Since purchasing the Jersey cows with the farm the breeding policy has been to produce a cross-bred herd by using a Friesian bull originally and then crossing back to Jersey again. Since the system is firmly grass based, bulls which have been tested under grazing conditions in New Zealand are selected. These are not just New Zealand bulls but include Dutch bulls which have performed well under New Zealand conditions. Up to this year there have been 80 autumn calving cows but next year the herd will be completely spring calving in order to ease management. Most of the spring-calvers calved outside in February and March with access to an open shed.
Great emphasis is placed on compact calving to maximise milk from grass.
Tail painting is started 4 weeks before the breeding season commences on May 13 to identify non-cycling cows. All cows are mated to AI in 6 weeks and then bulls are introduced.