Future Dairy Leaders Join 2026 Holstein Friesian NZ Development Programme
The 2026 Holstein Friesian NZ Young Breeders Development Programme is off to a strong start, with this year's intake coming together for their first event on March 18 and 19.
Held at the Sudima Hotel Auckland Airport during the 2026 Holstein Friesian NZ Conference and streamed live via bidr®, the auction attracted enthusiastic participation from breeders and supporters from around the country.
PGG Wrightson Auctioneer Brook Cushion kept the energy high throughout the evening as 26 lots went under the hammer.
This year’s catalogue featured a wide range of items including elite genetics, animal health products, clothing, homeware, artwork, premium beverages and two mystery lots that added an extra element of excitement to the auction.
Funds raised through the auction will be channelled directly into Holstein Friesian NZ’s youth initiatives, helping provide opportunities that encourage, develop and support the next generation of breeders and dairy industry leaders.
Lot 26, donated by Semex NZ - 25 straws of Holstein Friesian sire Westcoast Alcove – fetched $5,000 and officially kicked off the fundraising for the six-strong team, scheduled to be announced tonight, that will represent New Zealand at the 2027 European Young Breeders School.
Holstein Friesian NZ Black & White Youth convenor Bradley Parkes said the proceeds of the youth auction helps the committee run high quality events and programme for Black & White Youth members.
“We have great thoughts of what we can do for our youth, and the youth auction ensures the committee can continue supporting our youth members,” he says.
This year’s success surpassed last year’s auction result, which exceeded $17,000, and highlights the ongoing commitment of breeders, sponsors and supporters to investing in the future of the dairy industry.
Holstein Friesian NZ thanked to the sponsors of the 2026 Black & White Youth Auction: Agvance, Alleva, Bay of Plenty Branch of HFNZ, Bell-Booth, bidr®, Boehringer Ingelheim, Canterbury Branch of HFNZ, J & A Cockrem, O & C Copinga, CRV, Cummings Family Trust, Fonterra, Hansen, Hawke’s Bay Branch of HFNZ, LIC, Manawatu Branch of HFNZ, Nelson/Marlborough/Golden Bay Branch of HFNZ, Northland Branch of HFNZ, Nutritech, Open Country, Otago Branch of HFNZ, PGG Wrightson, Power Farming, RePro IVF, Samen, Semex NZ Ltd, Shearwell, smaXtec, Southland Branch of HFNZ, Taranaki Branch of HFNZ, W & L Taylor, TechMix, Vetpak, Waikato Branch of HFNZ, D Wilde, World Wide Sires and Zoetis.
