Eleven dairy farmers and allied industry professionals graduated from PDPW Cornerstone Dairy Academy™ after completing three pillars of leadership training in the application-based professional-development program.

Presented by the Professional Dairy Producers® (PDPW) this week, all three pillars of Cornerstone Dairy Academy are designed to build the skills of dairy farmers and industry professionals who want to lead with purpose, character and integrity. The Academy focuses on communication, emotional intelligence, professional etiquette, understanding generational differences, integrity and ethical decision-making, being a visionary thinker and servant-oriented leadership.

The annual 2021 Cornerstone Dairy Academy began on Tuesday, March 16 and was held in conjunction with the PDPW Business Conference held at the Kalahari Resorts and Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. on March 17-18.

“It’s rewarding to hear their take-away messages and see how they implement their new skills,” said Carla Gunst, PDPW program and project manager.

The 2021 Cornerstone Dairy Academy graduates completed the Influential, Visionary and Servant Leadership pillars. They are:

Carissa Backhaus, Fond du Lac, Wis., Bovisync

Whitney Birschbach, Fond du Lac, Wis., Agromatic

Derek Brander, Spring Green, Wis., Brander’s Dairy Farm LLC

Sydney Endres, Lodi, Wis., American Jersey Cattle Association

Katie Holewinski, Beaver Dam, Wis., Armor Animal Health

Collin Keel, Juneau, Wis., Animix

Rachel Kroeplien, Sheboygan Falls, Wis., Fly-By Acres

Angie Kuester, Reedsville, Wis., CP Feeds

Cassi Miller, Madison, Wis., World Dairy Expo

Casey Sell, Beaver Dam, Wis., Animix

Emily Truttmann, Juneau, Wis., Animix

The PDPW Cornerstone Dairy Academy is funded in part by a grant from the Professional Dairy Producers Foundation. To learn more about the Cornerstone Dairy Academy, visit www.PDPW.org or contact PDPW at 800-947-7379.

Professional Dairy Producers (PDPW) is the nation’s largest dairy producer-led organization of its kind, focusing on producer professionalism, stakeholder engagement and unified outreach to share ideas, solutions, resources and experiences that help dairy producers succeed.

“Orientation connects expert speakers with our industry’s future leaders,” said Joel Mergler, director of global talent development. “Select Sires’ orientation and sales training are designed to be collaborative and informative to help new employees grow in their field of expertise and identify profit opportunities in the dairy and beef operations they serve.”

The first segment of training includes facility and laboratory tours, as well as a virtual sire parade. Presentations from industry representatives and Select Sires personnel review the cooperative’s history, service programs, herd management products, the basics of genomics and genetic prowess. New employees learn about semen collection and Select Sires’ leading quality assurance and uncompromised fertility. In this era of data collection, employees are presented with strategies to enhance farmer-owners’ success, including diversification opportunities like beef x dairy. The second training segment features a professional agricultural sales workshop.

Program participants included: CentralStar Cooperative: Gage Nettrour, Bremen, Indiana, Kylee Stout, Waterloo, Indiana, Emily Middleton, Kingston, Michigan; COBA/Select Sires: Bob Campbell, Columbus, Ohio, Rob Watercutter, Houston, Ohio; Premier Select Sires: Luke Johnson, Harrisonburg, Virginia, Amber Kirk, Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania, Emily Lewis, Pylesville, Maryland, Vanessa Hostetter, Annville, Pennsylvania; and Select Sires Inc.: Darcy Krick, Highmore, South Dakota and Kayla McNett, Eugene, Oregon.

Based in Plain City, Ohio, Select Sires Inc., is the largest global A.I. cooperative and is comprised of six farmer-owned and -controlled local organizations in the United States. As the industry leader, it provides highly fertile semen, as well as excellence in service and programs to supply dairy and beef producers with the world’s best genetics.

Two new bulls have recently been released through the Holstein Marketplace Sires program, managed by Holstein Services, Inc. Introduced in January 2019, Holstein Marketplace Sires provides a unique avenue for Holstein breeders to market their genetics. Under the program, bull owners retain ownership of the bulls, and Holstein Marketplace Sires coordinates marketing and sales of the bull’s semen.

New Releases

Holstein Marketplace Sires is pleased to make two bulls available hailing from the popular Cookiecutter MOM Halo-ET VG-88 DOM family. Halo traces back through six generations of Very Good and Excellent dams to the prominent Snow-N Denises Dellia EX-95 2E GMD DOM.

712HO01012 COOKIECUTTER D HELMSMAN-ET *RC, bred and owned by Cookiecutter Holsteins LLC, Hudson Falls, N.Y. HELMSMAN is sired by Claynook Discjockey-ET, out of VG-85 Cookiecutter Avlnc Hayva-ET. His next dam, EX-94 2E Cookiecutter Mac Halmaci-ET, boasts a lifetime production record of almost 174,000 pounds of milk with 4.5% fat and 3.3% protein tests. In total, HELMSMAN is backed by 10 generations of Very Good and Excellent dams. He is a strong type improver at +3.58 PTAT and +2.93 UDC, with positive components and production. HELMSMAN is also a red carrier.

712HO01013 AOT HOOSICK-ET, bred and owned by AOT Genetics, Valley Falls, N.Y.HOOSICK is a K-Style Tarino Spartacus-ET son out of VG-89 DOM Cookiecutter Dta Habitan-ET, then a VG-88 DOM Minnigan-Hills Day-ET, for a total of 10 generations of Very Good and Excellent dams behind him. Coming in at +2925 GTPI®, HOOSICK provides a unique combination of high fertility (+2.6 Fertility Index) and type (+2.42 PTAT & +2.38 UDC). Adding to his well-balanced genetic profile, he also brings to the table strong components (108 CFP, +0.17% F, +0.05% P), desirable SCS (2.81) and PL (+5.4), and easy calving (1.6% SCE).

