December 2009: issue 60 NZHCS Highland News

December 2009

Issue 60

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Are proud to host the ‌...

2009 International Highland Cattle Virtual Show Entries have now closed— but go to

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to view photos and winners Next show starting early 2010 Thank you to our sponsors: Page 2

- Highland News - November 2009 - Issue 60

What’s been happening…..Area reports From the North Report by Doug Sheldon The Bull Assessment day on 19 September was an exciting event, being the first one in the North Island, and close enough for the Northland people to attend – and some took the opportunity to do so. While there are things we would improve upon for future events like this, we felt it was a huge success, with grateful thanks due to Ginni Alexander and her willing helpers, along with those who took a more official part in the day.

We had a successful field day at Jerri and Bev Hawkins’ home in Waitoki during October, and welcomed a number of our Counties/ Manukau friends. A Christmas function to be hosted by Phil and Chris McCarthy will be held on 29 November at Waipu to wrap up 2009. It’s been a very busy one with the AGM during the first half, and then finishing with two functions. We hope 2010 will be a fun, informative and social year.

Counties Manukau Report by Ginni Alexander With the North Is bull assessment day behind us Martin and I decided it was about time we had a club get together. We decided on a very basic introduction to the management of cattle. We have a number of newer members so on Nov. 2nd we met at my yards. We discussed & demonstrated ear tagging, castration & handling. We also talked about dehorning & the different methods available. I think that for people who have never owned cattle before this is all important information.

display is a great hit particularly with the children. Once again the yearling bull was plaited all over by some of the young girls.

Highlands are currently being prepared for the Waikato show which is being held on the 1st November and there will be a report in the next newsletter.

South of the North Report By Ewen Grant We had an early spring but now in October back into the depths of winter.

A highly successful mid winter dinner was held to thank Anne Wright and Robert McMillan for all the work they have done for the club over many years.

An educational field day was held in the Wairarapa at the Kintore Fold of Stewart and Di McGrigors. Anne Bell, immediate past president of the Feilding I A & P Ass. tutored an interested group on the finer points of showing animals, ringcraft etc. Her immense knowledge was willing given with assistance from husband Des. Members from this area also journeyed to Auckland for the National Bull Assessment Training day, well attended, very worthwhile & most enjoyable.

Our best wishes to the Stratford A & P Ass. for their forthcoming November Centennial Show.

We adjourned to my house for a shared meal & further discussion. Stu Pinny from Wealleans, Karaka - our local fertiliser expert -gave us a really informative talk on the importance & advantages of fertilising in language we all understood. It was good to catch up with old friends & welcome new members. Some of us will be doing battle at the Clevedon show on Nov 15th -good luck. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas.

Waikato Regional Report by Ian Blanchard It only seems like yesterday when we completed the last show season yet here we are again preparing cattle for this years show season. To all of you who do show then good luck, but most of all enjoy yourselves and the camaraderie of fellow breeders regardless of breed.

Since the last Council meeting there has been a get-together at Errol & Netta Clark’s new property at Waihi Beach where Errol’s new yards and cattle head bail were on display. There was a good turnout and everybody enjoyed themselves.

Waikato/Bay of Plenty was well represented at the recent Bull Assessment training day in south Auckland. Several newer members took the opportunity to learn about structure of beef cattle and the reason why certain aspects are of greater importance than others. Thanks to Ginni Alexander for the use of her property and to Doug Sheldon for his organisation. The turnout far exceeded expectations and in future we may need to limit numbers.

Bull assessments are completed in our area and thanks to Judy Smyth, Tommy Andrews and David Humphrey for their continued efforts. It is quite noticeable the experience these people have gained over the years.

There were Highland cattle on display at the recent Matamata A & P show. Although there is no Beef section, putting them on

Canterbury Westland Area Report by Cynthia Christie On the 13th September the local branch held a beef structural field day at the Austins Shorthorn Stud, Albury South Canterbury. This had been postponed from June and just as well because the weather was awful on the original day and perfect on the 13th.

Bill & Judy Austin have breed Shorthorn cattle for many years and although the stud is now in the capable hand of their son they maintain a large interest in cattle breeding. Bill has qualified as a beef structural assessor and also has an ultrasound scanning business.

Bill used a selection of his own shorthorns to describe the desirable structural attributes that all breeders should be aspiring to achieve in their herds. At the start of the day we were asked to score these cows best to worst and then with Bill guided us through the beef structural score sheets using these animals as “guinea pigs”.

We then scored another group of cows using our new found knowledge. While some of us Highland News - November 2009 - Issue 60 -

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didn't do too badly the first time it was very beneficial to have some objective standards to work from and have an understanding of what other breeds have done over the years to achieve gains within their herds.

Our group asked some very probing questions and there was very good discussion surrounding how as breeders we can work on improving the quality of animals within our own herds.

We then retired to a local restaurant in Timaru for some social interaction and more discussion.

A great day and a big thank you to those who took part (some travelling from south of the Waitaki, we even had a Simmental breeder join us for the day) and especially the Austins for their time and effort.

The organizing committee for the South Island Show also met prior to the field day and things are well underway for the 2010 event at Oamaru in February.

The show handlers field day planned for October was postponed.

Hopefully we can get this underway in the near future.

Our next activity is a St Andrews Day Celebration Dinner on 28th November. We are gathering at Gorg Spiteri's restaurant for some good food and conversation.

Dear editor Having sent out a flyer in the last magazine regarding our Harmony beef project I would like to thank the N Z Highland Cattle Society for giving us the platform to present our project. I have been astounded and extremely pleased at the positive response that we have had thus far. We now have the numbers to commence this project. We are already getting great results in growth rates of cattle at the finishers and as I write this the first animals are being processed for sale. As with any new project we are taking cautious baby steps forward as to not overextend our supply chain, however I am constantly being phoned and emailed with more animals to be entered into the project.

We have been able to have open discussions with 2 groups of breeders thus far which has brought up some good questions. It has also allowed us to correct some misconceptions that have appeared through gossip and assumptions being turned into facts by uninformed individuals. Please, please, please if you have questions, direct them to us so we can provide you with the information / knowledge to make an informed decision in regards to whether you wish to join our group. Do your own due diligence in regards to the Harmony Company so you know what the company is about and where your facts come from. Check out the beef prices over the last year or two so you are happy that you know the trends. As the NZ dollar keeps climbing the way it is, watch the beef prices fall! How long will this go on for, who knows?

