DairyTalk 345: Organizations vs. Breeders: The Power Struggle Over Holstein Genetics - by Helmut Demmelhuber

DairyTalk by Helmut Demmelhuber · Mar 25, 2026 · 19m

This episode draws on a professional article analysing the structural shift in Holstein breeding driven by genomic technology. Historically, the sector relied on close cooperation between breeders and artificial insemination organizations, enabling broad access to genetic progress. More recently, however, US-inspired business models have introduced stricter control over valuable genetics and the distribution of offspring. Contractual limitations increasingly restrict farmers from freely marketing animals derived from elite bloodlines. The article places this debate within a wider discussion…