ABRI's Extension & Engagement Team Leader, Catriona Millen, recently travelled to South Africa and Namibia to meet with breed societies, breeders and industry organisations, strengthening relationships with users of ABRI products and services including BREEDPLAN and BreedLogic Database Search (BLDS).
The visit began in South Africa, where Catriona worked alongside the Livestock Registering Federation (LRF), one of ABRI's long-standing partners in the region, to deliver a workshop for breed society staff. Representatives from several South African breed societies attended the session to discuss current BREEDPLAN developments, BLDS and future industry needs.
Representatives from South African breed societies attended a workshop hosted by the LRF.
While in South Africa, Catriona also attended the annual LRF Stockman School, one of the region's leading livestock education events. Bringing together breeders, researchers and industry professionals from across southern Africa, including South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana, the event provides practical information aimed at helping producers improve the productivity and profitability of their herds. As part of the program, Catriona delivered two presentations focused on genetic improvement and the practical application of BREEDPLAN information within seedstock and commercial breeding programs.
A highlight of the week was the opportunity to attend the LRF Gala Evening, where breeders and industry contributors were recognised for their achievements. The awards program included recognition of the Seedstock Producer of the Year, the LRF Merit Award, Completeness of Performance (COP) Star Rating Awards, Proven Bull and Cow Groups of the Year Awards and a range of other industry honours. As the BREEDPLAN representative in attendance, Catriona was pleased to assist in presenting several of the BREEDPLAN-related awards. ABRI congratulates all award recipients on their achievements and ongoing commitment to performance recording, genetic improvement and industry leadership.
ABRI's Catriona Millen speaking at the 2026 LRF Stockman School.
Following the South African visit, Catriona travelled to Namibia, where she met with staff from the Namibian Stud Breeders Association (NSBA), another long-standing ABRI partner. The NSBA also organised a breeder workshop in Windhoek focused on BREEDPLAN and BLDS, providing an opportunity to discuss recent developments and the practical use of performance and genetic information.
The trip also provided an opportunity to spend time with breeder clients and see their operations first-hand. Catriona stayed with Bianca Luesse of Lichtenstein Simmentaler and Bramarein Brahmans, discussing breeding objectives, herd management and the practical application of BREEDPLAN information within Namibian seedstock enterprises.
ABRI extends its sincere thanks to the Livestock Registering Federation, the Namibian Stud Breeders Association, and the many breeders and industry representatives who generously shared their time, knowledge and hospitality throughout the visit.
Catriona with Bianca Luesse of Lichtenstein Simmentaler and Bramarein Brahmans in Namibia.