Former National Herd Development (NHD) marketing manager and industry stalwart, Christian Hickey, is the inaugural recipient of a new NHIA award for outstanding contribution to industry.
The award recognises demonstrated excellence and a significant contribution in advancing the herd improvement industry.
Christian, who has now retired from National Herd Development Co-op, was recognised by the National Herd Improvement Association of Australia (NHIA) at the Association’s annual industry dinner in Shepparton, Victoria last month.
NHD Chair Paul Weller noted Christian’s contribution in increasing farmers’ understanding of genetics and his role in implementing the NHIA accredited AI Technician Program in the early 2000s as career highlights that significantly improved Australia’s herd improvement industry.
“Christian’s knowledge of genetics and breeding has few peers in Australia,” Paul said. “Over more than 25 years with NHD, Christian has always embraced change – for the betterment of the industry – be it within genetics or business. Among many things, he witnessed and played a major role in developments that give us today’s rapid rate of genetic gain obtainable with the use of sexed semen and genetic testing. He has always met challenges head-on and has done so with a smile on his face; and he likes nothing more than putting a smile on someone else’s.”
NHIA CEO Sara Merckel said Christian had spent his career increasing farmers’ knowledge of how genetics can help them improve their businesses. Christian leaves the industry in a much better place than it was at the beginning of his career.
“Christian’s dedication to advancing genetics knowledge has significantly impacted Australia’s agricultural landscape.
