SA farmers gain ‘master’ acclaim

The society was first formed in Toowoomba, Qld, in 1914, and members recently gathered in the city for a special dinner to celebrate the milestone.

About a dozen Holstein Australia members from SA made the trip, including SA president Gino Pacitti, who said the dinner included a display of memorabilia and recognised the influence of many breed identities.

"A lot of older members joined us and were able to reminisce about their lifelong friendships," he said.

"The camaraderie among them was quite evident."

Among the celebrations were the announcements of 10 breeders honoured with a Master Breeder award, recognising the long-term achievement of herds that have bred at least 300 registered animals over a minimum of 20 years.

Two South East families accepted the award at the dinner.

Mount Gambier's Joe and Lorraine Leese, Jolrae Holsteins, received their award as part of a surprise organised for them by their son Michael, who has now taken over the operation of the farm.

"I'm really proud of my parents and what they've established for me to take on," Michael said.

The Leese family started milking at Narrung in 1977, registering their first dairy cow in 1988. Having moved to Mount Gambier a few years ago, they milk up to 270 cows.

Jolrae stud will soon have two generations of Excellent-rated cows, after going through the appendix system.

"That's something really pleasing to see," Michael said. "We want good, consistent stock that produce plenty of milk with good functional traits."

He said he was proud of the achievements of his parents and it was "extra special'' to see them honoured as part of the 100-year celebrations.

The other SA recipient was Kay Harten and her son and daughter-in-law Peter and Fiona, Anderlie, Mil Lel, near Mount Gambier.

Mrs Harten described receiving the Master Breeder award as a "real honour".

She started Anderlie stud at Jervois 30 years ago with her husband Barry, who passed away in March this year.

She then moved to Mill Lel in 2000 to expand the stud and the family now milk 230 cows.

* Full report in Stock Journal, November 27, 2014 issue.