Holstein Marketplace Sires is offering an Introductory Online Special for HELMSMAN and HOOSICK. Free domestic US shipping included with 20+ unit order minimum of either HOOSICK or HELMSMAN.

Other bulls currently available through Holstein Marketplace Sires

• 712HO01011 C-HAVEN POSITIVE DELUXE-ET: Positive x VG-87 Slamdunk x VG-87 Josuper, DELUXE ranks amongst the most elite available bulls in the breed at +2986 GTPI®, +1026 DWP$®, +829 NM$ and +849 CM$. He is backed by 15 generations of Very Good and Excellent dams with strong production records, going back to Coldsprings Dur Chan 109-ET EX-95 2E DOM. DELUXE is also A2/A2. Bred and owned by Thomas Priest & Thomas T. Mercuro, Greencastle, Pa. Conventional and a limited amount of sexed DELUXE semen is currently available.

• 712HO01010 KINGS-RANSOM C CRUISIN-ET: Crushabull x EX-94 Monterey x EX-95 2E Mogul, in total, CRUISIN is backed by 11 generations of high-scoring Excellent dams, going back to “Queen of the Breed” C Glenridge Citation Roxy, and his 10 closest dams average 93.1 points. His genomic conformation values back up the pedigree, at +2.93 PTA Type, +2.58 UDC and +1.19 FLC. CRUISIN is also A2/A2. Bred and owned by Kings-Ransom Farm LLC, Schuylerville, N.Y.

• 12HO01009 TRAMILDA STUNNING BLAZER: Doctor x VG-87 Delta x VG-85 Chevrolet, BLAZER has a well-balanced, modern genomic profile, being over +1,300 pounds Milk, with 113 pounds combined Fat and Protein, with positive health and fertility traits and desirable conformation values (+1.62 PTAT, +1.68 UDC and +1.08 FLC). Bred and owned by Troy & Austin Yoder, Montezuma, Ga.

• 712HO01008 OCD KENOBI FOGHAT-ET: Kenobi x VG-87 Burley x EX-90 Delta, FOGHAT is backed by a total of 11 generations of Very Good and Excellent dams, going back through the Markwell Bstar E Raven-ET EX-95 3E GMD DOM cow family. With a +2802 GTPI, he brings a package of high component percentages with a combined 113 pounds of Fat and Protein, along with desirable health traits; +4.8 PL, +2.0 LIV, and +2.7 DPR. Bred and owned by Oakfield Corners Dairy, Oakfield, N.Y.

• 712HO01007 TERRA-LINDA RYNO-ET: Tahiti x VG-86 Modesty x EX-90 Montross, RYNO hails from the Robthom Georgia Integrity EX-92 2E GMD DOM cow family through a strong maternal line. He is a well-balanced bull, coming in at +2726 GTPI, with strong production numbers of +1,146 Milk and a combined 119 pounds of Fat and Protein, also being A2/A2. RYNO is positive in his fertility traits, is +1.36 PTAT and +1.46 UDC. Bred and owned by Terra Linda Dairy, Tulare, Calif.

• 712HO01006 RASBERRY CRSBL RIP CITY-ET: Crushabull x VG-85 Monterey x EX-91 Epic, then 17 more generations of Excellent dams behind her, tracing back to Audrey Posch EX-93 2E GMD. RIP CITY boasts impressive conformation values at +3.19 PTAT, +2.63 UDC and +1.40 FLC, complemented by positive component percentages and Fertility Index values. Owned by Karl & Donna Hale, Cloverdale, Ore.

• 712HO01005 OUR-FAVORITE CHARISMA-ET: King Doc x VG-88 Hang Time x EX-94 2E Atwood from one of Our-Favorite Holsteins’ foundational cow families; 10 generations of Very Good and Excellent dams with an average classification of 91.2 points. +2608 GTPI with very strong conformation at +3.29 PTAT, +2.28 UDC, and +1.84 FLC; also, A2/A2 and Kappa Casein BB. Bred and owned by Our-Favorite Holsteins, Fall Creek, Wis.

All bulls offered through Holstein Marketplace Sires are free of any haplotypes impacting fertility.

Visit www.holsteinusa.com/marketplacesires to view complete pedigree and genetic information on HELMSMAN, HOOSICK, and the other Marketplace Sires currently available. The site features many generations of photos from their maternal lines, and commentary from the bull owners.

Purchasing semen from Holstein Marketplace Sires is simple. Order online or over the phone with your credit card and have semen shipped directly to your doorstep. Buy online by visiting www.holsteinusa.com/marketplacesires, click the red “Buy Now” button, fill in number of units you would like to purchase, and check out using our secure online system. Orders may also be placed by calling customer service 800.952.5200 or contacting a Holstein Association USA regional sales representative.

CentralStar Cooperative, serving dairy and beef producers in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana, is offering seven, $1,000 scholarships this year. Those interested can find the application at www.mycentralstar.com. The deadline is June 1, 2021.

Scholarships are available for two types of students. Applicants must be presently enrolled in a four-year college or a one- or two-year technical college or short-course program in an agricultural-related field. Applicants can also be a high-school senior admitted into one of the aforementioned programs. The applicant or their parent(s) must be a stockowner of CentralStar Cooperative. Read the application for additional detail.

