60 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Rosdene Alexia Anderson Southland sharemilkers Renae and James Martin are working towards building a productive, efficient Holstein Friesian herd that performs consistently. The couple, who farm the property, Rosedene, in Stirling/Balclutha in South Otago, are entering their fourth season 50/50 sharemilking for Hamish Anderson. Renae and James, alongside their four-yearold son, William, milk 260 predominantly Holstein Friesian cows across 96 hectares. Most of the herd is registered with the NZ Holstein Friesian Association, while the family’s Rosedene stud carries on a name first established by James’ family before they finished milking and breeding cows about 18 years ago. The Martins also enjoy showcasing their breeding programme by exhibiting cattle at local A&P Shows, ultimately displaying the breed for others to see. “My key priorities when it comes to managing our Holstein Friesian herd is ensuring we are fully feeding our cows and making smart breeding decisions to ensure we are getting the best out of the cows while having happy healthy cows,” Renae says. She says Holstein Friesians are a hardy, resilient breed that has proven its worth despite recent challenging weather events. “Our herd has gone through some pretty rough weather events over the past couple of years and still come out with limited issues, still milking well, getting in calf and relatively unphased.” Breeding decisions are carefully matched to the needs of each animal, with Renae working to improve udder quality, milk components, fertility and longevity, while also maintaining moderate sized cows suited to the Rosedene farming system. DNA and genomic testing of replacement calves, alongside cow classification, is being used to help monitor genetic progress and guide future selection. Pasture remains one of the most important factors of the farm system, supported by balage, Holstein Friesian herd that performs consistently Renae and James Martin, Jerome Ferguson the judge and Denis Atiken (HFNZ) with Rosedene Barolo Azzy (3yr old) 2025 Supreme South Island Holstein Champion Cow at the south island champs held at the Balclutha A&P Show. For all your Livestock cartage requirements give us a call. PO BOX 128, BALCLUTHA 9240 | PHONE 03-417 8485 | PHONE 0800-101 333 PHONE (03) 444-4737 RD3 Ranfurly 9397 www.ccmp.co.nz 0800 FOR CCMP 24/7 Breakdwon & Support Service @CCMPFARMSOLUTIONS EVERY FARM, EVERy SEASON, EVERY TIME PROUDLY SUPPORTING THE RURAL COMMUNITY FOR 50 YEARS turnips and spring PKE to meet seasonal energy requirements. This season also marks the first time they have used an in-shed feeding system to complement pasture, improve energy intake and deliver minerals more accurately. Alongside investment in genetics, pasture management has been another major driver of performance among the herd. “Since being on this farm we have had a big focus on improving pasture through a re-grassing programme and better utilisation [means] we have seen an increase in production.” Those improvements have resulted in a production increase of 17,000kg of milk solids over three years as average production lifted from 360MS to 450MS per cow. Renae prefers to keep herd performance monitoring straightforward, focusing on production targets, low somatic cell counts and key performance indicators such as milk solids per cow and per hectare. Like many farms, weather and rising costs are creating challenges at Rosedene, prompting planning and disciplined spending. Looking ahead, the Martins plan to introduce Halter technology while continuing to build on the herd’s genetic potential. Their immediate target is 540MS per cow, with hopes of reaching 580 to 600MS per cow over the coming years, alongside improving six-week in-calf rates and reducing empty rates. When sharing advice for other dairy farmers, Renae believes success starts with selecting cattle that suit the farm’s system. “Breeding is a long but fun game; the semen company reps are fantastic sources to help you achieve your breeding goals,” she says. “They understand the genetics and know how to best match bulls with farm systems.”
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