26 | Creating a more suitable crossbred cow 6000+ entries in the NZ Heralds Summer Photo Competition 2025 and “Summer Spa with the Charolais girls” won 2nd place. Sue Russell RURAL PEOPLE » Longhill Farms If the photo with this article looks familiar to some, it’s because it took out second place in this year’s NZ Herald Summer Photo competition. Enjoying a dip in the trough is Bevan Taylor of Longhill Farms, just south of Kawakawa, Northland. Bevan’s wife Johanna, who is also a keen photographer took the photo, wanting to capture a typical New Zealand Summer photo that lots of farming families can relate to. Imagine the surprise when the news came that it was considered so highly by the judges who had to select the best photos out of 6000+ entries. “On hot Summer days, it has happened before that we jumped in the throughs to cool down but this particular photo was set up. I don’t think the Charolais cows seem to mind the limelight either,” says Bevan, who is fourth generation on the 170ha family dairy & beef farm. Over a decade ago, the decision was made to reduce milking the dairy herd from twice-a-day to once and this sparked the beginning of breeding Jersey into the then full Friesian herd, creating a more suitable Crossbred cow. This change of milking regime came with an initial drop in milk production, however, this has well and truly been recovered and surpassed. The 20-aside herringbone shed with an in-shed feeding system build in 2014 works perfectly for the Northland couple and their 190 dairy cows. “The herds production is back to where it was before we made the change- if not even better. We also love the benefits of less lame cows, a rapid increase in genetics and a very high in-calf rate which allows us to only mate our top 30% to replacement. The remaining 70% are mated to beef to reduce bobby calf numbers.” The couple has trialled many different beef breeds over the years, but the connection with Charolais became active when they invested in 10 straws of Charolais semen, keen to give this terminal breed a go. “Despite the moderate birth weight, we don’t have any calving problems with them. They are very attractive animals which grow well and while you will see a variation in colour in the progeny out of the dairy cows, they all look like they are from the same line.” The home farm is accompanied by a smaller 33ha block nearby where the weaned beef calves are kept until sold at 15 month old, predominantly to long-time repeat buyers. With the love for their Charolais calves out of the dairy cows, Bevan and Johanna took an opportunity to purchase 7 purebred, registered Charolais cows from Whananaki Coastal Charolais in 2021. The idea of breeding their own service bulls and operate a closed breeding system has always been a dream of the farming couple. “More and more people started to approach us asking if we have surplus Charolais bulls for sale”, says Bevan. “It’s also very addictive to have them around. Once you have some, you just want more.” With the growing demand for Charolais bulls in the beef and dairy sector, they took the plunge and decided to become a registered breeder with the Charolais Breeders New Zealand Association, naming their stud Longhill Farms Charolais. “Our main focus is to breed easy calving bulls with a short gestation and great growth. However, to us, a quiet and responsive temperament is a non-negotiable in all our cattle. Life is too short to deal with feisty animals and we know first-hand how important this trait is.” All bulls are sold by private treaty either as yearlings in spring or R2’s in autumn. Bevan also praised the great support from other breeders and members of the Association as they established their stud. “Everyone is so welcoming and are happy to answer any questions that come up, it’s a fantastic community.” A highlight for the Northland couple is the yearly Charolais Tour, being held at different locations throughout New Zealand. In March 2025, Charolais studs in the Waikato and Taranaki open their gates to other breeders and Charolais lovers over a course of 3 days. Working on farm with Johanna and Bevan is Wiha McNab, who loves milking and is a valued member of the team for the past 25+ years. Whenever time allows, Bevan, Johanna and their family like taking advantage of the great fishing, surfing and camping opportunities Northland has to offer. Johanna is also a passionate AI technician working for LIC in different areas during the spring and winter season throughout New Zealand. Bevan says he’s happy with how the farm and stud have progressed these past few years. “We’re in a good situation up here. The coast isn’t far away and the North is certainly a very special part of New Zealand.” CONTACT BRENT 027 2748 366 brentwallaceltd@gmail.com Proudly Supporting Longhill Farms Excavator, Bulk Lime/Fertiliser/Metal Cartage, Flat Deck Truck + Trailer & Transporter Conventional Baling | Round + Big Square Silage & Hay Baling Seed Drilling | Powerharrow & Airseeding | Ripping/Discing E luent Spreading | Tip Trailers | Hedge Trimming Proudly supporting Longhill Farms Kaikohe 401 1536 Kerikeri 407 7354 Waipapa 401 6654 Kawakawa 404 0842
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