Australian genetics are set to conquer new worldwide markets following the launch of a major international joint venture.
The joint venture between Genetics Australia Cooperative (GAC) and global herd improvement leader URUS Group LP (URUS) is expected to take existing Australian products into many new international markets.The new entity will be formally known as Genetics Australia Holdings Pty Ltd and will continue to trade as Genetics Australia. It officially launched on July 1. CEO Anthony Shelly says the joint venture will have huge benefits for Australian farmers, not only offering them an expanded product portfolio but in helping their genetics to reach new markets. “We’ve had planning sessions with the global sales teams and it is clear there is a lot of interest in Australian genetics,” Mr Shelly said.“The exposure Australian semen is receiving even before the joint venture starts is quite overwhelming. We are very excited and confident that new orders will come.”
Mr Shelly said the interest was based on the excellent reputation enjoyed by Australia’s grazing genetics. “People see what is happening in Australia and want to be part of it. This new joint venture will open many new markets for us.” Mr Shelly added that interest was particularly strong in South America. “We will be following up opportunities in the near future and this promises to be an exciting time for Australian farmers.”
The joint venture received overwhelming support from Genetics Australia Cooperative members and formal approval from the Registrar of Co-operatives. URUS is a global leader in products and services for dairy and beef producers for artificial insemination, genetics, reproduction, and farm management systems, servicing more than 80 countries with brands such as GENEX, PEAK, VAS and Trans Ova amongst many others. GAC is the leading Australian owned artificial breeding supplier, supplying genetics and herd improvement merchandise products used by Australian dairy farmers and to several international markets to improve their herds.
The JV will be 60 per cent owned by URUS and 40 per cent owned by GAC. It will have access to the full suite of GENEX products and access to the PEAK breeding program. Mr Shelly said the partnership with the GENEX co-operative was particularly helpful and sat well with GAC’s history as a co-operative.
GENEX CEO Huub te Plate described the joint venture as a testament to the co-operatives’ commitment to drive innovation and deliver top-notch genetic solutions to members and customers. “Genetics Australia Cooperative shares our passion for excellence, and we are excited to combine our expertise and resources to shape the future of the cattle genetics and reproductive services industry. GENEX and Genetics Australia Cooperative have a deep history and passion for our members and customers, this joint venture makes perfect sense, he said.
