Future directions in dairy genetics at conference

genetics--5World-leading genetics experts will outline what the future is likely to hold for the industry at a major Victorian conference in March.

Genetics Australia will host the three-day conference on March 18-20 to examine future directions in genetics with a horizon of 2030.

The GA 2020 Conference will start with a one-day forum at Tabcorp Park in Melton on March 18 followed by farm tours in South and West Gippsland over the next two days to showcase progressive breeding programs.

The event has attracted leading international and Australian speakers, including Select Sires International Development Vice-President, Joel Mergler, Sexing Technologies CEO Juan Moreno, Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University Dr Ky Pohler, Dairy Australia Senior Industry Analyst John Droppert and Agriculture Victoria principal research scientist (genomic and cellular sciences), Professor Jennie Pryce.

Genetics Australia CEO Anthony Shelly said the conference would be a great opportunity to hear from some of the best geneticists and genetic professionals in the world. “The conference will give dairy farmers and industry professionals a glimpse into what the future is likely to hold,” Mr Shelly said. “It is rare to have such an outstanding group of local and international speakers all in one place.”

The conference will look at genetic developments in the global space and determine how these developments will impact the Australian breeding industry and the broader Dairy Industry. “Over the past few years the progression of genetics in the dairy industry and more broadly in agriculture has been phenomenal, and with the volume of research and development happening, that will expand even further the next decade,” Mr Shelly said.

“This conference will pull together all relevant information and help any interested farmer or industry member to understand how we can adapt to these new technologies to make sure we’re ahead of the game and achieving the best possible and most profitable outcomes.”

Day one of the conference will conclude with a dinner with Sexing Technologies CEO, Juan Moreno speaking on his ST journey.

Participants can choose to attend the day one conference, the day one conference and dinner or all three days of the event. The farm tours on day two and three will showcase the daughters and family members from Australia’s best bull team and from Genetics Australia’s international portfolio.

People wanting to attend the conference can register via the Genetics Australia website: genaust.com.au