NZ Dairy Spring 2026

Technology is helping Michael and Lindy Bennett create a more sustainable way of running the farm - Page 35 Real-time data proving vital SPRING 2026 www.waterfordpress.co.nz

2 | nzdairy Contents #nzdairy #yourstory www.waterfordpress.co.nz   Baljinder Singh �� 03 BJ and GW Hill Bros �� 04 Bajwa Farmers Ltd �� 06 Westholm Dairies �� 07 Alastair Neville and Tamzyn Coady �� 08 Charbelle Holsteins �� 09 Crayfish Trust �� 10 Crossroads Holstein Friesians �� 11 Greg and Gail Mitchell �� 12 Glenalla Farm �� 14 Greg and Hannah Topless �� 16 Harakeke Farm �� 18 Hayden and Alienor Diack �� 20 Jeremy Duckmanton and Blake Gordon �� 22 John and Jill Bluett �� 24 Beaumaris Dairies �� 25 Josh and Kareena Sneddon �� 26 Kahikatea Meadows 2018 �� 27 Leithlea Jerseys �� 28 Mount Brook Jerseys Ltd �� 30 Lighthouse and Beacon Dairies �� 31 Marc and Nia Jones �� 32 Matthew Bell �� 33 Melbra Dairies �� 34 Michael and Lindy Bennett �� 35 Paul and Rosie Franklin �� 36 Peirce Family Farm �� 38 Peter and Robyn Askey �� 40 Premier Dairies Ltd �� 42 Rakaia Island �� 44 Scott and Ann Henderson �� 48 Stu’s Moos �� 50 Suffolk Farm �� 52 Tri Devi Farms �� 54 WWUG �� 55 Waimakariri Lands �� 56 Wairere Farm �� 58 Waikino Estate �� 59 Rosdene �� 60 James, Emma and Victoria Burnby �� 61 Gary Omlo �� 62 Tania and John Burrows - Alpine Dairies �� 62 Construct South Ltd �� 64 KP Contracting Ltd �� 65 Cowley Electrical Dairy and Pumps �� 66 Fabish and Jackson 2010 Ltd �� 67 DairyTech South �� 68 Gibson Construction �� 70 Fert Wholesale Direct Ltd �� 71 Prime Fluid Management �� 72 Farm Services Limited �� 73 McGregors Farm Services �� 74 Northland Seed Supplies 1997 �� 76 Omega Milk Ltd �� 78 Pure Oil NZ �� 80 Ross Pumps Filtration Specialists �� 81 Rylib Group �� 82 Southland Farm Services �� 85 Environment Canterbury �� 86 Lawwal Holsteins �� 90 Red Bluff Farms �� 91 Skywork Helicopters Ltd - Warkworth �� 92 Flexi Tanks �� 93 SMASH NZ . �� 99 27 | Nine-week dairying course the spring board 50 | Dairy trainee leaps into the deep end 76 | Helping dairy farmers solve big challenges 12 | Two support farms allow more options OUR PARTNERS: Christchurch Office 112 Wrights Road, Addington, Christchurch Phone 03-983 5500 PO Box 37 346 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Queenstown Office 70 Glenda Drive, Queenstown 9300 MANAGING DIRECTOR James Lynch james@waterfordpress.co.nz BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Chris Pearce chris.pearce@waterfordpress.co.nz EDITORIAL Editor Randall Johnston randall@waterfordpress.co.nz WRITERS Kelly Deeks, Russell Fredric, Anne Boswell, Emma Bailey, Kim Bowden, Kim Newth, Karen Phelps, Sue Russell, Rosa Watson, Virginia Wright, Alexia Anderson, Aimee Wilson, Randall Johnston. 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| 3 nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Baljinder Singh Team improving efficiency and productivity Karen Phelps Wairarapa dairy farmers Baljinder (Bali) and Gagandeep Singh have focused on improving efficiency and productivity to build a stronger business that will ultimately take them closer to their goal of owning a farm. The couple contract milk two dairy units near Carterton for Neer Enterprises and have also just taken on a new sharemilking position on 300 cow Kahutara Farm near Featherston. “The opportunity came up to take on this sharemilking job and we could buy the cows and had enough equity sitting there. It’s a really good step for us,” says Bali. With three farms the couple are continually looking for ways to make their systems more efficient, reduce wastage and get more from the resources