B+LNZ Genetics to be integrated into Beef + Lamb New Zealand Ltd

Monday 12th August 2019

B+LNZ Genetics to be integrated into Beef + Lamb New Zealand Ltd

B+LNZ Genetics was established as a wholly-owned subsidiary in 2013 to consolidate farmer investment in New Zealand’s sheep and beef genetics research and innovation into a single entity. It has been funded under a Partnership Programme between B+LNZ and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

Sam McIvor, Chief Executive of B+LNZ, said that the initial funding arrangement has come to an end and B+LNZ will take over sole funding of B+LNZ Genetics' activities.

“This is a logical decision for the sector.  It will mean we can more fully power-up B+LNZ Genetics’ world leading tools and technologies developed under the MBIE partnership”, said Sam McIvor.

“Genetics is a critical tool to achieving B+LNZ’s vision of profitable farmers, thriving rural communities, valued by all New Zealanders. It plays an integral part in our three priorities of unlocking market potential, enhancing our environmental position, and supporting farming excellence.”

“B+LNZ Genetics’ most direct impact is in our Farming Excellence priority which focuses on growing farm profitability through improved productivity, efficiency and reduced costs”

B+LNZ has committed ongoing support for the beef programme, so that current activities can be completed while B+LNZ Genetics awaits the outcome of its funding application with MPI’s Sustainable Food & Fibre Futures fund, he says.

Current B+LNZ Genetics chairman Chris Kelly will act as Executive Director of the business unit until a new General Manager is appointed, while existing B+LNZ and B+LNZ Genetics Director George Tatham will assume the interim chairman’s role. 

“This decision means B+LNZ can provide continued support of B+LNZ Genetics vital work, achieve synergies and improve opportunities for collaboration within B+LNZ’s existing programmes, including using the outcomes of programmes such as the Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium,” says Mr Kelly.

“B+LNZ Genetics has achieved a number of successful milestones over the past five years including the establishment of NZGE, the launch of Standard Indexes for commercial ram buyers (NZMW and NZTW), the introduction of single-step analysis (genomic testing) and the development of nProve.”

Over the coming months, B+LNZ Genetics’ outputs will be integrated across B+LNZ’s business activities, ensuring that B+LNZ Genetics and other teams are adequately resourced to maximise the benefit of that integration, while keeping B+LNZ Genetics as a separate and distinct business unit.

The transition will be officially completed on 1st October 2019.

 

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