Livestock Improvement

What Livestock Improvement does

Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) is a New Zealand farmer-owned cooperative founded in 1909 and listed on the NZX Main Board (NZE:LIC), providing integrated dairy herd improvement services to approximately 10,500 New Zealand dairy farmers and an additional international customer base across 30+ countries. The company's offering is built around three interconnected pillars: (1) Genetics — Premier Sires team-based artificial breeding, Alpha nominated genetics packs, sexed semen, short gestation length (SGL) semen, KiwiCross crossbred genetics, A2/A2 bulls, organic-certified semen, and the Sire Proving Scheme that has evaluated sires since 1961; (2) Data and diagnostics — the MINDA web-based herd management platform, GeneMark DNA parentage and genomic evaluation, herd testing services, and a broad animal health diagnostics suite covering BVD, Johne's disease, pregnancy testing, and mastitis PCR; (3) Decision support tools — Breeding Worth (BW), Production Worth (PW), and Lactation Worth (LW) indices developed in partnership with NZ Animal Evaluation, the proprietary HoofPrint and BeefPrint environmental indexes, Customate sire selection, and DataMATE mating risk assessment. Underlying technology includes an enhanced genomic evaluation model that improved prediction accuracy by 8%, the Single Step Animal Model (SSAM), and a Confluent-powered real-time data streaming platform that replaced legacy batch pipelines.\n\nLIC's business model combines transactional revenue (genetics/semen sales, herd testing, DNA tests, technician services, hardware/tags) with recurring subscription revenue (MINDA platform: $62 monthly base herd fee plus $0.45 per animal). Pricing is highly granular and graduated — Premier Sires technician service ranges from $32.15 down to $23.85 per insemination by volume tier, sexed semen is $61.45 per straw plus $8.95 per insemination, and herd testing carries a $530 first-test service fee plus per-sample charges. The company monetizes approximately 5 million artificial breeding inseminations annually and 1.4 million genomic inseminations (up from under 400,000 in 2017). Distribution is hybrid: a nationwide field force of LIC Agri Managers organized into four regional territories, a Customer Experience Centre (0800 2 MINDA), the shop.lic.co.nz e-commerce platform, and direct technician services. International expansion is led by a dedicated GM International function covering 30+ countries. The cooperative reinvests approximately 6-7% of revenue into R&D annually, with over $80 million invested in genomic science and sequencing technology since the 1990s. LIC is governed by a Board of Directors, a Shareholder Council, and a Shareholder Reference Group representing its 8,500+ farmer shareholders.\n\nRevenue concentration is overwhelmingly domestic New Zealand dairy farming, with the international business representing a minority share. LIC holds an estimated ~70% share of the New Zealand dairy herd improvement market, reflecting strong incumbent positioning built on 100+ years of accumulated herd data, the MINDA national database, NAIT-accredited information provider status, and farmer-shareholder alignment. Recent strategic priorities include a new diagnostics laboratory at Newstead (announced May 2026) to scale GeneMark genomic and animal health testing capacity, the HoofPrint/BeefPrint environmental indices supporting methane and nitrogen reduction, and an international MoU with Gombe State Government (Nigeria) for livestock modernization. The company reported positive half-year financial performance with a 5.2% revenue increase and 9.3% rise in underlying earnings.

Name

Livestock Improvement

Legal name

Livestock Improvement Corporation

Website

https://lic.co.nz

Company type

Public

Founded year

1909

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) is a New Zealand farmer-owned cooperative providing dairy genetics, herd management software (MINDA), genomic/DNA testing, animal health diagnostics, and artificial breeding services to approximately 10,500 dairy farmers in New Zealand and customers in 30+ international markets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Dairy Herd Improvement Services

NAICS

Support Activities for Animal Production (11521), Dairy Cattle and Milk Production (112120)

SIC

Agricultural Prod-Livestock & Animal Specialties (200), Agricultural Services (700)

akta.pro primary industry

Genomic Testing & Genetic Evaluation Services (AFAEAJAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Dairy Breeding & Genetics (AI, Embryo Transfer) (AFAEACAD), Dairy Herd Health & Reproduction Services (non-veterinary) (AFAEACAE), Breeding Program Design & Genetic Consulting (Mating Plans, EPD/Index Selection) (AFACAEAD)

Keywords

• Dairy herd improvement
• Artificial breeding services
• Animal genetics
• Herd management software
• Genomic testing services

