Latest News
The much-anticipated Holstein Australia IDW Youth Challenge for 2025 is now accepting team entries! This highlight of the youth calendar will take place on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 11 a.m. during International Dairy Week (IDW), Australia's premier dairy event, held annually in Tatura, Victoria. Holstein Australia encourages youth groups and individuals interested in the dairy sector to form teams and enter the competition. Team entries close Friday 6 December 2024.
Established in 2012 the distinguished service awards acknowledges those members who have given valuable service to the Association at the local and state level over a long and sustained period. This year, we are thrilled to recognise the following outstanding individuals - Anne Daley, Misty Glen, Queensland; Amanda Pacitti, Misty Brae Holsteins, South Australia, and;
Graeme Joiner, Coldara Holsteins, Victoria.
Eclipse Damion G Princess, owned by Chris and Charmaine Bagot and bred by Richard Hull, Eclipse Genetics, was crowned 2024 Holstein Australia Cow of the Year at the recent National Awards Dinner held on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland.
Unable to attend the Awards Dinner, Richard Hull joined via video (below) to accept the award, and tell us a little bit more about Princess. Here are the key facts on this impressive animal. Look out for the summer issue of Australian Holstein Journal, which will include a feature on the 2024 Cow of the Year.
On this page you'll find the points tally for each of this year's Master Breeders, along with videos and photographs from the National Awards dinner held at Lake Tinaroo Resort on the Atherton Tablelands. Look out for in-depth stories on each Master Breeder in forthcoming issues of the Australian Holstein Journal. The Holstein Australia Master Breeders Award recognises the long-term achievement of individuals who have bred at least 300 registered animals over a minimum of 20 years.
Congratulations to all finalists and winners of the 2024 Semex Holstein Australia All Australian Photographic competition. Check out all the details of each class, including judges’ comments and photos.
Don't forget you can also view all animals on our 2024 Semex Holstein Australia All Australian playlist on YouTube.
Thank you to all entrants, longstanding supporter Semex and our three judges, David Johnston, Andrew Koch and David Ninness.
The inaugural Australian Dairy Youth Academy, supported by Genetics Australia, saw 17 young farmers from around the country get together over three days at Agri-Bio and Dairy Australia in Melbourne, with attendees taking part in workshops on genetics, animal nutrition, use of dairy industry data and education, training and careers.
The Holstein-Friesian Association of Australia Inc. held its 2024 Annual General Meeting at Lake Tinaroo in the Atherton Tablelands on Tuesday 22nd October with over 30 members, industry partners and staff attending in person and online. The Annual General Meeting Report provides a summary of reports presented at the AGM and election results for the Board and Breed Development & Conformation Committee.
Two valued staff members – Miranda Clark, Genomic Services Officer, and Leanne Summerville, Classification Tour Scheduler – have been made redundant due to the ongoing downturn in the live export market. Both team members have made significant contributions to the Association, and their departure marks a difficult moment for Holstein Australia as it adapts to shifting economic conditions.
The Semex Holstein Australia All-Australian People’s Choice is where you can put your judging skills to the test or simply choose your favourite All-Australian 2024 Dry and In Milk finalist.
For our Dry Class People's Choice you can choose from the 17 finalists from the All-Australian Youth Calf, Senior Yearling Dry (under 15 months) and Senior Yearling Dry (over 15 months) classes.
Take a look through the 17 finalist photographs and simply select your favourite animal. You can take a look at the animals below, or head straight to the All-Australian People’s Choice Dry Classes entry form and click on the photograph of the animal you want to nominate as the 2024 All-Australian Dry Classes People’s Choice.
The animal with the most votes wins!
The 2024 Annual General Meeting will be held at Tinaroo Lake Resort, 29 Palm Street, Tinaroo, QLD 4872 and streamed online on Tuesday 22nd October 2024, commencing at 1pm AEST / 2pm AEDT.
Details on how to register for and attend the AGM either in person or online have been sent to all members via email or post according to preference. Alternatively you can register from this web page.
Following the calling for nominations for the Federal positions as advised in the Notice to Members on 26 August 2024 and at the close of nominations at 5pm Tuesday 17 September, being 35 days prior to the Annual General Meeting and in accordance with Rule 50 (8), I disclose the names of the candidates who have nominated for the Board and the Breed Development and Conformation Committee (BDCC).
Nominations were received for the Board from Marg Hinde (Roselea Park, Nemingha, NSW) and for the BDCC from Scott Somerville (Somerelle, Timmering, VIC).
As the number of nominations did not exceed the number of vacancies a ballot is not required.
Holstein Australia will be hosting two classification workshops in Gippsland on 17th and 18th September. Members will be able to learn more about the recent classification system updates and new user friendly post-visit reporting at Aylesbury Holsteins, Yarram on 17th September and Starcrest Holsteins, Jindivick on 18th September.
Under the terms of the rules of the Holstein-Friesian Association of Australia Incorporated (trading as Holstein Australia) elections of Directors and Breed Development and Conformation Committee members must be held prior to the Annual General Meeting of Holstein Australia scheduled for Tuesday 22nd October 2024. Nominations for two director positions on the Holstein Australia Board and two BDCC positions open on 3rd September and close 17th September 2024.
Holstein Australia is heading to Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands, the heart of Far North Queensland’s dairy industry, for this year’s National Awards Dinner and Annual General Meeting in October.
Ourway Holsteins’ Colin Daley, chair of the FNQ All Breeds Dairy Committee, says that the region’s Holstein and wider dairy community are looking forward to welcoming Holstein Australia members to one of Australia’s most unique dairy regions.
“Centred on the towns of Malanda and Millaa Millaa, the Atherton Tablelands dairy industry is the only tropical dairy industry in Australia and one of the few anywhere in the world,” says Colin.
“Dairy farmers in our region, whatever breed of cattle they milk, are also really focussed on working together to grow the industry and ensure that the community supports each other.
“As a community, we were delighted to be asked to host this year’s National Awards. We plan to really showcase the Tablelands to Holstein Australia members and our many friends
Holstein Australia’s new Tissue Sampling Ear Tags (TSUs) are now available to order.
Launched at this year’s Victorian Winter Fair, Holstein Australia TSUs provide a quick, easy and reliable way for farmers to insert an ear tag and take a DNA sample in one step, according to CEO Rohan Butler.
“These tissue sampling ear tags provide a seamless, minimally invasive method for collecting high-quality DNA samples, enabling breeders to make data-driven decisions and enhance the productivity and health of their herd.
“The product takes an ear punch for genomic testing, and simultaneously leaves an ear tag in the resulting notch-hole,” says Rohan. “This sampling method is more user-friendly, and much quicker than traditional tail hair sampling, which can be less than straightforward and prone to cross-contamination between samples.
Applications for this year's UK Exchange close midnight Sunday 28th July. Planning on applyng? Text Adam on 0401 096 507 to let him know. What will your UK experience be like? Here's a taster for you - Andrew McRae's story of his experiences on last year's exchange.
As I fly home from an incredible UK exchange, I’ve been reflecting on some of the differences between UK and Australian dairy, with biosecurity and sustainability management being a big one.
To keep producing and promoting dairy there is a need to meet new environmental requirements. In the UK laws now restrict stocking rates on a nitrates per acreage system and there is increasingly strict effluent storage regulation and policing geared towards lowering farm emissions.
I can see similar measures being introduced in Australia, and while these will be a major curve ball for many, there is a necessity for them...click on image or title to read more - get your applicatin in ASAP!
Holstein Australia’s new online system to register animals is now live. If you haven’t tried the new ILR Online system, contact Ally Bird at the Holstein Australia office who will set you up on the new platform. Rohan Butler, Holstein Australia CEO, says that the new system is more intuitive than the previous online system and members can upload animal photographs when registering animals or retrospectively.
Holstein Australia and Holstein UK have again joined forces to provide a young and aspiring Holstein breed enthusiast with a trip to the UK during September and October this year. The exchange will run from 6th September to 6th October during the UK’s busiest month for dairy events. It includes return air fares and hosted accommodation on Holstein UK members’ dairy farms throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
The Australian Dairy Youth Association (ADY) is thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting new international travel scholarship aimed at fostering the next generation of leaders in the dairy industry. With a generous grant of up to $5,000, this scholarship provides financial assistance to one or two people aged between 21 and 25 years, allowing them to pursue work experience, training, or education overseas.
Holstein Australia has announced its first service price increase in five years. This decision, aimed at sustaining the quality and range of services provided to members, reflects the evolving economic landscape and the organisation’s commitment to maintaining high standards in breed development and member support. The new schedule of fees takes effect on 1st July 2024.
Holstein Australia will be demonstrating updates to its classification system and new user friendly post-visit reporting at Gunwilla Park Holsteins in Gunbower on Wednesday 15th May 2024. All HA members are welcome to attend. To reserve your place at this classification update workshop and herd walk email Adam Sawell at asawell@holstein.com.au to reserve your place.
Holstein Australia is delighted to announce it will be hosting the World Holstein Friesian Conference in Melbourne in January 2028. While 2028 may seem a long way ahead, plans for the World Holstein Friesian Conference in Melbourne are well advanced. Working together with the Melbourne Convention Bureau, International Dairy Week and Holstein Friesian New Zealand, a provisional program has been put together.
Entries are now closed for the 2023 / 24 Semex Holstein Australia All-Australian competition. Closing date for the current Holstein Australia Cow of the Year Competition is 30 June 2024. Click to read more.
Join us as we wrap up another wonderful year at International Dairy Week! We feature the Holstein Australia Youth Challenge, Sheri Martin Showmanship, Power of Women and the National Youth Show, Red & White Show and Holstein Show!
A reminder to Holstein Australia members, that the deadlines of the Semex Holstein Australia All Australian Photographic Competition and Cow of the Year have been moved forward this year. Click through to view the key details you need to keep in mind for entering these great competitions in 2024.
Holstein Australia has announced the appointment of new directors to the Holstein Australia Board following a nomination and election process held during December 2023.
Our latest classification tour results have seen over 3,557 cows classify VG85 or higher between 1st October 2023 and 15th December 2023. We have highlighted some of the top classification scores for this round and congratulate all breeders and owners on these wonderful achievements!
