| 19 nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Heavenly Moos The next goal is to gradually regrass A new start for the family turned out to be a great decision with the cows loving the new farm. Aimee Wilson Two years ago Mark and Kylie Gread and their Heavenly Moos herd made the move across from Morrinsville to the coastal town of Waihi to 50/50 sharemilk for Mark’s Aunty. The move involved downsizing the herd from 290 to 190 cows. They kept their best (and favourite) girls and amalgamated these with the top end of the farm owners herd to form an elite herd. A new start for the family turned out to be a great decision with the cows loving the new farm and its brand new cowshed using the Aficollar system, and the addition of in-shed feeding. “We’ve seen a 135 kgms/cow increase since the move. We knew we had good cows, but to see them now performing so well is really rewarding,” Kylie said. The couple are targeting 550 kgms/ cow for the 25/26 season as the focus now shifts to efficiency. “We know what they can do now, the next challenge is to do it more efficiently.” The Waihi farm had been under managers and contract milkers for over a decade with no real plan for pasture renewal. Operating on 30+ year old pastures is a limiting factor, so the next goal is to gradually regrass with newer, more efficient grass species. Along with the move, the family has continued to enjoy their love of cows through their showing at local A&P shows, including Waikato A&P show and New Zealand Dairy Event. Their show star this season has been their two year old Holstein cow Pitstone Lambda Ava, purchased at the 2024 NZDE Summer Sensation Sale from young Holstein breeder Annie Gill. Ava has had an exceptional season with many wins including Reserve Champion Cow of the Youth Show at Waikato A&P, and Supreme Champion All Breeds at their local Waihi A&P Show. “She is an exceptional young cow and we’re really excited for her future”. Another exciting event happening for the family this year is their first ever public auction. Due to an outstanding heifer calf rate in 2024, Heavenly Moos are offering a hand-picked selection of in-calf heifers, cows, and 2025-born calves for sale on April 9th through Carrfields Livestock and online with Bidr. “We have always nominated our breeding and been very particular in what we use and this is now showing in the herd we have. We’re proud of what we have bred and are excited to see what they can do in other herds.” FARMit Accountants are proud to support Heavenly Moos (07) 307 7245 team@farmit.net.nz www.farmit.net.nz GOLD PARTNER Company Restructures Succession Planning Financial Accounts Tax Planning Equity Partnerships Budgeting and Forecas�ng They said it was a rare opportunity to secure their unique Linebacks, on the market for the first time, having been developed over 15 years. Their cattle have been selectively bred for structural soundness, efficiency in low–medium input systems, and reliable production. “We have always nominated our breeding and been very particular in what we use and this is now showing in the herd we have. We’re proud of what we have bred and are excited to see what they can do in other herds.” The herd could be described as a ‘licorice all-sorts’ herd, breeding Holstein-Friesians, Jerseys, Ayrshires, Shorthorns, Kiwicross, and their highly sought-after New Zealand–bred Linebacks. “With surplus heifers across breeds and with so much variety, it just made sense to offer them individually. They truly have been ‘hand picked’ to ensure there is something for everyone.” B U I L D E R S L T D Matt - 021 438 758 e: matt@mattwalkerbuilders.co.nz Servicing Thames Valley, Waikato & surrounding areas. For all your building needs • COWSHEDS • FARM BUILDINGS • LIGHT COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • ARCHITECTURAL • ALTERATIONS LICENSED BUILDING PRACTITIONERS Building confidence Josh Mason AG 027 817 9966 joshmasonag@gmail.com Contact Josh Large Round Silage Loader Wagon Direct Drilling Cultivation Hay, round, square and conventional
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