CentralStar’s goal of enhancing producer profitability through integrated services is fulfilled by incorporating an array of products and services critical to dairy-and-beef-farm prosperity. CentralStar’s product and service offerings include Accelerated Genetics, GenerVations and Select Sires genetics; extensive artificial-insemination (A.I.) technician service; genetic, reproduction, and dairy records consultation; DHI services; diagnostic testing; herd-management products; research and development; and more. CentralStar’s administration and warehouse facilities are located in Lansing, Mich., and Waupun, Wis., with laboratories in Grand Ledge, Mich., and Kaukauna, Wis. For more information, visit CentralStar Cooperative Inc. at www.mycentralstar.com.

Genetics Australia Co-operative Limited has recorded a $1 million increase in sales revenue and a stronger profit, reflecting improved weather and industry conditions.

The 2019/20 annual report released on Monday shows a profit of $545,596 after tax, an improvement of about $300,000 on the previous year.

Sales revenue grew by more than $1 million to $10,771,972, with a total comprehensive income of $2,625,991.

Genetics Australia chief executive officer Anthony Shelly and board chairman Trevor Henry said the positive result reflected the improved weather and industry conditions that were widely experienced in the dairy industry.

The net asset base of the co-operative remains strong at $13,508,398, which is an increase of $2,631,897 on the previous year, with a positive cash position of $295,209.

“While we have undoubtedly had a better season, there are still enormous challenges ahead for the dairy and herd improvement industries,” Mr Shelly said.

“We are very pleased with this result; however, we need to find ways of making that result more repeatable.

“This remains the biggest challenge for the co-operative, and the board and management are committed to developing the right business model that delivers sustainability and the scope for re-investment in people, products and programs.”

COVID-19 had added pressures to the business with staff working remotely and other restrictions that hampered some business functions.

Despite that, Mr Shelly said the co-operative was pleased with the way that it handled the COVID challenge and was looking forward to returning to a “normal” business environment for 2020/21.

“The cancellation of our GA 2020 Conference was a huge disappointment, however we managed to salvage much of the good work by shifting to online delivery platforms for a significant proportion of the content,” he said.

Genetics Australia’s export business continues to expand with demand from China leading the way.

Mr Henry said the co-operative had a strong belief in the ‘Australian cow’ and it appeared many countries were also recognising its unique qualities.

“Our next step is to make her even more ‘green’ than she is now, by enhancing her disease resistance, heat tolerance and feed-efficiency characteristics,” he said.

Mr Henry said Genetics Australia continued to provide Australian farmers with world-class genetics at sensible prices.

“We continue to develop world class Australian grazing genetics and work with our partners overseas to source complementary product to ours to ensure that shareholders have access to the best range of genetics on the market,” he said.

Source: Farm Online

The National Association of Animal Breeders is pleased to announce Caleb Rykaczewski has been selected to receive the 2021 NAAB Doak Graduate Fellowship Award. Caleb is the third recipient of the NAAB Doak Graduate Fellowship and impressed the selection committee with his enthusiasm for male bovine reproductive physiology. Caleb will earn his Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture from The Ohio State University in Мау 2021.

His personal ambition is to research novel on-animal sensor technology to study behaviors in bull calves and breeding bulls to improve reproductive performance. Caleb will continue his MS program at Ohio State. February 15, 2021 Caleb did not grow up on а farm. Instead, he conquered а steep learning curve and learned everything he knows about cattle production and reproduction from his coursework and research in the Department of Animal Sciences at Ohio State. Caleb’s fresh perspectives on the industry set him apart from the other Fellowship finalists. In addition to finishing his Bachelor’ s degree, Caleb has been active as the Vice President of the Animal Sciences Community Alliance and serving as а teaching assistant for courses in Animal Sciences. Caleb has extensive international experience completing two programs of study in Queensland, Australia and Scotland studying the effects and challenges of local есо- and animal production systems. However, Caleb’s passion is to study bovine reproductive physiology. Тl1е NAAB Doak Graduate Fellowship is а unique opportunity for individuals planning to pursue а саreеr in the bovine genetic improvement industry to earn а Master of Science degree in bovine genetics or bovine male reproduction physiology.

The fellowship was established to develop talent with the technical and management competencies as needed Ьу the future cattle industry. As such, the award is intended for individuals who have long terrn aspirations in the genetic improvement industry as exemplified Ьу Dr. Gordon Doak, who dedicated 42 years to developingNAAB programs.

“Given his interests and strong drive, we are excited to witness what Mr. Rykaczewski will contribute to our industry’ states Jay Weiker,President and СЕО of NAAB. “We are thrilled to add Mr. Rykaczewski to the already outstanding list of Fellowship recipients and are even more pleased that he has chosen to conduct research in the field of male reproduction.”

NAAB is the national trade association for artificial insemination businesses. NAAB members account for about 95% of dairy and beef semen sold in the USA and market semen to more than 100 countries around the world.

CentralStar Cooperative has hired additional employees to continue serving dairy and beef producers in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana. Artificial insemination (A.I.), milk testing, laboratory, consulting services, and office staff have all gained specialized team members.

A.I. specialists and team A.I. technicians work together at maximizing reproductive success on dairy farms and beef ranches in CentralStar’s territory. Jamie Hosch, Cuba City, Wis.; Emily Teehan, Manitowoc, Wis.; Kyle Sprengeler, Marshfield, Wis.; Derrick Bauer, Eleva, Wis.; Nathan Thomas, Argyle, Wis.; Mike Grinnell, Mineral Point, Wis.; Josh Keller, Sterling, Mich.; Damon Smith, Lodi, Wis.; Ben Veum, Stoughton, Wis.; Kelsey Row, Belleville, Wis.; Chakayla Stanek, Blue River, Wis.; and Lyle Schultz, Waupun, Wis., are all working to fill both new positions and those vacated by promotions and retirements. Alyssa Gantner, Beaver Dam, Wis., was hired to help with scheduling team A.I. technicians to fill in for A.I. specialists, so skilled staff is always available for breeding needs at customer farms.

