LIC: A Leader in Dairy Herd Improvement

Livestock Improvement Corporation, commonly known as LIC, is a pioneering organization in the dairy sector. The company is globally recognized for its commitment to developing innovative tools aimed at enhancing herd performance. LIC's efforts have consistently contributed to the progress and sustainability of the dairy industry.

Important Events

One of LIC's significant milestones is its collaboration with Fonterra's funding initiative. This strategic partnership leverages LIC's expertise to improve the sustainability and performance of dairy production on a global scale. Collaborations like this one underscore the critical role of innovation in maintaining a competitive edge within the dairy industry.

Recent Developments

LIC has reported an 18% increase in the use of beef straws this spring, as highlighted by Paul Charteris, LIC's beef genetics product lead. This was noted during an event at Pāmu's Eweburn Station near Te Anau. This development aligns with LIC's investment in dairy beef genetics through programs like Kiwi Prime and Synergizer, with improvements surpassing initial expectations.

Company Plans

While specific future plans are not detailed, LIC's collaboration with Fonterra suggests a strategic focus on innovation and the enhancement of herd performance tools. This direction indicates LIC's intent to expand its technological offerings and strengthen industry partnerships, paving the way for continued growth and influence in the dairy sector.

Collaborations

LIC is actively involved in the Resilient Dairy Programme and collaborates with DairyNZ and the Ministry for Primary Industries to enhance dairy herd fertility and performance in New Zealand. The company is also part of the Future Focused Animal Evaluation programme and initiatives like OneBW, which consolidate genomic and non-genomic evaluations.

As a key player in New Zealand's dairy industry, LIC provides crucial data on reproductive performance. For the 2025-26 season, the company reported a record six-week in-calf rate of 70.4%, with the top 25% of herds achieving even higher rates. LIC's chief executive, David Chin, attributes this success to consistent on-farm management practices.

LIC also participated in a panel discussing structural changes in New Zealand's dairy-beef sector at the PINZ summit, emphasizing the need for changes to unlock market potential. As one of the leading breeding cooperatives, LIC offers semen straws known for traits such as easy calving and high growth potential.

Moreover, LIC is involved in efforts to control Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) in New Zealand. Andrew Weir, an animal health technical specialist at LIC, emphasizes the importance of identifying and removing Persistently Infected (PI) animals to control BVD effectively.

Modified: 2026/07/29