LIC reports 18% increase in beef straws used in dairy cows this spring
The number of beef straws going into dairy cows is on the increase, according to LIC beef genetics product lead Paul Charteris.
LIC says its new partnership with a global cow health company is growing the business and providing New Zealand farmers more choice.
The co-op is partnering with the cow monitoring and milking intelligence company SCR.
Under a distribution agreement, SCR, recently acquired by Allflex Group, will distribute the LIC’s DAL milking sensors internationally and LIC will in New Zealand distribute SCR’s cow reproduction and health monitoring system Heatime.
LIC chief executive Wayne McNee says the partnership is part of the co-op’s strategy to grow the business overseas and provide New Zealand dairy farmers with more choice.
“SCR is a world-leading provider of cow intelligence systems… [improving] farm efficiency worldwide. This agreement aligns with… our focus on key international markets that will add value for shareholders in New Zealand.
“DAL sensors are highly regarded in New Zealand for measuring milk volume, fat, protein, lactose and somatic cell counts during milking.
“The SCR Heatime system will add to our range of herd improvement and animal management solutions.”
LIC and SCR already see four markets for DAL meters. SCR’s Heatime will be available to New Zealand dairy farmers from LIC, with its Protrack farm automation systems.
Heatime collects and analyses critical data points, from activity to rumination, on each cow, delivering heat, health and nutrition insight.
Shane McManaway, general manager Allflex Australasia, said the linking of “three world leaders in their respective fields… provides synergies and opportunities not seen before”.
Yariv Avisar, chief executive SCR, says the partnership will support growth in both global businesses.
“It is our vision to secure dairy farming’s future by monitoring every cow. We are delighted to work with LIC and their New Zealand farmers.”
Ashburton cropping and dairy farmer Matthew Paton has been elected to the board of rural services company, Ruralco.
The global agricultural landscape has entered a new phase where geopolitics – not only traditional market forces – will dictate agricultural trade flows, prices, and production decisions.
National Lamb Day is set to return in 2026 with organisers saying the celebrations will be bigger than ever.
Fonterra has dropped its forecast milk price mid-point by 50c as a surge in global milk production is putting downward pressure on commodity prices.
The chance of a $10-plus milk price for this season appears to be depleting.
Keep focused on things that can be controlled on farm.