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Home > Newsletter > Jersey Newsletter – December 2024

Jersey Newsletter – December 2024

The Board and staff of JerseyNZ wish all members a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year. The office will close at 3pm on Monday 23 December and reopen on Monday 6 January 2025.

Presidents Message

The Board of JerseyNZ would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
There is plenty to look forward to in 2025, with plenty of optimism in the dairy industry.

JerseyNZ Annual Conference 2025

1st – 3rd April 2025 – Save the Date!
Planning is well underway for an exciting Conference to be held in South Auckland from Tuesday 1st April to Thursday 3rd April. 

We are looking forward to hosting JerseyNZ members for yet another Conference that will be themed around ‘The Right Balance’. The Conference will bring together industry leaders and enthusiasts and will include interesting keynote speakers and a Fielday that will showcase the Jersey breed on Donald’s Farm. 

Conference timings
The Conference this year, will be slightly different in terms of timing. The Conference will kick off at midday on the 1st of April and conclude in the afternoon of the 3rd. This schedule has been designed to help reduce costs for our members as only two nights of accommodation will be required. We’re excited to offer this streamlined event, while still delivering the same valuable content and experiences. 

Accommodation
We will be blocking rooms at the DoubleTree Karaka Hotel in order to receive a reduced room rate for our group and rooms will be booked through the JerseyNZ office. Members will be expected to pay for their own accommodation upon arrival at the Hotel. 

Hotel room charges will be as follows:
King Guest Room – 2 people, including breakfast – $240.00
King Guest Room – 1 person, including breakfast – $215.00

Make sure you save the date and stay tuned for more details!

JerseyGenome

There are four main areas that we identify and select animals from, they are as follows:

  1. Nominations from breeders (JerseyNZ is currently calling for 2024-born nominations)
  2. Female progeny from the two testing year groups of the programme
  3. CRV and JerseyNZ work collaboratively to identify females from a CRV data request
  4. JerseyNZ run a top cow report to identify any animals not captured from the above

Members are asked to send DNA samples of any animals identified above to JerseyNZ who subsequently send those to Genomnz for DNA testing. This cost is covered by CRV.

The selection process occurs in April/May annually and is as follows (breeders may receive notification earlier than April to advise that their animal has made the team):

  1. Genomic results are sent to the JerseyGenome™ Working Group and subsequently vote on each animal
  2. Final team is compiled
  3. Breeders are notified if their animal(s) are successful or unsuccessful, along with their genomic results (free of charge)

How to nominate your animal
Nominating your animals is a simple process, see the steps below

  1. Complete the animal nomination form (this must accompany each DNA sample)
  2. Take a wet tissue sample and ensure each DNA sample corresponds with the barcode on the side of each unit
  3. Place samples in a zip lock bag before placing in an envelope
  4. Post to JerseyNZ, PO Box 1132, Hamilton 3240 or courier to JerseyNZ, 290 Tristram Street, Hamilton 3204

Samples must reach the JerseyNZ office by Friday, 10th January 2025

For a full rundown of the JerseyGenome™ process, please visit: https://www.jersey.org.nz/jersey-genome/

World Jersey Tour 2025

World Jersey in partnership with Jersey Australia is excited and proud to announce the 2025 World Jersey Annual Conference in April 2025 from the 6th to the 21st  April 2025. Registrations are now open online and you can discover the great program that Jersey Australia has prepared for you. It’s a unique opportunity to bring together Jersey enthusiasts from across Australia and the world.

Online program : https://jersey.com.au/2025-world-jersey-conference/
Online registrations : https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1290698
Online brochure : https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/36vxuogui70ag0vxh65mx/WJCB-JA-Conference-Brochure-F-HR.pdf?rlkey=ksvwyy391d5kb0heemipjr489&dl=0

World Jersey looks forward to welcoming you to Australia for this special event.

World Jerseys Future Leaders Forum
Expressions of Interest are open for a JerseyNZ member aged 18-39 to attend the World Jerseys Future Leaders Forum as part of the World Jersey Tour 2025. 

The Future Leaders Forum will provide a robust debate opportunity for participants to discuss the future of the Jersey breed and how they see the global jersey leadership can work together to build a stronger future for the Breed, World Jersey and our National Associations.  All participants will be required to introduce and present on a topic of interest/concern for the forum to discuss.

