NZ Dairy Autumn 2021

92 | nz dairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Richard & Pauline Adam Noted Jersey breeders welcome next chapter Sue Russell P ick up a pedigree of a top Jersey cow in New Zealand and chances are it will have some Carnmor influence in its background/lineage. Forty-two years of annual sales, selling stock around the country and overseas will do that, says Richard Adam. The Adam’s farming journey goes back over 50 years, and through years of close attention to breeding, Richard and wife Pauline have produced some of the very best Jersey cows in New Zealand under their Carnmor stud, located just out of Kihikihi. The Carnmor herd was founded by Richard in 1964 and held more annual sales than almost any herd in the country before their dispersal in May 2020. The Carnmor stud became synonymous with strong producing cows with outstanding conforma- tion and udders and was rated as the top udder BV herd by Jersey NZ for many years. “Like many farmers we strove for the perfect balance between productivity and conformation. The challenge in breeding is understanding the attributes of a cow and making mating decisions that will correct any weaknesses and build on the strengths. That’s really what herd improvement is all about – each generation of breeding better than the one before it and getting you closer to your herd goals,” says Richard. Their affinity with the breed goes back to the days when Richard’s father, Richard Snr had the Thornwood Jersey stud. “Jerseys are highly efficient, the most efficient breed per kilogram of feed and per kilogram of liveweight. We always found them to be easy care with few health issues and great fertility which made them not only profitable but enjoyable to milk,” Richard says. Life has changed recently with the decision last year to sell the herd and bring on a 50:50 sharemilker, who is currently milking a 260 cow predominantly Jersey herd on the farm. “It was something we had been mulling over for a while. Unfortunately, Covid hit and the on-farm auction scheduled for April has to be postponed and eventually cancelled in favour of an on-line Bidr sale.” “There was definitely some nervousness around selling online. Much of our brand was built around the conformation of our herd and a photo just can’t do that justice. However, in the end we were really pleased with the results.” In all, 160 cows, 90 in-calf heifers, and 78 calves were sold. The Carnmor dispersal became one of the highest Jersey sale average in New Zea- land history with both the cows and in-calf heifers averaging over $3,100 per head and the calves averaging over $2,100. A highlight was in-calf heifer Carnmor Stars Trixie selling for $22,200 – the second highest price ever achieved by an in-calf Jersey heifer in New Zealand. The decision to sell the stud and engage a share-milker doesn’t mean that Richard isn’t busy. Richard’s association with Jerseys continues, as an official judge at shows throughout the region, including the Royal Show in Stratford in November and, more recently, the annual Semex on-farm competitions. Richard and Pauline also retain a share in an eq- uity partnership at Otorohanga with their daughter and son-in-law, Shaun and Michelle Good. The Goods have their own Jersey stud, adopting Richard Snrs stud name Thornwood and have had much success with their own breeding having had a number of bulls taken by AB companies. Daughter Michelle also works for the industry advocacy group Jersey Advantage, and is involved with the Jersey NZ Youth Council. Asked what presents as an on-going challenge for farmers, regardless of breed, Richard says environmental compliance ranks high. “For most farmers there’s a real focus to do right by the environment, by adopting new farm management practices. But these take time to bed down and that’s the tension that exists at this time.” “New Zealand farmers are the best in the world and are innovative and problem solvers so we will adapt but change doesn’t happen overnight.” Now that he and Pauline have welcomed the next chapter in their farming life, Richard says he is proud of what they have achieved and enjoys the balance in life they have worked hard to achieve. “The challenge in breeding is understanding the attributes of a cow and making mating decisions that will correct any weaknesses and build on the strengths. That’s really what herd improvement is all about – each generation of breeding better than the one before it and getting you closer to your herd goals.” Where quality and service count years 40 For all your contracting requirements Phone 07 872 0000 www.johnaustinltd.co.nz 40 Carnmor Stars Trixie, top priced heifer ($22,200) at the Carnmor dispersal, the second highest price ever achieved by an in-calf Jersey heifer in New Zealand.