Archive for October 2013

KUEFFNER DAIRY TEAMWORK “2 Dream the Impossible Dream!”

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Thursday, October 31st, 2013

To have a winner at a major dairy show is a dream for those who are passionate about dairy breeding. To lead a Grand Champion at World Dairy Expo or the Royal Winter Fair are moments that only a special few can experience. For Ernie Kueffner, of Kueffner Holsteins and Jerseys in Maryland, once was not enough and, as a result, he and Terri Packard have shared a countdown of achievement that hits those big first places not just once or twice, but four times.

“The Without Compromise Kueffner Countdown”

Here’s the Kueffner Top 4 Countdown: FOUR Royal Champions in THREE Different Breeds; TWO World Dairy Expo Supremes in 2 Breeds and ONE All-Time All- American 4-year old. He looks back and urges simplicity. “Some people ask for advice from too many sources, and then they collect it all and don’t know where to go with it. Decide what kind of cattle you like and stick with it. Know the traits that are most important to you and don’t compromise when you are making mating decisions!” This particular focus has been the foundation Kueffner counts on, builds from and wins with!

“Good Ring Sense From Good Cow Sense”

If you`re thinking of ways to either start showing cattle or how to improve, Ernie has some advice derived from his observations. “I do think there are a couple things to watch. Rear udders have become extremely important – maybe too much so. I feel that fore udder attachments and teat placement play a bigger role in the longevity of a cow. And the emphasis on big rear udders in the show ring has increased the pressure to get the udders extremely full. As you watch the great cow classes at our major shows, you see many that have lost the definition of crease and the quality of their mammary. It is not attractive.” Having shared his thoughts about udders, he goes on to other areas that shouldn’t be overlooked. “Feet and legs is the other area I am concerned about. This is not always emphasized as much as I think it should be which may be related to the focus on rear udders. In reality, feet and legs will have much more effect on a cow’s longevity.”

“They’re Always Seeing Stars!”

Having developed superior Holsteins and Jerseys, it isn’t surprising that more than one have won special places in Ernie and Terri’s hearts. For Ernie there are three in particular. “They are – Tri-Day Ashlyn-ET, KHW Regiment Apple-Red-ET and Huronia Centurion Veronica. (Read more KHW Regiment Apple-Red – Beauty, performance, and even more record accomplishments, Great Show Cows: Can they pass it on? and The 12 Greatest North American Colored Breed Show Cattle of All-Time) All three are great cows – all have been Grand Champion at World Dairy Expo – two have been Supreme Champion at Expo – and all three have been voted World Champion within their breed.” As glorious as their show records are, what they have accomplished through their offspring (both sons AND daughters) for multiple generations makes them special in Kueffner’s eyes. “It continues on and on – it is amazing to me. You can talk about the best show cows in the world, but we all know that very few of them became respected brood cows. Some of the greats produced a good son or a couple nice daughters, but it is rare to have a cow transmit superior genetics to her sons and her daughters. Ashlyn, Apple and Veronica have distinguished themselves through what they have done both inside and outside the show ring. And they aren’t done yet – they continue to raise the bar.”

Huronia Centurion Veronica at 10 years old. Photo take by Karen Knutsen at NY Spring Show

Teamwork “Running Rings Around the Best”

Ernie and Terri express their feeling for their cattle in the sign which has hung in more than one of their barns, “Every cow in this barn is a lady, please treat her as such.” Perhaps this respect sums up the “Ladies’ First” achievements that their girls have delighted them with. “It was a great thrill to have Supreme Champion & Reserve Supreme Champion at 2004 WDE from the same string – two cows that we purchased for the owners, then developed and managed.” As well there have been four Grand Champions at The Royal in three different breeds. There is justifiable pride in other career highlights which include purchasing a Holstein 2-yr old who stood 14 at Expo and then developing her into the All-Time, All-American 4 year old. They earned the WDE Premier Breeder banner in two breeds during the time they managed Arethusa Farm and in 2009 had the All-American Produce of Dam for both Holsteins and Jerseys. Oh yes and both of the dams were past Supreme Champions at World Dairy Expo. Impossible feats are simply expected successes for Ernie and Terri.

“I’m Seeing Barbara From A New Perspective”

First impressions sometimes disappoint later but, in all respects, Butz-Butler Gold Barbara was everything she appeared to be when Ernie saw her in Madison in 2012. “Barbara is one of the few cows, in any breed, that offers a complete package. She is an outstanding show cow with a great pedigree, and that combination gives her worldwide marketing appeal – which makes the financial investment worthwhile. All of this makes her special.” With such obviously strong inclinations toward owning this cow, it isn’t surprising that great partners could be convinced to share his enthusiasm. “When I heard that she was for sale in August, I made a trip to Illinois. She looked outstanding but was recently fresh. I thought waiting a few weeks would help me to make the proper decision. The package price for Barbara and 10 offspring made it difficult to purchase her alone. Tim Abbott joined me on the return trip to Butlerview. After they paraded her at milking time, it was an easy decision….we agreed that it was time to own another Barbara.” Then another opportunity presented itself. “Hearing about my trip, our friend and veterinarian, Dr. Matt Iager, mentioned that he would like to invest in a great young cow if we would take care of her. Shortly thereafter, the representative from River Valley contacted us expressing their interest in investing in a Holstein. Tim and I agreed that the four potential partners all had something to offer – each brought a unique talent/skill to the partnership.” (Read more SOLD – All-Canadian & Unanimous All-American Senior 2 Year Old to Kueffner, St. Jacobs, and Dr. Matt Iager UPDATE: River Valley now a partner) Beyond Ernie’s first instincts and the impact she’s making through her offspring, Barbara continues to surprise. “Now we have worked around the cow for six weeks. And we’ve learned that Barbara is special in other ways – her attitude, appetite, great willingness to milk, and the way she responds to attention make you look forward to going to the barn.”

“Your Reputation is Your Marketing Brand. Share it on Social Media”

Ernie and Terri know that good business starts with the trust people have for the work you do and the cattle you promote. Ernie points out how important that can be. “In this business, you must build a reputation for marketing your best. We always sell cattle with deep pedigrees that the buyer can build on. And we always want to see buyers do well.” For eleven years they have used their website as a marketing tool, but recently launched a Facebook page. Terri is enthusiastic. “I am amazed at the interest this generates. It helps us grow the “brand” and allows people to feel a connection to our business, no matter where they are located around the world. Now we use Facebook to get news out quickly – whether information about a consignment, show winnings or new photos – and this leads people back to our website. I feel that combining the immediacy of social media and the substance of a good website works together to successfully promote our herd.”

“Mother Knows Best”

Terri Packard looks back to her parents, Richard and Marilyn, for life lessons that led to cows she worked with becoming well-known successes. “My mother taught me about preparing an animal for a show and she was tough! She had a winning calf at the National Show in Chicago as a teenager. She paid attention to every detail – something she learned from her father. I have clear memories of pulling all the dead (brown) winter hair off the heifers in the days before body-clipping; washing animals with bluing and putting them in the sun to whiten; having to rewash animals because she found dander; using a piece of glass to smooth the hooves; and more. But my mother felt that everyone was on an equal playing field when it came to fitting and showing. It didn’t matter how good your calf was. If you used soap and “elbow grease” and put in the time, you would be competitive.”

“Change is Good. Natural is Better”

Along with collecting numerous awards, Ernie Kueffner has witnessed changes in the show ring. “The biggest change for me has been the appearance of the cattle. Cows have much more dairy character, angularity and style. Ashlyn was a great cow, but when we look at her pictures from 2001 and compare them to cows competing today….the changes are obvious. Many cows today have a flatter, cleaner bone. They may not have as much strength and depth as in the past, but there is more style and more milk. More emphasis has been placed on breeding/buying cows with outstanding mammaries now that the major shows have been cleaned-up. And cows are going to the ring with their udders full of milk. This has been a positive change. Being somewhat familiar with what goes on at WDE, I find it a great compliment to the cattle people that they have weaned themselves from the udder tampering that went on in past decades. Almost 100% of the cattle are natural now.”

“With a Heart for Cows and a Head for Business”

For Ernie the family farm was the ultimate training ground for the business man he would become. He outlines the process. “After high school, I went to auctioneer school in Billings, Montana. Eventually, I joined my father (Ernie Sr.) as a partner in the cattle and auction businesses. In my mid-20’s I purchased my father’s share of the sale barn. I really enjoyed this business because I could travel to several states, and Ontario, purchase cattle and resell them to my customers in Wisconsin. I was very particular about what I purchased and sold, so I established an excellent customer base that appreciated what I offered. As time went by, I expanded into different businesses including a real estate company (owned with my brother) while continuing to help my father with his auction business.” With a growing resume under his belt, Ernie was ready to focus on what was closest to his heart. “At the age of 34, I sold the sale barn and moved to North Carolina to work for Arlen Buttke. We were partners on some cattle and I also helped manage his operation.”

“Talk, Look and Listen”

Both Terri and Ernie had their love of dairy cattle inspired by their parents. Terri recalls her parents’ influence. “My father enjoyed the breeding side of the business and loved to “talk cows” (or bulls) with anyone else that shared his passion.” It was similar for Ernie. “When the sale barn opened I was 10 years old. After school and on weekends, I would travel with my father to different farms to look at cattle to purchase or sell on consignment. As soon as I got my drivers’ license at 16, my father put me on the road to buy cattle. I was given a lot of responsibility and the opportunity to take it as far as I wanted.” Kueffner was introduced early to exceptional cattle buyers and sellers. “My first experiences were with four Jewish cattle dealers in Wisconsin and Illinois. They were very wise and I enjoyed listening to them. One of the dealers had many sayings that I still quote to this day. My favorite example is – ‘the good deals never quit winning and the bad deals never quit losing.’ For me, this applies to cattle, business and dealing with people on an everyday basis.”

“The ‘Glamour Purse’ Sets a Shining Example

Having been an eager student of cattle dealing, Ernie was always destined to become involved in that side of the dairy business. He fondly recalls one sale that still ranks high as a personal-best achievement. “Global Glamour (2008) was a huge undertaking and a resounding success with an average over $96,000 on 40 lots and the money was real. We co-managed the sale with Isaac Lancaster and Dan Donor of ADI and wanted it to have an international appeal.” He offers these insights into what it took then and now to build the success of the sale. “A lot of effort went into providing an “experience” for those that attended – from organizing a pre-sale trip to New York City, to the cattle presentation and the atmosphere before, during and after the sale. GG set a standard for high-focus sales in our industry and you see a lot of those ideas used today. “

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Success in the Show Ring. Success in the Sales Ring. Achieving either one is admirable. Achieving outstanding success in both areas is a mark of exceptional focus and commitment. Teamwork over the past 16 years has earned a lineup of awards second to none …and still growing! It only seems impossible until we watch Ernie Kueffner and Terri Packard doing it! Congratulations!

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Total Merit Indexes: Are they helping or hurting?

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Wednesday, October 30th, 2013

If you haven’t worked in a trade show booth or attended a cattle show recently, you could very well be missing important genetic improvement discussions. Discussion about which traits breeders feel are at an acceptable level and which ones need to be improved. I suspect that few of you have worked a trade show booth but I can tell you, from front line experience, that bottom line focused breeders are not shy about saying that today’s dairy cattle are not functional enough, don’t get pregnant easily (may conceive but not retain) and require too much worker time. Contrast that with the spectators at shows that talk about their ideal cow being tall, lean, tight uddered, deep ribbed and wide rumped. Often front and center in all the discussions is which total merit index to use. Is it TPI, JPI, NM$, LPI, RZG, BW, TMI, NVI or another? Is any one total merit index capable of meeting the needs of all breeders?

Who is #1?

Every breeder or owner wants to have the #1 cow or bull. And back twenty to thirty years ago many bull owners bragged about having the #1. All-be-it they had the number one for Milk, Fat %, Fat Yield, Type or whatever. For the average breeder it was very confusing. Which should they think was the #1 bull? In order to assist breeders, breed societies and genetic evaluation centers started publishing total merit indexes for bulls. Those indexes combined the production and type genetic indexes. It was reasoned that having a ranking system that combined all the traits was much superior to single trait marketing and selection.

Index Achievements & Short Falls

Recently CDN published the following genetic trends for Canadian Holsteins and Jerseys.

The average increase in LPI for both breeds is 65 LPI points per year. Undoubtedly this annual gain is more than would have been achieved without having the LPI to use for sorting animals. These gains are based on increases in both production and durability (conformation). But note that no gains have been made for health and fertility (H&F) in the past fifteen years.

Index Worship – Gone Too Far?

Having only one number to remember on an animal can be good but there can also be drawbacks to using only one number. These limitations include:

Everyone talks about the top ten TPI sires but in fact between #1 (Massey) and #20 (Goose) there are only 122 points. That is almost like getting 99% compare to 95% on a test. Not much difference. So drill down and know the facts. Indexes for these twenty bulls range from 42 to 93 lbs for fat yield and from 0.98 to 3.42 for Udder Composite.
Mating a high TPI bull to a high TPI cow without regard to where the bull and cow are strong or weak can lead to disaster.
Buying only on the TPI, even though the pedigree person announces that “this heifer is #1”, does not guarantee that you are buying the best animal for the traits important to you.

In fact we could very well have reached the point where we are limiting the advancement we will make in our herds because we do not look at all the genetic indexes for an animal. Instead of using TPI to sort out the top animals and then studying the strengths and limitations of an animal, we only consider the TPI. If you wonder about that The Bullvine suggests that you study the top TPI heifers looking at both their TPI and fertility (DPR) indexes. You will find many top heifers that have a negative DPR index. Is not reproduction the #1 reason cows are culled?

Which Index for You?

The key word in this title is YOU. What business are you in – the business of breeding and marketing of breeding stock or the business of milk production? After you make that important first decision, you are in a position to decide on which total merit index you should use.

It is important to think in terms of what you want your herd to be genetically in the future when selecting a total merit index to use. Traits beyond production and type are becoming more important to breeders. The following ICAR published table shows the relative trait emphasis for seven leading total merit indexes and the average for all total merit indexes from seventeen countries.

Relative Trait Emphasis in Total Merit Indexes*

RANK	NAME	# OF DAUGHTERS	PTAT	Udder Comp	F&L Comp	Body Comp	Dairy Comp	Stature
1	BRAEDALE GOLDWYN	55	3.03	2.59	2.56	1.93	2.03	3.1
2	REGANCREST ELTON DURHAM-ET	21	2.47	2.31	2.13	1.7	1.98	2.13
3	KHW KITE ADVENT-RED-ET	19	2.53	2.24	1.6	2.04	1.65	2.41
4	REGANCREST DUNDEE-ET	18	2.06	2.18	0.75	1.29	1.55	1.18
5	GEN-MARK STMATIC SANCHEZ	14	3.07	2.17	2.44	3.34	2.83	3.91
6	WILCOXVIEW JASPER-ET	11	2.89	1.94	0.73	2.56	2.52	3.22
7	ERBACRES DAMION	8	3.2	2.22	3.17	2.83	2.72	2.76
7	MAPLE-DOWNS-I G W ATWOOD-ET	8	4.16	3.41	3.46	3.44	2.97	4.31
9	PICSTON SHOTTLE-ET	6	2.66	1.97	1.79	2.42	2.3	2.71
9	ROYLANE JORDAN-ET	6	2.07	1.94	0.32	1.53	2.06	1.93

* Reported by J Chesnais & Associates at 2012 ICAR Meeting (Ireland)

As you develop your breeding and business plans for the future, the following points may be useful to consider:

If you do not sell animals for breeding purposes, having type at a high weighting in your total index may not be your best business decision. NM$ may be a better index for you.
In ten years will you be a breeder or a milk producer? Choose either the breeder index (i.e. TPI or LPI) or the milk producer index (i.e. NM$).
If you do not show cattle or sell cattle to showmen, then PL (Productive Life) or HL (Herd Life) rather than PTAT or CONF should be an important part of your total merit index.
Including and giving significant weighting to traits such as fertility, longevity, calving ability, milking speed and mastitis resistance in the total merit indexes will be the way of the future for breeders focused on milk production.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Total merit indexes are designed to rank animals according a set formula. After sorting out the top bulls on a total merit basis, breeders should use corrective mating to match the bulls with the cows in their herd. Not using genetic indexes denies you the opportunity to make significant advancements both genetically and from a profit perspective. Are total merit indexes helping or hurting breeders? It depends on knowing your genetic needs and using the index that focuses attention on your most important traits. No total merit index will best serve all breeders. Use the index that suits your plans (Read more:Fact vs. Fantasy: A Realistic Approach to Sire Selection, What’s the plan? and Genomics at Work – August 2013)

Not sure what all this hype about genomics is all about?

Want to learn what it is and what it means to your breeding program?

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Canadian Genetic Evaluation System: Who’s Leading? Who’s Following? Who’s A Few Bulls Short of a Proof Run?

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Tuesday, October 29th, 2013

Are you anxious about where dairy genetics are heading? How are you affected by the impact of genomics? Do you have concerns about health and fertility? What about the over-riding pressure to be profitable in a dairy genetics marketplace that sometimes resembles a global roller coaster of competing proof runs and bull lists?

Last week, I attended the Open Industry Session presented by CDN on behalf of the Genetic Evaluation Board. I went into the meeting feeling interested and invulnerable because, after all, what you don’t know can’t hurt you. Right? But I soon learned I was wrong and not just because I was “a pair of genes short of a geneticist”.

DAIRY INDUSTRY TODAY: In the Running OR Run of the Mill?

On the plus side the Open Industry Session provides an opportunity for the manager and staff of CDN to demonstrate how they are fulfilling their mandate to fine tune genetic evaluations. It’s exciting to catch the enthusiasm for making genetic progress. As pointed out throughout the day, a key measure of that progress is whether the science, the research and the results can be translated into on-farm applications for management, breeding and profitability.

Take A Genetic Bite Out of Mastitis

Mastitis is at the top of the list of 8 diseases that have an economic impact on dairy herds. Identifying genetic markers could have a significant effect on dairy profitability. As with any index the quality of the data is the game changer here. Since 2007 40% of Canadian breeders have mastitis recorded. Prior to 2007 there is “ZERO” data. The good news behind those stats is that it is possible to build an index using correlated data from SCS and Type indexes. In fact it was reported that Reliability gains were significant from using a multivariate model combined with historical data. The new genetic evaluation for Mastitis Resistance incorporates three predictors – Somatic Cell Score, Udder Depth and Fore Udder Attachment – as well as recorded mastitis, Body Condition Score and several other measurements associated with somatic cell count. It reduces complexity by having one index that puts all the data together. This approach results in an evaluation that explains as much as 72% of the genetic variation in Mastitis Resistance and increases the accuracy of genetic evaluations provided by CDN.

GENOMICS: The Fast and the Curious

Simplified estimation of DGVs allows CDN to move forward to more frequent releases of genomic evaluations for genotyped heifers and young bulls. Couldn’t help but sense the attention when BVD said, “We could release and update on a weekly basis.” The logistics appear to be fairly simple. “DNA genotyping labs would need to move to “continuous” genotyping for dairy animals.” VanDoormaal feels that at least moving information turnover from monthly to weekly (roughly from the current 6 weeks to 2 weeks) expands the opportunity for better decision making.

Bulls, Bias and Barriers

Genetic evaluations depend on data. Huge volumes of data. And not only is that data collected in 30 different countries but also with different methods, weighting and formulae. This means that bias is present and must be accounted for. Canada has made extra effort to ensure that young bulls are not over-inflated relative to PT (progeny tested) bulls. Interbull GMACE can only recognize our GPA’s if we participate. Italy, UK Canada and USA all plan to participate.

One of the most interesting opportunities for those at the industry session is seeing graphs demonstrating challenges, opportunities and actual genetic progress.

Take-home insights included:

150 LPI points of genetic improvement represents $23.5 million dollars.
Graph representing within herd re-ranking of heifers with genomics. (There have been both high profile and large commercial herds regularly genotyping all heifers every year!)
With the right indexes and the right data it is ultimately possible to quantify the dollar value of right decisions vs. wrong decisions on heifers to keep as replacements.
Especially as regards inbreeding, dairy breeders are not paying enough attention to inbreeding. Therefore including it in the formula is a step forward. There isn’t significant loss in genetic progress but there is going to be population gain in having outcrossing taking place.
Adjusting Mendelian Sampling, by using only cow indexes based on male ancestors, can detect biased cow evaluations and thus determine the ones that are outliers (i.e. deviate excessively from Pedigree Index).

Each one of these breakthroughs represents tools that can be applied to improved profitability for the industry.

Canadian LPI: The Less Stretched Index

Trying to boil down 1000s of hours of computerized “fine tuning” and “tweaking” into an easily understood Open Industry Session is a challenge for both presenters and audience. With all the progress represented by the “new and improved” indexes the prime focus of the industry is to find the solution to bias in bull proofs. “When we encourage industry participation, we hope dairy breeders care enough and are confident enough to stand up and try to make things change.”

Twenty years of a dynamic LPI has shown to be a great process. That trajectory increased substantially with genomics. Now CDN is examining the best options for update to the LPI formula. Two good questions were raised:

“Are we going to lead with LPI or are we going to follow?”
“Is there going to be breeder buy in to revised trait emphasis in the LPI?”

“Barking up the wrong fee!” and “Who is responsible for this Hot Mess?”

Everyone attending the Open Industry Session requires dairy profitability for their daily survival whether that happens in a barn, an office, research lab, or at an editor’s desk. That is probably why ears perked up when the $7500 per bull fee for genetic evaluation results was raised … again! It is a contentious issue for those A.I. organizations and some breeders who feel that they freely provide the information which becomes available to 30 countries. Therefore it should be available back to them. Some feel the cost is too high. Others are concerned that too much or not enough information is disclosed. This oft-recurring and touchy issue makes its way to every open meeting where it is consistently deflected with the answer, “Fees are a policy decision not a genetics issue!” Well then if this is an “open” session. Who sets the policy? Who sets the fees? Who collects the money? What is it used for? If three out of four of these questions have the same answer, then let’s get to the table and make the decision and then live with it!

THE LANGUAGE OF PROFITABILITY! Bulling for Dollars!

The meeting started seeing dollar signs again, after another perceptive question was raised, “If LPI is Lifetime Profit Index where does the Profitability come in?” It was agreed that the aim is the profitable cow and we could do a lot better job of expressing the profitability value in dollars which is a language everyone understands. That led to an “Aha!” moment! It doesn’t matter how clear and accurate our calculations are, if they don’t translate well into the commerce side of the marketplace. The key word here is “translate”. For those working in the global marketplace, language is another hurdle to overcome. A few examples of how hard it currently is and how easily it could be done and it seems that multi-language translations of GEB / CDN publications is in the future.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

The Open Industry Session literally opens the doors to the future. We know what we want. We know that time is passing. We have the information and the means. The final key is that dairy breeders, scientists and board members must have the will to move forward. Together? Are we dedicated to progress or just the perception of progress? The challenge is to figure out the answers and thereby shorten the distance between the future and the present. Otherwise… A lot sooner than we think… we could end up on the outside looking in: “Just a few great bulls short of a proof run!”

Not sure what all this hype about genomics is all about?

Want to learn what it is and what it means to your breeding program?

Download this free guide.

Fantasy Exhibitor – Royal Winter Fair 2013

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Monday, October 28th, 2013

It’s back! Fantasy Exhibitor brings all the excitement of Fantasy Football to the show ring. After the roaring success of the inaugural Fantasy Exhibitor competition at World Dairy Expo, the contest is back for the Royal Winter Fair. .

Contest Details

You have $2,500,000 dollars to spend and you must pick an animal from each of our seven milking Holstein classes. The animals in each class have been given dollar values based on their past performance and their momentum heading into the 2013 Royal Winter Fair. (Please note this is not an actual estimated sale price value, as this fantasy value is purely based on predicted ability to win the show in relation to others in the class). As an improvement over the 1^st edition, animal values more directly correlate to their chances of earning maximum points under the following point system:

1st place – 20 points
2nd place – 15 points
3rd place – 10 points
4th place – 9 points
5th place – 8 points
6th place – 7 points
7th place – 6 points
8th place – 5 points
9th place – 4 points
10th place – 3 points

There will also be bonus points as follows:

Intermediate Champion – 10 points
Reserve Intermediate Champion – 8 points
Honorable Mention Intermediate Champion – 6 points
Senior Champion – 10 Points
Reserve Senior Champion – 8 points
Honorable Mention Senior Champion – 6 points
Grand Champion – 10 points
Reserve Grand Champion – 8 points
Honorable Mention Grand Champion – 6

Cattle Selection

All cattle that placed in the top 10 at World Dairy Expo 2013 and that are expected to attend the Royal are included in our lists. There are some animals, such as the very popular Rosedale Lexington, winner of the 5 year old class, that we know will not be attending the Royal. She and others in the same situation have been left off the list. In addition, wherever possible, we have tried to include other contenders that did not attend World Dairy Expo. For example, Valleyville Rae Lynn, is on the list.