We are now looking for additional grow-on farmers to take weaners through to the 420-450kg mark. If you are interested please also contact me.

On a related topic of beef, the Counties Manukau Club will be holding a ‘Growing Beef’ field day at our property on 22nd November. We are aiming to have a couple of invited speakers to talk on beef related topics (yet to be confirmed) and will discuss the Harmony project further and provide an update on proceedings. If you would like to attend this afternoon please email me so I can confirm times and itinerary once set. thanks again Sue Cole (and David Porter from Harmony) Heart of the Globe 092363921 / 0211348750 heartoftheglobe@xtra.co.nz

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- Highland News - November 2009 - Issue 60

Presidents Report November 2009 As you can read in Council Corner, we have covered a lot of ground between our July and November meetings, with the subcommittees in place and the use of teleconferencing. The teleconferencing has proven to be a very cost effective means of progressing works.

I really appreciate the Council member’s hard work, great ideas, enthusiasm and time given, some having given up days of their annual leave to attend the council meetings in Rotorua. I also appreciate the work and effort that our Secretary and Registrar put into their positions.

I attended the Bull Assessment Training day on September 19. I would like to thank Doug Sheldon for the huge effort he put into the day. I would also like to thank the rest of the Bull Assessment Subcommittee, those who brought bulls and picked up members from the airport. Thanks must also go to Ginni Alexander and her family for their wonderful hospitality.

Regarding our magazine, I would like to remind members that your contributions (articles, recipes, poems or photos) would be appreciated.

Let us help Noelene make it bigger and better.

Also remember the magazine is a great publication for advertising your fold or business. It is very reasonably priced and covers all of New Zealand.

Thank you to members who sent in photographs for the calendar. Details for purchase are in this issue. It would be great if all members supported this, the more places we have the calendar the more we promote our breed.

The National NZHCS Highland Day will be a great way to promote your fold, please register your interest with Michelle, our secretary.

I am always pleased to hear from members, with their ideas, concerns, and from non members interested in joining our friendly and progressive Society.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and Happy Christmas and wonderful New Year with lots of lovely calves.

Judy Bruerton.

Council Corner

The Council meeting was held on the 4 November 2009, in the Conference Room, Rotorua Airport. All Council members were present along with our Secretary and Registrar.

Matters arising Interbreed Judges Course.

RAS will advise our Secretary when the next course is.

Interbreed Judges List The RAS changed the grading of two of our experienced judges, much to our disappointment. We questioned this action and were told that three of the executives of the RAS, who have taken on the responsibility of grading the judges, have changed the criteria of selection.

The main criteria now, are that the judges be able to speak about their placing to the competitors and the public, as well as looking at their judging experience.

The RAS have asked that the two judges concerned present their CV’s outlining their experience, in order for the RAS to consider their reinstatement.

We certainly hope that this is the case because both of our judges are held in very high regard within our Society and in the Interbreed classes.

The RAS have also decided to appoint Tutor Judges for each breed. The Tutor Judges were selected by the RAS on their knowledge of the breed and ability to speak in public about the breed.

Reports The Financial Report, Registrars Reports, Area Reports and Subcommittee Reports are in this issue of the magazine.

Policies Several policies, the Conference Organisation Manual and a Yearly Work Plan are in progress.

Breed Standard CD Currently Doug MacLean is putting a breed standard CD together, this will be made available to members.

Bull Assessment The Bull Assessment Training Day, held in Papakura was very well attended. Thank you to Doug Sheldon, the Committee and helpers for all their hard work.

Thanks must also go to Ginni Alexander and her family for their wonderful hospitality.

2010 Financial Budget 2010 Budget and End of Year Projections were tabled.

2010 Budget was accepted.

Promotions plan and Budget 2010 Plan and Budget accepted.

Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) At the RAS, AGM, held in June 2009, the affiliation application of the National Highland Register (NHR) and NZ Lifestyle Highland Society (NZLHS) were both declined.

The RAS has appointed Mark Fleming, Chairman of the Beef Breeds, to facilitate meetings with the NHR, NZLHS and the NZHCS. The aim of these meetings is to get the societies back together, in order for the NHR & NZLHS to be able to show their cattle at the shows run under RAS rules.

We have formed a subcommittee and have put a lot of work in to how this could be achieved. We have agreed to meet with the representatives of the RAS, NHR and NZLHS with Mark Fleming facilitating. We were looking forward to attending the meeting scheduled for 15 October, but unfortunately the other two groups declined to meet us.

We have sent a letter to Mark Fleming, reaffirming our willingness to attend such a meeting in the future.

National NZHCS Highland Day National NZHCS Highland Day will be held on Sunday 18 April 2010.

All members of the NZHCS are invited to open their Folds or organise an activity. This will be a great way to promote the breed, meet potential members and promote sales. An advertisement in this magazine gives details where to register an interest. All Councillors are to submit contact details for local publications that could publish National Highland Day features.

International Gathering Details in magazine.

Next Meeting 2 February 2010 Judy Bruerton

Council decided that a minimum of one Bull Assessment Training Day is to be held every year, with an emphasis on consistency and quality of training to active bull assessors or targeted members.

The most recent training day will be documented, so that it can be used and built on for future training days.

Highland News - November 2009 - Issue 60 -

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TREASURER’S TALLYINGS

Welcome New Members Stu and Gayle Litchfield

Rakaia

Jack and Jill Fenaughty

Wellington

Laura Snowden and Graham Conner

Levin

Bruce and Amanda Connell

Whangamata

Derek and Brigid Jose

Kaiapoi

Ed and Merv Shepherd

Wakefield

Greg and Patrece Ward

Wellsford

Steve Gerrard

Rangiora

Mia Sherwood King

Upper Hutt

Lesley Colsell and Allan Familton

Christchurch

Anthony Baker and Helen Dandridge

Te Puke

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Murray and Deb Campbell

Upper Hutt

The account for your 2010 subscriptions will be coming out soon.

Remember there is a small discount if the membership is paid before 31st March 2010.