Topics could include:
• The role of World Jersey in global jersey leadership
• What is the Jersey cow of the future
• Classification
• Global data sharing initiatives

A partial subsidy will be provided by JerseyNZ and the successful delegate will be expected to make a presentation at the JerseyNZ Annual Conference and provide an article for the Jersey Focus. 

For more information about the Forum check out: 
https://www.jersey.org.nz/international-conference-of-the-world-jerseys/

Benefits of TOP (Traits Other than Production)

Through the course of this TOP season, several newer members have asked for more information on the effects of TOP data both on farm and from an industry perspective.  The main objective of the TOP system is to provide accurate and unbiased comparisons of cows and sires, thus providing herd owners with easy-to-use information. There are three main ways TOP inspections add value for herd owners:

  1. When all two-year-olds in the herd are inspected, breeding values for the TOP traits are fine-tuned for the individual animals resulting in a more accurate prediction for how the animal is expected to breed the trait concerned. This is like “herd testing” for conformation traits. The reliability for the breeding values increase when generations of two year olds are inspected over time.
  2. The raw scores for individual traits paint a picture of how the cow appears for each trait. This adds significant value for marketing the cow or her progeny, especially where the ancestry is also assessed. In addition to scores on individual traits, registered animals receive a classification award that categorises them based on the standard of conformation overall.
  3. TOP raw scores for individual traits contribute to sire proofs and the calculation of TOP BV’s for individual bulls. Specifically, information collected on two-year-old daughters of bulls also receiving their first production proof is vital industry good information.

Judging Certification Days

A Judging Certification day for current and prospective Judges will take place at Ferdon Jerseys, Otorohanga on Thursday 20 February 2025.  All current Judges in the region will be contacted individually, and prospective Judges are also welcome to attend.
 
There will be also be Judging Certification Days arranged in Taranaki and Southland in February 2025.  We will advise members of all dates and venues once these are confirmed.

World Wide Sires Jersey Photo Competition

With upcoming shows and events closely approaching, now is the best time to get those cameras out and start preparing your entries for the World Wide Sires Photo Competition for 2025.

The Photo Competition is a great way for JerseyNZ to collect Jersey photos to promote the breed we all love. Not only that, but you can also land your photo on the front cover of the Jersey Focus and be in with the chance to win some great prizes from World Wide Sires – a big thank you to World Wide Sires for sponsoring this popular Competition once again.

To enter the 2025 Competition, please click the following link or complete the attached entry form.  2025 Rules and Entry Form

Entries close 30 April 2025.

JerseyNZ Hall of Fame

The JerseyNZ Hall of Fame will be presented in 2025 at the JerseyNZ Annual Conference.  Members will be able to nominate registered cows, alive or dead, for a variety of reasons including:

  • Indexes
  • Outstanding progeny
  • High production
  • On Farm results
  • Show results
  • Great cow family
  • Any other accomplishments worthy of consideration

Entries close on 1 February 2025 to be presented at the Annual Conference 2025.  The Hall of Fame will be maintained on the website with photos and brief citations for each inductee.  Get your thinking cap on now and get your nomination in!
https://www.jersey.org.nz/jersey-hall-of-fame/

Special Award Nominations

Nominations for Special Awards are now open and close 1 February 2025.

Distinguished Members Award – for JerseyNZ members whom the Clubs feel epitomise all things Jersey. Nominations including citations can be e-mailed to pgoodin@jersey.org.nz

Mr & Mrs J W Singers Efficiency Scroll Award – This award in made to the person who, in the opinion of the JerseyNZ Board, has done the most or been the most active, in promoting and publicising the Jersey breed and the Association. The award covers all phases of a breeder’s activities including testing, showing, breed promotion and administration. Nominations including citations can be e-mailed to pgoodin@jersey.org.nz

George Henry Dawick Memorial Cup – The George Henry Dawick Memorial Cup is presented to a member who has attained significant achievement at either a national or international level that reflects progressive Jersey excellence in any field relating to the Jersey breed. In recognition of the nature of this award, the expectation is that such achievement of excellence may not occur on an annual basis. The recipient will be decided by the Jersey NZ Board, and the Board welcomes submissions from Clubs and members via the Jersey NZ website https://www.jersey.org.nz/george-henry-dawick-memorial-cup/

West Lynn Trophy

Nominations are now called for the West Lynn Trophy for the leading lifetime producer.  Check out the criteria below and phone or e-mail the birth identification of your nominations to info@jersey.org.nz by Friday 28 February 2025.  We will then order the Three Generation Pedigree at your expense.