The Deadline

The entry deadline will be midnight Wednesday November 6^th. There will also be a 3 point bonus for each day you submit your entries prior to that. For example, after trick or treating on Halloween you could come home on a sugar high and feel the urge to get your picks in. That would be 6 days before the entry deadline and therefore you would receive 18 bonus points. Also make sure that you don’t spend more than $2,500,000. Any exhibitor string that spends more than $2,500,000 will be removed from the competition. Winners will be announced on Monday November 11^th, 2013.

The Reward

The grand prizewinner receives a one-of- a-kind Bullvine Fantasy Exhibitor Champion Jacket. All ties will be broken by date of entry. If submitted on the same day, ties will be broken by total dollars spent.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

We here at the Bullvine appreciate your support and enjoy bringing you fun competitions such as this. This is your chance to show the world your ability to pick the winners and to do it on a budget. Anyone can pick out a favorite in each class and then say that they are the best judge of cattle, but can they pick a great show string? And do it on a budget? As many found in the inaugural competition, putting it all together is a lot harder than you think. Best of luck and good picking!

Entries now closed – Click here for the results

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Categories : Fantasy Exhibitor

Tags : Fantasy Exhibitor, Royal Winter Fair

When Did Small Dairy Farming Become Big Business?

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Friday, October 25th, 2013

I cannot tell you the number of times that I have heard dairy farmers from many countries refer to dairy farming as a way of life. But more and more I am noticing a transition from dairying being about the way of life and becoming a discussion focused on strategic business planning. This shift from “How do we live?” to “How are we profitable?” has forced many to decide to leave the industry.

The US Situation

The US dairy industry and agriculture industry has faced the problem of overproduction for the past 100 years. Improvements in equipment and machinery, better genetics, better feed, have made US dairy farmers more successful at what they do. Well, successful at everything except for making money. And while many dairy operators support trying to keep overall production lower in order to increase prices, none have been willing to cap their own production in order to do so.

Just as small industrial enterprises might seek to boost profits by becoming bigger and more efficient, American dairy farmers for the most part have gotten larger and larger and consolidated their operations to become more efficient and increase margins. Let’s look at the facts. They tell you that the average herd size in the US is currently 115 cows and that 74% of dairy farms have fewer than 100 cows. But the key stat to take not of is that farms with more than 100 cows produce 85 percent of the milk. This means that a mere 26% of the producers account for the majority of the milk production in the US.

Furthermore, today’s larger operations are not typically the family run operations that we usually associate with “The way of life” phrase that we all love to pass around. While, there are exceptions, many large dairy herd operations are more often owned by huge conglomerates, multinational firms or absentee stockholders. In 1900, half of the labor force were farmers, but by the end of the century only 2 percent worked on farms. Nearly 60 percent of the farmers at the end of the century worked only part-time on farms; they held other, non-farm jobs to supplement their farm income. Today, only about 6 percent of all farmers are under the age of 35. The high cost of capital investment — in land and equipment — makes entry into full-time farming extremely difficult for most potential farmers

Sadly, less than 25 percent of all farms in America bring in gross revenues in excess of $50,000. It has been estimated that living expenses for the average farm family in the US exceed $47,000 per year. Clearly, many farms that meet the U.S. Census’ definition would not produce sufficient income to meet farm family living expenses. In fact, fewer than 1 in 4 of the farms can cover living expenses. As a result between 1970 and today the United States has lost 88 percent of its dairy farms.

As these numbers demonstrate, the American “family farm”, rooted firmly in the nation’s history and celebrated in the myth of the sturdy yeoman, faces powerful economic challenges. Urban and suburban Americans continue to rhapsodize about the neat barns and cultivated fields of the traditional rural landscape, but it remains uncertain whether they are willing to pay the price — either in higher food prices or government subsidies to farmers — of preserving the family farm in such a picturesque form.

The Canadian Story

In Canada the story is a little different. Supply management has helped control the overall milk price so that smaller dairy farmers can be profitable enough to support the “way of life” that everyone dreams about. But there are other challenges that have come with supply management. The cost of entry is so high that it is an impossible hurdle for many of the next generation.

It’s a situation we have all experienced in our own families. The next generation has worked years on the family farm, while the spouse has worked part time off the farm as well as the done the majority of the work raising the children. In many case, the challenge is they did not build up enough equity/capital in order for a bank to be willing to loan them the millions of dollars needed to purchase the farm and the quota. As a result the multi-generational family farm has is sold, and the dairy industry loses another passionate young breeder due to economic circumstances.

Sure a good farm succession plan would have helped (Read more: Farm Succession: Which Exit Is Yours? And Farm Succession: Kicking the Hornet’s Nest?). However, most young people these days are not too eager to choose dairy farming as a career. A lot of young adults that grew up on family dairy farms have decided that investing millions of dollars in a business that requires you to work 12 hours or more per day most of the year for very meager wages is simply not worth it.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

There is no question that the face of dairy farming and agriculture as a whole is changing. While a small few (in relation to production) still work at trying to preserve the “family farm”, dairy farming as a whole has become big business focused on margins and sustainability. In order to compete with these corporate farms, many farm families need to run their operations more as a business than a way of life. (Read more: What’s the Plan?) If they don’t, they will go the way of the dodo bird. Nothing more than a vague memory from the past.

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Wee Acres Spider Clara Bell Spins her Winning Ways at Expo! Six Times!

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Thursday, October 24th, 2013

We often encourage youth to seek results that are good for everybody involved and, therefore, to create a win-win situation. Virginia Tech freshman Cara Woloohojian and her six year old aged cow, Spider Clara Bell, conducted a master class at both ends of the halter as they walked away from the Guernsey spotlight at the 47^th World Dairy Expo with a win-win-win, win-win-win title. An unparalleled six firsts certainly puts these two in a class by themselves.

Epic Experience

Cara Woloohojian started her epic experience by showing Wee Acres Spider Clara Bell to first place in her class. Then the pair rang the bell again by winning Senior Champion. Cara and Clara Bell were delighted to top off their winning performances when their names were called for Grand Champion of the Junior Show (best Guernsey cow in the US owned by a youth). But the two were destined to stroll the red carpet another three times. Cara was proudly on the halter representing herself and sister Lauren as Wee Acres Spider Clara Bell paraded first in her class, then as Senior Champion and then as Grand Champion of the Open Guernsey Show.

“Parade of Champions is the Chance of A Lifetime”

Being able to take part in the Parade of Champions at World Dairy Expo is something that not many people can say they have done. Cara appreciates how special it was. “Winning Grand Champion of both the Open and Junior Guernsey Show at World Dairy Expo against so many great cows has been my greatest accomplishment so far. I am especially grateful for having the chance to participate in both the Open and Junior Supreme Champion parades and while I was only 18 years old. I hope that I will be able to have more great accomplishments with my future calves, embryos and Clara Bell’s bull, Cactus, and I hope to be able to start my own great cow family.”

Sisters Teamwork Foreshadows Guernsey Show Ring Success

With the polish and focus that took Cara to the top of the International Guernsey Show there was also grace and sincere affection when the announcers included her thanks to her best friend, mentor and sister Lauren Woloohojian. Indeed, the story of Wee Acres Spider Clara Bell started with the enthusiasm shown by both girls at an early age. “I first got started in dairy cattle because, while at a 4-H meeting 13 years ago, my 4-H leader asked ‘Who wants to start a dairy project?’ and, without any hesitation, my sister Lauren and I raised our hands. Once my sister and I decided we wanted Guernseys, we began our search for them. Many people told us that we would never find a Guernsey and they laughed at us, but looking back 13 years I will never regret my decision to get Guernseys.”

Cara and her sister Lauren at the All-American Dairy Show where Clara Bell was Reserve Grand Champion.

From Calving Pen Pick to Parade of Champions Selection

The search for the “right” Guernsey could indeed have been difficult but in fact this part of the story is as unique as the success that would eventually be recognized in the spotlights of World Dairy Expo. “Since Clara Bell is bred and owned we did not have to search through sale catalogs or talk to people to find her. We literally found Clara Bell in the calving pen with Clover, one of our original cows from Lois Whitcomb from Maine.” For Cara the history shared with Clara Bell makes this already unique story even more extraordinary. “I think Wee Acres Spider Clara Bell is exceptional because she is bred and owned and she is out of one of our original three Guernsey’s, Clover. I also believe that Clara Bell is special because we raised her and were able to bring her to a high level of competition. She represents our breed so well and has been honored as one of the best Guernseys in the country.”

“Take Pride in Walking the Colored Shavings”

With this rare double-win at both the Junior and Senior level, Cara is put in the position of mentor to others who are considering entering the dairy show ring. “My advice to other young people would be that it takes time but you never know which calf can grow to become that next great champion cow. Pick a breed, stay with it, get as much advice as you can both good and bad, weigh the options, make good decisions, and reach out to all levels of expertise in your breed. It is important to be a part of your breed association. Finding yourself a mentor is key too. If you are a youth, don’t be afraid to show your cow against adults at national shows. Although it is scary the first time out on the colored shavings, you do not want to regret not showing your own cow. I am so thrilled that I was on the halter when Clara Bell was named Grand Champion!”

FAMILY: Small Herd. Big Encouragement. Strong Support.

The Woloohojian family have a small family herd of Guernseys and Ayrshires in Rhode Island. Cara and Lauren’s parents feel strongly about cattle ownership as their mother explains. “I think owning and caring for an animal teaches the greatest lessons. It teaches many life lessons including responsibility, how to deal with success and failure, decision making and how to follow your own instincts. Sharing a common bond, it helps establish many long term friendships.” Of course, having children with cows is not a short term commitment and so the Woloohojian parents outline what it has meant. “When Cara wanted to get cows we said, “Sure, why not?” When she wanted to show at every local fair, we packed everything up and spent the summer at almost every dairy show we could find. We took her to watch shows to learn about showmanship and judging, to dairy camp and spent hours learning quiz bowl! Christmas and birthday presents always included fitting supplies, clippers, blades and topline scissors. We always encouraged her to do her best and tried to support her as best we could.”

In Good Hands with Guidance from Special Family and Friends

There were probably many times on Cara’s journey when she had to push her comfort zone, however, she is confident that she always had great input to inspire her. “The biggest influences on me I would have to say are my family, my sister, Lauren Woloohojian, Craig Hawksley, Pamella Jeffrey, Kyle Thygesen and Seth Johnson. They have all been influential to me in their own way. My family has been very influential to me because we began this project together knowing very little about cows and farming. My parents never let that get in the way or deter us. I have always looked up to my sister, Lauren. She was always the one to beat in showmanship which inspired me to get better. Craig Hawksley and Pam Jeffrey from Rhode Island have been influential because of their passion for animals. Craig’s success with Sweet – Pepper Black Francesca has always inspired me. (Read more: The Magic of Francesca) Pam was my 4-H dairy club leader and she was always supportive of me and helped teach me about showing. Kyle Thygesen, of Farmstead Genetics in Tunbridge, Vermont, provided the expertise and care which prepared Clara Bell for show. Seth Johnson supported us when this 4-H family with no dairy experience settled on the Guernsey breed. He has answered numerous questions, directed us to sales and has provided much guidance along the way.”

©World Dairy Expo

“We are so incredibly happy for her! She is a hard worker and never gives up!”

Cara’s mother puts this latest success into Wee Acres perspective. “We have a small family herd of Guernseys and Ayrshires. We currently farm 70 acres and recently purchased a 356 acre farm in Addison, Vermont, where we would like to continue to build our herd with the emphasis on breeding good foundation cows.” She characterizes the growing success with a mixture of pride and humor. We like to think of it as a 4-H project gone haywire! That keeps it fun!!” was Cara’s dad’s, Jim Woloohojian favorite quote.

The Bullvine Bottom Line. Now That’s Remarkable!

Those with a passion for dairy cattle and the show ring are used to the well-rounded resumes belonging to more senior members of the show ring circuit. It therefore comes as no surprise that, even though she is young, Cara excels outside the ring too. “In addition to her success at World Dairy Expo, we are so impressed by how she always helps others with their dairy projects. Whether it was giving up a run for our state fair’s princess contest so she could work with 4-Hers in NY or spending an afternoon working with new dairy project members, her passion for dairy is remarkable.” Remarkable effort! Remarkable results! That’s the essence of the Cara Woloohojian win-win situation! Congratulations Cara.

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Richard Caverly: A Passion for Perfection – Winner Gives All!

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Wednesday, October 23rd, 2013

No one is ever truly prepared for massive peer recognition such as that experienced by Richard Caverly when his name was announced at the 2013 recipient of the Klussendorf-Mackenzie Award at The 47th World Dairy Expo. (Read more: Maine Native Wins Klussendorf-Mackenzie Award) It was obvious that Richard was deeply moved. “This honor to me is so humbling. The generation I competed with is an amazing group! There is no way to compare yourself to the likes of Mark Reuth, Joel Kietzman, Ken McEvoy, Paul Petriffer, Scott Hussey, Barrie Potter and the list goes on! (Read more: Charlie McEvoy: As Good as Gold) This is a generation who competed with dedication and passion! They were not at the show to try to sell you their cow, they were there to win, and every cow was special to them! This generation learned from the generation before them and learned early how to do it all. They are specialists, only they specialized in every aspect of the show. The wheelbarrow is as familiar to them as a pair of clippers.” Richard sums up his admiration with this unforgettable phrase.

“They would make a hummingbird look like it had no work ethic!”

Now that’s a picture to keep in your mind’s eye from now on, whenever you think of those men and women who have the perfect touch when it comes to working with cattle. The ability to lift each animal they are focused on to a whole new level. As Richard Caverly heard the applause which signified that he had earned a special place among dairy industry peers, we wonder which came first for him– the passion? Or the perfection? Richard himself would humbly divert the attention and tell you that he owes most to the people themselves– his wife, family, friends, dairy co-workers and mentors.

Caverly’s Love Cows and Produce Champions

Richard’s passion lifelong passion for cows began young and began at home. “My start with cattle came at an early age, as my father “E.C.”, along with his two brothers Frank and “Pudge”, were owners of Caverly Farms in Clinton, Maine. They started their Ayrshire herd as a 4-H project that was their own responsibility, as their father was the head of the highway commission and constantly “On the road”! They received help from my great Uncle Edgar – my wife Beverly’s Deer Hill herd resides on his farm today. The brothers bred and developed many All-American and All Canadian cattle, including the a Royal Junior Champion in the ‘60’s and 1978 Madison Grand Champion and Reserve Junior Champions. The farm is unique in that along with these dairy champions my cousins have had National Champion with their Beef Shorthorn cattle as well.” Richard appreciates these strong family ties. “I am blessed with amazing family support, all the way from my Uncle Frank to my youngest sister, Leah.” He then zeroes in on the one who means so much to him.

“Of everyone in my life, my wife Beverly Donovan is my biggest hero.”

It isn’t surprising that Richard and Beverly share a common vision for what they believe in. He proudly identifies the strengths of his soul mate. “Her passion for success and her dedication to making sure her animals get their due is unmatched! Commitment should be her middle name as she truly puts the Ladies of Deer Hill at the top of her life. She is thankful for those who have helped her, and she is free with her help to others.”

Picking a Winner – “It Starts with Seeing the Potential”

When someone becomes exceptional at what they do, we want to credit it to some extra special gene that propels their performance. Laying no claim to special powers Richard feels success is simply a process. “For me, I enjoy watching an animal reach her potential. You need to identify what you can do to help her reach it. Then it is very special to watch a cow rise above and get to the level that you envisioned. There is an extreme amount of trust given to any individual blessed with the care of an animal. Most important is the trust of the animal. It takes a lot of dedication to properly care for and handle them. I have many tired friends who share the passion; their dedication wakes them up on cold damp mornings and it is their commitment that makes them stand out in such a demanding industry!”

Richard’s Role Models “They believe vacation is a place where they can take their animals!”

Richard has learned from those he admires. “My Uncle Frank at 72 is still the hardest worker I have ever known along with the biggest supporter of my endeavors! Craig Hawksley the breeder of Sweet Pepper Black Francesca is a man I idolized as a kid. Craig is perhaps one of the most under-the-radar people I know as his passion for breeding is unmatched!”

**Richard’s Dairy Tale “Follow the Bread Crumbs”**

The stories of those who have led Richard on his journey are many and important to him. “Steve Briggs and his family developed a friendship with my family before my time. Then they trusted me when I was young, helping me every step along the way. Steve has the “Hansel and Gretel” approach as he feeds you one bread crumb of knowledge at a time yet allows you to learn so much through patience and dedication. “Richard has been accompanied by fine dairy teachers and teammates too. “Ernest Kueffner and Terri Packard are the most attention-to-detail, micro-managing team that I know! Rick Allyn – I remember when we were kids and he put up a topline on an Ayrshire yearling heifer I held for him. That was a thousand heifers ago for him! Ralph Gushee went to shows with my Uncle Pudge throughout North America and luckily he took me on many trips with him throughout life! Jim Strout is a very dear friend who along with son Jamie and friend Wayne Schofield have taken countless hours and invested them on the road and at home with the Deer Hill ladies as well.”

“When Talking Cows, Every Word from Nabholz Counts!”

Perhaps the secret to Richard’s success not only has to do with how hard he works at his craft but at how hard he listens and learns from those around him. He appreciates even the smallest daily input. “Bill Taylor is always good for an early morning text to check on me while he is mixing feed.” and values words from his heroes. “Norman Nabholz, with his wisdom and intellect, five words can inspire!” (Read more: HALTER, PEN and GAVEL. That’s Just the Norm) Steve White and Mike Duckett took time from their own endeavors to help with Francesca. David Wallace, who shared a friendship with my family, allowed me into his own family and always encouraged me.” Some of Richard’s mentors were the silent type. “Gary Bowers is perhaps the quietest achiever in the industry.” No matter how they have shared their expertise with Richard, he is convinced that they also share a special skill. “All of these people get 26 hours out of a 24 hour day and take advantage of all 8760 hours a year gives you! “ Above and beyond that they have inspired Richard to the realization that “The friends you make along the way truly are always priceless!”

The Caverly Cavalcade of Firsts!

With justifiable pride this Maine native looks back on dairy cattle that he has sent to bask in national and international spotlights. “Glenamore Gold Prize makes me smile even today. So many times I was seen as “The guy who clips Prize”. She had about as much hair as an eel, yet her success made people think I had magic clipper blades!” And the list goes on. “Oak Ridge Bruis Helga she was the first cow to have an Allen Hetts Memorial Trophy come to Maine. Moy-Ayr Bell Beladina at 97.1 is North America’s highest classified cow ever. This massive cow spent countless hours being paraded around by my cousin Vanessa who barely came to her knees.” His hard work earned him some fantastic memories. “Nadine’s first championship while still owned by Potwell is something I shall never forget. She made Peter Stern proud being named Supreme in Ohio and later I would work with her again with Patrice Simard at World Dairy Expo – that cow made two good friends proud!”

Richard’s Recollections – The Stuff Legends are Made of!

There have been times when this behind-the-scenes star maker is thankful for that old adage about a picture being worth a thousand words. One of Richard’s most awesome experiences has been preserved for posterity. “Ashlyn, Tobi, and Delilah were part of the US tandem that took the Royal by storm and Han Hopman took a priceless photo of the three with Legends Dyment, Frasier, and Brown on the straps and Empey making his final decision!” (Read more: Han Hopman: Shooting Straight at Holstein International) For Richard, that was the shot of shots and goes into Caverly history along with this story of international success that he had a part in making. “I’ll never forget Butch Crack on the strap of Crackholm CV Roview the 2x Brasillian National Champion for the Morro Aguido herd of Claudio Mente.” And the love list goes on. “Veronica and Melanie. One trip to Ontario and two legends are acquired.”

Iconic photo by Han Hopman of Ashlyn, Tobi, and Delilah. Three cows Richard had the pleasure of working with in his career.

Sweet Talk. Bitter Sweet Memories.

Whenever stories are told — and there will be many, many of them — Richards thoughts will always turn to one particular cow . “Of course that is Sweet Pepper Black Francesca, four consecutive years as National Champion to her name!” Once again it goes beyond the winning. “Most important of all Francesca made the dreams of so many people I love come true. Francesca and Beverly showed the world that no matter who you are, or where you come from, with passion and dedication you too can achieve your dreams!” (Read more: The Magic of Francesca)

“The Passion Too Strong to Resist!”

The 23^rd Duncan Mackenzie Award winner is philosophical about the future. “Countless things change in life. New opportunities arise. Great things from the past remain just that, in the past. Each generation finds its own way eventually, as it is the job of the preceding generation to help with the progress of the next.” And helping with the next generation is where Richard is focusing his talents next. “The decision has been made to work with George and Michael Liberty developing the Juniper Elite Holsteins, while continuing with wife Beverly and her Deer Hill Ayrshires as well. George is an enthusiastic young man at the age of 19 with a dream and passion for the Holstein industry driven to take his father’s love for Juniper Farm to high levels. It means leaving a job working with a wonderful family the Flood’s who I shall miss, yet the opportunity to work with great genetics both Ayrshire and Holstein is a passion too strong to resist.”

The Bullvine Bottom Line

The dairy industry moves forward with those like Richard Caverly who can inspire each of us with his passion, perfection, persistence and hard work. To Richard we say, “Well done!” and thanks for sharing the spotlight with all those you care about. They are a special part of your story. We at the Bullvine and your friends, family and hummingbirds salute you as you take a well-deserved place beside the exceptional examples of dairy industry character, sportsmanship, ability and endeavor exemplified by the Klussendorf-Mackenzie Award. Congratulations Richard Caverly!

“All the best for all your days!!!”

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Dairy Cattle Investment: Are You In or are You Out?

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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013

Investing in dairy cattle can seem risky to many breeders. Doing so, when prices are setting new records, can scare even the most confident among us. However, more recently, prices have taken a downward trend and now could be the time to ask, “Am I in this for the long haul? Or do I prefer to sit on the sidelines?”

With many sales coming up throughout North America, there are certainly going to be lots of animals to choose from. For the first time in recent years, supply might be greater than demand. There are two main reasons for this. First, so many of the top cattle have been on extensive IVF programs that the owners of these cattle have way more daughters than their breeding program needs. (Read more: FAST TRACK GENETICS: More Results in Less Time and IVF: Boom or Bust for the Dairy Industry) Considering the significant investment that IVF requires, these breeders are looking to recoup their expenses as soon as possible. Also typically these calves are most valuable at as young an age as possible, so that their indexes are as high relative to the rest of the breed as possible (Read more: Informed Heifer Buying – Are you fully prepared?)

The second reason that prices may be the lowest we have seen in years is that it appears that we have passed the investor bubble that funded massive investment and high prices over the past few years. Many early investors are now realizing that there were more expenses associated with running their genetic programs than they first anticipated (i.e. IVF, recipients, feed etc.) and are starting to wonder if it was a wise investment after all. Most were thinking their investment have a short-term 2-3 year payout and not take longer than that. Perhaps they didn’t account for three specific things:

Flush history of the animals they were purchasing.
Even with IVF there is no comparison on the return of a family that flushes well compared to one that only produces 4-5 eggs even on IVF. IVF may give more progeny than you would have had using traditional flush methods, but it also incurs more expense.
Cost of recipients
One area many breeders/investors do not account for when first purchasing is recipient costs. From that purchase to, feeding and then adding on implanting expenses, the investment in recipients can often outweigh the cost of the actual donor animal. After multiple years of flushing and then starting to flush the progeny of the original donor, these costs can skyrocket.
True return on investment
First things first. I know many investors invested without even having a clear plan. “They just wanted to make big money.” In addition, thought that ROI would happen quickly. Many perceptive and knowledgeable investors would have realized that a significant return would have to come from semen sales and not from live animal sales. The problem with building your program around semen sales is that you first need to be in the top .1 percent of the breed and secondly it takes many years to actually see this payoff.

Having said all that, now just may be the wise time to invest. You see the initial whoosh has passed and prices are now dropping on many great animals. Over the past few months I have seen animals that are within the top .2 percent of the breed selling for less than $5,000, sometimes even less than $3,000. (Read more: Where did the money go?) Many naysayers would say this is the price these animals should be selling for anyway. Those who are willing to do their homework, invest their time and not just their money, are now able to pick up some great animals that can significantly advance their breeding programs. Even if you have no interest in doing IVF on them, at those prices they can make their return with just traditional flushing techniques, or even just breeding them normally.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

There is no question that any marketplace is going to have its highs and lows. It’s those with the perception to understand when the highs are and when the lows are that are going to make the most return on their investment. In the dairy genetics marketplace there is no question we are currently entering a down period. The thing many wise investors will realize is that it takes two years of planning in advance to know when it’s the time to invest and when it’s the time to sell. Just now, if we look two years out, it looks pretty safe to say that prices will be higher. That is simply market economics. Therefore, those with the cash flow to invest in some additions to their herd may find that “Now!” is the exactly right time for them to buy.