CentralStar’s Dairy Herd Information (DHI) milk- and diagnostic-testing services continue to be in high demand, since an exceptional amount of information can be learned about a cow’s health from one small sample of milk. New DHI specialists have been added to the employee team. They include Taylor Black, Eaton Rapids, Mich.; Brittany Coop, Eau Claire, Wis.; Danielle Schlueter, Hortonville, Wis.; and Chloe Sanford, Parma, Mich.

With two state-of-the-art milk- and diagnostic-testing laboratories in Kaukauna, Wis., and Grand Ledge, Mich., CentralStar is continually looking to hire laboratory technicians. Desarie Hagenow, Chilton, Wis.; Kristin Fuller, Kalamazoo, Mich.; and Taylor Koltz, Greenleaf, Wis., were all recently hired to fill this need.

A strong consulting and sales staff is necessary at CentralStar so the cooperative can work to make sure customer herds are healthy and productive. Emily Middleton-Gyomory, Kingston, Mich., has been hired as a reproductive specialist, and Jim Kelroy, Fond du Lac, Wis. is providing part-time relief help for the area sales managers in south-east Wisconsin.

“As more and more dairy and beef producers turn to CentralStar for A.I., DHI, and consulting services, we must make sure we can provide the skilled staff needed to serve our customers,” said Phil Dieter, CentralStar chief operating officer. “CentralStar has a very strong and talented family of employees, and we’re having a great time training and introducing these new team members to our customers.”

CentralStar’s goal of enhancing producer profitability through integrated services is fulfilled by incorporating an array of products and services critical to dairy-and-beef-farm prosperity. CentralStar’s product and service offerings include Accelerated Genetics, GenerVations and Select Sires genetics; extensive artificial-insemination (A.I.) technician service; genetic, reproduction, and dairy records consultation; DHI services; diagnostic testing; herd-management products; research and development; and more. CentralStar’s administration and warehouse facilities are located in Lansing, Mich., and Waupun, Wis., with laboratories in Grand Ledge, Mich., and Kaukauna, Wis. For more information, visit CentralStar Cooperative Inc. at www.mycentralstar.com.

Select Sires regrets to share that George Miller passed away on February 13, 2021 at the age of 94. George made significant contributions to the dairy industry and Select Sires. He was a tremendous leader, visionary and great friend to many. Please enjoy this collection of memories as we look back in our archive of George’s comments and accomplishments. 

Please enjoy this collection of memories as we look back in our archive of George’s comments and accomplishments.

Pedigree and past

George grew up helping on his uncle’s dairy farm, Round Oak Farm in Virginia. With an appreciation for Holstein cattle and pedigrees, he went on to attend Virginia Polytechnic Institute and studied dairy husbandry. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he continued his education and earned a master’s degree in dairy science in 1956. Following graduation, he was hired by Virginia Artificial Breeders Association (VABA) and was eventually promoted to general manager.

His time as the general manager of VABA encompassed many great accomplishments, but perhaps the most well-known was the acquisition of 7HO58 Round Oak Rag Apple ELEVATION (EX-96-GM).

Read more about George’s involvement in ELEVATION’s mating and impact on the Holstein breed.

His time at Select Sires Inc.

On October 1, 1973 George joined the staff at Select Sires Inc. headquarters in Plain City, Ohio. In 2015, former Select Sires Inc. General Manager Dick Chichester was interviewed for the 50-year history book. He was asked about key people he worked with at Select Sires and George was the first name he mentioned. Here’s an excerpt from the book:

“When I became temporary manager, I needed a marketing manager. My first call was to George Miller. The reason I called George was because he was honest and he would tell you what he really thought. Sometimes people thought we were going to come to blows because George’s voice would get raised but he really was just concerned about doing things right.”

(Pictured right: George watches a slide show presentation honoring ELEVATION at the Select Sires Kellgren Center. George was influential in the legendary sire’s rise to the history books.)

In 1990, George shared some reflections on Select Sires’ 25 years of operation in this excerpt:

“Select Sires is proof to the world that miracles do happen, and dreams do come true. You know the sense of pride that we employees of Select Sires have in being, and striving to give our best. Teamwork, the joy of working together, contributing positively to the success of those who use our service, keeps us striving to deserve the confidence that people (farmers, directors and co-workers) place in us.”

Those words represent George’s spirit as a leader at Select Sires. His words will continue to be an inspiration to those that work at Select Sires today and in the future.

George retired from Select Sires Inc. in 1991, but he remained an important member of the Select Sires family and was a friendly face at many company and industry events. 

(Pictured right: George has a conversation with World Wide Sires founder Bill Clark.)

“George Miller was a pillar of the Select Sires family. He was passionate about genetics, the Holstein cow, and his Select Sires family. His desire to support breeders with the very best genetics was his life’s mission. Throughout the years, George’s love and passion for the people of this cooperative provided the spirit and culture to our organization. To George, Select Sires was about family, the people. He was a natural leader and built a remarkable foundation for Select Sires,” said David Thorbahn, president and CEO of Select Sires Inc.

At seven years and nine months of age, 7JE5004 River Valley CeCe CHROME-ET claimed a new semen sales record to join the half million club. He is Select Sires’ second Jersey sire to achieve this milestone. He has made a tremendous impact on the Jersey breed and continues to sire the industry’s most elite and profitable daughters. 

“We have a saying at Select Sires, ‘bulls are genomic tested and daughter-proven,’ and CHROME is the poster child to illustrate how daughter data helps the accuracy of genomic proofs,” said Herby Lutz, Jersey development manager. “Because dairymen provided production and appraisal data from thousands of milking daughters, CHROME set the standard for the Jersey breed in Jersey Udder Index™ (JUI™) and Type.”

