Respected farmer rewarded for effort

Boyanup dairy farmer Ray Kitchen has been recognised for his contribution to the dairy industry and for his work with cattle breeding for Holstein Australia.

Mr Kitchen said “it was about the first time I have won anything”.

Mr Kitchen received the Holstein Australia Distinguished Service Award for putting the interests of the breed first and his credibility in the industry.

“Each animal has the ability to give so much fat and protein and we are focusing on breeding the top genetics in that area,” he said.

“The better our cow’s conformation is, it gives the ability to last longer and produce more milk for longer. We are trying to breed for functional conformation.

“We’re focusing very much on the top end of the genetics and we are doing embryo transfer work which is very expensive, a commercial farmer wouldn’t be worried about that.”

Holstein Australia president David Johnston said Mr Kitchen was a well-deserving recipient of the award, having held positions at sub-branch, State and Federal levels of Holstein Australia for more than a couple of decades.

“He is known for his independent thinking and always putting the best interests of the association and breed first,” Mr Johnston said.

“Ray Kitchen’s fellow Holstein enthusiasts describe him as a man of quiet and astute demeanour, respected for his integrity.”

Mr Kitchen exhibits at Perth Royal, Busselton, Brunswick and Harvey shows, and mentors and encourages young dairy farmers.

His herd is widely recognised as one of the best performing in the country in terms of genetic merit.