Craig and Jo Hyde

Ashburton

Carol Plowman

Owhango

Leonie Mateer

Kaeo

At the November Council meeting we again took time to consider the end of year (2009) projections and the 2010 budget. We will show a surplus for 2009 and a small surplus on our operating budget for 2010. This is encouraging considering the economic climate.

All fees for 2010 will remain at present levels.

CALENDARS These are on sale again and you will see an advert for them elsewhere in the magazine. We printed 250 last year and sold all but 20 or so which we used in promotion. We have printed 250 again this, so be in quick to make sure you don’t miss out. Please send your money in promptly. This is for the sake of the bookkeeping and also to insure you do get what you want.

There are a handful of 2009 memberships still outstanding. If you wish to maintain your membership please pay before the end of the year as on January 1st your name will be removed from the membership list. If there is a problem please don’t hesitate to get in touch so that it can be sorted out.

SUMWOT SHAGGI FOLD

Jenny McDonald Treasurer

FOR SALE P3, RED HEIFER, BORN: 21/9/2008 DAM: JANICE OF BANNOCKBURN/ SIRE: NEAMH OF TAYVALLICH $1100 +gst Halter training in progress Contact: JERRY COLEY: 06 377 5983 EMAIL: bilda@wise.net.nz

$3000 +gst each

Free delivery in the North Island

Braco Victory Born 12/08/08

Dun colour.

Braco ad

Sire: Braco Black Sambo ET

2000 NZHCS Winter Show Best Exhibit

Dam: Braco Lady Siobhan ET

DS: Rushmore Bracken (UK)

Dam is full sister to Braco Lady Tarrah 2008 NZHCS Winter Show Best Exhibit

Excellent assessment. Very quiet, well handled. Range of colours in his background. Victory is the last of the Braco Black Sambo bulls that we will have for sale.

Braco Valiant

Born 20/10/08 Black/ Dark brown frosting.

Sire: Black Watch Emmett (US) AHCA 2004 Roll of Excellence Show Bull

Dam: Braco Polaidh Dubh ET

Quality purebred heifers and cows— most halter broken—all quiet

Full sister to Braco Black Sambo

Great Assessment. Valiant is very quiet. He has been taken out on display and been groomed to death by kids…..

2000 NZHCS Winter Show Best Exhibit

Ian and Shirley Blanchard

103 Taotaoroa Road, R D 2, Matamata Ph/fax 07 8881919 E-mail braco@xtra.co.nz www.braco.co.nz

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- Highland News - November 2009 - Issue 60

Ginni Alexander Parish Line Rd, R D 2, Papakura Ph 09 292 8004 Inquiries and visitors welcome

Sir Kade of Mokau Highlands

Braco Black Raider

Fullblood DOB 16/11/07 Kade has a lovely nature, loves a good brush and the odd piece of bread.

Kade has one offspring to date Price $2,500 plus ono

Fullblood DOB 19/09/04 Raider has a great nature, he is easily moved/handled and has produced 80% girls to date.

Price $2,500 plus ono

Contact: Sandra or Graham of Mokau Highlands 06 765 0408 E-mail: podwells@farmside.co.nz

TRANSFERS – DID YOU KNOW? Secondly, there is room on the transfer certificates to record mating details. Many a time this information has been used in order to complete a registration. All transfer certificates are filed with a hard copy of the pedigree of the animal concerned. Accurate recording of when animals actually moved, i.e. the transfer date, is also essential as this too has helped sort out some difficulties when registrations have been taking place.

Have you ever wondered what happens to those transfers when you send them in? Have you ever thought what good they are apart from letting us know that the animals are no longer in your ownership?

Obviously changing the ownership record on the Register is of great importance and keeps track of where an animal is, but the transfer serves another two very important duties as well.

It makes interesting reading – some animals have had a right old wander around the countryside in their life time.

Some of them may even be better travelled than their human owners!

Firstly, all animals sold to non-members are noted separately as the transfers are recorded on the register in the usual way. The details of the non-members are then forwarded to the Secretary along with the registration certificates which she holds in trust for them. The secretary writes to all non-members outlining the benefits of our Society and inviting them to join. We gain many new members this way, so you see it is a very useful tool.

So next time you fill out the transfer certificate, please take care to fill out as much detail as you can. It is very valuable information indeed.

Cattle Sales for July to October 2009 Sex

Gr

Has the Cow Run with Bull No

List Price

Sale price

FB

Date Born or age 10/07

Black Heifer

$2400 + GST

$2400 + GST

Red Cow

FB

01/05

Yes

$2400 + GST

$2400 + GST

Red Cow

P4

03/05

Yes

$1250 incl

$1250 incl

Red Bull

P4

Dun Bull

P4

07/04

n/a

$2000 + GST

$2000 + GST

Yellow Bull

FB

11/04

n/a

$2500 incl

$2500 incl

Red Bull

P4

$1800

$1800 incl

C Grade Cow, A Grade Cow and B grade Heifer Mixed grade steers

$1800 as a group $350 each

13 cattle

$920 incl GST average each

This is not a list of all the sales made by members. It is a list of animals that were offered on the Society’s website that have since sold. If you would like to contribute any your sales to this data (whether you used the website or not), please email to the Secretary at secretary@highlandcattle.org.nz, or post it to 72 Jackson Road, RD 6 Rotorua 3096.

Michelle Urquhart Secretary Highland News - November 2009 - Issue 60 -

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East Coast Coos in the Wairarapa are continuing to work on the 2010 AGM. The room rates & “Early Bird Specials” at the Copthorne Hotel & Resort in Masterton are given below; so now you can get mooooving and book your accommodation.

• • • • • • •

Copthorne Hotel & Resort Solway Park Room Types & Rates for New Zealand Highland Cattle Society 04-Jun-2010 to 07-Jun-2010

All rates include GST. All rates are for a maximum of two adults and two children under 14 years per room.

Any other person sharing the same accommodation room are charged at $35.00 per person per night.

Same rate for single occupancy as for double/twin share Early Bird Rates available for bookings made prior to 28-Feb-2010.