available to them. “Wairarapa can get wet and dry quickly so herd homes, in-shed feeding and feed pads can really mitigate a lot of things,” says Bali. In-shed feeding has just been installed at Haringa Farm. The farm uses a significant amount of supplementary feed, much of which is fed out in the paddock. Bali estimates about 25 per cent can be lost or wasted when feed is distributed this way. “In-shed feeding should make a real difference. We are expecting to increase production per cow as well as reduce feed wastage.” Neer Enterprises has also recently installed solar panels on the cow sheds in a further bid to increase efficiency. Effluent management has also been significantly streamlined through Clean Green Effluent systems at both farms. The system separates the solids from the liquid, with the solids remaining in the ponds while liquid effluent is automatically pumped to the paddocks when required. “It is so easy and efficient to manage. The automated system uses floats to trigger pumping when the tanks reach the required level, helping ensure the effluent does not overflow or overload the paddocks. We also use the recycled ‘green water’ to wash the yards, reducing the amount of fresh water required on the farms.” The results of the couple’s focus on efficiency are showing in the milk vat. The couple contract milk two dairy units near Carterton for Neer Enterprises. Experts in Accounting and business advisory. Proudly Supporting Baljinder Singh 021786138 | 0210363043 varun@bizwhiz.co.nz E3, 123 Ormiston Road, Botany Junction, Flat Bush, Auckland bizwhiz.co.nz Our focus is on supporting the financial success of milking contractors, share milkers and orchard owners. With extensive experience in this sector, we specialize in saving you money on taxes and helping your business grow. Benefits of the system headoffice@cleangreeneffluent.co.nz www.cleangreeneffluent.co.nz FREEPHONE 0800 400 365 • Small foot print • No storage ponds • Fully automated • Low running costs • 0.25mm application / 24 hrs • Low man hours to maintain • 60% fresh water savings • Fully patented system At Haringa, production has risen from 190,000kg of milk solids when they began to 228,000kgMS last season, despite having the same cows and infrastructure. This season, they are on track to beat their previous record again. Production at Chester Farm is also increasing each year and the new sharemilking farm has already recorded a 40 per cent increase for the season under their leadership. Technology is another important part of the couple’s strategy. They are in their second season using Allflex collars on both Neer Enterprises farms. “They are absolutely brilliant,” says Bali. “The technology makes our life so much easier. The collars detect cows coming on heat and automatically draft them in the morning, eliminating the need for tail paint or patches. Not a single cow was missed last season. It is so accurate and a real time saver.” The couple have already spoken with the owners of the new farm about opportunities to improve its systems and plan to transfer lessons learned from Haringa and Chester across to the operation. The collars will be their first priority. For Bali and Gagandeep, each improvement is another step towards a bigger ambition. Their ultimate goal remains farm ownership, and the couple hope the combination of growing production, smarter systems and continued investment will help make that goal achievable within the next few years. “We love everything about the farming lifestyle. We are lucky to have three really good farms and farm owners who always stand behind us and keep pushing us to go forward.”

