PDS: Accelerate: Smarter Breeding with Genomics

Summary

Producers across eastern Gippsland, Victoria are actively seeking ways to lift the productivity, fertility and long‑term performance of their breeding herds. While most use Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) when selecting bulls, very few commercial beef producers in the region are applying genomic testing to their heifer selection decisions. As a result, selection accuracy is limited, genetic progress is slower than it could be, and opportunities to lift herd productivity – particularly around fertility, growth and maternal traits – are often missed.   

This project, initiated by members of the Mitchell River Better Beef Network, aims to fast‑track genetic gain and improve decision‑making by integrating genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) into best‑practice heifer selection. Across 6–7 demonstration farms, involving Angus, Hereford and crossbred herds, the project will compare traditional selection methods with genomic‑informed approaches, using real‑world data from up to 1,040 heifers tested annually.

Producers will apply genomic testing alongside structural assessment, performance data and breeding objectives to make clearer, more confident decisions about which heifers to retain – achieving 30–50% higher selection accuracy and improving outcomes such as conception rates, growth performance and herd consistency.  

Objectives

By April 2030 in the eastern Gippsland region of Victoria the project will establish 6-7 demonstration sites engaging 21 core producers and a minimum of 100 observer producers to: 

1. Demonstrate: 

• Best practice heifer selection including assessment of phenotype, measurement of weight gain and integration of genomic estimated breeding values into selection decisions 

• How combining phenotypic, performance, and genomic information: 

• • Improves confidence and accuracy in selecting replacement heifers 

• • Supports more informed and quicker decisions when reducing numbers during drought 

• How genomic data can be used to strategically match replacement heifers to sires to accelerate genetic gain in key traits  

2. Demonstrate a measurable increase in the percentage of progeny ranking above the 50th percentile (for selected EBVs) by years 3 and 4, compared to the baseline in year 1. This will be used to estimate an ROI 

3. By project end, 60% of core producers with a breeding enterprise will report adoption of the genomic-informed heifer selection strategies demonstrated through the project. 

4. Over the course of the project increase the knowledge, skill and confidence of: 

• 75% of 100 observer producers to understand the benefits and practical application of genomically assisted heifer selection strategies 

• 90% of core and 30% of 100 observer producers in using genomic data to make management decisions by:  

• Conducting an annual field day or ute drive to showcase demonstration site results and encourage adoption of key genomic selection practices. 

• Run two events featuring nationally recognized keynote speakers on best practice heifer selection, reproductive performance, and prioritizing genomic traits for commercial impact. 

• Delivering a genomics training day across three Better Beef Network groups to build knowledge, skills and confidence in interpreting and applying genomic data in breeding decisions 

• Distribute and promote existing extension material and develop new fact sheets and case studies highlighting project findings, implementation examples, and producer outcomes to promote regional and national awareness.