| 9 More than chasing production figures The Giles family has also embraced A2 genetics. Karen Phelps For the Giles family of Southland breeding cows is about more than chasing production figures. It is about building a Jersey herd with the right balance of size, fertility and milk quality to suit modern dairy farming. The family has spent more than 15 years developing its own genetics, beginning in 2009 when Chris and his wife Desiree were lowerorder sharemilkers. Today they milk around 550 predominantly Jersey cows with their breeding programme attracting recognition from within the industry including some of their cows featuring in the CRV catalogue over recent years. Their cows also recently earned strong praise from Jersey NZ Herd Tester Robert Hall, one of CRV’s progeny testers, who visited the farm to score their animals. The assessment highlighted the quality of the herd and the progress the Giles family has made through careful genetic selection. “Breeding has always been a long-term focus for us,” says Chris. “We breed on four main traits - stature, capacity, high protein and fertility. We want a taller Jersey with more frame and capacity but still with the fertility and production advantages Jerseys are known for. Our production goal is to have a Jersey cow capable of producing 600 plus kilograms of milk solids.” The Giles family has also embraced A2 genetics as part of its breeding strategy, adding another focus to their selection decisions. For the past eight years, the farm has been involved in CRV’s Progeny Test programme, using semen from selected young bulls to help identify the next generation of elite dairy genetics. “Being involved in progeny testing gives us access to genetics earlier and allows us to contribute data back into the industry,” says Chris. “It’s a long-term commitment because you’re waiting several years to see how the daughters perform, but the information you gain is valuable.” As well as developing their own herd the family has started selling Jersey bulls, focusing particularly on high-fertility genetics. This is now their fourth year offering bulls with sales ranging from around 30 to 80 animals depending on the season. “We’ve had really good feedback from the bulls we’ve sold so far,” says Chris. “A lot of sales have come through word of mouth, which is a good indication that people are happy with the genetics they’re getting.” The breeding programme has been developed alongside a highly efficient farming system. The Giles family’s Waimumu Downs operation, owned in equity partnership since 2014, has RURAL PEOPLE » Chris and Desiree Giles grown from milking 400 cows on 143 hectares to its current herd size through pasture improvement, infrastructure investment and careful management. The farm operates a grass-based system, with all stock wintered on-farm, and currently produces around 520 to 530 kilograms of milk solids per cow. It has a 50-bail rotary shed equipped with DeLaval plant. For the Giles family, genetics remain a key part of building resilient dairy systems into the future. “Good cows make farming easier,” explains Chris. “If you can breed animals that are fertile, productive and suited to your system, they give you a strong foundation for the future.” Preparing for their next step up the dairy ladder their farm Waimumu Downs, owned in an equity partnership, is on the market. This move aligns with the Giles’ goal of direct farm ownership. Contact Erik (027) 204-8019 admin@optiumag.com Check us out on Facebook DRILLED RIGHT ON TIME. • Strip till Beet and Swedes • Late model, full GPS auto steered tractors • Precision planter available • Full cultivation options • For all your Beet, Swede and Maize Drilling requirements • Full cultivation of ex winter paddocks • Experienced ploughman • Digger with tree shear for controlled shelter belt trimming, lanes and culverts • Full silage and bale services Covering South Otago & Southland
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