12 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Cresslands Farms Ltd Stud founded by Graham’s father mid-century Richard Loader Located in the North Canterbury settlement of Waikuku, Cresslands Farm has been in Graham Stewart’s family for over 100 years, originally established by his grandparents as a cropping farm. “It would’ve been around the time of the Great Depression. They had a few cows and Granny used to milk them by hand to make some money, while granddad did some outside work with thrashing mills.” Initially working alongside his father Gordon, Graham eventually took over the farm in partnership with his wife Nicky. These days the dairy platform is 140 hectares, with run-off blocks nearby in Sefton, Loburn, and Tuahiwi that are used for growing feed for the dairy platform, running young stock, wintering and a few of the bull calves for steers. All up the farm encompasses about 400 hectares. From the herd of 470 registered Holstein Friesians cows the Stewarts peak milk about 450 in the spring and summer, dropping down to 300 in the winter. Cresslands Holstein Friesian Stud was founded by Graham’s father mid last century, and Graham has inherited the passion for both the breed and the stud. “I just love the versatility of the breed. They’re strong, robust cows that can handle a lot of feed and produce a lot of milk. Because they have such a broad genetic base worldwide, we can source genetics from anywhere for outcrosses. Ninety-nine percent of my genetics come from overseas, mainly North America. But the world is an open place now and there are North American bulls everywhere. We’ve sourced genetics out of Italy and other places at different times.” Graham says the large herd numbers where most stock overseas is DNA tested has enabled rapid development of the Holstein breed. “You know all their genes, their strengths and weaknesses, and advancement in breeding can happen so much faster, especially in management traits, calving ease, fertility. The world is looking for a smaller Holstein, and that can happen overnight through genetics and DNA. We like an all-over functional cow that lasts a long time, producing a lot of milk. We certainly look for strength through the rump and width of the rump. Rear teat placement and teat length is something else we need to focus on. The rear teats are getting too close and teats are getting a little short, but there are plenty of bulls out there that can provide good genetics.” Graham attended the Christchurch Show last week, gaining second places for six-year-old Cresslands Peter Maggie and four-year old The large herd numbers where most stock overseas is DNA tested has enabled rapid development of the Holstein breed. Cresslands Hitest Trish. “It was a really great show this year with strong competition and good numbers. It’s like a big family down there; everyone helps everyone else as we compete - that’s all part of it - we all enjoy each other’s company and congratulate each other.” Two years ago, Graham took on the mantle of President for Holstein Friesian New Zealand. “I enjoy my role as President. There’s a good bunch of people in the organisation and I enjoy the camaraderie and challenges we face as dairy farmers. We try to promote the breed to its best position, grow membership and offer members something that they want to be part of.” Manufacturing • Silage feed-out wagons • Multi bale feeders • 2 bale feeders • Vee-Rakes and Line-Rakes Manufacturers of High quality farming equipment “Built Strong, Built to Last” Proudly supporting Cresslands Farms Ltd Unit 8, 75 Main South Road, Sockburn, Christchurch • 03 348 7800 • accounts@taegeman.com
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