Sonia Harris, of Kakapuaka near Balclutha, won the best overall and rising 2-year-old categories at the 2026 South Otago A&P Society dairy heifer competition on March 27.
The in-calf heifers were mostly pure Holstein Friesian.
All of their milking herd had been sold.
‘‘This is the last of our dairy heifers and we are proud they have been recognised.’’
Ms Harris farms with her son Macleod Glaister.
The family sold their 142ha dairy farm The Groyne in June last year, ending more than 25 years of dairy farming in South Otago.
‘‘We have done our time in dairying.’’
About 420 cows were milked at peak production.
They would continue to live and farm on the 336ha dry stock run-off block, Rosebank farm.
‘‘We are happy here, it is a really good spot. I enjoy Kakapuaka and where the farm lies,’’ Ms Harris said.
The plan was to buy and finish dairy beef bull calves, contract graze dairy heifers, produce silage and baleage for sale and winter dairy cattle on crop.
The future land-use on Rosebank would be similar to when it was used as a support block for The Groyne.
‘‘We are sticking to our knitting.’’
She kept a dozen dairy cows to rear calves.
A small flock of ewes and lambs were also run on Rosebank.
‘‘We like the breeding side of it.’’
When she won the heifer competition, she felt like calling her late parents, Russell and Joan, to tell them.
‘‘I still miss them. My first thought was to ring dad and he’s been gone about six years. He would be so proud.’’
She was born and raised on a sheep and beef farm in Tahakopa, southwest of Owaka.
Her love for farming comes from her parents.
‘‘I’m very proud of my roots.’’
Brendon Morrison, of Inch Clutha, won the rising yearling category.
Ms Harris’ heifers progress to the next round of judging for the Otago and Southland final.
The winner will be announced next week.
