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Hi Steve,
Thank you the great time in Jersey. It was good to return after my first visit in 2002. I know you are having an important debate on the Island around the importation of semen. I know it is a sensitive issue. As an outsider I would like to offer my observations of the cattle we saw.
The cows are not big. Although I saw some nice two year old heifers, by the time they are four or five year olds their udders had become very "loose" and they looked much older. This is very disapointing to me as I would like to go to the home of the breed and see some of the best Jerseys in the world. This sadly is not the case at present. In New Zealand cows have to walk large distances to pasture and yet they last in the herds for much longer than do Island cows.
I believe that the use of overseas genetics would greatly enhance the the future of your breed. With the use of the right bulls, and that is for Jersey Island to decide, I believe you would get an immediate gain both in conformation and longevity. It would not impare the purity of the Island cow as Jersey Island stock have been exported to all corners of the world and you would just be bringing some back home.
All the best for the future Say hi to Suzanne
Regards Des