  • Provided via nomination with 3GP included annually. 
  • Only for cows that have completed a lactation in the season relating to the award (e.g. season 2022/23 for award in 2024), are registered, J16 and owned by a JerseyNZ member.
  • Top 10 to be included in the Jersey Focus

 CRITERIA: All Production awards are to be based on the Production Suite criteria, commencing 2023/24 season (presented in 2025)

JerseyNZ Governance Development Programme

The JerseyNZ Governance Development Programme has been developed to:

  • Provide an avenue for succession planning for the JerseyNZ Board
  • Train those who wished to apply for roles on industry boards

Participants are expected to commit to the following:

  • Attend four Face-to-face day meetings and one evening zoom meeting per year with dates determined at the beginning of the year
  • Each day meeting will be 10am – 2pm with lunch provided
  • Participants will attend either the JerseyNZ Conference (in part or all) or the AGM
  • Participants will be expected to become an associate member of JerseyNZ if not already a member

Expressions of Interest are now being sought for the 2025 intake.  If you are aged 20-40 years and are interested in taking part in the JerseyNZ Governance Development Programme, please contact Pam Goodin: pgoodin@jersey.org.nz 

2024-born Registrations

Registrations are now well underway. 
Those of you on a standing order, everything is sorted. Alayna will work on registering your animals. 

If you are NOT on a standing order or unsure if you are or not, contact Alayna – 07 856 0731 – info@jersey.org.nz to get your registrations underway.

Jersey Focus bookings

A reminder to members that the Jersey Focus will revert to being published in March and September.
If you would like to book an advert in the March 2025 Focus, please email info@jersey.org.nz

Advertisement rates are discounted for members and is a great way to publicise your stud or sale. The rates below are for a fully personalised and designed advert by JerseyNZ:
A4 advert – $400.00
½ page advert – $300.00
¼ page advert – $250.00

Bookings for Advertising close on 7 February 2025

Animal Ownership/Transfer Exclusion

Members are reminded that the default in the database is that the pedigree ownership of an animal will automatically transfer with a location transfer

  • If you own an animal in another members (or family members) herd, please ensure that we are advised so that the correct pedigree ownership participant can be added to the animal’s record
  • Where an animal is NOT to have pedigree ownership changed if the location is changed, please also contact us prior to the location change.  We can set a ‘transfer exclusion flag’ to ensure that the pedigree ownership does not change when/if the location does.
  • You will then need to keep us updated on any further pedigree ownership changes so that we can manage these for you

JerseyNZ relies on members providing correct pedigree ownership information, and takes no responsibility where incorrect details are printed in publications where the correct information has not been provided.

Merchandise / Calendars

We will have a handful of 2025 calendars available in the office, please contact us or click the link to order: https://www.jersey.org.nz/jersey-calendar/

A range of merchandise is also available, including polos, hoodies, jute bags and caps. Please email info@jersey.org.nz to enquire about sizing available.

Youth Trophies

Three youth-based trophies are available this season for JerseyNZ youth members.  Yvonne’s Challenge Trophy and the Arahina Cup will be presented at the NZ Dairy Event and the NZJCBA Youth Camp Cup will be presented at the National All Breeds Youth Camp.

Yvonne’s Challenge Trophy

  • Young Handler Class (Jersey section) at NZ Dairy Event
  • Open to members of JerseyNZ only
  • Jersey calf or yearling only
  • One class for entrants up to 30 years of age as at 1 January
  • Entries to info@jersey.org.nz
  • Entries will also be taken on the day
  • Trophy presentation will be made at the JerseyNZ Annual Conference (with a keepsake mini trophy presented on the day)

Arahina Cup – Futurity Stakes  – two year old class at NZ Dairy Event Futurity class purchased through the ‘Next Generation’ Sale. 

  • Presented to the highest placed Jersey animal
  • Trophy presentation will be made at the JerseyNZ Annual Conference (with a keepsake mini trophy presented on the day)

NZJCBA Youth Camp Cup – for greatest contribution
Presented to the JerseyNZ member who has made the greatest contribution at the National All Breeds Youth Camp hosted by Holstein Friesian New Zealand in January annually, as chosen by the camp leaders and judge.  Trophy presentation will be made at the JerseyNZ Annual Conference.

