Animal evaluation system changes support farmers to breed better cows
From December, new enhancements to the national animal genetic evaluation system will benefit Kiwi dairy farmers when they are selecting bulls.
Fear previously worked as the general manager for Analytica Laboratories and Precise Consulting & Laboratory.
Prior to that, he worked for LIC for seventeen years, including as the co-operative’s general manager of operations and service.
From 2015 to 2018, he served as a director of LIC Australia.
“Andrew has a wealth of experience leading complex projects and bringing people together to achieve success,” says NZAEL chair Mark Townshend.
“He is an innovative and strategic thinker. His background working in senior management in science and herd improvement organisations will be invaluable to NZAEL as we work for farmers to achieve genetic improvements in the national dairy herd.”
“We believe Andrew has the leadership to help deliver a single Breeding Worth (BW), independently compiled and including genotypes for the benefit of all farmers. Farmers are increasingly asking for a single clear BW.”
NZAEL is a subsidiary of DairyNZ, which manages the national breeding objective for New Zealand dairy cows.
It aims to develop, promote and deliver independent, state of the art animal evaluation technologies that advance genetic improvement in the national dairy herd. The organisation is currently working on the national animal genetic evaluation system to help farmers make better breeding decisions for their herds. Artificial breeding (AB) is used on over 70% of New Zealand’s dairy cows.
DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle says he welcomes Fear to his new role.
“Andrew's strong background in leadership and governance roles, coupled with his experience in breeding will be invaluable when he takes up his role with NZAEL on 1 February 2022.
“He brings a great depth of knowledge on animal evaluation and managing system changes to the position, and we are thrilled to have him join the team.”
Fear says he is excited about the opportunity the role provides to have an impact on the rate of genetic gain in the New Zealand dairy industry.
“Genetic gain contributes around 40 percent of on-farm productivity gains, so having a positive impact on the rate of improvement will have a meaningful impact for all New Zealand dairy farmers.”
