Based at Rotorua’s Taumanu Land Trust sharemilking operation, Phil and Sandy Wright have carefully developed their 525-cow Jersey herd into the second highest in the country for both Breeding Worth (BW) and Production Worth (PW).
This achievement is a testament to their long-term focus on genetics, data-driven decisions and collaboration with LIC that has transformed their operation into a benchmark for herd improvement.
The Wrights’ herd has a rich 60-year history beginning with Phil’s father who was a Jersey breeder. Over time, Phil and Sandy applied modern breeding principles combined with LIC genetics to elevate the herd to new levels of performance, consistently making small tweaks each year to improve their genetic gain.
Phil has always had a disciplined approach to record-keeping, and tracks every detail, from BW and PW to udder overall and fertility. Sandy, meanwhile, plays a critical role rearing hundreds of calves each season and helping supervise the data and breeding programmes, ensuring the next generation reaches its full genetic potential.
Together, their efforts have built a herd renowned for strong udder quality, balanced stature, and longevity - all traits that reflect years of strategic breeding decisions.
Over many years the Wrights have worked closely with LIC, particularly their Agri Manager, Caroline Whiteley, who has provided on-farm support and strategic advice around bull selection and long-term breeding decisions using LIC genetics.
This has supported Phil and Sandy to fine-tune their breeding programme, choosing bulls that complement the strengths of their herd and drive genetic gain.
“Phil and Sandy’s results reflect decades of disciplined decision-making and a clear vision for where they wanted their herd to go.
"They’ve been incredibly consistent in how they’ve used BW, PW and TOP traits to guide breeding decisions, and it’s been my privilege to support them as they’ve turned that long-term focus into one of the country’s leading Jersey herds,” says Caroline.
LIC is also proud to have contracted 34 of the Wright’s top cows for the co-operative’s Jersey bull teams - further recognition of the quality and consistency of the genetics they have built.