To receive these special rates please Quote Booking Reference Number 66170 Booking can be made by calling 0800 SOLWAY (0800 765 929) or email reservations@solway.co.nz

63 x Standard Hotel Studio Rooms Comprises one room only with two queen beds, tea and coffee making facilities, fridge, mini-bar, flat screen TV with Sky channels, air conditioning and an ensuite bathroom: NZHCS Early Bird Rate: Room Only - $130.00 per room per night.

Bed & Breakfast - $159.00 per room per night.

NZHCS Rate: Room Only - $140.00 per room per night.

Bed & Breakfast - $169.00 per room per night.

23 x Superior Hotel Studio Rooms

Comprises one room only with one king bed, tea and coffee making facilities, fridge, mini bar, flat screen TV with Sky channels plus DVD player, slippers and robes, air-conditioning and an ensuite bathroom.

NZHCS Early Bird Rate: Room Only - $180.00 per room per night Bed & Breakfast – $209 per room per night NZHCS Rate: Room Only Rate $190.00 per room per night Bed & Breakfast - $219.00 per room per night

5 x Junior Suites Comprises two bedrooms with one king sized bed in the front bedroom, flat screen TV with Sky channels, tea and coffee making facilities, air-conditioning, separate toilet and bathroom with shower box. The back bedroom has two single beds and a flat screen TV with sky channels.

NZHCS Rate: Room Only - $200.00 per room per night

3 x Executive Suites Consists of one separate bedroom with one king bed, separate lounge with dining table and chairs, leather lounge suite, tea and coffee making facilities, fridge, mini bar, slippers and robes.

Flat screen TV with Sky channels, DVD player and air conditioning in both bedroom and lounge. Separate bathroom with spa bath and separate shower box.

NZHCS Rate: Room Only $220.00 per room per night

There are also 7 x economy rooms available at a special room only rate of $99.00 per room per night. They consist of one queen & one single bed, tea and coffee making facilities, TV with sky channels and an ensuite bathroom

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- Highland News - November 2009 - Issue 60

CATTLE TICKS The New Zealand Cattle Tick is the only cattle tick to be found in New Zealand and as been around since 1910.

Because of their life cycle, once ticks become established on a farm complete eradication is very unlikely, however an annual control plan to restrict numbers is the best option.

A good understanding of the life cycle and when each of the four stages appears is necessary. There are four stages, egg, larvae, nymph and adult. The adult lays up to 2000 eggs in the pasture: these hatch into larvae which appear 60-90 days later. They then moult into nymphs which in turn moult into adults. In all of these stages the tick will move from the soil to the host animal for a blood feed and all three stages cause damage to the animals. Ticks can cause death in neonatal animals: particularly lambs, calves and deer fawns. Treating once will only treat the ticks that are on the animals during the chemical application and residual period— approximately 6-8 weeks. This is why the tick is so difficult to eradicate, most external parasites found in New Zealand livestock are “single host” staying on the animal for their entire life. It is recommended treating early in the season to catch the nymphs before they moult into adults who lay thousands of eggs.

The nymph starts to appear about August/September and through to October, developing into adults in November, December and January.

Highland News - November 2009 - Issue 60 -

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- Highland News - November 2009 - Issue 60

The first weekend in October saw the Taranaki Lifestyle Expo held again at the New Plymouth race course and once again Wyn and Garth Gadsby took along a young bull and heifer. Saturday was a beautiful day and both animals behaved really well, accepting all the pats and strokes from the large crowds and even tolerated the endless feeling of their horns, though Dundee did decline the offer of a potato chip. All in all a good day with lots of positive comments but as with last year the Sunday weather took care of the second day with horizontal rain from the south, no visitors and the event was called off once again.

A milestone for the Society in September when four bulls were assessed as progeny of dams and sires previously registered with the Society. The assessments (supported by DNA parentage profiles) were successful; proving the Society’s ability to be inclusive of bloodlines that would otherwise be lost to us.

Halcombe School fair is a genuine rural school but just happens to be close to Ohakea Air base.

What happens when highland cattle mix with incoming Iroquois helicopter? Nothing! The Lord of the Rings horse bolted!!

Several opportunities have been taken to visit with Society members to understand first hand their plans and objectives for their folds. As well as the gatherings mentioned in the South of the North report Members have met at the Gadsby’s, Maclean’s and Thorpes.

Levin A&P Society held a show preparation day in October. Run by Sue Clarke (Murray Greys) the day was very productive. It was good to see Dexter, Murray Grey, with a number of Highland Cattle breeders there representing three of the four highland herd books; all good fun and no politics!

Fielding has a strong beef farming profile and holds an annual rural day in the town square.

NZHCS Highland Cattle drew the crowd and featured in the local papers.

Show season has started! Society members are in force at the Wairarapa, Manawatu, Hawera and Stratford (100th anniversary and hosting the “North Island Highland Show for the New Zealand Highland Cattle Society”). The New Year brings us to the Horowhenua and Masterton shows.

by Doug McLean Highland News - November 2009 - Issue 60 -

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Bull Assessment Training Day, Held Counties/Manukau The first national Bull Assessment Training Day to be held in the North Island took place on 19 September in Counties/Manukau, with a lot of support work from this Club. The object of the day was to further develop national consistency and understanding of the bull assessment scheme.

The day began at Gary Allen’s Koromiko Angus Stud at 9.45am, with a very impressive morning tea put on by Gary’s wife, Glenys, for the 50 registered NZHCS members. Doug Sheldon welcomed everyone and outlined the day’s proceedings, then introduced Bruce Orr of PGG Wrightsons, one of New Zealand’s leading Stud Stock experts and current president of the RAS. Bruce gave an overview of the importance of animal structure and beef characteristics, and he commented on the unique aspects of the different beef breeds. Bruce complimented the NZHCS for their enthusiasm at A & P Shows, for the improvement in the cattle being showed, commented on the very impressive friendliness among members demonstrated by the Society and also on the great attendance at the day.

Gary and his daughter, Catherine, spoke about beef conformation and temperament, with practical demonstrations using a number of Angus cattle. Gary and Catherine are both familiar and highly respected figures at A & P Shows, both in showing their Koromiko Stud animals and in judging.

A lavish lunch had been prepared by Ginni Alexander, with assistance from Catherine Atkinson and Shirley Blanchard (and probably others), and this was enjoyed under shelter from the frequent showers of rain.

