Management plan key to success

Press, 15 October 1982, Page 22

Management plan key to success

Clover Nook, a Jersey stud farm about six- kilometres from Leeston,- shows little signs of the-drought which has so markedly affected the rest of Canterbury. Until recently, it was the home of Mr Harold Hurford, who began breeding stud Jersey cattle about 45 years ago. Now 80 years old. Harold has retired and the farm is run by his son David. Although he lives in Leeston. Harold still drives to the farm “fairly often" to help feed the calves. The original farm was leased by Harold's grandparents. then sold by his parents and eventuallybought back bv Harold in 1918. He began farming with six

heifers on 24 hectares and within a few years, he and his wife Helen (Nell), had built up the stud and extended the farm to 64 hectares.

Few stud breeders can boast the reputation of championship standard through three generations, but the Hurfords have achieved this with one of their Jersey cows. Since 1945, 14 blue ribbons have been won — proof of a successful management plan. When irrigation was introduced in 1971, annual production almost doubled from more than 14,500 kg to more than 28,000 kg. Milking of the 160 cows continues until mid-May and calving begins in August. The two and three-year-

olds are separated, which means less stress on the young cattle and less time in the yards. The herd averages one kilo a day and 450 kg to one hectare. “We could produce more, but we prefer to look after the quality of the cattle," Harold says. Beyond his contribution to Jersey stud breeding, Harold has had a long and varied involvement with A and P work, including 25 years as a member of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association.

In addition, he has been a director of the Tai Tapu Central Co-operative Dairy Company for 30 years, nine of them as chairman.