Paynes Titus Excelsior ET, an LIC bull bred by Brad Payne and Claire Brodie in the Waikato, has won the JT Thwaites Sire of the Season 2026 Award.
The annual award by Jersey NZ recognises outstanding New Zealand-bred Jersey sires whose daughters demonstrate exceptional production and confrontation performance.
Waikato Breeders Celebrated for Elite Jersey Genetics
LIC livestock selection manager Kelli Buckley says the recognition reflects years of dedication and careful breeding decisions by the Payne family.
"This is such a special result, and one I'm incredibly proud of. Brad and Claire have put an enormous amount of dedication, care and hard work into breeding bulls of this calibre, and it's a real privilege to work alongside breeders like them.
"Paynes Titus Excelsior ET is a great example of what's possible when great breeding decisions are backed by long-term commitment and attention to detail. To see that effort recognised nationally is hugely rewarding - not just for LIC, but for the Payne family and for Jersey farmers who will benefit from these genetics for years to come."
Excelsior Tops Breeding Worth Rankings
Excelsior achieved the highest Breeding Worth (BW) of all qualifying new-proof Jersey bulls this season, while also meeting important criteria for management, fertility and conformation traits.
Steve Ireland, Genetics Convenor for Jersey NZ, said Excelsior is likely to appeal with farmers focused on breeding replacement heifers.
"Excelsior stands our for his ability to breed daughters with exceptional, long-lasting udders and top fertility. This should ensure his daughters remain very productive well into maturity."
Recognition for Generations of Breeding Excellence
The Payne family has built a strong reputation for breeding Jersey genetics over many years, making the recognition especially meaningful.
Brad Payne says the award was a proud moment for the family.
"We feel incredibly privileged to receive this award. Looking at the trophy and seeing the calibre of bulls recognised over the years, it's very special to know one of ours is now among them."
Excelsior is currently the top ranked Jersey bull on the industry's Ranking of Active Sires (RAS) list.