After lunch Ian Blanchard went through the revised assessment procedures and guidelines and emphasised the need for all breeders and assessors to adhere to these procedures. It was the turn of the Highland bulls, and one two-year old was available to view and six yearling bulls were to be assessed by an experienced team and also by teams of attendees. None of the assessments were “for real” however they gave each group the opportunity to practice and afterwards to discuss the decisions of each group of assessors, and then compared with the experienced team. Gary and Bruce contributed to this segment as well.

The day finished with a BBQ dinner and a talk given by Sue Cole and her associates in a new venture – Harmony Highland Beef.

All in all, it was a very successful day, with plenty of areas to expand on and adjust for the next planned training day. Special thanks are due to Judy Bruerton, Ian Blanchard, Cynthia Christie, and especially to Martin McLeod for his transportation to/from airport and railway station. Thanks, also, to others who took part.

Jenny Sheldon

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- Highland News - November 2009 - Issue 60

Umbrella $22.50

White and blue with Society logo on two panels

NZHCS pens $3.50

Polar fleece vest $40.00

Various mens and womens sizes—great for chilly days in the show ring

NZHCS caps $20.00 each (one size)

New Product Shower proof outer, fleece lined long sleeved Jacket Size: xs/s/m/l/xl/xxl Colour: Black/Blue

If you wish to purchase any of these products contact the secretary on secretary@highlandcattle.org.nz or 07 3323303

Mugs $10.00

White outside blue inside with cartoon logo—not many left!

Key Ring $14.00

Excellent quality silver with cartoon engraved on front and Society details on back

Members Kit $15.00

Updated members kits in leather like folder with gold embossing with easy reference tab dividers

NZHCS shirts

Blue shirts available in various sizes Mens short sleeve $45.00 Mens long sleeve $45.00 and Womans 3/4 sleeve $45.00

Sets of 6 Cards $16.00 incl postage

2 different sets of landscape blank cards with Highland Cattle on the front

If you are a member pay directly to the New Zealand Highland Cattle Society bank account number 15 3953 0511620 00. Please ensure your name and product ie, shirt, cap etc appears as reference

All prices include GST. Postage extra unless indicated. Note: A few calendars still left if anyone is interested—half price!

Highland News - November 2009 - Issue 60 -

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REGISTRAR’S REPORT - NOVEMBER 2009 Since the last magazine there have been:198 Cattle Registrations 105 Transfers 8 Herd registrations 1 meeting of the RLC which considered seven new cases plus two that fit into the same category as possible registrations from NHR, etc. These later two gave rise to much valuable discussion and from that a process has been worked out for handling such cases.

…to sponsor a table at the 2010 NZHCS AGM Wairarapa.

Table Naming Rights Cost - $130 per table (can be shared between 2 folds) Fold(s) to supply: 4 or 8 photos from their fold Fold Logo (or name) For this generous contribution, your fold will be well advertised during the AGM Dinner.

Limited Tables Available – Contact the AGM Committee Chairman: Diane McGrigor 06 306 8488 or 021 300 967 Diane.McGrigor@Kintore.co.nz

Hawks View Highland Fold

Some of you may be aware that the Council has set up a number of sub-committees to deal with matters more efficiently between meetings of the full Council. An initiative that came out of the Finance sub-committee was the recording month by month of all registrations, transfers and herd registrations. The idea is that by comparing past figures with current we may be able to pick up any trends in order to better handle our finances. We were fortunate that accurate records have been kept since the Society started and it makes some interesting reading to compare figures month by month, year by year. As this has only just been put together we are still looking through the figures to see if there are any trends of note so far. There was a marked growth in all transactions over the first 10 years and over the last few years there is still growth but at a lesser rate. This is what would be expected with any organisation starting from scratch. Each of the three transactions show a different year for their highest number. In 2005 herd registrations peaked at 61, 2006 transfers peaked at 391, and 2008 registrations peaked at 565.

REGISTRATIONS & TAGS One of the things that causes the biggest problems with errors is the delaying of registering calves. The longer it is left the more likely it is that errors creep in. Spring is still the busiest time for us all for calving and I hope you have all had a great crop of calves. Soon you will be starting to think about weaning. Register your calves now while you are still certain which cow is the dam.

You may save yourself a lot of trouble.

You will also need to tag all calves and in case you still need to get your tags sorted I refer you to the April magazine for information on what needs to be on the tags.

BULL ASSESSMENTS The latest round of bull assessments has been completed.

Considerable work has gone into making instructions clear to all members both as breeders having a bull assessed and assessors.

During this last round we seemed to avoid some of the confusion that has existed in the past.

Fullbood Bull - Glenburn Sinclair —NZ 4576 Sire: Braco Golden Kiwi Dam; Braco Songbird Sinclair is a no nonsense bull, easy to move around and yard.

Has been running with our girls since last November and all are in calf. DOB 11.12.03

Sinclair is available for lease for free for a season/ year All cartage lessees responsibility Bev and Jerri Hawkins Dye Access Road, Waitoki

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ph. 09 420 4460 email bevhawkins@xtra.co.nz

- Highland News - November 2009 - Issue 60

Congratulations also need to go to the Bull Assessment subcommittee for organising a most successful bull assessment training day. It was well attended and most informative.

Now don’t’ forget, if you have had a bull assessed and wish to proceed with registration you as the breeder must let the registrar know your intentions, fill out the necessary form and pay the appropriate fees. I am not a mind reader! Also, if you have previously filled out the registration form, then a reminder to me that you have would be appreciated.

Well another year is almost gone and so that can mean only one thing. Time to wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Year and hope that you can make the most of the summer weather (if it ever arrives!)

Jenny McDonald Registrar

A Case Study on the Importance of Accurate Identification and Record Keeping As many breeders will know Willie and I have recently spent a lot of time working with Gorg Spiteri who owns Rawahi Fold in an effort to bring the herd record and registrations up to date.

In January 2008 Gorg asked Willie if he would help him with tagging and identifying dams of the current calf crop to facilitate registration. However the complexity caused by a long period of no records and lack of tags soon became apparent the first problem being that calving dates of some didn’t match the dates on the herd return.

