Global recognition for genetics stalwart

THE LARGEST genetics co-operative in the world, Select Sires, has officially recognised the contribution of Waikato farmer and World Wide Sires (WWS) breeding consultant, Dyanne Osborne.

Osborne joined World Wide Sires more than 33 years ago, in 1989, World Wide Sires Area director of marketing Brian Albertoni, acknowledging that “it is simply not possible to record the positive impact her knowledge and passion for genetics has had on the New Zealand dairy industry”.

World Wide Sires’ pride in her achievement has been formally recognised on a brick which has been laid at the entrance of the Kellgren Heritage Center at Select Sires’ headquarters in Plain City, Ohio. Her name joins those of other industry leaders and legends whose dedication has delivered enduring value to the global dairy industry.

Albertoni says in today’s world, staying with one company for more than 30 years is now uncommon.

“Building such a relationship with a company takes loyalty, dedication, hard work and most importantly a passion for the industry and the people you encounter on a daily basis.

“At WWS, we treasure our long-time team members and recognise them as the heart and soul of our company. Our younger team members look up to the veterans they are surrounded by, as they provide irreplaceable experience and knowledge that can only be built over time,” he says.

Osborne grew up on her parent’s dairy farm initially training as a school dental nurse before joining her husband Wayne in a 150 cow dairy farm.

The breeding side of things always fascinated her, Dyanne recalling that she and Wayne took over a predominantly Jersey herd and gradually moved across to high producing, North American, Holstein Friesians.

“We discussed each cows’ faults and good qualities and what bulls we could use to improve the herd,” she says.

“I never went for the standard and always looked outside the square. I have always been an early adopter; I always look at what’s best for my needs, to see if there is a better way.”

And this – what worked best – was the approach she applied to her clients when she joined WWS.

Craig Robertson, WWS New Zealand general manager, says Osborne has always been regarded as a trailblazer.

“Her belief in the benefits to be gained from accessing the largest genetic database in the world never dimmed –even during the late 1990s when research comparing the fertility and production of North American Friesians with New Zealand and Irish cows revealed a concerning level of infertility.

“Hindsight confirms that this was largely a result of milking yearround without the breeding pressure associated with seasonal dairying but, at the time, Dyanne stood firm in a wellrounded belief that strategic selection of sires suited to New Zealand, would deliver superior results for her clients.

“And time has proven her to be correct – WWS’ bulls have some of the best fertility statistics combined with health and production records, available in the world today.”

Receiving the award, Osborne says “when you are doing something you love, it really doesn’t feel like work at all”.

“It’s nice to be recognized for 30+ years of dedication to WWS, but the bigger reward is knowing through WWS, I have impacted farmers’ livelihoods around the world through our genetics. It’s a small role I play in a farmer focused organisation driven by a mission to impact sustainable food production, animal welfare and farmer profitability.”

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