NZ Dairy Winter 2021

28 | nz dairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Tocker Family Z ac and Russell Tocker, along with their father Jerry and mother Irene, operate Tiakitahuna Milking Shorthorns, near Palmerston North. The farm dates back to 1919 when Zac and Russell’s great grandfather returned from WW1, to receive, what Russell describes as a, postage stamp size plot of land, on which to begin a new farming life. Now, five generations later, that original farm has mushroomed into a successful, diverse farm- ing business, home to the family’s prized milking shorthorn stud. “Zac and I are the farm managers and dad helps out on a daily basis where needed,” Russell explains. The family are very proud of their pedigree milking shorthorn cows and of the total herd of 720 cows, 91 are registered pedigrees. Milking shorthorn cows are considered one of this coun- try’s rarer breeds. Russell recalls always admiring the milking shorthorns breed from a young age and it’s been really satisfying to pursue this breed throughout his own farming career. “The milking shorthorns make up about .001% of the national herd, that’s about 3000 animals in the NZMSA herd book – that’s how small the breed’s number is these days And what is it that the Tocker clan enjoys about the breed? Russell says they generally are really hardy, are suited to the farm’s System 1 farm management practices and are better at producing milk solids compared to other main breeds and the red white and roan colours are a nice bonus “We don’t really feed any concentrates or ‘lol- lies’ to them and they get by really well on the the Manawatu flood plains that we milk them on.” Back in the 1950’s and 60’s when artificial in- semination was really taking off, the AI companies didn’t pursue shorthorn genetics and Russell says this led to a dramatic reduction in the breed’s numbers and diversity “We actually didn’t get a sire proofing pro- gramme going until into the 1980’s.” Even with a Milking the Shorthorns a labour of love Sue Russell very substantia mixed breed herd, the 91 short- horn’s all milk above the herd average. Russell says the plan is to one day reach 50:50 shorthorn and jersey ratios in their herd. The farm also produces a lot of bull beef. The extra heifers and bulls are all reared for beef. “We normally have about 250 bulls at any given time.” The farm is receiving attention in other areas as well. In a partnership with Horizons Regional Council’s bio-diversity team a planting programme has been underway for some time. “We’re planting some of the lowland forest back into its original species. It started about seven years ago and is supported by Fonterra and local Iwi.” The aim is to eventually reinstate some of the river flats to resemble how the area would have looked 500 years ago. Five hectares of native trees have so far been planted. It’s an inter- generational project that will, in time, reap real environmental gain and something Russell says the whole family is enjoying. Russell also dabbles in a bit of milking short- horn judging, a pursuit he’s taken up in the past two years. “There’s a lot of gain getting involved in the as- sociation. It’s great for networking and the people you meet are all keen to share their experience and knowledge.” When it comes to judging, Russell says key is looking for the conventional breed characteristics, such as a good udder, a lot of length and good constitution. Their Tiakitahuna Milking Shorthorns stud has incorporated a lot of overseas genetics through the years by using red breed genetics from semex. In summer, turnips are grown and the herd winters on maize silage. There’s another advantage to their geographi- cal situation; with Massey University a mere 10 minutes away, the farm often has agricultural students doing their practical training. The 40 aside herringbone, which Russell says is a bit small for the herd, performs well. Both Russell and Zac have three young children each and Russell says the farm is a wonderful place to bring up a family. The Tocker family is justifiably proud of their Tiakitahuna Milking Shorthorns stud. Of their total herd of 720 cows, 91 are registered pedigrees. Grass, Wholecrop, Maize, Stacking, Bagging, Buying & Selling, Round Bales, Hay & Baleage, Conventional Bales & Ground Work For all your harvesting needs Call Murray: 021 414 227 Proud to Suppo Tocker Farm KP Contracting Manawatu Agricultural Contractors • Ploughing • Cultivation • Drilling & Direct Drilling • Hay & Baleage made into Conventional, Rounds & Medium Squares • Harvesting – Wheat, Barley & Maize • Spraying Pasture & Crops • Hay, Baleage & Straw for sale Peter: 027 447 7345 | Jason: 027 242 8555 Office: 06 329 6882