CRV’s sales of sexed semen and dairy beef jumped by more than 40 percent last year as New Zealand dairy farmers change their genetics buying behaviour to help mitigate increasing regulatory and financial challenges.
CRV reports that between the 2021 and 2022 seasons the percentage of total sexed semen and dairy beef sales increased by 44% and 41% respectively. On average, for each farmer who bought sexed semen this made up 18% of their order. For those buying dairy beef it made up 14% of their order and conventional semen made up 68%.
CRV managing director James Smallwood says the shift is no surprise as dairy farmers continue to look for ways to remain profitable while dealing with rapid change.
“Breeding a feed efficient herd is now more crucial than ever. Feed and fertiliser costs and feed quality levels have become an ongoing challenge for dairy farmers. In addition, they must comply with more regulations and market requirements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve water quality, such as limits on the application of synthetic nitrogen, and reduce the number of bobby calves.
“We are seeing a real shift in buying behaviours as farmers seek to minimise waste through good management and ensuring their animals are healthy, last longer and turn as much grass as possible into milk.