Not sure how much to spend on that great 2 year old or heifer?
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The Dairy Industry – Past, Present and the Future

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Monday, October 21st, 2013

Like many Bullvine readers I grew up on a small dairy farm, took part in 4H clubs and fell in love with a breed of cows. I attended college and studied animal agriculture. I graduated during the Green Revolution, not green like we know it today, but green in the fact that the developed countries felt that they could ramp up production and feed the world without the need for developing countries to produce their own food. And since that time animal agriculture has focused on animals producing more and more. Well the truth is that both of these models where animals produce more and more and where only developed countries need to produce food are broken. We ignored factors such as a country needing a strong agricultural base to be successful and more and more milk per cow leading to poor and poorer reproduction rates. Furthermore the idea that the majority of the world’s population growth would occur in the developing nations never even crossed our radar screens back then. How could we have been so wrong in our thinking? Are we thinking any clearer in 2013, when it comes to dairy feeding people in the years ahead?

Today’s Dairy World

Few of us are aware that India is the country that has the most cows (48 million) kept for milk production purposes. The production of India’s cows is low (1,200 lbs per year) but through improved husbandry there is great potential. China’s rapid growth as an importer of dry milk powders (whole and skimmed) is predicted to grow in 2013 by 12% and 18%. The USA in 2013 is exporting the equivalent of 15% of its annual production where just a few years ago it was thought that USA milk prices were too high for significant exportation to take place. USA cheese exports in 2013 will be double the exports in 2008 and that will make it the largest single exporting country for cheese. Cheese is the darling child of milk products when it comes to exports and EU countries which export almost half of the cheese globally are looking for new customers. To say the least, the world is hungry for dairy products. The demand for dairy is expected to increase at a rate faster than the world’s population growth. (Read more: “Got Milk” is becoming “Got More” and MILK MARKETING: How “Got Milk?” BECAME “Got Lost”)

Tomorrow’s World

We have all seen the prediction that there will be 9 billion people by 2050. That is a 25% increase. If dairy is to fill more of the average global diet the world will need 30 to 35% more milk to be produced in 2050 than there is produced today. The rapidly expanding middle classes in China and India will consume more milk products as will consumers in Africa, SE Asia and Russia. At the processing industry level, expect new products (including low lactose and ingredient enriched milk products) and more uses for milk. At the farm level the rate of applying technology will be at an ever increasing rate. But the dairy industry does not exist on a vacuum.

Over the past few years besides population growth and environmental concerns, the major issue before all countries has been trade. (Read more: Why the Future of the North American Dairy Industry Depends On Supply and Demand) Trade is important in the EU which once had production quotas but where now farm prices are no longer guaranteed and narrower on-farm margins are resulting in increased herd sizes in order to efficiently apply technology and provide critical mass. In the future no country will be an island onto itself when it comes to producing milk and trading in milk products. Canadian dairy farmers are facing that matter after the Canada and the EU signed a tentative trade agreement last week in which more EU cheese will have access to the Canadian market. Read more: (Read more: Canada, EU close to sealing trade deal with concessions on cheese, beef and Canada’s dairy farmers ‘angered and disappointed’ by EU trade deal that would double cheese imports)

Agenda: Theirs, Yours and Ours

Feeding the growing world population, the application of technology, the elimination of duplication and waste and the best use of all resources will be on every country’s agenda. Are these issues too big or too far away? We lose if dairy is replaced in the diet. All things dairy lose if we think too small, only nationally or only about self preservation. All dairy agendas are inter-related.

Tear Down the Silos. Ramp Up the Herd.

It is paradigm shift time. The big picture question is how can more milk be efficiently produced to feed a hungry world?

Are farmers, their organizations, their service providers, the milk processors and the global traders thinking in terms of mutual (collective) benefit or individual benefit? The survivors will be in supply chains that can provide a quality product at a price that consumers are willing to pay. Quality is the watchword. For those that are not prepared to work with others it will not be Who Moved My Cheese but who replaced my cheese with their product.

What will that look like? At the farm level the list of changes needed will be extensive but in the immediate future it is likely to include larger herds to take advantage of technology, information and critical mass. At the industry level our organization leaders will need to dismantle and re-create new organizations and structures to provide the best and most relevant services dairy farmers will need. If you are looking for an example read the announcement in the Bullvine last week to merge Dairylea Cooperative Inc. and the Dairy Farmers of America in the USA (Rad more: Dairylea announces proposed merger with DFA).

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Everyone in the dairy world will need to think collectively and globally. The rewards will go to those that can adapt, adopt and act. Cattle breeders in just ten years will be using technology and information that is hardly on the researcher’s bench just now. If you are looking for an example we need only to remember back five years to 2008 when we asked each other how to pronounce genomics. Today it is an important tool in breeding dairy cattle for the future. Will you and your farm be part of dairy’s future or part of its history?

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The Spineless Will Be Forgotten!

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Friday, October 18th, 2013

Rumors, slander and outright lies have been flying around our industry lately. What large genetic operation has had “changes” in their make-up? What A.I. company is about to hit the news? It’s shocking the number of rumors that come across my desk hoping we will fuel the fires that they are afraid to face. Everyone loves to hear gossip (especially about someone else), but few are willing to take a public stand. That is why I commend those that do put their money where their mouth is. There is no question that “The Spineless Will Be Forgotten.”

Since starting the Bullvine, we have been accused of many things and have had rumors about us run rampant through the dairy industry. Sometimes I laugh. Sometimes I snap. Sometimes I “rip someone a new one.” (Read more: Genomics – Lies, Miss-Truths and False Publications! and The Weak Never Forgive) One thing is certain. , We have never been afraid to take a stand. Of course that means that we have taken heat for some of our tactics. But you know what? No one can accuse us of ducking for cover and being spineless.

If You Can’t Take the Heat Get Out of the Kitchen

Everyone wants to be everyone’s friend or, at least publically, appear that way. However, when the chips are down and it’s time to be counted, where are they? I find it disappointing that some of the individuals who have the most to say and proclaim their dairy industry wisdom to anyone listening on the sidelines run for the hills when it comes time to support what is right and perhaps take some heat for it.

“As an industry the only way we are going to move forward is by taking bold positions.” Many want to become “legends” but are unwilling to put their butts on the line in order to do so. The truth is that boldness is the very trait that made great industry leaders like Peter Heffering. (Read more: Hanover Hill Holsteins: Peter Heffering 1931-2012) The fact was that they were willing to take the risk and stand up for and act upon what they believed in.

When I first started the Bullvine, I said that within one year we would be the largest digital dairy magazine in the world. The strange thing is that by choosing to take the harder road, that is exactly what happened. I look at some other publications that started over 10 years ago and see that they have become stagnant. Sure they party with the show guys and they kiss the right butts, but obviously that isn’t what it takes to be truly successful in today’s information age. For us, we decided to talk about issues that others fear to address (Read more: Dairy Marketing Code of Conduct, Ethics and Drugs ) We risk trying new things that others won`t even attempt (Read more: Fantasy Exhibitor and Breeder’s Choice Awards). By taking the hard road we have achieved exactly what others can only dream of.

The Higher they Rise the Harder the Fall

They say “The road to the top is easy, it’s the fall that will kill you.” That thought probably scares the crap out of most people. Our road to becoming the largest daily digital dairy readership has not been what you would call smooth, so I can only imagine what the fall could be like. But you know what? Bring it on! “Attitude determines altitude!” That motto has been successful for us so far. It will help us continue to be successful in the future. We are not willing to sit back and rest on our laurels. Instead we always push the envelope. We will always look for new and different ways to bring you insights into the dairy genetics world.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

There are always two choices. Two paths to take. One is easy. And the only reward is that it’s easy. The other is hard. You must know who you are and what you stand for. You must know where you want to go and why you want to get there. Great dairy industry leaders did this and that is why we remember them. When you have to make a choice and don’t make it, that is also a choice. Be courageous because “The Spineless Will Be Forgotten.”

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World Dairy Expo Proposal – First comes cows then comes vows!

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Thursday, October 17th, 2013

Marriage is an age-old sacred union between two people. We are all familiar with the romantic progression from “First comes love then comes marriage.” For Bryn Quick and Mark Hornbostel, World Dairy Expo 2013 rewrote that romantic timestamp to “First comes cows then comes vows!”

“Aisle” Be Seeing You at Expo 2010

Bryn was at World Dairy Expo exhibiting for the first time with her sister and two friends. Mark was there, also for the first time, helping a breeder friend haul tack and show his Guernsey’s for the week. They set the scene for us. “We were tied up in the center aisle of Barn 1” and “Being the social event that Expo is, we began talking and hanging out and doing night line together.” Neither one of them had anticipated romance at Dairy Expo. Bryn says, “I never once thought that I would meet someone at Expo. I went there to show and socialize with friends and that was all that I really intended to do. So I surprised myself when I found a guy whom I bonded with instantly. It’s funny when I think about it now because my friend, Stephanie Lemay, kept asking me that whole week if I had a crush on Mark and if I would date him. I thought that she was being ridiculous. There was no way that I would jump into dating a guy I had just met that week and would probably never see again—after all, he lived seven hours away in another state.” Mark reports that they spent a few months connecting through Facebook and phone calls and then their relationship changed somewhat. “Just before Christmas I received a card from Mark and that was when I knew there was something different about this guy.”

Right girl. Right time. Right place.

A marriage proposal is a big step in everyone’s life and for Mark it was both exciting and stressful. “I guess you could say I have been thinking about it for quite some time. I knew that if I was ever going to ask her it would have to be at Expo, there was just no other place that seemed so perfect for us. But I guess you could say that I really committed to it late this summer when I went and bought the ring and really started planning exactly how I was going to do it and how I wanted it to all play out.” He provides details. “I have to give credit to Bryn’s twin sister Allison. She was the only one that knew how it was all going to play out. She did an amazing job at keeping it a secret and doing what I needed her to do to make it all happen.“

Parental Blessing

From the outset, Mark wanted to make sure that his plans for getting hitched would go off without a hitch. I asked Bryn’s father for his blessing. Given the fact that we are seven hours apart that is by far a conversation to have face to face. I was forced to do it just a few days prior to proposing. I have to thank her sister Allison for keeping Bryn distracted at school while I was out with her father having dinner and asking for his blessing.”

Expo “Knee Mail” From Her One True Love

Mark describes how his plan went into action. “When I had asked Bryn to show one of my cows that morning she had no idea that while she was in the ring I was getting her ring and getting everyone in to the position that they needed to be to make it all happen. “ He continues speaking from his successful experience. “As you can imagine her reaction was like most women when they see the man they love get down on one knee. She was surprised and her hands went instantly to her mouth and she was crying before I could even open the ring box. And between the crying/laughing she couldn’t even say the word yes after I asked, all she could do was shake her head yes.” Bryn confirms that it was very exciting. “I think that the video my friend captured of the moment really answers this question well. I was ready to get back to the barn after the show but instead we made an unexpected pit stop to a grassy area where Mark told me that he had a question to ask. I was so beyond confused at that point…that is until he knelt down on one knee. We had talked about engagement in the past and he hinted on a time period that it may occur and I always figured that Expo would be the perfect place for it but I never thought too in depth about when and I sure wasn’t imagining it this year.”

**Expo 2013 Becomes the Centre of the Dairy-Marry-Me Universe**

Mark always knew where this special moment would take place. “Like I said earlier, in my mind there couldn’t be a better place than Expo to propose to her. It was where we met and ultimately where everything all started. It was a place that we shared a love of something and a place that meant a lot to both of us. We have always said “Thank God for Expo” because if it wasn’t for Expo I don’t know that I would have met the love of my life!”

First You Propose. Then Everyone Knows!

When you propose in public at a dairy show billed as the “Centre of the Dairy Universe,” in front of people that you might think care more about cows than romance, you might be as surprised as Mark and Bryn were at the results. “Not for a second did I think that our special moment would go viral. I thought it was normal for couples to have their engagement documented by friends and family but today’s social media takes that to a whole new level. I barely had a chance to call family before it was all over Facebook! It spread like wildfire and I can’t help but laugh every time I hear that Mark and I are on another page or someone else has shared it. It’s unbelievable. We have done nothing to deserve such attention but, believe me; we appreciate every bit of it.” Mark sums it up for both of them, “It is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me in my life and it is exciting to see that so many people are so excited for us.”

She said, “Yes!”

In books, movies and advice from already married friends they always say something that proved true for Mark. “They say that you just know when you meet the person that you are meant to spend your life with and honestly I didn’t believe that until I met Bryn. She is smart, funny, beautiful, caring and loving and everything I had ever imagined in a woman. I guess the biggest things that I fell in love with the most was that she had the same dreams I have and she loves this life style and everything that comes with it. And the major thing that I think I fell in love with the most is her understanding of this life style, you know in the job things don’t always work out the way we plan them, things go wrong and you don’t always make it to the things you want and you may not make it there on time and with us being so far apart it gets tough sometimes for us to see each other and yet through all of that she has been so understanding of it all and I can never express to her just how much that all means to me. So I guess you could say there are a lot of things that were just right with her and there just wasn’t a doubt in my mind that she was the one for me.”

He is “The One!”

Bryn too knew that Mark was very special. “He has Brown Swiss! How could a girl not be attracted to that? But seriously, we share the same love for cows and the dairy industry and the same urge to make a difference in this field. His integrity is absolutely amazing. He is a true sweetheart and is so beyond thoughtful (thus the perfect proposal). I never considered a long distance relationship but he made me change my mind completely. I connected better with him than the “city-boys” at home. He was worth getting to know. I thank God for Expo every day.”

BOTTOM LINE: REAL life REAL LOVE

We have heard much about the passion and engagement that is necessary to build success in the dairy business today. Bryn and Mark have taken “engagement” to a whole new level. Congratulations to this lovely couple. Stay tuned to see if they go from tied up across the Dairy Expo aisle to tying the knot at World Dairy Expo! All you need is love!

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Informed Heifer Buying – Are you fully prepared?

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Wednesday, October 16th, 2013

In the heat of an auction buyers need to be well aware of the genetic merit of the animal they are bidding on. Sales managers make every effort to make sure that the numbers in the sales catalogues are accurate and complete, however there is frequently added information that potential buyers did not have when they closely reviewed the catalogue before the sale. Additionally at times buyers may not be aware if the animal in the sales ring is of elite genetic merit.

In an attempt to give buyers interested in purchasing an elite young female to add to their breeding or marketing program from future sales this fall, the Bullvine has analyzed the heifers born and registered in the herd books in North America from March 2012 to August 2013. This group of females was chosen as they are likely to be the ages of heifers that will go through sales auctions over the next two months. The information from the CDN files was used as it is the animal information that is available free of charge.

Breed Toppers

Buyers are advised to have at their fingertips the total merit indexes for the very best animals so that they can value an animal that they are considering buying. The following table lists the averages for the top twenty-five heifers.

Figure 1.0 Top Twenty-Five North American Heifers (Born March 2012 to August 2013)

RANK	NAME	# OF DAUGHTERS
1	ATWOOD X DUNDEE	6
1	SANCHEZ X GOLDWYN	6
3	FEVER X DURHAM	5
3	GOLDWYN X DUNDEE	5
5	GOLDWYN X ASPEN	4
5	GOLDWYN X DAMION	4
5	PICOLO X ADVENT	4
8	BRAXTON X GOLDWYN	3
8	CONTENDER X ADVENT	3
8	DUNDEE X GOLDWYN	3
8	JASPER X GOLDWYN	3
8	SANCHEZ X DUNDEE	3
8	SPIRTE X ALLEGIANCE	3

Some points worthy of note from this table are: i) do not compare the Holstein and Jersey LPI values as the formulae differ; ii) the top 25 Holstein heifers are a very elite group with the DGV LPIs exceeding the gLPIs by 161 points; iii) Red Carrier Holsteins heifers have made considerable improvement in the last couple of years by the use of top BW sires on RC or Red females; iv) Polled Holsteins heifers have and are likely to continue to make rapid advancement again by the use of top horned BW sires on polled females; and v) the values listed for the Red Holstein heifers are parent averages as only two of the top twenty five heifers were genomically tested.

Use these benchmarks as you review the sales catalogues either on-line or using a hard copy of the catalogue.

Top Values

Often buyers wish to know benchmark numbers beyond the LPI value. The average index for the top five heifers for each trait in each animal category are as follows:

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Remember these are the averages for the very best five animals in the various categories.

Sires of the Heifers

Buyers often want to know the sires of the top heifers. Knowing the sires of the top twenty-five heifers gives an indication of who the competition will be when you are marketing in the future from your purchases.

Sires with more that two daughters in the various categories are listed below. Each category has twenty five heifers. The bracketed number is the number of daughters the sire has on the list.

Holstein

Seagull-Bay Supersire (8)
De-Su BKM McCutchen (5)

RC Holstein

De-Su BKM McCutchen (6)
Seagull-Bay Supersire (5)
Mountfield SSI Dorcy Mogul (4)

Polled Holstein

Sea-Gull Bay Supersire (9)
Da-So-Burn MOM Earnhardt P (5)

Red Holstein

Dymentholm S Sympatico (8)
Curr-Vale Destined (5)
Tiger-Lily Ladd P-Red (5)

Jersey

Sunset Canyon Dimension (5)
All Lynns Valentino Marvel (4)

Health & Fertility

In the Holstein breed many breeders are starting to place increased emphasis on the Health and Fertility rating that CDN assigns animals. The value assigned can be found by looking up the animal on the CDN website. Factors used in calculating the H&F index include: Herd Life; SCS; Daughter Fertility; Milking Speed; and some other correlated traits.

The top five Holstein heifers in the various categories had average DGV Health and Fertility ratings as follows: Holstein 465; RC Holstein 413; Polled Holstein 423. Clearly an animal over 375 to 400 for H&F is at the top of the breed. An H%F value is not available for Red Holstein as so few of them are genomically tested.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

It is important to know the genetic superiority of an animal when purchasing or using them in your breeding or marketing program. It is the Bullvine’s hope that the above statistics will assist. Wise investment should give you a leg up on moving your herd forward.

Not sure how much to spend on that great 2 year old or heifer?
Want to make sure you are investing your money wisely?
Download our Dairy Cow Investment Calculator.

Genomics – Lies, Miss-Truths and False Publications!

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Tuesday, October 15th, 2013

Recently I read the most disturbing Letter to the Editor that I have read in a long time. It was produced by lr Gerard Scheepens. The concerning part was that it was written by someone working for an A.I. company (K.I. Samen) and was published by a dairy publication (Holstein World) trying to pander to those who spend the most money with them instead of thinking about how accurate the letter was. In typical Bullvine fashion we decided to dispel the lies, miss-truths and false publications, so that you, the dedicated breeder, can see through the BS and understand what is actually happening.

Accurate Prediction or Wishing on a dream

In the article they make the following comment “Looking at the results of the genomic bulls with daughters in production you can see a devastating truth; nearly all of the bulls drop and drop a lot.” The funny part, but not surprising is that they don’t back up this “devastating truth” with numbers. Having painted a bleak picture, they just provide generalities and expect you to accept them as truth. As the Bullvine has published several times in the past (Read more: How Much Can You Trust Genomic Young Sires? and The Truth About Genomic Indexes – “show me” that they work!), genomically evaluated bulls with 65% reliable gLPIs, breeders can expect 95% of the time that their official proof will be within 670 LPI points (within about 18-20%) (Please note that with change in Canadian LPI formula this number is more like 400 LPI points). This means that we can be 95% sure that the current top gLPI sire, SILVERRIDGE V EXTREME, will be higher than +3173 LPI, once he has his official progeny proven index that is over 90% reliable and that would make him the highest active proven sire in Canada. Yes genomic young sires do on average drop below their original predicted values, but, they are on average still higher than the proven sires of that time. This clearly means that they are a better option than the proven bulls available at that time. It’s called genetic advancement.

Columbus disease

Didn’t Christopher Columbus colonize the new world? Wouldn’t America have been different if Columbus had not dared to try new things? If bold thinkers like Columbus had not set out to explore and try new things the world would still be reported to the editor as flat? You see in order to advance we have to try new things. The benefits of a technology such as genomics is that there are educated risks. They are not sure fire guaranteed, they are educated risks. Even using a 99% reliable sire will not give you the same exact result every time. Fear mongers who are afraid of change like to throw out things like bulls’ proofs dropping. Well, guess what people, so do proven bulls’ proofs. Those proofs just don’t get noticed as much and no one is using it to put fear into breeders for no reason other than personal profit. Mother always said that upon hearing outrageous criticism, “Always consider where it’s coming from!”

Equations

I don’t profess to be a mathematician or a geneticist, though there is one fact I know for sure. The more accurate the information you have to work from the more accurate the result. Genomics is not a perfect science, but it is more accurate than just parent averages alone. You think bull’s proofs drop now. Look what used to happen before the introduction of genomics. (Read more: Has Genomics Knocked Out the Hot House Herds? And The Hot House Effect on Sire Sampling). If someone runs a person over with a car, who is to blame? Is it the car manufacturer’s fault for making a machine that can go faster than we can walk and larger than a bike? Or is it the driver’s fault for using the machine in other than the intended way. You see genomics in itself is not solely to blame when the resulting calf does not live up to expectations. (Read more: Who’s to Blame? Why is there a lack of accountability in the Dairy Genetics Marketplace)

Real change is needed

In the published letter to the editor the author highlights the issue of inbreeding, something that has been an issue for a very long time. The thing is you need to put inbreeding into perspective. First data from the US reported that the current cost of inbreeding over an average cow’s lifetime was US$24. (Read more: INBREEDING: Does Genomics Affect the Balancing Act?) That means that a 1% reduction in progeny inbreeding (valued at around $5 per cow). But what if the genetics of that animal also means that their production will drop $10? Inbreeding needs to be kept in perspective. Inbreeding is only an issue when you don’t manage and account for it. (Read more: 6 Steps to Understanding & Managing Inbreeding in Your Herd and Twenty Things Every Dairy Breeder Should Know About Inbreeding) There are times when certain levels of inbreeding can work well. You just need to understand all the factors.

Sire and son

In the article it makes the point that “O Man has 253 sons with daughters tested in the US and only 5 of them score higher than him on Net Merit.” It is funny that for any point you can find one single stat that you might think (or hope) proves your point. In actual fact you need to look at performance over a whole population not case by case. It’s like saying 2% of the population died from the use of penicillin, what about the 98% of the population who are still living as a result of its use?

“150% more progress in what? for whom?”

The number of times the author of this article shows an inability to understand bull proofs is a major concern. In the article he makes the following comments “The top 10 NM bulls from August 2009 with daughters had an average of 702 NM. The top 10 NM genomic bulls without daughters had an average of 814. The genomic bulls without daughters had a 14% lead. In April 2013 the average of the bulls with daughter group dropped to 607 around 13.5%. However the genomic group fell to 515 NM which leads to a drop of 37%. Furthermore, the proven group, which was 106 NM behind now leads with 92 points NM. Where is the speed, and where is the progress?” Again there are two main issues here. First can I introduce you to something that is called a base change? Secondly, the author is again using a selective group versus the whole population. There are published results from across the whole population that shows that the actual rate of genetics advancement has increased rapidly with the use of genomics.

Cows are not pigs

Can pigs fly? The author’s point about how cows are not pigs is almost as irrelevant as the price of eggs in Winnipeg. Yes in pigs the female has a larger role in genetic advancement than the female in cattle (Though the use of IVF on top females in dairy cows is quickly changing that). The point the author makes is about how cows need to also reproduce in addition to produce. That is why we have traits like daughter fertility, calving ability, daughter calving ability, calving ease, maternal calving ease, daughter pregnancy rate, sire still birth and daughter still birth. This has nothing to do with genomics. It has to do with which traits we use to evaluate animals.

Variation is essential

“The new major impact bull always has an original pedigree”, according to the author of the letter. Really? Was Durham that unique (Elton x Chief Mark)? Shottle (Mtoto x Aerostar)? Goldwyn (James x Storm)? Man-O-Man (Justice x Aaron)? I think more time, research and education should be taken by the author. It is much needed before making comments that have no facts to back them up.

Reliability or accuracy?!?

For about 30 seconds I almost agreed with the author on this one point…then they fell off the rails and I was back to how off the mark this individual is. Yes bias is an issue (Read more: Preferential Treatment – The Bull Proof Killer). But then the author’s points fall off the train when he says “The accuracy of the breeding is way too low to take that kind of chance. Accuracy of the proof will become more important than the reliability of the proof.” That logic would then say that we never use an un-proven sire ever again. Then where would our genetic advancement be?

