Genetics Australia (GA) has solidified the future of a local Australian Red breeding program by taking over the marketing and distribution of the Auzred XB genetics portfolio. Starting from January 1, 2024, GA will be responsible for the ownership and management of the Auzred XB Semen portfolio, consisting of six primary active sires.

Auzred XB stands as the largest Australian Red breeding program in the country, outside of GA’s existing program. The portfolio will be seamlessly integrated into GA’s Australian Red genetics program.

GA CEO Anthony Shelly stated that this strategic acquisition aims to bolster the Australian Red breed, ensuring a sustainable scale for the breeding program, fortifying GA’s market position, and exploring export opportunities.

“This move also positions Genetics Australia as the premier and most comprehensive supplier of Australian Reds to farmers,” Mr. Shelly emphasized.

Co-owners of Auzred XB, Karen Moroney and Steve Snowdon, expressed their enthusiasm for the transaction. Mr. Snowdon mentioned their desire to slow down and their eagerness for the portfolio to be entrusted to Australia’s leading genetics company.

“We’ve built a strong team of Australian Red bulls, and Genetics Australia’s market presence will do justice to them beyond our capacity,” Mr. Snowdon explained.

Both co-owners thanked their loyal clients and anticipated continued access to high-quality Australian Red products. Mr. Snowdon emphasized the promising future of the Australian Red dairy breed, citing its increasing popularity, especially in cross-breeding.

The merger of the two portfolios, according to Mr. Snowdon, strengthens the Australian Red breed offering. Notably, active sires such as REDROLLO and GEORGE2 are beginning to have their first milking daughters, and promising young bulls like ARRAGNA are expected to thrive under Genetics Australia’s market influence.

Ms. Moroney, whose father, Bill Thompson, introduced Red genetics in Australia, expressed excitement about GA’s resources propelling the breed’s growth. She highlighted the significance of this move, emphasizing that GA’s acquisition of Wacol AB in 1994 marked the recognition of the new breed’s potential in the Australian dairy landscape.

Mr. Shelly affirmed GA’s long-term commitment to developing the Australian Red breed. Acquiring the Auzred team, he said, would further fortify GA’s position, enabling continued investment in the breed for local growth and international expansion. He noted the recent introduction of publishable genomic breeding values for Australian Reds, enhancing the breed’s capacity to improve its base genetics.

Additionally, GA will also take over the distribution of Montbeliarde semen sourced from Coopex, previously handled by Auzred XB.