Breeding for performance: A catalogue for success

Nick and Anieka Templer
Nick and Anieka Templer

For Balfour-based dairy farmers Anieka and Nick Templer, breeding is a key driver of farm performance. Over the past eight years, they’ve fine-tuned their approach to genetics, transforming their herd and significantly increasing production.

“We’ve gone from 480 kgMS/cow to a target of 600 kgMS/cow this season,” says Anieka. “Our system hasn’t changed, but our cows have. That comes down to the breeding decisions we’ve made.”

The couple milks 655 Friesian-cross cows, averaging 520-530kg liveweight, on their Southland farm. Their breeding strategy prioritises production, udder, capacity, stature, and fertility. With no bulls used in their mating programme, Anieka relies solely on artificial insemination (AI) on their top 50 heifers from their best cows to accelerate genetic gain, using a double PG (prostaglandin) programme.

“Our early cows were big but didn’t have great udders, and they didn’t last long in the herd,” she says. “With support and expertise from CRV, we’ve worked hard to breed Friesian-cross cows that are productive over multiple lactations. Now, we’re seeing the results.”

Despite the challenges of Southland’s wet springs, the couple is achieving strong reproductive results, including a 78% six-week in-calf rate, a 90% submission rate at three weeks, and a reduced empty rate of 13%.

“Breeding is one of the most important decisions a farmer can make, so it’s worth taking the time to select bulls with the right traits to achieve your goals,” says Aneika.

A strategic approach to breeding

The Templers’ breeding programme is carefully structured to maximise genetic gains. Anieka follows a 10-week AI programme, starting with four weeks of AB for replacements, followed by two weeks using CRV Fertabull Charolais, and finishing with four weeks of LIC SGL (short gestation length) bulls.

She also incorporates global genetics from the Netherlands to help meet their breeding goals. With extensive experience using different types of global outcross, she carefully selects genetics that complement their Friesian-cross herd, ensuring long-term gains in production, fertility, and overall cow health.

“We’ve used sexed semen from New Zealand bulls in recent years, although we didn’t this season because our calving went so well,” says Anieka. “We’ve got a problem most farmers would love - too many heifers! We only need about 160 replacements, but we’ve got 200.”

Making informed decisions with data

Anieka and Nick don’t leave their breeding decisions to chance. Their approach is backed by real-time monitoring and genetic insights, using Allflex collars, herd records, herd-testing data, and CRV myDNA testing.

“I like to have all the data in front of me so we’re always making the best decisions for our herd,” says Anieka. And when it comes to selecting bulls, she still prefers to flick through the CRV catalogue in print.

“I’d rather have the book in front of me so I can circle and highlight things!” she laughs.

Improving efficiency and herd performance

The couple is always looking for ways to increase efficiency and reduce workload. One recent focus has been on polled genetics - breeding naturally hornless cows to avoid the need for dehorning.

“Not having to dehorn calves saves time and money during a really busy part of the season,” says Anieka.

Looking ahead, the couple’s next major goal is exploring options for farm ownership. For now, their focus remains on continuing to refine their herd - one carefully selected trait at a time.