Can you believe we are already less than two weeks out from International Dairy Week 2024?!
We love this time of year as it is such a special opportunity for us to connect with a range of members and to celebrate their achievements in the showring at Australia's premier Dairy show!
Check out what is on the schedule for HA members at IDW 2024!
Following the recent member ballot a General Meeting will be held at 11am AEDT, Thursday 4th January 2024 at the Holstein Australia office and online via Zoom to declare the election results for the Holstein Australia Board. Read on for details of how to register to attend the General Meeting.
Nominations were called for vacant positions on the Association's national bodies. Since 2017 the pathway for elections to the national bodies has changed. The various aspects of the direct election process are explained below.
Call for nominations for vacant Board positions
In accordance with Rule 50 (6), nominations were called for and as the number of nominees exceed the number of vacancies and election by ballot is to occur.
Each voting member shall be entitled to vote for any number of candidates not exceeding the number of vacancies. There are two (2) vacancies for the Board.
Nominations are now open for two director positions on the Holstein Australia National Board. The Board has resolved to expand the Board prior to the 2024 AGM and out of cycle and fix the number of Directors (elected) at six (6). Therefore the Board is calling for nominations for the one (1) unfilled vacancy following the 2023 AGM, together with the one (1) new Board position following the fixing of the number of Directors (elected) at six (6).
Following a review by the Breed Development and Conformation Committee (BDCC), supported by contributions from Holstein Australia members, changes recommended to the Board on the closing date of the Semex Holstein Australia All-Australian Photographic Competition and All-Australian show eligibility have been approved.
Entries are now open for the 2024 IDW Holstein Australia Youth Challenge. The Youth Challenge is a competition involving all aspect of the show ring (clipping, judging and handling) but also team members are judged on teamwork. Members of Holstein Youth from all Australian states participate and other breeds are welcome to enter teams each year.
The WA Region of Holstein Australia hosted the Association’s AGM and National Awards dinner in Bunbury late September.
Billed as ‘Holstein Highlights’, 80 Holstein Australia members, guests and a strong representation of WA breeders toured the local region, with many visiting well known Holstein studs Carenda and Angelis Holsteins.
If you are planning on showing at International Dairy Week 2024, please get samples to Louise in the office by Monday 6 November or earlier to receive parentage and genomic results in time to enable release of animal registrations in time for IDW.
Les White, Dilee Holsteins, Sputh Gippsland (pictured) and Suzanne Hall, Roblynne Holsteins, Harvey, WA, were recognised for their extraordinary service to Holstein Australia over an extended period at Holstein Highlights 2023.
Five breeders, Brampton Park (RB & H Mojntford), Calderlea (LG & LA & TC Calder), Fantasia (Fantasia Pastoral Co), Newlyn Park (HA Newman & Co) and Treeton (GA & LE Jenkins) were awarded Master Breeder status for the second time at Holstein Highlights 2023.
Congratulations to all finalists and winners of the 2022-2023 Semex Holstein Australia All Australian Photographic competition. Check out all the details of each class!
Take another look at our 2023 Holstein Australia Cow of the Year finalists and a more in-depth story about our outstanding Cow of the Year - Clydevale MrSam Pisa EX91-3E.
The Holstein-Friesian Association of Australia Inc. held its thirty-sixth Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 20th September in Bunbury, Western Australia. Read on for a report on the meeting, including Director reports, the report of the Chief Executive Officer and Board and Committee appointments.
At the Holstein Australia Board meeting held following the thirty-sixth Annual General Meeting of the Association on 20 September the following Board and Committee appointments were confirmed. Gino Pacitti, Misty Brae Holsteins, Myponga, South Australia, was appointed President of Holstein Australia for a three year term. Read on for all Board and BDCC appointments.
Summary of awards presented at the Holstein Australia Annual Awards Dinner on Wednesday, 20th September at the Dolphin Discovery Centre, Bunbury, Western Australia.
Holstein Australia members have the opportunity to take advantage of a reduced female registration fee until the 29th of September.
While the base fee for registrations remains the same across the board, those members with females aged over 12 months and under 24 months will save $5.50 per head on registrations during the Registration Roundup period.
Members registering females aged 24 months and over will save $11 per head.
Nomination for Federal Positons - Directors. Following feedback and discussions with members, the practice now to be followed will be that the name(s) of the nominees when there is no ballot required, will be disclosed in the Notice of Meeting i.e. the AGM agenda. Click to read more.
With Holstein Highlights just two weeks away it’s time to book those last minute tickets! Get locked in for what will be a spectacular event in Bunbury, Western Australia! Don’t miss the Holstein Australia Annual Awards Dinner and the rare opportunity to visit two of WA’s top Holstein herds. Paired with great hospitality and wonderful company – what more could you ask for when booking a few days away from the daily grind?
The 2023 Annual General Meeting will be held will be held at The Mantra Bunbury Lighthouse Hotel, 2 Mariston Drive, Bunbury, Western Australia 6230 and online on Wednesday 20th September 2023, commencing 10am AWST / 12pm AEST. Read on for information on how to register for and attend the AGM either in person or online and to access Notice of AGM and Proxy Form.
Nominations for Holstein Australia Federal Positions open on Wednesday, 2 August 2023 and close on Wednesday, 16 August 2023.
Nominations are invited for:
Three director positions on the Holstein Australia National Board.
Two positions on the Breed Development and Conformation Committee (BDCC).
The driving force behind the monumental amount of work that Fiona Hanks undertakes behind the scenes is to continue the work of her mentor, the late Sheri Martin.
Many people will recognise Fiona’s face; albeit often racing past, focused on capturing the next special moment at a sale, show or industry event. But few are aware of the extent of her impact on the dairy industry.
Following the recent consultation period on the proposed Member Advisory Committee, a Special General Meeting will be held at 10.30am, Friday 28th July, at the Holstein Australia office and online via Zoom. The purpose of the meeting is to determine the adoption of proposed amendments to the present Rules, as detailed in the Notice of Special General Meeting. The Special General Meeting has been called following a member consultation process on the new committee. The resulting member feedback has been incorporated into the proposed Terms of Reference.
Holstein Australia is heading to Bunbury, Western Australia for its Annual General Meeting and Awards Dinner this September as part of Holstein Highlights 2023. West Australian Regional Chair, Lachlan Fry, says that interstate visitors can expect a warm welcome from WA members and a program that showcases the best of Bunbury and surrounding regions, some great restaurants and wineries and some prime WA herds.
Holstein Australia and Holstein UK have again joined forces to provide a young and aspiring Holstein breed enthusiast with a trip to the UK during September and October this year.
Holstein Australia CEO Rohan Butler said the exchange gives the winner the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of how dairy farming in the UK compares to that of Australia and bring back vital understanding to develop their own career in agriculture.
The time is now to gather your entries for the 2022/23 Semex/Holstein Australia All Australian Photographic Competition!
The national competition recognises excellence in conformation and showing and is open to all Holstein Australia Herdbook and Appendix 1, 2 and 3 females that have been successfully shown at any Australian show adjudicated by a member of the National Judges Panel in any of the Holstein Australia Regions or Sub-Branches.
The Holstein Australia Board is seeking member input into the draft Terms of Reference for a Member Advisory Committee. The proposed Committee is intended to provide a member based focal point to consider and recommend policies and systems to effectively engage with the membership. Among its key tasks will be to ensure member feedback is appropriately addressed, provide a representative forum for members to contribute to Holstein Australia programs and activities and increase membership value.
It is time to nominate for one of Holstein Australia’s most prestigious animal awards, the Holstein Australia Cow of the Year for 2023. We are on the look-out for Australia's top all round cow - highly classified, high producing and developing quality progeny.
The Distinguished Service Award (DSA) shall be awarded to members who have given extraordinary service to Holstein Australia over an extended period. The award is recognition for sustained commitment to the Association, both within and beyond the member’s elected or designated roles and responsibilities.
Entry is open to Australian residents aged 18 to 25 years (on 25th August 2023). Applicants must have a track record that demonstrates a high level of skill and expertise in the preparation of cattle for showing and an intention to continue working or develop a career in the dairy industry.
SAVE THE DATE! It’s been a long time coming but Holstein Highlights, the Association’s National Awards dinner, is finally heading out west this year with four days of activities planned from Monday 18th to Thursday 21st September. The location will be the tourist destination of Bunbury on the southwest coast, a central point between many well-known names to Holstein Australia members – Katandra Park, Roblynne, Carenda, Angi Bros, Treeton and Moonaralla amongst others.
Australia’s longest running Holstein bull sale is back for its 63rd year at 11am Wednesday 3rd March at the Boyanup Sale Yards, Western Australia. The longest running single breed bull sale is also, for the second year running, Australia’s only dairy breed bull sale with all 24 bulls on offer genomically tested. The sale, also featuring 9 heifers from Gwindenella, Roblynne & Carenda Holsteins, is WA’s only 100% multi-vendor registered Holstein sale.
Calves’ well-being, including their physical and emotional health, is always top of mind for those in the dairy industry, particularly during the weaning stage. In a recent study researchers from the University of Florida demonstrated that socialization with other calves and humans - even for as little as five minutes - can improve overall calf well-being.
Sales occurring in March boast some wonderful pedigrees from both Australia and overseas. Click this headline or photo to learn more about the Master Breeders Warramont Final Dispersal. And don't forget to check out the Settlement Sale at Simpson and Cherrylock's 'Party at the Park' sale!
Enjoy our summary of the National Red & White Show, National Holstein Show, Holstein Australia Youth Challenge and Sheri Martin Showmanship classes at IDW 2023.
Senior Champion Holstein cow was awarded to Avonlea Stanleycup Evie - a popular winner around the ring. The Senior Champion Red & White Cow was the prolific show ring performer - Bluechip EV Shesaawesome Apple-ET-RED.
Applications are now open for Holstein Australia’s National Judging School, to be held in Victor Harbor, South Australia, from Monday 27th to Wednesday 29th March, hosted by the South Australian branch.
The 2023 Judging School will include farm visits to three South Australian Master Breeder herds – Misty Brae Holsteins, Rockwella Farm and Windy Vale – working with their animals as part of the school program.
