Rob Gundry, owner of Gunwilla Park Holsteins in Gunbower, has been awarded the prestigious title of Master Breeder, a recognition of his decades-long commitment to dairy farming and breeding excellence. This achievement marks a significant milestone in a journey that began in the early 1980s, when Rob purchased two young cows for a total of $1,500 from local breeder Ron Crossman.
Reflecting on that pivotal moment, Rob noted, “I paid $750 for each of them, and it was a lot of money back then, but they were good cows, and I couldn’t believe how tall and dairy they were.” At that time, Rob was working with his father, Winston, milking a mixed herd that combined various breeds. Inspired by Crossman’s forward-thinking approach and the use of American and Canadian genetics, Rob decided to invest in his own herd, eventually registering it through the appendix system with the help of Holstein Australia.
Over the years, Rob has been actively involved with the North West Sub-Branch, seeking out quality cattle at various sales, including International Dairy Week and on-farm sales at Clydevale, Gorbro, and Elmar. His targeted approach has led to the development of several successful cow families, such as the Barbies, Randells, and Lillys. One notable acquisition was Woodlawn Fever Randell, purchased from Flannigans in Finley approximately ten years ago. Rob described her as a “great family” member, emphasizing her dairy strength despite not being large in size.
Another significant purchase has been Atwood Lilly Pilly, whose Jagger daughter is currently featured in the National Herd sire catalogue. The Barbie family, known for its exceptional quality, has also contributed to the success of Rob’s herd. Notably, Gunwilla Fredia Medallion, his first cow to classify as excellent, achieved first place in a four-year-old sub-branch on-farm challenge in 2015 and secured second place in Victoria that same year.
As he reflects on his journey, Rob acknowledges the critical role education has played in his development as a breeder. “I come from a commercial background, and like most people, we just used to put the cups on and milk the cows,” he explained. His understanding of confirmation and classification deepened when classifiers pointed out details he had previously overlooked. He credits early mentors such as Adam Dee, Jeff Harrower, and Richard Anderson for their willingness to share knowledge and guidance.
Receiving the Master Breeder award this year came as a surprise to Rob, who stated, “Everyone knew about it except for me, but it is a great recognition for a lifetime of dedication to breeding.” Although initially skeptical, he is now exploring genomic testing for his calves in collaboration with Jo Holloway from Semex. Rob hopes this will enhance the marketability of their young stock, as he has been selling around 50 in-calf heifers to farmers over the past year.
Currently, Rob and his wife, Suz, manage a herd of 530 cows across 810 hectares of owned and leased land. He has no plans to expand further, expressing satisfaction with their current herd size. Rob credits his success to strategic land purchases and high-security water shares, which have allowed him to grow his dairy business.
Rob noted that building a rotary dairy system was a significant turning point, enabling them to manage their workload more effectively. “I would much rather spend time working with cows than be sitting on a tractor,” he remarked.
His passion for dairy farming began at a young age, as he obtained his AI ticket at just 17 years old. This lifelong interest in breeding continues to motivate him. “There is nothing more rewarding than watching cows you have bred and looked after find their way into the herd,” he concluded.
As Rob Gundry reflects on his journey from humble beginnings to Master Breeder, his story serves as an inspiring testament to dedication and passion within the dairy farming community.
