The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) hosted an official visit from the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) Beijing from 3-17 March 2007 under the auspices of the Australia-China Agriculture Cooperation Agreement (ACACA) "Investigating Beef Cattle Farming Systems and Breeding Technology in Australia".
The ACACA program facilitates exchange visits between Australian and Chinese delegations to enhance cooperation in a wide range of agricultural sectors, to develop the trading relationship and to provide a forum for the exchange of scientific information.
Simmental Australia was pleased to arrange part of the itinerary for the high level Chinese delegation.
Peter Speers, CEO of Simmental Australia, presented a welcome seminar in Sydney, highlighting Australian Simmentals and their suitability for export to China.
The delegation was then hosted by Greg and Jeanette Huggins, Dandavjon stud, Mount Egerton, Victoria. The delegation viewed their Simmental stud herd and enjoyed lunch on their farm. Their son, Daniel Huggins, (Maxi Cow Consulting), presented an informative discussion on breeding Simmentals in Australia.
The delegation, led by the President of the Chinese Simmental Association, Professor Xu Shangzhong, was particularly impressed with the sire Dandavjon Dalla Vista (Senior Champion Bull Melbourne Show 2005) and other Dandavjon Simmentals on display.
The Delegation members were:
Professor Xu Shangzhong (Animal Genetics & Breeding Centre, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS),
Chinese Simmental President)
Mr Gao Xiang (Director, Cattle Breeding Society, Shandong Province)
Mr Zhang Qingyun (General Manager, Kelong Bioengineering Ltd Co, Changchun, Jilin)
Mr Deng Xingzhao (Program Officer, National Feed Industry, Department of Animal Industry, Ministry of Agriculture (MoA))
Ms Zhang Li (Interpreter & Program Officer, Animal Husbandry Division, MoA)
 |
The delegation was very impressed with the display of Simmentals at Greg and Jeanette Huggins'
|
