said.

The paddocks required to make the baleage meant they ran fewer cows, but that helped to get through when dry conditions were biting.

Calving started on July 18.

“We were only dried off for three weeks so we are lucky to have understanding staff,” Ms Gunn said.

Up to 350 calves would be reared this season.

All of the Jersey pedigree bulls would be sold, she said.

“You could sell them three times over.”

The couple were offering 34 rising 1-year-old pedigree Jersey bulls on Bidr on October 7.

An online auction appealed because it was a busy enough on the farm and they lacked the time and facilities to hold an on-farm sale, she said.

“We can’t be everywhere at once.”

Selling the pedigree bulls meant fewer bobby calves were being put on the truck.

“We have very low wastage.”

The wastage was expected to fall further as the pedigree Jersey numbers increased, which pleased everyone connected to Brooklands including shareholders in Queenstown.

Smart technology, such as smart collars, did not feature on farm, Ms Gunn said.

“We are pretty hands-on and low tech.”

People told them their 25-year-old milking shed was too small and should be replaced.

“It still does the job and it is cheap to run,” she said.

Improvements on the farm since arriving included increasing the herd size from 600 to 680, installing an underpass and upgrading the effluent system.

A herd of Jersey heifers in a shelter on a run-off block of Brooklands Dairies, in Winton.

A herd of rising 1-year-old Jersey bulls to be offered by Brooklands Dairies in an online auction next month.

Ms Gunn said fencelines had been shifted and waterlines renewed.

“It is basically a whole new farm and it functions so much better.”

They thanked their parents, Karen and Dennis Garaway, of Winton, and Joy and Graeme Gunn, of Te Anau, for being guarantors as they progressed in the dairy industry and installing a solid work ethic in both of them.

“They taught us how to work hard,” Ms Gunn said.

A couple of seasons ago on Brooklands Dairies, each cow produced more than 500kgMS on average.

The target was now about 480kgMS because it was more profitable because it required spending less on inputs.

“We don’t chase solids per cow because this farm has to pay a dividend and be profitable — that’s our focus,” Mrs Gunn said. A target was breeding an efficient Jersey cow which produces

DATES TO REMEMBER

between 1.1kg to 1.3kg of milksolids per 1kg of liveweight, Ms Gunn said.

“To get that sort of production out of a small animal is why we think they are fantastic.”

Article written by Shawn McAvinue

Photos taken by Shawn McAvinue & Olivia Gunn

Jersey NZ | Get all of the Jersey NZ updates, reminders and general Jersey business on our Facebook

Annual Conference - South Auckland

Autumn TOP applications close Ian Harris Memorial Heifer Competitionherd data deadline

Good Friday - Office closed

Easter Monday - Office closed ANZAC Day - Office closed JerseyNZ Hall

booking deadline

Obituaries

It is with deep regret and profound sadness we record the passing of the following members, previous members and friends of Jersey NZ.

June Ferguson - FERDON - Waikato

Mark Young - GAYDENE - Waikato

Gloria Tosland - LEXLAND - Taranaki

Colleen Bocock - MERRIDOWNS - Waikato

Barry Tippett - TE AWHATA - Taranaki

Obituaries will be printed in the Jersey Focus where they are provided by members. Where the obituary is not provided by the family, permission has been sought from the family prior to print.

The Calf Expert, an automated calf feeder made by German company Holm & Laue, is sturdy, easy to operate, and produces healthy, strong calves thanks to the individual mixing and hygienic preparation of the milk diet.

Contact your local product expert, Mike Jenkins on 027 228 3396 to learn more.

• Three Generation Pedigrees

• TOP (Traits Other than Production)

• Registrations

• Workshops

• Judging

• Herd promotion

• Competitions

• Regular newsletters

SCHOLARSHIP FUND ROLL OF HONOUR SERVICES OFFERED TO MEMBERS

1992 Te Awamutu Jersey Club

• Bi-annual magazine

• Scholarship assistance

• Youth programmes

• Governance Development Programme

• Genetic gain programmes JerseyGenomeTM & Jersey Future

• Judges Policy Group

• Publicised herd recognitions

D E & F S Black

Manawatu Jersey Club

2002 Link Livestock Ltd

JERSEYNZ THANKS YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO THIS FUND.

Regional Ambassadors

Thank you to Don Shaw - Regional AmbassadorWaikato

JerseyNZ would like to extend our thanks to Don Shaw for his commitment as a Regional Ambassador since the programme began in 2018.

Don’s support for the Jersey farming community has helped drive our mission and inspire fellow farmers. Don’s knowledge and experience in the TOP and the genetics field has seen him share this information with current and potential members.

As Don steps down, we invite anyone interested in becoming an Ambassador, in any region of the country, to reach out to the office. It’s a great opportunity to represent and support our Jersey community. For more information, please contact Jackie at the JerseyNZ office.