We look forward to welcoming our members to the member BBQ, seminar and power of women event during International Dairy Week 2023!
From building pedigrees and cow family depth to use in animal promotion or gaining an overall picture of your herd progress and more, classification plays a key role in many member breeding programs.
As part of Holstein Australia’s commitment to continually improve the way we deliver member services, we need your opinion on our classification service – help us to help you by completing our Classification Survey.
The Holstein-Friesian Association of Australia Inc. held its first face-to-face Annual General Meeting since 2019 on Wednesday 14 September in Ballarat with over 30 members, industry partners and staff attending in person and a further 10 online. Despite the continued impact of COVID-19 on Holstein Australia day-to-day operations during the last financial year, President Garry Carpenter reported that allowing for year-on-year variations due to outside factors – namely export volume and pent up post-COVID classification demand – the figures for registration and classification were relatively stable over the longer term.
The 2022 Manning All Breeds Youth Camp was held at Wingham Showgrounds in the first week of October.
The Holstein Australia Youth Challenge is back at International Dairy Week at 11am on Sunday 15th January with participation of youth representing all dairy breeds encouraged. If you are planning to enter a team get in touch with the Holstein Australia Youth Challenge Coordinator, Justin Johnston, as soon as possible. Entries are capped at 16 teams. Traditionally a highlight of the dairy youth calendar, the Youth Challenge is open to dairy youth groups, breed associations (national teams), Sub-branch areas or state-based teams.
UPDATED FRI 9TH SEPTEMBER - At the 2022 Annual General Meeting members are being asked to vote on three special resolutions relating to the Association’s committees, the role of Company Secretary and adoption of the proposed changes. HA President, Garry Carpenter, explains what the proposed changes would mean for the Association.
The 2022 Annual General Meeting will be held at The Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre on Wednesday 14 September. Here you can access Notice of AGM, Proxy form, Minutes of previous AGM and the Proposed Purpose & Committee Structure. Members are being asked to vote on three Special Resolutions at the AGM relating to Board Committees, Company Secretary and Transitional Provisions. Having sought independent expert advice, the Board is proposing these changes to streamline the organisation’s operations and meet both the demands of current organisation governance and Holstein Australia’s current and future operational needs.
Under current governance rules direct elections to national bodies is allowed. Should the number of nominees exceed the number of vacancies an election is to be held. Each voting member shall be entitled to vote for any number of candidates not exceeding the number of vacancies. There are two (2) vacancies for Breed Development and Conformation Committee (BDCC). Three (3) nominations have been received and the list of candidates is available in the full article. The election opens at 12pm on 17th August and voting closes at 5pm on 7th September 2022.
Like many in Australia’s Holstein community we were devastated to hear of the death of Fairvale Morty Lady 51, Australia’s highest classified cow. In tribute to ‘Lady’ we are re-publishing our news story, along with a selection of photographs of Fairvale Morty Lady, from when she went EX97-5E as a 12 year old on her 7th lactation. Thurs 16th November 2017: Fairvale Morty Lady 51, jointly owned by Lisa and Will McKay of Linsand-V Holsteins, Victoria, and Lindsay and Sandra Thompson, Linsand Holsteins, Tasmania, has been recognised by Holstein Australia as the highest classified cow in Australia.
After a 3 year hiatus the Holstein Australia National Awards Dinner is back! Billed as Holstein Highlights, the dinner will take place on the evening of Wednesday 14 September at the Mercure, Ballarat, Victoria as part of 3 days of activities. Hosted by the Western District Sub-branch, Holstein Highlights will honour those that shape us, acknowledging and recognising our award winners on their outstanding achievements and contribution to the Holstein community.
Melbourne Royal, Jersey Australia and Holstein Australia have announced the team that will head to the Young Breeders School in Battice, Belgium next month to represent Australia on the world dairy youth competition stage. Team members are Andrew Gray from Chapel Hill, South Australia; Courtney Afford from Woods Point, South Australia; Georgia Sieben from Torrumbarry, Victoria; Kaitlyn Wishart from Cohuna, Victoria, and; Nathan Hart from Stanhope, Victoria. Team reserve is Oakley Henry from Tinamba, Victoria, and the team will be led by Justin Johnston, Glomar Holsteins, Bundalaguah, Victoria.
Under the terms of the rules of the Holstein-Friesian Association of Australia Incorporated (trading as Holstein Australia) elections of Directors and Breed Development and Conformation Committee (BDCC) members must be held prior to the Annual General Meeting of Holstein Australia scheduled for 14th September 2022. Nominations for Holstein Australia Federal Positions open on Wednesday 27th July and close on 10th August 2022.
The long established Murribrook herd of Murray Sowter held its 3rd stage dispersal on farm at Birubi in Wagga Wagga on Wednesday, 13th July 2022. Boasting a combination of young cows with production to 13,000 litres and progeny of IDW and Sydney Royal Champions, there were plenty of high quality lots on offer. Buyers from all parts of New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia bid on the 104 registered Holsteins up for grabs, achieving an average sale of $6,980.
The highly successful Elmar Holstein stud of Steve and Deanne Hore and family, staged another on-farm sale for buyers throughout Australia and overseas on Wednesday, 18th May 2022. Selling Agents Dairy Livestock Services reported buyers from throughout Victoria & New South Wales, along with Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia in addition to international buyers from the USA & Pakistan. Totaling 72 lots, a strong line up of top quality in-milk cows, joined and unjoined heifers and embryo packages, averaged $6,086.
With COVID restrictions ongoing in Victoria and NSW for the foreseeable future and all staff working from home here is a reminder on the best way to contact us. On behalf of the team at Holstein Australia we hope you and your families, particularly those in New South Wales and Victoria, are doing well.
There is still time to enter the combined 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 Semex-Holstein Australia All-Australian Photographic Competition with entries closing next week.The national competition recognises excellence in conformation and showing and is open to all Holstein Australia Herdbook and Appendix 1,2 and 3 females that have been successfully shown at any Australian show adjudicated by a member of the National Judges Panel in any of the Holstein Australia Regions or Sub-Branches. This year’s competition includes both the 2021 and 2022 competition years as a result of COVID related disruptions to Australian shows over the last 2 years.
We’re recruiting! If you are as passionate about Holsteins as us, are a great communicator, real people person and know your way around a content management system, we’ve got a great opportunity for you – we’re looking for a Communications Coordinator to play a pivotal role in our member engagement, marketing and communications.
It is time to nominate for one of Holstein Australia’s most prestigious animal awards, the Australian Cow of the Year for 2022. So what type of animal makes a good Cow of the Year candidate? If you can think of a cow in your herd that is highly classified, produces a lot of milk, has good family connections and generally epitomises all that is good and wonderful about black and whites or red and whites, 2022 could be your year. And remember, we are not necessarily looking for a show cow.
Overall within the top 10 of the Australian Proven, Balanced and Genomic lists the quality of bulls available in Australia has improved with many holding their high rankings from December while new additions continue to refresh the lists. Across the top 10 of the listed categories the Holstein breed continues to shine for Daughter Fertility, Mastitis Resistance and ultimately Survival, very important traits adding profitability to the breed.
The release of the April numbers for Holstein females represents another step in the improvement for genetic merit within the Australian Holstein population. Importantly it is a recognition of the breeding programs of Holstein Australian members and the many generations of females contributing to their success illustrated in the Top 20 list. The Top 20 list combines a significant number of females from the December release that continue to rank highly in April with an addition of a large group of new entrants.
Applications are now open for places on the five-strong Australian team set to compete at the 20th anniversary Young Breeders School in Battice, Belgium, in late August with young dairy men and women representing all dairy breeds encouraged to apply. An Australian team competed at the Young Breeders School for the first time in 2019, with all team members finishing in the top third of the results, three in the top fifteen. With the event, formerly known as the European Young Breeders School, not taking place due to the COVID pandemic over the last two years, team leader Justin Johnston is looking forward taking an Australian team back to Belgium.
Applications are now open for Holstein Australia’s National Judging School, to be held in Mt Gambier, South Australia, from Monday 23rd to Wednesday 25th May hosted by the South Australian branch. Overjudges for the 2022 National Judging School are John Gardiner (Avonlea , VIC), Vaughn Johnston (Ewen Pine, SA) and Jenny Grey (The Pines, NSW).
We are pleased to welcome our newest employees to join the HA office as staff, Genomic Services Officer Ally Bird and Member Services Officer Amanda Moyses.
Read the latest sale report from the Complete Dispersal of autumn calving heifers from Master Breeders, Warramont Holsteins and Byrne Lea Holsteins as they sell the last of their milking herd.
Last week saw the return of SA's Mt Pleasant Show for it's 58th Autumn Fair. Show enthusiasts flocked to see some quality SA cows and the exhibitors definitely didn't disappoint.
Australia's longest running bull sale took place earlier this month with WA Holstein Australia member, Ray Kitchen topping the sale with his 2 year old polled A2A2 bull .
HA classifiers recently visited Harklaje Holsteins who received great herd improvement results and classification scores thanks to their use of classification data and consistent breeding.
Holstein Australia and STGenetics have just launched the STG Australia Virtual Holstein Spectacular. What is it, how did it come about and why should I enter? Holstein Australia CEO Rohan Butler takes up the story. Each Sub-Branch has the opportunity to hold its own competition, with the top two animals per class going through to the regional competition, and the top two per class from the regional comp going through to the national final.
It’s time to get your phone out, film your best animals and enter the STG Australia Virtual Holstein Spectacular. Open to every Holstein Australia member the STG Australia Virtual Holstein Spectacular runs from mid-March to the end of April with Sub-branch, Regional and National judging taking place over the first two weeks of May. Like last year the National Finals Presentation will be streamed on Facebook, with a $1,250 per class prize pool at National level.
Earlier this month, the highly anticipated Windy Vale A to Z sale didn't disappoint when buyers gathered in a bidding war, setting a new average sale record for the state.
Eagle Ridge topped $6,500 last week as buyers gathered in Koonwarra for the Autumn Calving Heifer Dispersal to select from the Master Breeder herd.
Join the online national discussion group, Genomics in Action and explore all things genomics. Learn from other members and discussion facilitators on how to interpret genomic test results for better decision making, herd development and improving production to achieve your breeding goals.
