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The Irish visitors travelled almost the length of New Zealand and were joined by LIC Ireland’s Eoin Kennedy and Eurogene AI Services’ William Walsh and Barry O’Donovan, the group explored world-class dairy systems, genetics, and farm management practices across both the North and South Islands.
Learning Begins at LIC
The tour kicked off at LIC headquarters just outside Hamilton with sessions on breeding schemes, dairy trends, herd improvement, genomic research, and a visit to the Newstead bull farm – a hub of elite genetics shaping the future of dairy.
North Island Highlights
- Waikato: Joyce & Garry Voogt’s 235-cow herd and Arthur & Julie Bryan’s Cambridge farm offered insights into pasture-based systems.
- South Waikato: Jack & Antoinette Steeghs showcased a herd ranked in the top 1% for Breeding Worth, Matt & Emma Darke’s Rockland Farm with 1,300 head Jersey herd.
- Taranaki: Visits included Rob & Clare Poole’s 1,600-cow high-input farm, Simon & Lisa Lynskey’s “All Black” herd, National Share Farmer of the Year Hayden & Bridget Goble, and Glenui stud breeder Tony Landers, renowned for elite sire genetics.
- Cultural stops at Waitomo Caves and Otorohanga Kiwi House added a uniquely Kiwi flavour to the experience.
South Island Highlights
- Canterbury: Irish expats, Sorcha & Adrian Young’s 490 herd operation. Tony Coltman’s Datona Ltd wintering 3,350 cows across 3 dairy units.
- Mid -Canterbury Earl & Melissa McSweeney of Alford Forest Dairies with 770 crossbred cows, currently performing at 110% of their live weight and breeders of Plateau Dembe & Plateau Greyson. Emerald Pastures Ltd, led by Enda & Sarah Hawe and an equity partnership between 3 families. For a change of scenery, the picturesque Kakahu Stud which is a 1600 hectare Black Angus and Charolais stud, operating alongside a 175 hectare dairy farming operation, Charolais bull Kakahu Apollo is sold extensively in Ireland.
- South Canterbury: Steve & Nina Ireland’s Lynbrook Farm, with a 470 Jersey herd, bred Hall of Fame bull Lynbrook Terrific. Kokoamo Farms which has seen significant development since it was brought in the early 2000s and is an impressive operation and breeders of Kokoamo K2 currently also sold in Ireland.
- Otago and Southland: High-BW Holstein Friesians at The Telesis Trust who has been steadily supplying bulls to LIC’s breeding programme for over 10 years. Glenmuri Dairies crossbred herd with above average production efficiency. Lagore Farming Ltd 5,400-cow operation run by Irish expats Michael & Fiona O’Hare. Finally the internationally renowned Meander Holsteins’ arguably one of New Zealand’s top Holstein Friesian herds and home of Meander FMI April, who is the second Dam to be inducted to the hall of fame at last year’s Breeders day.
A Journey of Knowledge and Connection
The tour concluded with a transit to Queenstown, where participants reflected on two weeks of learning, networking, and cultural exchange, whilst enjoying some luging and enjoying a pint. For these Irish farmers, the experience offered practical insights into pasture-based systems, genetics, and large-scale efficiency, strengthening ties between Ireland and New Zealand’s dairy sectors.
