| 15 David’s growing farm ventures David and Pip Fullerton with sons Alex and Dean. Photo by Dean Malcolm. Karen Phelps Ngahinapouri based farmer David Fullerton has recently made a significant addition to his farming business, adding a new farm to the portfolio. The 50ha lease block, which adjoins the farm drystock block, slated to host a herd of 180 cows, including 30 TRG heat-tolerant cows and 150 Holstein Friesians. It will complement the existing home farm of 300ha milking 570-600 Holstein Friesians. The new farm includes a herd home and an 18-aside herringbone dairy shed. Son Alex will oversee the farm with a contract milker in charge. David’s other son Dean is also involved in the family farming business balancing this with a professional polo career. While this regularly takes him offshore he contributes to the genomics and marketing side of the business, which he manages online. The Fullerton home farm is where the family stud Waipiri Holsteins is based. David’s passion for genetics extends beyond his farm, with clients spanning the globe, including New Zealand, Russia, Switzerland, the UK, Ireland, Australia, South America, Africa, China, and the Middle East. The global interest in Waipiri Agriculture genetics – the brand he sells his genetics under - is a testament to the reputation David has built over generations. Waipiri Agriculture deals in all facets of genetics selling live bulls and heifers, embryos and semen. The aim is to keep the size of the cattle reasonable as well as focusing on fertility “It’s not cheap rearing replacements so you want to keep that cow in the herd for as long as possible. Fertility is particularly important in New Zealand as in most cases we have to calve in spring and for the grass curve. Overseas where cows are indoors or partial grazing this is not such an issue but of course still important.” As a fourth-generation farmer, David’s business is multi-faceted. In addition to Waipiri Agriculture, he has interests in HSS Genetics, a joint venture selling Holstein Friesian genetics. David has also invested in Thermo Regulatory Genetics Limited, a Kiwi RURAL PEOPLE » David Fullerton Beat theBobbyCalf Battle Use a Polled Hereford Bull over your Heifers from MahutaHerefords • Proven record for calving ease over dairy heifers • Negative gestation • Bulls top 1% for calving ease EBVs Annual Yearlingbull sale: 15thSep. 2023 - Contact JohnAllen0274407504 or StephenHickey0274443570 -Wrightsons Mahuta Sniper 2005 - top 1% calving ease ebv RURAL, RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL BUILDERS Ph: 07 871 4986 E: info@gibsonconstruction.co.nz www.gibsonconstruction.co.nz WHERE QUALITY IS NEVER COMPROMISED Proud to be the chosen builders for Dave and Pip Fullerton. company aiming to produce dairy cows capable of thriving in tropical conditions, with a particular focus on the ‘slick gene.’ This gene allows cattle to regulate body temperature and maintain milk production even in hot and humid climates. This diverse portfolio reflects David Fullerton’s forward-thinking approach, combining tradition with cutting-edge innovation, ensuring his farming legacy continues to thrive on the global stage. In April, a select offering of only 10 Waipiri Holsteins will be available for sale in the Ferdon 75thanniversary sale. These cattle, mainly show cattle with high genomics, are a testament to David’s emphasis on quality and breeding excellence. David offers land for research and development on his farms as he laments where New Zealand farming has ended up with very little authentic research going on in the agri sector. Current research projects include agronomy around different grasses and cropping options. “This has come from my father William who was always keen on innovation and advancement in the dairy industry. We always used to have research projects on our family farm. So I’m always looking at advancement in the industry and am an advocate of open discussion on new ways of farming.” THE RURAL ELECTRICAL SOLUTIONS SPECIALISTS Residential & Agricultural 188 Thames Street, Morrinsville | www.mes.co.nz
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