July 17, 2008

Argentina purchases cow embryos from Vermont to boost industry

Argentina recently purchased 50 frozen Holstein embryos from Vermont, known for some of the highest quality of dairy animals in the world, to boost its dairy sector.

Vermont agriculture secretary Roger Allbee said the trade will help improve dairy quality in Argentina and it also offers another way for Vermont dairy farmers to diversify their businesses.

Embryo sales are common in the livestock industry, but most shipping consultants have focused on high-end, pedigree embryos that sell for about US$10,000 apiece, said Jairo Blanco, an international dairy consultant who lives in South Burlington and helped broker the deal.

An average, healthy Holstein can boost production on a South American farm dramatically, Blanco added.

The Vermont embryos sold for US$600 each.

The deal took four years to complete. Argentina farmers visited Vermont farms and Vermont representatives traveled to South America to promote the state's dairy industry, aided by USDA funding.