South Canterbury farmers Philip and Julia Harrison aren’t just focused on breeding top-performing cows – they’re focused on building a legacy.
Contract milking 450 cows (and moving to 570 cows this year), the Harrisons have spent decades investing in elite dairy genetics. Dairy runs deep in the family; Philip’s grandfather was a farmer, and his father before him farmed sheep, before the family committed fully to dairy 30 years ago.
Now, as they prepare to shift farms, they’re doing something bold.
On 26 March 2026, Harrison Farms will host their first-ever Dairy Genetic Sale, and it’s set to make waves.
Sale details
- Date: 26 March 2026
- Location: As part of the Topcross Limited Edition Sale
- Offering: 26 elite crossbred lots, including embryo packages
- Donation: 5% of sale proceeds split between Meet the Need and Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand
Arguably One of the Strongest BW Groups Ever Offered
The sale will be part of the Topcross Limited Edition Sale, showcasing 26 elite lots – described as arguably the highest Breeding Worth (BW) group of crossbreds to sell in New Zealand to date.
“We’ve spent a lot of money on the genetics for quite a few years now,” Philip explains. “Because we’re moving farms, we thought it’s time to sell a few and also get our genetics out there. We’ll also include some embryo packages.”
This is not just another on-farm sale, it’s a rare opportunity to access some of the country’s most elite crossbred genetics.
But what makes this sale even more significant is what sits behind it.
Elite Genetics with Purpose
Five percent of proceeds from the 26 March sale will be donated, split evenly between Meet the Need and Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand.
For the Harrisons, supporting Meet the Need felt like a natural fit. Philip had seen the charity’s work online and had it in the back of his mind as an option for farmers wanting to support a relevant charity.
“We just wanted to support a rural charity,” he says. “We thought it would be well aligned to give something in association with the farming community.”
Julia agrees. Giving isn’t a one-off gesture, it’s part of who they are.
“We make donations to charities already, it’s part of who we are to make sure a certain part of what we do goes back into the community. I’m a volunteer firefighter – we like to support our community.”
Meet the Need General Manager, Zellara Holden, says the Harrisons’ decision to link their genetics sale with Meet the Need reflects the heart of the farming community.
“Philip and Julia are showing how farmers can turn their success into real, practical support for families who are doing it tough. By backing Meet the Need through this sale, they’re helping us get more quality protein to foodbanks and community organisations across the country – and we hope their leadership inspires others to look at how they can weave giving into their own business milestones.”
Farming Is Inherently Part of New Zealand
For Philip and Julia, farming isn’t just a business, it’s woven into the fabric of the country. “Farming is such a large part of the community. We see it as being inherently part of NZ,” Philip says.
“Our staff are Kiwis and New Zealand is a wonderful country to farm in and do business in – and it’s about taking those opportunities and sharing what we have with others who may not be as fortunate.”
At a time when parts of the farming sector are performing strongly, they believe it’s important to recognise that not all Kiwis are experiencing the same prosperity.
“It may be a good time to be in farming,” Philip says. “But other people throughout New Zealand may not be doing so well. It’s a good time for us to rally around.”
A Charity Built for Farmers
One of the reasons the Harrisons chose Meet the Need is simple:
“It’s set up for farmers to donate to, and it’s good to get that visibility for farmers.”
It’s practical, it’s aligned, and it keeps farmers at the heart of the solution.
A Call to the Industry
Farming in New Zealand often happens under pressure – regulatory, environmental and financial. Yet time and again, farmers show up for their communities.
Through this sale, Harrison Farms are demonstrating that giving back can be woven into commercial milestones, even something as significant as a high-level genetic dispersal – Elite genetics, strong breeding worth, and meaningful impact beyond the farm gate.
On 26 March 2026, buyers won’t just be investing in some of the country’s best crossbred genetics, they’ll be contributing to Kiwi families and communities at the same time.
Because for the Harrisons, success isn’t just measured in BW. It’s measured in the difference you can make beyond the farm gate.
