George Wagner
A Tasmanian farmer who has one of the country’s best dairy herds has been inducted on the Genetics Australia honour roll.
George Wagner of Rengaw Holsteins, formerly of Winnaleah is one of eight new inductees on the honour roll.
The new inductees were announced during Genetics Australia’s 60th anniversary dinner. They are among just 31 breeders to receive the honour in the history of the organisation.
Genetics Australia’s Breeding, Genetics and Production Manager, Peter Thurn, said the honour roll recognised breeders of bulls that had made significant contributions to Genetics Australia and to the Australian dairy industry.
“They have made an outstanding contribution through the provision of elite genetics,” Mr Thurn said.
Mr Thurn said Mr Wagner and his family had developed a herd of cows ranked in the top handful in the country after sourcing embryos from the family of Judge.
“Some cow families just keep giving and some people are smart enough to recognise these families and capitalise on them,” he said. “That’s what George has done.”
Wrangler, Geemcee and Challenger are from the same family as the renowned Judge. All tested high on genomics and are coming through with good daughter proofs.
“Both Wrangler and Geemcee will continue to influence the breed through their sons,” Mr Thurn added.
He said Genetics Australia expected to continue to receive great bulls from the family with Mr Wagner’s daughter Courtney and son-in-law Jared Ireland carrying on the tradition.
The other new names on the honour roll are Bryan and Jo Dickson of Emu Banks Holsteins at Terang in south-west Victoria, Daryl and Lani Hoey of Beulah Jerseys at Katunga in northern Victoria, Lynton and Lisa Broad of Broadlin Jerseys at Lockington in northern Victoria, John and Vicki Lillico of Hindlee Holsteins at Smithon in Tasmania, Ian and Peter Willcocks of Manna Farm Holsteins at Yankalilla South Australia, Colin and Narelle Bacon of Colnarco Jerseys at Lockington, and Brian and Bill Anderson of Bundalong Holsteins at Kongwak Victoria.
Genetics Australia is Australia’s leading dairy breeding organisation.
Genetics Australia
