Islandview Holsteins

Proof That Purebred Holsteins Can Thrive on Pasture-Based Systems

Sustainable Dairy Farming with Purebred Holsteins
Islandview Holsteins, located in Zuney, Eastern Cape, is living proof that purebred Holsteins can excel on a pasture-based system. The farm, run by Ian Bakkes and his sons, Henk and Evert, has been dedicated to a sustainable, pasture-based approach, showing that high-performing dairy production can indeed be achieved without relying on grain-heavy diets. A standout cow, 11061, has become a testament to this success.

Islandview Holsteins: A Pasture-Based Success Story
This dryland farm, blessed with stunning ocean views from its pastures, has created an ideal environment for its herd. Islandview Holsteins’ cows are fed exclusively on dryland pasture, concentrates in parlour and grass silage, which includes wrapped bales of Rhodes grass and Kikuyu grass. The results speak for themselves, particularly with Cow 11061, a 13-year-old Trigger, 29HO13846 LARS-ACRES SHOT TRIGGER-ET daughter who has completed her 10th lactation and is now pregnant with her 11th calf.

Lifetime Production History For Cow 11061

Cow 11061: A Champion on Pasture and in the Dairy
Cow 11061 has achieved remarkable production milestones, entering the elite club of cows that have produced over 100,000 litres of milk. Her total production currently stands at an impressive 117,535.80 litres. Although she was a late maturer, starting her first lactation at around 8,000 litres, she eventually found her stride, consistently averaging over 11,000 litres from her third lactation onwards. Her feeding regime includes 12 kg of concentrate when fresh, gradually reducing to 6 kg by late lactation.

The Role of GMS and ABS Genetics in Pasture-Based Dairy Farming
Islandview Holsteins has been part of the GMS (Genetic Management System) mating programme since 2002, with guidance from MC Steyn of ABS South Africa. Their herd build is 100% ABS progeny, carefully bred for pasture-based farming, demonstrating that, with the right genetics and management, Holsteins can not only survive but thrive in these conditions.

Achieving High Milk Production from Pasture-Only Systems
By carefully selecting and ranking cows according to the farm’s specific breeding goals, Islandview Holsteins has consistently exceeded its production targets. The farm’s focus on genetics and breeding has proven that even in a pasture-based system, cows like 11061 can deliver exceptional milk production without the need for high levels of grain supplements.

Tailoring Breeding Programs for Optimal Pasture-Based Performance
With over two decades of success behind them, Islandview Holsteins has shown that breeding and management strategies are key to maximising dairy production in pasture-based systems. By following expert advice and setting clear breeding goals, other dairy farmers can achieve similar success.

If you’re ready to improve your herd’s performance and embrace sustainable dairy farming, take the first step by consulting with an ABS breeding expert to create a programme tailored to your goals!