14 | nzdairy Ayrshires thriving in tough conditions Sue Russell “We’re proud of the quality of our stock across all these goals we set ourselves. Ayrshires are a really good breed, especially capable of withstanding tough conditions. They are a no-fuss animal and a pleasure to farm.” Andrew Thomson runs his family owned 100ha effective dairy farm at Waiuku, near Auckland’s south-western boundary. The farm, called Carmelglen Ayrshires has a long and proud history as an Ayrshire stud spanning back to the early 20th century. For many years Andrew and his father Alister, worked together on the property. Plans ahead are to eventually purchase the farm. “This year it’s been a bit cooler lately and where we are up high near the coast, we’re pretty exposed,” Andrew said in early October, as he was waiting for the spring flush in pasture growth to kick in. Pasture consists of a mix of rye, clover and kaikuyu and serves well in these conditions. With views out to the Tasman Sea, and only one other farm separating Carmelglen Ayrshire Stud from the coast, Andrew says Ayrshires are particularly well suited to the challenging conditions the farm can experience. “It’s there versatility that is their strength. In this climate they really thrive out here when the going gets tough they just keep battling on. I have a lot of time for the breed.” There are some parts of the farm that Andrew doesn’t generally send the herd out to. On the back of the property, with its rolling sandy hills, it’s a long walk back to the milking shed. Instead, he uses that block as a wintering pad for six weeks. Currently Andrew is milking 240 cows and will in time push numbers back up by 20 cows or so. Asked how genetic gain is impacting on production Andrew says he’s definitely seeing the benefits that come with introducing newer genetics into the herd, with increases in average milk solids per cow seen. “The cows are getting a bit bigger in size too, with strong survival traits coming through.” These past two years Andrew has been targeting 400kg MS per cow but successive bad droughts have kept that target at arm’s length. Calving at Carmelglen farm occurs in June, enabling production to get off to a good start before the farm dries out as summer approaches. “We’re always banking on a dry summer here and when that doesn’t happen its considered a bonus.” In time Andrew intends to shift the herd’s genetics to A2A2 protein. He says there are good reasons for doing this and believes that A2 should be pushed nationally to become the prevalent protein in the national herd. “There’s a lot of research now that milk containing the A2A2 protein is much better for those who Photos: Ayershires grazing at Carmelglen, Waiuku. Inset: Andrew Thomson with son Angus. DAIRY PEOPLE » Andrew Thomson struggle with digestion and health issues. Even though there is no premium I think it’s the way of the future and so I’m working on that within the herd.” Carmelglen Stud has a strong history selling bulls from top NZ cows by top New Zealand and North American sires. A&Z Thomson & family, Waiuku Phone 021 257 0051 Standing the test of time... breeding Ayrshires for profit–The ideal dairy cow! The stud’s slogan ‘Type, Temperament, Production, Profit’ are the key-drivers behind the breeding programme. “We’re proud of the quality of our stock across all these goals we set ourselves. Ayrshires are a really good breed, especially capable of withstanding tough conditions. They are a no-fuss animal and a pleasure to farm.” Specialised, Local, Experienced TRACTOR & K2 HIRE Email sales@bulkspreaders.nz
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