Industry update to the Dairy Herd Testing Standard
Change to supply of calving data threshold
During the recent industry update to the Dairy Herd Testing Standard (see Improved Herd Testing Standard news item), it was agreed that the following section would be amended to increase recording requirements, from 75% to 85% of cows.
Old requirement
Certified herd testers (CHTs) shall ensure that at least 75% of cows that are currently lactating and expected to supply a milk sample have their latest calving data recorded at the herd test event.
New requirement
CHTs shall ensure that at least 85% of cows that are currently lactating and expected to supply a milk sample have their latest calving data recorded at the herd test event.
The need for this change is to ensure there is a greater level of recording, and accuracy, for production data being used in animal evaluation. This change is aligned with other measures the dairy sector is taking to harness faster genetic gain, unlocking increased profitability and improving environmental outcomes.
We encourage farmers to make sure their calving data records are up to date prior to the first herd-testing date of the season.
This change will be implemented from 16 June 2025. We will communicate further changes over the three-year transition period, ending September 2027.
For any questions about this change please contact support.NZAEL@dairynz.co.nz.
