Editorial: Goodbye 2024
OPINION: In two weeks we'll bid farewell to 2024. Dubbed by some as the toughest season in a generation, many farmers would be happy to put the year behind them.
A final report supporting improvements in New Zealand's genetic gain system for the national dairy herd is being backed by the sector's leading genetic companies.
The Independent Working Group's (IWG) final report looked at the dairy sector's genetic improvement progress and has put forward recommendations to drive faster rates of genetic gain in New Zealand's dairy herd.
Industry good body DairyNZ, LIC and CRV say they are committed to making changes for the sector's benefit and will each consider the IWG's recommendations.
LIC chair Corrigan Sowman and CRV managing director James Smallwood say that they're pleased with the focus on transparency and consistency.
"Genetic gain is a critical pillar in the future success of our farmers' businesses. It is only right that, where needed, we come together to improve the structures underpinning this success," Sowman says.
"We're looking forward to working closely with DairyNZ to set up the right governance structures, workstreams and reporting mechanisms so we can effectively achieve the report's stated objectives for the betterment of their dairy herds to support New Zealand's future."
Smallwood says LIC and CRV appreciate the IWG's recognition of their focus on genetic improvement for the betterment of the national herd, and the important contribution of their combined work to date.
"It's pleasing to see the IWG encouraging the consideration of existing international models to help us find workable solutions. We both thank the IWG for the work it has undertaken," he says.
DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel says the report is groundbreaking because it captures in one place the reasons New Zealand has fallen behind international competitors, while clearly outlining a way forward that can involve all sector players.
"It also shows New Zealand can catch up quickly by taking key actions and underscores the immense benefits to dairy farmers - including efficiency and productivity gains through animals that are more resilient, profitable and easier to farm," he says.
"Overcoming sector challenges to provide New Zealand farmers with world-leading genetic gain will require significant contributions from all parties."
Recommendations include strengthening the role and impact of the National Breeding Objective (NBO) for achieving genetic gain in the New Zealand dairy herd. This is expected to improve the amount and quality of phenotypic data collected from commercial dairy herds and encourage all sector players to use genomic technologies to make genetic gain (aligned to the NBO) as fast as possible.
Ham has edged out lamb to become Kiwis’ top choice for their Christmas tables this year.
Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) has announced real estate company Bayleys will be the naming partner for its 2025 conference.
As New Zealand enters the summer months, rural insurer FMG is reminding farmers and growers to take extra care with a new campaign.
Hato Hone St John is urging Kiwis to have a safe summer this year.
Hawke’s Bay’s Silt Recovery Taskforce has received the Collaboration Excellence Award at the Association of Local Government Information Management (ALGIM) Awards.
Construction is underway at Fonterra’s new UHT cream plant at Edendale, Southland following a groundbreaking ceremony recently.
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