Renowned genetic scientist Dorian Garrick will join the PBB board

Professor Dorian Garrick, PhD, BAgrSc(Hons), is Chief Scientist and Director at Massey University’s AL Rae Centre. The AL Rae Centre is a world leader in the field of quantitative breeding, genetics and genomics working to benefit New Zealand’s agricultural sector.

He is also a Professor of Animal Breeding and Genetics at Massey’s School of Agriculture and Environment.

Mr Garrick will replace Shane McManaway, Chief Executive Officer of Allflex Asia-Pacific and China on the PBB board.

He will be the second independent Director alongside three appointed breed representatives.

PBB provides the analysis, data management and resources for New Zealand’s beef breeds as well as an array of commercial services such as genomic evaluations, tag sales, on farm software and graphic and web design.

The PBB Board is excited to welcome someone with Dorian’s expertise.

“Dorian is a world leader in his field. He has been integrally involved in the development and implementation of national animal evaluation programmes, performance recording databases and breeding schemes internationally. His experience will be invaluable to PBB as we pave the way forward in areas such as genomic testing for our New Zealand beef breeds,” says Harry Faas.

Garrick’s stellar international career has spanned many decades.

Dorian began his research career at Massey University after graduating from a Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree with First Class Honours.

He then obtained a Fulbright scholarship and the prestigious Andrew D. White Fellowship to undertake a PhD at Cornell University, an Ivy League research university in Ithaca, New York.

Upon returning to New Zealand, Dorian was appointed as a Full Professor at Massey University at age 34.

He and his wife also owned and ran a farm in the Manawatu farming sheep, beef and deer.

Dorian was lured back to the United States in 2002 and held positions at Colorado State University and Iowa State University before taking up the Director role at the AL Rae Centre in 2017.

Garrick is looking forward to the contribution he can make to the PBB board.

“Data and analytics are revolutionising our agriculture industry,” he says.

“PBB are conscious that if our beef industry invests in genetic improvement the country will benefit.”

“I hope my experience and learnings will help PBB to realise that genetic improvement.”

Professor Dorian Garrick is also a founding partner of U.S. based company Theta Solutions LLC, which licenses software for animal and plant evaluation. It is used by International Genetics Solutions and the American Hereford Association for its across country single step evaluation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

To learn more about this appointment, please contact
Harry Faas – General Manager PBB
P: 06 323 4484 | M: 021919128