Episode 54 – Breeding for the Future: Mating Plans, How to select the best bull team for your herd.
In this episode, we discuss pregnancy scanning results across the country, with some farmers reporting low not-in-calf rates. We also explore the importance of planning for next season’s mating, selecting the right bull team, and how advancements in breeding technology, including sexed semen, are helping farmers improve herd efficiency and productivity.
Guests include:
- Ben Watson, Co-Founder and General Manager, GENEZ
- Rosanna Dixon, Senior Agri Manager, LIC
- Mitchell Koot, Genetic Product Manager, CRV
Hosts:
- Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter
- Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Exporter
Ben Watson, General Manager of GENEZ, discusses the breeding business, which partners with top beef breeders to improve beef genetics for dairy farmers. He highlights the benefits of optimised genetics for traits like easy calving, rapid growth, and better carcass weight. Ben also explores the importance of traceability for identifying high-performing calves and how dairy and beef farmers can collaborate to boost profitability. He offers advice on using beef genetics to enhance herd performance while maintaining a healthy bottom line.
Rosanna Dickson, Senior Agri Manager at LIC, shares her expertise on achieving successful mating outcomes for farmers. She emphasises the importance of pregnancy scanning and the benefits of mating in October. Rosanna also discusses the significance of planning for the next season, considering genetics and cow management. She advises farmers to evaluate their mating strategies post-season, focusing on calf futures and body condition scoring for better herd management. Rosanna encourages a tailored approach to breeding, incorporating genomics to improve genetic selection and manage risks effectively.
Mitchell Koot, Genetics Product Manager for CRV, discusses the positive results farmers are seeing with sexed semen use. He highlights how targeting the right cows, especially those in early lactation, can increase success rates. Mitchell also touches on the role of wearable technology in improving heat detection and insemination timing. He explains the benefits of using frozen sexed semen and the growing demand for CRV’s high semen fertility bulls. Additionally, Mitchell talks about CRV’s Accelerate pack and the importance of selecting the right genetics for breeding, including options for dairy beef.
