LIC extends New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards sponsorship
LIC has reaffirmed its sponsorship of the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) by signing up as a national sponsor for another three years.
LIC has purchased the majority interest of its Brazilian genetics distributor, NZ Brasil Genetics Producao Animal Ltd.
The joint venture (JV) includes exclusive supply of the farmer-owned cooperative’s dairy genetics for an initial period of 10 years, through a new entity called LIC NZBrasil.
LIC chief executive Wayne McNee says the co-op began exporting genetics to Brazil in 1999, but the new JV will seek to deliver a better return to farmer shareholders in New Zealand.
“Brazil is the fifth largest dairy industry in the world, with more than 23 million dairy cows. Huge growth is expected over the next 10 years and this presents a significant opportunity for LIC, and our shareholders.
“Our objective with the joint venture is to support the growth of Brazilian dairy industry, providing high quality genetics solutions to build a sustainable business that will generate a better return for LIC in New Zealand.”
Brazilian cow numbers are forecast to increase to 25 million by 2020, and annual production to surpass 38 billion litres. While the use of artificial insemination is low, about 20% of cows, it is growing, with the number of inseminations doubling since 2008.
Demand for pasture-based genetics and the progeny it delivers is also on the rise, reflecting a growing belief in the value of genetic improvement to drive productivity gains.
McNee says the JV supports LIC’s goal to be $1billion revenue cooperative by 2025.
“To achieve this goal, LIC needs to grow in New Zealand and overseas,” he says.
The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.
A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.
OPINION: The phasing out of copper network from communications is understandable.
Driven by a lifelong passion for animals, Amy Toughey's journey from juggling three jobs with full-time study to working on cutting-edge dairy research trials shows what happens when hard work meets opportunity - and she's only just getting started.
The New Zealand Fish & Game Council has announced a leadership change in an effort to provide strategic direction for the sector and support the implementation of proposed legislative changes.
AgFirst, New Zealand's largest independent agribusiness consultancy, is turning 30 - celebrating three decades of "trusted advice, practical solutions, and innovative thinking".
OPINION: Westland Milk may have won the contract to supply butter to Costco NZ but Open Country Dairy is having…
OPINION: The Gene Technology Bill has divided the farming community with strong arguments on both the pros and cons of…