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CRV has sourced additional frozen sexed semen straws to cater for demand, as farmers orders triple those from last season.

Two CRV bulls have been selected by breeding societies as the top Holstein Friesian and Jersey sires in the country for 2021.

With access to quality data essential to effective dairy farm management, the upgraded national animal database is set to deliver significant benefits to farmers.

For the first time, dairy farmers have a choice of herd recording providers as CRV officially launches myHERD at Fieldays®

“In the past, many farmers ordered semen based on what they did the previous year,” he says. “Now, we are having discussions based on what farmers’ herd recording data is telling us about groups of animals in their herd and how we can make breeding decisions that will increase the value of their progeny. It’s a trend we’re seeing in the South Island and nationwide. “As a result, many farmers are now considering a wider range of options for their breeding programme, such as sexed semen, LowN sires, polled sires and alternative dairy beef breeds.”

Genetics will play a key role in helping farmers achieve a premium for their milk as part of Fonterra’s new Cooperative Difference Programme. CRV Managing Director James Smallwood says it makes sense that farmers who have invested in tools and solutions, such as genetics, to produce high-quality milk from healthy and productive herds, are rewarded.