Our Breeding Goals

The Barber Farms breeding programme - called Halcyon Genomix - is powered by HG Xtrapolate, the next generation in genetic advancement programmes.

We set clear parameters from our metadata to analyse what our breeding goals are for each and every individual animal. This is due to our income stream diversity project in 2018 which saw an opening for more conformative orientated animals for sale after their first calving.

As of September, we are running at a 89% index replacement rate, with an 8% conformation replacement rate, with a quorum on index for youngstock at NM$950.

The scope of our genetic resources within our bloodlines are so wide, we're on track to dominate trait ranks + create and offer alternative ancestral stacks.

A Beef on Dairy Early Adopter

We've been an enthusiastic early adopter of a sexed semen and beef on dairy strategy, with our breeding programme being built on quorums for index in both mature cows and youngstock.

Since 2016, we utilise British Blue and Angus for animals which do not reach the requirements to create replacements.

Haplotypes: Keeping the nasties out

We place great importance in our mission to keep haplotypes out of our bloodlines, which is why we created the first genetic composite which considers them in its weightings.

Breeding Programme: for Index

Twenty-One consecutive uninterrupted proof runs of genetic merit growth has come from somewhere, and it's our index breeding programme that's delivered it.

Breeding Programme: for Type

We recognise that there are many ways to breed the 'perfect' animal, and whilst we've previously advocated for the exclusive use of index, it's important to understand that conformation and type continue to heavily contribute to our sector.