The National Herd Improvement Association of Australia has launched an independent National Accreditation program for artificial insemination technicians, with 55 technicians already accredited.
The program is designed to formally recognise technicians’ skills, training and experience, providing greater confidence to cattle producers and stud breeders using their services.
For AI technicians themselves, it’s formal recognition and this will help them secure work across the country.
Accreditation counts: NHD Cohuna team members Stewart Mancer, Judith Yerex and Gilberto Dayag have all completed the National AI Accreditation Technician Program.
The relaunched National Professional AI Accredited Technician Program, driven by the National Herd Improvement Association of Australia, responds to strong demand from both technicians and producers for certification, the NHIA said in a statement.
Accreditation is also expected to strengthen on-farm quality assurance programs, giving producers confidence in the welfare standards, expertise, and professionalism of their herd improvement advisers.
NHIA chief executive officer Sara Merckel said it was time the industry formally acknowledged the important role that AI technicians play across the livestock sector.
“Successfully breeding cows underpins our livestock sector, it’s the key to industry sustainability and profit,” she said.
“It’s important for farmer confidence that the AI technicians who undertake this vital role have independent accreditation recognising their skills. For accredited technicians, it’s formal acknowledgement of their knowledge, experience and skills.
“We encourage anyone in the AI industry – and those looking to work in the sector – to complete the National AI Accreditation Technician Program.”
National Herd Development AI department supervisor Stewart Mancer has completed the National Professional AI Accredited Technician Program along with four of his colleagues in Cohuna, Victoria, two in South Australia and three in Western Victoria.
“It gives farmers a sense of security when I say to them ‘yes, all the team is accredited’,” he said.
“They are trusting us to get their cows in calf, and they want the confidence of knowing that their technicians are trained at the top level of the industry.
“It’s also about trust. NHIA and the accreditation are well known within the industry. This means AI technicians looking for a job can move around and travel with the confidence of knowing that they can be employed very quickly.”
For more information about the accreditation process, click here.
About NHIA
Established in 1995 as the successor to the Herd Improvement Organisation Victoria, the National Herd Improvement Association of Australia is the peak body representing and promoting herd improvement across the nation. NHIA supports beef, dairy and small ruminants by providing services, advocacy, training and resources to its members—businesses and organisations delivering herd improvement services.
Membership includes service providers and suppliers dedicated to driving productivity gains for farmers and advancing industry standards. Through collaboration, education, and leadership, NHIA works to ensure the ongoing growth, professionalism, and impact of the herd improvement sector.