LIC Ireland has announced they have had one of their most successful years in the Irish market to date, with growth over the past 12 months of 15%.
Commenting on the results, Mark Ryder, LIC’s European General Manager said, “We are delighted with our developments and improvements in the Irish market. Our purpose in Ireland is to help farmers add value to their business by providing quality genetics and I believe this result indicates we are doing our job.”
LIC’s progeny test breeding programme, known as the Sire Proving Scheme (SPS) began in 1961. It was the first of its nature in the world and continues to be one of the largest progeny test schemes in the world, with around 10,000 bulls having entered the programme.
“SPS test daughters of LIC bulls from birth through to milking to ensure LIC is offering top quality genetics. That’s why New Zealand has some of the most efficient dairy cows in the world,” Ryder said.
New herd reproduction data released by LIC illustrates a marked improvement in the calving patterns of New Zealand herds. The data, collected from around 4000 herds, shows more farmers are achieving the target of 60% of the herd calved within three weeks.
“Cows with a tighter calving pattern have more time to recover from calving and start cycling before the start of mating. This gives them a better chance of getting back in-calf earlier and gives the farmer more days in milk, which can make a positive difference to the farm’s bottom line. Quality genetics are an integral part of this,” Ryder said.
Cows bred from LIC genetics make up a substantial proportion of the top 2000 cows ranked on EBI, yet LIC is responsible for a very low percentage of the matings.
“LIC Ireland’s vision is to continue to assist in the improvement of Irish dairy cows through the supply of elite genetics. This is why we are introducing a new programme that will provide Irish farmers better access than ever before to top LIC genetics,” said RyderThe LIC Premier Club will launch exclusively at this year’s National Ploughing Championships and will ensure Irish farmers have access to top LIC bulls that have never before been available in Ireland.Membership of the LIC Premier Club will not only provide access to elite LIC genetics, but farmers will also have access to training resources and helpful tools, support and information from dairy industry experts, and exclusive entry to competitions and draws.“LIC Ireland has worked closely with the ICBF and LIC at home in New Zealand to ensure what we are offering is in the best interest of Irish farmers and LIC,” Ryder said.“The Premier Club is about our desire to go the extra mile to support the business of Irish farmers for the long-term, while protecting the integrity of LIC’s breeding programme and ensuring we can continue to deliver our world-class products.”The LIC Premier Club will officially launch 19 September at Ireland’s National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly.Exclusive LIC Premier Club member benefits include:
- access to LIC’s Premier Club Bulls;
- the option to receive tailored email tips from LIC’s 6-week in-calf challenge;
- access to LIC training resources and tools;
- support and information from dairy industry experts;
- entry to LIC Premier Club competitions and prize draws; and
- offspring that meet criteria set by LIC Ireland will be considered for LIC’s Irish Breeding Programme.