The Holstein-Friesian breed approximates 50% of New Zealand's national dairy herd. Our Association is a collection of those farmers who milk, breed and register to pure-bred status, and have an intense interest in the farming of the Holstein-Friesian cow in our country.
Association Structure:
The present-day New Zealand Holstein-Friesian Association is an organisation built around its members. Over 650 farmers and breeders belong to the various club and Branch divisions within NZHFA throughout the country. From these regions or 'Wards' a Council of 12 members is elected to represent the members at National level. This council sets policies and provides direction for the Association. All are dairy farmers and active breeders within the industry. General and on-going business of the Association is handled by the Manager and staff based at the NZHFA head office in Hamilton.
Services-in brief:
The Association provides membership to farmers, breeders and interested parties at various levels. Services include the registration of Holstein-Friesian pedigree stock via the national database and the opportunity to up-grade and breed to pedigree status via 'record recovery' and the 'Supplementary Register'. Bull-calf tagging, sire selection and mate program, classification and TOP (traits other than production) inspections, are important on-going services to the farmer, as is the active promotion of pedigree stock through Joint Young Sire schemes and semen sales, AI centres, livestock marketing, advertising, and shows. Publication of herd and cow statistics, technical information, breeder profiles, competitions, and breed and industry news appear in regular newsletters, and the 'nzholstein' magazine. Members are also kept up to date with regular e-mail communication and news via the website. National herd and cow competitions keep pace with both ends of the country, and links with clubs, branches and the youth of the Association are kept actively open.