CHROME entered Select Sires’ A.I. program through a partnership with River Valley Farm and the Sauder family of Tremont, Illinois. His breeders purchased CHROME’s dam, Lyon Celebrity CeCe-ET from the world-famous Master Breeder Herd of Lyon Jerseys in Toledo, Iowa. CHROME’s maternal side was developed for more than 40 years by the Lyon family and he is backed by multiple generations of Excellent cows. He is a true, complete package of proven genomics and a time-tested pedigree.

“We’re thrilled to see the positive impact CHROME has made in so many herds. He is the kind of bull we love: those that come from great cows and make great udders,” said Tim Sauder, River Valley Farm. “We want to thank the Lyons for developing the cow family behind CHROME and for giving us the opportunity to build on that foundation.”

CHROME has maintained his leadership on Type, Jersey Performance Index™ (JPI™) and JUI rankings for many years. Now, with more than 4,500 daughters in his proof, his high reliability adds extreme confidence to his elite rank. His proof includes daughters from seven different countries and Jersey breeders worldwide consider CHROME to be synonymous with customer satisfaction. His daughters are often herd leaders with consistent production, strong mammary attachments and overall dairy character. “They are the kind of cow that catches your eye when you walk through the barn,” says Marc Bolen, dairy sire analyst and marketing coordinator.

Based in Plain City, Ohio, Select Sires Inc., is the largest global A.I. cooperative and is comprised of six farmer-owned and -controlled local organizations in the United States. As the industry leader, it provides highly fertile semen, as well as excellence in service and programs to supply dairy and beef producers with the world’s best genetics.

^{CHROME is JNSC. ™Jersey Performance Index, JPI, Jersey Udder Index and JUI are trademarks of the American Jersey Cattle Association.} 

While people are the backbone and decision makers in any organization, in the case of Select Sires a proven male bovine came along at a critical time and may well have influenced many decisions involving Select Sires. That bovine was 7HO58 Round Oak Rag Apple ELEVATION 1491007. He was born on August 30, 1965 in the Round Oak herd in Virginia based on a mating suggested to Ronald Hope by his cousin George Miller. ELEVATION came along at the right time for the Select Sires federation. ELEVATION was owned by Virginia Animal Breeders Association (VABA) and co-proven with Maryland-West Virginia bull stud, an organization that became a part of Sire Power. ELEVATION was just a young unproven sire when VABA joined Select Sires. However, once his first daughters freshened it became obvious that he was something special. In the era of modern sire proving, ELEVATION was the first proven Holstein bull to combine a high production proof with the ability to sire show winning type. In addition, ELEVATION had the ability to produce a large volume of high quality semen. He became the first of only five sires in Select Sires’ first 25 years to sell more than 500,000 units of semen in his lifetime. In a couple of his highest production years he produced more than 100,000 units.

The ability of farmer-members of Select Sires to obtain ELEVATION semen easier than dairymen not served by a member of the Select Sires federation may well have influenced farmer board members when some were talking about leaving the Select family.

Up until the time that ELEVATION came along Select Sires and many of the member organizations were operating with extremely tight budgets. This caused all members of the family to attempt to operate on a shoestring, and point fingers at one another when the end of the year figures did not measure up to the slim positive margin that was budgeted.

Enter ELEVATION — the most popular and respected sire in the Holstein breed — a bull that produced a high volume of semen — a bull whose semen cost the member organizations less than $1.50 a unit (the same as any other proven bull at the time that came through Select’s young sire program) — semen that the member organizations could easily sell for $20 then $50 a unit or more. Presto, the financial challenges were lessened and the entire family started getting along together better. Best of all, most of the highly positive Elevation genetics were in the herds of dairymen in the Select Sires federation.

ELEVATION was a superstar and he enhanced Select Sires’ image in a way that could not be duplicated by any advertising campaign.

ELEVATION’s aggressive and unique personality also earned him a special place in the hearts of the people who worked with him in the barn. Thus it was a sad day when ELEVATION was put to rest on April 25, 1979, just four months shy of his 14th birthday. His grave, marked by a headstone etched with his image, is in front of the reflecting pond at the main entrance of Select Sires, a fitting final home for the remains of a sire who probably did more to insure Select Sires’ future success than any other bovine or human.

(Pictured above: Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Hope (left) of Purcelville, Virginia received a special painted portrait of ELEVATION behind ELEVATION’s gravestone during the August 1, 1979 Select Sires open house. On hand to assist with the presentation were Robert Rumler of the Holstein Association, Dick Chichester and George Miller of Select Sires.)

(Pictured below: ELEVATION was the reason a CBS television film crew traveled from New York City to interview Dick Chichester regarding the influence ELEVATION had on the bovine world. The day of filming and interviews resulted in having a 10-minute segment of  “The Baby Makers,” an hour-long CBS documentary aired the fall of 1979.)

Source: selectsires.com

COBA/Select Sires is pleased to recognize the achievements and contributions of Norman Hoff as he prepares to retire on February 28^, 2021.  “Norman has set a standard of excellence in customer service for all of COBA to uphold”, says general manager Duane Logan.  Norman has been with the COBA organization since February 1, 1991.  He will receive his 30-year brick in the Select Sires walk of fame for his contributions to the federation.  The COBA Board of Directors recognized the impact that Norman has had on the cooperative and awarded him their highest honor in 2018, the COBA/Select Sires Distinguished Service Award. 

