Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) has boosted its team Christian Duff being appointment as its new Chief Operations Officer while Rudolph Linde will step into the new role of Chief Commercialisation Officer, both to be based in Armidale.
ABRI is a global leader in data-driven livestock improvement services, delivering cutting-edge genetic evaluation technologies like BREEDPLAN to enhance productivity, profitability and sustainability in the beef industry in Australia and globally.
Mr Duff and Mr Linde both bring a wealth of experience in livestock genetics and breeding technologies to their respective leadership positions at ABRI.
Mr Duff will join ABRI in March from Angus Australia where he has been General Manager – Genetic Improvement for the past 10 years.
Mr Linde will join ABRI in late February from his role as Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) Business Manager – Genetics.
ABRI Managing Director, Anita Kauffmann, said the skills and experience Mr Duff and Mr Linde bring will further position ABRI well to respond strategically to industry needs.
“These appointments signal to industry that ABRI is serious in its mission to deliver leading edge, data-driven solutions that enhance the productivity, sustainability and profitability of the global agricultural industry,” Ms Kauffmann said.
“At the same time, we’re fostering innovation and partnerships that drive long-term success for our clients and stakeholders.”
“Christian’s life-long affinity with the Australian agricultural industry is well known, and many have witnessed his achievements at Angus Australia.”
“His experience and acumen in areas including applied research, industry collaboration, and the targeted development of genomic evaluation enhancements, will have an immediate and lasting impact on the value we provide to our customers.”
“Rudolph’s appointment is also a boon for ABRI. Rudolph’s part in the transformation of sheep genetic evaluation within MLA, gives him key insights into delivering new services for the beef industry.”
“His understanding of the complexity of commercialising beef and dairy genetic evaluation services globally, in order to address the needs of industry, will ensure that ABRI leverages the power of DNA and EBV data for multi-breed and commercial cattle herd products.”
This year marks the 40th anniversary of BREEDPLAN, which is the most extensively utilised genetic evaluation offering globally. There are over 80 breed societies, breeder groups and pastoral companies relying on BREEDPLAN analyses for their genetic improvement around the world.
ABRI Chair Angela Schuster said the appointments come at a pivotal time.
“ABRI has a clear strategic vision to ensure the organisation plays a vital and long-term role in improving the rates of genetic gain and being responsive to industry needs that improve the productivity and profitability of producers,” Ms Schuster said.
“We look forward to welcoming Christian and Rudolph to ABRI as we focus on further building on our services to the agricultural sector.”
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