60 | nzdairy New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards » Garrett and Ferguson A big new chapter for Jerome and Holly Karen Phelps A move west next season will mark a significant new chapter for Jerome and Holly Ferguson, a couple whose steady rise through the dairy industry has been built on hard work, good instincts and a willingness to constantly progress. Currently contract milking 420 cows on a 155-hectare effective property at Pukehina for Craig and Phillipa Garrett, the Fergusons are preparing to take on a larger, more intensive operation at Korakonui, between Otorohanga and Te Awamutu. The new role will see them milking 500 cows across 140 effective hectares, with a system better suited to their breeding philosophy and long-term ambitions. “We got the opportunity presented to us that more aligns to the way we want to farm,” says Holly, pointing to the shift towards a higher input system and greater emphasis on pedigree breeding. “It gives us the chance to grow in the direction we’ve been working towards. We have been fortunate to have our own cows on the farms with us as part of the herds.” “Our cows are predominantly North American-Canadian genetics,” explains Jerome. “The Holsteins especially struggle with the terrain on our current farm so we’re excited to see their potential on a system more suited to their needs.” The move also brings the family, which includes Isla, eight, Beth, four and Ezekiel, two, closer to home. “Being ten minutes down the road from my mother will make a huge difference,” says Jerome. “At the moment we are two to three hours away.” The transition follows a highly successful stint in Pukehina, where the couple has pushed production well beyond previous limits. “We are always constantly trying to be better. For example we had a target of 150,000kgMS in our first season and we smashed that and achieved 169,000kgMS last season, a farm best, alongside improving the 6week in calf rate by 10% and decreasing bulk SCC by 40% by paying attention to what the cows needed,” says Jerome. That figure eclipsed the farm’s previous best of 163,000kgMS, achieved despite challenging terrain that includes elevations of up to 80 metres and a four-kilometre walk from the back paddocks to the The Fergusons on farm with their cows in Pukehina. Photo: Billie Blue. shed. Strategic decisions, including shifting to oncea-day milking from Christmas, proved pivotal. “I learned by recording grazing every day and paying attention to what was happening in the paddock,” says Jerome. “A lot of that is by eye or gut on this land. I learned a lot off Craig and Phillipa and was always trying to get better every season,” says Jerome. Holly says the success has also been underpinned by a strong working relationship with the farm owners. “Creating a positive and beneficial relationship with the farm owners has been huge,” she says. “Having a farm owner willing to trust us and let us try new things has been incredible.” Alongside commercial performance, the couple have continued to build their stud, JAFF Genetics, established around 15 years ago and now comprising around 40 cows split evenly between pedigree Holstein Friesians and Jerseys. Recent accolades include a regional champion Holstein Friesian cow and strong placings in national on-farm competitions for their Jerseys. “I enjoy the breeding and showing side of farming. That’s the reason I milk cows,” says Jerome. He has also been active in the show ring, including judging at last year’s South Island Holstein Friesian 021 216 5270 Grass Silage - bulk, round and square Maize Silage - plant, supply and cart Hay - Square, Round and Conventional Truck Cartage Undersowing Effluent Spreading Ground Cultivation - Soil Aeration - Disc - Powerharrow - Roll Seeding Proud to support Garrett and Ferguson STAN KEANE 027 2467 397 keaneandco@kinect.co.nz 24 hour service PUMPING SPECIALISTS • House & Garden / Farm & Lifestyle / Industrial • Filtration Design & Installation - Farm & Lifestyle • Water Filter & UV Systems • Deepwell Lifting / 4WD Vehicles • Water bores/ Submersible pumps • FREE Domestic Loan Water Pump Available • Water Pump Sales / Service & Installation • Water Reticulation Design & Installation • P.E.S. Trenching Services - Pipeline & Cable • Pool Pumps & Filters / Bioguard Pool Care PUMP & ELECTRICAL SERVICES sales@pesltd.co.nz www.pumpandelectrical.co.nz 25 Lincoln St, Hamilton Ph 07 846 0678 Hamilton Ph 07 828 7552 Huntly 12 Main Street, Huntly Championships and being part of the Pitcairn’s judging panel at New Zealand DairyEvent, which he says was a real honour. He has also been active judging open calf classes at a lot of A & P shows. “The aim was to get more people into showing,” says Jerome. “He had a great response from committees and the general public for the way he communicated with competitors so they could improve,” says Holly. “His love for showing is also being reflected through our children who have enjoyed leading their calves at various local A & P shows as well as New Zealand DairyEvent, where they especially enjoyed the fancy dress class this year,” adds Holly. “Beth has found a love for Ayrshires after leading a calf for Ferdon Genetics, owned by his uncle and auntie Warren and Michelle Ferguson, at Waikato Show so we will inevitably be needing to add some colour to our herd in the near future.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=