Fewer bobby calves as dairy farmers shift to beef breeding
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
LEADING providers of bovine genetics Alta and CRV have agreed to collaborate in their North American Holstein genetic programs.
The cooperation offers economies of scale resulting in greater volumes and higher quality of genetics on the US base with the end product being a greater output of high GTPI (trademark) bulls, the two companies say. The portfolio will become strong and more varied.
But both organisations will retain their own identity and continue to make genetic selections based on their own breeding philosophy.
The collaboration between Alta and CRV is an extension and enhancement of their current genetic programs in North America.
"Through the partnership we can strengthen our portfolio of top end GTPI bulls both inside and outside the United States," says CRV executive director operations and development Ate Lindeboom. "Alta and CRV will do this from their own vision of breeding and with mutual respect. This alliance will strengthen our ambitions."
Alta chief operating officer Paul Hunt says collaboration enables both companies to make additional investments in genetics. "The results of this collaboration will allow Alta to continue providing unrivaled genetic quality and value to their clients globally."
Alta and CRV will immediately start scale-up of this joint breeding activity.
Effective from 1 January 2026, there will be three new grower directors on the board of the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR).
The National Wild Goat Hunting Competition has removed 33,418 wild goats over the past three years.
New Zealand needs a new healthcare model to address rising rates of obesity in rural communities, with the current system leaving many patients unable to access effective treatment or long-term support, warn GPs.
Southland farmers are being urged to put safety first, following a spike in tip offs about risky handling of wind-damaged trees
Third-generation Ashburton dairy farmers TJ and Mark Stewart are no strangers to adapting and evolving.
When American retail giant Cosco came to audit Open Country Dairy’s new butter plant at the Waharoa site and give the green light to supply their American stores, they allowed themselves a week for the exercise.

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