88 | nzdairy ON FARM » Malvern Holstein Stud The Taylors use CRV for most of their breeding programme. Alexia Anderson This year has marked a milestone for Celene and Adam Taylor as they took full ownership of Malvern, their 140 effective hectare dairy farm in Tirau. After five years 50/50 sharemilking alongside Adam’s parents, Kevin and Lily Taylor, the couple officially took over the family farm in June. They are now the third generation to own the property, originally established by Adam’s grandad, Wally Periam, who is delighted to see the farm passed down. Overall, Celene and Adam have spent 12 years dairy farming together, building both experience and their herd. Looking back over the past few months, Celene says the transition to ownership has been smooth and rewarding. Holstein focus drives Taylors’ future growth “I just love it.” Aside from the financial side of the business, little has changed on-farm as a result of the purchase. Celene and Adam continue to milk 400 cows, with a large portion of the herd registered Holstein Friesians. “I really want the herd of 400 to be fully Holstein Friesians in the next couple of years,” she says. Their passion for the breed extends beyond production. Their 12-year-old daughter Arya has developed a strong interest in showing cattle, particularly Holsteins, at A&P shows. Younger siblings Mya, 10, and Harrison, 9, also enjoy farm life and are showing signs of following in Arya’s footsteps. Currently, the farm’s herd is mostly Friesians, with around 100 crossbreeds and 30 Jerseys making up the mix. EAST WAIKATOAG FOR ALL YOUR MILKING AND WATER NEEDS Luke 027 360 9436 admin@eastwaikatoag.co.nz 24 HOUR CALL OUT SERVICE That balance is likely to change as their breeding focus continues to strengthen. “The last three to four years we’ve just been breeding mostly Friesians. We do have the odd pedigree Jersey. We get at least three a year in the calves.” The Taylors use CRV for most of their breeding programme, occasionally incorporating a few straws from Semex. They have partnered with CRV for about six years and were previously progeny test farmers, an arrangement that gave them access to elite semen for their herd. Now they purchase sexed semen for their top cows, selected for both production and conformation. “The last three years we’ve seen better results from doing that,” Celene says. “When we first bought the herd the breeding worth was pretty low.” She says that figure would have been in the negatives. “We average around 100 now for breeding worth. That was the goal, but it’s going to get better every time.” Key traits they look for include fertility, stature, and udder quality. “I think it’s starting to pay off,” Celene says. The Taylors’ efforts are reflected in herd performance, regularly surpassing their 160,000kgMS target. The farm runs a system two, growing most of its feed on-site, with only about 10 percent palm kernel used across the season. When asked about the challenges they have faced since taking ownership, Celene doesn’t hesitate. “There were none,” she says. “We don’t have to put too much into them for them to produce for us. I also think they are a better all-round animal to deal with as well, compared to your other breeds.” Temperament and longevity are among their positive traits. Looking ahead, the Taylors plan to install a larger feed pad to further lift production. “I can’t wait until that happens. I think I can already tell what the difference could be,” Celene says.
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