Article

Weatherbys Scientific expands offering in New Zealand with PBB partnership

20 October 2025

The door has been opened for New Zealand cattle breeders to access one of the world’s most advanced genomic testing services, with global leader Weatherbys Scientific announcing a new partnership with Performance Beef Breeders (PBB).

The collaboration marks Weatherbys’ first major partnership in the New Zealand beef sector and will allow breeders to submit DNA samples through PBB for testing and the ability to access Weatherbys next-generation Bovine Versa 85K SNP chip.

Weatherbys National Business Development Manager ANZ, Michael-John Barry, said the company was excited to expand its support for the genetics-driven improvement of beef breeds across New Zealand.

“New Zealand cattle breeders are among the most progressive and innovative in the world, with a strong focus on data, performance and herd improvement,” Mr Barry said.

“This partnership means we can combine PBB’s elite on-the-ground sales and support with our world-class genomic testing services to provide fast, detailed and flexible options for genotyping.

“This not only expands the options available for breeders seeking genetic improvement in their herd, but it also brings cost-effective solutions due to our global scale.”

Mr Barry said Weatherbys Scientific had taken considerable time to identify a strategic partner in New Zealand that could deliver premium customer service, had genuine capability in the beef genetics sector, and shared the company’s customer-first values.

“We were looking for a partner with strong market reach and a reputation for integrity, responsiveness and service, and we have found that in the PBB team,” he said.

“Our shared focus on putting the breeder at the centre of our operations made this partnership a natural fit.”

Weatherbys Scientific, which operates internationally across livestock and equine industries, offers a suite of advanced SNP-based genotyping and DNA profiling tests, including the next-generation Bovine Versa 85K SNP Chip, which builds upon the highly successful 50k chip.

NZ sees boom in genetic testing

PBB NZ General Manager, Jamie Tait, said the partnership was driven by the demand for high-quality and innovative services.

“Genomic testing is becoming increasingly important, even beyond the realm of stud breeding, and in the past five years we’ve seen average year-on-year growth of 20%,” Ms Tait said.

“It’s becoming a sales tool for our farmers. But our farmers have preferences which are driven by many things including quality of results, speed, simplicity and a commitment to science.

“This is an opportunity to bring more choice into the New Zealand market.

“We also wanted to work with someone who was willing to invest in New Zealand and have an ongoing commitment to work with us on future innovation and testing requirements.

“Weatherbys has been really collaborative and their commitment to service is a real key.”

Mr Barry said Weatherbys was looking forward to supporting PBB and ensuring New Zealand farmers had access to the cost-effective solutions that drive genetic gains.

“Adopting genetics doesn’t need to be complicated,” Mr Barry said.

“Together with PBB, there is step-by-step, end-to-end customer service to guide people through the process, from sample collection through to results delivery.

“With the right tools and the right advice, this partnership will mean producers can unlock the genetic potential of their herds and accelerate progress from one generation to the next.”

For more information visit the PBB website at pbbnz.com or call 0800 248 247 (in New Zealand) or 1800 221 271 (in Australia).