The dairy farmer from Taupiri has just been appointed president of Jersey New Zealand; the first woman to take that role in the organisation’s 114-year history.

One of Alison’s challenges as president is to raise the profile and advantages of the Jersey cow for New Zealand’s dairy industry.

“The Jersey cow has a number of advantages, including higher fertility and ease of calving and a lighter frame which means less pugging of pasture,” says Alison, who also likes the cows for their inquisitive and generally quiet natures.

Farm trials have shown that in grazing systems, New Zealand Jerseys are about five per cent more profitable than Holstein Friesians.

More nutritious

“Jersey milk contains more nutrition per litre than any other dairy breed. The higher fat component of the milk had been seen as a disadvantage when public perception was fat was bad for you. Now the public have realised fat provides flavour and is a naturally healthy choice, especially compared to sugar which has been used to enhance flavour.

“The biggest advantage is the Jersey cow’s efficiency in terms of the milk produced per kilogram of feed and live weight, with many Jerseys producing in excess of their own live weight in milk solids,” says Alison, who with husband Russell, owns Zenith Jerseys at Taupiri in the Waikato.

Alison Gibb with her daughter Natalie.

Alison, one of two appointed directors on the six-strong Jersey New Zealand board, was asked to fill the president’s role by the appointments committee. It is this committee’s role to find the appointed directors after consultation with the board as to the skillset they require.

The board identified leadership as a skill it required – and Alison’s name was put forward to the board. Even at this point it was not a definite she would be president because that is the board’s decision to make.

Governance experience

Alison’s 24 years’ experience in governance of various organisations made her a good choice. Alison has served on a school board, as a trustee, chair and then acting chief executive of Arts Waikato, and is a trustee for the Dairy Women’s Network, an organisation for which she’s also served as North Waikato convenor.

She’s very obviously a fan of Jersey cows and agriculture, but teaching was Alison’s career until she retired in 2008 after 25 years as a maths teacher at Fraser High School in Hamilton.

Alison and Russell milk 270 Jersey cows on their 84 hectare farm, supported by a nearby 40ha run-off. However, this season daughter Natalie is returning home after five years working on other farms, to become a lower order sharemilker.

“Russell and I will still be involved in the farm alongside Natalie, who wants to make farming her future.”

In her new role, Alison will help the board to develop a strategy underpinning the Jersey New Zealand business model and delivering growth and sustainability.

Adding diversity

“As a trustee of Dairy Women’s Network I’ve rubbed shoulders with many successful women; and the key message always is that women need to back themselves more, to ‘lean in’ and contribute to the decision making process. Women offer a different dynamic around the board table – it’s not that we are better, we think differently and hence add diversity of thought in the decision-making process.”

Jersey New Zealand had been through a tough time and needs to develop a sustainable business model through strong governance.

“We have a strong and diverse board and I’m looking forward to working with them to propel Jersey New Zealand to the next level, through strong governance, vision and leadership.”