At that point it was decided to start from the beginning and go through the whole herd and check all the records held by the breeder since inception of the fold and then match that with the pedigree and other information held by the registrar. This eventuated in many, many hours being spent both in the office and on the farm, always in the weekends – the poor farm manager – having to get the cows into the yards repeatedly for Willie to check and recheck tags, ears, tagging and finally take tail hair samples for DNA testing from one or 2 and then all the full bloods and then finally from all females – we have lost count of the number of trips through the yards. The herd became adept at going through the race and got used to being handled. Almost all became very quiet (peaceful was the word Willie used to describe them). Those that didn’t behave ended up in some ones pot!

Essentially apart from a very limited set of notes on calving no proper records had been kept for several years. No females had been registered or identified with tags for several years and at the time we started working on the herd there were several generations of animals all running as one mob. Fortunately bull calves had been castrated.

As the herd often is grazed in amongst forestry losses of eartags both metal and plastic had been significant. Some older cows either had no tags or where new tags had been applied these were often with different numbers front and back (therefore one couldn’t trust any written record of that tag number).

Calving records relied on identifying cows with a description of the animal its colour or its name – bent horn, broken horn, Rusty’s Mum, Cheeky.......

Sorting through the older paper work enabled a database to be created however on its own there were simply too many gaps – the fact that a cow had had a calf was not sufficient – the ID of the cow was in doubt and for all older heifers their ID was also in doubt. Only the current unweaned calves could be matched with dams we then just had to work out who the dam was.

Part way through this process the decision was made to disperse the fold. This made correct identification of every animal and correct records an even higher priority.

This is when the decision was made to DNA as many animals as possible to confirm pedigree.

The foundation cows had tattoos – these were the only animals that could be positively identified.

Every animal that did not have proper tags or a tattoo was provided with a new temporary tag at the time DNA was sampled.

DNA samples were from the 2 bulls prior to them being culled and a DNA sample was provided by the owners of the lease bull that had been used.

The DNA match requests were interesting to say the least. Each female requiring identification had a request to match against several likely candidate dams (some were eliminated due to age).

Initially sire matches were not requested – this resulted in many instances of several possible dam matches so to further narrow down the result sire matches were also done. DNA matching of closely related animals can be difficult due to the number of markers tested. Full credit must be given to the people at the lab who worked through all those issues with us and enabled in the

end the best possible outcome.

This exercise was not cheap, however once the DNA profile was on file we could go back and ask for more possible matches to be done at no further cost.

Once ID was confirmed with DNA we could correctly tag and progress registration of the heifers. As all these registrations were of older animals all the information was provided to the registrar who then consulted with the Registration Liaison Committee for final approval.

DNA testing showed up several mistakes in pedigrees of cows already registered. These errors involved incorrect sire and dam, incorrect colour etc. Corrections could be made with confidence and in one case a cow was deregistered as a sire match could not be made. Alterations to crop ear information also had to be made after physical inspection.

For many years 2 cows had been mixed up in the written records and every registration relating to those had to be altered. There are 2 cows that remain unregistered as we could not get a positive ID for one or both parents. The progeny of one of these is of course unregisterable.

One of the pitfalls during the DNA process was that we used some logic and some of the recorded information in deciding which dams and sires to match with the test animal. The lack of positive results by doing this meant we finally ended up matching against anything that hadn’t been previously done. This meant possibly asking for a sister or grandmother or younger animals to be matched as a potential dam but it proved successful as a B grade was positively identified as a full blood just prior to the sale.

Take home messages DNA: take a tail hair sample of all animals in the fold, calves the first time they are in the yard. It keeps so doesn’t have to be processed immediately. If an animal is culled or dies the breeder still has a record.

Tattooing: Should breeders still consider doing this – without tattoos very few cows could have been identified and registered in this herd.

If tags are lost – replace them ASAP. Do not rely on descriptors or pet names to identify animals in your own records. It may seem like a great idea at the time but to an outsider it is meaningless and it is too easy to make mistakes especially when dealing with larger numbers of animals.

Spend time inspecting for crop ear – just because the dam/sire pedigree says no crop ear doesn’t mean progeny is automatically OK. If you need help with records or identification or find a mistake at a later date contact the registrar or your councillor. It is much easier to make amendments at the time than trying to fix them years later.

If a breeder is relying on someone else to run the herd e.g. a staff member or manager ensure they understand the need for good record keeping. If they have no interest in recording or noting such details then look for someone who is.

Even some of the most difficult identifications can be sorted out with time, effort and $$.

P.S. we never did find out who Rusty’s Mum really was.

Cynthia Christie Highland News - November 2009 - Issue 60 -

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An age-old problem – bovine tuberculosis While it’s rare to find a farmer today who remembers what it was like to farm cattle or deer when bovine tuberculosis (TB) was at its worst, the disease is still a problem in New Zealand – and lifestyle block owners are not immune.

Bovine tuberculosis was first considered a serious public health issue in the early 20th Century, and voluntary TB testing of dairy cows was initiated by the then Department of Agriculture in 1945. By 1978, it was compulsory for all dairy and beef herds to be TB tested but by then the disease was also beginning to spread through farmed deer. A voluntary testing scheme for deer was introduced in 1985, and this became compulsory in 1990.

If you receive cattle or deer, you must keep the completed ASD forms for those animals for the time you keep the animals, plus an additional year.

Initial efforts to control the disease in the 1970s were successful, but in some areas (notably the West Coast and the central and southern North Island), TB persisted despite rigorous test and slaughter policies. Possums were soon implicated as the major cause (vector) of tuberculosis infection in cattle and it was discovered that TB had spread through possum populations in many parts of the country.

Today, the disease is found in wildlife over about 40% of New Zealand’s land area; mostly in central North Island, Wairarapa, Marlborough, North Canterbury, the West Coast, Tasman, Otago and parts of Southland.

All cattle and deer over one month of age, moving from their herd, must be identified with:

From then to now At the peak of New Zealand’s bovine TB epidemic in 1995, there were more than 1700 cattle and deer herds infected – that’s roughly one out of every 40 farmers who were faced with the stress of losing animals and having to work with restrictions placed on the movement of their stock and a stricter than normal TB testing regime. If it wasn’t your herd that had TB, it was likely your mate’s up the road or your cousin’s over in the next district.

Today it’s very rare for farmers to know of other farmers who have TB in their herd – with around 130 infected herds in New Zealand it directly affects around one in every 570 farmers.

