Tough conditions in the dairy industry are prompting U.S. dairy farmers to rely increasingly on genetics to improve their profit margins, according to a new research report from CoBank. Farmers have a number of genetic tools at their disposal including sexed semen, genomic testing, in vitro fertilization, and management software technology. In addition, some dairy producers are crossbreeding dairy cows with proven beef sires to add value to the bull calf crop,.A video synopsis of the report, “Dairies Use Genetics to Manage Through Beef Price Decline” can be found on CoBank’s YouTube Channel.

A cherry shipper is partnering with a biotechnology company to develop new varieties quicker than through more traditional development. Wash.-based TNV LLC, has entered into a service agreement with Seattle-based Ag biotechnology firm Phytelligence, The companies will develop new cherry varieties using genetic analysis capabilities, genetic repository services and proprietary plant multiplication and growth processes.

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