Even 60 years of progress and achievement has not stopped Genetics Australia from aiming higher.
With a storied history that puts the co-operative at the pinnacle of the genetics industry in Australia, Genetics Australia has its sights set firmly on the future.
GA chairman, Trevor Henry, told the gathering of more than 110 people at the 60th anniversary dinner, genetics was about building on past generations, and the organisation had been fortunate to have dedicated people involved to pursue that aim.
It was the vision of the original people 60 years ago who formed what was then Victorian Artificial Breeders (VAB), to take up the new technology in the face of resistance about artificial insemination and its impact on the breeds.
“Our founders had faith in the technology and established Genetics Australia,” Mr Henry said.
“The courage of subsequent boards and management teams of Genetics Australia to continue to grow and be a vehicle for change and progress has been a vision that has been to serve our dairy farmers.
“It has ensured we are, as farmers, profitable and sustainable.”
It has been the vision of Genetics Australia that has allowed us to do that.
Mr Henry said he was proud of the “Australian cow” – a unique blend of the world’s best genetics suited to the climate.
“Our current board have looked to export, led by Rob Derkson, who has been able to present to NZ, South Africa and China,” he said.
“He is able to talk with passion and knowledge and absolute commitment to the Australian cow. That has held us in good stead moving to the future.
Genetics was about building on past generations, and that goes for the people as well, Mr Henry said.
Genetics chief executive Anthony Shelly said 60 years was a significant milestone.
He said to be part of the management team of the co-op, it had been an amazing story.
While there had been name changes over the years, the ethos had not changed since 1958.
The business had set a target of selling one million units of semen, which Mr Shelly said would be achieved through further investment in research, development and technologies.
Mr Shelly said the business had expanded its international footprint with the acquisition of New Zealand based business Genetics Enterprises.
He recognised the role of past chairmen, the international partnerships, the distributors and current and past staff as well as past chief executives.
Mr Shelly also recognised the pivotal role of the breeders – “where would we be without our breeders?”
