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.  

Progress

The Optimised Heifer Selection PDS project is being managed by neXtgen Agri International and aims to demonstrate the potential of genomic tools to enhance heifer selection strategies and develop practical guidelines for optimal heifer selection that integrate both phenotypic assessments and genomic data to maximise lifetime productivity. 

Each PDS site for this project will follow the performance of three cohorts of heifers through multiple breeding cycles to document conception timing, calving ease, calf survival, rebreeding rates, and long-term retention. Final project outputs will include environment-specific guidelines for integrated heifer selection and a robust evaluation of how visual and genomic data influence actual performance outcomes.

Eleven PDS sites have been established for this project; two in South Australia, four in Victoria and five in NSW. All of the sites have identified their first cohort of heifers, collected weaning data, including body weights, condition, docility and structural scoring and are in the process of getting genomic data back on the heifers to inform selection decisions before joining. The project is still in its early stages, as pregnancy and calving results will not be available until late 2026 or early 2027.

Communication and engagement activities for the project to date have included a project launch webinar, a technical article on using genomics for smarter heifer breeding decisions, regular social media and Hub updates, and the release of the first Head Shepherd podcast episode featuring a PDS core producer.

The Heifer Selection space on the neXtgen Agri Hub is followed by 1,519 members. Strong producer engagement across multiple states demonstrates how important and how much enthusiasm within the industry there is to integrate phenotypic and genomic information into heifer selection decision making.