Investing in genetic gain for long-term resilience
The dairy sector is in a strong position, with high milk prices, declining interest rates, and renewed confidence.
Herd improvement company, CRV Ambreed becomes CRV as the Dutch company brings together all its global business units under one brand name.
Ambreed was sold to Dutch global artificial insemination leader CRV Delta in 2003 and became CRV Ambreed.
New Zealand has a close connection with CRV’s head office in The Netherlands. Angus Haslett was managing director of CRV Ambreed for 10 years, and is now chief executive of CRV based in the Netherlands.
He says having one name sets up the company for a new era of competitiveness in local markets.
“For over 50 years, New Zealand dairy farmers have worked with CRV Ambreed to continue to improve their herds. And that won’t change.
“Running a local breeding programme allows CRV to breed the type of animal that suits New Zealand’s unique grazing-based farming systems. In fact, the international demand for our grass-based breeding product is growing and CRV grazing genetics are exported to many countries. At the same time, NZ farmers benefit from CRV’s access to overseas genetic innovations as well.”
James Smallwood, CRV’s NZ-based managing director Oceania business unit, says that while CRV is a significant player on the global genetics stage, it has always remained connected to the needs of its Kiwi farmers.
The profitability of dairy farmers is likely to increase in the coming year, accordign to the latest report by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) on the outlook for the primary sector.
Common sense and good human judgement are still a key requirement for the super highly qualified staff working at one of New Zealand's largest and most important research facilities - Fonterra's R&D Centre at Palmerston North.
The country's second largest milk processor hopes to produce its first commercial butter within two months.
There's no doubt that vehicle manufacturers at Fieldays saw a steady stream of rural folk treading the boards.
Fonterra's co-op model and what it does for New Zealand has lured one of its bright stars back on board.
Farmer lobby Federated Farmers is reporting a growth in membership, for the first time in decades.