General News
19 June, 2025
Jersey expertise showcased in New Zealand
A NOORAT farmer has been among those showcasing Australian Jersey genetics at the southern Hemi
Jersey Australia was joined by Genetics Australia and Agri-Gene at the Mystery Creek Field Days near Hamilton, New Zealand, last week and also hosted a nearby farmer day.
It was the first time Jersey Australia has hosted a site at the Mystery Creek Field Days and follows the success of the World Jersey Conference, hosted by Jersey Australia, in April.
“It aimed to build on the strong interest in Australian Jerseys at the World Conference and to look at opportunities in the New Zealand market for Australian Jersey genetics,” Jersey Australia general manager Glen Barrett said.
“We had a highly positive response with good visitor numbers and a lot of genuine interest.
“The most pleasing thing was how many people are already using the products and how many of them plan to use more.
“There was a lot of positive feedback and very positive engagement which enabled us to build in the momentum of the World Conference.”
A separate farmer day organised with ST Genetics, Genetics Australia’s New Zealand distributor, at Aaron and Jerushah Courage Jersey farm attracted more than 50 people who also heard presentations from Mr Barrett, Genetics Australia export manager Rob Derksen and Noorat-based Australian Jersey farmer Con Glennen.
The pure Jersey population in New Zealand is less than 10 per cent of the market, cross breeds – usually a Jersey-Holstein Kiwi cross mix – are about 60 per cent, and Holsteins 30-35 per cent.
Jersey New Zealand president Julie Pirie, who visited Australia for the World Conference, said the future for Jerseys in New Zealand is bright.
She believes Australian genetics could play a big role in increasing Jersey numbers in New Zealand.
“Today we have a stronger animal that can withstand a lot tougher conditions than 20 years ago,” Ms Pirie said.
Mr Barrett said he expected Jersey Australia to return to New Zealand in 2026 to continue building momentum and potentially host a larger roadshow.
Jersey Australia has attended the World Dairy Expo in Madison USA for the past three years but doesn’t plan to return this year.
“We had a three-year plan and it has worked well to put Australian Jersey genetics to a worldwide audience,” Mr Barrett said.