Gentleman professor was a friend to many

Holmes' career spanned at least 50 years in the agricultural sector, and notably in education. Since 1966 he had lectured in animal science at Massey University and in 1999 became the inaugural professor of dairy production systems at the university.

His many awards included the McMeekan Memorial Award, the Sir Arthur Ward award and a lifetime achievement award at the National Dairy Excellence Awards in 2009. He also received the NZ Order of Merit for services to agriculture

DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle described Holmes as one of NZ's greatest agricultural scientists. He had a passion for the dairy industry and recently for the concept of once-a-day milking.

"His passion... never waned, especially for OAD milking. He was one of the greatest scientists and sits alongside McMeekan in that regard. He will be remembered by all the people he has trained and brought through the industry. Professor Holmes has made a tremendous contribution to our industry."

Mackle says Holmes was a gentleman with a special ability to give honest, direct feedback without offending.

"People deferred to him. I think Colin tried to look at the challenges though a farmer's eyes, like McMeekan. His legacy will influence farmers and rural professionals who learned from him."

Leo Vollebregt, an OAD farmer in Wairarapa, says he was saddened by the news of Holmes' death. He made a huge contribution to farming in general, he says, not just for the OAD milking he was known for in recent years.

"He encouraged an intelligent discussion, and OAD and TAD farmers all learned a lot about the efficient conversion of grass to milk and low cost dairying. We also learned a lot from the way Colin conducted himself. He was a true gentleman and gave anyone the time of day and made them feel important; that defines greatness. He is going to be missed by a great many people because he had such a profound effect on so many."

Vollebregt, milking OAD for nine years, says Holmes brought together many people who were doing the same thing. "He discussed issues that affected us in particular, but also helped clarify our thinking on how we should go forward and what improvements we should make."

Vollebregt says Holmes encouraged the OAD field days, including rigorous analysis of what they were doing.

He was a lovely individual to have a conversation with. "There will be thousands of people around the country who are feeling the same way, including the people who studied under him at Massey."

Long time associate and DairyNZ consulting officer Leo Hendrikse, who worked with Holmes on OAD issues, says the dairy industry has lost a dear friend and a gentleman. Holmes was a man with a passion for pastoral dairy farming in NZ and a great champion for OAD milking, he says.

"We will miss his clear insights and his knowledge of anything to do with managing dairy cows and pastures. We'll miss his quick wit and sense of humour. OAD discussion groups and conferences will be different without him and he will be sorely missed," he says.