28 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Leithlea Jerseys Russell Fredric A Taranaki dairy farm that has remained in the same family’s hands for eight decades is extending into a third generation. Owned by Tony and Maureen Luckin and operating from Okato, Leithlea Jerseys combines a commercial dairy farm with one of New Zealand’s long-established pedigree Jersey breeding programmes. The farm milks 230 Jersey cows on 82 effective hectares, which includes two adjoining properties purchased over time helping restore the original footprint of the land. Leithlea’s roots stretch back to the years immediately following World War II, when Tony’s father secured one of the region’s rehabilitation farms. Since taking over in 1969, when Tony married Maureen, they have expanded the farm by purchasing the neighbouring properties and developing the infrastructure needed to support the business. Today, the focus is as much on continuity as growth. Their son Jay and daughter-in-law Kelly now work alongside them, creating a clear succession pathway and helping preserve the family farming tradition. “We’re lucky to have Jay and Kelly here. It’s a family-operated unit. It’s not big, but we like to keep it simple and as stress-free as we can.” The farm system is uncomplicated, centred on a 24-aside herringbone shed and practical improvements focused on cow comfort and efficient management. Leithlea Jerseys was established by Tony’s father in 1949 and named after Leith Road. What began with the purchase of a handful of pedigree Jersey heifers has evolved into a breeding programme recognised throughout New Zealand’s Jersey community. Over the decades, the herd has endured challenges, including severe facial eczema outbreaks during the early 1970s, but determination and a long-term focus on breeding objectives helped shape the stud’s reputation. “We lost some really good cows. It was hard for a year or two, but we got through it. I just wanted to be a farmer and have nice Jersey cows.” Today, Leithlea genetics draw heavily on North American and Australian bloodlines. Tony’s breeding decisions centre on functionality, longevity and udder quality. “The udder is the number one trait that I focus on. You’ve got to have good, secure udders that stay functional and allow cows to remain in the herd for a long time.” That focus has produced notable results. In one national classification season, Leithlea recorded the highest udder score among Jersey herds in New Zealand, while a recent Semex competition resulted in seven Leithlea cows reaching national finals. Restoring the original footprint of the land Leithlea Jerseys was established by Tony’s father in 1949 and named after Leith Road. Proud to support Dairy Farmers with their feed and animal nutrition requirements www.bhlfeeds.co.nz www.unlimit.co.nz Proud to support Leithlea Farms Is your business performing as well as it could be? We can help Learn more at Proudly Supporting Leithlea Jerseys Maize and Grass Silage • Hay and Haylage Bulk Cartage and Quarry Metal Groundwork and Cropping On Farm Jobs • 3 ton and 16 ton Diggers Through the North Taranaki Jersey Club’s annual on-farm competition, Leithlea has produced the Champion Cow for 20 consecutive years, a remarkable achievement Tony believes may be unmatched anywhere else in New Zealand. Just as pleasing, surplus cows sold to other farmers continue to perform well, with many buyers returning for additional stock. While breeding remains central to the stud, Tony is also conscious of the Jersey breed’s future. Although Jersey numbers have declined nationally, he believes the breed’s efficiency, temperament and strong milkfat performance remain highly relevant as dairy markets evolve. “The Jersey cow has stood the test of time. In most other countries around the world, Jerseys are actually gaining in popularity.” With Jay and Kelly now helping lead the farm’s future, the next chapter of Leithlea Jerseys is already underway. For Tony and Maureen, securing a pathway for the next generation is every bit as important as the achievements of the herd itself. “We take a lot of pride in our cows and our property. That’s probably the best way to put it.”
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