Austrex NZ general manager Bruce Nowell, of North Otago, said although the protocols had not changed the verification requirements had been stepped up.
One of the protocols had always been the animals had to be on the same property for six months minimum before export.
“In the past we would give them a signed declaration that that was the case, but now they’re saying where’s the proof.”
Austrex exports about 15,000 dairy young stock from New Zealand to China a year, mainly Friesians. About 2000 Jerseys had also been sent but as yet there were no offers for crossbred animals.
PGG Wrightson live export manager Steve Carson said it was “anyone’s guess” what the market would be like next year but urged farmers to consider raising more Friesian calves than needed for replacements and mating Friesian cows with Friesian bulls.
“Young stock going to China need three-generation recorded pedigree and if farmers produce then it gives options for their sale.”