Murray Harnett Challenge – Young Judge Competition

The Jersey Young Judge Competition for the Murray Harnett Challenge will take place at NZ Dairy Event on the morning of Monday 20 January 2025.  Entry is open to members 30 years of age or under as at 1 October.  First and second placegetters will be eligible to compete in the World Wide Sires All Breeds Young Judge competition later the same day, and are expected to make themselves available to represent JerseyNZ.  Previous winners of the All Breeds competition cannot enter.
 
This is a wonderful opportunity for younger members to develop & finetune their judging skills. Please contact the JerseyNZ office on info@jersey.org.nz by 20 December 2024 to express your interest.

Show Season 2024/25

  • The North Island Championships will be held at NZ Dairy Event on 20 – 22 January 2025
  • The South Island Championship will be presented as part of the Semex On Farm Challenge
  • The NZ Dairy Event will be held at Manfield Park, Feilding on 20-22 January 2025

The office team can’t get to all of the shows, please keep your photos coming in to us so that we can continue to publicise the breed through show results.  Getting the best of the best in front of farmers!

Please remember that animals exhibited by JerseyNZ members should be registered with JerseyNZ (or be eligible for registration if under one year of age), be a minimum of J14 on BreedIT and show true Jersey characteristics. Members are also asked to familiarise themselves with the RAS All Dairy Breeds Code of Show Ethics, available to view at Our Rules, Regulations and Policies – Royal Agricultural Society New Zealand (ras.org.nz).

Registration name reminder

JerseyNZ would like to take this opportunity to remind members that when purchasing animals and/or semen that the marketing of a ‘name’ does not necessarily mean that an animal is registered with JerseyNZ.  If a three generation pedigree is provided, a registered animal will be noted as PJ or SJ, the pedigree will carry the JerseyNZ logo and state REGISTERED JERSEY.  If you are unsure, please confirm with the appropriate vendor.

JerseyNZ Youth Scholarship

Applications are now open for the JerseyNZ Youth Scholarship for 2025.  The purpose of the scholarship is to assist young members to acquire technical knowledge, expertise and leadership qualities through formal tertiary training in the agricultural sector.  The scholarship awarded is up to a maximum of $1500 but is at the discretion of the Board as to whether it is awarded annually. No discussion will be entered into.

Criteria:

  • Applicants must be a current member of Jersey New Zealand for at least 12 months prior to the application OR may sign up at the time of application if an immediate family member holds a current full Jersey New Zealand membership.
  • Each applicant will be considered on his/her own merits.
  • Young members are deemed to be up to and including 30 years of age.
  • Applicants must have successfully completed the first year of study.
  • Applicants must use the prescribed application form.
  • Verification of NZ citizenship/residency maybe requested.
  • Applications close on the 28th February for the calendar year.

Application forms are available on request from the Jersey NZ office

Secondary Membership

Are you a Senior member registering animals in more than one herd/participant code under the same ownership?  We now have available a Secondary membership for such herds for efficiency in completing your registrations.  There is no additional subscription for a second herd as long as it is under the same ownership structure.  Contact Alayna to find out more at ajudge@jersey.org.nz

Unpaid Registrations Policy

Members are reminded that any members who have not paid registration invoices within three months of the invoice being sent will be contacted regarding payment.  If the registrations remain unpaid one month later the animals affected will be de-registered.

Three Generation Pedigrees

Three Generation Pedigrees can now be ordered via the JerseyNZ website https://www.jersey.org.nz/three-generation-pedigrees/
To order pedigrees please visit the link attached or contact our office at info@jersey.org.nz or 07 856 0731

Newsletter Attachments

If you are receiving this newsletter by post, all entry forms and attachments can be downloaded from the website, or posted from the office on request.

Member Communications

Electronic notifications are a great way to keep abreast of all our communications to you.  Where we have your e-mail address, and you have NOT previously advised us that you don’t wish to receive mail electronically, we will use this.  
 
There are some great benefits to using electronic notifications – you will receive notifications immediately, it saves on printing and postage expenses for the Association, and it’s better for the environment!  You can manage your requirements with a simple phone call or e-mail to the office.  Contact Alayna at info@jersey.org.nz or call 07 856 0731 (9am – 4pm Monday – Friday).