Our Regional Ambassadors work on a voluntary basis and follow the guidelines below:

• Provide a two-way communication between the JerseyNZ Board of Directors, JerseyNZ Membership and Jersey Clubs in their respective region

• Provide a presence representing JerseyNZ at regional industry events and Jersey Club events

• Promote breed relevance within the industry while representing JerseyNZ

• Approach prospective new members in their respective regions

Jersey NZ Regional Ambassadors 2024

Convenor: Northland: Graeme Collins 027 426 1172 / 09 423 7058 waiteitei243@gmail.com

Team:

Waikato: Des Hickey 027 450 9346 / 07 828 5902 2deshickey@gmail.com

Taranaki: Tony Luckin 027 540 0130 / 06 752 4192 leithlea@xtra.co.nz

Lower North Island: Karen Fitzgerald 027 408 0098 / 06 329 3224 karenfitz@xtra.co.nz

Upper South Island: Brian Nesbit 027 225 9969 / 03 525 9969 chardonnay.nz@gmail.com

Upper South Island Ted Ford 027 444 2805 / 03 544 2805 westbourne@xtra.co.nz

Canterbury: Robert Hall 027 431 8610 / 03 348 8406 8raro8@gmail.com

“Regional Ambassadors can empower individuals to make informed decisions, encouraging them to take charge of their own journeys.”

Purpose:

To be the face of JerseyNZ on farm and in the field

To support members and potential members of JerseyNZ

To represent and advocate for the work of JerseyNZ and hold to the highest standard, the purpose and values of the organisation

Te Aroha Jersey Club June Report

It has been a while since we reported, so apologies to those who may have been looking out for it!

We gathered for a social catch up at the Morrinsville Top Pub in November for a chat.

In December we had our Type and Production competition judged by Lloyd Wilson who stepped in at the very last minute due to unforeseen circumstances for our nominated judge. A very big thank you Lloyd!

Results:

Winning Combined Score (type and production): Fowlie Family Best Type Score: Brad Pickett

Highest Score Individual: Fynreath Maverick Cuddle - Fowlie Family

In February we held our On-Farm Show which was judged over 2 days. The classes were quite exceptional in numbers and quality, with new members Noah Dibble and Craig & Kelsey Zydenbos entering too.

Our judge was Ryan Lett from Semex who gave great feedback on the classes while giving the results. The presentation BBQ was held at our President’s house which was a very good social event (full results are available from our Secretary).

Results:

Junior Champion: Gayleywood Light Delta - Wallace Family Reserve Junior Champion: Classy Lightn Dainty - Loren Osborne Champion: Mersey Numan Sienfeld - Rick & Claire Jones Reserve Champion: Greenacres Joel Freda - Brad Pickett

herd. A few of us made it along to view an outstanding herd (Okura cows) that are getting bulls into AB companies.

President - Rick Jones - 022 353 0842

Secretary - Marian Wallace - 027 297 6668

Media/Publicity - Graham Wallace - 027 592 6487

new initiative the club has been involved with is the East Waikato Jersey focus group which is being run by Dairy NZ. This had a starting event at Chad & Jan Winke’s at Walton with a great turn out hearing about their new farm purchase and plan for differing calving/ mating regimes.

A second event occurred at Brad Pickett’s with a look at his Smart shelters, system and cows, with consideration for cow breeding and what makes a good cow led by Corey Ferguson.

We would like to welcome all our new members, notably the addition of Ella Pirie. It has been really great to see these members get involved in our social media and competitions. We welcome anybody interested to come along, please contact Rick.

Also we must celebrate the success that our group has had in the regional and national Semex On-Farm Competition. Pirie farms, R&C Jones and Gayley Wood Farms (Wallace family).

It has been great to see our President at our events, even though she is very busy.

TE AROHA - JUNE ARTICLE

This Te Aroha Article was submitted to be released in the JUNE FOCUS. A mistake in production led to this news piece being missed in the final proof. We acknowledge this error and would like to apologise to the Te Aroha Jersey club.

In early March, our club was invited to join the Te Awamutu club on a farm walk at the ‘Maharee’

Results BBQ at Rick Jones’ home

Lloyd Wilson judging the Type and Production competition

Ryan Lett and Rick Jones relaxing

Te Aroha Jersey Club Report

Since our last news, the club has held our AGM and had a planning meeting where a lot of discussion was had on the Te Aroha A&P show (which will have occurred by the time this gets read). The club and members will put sponsorships together to attract more entries.

We managed to get a herd visit in June at new members Michelle & Robbie Hunter in Matamata. They are autumn calvers, so cows were viewed in-milk with the sun shining brightly to help them show themselves.

President - Rick Jones - 022 353 0842

Secretary - Marian Wallace - 027 297 6668

Media/Publicity - Graham Wallace - 027 592 6487

A small turnout heard how they started the herd and plans to develop it. The Hunters did well in the Semex competition last year too.

We look forward to our events for spring and summer.

We would like anyone in our East/North Waikato area who is interested in joining us to contact us. A welcome awaits.

