In Mataura Island otherwise known as the Gateway to Catlins, Southland, New Zealand, Jim and Kathryn Searle have established an exciting dairy farming venture. Combining a unique blend of experience, passion, and innovation, the Searles are 50/50 Share Milking venture with 452 cows with Jim’s son Jaxon and relief staff member Linda. The Searles, faced with many challenges are pushing the envelope with their commitment to sustainability and a distinct approach to their herds genetics.
Jim's Dairy Career and Personal Development:
Jim's journey in the dairy industry began at the age of 16 on the West Coast, and he has since devoted most of his life to the dairy industry. Jim briefly explored a different path as an adult educator at Christchurch Men's Prison which Jim credits much of his personal development, and explained it has contributed valuable insights to his dairy farming career.
Building the Liquorice Allsorts Herd:
Entering their second season on the Mataura Island farm, Jim assembled a diverse herd from four main sources, creating what he calls a "liquorice allsorts" herd. Among the notable cows is #12, a VikingRed cow that embodies Jim's vision of the ideal dairy cow—500kg, great feet and legs, great teats and more often than not the first cow up every morning.
Breeding Goals and Challenges:
One of Jim's primary goals is to create a medium-sized, even herd, addressing the challenge posed by the current variety in sizes, ranging from 450kg to 700kg. To fast-track this process, Jim is utilising Sexed VikingRed semen and is even considering incorporating a small number of embryos.
First-Year Challenges and Achievements:
The first year on the farm presentedits share of challenges, amplified by the absence of a proper handover. Despite these hurdles, Jim achieved an impressive 7.8% in-calf rate using Sexed semen, setting a high standard for the subsequent years. He is optimistic about replicating or exceeding this success in the current season.
VikingRed Calves and Early Weaning:
Jim took charge of calf-rearing this year, a task usually managed by his wife. The VikingRed calves, known for their strength and adaptability, proved to be remarkably easy to rear. This success allowed for the calves to be weaned a month earlier than usual, a testament to the breed's robust qualities. "Usually calves head off to grazing in early January, however this year they are heading off next week on the 5th of December," said Jim.
Commitment to Sustainability:
For the Searles, sustainability is a large aspect of their day-to-day operations on farm. From effective plastic management to fencing off, loafing barn effluent management, DNA testing of water, and riparian planting, the Searles are committed to ticking all the sustainability boxes. Their efforts were recently recognised when Jim was surprised with a Sustainability Award at the Mataura Valley Milk Awards evening.
Key Traits and VikingRed Selection:
Jim emphasises the importance of traits such as strength, durability, feet, and udder confirmation in his selection of the VikingRed breed. Drawing inspiration from global success stories found on YouTube and impressed by the offerings of Samen NZ, combined with exceptional customer service by Kerri, Jim considers the choice of VikingRed a "no-brainer."
The Searles' dairy farming journey on Mataura Island stands as a testament to the fusion of experience, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability. With a focus on breeding excellence and a unique blend of VikingRed cattle, Jim and Kathryn Searle continue to make their mark in the Southland dairy industry, showcasing the potential for success through thoughtful herd management and sustainable practices.
