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LIC says that by leveraging richer animal data in MINDA, it’s helping farmers maximise the genetic potential of their herds.
Two agritech companies have joined forces to help eliminate manual entry and save farmer time.
Gallagher has partnered with LIC to make year-round decision-making more targeted and end-of-season reporting easier.
They have launched a new data integration which automatically transfers farmer' live animal weighing data from Gallagher Animal Performance software directly into MINDA, eliminating manual entry and saving time. MINDA is farmer-owned co-operative LIC's cloud-based herd management system.
Weighing young stock provides valuable insights to help farmers optimise breeding and feeding decisions, whether animals stay in the herd or are part of a dairy beef strategy. Meeting liveweight targets at mating and calving improves fertility, milk production, and long-term profitability. It also helps meet market requirements and capitalise on strong payouts.
LIC chief executive David Chin says LIC's focus on industry collaboration is a key driver for progress.
"The long-term success of New Zealand's dairy sector relies on partnerships like this one. LIC prioritises working with industry leaders, scientists, and farmers to deliver sustainable and profitable solutions. By leveraging richer animal data in MINDA, we're helping farmers maximise the genetic potential of their herds while contributing to better industry benchmarking."
Farmers weighing their heifers can now see liveweight data in MINDA as soon as they sync their Gallagher weighing system. This allows them to quickly spot underperforming animals and adjust feeding plans.
Tracking growth in MINDA also supports better breeding decisions, says LIC, ensuring heifers hit key weight milestones for a productive future in herd. Liveweight monitoring can also help detect health issues early, allowing farmers to intervene before problems escalate.
Gallagher Animal Management chief executive Lisbeth Jacobs says connected systems are crucial to simplifying farm management.
"Farmers have been asking for systems that talk to each other, and this partnership delivers on that," Lisbeth says. "We know technology is more effective when it works together.
"By syncing liveweight data straight into MINDA, we're making it easier for farmers to access accurate, actionable information that helps them manage their herds and feed more efficiently. It is important farmers retain ownership of this data. Our job is to ensure they get the most value from it by making it accessible where and when they need it."
Chin and Jacobs agree that collaboration and responsible data sharing are essential to the future of farming.
"Having systems in place to easily share data - whether it's liveweights, herd data, or health records - makes a big difference to farm productivity and profitability," says Chin.
"This partnership ensures farmers retain full control of their data and enables them to make informed decisions at a farm level."
Jacobs points out that the partnership is about more than just technology. "It's about empowering farmers to achieve their goals - whether that's hitting liveweight targets, breeding more efficient cows, or meeting market demands. By saving time and unlocking valuable insights, we're giving farmers the tools they need to succeed."
LIC chief executive David Chin says meeting the revised methane reduction targets will rely on practical science, smart technology, and genuine collaboration across the sector.
Opening a new $3 million methane research barn in Waikato this month, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay called on the dairy sector to “go as fast as you can and prove the concepts”.
The Government has announced it has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research.
The first calves of a new crossbred dairy-beef offering are now on the ground at a Pamu (Landcorp) farm near Taupo.
Academic and former Fonterra director Nicola Shadbolt has been elected as LIC director.
One of Fonterra's largest milk suppliers says Fonterra's board and management have got what they wanted - a great turnout and a positive signal from shareholders on the sale of its co-operative's consumer and related business.
Wool farmers are hoping that efforts by two leading companies to develop a more efficient supply chain would eventually boost farmgate returns.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
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