| 35 Four pedigree studs Aaron farms 460 registered Jersey cows across a combined 141 hectares. Jerseys are a multi-generational passion for the Tosland family. Karen Phelps Jerseys are a multi-generational passion for the Tosland family. So much so that they are operating four separate pedigree studs from the family farm in Okaiawa, South Taranaki, each incorporating the name of the family member who started it. “Jerseys are easy animals to handle and the most cost-effective breed as you have to feed them half as much as a Holstein and get the same result at the end,” says Aaron Tosland. Aaron farms 460 registered Jersey cows across a combined 141 hectares in a 50:50 partnership with his father Derek. The Toslands produce 180,000 kilograms of milksolids under an all-grass system. Aaron rears 135 milk fed calves and grazes heifers off farm. The operation includes two full-time workers and Derek continues to work part-time on the farm he once ran himself. Derriland is Derek’s stud and comprises around 200 cows. Aaron has just taken over Lexland stud. RURAL PEOPLE » Aaron Tosland The stud was originally established by his grandparents Alex and Gloria who remained fully involved until Alex died in 2016 and Gloria last year. Aaroland is Aaron’s stud, started when he was just 16 years old, and the cows from that have been absorbed into Lexland leaving a herd of 50 he is passing onto the next generation, his children Tillie, six, Rubi, three and AJ, one. He gifts each child a calf a year, allowing them to slowly build their own herd. “They are all keen as mustard and know their calves get purple tags,” explains Aaron. “When we shift the cows they know which ones are theirs.” Rounding out the quartet is the smallest operation, the Kelland Stud, run by Aaron’s uncle Kelvin, who keeps ten cows on the farm. “He likes to keep his hand in,” says Aaron. Breeding goals are shared across all three familyrun studs, to breed a bigger more productive Jersey cow. The farm employs strict criteria for udder, stature, feet, and milk production with the farm buying semen from bull companies LIC and CRV. FOR ALL YOUR AGRICULTURAL REQUIREMENTS • Pasture Renovation • Round Bales: Hay / Silage • Bulk Silage • Digger Hire • Truck Hire • Metal Supplies Call Gary 0274 483 574 or Daniel 0275 037 747 $12,999 NO BULL, REAL WORLD PRICING. THE SMART FARM CHOI CE. YMF Finance available! Terms and Conditions apply Phone 027 4540073 Craig for full details Phone 06 278 4756 309 South Road, Hawera www.baileymotorcycles.co.nz Zero Deposit Zero Repayments for 12 months 5.95%P.A. Fixed Rate^ “Bigger is better when it comes to Jerseys,” says Aaron. “They produce more when they’re bigger. We get paid for what goes in the vat, and it’s all about fat and protein, and Jerseys are good producers when it comes to those things. We also always strive to get a bull in the bull team. We’ve had success with that as a family over the years. My father has had one and it’s a goal of mine too.” Aaron is a member of Jersey New Zealand and for the past two years he has served as President of the Hawera Jersey Club, the oldest Jersey club in New Zealand, founded in 1909. It was four years ago, Aaron bought the original family farm, roughly a kilometre from the home block, from his father’s cousin. The 60-hectare property, in the family for around a century, is now used for dry stock and cutting supplement. He is now in a 50:50 partnership with his father on the home farm. For Aaron the land and the four studs represent more than pedigree records. “The biggest goal is to keep the legacy going and pass it onto the next generation,” he says. “My grandfather and father have put their life and soul into the farm. I’m doing the same thing, and I hope my kids do the same.” Annual Yearling Bulls sale Friday 11th September 2026
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