With the two bovine genetics experts pooling resources, Cogent Australia will aim to produce high-quality, Australian-bred genetics fused with the top genes from the British beef herd.
The move from Cheshire-based Cogent Breeding to join forces with Universal Sires Australia is part of a wider ambition from the UK business to make improvements in global beef and dairy genetics. It also moves the UK business one stop closer to its ultimate goal: to become the world leader in beef and dairy genetics.
“There are many synergies between the UK and Australian markets and we have long held similar views on the importance of genetic potential,” said Cogent’s international sales manager for Australia Andy Smith.
“This is a strong fit for both Cogent and Universal Sires and reinforces our strategic focus as a company. The formation of Cogent Australia opens an exciting period of opportunity and marketing initiatives for both businesses. Cogent Australia represents another step in Cogent’s goal to expand customer-focused services. Our combined expertise, resources and capabilities mean we’re in a strong position to enter an important, new market through the proven abilities of a great team, led by Peter Semmens.”
Peter Semmens, general manager at Universal Sires Australia, will remain in charge of the new company Cogent Australia. In a statement published this week, Semmens said he believed the backing of the UK firm Cogent would improve Australia’s capability to develop advanced beef genetics.
“This is a very exciting time for us and is very good news for our customers. From their perspective, they can expect business as usual with the added benefit of more cutting-edge services, products and technology.
“Our objective is consistency and continuity for our customers, while bringing more opportunities and better solutions to market as quickly as possible. We will be just as efficient as we were before, but more capable and more global in the future.”