Holstein Friesian president leading from the front

Tokaroa Trophy winners Wendy and David Harker (right) of Westell Properties, Pokuru and Doug Courtman of Otorohanga, a past president and local board representative, who collected the second place certificate on behalf of Ngahinapouri couple David and Pip Fullerton.

Holstein Friesian New Zealand board president Wendy Harker of Pokuru was one of the winners at this year's Annual Conference held in Central Otago.

Mrs Harker, and husband David, were presented the Tokaora Trophy, awarded to the registered two-year old heifer with the highest points for classification, fat and protein, production and BV's in the current production season.

Holstein Friesian New Zealand (HFNZ) say the conference was a huge success. The HFNZ Awards night was well-attended, there were two new board announcements and a range of action-packed activities to show off the region.

Hosted by the Otago Branch of HFNZ, the conference welcomed 59 delegates for the entire four days, 72 on both bus trip days and peaked at 105 for the Awards Dinner.
HFNZ Otago branch president and conference committee chairperson Judith Ray says it was a great undertaking for the branch with a great result.

"We're thrilled with how the conference ran," she said.

"There was a lot of effort put in by very dedicated and passionate people and we think Central Otago really turned it on."

The conference theme was High Octane: Gold - Wine - Speed and it lived up to expectations with an itinerary including gold panning, jet-boating, wine tasting and race cars - as well as few black and white cows.

HFNZ general manager Cherilyn Watson says the Annual Conference was great mix of business and pleasure, providing an excellent platform for hard-working members to get off the farm and reunite, or meet for the first time, with like-minded individuals from all over the country.

"For some of our members it's the only time they'll take off the farm all year, so to have such a well organised conference was great," she says.

"Attendees were in agreement that Association spending is on the right track and income generation will be the focus for the upcoming year."

Board announcements:

HFNZ board president Wendy Harker retains her position. Hennie Verwaayen steps into the role of vice president.

The board welcomes a new director to represent Wards 6 & 7 -

Nelson/Marlborough/Golden Bay and Christchurch/West Coast branches, following the retirement of Adrian White of Pukematai Farm.

Graham Stewart of Cresslands Farms No 1 has been elected to the position, and will have big shoes to fill.

Mr White was awarded Honorary Life Membership for his decade of service, eight as the association's treasurer.

Holstein Friesian New Zealand Awards:

The 2017 Valden Cow of the Year, awarded to the cow with the potential to contribute to the Holstein Friesian breed on a continual basis, Okawa Tony Serenity EX2, Okawa Limited, Te Awamutu.

The 2017 Mahoe Trophy, awarded to the New Zealand-bred Holstein Friesian sire whose 2015/16 Sire Proof earns the most points for daughter production, conformation, and management, Maire IG Gauntlet-ET, with 587 points.

The Boehringer Ingelheim Progeny Competition: Junior Team: A and N Harvey Family Trust - Ambzed Greenhalgh Wyld on 217.42 points. Senior Team winner: Henley Farming Partnership - Fairmont Mint-Edition on 407.08 points.

The DeLaval All NZ Photo Competition: Senior Cow: Kauri Glen Lheros Tracie EX, Kauri Glen; Intermediate Cow: Sherraine Congress Maria EX, Sherraine Holsteins; Junior Cow: Te Hau Windrook Cleo-ET VG87, T and F Bennett; Yearling Heifer: Kauri Glen Atw Duchess-ET, Kauri Glen; Heifer Calf: Tahora McCutchen Torsi-ET, J, J and D Geddes.

Nutritech Performance Awards overall winner: Robinson Dairy Farm - $2,600.57.

Semex On-Farm Awards: Maughlin Storm Two-Year-Old Cow: Champion, Te Hau Windbrook Cleo-ET, G and L Deane and T and F Bennett, Morrinsville; Reserve: Tahora Aftershk Tootsie, D Berendt, Eketahuna. Comestar Leader Three-Year-Old Cow: Champion: Cresslands Lauthority Dori, Cresslands Farms No 1, Rangiora; Reserve: Velvaleen Gold S Toni-ET, Velvaleen Farm, Feilding. Townson Lindy Four-Year-Old Cow: Champion: Deloraine Wind Pamela, Rowland/McCormack, Palmerston North; Reserve: Rivendell Sham Beatric-ET, Rivendell Farm, Otautau. Hanoverhill Raider Five-Year-Old Cow: Champion: Cresslands Seaver Dai-ET, Cresslands Farms No 1, Rangiora; Reserve: Richfield Gold Lavana-ET, C and B Cox, Carterton. Conant-Acres JY Broker Mature Cow Class: Champion: Deloraine Niger Vilima, A, B and J Sherriff, Temuka; Reserve: Sherraine Fortune Carra, Sherraine Holsteins, Kaiapoi. Comestar Laurie Sheik Veteran Cow: Champion: Deloraine Talent Vila, A, B and J Sherriff, Temuka, Reserve: Tahora B Goldwyn Tori-ET, J, J and D Geddes, Christchurch.