Episode 70 – The evolution of herd improvement: Insights from industry leaders
In this episode, Sheryl Haitana talks with industry leaders about the evolution of dairy genetics in New Zealand. LIC Chief Executive, David Chin discusses Breeding Worth and the rise of the KiwiCross cow, while Mike Wilson, General Manager of NEDAP Oceania explains how wearable tech improves herd health and fertility. Fonterra Strategic Advisor, Malcolm Ellis shares an intergenerational view, highlighting the Dairy Exporter’s role in guiding farmers through decades of change.
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Hosts:
- Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter
- Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Exporter
Guests:
- David Chin, CEO, LIC
- Mike Wilson, General Manager, NEEDAP Oceania
- Malcolm Ellis, Strategic Advisor, Fonterra
LIC Chief Executive David Chin reflects on the evolution of dairy genetics in New Zealand and the legacy of innovation that continues to drive the industry forward. He explains how the introduction of Breeding Worth enabled meaningful comparisons across breeds, paving the way for the rise of the KiwiCross cow and transforming herd improvement strategies nationwide.
David highlights the critical role of data – from phenotypic records to genomic evaluations – as the foundation of breeding progress. With LIC now collecting six terabytes of data each week across half a million animals, he outlines how advances in computing and wearable technologies are accelerating genetic gains at scale.
Looking back on LIC’s roots in the 1939 Herd Improvement Plan, David reflects on the long-term and intergenerational impact of breeding decisions. He also underscores the importance of New Zealand’s dairy sector to the national economy and LIC’s ongoing commitment to delivering productivity and profitability for farmers.
Mike Wilson, General Manager of Nedap Oceania, outlines how wearable technologies are transforming dairy herd management by delivering real-time insights into cow health, activity, and fertility. He explains how Nedap’s robust collars and smart tags monitor rumination, eating, and movement, allowing farmers to detect heat, manage health through transition periods, and improve reproductive performance with greater precision.
With global operations across 100+ countries and over seven million animals monitored, Nedap combines durable hardware with intuitive software that offers both herd-level and individual cow analysis. Mike highlights the company’s integration with major platforms and drafting systems, making it easy for farmers to take action on farm.
Malcolm Ellis, former Jersey breeder and now part of Fonterra’s senior team, reflects on the remarkable genetic progress of New Zealand’s dairy herd over the past 50 years. Drawing on his intergenerational connection to the Dairy Exporter, Malcolm shares how structured breeding tools like AB, sire proving, and BW transformed productivity and cow performance – changes he describes as revolutionary.
He acknowledges the magazine’s pivotal role in communicating these advancements, celebrating its contribution to informed decision-making on farm. Malcolm also discusses succession planning on his home farm, where his son and partner are now milking crossbred cows, and emphasises the importance of allowing the next generation to shape their own system and breed preferences.
With deep respect for past industry leaders and contributors like Colin Holmes and Ants Roberts, Malcolm highlights how trusted voices in the Dairy Exporter helped farmers navigate change and lift herd improvement nationwide.
