NZ Beef’s US Opportunity and the Dairy Beef Initiative
Good medium to long term prospects for NZ beef, especially in the US, has heighted the focus on various initiatives to capitalise on this situation.
Dr Matt Dobbs, a UK-based dairy veterinarian, joined the board this month.
Dobbs is also an entrepreneur, business leader and company director, with a proven track record of building and scaling businesses across the UK, Europe and international markets.
His appointment comes as MastaPlex continues its global expansion, with the company’s Mastatest on-farm mastitis diagnostic platform now supporting well over 3000 dairy farm clients and 1000 veterinary clinics worldwide. The technology is used in herds representing more than 1.6 million dairy cows. International markets now account for more than 50% of all testing activity, reflecting the company’s growing footprint beyond New Zealand.
Board chair Dr Ben Russell said Dobbs’ appointment would strengthen the board’s capability as the company enters its next phase of international growth.
“We are delighted to welcome Matt to the MastaPlex board and are excited to incorporate his extensive veterinary, commercial and governance capabilities into our strategy and decision-making.
“Matt’s experience building businesses and commercialising innovations across the UK, Europe and other international markets will be invaluable as we continue expanding our presence and impact globally.”
Russell also acknowledged the significant contribution of outgoing director Matt Comer, who resigned last month.
MastaPlex chief executive Olaf Bork says Dobbs’ appointment reflects the company’s increasingly international focus.
“MastaPlex has evolved from a New Zealand focussed start-up into a global technology business. Today, more than half of all Mastatest usage occurs outside New Zealand, and we are seeing strong growth in the key regions of the United Kingdom, Europe, North America and South America.
“It is important that our board reflects the markets we serve and the opportunities ahead. Matt’s experience in international agritech business makes him an outstanding addition to our governance team.
“His understanding of how to successfully scale businesses and create value in multiple international markets will help guide the next chapter of growth for MastaPlex.”
Dobbs said he was excited to join the board at a pivotal time for the company.
“MastaPlex is addressing a major global challenge for dairy producers and veterinarians. The Mastatest technology is uniquely positioned to guide better mastitis treatment decisions, improve on-farm productivity and enable responsible antimicrobial stewardship.”
