New Jersey NZ president breaks century old tradition

"As to being the first woman president I believe the membership will be watching with keen interest and while that brings a challenge in itself I'm not afraid of it," said Gibb, a partner with her husband Russell in Zenith Jerseys at Taupiri in the Waikato.

"In some respects I've been there before. In the early 1980s I was the only full time female maths teacher in a department of 10 plus."

Gibb finished 25 years as a maths teacher at Fraser High School in Hamilton in 2008.

"The reality is that it is a sign of the times. Farming businesses are predominantly family businesses where husband and wife are in partnership and the women play a huge role in the decision making process. Male or female we have a job to do, gender shouldn't enter into it."

As president Gibb will help the 1902 founded organization promote the efficiency of New Zealand Jersey cattle to the national dairy industry. She'll also help Jersey cow farmers add value to their herd by promoting Jersey New Zealand resources to them.

Gibb, one of two appointed directors on the six strong Jersey New Zealand board, was asked to fill the role after an appointments committee was set up to find the right person for the job.

Her 24 years' experience in governance of various organisations made her a good choice. She has served on a school board, served as a trustee then acting chief executive of Arts Waikato, and is a Dairy Women's Network trustee which she also served as North Waikato convenor.

"As a trustee of Dairy Women's Network I have rubbed shoulders with many successful women and the key message always is that women need to back themselves more, to 'lean in' and contribute to the decision making process. Women offer a different dynamic around the board table - it's not that we are better, we think differently and hence add diversity of thought in the decision making process."

Gibb said Jersey New Zealand had been through a tough time and needed to develop a sustainable business model through strong governance.

"Our members strongly believe in the advantages of the Jersey cow, but we need to promote that message to the wider dairy industry and thus build our organisation. "There is a growing demand for Jersey genetics world-wide. Sustainability and efficiency being the key driver.

Gibb said the Jersey cow had a number of advantages, including higher fertility and ease of calving. Its lighter frame means less pugging of pasture.

Jersey milk contains more nutrition per litre than any other dairy breed. "The higher fat component of the milk had been seen as a disadvantage when public perception was that fat was bad for you but now that the public have realised that fat provides flavour and is a naturally healthy choice," Gibb said.

"The biggest advantage is the Jersey cow's efficiency in terms of the milk produced per kilogram of feed and live weight, with many Jerseys producing in excess of their own live weight in milk solids.

"We have a strong and diverse board and I am looking forward to working with them to propel Jersey New Zealand to the next level, through strong governance, vision and leadership."

Gibb will help lead the board to develop a strategy underpinning the Jersey New Zealand business model and delivering growth and sustainability.