Situated in South West Victoria, Cairnbrae Jerseys was founded in 1946 by William and Marabel Carson with foundation cows inherited from Marabel’s parents Maxon Jersey Stud. Sires from Melkshem and Maxon Studs were used until Elenko (which were rich in Glenmore and Big Hollow blood from New Zealand) were introduced in the late 50’s. This bloodline continued for the next 25 years along with a little A.I from VAB.
In 1976 their son Alan married Janine and together took charge of Cairnbrae. In 1983 two bulls were imported from New Zealand, one a son of Carrondale Apex Patrina and the other from Vinawa Regal Bernice, two of the elite cows in NZ at the time. These two sires laid a tremendous foundation for U.S.A genetics when they became available in the early 90’s. Sires such as Hermitage, Opportunity, Brigadier, Lester and Malcolm had an enormous influence on the Jersey Breed as well as Cairnbrae. Followed by sires Alf, Montana and Berretta, Cairnbrae Jerseys were taking giant steps in both type and production.
Many cow families exist within the herd, Pansy’s, Favourite’s, Daisy’s, Estelle’s to name a few. In the last decade Daisy’s have excelled in the show ring with Cairnbrae Montana Daisy winning Champion Cow at Melbourne Royal 2004 and reserve Champion at IDW on 2005. More recently the Estelle family have become one of the most highly regarded families Australia wide with many bulls entering A.I. programs. With Elton sitting at No. 2 Nationally. Since the introduction of genomic testing of young Sires for A.I. entry, Estelle bull calfs have become more prominent.
Estelle females are in enormous demand with Cairnbrae Flowers Estelle being No. 1 ASI Jersey cow nationally in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 with an ASI of 317.
In 1984 Alan became a Jersey Classifier which allowed him to travel all over Australia assessing Jersey Cows which gave him a greater insight into how Sires are breeding with different bloodlines.
We have used this knowledge to breed functional dairy cows that suit our environment with emphasis on deep bodied, wide chested cows with functional udders. We have never tried to breed a show cow but when a good cow comes along we give her the opportunity to compete in the show ring.
Cairnbrae Jerseys classify twice yearly and currently have over 100 cows in the herd scoring 90 points or more and have had cows score as high as 94 points.
In 2009 Cairnbrae entered a JD program inoculating all calves with a drug call Silirum that we believe will in time go a long way towards eradicating JD in this country.