How to stop a runaway train?

And then the author himself slams the brakes on his own runaway line of reasoning! The author categorically states that as an industry we should “spend the money by improving the animal model, spend on better evaluations, less costly and more effectively.” The simple reply: Isn’t that exactly what genomics is designed to do? And is doing?

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Since launching the Bullvine we learned one thing, it’s not wise to spread falsehoods or inaccurate information. That is why whenever possible we have always put facts behind our points or when there are no facts available, such as in the case of dairy cattle pictures, we have gone to the effort ourselves so show how things are working. We don’t believe in treating our readers as if they have no brains by publishing falsehoods or misinformation. Instead we believe an educated breeder is the most valuable asset the dairy industry must have at this time. That is why each day we source, write and share the most educational content in the dairy industry. And we back it up with facts!

Not sure what all this hype about genomics is all about?

Want to learn what it is and what it means to your breeding program?

Download this free guide.

The Udder Side of World Dairy Expo

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Monday, October 14th, 2013

I thoroughly enjoyed sitting at ringside at 2013 World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin and applauded the Judges as they expertly placed the lineups. As 2500 dairy cattle were being placed it became obvious that the difference between the winners and the also rans often has a lot to do with the udders. At every dairy show, the Judges’ comments waxed eloquent about “mammary systems”. Spectators too were impressed. More than once I overheard, “I would be delighted to take the bottom three in that class home to my milking string!”

For an Ontario girl travelling with the Bullvine team, the challenge wasn’t whether I could place the classes or accurately rhyme off the pedigrees of the cattle in the ring. No. For me the challenge is to come back to the table with a bigger, better, brighter story than my two geneticist and perfectionist cow men. As I watched those milking classes and thought of the practical side of dairy operations, I was inspired to take the opportunity to take a closer look at the more than 400 commercial exhibits that bring their displays, videos, brochures and energetic sales teams to World Dairy Expo.

Imagine my delight when I discovered well-informed enthusiasts who shared their passion for the dairy business from a slightly different perspective than the show ring. It didn’t take too long for me to confirm a simple truth that I already knew. While all of us cannot achieve the udders that place 1 to 20 at World Dairy Expo, every dairy operation succeeds or fails on the quality and quantity of the milk produced every day and thus, by extension, the health and quality of the udder itself. Thus I set out to find out what is new relating to udders and what specifically can I learn that I can share with others who seeking improvement.

Cross-Over Technology

Two companies that stand out looking back on my WDE experience, are Qscout (Advanced Animal Diagnostics) and Vi-Cor. Both use the non-agricultural expertise, to provide solutions for dairy related issues. Too often we as an industry can be blamed for trying to reinvent the wheel. With so many similarities to human health, reproduction and even environmental issues, years are wasted when dairy solutions could leap forward on a parallel path.

Catch the Symptoms Before Mastitis Catches You

Dairy operations have many recurring issues to deal with, but one for the most frustrating and costly is mastitis. By the time it’s obvious, you are already losing money and days of delayed milk shipment due to the time required by commonly used current tests. Although there are effective treatments on the market, it is exciting to consider faster less costly options.

In April 2013 Advanced Animal Diagnostics (AAD), a developer of rapid on farm diagnostics closed a $6 million dollar venture capital financing from Intersouth Partners, Novartis Venture Funds and private investors to launch Qscout™ MLD. Looking slightly larger than a car battery, the Qscout™ MLD is an easily portable unit which is used for more accurate detection of subclinical mastitis in individual quarters. With very simple, ergonomically designed operation the Qscout was a crossover envisioned from human health diagnostics by 2001 AAD founder Rudy Rodriguez

Each test on the market or in development at AAD will be processed by the Qscout™ automated reader, so producers will be able to run multiple tests on the same instrument.

The first test marketed by AAD is the Qscout™ MLD. The benefits of minimizing subclinical mastitis in the fresh cow have long been documented through increased milk yield and quality and improved reproduction. A recent study showed detecting subclinical mastitis with the Qscout MLD and treating only infected cows at dry-off also has benefits. Antibiotic use was cut by 47% without an increase in infection rates 10 days after calving when compared to more costly traditional blanket antibiotic treatment. According to AAD, funds will also be used to study use of the Qscout MLD test at other times during lactation.

Gary Winter shares his enthusiasm for Qscout. “ It is new breed of technology that sees infection long before symptoms occur. It’s a brand new way to detect mastitis. More accurate than CMT and SCC, and providing more rapid results than culture.” He backed up the claims with financial figures. “Mastitis costs the U.S. dairy industry $2 billion annually – that’s $200 per cow. With reliable early detection made possible by QScout MLD, you can reduce that cost and generate an extra $50 per cow.” Most convincing for me was that all four quarters are individually tested and not the more common averaging which could let a cow slip below the early detection radar. An average is not nearly as useful as 4 specific tests, which is what you get with a differential cell count by quarter. Secondly, the testing takes just 3 minutes (on average) per cow. At approximately, $15,000 this technology is not cheap unless or until you accurately add up current costs incurred by Mastitis across staff time, withheld milk, medication costs and, most importantly, the effect on the healthy growth, development and reproduction of the milking herd.

Water, Water Everywhere… it’s more than just a drink

Water touches the dairy operation in countless ways from the obvious use for drinking to countless cleaning applications, not only for the cows, but for the facility, equipment and mixing into feed and medication. In fact, any applications that water have for human health, apply also to bovine health. We are all recognize how crucial a safe water supply is to our town water systems. Bou-Matic is currently working on dairy farm applications that derive from that well-established, well-tested, statistically effective supply of water. In speaking with Tony Spaeth he outlined how test farms in the north east, north west, Florida and New Mexico are gathering results. “Phase one will focus on water supply, parlor hoses and pre-dip. The next phases will look at hoof issues and post dip treatments.” There are four sizes of this system, ranging from $20,000 to $85,000. Once again, the value comes from working out the savings earned from vastly improved SCC counts, healthier teat ends, and improved skin condition and the corresponding savings in reduced medication, improved health and the bottom line effect of improved herd health.

Mastitis … How Are Your Cows Behaving?

Once early detection of mastitis becomes a priority in your dairy management program, you will be attracted to leading edge technologies such as those developed by AfiMilk. With data and trials and satisfied customers backing up their claims, their tool is another that has great potential. Attachment times, flow rates, milking curves and milking times are gathered by AfiFlo and processed by AfiMilk herd management software in the computer. This data is extremely helpful in analyzing herd health and parlor efficiency. AfiFlo, combined with the AfiMilk system can detect mastitis at a very early stage. This factor alone makes AfiFlo extremely economical.

Of particular interest, is the foot monitor that by monitoring activity, including resting periods, is proving to be a valuable tool in monitoring herd health.

Udder Health — From the Inside Out

Once the subject of udder health comes into focus, you have to start looking for ways to learn more. I had a brief but intriguing conversation with Mario Flores of ViCOR. He described the Udder Dissection seminars that they have been conducting. Too often he feels that we treat the udder from an outside-in, end of the teat method. He explained the physiology of the udder and that by dissecting the udder everyone gets a practical understanding of what a healthy udder looks like and the best practices for maintaining udder health.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Standing at the bottom of the line in the show ring at World Dairy Expo still sets you in the top percentile of show winning dairy breeders.

Placing at the bottom of the line in the milking line means you are less than exceptional. It also means that your profitability and sustainability is negatively affected.

Udder health must be the #1 priority. New technology is responding with innovative solutions to these issues. What are you doing to be udderly exceptional?

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World Dairy Expo 2013 – Memories to last a Lifetime

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Friday, October 11th, 2013

Every year we wonder if this year`s Expo will be able to surpass benchmarks set in the past.. This year was no different. Coming into Expo, there was perhaps a little less optimism. No one could foresee that a former Expo Champion would add to her already great legacy or that a new legend was set to begin. Unexpected. Yes. But that is exactly what happened.

A Living Legend Makes and Appearance

We arrived late to the show, after trying to juggle multiple companies in very different industries. This meant that the first show that I got to see was the Brown Swiss Show. Looking back, this show set the tone for the rest of my week as I witnessed and recorded one the greatest colored breed show cows of all time, OLD MILL E SNICKERDOODLE OCS EX-4E-94-USA, who made an appearance. (Read more: The 12 Greatest North American Colored Breed Show Cattle of All-Time). While Snickerdoodle did not add to her record 7 Grand Champion awards at Expo, as she was showing in the dry cow class, she did win her class and the hearts of all in the building who raised the roof with their applause. (Read more: Elite Dairy Has Banner Day at International Brown Swiss Show).

The living legend, OLD MILL E SNICKERDOODLE OCS EX-4E-94-USA

Apple Takes Things to Whole New Heights

If Snickerdoodle gave us a glimpse into the past, KHW Regiment Apple-Red gave us a look into the past, present and the future. Sure she looked amazing and was named Reserve Grand Champion. She showed off her trademark depth, angularity and balance but that was not enough for the living legend. Apple-Red was able to take things to a level that might never be able to be repeated ever again. Her clone, KHW Regiment Apple 3-Red-ETN who is the spitting image of a younger Apple-Red was the only cow that was able to beat her on this day. Yes you could say she was beaten by herself. And to add to the growing legend, her daughter MS Candy Apple-Red-ET was named Honorable Mention Grand Champion. (Read more: KHW Regiment Apple-Red – Beauty, performance, and even more record accomplishments and History Made At the 2013 International Red & White Show). Watching Apple, Apple clone and her daughter sweep the Red & White Show will be a memory I will never forget. Having the honor to be right there and taking the pictures to preserve that memory was priceless.

KHW Regiment Apple-Red
Adding to her legacy

Paul Ekstein – Grumpy Old Man? I think NOT!

There is no shortage of awards given out during World Dairy Expo. Two of the biggest are the Robert “Whitey” McKown Master Breeder Award and the Klussendorf-Mackenzie Award. Coming into the show, I was well aware that Paul Ekstein would be receiving the much deserved McKown Master Breeder Award. (Read more: Ekstein Named Fifth Robert “Whitey” McKown Master Breeder Award Winner and PAUL EKSTEIN – 2013 Recipient of the Prestigious McKown Master Award). I have had the pleasure of knowing Paul my whole life. First it was by a reputation that might have you thinking of Walter Matthau from Grumpy Old Men. However, since starting the Bullvine, I have had the pleasure to get to know Paul on a whole new level. The biggest thing that touches me is just how much he cares. When I suffered my heart attack or have had to deal with the challenges that come with running the Bullvine, Paul and his son Ari have been amazing supporters and good friends. So when Bert Stewart, lifelong friend of Paul’s and university classmate presented him with his award, my heart was overflowing and my trigger finger was snapping pictures as fast as I could. I knew family and friends would want as many pictures as possible to preserve this moment of well-deserved recognition.

Paul Ekstein receiving the Robert “Whitey” McKown Master Breeder Award from life long friend Bert Stewart

Grumpier old men?

Speaking of someone who appears grumpy on the outside but is golden on the inside, Richard Caverly winning the Klussendorf-Mackenzie Award surprised me. (Read more: Maine Native Wins Klussendorf-Mackenzie Award) Not because he was not a very deserving winner. He is. In fact Richard’s list of accomplishments and the cattle he has worked with reads like a Who’s Who of the show ring greats – Gold Prize, Nadine, Melanie, Delilah, Ashlyn, Victoria, Veronica and Frannie. It’s the cow on the end of that list that stands out for me. Sweet-Pepper Black Francesca was last year’s Grand Champion of the Ayrshire show for the 2^nd time. In wanting to learn more about this cow, I started chatting with Richard more and more and found that the story behind this cow is truly amazing. (Read more: The Magic of Francesca) What I learned was that, not only was this cow an amazing show cow, but she did something even more magical. Francesca changed the lives of Richard and his wife Beverly, in a way that no other cow possibly could. United by their passion for great cattle, Richard and Beverly are two of the most amazing people I know. That is why when I learned of Frannie’s passing the tears started to fall. Watching the Ayrshire show this year was tough for me, as I knew that, for those in the ring, there would be moments of extreme happiness, but for Richard and Beverly, the memories of “Frannie” would come back again.

Richard Caverly winning the Klussendorf-Mackenzie Award

A Picture is Worth Twenty-Thousand Words

Over the years I have had the opportunity to attend Expo many times. But this year would be a first for me. This year I would be in the ring taking pictures. I think I must have annoyed the heck out of the Expo staff prior to the show. I was repeatedly checking to make sure that I would be able to take pictures in the ring. For me it meant that I would be experiencing a dream come true.

You see I have been able to experience the show as a fitter, as a showman, but never have I been able to sit right there and get the same exact view the judge gets and see who is the best of the best. Last year at Expo I sat in the stands and took pictures from there. This year I wanted to take things to a completely new level. Since last year’s show I took the opportunity to take pictures at as many shows as I could. I pretty much forced my father to go to every show with me, 19 in all. Many required that we drive all night to get to the show, spend the whole day taking pictures, and then drive all night to make it back in time to attend meetings for my main company the next day.

In preparation for this amazing opportunity I also took more than 60 hours of training on the technical side of photography. You see I am not a photographer by trade. I learned graphic design as a must when I started Elite Breeders back in University. When I started that company I didn’t even own a computer of my own and then I was presented with the opportunity to market Calbrett-I H H Champion, the #1 LPI sire in the world, for GenerVations. I had to get a loan from my grandfather, buy a Mac, and Photoshop and do a catalogue and ads for them, all while even learning the basics of how to use the programs. This time I was going to be prepared. Sure none of the video companies could even imagine shooting under these conditions. The show ring combines two of the most challenging circumstances a photographer can encounter, low light and action. In order to be able to get the pictures that would preserve the memories I have had to invest over $20,000 in camera equipment alone. No small investment for a digital magazine that until this point has had no revenue sources at all and is driven by the passion of our team.

One of the great things about attending so many of the top shows, is that I had the opportunity to see many of the contenders before the Expo. This insight made it possible for me to do a very complete preview of the show. (Read more: World Dairy Expo 2013 Holstein Show Preview – Everything You Need To Know To Get Ready For the Show).

Armed with this insight and the camera equipment to get the pictures, I was ready to get to work. Since last year’s World Dairy Expo our readership has grown to over 10,000 readers on a daily basis, the largest in the industry. So I knew that people would be watching. But man I could have never expected the results that we have had. Pictures such as the naming of the Junior Champion and Grand Champion went viral. In the past week since the show, the pictures that we shared have been seen by over 1,000,000 people and liked or shared by over 10,000 people. That is more than all the other Dairy publications combined. Scary to think for a magazine that is just over 18 months old.

Junior Champion Female honours went to the 1st place Spring Yearling Calf, Cameron Ridge Atwood Beauty exhibited by Gene Iager and Chris & Jennifer Hill, Thurmont, Md.

For me it’s a humbling experience to have our hard work be rewarded the way has been. The team here at The Bullvine has put in many long hours to put out four unique articles a week. That is 16 articles a month. When you consider that the average magazine does about four a month you understand the amount of work that goes into producing The Bullvine. On a daily basis we are always looking for new and different ways to add engagement to what we do. This was highlighted by our recent Fantasy Exhibitor contest which received over 5,000 entries and was seen by over 50,000 people on our website alone. (Read more: Fantasy Exhibitor – World Dairy Expo 2013 Edition – The Results!). For the Bullvine team being at Expo was amazing. Having so many people from all walks of the dairy industry come up to us and tell us just how much they appreciate what we do was inspiring. It’s moments like these that drive us on a daily basis to do better.

Bonaccueil Maya Goldwyn, exhibited and owned by Ty-D Holsteins, Drolet & Fils, Ferme Jacobs, A. & R. Boulet, Inc, who was crowned Grand and Senior Champion of the 2013 International Holstein Show.

Here are some of the over 4,000 pictures I took during my 3 days at World Dairy Expo 2013.

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The Bullvine Bottom Line

Just like each of my children (who are my first love) every World Dairy Expo is different and unique in its own way. The 2013 Edition will certainly be an extremely memorable one for me. Expo is where legends are made. This year we saw two great legends add to their story and new legends, Bonaccueil Maya Goldwyn and the amazing team at Ferme Jacobs emerge. From all of us here at The Bullvine, we want to say thanks to you the exhibitors and breeders who, with commitment and passion, make these awesome memories turn from dreams to reality!

What’s next for us here at the Bullvine? Well today we will all be at the Rockton World’s fairy where my children, Drew (6), Ethan (4) and Zabrina (3) will be showing for the first time.

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Are Your Genetics Wasting Feed and Labor?

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Thursday, October 10th, 2013

Throughout my education and my career in livestock improvement I have heard learned people say ‘the fields of nutrition, reproduction, management and genetics are independent of each other’. As recently as last week I had a nutritionist tell me that what geneticists do is secondary to what a nutritionist can do when it comes to on-farm profit. Well today I wish to challenge that theory of no inter-relationships.

Although I do not want to get into a back-and-forth between genetics and other disciplines, the purpose for this article is to challenge our thinking and see if there are in fact ways that genetics can be complimentary to nutrition, reproduction and management. It takes all disciplines working collaboratively to enhance on-farm profits thereby providing consumers with the dairy products they wish to consume.

If a stranger walked into your facilities and told you that you are wasting 20% of the feedstuffs you produce or that 20% of your daily labor could be eliminated would you throw them off the farm? Or would you stop and listen and consider taking action? If that stranger was your genetic supplier would you continue to consider their advice or would you scoff at them saying that “the genetics you use can not reduce your costs or increase your revenue”.

The following are areas that have a genetic component to them that deserve consideration:

Reproduction

Heifers not calving before 24 months or cows with an extra month or two in the dry pens each lactation take feed and labor at the rate of $2 to $4 (avg $3) per day. A heifer that does not calve until 27 months and takes an extra 45 days per lactation in the dry pen has costs an unnecessary $675 by the time she starts her fourth lactation at 69 months of age. By that time that heifer should be half way thru her fourth lactation. She not only costs an extra $675 but has lost $3000 in milk and progeny revenue by 69 months of age. The dollars lost add up quickly.

Genetically consider using only sires that are well above average for DPR +1.0 / DF 105, cull heifers and cows with below average fertility ratings either their genetic rating or actual performance, and do not use bulls or retain females that are below 100 for Body Conditioning Score. If you are buying embryos or replacement females be sure to look at the genetic fertility ratings. Making excuses for buying below average animals or embryos is false economy. Another factor that is not a genetic rating, but has a direct bearing on reproduction is Sire Conception Rating. Remember that for each 21 days (one cycle) a female is open it costs $63 and that does not consider increased semen and insemination costs.

Productive Life / Herd Life

Improving just one year of herd life, from a herd average of three to four lactations, can markedly improve the revenue a cow will generate in her lifetime. An extra 26,000 pound or 12,000 kgs per cow per lifetime also reduces the number of heifers that need to be raised or purchased. In a 300 milking cow herd the total of added revenue and reduced heifer costs can be as much as $300 net per cow per year. As heifer rearing is no longer a major profit centre, like it once was, why incur the feed and labor costs of extra heifers?

Using sires that are at least PL +4.5 or HL 110 is strongly recommended. Females should not be retained for breeding or replacement or purchased as embryos where the cow family members do not make it to third lactation.

Production

The volume of fat and protein produced by each cow each day is a key factor for revenue generation (Read more: Is too much water milking your profits? and 5 things you must consider when breeding for milk production). When that can be done with a lesser volume of water it means less strain on the cow and less water to transport to the milk processor. High output of components means fewer cows needing to be fed and milked to produce a given quantity of fat and protein. If daily yields are only moderate then feed is wasted feeding too many cows. At the processor more concentrated milk means less water needs to be removed and disposed of. It is a win–win for both the producer and the processor.

To achieve high fat plus protein yields requires that the sires used need to be ranked high genetically for total solids yield. In sire proofs that equates to bulls with 90 kgs fat + protein in Canada and 75 lbs in the USA. Cows should be culled for low total fat + protein yields per day not on volume of milk produced. When purchasing embryos make sure that the genetic merit for fat + protein yield is high.

Udder Health

On a continual basis the requirement for the maximum number of somatic cells in milk is lowered. It is estimated that each case of mastitis costs at least $300 in lost production and drugs. Add to that the extra labor required and the total cost, to all dairy farmers, associated with mastitis is huge. Sometimes we forgive cows and bulls with poor SCS rating because they have a high rating for a single other trait. That is false economy when you factor in the cost of feed, labour and lost milk revenue. We need to be paying more attention to milk quality in the future than we have in the past.

Animals above 3.00 for SCS should not be used in your breeding program. Better still would be to aim for using bulls that are 2.80 and lower for SCS. Of note is the fact that as of December 2013 CDN will be producing sire indexes for Mastitis Resistance (Read more: Official Genetic Evaluation for Mastitis Resistance).

Calving Ease

Producers have placed emphasis on calving ease over the past decade. It is now at the point where concern relative to calving difficulty is only mentioned for first calving heifers. Labor is saved with unassisted calvings. As well the dam and calf both get off to better starts. Less drug usage and quicker breeding back of the dam add up to major dollars saved no matter what the herd size.

Bulls receive indexes for both the ease with which their calves are born and for the ease with which their daughters give birth. It is advised to not use bulls that are rated below average for both direct and maternal calving ease.

Other Factors

Feet and Legs: Cows without mobility problems save on labor, lost feed and lost revenue. Use sires that are average or above average for both heel depth and rear legs rear view. Calves and heifers with feet and leg problems seldom get better with age. (Read more: Cow Mobility: One Step Forward or Two Steps Back?)
Feed Conversion: In all livestock there are genetic differences in the ability to convert feed to end product. As yet we do not know those genetic differences in dairy cattle but we will know them in time. (Read more: Feed Efficiency: The Money Saver and 30 Sires that will produce Feed Efficient Cows) In is a fact that big cows, producing similar volumes to a medium sized cow, can not be as efficient as they must eat feed to maintain their larger body mass. Some (New Zealand, Ireland, NMS formula,…) already have a negative weighting for body size in their total index formula In the future breeders need to be prepared to select for feed efficiency and likely re-think the ideal cow size. Stay tuned. Research is already underway on feed conversion in dairy cattle.
Milking Speed: Slow milking cows were once tolerated in tie stall barns even though they required more labor. Now with parlour, rotary and even robotic systems, cows that slow down the parlour process or that mean fewer cows per robot are not tolerated. Sire indexes for milking speed are available on all bulls in Canada and are often available from bull studs in other countries. Avoid using bulls that leave slow milkers.
Polled: Labor required and animal set backs after dehorning are negatives at the farm level. For consumers animal treatment/care is often a concern that may affect milk product consumption. Polled is not just trendy it will be the norm in the future. (Read more: Why Is Everyone So Horny For Polled?, From the Sidelines to the Headlines, Polled is Going Mainline! and Polled Genetics: Way of the Future or Passing Fad?), Genetic tests are now available that accurate identify animals as homozygous or heterozygous for polled. With each passing month the genetic merit for top polled animals for total merit (TPI, LPI NM$,..) is increasing. Producers need to decide when they will start to breed for polled.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Every discipline is important to improving on-farm profits. Research at CDN showed that improved genetics accounted for, at least, 40% of the increase in on-farm profitability. Genetics can help reduce the two biggest on-farm cost – feed and labor. As well it can help drive up revenue per cow. Conclusion: Genetics can save on feed and labor costs. And Genetics can help generate more profit.

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KHW Regiment Apple-Red – Beauty, performance, and even more record accomplishments

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Wednesday, October 9th, 2013

No matter how you slice it, dairy history was made in Madison Wisconsin last weekend. Many of the cattle who paraded around that showcase ring have long resumes of wins behind them. KHW Regiment Apple-Red is no different. In 2006 she was the unanimous All-American Jr 2 year old. In 2010 she was the World Champion R&W Cow (Holstein International). In 2011 she was the unanimous All-American R&W Aged Cow. But on October 5^th 2013, at the appropriately themed Centre of the Dairy Universe, Apple-Red made an entry in the history books that will be hard for her peers to top! (For complete Red and White Show Results)

KHW Regiment Apple 3-Red-ETN
Grand Champion International Red & White Show 2013
Reserve Supreme Champion World Dairy Expo 2013
Clone to Apple

KHW Regiment Apple-Red
Reserve Grand Champion World Dairy Expo 2013

MS Candy Apple-Red-ET
Honorable Mention Grand Champion International Red & White Show 2013
Daughter of Apple-Red

Side by side – three Apples — had their shining moment in the spotlight at World Dairy Expo 2013 and set new benchmarks at the top of the ladder of show ring success. Never before was the red carpet so gloriously Red and dominated by a single family! While the crowd roared their approval of the final placings assigned by Judge Michael Heath, the record books took note that for the first time ever one special cow not only earned Reserve Grand Champion but was flanked on each side by the Grand Champion, her clone, and, on the other side by her daughter, the Honorable Mention Grand Champion. From every angle it was a sight to see. These three cows are almost identical! They are tall, angular, cherry red and with outstanding rear udders. It is almost impossible to tell them apart. Of course, this apple picking would not be complete without recognizing that Apple-Red’s brother, Advent-Red was Premier Sire of the Red and White Show. To top it all off Apple 3 went on to be named the Reserve Supreme Champion at WDE 2013! You will need a bunch of hampers for the awards, if you choose Reds for your dairy breeding bucket list. Is it any wonder that, for the crowd that witnessed these moments live, that lineup of three will be the stuff of expo-show-and-tell for years to come?