Norman grew up on his family’s dairy in Windthorst, TX, where they actively engaged in their community, supporting fellow dairymen in any way needed.  He brought those same principles to COBA when he joined the staff under the leadership of Charles Golightly.  He could always be counted upon to put the needs of our member-owner-customers first and was willing to do whatever it took to help dairy and beef producers across the southwest.  Norman took over the leadership of the southwest COBA territory as Charles Golightly retired in 1996.  He has overseen the growth of the area from 278,000 units in 1996 to over 1.6M units in 2020.  He has continued to grow his sales and service staff to serve the member-owner-customers and initiated a technician force that did not exist in the southwest when he joined the cooperative.

While it will be hard to replace those thirty years of experience and knowledge, Norman is leaving the management of the southwest territory in the capable hands of Rodney Wegener of Minco, Oklahoma.  Rodney has been on staff with COBA since 2010.  Prior to that he managed his own dairy and served on COBA’s Board of Directors. “Norman has been an integral part of the growth of COBA over the past three decades.  We will miss his daily contributions and leadership”, say Duane.  He and his wife, Sandy, are looking forward to some time to travel and enjoy their kids and grandkids. 

COBA/Select Sires, Inc., one of the founding members of Select Sires Inc., has become widely respected for its clearly demonstrated ability to provide the finest service and bovine genetics available in the world.  COBA/Select Sires, Inc., operates as a true cooperative by encouraging member input and allowing members to share in profits through patronage refunds.

It is with great excitement we announce that Brian Carscadden is joining Blondin Sires as Executive Sr. Manager.

Well known within the dairy industry, Carscadden brings to Blondin more than 25 years of leadership, knowledge, and international experience. His distinguished career as a sire analyst, working with herds, genetics and breeding programs around the world will be key to his role in continuing the future growth of the Blondin Sires business.

Carscadden’s roots run deep in dairy cattle and genetics with a lifetime surrounded by and working with them. From growing up on his family’s Holstein farm in Eastern Ontario, to years of 4-H to preparing, judging and leading great cows, to his outstanding work as a Sire Analyst helping to acquire and develop industry leading genetics, Brian’s heart, passion and knowledge for great cows is second to none!

Brian’s passion for this great industry is what truly makes him an outstanding fit with our Blondin Sires team. He is an official Holstein Canada judge having placed cows in more than 30 countries at most of the world’s biggest events including World Dairy Expo, the Royal, Swiss Expo and International Dairy Week in Australia. He is also a member of Holstein Canada’s Type Advisory committee, working with other breeders and industry personnel to help mold the cows of the future.

Brian’s leadership will be a key asset for Blondin Sires as he will be involved with the overall management and growth of the business at the highest level. In addition to overall business management & planning he will also be responsible for developing new markets and managing sales with new and existing international distributors in addition to working together with our clients and breeders around the world with their genetics programs.

Brian will officially begin with Blondin Sires on February 1st.

Please join us in welcoming Brian Carscadden to Team Blondin!

Shares in animal genetics business Genus hit an all-time high as it brought home the bacon for investors.

The company, which selectively breeds livestock and sells bull and pig sperm to farmers, said it was hiking its profit forecasts following a ‘strong’ performance in the six months to December 31.

It is now expecting a first-half adjusted profit of between £47million and £49million, compared to last year’s £36.6million. 

That is based on expected revenues of between £285million and £287million, up from £270.7million.

Genus said its pig division was experiencing booming demand, particularly in China where pork producers are growing their herds again after being devastated by African swine fever.

ABS, its cattle breeding business, is also doing well in Brazil, Russia, India and again in China.

However, the firm warned that growth in the second half was likely to slow because of the growing prevalence of Covid-19 across the globe, which is causing ‘challenges for our customers and employees’.

Following the update, its shares at one stage hit an all-time high of 4560p. They closed up 4.2 per cent, or 180p, at 4492p, valuing the company at £2.9billion.

It came on a day of pig-related news, with sausage skin maker Devro also telling investors that it enjoyed good trading during the final three months of 2020. That helped the firm’s shares to fatten by 3.2 per cent, or 5p, to 160p.

Elsewhere, the FTSE 100 struggled to get lift off as traders digested gloomy High Street footfall figures and new travel restrictions being introduced in the UK.

The index sunk 0.22 per cent, or 15.06 points, to 6720.65. However, the FTSE 250 of mid-sized firms fared slightly better rising 0.12 per cent, or 23.75 points, to 20,639.34.

David Madden, market analyst at CMC Markets UK, said: ‘The current environment is not exactly upbeat as things are getting worse with respect to the lockdowns.’

Airline stocks shuddered following the announcement of tough new arrival checks at airports and the closing of travel corridors with the UK, which are expected to have a further chilling effect on bookings. 

British Airways owner IAG fell 0.8 per cent, or 1.35p, to 160.9p, with budget operator Easyjet falling 1.9 per cent, or 16p, to 816p.

Fellow low-cost carrier Ryanair fell 3 per cent, or €0.49, to €15.30.

It was a mixed day for miners with traders convinced the US dollar will grow stronger under incoming president Joe Biden, making commodities quoted in the currency more expensive.

Glencore fell 1.1pc, or 3.05p, to 276.85p, while BHP lost 0.9 per cent, or 19p, closing at 2116p. Rio Tinto, however, rose 0.5 per cent, or 28p, to 5974p, as did Anglo American, which edged up 0.4 per cent, or 11.5p, to 2675p. 

Financial services firm CPP shot higher after reporting a stronger than expected business comeback in India, its main growth market. 

CPP’s shares surged 51.8 per cent, or 170p, to 498p after it said this meant 2020 revenues should reach about £140million, rather than the £133million forecast.

