Dairy Australia has announced the appointment of Dr Matthew Shaffer as its new chief executive officer, marking a significant leadership transition for the organisation.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Matt most recently served as CEO of DataGene, an industry-owned organisation focused on driving genetic gain and herd improvement in the Australian dairy industry.
Prior to that, Matt was CEO of Holstein Australia and started his career in the finance industry for the US-based Hancock Agriculture Investment Group.
“Matt brings a wealth of experience and a proven ability to deliver meaningful change,” Dairy Australia chair Paul Roderick said.
“His leadership at DataGene — along with his deep engagement across global networks, government and the dairy industry — positions him well to lead Dairy Australia into a new era ... (as we prepare) to launch a new five-year strategy.”
Matt will succeed current managing director Dr David Nation, who is stepping down after seven years in the role.
“David has challenged the status quo and championed initiatives that have had a lasting impact on the dairy industry,” Paul said.
“Under his guidance, Dairy Australia has become a more people-focused organisation with a clear commitment to delivering value for the industry.”
Aussie Jerseys in New Zealand
Glen Barrett, Rob Derksen, Con Glennen and Brad Gavenlock were in New Zealand promoting Australian Jersey genetics.
Australian Jersey genetics have been showcased at the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event in New Zealand.
Jersey Australia was joined by Genetics Australia and Agri Gene at the Mystery Creek Field Days near Hamilton from June 11 to 14, and also hosted a nearby farmer day.
It was the first time Jersey Australia has had a site at Mystery Creek and follows the success of the World Jersey Conference hosted by Jersey Australia in April.
“We had a highly positive response with good visitor numbers and a lot of genuine interest. The most pleasing thing was how many people are already using the products and how many of them plan to use more,” Jersey Australia general manager Glen Barrett said.
The pure Jersey population in New Zealand is less than 10 per cent of the market, crossbreeds — usually a Jersey-Holstein Kiwi cross mix — are about 60 percent, and Holsteins 30 to 35 per cent.
Jersey New Zealand president Julie Pirie says the future for Jerseys in NZ is bright.
She said Australian genetics could play a big role in increasing Jersey numbers in NZ.
Mr Barrett said he expected Jersey Australia to return to New Zealand in 2026 to continue building momentum and potentially host a larger roadshow.
Aussie Jerseys were showcased at the Mystery Creek Field Days in New Zealand.
Dispersal sale tops $12,000
Well-known western Victorian Jersey breeders Chris and Pam Mackenzie, of the long-established Coorievale herd established by Alex MacKenzie 60 years ago, recently held their first stage complete dispersal sale on-farm at Cooriemungle.
The top price of $12,000 went to Coorievale Chip June, bought by Darren Crawford of Muttama, NSW. The same buyer selected several of the top lots throughout the sale.
The high-performance Jamber herd of Robbie and Ash Wilson in NSW bought the second highest lot, Jireh Irwin Adrienne, for $11,000 along with several others.
Young breeder Lloyd Akers, of Tallygaroopna in northern Victoria, selected the highest gBPI cow, Jireh Circus Belle, for $9000.
Other northern Victorian buyers included the Master Breeder Kaarmona herd; Jaynaela Jerseys of Byrneside; and R. and J. Easterbrook of Tatura.
Selling agents Dairy Livestock Services and Charles Stewart Nash McVilly report buyers were from all parts of Victoria, NSW and Tasmania.
The 140 cows sold averaged $3615, while 15 spring calving heifers averaged $2100. In total, the 155 Jerseys grossed $537,500.
The top price of $12,000 went to Coorievale Chip June.
