Beef Progeny Test strengthens NZ beef genetics
Mating wrapped up last month at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test on Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri.
New Zealand's primary sector is being called on to help shape the future of the country's industry by sharing views and insights about the availability and use of genetic tools.
The Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme has launched its fourth annual industry survey aimed at farmers, beef breeders and rural professionals, including agricultural consultants and facilitators, stock agents and vets. The survey closes on Monday, December 9, 5pm.
INZB programme lead Dr Gemma Jenkins says findings from the previous surveys had already been incorporated into programme activities.
The seven-year programme aims to boost the sector's profits by $460m over the next 25 years. It is developing a beef genetic evaluation system that includes traits that are important to New Zealand beef farmers, supporting a sustainable beef farming industry.
"We really encourage farmers and others involved in the sector to complete this year's survey, even if they have already taken part in previous years. This enables us to measure changes in views and the uptake of genetic tools over time," says Jenkins.
Matt McRae, a farmer from Mokoreta in Southland who runs a sheep, beef and dairy support business alongside a sheep stud, has been elected to the Beef +Lamb NZ Board as a farmer director.
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Philip and Lyneyre Hooper of the Hoopman Family Trust have tonight been named the Taranaki Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
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New Zealand's dairy and beef industries say they welcome the announcement that the Government will invest $10.49 million in the Dairy Beef Opportunities (DBO) programme.