NZ Dairy Winter 2021

| 25 nz dairy Showing highlights qualities of Shorthorns DAIRY PEOPLE » Logan Kelly Sue Russell T here are lots of good reasons why Logan Kelly has time for the Milking Shorthorn breed. “They’re first in first out, have good feet and legs with black soles and I like the range of colours that pop up in the breed,” says Logan, who farms at Kaitangata, south Otago. The herd comprises 160 cows, 60% of whom are pure milking shorthorn. Currently the average seasonal production per cow runs at 460kgMS. The remaining 40% are mainly Holstein and the farm extends over 52 hectares. One cow in particular has exemplified herself for many years, culminating in being names not only Best of Breed, but Supreme Animal at the South Otago A & P show last November. Burness EMP Phil is 12 years old and these days, more of a pet, to the family, though she pulls her fair share when it comes to milk production. The Milking Shorthorn Breed originated from North-East United Kingdom and comprise a very small percentage of the national herd. Logan’s family has been farming in the dis- trict 100 years and have long had an association with the breed. He’s been involved with showing cows for 26 years and says he loves the competi- tion between breeds and the camaraderie of the competitors. “It also gets the shorthorn breed out for the public to see. They were the first breed introduced in New Zealand and it’s good to see in the last four or five years more new young farmers taking an interest in the breed.” Logan also points out that with having the black soles there’s less damage to their feet. They also have a natural resistance to mastitis and higher fertility. Asked why he doesn’t carry entirely shorthorns in the herd Logan says it is important to have other breeds in the mix to be able to assess performance. “The top shorthorns are just as good as the Holsteins in production.” Logan runs the farm himself. He and Nicky have four children and youngest son, five year old Watson, stepped up proudly to walk with Logan and Burness at last year’s show. Next door to the home farm, Logan and Nicky operate a sharemilking unit of 470 cows. “We bought Mum and Dad’s herd and so far it is going well.” Plans ahead are to stay in South Otago and gain more equity in their business. This season has seen record production on the small farm and, due to flooding, on the larger farm, production has been down. “This is very much traditional dairy country. There’s a small town down the road, and when I’m not on the farm I do enjoy going to cow sales to catch up with other farmers and see what’s being sold.” Logan has also travelled to Australia to attend the International Red Cow conference and hopes to attend the next one in Estonia, scheduled for 2023. The weather in the region can be challenging at times. “If we get a week of snow and rain conditions underfoot can get pretty tough. We do have a feedpad available.” Through the winter months fodderbeet, straw and baleage are given to the herd to help maintain condition prior to calving. “We’re not in a position to build a herd-home here, so we just have to manage the pasture and herd movement carefully and have plans in place when the harsh weather arrives.” • General Engineering • Hydraulic hose & valve repairs • Grain & molasses feed systems • ATV service & repair • Farm machinery service & repair Martin Darmody P: 027 227 2410 A/H: 03 413 9202 E: martindarmody@xtra.co.nz www.cluthavets.co.nz 03 418 1280 Burness All Phillis, daughter of Burness Empire Phil Burness EMP Phil was voted Best of Breed and Supreme Animal at the South Otago A&P Show last Novemer. Young Watson Kelly displays the silverware. • General T ransport - Big or small • Livestock Cartage - Inter Island & Local • W ool Cartage • Rock , Gravel , Bark & Sawdust Suppliers • Bulk Cartage • F ertiliser Cartage & A pplication with Proof of Placement • Otago ’ s only stockist of Golden Bay Dolomite Our team of competent, experienced and certified staff can help you with all your freight and fertiliser needs. We have a diverse range of modern trucks and guarantee a professional job no matter how big or small. We aim to complete jobs within time restraints and will always be competitive on pricing. Eddystone St, Kaitangata | 03 413 9735 | cranleighhaulage@xtra.co.nz Proud to support Logan Kelly