Did you know that without genomic samples of dams and sires, your calf many not be eligible for registration? Here's what you need to know in preparation for parentage verification and registration.
Read the latest sale results from the STG Create the Future Sale held at IDW.
Are you an HA member? If you answered yes then it’s time to start choosing your animals to enter in this year’s STG Australia Virtual Holstein Spectacular.
Join in the fun with your industry peers at next week's Genomic Discovery Day hosted by DataGene and Dairy Australia.
It's not often that a cow classifies EX93 but for Fleurieu and Central SA breeders, the Mason family, it's a moment they will cherish forever.
Meet the newest addition to the Holstein Australia team as we welcome onboard a new classifier who may be familiar to our SA members.
With the dust having settled after International Dairy Week’s return from its COVID enforced hiatus, we take a look back at all things Holstein. Holstein Australia CEO, Rohan Butler believes IDW taking place this year is a significant achievement for the show fraternity , for all breed associations and for the future of the event. “Congratulations to Declan, Brad, Stacey and the IDW team for getting the event up, particularly with Omicron taking off in most parts of Australia just 4 weeks out from the show,” says Rohan.
Sunday at International Dairy Week saw 70 youngsters representing the Holstein, Ayrshire, Jersey, Guernsey and Brown Swiss breeds take part in the Holstein Australia Youth Challenge Trials. Youth Challenge Co-ordinator Justin Johnston says it was great to get the Youth Challenge up and running again after a two year absence. “The best thing for me was that at the end of the competition we had 70 kids, all with big smiles on their faces,” says Justin. “It was also great to see a lot of new faces across all the teams, a lot of people taking part for the first time.
It’s ShowTime – a children’s picture story book based on a Holstein cow has caught the attention of patrons at IDW! Young dairy enthusiasts and their parents congregated at the book stand, purchasing books for themselves and loved ones while spectators watched eagerly as the judging took place in the show-ring. The book’s author and illustrator Kathryn Bowden said she was inspired to write the story after discovering there were very few books and resources available for young children to learn about cattle showing.
With just a few days to go before International Dairy Week returns, read the run down of all things Holstein at the return of next week’s show.
To mark the occasion of the return of IDW after a year’s absence, Holstein Australia will be hosting a BBQ for members and their families to get together off-farm.
North West Victorian breeders Tim and Maddi Somerville of True Blue Holsteins were delighted to receive Excellent 90 scores for three ET sisters in their latest classification visit.
Back by popular demand, Holstein Australia’s Virtual Holstein Spectacular kicks off next year with the backing of new sponsor STG Australia. The competition will run from March 2022 through to April with Sub-branch, Regional and National judging taking place over the first two weeks of May. The National Finals Presentation will be streamed on the HA Facebook page, with a prize pool of $1,250 per class at National level.
The Holstein Australia office will close on Friday 24th December at 4.30pm and re-open at 8.30am on Tuesday 4th January 2022. On behalf of the Board, office team, our Classifiers and Services Extension Officer we wish you and your family a safe and happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. To all our members and industry colleagues thank you for your support throughout 2021.
Dairy enthusiast welcomed the opportunity to get back in the show ring at the East Gippsland All Breeds Spectacular, held at Sale Showgrounds last week. Fifty spectators watched Jane Sieben (Brindabella, North West Vic) judge 40 head entered in the show. Majestic Pharo Diamond was crowned All Australian Calf, led by Lily Bawden and exhibited by the Bawden Family who accumulated many placings throughout the day.
Philmar MBH Oliver Sahara, exhibited by Flemming and Heath, Marty and Brady Hore was crowned Junior Champion and earlier won the Heifer 18 months born 01-0-20 to 31-06-20.
Tomargo Recluse Holsteins staged their 2021 Sale on-farm last month in Dubbo, NSW. The NSW breeders offered 232 young Holsteins featuring many daughters of DeltaLambda, Chief, King Doc, Dewars, Secretariat, Brigham, Callen, Sidekick, Boorman, Mafia, Feer, Bradnick, Unix, Sunlight and Solomon. Topping the sale at $11,500 was the recently classified Excellent, Tomargo Recluse Solomon Whynot; she is a rising 5 year old who won the 4 year old class at the 2021 Sydney Royal and sold in-calf to sexed Arrow.
Scott Somerville (Somerelle Holsteins, Timmering Vic) is the latest member to be elected to the Breed Development and Conformation Committee (BDCC) and is no stranger when it comes to breeding. His family (Clydebank) have been breeding Holsteins in northern Victoria for almost 50 years and bred the highest Australian-bred Star Brood cow, Clydebank Gay Lass EX4E STP 40SBC, bred from the granddam of Leader Lassco. In 1991 Scott began his own stud with a third of his family herd and developed the stud with more registered cattle.
“Our main objective is to breed the type of cattle that commercial farmers want and that’s what we’re all about,” Scott said.
Last month buyers from across Victoria bid freely at the First Stage Complete Dispersal Sale of Master Breeders David and Glenyce Johnston. The Segenhoe Park Holsteins sale was held at the Mortlake Selling Centre and many gathered to get their hands on some of the 91 Holsteins on offer. Topping the sale at $7,000 was the outstanding close to calving cow, Segenhoe Park Impress Lorraine. She is backed by several generations of high VG dams with huge longevity and sold to Profitable Cattle Company.
Yesterday at the Segenhoe Park Sale, vendor David Johnston was surprised by Holstein Australia when we he was presented with the Holstein Australia Federal Honorary Life Membership award.
The Holstein-Friesian Association of Australia Inc. held its second virtual Annual General Meeting on Thursday 14 October with members and industry partners attending online Australia wide and from overseas. Despite the impact of COVID-19 on Holstein Australia day-to-day operations during the last financial year, President Garry Carpenter reported an increase in numbers for all core member services. Registrations increased by 7% year-on-year, classification 29% and genomic testing 31%.
With the phase out of micro-satellite technology (microsats) imminent Holstein Australia is switching to a genomics only service for parentage verification. Genomics has the added advantage of being able to provide breeding values in addition to parentage. If you are making the switch from microsat technology to either full or parentage only genomics and are unsure of the steps involved contact Holstein Australia Genomic Services Officer, Miranda Clark.
Read the latest announcement regarding the Holstein Australia Classification Team as we say goodbye to a member favourite and welcome a familiar face.
Last week's Wildwood Dispersal Sale held at the Lardner Park saw 86 registered Holsteins go under the hammer.
The Avonlea Celebration Sale made history this month, breaking a new Australian sale average record.
Last week the Murray Bridge show was held and the State Young Judges and Handlers Competition gave young competitors the chance to battle it out to represent South Australia in the National Finals at the 2022 Sydney Royal Show.
The Queensland region of Holstein Australia have announced the winner of the 2021 QLD Cow of the Year.
The children's picture book raising money for flood affected dairy farmers, Holly the Holstein has been picked up by IGA stores across Maroochydore, Brisbane, QLD and Wauchope, NSW in effort to back the dairy industry and hit the Christmas fundraising target.
HA Board Director Gino Pacitti is set to feature in IDW's podcast Around the Barn this Thursday as he chats with Podcast Host Casey Treloar about all things dairy in the lead up to IDW 2022.
Last week's Eagle Ridge sale held at the Koonwarra South Gippsland Selling Centre saw 40 Holstein heifers go under the hammer as many interested breeders competed at auction from across the country.
The 2021 Annual General Meeting will be streamed online again this year and here's all the latest details you need to know to join us for this year's event. The AGM will commence at 12pm Victorian DST on Thursday 14 October and is being streamed live from Dairy House. If you would like to attend the AGM you must register in advance using the registration link.
International Dairy Week launches a new podcast with Casey Treloar and interviews Holstein Australia members in the lead up to IDW 2022.
This year’s Dryfield Sale showcased 36 Holsteins and featured both spring and autumn calving heifers with the sale topper selling at $7,000.
With the Semex-Holstein Australia On-Farm Competition underway and Sub-branch events and activities being planned for the months ahead here is a handy guide for event organisers and participants covering COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines in each state.
Nominations for Holstein Australia Federal Positions open on 26th August and close on 9th September 2021. Nominations are invited for one Director position on the Holstein Australia National Board and one Breed Development and Conformation Committee position on the Holstein Australia BDCC. Ordinary members of Holstein Australia who are financial are eligible to vote.
Dairy Australia is urging dairy farmers to submit heifer genomics questions as they gear up for their new episode of their successful podcast Dairy Pod.
Read the latest sale report on the Warramont 2nd Stage Complete Dispersal Sale of Master Breeders David and Trudy Fiebig.
The August public release provides Australian Holstein breeders with many sire options leading into the spring mating period.
The latest highlights of the August top genomic females proof run sees many Holstein Australia members at the genetic progress pinnacle of the Holstein breed.
Holstein Australia’s longstanding Classifier Leanne Summerville has stepped back into the role of Classification Tour Coordinator.
Leanne’s decision was taken last month to wind back her hours after what has been a very challenging 18 months.
“It’ll give the guys the chance to take on new opportunities and challenges” said Leanne.
She will be available Monday and Thursday and her duty is now primarily contacting members and putting together the classification schedule for each state and region. Calls will be diverted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays to John Crowther who will be filling Leanne’s shoes on her days off.
This year the AGM will be a little different. Read the latest information update on the AGM and the Board and BDCC nominations.
Following the cancellation of last year’s Semex-Holstein Australia On-farm Competition Semex and Holstein Australia have confirmed that the 2021 competition will go ahead, albeit with changes due to continuing state lockdowns and COVID related border and social distancing restrictions.
For 2021 the competition will be run as a Holstein Australia Sub-branch competition at a local level, with Sub-branches nominating judges in the usual way and animals judged on farm. The regional and state based elements of the competition will not take place this year.
Registered bulls can now be listed for free on Verified Holsteins Online, the new service launched by Holstein Australia earlier this year where members can market and sell cattle direct with buyers nationwide. To list animals contact Simon Adams on 0438 505 746.
Holstein Australia has partnered with WFI for decades to support members with information, advice and solutions for their insurance needs across the seasons.
