| 101 nzdairy ON FARM » Daniel and Amanda Schat Kim Newth Daniel and Amanda Schat, who farm near Darfield (Emerald Acres 2018 Ltd), say embryo transfer (ET) technology in their dairy breeding programme is paying off as they see the rate of genetic development continue to accelerate in their A2/A2 herd. “We have seen a significant lift in our herd BW figures and most of that is from the extra investment we have made in ET technology. We work with two companies in Hamilton – Animal Breeding Services (ABS) and Ova-Achievers Ltd. Through working with them, breeding companies LIC and CRV now have even more elite animals available to boost genetic value via contract matings. “We’re flushing embryos from our top cows and this year have got 34 ET pregnancies due. Daniel and Amanda Schat with family. The couple supply A2 milk to Synlait. It really puts you on the fast track for genetic gain.” The couple’s pedigree stud, Haglea, is producing top quality bulls with the best making the cut with LIC. For example, Haglea Arena Sloan-P 122084 (gBW/Rel $340/54%) was in the LIC polled team for 2022 and 2023. Also selected for LIC’s 2023 Holstein A2/A2 team was high protein bv bull Haglea Lucid Sheffield ET S2F 122083 (gBW/Rel $428/56%). From their 103ha (effective) property the couple supply A2 milk to Synlait, peak milking a mainly Holstein-Friesian herd of 365 cows, with a rising Jersey bloodlines component – now sitting at around 30% and providing valuable genetic diversity, the ability to rear their own jersey bulls for natural mating and keeping a mainly closed herd system. Traits like fertility and polled are also favoured. “Across the world now, the preference is for smaller stature, medium sized, more efficient cows. We use overseas genetics complemented with the right New Zealand bulls. There are less of the big American Holsteins coming to New Zealand; instead, they are a bit smaller but a lot more efficient. “This coming season we are using 124678 Carrot (World Wide Sires), 124708 Hansel (Semex) from overseas and Hightide 124956 (Matriarch) from New Zealand amongst others.” Daniel and Amanda are proud to be part of Synlait’s Lead With Pride programme that recognises dairy farming best practice. Establishing more native planting is a goal for Daniel and Amanda, who have just completed new roadside planting with funding support from Central Plains Water and Synlait. “We are seeing a greater focus now on ecology, particularly with this new Synlait and Nestle co-investment partnership to help fund on-farm emissions reduction tools.” The couple don’t retain more than 25% of peak herd numbers for heifer replacements after Christmas time. DNA genomic testing of calves takes place in September. “We don’t keep anything that won’t cut the mustard. Everyone is conscious of greenhouse gas mitigation now - you don’t keep animals that are not needed.” Meanwhile, Amanda has a busy full-time role of her own after the couple took over Rural Exchange New Zealand (RENZ) Ltd last year. It provides Kiwis with the opportunity to work abroad in rural industries as well as opportunities for young people from overseas to live and work in New Zealand’s agricultural sector. With it having been so dry this summer and autumn in Canterbury, the couple are pleased to have another income stream and say RENZ is going ahead in leaps and bounds. Alexanders are proud to support Daniel & Amanda Schat Give Carl a call to discuss your spreading requirements • Fertiliser & Lime Spreading • Two 4x4 Units with Crop Tyres • Precision Farming Proof of Placement • Spreadmark Certified • • 28 Years Experience Carl Breading 027 602 0222 | benalynltd@gmail.com Breeders a step ahead with advanced tech
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