M.Bovis hot topic among breeders

A herd visit to Muritai Holsteins during the recent Holstein Friesian New Zealand Conference.

People with a passion for Friesian cows descended on Taranaki recently.

More than 190 people from New Zealand and Australia attended the Holstein Friesian New Zealand Conference which ran between June 25-28.

Conference chairman and Tikorangi dairy farmer Wayne Taylor says the conference went well and conference goers enjoyed the many activities planned which included herd visits, dairy factory visits, an outing to the Todd Energy McKee Field as well as meetings and awards nights.

The conference also featured a stock sale at Okurukuru Winery near Oakura where cows were put up for sale by video link.

The Taranaki branch, which hosted the conference, also celebrated its centennial during the week — marking the special occasion with a Black and White Ball.

The branch's inaugural meeting was held on June 1, 1918 at Stratford.

Wayne says there were discussion about M.Bovis amongst the breeders and the branch would also have to discuss the issue and how future shows — including the Taranaki branch's young stock show held annually at Stratford — will be dealt with.

Friesian cows.

"It's certainly concerning. I guess Taranaki is still in a bit of a bubble though we are aware their are herds on trace."

Holstein Friesian New Zealand is an organisation built around its members of over 800 farmers and breeders who belong to the various club and branch divisions throughout the country.

Holstein-Friesian cows are large, and usually black and white.

The first Dutch Friesians were imported by Canterbury's John Grigg in 1884.