General News
9 November, 2022
Farmers take the US by storm
AUSTRALIAN Jersey genetics made a mark on the world stage after a successful joint trade mission to World Dairy Expo in the United States.
AUSTRALIAN Jersey genetics made a mark on the world stage after a successful joint trade mission to World Dairy Expo inthe United States.
For the first time, Jersey Australia organised a combined trade site at the expo which also included Holstein Australia, Genetics Australia, AgriGene, and Central Sires Co-op, with support from National Herd Improvement Association of Australia (NHIA), with the aim of promoting all Australian genetics.
The ‘team Australia’ approach was hailed a success, with plans for similar missions in coming years.
Jersey Australia general manager Glen Barrett said the mission would build on the high levels of consumer awareness and interest in Australian genetics and jerseys.
“I think we are making a mark,”he said.
“We had a regular stream of people visiting the stand, and consumer awareness in our products was high.”
Jersey Australia farmer members and breeders Con and Michelle Glennen attended the expo, which was held in Madison, Wisconsin (USA) from October 2-7.
The Noorat-based farmers said they attended to push what they believe to be good genetics.
“We wanted to get more access to the world and the easiest way to do that is have the world come to you at Madison,” Mr Glennen said.
“We made quite a few contacts with different countries that we might not have thought of before, such as Guatemala and Kazakhstan.”
Mrs Glennen said the mission would yield long-term benefits.
“We didn’t have anyone say they want 25 straws of your best bull right now, but contacts were made and it gives people time to think about it,” she said.
“We had the right people there to represent Australian genetics.”
Mr Glennen said he hopes to return to the expo again in the future.
“It’s a good experience and you get to see products that aren’t yet registered for use in Australia but will be, so you can pick the ones you think will be handy here,” he said.
“Generally, our cows have a wider muzzle, wider chest and heavierrumen capacity.
“I think Australian Jerseys definitely have something to offer the world.”