Our Team: Key People
Name: John Cochrane What’s your role with AngusNZ: President and leader of a team of equally passionate breeders where we try to achieve outcomes that will stand the breed and … Read more
Weekly genetics review: Let’s be realistic about what your new bull can do
Beef Central, Genetics editor Alastair Rayner, 08/02/2022 THE record values achieved across bull sales last spring reaffirmed the commitment most commercial breeders have towards genetically improving their herds. Looking back … Read more
Breeder Profile: George MacPherson
Breeder Profile:George MacPherson Words byNatalie Campbell PASSION FOR CATTLE IN YOUNG MARLBOROUGH BREEDERS’ DNA The cattle of the Okiwi Angus Stud are helping break in and develop farmland while enjoying … Read more
How much milk is enough in a beef herd?
Beef Central Genetics editor Alastair Rayner, 21/09/2021 PRODUCERS often place emphasis on milk as a BreedPlan trait when considering a new beef sire. The ability to provide sufficient milk to … Read more
Weekly genetics review: Getting your bulls safely through joining
Beef Central Genetics editor Alastair Rayner, 21/09/2021 IN breeding cattle, joining is a make-or-break period, in more ways than one. In areas where controlled matings are used, production levels for … Read more
Weekly genetics review: Financial progress through genetic selection
Beef Central Genetics editor Alastair Rayner, 14/09/2021 SELECTION decisions underpin the long-term viability of any beef enterprise. These decisions include those made on phenotype as well as on genetic potential … Read more
Understanding the long timeframes involved in genetic change in beef
Beef Central Genetics editor Alastair Rayner, 07/09/2021 MAKING genetic change is a long-term undertaking in the beef industry. It is easy to appreciate the time associated with choosing a bull … Read more
Weekly genetics review: Going in, feet-first
Genetics editor Alastair Rayner, 07/09/2021 STRUCTURAL assessment should underpin any selection decision producers make on new herd bulls, or when select replacement breeders. Structure is a trait that has moderate … Read more
Weekly genetics review: Going the distance – the bull’s increased workload during joining
Beef Central Genetics editor Alastair Rayner, 31/08/2021 The average herd bull travels and additional 11km a day in the first 21 days of joining – on top of normal walking … Read more
Bull selection decisions linked to profit drivers
Beef Central, 31/08/2019 BE CLEAR on what drives profit in your business and match your bull selection to those profit drivers. That’s the message from Meat & Livestock Australia’s genetics … Read more
Don’t overlook traits with low heritability
Beef Central Genetics editor Alastair Rayner, 24/08/2021 MAKING genetic progress in a beef herd requires attention to a number of areas. Genetic gain is a result of factors that include: … Read more
Weekly genetics review: Can your breeding program afford a ‘cheap’ bull?
Beef Central Genetics editor Alastair Rayner, 24/08/2021 The strength of the 2021 spring bull sales has become a leading topic of conversation among producers, advisors and the rural media. While … Read more