In June 2001, Ayrshire New Zealand took on a 50/50 sharemilking contract on the Ace Farm near Stratford. In addition to the animals from the Ayrshire Open Nucleus Herd, the Association purchased and leased animals to make up a total herd of 230 cows.

The benefits of this enterprise are:

• a further opportunity to increase the rate of genetic gain of the breed.
• a place to farm all nucleus animals together
• an opportunity to increase stock numbers, increasing the Association's assets.
• Helping ensure the Association's future by bringing in income not derived from members, securing the long term viability of the Association.

In June 2008 the Association took moved the sharemilking herd to Clinton in South Otago, increasing the size of the herd to 450 cows.  The assistance of members in selling cows to the Association has made this possible.