| 31 nzdairy “My grandmother’s family used to breed Shorthorns, so they go back many generations for us.” DAIRY PEOPLE » Josh and Kareena Sneddon Proving itself in the paddock and the show ring Richard Loader Well-known for his work with Jerseys, Tokoroa breeder Josh Sneddon is putting renewed focus on a lesser-known but equally valuable dairy breed: the Dairy Shorthorn. While the Tahau Jersey Stud continues to go from strength to strength, Josh’s growing Tahau Shorthorn stud is now proving itself in both the paddock and the show ring, and capturing national attention in the process. Josh and his wife Kareena run 240 Jerseys on the 98ha Tokoroa farm owned by Albie and Barb Kuttel. But it’s the 50-strong and rapidly growing Tahau Dairy Shorthorn herd that’s starting to punch well above its weight. Josh says the Shorthorns are not only holding their own on-farm in terms of fertility, calf quality, and production, but they are also producing top show results. A standout example is Westell Jedi Rollie, a cow bred by David and Wendy Harker of Te Awamutu and purchased by Josh as an in-milk heifer four seasons ago. At this year’s New Zealand Dairy Event in Feilding, prepared and shown by Luke Gilbert and his team from Show Case Boarding, Rollie took out senior champion and best udder in show, and best combined breed, a remarkable result that reinforced Josh’s confidence in the breed. “She’s probably the best cow in our Shorthorn herd, but we’ve got a few coming through now that are right up there with our top-performing Jerseys,” he says. “We’re seeing consistent production, great fertility - our Shorthorns had 100% in-calf rates for both cows and heifers this year - and really good temperament too.” Josh’s interest in Dairy Shorthorns stems from both a professional and personal place. With a keen eye for genetic potential, he was drawn to the breed’s strong maternal traits and long-standing reputation in New Zealand’s dairy history. But there’s also a family connection. “My grandmother’s family used to breed Shorthorns, so they go back many generations for us,” he says. “They’re an old dairy breed and I liked the idea of doing something a bit different, but something that still has a place on today’s farms.” Josh has been steadily growing the Shorthorn numbers at Tahau by retaining heifers and purchasing quality animals. The cows are producing strong, well-marked calves, and Josh says their fertility and growth rates are “nothing short of impressive.” The Shorthorns have also proven to be a great fit within the mixed herd. MFL239 Westell Jedi Rollie. “They’re similar in size to our Jerseys, so they integrate well. There’s not that bullying you sometimes see when you mix bigger Friesians with smaller Jerseys. They hold their own and they perform.” Josh says the next step is to continue building numbers and showcasing the breed’s capabilities to other farmers and breeders. While Jerseys will remain a key part of their operation, he’s excited to expand the Shorthorn programme. “We’ll likely take both breeds to the Dairy Event next year,” he says. “They’re each bringing something different to the table, and that’s helping future-proof our business.” As a breeder who’s never been afraid to challenge convention, Josh’s investment in Dairy Shorthorns looks set to bring even more success, both in the show ring and on the farm. 027 277 7993 www.sansonagriculture.co.nz For all your Agricultural Contracting needs PROUD TO SUPPORT JOSH & KAREENA Tahau Jerseys Offering ● Quality in-calf Jersey & Shorthorn heifers ● Strong Spring-born calves ● Proven Jersey & Shorthorn genetics for production and type Highlights ● Fertility and strength for seasonal herds ● Consistent production performance ● Well-grown replacements ready to enter the herd Josh Sneddon 027 251 8440 jksneddon11@gmail.com 2405 Old Taupō Road, RD 1, Tokoroa 3491 Autumn Heifer & Calf Sale
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