Orford Celebrates a Record-Breaking Cow's Legacy

Three and a half decades ago, Orford, New Hampshire, was home to a remarkable cow named Tullando Royalty Maxima. This cow, owned by the Tullar family of Tullando Farm, became famous for breaking milk production records that had stood for 18 years. In 1993, Maxima produced 58,923 pounds of milk in a year, equivalent to about 6,900 gallons, capturing the attention of the dairy industry across the United States and Canada.

The community of Orford celebrated Maxima's achievements with a festival that included barbecue, free ice cream, wagon rides, barn tours, and speeches by dignitaries. The event, called 'Maxima's Milky Way,' drew hundreds of attendees, showcasing the strong community spirit and pride in the local bovine hero.

Maxima was not initially seen as extraordinary, lacking a distinguished pedigree and showing no early signs of her future productivity. However, her unique personality and behavior made her a standout at Tullando Farm. Despite efforts to transmit her genetic traits to future generations, her daughters did not match her milk-producing capabilities.

The advancements in dairy farming, including genomics and feed science, have since continued to push productivity higher. Today, the average Holstein cow produces significantly more milk than in Maxima's time.

In 2014, Tullando Farm underwent significant changes with the installation of robotic milking machines, enhancing efficiency and reducing labor. This progression reflects the ongoing evolution of dairy farming practices, as seen in the Upper Valley region.

Rendy Tullar, the current manager of Tullando Farm, emphasizes a balanced approach to milk production, focusing on maintaining the genetic potential of the herd without excessive pressure. The farm remains a leading example of productivity in the dairy industry.

Maxima's legacy endures in Orford, with community members fondly recalling the festivities and the sense of unity that her achievements brought to the town.