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Young breeders, from left Ryan Andrew, Ayesha McCall, Annie Gill, Stacey Stewart, Renae Martin and Stuart Rogers.
The 2026 Holstein Friesian NZ Young Breeders Development Programme is off to a strong start, with this year's intake coming together for their first event on March 18 and 19.
The 2026 cohort includes Renae Martin (Stirling), Stuart Rogers (Ohaupo), Stacey Stewart (Ashburton), Ryan Andrew (Palmerston North), Annie Gill (Otorohanga) and Ayesha McCall (Te Puke). Representing a wide spread of regions and backgrounds, the group brings enthusiasm and a shared commitment to growing their knowledge and involvement in the dairy industry.
Sponsored by the late Dave Marshall of Waihou Friesians, the programme is designed to support young people looking to build leadership, governance and industry skills within Holstein Friesian NZ and the wider dairy community.
Running from March through to December, the programme combines online and in-person workshops, offering participants exposure to a broad range of topics including governance, communication, strategy, risk assessment and breeding, while also gaining insight into the wider dairy industry.
At their introductory meet-up, participants had the opportunity to meet the Holstein Friesian NZ board and staff, setting the tone for the months ahead. The two-day event also included two initial training sessions: a governance workshop led by Michelle de Beer of Jam HR, followed by an Understanding Traits Other Than Production (TOP) workshop.
Renae Martin said she was excited to join the programme, as learning about governance and how HFNZ works was something that had interested her for some time.
"I am hoping the opportunity to learn and grow from valuable industry leaders and professionals through the programme will help progress not only my knowledge but my business, the farm and any future opportunities," she says.
Stuart Rogers said the first two sessions were very enjoyable.
"Through the group learning and team bonding we seem to have genuinely clicked very well," he says. "I particularly enjoyed the TOP morning because it was informative in its fine detail, which I know will help my wife and I with our own herd. I'm looking forward to session three."
Stacey Stewart said she saw the programme as a way to challenge herself and gain a better understanding of the wider dairy industry.
"It's easy to stay tucked away in your usual roles, so I saw this as a chance to bring some fresh knowledge back to the farm and the boards I'm involved with," she says.
HFNZ chief executive officer Cheriyln Watson said the programme would not have been possible without the support of the late Dave Marshall.
"Dave was incredibly proud of this programme and what it was set up to achieve," she says. "We are truly thankful that Dave again sponsored the programme for 2026."
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