Genetics Australia is getting behind the World Jersey Conference that is coming to Australia for the first time since 2011.
GA has signed on as premium sponsor for the event and will also host visitors at the TLG facilities at Camperdown.
Up to 100 international guests from Europe, North and South America, New Zealand and Asia are expected to join local Jersey farmers on the conference tour which starts in Melbourne on April 6 and finishes at the Royal Sydney Show Jersey judging on April 21, 2025.
Bookings are off to a strong start with 20 international guests from Germany, Canada, USA, New Zealand and the Jersey Islands already signed on.
The conference was officially launched at World Dairy Expo in Madison USA in October by Jersey Australia general manager Glen Barrett, board member and promotions chair Jane Sykes and GA’s export manager Rob Derksen.
GA CEO Anthony Shelly said it was timely for Australia to host the conference tour to capitalise on growing interest and demand for the breed.
“We partnered with Jersey Australia to help promote Australian Jersey genetics globally at the World Dairy Expo and we’re continuing that connection by supporting the tour,” Anthony said.
“We truly believe in the value of the Australian Jersey cow and what she has to offer, not only to local dairy producers but to Jersey breeders globally,” he added.
“Interest in the breed is already high but it continues to grow, particularly in North America and Latin America.”
Glen Barrett welcomed Genetics Australia’s support, saying that the event needed sponsors to succeed.
“Genetics Australia’s support is going to be extremely helpful in allowing us to host the conference and take people around the country to see Australia’s premier Jersey herds and research and industry facilities,” Glen said.
“A key part of the tour will be a visit to Total Livestock Genetics at Camperdown where we look forward to seeing how that part of the industry is progressing.”
“Jersey Australia thanks GA and all sponsors for supporting the tour. “These events can’t go ahead without the support of sponsors.”
Glen says the conference tour will capitalise on three years of promotions of Australian Jerseys at the Expo. It will take visitors through Victoria’s dairy regions and the NSW south coast, including the Central Gippsland Jersey Autumn Fair.
It will include many of Australia’s premier Jersey herds, including Master Breeders, the number one Jersey merit herd along with some newer herds being showcased for the first time.
The World Jersey Cattle Bureau represents Jersey breeders, and their organisations, around the world. World conferences have been held since 1949.
Photo caption: Rob launching the 2025 World Jersey Conference with Jersey Australia General Manager Glen Barrett and board member Jane Sykes at WDE, Maddison
