‘
It was interesting to visit herds in Australia and also great to see the champion cow at home two days after the show, still looking like the queen of the herd
’
Taking the overall championship was Elmar Ice Jessica, followed by her cousins Elmar Goldwyn Jessica 11 and Elmar Goldwyn Jessica 4. “The champion was a powerful six year old cow with a fantastic top which glided round the ring as though she was on castors. She was the kind of no nonsense cow that would suit any system, particularly an Australian one.” While in Australia Ken and Rebecca took the opportunity to visit several herds, including Poolybridge, Bluechip, Shevron and Elmar. “It was interesting to visit herds in Australia and also great to see the champion cow at home two days after the show, still looking like the queen of the herd.
“One thing I was sure of was that we all have similar problems. In January and February Australia is typically drought stricken and together with low milk prices, at the equivalent of 21p/litre, I expected to find many farmers complaining and fed up. However, on the contrary they were taking it in their stride and described it as a bit of a hurdle – maybe something we should learn from. “We also visited James Mann who moved from Suffolk to Mount Gambier several years ago. It enthused me to see his very young team of workers managing 2500 cows on several 200 acre centre pivots. The cows were medium sized, functional herd cows yielding more than 10,000kgs on twice a day milking through a 110 point rotary.”
Farming in Australia is reliant on water irrigation, but this isn’t something that comes cheap as Ken learned when he spent four days with Barry and Marg Croke. Barry is a former principal at Dookie Agricultural College and also farms in his own right. “Travelling with Barry gave me an insight in
Ken Proctor
FAR LEFT Ken judged the National Holstein Show on the hottest day of the week.
LEFT A sheep station that was struggling with the drought.
BELOW The cattle were the type Ken was looking for.
to how desperate some farmers are with some cashing in their water right to survive. I also learned about the Murray irrigation system and it was clear that farming in Australia without water is no farming at all. Seeing some cattle and sheep stations in New South Wales proved life was not all roses out there.”
While in the Southern Hemisphere Ken and Rebecca also headed across the Tasman Seas to visit New Zealand and it wasn’t long before Ken landed himself two judging jobs.
“The jungle drums soon sounded and I got the opportunity to judge at shows in Gore and Wiao. While we were there drought was declared and it was apparent that no matter where you farm in the world you are faced with challenges. “We spent many days visiting farms and meeting great people including ex-pats Tim and Katy Button from Kaka Point. We also spent a day with the Holstein Breed Society and World Wide Sires’ Mansel Price.
“Having looked at low cost production herds and pedigree Holstein herds it confirmed to me the value of registration to provide a cow that fits the needs of your farm. “Problems may vary, but we are facing the same challenges the world over. However, the Holstein cow brings us together and this vast richness in social capital is unsurpassed. I’m very grateful to the Holstein cow for this experience.”
THE JOURNAL APRIL 2015 59
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