Graham and Joy Dorn milk approximately 200 cows on their property, just south of Opunake, on Taranaki's West Coast. The area is notoriously windy so the climatic conditions can easily be described as challenging.

Since 2002 Graham and Joy have raised all their herd replacements on the Queen of Calves Programme. And with a policy of replacing 20% of the herd each season, after 9 years consistent use, the whole herd are Queen of Calves girls.

For the past few years, their herd average production has been approximately 460 kilograms milksolids per cow. That's 50% more than the New Zealand average for same breed cows.

Last season's heifers produced 432 kilograms/milksolids during 282 days milking. To put some perspective on that figure, the average 2 year old New Zealand Holstein Friesian cow produces only 274 kilograms of milksolids. The Dorn's 2 year old cattle exceed the New Zealand standard by a whopping 56%. That's like having half a herd for free!

The Dorn's are outstanding producers. They know what they're doing. And they do a whole number of things right. They know from a deep experience over 9 straight years, how much of a profound impact the Queen of Calves Nutrition Programme has on their replacements and they consider this unique Nutrition Programme to be a significant part of their success.