Better dairy beef now a reality

The first calves of a new crossbred dairy-beef offering are now on the ground at a farm near Taupō, and the genetics will be commercially available from spring 2026.

Standing out, for all the right reasons.

Landcorp Farming and LIC say dairy farmers, calf rearers, beef finishers and processors all stand to benefit from the new breeding option.

The Synergizer brand brings together the very best of Stabilizer and Charolais genetics, developed in collaboration with Landcorp Farming subsidiary Focus Genetics.

The breeding programme focused on key traits including short gestation, ease of calving and rearing, strong growth and meat quality. Synergizer bulls have been developed to produce polled calves that are easy to rear, with strong early growth, minimal calving difficulties and easy identification in the paddock via their coat colour.

They’re also selected for strong liveweight gain, and their ability to consistently reach target live and carcase weights.

LIC chief executive David Chin says the launch of Synergizer marks an important milestone in the co-op’s dairy-beef journey.

“Synergizer is an exciting step forward for LIC as we continue to invest in dairy-beef genetics that give farmers confidence.

“Backed by world-class science, robust data and rigorous progeny testing, Synergizer has been developed to deliver a reliable, profitable and sustainable option for dairy-beef systems.”

Landcorp chief executive Mark Leslie says Synergizer represents the power of collaboration and the potential of New Zealand agriculture when organisations work together.

“By combining genetics expertise, farming knowledge, and a shared vision, we’re creating a solution that will deliver long-term benefits across the entire dairy-beef value chain and build resilience, productivity and sustainability for future generations of farmers."

The first frozen semen inseminations will be available in limited quantities from spring next year, with liquid insemination available from spring 2027.