28 | RURAL PEOPLE » Tocker Farm Registrations now open for conference The conference itinerary, running from March 2nd to 15th, 2026, includes pre- and post-conference tours across New Zealand. Bernadette Cooney The itinerary for the international Red Dairy Breeds Federation (IRDBF) Conference, being hosted in New Zealand for the first time in March 2026, has been unveiled for the highly anticipated conference and nationwide tour. Manawatu farmer and IRDBF director Russell Tocker says registrations are now open for the event which brings together red dairy breeders and researchers from around the world to exchange knowledge. “Hosting the IRDBF Conference in New Zealand is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our red dairy operations and the unique way we farm here,” says Russell. “New Zealand’s red dairy breeds, particularly Ayrshires and Milking Shorthorns, are well-suited to our grazing-based system, and we’re excited to share our expertise with the world.” The IRDBF held its inaugural conference in June 2016 in Norway and its last conference was held in Estonia in 2023. The 2026 edition will be particularly special, as New Zealand’s pasturebased dairy farming system offers valuable insights for international delegates. While red dairy breeds form a small percentage of New Zealand’s dairy national herd, there are still large numbers in Russia, Scandinavia and Kenya. The conference itinerary, running from March 2nd to 15th, 2026, includes pre- and post-conference tours across New Zealand, providing attendees with firsthand experience of leading red dairy farms including Russell and Zac Tocker’s red dairy operation in Tiakitahuna. The 380-hectare farm, bordering the Manawatu River, runs a mixed dairy and dry stock system with 720 cows, including 140 pedigree Ayrshire and Milking Shorthorns. “We take great pride in our breeding program and herd management,” says Russell “About a quarter of our herd consists of pedigree red dairy cows, and we focus on improving genetics through careful selection. There’s large potential for genetic gains, and that’s one of the things I’m most passionate about.” The North Island leg of the 2026 IRDBF Conference begins in Auckland and travels through Waikato, Rotorua, Taranaki, and Palmerston North before culminating in a full day of conference discussions and an AGM. Delegates will visit well-known farms such as Rosemoor Ayrshires, a stud set up in 1969 which today has around 150 registered Ayrshire cows on 88 effective hectares. Amongst others, Kaihere Milking Shorthorns in Te Aroha will be visited, milking 150 cows with a split calving pattern on a 50-hectare milking platform. Kiteroa Stud in Ohaupo will highlight their 190 purebred Ayrshire cows. Tokoroa’s Brookview Ayrshires and Holsteins will show their 550 milkers on new farm in Te Awamutu, 260 of which are Ayrshire, with the rest a balance of Holstein, Jersey and Brown Swiss. The South Island post conference tour will follow, taking delegates to Canterbury, Twizel, and Queenstown. Highlights include visits to Glenmore Farm in Leeston which milks 1,700 cows - twothirds of them Ayrshires - and Red Cow Farm in mid Canterbury, a prominent Milking Shorthorn operation. Anticipation is building for what promises to be an informative and inspiring event and registrations can be made now at https:// reddairyconference2026.co.nz. The IRDBF Conference 2026 will highlight the strength of New Zealand’s red dairy sector and foster global collaboration in breeding, genetics, and industry best practice. We have a team of seven plumbers, drainlayers, gasfitters, and office staff. Born and bred in the Bay, we take on all types of plumbing, drainlaying, or gasfitting work—whether it’s an emergency, civil projects, or even a tap washer. Large or small, we do it all, including water tanks and septic tanks. Covering all of Hawke's Bay. 0800 227 375 milesnathan1@me.com www.capeplumbing.co.nz Grass, Wholecrop, Maize, Stacking, Bagging, Buying & Selling, Round Bales, Hay & Baleage, Conventional Bales & Ground Work For all your harvesting needs Proud to Support Tocker Farm Call Murray: 021 414 227
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