Te Awamutu Jersey Club Report

The Te Awamutu Jersey Club holds regular meetings and various activities, aiming to include family friendly events and encourage juniors. We cover a wide geographical region and welcome visitors, new members and neighbouring Jersey Club members also. It was great to have the Club well represented at the very successful JerseyNZ Conference held at the Novotel, Rotorua,14 to16 May. The following is a summary of activities since the June Jersey Focus publication. We marked the conclusion of the 23-24 season with some key Club activities.

The May 20th AGM EVENING saw the following office holders elected: President; Richard Adam, Junior Vice President; Aaron Courage, Secretary; Shirley Hamilton, Treasurer; Pauline Adam, Patron; Don Shaw, Committee; Ron Hamilton, Marion Johnson, Paul Johnson, Tony McAllister, Piet Wisse, Roger Ellison, Glenys Ellison.

The annual BOWLS EVENING against the local Friesian Breeders Group on May 29 was well organised by John and Anne Ellis. The Jersey Club members came out winners on the night! The idea of the annual event was instigated in 1993 by the late Phil Rye of the Friesian Club and has been played every year except 2020 when Covid put a stop to it.

The PRODUCTION AWARDS EVENING in June is known as the OSCOWS because it celebrates the stars in our herds. It was well attended and all age groups were represented at the very enjoyable dinner held at the Te Awamutu Workingman’s Club. A full list of Oscows results can be found on our Facebook page.

President - Richard Adam

Secretary - Shirley Hamilton

Herd Visits Co-ordinator - Aaron Courage

Media/Publicity - Glenys Ellison

The Club also presented Glenys Ellison with flowers and a copy of the CENTENNIAL BOOK, in appreciation of her work on this project. This Centennial year project was fortunate to have some industry sponsorship (LIC, CRV, ST Genetics, Link Livestock, and JerseyNZ) to go towards printing costs. The Club part funded this also, and Rosetown Printing/ Kale Print were our printers. The book provides a comprehensive record of 100 years of our Club history, trophies and competition results, and member stories, totalling 208 pages with colour photos throughout. A small number of copies are still available to members and others at $35 each.

The 2024-25 season is underway with several interesting and well attended HERD VISITS. Thanks to Aaron for organising these. In July we visited Aaron, Jerushah and Ariel Courage of SHARON’S JERSEYS. Aaron gave an informative review of their second year as 50:50 sharemilkers and we enjoyed lunch provided by STgenetics. The winter milking portion of the herd was viewed; we all enjoyed the beautiful morning and passed the hill walk challenge.

Sean and Michelle Good of THORNWOOD JERSEYS hosted our September HEIFER VIEWING DAY. The very quiet heifers represented a wide range of sires and made for an informative day. Sean and Michelle have several bull breeding cow families and these were represented among the heifers viewed. The weather gods were kind to us and it made for an enjoyable catchup after the busy springtime.

The Jeyes Family of MANOR JERSEYS hosted our October Club outing to view the 140 Jersey cow content of their 650 cow herd. Tom, Ruth and Thomas Jeyes are 50/50 Sharemilking a short way out of Te

Kuiti on 225ha effective rolling to steep land with only 4 flat paddocks. The longest walk to the cowshed is 3km. The Jeyes family also enjoy showing cows and this season are moving to all overseas genetics.

Contact us:

Richard Adam - President richardpaulineadam@gmail.com - 027 751 2411

Shirley Hamilton - Secretary drumclog@farmside.co.nz - 0211627675

The next event on our Club calendar is the CLASSIC SHOW to be held at the Kihikihi Showgrounds on the 20th of November. More information available from Richard Adam or Shirley Hamilton. Watch our Facebook page for updates also.

Aaron Courage - Herd Visits Co-ordinator aaronbcourage@hotmail.co.nz

Glenys Ellison - Media/Publicity glen.rog@xtra.co.nz

Te Awamutu Jersey Club

Advertisers Index

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Link Livestock

The Hoofman

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To book your advertisement for the next Jersey Focus, email: info@jersey.org.nz

Have a yarn or see us at:

290 Tristram Street, Hamilton 3240

PO Box 1132, Hamilton 3240

07 856 0731

www.jersey.org.nz

info@jersey.org.nz

@jerseynz

@jersey_nz

Next issue: MARCH 2025

Deadlines:

Bookings for advertisements 7 February 2025

Material for advertisements 14 February 2025

Subscriptions:

Published March and September of every year.

Subscriptions are $60.00 plus GST per annum or $100.00 NZD for overseas subscribers.

Free to JerseyNZ members. contact info@jersey.org.nz for more

In My Opinion:

We invite your contributions In My Opinion. Not all contributions will necessarily be published and the Editor reserves the right to edit articles for publication and to have the right of reply on any issues raised. All informed comment (letters and articles) will be considered for publications.

The Editor Reserves the Right:

To accept, amend or reject any advertisements, editorial or article submitted for publication. While every effort will be made to publish advertisements as ordered, no responsibility is taken for the failure of an advertisement to appear as ordered or for any errors or omissions in the printed copy.

Opinions expressed by editorial contributors or claims made in advertisements are not necessarily those of The Jersey FOCUS, General Manager and Board of JerseyNZ.

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