12 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » David Wood Shorthorns Bringing farmers from around the world together Kelly Deeks International visitors and breeders gathered in the Manawatu in March for the International Red Cow Breeders Conference alongside the New Zealand Milking Shorthorn Association conference, bringing farmers from around the world together to discuss genetics, breeding, and the future of red dairy breeds. Palmerston North breeder David Wood says the tour began on March 2 in Auckland, with delegates travelling through the North Island and visiting red dairy herds along the way. “We started in Auckland and worked our way down to Hamilton visiting herds,” David says. “There were about ten herds we looked at before heading down to Palmerston North for the conference.” After the conference events, delegates also visited red cow herds in the Tararua district before some travelled on to the South Island to see additional farms. David says the conference offered a valuable opportunity to share ideas with breeders from Europe and elsewhere. “We had speakers from New Zealand, Germany, Finland, and Sweden talking about progress with their red breeds,” he says. “It was interesting for them to see how we farm our cows outdoors because in some countries their cows are indoors for much of the year.” A major focus was on breeding strategy and maintaining strong genetics within New Zealand while occasionally introducing overseas bloodlines. “We can breed very good stock here but every now and then you need an outcross to keep genetics fresh,” David says. That approach is reflected at the Wood family’s Northbrook stud at Hiwinui, where both New Zealand and overseas bulls are used. Exporting New Zealand genetics overseas can be challenging, with strict testing requirements and David says the conference offered a valuable opportunity to share ideas with breeders from Europe and elsewhere. the need to ship large quantities, but international interest remains strong. Around 45 to 50 people participated across the North and South Island tours, including visitors from Australia, England, and Estonia. The New Zealand Milking Shorthorn Association held its annual general meeting during the event, and David stepped down as president after several years. A new chapter for the association began with the appointment of its first female president, Bronwyn Brown, a dedicated breeder with years of experience. While large pure milking shorthorn herds are less common today, interest in the breed is growing, particularly among younger farmers. Many breeders now run mixed herds that include shorthorns alongside other breeds. Encouraging youth involvement is a key priority. The conference included youth scholarships, bringing a young breeder from Scotland and another from Australia to take part in the tour and meet other farmers. At Northbrook, local school children take part in pet days, learning to care for calves, feed them, and prepare them for show day. David says these activities build confidence and responsibility. “The children spend a couple of months looking after their calves,” he says. “They learn how to handle and care for them, and it can really change a child and their understanding of farming. Today we have two of these young people working for us part time rearing calves, milking, and showing.” The family is seeing the next generation embrace this involvement with all four children involved in the business. David’s son, Karl and his wife Jess were recently named Manawatu Sharemilker of the Year. “Karl is considered a future leader of the breed and the dairy industry. He’s passionate about cattle, not just milking shorthorns but other breeds as well. His herd also includes some pedigree Holsteins,” David says. For David, who represents the third generation on the farm, seeing younger generations involved is particularly rewarding. “The enthusiasm of young breeders and the support they get through programmes like pet days and youth scholarships is where the future of the breed lies.” 06 350 7900 | pkfr.co.nz Our Mission “caring for you” PKF Rutherfords are proud to support David Wood Shorthorns PROUDLY SERVICING FARMS ACROSS SOUTHLAND/OTAGO Southern Vegetation Control Limted Agricultural Spraying www.southernvegetationcontrol.co.nz (+64) 027 4 713 705
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