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 Horn family's Kuku and Allandale Jersey Studs are the oldest Jersey studs owned by one family in New Zealand, says Peter Horn recalling his great-grandfather started the Kuku Stud in 1914.
Five generations on, great-great-granddaughter Letitia Horn is continuing the family tradition - and passion for the Jersey breed.
"The origins of the herd are New Zealand bred sires from the country's top Jersey studs," Peter says.
"We began to dabble in North American genetics when the protein payout was introduced in the 1980s and used the bulls ValleyStream Duncan Dynamo and ValleyStream J.I.S Juno.
"Our cows were good at the time, but we wanted more milk."
The farm is 78 hectares of river-silt flats near Feilding, 45 hectares under irrigation. All stock are grazed on the farm - cows, young stock, bulls and the odd carryover.
Peter has made a lifelong study of bloodlines and knew that the right bulls would lift per cow production without costing type.
"Around 10 years ago World Wide Sires' breeding consultant, Jeremy Gloyn, put me onto a bull called Tbone.
"I bought every straw I could get of that bull - around 800 - and got around 150 daughters. Tbone was an exceptional bull and he turned the herd around for production. Valentino was also a good bull that I used.
"Tbone daughters are very high type commercial cows which have excelled for us both on-farm in the show ring. Last year we won the Premier Jersey Breeder Award at the Dairy Event. Tbone daughters are good size with beautfiul bone and are free milking cows. They have beautiful udders and are free milking cows. They have beautiful udeers and correct teat placement.
"That's the thing with North American genetics - you are selecting bulls from the largest database of proven and DNA proven elite dairy bulls in the world. Juno and Tbone are just two examples but these two sires, alone, turned our herd around. Their legacy is evident in the herd we have today and will continue to influence the herd into the future."
Today, the 225 Kuku and Allandale Jersey cows average 560kgMS/cow which positions the herd in the top six registered jersey herds in New Zealand. "They are very good hardworking cows with looks and production," Peter says.
Federated Farmers and a major Australian-owned bank are at loggerheads over emissions reduction targets set for New Zealand farmer clients.
More locally grown tomatoes are coming to stores this month and you can thank New Zealand greenhouses for that.
Changing skill demands and new job opportunities in the primary sector have prompted Massey University to create a new degree course and add a significant major into another in 2025.
It was bringing in a new Canterbury A&P Association (CAPA) show board, more in tune with the CAPA general committee, that has ensured that Christchurch will have a show this year, says CAPA general committee president Bryce Murray.
OPINION: Hats off to our pipfruit sector.
There is an urgent need for the Government to put a limit on the sale of farms for forestry - particularly for carbon farming.
OPINION: The country's dairy farmers will now also have a hand in providing free lunch for schools.
OPINION: The abrupt departure of Synlait chief executive Grant Watson could be a sign that Chinese company Bright Dairy, the…