Josh and Kareena Sneddon from Tahau Jerseys 50/50 sharemilk 295 cows in Tokoroa. Josh brought an incalf shorthorn heifer from Norm and Del Atkinson at the Edenmore annual sale in 2018 for his daughter Olivia, because she wanted “the pink cow” from the catalogue. They have gone so well that they were repeat buyers in 2020 where they obtained another 3. Currently they have 7 milking shorthorns in the herd.

Josh was so impressed with how they’ve gone he plans to mate all his Ayrshires and cross breeds to polled Milking Shorthorn bulls. His main objective for future breeding is to breed polled, moderate sized cows with good components and efficiency. “I like their hardiness and so far fertility. They also have very nice natures in both the paddock and shed. Plus they also add some colour to a brown paddock”.

While the Shorthorns might look good in the paddock, Josh’s are delivering the goods too when it comes to putting milk in the vat. “My Carbo daughter is doing 2kgs on all grass and has done over 300kgs for season to date”.

Josh and Kareena have taken up the free associate membership offer.  They both enjoyed the annual magazine. They said “it was a really good magazine, a lot better than what other breeds magazines have become. It was full of a lot of interesting information”.

A few things Josh has to say about his two years olds by RBG bulls this year, in particular when it came to milking them for the first time “the Durango heifer didn’t even flinch, she is so placid. Tanas are awesome as well. They are tall, good natured animals with good udders. I’m very, very impressed by the Durango and Tanas. I will be mating a lot to them next season”.

Looking forward, Josh and Kareena are excited to milk their own heifers they have bred themselves and seeing what they can achieve with their breeding goals. Plus they tell me the kids enjoy seeing the “short hornicorns” in the paddock.

On the 28th and 29th of November 2020, the Stratford A&P show hosted the Royal Event.

The Milking Shorthorn section held over 35 entries across 10 classes, Judged by Ryan Lett.

Westell Jedi Saddie S1S – Ella Pirie (Pictured Below)

Reserve Junior Champion:

Westell Supreme Nikki – M Fletcher

Brecon Rachael S1S – BJ & MT McDonald (Pictured Below)

Reserve Intermediate Champion:

Northbrook Open – Northbrook Enterprises

Westell Carbo Sami – Westell Properties (Pictured Below)

Reserve Senior Champion:

Oliver Woods P Pett SOS – R & J Soffe

For the first time ever, the NZ Milking Shorthorn Association held it’s annual Photo Competition online. Traditionally this competition is held at our annual conference, where members bring along photos and compete against each other.

Due to covid, the Association and our members adapted to the new method in the span of a month, by submitting photos to the office digitally.

Congratulations to all members who entered the Photo Competition. All entries are of high quality and really show how proud we all are of our Milking Shorthorns.

Judge: Ross Morton

“Thanks to the exhibitors and organizors. Enjoyed judging this competition.” Ross.

Below are the Results for the 2020 Photo Competition

1st Place – Arran Pring Beaujolais S0S – S Donald
2nd Place – Bekay Gilham Angel – Westell Properties
3rd Place – Lowburn Blitz Rose S0S – SJ & TS Simmons

(Photos in order, 1st – 3rd)

1st Place – Burness Emp Maid – Burness Milking Shorthorns
2nd Place – Grosvenor Arnie Flora S1S – SJ & TS Simmons

1st Place – Lowburn Jedi Rose-Ann S1S – SJ & TS Simmons
2nd Place – Tiakitahuna 16-52 S1S – R & Z Tocker
3rd Place – Lowburn Carbo Ritared S1S – SJ & TS Simmons

1st Place – Larendale Carbo Freya S1S – E Pirie
2nd Place – Lowburn Jedi Rose S1S – SJ & TS Simmons
3rd Place – Westell Butter Shelly S1S – Westell Properties

1st Place – Burness Rose Quartz – Burness Milking Shorthorns
2nd Place – Burness Phillis – Burness Milking Shorthorns
3rd Place – Lowburn Jedi Rosa – SJ & TS Simmons

1st Place – Westell Carbo Arlo S1S – Westell Properties
2nd Place – Lowburn Jedi Ros-Buddy – SJ & TS Simmons

1st Place – BYXH-17-155 – R & Z Tocker
2nd Place – BYXH-18-160 – R & Z Tocker
3rd Place – Westell Butter Samson S1S – Westell Properties

1st Place – T & A Tocker
2nd Place – L Shannon
3rd Place – SJ & TS Simmons

1st Place – Westell Jedi Saddie S1S – E Pirie
2nd Place – L Simmons
3rd Place – Northbrook C Margo S1S – E Pirie