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Farmers quietly confident in Jersey breed amid renewed signs of embattled dairy industry


Few farmers at the Western District Jersey Breeders dinner knew of the Dennington factory’s fate, but for one what came to mind was said “I told you so”.

Bookaar dairy farmer Roger Heath said he had ended his supply contract with Fonterra after becoming “disappointed” in the company.

“They will keep shutting down plants, they are just not going to get the milk that they need,” Mr Heath said. 

“There is less farmers around, there is more milk around, and if they’re not prepared to pay the price they’re not going to get the milk.”

Mr Heath was honoured at the dinner for his family’s 75 years of Jersey cow breeding after his great grandmother established the breed in 1943. 

He said he was optimistic about the breed’s role in the dairy industry’s future.

“The way they convert their feed just gives us an edge over other breeds.” Mr Heath said. 

“We are more likely to be able to survive with the way the industry has been.

“I could see us going forever, who knows.”

 

Source: The Standard


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