Fond farewell to breeders
The 2023 Holstein Friesian sales season has marked the end of an era for not one, but seven established Holstein Friesian studs.
The general manager of New Zealand’s largest dairy breed association, Holstein Friesian NZ, has been appointed President of the World Holstein Friesian Federation (WHFF) Council.
Cherilyn Watson, who has been general manager of Holstein Friesian NZ for 17 years, will be the first female president in the Federation’s 45-year history.
The Federation is responsible for improving, promoting and developing the Holstein Friesian breed across the globe.
Holstein Friesian NZ president Hennie Verwaayen says Watson’s appointment as president is recognition of how far the breed society has come in New Zealand and proof that New Zealand was producing some of the best leaders in the field.
“For a little country at the bottom of the world, I think Cherilyn’s appointment shows we can and are footing it with the best in the dairy industry,” says Verwaayen.
Watson says she is honoured to accept the role and is looking forward to working with the WHFF Council and members to lead the Federation through an ever-changing world from the global pandemic to the environmental challenges facing all dairy farmers.
“New Zealand farmers are facing similar issues to dairy farmers around the world, from managing our social licence to operate, to addressing environmental challenges. I’m looking forward to working with the Council and continuing to both facilitate discussion and help address those challenges.”
She says one of the biggest challenges currently facing the New Zealand dairy industry is the development of genomics and the ownership of genomic information for the national herd.
“Overseas the development of genomic testing has already led to more structured breeding decisions about the type of cows farmers both want and need to breed. In New Zealand, we haven’t quite got there yet because there is currently no one industry good source of genomic data.”
Watson takes over from Jos Buiting who will remain as a Federation Council member.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.