28 | RURAL PEOPLE » Raetea Holsteins Breeding programme delivers results Part of the 120-strong Raetea Holstein herd grazing in the Waikite Valley. Sue Russell Farming on an 80 ha (72 ha effective) dairy unit in the Waikite Valley some 30 minutes south of Rotorua has been a positive experience for Pat and Shelley Schnuriger. They’ve tuned their farming system to fit in well with the environment and to make the most of what ‘mother nature’ provides. “We’re fortunate to have pretty free draining soil. It takes a lot to pug it and while it may get a bit dry over summer at times, the herd produces milk well and maintains good condition.” That herd of registered Holsteins - Raetea Holsteins, along with two registered Ayrshires and two milking Shorthorns performs well. They were milked once a day for many years, however the decision to move to twice a day sits better with the cows’ genetics and brings better production results. Some steeper parts of the farm have been retired into forestry plantation. Pat says the 120 strong herd is of mixed age with the oldest now 16 years old. Shelley and Pat got together about 12 years ago and Shelley brought an interest in showing cattle into the mix. “I was more attracted by the sheer size and overall capacity of the Holstein cow, their presence, overall balance in structure and the quality of their udders. You don’t get that with the smaller breeds,” says Shelley. Asked what the genetic mix is that goes into producing such fine animals Pat says they pretty much rely on overseas genetics. New Zealand genetics doesn’t offer the longevity and conformation traits the couple seek Genetics is sourced from Canada, North America and Italy. Mating is a serious affair, with cows matched to specific traits. “We look at a cow, what we like about her, what we don’t and mate accordingly,” Shelley explains. Consequently the couple relish calving time to see what the genetic mix has produced. Showing cows has been a big part of Shelley’s life on the farm. She enjoys the camaraderie and seeing what other breeders have produced and comparing her selection with what else is on show. Recent success at the Morrinsville A & P ( 4th March) has solidified for Shelley that what they are doing with their breeding programme is delivering results. They have also showed at the Waikato A & P and at New Zealand Dairy Event in January at Fielding. “The red and white Holstein cow shown at Morrinsville has gone on to be a great producer as a three-year old.” She won Supreme Holstein Champion and All Breeds Intermediate Champion. The history of the farm is interesting. It was one of the original ballot farms, one of the farms first settled in the area. In the couple’s immediate vicinity is dairying but any further south and it becomes dry stock land. “The weather is pretty kind too. Generally we don’t hit the extremes too much but it can be cold in winter. What grass we grow by May, that’s it,” Pat says. Having very frne draining soil is a positive and while the farm would best be described as very rolling, the trucks can handle it without difficulty. “It ticks along nicely,” says Pat. Asked why Holsteins, Pat says they are a very WE ARE MORE THAN JUST MILKING SPECIALISTS Feel free to call in, visit our shop and discuss any requirements you have in regards to your dairy shed. DeLaval Service and Support milking solutions Ph 07 348 3628 | 19 White Street, Rotorua www.abcmilkingsolutions.co.nz with 24/7 Service • Milking Machines • Dairy Consumables • Machine Tests • Davey Supplier • Trenching • DeLaval InService (Preventative Maintenance) •McConnel Backing Gates • Water Pumps & Fittings •Effluent Systems • Bore Lifts • Irrigation Services •Reid & Harrison LY R PROUD SUPPO TING Raetea Holsteins good performing breed. Jerseys, he says, can be ‘sulky’ and Ayrshires quite stubborn. “One issue we are still working on is getting cows in calf. We’re looking closely at the fertility of the bulls we use. Sometimes the problem with the Holsteins is that they milk too well and this impacts their fertility.” Calving commences July 1st and concludes by August 15th. “The cows that don’t get in calf will go through a second lactation. They become a very efficient cow.” The best heifer calves from the best cows are kept as replacements, while the bull calves are sold to beef rearers. Brosnahan Agricultural Spraying Ltd Gene Brosnahan Cell: 027-410 1035 Email:bas@brosnahanagri.co.nz
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