The Complete Dispersal Sale of Master Breeders Holloddon Holsteins and Kayton Holsteins was met with strong competition earlier this month as bidders and local industry supporters flocked to see the cows on offer.
History was made at the Malanda Show this year when the Supreme Champion Cow was awarded to the youngest exhibitor to win the title in the show’s 104 years running.
Western Victorian Breeders Ian and Karen McKie of The Points Holsteins held a very successful online sale last month featuring autumn calved cows and heifers.
The Auction was conducted virtually from the DLS office through the Elite Livestock Auctions platform while the cows remained on the farm.
The 2021 Holstein Friesian New Zealand AGM has been marked a success by Holstein Australia’s President Garry Carpenter who attended the Conference held in Manawatu, NZ.
Boscawen Holsteins is the latest to be awarded the double Master Breeder.
This comes off the backs of 8 generations of farmers who obtained their land as early as 1826 and since then, the property has always remained within the family.
Master Breeder Tracey Russell says “Dad was the 5th generation and winning this award has been an incredibly hard time for us because our parents both missed it”.
Eclipse Holsteins have closed out with a bang cleaning up $27,000 for the sale topper.
The final Eclipse Holsteins On Farm Sale of Master Breeder Richard Hull at Jancourt East saw 122 Holsteins gross $671,950 with an average of $5,510 selling across all states except WA.
Dairy Farmers throughout Victoria and NSW bid freely on the outstanding offering at the First Stage Complete Dispersal Sale of Wildwood Dairies in Lardner, Gippsland.
The East Gippsland sub-branch All Breeds Youth Show attracted a strong turnout last month and sub-branch President Damien Henry explains why Youth shows are important for the kids.
East Gippsland President Damien Henry said “everything starts at the local shows and running these events is essential because it’s the first place kids go to learn any skills in handling and preparing cattle”.
Holstein Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of our newest Member Services Officer, Louise Howden.
Holstein Australia has reluctantly taken the decision to cancel Holstein Highlights 2021, scheduled to take place in Bendigo, Victoria on 30 June.
The event has been cancelled due to COVID-19 restriction venue capacity limits and continued uncertainty over interstate travel. All Holstein Australia members and guests who have booked food and accommodation for Holstein Highlights will be contacted and a full refund arranged.
Holstein Australia is working with the Victorian Winter Fair to arrange presentation of trophies and photographs to our All-Australian and Virtual Holstein Spectacular winners and 2020 Master Breeders attending this event.
Thank you to everyone who entered our 2021 Member Photo Competition. Judges Beth Scott and Bradley Cullen of Cullen Marketing were somewhat overwhelmed by the number of entries, as were we! They had a particularly challenging task with the standard of entries being really high across five categories, each designed to show an element of a day in the life of Holstein Australia members around the country. Take a look at the winning photographs here.
West Gippsland Holstein members Glenn and Rose Atherton of Glenroyan Holsteins tell their story of how they struck a deal with inner city micro-dairy St David Dairy. St David Dairy General Manager says the standard of the breed contributes largely to the quality of their product, including the Atherton’s efforts to rear and look after their animals, maintaining love and care for their herd.
The Kaarmona ‘Once in Decade’ Sale showcased “an outstanding line-up of dairy cattle” last month with the Sprunt Family reaching a top price of $21,000 at their on-farm auction.
The vendors offered 55 Holsteins who averaged $4,455 with many prospective buyers bidding online and on farm from all over Victoria.
The Eagle Ridge Dispersal sale kicked off last Friday at Shepparton Selling Centre with all late autumn and early winter calving heifers on offer.
Eagle Ridge Master Breeders sold 56 heifers with an average of $3,677.
Last Friday marked the centenary celebration of the Holstein Australia South Australian Branch who have waited a year to host their commemoration.
The night was a tremendous success with an attendance of 114 invited guests, sponsors, past and current Holstein Australia members who enjoyed a night filled with nostalgia, fellowship and rekindled memories.
SA Sub-branch President and HA Board of Directors member Gino Pacitti says he was thrilled with the member response.
Earlier this month Queensland’s All Breeds Dairy Committee hosted their first All Breeds Educational Dairy Youth Camp and Calf Day since 2018.
Camp numbers were restricted this year and 24 students attended from both dairy and non-dairy backgrounds. The Committee reports 12 to 14 kids were not from farming backgrounds.
It is with a heavy heart that Holstein Australia acknowledges the sudden and unexpected passing of our esteemed colleague Julie Lowe. It has shaken our community and our thoughts and wishes are with Julie’s family and friends.
Julie worked as a Member Services Officer for 27 years and was an important and valuable member of the Holstein team. She was always willing to lend a hand and never complained. In Julie’s typically unassuming style Julie handled the incoming calls on her mobile phone for several months during the COVID lockdown.
The Beauties from the Bush autumn-calved Holstein dispersal sale has been marked a success as it topped $11,000 last week at the Colac Selling Centre.
The Jennings family reds ruled the day with 16 red and white Holstein females averaging $4,696 and 40 black and white females trailing with $3,355 average.
The highly anticipated Elmar Extravaganza Holstein sale achieved outstanding results on-farm in Leitchville on the 22 April, grossing a remarkable $673,400.
FMS Director Lawrie Flanagan says “it was an amazing sale and went above our expectations with the quality of the cattle showcased and the desire for people to get into the Jessica family”.
Young dairy enthusiasts have been back in action this month with some exciting camps taking place across the country. Last week, Western Australia and Queensland held youth events for the first time since the global pandemic caused the mass cancellation of shows last year.
There has been considerable change to the list of bulls based on complete ABVs, with a significant lift in the average BPI for the top 10. In the December run the average BPI was 361 while this month the average BPI of the top 10 is 413, an increase of 52 BPI points.
There are also a number of additions to the list who now have a complete ABV unlike in December where their proof was based on overseas data or they had insufficient data to meet publishable criteria.
With each new proof release the Holstein breed continues to progress with the top list a great indicator of the strength, diversity and success of the breed. April’s top 20 list shows the top registered genomic tested females irrespective of age. Overall the list displays a high level of stability from release to release. The addition of new entrants, with half the list comprising animals born in 2020 and 2021, reflects the genetic progress of the breed.
With growing demand for its classification service Holstein Australia is looking for a motivated individual to join its classifier team.
The position will suit an individual with a passion for working with dairy livestock, the great outdoors and building relationships with dairy farmers. The successful applicant will ideally be based in South East Australia, with travel being a major component of the role.
The Byrne Lea Holstein Dairy Dispersal held at Mortlake Selling Centre on Wednesday 24th of March saw Craig and Fiona Fisher of Drumborg pull in a gross of $846,200.
The celebrated Avonlea Jacobonia family featured strongly with Lot 142 Byrne Lea Bradnick Jacobonia EX90 topping the sale at $14,250.
The Vala Autumn Feature Sale held on farm in Toolamba, Victoria attracted great interest over the weekend with the highest selling lot topping the sale at $26,000.
The auction was livestreamed in the shed on large screen with photos of each cow while the cattle grazed in nearby paddocks. Prior to the showcase, buyers were encouraged to inspect the animals before the sale.
The March 2021 proof run of top new heifers saw Dilee Holsteins (Les White) top the proof with DILEE PEMBERTON OLLIE 494 ET-ET-CNF-DPF-BLF, crowning the BPIs with a score of 479.
Ollie 494 is combination of three really strong Australian cow families. Along with Ollie’s, her dam is by Silverline (Glomar Ladys) and the next dam a Wrangler (Rengaw Janeas) that was part of a Genetics Australia IVF program that resulted in 19 embryos.
Hullabaloo Bolton Sundae is the latest cow to be classified EX95-3E.
Owned by the Dee family, Sundae is the 9th cow in Australia to score 95 or above and is the first cow to do so in the North West Victoria Holstein Sub-branch.
Sundae was scored by HA Classifier Leanne Summerville and two days later the results were confirmed by fellow HA Classifier Sean Miller.
“She’s a ripping cow and we were so excited when she classified EX95. Classifying for us is a family thing and to get that handshake from the classifiers to say she’s EX95 was such an awesome moment. We are absolutely stoked!” says Mandy Dee.
If, like us, Holsteins rock your world, we need to hear from you! Whether you are a Holstein Australia member or not, if you work with Holsteins or your work involves the Holstein breed, please complete our survey. We want to hear from you so you can have your say on how Holstein Australia can best represent the Holstein breed into the future and ensure that the services we provide contribute to your businesses in the way you want. This is your opportunity to tell us what you want, what you need, what you think works, what doesn’t work, and the direction we should be taking in the future. Survey closes Sunday 28th March.
With major impacts to a range agricultural industries from the Mid-North Coast through to the Hunter and beyond and the east coast from Brisbane to the Victorian border bracing for damaging winds, heavy rain and wild surf over the next 48 hours, here is the latest information we have on assistance and support available to primary producers and agricultural communities.
South Australian Master Breeder Warramont Holsteins (David and Trudy Fiebig) captivated a large audience last week as they showcased their First Stage Complete Dispersal sale.
The sale was held at the Warrnambool Selling centre and also attracted many bidders online.
The exceptionally well presented line of Holstein cows met strong demand averaging $3,900 with the in-milk and springing cows averaging $4,042 and the two-year old heifers averaging $3,494.
South West Victorian breeder Richard Hull of Eclipse Genetics is the newest member to be named Master Breeder.
A city boy who grew up in Perth, WA, Richard is uncommonly a first-generation dairy farmer. It all began when he was 11 years old, says Richard.
“Mum and Dad were city people and it was only through spending time at my Uncle’s dairy farm that I found my passion for cows” says Mr Hull.
Fairvale Bolton Nola 23 EX95-3E of Fairvale Holsteins and Fairvale Reg Josie 34 EX95-4E of Coleshill Farms now join only a handful of cows classified 95 or above.
Both cows originated from Fairvale Holsteins from breeders Ross and Leanne Dobson and Holstein Australia Classifier Phil Hentschke says ‘it’s very special for a cow to score this high’.There are only 8 cows in Australian Holstein History that have been classified 95 or above.
Mr Hentschke says “they are all just great cows and their scores reflect that. Their owners should be very proud because they are really special cows”.
