New Zealand’s second oldest Ayrshire stud Kenmure Stud and Farm can be found at Inglewood, Taranaki. The 84 ha (effective) Ayrshire dairy farm was founded by James (Jim) Gordon who moved to New Zealand from Kenmure Terrace, Dumfries, Scotland in 1927, bought the farm in 1933, and married his wife Daisy the following year.
The stud and farm are named in honour of Jim’s address in Scotland. The farm is positioned with stunning views of Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Taranaki.
Kenmure Farm has been managed by Daphne Gordon since 2009. Daphne is a 100% sharemilker – with the farmland leased from her parents Lois and Ellis Gordon, and an additional 49 ha from a neighbouring farm.
Daphne is the third generation to care for the Ayrshire stud and farm, extending her grandparents legacy. Gordon milks 230 Ayrshire cows and sends young stock off for grazing from 6 months of age, with milk sold to Fonterra, and a local breeder regularly buying cattle.
Daphne Gordon’s grandfather Jim established the Kenmure Ayrshire Stud when he bought three Ayrshire cows in 1938 – two from the Edendale Stud and one from the Glenorchy Stud, followed by one bull from the Glenorchy Stud, and one bull from the Burnside Stud.
All animals in the current herd can be traced back to these original animals via the Ayrshire New Zealand annual Herd Book.
Daphne states, “I’m here as I want to keep my grandparents legacy alive”. Daphne is passionate about her beloved Ayrshire herd. The Scottish cattle breed is known for their unique genetics – with a red and white coat and a strong genetic predisposition for longevity and efficient milk production providing milk with a high protein and fat content. Daphne muses: “The Ayrshire cows have a good temperament and are placid animals. They are hardy and cope with the cold.
They are good scavengers. All have a personality – there are cows that want cuddles and some that want a pat before they go into the cowshed. People that have them are passionate about them”.
Gordon’s two sons Hamish and Alistair help out at Kenmure Farm on the weekends, and daughter Robyn – who lives in Hamilton with her partner and two children – helps occasionally on long weekends. Robyn used to show the cows at local A&P shows.
Daphne says: “I’ve been brought up on the farm. I’ve always had Ayrshire cows as pets. I just love them!”. Over the years the Kenmure Ayrshire stud has been a top breeding herd in Taranaki winning many awards. Awards include the Ayrshire New Zealand On Farm Challenge – winning 2nd place in multiple categories including Progeny and Team from 2019 until 2022, and 3rd to 6th in multiple categories in 2025. Kenmure has also had multiple annual wins in Top BW Herd Ward 5 from Ayrshire New Zealand from 2012 until 2021. Additionally, back in 2007 Kenmure won 2nd and 3rd in the Taranaki Ayrshire Club.
Kenmure Farm purchases unproven bulls and proven sires from Ayrshire NZ Semayr Breeding Services. Ayrshire NZ Semayr Breeding Services assess future offspring against a list of ideal animal traits with inspectors that come and assess whether the bull is proven when the calf is two years old. Looking to the future Gordon says: “I’d like to one day own all of the leased land.
I hope that one of my kids will take over the farm – the kids have got to want to come home to the farm though. I’m planning on farming for five more years and then I’ll retire”.
Author: Nicki Woodlock
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Business Rural North – Spring 2025