Apple Hits The Bucket of Wins List

It was over seven years ago that Mike Deaver, Edgerton, Wisconsin, picked a cherry red apple to bring to the show ring. The momentum has been building ever since. In truth the exceptional characteristics of the family had started well before Mike saw the Apple of his eye. Apple-Red is backed by no less than six direct dams that are Excellent, all with Multiple E’s. Her sire is Carrousel Regiment-Red-ET a plus proven Rubens son out of the very popular Stelbro Renita Ranger EX94 8*.

KHW Regiment Apple-3-Red-ETN is owned by Westcoast Holsteins of Chilliwack, BC. Reserve Grand Champion Apple-Red-ET is owned and exhibited by Apple Partners of Edgerton, Wisconsin. Honorable Mention Grand MS Candy Apple-Red-ET was shown by Frank and Carol Borba and Frank and Diane Borba of California. They went home with full baskets thanks to the prizes earned by their Apples.

It was also a thrilling show for spectators to watch, as Judge Michael Heath of Westminster, Md., and Associate Judge Mike Berry of Albany, Ore., placed a total of 250 Red and White Holsteins in the rank and file behind these top three. “The quality is visible from one end of the line to the other!” was an oft repeated declaration from an enthusiastic Michael Heath.

Apple Fills the Pail As Well

Often when we hear about show cows, we see that they excel for type but seldom do we see a cow that shows, flushes and then also produces almost 72,000 kgs of milk in four lactations and that milk is 4.8%F and 3.8%P. This is exactly what Apple-Red-ET does. These high component tests not only go far back in Apple’s pedigree but her daughters also are carrying on that tradition. Her show winning daughter Candy has produced 50,000 lbs of milk, 4.5%F & 3.8% P in her first two lactations. Apple herself has an outstanding +0.96%F (MACE CDN).

Apple Has a Taste for Genomics Too

As you might expect Apple has been flushed to many great sires. Her top genomic tested daughter is MS Apples Uno Armana DGV LPI +3276 (+0.53%F, +0.29%P, +18 CONF, Herd Life119 & Daughter Fertility 107) and her top genomically tested son is MR Apples Armani (Goldwyn) DGV LPI +2975 (+0.89%F, +0.39%P % +15 CONF). Uno has been a great mate for Apple with seven of her top ten genomically tested daughters sired by him. However the story is not complete. Apple has many young progeny that have yet to have their genomic numbers published.

Apple Also Shines Around the World

Since red color is popular throughout the dairy world, we can likely expect to see Apple’s influence expand exponentially as her genomically tested sons get purchased by AI and get used. The polish on this Apple family is likely just beginning. For example, in Australia Bluechip Holsteins and their partners have had sale topping Apple daughters and granddaughters. (Read more: Dean and Dianna Malcolm: Gobsmacked in Australia and Dean and Dianna Malcolm: Forward in Five Gears!) Dean Malcolm of Bluechip provides his perspective “She‘s not just red, she’s cherry red. She’s out of a Durham, she transmits rear udders, she’s from an amazing family and she has the numbers.” Dean goes on “Everyone who bought into the Apple family is enjoying the ride because their owners / managers, in the USA, are doing such a super job. It’s proof that if you buy good families from good cow men who continue to market, a lot of the work is already done for everyone”.

Francisco Rodriguez of Colganados in Columbia/USA reports how emotional his parents where when they watched Apple-Red’s accomplishments at Expo. They could not believe they have genetics from this great cow. Rodriguez own another clone to Apple, KHW Regiment Apple A1-Red-ETN (Read more: Francisco Rodriguez: Passion with a Purpose). They also own Apple’s daughter by Redburst Miss Apple Snapple-RED (Owned with Erbsen, IL and Muriel) who placed 5th in the Spring Heifer Class.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Many people are putting the genes of this cherry red Apple into their herds and for good reason. The Apples are appealing to the eye, have productivity in the milk pail and are mothers of progeny with great potential. The Apple family are an investor’s dream – already proving that they are capable of bushels of success.

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Dare To Show Your Facebook! Twitter And YouTube!

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Tuesday, October 8th, 2013

The sales and marketing strategies that worked a decade ago are no longer viable. When our family was young there was a battle for the Holstein Journal … and the winner locked his or her self in the washroom to fend off contenders. Today’s reach goes far beyond the throne room. Whenever the family gathers, there are several (never less than one) handheld devices in the room. This guarantees that the most familiar view that we get to see of spouses, offspring and grandchildren is the top of their heads!

Obviously, if you are reading this you know how to connect to the Internet. Perhaps you are also following The Bullvine on Facebook and Twitter. Perhaps one of your new pastimes is Pinterest. If these social media applications have made it to your house, they should also be making it into your marketing plan for selling your dairy cattle or dairy goods and services.

Here Are 9 Ways The Dairy Marketplace Has Changed And How We Can Stay Relevant Today!

Don’t Waste Your Money!
Everyone is watching their money these days. The days of high spending and quick cash from international sales of bred heifers have gone the way of the dial telephone. Everyone is careful. Everyone is informed (or should be). For many dairy operations, cash flow is tighter than it has been and they are looking to stretch their resources by purchasing less, but higher quality genetics, cattle and services.
Get More Bang for Your Buck!
Dairy breeders are looking to get the biggest bang for their buck. When they decide to buy dairy genetics they are looking for cost savings or added value benefits. They seek to buy animals that will move them closer to achieving the goals they have set for their herd. Breeders must have “buy in” before they “shell out”. They want to be sure that the genetics, the production numbers or the conformation are going to move them ahead before they tap their resources.
Go Where the Action Is
Social media, social networking and the dominance of the internet in our everyday lives means you are now fighting for attention in a very “noisy” marketplace. If you choose to avoid the very visible interaction of social media, you are choosing to be invisible to the most dynamic and growing part of the modern dairy industry. At the very least, not choosing social media, means not impacting the young breeders which are the future of the industry.
Have Something to Say
It isn’t enough to be seen … you must also be heard! In order to be heard, your content needs to be creative, dynamic and engaging. Okay doesn’t cut it. You might as well surrender now if you have decided to simply move your same-as-everybody-else pictures from hard copy ads in breed magazines to social media sites. Others will put in the time and resources it takes to create great content which will be shared and gain new life across the web. We are seeing live videos and you tube clips giving streaming pictures. Anything less will soon become another murmur that gets drowned out by the voices that are bold enough to stand out.
Sharing is Caring
It may sound childlike but sharing really is caring in our social savvy, hyper-connected marketplace. Word of mouth has always been important in how you and your cattle are known but today through social media that word is spreading to your friends, and their friends, family and social connections. Today, followers share your content on Face book, tweet their positive, and yes, negative experiences on Twitter and refer you through reviews on Yelp and Amazon. They will send instant photos of your cows, heifers and calves and share your fan page and blog posts with their networks, which can have a reach of thousands. It`s important to make your content easily sharable. There are many tools that can help, but the key is to ensure that sharing is easy for them.
The Social Media Farm lane is a TWO-WAY Street
To miss out on testimonials and word of mouth that social sharing provides is a sure-fire strategy to sink into dairy obscurity. Your most successful competitors are facilitating social sharing, 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The Internet doesn`t sleep. Take advantage of your audience`s interests in sharing what’s happening in your herd with their networks.
Go Mobile
You have to meet your dairy customers where they are with messages that are relevant to them. It`s not enough to blanket traditional marketing channels with generic messages. Today`s cattle buyers spend less time reading ads in magazines and newspapers. Traditional advertising is getting bypassed. Even when your target audience is watching their favorite shows today, they are using their DVR to bypass the commercials or using the commercial breaks to browse the Internet or flip through their iPads. To grab their attention you have to meet them where they are. On their mobile devices. If your website is not optimized for mobile, you are doing your web marketing a severe disservice. If you are not spending time on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, then your potential customers, who are getting their fill of social interaction on these sites, all day long, are finding other dairy genetics providers to interact with.
Are You Listening to Me?
And if you`re failing to listen as much as you are taking on these social sites, then you are ignoring an opportunity to mine valuable research on what your target consumers are interested in, what motivates them, and what they are looking for. Track your analytics and listen to what people are saying about you, and to you, on your social sites. You can`t gather information that is more relevant and useful than customer feedback freely provided online.

One of the quickest ways to gain the attention of buyers of dairy genetics is to listen to them. Consumers want to be heard. It’s no longer enough to push out your message, no matter how well-crafted and attention getting your message may be. Today’s marketing has to be a two-way conversation between you and the buyer. Engagement is the best way to make an impact. Increase awareness of who you are and what you’re offering and you win the loyalty of those you are targeting. Dairy breeders are passionate. Social sites are essential in creating that bond and ultimately the trust that is built on your care and shared interest in them, their dairy business and their feedback.

THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE “Are you still marketing to last decade’s customer?”

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Fantasy Exhibitor – World Dairy Expo 2013 Edition – The Results!

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Monday, October 7th, 2013

The competition that took the show scene by storm is now complete. With 5293 entries, the inaugural Fantasy Exhibitor© competition far surpassed our expectations. While there were definitely some learning curves, the competition went quite smoothly. We sincerely thank all those who participated. (Click here for show results)

As many contestants found out you could not simply check in and pick all the favorites. You had to be on the ball to stay under the allotted $1,500,000 budget. It also took an individual who had the smarts to know what cows would be attending and showing in the Holstein Show and not the Red & White Show.

Junior 2 year olds

Belfast Goldwyn Lasenza

In the Junior 2 year old class one of the early favorites, Belfast Goldwyn Lasenza, proved to be well worth her pre-billing, as she earned top honors in the class and also offered the greatest value in the class. This class had many animals that had not yet shown at other shows as they may not have calved yet. It took a keen eye to know just what ones would be at Expo and which ones could stand at the top of the class. For many of the finalists it was how they placed the two 2 year old classes that determined their final ranking.

Senior 2 year olds

Charwill Attic Marcy

With the favorites in the Senior 2 class Duckett D Layla not at the show and Claquato-RH Elicit who placed 3^rd, it was those who took slight underdogs Charwill Attic Marcy and Jacobs Duplex Anna that got the greatest value for the points their choices earned. Many of the top finalists took value picks here in order to stay under budget.

Junior 3 year olds

Jacobs Knowledge Harpe

With the Junior 3 year old winner Ehrhardt Gold Beauty not even on our list, this class really had some interesting results. Many of the top finalists found it challenging to pick a winner in this class so most just went for a value pick. Ultimately, the greatest value in this class was Jacobs Knowledge Harpe. Although she placed 4^th at the show, at $100,000 she was indeed a great value pick.

Senior 3 year olds

Butz-Butler Gold Barbara

In the Senior 3 Class those that thought Butz-Butler Gold Barbara could bounce back from her defeat at the All-American show were well rewarded. While she was one the favorites coming in to Expo, her win as Intermediate Champion and the bonus points that came with that certainly made her a great value pick. A sneakier pick that very few contestants caught was the ultimate Reserve Intermediate Champion, BKB Goldwyn Amenda who also offered one of the top 5 value picks in the whole competition.

4 year olds

Robrook Goldwyn Cameron

The 4-year-old class seemed to be the class that really help sorted out the winners in this contest from those that finished further down the line. While many had picked Cookview Goldwyn Monique to win, and she did, and thus also earned many extra points for being Reserve Grand Champion, it was those that went with the unbelievable value pick Robrook Goldwyn Cameron that ultimately rose to the top. At only $150,000 and earning 27 points, Cameron was the greatest value pick in the whole contest.

5 year olds

If the 4yr year old class helped sort this out, there is no question that the 5-year-old class was a must to earn high ranking. In the end, all the top 20 contestants selected Rosedale Lexington. Even though she was not at any shows this year, the fact that there had not been any dominant 5yr old this year and with the extra promotion by her breeders, Lexington was a must pick in order to contend in the finals.

Mature Cows

Bonaccueil Maya Goldwyn

With Eastside Lewisdale Goldwyn Missy not getting on the truck to head to Madison, it was ultimately those that chose co-favorite Bonaccueil Maya Goldwyn that reaped the most reward. While Maya came with a hefty $400,000 price tag as we had picked her to win it all, the shear amount of points she earned made her a value pick. Some budget conscious exhibitors went with Whitaker Stormatic Rae and Savage-Leigh Leona who also offered some great value as they earned top points in their respective classes.

The Dream Team

It’s always easy to play armchair quarterback after the competition is over. But it is also fun to do so while the competition is still up for grabs. The maximum scoring team would have been, Belfast Goldwyn Lasenza, Charwill Attic Marcy, Jacobs Knowledge Harpe, Butz-Butler Gold Barbara, Robrook Goldwyn Cameron, Rosedale Lexington, and Bonaccueil Maya Goldwyn. This team would have earned an outstanding 186 points and would have come in under budget ($1,315,000).

The Winners are

Tina Culbertson
Colin Meulendyk
Jessica Telgmann
Ian Crosbie
Ben Willenborg
Marie-Christine Parent
Josiane Chabot
Johanne Gravel
Kevin Jacobs
Travis Syme
Kent Underwood
Luke Mclellan
Jordan Konkel
Ysabel Jacobs
Brett Woker
Shannon Endvick
Hilton Ribeiro
Mathieu Jalbert
Cowcrazy Crew Genetics
Sam Wake
Flavio Junqueira Costa
John Werry
Alexandre G. Vincent
Kevin Sundborg
Tyler Buckley
Olimar Rupli
Ray Adams
Cole Theede
Christopher Burne
Izzy Whittaker
Martin Belmare
Andrew Holliday
Jerry Mclaughlin Sr.
Kyle Reid
Jerry Mclaughlin
Jerome Fillion
Matthew Evangelo
Sylvain Cormier
JP Lamontagne
Austen Schmidt
Sylvain Carbonneau
Max Petitclerc
Jon Raymond Dykstra
Steven Fincutter
Scott Davenport
Colin Uecker
Aaron Eaton
Donovan Hollingsworth
Tim Mclaughlin
Steve Pavelski
Matthew Iager
Janelle Hoffman
Mike Iager
Scott Brown
Kevin Krejci
Tyler Otte
Sandy Cole
Darlene Zehr
Joe Nash
Jamie Black
Tom Pearce
Brent Carmichael
Randy Paul
Blake Zehr
Blake Sheeley
Max Davies
Darrel Barkman
Matt Forestell
Turner Swartz
Olivier Corriveau
Dave Johnston
Dusty Young
Kasilyn Meadows
Frederic Dubois
Don Simpson
Britney Hill
Aimee Woolf
Jeronimo Ribeiro
Donald Dubois
Sean Murray
Franceois Vermette
Ed Facer
Jason Ness
Arjan Van Der Vlis
Edward O’Connor
Craig Betcher
Martin Jean-Yves
Chad Popp
Matthew Keffer
Anthony Kessler
Ian Cole
Stefen Robinson
Augie Muesegades
Dylan Reed
Austin Yoder
Brady Core
Justin Velthuis
Sarah Poulin
Marco Vanzetti
Yohan Decarite

Tina Culbertson had a winning team of Belfast Goldwyn Lasenza, Claquato-RH Elicit, Roquet Jasmine Sanchez, Butz-Butler Gold Barbara, Robrook Goldwyn Cameron, Rosedale Lexington and Bonaccueil Maya Goldwyn that earned her 172 out of a possible 186 points.

Calculate Your Own Score

The following are the official values for each cow in the contest.

Rank	Name	Sire Stack	GPA-LPI	Cow Family	Owner
1	Claynook Dawnette Hunter	HUNTER x PLANET x ELEGANT	3643	Windsor-Manor Rud Zip	Claynook Farms Ltd.
2	Velthuis Fernand Leola	FERNAND x PLANET x SHOTTLE	3614	Lylehaven Lila Z	Velthus Farms Ltd and Boldi Inc.
3	Boldi V Sudan Alecto	SUDAN x MAN-O-MAN x GOLDWYN	3599	Ms Kingstead Chief Adeen-ET	Velthus Farms Ltd and Boldi Inc.
4	Stantons Lexor Eva	LEXOR x FREDDIE x SHOTTLE	3484	Whittier-Farms Lead Mae-ET	Stanton Bros Ltd.
5	Benner Fernand Jora	FERNAND x PLANET x GOLDWYN	3472	Benner Luke Jean	Benner Holsteins Ltd.
6	Calbrett Brewmaster Sassy	BREWMASTER x MAN-O-MAN x SHOTTLE	3454	Glen Drummond Splendor	Cormdale Genetics Inc.
7	La Seigneurie Emryse Lexor	LEXOR x BRONCO x BAXTER	3408	Whittier-Farms Lead Mae-ET	Ferme Jolicap Inc and Ferme Seigneuriale Gagne Inc
8	Claynook Divina Hefty	HEFTY x PLANET x ELEGANT	3405	Windsor-Manor Rud Zip	Claynook Farms Ltd.
9	Velthuis Supersonic Alyssa	SUPERSONIC x MAN-O-MAN x GOLDWYN	3399	Ms Kingstead Chief Adeen-ET	Boldi Inc.
10	Claynook Dianthus Hunter	HUNTER x PLANET x ELEGANT	3395	Windsor-Manor Rud Zip	Claynook Farms Ltd.
11	Leothe Epic Delpha	EPIC x MAN-O-MAN x BAXTER	3385	Yvenoit Yvonne Volcan	Ferme Leothe Inc.
12	Zimmer Lexor Azure	LEXOR x BOLTON x GOLDWYN	3359	Smithden Sheik Wanda	Rockymountain Holsteins
13	Gillette SGO Mogul Merrill	MOGUL x PLANET x BOLTON	3352	Hendel Durham Mitzi 1390	Ferme Gillette Inc., O'Connor Land & Cattle Co., Genervations Inc., Silvercap Holsteins
14	Stantons Uno Enya	NUMERO UNO x SUPER x SHOTTLE	3349	Whittier-Farms Lead Mae-ET	Stanton Bros Ltd.
15	Zimmer Lexor Avion	LEXOR x BOLTON x GOLDWYN	3340	Smithden Sheik Wanda	Duane G. Zimmer
16	Zimmer Lexor Abigail	LEXOR x BOLTON x GOLDWYN	3330	Smithden Sheik Wanda	Duane G. Zimmer
17	Stantons Epic Chloe	EPIC x FREDDIE x LUCKY	3315	Sher-Est S-Wind Saturday-ET	Stanton Bros Ltd.
18	Stantons Uno Eddy	NUMERO UNO x OBSERVER x BOLTON	3221	Whittier-Farms Lead Mae-ET	Stanton Bros Ltd.
19	Gillette SGO Mogul Melancholy	MOGUL x PLANET x BOLTON	3219	Hendel Durham Mitzi 1390	Ferme Gillette Inc., O'Connor Land & Cattle Co., Genervations Inc., Silvercap Holsteins
20	Gillette SGO Mogul Mellow	MOGUL x PLANET x BOLTON	3219	Hendel Durham Mitzi 1390	Ferme Gillette Inc., O'Connor Land & Cattle Co., Genervations Inc., Silvercap Holsteins
21	Rockymountain Epic Dream	EPIC x MAN-O-MAN x GOLDWYN	3212	Ronelee Outside Dabble-ET	Rockymountain Holsteins
22	Gillette SGG Mogul Melany	MOGUL x PLANET x BOLTON	3203	Hendel Durham Mitzi 1390	Ferme Gillette Inc., O'Connor Land & Cattle Co., Genervations Inc., Silvercap Holsteins
23	Stantons Uno Eyore	NUMERO UNO x OBSERVER x BOLTON	3202	Whittier-Farms Lead Mae-ET	Stanton Bros Ltd.
24	Ebybrook Sauder Holme Laquesha	LEXOR x SUPER x TALENT	3197	Comestar Laurie Sheik-ET	Ebybrook Holsteins and Murrel & Martha Sauder
25	Stantons Uno Erika	NUMERO UNO x OBSERVER x BOLTON	3196	Whittier-Farms Lead Mae-ET	Stanton Bros Ltd.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

On behalf of the whole team here at the Bullvine, we want to thank each and every one of you who participated. This contest far outperformed our wildest expectations. We will for sure be doing it again at the Royal. Congratulations to our winner, Tina Culbertson!!!

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World Dairy Expo 2013 Holstein Show Results

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Friday, October 4th, 2013

They called it “The Center of the Dairy Universe” and for this past week Madison Wisconsin was just that. The largest Dairy Show in the World put on a show that did not disappoint. Justin Burdette, of Mercersburg, Pa., with the help of Associate Judge Gus Schwartzbeck, of Union Bridge, Md., placed a total of 412 animals.

As we anticipated, the stars rose to the top (Read more: World Dairy Expo 2013 Holstein Show Preview – Everything You Need To Know To Get Ready For the Show). The biggest star on this day was Bonaccueil Maya Goldwyn, exhibited and owned by Ty-D Holsteins, Drolet & Fils, Ferme Jacobs, A. & R. Boulet, Inc, who was crowned Grand and Senior Champion of the 2013 International Holstein Show. Maya was the winner of the Six-Year-Old & Older Cow class, as well as the Champion Bred and Owned cow and received the Udder Comfort $1,000 Cash Award.

Maya’s biggest challenge came from last year’s Intermediate Champion, Cookview Goldwyn Monique who this year received the Reserve Grand Champion honors for the second consecutive year at the International Holstein Show. Monique was exhibited by Jeff Butler, Joe & Amber Price, of Chebanse, Ill. Monique also took home the title of Reserve Senior Champion and Four-Year-Old class winner.

Showing that her upset at the All-American show was just a blip was Butz-Butler Gold Barbara-ET, Dr. Owned by Matt Iager, Ernest Kueffner, River Valley Dairy & St. Jacobs, Boonsboro, Md. Barbara was named 1st Senior Three Year old and Intermediate Champion. Reserve Intermediate Champion Female was the 2nd place Senior Three Year old BKB Goldwyn Amenda exhibited by Westcoast Holsteins, Chilliwack, British Columbia.

Junior Champion Female honours went to the 1st place Spring Yearling Calf, Cameron Ridge Atwood Beauty exhibited by Gene Iager and Chris & Jennifer Hill, Thurmont, Md. This extremely open deep ribbed heifer was followed by the 1st place Fall Yearling Female, Fanico Reginald Marty, exhibited by Co-Vale, A. Eaton, S. Morrill, Conroy, Pasada, Garcia, Preble, N.Y.

Ferme Jacobs of Cap-Sante, Quebec takes home the honor of Premier Breeder for the third year in a row, and won titles for Best Three Females for both the Junior and Open classes. Milksource Genetics of Kaukauna, Wis. has been awarded the honor of Premier Exhibitor. Braedale Goldwyn was named Premier Sire for the 2013 International Holstein Show, his sixth consecutive year of receiving this honor.

History was made in the 2013 International Red and White Show when Judge Michael Heath, named KHW Regiment Apple-3-Red-ETN, owned by Westcoast Holsteins of Chilliwack, British Columbia, the 2013 International Red & White Show Grand Champion. Apple-3-Red ETN was the third clone of Reserve Grand and Reserve Senior Grand Champion, KHW Regiment Apple-Red-ET, and the winning cow of the Four-Year-Old class – receiving the Udder Comfort $1,000 Grand Champion Cash Award. She was not only the original Apple-Red, but was also the dam of the Honorable Mention cow. Standing out above the others, she took home the blue ribbon in 125,000 lbs. Cow Class. History was made this year at the International Red & White Show as all three champions hailed from the same cow, KHW Regiment Apple-Red-ET.

The 2013 World Dairy Expo culminated with the Supreme Champion Ceremony where Bonaccueil Maya Goldwyn, received the top honor. KHW Regiment Apple-3-ETN, took home the honor of Reserve Supreme Champion for 2013.