But it was another bad day for defence and outsourcing firm Babcock, which saw shares slide 6.8 per cent, or 15p, to 205.3p after brokers at Liberum and Morgan Stanley cut their target prices.

Babcock spooked investors last week when it warned it was reviewing its balance sheet and expected the exercise to have a ‘negative’ impact on income. The shares are down by 22 per cent since the announcement.

British Gas owner Centrica dipped 2.2 per cent, or 1.1p, to 49.5p after announcing that finance chief Johnathan Ford was stepping down after less than a year in the post. 

The company said the departure was for personal reasons and has appointed Kate Ringrose as his replacement.

Source: This is Money

CentralStar Cooperative, serving dairy and beef producers in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana, held their virtual employee awards program on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021. Employees were recognized for everything from milestone accomplishments and work anniversaries to sales and outstanding-effort achievements. 

Dave Lindberg, Mayville, Mich., was honored with Area Sales Manager of the Year. Eric Gudex, Oakfield, Wis.; Brian Pionek, Strum, Wis.; and Scott Woepse, Kiel, Wis., all received Artificial Insemination (A.I.) Specialist of the Year awards. Becky Spatz, Ripon, Wis., was named Team A.I. Technician of the Year, and Victor Lopez, Beaver Dam, Wis., was Runner-Up Team A.I. Technician of the Year. Brian Kelroy, De Forest, Wis., was awarded Consultant of the Year.

Continuing on with CentralStar’s Dairy Herd Information (DHI) milk-testing business unit, DHI Specialist of the Year recognition went to both David Kohn, Medford, Wis., and Jim Place, Morenci, Mich. First-Year DHI Specialist of the Year recipients include Jadyn Sander, Wauzeka, Wis., and Kylee Stout, Waterloo, Ind.

The company-wide honorable outstanding-effort awards were presented to MaryAnn Walker, Dansville, Mich., and Trevor Yager, Mineral Point, Wis.

Teams are critical to CentralStar’s success. Team Star-Member Award winners are selected by employee peers. Employees are asked to vote for team members who exemplify teamwork, dedication to customers, and overall enthusiasm for the company. Team Star-Member Award winners include Chaelynne Lohr, East Lansing, Mich., from CentralStar’s research and development business unit; Paige Dickson, Bellevue, Mich., from CentralStar’s Grand Ledge, Mich., milk-and-diagnostic-testing laboratory; and Carol Decker, Menasha, Wis., part of CentralStar’s Kaukauna, Wis., milk-and-diagnostic-testing laboratory. Office staff Team Star-Member Award winners include Linda Van Loo, Burnett, Wis., and MaryAnn Walker.

Team Star-Member Award winners from the field include Ginni Sheridan, Leslie, Mich.; Dave Lindberg; Rex Reinholt, Rochester, Ind.; Chris McTaggart, Sterling, Mich.; Hilary Triick, Conklin, Mich.; Carla Stetzer, Alma Center, Wis.; Don Baures, Thorp, Wis.; Perry Phend, Osseo, Wis.; Darrin Stein, Arkansaw, Wis.; Bob Brock, Shawano, Wis.; Scott Woepse; Trevor Yager; and Susie Martin, Brooklyn, Wis.

CentralStar recognizes A.I. specialists and team A.I. technicians for number of A.I. services. Achieving major A.I.-service milestones during the last fiscal year: Matt Cracraft, Brillion, Wis., 100,000 A.I. services; Roger Belling, Fond du Lac, Wis., 100,000 A.I. services; Eric Gudex, 150,000 A.I. services; Gabe Pehler, Fountain City, Wis., 175,000 A.I. services; Mark Rude, Ridgeland, Wis., 175,000 A.I. services; Syd Behm, Cambria, Wis., 175,000 A.I. services; and Kurt Barnes, Kiel, Wis., 200,000 A.I. services.

Area Sales Managers achieving 500,000 semen-units sold at this point in their careers include Kevin Cox, Sparta, Wis.; Terry Kraning, Seymour, Wis.; and Maurie Kline, Goshen, Ind.

In CentralStar’s DHI business unit, employees are honored for number of cows tested. Major milestones in this area include those who’ve tested 1 million cows so far in their careers: Annie Wisner, Yale, Mich.; Brian Lisowe, Chilton, Wis.; David Kohn; Deanna Rigby, Goshen, Ind.; Greg Ladd, Tustin, Mich.; Jill Kobza, Hudsonville, Mich.; Jim Place; John Snider, Fond du Lac, Wis.; Julie Schafer, Muir, Mich.; Loretta Broecker, Decker, Mich.; Maddy Wilbur, Gillett, Wis.; Martha Draper, Marlette, Mich.; Nate Harmon, North Branch, Mich.; Rea Dorzok, New Holstein, Wis.; and Ron Hemmer, Owen, Wis. The following six individuals have tested 2 million cows: Brad Lorge, Bear Creek, Wis.; Duane Zimmerman, Deford, Mich.; Jessica Bradley, Oshkosh, Wis.; Lauren Beltran-Cracraft, Kewaunee, Wis.; Mike Bradley, Oshkosh, Wis.; and Roger Sweeney, Ubly, Mich. Jayne Steuer-Birkholz, Elkhart Lake, Wis., was recognized for testing 3 million cows, and Rick Huth, Green Bay, Wis., achieved the 5-million-cows-tested level.

