Friday, 15 December 2023 08:55

Genetics landscape is evolving

Written by  Staff Reporters
Mark Townshend Mark Townshend

New Zealand's genetics landscape will continue to evolve, says outgoing New Zealand Animal Evaluation Ltd (NZAEL) chair Mark Townshend.

The Ngatea-based dairy farmer says any changes need to be robust enough to be fit for purpose in the long term – and should consider what is best for dairy farmers.

Townshend stepped down as NZAEL chair end of last month, after three years in the role.

NZAEL is a DairyNZ subsidiary and the industry good organisation responsible for ensuring New Zealand’s rates of genetic gain are internationally competitive.

DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel says Townshend’s leadership, hard work and commitment has been greatly appreciated.

“Mark has extensive farming and dairy cattle breeding experience, along with dairy sector governance skills, which have enabled him to provide invaluable guidance and support to the NZAEL board in his capacity as chair. We thank him for his exceptional service and wish him all the best for the future.”

During his tenure as chair, Townshend has also engaged with sector experts and partners to successfully progress the development of NZAEL’s Breeding Worth (BW) to include genomics for bulls. This is expected to be available to the sector in mid-2024.

Other achievements during his time with NZAEL include updating the animal evaluation model and several traits that make up BW.

Townshend is stepping down due to his other commitments and interests in New Zealand and internationally – and to spend more time with his family. He will continue to support the sector as a strong voice for farmers in animal genetics.

The process for appointing a new chair will be worked through over the next 6-12 months, while an independent working group also reviews best practice in genetic gain across the sector. DairyNZ board will manage the chair appointment process.

NZAEL board member and Analytica Laboratories executive director Steve Howse will be the acting chair until a formal appointment has been made. Howse is an experienced director in the commercial science, agribusiness, technology and education sectors, says DairyNZ.

More like this

Protecting native birds from avian influenza

With the global spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) making headlines around the world, the Department of Conservation (DoC) is taking steps to secure the safety of several endangered bird species that call New Zealand home.

Bluetongue on the march

While unrecorded in New Zealand, Bluetongue, an acute viral disease in ruminants, is endemic in tropical and sub-tropical climates.

Cultivating successful cow families

Michael and Cherie Berkers’ Holstein Friesian herd exemplifies how breeders can consistently develop successful cow families by seizing opportunities for improvement year after year.

Featured

New ag degrees at Massey

Changing skill demands and new job opportunities in the primary sector have prompted Massey University to create a new degree course and add a significant major into another in 2025.

The show is on!

It was bringing in a new Canterbury A&P Association (CAPA) show board, more in tune with the CAPA general committee, that has ensured that Christchurch will have a show this year, says CAPA general committee president Bryce Murray.

Forestry cuts into stock numbers

There is an urgent need for the Government to put a limit on the sale of farms for forestry - particularly for carbon farming.

National

'Quite a journey'

Former Synlait chief executive Grant Watson says the past two years have been quite the journey.

DairyNZ levy to increase?

Retiring chair Jim van der Poel has used his final AGM to announce the intention to increase the DairyNZ farmer…

Former Fonterra CEO dies

Former Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings passed away in the Netherlands over the weekend.

Machinery & Products

Milk Sustainability Centre launched

The recently announced Milk Sustainability Centre – a collaboration between global giant John Deere and milking and feed specialists De…

Data connection made easier

New Holland and Case IH are introducing new advancements in their precision technology stack to make farming easier and more…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Feed from farmers

OPINION: The country's dairy farmers will now also have a hand in providing free lunch for schools.

Brighter future

OPINION: The abrupt departure of Synlait chief executive Grant Watson could be a sign that Chinese company Bright Dairy, the…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter