Beef farmers turning to genetic tools: research

• Published date: 24 May 2023
• Publication title: Central Rural Life

An annual industry survey of farmers, beef breeders and rural professionals, including agricultural consultants and facilitators, stock agents and vets, found farmers were becoming more aware of genetic tools

The industry survey tracks awareness, knowledge and use of genetic tools in the New Zealand beef industry over time.

INZB programme manager Dr Gemma Jenkins said the research highlighted the importance of the work already being undertaken, such as the across-breed beef Progeny Test and development of a New Zealand-specific genetic evaluation.

‘‘Farmers have told us the new areas they want to focus are traits such as fertility and body condition score.

‘‘These should be included in New Zealand-specific genetic evaluations and indexes to ensure we’re making genetic progress on them.’’

However, the research also found that a lack of understanding about estimated breeding values (EBVs) limited farmer uptake.

‘‘INZB has a strong focus on education and extension and is delivering resources to support greater understanding and use of EBVs,’’ Dr Jenkins said.

‘‘That includes our field days, an online beef breeder workshop to discuss maternal productivity and reproduction, Better Beef Breeding workshops for commercial farmers and an online learning module.’’

Research respondents recognised that beef genetics have lagged behind sheep and dairy genetics and welcomed the work being undertaken by INZB, with growing awareness among farmers of the tools the programme is developing.

There has also been...