Spring Heifer Calf

Godin Bliss Windbrook

Pl	B&O	Entry	Name	Owner	Location	B&O
1		2915	Godin Bliss Windbrook	Kevin Ehrhardt & Gene Iager	Baldwin, MD	N
2	1	2921	Ren-Bow Anigma Lady Bug	Doeberiener and Lindsay & Alyssa Bowen	West Salem, OH	Y
3		2903	Sco-Lo-Coons Atti Banshe-ET	Doeberiener & Bowen & Michael Heath	West Salem, OH	N
4		2919	Mapel Wood Windhammer Elegance	Mapel Wood	Jerseyville, ON	Y
5		2908	Crovalley Atwood Patricia	Crovalley Holsteins	Hastings, ON	Y
6		2927	Jacobs Charlie Drayo	Nelson Eduardo Ziehlsdorff, Claudio Aragon et Ferme Jacobs	Cap-Sante, QC	Y
7		2769	Sildajak Attic Sugar-ET	Barclay Phoenix, Far-Row Holsteins, Sildajak Holsteins	Uxbridge, ON	Y
8		2929	Petitclerc Goldsun Showdown	Petitclerc Ferme	St. Basile, QC	Y
9		2922	Siemers Goldsun Haya-ET	C, J, J, J, C, L Siemers	Newton, WI	Y
10		2917	J&K-Vue Windbrook Gigi-ET	Olivia Lesher	Millmont, PA	N
11		2912	Ms Tara Gc Tahiti-ET	Aaron Eaton, Abe Light	Preble, NY	N
12		2918	Justa-Beauty Grenadine-ET	Lloyd and Denise Pease	Susquehanna, PA	N
13		2901	Hoosier-Star Lady	Kelsay Schilling	Clinton, MI	Y
14		2930	Prestige-Gen A S Kicker-ET	Miles Price	Martinton, IL	Y
15		2907	Petitclerc Sid Snowflake	Petitclerc Ferme	St. Basile, QC	Y
16		2904	Hackett Lights On	Reynolds, Lee, Lundy, and Hackett	Corfu, NY	Y
17		2905	Jacobs Goldwyn Aliza	Ferme Jacobs	Cap-Sante, QC	Y
18		2910	J&K-Vue Windbrook Gem-ET	Laura Lesher	Bernville, PA	N
19		2902	Cameron-Ridge Dundee Leila	Billy L. Cameron III	Brodhead, KY	Y
20		2925	Duckett Fever Dazzel	Matthew Pacheco	Kerman, CA	N
21		2931	Trent-Way Tamiko’s Taffy-ET	Trent Hendrickson	Blanchardville, WI	Y
22		2911	Ms Tara GC Tab-ET	Jeff Butler, Frank & Diane Borba, Peter Vail	Chebanse, IL	Y
23		2926	Flower-Brook Heztry Carmen	Andrew Stuewe	Hamburg, MN	Y
24		2924	BHHD Sid Legacy	Nicole Ballweg & Karlee Ketelboeter	Dane, WI	Y
25		2923	B-J-Grove Windbrook Skeeter	Yvonne Clanton	Mulberry Grove, IL	Y
26		2909	Gebarten Shadow Ladyluck	Paige Morrill	Dekalb Junction, NY	Y
NP		2920	Miss Jedabar G-Wyn Grace Et	Dawn Bingham, Barry Bingham, Alex Claypoole, Ed Bin	Gray, TN	Y

Winter Heifer Calf

Pl	B&O	Entry	Name	Owner	Location	B&O
1		2944	Jacobs Goldwyn Lenny	Gene Iager	Fulton, MD	N
2	1	2945	Petitclerc Alexander Access	Ferme Jean-Paul Petitclerc & Fils	St-Basile, QC	Y
3		2961	Crovalley Lavanguard Adele	Crovalley Holsteins	Hastings, ON	Y
4		2977	OCD Bradnick Candy-ET	Co-Vale, A. Eaton, P. Lundy, Jenssen, Wesemann	Preble, NY	N
5		2948	Siemers Fever Hia-Glam-ET	C, J, J, J, C, L Siemers	Newton, WI	Y
6		2934	Rosedale Nice And Ez-ET	Rosedale Genetics Ltd	Oxford, WI	Y
7		2933	Petitclerc Alexander Albany	Petitclerc Ferme	St. Basile, QC	Y
8		2951	Sco-Lo-Coons Seav Brenda-ET	R. Allyn, S. Culbertson, And D. Lepage	Canaan, CT	N
9		2950	Rolling Spring Dami Easy-ET	Charles J Bean	Franklin, PA	Y
NP		2932	Four-Of-A-Kind Atw Cheri-ET	Noah Bilz	Dorchester, WI	N
NP		2935	Dalmeny Lemur Lacey-ET	Triple-T, J & P Black & M Heath	North Lewisburg, OH	N
NP		2937	Duckett Acme Tamora-ET	Chris/Jen Hill, Frank Connelly, Tim/Sandy Merwarth & Chad/Sandy Umbel	Thurmont, MD	N
NP		2938	Jacobs Alexander Eddy	Ferme Jacobs	Cap-Sante, QC	Y
NP		2940	Savage-Leigh Alex Lacey-ET	Miranda Iager	Woodbine, MD	N
NP		2941	Siemers Sid Scarlett-ET	C, J, J, J, C, L Siemers	Newton, WI	Y
NP		2942	Favreautiere Kristal	Faureau Et Fils	Ste-Christine, QC	Y
NP		2943	Budjon-JK Damion Eklipse-ET	Lindsey Sarbacker	Edgerton, WI	N
NP		2947	Ploegsway Nutezzy	Rob Heffernan, Dappleview, Ploegsway	Hastings, ON	Y
NP		2952	Sunkist Dusk Jianna	Nathan Donnay and John Donnay	Glencoe, MN	Y
NP		2953	Rolling Spring Dami Ease-ET	Charles J Bean	Franklin, PA	N
NP		2954	Holbric Barbwire Luxury	Morgan Olbrich	Harvard, IL	Y
NP		2955	Ludwigs-Dg Lady Bianca	Ludwig Farms	Fithian, IL	N
NP		2956	MS Andis GW Arian-ET	Howard-Haven Holsteins	Burgessville, ON	N
NP		2957	Ms Chrysanthamums Extreme	Justine Allyn	Canaan, CT	Y
NP		2960	Class L&E Fever Chloe	Lucas & Eric Moser	Dansville, MI	Y
NP		2962	Holbric-ML Meridian Sky-ET	Mark Lomen & Brian/Mark Olbrich	Harvard, IL	Y
NP		2963	Howacres Braxton Otter	Kyle & Jennifer Thygesen	Tunbridge, VT	Y
NP		2964	Liddleholme Daiquiri-ET	Brock Liddle	Argyle, NY	Y
NP		2965	Ms Erdstead Brimel MS Lilly	Caitlin & Blake Meyer	Manteno, IL	Y
NP		2968	R-John Aftershock Abbigail	Rocco & Christian Cunningham	Penngrove, CA	N
NP		2969	Ryan-Geiger GWATWD Reaction	Jordan & Whitney Ebert	Algoma, WI	N
NP		2970	Silvermaple Windham Camille-ET	Rocco & Christian Cunningham	Penngrove, CA	N
NP		2971	Banberg P Frosty Freeze	Levi Banowetz	Charlotte, IA	Y
NP		2972	Ebert-Ent Attic Loreal	Lynn & Sara Harbaugh And Chad & Amy Ryan	Marion, WI	N
NP		2975	Lindale Laramie Flowers	Olivia Corson and Caitlin & Blake Meyer	Manteno, IL	N
NP		2976	Miss Lauthority Glamorous	Kasey Lois	Burlington, WI	N
NP		2978	Routina Zelgadis Paige	Lookout & Crackholm	Canton De Hatley, QC	N

Fall Heifer Calf

Pl	B&O	Entry	Name	Owner	Location	B&O
1	1	2990	Petitclerc Gold Saltalamacchia	Ferme Jean-Paul Petitclerc & Fils	St-Basile, QC	Y
2		3005	Jacobs Windbrook Bally	Siemers Holsteins	Newton, WI	N
3		2999	Comestar Larion Goldwyn	JM Valley, R&S Allyn, Ferme Jendro, D Dubois, F Lemieus, M.E. Dal Farm	Canaan, CT	N
4		3032	Jacobs Alexander Everything	Ferme Jacobs	Cap-Sante, QC	Y
5		2983	Pierstein Gold Chip Rockstar	Connor Butler	Chebanse, IL	N
6		3028	Claircrest Sid Checkers	Ehrhardt, Iager & Phoenix	Baldwin, MD	N
7		3031	Hillpine Stone Fever	Lintvedt, Soules, Davis	Sun Prairie, WI	N
8		2994	Heart & Soul DD Reminisce-ET	Matthew D Boop	Millmont, PA	Y
9		2993	Ms Sheridan Absolute Anna	Westcoast Holsteins	Chilliwack, BC	N
10		3033	Jacobs Sid Bamba	Martin Veilleux, Ferme Jacobs	Cap-Sante, QC	N
NP		2767	Century Star Fever	Barclay Phoenix	Uxbridge, ON	N
NP		2981	Sunrose Juliana	Bryce & Brant Gingerich	Millersburg, IN	Y
NP		2982	Miss Rainy Jane	Dale Rupprecht and Jerry A Muzzy	Thief River Falls, MN	Y
NP		2985	Maple-Downs-Al Gchip Galina	Gregory L. Lloyd	Middleburgh, NY	Y
NP		2986	Willy-Mc Arangatang Gold-ET	Elijah Dobay	Burghill, OH	N
NP		2987	Heart & Soul DD Remember-ET	Jaylene S Lesher	Millmont, PA	N
NP		2988	Holbric Gorgeous Dickey	Morgan Olbrich	Harvard, IL	Y
NP		2991	Petitclerc Goldwyn Starsky-ET	Todd W Watts & Aaron R LaMoreaux	Fowler, MI	N
NP		2996	WI Fischerdale Damion Rambo	Sara Griswold	Black Earth, WI	N
NP		2997	Siemers Gsun Haya-Dream-ET	C, J, J, J, C, L Siemers	Newton, WI	Y
NP		2998	Jacobs Sid Brie	Ferme Jacobs	Cap-Sante, QC	Y
NP		3000	Crovalley Sid Alba	Crovalley Holsteins	Hastings, ON	Y
NP		3003	Demmers Reginald Delusion	Demmer Farms	Ellendale, MN	Y
NP		3004	Hodglynn Dundee Diamond	Hodglynn Holsteins & Little Star	Kincardine, ON	Y
NP		3006	Gebarten Atwood Maria	Taylor Morrill	Dekalb Junction, NY	Y
NP		3009	Lois Baltimore Corn	Kasey Lois	Burlington, WI	Y
NP		3010	Siemers Damion Scar-Let-ET	C, J, J, J, C, L Siemers	Newton, WI	Y
NP		3012	Belfontaine Goldwyn Donna Liza-ET	Belfontaine Genetics	St-Marc-Sur-Richelieu, QC	Y
NP		3013	Comestar Paradise Lavanguard	Comestar & Ferme Des Pignons Bleus Inc.	Victoriaville, QC	Y
NP		3014	Cost Atwood Manhattan-ET	Abigail B. Costello	Cedar Rapids, IA	Y
NP		3015	Frith-Jof Ladd Picabo P-ET	Jaydyn J. Isiminger	Union City, PA	N
NP		3016	Hez Atwood Heidilin-ET	Joe & Reid Stransky and Legendholm Holsteins	Owatonna, MN	N
NP		3017	Hilrose Hero Raelynn	Jeff Brantmeier	Sherwood, WI	Y
NP		3019	Miss Highlight Show Time	Eaton, Galton, Cates	Preble, NY	N
NP		3020	Morsan Hero Miss Behave	Morsan Farms	Ponoka, AB	Y
NP		3021	Overland Atwood Liza	Milksource Genetics	Kaukauna, WI	N
NP		3022	Pierstein Mayson Jingo	Pierre Boulet, Isabelle Morin and Rosalie Veer	Montmagny, QC	Y
NP		3023	Price-View Reginald Prize	Charles A & John L Richmond and John Winchell	North Collins, NY	N
NP		3024	Robella Lorna S Legacy	Robella Holsteins	Balgonie, SK	Y
NP		3025	Rock-N-Hill-II Goldsn Story TR	Noah Bilz	Dorchester, WI	N
NP		3026	Salem Attic Dianna	Kevin Vanzessen, Vanzessen Dairy Inc., Lucky Hill Dairy Ltd.	Dalmeny, SK	N
NP		3027	Stranshome Gsun Kallista-ET	Joseph, Zach, Jerome & Darian Stransky	Owatonna, MN	Y
NP		3029	Duckett Dun Suzanne-ET	Addison Anne Goldenberg	Mcgregor, TX	N
NP		3030	Goldenflo Goldchip Kentucky	Goldenflo Holsteins; J P Charest; MV Genetica; Cabanha DMG	Marshfield, PE	Y
NP		3034	Jr Sid Selena-ET	Justine Allyn	Canaan, CT	N
NP		3035	Liddleholme Tiffany	Max Petitclerc, Jenny Henchoz & Aaron Eaton	St-Basile, QC	N
NP		3036	Oakfield Goldwyn Lyric-ET	K Doeberiener, L Bowen, T Abbott, & M Heath	West Salem, OH	N
NP		3037	Reyncrest Fever Addy	Mackenzie Reynolds	Corfu, NY	Y
NP		3038	Robella Fever Emma	Robella Holsteins	Balgonie, SK	Y

Summer Yearling Heifer

Quad-R Attic Malibu

Pl	B&O	Entry	Name	Owner	Location	B&O
1		3063	Quad-R Attic Malibu	R. & S. Allyn and J. & K. Cantele	Canaan, CT	N
2	1	3073	Eastside Atwood Glee	Eastside Holsteins	Franchfort, PE	Y
3		3066	Signature R Katness	Cates, Eaton, Signature, Glennholme, Edwards, Seavalley	Preble, NY	Y
4		3070	Bergeroy Sid Ambio	Bergeroy Holstein	Victoriaville, QC	Y
5		3061	Doric Sid Laurianna	La Ferme Hudon & Fils Inc	St-Anaclet, QC	N
6		3076	R-John Aftershock Dana	Henry & Carolyn Van Exel and St. Jacobs	Lodi, CA	N
7		3044	Ladies-Run Katalina	Katalina Partners	Turlock, CA	N
8		3047	Milksource G Chip Jackie	Lookout, Blair Weeks & Frank & Diane Borba	Canton De Hatley, QC	N
9		3041	Mabel Reginald Divoirie	Co-Vale, A. Eaton. S. Morrill	Preble, NY	N
10		3075	Petitclerc Windbrook Alibaba	Ferme Jean-Paul Petitclerc & Fils	St-Basile, QC	Y
11		3043	Welk-Crest Divas Delight	Brian Landis	Goshen, IN	N
12		3057	Stranshome Rlou Spot On-ET	Joseph, Zach, Jerome & Darian Stransky	Owatonna, MN	Y
13		3051	Golden-Oaks GC Chalise-ET	Golden Oaks Farm	Wauconda, IL	Y
14		3059	J&K-Vue Lavanguard Gretchen	Douglas R Boop	Millmont, PA	Y
15		3056	Colstein Lauthrity Crowecus-ET	Adam M Fraley	Muncy, PA	N
16		3048	Regancrest Dorian-ET	Regancrest	Waukon, IA	Y
17		3072	Duckett Sr Dundee Satin-ET	Kevin Ehrhardt & Gene Iager	Baldwin, MD	N
18		3062	Jacobs Sid Glory	Ferme Jacobs and Pinehaven	Cap-Sante, QC	Y
19		3065	Siemers Bradnk Haya-Love-ET	C, J, J, J, C, L Siemers	Newton, WI	Y
20		3049	Flower-Brook Gold Dayce-ET	Alisha Vander Wal	Pipestone, MN	N
21		3053	Stonehurst GW Windy	Kelsey E. Heiney	Strasburg, PA	N
22		3046	Lida-Acres Dundee Adeen	Alisha, Bernice, Amy-Jo, and Ian Vander Wal	Pipestone, MN	N
23		3068	Bella-View Angels Apple	Lynn & Sara Harbaugh and Cory & Cara Biely	Marion, WI	Y
24		3058	Tree-Hayven Damin Pieper-ET	Adam Borchert	Auburndale, WI	Y
25		3067	Bella-View Alex Ashanti-ET	Paige N Vossekuil	Brandon, WI	N
NP		3040	Ray-Jo Braxton Lady	Curtis & Keri Bickel	New Vienna, OH	N
NP		3042	GenTerRaetion BX CheckMeOut	Paige, Hannah, Levi & Mitchell Nelson	Ellsworth, WI	Y
NP		3050	Skycrest Broke La Nose	Skycrest Holsteins	Athabasca, AB	Y
NP		3054	Bri Mel Acres Shot Gun	Caitlin Meyer	Manteno, IL	Y
NP		3069	Bella-View Goldwyn Julip	Lynn & Sara Harbaugh and Kurt & Sarah Loehr	Marion, WI	Y
NP		3071	Duckett Dusk Lexus-ET	Jennifer Huhe	Cresco, IA	N
NP		3074	Heinz-Hope AS Cupcake	Olivia Telgmann	Strasburg, IL	N

Spring Yearling Heifer

Cameron Ridge Atwood Beauty

Pl	B&O	Entry	Name	Owner	Location	B&O
1		3098	Cameron Ridge Atwood Beauty	Gene Iager & Chris/Jennifer Hill	Thurmont, MD	N
2		3082	Benrise Gold Jewellry	Doeberiener, Bowen and John, Bonnie & Lucas Ayars	West Salem, OH	N
3		3106	Ms Lulus Fever Legacy-ET	Westcoast Holsteins	Chilliwack, BC	N
4		3108	Stranshome Sid Skylar-ET	Austin Yoder & Matthias Swartzentruber	Montezuma, GA	N
5		3080	Hammertime Windbrook Reno	Nick & Jessica Sarbacker, Matthew & Lauren Evangelo	Whitewater, WI	N
6	1	3099	Crovalley Gold Rapcity	Crovalley Holsteins	Hastings, ON	Y
7		3088	Mase’s Manor Lookout Im Prety	N, A & A Goldenburg And G & M Mase	Cochranton, PA	Y
8		3102	Ryan-Vu Damion Relish	Chris/Jennifer Hill & Chad/Amy Ryan	Thurmont, MD	Y
9		3101	Rotaly Windbrook Hilda	Rock Hebert and Nathalie Dumais	Ste. Helene De Kamouraska, QC	Y
10		3089	Westcoast Braxton Ravelynn	Westcoast Holsteins	Chilliwack, BC	Y
11		3110	Ricult Fever July	J M Valley, Allyndale, Jendro Perfection	Canaan, CT	N
12		3086	Dortholme Goldwyn Alexis	Crackholm, Lookout, and Rob Heffernan	Canton De Hatley, QC	N
13		3107	Pleasant Nook CL Chancel	Gregg Hardy	Tipton, MI	N
14		3103	Ernest-Anthony Sid Tahiti	Noah C. Iager	Boonsboro, MD	N
15		3097	Beaver-Flats Extreme Chloe	Petitclerc Ferme	St. Basile, QC	N
16		3084	Pineland Chip Pacey	Andrew & Mackenzie Reynolds	Corfu, NY	N
17		3085	Four-Hills Dst Juna 3927-ET	Elizabeth & Johnathan Hill	Bristol, VT	N
18		3109	Aija Goldwyn Evita-ET	Co-Vale, A. Eaton, Peticlerc	Preble, NY	N
19		3105	JK-Stranshome Atwood Sarina	Joseph, Zach, Jerome & Darian Stransky	Owatonna, MN	Y
20		3113	Valleyville Alexander Chief	D Schirm, J Osinga, R & D Stoker	Chebanse, IL	N
21		3092	Indianhead Golden Girl	Robert J. Schauf	Barron, WI	Y
22		3091	Erbacres Jasper Cookie	Delana Erbsen	Lanark, IL	Y
23		3095	Terra-McCree Crackerjack	Meghan K. Connelly	Rochester, MN	Y
24		3104	Guy View Lauthority Lizanne	Jeff Stephens, Clarkvalley, Calbrett	Troy, ON	N
25		3094	Ziems Reginald Muddys Monet	Timothy & Leah Ziemba	Elkhorn, WI	Y

Winter Yearling Heifer (not in milk)

Welsh-Edge Fever Huggable

Pl	B&O	Entry	Name	Owner	Location	B&O
1		3119	Welsh-Edge Fever Huggable	Sweet Peas and Dymentholm	Susquehanna, PA	N
2		3132	Cobequid Goldwyn Bayonet-ET	Doeberiener, Bowen, Pierre Boulet & Duane Cole	West Salem, OH	N
3	1	3127	Gen-Com Miss R Goldwyn	Gen-Com, Mibelson, Fortale, Vieuxsaule	N-D Du Bon Conseil, QC	Y
4		3122	Heart & Soul Dundee Rhyme-ET	Matthew D Boop	Millmont, PA	Y
5		3126	Budjon-JK-Glaz-Way Erin-ET	Budjon Farms, Glaz-Way and MD Lucky Lady	Lomira, WI	Y
6		3136	St-Jacob Atwood Adria	Andrew & Mackenzie Reynolds	Corfu, NY	N
7		3128	Ms Gold Chip Bright-ET	Jeff Butler, C&P Shedd & Frank/Diane Borba	Cherbanse, IL	Y
8		3125	Val-Bisson Contrast Illara-ETS	Milksource Genetics	Kaukauna, WI	N
9		3124	Purple-Fever Dempsey Sam	Paige Morrill	Dekalb Junction, NY	N
10		3130	Petitclerc Goldwyn Silver	Petitclerc Ferme	St. Basile, QC	Y
11		3135	Old-Acres Gold Sidney	Velthuis Farms Ltd	Osgoode, ON	N
12		3116	Devans Lindsay	Justine Allyn	Canaan, CT	N
13		3134	Massico Windbrook Charly	Petitclerc Ferme	St. Basile, QC	N
14		3129	Ms Gold Chip Britelite-ET	C, J, J, J, C, L Siemers	Newton, WI	N

Fall Yearling Heifer (Not in Milk)

Fanico Reginald Marty

Pl	B&O	Entry	Name	Owner	Location	B&O
1		3142	Fanico Reginald Marty	Co-Vale, A. Eaton, S. Morrill, Conroy, Pasada, Garcia	Preble, NY	N
2		3154	Md-Dunloafin Lauth Ellie-ET	Kevin Ehrhardt & Gene Iager	Baldwin, MD	N
3		3141	Phoenix Gr Gloria	C, J, J, J, C, L Siemers	Newton, WI	N
4		3150	Liatris Braxton Snow	Eric Hetu, Joelle Paradis	Warwick, QC	N
5	1	3145	C-Cove Fever Pitch	Tyler Cessna	Clearville, PA	Y
6		3151	Nordale Leading Edge Moy	Genervations, Mapel Wood, Oconnors	Jerseyville, ON	N
7		3156	T-Triple-T Posibility-ET	Triple-T Holsteins & Entourage-LC	North Lewisburg, OH	Y
8		3138	Ocd Fever Cajun-ET	Jacob & Jared Dueppengiesser and Russell George	Perry, NY	N
9		3146	Petitclerc Goldwyn Anouk	Ferme Jean-Paul Petitclerc & Fils	St-Basile, QC	Y
10		3148	Fussion Passions Poison	Ferme Jean-Paul Petitclerc & Fils	St-Basile, QC	N
11		3143	Rock-N-Hill Circuit Marion	Lea McCullough	Juda, WI	Y
12		3152	Paltzer-TP Fever Carefree	Kyle Moon, Andrew Adney, and Seth Ferguson	Monona, IA	N
13		3137	Rock-N-Hill Garret Liz	Garrett Lederman	Brodhead, WI	N
14		3140	Kulp-Dale Wndbrok Ellie-ET	Zachary Lemke & Jess Mullikin	Chilton, WI	N

Junior Champion Female

Entry	Name	Owner	Location	B&O
3098	Cameron Ridge Atwood Beauty	Gene Iager & Chris/Jennifer Hill	Thurmont, MD	N

Reserve Junior Champion Female

Entry	Name	Owner	Location	B&O
3142	Fanico Reginald Marty	Co-Vale, A. Eaton, S. Morrill, Conroy, Pasada, Garcia	Preble, NY	N

Yearling in Milk (must have freshened)

