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SOME OF THE country's top bulls were reunited with their breeders last week, at a special event to celebrate their contribution to New Zealand's dairy herd in 2013.
About 120 breeders from all over the country attended LIC's Premier Sires Breeders' Day (April 15) at its Newstead headquarters, after supplying a bull calf to the cooperative which went on to form part of the 2013/2014 team of elite bulls for artificial breeding.
LIC director and Jersey breeder, Murray Jagger, welcomed the distinguished guests and expressed his envy, as many other farmers would, of their achievement and efforts in breeding such elite animals.
"I have strived for many years to breed a bull worthy of selection to Premier Sires so I am extremely envious that you have achieved that benchmark.
"You have the distinction of belonging to a unique group of farmers who breed bulls good enough to bear the Premier Sires title and LIC is immensely proud of our relationship we share with you.
"You can all take pride in knowing that your excellence in farming ability and animal breeding is making an enduring difference and improving the prosperity on the dairy farm, the industry as a whole and to the New Zealand economy.
"There is huge satisfaction in being part of a cooperative which creates value and prosperity not just for today's farmers, but for future generations, and we could not do it without you; today we celebrate that pinnacle of achievement, and you can be very proud that," says Jagger.
Premier Sires bull teams, both daughter proven and genomically selected, sire three out of four dairy cows in New Zealand – contributing around $300 million each year to the economy, or more than $17 billion since LIC began artificial breeding services began in the 1950s.
LIC's general manager of genetics, Peter Gatley says Breeders' Day is a very special day on LIC's calendar, as an event which celebrates a unique group of farmers whose expertise as breeders deserves commendation.
"Premier Sires are responsible for producing the next generation of high genetic merit, high performing dairy animals," says Gatley.
"With the dairy industry accounting for somewhere in the region of 40% of New Zealand's GDP, our Premier Sires breeders make a real difference not only to dairy farmers throughout the country but the country as a whole."
The full-day event also included a tour of LIC's bull barn, a bull parade, presentation of certificates and photos to each breeder and an overview about the co-operative's new strategy from chief executive Wayne McNee.
LIC chief executive David Chin says meeting the revised methane reduction targets will rely on practical science, smart technology, and genuine collaboration across the sector.
Opening a new $3 million methane research barn in Waikato this month, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay called on the dairy sector to “go as fast as you can and prove the concepts”.
The Government has announced it has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research.
The first calves of a new crossbred dairy-beef offering are now on the ground at a Pamu (Landcorp) farm near Taupo.
Academic and former Fonterra director Nicola Shadbolt has been elected as LIC director.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
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