Beef Progeny Test 2025: Genetic insights for NZ beef industry
At Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri, mating has wrapped up at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test.
The first calves of a new crossbred dairy-beef offering are now on the ground at a Pamu (Landcorp) farm near Taupo.
The state-owned enterprise and LIC are set to deliver a new dairy-beef product to market in 2026, designed to benefit dairy farmers, calf rearers, beef finishers and processors.
The Synergizer brand brings together the very best of Stabilizer® and Charolais genetics, developed in collaboration with Pamu subsidiary Focus Genetics. The breeding programme focused on key traits including short gestation, ease of calving and rearing, strong growth and meat quality.
Mark Leslie Pamu chief executive says Synergizer represents the power of collaboration and the potential of New Zealand agriculture when we work together.
“By combining genetics expertise, farming knowledge, and a shared vision, we’re creating a solution that will deliver long-term benefits across the entire dairy-beef value chain and build resilience, productivity and sustainability for future generations of farmers."
LIC chief executive David Chin says the launch of Synergizer marks an important milestone in the co-operative’s dairy-beef journey.
“Synergizer is an exciting step forward for LIC as we continue to invest in dairy-beef genetics that give farmers confidence. Backed by world-class science, robust data and rigorous progeny testing, Synergizer has been developed to deliver a reliable, profitable and sustainable option for dairy-beef systems.”
The first frozen semen inseminations will be available in limited quantities from spring next year, with liquid insemination available from spring 2027.
More about Synergizer
Synergizer bulls have been developed to produce calves with the following characteristics:
Legal controls on the movement of fruits and vegetables are now in place in Auckland’s Mt Roskill suburb, says Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North Mike Inglis.
Arable growers worried that some weeds in their crops may have developed herbicide resistance can now get the suspected plants tested for free.
Fruit growers and exporters are worried following the discovery of a male Queensland fruit fly in Auckland this week.
Dairy prices have jumped in the overnight Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction, breaking a five-month negative streak.
Alliance Group chief executive Willie Wiese is leaving the company after three years in the role.
A booklet produced in 2025 by the Rotoiti 15 trust, Department of Conservation and Scion – now part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute – aims to help people identify insect pests and diseases.