4 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » BJ and GW Hill Bros The dairy platform milks 180 cows on 80ha at Rongotea. Karen Phelps The Hill family has been breeding Ayrshires at Wakefield stud in the Manawatu dating back to the 1930s. Brothers Brian and Geoff Hill farmed together in partnership since the early 1990s until sadly Brian passed away last year, with his daughter Charlotte and her partner Cody now back home and stepping up to run the farm. The dairy platform milks 180 cows on 80ha at Rongotea, with contract milkers George and Jorja Siebelink taking care of day to day operations. “My great grandparents first registered Ayrshires in the 1930s and we have had them ever since,” Charlotte said. “My grandfather took over running the farm from them and then when he retired my Dad (Brian) and his brother (Geoff) formed a partnership known as Hill Bros. Over the years they have expanded the farming business. “Dad was heavily involved with the Ayrshire breed in his younger years – we used to always take a team of cows to the local A &P shows, he was a senior judge and was also on the New Zealand Ayrshire Association board for a number of years. He was the one who ran everything on farm so since he passed away it’s been a huge change for us all. “Now I’m rearing the calves and young stock and overseeing the dairy farm. I really love the breeding side of things and am excited to see how the Ayrshire genetics progress in the future. “This year we are going to AI selected yearling heifers and hopefully do some embryo transfers as well.” In the past the black and white cows in their herd have been bred to Friesian bulls but since last year Charlotte is choosing to use Ayrshire bulls over all their cows, with Hereford used over the lowest producers and for natural matings. “We love the Ayrshire breed; they are strong and capacious cows with great udder health.” They rear around 45 replacement dairy heifers each year and all their bull and beef heifer calves are reared through to finishing. As well as having the dairy farm and beef, their wider farming operation includes fattening trade lambs, hay and balage contracting and cropping (predominantly maize) which keeps Cody and Geoff busy. Charlotte thinks the future is bright for Ayrshires in New Zealand. She recently attended the annual Ayrshire New Zealand conference in New Plymouth where there was discussion around the opportunity for more crossbred herds to use Ayrshire bulls to further increase hybrid vigour, and the great potential for organic dairy farms to use Ayrshires due to their excellent health traits and low somatic cell counts. Breeding Ayrshires for nine decades • Round bale services • Ground work • Digger work • Maize planting • Direct drilling • Roller drilling • Conventional hay • Farm races • Truck & Trailer cartage Kairanga, Manawatu Mark 021 273 7805 office@mcdermottcontracting.co.nz PIPEWORK SOLUTIONS IRRIGATION SYSTEMS MECHANICAL FABRICATION PUMP SUPPLY & INSTALLATION Accredited to install and vertify water flow meters in accordance with Irrigation New Zealand Blue Tick standards. “Now I’m rearing the calves and young stock and overseeing the dairy farm. I really love the breeding side of things and am excited to see how the Ayrshire genetics progress in the future.” “It was a great chance to catch up with other Ayrshire breeders and we got to visit a couple of herds in Taranaki.” The whole family enjoys farm life with their son keen on everything to do with tractors and machinery and their daughter loves helping Charlotte with the calves.

| 5 nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » BJ and GW Hill Bros In the past the black and white cows in their herd have been bred to Friesian bulls but since last year Charlotte is choosing to use Ayrshire bulls over all their cows. We provide a broad range of accounting solutions including Financial Accounting & Taxation Services, Business Development & Support, Software Solutions, Farm Accounting and Payroll & GST Management PO Box 273, 184 Broadway Ave, Palmerston North 4410 Phone: (06) 356-5303 Email: team@watsonadvisory.co.nz Contact Cam on 027 739 6837 Fertiliser Spreading Machinery Transport Bulk & General Cartage DELIVERING PUMPING SOLUTIONS ® since 1908 Ph: 0508 4 BBENG www.brownbros.co.nz 03/25 Washdown Pumps Reliable, high performance, quality materials, and the widespread Lowara support network make these pumps an ideal selection for your water supply requirements. e-NSC Series • • • Built to withstand demanding dairy washdowns Delivery up to 1800 m3/h for ef cient cleaning High ef ciency hydraulics and IE3 motor reduce operation costs Find out more about the Lowara e-NSC pump from Brown Brothers Engineers.

