All about us

The annual Large Herds Conference was initially begun by a small group of herd owners as a forum to discuss their particular problems, relating in those days to what was then a large herd of 300 cows or more. An original group of twelve farmers were involved - mainly in the Bay of Plenty.

The first conference was held at Whakatane in 1970 and since that time has become established as a premier dairy conference in this country. With evolutionary changes in cows, improved management techniques, increased knowledge, greater efficiencies and sophisticated plant and equipment, the original large 300 cow herd has become much more common, and today a “large herd” is defined - for research purposes - as one of 700 cows or more with the current figure for the average herd size in NZ being 325 cows.

Over the years the Large Herd Conference have done much to improve dairyfarming in NZ. It has a unique vitality, generated by farmers who look for opportunities and benefits rather that dwelling on problems. Farmers who are motivated, are lateral thinkers and innovators and as a result, our conferences have become one of the liveliest forums in dairying in NZ today. An up-to-date focus on Industry issues and New Zealand’s place in the global market place are a feature of each conference.

NZLHA is also active in contributing to research within the industry and in the past have help fund projects with Massey and Lincoln Universities, Livestock Improvement and the former DRC.