A focus on equity growth and a ‘level playing field’ has been key to success for a young Waikato breeder, who is putting much of his faith in DNA technology.


Dairy farmer John Hayward says he’s no different from any other industry player, but many dairy farmers and breeders might beg to differ.
Hayward attended his first-ever LIC Breeders’ Day in May this year on the back of the performance of his young bull, Haywards Aim.


In 2009 Aim commanded the number one spot in the Premier Sires DNA Proven jersey team, and is set to once again be among the top-10 in the 2010 DNA team.


“I felt pretty stoked last year when John [Redshaw, LIC bull acquisition manager] rang me and said Aim had come out number one,” Hayward says.


“It was a pretty cool feeling. I had one bull picked the year before which didn’t make the grade, so to get one in the team at the second attempt is pretty special.”


Hayward says he enjoyed Breeders’ Day because it was an opportunity to be in the company of people who were passionate, enthusiastic, and keen to make their industry stronger than ever.
“You meet some breeders who have had five or six bulls in LIC’s Premier Sires Teams and you think, ‘heck, I’ve got a long way to go yet’.
“I’m not a pedigree breeder, mine is a straight commercial herd and if I can do it, anybody can.
“Look, the genetics are out there for everyone; we’re all using the same products.


“It’s just a case of blending them into the right lines and utilising the technology available.”
This season Hayward has been approached to have three of his cows contract mated. When quizzed about his breeding philosophy, he says there is no compromise on fertility.


“Basically every cow has to get in calf every year, without any intervention.”
All cows had to reach a reasonable standard of production and were placed on a ‘level playing field’, Hayward says.


“Once they hit the herd they all go together, and they’ve got to compete. I’m not interested in Barbie dolls. At the end of the day we’ve still got to achieve 1000-1100kgMS a hectare.”


Hayward began sharemilking 12 years ago after saving equity through contract milking jobs.


He initially bought a herd of 250 cows but gradually bolstered numbers to 400. Once this was achieved he sold half the herd and “built it all back up again.”


Today, together with his equity partner, he owns Judge Valley Dairies, Waikato.


He takes care of the day-today management of the 96ha effective dairy block together with its 100ha run-off, and is responsible for milking the 330-strong dairy herd.


Hayward has also raised 100 bulls, which he plans to sell off in spring.


Asked to reveal his secret behind his ability to build quick equity, his answer is straightforward: “I understand genetic value. It’s about creating a family legacy, and it’s a long-term thing.