Extondale Sid Iams

Pl	B&O	Udd	Entry	Name	Owner	Location	B&O
1		1	3201	Extondale Sid Iams	Milksource Genetics	Kaukauna, WI	N
2			3177	Arethusa Fever Almira-ET	Ernest Kueffner	Boonsboro, MD	N
3			3196	Ms Atwood Adrenaline	Jeffrey Jet Butler	Chebanse, IL	N
4	1		3178	Duckett Fever Trendy-ET	Mike & Julie Duckett	Rudolph, WI	Y
5			3189	Phoenixholm Attic Montana	Lookout, Gerald Halbach, Diane & Frank Borba, Dueppengeiser	Canton De Hatley, QC	N
6			3183	Blondin Sid Jasmine	Ferme Jean-Paul Petitclerc & Fils	St-Basile, QC	N
NP			2771	Tri-Koebel Party Girl	Terry & Jennie Koebel	Three Oaks, MI	Y
NP			3160	Robella Lampada Jasper Macy	Lampada Holsteins	Carlyle Creek, SK	Y
NP			3173	Harmill Krown Reann	Pierre Boulet	Montmagny, QC	N
NP			3174	Ladys-Manor La Rd Sung-ET	Barbara Ziemba	Lisbon, NY	Y
NP			3179	Budjon-Vail Dominique-ET	Ferme Arolene, Ferme Irlande & JP Faucher	St-Isidore, QC	N
NP			3180	Signature F Latte	Signature Holsteins	Morrisburg, ON	Y
NP			3181	Hardys Final Cut Design	Parker Hardy	Tipton, MI	Y
NP			3184	Lookout Goldwyn Lalia	Lookout Holsteins & Sandy Cole	Canton De Hatley, QC	Y
NP			3185	EK-STJ Goldwyn Bella-ET	Arethusa Farm LLC	Litchfield, CT	N
NP			3187	Sunnylodge Seaver Samantha	Sunnylodge, Black, Heath	Constable, NY	Y
NP			3190	Bella-Ridge Go For Broke-ET	Kayla Krueger	Marion, WI	N
NP			3191	Comestar Model Larrica Goldwyn	Comestar Holstein	Victoriaville, QC	Y
NP			3192	Heatherstone Melania-ET	Chelsea Leigh Holschbach	Baraboo, WI	Y
NP			3194	Al-Shar-SDG Embeis Alex-ET	Troy/Darin Zoellner & James Vierhout	Groton, SD	Y
NP			3198	Crystal Oak Destiny’s Diva-RC	Dennis & Shari Christoph	Luxemburg, WI	Y
NP			3199	Combhaven Sid Monica	Gen-Com Holstein Ltd	N-D du Bon Conseil, QC	N
NP			3200	Comestar Destinee Goldwyn	Comestar Holstein	Victoriaville, QC	Y
NP			3202	Lexis Sid Glory	John Cannon & Coonridge Holsteins	Monticello, IA	N

Junior Two-Year-Old Cow (must have freshened)

Belfast Goldwyn Lasenza

Pl	B&O	Udd	Entry	Name	Owner	Location	B&O
1	1		3205	Belfast Goldwyn Lasenza	Belfast Holstein Enr & Mary Inn Holsteins	St-Patrice, QC	Y
2			3207	Weeks Dundee Anika	Milksource Genetics	Kaukauna, WI	N
3		1	3206	Petitclerc Sid Sunkiss	Yvon Sicard and Ferme Blondin	St-Justin, QC	N
4			3217	Dream-Prairie GW Alberta	Milksource Genetics	Kaukauna, WI	N
5			3236	Rolling-Spring Schz Ella-ET	Charles J Bean	Franklin, PA	Y
6			3231	Jacobs Atwood Vedette	Ferme Jacobs	Cap-Sante, QC	Y
7			3230	Heart & Soul CS Roxanne-ET	Matthew D Boop	Millmont, PA	Y
8			3212	Red Oak Sanchex Odyssey	Jared Dueppengiesser	Perry, NY	N
9			3203	Ms Duckett Federal Suzie-ET	Mike & Julie Duckett	Rudolph, WI	Y
10			3224	Morsan Atwood Burka-ET	Mike & Julie Duckett	Rudolph, WI	N
11			3215	Dream-Prairie GWA Antigo-ET	Parker Hardy	Tipton, MI	N
12			3228	Miss Opportunity Gracie-ET	Mike & Julie Duckett	Rudolph, WI	N
13			3229	Rosedale Shes Phonomenal-ET	Rosedale Genetics Ltd	Oxford, WI	Y
14			3225	Mapel Wood Fever Bombino-ET	Gregg Hardy & Whirlwind Holsteins	Tipton, MI	N
15			3219	Comestar Masha Sanchez	Comestar & Sébastien Fontaine	Victoriaville, QC	Y
16			3209	Liddleholme Asteroid Bird	Westcoast Holsteins	Chilliwack, BC	N
17			3211	Benbie Dusk Lexi	Benbie Holsteins	Caron, SK	Y
18			3208	Gen-Com Brett Madison	Gen-Com Holstein Ltd	N-D du Bon Conseil, QC	Y
19			3226	Crestomere Sanchez Vital	Charlyn Jerseys	Warwick Township, ON	N
20			3235	R-John Atwood Aspire-ET	Rocco Cunningham	Penngrove, CA	Y
NP			3204	Carpsview Destry Exquisite	Woodcrest Ziemba LLC	Lisbon, NY	N
NP			3214	Ziems Atwood Lotus-ET	Timothy, Leah & Barbara Ziemba	Elkhorn, WI	Y
NP			3237	Maple Keys Brett Becky	Sleegerdale Farms & Genervations Inc.	Belmont, ON	N
NP			3238	Tower-Ridge Final Cut Jayne	Alisha Vander Wal	Pipestone, MN	N

Senior Two-Year-Old Cow (must have freshened)

Charwill Attic Marcy

Pl	B&O	Udd	Entry	Name	Owner	Location	B&O
1		1	3262	Charwill Attic Marcy	Gen-Com Holstein Ltd	N-D du Bon Conseil, QC	N
2	1		3265	Jacobs Duplex Anna	Ferme Jacobs	Cap-Sante, QC	Y
3			3242	Claquato-RH Elicit-ET	Doeberiener, Bowen & GENE Iager	West Salem, OH	N
4			3268	Kingsmill Atwood Allison-ET	Milksource Genetics	Kaukauna, WI	N
5			3263	Arcroix Goldwyn Jamaique-ET	Budjon Farms and Peter & Lyn Vail	Lomira, WI	N
6			3271	Rosiers Blexy Goldwyn-ET	St. Jacobs ABC, Woodmansee	Fairfield, VT	N
7			3267	Crovalley Knowledge Akika	Arethusa Farm LLC	Litchfield, CT	N
8			3274	T-Triple-T Platinum-ET	Triple-T Holsteins & Aaron Eaton	North Lewisburg, OH	Y
NP			3240	Springway Sassy Rae	Westcoast Holsteins	Chilliwack, BC	N
NP			3241	Heart & Soul Exact Replica-ET	Douglas R Boop	Millmont, PA	Y
NP			3243	Scientific Donatella Rae-ET	Matthew Joseph Nunes	Chippewa Falls, WI	Y
NP			3244	Ronbeth Alexander Pearl	Michael J Garrow & Jamie D. And Petra Black	Constable, NY	N
NP			3247	Petitclerc Alexander Amycale	Ferme Jean-Paul Petitclerc & Fils	St-Basile, QC	Y
NP			3249	Blondin Goldwyn Bordeau	Ferme Blondin & Ferme Mystique	Saint-Placide, QC	Y
NP			3250	Lafontaine Aftershock Arrie	Westcoast Holsteins	Chilliwack, BC	N
NP			3251	Morsan Goldwyn Terror	Morsan Farms	Ponoka, AB	Y
NP			3253	Sicy Ella Amazing	Yvon Sicard and Pierre Boulet	St-Justin, QC	Y
NP			3254	J&S Atwood Sandflea	H, C, N, A, S, J & L Jones & L & E Gill	Marshall, IN	N
NP			3255	Kingsway Alex Australia	Trent Valley Mell-Wood	Peterborough, ON	Y
NP			3256	Luck-E Braxton Aruba-ET	Matt Engel	Hampshire, IL	Y
NP			3258	Morsan Miss Universe	Westcoast Holsteins	Chilliwack, BC	N
NP			3260	Liddleholme Riches-ET	Noah Reid & Brock Liddle	Argyle, NY	Y
NP			3261	Butlerview Aftersh April-ET	Ryan Lauber	Union Grove, WI	N
NP			3269	Comestar Jasper Alanys	Comestar Holstein	Victoriaville, QC	Y
NP			3270	Coolea Farms Sanchez Liza-ET	Declan Patten, Malarky Hol. & Joe/Amber Price	Chebanse, IL	N
NP			3275	Dougal Lea Goldwyn Danita	Gen-Com Holstein Ltd	N-D du Bon Conseil, QC	N
NP			3276	Galestone Scatty	Shelby Iager	Frederick, MD	N
NP			3277	Hodglynn Dynasty Licorice	Gen-Com Holstein Ltd	N-D du Bon Conseil, QC	N
NP			3278	Luck-E Braxton Maeve	Nicole Ballweg & Karlee Ketelboeter	Dane, WI	N
NP			3279	Pierstein Atwood Rosine	Pierre Boulet	Montmagny, QC	Y

Holstein 2013 World Dairy Expo International Futurity

Milksource Dundee Lovin

Pl	B&O	Udd	Entry	Name	Owner	Location	B&O
1		1	3283	Milksource Dundee Lovin	Ferme Blondin & TJR Genetics	Saint-Placide, QC	N
2	1		3280	Holbric Destry Analiese	Morgan Olbrich	Harvard, IL	Y
3			3281	Macland Atwood Stacie	Majestic View Genetics, Al-Shar Holsteins, Shore	Sun Prairie, WI	N
4			3282	Demmers Goldwyn Midnight-ET	Demmer Farms	Ellendale, MN	Y

Junior Three-Year-Old Cow

Ehrhardt Gold Beauty-ET

Pl	B&O	Prod	Udd	Entry	Name	Owner	Location	B&O
1			1	3304	Ehrhardt Gold Beauty-ET	Milksource Genetics	Kaukauna, WI	N
2	1			3314	BVK Atwood Abrianna-ET	Jeffrey Jet Butler	Chebanse, IL	Y
3				3310	BVK Atwood Andrea-ET	R. & S. Allyn, J. Lloyd And M. Heath	Canaan, CT	N
4				3295	Jacobs Knowledge Harpe	Ferme Jacobs	Cap-Sante, QC	Y
5				3311	Phoenix Gogo Sanchez	Ferme Blondin	Saint-Placide, QC	N
6		1		3316	Roquet Jasmine Sanchez	Arethusa Farm LLC	Litchfield, CT	N
7				3309	Tolamika Dundee Fanta	Skycrest Holsteins & Chris Dewitt	Athabasca, AB	N
8				3296	Joleanna Gold Pourinrain-ET	Ehrhardt, Iager & Sherm	Baldwin, MD	N
9				3289	Hardy Gold Diamond	J M Valley, Conroy, Dubois, Jendro	Amqui, QC	N
10				3290	Benrise Duplex Arienne	Triple-T Holsteins & Mike Heath	North Lewisburg, OH	N
11				3317	WOC-ZBW Atwood Skittles	Gregg Hardy	Tipton, MI	N
NP				3285	Laidlawn Knowledge Gemini	Mike & Julie Duckett	Rudolph, WI	N
NP				3288	Sheeknoll Bolton Ariana	Sheeknoll Farms	Rochester, MN	Y
NP				3291	Westvale-Vu Atwood Felica	Hope E Reister	Hillsdale, MI	N
NP				3292	Sandy-Valley Atwd Blacky	Mike & Julie Duckett & David Dyment	Rudolph, WI	N
NP				3293	Sheeknoll Durham Arrow	Sheeknoll Farms	Rochester, MN	Y
NP				3298	Bluff-Ridge Bones Dolce	Sarah Butler	Arrowsmith, IL	Y
NP				3302	ZBW-JP At Last-ET	Woodcrest Dairy, Kevin & Barb Ziemba	Lisbon, NY	Y
NP				3303	Elysa Goldwyn Lady GaGa	Lookout & Crackholm	Canton De Hatley, QC	N
NP				3306	Ms Ken Dren Sanchez Feather	Milksource Genetics	Kaukauna, WI	N
NP				3307	Peticlerc Goldwyn Flamigo	Yvon Sicard	St-Justin, QC	N
NP				3308	Rockymountain Goldwyn Winnie	Wendon, Rocky Mountain, Mosnang, Southrise	Innisfail, AB	Y
NP				3313	T-Triple-T-I Durham Poppi	Entourage-LC	North Lewisburg, OH	N

Senior Three-Year-Old Cow

Butz-Butler Gold Barbara-ET

Pl	B&O	Prod	Udd	Entry	Name	Owner	Location	B&O
1		1		3334	Butz-Butler Gold Barbara-ET	Dr. Matt Iager, Ernest Kueffner, River Valley Dairy & St. Jacobs	Boonsboro, MD	N
2				3337	BKB Goldwyn Amenda	Westcoast Holsteins	Chilliwack, BC	N
3			1	3331	Whitake-Kk Goldie Rose	Gen-Com Holstein Ltd	N-D du Bon Conseil, QC	N
4				3333	Tomalynn Goldwyn Melanie-ET	Cooper Galton	Nunda, NY	N
5				3350	Cowtown Durham Grasshopper	Daniel & Helene Meier & Jamie Black	Constable, NY	N
6				3343	Garay Alexander Destiny-ET	Mike & Julie Duckett & Frank & Jan Phillipson	Rudolph, WI	N
7				3353	Eastriver Gold Deb 850-ET	Milksource Genetics	Kaukauna, WI	N
8				3348	Ernest-Anthony Allure-ET	Arethusa Farm LLC	Litchfield, CT	N
9				3349	Vioris Alex Pandora	Gen-Com Holstein Ltd	N-D du Bon Conseil, QC	N
10				3330	TC Sanchez Kristina	Lookout & Crackholm	Canton De Hatley, QC	N
11				3345	Aingers Advent Bambi	Ferme Blondin	Saint-Placide, QC	N
12	1			3327	Kingsway Goldwyn Abba Dabba	Trent Valley Mell-Wood	Peterborough, ON	Y
13				3332	Torpedo Damion Susan	Elmvue Farm	Johnstown, NY	N
14				3339	Budjon-Vail Gold Dreams-ET	Jordan & Whitney Ebert	Algoma, WI	N
15				3318	Eastriver A Shock Nettie	Nelson Eduardo Ziehlsdorff, Claudio Aragon et Ferme Jacobs	Cap-Sante, QC	N
16				3325	Milksource Dundee Lovin	Ferme Blondin & TJR Genetics	Saint-Placide, QC	N
17				3351	Scientific Decadent Rae-ET	Matthew Joseph Nunes	Chippewa Falls, WI	Y
18				3321	Pierstein Goldwyn Jingo	Pierre Boulet	Montmagny, QC	Y
19				3342	Ms Elmvue Gold Kylie-ET	Elmvue & William Schilling	Johnstown, NY	Y
20				3320	Kindland Sanchez Classy	Morsan Farms	Ponoka, AB	N
21				3354	Raivue Sanchez Pamela	Superior Polled Genetics,raivue Farms, Robrook Farms	Courtice, ON	Y
22				3326	Ms Jacobs Sanchez Janna-ET	Jordan & Claire Van Dyk	New Richmond, WI	N
23				3335	Klein-Brook Ernie Valley	Christopher Schulze	Holland, MN	N
24				3319	Ireno Monica Goldwyn	Lookout & Crackholm	Canton De Hatley, QC	N
25				3344	Desnette Alexia Roseplex	Yvon Sicard and Desnette Holstein	St-Justin, QC	Y
26				3340	Crater Indiana Goldwyn	Gen-Com Holstein Ltd	N-D du Bon Conseil, QC	N
27				3324	Demmers Goldwyn Midnight-ET	Demmer Farms	Ellendale, MN	Y
NP				3323	Porpo Goldwyn Barby	Gregg Hardy	Tipton, MI	N
NP				3336	Premier-G Alexander Bosky-ET	Coyne Farms Inc	King Ferry, NY	N
NP				3338	Blondin Goldwyn Sidonie-ETS	Shelby Iager	Frederick, MD	N
NP				3341	Ehrke Ytina Gold Athiena-ET	Cierra Ehrke Essock	Fort Atkinson, WI	Y
NP				3347	Bluff-Ridge Goldwyn Bidy	Sarah Butler	Arrowsmith, IL	Y
NP				3352	White-Light Goldn Kolor-ET	White-Light	Mcclure, OH	Y
NP				3355	Savage-Leigh Sanchez Lea-ET	Daniel Weis	Union Grove, WI	N
NP				3357	Gloryland-I Goldwyn Locket-ET	Golden Oaks Farm	Wauconda, IL	N

Intermediate Champion Female

Butz-Butler Gold Barbara

Entry	Name	Owner	Location	B&O
3334	Butz-Butler Gold Barbara-ET	Dr. Matt Iager, Ernest Kueffner, River Valley Dairy & St. Jacobs	Boonsboro, MD	N

Reserve Intermediate Champion Female

Entry	Name	Owner	Location	B&O
3337	BKB Goldwyn Amenda	Westcoast Holsteins	Chilliwack, BC	N

Four-Year-Old Cow

Cookview Goldwyn Monique

Pl	B&O	Prod	Udd	Entry	Name	Owner	Location	B&O
1			1	3387	Cookview Goldwyn Monique	Jeff Butler, Joe & Amber Price	Chebanse, IL	N
2				3370	Robrook Goldwyn Cameron	Budjon Farms, St. Jacobs Abc, Peter & Lyn Vail and Woodmansee Farms	Lomira, WI	N
3	1			3358	Jacobs Goldwyn Valana	Ferme Jacobs	Cap-Sante, QC	Y
4				3360	Lovhill Goldwyn Katrysha	Triple-T, Entourage & Van Exel	North Lewisburg, OH	N
5				3378	Whittier-Farms Jasp Kinetic	Todd Whittier	Sutton, MA	Y
6				3367	Ms Pride Gold Invite 761	Ferme Blondin, Crasdale Farms & Ponderosa Holsteins	Saint-Placide, QC	N
7				3383	Savage-Leigh Gold Lona-ET	Chase Savage	Union Bridge, MD	Y
8		1		3379	Craigcrest Rubies Gold Rejoice	Craigcrest Holsteins	Arthur, ON	Y
9				3393	Duckett Ross Pamela	Mike & Julie Duckett	Rudolph, WI	Y
10				3371	Nordale Goldwyn Ricky	Hodglynn Holsteins & Todd Galton	Kincardine, ON	N
11				3366	Drumlee Mischief Denison	Ferme Blondin & Butz-Hill Holsteins	Saint-Placide, QC	N
12				3376	Luck-E Goldwyn Aaliyah-ET	Matt Engel	Hampshire, IL	Y
13				3381	Benrise Goldwyn Jojo	Budjon Farms and Peter & Lyn Vail	Lomira, WI	N
14				3361	Heart & Soul C Me Im Radiant	Matthew D Boop	Millmont, PA	Y
15				3382	Curr-Vale Goldwyn Emelyn	Anthony Liddle	Argyle, NY	N
16				3377	Rosedale Gold-Mine-ET	Rosedale Genetics Ltd	Oxford, WI	Y
17				3386	Gleneil Goldwyn Flirt	Lookout	Canton De Hatley, QC	N
18				3375	Liberty Pga Damion Lazzie	Morsan Farms	Ponoka, AB	N
19				3359	Sicy Allie	Morsan Farms	Ponoka, AB	N
20				3394	Rosedale Stardom Bound-ET	Rosedale Genetics Ltd	Oxford, WI	Y
21				3389	Elginvue Goldplate Star-387	Kenneth Karl Mueller	Arlington, MN	Y
22				3391	Tomston Goldwyn Skywyn	Ourway Holsteins	Brooklyn, WI	N
23				3363	Maple-Downs Hailey	Elmvue, B&C Murphy & Field Of Dreams LLC	Johnstown, NY	N
24				3384	Dubeau Jasper December	Gen-Com Holstein Ltd	N-D du Bon Conseil, QC	N
25				3388	Blue-Horizon Jasper Fortune	Elginvue Cattle Mking & William Sampson	Arlington, MN	N
26				3374	Coyne-Mcgarr Golden Lily-ET	McGarr Farms and Coyne Farms Inc	King Ferry, NY	Y
27				3365	Highborn Gold Minell-ET	Dale & Sherri Rupprecht	Thief River Falls, MN	N

Six-Year-Old & Older Cow

Bonaccueil Maya Goldwyn

Pl	B&O	Prod	Udd	Entry	Name	Owner	Location	B&O
1			1	3427	Bonaccueil Maya Goldwyn	Ty-D Holsteins, Drolet & Fils, Ferme Jacobs, A. & R. Boulet Inc	Cap-Sante, QC	N
2				3428	Whitacker Stormatic Rae	Gene Iager & Craig Walton	Pleasant Plain, OH	N
3		1		3433	Willowholme Goldwyn Jessica	Ferme Blondin & Ferme Villyvon	Saint-Placide, QC	N
4				3426	Brainwave Goldwyn Lauramie	Westcoast Holsteins	Chilliwack, BC	N
5	1			3424	Jacobs Goldwyn Britany	Ferme Jacobs	Cap-Sante, QC	Y
6				3420	Ms Dundee Belinda-ET	Jeffrey Jet Butler	Chebanse, IL	Y
NP				3419	R-Made Advent Marnia	R & L Frozene and J & M Walker	Westfield, WI	Y
NP				3421	HHWS Aspen Miss P	Larry Hill	Falconer, NH	Y
NP				3422	Budjon-JK Emilys Edair-ET	Budjon Farms & Joel Kietzman	Lomira, WI	Y
NP				3423	Budjon Dundee Azalea-ET	Trevor Tuman & Chandler Bening	Lomira, WI	N
NP				3425	Rosiers Brae Goldwyn	Crasdale Farms Inc. B & P Tuytel And Ponderosa Holsteins	Hunter River, PE	N
NP				3429	Calbrett Goldwyn Layla	Comestar & Ponderosa Holsteins	Victoriaville, QC	N
NP				3430	Pierstein Goldwyn Sunshine	Pierre Boulet	Montmagny, QC	Y
NP				3431	Tween Bay Sara Goldwyn	Gen-Com Holstein Ltd	N-D du Bon Conseil, QC	N
NP				3432	Jacobs Goldwyn Emory	Ferme Jacobs	Cap-Sante, QC	Y
NP				3434	Ourway Anticipation Nora	Ourway Holsteins	Brooklyn, WI	Y
NP				3436	U-Mo Marsh Kari	Troy/Darin Zoellner & Majestic View Genetics	Groton, SD	N

125,000 Lb. Production Cow

Vangoh Durham Treasure

Pl	B&O	Prod	Udd	Entry	Name	Owner	Location	B&O
1			1	3447	Vangoh Durham Treasure	Mike & Julie Duckett	Rudolph, WI	N
2	1			3448	Starbrite Lyster Lyndsay	Hodglynn & Starbrite	Kincardine, ON	Y
3				3442	T-Triple-T Dundee Paige	Triple-T Holsteins	North Lewisburg, OH	Y
4				3443	Savage-Leigh Leona-ET	Christopher Savage	Union Bridge, MD	Y
5		1		3441	Siemers Dundee Hilda 8669-ET	Jordan Siemers	Newton, WI	Y
6				3439	Exels Goldwyn Anna 13384-ET	Norman Nabholz & Eddie Bue	Owatonna, MN	N
7				3440	Cameron-Ridge Dundee Lasita	Billy L. Cameron III	Brodhead, KY	Y
8				3444	Tri-Koebel Fear This-ET	Tera Koebel	Three Oaks, MI	Y
9				3437	Huntsdale Shottle Crusade	Benbie Holsteins	Caron, SK	N
10				3445	Stone-Front Advent Laverne	Mike & Julie Duckett	Rudolph, WI	Y
11				3438	Godin Alexi Duplex-ET	C, J, J, J, C, L Siemers	Newton, WI	N
12				3446	Sunrose Jenna	Bryce Gingerich	Millersburg, IN	Y

Best Three Females

Pl	Entry	Name	Location
1	3456	Ferme Jacobs	Cap-Sante, QC
2	3464	Triple-T Holsteins	North Lewisburg, OH
3	3457	Ferme Jean-Paul Petitclerc & Fils	St-Basile, QC
4	3460	Matthew D Boop	Millmont, PA
NP	2775	Pierre Boulet	Montmagny, QC
NP	3450	C, J, J, J, C, L Siemers	Newton, WI
NP	3451	Christopher Savage	Union Bridge, MD
NP	3452	Comestar Holstein	Victoriaville, QC
NP	3453	Elmvue Farm	Johnstown, NY
NP	3454	Everett Simanton	Ponoka, AB
NP	3455	Ferme Blondin	Saint-Placide, QC
NP	3458	Gerald Coughlin, Jr.	Peterborough, ON
NP	3459	Matt Engel	Hampshire, IL
NP	3461	Matthew Joseph Nunes	Chippewa Falls, WI
NP	3462	Rosedale Genetics Ltd	Oxford, WI
NP	3463	Sunrose Holsteins	Millersburg, IN

Produce of Dam

Pl	Entry	Name	Location
1	3467	Christopher Savage	Union Bridge, MD
2	3474	Triple-T Holsteins	North Lewisburg, OH
3	3471	Matthew D Boop	Millmont, PA
NP	2766	Butlerview Farm	Chebanse, IL
NP	2772	Parker Hardy	Tipton, MI
NP	2773	Rockymountain Holsteins	Cochrane, AB
NP	3465	Adam Borchert	Auburndale, WI
NP	3466	Charles J Bean	Franklin, PA
NP	3468	Elmvue Farm	Johnstown, NY
NP	3469	Gerald Coughlin, Jr.	Peterborough, ON
NP	3470	Joseph, Zach, Jerome & Darian Stransky	Owatonna, MN
NP	3472	Matthew Joseph Nunes	Chippewa Falls, WI
NP	3473	Matthew Joseph Nunes	Chippewa Falls, WI

Champion Bred & Owned

Entry	Name	Owner	Location	B&O
3427	Bonaccueil Maya Goldwyn	Ty-D Holsteins, Drolet & Fils, Ferme Jacobs, A. & R. Boulet Inc	Cap-Sante, QC	Y

Nasco International Type & Production Award

Pl	Name
1	3441 Siemers Dundee Hilda 8669-ET

Senior Champion Female

Entry	Name	Owner	Location	B&O
3427	Bonaccueil Maya Goldwyn	Ty-D Holsteins, Drolet & Fils, Ferme Jacobs, A. & R. Boulet Inc	Cap-Sante, QC	Y

Reserve Senior Champion Female

Entry	Name	Owner	Location	B&O
3387	Cookview Goldwyn Monique	Jeff Butler, Joe & Amber Price	Chebanse, IL	N

Grand Champion Female

Entry	Name	Owner	Location	B&O
3427	Bonaccueil Maya Goldwyn	Ty-D Holsteins, Drolet & Fils, Ferme Jacobs, A. & R. Boulet Inc	Cap-Sante, QC	Y

Reserve Grand Champion Female

Entry	Name	Owner	Location	B&O
3387	Cookview Goldwyn Monique	Jeff Butler, Joe & Amber Price	Chebanse, IL	N

State Herd

Pl	Name
1	Quebec
2	Wisconsin
3	Maryland
4	New York
5	Ontario

Premier Breeder

Pl	Name
1	Ferme Jacobs, Cap-Sante, Quebec, Canada

Premier Exhibitor

Pl	Name
1	Milksource Genetics, Kaukauna, Wisconsin

Premier Sire

Pl	Name
1	Braedale Goldwyn

Premier Breeder of Heifer Show

Pl	Name
1	Ferme Petitclerc and Sons, St. Basile, QC, Canada

Premier Exhibitor of Heifer Show

Pl	Name
1	Ferme Petitclerc and Sons, St. Basile, QC, Canada

Comments (1)

Categories : Show Reports

PAUL EKSTEIN – 2013 Recipient of the Prestigious McKown Master Breeder Award

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Thursday, October 3rd, 2013

Congratulations to Paul Ekstein of Quality Holsteins, Vaughan, Ontario for being selected by the Klussendorf Association as the fifth Robert `Whitey`McKown Master Breeder Award winner!

