Northern Victorian Jersey breeders are in the spotlight with the annual 2024 conference and program making its way to the region from Tuesday, May 28 to Friday, May 31.
Hosted by Northern District Jersey Breeders, the program features a Jersey sale, farm visits, herd walks, annual general meeting and presentation dinner.
Secretary Pat Nicholson said the program was jam-packed.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to showcase our region and our Jersey herds,” Pat said.
“There are some really well-known breeders in northern Victoria who have bred some outstanding cows over the years.”
The program kicks-off with a herd walk and Jersey sale at Brookbora in Tennyson on the Tuesday.
The 60th Anniversary Edition: Brookbora Jerseys Invitational Sale includes 74 elite lots from Brookbora and invited breeders.
The sale kicks-off at 1pm at 424 Tennyson Rd, Tennyson.
Daniel Bacon from Brookbora said the goal of the sale was to offer something for everyone — from enthusiastic young breeders right through to passionate, established breeders looking to expand their breeding program.
Auctioneer Brian Leslie said the line-up was “unbelievable” and one of the most complete offerings of dairy cattle ever offered in one catalogue, on the one day, in this country.
Wednesday sees herds from Lockington and Rochester on display including Benlock, Royals Green Jersey and Craigielea.
On Thursday, the tour heads to Tongala and Stanhope, featuring herds from Windy Ways, Golden Dreams and Jugiong.
The Jersey Australia presentation night will be held on Thursday at Morrisons Winery from 6.30pm, followed by the AGM at 9am on at Dungala. The AGM will be live-streamed for those members unable to attend.
“We have tried to cater for everyone and everything and I think this program has a good mix — from the sale to the farm walks and social events — there is something for everyone,” Pat said.
He said there was a bit of a buzz around Jersey breeders at the moment, with the breed’s popularity increasing significantly over the past few years.
“The percentage of Jerseys in herds across the country is on the rise which has pushed up the dollar value of our stock, along with demand for semen.
“The Australian Jersey industry is also in the spotlight with overseas breeders looking to us for our genetics.
“Combine that with the previous couple of years where there has been some surplus cash around and the ability to get some big jobs done, and we are sitting in a pretty good place.”
For more information and bookings, contact Jersey Australia’s Glen Barrett on 0418 466 371 or Pat Nicholson on 0438 347 737.