Meander FMI April—an extraordinary dairy cow from Southland, New Zealand—was inducted into the Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) Hall of Fame in Hamilton for her unmatched contribution to the country’s dairy genetics. With 111 offspring and 25 successful bull sires, April stands as a symbol of elite dairy breeding, significantly shaping herd performance across generations.
New Zealand’s dairy industry celebrated a historic moment as Meander FMI April, a high-performing dairy cow from Southland, was inducted into the Livestock Improvement Corporation’s (LIC) Hall of Fame during the Breeders’ Day event held in Hamilton. LIC, a New Zealand-based farmer-owned co-operative that focuses on herd improvement and dairy genetics, honored April for her groundbreaking contribution to the national herd.
April, known for her extraordinary genetic merit, has produced 111 offspring—far surpassing the average of five for most cows—and 25 of her sons have been used as sires for the next generation of dairy cattle, an achievement rarely seen in the industry.
“This award recognises April’s extraordinary contribution to our sector,” said Simon Worth, LIC’s Livestock Selection Manager. “Her outstanding traits in fertility, milk volume, and milk components like fat and protein have been passed on through generations, proving her status as a genetic giant.”
The honor was accepted by Robert and Annemarie Bruin, breeders from Southland, who have closely worked with April throughout her life. “She’s a once-in-a-lifetime cow,” said Robert Bruin. “Watching her genetics flourish in so many descendants is an incredible reward.”
LIC CEO David Chin emphasized the significance of genetics in long-term herd improvement. “April’s legacy demonstrates how breeding decisions made today shape the performance of herds for years to come. LIC is proud to support breeders like the Bruins who are pushing the limits of dairy excellence.”
April’s legacy now joins her sire, Illustrious, in the Hall of Fame—marking a rare and special family achievement. Although she remains on the Bruin family farm in Southland, her impact on the national herd and New Zealand’s agricultural future is already well established.
