LIC: A Leader in Dairy Herd Improvement

LIC, or Livestock Improvement Corporation, is recognized as a leading entity in the dairy sector, dedicated to the development of innovative tools aimed at improving herd performance. The company is renowned for its commitment to innovation and the progress of the dairy industry globally.

Important Events

LIC achieved a significant milestone through its collaboration with Fonterra's funding initiative. This partnership is designed to leverage LIC's expertise to enhance the sustainability and performance of dairy production worldwide. Such collaborations highlight the critical role of innovation in maintaining a competitive edge in the dairy industry.

Recent Developments

LIC has reported an 18% increase in the use of beef straws this spring, as noted by Paul Charteris, LIC's beef genetics product lead, during an event at Pāmu's Eweburn Station near Te Anau. This development is part of LIC's investment in dairy beef genetics, including programs like Kiwi Prime and Synergizer. LIC's analysis indicates that improvements in this area have surpassed initial expectations.

Company Plans

Although specific future plans are not detailed, LIC's partnership with Fonterra indicates a strategic emphasis on innovation and the enhancement of herd performance tools. This direction suggests 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 a partner organization 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. It is also involved in the Future Focused Animal Evaluation programme and efforts to improve confidence through projects like OneBW, consolidating genomic and non-genomic evaluations.

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

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

Modified: 2026/07/08