International Dairy Week
Genetics Australia had a good number of visitors to the display at IDW in January. This was the first where Genetics Australia and Total Genetics had a joint display and the first IDW since the passing of Greg Tiller, GAs long term Northern Victoria Territory Manager.
While Greg’s absence left a sad note, the joint display attracted a lot of attention and mild weather during the week made IDW enjoyable for visitors, exhibitors and the show cattle.
Create the Future sale
The Create the Future sale held on Wednesday evening during IDW created a lot of spirited bidding. Lot 13 Jelbart Diamond Barbe 16916 was the highest ever BPIg heifer offered for sale, being the Number 1 BPIg heifer after the December 2023 ABV release at $583BPIg. Ranking in the Top 1% for BPI, HWI, SI ASI, Mastitis Resistance, and a Fertility ABV of 121 made her an outstanding heifer. She was put up for sale by Jelbart Dairies from Leongatha South.
The heifer was sired by GA Holstein KARAT, a bull on the rise and adding milking daughters with a December 2023 ABV release of $540 BPIg. Her Dam is a Jeronimo, the next Dam back is a high production MEDALLION daughter. The MEDALLION had a five-lactation average of 11,849 litres 411kgs of Protein and 388kgs Fat.
Former GA Progeny Test Coordinator and now Cihuna dairy farmer Heather Campbell was the astute final bidder. The heifer will be flushed and contribute to the herd breeding program with a possible view for her to contribute to future bull teams. A young bull, POLLGARTH [$473BPIg] entered the GA lineup in late 2023, was also bred by Heather.
Heather Campbell was pleased with her purchase of the Number 1 genomic heifer Jelbart Diamond Barbe 16916 at the 2024 IDW sale.
Tim Jelbart from Jelbart Dairies and Jelbart Dairies Farm Manager Mike Killkenny with purchaser Heather Campbell.
ADC Conference well attended
Genetics Australia attended the Australian Dairy Conference , the largest conference in its 20 year history. We were please to catch up with a number of farmers to discuss the performance of past bulls and a look to what is new for 2024.
