The journey provided them with a first-hand experience of different farming systems, sustainability initiatives, and cutting-edge dairy technology that set New Zealand’s industry apart.
Day one: a deep dive into genetics at LIC and a successful low-cost dairy operation
The tour kicked off with a visit to LIC (Livestock Improvement Corporation) headquarters near Hamilton in the Waikato, where the group observed a bull semen collection and received presentations on the breeding scheme, genomics and reproduction strategies. Farmers were particularly impressed with the genetic advancements LIC has made by utilising genomics to drive breeding improvements.
One of the biggest highlights was the methane research barn, where LIC and CRV scientists are working on breeding cattle with lower methane emissions. Seeing first-hand how the industry is tackling environmental challenges left a lasting impression on the group.
The tour then ventured 20 minutes to Emma Gardiner’s farm in Gordonton. Emma, who works in LIC’s genetics team, is a 50/50 sharemilker who took over the business from her father. She and her business partners, Ben and Caleb, currently milk 220 crossbred cows with the help of a farm manager. The herd produces a commendable 1.6-1.8 kgMS per cow, per day, and is currently participating in a 24-month lactation observational study with DairyNZ.
Following this visit, the farmers took a scenic drive to New Plymouth, stopping for fish and chips in Mokau and sampling the famous whitebait fritters before settling in for the night.
Day two: growing farm businesses and a surprise speaker
A visit to Brice and Leeane Hunger’s Holstein Friesian operation provided insights into how collars were being introduced for easier management of their 350 cow herd. Their journey from sharemilking to farm ownership showcased how farmers can gradually build their businesses in New Zealand’s dairy industry.
Next up was Fraser Cartwright, a young 50/50 sharemilker, who’s managing a challenging 700 cow farm on mixed terrain.
His operation, which features multiple breeds, is well-supported by his family, with his father running a Jersey herd on a neighbouring farm. The tour group was inspired by Fraser’s entrepreneurial spirit and the way he has leveraged family support and capital investments to grow his business.
The tour also included a special guest speaker, Robyn Barrett, a local Taranaki dairy farmer and mother of eight. She knows a thing or two about top-notch breeding, having raised a champion sporting family – including three All Blacks and a Special Olympian – alongside quality dairy cattle! Robyn captivated the group with her talk about raising a large family on a dairy farm without reliance on technology, instilling resilience and values in her children. Her story of balancing family and farming deeply resonated with the Australian visitors.
Day three: high-input farming and something different
A visit to Steve and Maria Poole’s intensive, high-input farming operation provided insights into their daily monitoring of feed and automation processes. The couple, who started as sharemilkers and later bought multiple farms, demonstrated how careful planning and smart investments lead to long-term success.
Their Holstein Friesian herd was a standout, and their interest in Australian dairy systems created great discussions among the group.
Something out of the ordinary was a visit to a large-scale sheep milking operation owned by Parininihi ki Waitōtara. The corporation, which is owned by the local Maori iwi, also owns 15 farms and 7,000 cows.
With 5,000 milking sheep and new infrastructure in place, the investment is yielding promising returns. This stop offered a fascinating contrast to traditional dairy farming and sparked discussions about alternative dairy production methods.
Day four: well-bred Jerseys and advanced technology
Graham Robinson’s high-altitude farm was a visual delight, with great big Jerseys and a backdrop of stunning Mount Taranaki.
The farm’s tight calving pattern and use of short gestation semen to manage calving spread impressed the group.
The final farm visit brought the group to Peter Morgan’s 510 cow Jersey and crossbred operation, where they saw Halter collars in action. These collars, which allow for virtual fencing and precise herd management, sparked an interesting conversation between the farmers.
A farmer’s perspective: Paul Nichols reflects on the tour
Tasmanian farmer Paul Nichols joined 15 other Australian farmers on the tour to New Zealand.
Paul runs two farming operations alongside his parents, Brian and Margaret, who are stepping aside to make way for the next generation. At Greenacres in Smithton, Paul manages 1,550 spring-calving crossbred cows on 400 hectares, supported by a team of seven full-time staff, including two casual workers. Meanwhile, at Christmas Hills, two full-time staff oversee the 184 hectare farm, milking 400 autumn-calving cows. The systems are pasture-based, feeding 1.2 tonnes of supplement per cow, per year and efficiently produce 468 kgMS per cow with an average liveweight of 500 kg.
When asked about his ideal cow Paul says, “We want easy-care animals, no-fuss cows that efficiently convert feed into milk solids, are fertile, get in-calf easily, and require low maintenance.
Our breeding philosophy revolves around capacity, udder quality, and fertility – everything that makes an efficient crossbred cow. LIC has been instrumental in providing genetics that align with these goals.”
Over the years, Paul has experimented with various breeding companies but consistently finds LIC superior in key areas: better udders, enhanced fertility, and access to a broad range of KiwiCross™ bulls.
Throughout the tour, Paul was particularly struck by the scale of the New Zealand dairy industry and the strong push for crossbred cows. The large-capacity Jersey cows also impressed him, as did the country’s innovation in genomic testing and data-driven breeding systems. “Internationally, we need to adopt these advancements to stay competitive,” he says.
A visit to LIC headquarters, based at Newstead, left a lasting impression, “I was in awe of the place. It really brought home the amount of work that goes into producing the sires of the future.”
Paul says he highly recommends the tour to fellow farmers.
A trip to remember
The tour blended education with unforgettable experiences, from learning about innovative dairy practices to enjoying New Zealand’s famous pies and local delicacies. Each farm visit brought fresh insights into dairy farming methods, leaving the Australian farmers inspired and eager to apply new ideas back home.
LIC Australia would like to thank the DemoDAIRY Foundation for their sponsorship and support
of the tour.
If you are interested in joining any future farm tours, please contact your local District Manager.