6 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Bajwa Farmers Ltd Embraced all the industry has offered him Alexia Anderson From hand milking about 10 cows in India to contract milking two farms and supervising another five in New Zealand, Vick Singh has embraced everything the industry has offered him. His determination to make the most of opportunities in New Zealand’s dairy industry has now earned him recognition after being named Share Farmer of the Year Runner-up for the Central Plateau. He was presented with the accolade at the 2026 NZ Dairy Industry Awards, held earlier this year. Vick currently contract milks on two farms and supervises another five under Bajwa Farmers Ltd, with the two contract-milking properties each milking 1200 cows for Armer Group. The neighbouring Otake Dairies and Marotiri Dairies properties are based on Waihora Rd, Mangakino, and together represent a significant commitment. “That takes pretty much all of my time,” he says. Otake Dairies covers 406 hectares, while Marotiri Dairies is slightly smaller at 385ha. Alongside the two contracts, Vick and his wife, Kuljeet, are rearing calves, with 84 in their herd last season and 120 this season, with the intention of gradually building on their numbers each year. Vick says Armer Group has allowed them the opportunity, which was something he did not take for granted. Ultimately, calf rearing will help him build enough equity for farm ownership in the future. His move from India to New Zealand came in 2013, arriving as a farming student, having researched the country as a place to further develop his passion for dairy farming. After completing a Level 5 Diploma in Applied Technology in Agriculture, he started as a trainee on a System 5 farm near Taupo, where he progressed through farm assistant, herd manager, assistant manager and manager roles. He spent five years managing the farm before joining Armer Group, also as a farm manager and later taking on his current contract-milking opportunities. Vick says while embracing a second contract was daunting, he pushed himself past his comfort zone to achieve his goals and make new ones. “At the start, when two farms came on, I was pretty doubtful (that it would work).” However, perseverance paid off. Vick says while embracing a second contract was daunting, he pushed himself past his comfort zone to achieve his goals. “I pushed myself to the limit. I took the opportunity and tried my best. The first year was a bit tough but . . . after that the confidence just built up and up.” The Share Farmer of the Year Runner-up accolade was an “amazing” achievement for Vick, who also valued the opportunity to meet other farmers and build connections at the awards. “It was a great experience,” he says. “It was amazing to even go there.” Looking ahead, Vick has his sights set on progressing to 50/50 sharemilking alongside his young family, including seven-year-old son Akaal and eight-month-old daughter Taqdeer. “That’s the future goal and we are already in talks so hopefully things will happen.” Mainland Engineering proudly supports Bajwa Farmers Ltd 07 378 2453 | parts@promoto.co.nz 41 Nukuhau Street, Taupo His advice to others considering a career in dairy farming is simple - give it a go and embrace the opportunities the industry offers, including building knowledge, connections and a bright future. “The dairy industry gives me a fabulous life. I want to keep achieving my goals and pass the skills onto the next generation.”

| 7 nzdairy “We are actively developing the wetlands further, making them more resilient for flood events and more efficient overall.” Big accolades for Westholm Dairies team Karen Phelps Otago dairy farmers Luke and Nicole Kane are celebrating a standout season. They were named the Otago Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, have just completed the succession of the family farming business and welcomed a new addition to their young family. Westholm Dairies milks 700 crossbred cows across 680 hectares, with a beef fattening operation running alongside it. All replacement heifers are reared plus Friesian bulls and Jersey bulls and the Kanes utilise genetics from the Angus stud to give dairy/ beef calves from lower ranked dairy cows. It is a model built on efficiency, diversity and long-term thinking. This was reflected in the fact they took home a series of merit awards at the competition: Norwood Farming Efficiency Award, Otago Regional Council Water Enhancement Award, DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award, Rabobank Agri-Business Management Award and the Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award. On the efficiency front, the approach is systematic. “We run a system where our nutritionists, fertiliser representatives, consultant and vets need to talk to each other via regular meetings,” says Luke. “It makes sure every aspect of the business is working in harmony and feed decisions are driven by cow diet requirements, crop availability and supplement timing all calibrated for the best return on investment.” Environmental management is equally rigorous. The farm sits on a flood plain, with the Pomahaka River running through its centre and wetlands throughout the property. “We are actively developing the wetlands further, making them more resilient for flood events and more efficient overall,” explains Luke. “It is a work in progress. Water use efficiency around the cowshed is also a focus.” The DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award recognised the significance of the family’s centurylong tenure on the land and the weight of responsibility that comes with completing succession. People