"We've done a bit of embryo work on our 'E' family, starting with the late Belbrook Talent Elspeth EX3," he said.
"We've had some promising results. A few heifers from that family have been performing better than our imported genetics."
Wakelin's long-term goal is for one of his bovine beauties to be named Champion Cow at the New Zealand Agricultural Show in Canterbury.
He's taking a team of eight cows and four heifers to next month's show.
His love of showing began in primary school, when is late father Trevor Wakelin bought a cow named Cresslands Ambition Dalia EX4.
"Showing Dalia's first calf ignited my passion for cows and the Holstein Friesian breed in particular," he said.
Wakelin doesn't just show cattle, he's also a trained judge.
Robbie Wakelin. Photo / Supplied
He became an associate judge in 2008, when he was 16. He's judged at several shows, on-farm competitions and club competitions.
The active member of the HFNZ Canterbury Branch has won the coveted Pitcairn's Trophy twice.
The trophy's awarded to the winner of the Holstein Friesian NZ Junior Judging Competition, which will be held at next month's New Zealand Agricultural Show.
"I'd urge people to enter and have a go," he said.
"Knowing how to assess a cow's physical traits, like the structure of her udder, rump width and legs, is an important skill to know."
"They're skills I use every time I select a bull to use over a cow at mating. You want to produce a calf that doesn't have the cow's faults," he said.
Farming sustainably is also a key focus for the young farmer.
"I want to continue improving soil microbe activity, lowering fertiliser application and mineralising our soils," he said.
"I believe the likelihood of lower stocking rates presents a big opportunity for the Holstein Friesian breed, where cows have higher individual production."
The World Holstein Friesian Federation Conference takes place every four years. Wakelin's trip will run from 14th-29th March.
