62 | nzdairy Nan de Haan’s innovative breeding system Dry stock & dairy Springer mob in the maternity ward (calving barn). The sheep and beef farm. Karen Phelps Nan and Marissa de Haan Nan are introducing an innovative breeding system to their Southland sharemilking operation. The couple hope the aAa (Animal Analysis Associates) system, widely used in Europe but relatively new to New Zealand, will create a more balanced and productive herd on the Mokotua farm. Nan, originally from Holland, had used the system in Europe on farms he had worked on and been impressed by the results. “You could look over the fence and all the backs of the cows were even and they were looking gorgeous.” The recent availability of aAa analyser Marc Wutrich in Southland has allowed Nan to implement this breeding strategy in New Zealand. The aAa system, developed by Bill Weeks in 1950, focuses on improving cow form to enhance function. The system evaluates cows based on six key qualities: dairy, tall, open, strong, smooth, and style. Each quality contributes to the overall balance and functionality of the animal. “It’s possible for an animal to be ‘too dairy’ or ‘too tall,’” Nan clarifies. “The best functioning cows are free from extremes and have a balance of a number of qualities.” By identifying the qualities a cow needs and matching them with bulls that can provide those traits, farmers can create a more consistent and well-functioning herd. This approach aims to prevent costly problems related to udder health, leg strength, and overall cow longevity. Nan says that balanced cows free from timeconsuming problems that require special handling While Reuben and Deb Connolly have made headlines for their success in the dairy industry, including winning the Waikato Sharefarmer of the Year award in 2021, their farming operation tells a more diverse story. The couple’s approach to integrating drystock and dairy farming has created a self-sustaining and profitable enterprise that’s as much about lifestyle as it is about business. Located near Otorohanga, the Connollys own a 315-hectare drystock block and lease a 110- hectare dairy farm. This combination allows them to rear and graze their own young stock, maintain a flock of 600 Romney Coopworth sheep, and operate a small Hereford stud, all while managing a herd of 300 dairy cows. “We’re fully self-contained as far as stock goes between the two farms,” explains Reuben. This self-containment is a key aspect of their operation, kicked it off by industry scares from diseases such as mycoplasma bovis. Their approach not only provides biosecurity benefits but also diversifies the couple’s income DAIRY PEOPLE » Nan and Marissa de Haan / Reuben and Deb Connolly create efficiencies leading to improved milk production, better feed utilization, and increased longevity – all factors that contribute to a more profitable and sustainable dairy operation. Nan and Marissa have quickly climbed the farming ladder. Nan had always worked on farms in Holland and decided to study farming. He came to New Zealand for work experience as part of this and that’s where his passion for living on this side of the world began. He started as second in charge for Greg and Sonya Herbert then in 2017 started contract milking for Premier Dairy for three seasons before being asked to come sharemilk the farm Greg and Sonya were investing in together with Winy van Rossum. They are now in their fifth season on the Mokotua farm as 50:50 sharemilkers. The 125-hectare farm has 370 crossbred cows, producing 226,000 kgMS last season. When they came to the farm it had just undergone extensive upgrades meaning the unit is ticking along nicely under their stewardship. “If we can keep doing what we’re doing on this farm, I’ll be as happy as Larry,” says Nan. “It’s smaller changes we are making to fine-tune the system with the key focus on improving breeding as that is where we see we can make the most gain.” The couple now have a son Lewis, 3, which means Marissa’s role is full time mum but also taking care of the admin side of their business and helping out on the farm as required. Nan and Marissa are now setting their sights on farm ownership. “Our overall goal is farm ownership and continuing to achieve work-life balance. It’s definitely the Kiwi dream to buy our own farm at some point.” streams, reducing reliance on a single source. For example they rear 60-70 of their own beef calves from the dairy farm, along with about 50 Friesian bulls, taking them through to two years old. These animals then become service bulls or are fattened for sale. One innovative aspect of their operation is the production of teaser bulls. “It makes heat detection easier,” Reuben explains. “It’s a more traditional method we tried about six years ago, and it worked so well we thought we would make our own and then a few extras to see if anyone wanted to buy them. People have liked them.” The Connollys’ small Hereford stud of around 40 unregistered cows further illustrates their integrated approach. “We breed to put over our dairy cows, so we want easy calving and short gestation. Meat production is secondary but also important,” he says. Their sheep operation sees all sheep go to a terminal sire, and they buy in two tooths each year, around 100, and send the lambs to the works, around 800. He says the sheep and cattle aspects of their business complement each other in PROUDTO PARTNER WITH NAN DE HAAN Karen Phelps
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