New Zealand farmer breeds resilient, robust VikingRed cows

In Mataura Island, Southland, New Zealand, Jim and Kathryn Searle have established an exciting dairy farming venture with 452 cows of diverse origins – including VikingRed.

Combining a unique blend of experience, passion, and innovation, the Searles are 50/50 share milking with Jim’s son, Jaxon and relief staff member Linda. Faced with many challenges, the Searles are pushing the envelope with their commitment to sustainability and an innovative approach to cattle breeding.

Jim's dairy farming journey started when he was 16 and living on New Zealand’s West Coast, and ever since, he has devoted most of his life to the dairy industry. Jim also briefly worked as an adult educator, which he credits much of his personal development and provided many valuable insights for his career as a farmer.

The first year on the Mataura Island farm had its share of challenges, but despite the hurdles, Jim achieved a 78% in-calf rate using sexed semen, setting a high standard for the coming years. He is

VikingRed Jim Searle New Zealand Samen NZ

Diverse herd, dream-like cows

Entering his second season on the Mataura Island farm, Jim assembled a diverse herd from four main sources, creating what he calls “a liquorice all-sorts herd”.

One of Jim's main goals is to breed an even-sized herd of medium cows. that solves the challenge posed by the current variety in sizes, ranging from 450kg to 700kg.

Among the herd’s top animals is #12, a VikingRed cow that embodies what Jim sees as his dream dairy cow: a 450 to 500kg beauty with excellent feet and legs, great teats and, more often than not, the first cow up and milking every morning.

“450 of her would be great,” says Jim with a smile. “You don’t notice her. If you don’t notice them, they’re good. The ones you notice are, generally, because something is wrong,” he adds, highlighting the value of “invisible” cows.

To fast-track this and get more cows like #12, Jim uses VikingRed X-Vik sexed semen and is even considering incorporating a small number of embryos.

Choosing VikingRed is a “no-brainer”

For Jim, strength, durability, feet, and udder conformation weigh heavily in his selection of the VikingRed breed. Drawing inspiration from VikingGenetics' global success stories and Samen NZ's sire selection, Jim says the choice of VikingRed was "a no-brainer."

"I didn't look at production when I picked the breed. I was looking at strength, durability, feet, udder conformation. With those things right, production will come," says Jim, emphasising what the VikingRed brings to his herd.

VikingRed calves, known for their strength, vitality, and adaptability, have been remarkably easy to rear. This has made Jim's calf-rearing tasks more manageable since he took over the responsibility from his wife.

This has been so successful that calves have been weaned a month earlier than usual, a testament to the breed's robustness. "Usually, calves head off to grazing in early January. However, this year, they are heading off next week on the 5th of December!" says Jim, thrilled by the calves' performance.

Meet Jim Searle

“I didn’t look at production when I picked the VikingRed breed. I was looking at strength, durability, feet, udder conformation. With those things right, production will come,” says Jim.

Committed to sustainability

For Jim and Kathryn, sustainability is a significant aspect of their day-to-day farm operations.

From effective plastic management to fencing off, loafing barn effluent management, DNA testing of water, and riparian planting, the Searles are committed to ticking all the sustainability boxes. Their efforts were recognised earlier this year when Jim was surprised with a Sustainability Award at the Mataura Valley Milk Awards.

The Searles' dairy farming journey is a testament to what the fusion of vision, innovation, and sustainability can achieve. With a focus on breeding excellence through VikingRed genetics, the Searles are leaving their mark on New Zealand’s national dairy herd, showcasing the potential for success through thoughtful herd management and sustainable practices.

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