New Manager appointed to NZAEL
New Zealand Animal Evaluation Limited (NZAEL) has appointed Andrew Fear as its new manager.
“Andrew has a wealth of experience leading complex projects and bringing people together to achieve success,” says NZAEL Chair Mark Townshed.
“He is an innovative and strategic thinker. His background working in senior management in science and herd improvement organisations will be invaluable to NZAEL as we work for farmers to achieve genetic improvements in the national dairy herd.”
“We believe Andrew has the leadership to help deliver a single Breeding Worth (BW), independently compiled and including genotypes for the benefit of all farmers. Farmers are increasingly asking for a single clear BW.”
Mr Fear previously worked as the general manager for two New Zealand based HRL businesses – Analytica Laboratories and Precise Consulting & Laboratory.
Prior to that he worked for LIC (Livestock Improvement Corporation) for seventeen years where his role included working as the general manager of operations and service.
He was also a director of LIC Australia from 2015 to 2018.
New Zealand Animal Evaluation Limited (NZAEL) is a subsidiary of DairyNZ, which manages the national breeding objective for New Zealand dairy cows.
It aims to develop, promote and deliver independent, state of the art animal evaluation technologies that advance genetic improvement in the national dairy herd. The organisation is currently working on the national animal genetic evaluation system to help farmers make better breeding decisions for their herds. Artificial breeding (AB) is used on over 70% of New Zealand’s dairy cows.
DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle has also welcomed Mr Fear to his new role.
“Andrew's strong background in leadership and governance roles, coupled with his experience in breeding will be invaluable when he takes up his role with NZAEL on 1 February 2022.
“He brings a great depth of knowledge on animal evaluation and managing system changes to the position, and we are thrilled to have him join the team.”
Mr Fear says he is excited about the opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the rate of genetic gain in the New Zealand dairy industry.
“Genetic gain contributes around 40 percent of on-farm productivity gains, so having a positive impact on the rate of improvement will have a meaningful impact for all New Zealand dairy farmers.”
Media contact
Allanah Jarman
Senior media specialist
DairyNZ
p: 021 240 6614
e: allanah.jarman@dairynz.co.nz