The value of genetic tools to the New Zealand beef sector

"While research undertaken for B+LNZ’s Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme has found increased uptake of the tools particularly around bull selling, we are still missing opportunities to put the tools into more farmers’ hands and use them more extensively". Dr Archer says that is a lost opportunity for the industry, including around making better informed choices in selecting replacement heifers, purchasing weaners for finishing and greater use of artificial insemination (AI) for genetic improvement. He encourages more farmers to take advantage of the information, extension, modules, workshops and Next Generation Farmer programmes provided by B+LNZ to better understand how genetics can fit into their farming systems. "I think this represents a lost opportunity for the industry. Many commercial breeders are probably taking the approach 'my stud breeder uses these tools, so I don’t need to'. "So, on the one day of the year they go to the bull sale, they are using them. But ...