have always been central to how Westholm Dairies operates. The farm maintains a strong relationship with nearby Blue Mountain College, bringing young people on to the property through the Gateway programme. “Our current manager, Hamish Corbett, was the very first young person who started working for us during his school holidays,” says Luke. “Staff are selected with personalities considered above skill level. If personalities don’t align across our team, nothing works. Significant investment in staff housing also helps us to attract and retain quality people.” Both Luke and Nicole are hands-on. Nicole leads calf rearing, which is her passion, human resources, Westholm Dairies milks 700 crossbred cows across 680 hectares. DAIRY PEOPLE » Westholm Dairies finance and accounts. Luke has recently completed three years as Provincial President of Federated Farmers Otago and is looking forward to spending more time on farm, especially now they have just officially taken it over. The timing could not be more fitting. The couple have just welcomed their second child, Addison, joining three-year-old Poppy, as the farm enters this new generation of leadership. Their current goals are to continue to increase efficiency and they are looking at a feed pad for better utilisation of feed, expansion and to help farm manager Hamish into a contract milking or lower order sharemilking job possibly via an equity partnership. 0800 SGTDAN (748326) Gorton Street, GORE Ph: 208 3965 E: admin@sgtdan.co.nz For all your Trucking needs, call: 027 227 2324 or Proud to be associated with Westholm Dairies Ant Wallace Building is pleased to Support Westholm Dairies

8 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Alastair Neville and Tamzyn Coady The couple are interested in the DairyNZ seven-year Resilient Pastures programme, which is investigating alternative pasture species. Karen Phelps For Reporoa dairy farmers Alastair Neville and his fiancée Tamzyn Coady, finding pasture that can keep performing through increasingly variable weather is vital to their farming operation. The couple became interested in the DairyNZ seven-year Resilient Pastures programme, which is investigating alternative pasture species and management practices that could improve productivity and persistence on farms, after hearing about it as a discussion group and decided to take part. “It appeals to us as cropping and re-grassing is a big part of our dairy farm operation and we are always chasing pasture that not only performs but persists as well,” says Alastair. The Nevilles’ trial site contains three different pasture mixes. One paddock is planted in the traditional ryegrass and white clover combination used on many New Zealand dairy farms. The other two feature alternative species - one containing tall and meadow fescue and the other cocksfoot and white clover. Alastair says the fescue and cocksfoot-based pastures are being tested because the species are bred to be more drought tolerant, an important consideration for the Central Plateau where conditions can become dry. The paddocks were sown in May this year and have already had their first grazing with a light class of autumn-born calves. From here the trial pastures will be managed as normal paddocks within the dairy farm’s grazing rotation. Pasture yield is being monitored using a plate meter before and after grazing with the information sent to DairyNZ for analysis. “The potential for an El Niño weather pattern, which could bring challenging conditions for pasture growth, could be a real test for it,” says Alastair. “What we want to see is a higher performing and higher yielding pasture without having to renew it every year - more like three to five years.” The first field day was held on the Nevilles’ farm in May with a second scheduled for later this year around preparation before pasture renovation and how to help build a resilient pasture. The couple currently milks 315 Friesian cows on the Neville family’s 150 hectare farm which has been in the family since the early 1950s when Alastair’s grandfather received it as a WW2 ballot farm. Alastair took over the farm while he was studying for his Agri-Science degree at Massey University. A recent change is that they are now leasing the farm progressing from 50:50 sharemilking. Pasture that can keep performing is key Kaikohe 401 1536 Kerikeri 407 7354 Waipapa 401 6654 Kawakawa 404 0842 “It’s part of the farm succession plan of moving towards farm ownership. It’s given us more control over what we do on the farm.” A significant change came four years ago with the investment in Halter collar technology, which has revolutionised their farming practices. It’s saved time, reduced the need for another labour unit, reduced animal health issues and the virtual fencing technology has also improved reproductive performance. “Since we’ve had the collars our mating performance has got better and we can manage it more proactively. Using the collar data has also been helping for feeding and nutrition.” They are also a trial farm for the development of the MyCOW app. “It gives us a dashboard indicator as to how well we are meeting the cows’ nutritional needs. It’s done by integrating the collar data and milk production data from Fonterra. Every week we sit down and review and decide what dietary changes we need to make to get everything balanced so the cows are performing at their peak.” Last season they achieved 158,100kgsMS up from 130,000kgsMS the season before. Alastair says the significant jump was caused by paying more attention to nutrition, including bringing a nutritionist on board, Shaun Baleni. The target this season is 165,000kgsMS.