Headquarters

HQ city

Hamilton

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Genetics and Semen Products: Revenue from artificial breeding products including Premier Sires semen (Forward Pack, A2/A2 team, SGL Dairy), Alpha nominated genetics packs, sexed semen, short gestation length semen, and beef bulls. Both technician service and DIY options available with graduated pricing based on volume.
2. Herd Testing Services: Charges for herd testing including service fees, sample fees (Classic and Single test), emergency fees, equipment cleaning, and delivery fees. Also includes EZ Link equipment and bracket sales.
3. MINDA Subscription: Monthly subscription model with base herd fee plus per-animal charges. Provides access to herd management system, reporting, and data services.
4. DNA and Animal Health Testing: GeneMark genomic testing (DNA parentage and genomic evaluation), BVD testing (PCR, ELISA, bulk milk), Johne's disease testing, milk pregnancy testing, mastitis multiplex PCR testing. Pricing varies by test type and season (peak vs off-peak).
5. Heat Detection Products: LIC Heat Patch, Heat Patch Plus, and Bulls-i detectors sold with volume-based pricing. Annual subscriptions for heat detection services.
6. AB Technician Services: Artificial breeding technician services charged per insemination with graduated pricing based on number of inseminations. Technician training courses and DIY equipment supplies also generate revenue.
7. Tags and Equipment: NAIT-approved electronic (EID) tags, management tags, and farm equipment sold through LIC Shop e-commerce platform.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

LIC is a New Zealand farmer-owned cooperative providing integrated dairy herd improvement solutions centered on genetics (Premier Sires bull teams, Alpha nominated genetics, sexed semen, short gestation length semen, organic and A2/A2 semen), MINDA web-based herd management software, GeneMark genomic and DNA testing, animal health diagnostics (BVD, Johne's, mastitis, pregnancy), herd testing services, and on-farm artificial breeding technician services. The portfolio combines proprietary bull genetics, genomic evaluation models, and a national herd database to help dairy farmers improve reproductive performance, milk production, animal health, and environmental efficiency.

Product overview

LIC is a New Zealand farmer-owned cooperative offering an integrated herd improvement platform centered on MINDA, a web-based herd management system that serves as the central hub for data recording, analysis, and decision-making. The product portfolio consists of three interconnected pillars: (1) Genetics products including Premier Sires team-based artificial breeding, Alpha nominated genetics packs, individual bull selection across multiple breeds (Holstein-Friesian, Jersey, KiwiCross, Ayrshire), sexed semen, short gestation length semen, organic semen, and specialized programs like Jersey Future and A2 bulls; (2) Data and diagnostics including MINDA herd management, GeneMark genomics/DNA testing, herd testing, animal health diagnostics (BVD, Johne's, mastitis, pregnancy testing), and NAIT compliance services; (3) Decision support tools including Breeding Worth calculator, genomic evaluation, environmental indexes (HoofPrint, BeefPrint), Customate sire selection, and herd statistics. These products integrate with third-party platforms including NAIT, Protrack 2G, MyOSPRI, Xero, and Confluent for data streaming, enabling farmers to make data-driven breeding decisions and manage herd productivity and sustainability.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MINDA: Herd management system for recording and accessing animal information
• Premier Sires
• Alpha
• GeneMark
• HoofPrint
• BeefPrint
• Sire Proving Scheme
• KiwiCross
• Space

Products and services

• MINDA Herd Management System
• Premier Sires Artificial Breeding
• Alpha Nominated Genetics
• GeneMark Genomics
• Herd Testing Services
• Artificial Breeding Technician Services
• DIY Insemination Training and Equipment
• Animal Health Testing Services
• LIC Heat Detection Products
• Sexed Semen
• Short Gestation Length (SGL) Semen
• HoofPrint and BeefPrint Environmental Indexes
• LIC Dairy Beef
• Field Assist Service
• NAIT Compliance Services
• A2 Bulls
• Organic Semen
• EZ Link Herd Testing Equipment
• Jersey Future Breeding Programme

Quantifiable outcome

• 70.4% six-week in-calf rate - new national record for 2025/2026 season
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

