Grant Cochrane’s passion for farming started early, following in his father’s footsteps on the family farm in Reporoa. After more than 40 years in the industry and a move to Southland, he now oversees four dairy farms with three of his children involved in the day-to-day running. For Grant, it’s always been about the lifestyle, the animals, and now seeing the next generation carry it on.
Several years ago, Grant noticed a decline in cow performance: smaller stature, poor udder durability, and reduced longevity. That’s when he made the switch to Samen genetics. The improvement was clear: stronger cows, better udders, and increased capacity. Instead of relying on just one or two sires, Grant’s team used a wide range of bulls and it shows in the consistent quality of the herd.
Moving to Samen didn’t just improve the herd, it changed the whole experience. The service has been personal, responsive, and genuinely supportive. Whether it was sourcing extra AB gear or managing semen supply during the busy season, nothing was ever too hard. With the next generation stepping up and the herd heading in the right direction, the future looks strong for the Cochrane family.
