Our 2026 International Sires of the Year receive a prestigious award celebrating the highest international sales across our global markets. This recognition reflects the strong global demand for New Zealand genetics and the proven value they deliver in pasture-based farming systems worldwide.
This year’s honours go to three outstanding bulls and each breeder has been presented with a commemorative plaque in recognition of this exceptional achievement.
Holstein Friesian - International Sire of the Year 2026
Cavalier SS Rival-ET S2F - Holstein Friesian bred by Cavalier Trust – Dean and Aimee Perrett. Manaia, Taranaki
Rival is making a strong impact across international markets, with particularly strong demand in South America, South Africa, Australia, the UK and the USA. Rival is known for his calving ease, making him popular for heifer matings. His global success reflects the value he is delivering in pasture-based systems, where his daughters are recognised for good litres, high fertility, and consistent udders.
Jersey - International Sire of the Year 2026
Rockland LQ Berkly - Jersey bred by Rockland Farms – Matt and Emma Darke. Aria, South Waikato/King Country
Berkly’s international success is a proud achievement for Rockland Farm, with his genetics sold across almost all international markets including: Australia, South America, France, Germany, Ireland, South Africa, the UK, Zambia, and the USA. His global demand reflects the value he delivers to pasture-based farmers, with daughters recognised for their high solids production, strong udders, larger frames, durability and performance across multiple lactations.
KiwiCross® - International Sire of the Year 2026
Paynes Sublime-ET - KiwiCross® bred by Payne Farms – Brad and Claire Payne. Cambridge, Waikato
Sublime’s strong international performance reflects the global appeal of LIC’s KiwiCross genetics, with straws sold across key markets in South America, South Africa, Australia, the USA and Zambia. His daughters are delivering the traits farmers value: strong milksolids production, high milk volume, outstanding udder quality, fertility, durability and adaptability in pasture-based systems.
Global impact from New Zealand genetics
These sires have demonstrated strong global appeal, performing successfully across a wide range of pasture-based farming systems in South America, Africa, Australasia, Europe and North America.
Their success reflects years of focused genetic progress, careful cow family selection, and a long-term commitment to breeding efficient, profitable cows suited to pasture-based systems.
“The success of these sires highlights the strength of New Zealand genetics on the world stage,” says Casey Inverarity, LIC Product Manager – International.
