| 53 Re-connecting with the next generation They are no strangers to the show circuit. Karen Phelps MIXED USE » Neil and Jackie Kelly A desire to reconnect the next generation with rural life is at the heart of Twine Mill Stud, where Neil and Jackie Kelly have found fresh purpose in the show ring with their South Devons. For the South Otago couple, the decision to begin showing the traditional English beef breed was as much about family as it was about cattle. “It’s good for the grandkids to learn to work with the animals. They learn a lot about cows and life and that they don’t always win and if you don’t win you have to learn to be a good loser as well,” says Neil. Grandchildren Grace, 11, Jack, 13, and identical triplets Charlotte, Haylee and Olivia, 16, are now regular faces at A&P shows. Grace recently placed second overall in a young stock judging competition, parading heifers, assessing their structure and giving reasons for her placings. “Even though our kids were all raised on a farm our grandkids haven’t been,” explains Jackie. “So it’s been good for their confidence with animals. Some of them have got quite competitive. It teaches discipline, how to look after an animal and making friends.” The couple are no strangers to the show circuit. They began a Friesian stud when they married and spent years exhibiting dairy cattle. Although they still run a pedigree Friesian herd, they no longer actively show the dairy cows. “We missed the shows a bit so when the chance came to have South Devons we jumped at it,” says Neil. That opportunity arose about two years ago at a dispersal sale when Bridget and Ross Lowry sold their Pinzridge Stud herd. The Kellys purchased around 17 cows with calves at foot. From those foundations it has grown to around 40 head with ambitions to double in size and start selling some calves. The breed’s temperament has been a major drawcard. South Devons, often dubbed the gentle giants, can see mature cows tip the scales at up to 800kg. “We didn’t realise how nice animals they were,” says Jackie. “They are very placid and good natured. They are easy to work with which makes it safer.” “At the South Island Championships in Balclutha some people took their dairy cows four days before the show whereas we just rocked up on the morning as the South Devons were so well behaved and relaxed,” adds Neil. For all your Livestock cartage requirements give us a call. PO BOX 128, BALCLUTHA 9240 PHONE 03-417 8485 • PHONE 0800-101 333 • FAX 03 417 8488 PHONE (03) 444-4737 RD3 Ranfurly 9397 88 Clyde Street, Balclutha 9230 03 418 0626 | 027 232 6319 Call Gav for a demo today! www . ewa n a l l a n . c o . n z Proud to support Neil & Jackie Kelly LUBRICANTS AUTHORISED STOCKIST Martin Darmody P: 027 227 2410 E: martindarmody@xtra.co.nz • GENERAL ENGINEERING • HYDRAULIC HOSE & VALVE REPAIRS • GRAIN & MOLASSES FEED SYSTEMS • FARM MACHINERY SERVICE & REPAIR • ATV SERVICE & REPAIR • GORSE SPRAYING While the couple are still learning the nuances of beef production after decades in dairying, early show success has exceeded expectations. “The first show we went to in Winton in 2025 every class we entered we won with the South Devons including Champion Cow and Champion Bull. We were surprised to do so well,” says Neil. “This year we’ve shown we won Junior Champion bull calf and Champion Heifer calf. A bull calf has won three shows out of four this season - all the credit must go Pinzridge as it was its animals,” says Jackie. Now building on Pinzridge genetics they have invested in overseas bloodlines, importing semen from the English bull Highgate Osiris and using artificial insemination this season. The couple are preparing to attend the South Devon International Conference in England, combining it with a tour to see where the bull originated. “We’ve never been overseas apart from Australia so this is our big OE,” says Jackie. “They are very sociable people the South Devon people.” “I’ve farmed all my life so rather than look at castles I’d prefer to look at stock in different parts of the world,” says Neil. Breeding goals are clear: low birthweight, easy calving and explosive growth. A current winning bull calf, born on 15 September with low birthweight, weighed about 270kg liveweight by mid-February. With extensive dairy interests across Wangaloa, Kaitangata, Stirling and Tuatapere, supported by run-offs, the Kellys have long been immersed in farming. Now, through the South Devons, the next generation is learning the rhythms of rural life and, perhaps more importantly, how to care for something bigger than themselves.
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