Genetics Australia director and new Holstein Australia member, John Pekin from Kolora in Western Victoria, made a big impact on the February top 20 BPI new heifers list, taking out the number one, two and eight spots.
John is a long-term non-registered breeder with an interest in cow families. In conjunction with Holstein Australia he identified ten cows to genomically test based on each having a strong maternal cow family.
Average BPI of the top 20 registered females increased from 349 to 361 in February proof run
Paringa Feva Opa sells for a record $33,000
At the second stage Paringa Holsteins dispersal sale, held earlier this month, IDW 2016 Grand Champion, Paringa Feva Opa, set a record for the highest price ever paid at the Shepparton Selling Centre.
Paringa Feva Opa and the Malcolm family celebrating their 2016 IDW success
Other highlights:
Members in running for dairy farmer of the year Good luck to Rachel Parkes (pictured) & Ged Mullins and Wes & Rita Hurrell. Both families are
finalists in The Weekly Times Coles Farmer of the Year Awards.
Genome patent case decision still pending Cargill USA and Branhaven have been asked to file amendments to their patent application in the long running court case brought by Meat & Livestock Australia and Dairy Australia.
When to get rid of a
bull "If a bull stands you up, get rid of him," says Holstein Australia member, Ian McKie. Fifteen months after being flipped off a quad bike by a bull, Ian reflects on his experience.
Genetic progress
importance highlighted A key player in the global genetics market believes dairy farmers must keep up with the latest genetic technologies or face losing their competitive edge.
Hunter drought biting hard Holstein Australia members,
Matt and Emily Neilson, call on the NSW government to provide low interest loans to help farmers cope with the devastating effects of drought in the Hunter region.
Cow manure powering dairy farm in Australian first Gekko Systems has designed and built a biodigester on a dairy farm at Bungaree, outside Ballarat, and is hoping the renewable technology could be used across farming and beyond.