The TB strategy is making a difference The objective of the current strategy is to achieve a herd TB prevalence rate of 0.2% by June 2013 (that is around a maximum of 60-70 infected herds across New Zealand) which would give New Zealand internationally recognized ‘official TB freedom’ status.

New Zealand is well on track to meeting this objective, but while the reduction in herd infection rates has been a great achievement, the underlying problem of TB in possums and ferrets still needs to be dealt with. Past experience has taught us that when vector control is relaxed, infection rates in cattle and deer herds rise again.

The TB strategy is presently under review, as required by the Biosecurity Act 1993. As part of that review it is proposed to change the current primary emphasis of focusing on the number of infected herds to that of proving the feasibility of eradication of TB from wildlife over large areas.

What can you do?

Even if you own only one cow, it needs to be registered with the Animal Health Board.. It’s free, so simply call now on 0800 4 TBINFO (0800 4 824 636).

All cattle (except bobby calves moving direct to slaughter) and deer which are being moved must have a signed and completed TB Declaration. This should be provided on an industry standard Animal Status Declaration (ASD) form.

If you are buying or grazing cattle or deer, it is important you check the TB Declaration first. To confirm the accuracy of a TB Declaration, or to order free books of ASD forms, call the Animal Health Board on 0800 4 824 636.

If you are moving cattle or deer you must keep a copy of the completed ASD forms for those animals for one year from the date of the movement.

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- Highland News - November 2009 - Issue 60

Slaughter processors must keep completed ASD forms for four years.

The AHB operates a compulsory ear tag identification programme for cattle and deer so the source of any TB infection can be traced.

A bar-coded primary ear tag and a secondary ear tag if being sold or moved to another herd or property.

A bar-coded primary ear tag or a bar-coded slaughter tag if being moved directly to slaughter. Slaughter tags should only be applied within one month of slaughter.

Missing primary or secondary tags should be replaced with bar-coded replacement tags with your own herd number. Alternatively, duplicate tags can be ordered for animals still resident in the herd where they were first tagged.

Tags can be ordered from most farm supply outlets. For details contact 0800 ID SCHEME (0800 437 243).

TB testing Most cattle and deer herds are tested regularly to check they are free of tuberculosis. TB tests are designed to measure an animal's immune response either by a skin test on the animal or by a laboratory test on a blood sample. Herds in low-risk areas, which send most animals to slaughter, may be exempt from testing, because any TB will be identified by slaughterhouse inspection.

Routine tests The frequency of routine tests depends on the TB risk in a herd or area.

In areas of high risk, or where it is important to monitor the possible spread of the disease in wildlife, herds are tested annually. In other areas, testing may be scheduled less frequently. Dry stock herds, which turn over large numbers of animals for slaughter, may not need to be tested because any TB will be found at slaughter.

You will be advised of your test frequency and notified by either letter or phone call when your next TB test is due.

Pre-movement tests Extra pre-movement tests are required when stock are being moved from areas deemed to have a greater than normal risk of TB infection, such as Movement Control Areas, or when herds already have an infected or suspended status.

If you are moving cattle or deer over 90 days old from a herd or property within a Movement Control Area, they must have a premovement test within 60 days prior to being moved. Stock going direct to slaughter do not need a pre-movement test.

Additional conditions apply to movements from herds with an infected status and for some herds with a suspended status.

Have your say on the future of TB control in New Zealand Find out about the National Bovine Tuberculosis Pest Management Strategy review and have a say on the future of TB management in New Zealand. Visit www.tbfree.org.nz for a copy of the review document and information on how to make a submission or call 0800 4 824 636 to obtain a copy.

For more information on TB testing, tagging requirements or for details of Movement Control Areas, please visit www.tbfree.org.nz or phone 0800 4 824 636.

-Heath Urquhart

Keeping the Members Informed Since the June 2009 RAS AGM, at which the affiliation applications of both the National Highland Register and the NZ Lifestyle Highland Society were both declined, there seems to be some confusion for our members as to what this means.

When a show is run under RAS rules, NHR and NZLHS members cannot compete in the same ring as competitors whose cattle are registered with the NZHCS or other affiliated breed societies. They are also unable to compete in All Breed classes, Meat & Wool Board Cups or similar supreme events.

At present, if they wish to compete against our members, they will need to register their show cattle with the NZHCS which is the affiliated Highland organisation. The NZHCS, with help from the RAS, has attempted on several occasions to meet with NHR and NZLHS to try and sort out any differences so that this can happen. Sadly, the recent meetings have been declined and our efforts have seen no change at present but we will continue to work on it.

The NZHCS is totally transparent. All of our registered cattle in the Herd Book are available for anybody to peruse on the web-site.

Overseas recognition and registrations Recently an American Highland breeder, Glenn Bluhm, was in NZ to judge a virtual show run by Trossachs-Kintyre.

There are several points that have been raised in publications since that need to be clarified.

The NZHCS and our Herd book are recognised as the official register of Highland cattle born in NZ by all overseas Highland societies, including the UK, USA, Canada and Australia. Our members have participated, and been invited to speak and judge, at the International Highland gatherings.

All of the cattle registered in the NZHCS Herd book are recognised by Australia as they also have a grading up system.

Fullblood cattle in the NZHCS Herd book that have full registered pedigrees are recognised by all of the other overseas Highland breed societies. They do not recognise our Purebred cattle as they do not have a grading up system in their own Herd books. NZ breeders can sell Highland genetics to other countries if they comply as above.

The NZHCS has a clause in its Constitution that states “ all animals born in NZ must be identified in accordance with the rules of the NZHCS and registered in the NZHCS Herd book”. This is common with the other overseas Highland cattle societies and with other breed societies. This means that: - A NZ registered Highland animal can be registered in an overseas Herd book providing it is first registered with the NZHCS and the details in both Herd books are identical.

- Any Highland breeders who do not belong to the officially recognised Highland Society of their own country, cannot register their animals with another overseas Highland society.

This is an agreement that we all have with each other.

- If a member of any recognised Highland society has that membership terminated for any reason, then that breeder cannot go to another country and hope to be recognised. Termination is only done for a very good reason and is not taken lightly.

