The red meat industry's biggest livestock genetics company says the sheep and beef sector has a long way to go match the genetic gain that's been achieved in the dairy industry.
But Focus Genetics says its research programmes to lift the performance of sheep, cattle and deer will get a boost from a Government technology development grant of $660,000 over three years.
Focus Genetics was formed in July from the amalgamation of Rissington Breedline and Landcorp Farming's genetics division.
Chief executive Graham Leech says its R&D work focuses on improving farm productivity, increasing efficiency in the processing plant and improving meat quality.