At just 19, Holly Anderson might be the youngest Australian cattle breeder to have a bull placed in the artificial insemination system.
Empire Banks P has been picked up by Genetics Australia and is expected to have semen available from this spring.
While Holly’s Empire Jerseys stud is relatively new, she hails from a family that has been producing top-quality Jerseys for decades.
Holly’s parents Rob and Kerrie operate Kings Ville Jerseys, which has sold 28 bulls into AI and was last year named one of Jersey Australia’s inaugural master breeders.
Kings Ville was started in 1987 by Rob with the support of his parents, Bert and Winsome, who established Kings View Jerseys in 1961.
Holly was keen to go one step further and came up with the name Empire to reign over the Kingdom.
“I always joked with Dad whenever one of my cows had a girl that my empire was growing and that’s how Empire Jerseys was created,” Holly said.
“My family has Kings in their stud names, I still wanted my stud to be connected with them but to be separate at the same time.”
Holly says there is some friendly rivalry within the family — and she beat her dad who was 24 when he sold his first bull to AI — but she acknowledges their support.
“I must be close to being the youngest to get a bull into AI,” Holly said.
“I’m happy to get that goal ticked off and hopefully I’ll get more in the future, but I’m very thankful to Mum and Dad because it wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for them.”
Holly’s journey to AI breeding success started when she was 12 and got to take her pick of any heifer in the calf shed, an offer that was extended to her older sisters Em and Meg.
“I chose Archer Belle — she had Matt Belle, the dam of Empire Banks,” Holly said.
“I didn’t base it off what she looked like; I chose her because she had the highest BPI in the calf shed. It was a case of mind over heart.”
In 2021, Holly started Empire Jerseys and in 2023 she started full-time work on the farm. She now has full control over what bulls she uses.
“Because I’m relatively new to the game, when it comes to my breeding objectives, I aim for polled as well as creating more efficient and productive cows.
“When Matt Belle was born and I saw that she had ideal numbers being the highest BPI Jersey heifer in Australia, it gave me the hope that one day she would put a bull into AI.
“When I looked at the number of bulls Mum and Dad had sent into AI, getting my own bull in the system definitely became a goal of mine.
“When Matt Belle had her first son, he was just a couple short on BPI which taught me the value of genomics, the challenges that come with a changing criteria base and to focus on important reliant traits for the Jersey breed.
“I was fortunate enough for Matt Belle to have another son — Banks. When his genomics arrived, it was an exciting moment and I thought he had a good chance.
“I’m a bit biased due to the strong relationship I have created with Banks but I do hope he goes on to do well.”
While Belles are the main family within Empire Jerseys, the budding stud also boasts Banks, Melmiss and Eran among others, including several Fernleafs she owns by herself as well as co-owns with her sisters.
“I’d love to get a bull from the Fernleaf family into AI,” Holly added.
“I’ve got a real soft spot for Jerseys due to being a fifth-generation dairy farmer.
“I see the Jersey cow playing a big part into the sustainable future due to their size and production and can see Australian Jersey genetics going very far around the world.”
Holly has embraced the industry and is vice-president of Gippsland Dairy Youth Group.
“I enjoy organising events and helping to encourage the next generation,” she said.
“It’s important to have a supported environment and build relationships with like-minded people.”
Genetics Australia CEO Anthony Shelly said no-one on the GA team could recall a younger breeder supplying a bull to the team.
“It’s exciting news for the Jersey breed, not only have enthused youth but to have Holly leading the way,” he said.
“No doubt she has been mentored by some strong family influences, yet Holly has still had the vision and passion to create her own herd and breeding program.
“We are proud to be associated with such an inspirational young achiever and look forward to many more Empire bulls joining the Genetics Australia team.”
Empire Banks P is a particularly well-balanced bull with BPIg $342, and an excellent production profile with strong kilos and components along with appealing health traits, Survival +110, Cell Count +134, Mastitis Resistance +105, combined with linear scores that excel for strength and udders.