| 59 The Ireland family interest in Jersey genetics dates back to 1927. RURAL PEOPLE » Steve and Nina Ireland “We were always focused on the primary traits of capacity, fertility and udders, and we were able to improve the quality of our herd particularly in the top genetics quite quickly. We’ve sold a lot of top Jersey bulls to the AI (Artificial Insemination) companies over the years,” says Steve. Steve and Nina’s focus has always been to breed an animal that commercial farmers can use to improve their herd, as opposed to a breeder who might be more show focused. Apart from their consistently high BW (Breeding Worth), they all have good capacity, good fertility and a long-lasting udder which builds longevity into the herd. What that means in practice is a robust cow that can survive in a big herd and produce good milk solids for six to eight years. Because their focus on udders as well as fertility has reduced culling for issues with either, the Irelands each year have surplus in calf cows to sell to other farmers adding a lucrative income stream to their business. “We’ve bred those efficiencies into our herd, because we’re primarily a pasture-based business, and we’re spring only calving. We sell most of our Jersey bull calves as yearlings which is also lucrative. We averaged $2300 last year,” says Steve. With contract milkers on the farm Nina and Steve now concentrate on calf-rearing, the run-off and AI side of the business. After nearly 40 years of genetic selection their herd consistently delivers an empty rate around 10% a year and produces around 500 kg’s of milk solids per cow. It’s a solid record any dairy farmer would be proud of. Plus: • Romdales • Texel Perendales • Suftex 1419 Moa Flat Road RD 2, Tapanui New Zealand Kerry: 027 6016131 Morgan: 027 9116193 Email: france@yrless.nz
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