Targeted Breeding

I am North Otago born and bred where I grew up on a beef and deer farm. For the last 8 years I have been working as a Genetics Programme Leader in the sheep and beef sector, right across the country and internationally. Too many times in my travels, I noticed that genetics was not being valued as part of the platform for success- I saw the farm team consisting of bankers, vets, accountants, fertiliser or pasture reps, but no consideration for genetics- I noticed how many breeding myths still dominate the conversation about genetics- I saw the progress that can be made WHEN genetics is incorporated into production goals and mating & breeding strategies aligned. The objectives of Targeted Breeding are to: 1. Ensure the value of genetics is recognised and maximised by our New Zealand farmers. Better understand farmer objectives so genetic solutions can be tailored and aligned. Develop a pipeline for delivering simple, independent and transparent information out to the commercial sector. Include GENETICS in every performance conversation. I plan to slowly but surely work on the last two objectives, but the first two? That's where I am looking to reach out to commercial farmers (and stud breeders) interested in taking their breeding program to the next level.