Shepparton farmer Rohan Sprunt both Jersey and Holstein master breeder

Is Rohan Sprunt the only dairy farmer in Australia to hold both a Jersey and Holstein master breeder title?

Dairy farmer Rohan Sprunt at Kaarimba. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Jersey cattle are master milkers from the Channel Islands while Holsteins hail from their namesake German province.

But on Rohan Sprunt’s Kaarimba farm in northern Victoria, there’s little geographic separation between the best of both breeds.

Alongside brother Graeme, the Sprunts have established Kaarmona Holsteins and Jerseys as a breeding force to be reckoned with on 240ha north of Shepparton.

They were recognised in 2018 as master breeders of Holsteins and then last year, added the equivalent Jersey accolade.

“It’s something we’ve been working at for a long time. Now that we’re also noted as Jersey master breeders, I understand we’re the only (farmers) in Australia to have master breeder recognition for both breeds,” Mr Sprunt said.

The Sprunts have established Kaarmona Holsteins and Jerseys as a breeding force to be reckoned with. Picture: Zoe Phillips

The partnership began by leasing their family farm in 1994, then purchasing the operation in 2000.

They focus on building productivity and ideal type in both Holsteins and Jerseys, while mixing milk in the vat to deliver fat content in line with market demands.

“Going back 30 years, the operation was 70 per cent Holstein and 30 per cent Jersey.

“A few years ago, we got it to 65 per cent Jersey and 35 per cent Holstein because the industry was paying more for fat. Now, we’re close to 50 per cent Jersey, 50 per cent Holstein. Our aim has been to capitalise on the best of both breeds, keeping the bloodlines pure but then getting the right mix of milk in the vat.”

Kaarmona was started in 1965 by Rohan’s parents John and Jennifer. It was named from their home farm location at Kaarimba and where John grew up in Ardmona.

Fourth generation farmers, Rohan and his brother Graeme leased the farm from their mother in 1994 to start their business venture and later bought the property in 2000.