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.
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:
Craighead Diocesan, Darfield High School and Christchurch Boys' High School took out the three age groups at the Canterbury Clash of the Colleges, which was held at the recent Ashburton A&P Show.
The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) is expanding its collaboration with TextileGenesis to deliver full traceability for 100% of ZQ certified wool and ZQRX regenerative wool.
According to Federated Farmers, Environment Southland has mishandled the consent process for Waituna Lagoon, leaving the community with numerous bad outcomes.
Metallica's charitable foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), teamed up with Meet the Need this week for a food packing event held at the New Zealand Food Network warehouse in Auckland.
After two years, Alliance Group has returned to profit.
According to Zespri's November forecast for the 2025/26 season, returns are likely to be up for all fruit groups compared to the last forecast in August.