Inspired from the start

Kate Cummings’ first cow got her attention in quite the unorthodox way: by chewing on her ponytail.  

That moment was the start of a lifelong love of cows that has helped propel Kate into one of the New Zealand dairy industry’s up and coming leaders. 

Kate grew up on her family’s dairy farm at Wyndham, Mayalan Holstein Friesians, with parents Helen and Jock Cummings milking 240 cows on 106 hectares. She says it was a blessing to grow up on farm with parents who were so passionate about dairy farming.  

“It was never just a job to them – it was a lifestyle,” she says. “They love it so much.” 

Kate says when she was growing up, having a mother who ran the farm was uncommon – but it says volumes about Helen’s commitment and bravery. 

“Mum was and is still an inspiration to me,” she says. 

As a child Kate took part in Calf Club, moving on to attend local shows every weekend throughout the show season with her two brothers, Clint and Darren, when she was older. 

“I was three years old when I first went into the ring on the end of a halter,” she laughs. 

Kate’s love of animals never faltered, and she studied a Bachelor of AgriScience at Lincoln University, majoring in Ruminant Nutrition and Health, with a focus on dairy cows. 

As part of her studies, she undertook research into the ‘fuel’ required to help a high-performance dairy cow succeed – and she has taken this information with her into both real life on-farm decisions, and her ‘day job’. 

As a retail lead for Vet South, Kate manages 12 people over three clinics. 

“My role is broad – from management to working with farmers and giving them advice on animal health products,” she says. “It really helps to be able to see both sides, as a professional and as a farmer. I really appreciate that aspect of my role.” 

Kate and her partner Carlo Scheepers also contract milk 440 cows for Chris and Charleen Withy (South Fields), putting Kate in the shed before and after work.  

Now in their second season on this farm, Kate admits that some weeks juggling the two roles are tough – particularly throughout the spring of 2024, which was incredibly wet.  

“So many Southlanders felt it,” Kate says. 

Despite the challenges, Kate says she appreciates the privilege of being able to farm; to take care of animals, and the land. 

“I love what I do,” she says.  

Kate has created her own stud, Maylea, which is contained within her parents’ herd.  

“I got my first cow at nine-years-old,” she says. “My brothers were buying cows at a sale and I didn’t want to be left out of the action. Mum and Dad agreed to buy my first cow, but the rest was up to me.” 

The name ‘Maylea’ is a combination of Mayalan and Fernlea, the stud from which her first cow came. 

“It’s good to always be reminded of where it all started,” Kate says.  

Kate says when choosing genetics, it is important to consider traits that suit your cows and farm goals. 

“I love a balanced, capacious cow – one that looks like the same animal throughout,” she says. “A cow that is well-producing and bred for animal health is such a huge focus for me. 

“And I always like to see longevity in the herd. We have 14-year-old cows in the herd that are going well. It is these cows that make the biggest impact on the industry and your business.” 

Kate also considers fertility, lameness and low somatic cell count (SCC) important, with her family farm, Mayalan, having scored the lowest SCC in the South Island and third overall in New Zealand as a Fonterra supplier – a huge source of pride for Kate. 

“Not only have we bred them to do that, but Clint’s excellent management practices have helped achieve this,” she says. 

Kate says she doesn’t get carried away breeding for stature, as “long legs don’t always make more milk.” 

Kate has used several Holstein Friesian bulls recently that she has been impressed with, including ST Gen R-Haze Rapid-ET, Lindenright Moovin RC, S-S-I PR Renegade-ET and Cookiecutter Hollermyway-ET. 

She won the 2022/23 Holstein Friesian South Island Junior Champion title with a strong, capacious Moovin heifer, Maylea Moovin Ekko. 

“We breed cows that fit into our system, and they need to wear their working clothes during the day,” Kate says. “It is a bonus if they look good in the showring.” 

Kate is indeed comfortable in the showring, as both a competitor and a judge.  

She first became an Associate Judge at 16-years-old, and a Senior Judge six years ago. She judged the 2024 NZ DairyEvent Youth Show, and also won the Pitcairns Trophy at 17 years old. 

“Judging is something I really enjoy,” Kate says. “Spending a day looking at cows is a day well spent in my book.” 

She was also part of the New Zealand team that attended the 2023 European Young Breeders School in Belgium. 

“It was a great experience; I loved the opportunity,” Kate says. 

Kate says she and Carlo often take a close look at their farming goals, and how they are going to get there. 

“It is our ultimate goal to call a few hectares ours and put our herd on it,” she says. “That’s the end goal – and we have wee goals along the way to get to it. 

“The ‘how’ is the important part of reaching a goal, and that is why we have stepping-stones in place to get there, such as taking on a new contract milking job and growing our stud numbers. 

“We are careful when choosing replacement cattle, and we consistently take part in courses, workshops and learning days to upskills ourselves.” 

Kate says she has a deep love for the Holstein Friesian breed. 

“It’s a breed you can fit into any system,” she says. “There is such a large genetic pool available that you can tailor the Holstein Friesian cow to suit you, whether you are farming in high or low input systems, grass or barn. 

“They are beautiful animals that produce well in both milksolids and protein. They do a great job feeding our country.” 

Kate also has an appreciation of the Holstein Friesian community in New Zealand. 

“There is such a great sense of community between Holstein Friesian breeders throughout the country, and the Association,” she says. “There is an element of relatability and a great sense of connection. And there are so many opportunities within HFNZ for networking and upskilling.” 

There’s no doubt Kate will be propelled further into leadership roles, her passion for the dairy industry perfectly embodied by her parting wisdom:  

“If you are going to get up at 4am, make sure you are getting up for something you love.”