| 121 nzdairy They began fencing the river running through the property and protecting waterways about 25 years ago, well before they purchased it. Early willow plantings have been superseded by native species and fencing off additional areas across the block. They estimate there are now close to 6000 native plants on the property. Larger natives are also being added through established planting areas. Drainage and contouring during the years have turned previously unproductive areas into profitBallance Farm Environment Awards » Noel and Lorraine Fox We don’t just chase index, we build functional herds. over 50,000 bulls screened & only the best make your team. Book your herd assessment today. phone: 0800 220 232 www.samen.co.nz able paddocks and helped lift the productivity of individual paddocks, while stock policies have been matched closely to the farm’s scale and contours. The Suffolk ewes permanently grazes steep sidings to prevent erosion, maximising use of the land and ensuring heavier cattle do not damage the pasture. The farm runs a registered Holstein Friesian herd, with sexed semen being a part of the breeding strategy during the past five years. This is used on top cows and only when timing and data line up properly, helping secure replacements from the herd’s best animals early in the mating period. “We try and do everything we possibly can as far as procedure and inseminating them at the right time, using CowManager data as well. “If the timing is not right, I won’t use it on that certain cow. Everything’s got to line up. We had a really good run with the sexed semen last year.” That approach delivered a 75% conception rate last year, along with an 83% six-week in-calf rate. The award judges noted low mortality, low lameness and careful use of technology supporting mating management and efficiency. Noel and Lorraine’s 27-year-old son Liam and his partner Hannah Wilton, whose parents own a dairy farm in Morrinsville, are planning to move to the farm next year. “He knew the lifestyle that they had when they grew up on the farm. We are excited about them coming home, and we are looking forward to supporting them in their next steps while they support us in ours.” They estimate there are now close to 6000 native plants on the property.
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