In the Spring 2009 issue of the Bagpipe, the official Journal of the American Highland Cattle Association, it states: ‘After investigation and discussion it was determined that registrations and transfers for cattle belonging to Donna Wedge, DBA Orchard View Highlands, and Glenn & Carol Bluhm, DBA Mapleview Farm, may not occur’. If any of our members are contemplating importing or purchasing semen or embryos from Glenn Bluhm after his visit to NZ then please check first with the Registrar to see if they are eligible for you to be able to register the progeny.

URGENT SALE We have bought a smaller property and regrettably need to sell part of our herd.

All offers to clear part or all will be considered • • •

Morag Og of Braeburn P1 NZ3220,Red cow born 26/7/01 Tuppence of Braeburn A Grade NZ2793, Red cow born 13/9/00 Morag Og of Ascott Waters P1 NZ2233, yellow cow born 17/12/98 All above have been good breeding stock

• • •

Ness of the Knoll, P2, NZ5209, Red cow born 19/7/04 Heather of the Knoll, Pl NZ5817, Black cow born 21/7/05 Jean of the KnoII, P1, NZ5818, Black cow born 18/8/05 Enquiries: Keith Lawson Ph: 09 422 3490 Mob: 021 933 110 Fax : 09 422 3460 email: glenelg.knoll@xtra.co.nz

Here is a fun photo taken at the South Island Show at Oamaru. A bunch of us stayed at the same Motel and had a blast.

Show season can be so much fun. Here is Allen Cameron showing off his new 'Dosson'! The moral of this wee story is - The night before is more fun than the day after.

Highland News - November 2009 - Issue 60 -

Page 17

NZHCS Council 2009/2010 President

Judy Bruerton

03 313 8863

03 313 5838

judybruerton@xtra.co.nz

Vice President

Doug Sheldon

09 420 4065

09 420 4085

jenny.sheldon@xtra.co.nz

Councillors

Martin McLeod Ian Blanchard Doug Maclean Ewen Grant Gavin Reid Cynthia Christie David Leslie

09 292 8225 07 888 1919 06 324 0366 06 327 3861 03 443 4636 03 302 2656 03 693 7499

NZHCS Secretary Michelle Urquhart 72 Jackson Road RD 6, Rotorua, 3096 Ph: 07 332 3303 secretary@highlandcattle.org.nz

(including GST)

$15.00 $30.00 $60.00 $120.00 $250.00 $350.00

Please send information to Noelene Gallagher along with fold logo, photos etc (no photos in “classifieds” )

NZHCS Registrar Jenny McDonald 220B Oturoa Road, RD2, Rotorua, 3072 Ph: 07 332 3953 Fx: 07 332 3954 registrar@highlandcattle.org.nz

Fees (inclusive of GST)

Advertising Single classified 1/8 page ¼ page ½ page Full – black & white Full – colour

07 888 1919

If advertisement size not requested animals will be listed under classifieds

Full membership If paid before 31st March Associate/Junior If paid before 31st March Herd registration Bull assessment - home Bull assessment – away Bull assessment – out of season AI assessment Registration – female Registration – male Registration – late Transfers Transfer from a non-member - application fee

Articles for newsletter to: Noelene Gallagher PO Box 136, DRURY 2247 editor@highlandcattle.org.nz Phone 021 211 9456 Deadlines—1st of each month: 1st February 1st April 1st July 1st November

martin.mcleod@portacom.co.nz braco@xtra.co.nz maclean@xtra.co.nz tullochgorum@xtra.co.nz greid@ihug.co.nz wcchristie@actrix.co.nz NZHCS Magazine Noelene Gallagher PO Box 136 Drury, 2247 Ph: 021 211 9456 editor@highlandcattle.org.nz

$100 $90 $55 $50 $60 $55 $170 $565 $115 $33 $135 Double fee

Year Letter

1 Jun'09-30 May'10

Magazine Extra Copies Available $3.50 Contact:secretary

$40 $80

Pay directly to the New Zealand Highland Cattle Society bank account number 15 3953 0511620 00.

Please ensure your name and service ie, transfer, registration, etc appears as reference Back copies of Herd Registers available for $25.00—Contact: secretary WARNING

The New Zealand Highland Cattle Society animal registration certificates, Members Lists and Herd Registers are the intellectual property of the Society and are therefore copyright.

Members are not required to and should not hand over documents to anyone other than New Zealand Highland Cattle Society members.

When you transfer an animal to a New Zealand Highland Cattle Society Member they will be re-issued with a NEW certificate.

Page 18

- Highland News - November 2009 - Issue 60

- Check out our new arrivals - 4 Quality Durness 2yr Heifers - to be A.I.ed in early December to Quality Oveseas Bulls Come and see for yourself the coffee is always ready!!!!

Our Imported Breeding Cows and Heifers are ALL NEW BLOOD LINES TO NZ We are proud to announce we now have Stock for Sale

“Chester Dhonn” at Stud You’re A.I. Programme not holding??

Join the Queue for Chester’s services In our Visiting Cow Programme

Duncan of Mayfield Full Blood Champion Bull *Semen Straws available*

ROBERT and MOLLY WROE 295 Porangahau Road, Waipukurau, Central Hawke’s Bay Phone (06) 8589100 * 021980995

HONEST QUALITY WITH CONFIDENCE

Checkout our website for Stock for Sale www.pippinpark.co.nz All New Bloodlines To New Zealand.

Gathbodhan, Mayfield & Durness Studs

Highland News - November 2009 - Issue 60 -

Page 19

S K A O Y STONLEIFE PARK WILDHOTOS BYS —P L SIMON GAI Highland feeding fun at Stoney Oaks Wildlife Park in Inglewood

Our Donkey “Lotte” uses Mcgillies statue as her own personal scratching place

e k of lov

The loo

Juke playing peek-a-boo with his mum Janice, photo from Brian and Jerry Coley, Sumwot Shaggi Fold.

Our Nubian kid goat Charlotte climbs on the rabbit pens to reach the fruit trees. desire the Highland calf steps in and holds the branch down for her while she eats the leaves---talk about team work

Graham Podjursky and Sandra Wells of Mokau Highlands favourite guard dog,Victoria, “I think she wanted to come in for a cuppa, sorry girl just had the floor varnished”.