DairyNZ scoping out new natl dairy data network

MEDIA RELEASE
1 December 2009

For immediate release

DairyNZ scoping out new national dairy data network

Following the recommendation from a comprehensive review of the New Zealand Dairy Core Database, DairyNZ is analysing the scope, costs and benefits of an integrated dairy industry data network.

Currently the Core Database is managed by LIC under the Herd Testing Regulations. The purpose of the data held in the Core Database is to facilitate herd performance recording and enable research and animal evaluation of the genetic productive potential of the national herd for the benefit of all New Zealand dairy farmers.

In August 2008 the DairyNZ board resolved to establish a review committee to enquire into animal data requirements for the Animal Evaluation System and related matters.

The Herd Improvement Database Review Committee was led by Massey University Pro Vice Chancellor (Sciences) Robert Anderson, ONZM; with farmer and former Fonterra director Harry Bayliss and Synlait chairman Graeme Milne.

“The committee has made two broad recommendations. Firstly, that the Dairy Core Database be restructured to operate as an industry good facility, managed by an industry good organisation with no commercial mandate. This organisation will be established with the agreement of the key industry stakeholders. Secondly, that the dairy industry creates a National Dairy Database that integrates the Dairy Core Database with other industry and government information needs, says DairyNZ Chairman John Luxton.

“We’d like to thank the committee for the report, which will be known as the Anderson Report, and we are working through the recommendations, the first of which is a design and transition study, including a cost benefit analysis.”

He describes the Anderson Report as painting a big vision for the industry which is exciting, but not without its issues.

“DairyNZ is very supportive of LIC’s role to date and acknowledges the huge progress made in the industry through genetic improvement and application of the database. The most recent example is genomic selection technology which relied on the database for the underpinning cow performance information.

“We see this as an opportunity to be looking at extracting the maximum future value out of the database and while being mindful of costs to farmers. Opportunities to use the database to support government and industry functions such as traceability and new farm management tools based on on-farm data collection are being investigated as part of this study.

“This database has underpinned the development of the New Zealand dairy cow as the world’s best grazing-based dairy animal. In future to retain this advantage the database must be able to accommodate cow information from a wider variety of breeding, herd testing and on farm sources. It also needs to continue to allow commercial perators to access this information to make further innovative gains for New Zealand dairy farmers."

Mr Luxton says DairyNZ is committed to working with the industry to sensibly maximise the benefits and minimise the costs and will be coming back to the industry with a set of recommendations as to the next steps in due course.

ENDS

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