AI capability4 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Gombe State GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 February 2026Gombe State Government signed MoU with LIC to modernize livestock production, introduce climate-smart practices, and explore joint research in genetics and biotechnology. Agreement includes potential partnerships with Gombe State University. Framed as major pillar of Gombe State's agricultural transformation agenda.
• ConfluentcoreTechnology or IntegrationLIC replaced legacy batch pipelines with Confluent's streaming platform to deliver real-time herd health insights to 10,500 dairy farmers. Confluent recognized as Challenger in 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Data Integration Tools.
• DairyNZ / NZ Animal EvaluationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNZ Animal Evaluation is a wholly owned subsidiary of DairyNZ. LIC initially developed BW, PW, and LW indices in 1996. LIC retains ownership of cow BW, PW, and LW. Senior LIC representative serves on NZ Animal Evaluation Standing Advisory Committee.
• Lely GroupmajorTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with Dutch company Lely Group established in 2015 to accelerate sensor technology developments and increase global use on farms.
• DeLavalmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration agreement with DeLaval announced in 2016 to develop automated Body Condition Scoring (BCS) measurement system.
• First Light WagyuminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLIC teams up with First Light Wagyu to offer dairy farmers opportunity for additional income from sought-after, value-added Wagyu beef through dairy-beef calves.
• Jersey NZmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint breeding programme called Jersey Future announced in 2017, providing early access to promising young Jersey bulls and protecting the breed's future.
• OSPRIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLIC is an accredited NAIT information provider. OSPRI manages the NAIT (National Animal Identification and Tracing) system for cattle and deer movements in New Zealand.
• Ag Emissions CentremajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLIC and Ag Emissions Centre completed latest phase of multi-year genetic research into reducing gross methane emissions on farm.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves4 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• CRV: CRV is a Dutch farmer-owned cooperative and one of the world's largest dairy genetics companies, offering AI services, herd management software, and breeding programs. It is the closest direct peer to LIC in cooperative structure, dairy genetics focus, and international markets including New Zealand.
• ABS Global (Genus plc): ABS Global is the bovine genetics division of Genus plc, providing AI sires, sexed semen, and genomic services to dairy and beef producers worldwide. It is a direct competitor in dairy and beef genetics, with broader international reach and a deeper sexed-semen product line than LIC.
• Select Sires Inc. Select Sires is a US farmer-owned cooperative providing AI genetics, sire summaries, and reproductive services to dairy and beef producers. Comparable as a cooperative-led genetics organization with breeding programs, daughter-proven bulls, and global export ambitions similar to LIC.
• STgenetics: STgenetics is a US-based leader in sexed semen technology (SexedULTRA) and dairy/beef genetics with significant international presence. Directly comparable to LIC on genomic evaluation, sexed semen, and AI services for dairy herds globally.
• Genex (Cooperative Resources International): Genex is a US cooperative providing dairy and beef genetics, artificial insemination, and reproductive services. Directly comparable to LIC as a cooperative-led AI/genetics organization serving farmer-members with similar sire proving and breeding programs.

Broad incumbents

• Zoetis: Zoetis is the world's largest animal health company with significant investments in livestock diagnostics, genetics, and reproductive services (via its Vetscan and genomics offerings). Comparable to LIC as a broad incumbent covering animal health diagnostics and genomic testing at global scale.
• IDEXX Laboratories: IDEXX is a global leader in veterinary diagnostics with growing livestock and dairy testing offerings. Comparable to LIC on animal health diagnostics (BVD, Johne's, pregnancy, mastitis PCR), though broader in companion animal and reference lab services.
• Neogen Corporation: Neogen provides animal genomics, food safety, and animal health diagnostics through its genomics and animal safety segments. Comparable to LIC on the genomics and animal health diagnostics side, particularly GeneMark DNA testing and BVD/Johne's testing offerings.
• Nedap: Nedap is a Dutch technology company offering dairy herd management software, cow recognition, and automation systems used by progressive dairy farms globally. Comparable to LIC on the herd management software and automation side, competing in international markets for large-scale dairy operators.

Emerging players

• MSD Animal Health (Allflex): MSD Animal Health acquired LIC Automation in 2021 and owns the Allflex livestock identification and monitoring business. Adjacent to LIC through livestock identification, sensors, and farm automation — overlapping with MINDA's NAIT integration and heat detection product lines.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/livestockimprovement
• Facebookfacebook.com/livestockimprovementcorp
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lic_2
• Xx.com/licnz

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds5 records

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments2 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Livestock Improvement