Australia’s longest running Holstein Bull Sale smashed expectations last week grossing $149,000, topping the sale at $13,500.
There were 26 bulls on offer along with 5 females which all were keenly sought after and the sale achieved a combined $7,500 average. “There was a lot of interest including 26 nominations to buy which was all met with very good competition and there seems to be a lot of confidence around in the Holstein circle. It was a very good day all around” says Auctioneer Tiny Holly.
The Eagle Ridge Holstein Heifer Dispersal Sale from Victorian Master Breeders Russell and Kerry Eagle of Shepparton topped $12,000 last week at the Shepparton Selling Centre, with the 82 lots grossing $338,500 reports agent Dairy Livestock Services.
The complete dispersal of autumn calving heifers featured 90 production-backed Holsteins including 78 autumn calving heifers, 6 red Holsteins and 10 tremendous calved and close young cows.
The sale topper was the outstanding red heifer Eagle Ridge Ammo C Polka; daughter of the EX93 red cow Contender L Polka with over 600 kgs fat.
Tonight at 8pm Thursday 11 February national judge Brian Leslie will be announcing the national winners of the Semex-Holstein Australia Virtual Holstein Spectacular on our Facebook page. Video will be available on the HA YouTube channel tomorrow morning.
Thank you to the many members who entered this new competition, and to our Sub-branch and regional judges who made the Virtual Holstein Spectacular possible. From the hundreds of entries received, the national champions in each class will be revealed – 90 finalists across 5 classes with 51 breeders represented.
Holstein Australia invites members to submit their photos to this brand new photo competition to show case the best of the Holstein breed, where our members work, the products they make, and the Holstein community.
Holstein Australia CEO, Rohan Butler, says the competition has been inspired by some of the great photographs we’ve seen of members, their animals and their farms on social media. Read on for full details on how to enter and terms and conditions.
North West Victorian Master Breeders Ross and Linda Somerville of Clydebank Holsteins have been awarded the Master Breeder for a second time.
“We are delighted! It’s a lifetime of dedication to the Holstein breed and winning the award twice is recognition of our achievements and involvement in dairy” says Mr Somerville.
It all began in 1972, when Ross left school and formed a partnership with his parents Ron and Nancy and in 1980, Linda and Ross moved to the farm in Rochester.
Roughly 17 years later, they accomplished their first Master Breeder award.
The Ross family of Kelenmar Holsteins in Western Victoria have achieved their first Master Breeder award.
“It’s been our family’s ultimate goal right from the commencement of the stud. We’ve always looked up to the Master Breeders and wondered if we would ever get to that stage. To finally achieve it is a wonderful feeling” says Kerri.
In 1989, Kerri’s parents Peter and Wendy Ross started dairying in their own right with part of their commercial family herd at Bald Hills, north of Ballarat.
Wendy and Peter always had a strong desire to become a Holstein stud and in 1999, with much encouragement from many industry friends, they formed Kelenmar Holsteins.
We head to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Hinterland to meet one of our new Master Breeders, 5th generation dairy farmer Kelvin Cochrane who farms the same land his parents and grandparents farmed before him at Kandanga, Wide Bay.
It has been a lifelong goal of Kelvin’s to win the Master Breeder award and he remembers the first time it entered his mind.
“I distinctly recall in the early 2000s, I was at a youth camp Daniel Homes was running and he was telling the group about it. I remember it as clear as day. I thought there was no way our herd could ever achieve a Master Breeder status” says Kelvin.
Lawrie Flanagan of Woodlawn Holsteins has been awarded the prestigious honour of being named two-time Master Breeder in his 43 years of dairying.
"It’s good to be a Master Breeder and it’s something we are very proud of” says Mr Flanagan.
As a third generation farmer and the eldest of 8 children, Lawrie grew up on a dairy in Girgarre, north of Shepparton.
“I was a little noisy red-faced kid that didn’t know much about anything but always loved milking cows” says Mr Flanagan.
He left school at the age of 16 to start his career and hasn’t ever looked back.
The Crawford family of Coolea Holsteins, NSW – Jenny, Rodney and Andrew and Abbey - have been awarded Master Breeder for a second time.
“We always looked up to the Master Breeders and it was an ultimate goal but years ago, we didn’t know if we would ever get there” says Jenny Crawford. “It means we’ve achieved something in our career that we have always aimed for and to receive that twice is pretty special.”
North West Victorian dairy farmers Rus and Ruth Robins, Kayton Holsteins, have achieved the Master Breeder, even though they sold and rebuilt their herd twice.
“It’s something everyone who loves breeding cows would want to aspire to and it means a great deal to me” says Mr Robins.
He says the Master Breeder was always something he strived to achieve from the day it was introduced.
“The fact that we’ve completely sold and rebuilt the herd twice, made me wonder if we would ever get there” says Rus.
The Dee family of Clydevale Holsteins in Northern Victoria have achieved their second Master Breeder award.
“It’s really nice to be able to uphold Mum and Dad’s legacy, which they put an enormous amount of work into. We are stoked and it’s something we hold very high” says Mark.
Clydevale was established by Mark’s parents Adrian and Cheryl in 1973.
They started dairying in Clyde North, Moving to a 500 acre property in Macorna North in 1980. Since then Clydevale has expanded while remaining a solid family operation.
After being in the dairy industry for 50 years, Holstein Australia life members Ian and MaryAnne Hortle of Panatana Holsteins have accomplished their second Master Breeder award just in time for their dairy retirement.
Ian’s family have lived on their 90 hectare property since 1862 and is the fourth generation to have farmed on the property.
His father was milking cows before him and by the time Ian came home to work on the property, it had been divided in half as a result of a Will.
In 1992, Ian and MaryAnne bought the missing half of their property and pieced it back together again.
Rodney Herrmann of Clarodale Holsteins in South Australia has been awarded the Master Breeder after 49 years of dedication to the dairy industry.
“I always thought anyone who got a Master Breeder must be really superb and I’m really pleased because it’s recognition and reward for all our hard work and years of breeding good functional cows” says Mr Herrmann.
Raised as a fifth generation farmer, Rodney grew up on a dairy farm in the Adelaide hills which his father started in his 20s in the late 1940s.
South Australian Farmer Gary Zweck of Donava Holsteins has spent 44 years in the dairy industry and has followed in his parent’s footsteps by winning a second Master Breeder title. The first award went to his parents Don and Elva Zweck.
As a second generation farmer, Gary started his dairy career on the farm with his father in Blyth, SA. His parents Don and Elva (whose names combined make up their prefix) bought the farm in 1964 and started off by separating cream.
Craig Bruem of Engsta Holdings in Forbes, NSW is the most recent dairy farmer to be awarded the Master Breeder.
“It’s a huge honour to be recognised for putting so many of our resources towards the cows and we’re all very pleased” says Mr Bruem.
As a third generation farmer, Craig’s parents and grandparents started dairying back in 1955 and like most kids who grew up on a dairy, Craig was keen on anything involving cows.
Third generation South Australian farmers Andrew and Angela Koch of Glenunga Proprietors have been awarded Master Breeder for a second time.
“It’s really satisfying to fulfil what my parents started in their first 20 years of farming” says Mr Koch.
He highlights his parents Dennis and Annette put a lot of work into building the farm and created a solid foundation for his family to start with when they took over in 1990.
The Golder family of Golderama Holsteins in Jervois SA have been awarded their first Master Breeder after 43 years of dairying.
“We feel very honoured. It’s not something we were aiming for but it’s nice to be recognised by our peers for achieving this award. We are very pleased” says Mr & Mrs Golder.
As a third generation farmer, Lawrie has been running the Golderama property with his wife Michele for more than 40 years.
In 1977, they bought the neighbouring property to Lawrie’s parents and started off with 60 cows.
A few years later in 1980, Michele and Lawrie established their prefix Golderama.
South Australian farmers David and Trudy Fiebig from North West Mount Gambier have been dairying for 40 years and are among the latest named as Master Breeders.
Mr Fiebig says the Master Breeder is not something Warramont Holsteins has been actively seeking but says they are ‘delighted to win the award and thanks Holstein Australia for making the award possible’.
Born into a dairy family as a 3rd generation farmer, Brad Mountford has followed in his father Ron’s footsteps, dedicating his entire life to dairying.
“I always knew I wanted to be a dairy farmer” says Mr Mountford.
As a young kid, Brad was introduced by his dad to the show ring, which reaffirmed his interest and passion for cows.
Ray Kitchen of Kitchen Farms has been dairying for a lengthy 42 years.
Born into the dairy and breeding industry, his parents Jack and Mary began farming in the mid-1950s, and soon after started their stud herd in 1960.
Over the life of the dairy farm, many members of the family have contributed to the farm’s success and the business has stayed within the family.
Today, Ray and his wife Donna are in partnership with his brother Mal and his wife Leslie and their 91 year-old Mother Mary is still actively helping out with milking and calf feeding.
The Breed Development and Conformation Committee (BDCC) have decided to extend the current 2020/21 years All Australian Photographic Competition to run over a 2 year period.
The Committee felt that in light of the impact Covid-19 has had on the local, regional and national show circuit with the cancelation of events and the uncertainty to come in 2021, it was best to continue the competition until the 30th June 2022.
The December 2020 ABV release showcases the work of the National Breeding Objective (NBO) review carried out earlier this year resulting in significant changes with the inclusion of Survival and Mastitis Resistance and fine tuning of a number of traits reflecting changes from the 2015 review.
On behalf of the Board and staff, I wish all our readers, Holstein Australia members, their families and friends a safe and happy festive break.
The Holstein Australia office will be shut from close of business on Tuesday 22nd December, reopening Monday 4th January.
The Somerelle Holsteins Dispersal Sale of Master Breeder Scott Somerville’s all spring calved cows topped out at $6,250.
Sale topper Somerelle Contrast Meg, VG87, a 10th generation EX and VG is a 4-year-old bred from the famed Wyoming Meg family and sold to P Price of Leongatha.
A seventeen and a half-year-old Holstein cow has calved again after being retired off in a paddock full of bulls.
The Points Boss Iron Marg EX 93-4E who is nicknamed Old Meggsie is currently on her 15th lactation after calving on the 7th of August of this year.