| 9 nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Charbelle Holsteins Anne Boswell Winning the 2026 Valden Cow of the Year title is the latest accolade in an already glittering career for Charbelle Tatoo Pix EX95 E2, but for her owners, the award represents something more significant than another championship ribbon. Owned by Sherborne Farms – Stephen and Annabelle Scherer, and Dyanne and Wayne Osborne – the 2019-born cow was selected from six finalists to receive Holstein Friesian NZ’s prestigious award, recognising her long-term contribution to the breed and lasting influence through both performance and pedigree. Annabelle said the honour came as a complete surprise. “We just couldn’t believe it,” she says. “We were in total shock. Of all the accolades Pix has won, this one is really, really special. It means a lot.” Behind Pix’s success is a farming operation built on strong genetics, careful management and a shared passion for breeding quality cattle. Stephen and Annabelle are in their third season 50/50 sharemilking just over 400 cows on 180 hectares at Tahuna for the Matijasevich family, after consolidating two Gordonton sharemilking positions. Their herd comprises 300 registered Holstein Friesians, 70 Jerseys and 50 crossbreds, milked through a 40-aside herringbone shed. Stephen manages the farm full-time alongside two full-time staff members, including son Charlie, while Annabelle balances helping on farm with her role as a World Wide Sires consultant for North Waikato and Thames Valley, a position she has held since 2019. She also serves as vice-president of the Holstein Friesian NZ Board. Pix’s show ring achievements have made her one of the most decorated Holstein Friesians in the country. She was All Breeds Junior Champion at the 2020 Stratford A&P Show before claiming All Breeds Junior Champion and Holstein Junior Champion at Bigger than another championship ribbon the 2021 New Zealand Dairy Event (NZDE). Her success continued with Supreme Intermediate Champion and Best Intermediate Udder at NZDE in 2022; 2022 HFNZ-Semex On-Farm Competition Champion 2-year-old; and Champion All NZ Junior Cow in the 2022 HFNZ DeLaval All NZ Photo Competition, followed by Champion All NZ Senior Cow in 2026. She was crowned Supreme Holstein North Island Champion in 2022, 2023 and 2025; Supreme Champion at the Stratford A&P Show in 2023 and 2024; the coveted Beledene Premier Dairy Cow title at Stratford in 2024; and Supreme Holstein Friesian at the 2024 and 2025 Waikato A&P Shows. Pix also won her regional class in the HFNZ-Semex On-Farm Competition for four consecutive years and finished in the national top three for three years running. But Pix is not a one-trick pony: her production last season was her best to date, at 14,205 litres of milk (539kg fat, 445kg protein) in 297 days. Charbelle Stud was established over 40 years ago by Annabelle’s parents, Dyanne and Wayne Osborne, and since then has developed several influential cow families - but none more prominent than Pix’s family, the ‘P’ family. It began with Charbelle MWB Prancer S3F EX2 – Pix’s dam - whose success in the show ring reignited the family’s enthusiasm for exhibiting cattle. More recently Pix’s daughter, Charbelle Hero Popcorn S3F, was named 2025 NZDE Junior Interbreed Reserve Champion and Junior Champion Holstein, and North Island Junior Champion, exhibited by Annabelle and Stephen’s daughter, Gabrielle. Another Pix daughter, Charbelle Hero PeeJay, was North Island Junior Champion, Champion Junior Holstein and Reserve All Breeds Junior Champion at the Waikato Show 2025. And Charbelle Tatoo Promise, Pix’s full sister, won the Holstein Junior Calf class at the 2025 NZDE and progressed through to the Junior Champion lineup, gaining second place in the 2026 Junior Holstein Heifer competition. Check out our range of hoof blocks & other accessories New hoof-crush available soon For our full range, visit us online at www.hoofit.nz. All online prices are GST & freight incluisive! Got questions? Call Stuart on 021 278 8278 or enquire online at www.hoofit.nz or info@hoofit.nz HOOF CARE PRODUCTS brad@jackos.co.nz WE ARE A CHARTERED ACCOUNTING FIRM WHODOESN’T JUST TICK BOXES, WE LOOK OUTSIDE THEM. ENABLING BETTER BUSINESS 0800 888 055 diprosemiller.co.nz Proudly supporting Charbelle Holsteins Diane Alsemgeest 027 304 3398 diane@gcmfeeds.co.nz Charbelle Tatoo Pix EX95 E2. Photo Bradley Cullen.

