| 29 RURAL PEOPLE » Karl Wood & Jessica Hodges Wet winter a challenge for calving Sue Russell Karl Wood and Jessica Hodges farm on the outskirts of Shannon, 25 minutes or so south of Palmerston North. This the couple’s rst season 50:50 sharemilking on the 85 effective hectare farm, carrying 230 cows. Among the herd is about 20 milking shorthorns, with the rest being a mixture. Karl had already started breeding from a handful of his father’s herd and the remaining balance was sourced from two herds where farmers were going out of farming. Karl admits he’s drawn to pedigree breeds and to shorthorns which carry a long and proud history in New Zealand. “Back in 1814 they were very much a dual purpose beef and dairy breed. Now there are two separate breeds. About 60 or 70 years ago they were incredibly common. For me, there’s a bit of nostalgia about them and I nd them a nice breed to handle. Over time, I’ll be able to see how much improvement in production I can achieve.” This season Karl’s happy to see that every shorthorn is in calf. The herd generally is getting on in years with most seven or eight years old. “The rst cow I bought is 10 years old now and still in calf.” Karl works on his own on the farm but employed a spring casual to assist through calving time. Organics cost-friendly alternative • from page 28 Not only the soil tests were great but a consultant that put it under the microscope was impressed with a very “alive” soil. Hugh is convinced organic farming can be a more cost-friendly alternative to traditional farming. “You’re using more and more sprays (on traditional farms), and growing more weeds. The whole system’s spiralling out of control. “With this system, it’s almost as good and without the cost. “It’s been a really interesting realisation.” He also liked the fact that he was helping in a very small way to produce uncontaminated food for the dairy industry through providing bailage and He plans to focus on reducing his calving window and getting the herd in calf earlier. Calving brought its fair share of challenges as well, with a large number of cows requiring time and care to nurse back into health. “I think we had the wettest winter in about 30 years. We’re fortunate to have 19ha of lease block that runs along the boundary and I could utilise some of that land. Everything is wintered on farm.” Underfoot are a couple of different soil types, which works well in terms of dealing with challenging weather events. Before moving on to the farm with their herd Karl had worked a couple of seasons on his parents farm followed by two more on larger farms in Canterbury. In their current situation the couple have a three year contract with an option for a further season. “By then that will give us time to assess where we are with herd quality. My plan is eventually to go up in size to 350 to 500 cows.” Asked whether he enjoys farming in the Manawatu, Karl says it’s a good region. He’s involved with an active Young Farmers group. He’s also crossed a lot of cows with shorthorn bulls and is convinced the breed maintains itself well in the New Zealand dairy system. “They are good converters of feed to milk. They’re also healthy and get back in calf.” Looking ahead, the decision to dry off will be Pleased to support Hugh, Pru and family for their transport requirements. Proud to be working alongside Hugh and Pru Lilburn. Listening. Thinking. Innovating. 0800 4 KELSO P 06 323 0255 M 027 928 8630 W farmworxbikes.co.nz - On Farm Service - New and Used Sales - Fully Equipped Workshop (06) 323 5997 www.advancedaccounting.co.nz Congratulations Karl & Jessica on the hard work and the success! hay. His aim is to increase his production of organic wheat and look in to growing potatoes and sweet corn. There was an insatiable demand for organic products, he said. “There’s huge opportunities to grow high value organic crops. “I think it will be consumer driven ... demand from consumers to have uncontaminated food.” Overall, he learnt that it pays to have a more balanced approach to farming with including natural processes. “It’s been an informative and interesting process, and it’s won me over. “If you get out of the way, the land does it itself.” made once the production levels are assessed in April. “Ideally I’d like to try to milk until the end of May.” With a whole mixed-bag of breeds in the herd Karl is clear that if they don’t perform, they won’t remain in the herd long. He’s targeting 450kg/MS/cow. The milk production hub is a 24-aside Waikato herringbone shed which Karl says performs well. “I get the herd through in less than two hours. This is a sweet little farm and the farm owner, John Gardner is excellent. He’s helped a lot of people start their farming career on this farm.” Jess works off-farm as an FMG commercial sales consultant in Palmerston North. The farm operates to a system 2.5. Chicory is grown on nearly 10ha’s and 2ha is in turnips. “The chicory helps keep protein up in the cows through summer.” On new year’s day Karl dropped the herd down to 16 hour milkings and by February he had gone to once a day. “That’s because we didn’t feed any maize so it has helped keep the cows in good condition.” Shorthorn cow and newborn calf and hungry calves at the feeder.
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