A large crowd gathered on a wet wintery-like day for the exciting Eclipse Dispersal Series 1 sale which was held on Monday 7th December.
The tone was set early by the famed Princess family with lot 5, Eclipse Solomon 9 Princess topping the sale at $16,000 to the Princess Syndicate of Gippsland.
With changes over the last two weeks to border closures and event and public gathering restrictions and limitations within each state, here is our latest update on delivery of services to members and our current policy on HA sanctioned events.
Master breeder Gorbro Holsteins Golden Opportunity sale has been named Australia’s highest averaging dairy sale in 2020 and auctioneers are calling it “the best sale this year”.
The Gordon family from Cohuna, Vic auctioned 57 heifers and cows which grossed $427,750 with the sale averaging an outstanding $7,504.
Agent Lawrie Flanagan said “it’s truly a commendable effort for a single vendor”.
The Mannings milk around 300 cows year-round in the Mardella locality, with all of the farm’s milk going to nearby Mundella Foods, Mundijong since 2005.
With Master Breeder status for their Shade River Holsteins, Geoff says he’s always been interested in stud breeding since showing in his younger days. When asked what he looks for in a cow, he says he wants ‘everything’.
With many Holstein Australia Sub-Branches throwing their weight behind the Semex-Holstein Australia Virtual Holstein Spectacular entries are coming in thick and fast in the run up to entries closing on Monday 23 November.
To find out how to enter head on over to our competitions page, then check out our sample video and video brief. All you need to enter is a cow or two and a mobile phone!
Page House Shottle Noni EX92 4E, a 14 year old cow who is no stranger to winning her class at Australia’s biggest shows has been named the 2020 Holstein Australia Cow of the Year.
The announcement was made on Holstein Australia’s Facebook page this year, as Covid-19 prohibited any chance of hosting the Association’s annual awards dinner.
Owned by the well known Perrett family of Hill Valley Holsteins in Victoria, Page House Shottle Noni has an undeniable record in the show ring.
The recent on-farm sale at Steve and Erika Chesworth’s Master Breeder Tomargo Recluse herd in Rawsonville, NSW saw 229 animals sold for an average of $4,220, with top price of $14,000 paid for the exceptionally uddered second-lactation Tomargo Recluse Bradnick Babydoll VG87. Backed by many generations of VG dams, she produced 11,124 litres at two years and was purchased by W & J Brown of Tamworth.
South Gippsland’s Jelbart Dairy topped the October proof run with Jelbart Jeronimo Roxane 15905-CNF-DPF-BLF (402BPI) and featured a total of 13 Jelbart animals in the top new genomically tested heifers list. The average BPI of the top twenty animals has increased by 8% year-on-year (comparing October 2019 to October 2020), from 321BPI to 346BPI.
The 9-year-old show champion Murribrook Goldwyn Verbena, EX 93 has topped the Murribrook First Stage Milking Herd Dispersal on the 7th of October for a whopping $23, 000.
The much anticipated on farm sale held at Moss Vale, NSW attracted a large crowd and additionally 500 online viewers attended through Elite Livestock Auctions. Many spectators commented ‘it’s the finest herd of cows we’ve ever seen sold’.
Holstein Australia has announced the appointment of new and returning directors to the Holstein Australia Board following a nomination and election process held prior to the Association’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday 8th October 2020. New director, Jacqueline Suares OAM, owns Master Breeder herd Calderbrae Holsteins in Victoria’s western district with husband Ross. Returning director, Gino Pacitti, owns and operates Misty Brae Holsteins, a 350-cow dairy farm on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsular, with his wife Mandy and two sons. Garry Carpenter of Garerley Holsteins, Gunns Plains, Tasmania was appointed Federal President, Jenny Grey of The Pines, Kiama, NSW, Vice President.
What is the Semex-Holstein Australia Virtual Holstein Spectacular, how did it come about and how do you get involved? It's a new competition for a COVID normal world and for this year replaces the traditional On-Farm Competition. Open to every member and run through the HA website the Semex-Holstein Australia Virtual Holstein Spectacular will run at Sub-Branch level, with regional and then national winners announced December / January on our social media platforms.
Holstein Australia has this week launched its new five year strategic business plan to members. What is it, how has it been developed and what does it mean? Chief Executive Officer, Rohan Butler, explains: "It’s basically a road map for the future direction of the Association. Where are we now and what are our aspirations? Where do our members want us to be in the future? What we need and how do we navigate our way there? The consultative process we went through with member representatives identified seven key areas that we needed to focus on, being breed development, community, export of Australian Holstein genetics, finance, governance, member services and youth and future leaders. Like any good map, we have pinpointed where we want to be, our aspiration in each area. From there we developed objectives, or what has to change for us to achieve the aspiration. We then identified the series of actions or steps that help us reach the objectives."
Today sees the Milking Herd Dispersal Sale of Master Breeder Murribrook Holsteins on-farm in Moss Vale NSW and online via Elite Livestock Auctions. Sires from Murribrook have had a major impact in dairy herds throughout Australia with the AI sire MBSL becoming one of the nation’s most well-known bulls. Murribrook has also imported live females and embryos from Canada, breeding and developing some of Australia’s great cow families featuring the greatest maternal lines from around the world.
Last week the Master Breeder herd of Jon and Nadine Holland was dispersed on farm at Newbridge, with strong bidding on farm and via the Elite Livestock Auctions online platform from Victorian and New South Wales breeders. Sale top of $8,500 was paid by K & H Jones of Foster for Holloddon Superstyle Corrine 2551 VG86 on first lactation, having produced over 11,000 litres as a heifer and due November to Doorman.
At next week’s Annual General Meeting members are being asked to vote on a special resolution relating to the definition of a member. Chief Operations Officer, David Jupp, explains why the resolution is necessary and what the proposed change will mean for members.
Essentially it is a bit of governance housekeeping. From time to time Holstein Australia reviews its rules and by-laws to ensure they remain fit for purpose. Since the major governance overhaul conducted in 2016, a question of clarity has remained around which individual person within a membership is the authorised representative of that membership. For a membership in a single name, that is easy to define. For a company or family membership, often with many people associated with it is less clear. What’s proposed is a new class of membership be added to the constitution and known as a Full membership.
Young Northern Victorian Holstein Breeders, Bec & Jayke Fisher’s Quality Dispersal Sale, saw keen buyers both on-farm and on the Elite Livestock Auctions online platform, topping their sale at $12,000.
The ultra-dairy-like young cow Quality Ridge Windbrook Bonnie (imp.ET.Can), the 5-year-old daughter of legendary Canadian-Australian bred cow Fraeland Goldwyn Bonnie EX95, topped the sale. She currently milks 2.9kgs of milk solids and sold to G & M Anderson of Yarroweyah who also snapped up equal second highest selling Grade Cow, a 5-year-old Aftershock daughter at $4,000.
The 2020 Annual General Meeting will be streamed online from the Holstein Australia office at Dairy House, AgriBio on Thursday 8 October, commencing at 12pm Victorian DST. Details of how to register for and attend the AGM will be sent to members week commencing 21 September. In order to vote at an AGM members are required to be financial at the day of the meeting, so if you intend to vote either at the meeting or by proxy please make sure your account is within normal credit terms.
By Graeme Gillan
August was an outstanding proof run for the Holstein breed and Australian Holstein breeders. Highlighted by continual improvement of the breed for BPI and the many traits incorporated, diversity of sire lines and diversity of companies.
Australian Holstein breeders, whatever their main selection criteria have a range of bulls to meet their varied needs. Through the growing testing of males and females located either in Australia or overseas the range of bulls available continues to grow. Looking for health traits, high type, production or outcross pedigrees the Holstein list provides many options.
It was a clean sweep for Victorian Western Districts breeders on Holstein Australia’s list of the top new genomically tested heifers this month with Willtina, Heytesbury and Emu Banks Holsteins taking out the top five positions.
Willtina Perseus Renee 5551-CNF-DPF-BLF (410 BPI) topped the list, one of seven Willtina heifers to make the top 20, and went straight in at number 3 on the top young cows list. Overall Willtina had 47 new heifers at 250 BPI+ in the September run. Heytesbury Chairman 2738 (365 BPI) was next up followed by Emu Banks Chairman Andora 11850-CNF-DPF-BLF (353 BPI).
A familiar face is joining our classifying team! Rob Marshall is our most recent addition to our staff and we would like you to join us in welcoming him to Holstein.
Some of you may recognise his name. Not only has Rob been a farmer himself, he also served as President of the Northern Victoria Sub-Branch between 2016 to 2018 and has actively been involved in the dairy industry since he was a kid.
Rob has spent 17 years dairy farming in Northern Victoria, NSW and Tasmania, with breeding experience across both small and large commercial herds.
If you’ve been an active member in Victoria for a few years, you may know Rob from the Semex Holstein Australia On-Farm Competition. He had 2 winners in his local Northern Victoria Sub-Branch competition in 2008 and went on to win second place at state level with his 3-year-old heifer.
Holstein Australia is pleased to announce they have expanded their team this week with the appointment of Sarah Keens as Communications and Marketing Coordinator.
Raised on an orchard farm in North West Victoria, Sarah is a former journalist with a strong commercial and business background. A key part of her new role is to actively assist Sub-Branches on a day-to-day basis and strengthen communication between the office and members, offering them more interactive content, member engagement and further support to assist their local Holstein community.
“There has been pent up demand as a result of the social media, marketing and promotions journey we have begun and having Sarah in this new role will build on that momentum We needed a dedicated person; who members know they can call when they have issues within the sub-branch when they want to run a show or calf camp. Members wanted a go-to-person in the office on who they can lean” – CEO, Rohan Butler
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic Semex Australia and Holstein Australia have jointly taken the decision to cancel this year’s Semex Holstein Australia On-Farm Competition. Holstein Australia CEO, Rohan Butler, says the decision was reluctantly reached following discussion with Semex Australia and consultation with the Holstein Australia board.
Under the terms of the rules of the Holstein-Friesian Association of Australia Incorporated (trading as Holstein Australia) elections of Directors and Breed Development and Conformation Committee members must be held prior to the Annual General Meeting of Holstein Australia scheduled for 8th October 2020. Nominations for Holstein Australia Federal Positions open on 19th August and close on 2nd September 2020.
