The Kaarmona Holstein and Jersey stud is hosting the first stage of a major dispersal sale this month. Rohan Sprunt co-owns the stud, alongside his brother Graeme Sprunt.
Photo by
Nicholas Spandler
One of Australia’s most respected dual-breed dairy operations is closing a long chapter, with the Kaarmona Holstein and Jersey stud hosting the first stage of a complete dispersal, after more than a century on the same property.
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For owner Rohan Sprunt, the decision comes with mixed feelings, but a clear sense that the time is right.
The farm has been in the family since 1874 and has never changed hands, making this a significant moment for several generations.
“Mum will come out, so that’ll be pretty emotional for her,” Mr Sprunt said.
“She doesn’t really want to see the farm go, but we’ve just about had enough, I think.”
The Kaarmona stud is the only herd to achieve Master Breeder status in both Holstein and Jersey cattle. Pictured is a Holstein named Kaarmona Silver Jackie 38.
Photo by
Nicholas Spandler
After decades building the herd, Mr Sprunt said stepping back was a practical decision.
He and his brother Graeme have run the operation together for 32 years, and the move reflects both the physical demands of the job and the reality of time catching up.
Despite that, the attachment to the cattle remains.
“I’ll be following every individual animal because they’re my babies,” he said.
Kaarmona has long been a recognised name in the dairy industry, built on a consistent focus on breeding and performance.
It remains the only herd in Australia to achieve Master Breeder status in both Holstein and Jersey cattle.
The Jersey herd was established in the 1960s by John and Jennifer Sprunt, forming the base for what would become a well-regarded bloodline.
Holsteins were added in the 1990s, with similar success, including high-performing cows and influential sires.
The dispersal sale’s auctioneer Brian Leslie called it a “once in a lifetime opportunity” for buyers to add to their herd.
Photo by
Nicholas Spandler
Over time, the herd’s influence has extended well beyond the farm.
Kaarmona-bred bulls have been widely used in artificial insemination programs, and the prefix is well known to dairy producers across the country.
Iconic names such as Cardinal, Cargold, Valerian and Gainful reflect the consistency of the breeding program over many years.
While the herd itself will now move on, the work done at Kaarmona will continue to show up in herds around Australia.
For the Sprunt family, it marks the end of their time milking cows on a large-scale, but not their connection to what they’ve built over generations.
The Numurkah Rotary Club was on-site providing catering for the event, courtesy of the Sprunt family.
Photo by
Nicholas Spandler
Elders Real Estate Deniliquin and Gagliardi Scott Real Estate will host a clearing sale on-site on Wednesday, May 20.
