64 | nzdairy New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards » Karl and Jess Wood A passion for breeding high quality cows Maintaining efficiency while keeping inputs moderate is a key focus. Russell Fredric A six-month awards process has brought attention to a young Manawatu dairy couple whose passion for breeding quality cows sits at the centre of their farming system. Karl and Jess Wood were named the Dairy Industry Awards 2026 Manawatu Share Farmers of the Year in Palmerston North on February 27. The couple are sharemilking a herd of 230 cows on an 85-hectare property owned by John Gardner near Shannon, supported by a neighbouring 19-hectare lease block. The award recognises both their on-farm performance and the strength of their business approach as emerging dairy operators. For Karl, entering the awards was partly about testing their system and gaining feedback on how their business is developing. “We thought it would be a good opportunity to get some feedback on what we’re doing and where we can keep progressing in the industry.” The judging process is intensive and includes multiple rounds of assessment and an on-farm evaluation. Entrants prepare a detailed presentation covering all aspects of the business, from financial structure and decision-making through to animal management and environmental practices. “We had to put together a two-hour presentation that basically covered every facet of the business and what we do on farm day-to-day.” Condensing the information into that timeframe proved one of the biggest challenges. “You’d think two hours would be easy to fill, but it’s actually harder cutting everything down and making sure you clearly explain what drives the decisions on the farm.” Regional judging began in January with a preliminary visit, followed by final judging in February before the awards evening. The win now places the couple into the national finals, with further judging scheduled ahead of the national awards dinner in Rotorua in May. Away from the awards spotlight, the farm reflects a balanced system designed around productivity and lifestyle. The herd is a mixed breed with a strong focus on crossbred animals trending toward black-and-white genetics. Karl also maintains a connection to Milking Shorthorns, the breed he grew up with on his family’s pedigree stud at Hiwinui. “We’ll always keep a portion of the herd as Milking Shorthorns because that’s what I grew up with and I still get a lot of enjoyment out of breeding them.” Breeding strong, functional dairy cows remains the couple’s biggest motivation. “We’ve always had an honest passion for dairy cows and breeding our herd to what we want is our favourite thing that farming allows us to do.” The farm runs a System 3 operation that remains largely grass-based, supported by supplements including palm kernel and baleage feed. Maintaining efficiency while keeping inputs moderate is a key focus. Employing their first full-time staff member last year was a step forward, helping improve both farm performance and work-life balance. “We’re able to spend more time planning and monitoring what we’re doing instead of just jumping from job to job.” “We’re seeing the results in things like homegrown feed harvested, milk production and milk quality.” Karl and Jess are parents to 18-month-old daughter Daisy, which has sharpened and reshaped their long-term goals, meaning they are no longer single-minded about farm ownership. They aspire to DAIRYVET THE YOUR DAIRY VET PROFESSIONALS Offering service throughout Manawatu, Horowhenua and Tararua 0800 MOOVET (666838) thedairyvet.co.nz Our experienced five vet and four technician team provide a full range of emergency and preventative services, specialising in proac�ve herd health and we offer free on-farm deliveries. PEOPLE • PASSION • PROGRESSION PROUDLY PROVIDING SERVICE TO KARL & JESS WOOD secure their own farm or a long-term share milking position within the next five to six years, whether through ownership, equity partnership or leasing. “We want to make sure we’re setting ourselves up somewhere permanent for our family.” “As long as we can keep farming, keep our cows and do it in a way that works for our family, that’s what really matters.”
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