Fans of black and white cattle will be converging on Waikato in late June for the Holstein Friesian New Zealand conference and AGM.
The event, at the Distinction Hotel & Conference Centre in Hamilton on June 23- 26, incorporates many highlights on Holstein Friesian breeders’ calendars including the HFNZ-Semex On Farm Awards, the Holstein Friesian NZ AGM, the Holstein Friesian NZ Awards and the Holstein Friesian Black & White Youth Auction.
The Valden Cow of the Year (awarded to the cow that is deemed to have contributed or have the potential to contribute to the breed on a continual basis) and Mahoe Trophy (awarded to the New Zealand-bred bull with the highest points for BW, protein BV, fat BV, fertility BV, functional survival BV and type trait) will be presented at the HFNZ Awards.
The breeders of last year’s Valden Cow of the Year winner, Raymac Oman Tansy EX2 3* SP, Stephen and Judith Ray, are back in the top six of this year’s competition with Raymac ME Orace VG87 5* SP.
“Persistence is the word with these older cows. I commend the association for rewarding persistence, because it’s something that we all have to do,” Judith Ray said.
Conference committee chair Doug Courtman said the conference is a fantastic opportunity to catch up with old friends and new, spend some time off the farm and celebrate the best of the breed.
“The Waikato Branch of Holstein Friesian NZ has worked extremely hard to put together a conference programme to remember – and we’d love as many members and non-members as possible to join us to celebrate the high achievers of the Holstein Friesian breed.”
