Archive News

09/08/2005, Northland farmer satisfied with results

Athol Davies

DAIRY farmer Athol Davies runs a herd of
230 Holstein Friesian cows on 100Ha
on hilly country in Kaeo, Northland.
He first started using Samen genetics 4
years ago to improve the quality of his herd
by using the traits needed for cows in his
farming environment.
“We were looking for stronger cattle and we
still wanted to get the milk from them. Most
of these bigger companies tend to tell you
what you want whether it is or it isn’t,” he
says.
Although it will take about 3 years for the
new Samen cows to reach maturity, Mr
Davies says he is already starting to see
results.
“I feel they’re coming across as what we
were after.”
Mr Davies has also been rearing the surplus
calves because they quickly reach the
100kg mark then they can be sold off.
He says that the aAa system will be beneficial
for other farmers who want to focus on
improving the confirmation of their cows and
is happy with Samen’s approach to breeding
using the system.
“I’ve been quite satisfied with the way
they’re going and I feel they’re looking in the
right direction.”