Waikato sharemilker launches ‘Tinder for cows’ using AI and breeding data
Waikato sharemilker Matthew Zonderop had no inkling that one day he would become a matchmaker for cows.
CRV Ambreed's highest ranked Jersey bull died this month. Pukeroa TGM Manzello produced 467 daughters in 173 herds in New Zealand alone. He died from a progressive illness.
Pukeroa TGM Manzello’s breeders, Alan and Vivian Lockwood-Geck, say “The thought of how many cows will not be inseminated by him over the next four to five years is a huge shame. He won’t be easy to replace in the short-term.”
Manzello in February 2013 hit the top of the RAS list. He has maintained a top spot on the list ever since, the company says.
Jersey New Zealand general manager Warwick Dowse says he was a star result from Jersey New Zealand and CRV Ambreed’s joint venture JerseyGenes.
“He will make a significant impact in New Zealand and abroad with sons coming into AI and daughters becoming the next generation of brood cows,” says Dowse.
In his first three years as a proven bull, CRV Ambreed sold 250,000 doses, which CRV Global grazing product manager Peter van Elzakker says is extraordinary for a Jersey sire. He has also been sold in Australia, USA, South Africa, UK, Ireland, Switzerland, France, Denmark, Chile, Columbia and Argentina.
“Manzello was frequently selected by farmers to improve the overall productivity, longevity and fertility of their herds. His daughters are well-liked and demonstrate good conformation and great shed traits,” said van Elzakker.
Holstein Friesian excellence was front and centre at the 2025 Holstein Friesian NZ (HFNZ) Awards, held recently in Invercargill.
The work Fonterra has done with Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd, LIC and Ravensdown to save farmers time through better data connections has been recognised with a national award.
This past week has seen another round of negotiations between India and New Zealand to produce a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries.
Cautiously optimistic is how DairyNZ's regional manager for the lower North Island, Mark Laurence describes the mood of farmers in his patch.
The Infrastructure Commission has endorsed a plan by Chorus to expand fibre broadband to 95% of New Zealand much to the delight of rural women.
Questions are being raised about just how good the state of the dairy industry is - especially given that the average farmgate payout for the coming season is set to exceed $10/kgMS.
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