An expert in genetics and breeding, Connie holds a Master of Science Majoring in Animal Science from Massey University.
She joined CRV in July and says she has always been passionate about how genetics work and what they can achieve for farmers.
“My grandfather had a sheep and deer farm. I’ve always loved farming and then learning about genetics and what happens if you breed animals for certain traits.”
Connie says her grandfather, who farmed at Fairview in Timaru, was ahead of his time in wanting to improve the genetics in his flock and that background drove her to study genetics at Massy University and go on to complete her Masters.
Her Masters investigated the correlation between dairy beef genetics and beef genetics looking at progeny test data for both dairy beef and beef and their weaning weights at 200, 400 and 600 days old.
“As the dairy industry seeks to ensure every calf born adds value, more farmers are turning to dairy beef but there is a perception that dairy beef produces smaller animals than straight beef,” says Connie.
“The study proved this is not necessarily true and farmers can use beef progeny tests to give a good indication of their dairy beef growth rates will be,” says Connie.
There is more work to do in the dairy beef space, but she says advancements in DNA technology mean New Zealand farmers now have the tools to create precise data on their herd’s genetic potential.
Since arriving at CRV she says she has enjoyed talking with farmers and letting them know what’s available to them through CRV’s myDNA offering to help them improve the genetics in their herd.
“It’s been so great talking with farmers and helping share how services like myDNA can help them in their business,” says Connie.