They predominantly use crossbred cows and continue to use New Zealand semen.
“ After many years of crossbreeding, we decided to rather breed with Kiwi Friesland, and the herds are now being transformed from black to black-and-white. We also prefer smaller-frame cows of approximately 480 to 500 kg and aim for 6 000 l per lactation, with a butterfat percentage of 4.4 % and higher.”
“ Another lesson I learnt was during the 2016 drought, when we used mixer wagons to bring in feed. I made a tremendous loss, and today I know I will never own a mixer wagon again. We now only have feed-out wagons and enough maize silage to take us through an extra year. I have learnt to always have enough silage for an extra year and never run out of fodder for the cows.”
5. Cows graze on irrigated and dryland pastures consisting of 7 – 8 different pasture varieties.