Thursday 8th October sees the Holstein Australia Online Showcase Sale return for a second year. Vendor entries are now open for the sale, which will be broadcast live from Dairy House immediately following the Association’s online 2020 Annual General Meeting. Entries close at 5pm Friday 4th September 2020.
With shows pretty thin on the ground in the current climate some positive news out of Queensland where Holstein Australia member, Rodney Teese, is getting a one-off interbreed show off the ground next month. The South-East Queensland All Breeds Spring Show will run from September 2 to 5 with judging to take place on Friday, September 4.
Rohan Butler, formerly Holstein Australia’s Genetic Improvement and Research Manager has formally taken up his new role of Chief Executive Officer effective Monday 3 August. Mr Butler succeeds outgoing CEO, Graeme Gillan.
The Victorian Spring Show, launched by Holstein Australia member Declan Patten and Bradley and Andrew Cullen will now take place in 2021. Originally scheduled to take place at Lardner Park in mid-September, the introduction of stage 3 restrictions throughout regional Victoria means the show cannot go ahead this year. October's Shepparton Show has also been cancelled for only the second time in its 144 year history.
Holstein Breeders from Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales bid online, via Elite Livestock Auctions, and at the Echuca Selling Centre for the combined Eagle Ridge & Ingoldale Holsteins Master Breeder dispersal sale on Monday 13th July, with 105 Holsteins grossing $332,300 for an average of $3,165.
In a clean sweep for the Parrish family from Kangaroo Valley, NSW, Illawambra Holsteins has bounded straight to the top of all three Holstein Australia lists in the July proof run. Illawambra River Sleepy 3950-CNF-DPF-BLF (426 BPI) was best young female with a first genomic breeding value, top young female and went straight in at number one on the overall top cows list.
Friday 10th July saw Flanagan Marketing Services hold a highly successful multi-vendor sale at the Echuca Selling Centre which saw over 200 premium and AI Holsteins sell. The feature offering was a line of eighty-four 2 year old spring calving Holstein and FJX heifers, the majority of which were in calf to sexed semen sold account of Geoff and Daryl McNeil, Koondrook, Victoria, backed by decades of AI breeding advice from Orchards Superior Herds. The seventy-one Holsteins sold up to $3,900 to average $2,784 whilst the overall average for the outstanding line McNeil consignment was $2,601.
Colin Ekers, who passed away suddenly on Wednesday 17th June 2020, was involved in the dairy industry for almost 60 years. For a large portion of those years he was active in the breeding and promotion of the Holstein breed in South Australia and participated in Association activities and sub branch, state and federal level. Here we look back over Colin’s dairy life and his considerable contribution to Holstein Australia and the wider industry.
June’s proof run sees some familiar breeder names on the top 20 list of new genomic females – Emu Banks, Hindlee, Vala, Rockwella, Dillee and Numeralla.
Holstein Australia’s Rohan Butler says while this is not a surprise given their focus on genomics based breeding programs, what is interesting are the new faces emerging amongst the sire group.
Calderbrae Holstein’s Jacqui Suares dedication to advocating for the disability sector has been recognised with Order of Australia medal in the Queen’s Birthday 2020 Honours List. Well known to Holstein Australia members for her dairy industry roles, including as Vice-Chair of WestVic Dairy, she has been active in the disability space since the birth of her daughter, Mia, for over 40 years.
With the majority of state and regional shows postponed or cancelled, including the Royal Adelaide and Sydney Shows and Victorian Winter Fair, Holstein Australia’s two big member competitions, Cow of the Year and the Semex Holstein Australia All-Australian Photographic Competition are underway.
World Wide Sires and Select Sires director of global training Joel Mergler says genomics is the best way to keep the dairy industry relevant.
Gene editing and genomics are breeding tools that will help the dairy industry adapt and thrive, according to World Wide Sires and Select Sires director of global training.
After being inspired by others documenting COVID-19 Elmar Holstein’s Kelsie Hore, Genetics Australia marketing assistant and photographer, thought the same should be done for Victoria’s dairy farmers.
Holstein Australia welcomed seven new members to the National Holstein All Australian Judges Panel, following a national judging school held at Colac, Victoria, in March, just prior to the introduction of COVID-19 restrictions. Congratulations to Patrick Anderson (Vic); Sarah Chant (Vic); Callum McPhee (NSW); Ricky Nelson (Vic); Declan Patton (Vic); Michael Rood (NSW), and; Nicola Templeton (Vic).
Keep an eye out for the all new Holstein Australia All-Australian People’s Choice competition on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter later this week. Designed as a bit of a trip down memory lane for Holstein aficionados the All-Australian People’s Choice will run over the next six weeks, with a selection of winning cows from the last six years of competition featured each week.
One of the highlights of the Holstein Australia year, the National Awards Dinner, scheduled to take place in Western Australia in the first week of September, has been postponed in the light of government restrictions on mass gatherings and uncertainty around interstate travel for the foreseeable future. The Annual General Meeting will proceed as originally scheduled on Thursday 3 September via video conference from the Holstein office located at Dairy House, with members encouraged to attend online.
Two sales over the last week have underlined strength and value of Holstein genetics and registered animals as well as the way the industry is adapting to a COVID-19 world. Declan Patten and Brad Salmon’s Best of the West sale, conducted from the Dairy Livestock Services office as a live open cry auction utilising the Elite Livestock livestreaming platform while all lots remained on farm, saw Westmuir Awesome Karly VG achieve a sale top of $17,000.Held on-farm with social distancing restrictions in place and with many joining online via the Auctions Plus platform the Vala Autumn Feature Sale saw a top price of $8,000 achieved twice.
Over the last two years the average BPI of the top 10 heifers on Holstein Australia’s monthly list of animals with their first genomic breeding value has increased from 301 BPI to 345 BPI, a factor of 15%. For all genomic tested females (irrespective of age) the gain has been from 357 BPI to 396 BPI, a 39 point increase equating to a 10% gain.
From 1st June Holstein Australia will recommence classification visits throughout Gippsland, North West and North Central Victoria, Riverina NSW and South Australia. This is the first stage of a phased reintroduction of the class tour, with other regions and states to be included as state and territory travel restrictions are eased. Expanding the class tour to further regions will be assessed on an ongoing basis and communicated to members.
The much anticipated dispersal sale of Peter and Wilma Mackay’s top production Master Breeder herd at Warragul Sale Yards earlier this month was the first of three major sales featuring a strong line up of Registered Holsteins to take place during May, with the Best of the West 2020 and Vala Holsteins Autumn Feature Sale up next.
Despite the recent COVID-19 restrictions cancelling Royal and local shows in the back half of the competition year the Semex-Holstein Australia All-Australian Photographic Competition will still go ahead. The competition recognises excellence in conformation and showing and is open to all Holstein Australia Herdbook and Appendix 1,2 and 3 females that have been successfully shown since July 2019.
Registered Holsteins performed strongly in the May proof run with representatives of some established and emerging cow families from seven different breeders filling the top 20 new genomic females list. The rate of genetic gain of the Holstein breed in Australia can also be seen by comparing this month’s proof run to the June 2019 run. The average BPI across the top 20 new animals with a genomic breeding value in June 2019 was 315 BPI compared to 334 BPI for the current month.
The Strategic Directions Committee is now embarking on elections for a Non-Regional Representative for a three-year term commencing from 1st July 2020.
There currently exist vacancies for two Non-Regional Representatives on the Committee. Holstein Australia is now calling for nominations from eligible members who are fully paid up for the 2019/20 Subscription year (Associate and Junior members are ineligible) for the role of Non-Regional Representative for the Strategic Directions Committee.
The dispersal sale of Master Breeder Arnum Holsteins, Peter & Wilma Mackay, takes place Friday 8th May, 11am, at Warragul Sale Yards and live online at www.stocklive.com.au. It will be the end of a 40 year era for Peter and Wilma Mackay, who have dedicated their lives to building their high production herd of Registered Holsteins.
Steve Afford of Billabong Holsteins at Woods Point, SA is a big believer in top quality semen, using it in their AI program for decades.
“If you’re choosing good bulls with good traits like feet and legs, good udders and good production consistently, you’ll breed good cattle eventually,” Steve said.
After 37 years of dairying, Craig and Fiona Fisher of Byrne Lea Holsteins have been awarded the Master Breeder just in time before their dairy retirement.
Having sold the bulk of their milking herd in April 2021, the Fishers were caught by surprise when they got an unexpected call from HA CEO, Rohan Butler who informed them of their accolade. “It came out of nowhere and blew our socks off! It was just unreal,” Craig said.
North-Western Victorian Breeders Graeme and Helen Collins of Glyncol Holsteins, along with their son Gerard have been awarded the Master Breeder.
Graeme and Helen who are both third generation dairy farmers who bought their first farm together in 1983, milking on the 73 ha property along the banks of the Loddon River, Newbridge, Victoria. Back then it was an old-style walk through dairy.
“We are all very honoured and proud we’ve managed to accomplish Master Breeder status. It has been a team effort and we hope the entire family take ownership of their contributions”.
Robert and Ruth Poole (Yelverdale Holsteins, Yelverton ,WA) along with Andrew and Claire Jenkins (Valdana Holsteins, Denmark WA) are the latest members to be crowned Master Breeder. Robert and Ruth have received the prestigious accolade for the Yelverdale enterprise now for the second time.
The Australian team who attended the Young Breeder School in Belgium had a fantastic trip - networking, learning new skills and showcasing their own talents.
There have been some exceptional animals entering the sale ring - Arabella, Blossomvale, Misty Brae, Seganhoe, Rockwella, Wallaroi, Wildwood and Warramont.
The Arabella Holsteins Dispersal Sale of the Holmes Family topped $19,000 in QLD last month
The Victorian State Government has announced a $73.5 million package delivering grants to farmers and business owners affected by the devastating Victorian floods.
It has been a big week of judging announcements for young Australia judges, with Courtney Afford, Daniel Bacon, Lachlan Fry and Ben Govett each being announced at judge at major shows during International Dairy Week 2024!