Efficient converters of grass to milk

Trent Paterson has wanted to be a deer farmer for as long as he can remember.

However, today he’s a dairy farmer, a committed advocate of the Jersey breed and the youngest member of Jersey New Zealand’s council.

Trent’s found the experience worthwhile and while due to stand down next year may put his name forward for re-election.

Trent and Judy, who teaches at Cambridge, sold some of their Jersey 500 cow herd, taking a nucleus, including former calf club cows, with them to Karapiro to form a new 300 cow herd.

They haven’t, however, abandoned deer. A small but growing herd, many from his father’s progeny, graze on a run-off the couple own.

“I don’t think I’ll ever leave the dairy industry because of the cash flow and capital gain opportunities it offers – but maybe one day we’ll have a combined deer and dairy farm,” says Trent.


Jersey cows produce the highest milk fat and protein percentages.


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