10 | nzdairy Kelsey and Craig recognised for talents Karen Phelps Kelsey and Craig Fisher have found that their matching talents have been a recipe for success, which saw them named runners up in the Share Farmer of the Year Award for the Taranaki Region at the 2026 NZ Dairy Industry Awards. Craig comes from a farming family but for Kelsey, an accountant at BDO Taranaki, farming is new. “Kelsey definitely challenges me with what I do,” says Craig. “And it’s so nice our budget is virtually done daily.” “Part of that is me asking questions as to why things are done the way they are as I don’t understand which can prompt Craig to re-think things,” adds Kelsey. “Farmers don’t think of themselves of being in business; I see that a lot in my job at BDO. Our business is now doing a lot better by thinking about things more and investing in the right places.” Craig grew up on a family dairy farm in Coastal Taranaki and when finished school he started working for his parents before going to Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre. He then worked on various dairy farms around Taranaki before being given the keys to 50/50 sharemilking at age 22. Unfortunately after a couple of seasons that farm was sold and Craig then started working where they are now as a 50/50 sharemilker on his parents second farm. He has now clocked up 12 years on the farm, which totals 82ha effective and peak milks a herd of 240 crossbred cows. Located in Cardiff, ten minutes out of Stratford, it is a high altitude farm next to the Mt Taranaki Reserve. The couple won two merit awards – the Connect Legal Environmental Sustainability Award and the Trelleborg Sustainable Pasture Award. Kelsey says Craig and his parents have done a lot of work regarding riparian planting and fencing off waterways, particularly important as the farm runs alongside the Waingongoro River, something that was recently noted by the local council. “Taranaki Regional Council has done audits of the farms, which lie in proximity of the river and the lady was so excited to give us the results as we got an A on every single category, which is not very common. So Craig and his family’s work around riparian planting and fencing off waterways has been really exceptional.” It was in August last year the couple put Halter on the herd. “I’m very numbers focused,” says Kelsey, “so we use Halter alongside Aimer, which is a pasture management tool to give consistency in what cows are fed each day. Using both of those technologies, and me taking a more hands on approach to managing pasture, has meant we’ve really been able to improve pasture utilisation. It’s taken things from ‘hey DAIRY PEOPLE » Crayfish Trust Craig grew up on a family dairy farm in Coastal Taranaki and when finished school he started working for his parents before going to Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre. FARMSOURCE STRATFORD 3872B Mountain Road, Stratford 06 765 5348 027 376 1371 Nzfss.stratford@fonterra.com Weekdays: 8.00am - 5.00pm Saturdays: 9.00am - 12.00pm nzfarmsource.co.nz “Ongoing research & development results in superior products & performance advantages including; more yield, faster milking, no slip and no teat end damage.” the cows go there because it’s the next paddock in the round’ to making informed decisions. “We’re in a colder area with high rainfall and we’re not getting good pasture growth year round. Our pasture consumed per hectare has dramatically improved since using these tools. Our homegrown food eaten in the 24/25 season was 11.1 tonnes of dry matter per hectare. Now it’s 12.5 tonnes.” The results have manifested in their production figures. In the 2024-2025 season production per hectare was 1088kgsMS. The following season it was 1228kgsMS. Alongside the introduction of technology they also used off farm winter grazing rather than growing winter crop on farm and also milked more cows, about 30 extra. It was all these changes that have really scaled up the farm. They have also done a lot of under sowing and re-grassing to move to species that can grow under the colder wetter conditions there. Next season is a new adventure – they will move back to farm Craig previously worked on from 2007. Located in Coastal Taranaki, the farm is 169ha and will milk 480 cows. “We’re pretty excited as it means Craig can have some time off as due to the size of the farm we can have an employee and a better work-life balance,” says Kelsey. “I’ve doing what I’ve been doing for over of 20 years,” says Craig, “and I’m looking forward to helping pass some of that experience onto someone as well.”

