| 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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