National Reproductive Performance Reaches New High (original) (raw)
New season data from LIC shows a strong reproductive performance for the 2025/2026 season, with a lift in key metrics compared to last season.
The six-week in-calf rate (6wkICR) has edged up to a new record of 70.4%, from 70.2% last season, while the not-in-calf rate (NICR) remaining relatively stable at 14.7%.
LIC Chief Executive David Chin says maintaining performance at this level is a positive result for the industry and reflects the consistency farmers are achieving on farm.
“After the gains we’ve seen over recent seasons, seeing another lift is a fantastic result for New Zealand dairy farmers. Achieving a record six-week in-calf rate of 70.4% reflects the continued focus farmers are placing on reproduction performance and making good decisions on farm.”
The industry's top-performing 25% of herds achieved a six-week in-calf rate of 78.2%.
“Those top-performing herds are getting more cows submitted, achieving higher conception rates and ending the season with fewer empty cows. The difference isn't one thing done exceptionally well - it's consistently getting the basics right, from nutrition and cow recovery through to heat detection and mating management,” continues Chin.
Reproductive performance varied across the country, with softer results in the North Island offset by stronger performance in the South Island.
Standout gains were seen in Otago, South Canterbury and Canterbury, where six-week in-calf rates lifted by between 1.4 and 2.5 percentage points compared to last season. Otago saw the biggest gain, increasing from 68.9% to 71.4%, while South Canterbury lifted from 70.6% to 72.6%, and Canterbury increased from 70.5% to 71.9%.
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In the North Island, results eased slightly, with Waikato shifting from 71.2% to 69.6% and Northland from 71.0% to 69.2%.
Chin says reproduction outcomes are influenced by a range of factors, including seasonal and weather conditions, which can affect pasture quality and how cows recover heading into mating.
“Given some of the conditions parts of the North Island experienced this season, maintaining overall national performance and seeing a slight lift is a good outcome.”
He says stronger South Island performance was likely supported by favourable pasture conditions and farmers investing in quality feed through mating.
“Whether farmers are using conventional dairy, sexed semen, beef or SGL products, preparation before mating remains one of the biggest influences on getting cows back in calf.”
“At the end of the day, good reproductive performance comes back to healthy, well-managed cows, and this year’s results show farmers are continuing to do that well.”
The results are based on data from 4,776 herds and more than 2.6 million cows, continuing to provide a strong representation of national performance.
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