Contract Genetics

Well Gday, and sorry for the recess with posting to my blog - the weeks seem to have turned into months!

Its been a pretty good start to the year here in northern NSW - the first 2 days of Feb produced 191mm of rain here, which is 5 mm under the record for Feb.

Interestingly it hasn't rained since, and here in early April we are really looking for a well deserved drink from 'Hughie upstairs'

Ive been reading a lot recently about livestock genetics and supply chain management and its really interesting to see where the chook and pig industries are in comparison with the lamb and beef industries. they are simply streaks ahead in thinking, genetic gains and recording of economically relevant data. To this end Ive been looking at utilising our already existing 'market led genetics' and offering custom bred beef and sheep genetics to people....it will look something like this :

1) Commerical sheep producer requires Dorper rams to produce a 22kg carcasse, he knows from market feedback that currently his lambs are running to fat somewhat over 19kg carcasse....however his replacement ewes are not up to expectations in terms of lambing percentages.

Ideally there is a need here to look at the genetic make up of the flock and identify a combination of genetics that will suit the purpose for both of these - something which most prime lamb producers would do anyway.....however, the ability to take feedback data from processors, combine this with genetic data (Lambplan, DNA) and produce a targeted approach, all delivered in a neat package ready to go out into the paddock.

2) A beef breeder is finding his straight Angus herd is not performing in the properties climatic conditions as would be expected compared to his neighbours Bos Indicus style cattle.
The breeder sells into an MSA market, and so Indicus content is important, as is ossification and other associated traits.
Utilising the data collected from the beef breeders current herd, bulls can be contract bred to improve the herd - and in tandem lines of commercial females can be contractually bred which are fully adapted to the climate of the property.

I personally think the future for red meat genetics in Australia is very exciting....however we really do need to get past some traditional thinking which is not moving our businesses forward in a profitable manner. Working together as groups of producers, or enquiring about specifically targeted requirements to suit the individual needs of a property makes for good business.

I'd be really interested to hear other peoples thoughts and comments on this.