“This award recognizes a well-managed breeder herd that has been successful at showing and judging and emphasizes all qualities of the Klussendorf Award, including ability, character, endeavor and sportsmanship.”

Paul Ekstein has earned his place alongside these masters of dairy cattle breeding. Paul has bred 200 Excellents: 163 females and 37 males. He has received three Holstein Canada Master Breeder awards. Quality Holsteins has been honored with the title of All-Canadian Breeder’s Herd eight times in the last 23 years. Paul’s Quality Holsteins exhibit has earned Premier Breeder at the Royal Winter Fair four times. (Read more: Quality Holsteins – Well-deserved Congratulations and Quality Cattle Look Good Every Day)

Through his multi-faceted dairy breeding career, Paul has embodied the passion and originality that it takes to be exceptional in this business.

Paul and his son, Ari.

Ari Ekstein, Paul’s son, is proud of his father. “There is no doubt in my mind that he is a deserving recipient of this award. There are very few men in this business that have the passion to breed great cows like my dad. His desire and work ethic have been incredible and it shows through the “Quality” cows that have gone through our barn in the last 30 years.” Don and Linda Schwartz who have worked with Paul throughout those years confirm. “There is no one who has bred and developed cow families like Paul has. This award ideally suits what he has accomplished in his career that spans almost 60 years.” Family, friends and peers agree on what makes Ekstein unique. “Every day is spent on how he can develop the herd even further to his own standards.” Paul has shown that with hard work and dedication anything is possible. He truly understands the Holstein dairy cow. Ari has learned much about breeding success from his father. “The biggest lesson he has taught me is to never give up on any animal, if you believe in the cow family and its potential.”

Paul Ekstein will be presented with the McKown Master Breeder Award during the Calf Classes at World Dairy Expo. He joins an exceptional list of recipients.

2009 Jim Burdette
2010 Bernetta Gable
2011 Vernice and Dan Moon
2012 Jason and Donna Myers

The Robert “Whitey” McKown Memorial Breeder Award was made possible by the family and friends of the 1997 Honorary Klussendorf honoree. Whitey joined the Holstein World staff in 1956 and became widely respected as he traveled nationally and internationally, reporting on shows, sales, meetings and other Holstein events. The 1987 National Dairy Shrine president also developed MooKown Holsteins in Belleville, N.Y. Whitey had great admiration for the farmer breeder.

Paul and wife Nili

There are a number of milestones that have contributed to the breeding success that qualifies Paul Ekstein for this award. Son Ari points out two that are at the top of that list. “Number one, the most special, was his induction into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame. Then, secondly, winning the Supreme Grand Champion at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair two years in a row.” All agree that there is now another highlight as Don Schwartz says. “The McKown Award suits what Paul’s whole life has been about.” (Read more: DON SCHWARTZ: “Love what you do and do the best you can!”)

The Quality story began in 1980 founded upon all of Paul’s hard work with his company Quality Seeds. Currently the Quality Herd, situated on 60 acres of land which is part of the Greater Toronto Area, is 95 percent homebred. Art, science and having a “good eye for cattle” have all come together in Paul Ekstein who has the ability to pick a winner. The purchase of Plushanski Valiant Fran led to seven Excellent and 29 Very Good daughters, and five Excellent and 10 Very Good sons. Fran earned 35 stars and the title of the highest Star Brood cow in Canada for many years.

Ari, Paul and Quality B C Frantisco (Ex-96-3E-19*

From Fran came Quality B C Frantisco (Ex-96-3E-19*), and Frantisco’s granddaughter, Quality Goldwyn Flansco (Ex-95), Canada’s first and only third generation Excellent-95 homebred cow.

2002 Cow of the year award presentation

Paul has certainly developed a long list of fine dairy cattle including the bull Quality Ultimate who sired many show winners. Over the years Paul feels his success has been founded on a simple philosophy. “It is imperative to love what you do and to work hard to succeed. Attention to every minor detail can lead to major success.” This is a key lesson Ari Ekstein learned from his father and he also shares this insight. “My dad is a man that has never been afraid to speak his mind. You always know where you stand with him and because of this some might have taken him the wrong way. As tough as he seems on the outside, he has a heart of gold on the inside.”

Don Schwartz agrees based on his many years of experience working at Quality Holsteins. He points out that Paul has shown and participated at 59 consecutive Royal Winter Fairs and consistently exhibits at every major show in Ontario. “A lot of people see Paul at cattle shows and misinterpret his drive and how excited he would get in the moment.” That passion is there every single day. “The cows have been a huge part of his life and he only ever wants the best to come from all the effort he and everyone at the farm puts into those cows on a daily basis. If they could only see the love and passion he has back at the farm, they would see a wonderful atmosphere which makes every day a learning experience. You don’t have a main core of 3 men each working for you for over 25 years if they don’t respect your values.”

Ekstein, who immigrated to Canada as a child has built a dairy breeding legacy with Quality Holsteins. There is no doubt that there will be more to come as the likes of Quality Carlton Pam, Canada’s first 97-point bred and owned cow leave their mark on Holstein genetics.

It is truly a pleasure to invite you to join in congratulating Paul Ekstein the 2013 recipient of the McKown Master Breeder Award.

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Dairy Cattle Photography: Do You Really Think I am That Stupid?

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Wednesday, October 2nd, 2013

Would you buy genetics from this heifer?

I would NOT! However, it has nothing to do with her pedigree, because I don’t even know her pedigree. The reason I would not buy genetics from this heifer is simply because I cannot trust that what I see in the picture is what I will actually get. You see this heifer, who looks for the most part to be a pretty decent heifer, actually has some major flaws that the current ethical standards of many photographers are more than willing to cover up. The most major flaw that is blatant to the eye, when actually beside this heifer, is how weak loined she is.

Think about it. When was the last time you saw a dairy cow picture where the animal had a weak loin? It doesn’t happen anymore. In talking with a few photographers, they all say A) Is it really that bad? and B) ‘If I don’t do it`, breeders will not call me to take their pictures anymore.” The answer to both these questions is “Do You Really Think I am That Stupid?”

“Is it really that bad?”

First, compare the two pictures below. They are identical shots. The only thing changed in the bottom picture is that she has had about 6 inches of hair added to the middle of her topline. This is something that the show ring does not even find acceptable anymore. Yes. I know you are going to say that this heifer is an extreme case. But also think about all the heifer pictures you see these days. When was that last time you saw one with a weak loined animal? Has the breed advanced so far that there is no longer an issue with loin strength? Should all sires be ranked 7+ for loin strength? I don’t think so. Another question I ask is when was the last time you saw a 6+ month old calf that stands uphill? And yet, you do see that in all their pictures that are taken these days.

“If I don’t do it breeders will not call me to take their pictures anymore.”

So I think most of you can see that it is pretty obvious how blatant this issue is. So then why do you continue to support those that are working very hard to deceive you? Each time you hire a photographer that finds this practice acceptable, or buy semen from a stud that supports these photographers, you are in a sense saying, “I am okay with being lied to.”

You see if a bull stud told you the sire you are using is a +18 (CDN) or +4 (US) for type but then only supplied a bull that was a +2 would, you be pissed? But that is what you are doing when you are supporting these photographers who have no regard for ethical standards (Read more: Introducing the Dairy Marketing Code of Conduct, Dairy Cattle Photography – Over Exposed, No Cow Is Perfect – Not Even In Pictures and Has Photo Enhancement Gone Too Far?). Yes, of course, there are some that are trying their best in the current marketplace. (Read more: Tarred With The Same Brush). But, as a whole, the industry is turning a blind eye to this issue. The funny thing is it is just like drugs in baseball (Read more: The Big Bad Wolf of the Dairy Industry, Does The Dairy Genetics Industry Have A Drug Problem? and Lance Armstrong, Drugs and the Dairy Industry), you can only turn a blind eye for so long before it comes back and gives the whole industry a black eye.

Stop the Laziness

While I was taking these pictures the other day, I discovered many new issues with current photography practices. The biggest one is just plain old laziness. They are too lazy to do it right. “Photoshop saved careers.” they say. I say “Photoshop has made you lazy.” Now many photographers are not even bothering to take the effort to put up lights anymore. That is photography 101. Always control the light. Otherwise the quality of the image you get is crap. These are all little things that the human eye catches but you don’t see in most of the dairy cattle photography anymore. That is because they are just too lazy to do it right.

It Is Possible To Do It Right

Now some would say, “Hey Andrew, if you think it is that easy, show me that you can do it?” So I did. I went to the effort to take the picture of three nice heifers that were by no means big time show heifers. They are just good quality heifers that needed a good quality picture. (Please note – Although I have been on the team prepping hundreds of cattle for pictures, this is only the second time in my life of me actually taking the side shots. The last time was over 10 years ago).

The interesting part was that in doing these pictures I found that I actually had to take more hair off than I had to add. I could have done it with the clippers before the photo-shoot, but chose not to as these are also 4-H calves and they have their achievement day in two weeks’ time. The other part I noticed is, you don’t need to jack their front ends up 2 feet and wrench their necks like a chicken. Simply put a small block under their front legs and away you go. So you say, “It’s easier to do it the way they are currently doing it.” I say it’s easier to put up a couple of lights and away you go. You get a better quality picture that the viewers can appreciate and more importantly trust.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

What I am saying is not new. We all have known it to be true for years. The problem is, instead of taking action to make change, we are all comfortable to sit back and be lied to. Well guess what? I am tired of being lied to. I am tired of being slapped in the face every time one of the photographers thinks they are pulling a “fast one” on everyone and being lazy to boot. Instead of compromising your ethics, I say get off your “butt” and do it right. Because “Do You Really Think That We Are All That Stupid?”

To read more about this check out The Dairy Marketing Code of Conduct

To get a copy of the Dairy Marketing Code of Conduct please click here.

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ROYALTY RIDGE – Success is Founded on Royal Families

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Tuesday, October 1st, 2013

Ryan Lancaster grew up on his parents Jersey farm, Family Hill Farm in Ferndale, Washington. Freynie Lancaster grew up on her grandparents Guernsey farm in Tillamook, Oregon. Both Ryan and Freynie were involved with showing cattle from an early age. They were both members of their collegiate judging teams. Ryan graduated from Ohio State University in Dairy Science, while Freynie graduated from Oregon State University in Agricultural Business Management. Ryan outlines the logistics of their dairy operation. “We purchased our farm in Tillamook, Oregon in October, 2010. We farm 45 acres, milk 50 cows and have about 50 young stock. Our goal is show excellence, longevity and high components. We do most all the work ourselves, with one part time guy and help from Freynie’s dad.” Their family is growing right along with their dairy operation. Ryan and Freynie have 3 children, son Logan (7) and daughters Tatum (5) and Harper (1).

The Next Great One

Harper and 15 year old Pleasant Nook Berretta Felice EX 95.

Living up to a regal prefix can be a challenge in itself but Freynie quotes Ryan’s breeding philosophy. “Big timers that last” And then she points out exactly what is his goal each time. “He swings for the fence with every mating! Pretty much he tries to make the next great one with every mating, while also concentrating on components and milk production. We love show cows that also milk well and have high components. It’s very important to build strong families, like our “F” family.”

Royalty Ridge Crown Jewels and an Heir to the Throne

Indeed the royal lineup at Royalty Ridge is the “F” family and the crown jewel of them all is Pleasant Nook F Prize Circus EX 97. “She is the greatest cow that Ryan has ever bred and owned. Circus was 2x National Champion in 2003 & 2006.” She is indeed a worthy queen to found Ryan and Freynie’s Royalty Ridge family.

Pleasant Nook F Prize Circus EX 97
National Grand Champion 2003 & 2006

Of course, it is gratifying to have this breeding and show ring success. “We have more AI interest in our operation all the time.” Freynie and Ryan report and add. “Semex just released Royalty Ridge Firepower. Firepower is a Tequila son out of Family Hill Comerica Firefly EX 93. Granddam is Family Hill Avery Fire EX 95.”

Family Hill Comerica Firefly EX 93 (max score)
Dam: Family Hill Avery Fire EX 95
Firefly’s Tequila son, Royalty Ridge RF Firepower is at Semex

Royalty Ridge Bull Picks

The Lancasters take specific care in choosing the bulls they use. “We are using Steinhauers Iatola Applejack and Hawarden Impuls Premier for our milk, component and udder bull. For our type bulls we are continuing to use are Tower Vue Prime Tequila and Bridon Remake Comerica. We use Tequila for size and stature. Comerica makes the most well balanced cows for us. Ryan’s program is based on having a purpose for each bull.”

Family Hill SD Favorite EX 95
All American Jr. 3 year old & Res Int Champion 2004
Res All American 4 year old and Premier
Preformance Winner 2005
Dam is Pleasant Nook Berretta Felice EX 9

And The Royalty Line Continues

Although their Royalty Ridge operation is young, the Lancasters have worked with quite a regal lineup which includes:

Family Hill MB Action Funny EX 93 (max),
Governor Angel of Family Hill EX 94 (max),
Family Hill Comerica Firefly EX 93 (max),
Family Hill Comerica Gwen EX 93 (max),
Family Hill Sultan Foxy EX 94 (max),
Family Hill Comerica Firework EX 91 (max) is an exciting part of Royalty Ridge.
Family Hill Socrates Flynn EX 90 was 3rd Jr. 2 at the All American, 2011. Her dam is Pleasant Nook Berretta Felice EX 95. “Flynn is owned with Lee Mahovlic, Derrick Frigot and James Cross. She is one of our 4 year olds out this year.”

Family Hill Sultan Foxy EX 94 (max score)
Reserve All American Aged Cow, 2012
5th 5 yer old All Amerian, 2011
5th 4 year old All American, 2010
3rd Junior 2 All American, 2008
Dam: Family Hill HR Fashion EX 93
Gdam: Goldcrest Mr X Fashion EX 91
Owned by Frigot, Lancaster & Mahovlic

The Latest Word from Royalty Ridge

Royalty Ridge believes in marketing every day. “Royalty Ridge has a Facebook page that helps connect us with potential clients all over the world and recently we started using Twitter. Both can be found under Royalty Ridge. We have flyers made by Karen Bohnert that we take with us to the shows that showcase our cows for that particular year.”

Family Hill MB Action Funny EX 93 (max)
1st 4, Senior and Grand Champion, Western National, 2013
Best Bred and Owned, Western National, 2013
Honorable Mention ABA All American Sr. 3, 2012
3rd Senior 3 All American 2012
Dam: Family Hill Ren Fun EX 91
Gdam: Pleasant Nook Berretta Felice EX 95
3 more EX dams follow.

Royalty Ridge Early Training

Circus and Ryan

A good foundation is what great breeding families and cow families are built on. Ryan and Freynie appreciate the growing demand for the Jersey cow and, as well, both Lancasters appreciate their own roots and mentors. “Our parents taught us the value of hard work, dedication and responsibility. After college, Ryan had the opportunity to farm with Pleasant Nook Jerseys in Ontario, Canada. Bill Fletcher taught Ryan the history of cow families, Jersey bloodlines and taking care of show cattle. Working with the Fletcher family was an invaluable experience for Ryan.”

Royalty Ridge Headlines

Royalty Ridge has majestic experiences to support their regal prefix. At the top of that list has to be breeding and owning National Grand Champion Cow Pleasant Nook F Prize Circus EX 97. And that wasn’t a one crowning says Freynie. “We also owned World Dairy Expo Grand Champion Gloamin Ren Libby EX 96. No less than 7 All Americans were homebred by Ryan who has bred eleven EX 95 cows and 1 EX 97 point cow.” The stately history of Royalty Ridge Breeder of the only trio of sisters that are all scored EX 95. Also, breeder of the first cow in breed history to be third generation EX 95 with Family Hill Connection Faith EX 95.

Gloamin Ren Libby EX 96
Grand Champion WDE, 2001
3rd Aged Cow, 2003 All American
Reserve All American Aged Cow 2005 & 2007
Dam of 6 EX and 2 VG daughters
Owned with Aaron Lancaster and Buster Goff

Maintaining Royalty Family Lines

Continually improving your breeding herd and show records is hard work even when you’re name is Royalty Ridge. Ryan and Freynie have a key piece of advice for breeding success. “Buy into great cow families versus buying into a great cow to breed from and start your herd. Great cow families are the foundation of Royalty Ridge.” For example, Royalty Ridge currently has had high success with flushing using sexed semen. Despite some people thinking that flushing is near impossible using sexed semen, they report considerable success. “ We have 55 embryos all made with sexed semen out of cows from the “F” family, Circus’ Vindication daughter and the dam to 2^nd place Jr. At WDE 2013 Family Hill Tequila Ruby EX 91 (max). We just started working with AMS Genetics to start marketing these.”

Governor Angel of Family Hill is EX-94 (MAX) 1st Sr 2, Intermediate Champ & Res Grand Champ Western National, 2010 2010 All American Senior 2 1st Sr. 3 Western National, 2011 3rd Sr. 3 All American, 2011 1st 4 year old Western National, 2012 5th 4 year old All American, 2012 3-03 305d 2x 18,450M 5.5% 1,006F 3.7% 684P Dam: Family Hill First Noel EX 91 Gdam: Family Hill Lester Allison EX 92 3rd dam: Leaning Acres Samson Angle EX 95 Angel is owned with Ahnie Seaholm, Tillamook, OR

Governor Angel of Family Hill EX-94 (MAX)
1st Sr 2, Intermediate Champ & Res Grand Champ Western National, 2010
2010 All American Senior 2
1st Sr. 3 Western National, 2011
3rd Sr. 3 All American, 2011
1st 4 year old Western National, 2012
5th 4 year old All American, 2012
3-03 305d 2x 18,450M 5.5% 1,006F 3.7% 684P
Dam: Family Hill First Noel EX 91
Gdam: Family Hill Lester Allison EX 92
3rd dam: Leaning Acres Samson Angle EX 95
Angel is owned with Ahnie Seaholm, Tillamook, OR

The Bottom Line

Never losing focus on great cow families as their base, the Lancasters look to the future. “We plan to continue to breed and develop more show cattle. As well, we will increase genomic testing in order to market more bulls to studs. We have marketed embryos internationally for the last 5 years and will continue to market domestically and internationally.”

We wish Ryan and Freynie Lancaster well and congratulate and encourage them on their dedication and commitment to Royalty Ridge. “Reign on!”

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Archive for October 2013

“The Without Compromise Kueffner Countdown”

“Good Ring Sense From Good Cow Sense”

“They’re Always Seeing Stars!”

Teamwork “Running Rings Around the Best”

“I’m Seeing Barbara From A New Perspective”

“Your Reputation is Your Marketing Brand. Share it on Social Media”

“Mother Knows Best”

“Change is Good. Natural is Better”

“With a Heart for Cows and a Head for Business”

“Talk, Look and Listen”

“The ‘Glamour Purse’ Sets a Shining Example

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Other posts you might like:

Who is #1?

Index Achievements & Short Falls

Index Worship – Gone Too Far?

Which Index for You?

Relative Trait Emphasis in Total Merit Indexes*

The Bullvine Bottom Line

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DAIRY INDUSTRY TODAY: In the Running OR Run of the Mill?

Take A Genetic Bite Out of Mastitis

GENOMICS: The Fast and the Curious

Bulls, Bias and Barriers

Canadian LPI: The Less Stretched Index

“Barking up the wrong fee!” and “Who is responsible for this Hot Mess?”

THE LANGUAGE OF PROFITABILITY! Bulling for Dollars!

The Bullvine Bottom Line

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Contest Details

Cattle Selection

The Deadline

The Reward

The Bullvine Bottom Line

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The US Situation

The Canadian Story

The Bullvine Bottom Line

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Epic Experience

“Parade of Champions is the Chance of A Lifetime”

Sisters Teamwork Foreshadows Guernsey Show Ring Success

From Calving Pen Pick to Parade of Champions Selection

“Take Pride in Walking the Colored Shavings”

FAMILY: Small Herd. Big Encouragement. Strong Support.

In Good Hands with Guidance from Special Family and Friends

“We are so incredibly happy for her! She is a hard worker and never gives up!”

The Bullvine Bottom Line. Now That’s Remarkable!

Other posts you might like:

“They would make a hummingbird look like it had no work ethic!”

Caverly’s Love Cows and Produce Champions

“Of everyone in my life, my wife Beverly Donovan is my biggest hero.”

Picking a Winner – “It Starts with Seeing the Potential”

Richard’s Role Models “They believe vacation is a place where they can take their animals!”

Richard’s Dairy Tale “Follow the Bread Crumbs”

“When Talking Cows, Every Word from Nabholz Counts!”

The Caverly Cavalcade of Firsts!

Richard’s Recollections – The Stuff Legends are Made of!

Sweet Talk. Bitter Sweet Memories.

“The Passion Too Strong to Resist!”

The Bullvine Bottom Line

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The Bullvine Bottom Line

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Today’s Dairy World

Tomorrow’s World

Agenda: Theirs, Yours and Ours

Tear Down the Silos. Ramp Up the Herd.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

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If You Can’t Take the Heat Get Out of the Kitchen

The Higher they Rise the Harder the Fall

The Bullvine Bottom Line

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“Aisle” Be Seeing You at Expo 2010

Right girl. Right time. Right place.

Parental Blessing

Expo “Knee Mail” From Her One True Love

**Richard’s Dairy Tale “Follow the Bread Crumbs”**

**Expo 2013 Becomes the Centre of the Dairy-Marry-Me Universe**