PDS: Optimised heifer selection – Integrating genomic selection tools and on-farm assessments to maximise lifetime productivity

Summary

This MLA Producer Demonstration Site aims to help southern producers make smarter, more profitable decisions when selecting replacement heifers. Led by neXtgen Agri, the project brings together innovative commercial producers to demonstrate how combining visual assessment with modern genomic tools can significantly improve fertility, longevity and lifetime productivity in maternal herds.

Five core producer sites supported by more than 40 observer producers will track multiple heifer cohorts over two full breeding cycles. Animals will be assessed for structure, weight, docility, frame, condition score and more, and compared with genomic rankings to understand which traits and tools best predict real‑world performance. Outcomes such as calving ease, rebreeding success, calf survival and long‑term retention will be measured to build guidelines tailored to southern production environments.

Ultimately, this project provides producers with practical, region‑relevant tools to build more fertile, resilient and productive herds, unlocking genetic potential and delivering long‑term gains for southern beef businesses.

Objectives

By February 2029, in Northern Victoria and Southern NSW, the project will establish five demonstrations sites, engaging 11 core producers and over 40 observer producers to: 

1. Demonstrate the practical application of integrated heifer selection strategies 

To identify and monitor three cohorts of replacement heifers per core producer using both phenotypic assessment and genomic selection tools, and to: 

• Record and compare conception rates, calving ease, rebreeding success, and retention rates across breeding cycles. 

• Quantify the relationship between genomic merit and actual reproductive and productivity outcomes under varying environmental and nutritional conditions. 

Performance metric: Complete tracking of ≥90% of heifers in each cohort through two breeding cycles at each core site. 

2. Improve producer confidence and skill in making data-informed selection decisions 

To increase the knowledge, skills and confidence of participating producers in using genomic tools and structured physical assessment to make balanced heifer retention decisions. 

Performance metric: 

• ≥80% of core producers report improved confidence in integrated heifer selection (pre/post survey). 

• ≥60% of observer producers report increased understanding and intent to adopt integrated selection practices. 

3. Develop and validate standardised, environment-relevant heifer selection protocols 

To create and refine a set of practical, standardised guidelines that integrate visual appraisal and genomic test results for heifer selection, tailored to different southern beef production systems. 

Performance metric: 

• Final guidelines published and distributed by December 2030 via online tools, social media, videos and producer events. 

• ≥5 producer-tested case studies embedded in the final guideline suite. 

4. Increase adoption of genomic tools among commercial producers 

To demonstrate cost-effective and practical use of commercially available genomic tools (e.g. HeiferSELECT/ Inherit Select) across a range of breeds, validating their use for heifer retention. 

Performance metric: 

• 100% of core producers implement genomic testing on ≥1 cohort. 

• ≥50% of observer producers express intent to adopt or trial genomic tools by project end.  

5. Build industry capacity through targeted extension and communication 

To deliver a multi-platform extension campaign (field days, webinars, podcasts, videos, digital tools) to showcase project outcomes, learning pathways, and adoption opportunities. 

Performance metric: 

• Deliver 5 field days (1 per core site), 5 annual webinars, 10 podcasts, and 10 written/video case studies. 

• Achieve direct engagement with ≥100 producers across all platforms via event attendance, live webinar participation, Q&A, or feedback forms.