Ian and Lisa Jeffery
Rosemont Holdings Limited – Grower
Tell us a bit about your farm — where are you based, and how long have you been grazing stock?
Our farm is situated in Whakamarama, Tauranga, and has been in our family for four generations. Originally 40 hectares, the farm has gradually expanded over the years to 140 hectares, along with an equivalent area in leased blocks.
The business began with dairying and pigs and grew into two dairy herds (spring and autumn herds) operating on side-by-side farms. Alongside this, our pig enterprise expanded to become the leading Landrace breeding business in New Zealand.
My wife, Lisa, and I took over the dairy side of the business 40 years ago and continued until four years ago, when we transitioned into dairy grazing.
How long have you been working with New Zealand Grazing company?
We have been working with New Zealand Grazing since before we began grazing dairy heifers, so in many ways we’ve been on both sides of the fence. This relationship started when we were still milking.
For the past four years, the farm has been under the management of our farm manager, who has been with us for 14 years. We graze approximately 300 head on our farm.
What advice would you give to someone new to grazing stock for others?
Always remember that these are someone else’s animals, and they have entrusted you to do the very best you can. The goal is to maximise growth and return stock that you would be happy to calve down and milk yourself.
What kind of information or tools from New Zealand Grazing help you the most in managing stock?
New Zealand Grazing weigh days are extremely valuable. They give us time to discuss growth rates, feed availability, and any burdens on the cattle that may influence performance.
Because our service manager covers a large area, his feedback and insights are an important tool in our decision-making.
How do you manage seasonal challenges like summer dry or winter wet conditions?
We’ve been on this farm a long time, and our manager has experienced many different seasons. Going into both summer and winter with a good supply of stored feed is critical.
Knowing what to feed and where to place mobs makes a big difference. Young heifers require a different approach than milking cows, and balancing intakes on young stock takes careful management.
What’s one thing you’ve learned that’s made a big difference to your grazing success?
Good fertiliser use, strong feed management, and having a reliable, experienced farm manager.
What’s your favourite time of year on the farm? and why?
After milking and farming year-round, mid-spring is always a highlight. The days start to warm up, cattle settle, and pasture growth lifts. It’s a rewarding time of year and a chance to reflect on the work put in over winter.