| 11 nzdairy Wise moves bring exceptional milk production Russell Fredric Crossroads Holstein Friesians is proving that long-term breeding decisions and a disciplined farm system can deliver exceptional milk production while developing cattle that stand the test of time. Owned by Alex and Narda Harvey near Dargaville, the pedigree stud has been refining Holstein Friesian genetics for almost five decades. Today, its autumn-calving herd combines outstanding milk solids production with carefully selected cow families. The 260 hectare effective farm milks about 300 cows with collars and is supported by a 180ha runoff for raising beef cattle. Last season the herd supplied about 200,000kg/ MS, averaging about 685kg/MS per cow for a pedigree herd over 100 cows, a figure Alex believes is the highest per-cow production recorded in Northland. The autumn-calving, winter milk system is supported by a covered feed pad, allowing cows to be protected from wet conditions while maintaining production and pasture quality. “It’s just easier calving in the autumn than it is in the spring, and the summers can be very unpredictable. If we get a wet period in winter, we can feed them on the pad instead of chopping up the paddocks. It’s just easier,” Alex says. The production system is underpinned by predominantly North American genetics, complemented by selected New Zealand sires where they meet the stud’s criteria. Grass silage forms the basis of the feeding programme, with the Harvey’s choosing not to grow maize because of its unpredictability in their environment. Rather than following breeding indexes alone, Alex focuses on selecting bulls that consistently deliver the traits needed for high-performing, long-lasting cows. “Capacity, good udders and good legs and feet are what we’re looking for. We’re quite harsh on the bulls we use because the cows need to handle that production and have the capacity to eat as much as they can.” That philosophy has produced several standout animals. Crossroads BE52 Vonika became New Zealand’s first 94-point Holstein when Holstein Friesian New Zealand introduced an expanded Excellent classification system, placing her among only a handful of cows in the country to achieve that score. The stud has also bred Crossroads Gold Octave, an AI sire used extensively through CRV, while DAIRY PEOPLE » Crossroads Holstein Friesians Alex and Narda Harvey. Mow, Rake, Bale & Wrap Stack Silage Discing, Power Harrowing with airseeder & Drilling Effl uent, Lime & Fert Spreading Digger, Scoop & Trailer Work Call or email Glen Lugtigheid 021 439 748 glenlugtigheid@gmail.com I Residential / Commercial / Rural / Property Services Set across 285.1629 hectares in four titles, this proven dairy farm oers the flexibility to purchase the full holding or a 190.9638-hectare option. Owned and farmed by the same family for 46 years, this well-developed System Five operation is home to the well-established Crossroads Holsteins Stud and has demonstrated the capacity to support peak cow numbers of 315 Holstein Friesians under a winter milk contract. Over the past three seasons, the property has averaged 187,731 kgMS, with the 2025/2026 season producing 203,035 kgMS, averaging 681 kgMS per cow. The farm is well supported by a 30 ASHB cowshed, feed pad, calf shed, implement shed, additional sheds, reliable bore water, and irrigation consent from the Aratapu Creek. Two four-bedroom homes provide quality accommodation for owners, sta, or extended family. A productive, well-established dairy farm oering scale, proven performance, and flexible purchasing options. Crossroads Holsteins Stud – Proven performance, flexible opportunity Todd Skudder 027 439 1235 todd.skudder@bayleys.co.nz MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008 Te Kopuru 454 West Coast Road Tender (unless sold prior) Closing 2pm, Wed 14 Oct 2026 112 Victoria Street, Dargaville www.bayleys.co.nz/1021147 an embryo-bred red Holstein cow sold to Waipiri Holsteins won her age class at Dairy Expo this year. Long-established cow families and consistent sire selection continue to underpin the stud’s genetic progress. Alex has served 11 years on the Holstein Friesian New Zealand board and spent more than 13 years as a classifier. Both he and Narda were recently honoured with the organisation’s Distinguished Service Award after being nominated by the Northland branch. “It represents a lot of work. We’ve met a lot of people and made a lot of friends through the association, the clubs and the branches.” The stud’s reputation is also reflected in consistent results through Holstein Friesian New Zealand’s national progeny competitions, with placings becoming a regular occurrence over the past 15 years. Despite the recognition and accolades, Alex’s attention stays firmly on continual refinement. “Everybody else who comes and looks at the herd thinks it’s marvellous, but I still see all the faults. You’ve always got to keep improving.” “It’s just easier calving in the autumn than it is in the spring, and the summers can be very unpredictable.”

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