CentralStar Cooperative has tremendous longevity among employees, and several were honored for major levels in years of service during the virtual awards program. Those with the most tenure include Doug Rake, North Freedom, Wis., 25 years; Kim Walters, Charlotte, Mich., 25 years; Syd Behm, 25 years; Eric Bierman, Livingston, Wis., 30 years; Joel Franke, Hillsboro, Wis., 30 years; Dave Holzinger, Lancaster, Wis., 35 years; Howie Minnema, Fond du Lac, Wis., 35 years; Rod Alton, Monroe, Wis., 35 years; Greg Beavers, Bloomington, Ind., 40 years; Matt Kieler, Hazel Green, Wis., 40 years; Steve Reed, Owosso, Mich., 40 years; and Duey Vande Zande, Waupun, Wis., 45 years 

Super Achiever Sales Representatives

Brian Nelson, JR Fisher, Allan Hanselman and Benny Cotta, All West/Select Sires

Dave Lindberg, CentralStar Cooperative

Dan Pyles and Terry Anthony, COBA/Select Sires

Duane Broek, Jay Hill and Mark Knudtson, Select Sires MidAmerica

Gordon Keranen, Minnesota/Select Sires Co-op, Inc.

Kevin Lager, Premier Select Sires

Brian Pender, Dany Valois, Brian Masters and Albert Streutker, Select Sires GenerVations

Super Achiever Technicians

Eric Gudex, Brian Pionek, Scott Woepse and Becky Spatz, CentralStar Cooperative

Nathan Davenport and Fredy Florez, COBA/Select Sires

Craig Bosma, Select Sires MidAmerica

Eric Schueler, Minnesota/Select Sires Co-op, Inc.

Chris Lewis, Premier Select Sires

Jean Bilodeau and Eric Lessard, Select Sires GenerVations

Super Achiever Support Staff

Mackenzie Gomes, All West/Select Sires

Trevor Yager, Mary Ann Walker and Brian Kelroy, CentralStar Cooperative

Danni Quayle and Lars Sivesind, Select Sires MidAmerica

Murray Sinclair, Minnesota/Select Sires Co-op, Inc.

Amanda Cowan, Andre Perreault and Remo Wicki, Select Sires GenerVations

Gold Club

Marvin Correia, All West/Select Sires

Jim Iverson, CentralStar Cooperative

Chuck Orr, COBA/Select Sires

Gary Brummer, Select Sires MidAmerica

Anne Shoemaker, Minnesota/Select Sires Co-op, Inc.

Harvey Largen, Premier Select Sires

Pat Lefebvre and Marcel Leu, Select Sires GenerVations

ST Winners

Dennis Curtin, All West/Select Sires

Eric Westphal, CentralStar Cooperative

Justin Williams, COBA/Select Sires

Oly Olsen, Select Sires MidAmerica

Nancy Holmes, Premier Select Sires

Dany Valois, Select Sires GenerVations

Based in Plain City, Ohio, Select Sires Inc., is the largest global A.I. cooperative and is comprised of six farmer-owned and -controlled local organizations in the United States. As the industry leader, it provides highly fertile semen, as well as excellence in service and programs to supply dairy and beef producers with the world’s best genetics.

Following the December sire summaries, International Protein Sires (IPS) released a new wave of Holstein genetics. “We are delighted with the introduction of our latest genomic tested sires. These new genetics, with varied pedigrees, bolster our current sire lineup. And they add support to our objective of Breeding Cows, Not Numbers, stated Ron Sersland, President and CEO

566HO1341 BIG ORBIT leads the IPS wave of new genetics at +2923 GTPI. From the Holstein Association’s prestigious Top 200, BIG ORBIT has sterling credentials. High components are standout attributes; +116 lbs. (+.31%) fat and +46 lbs. (+.08%) protein. Production improvement is commendable at +723 lbs. milk. BIG ORBIT achieves a balanced genetic offering with conformation traits at +1.26 type and +1.39 UDC. Additional qualities include productive life at +3.3 and DWP$ at $870. BIG ORBIT is the #2 Biggelo son in the top 200 TPI list. And his young, Very Good, dam is a Granite daughter. Worthy of note; BIG ORBIT’s superior cow family is backed by six generations of Excellent dams, all with high component test.

566HO1342 COULD BE also emerges as a Top 200 sire at +2914 GTPI. This new genetic sire offers a complete performance package; +1284 lbs. milk, +99 lbs. (+.17%) fat, and +59 lbs. (+.07%) protein. COULD BE also racks up positive numbers for all type traits. Additional qualities include +5.8 productive life and +837 CM$. COULD BE is an Acura son. His young and developing dam is a Medley daughter from a solid cow family.

566HO1338 FAITH HEALS is unveiled at +2895 GTPI. Typical of IPS Holstein genetics, FAITH HEALS transmits excellent components with +66 lbs. (+.21%) fat and +40 lbs. (+.12%) protein. His sterling conformation ratings roll in at +1.77 type and +2.10 UDC. Productive life rates supreme at +5.9, while his daughter pregnancy rate shows +2.5. This new genetic package is sired by Try Me. And his dam is a young developing daughter of Battle. His pedigree is unique among today’s Holstein sires. There is loads of admirable classification scores with high components.

566HO1339 MAKE HAY has the qualities to yield success. His +2813 GTPI is supported by a balance between performance and durability. At +1,166 lbs. milk, the value is enhanced by improved fat test (+.05%) and +60 lbs. MAKE HAY sires cattle that farmers enjoy working with as shown by his +1.83 type, +2.30 UDC, and +0.83 FLC ratings. He is the highest 100%RHC udder composite bull over +2811 GTPI. Additional traits that stand out include +5.4 productive life and 1.7% calving ease. The pedigree of MAKE HAY is stacked with reputable sires. A son of Magnitude MAKE HAY is from a Very Good daughter of Duke.

This new wave of Holstein genetics adds power to the IPS Holstein sire lineup. These transmitters of superior performance with durability meets the stringent requirements of dairy farmers worldwide. IPS semen is available throughout the world from IPS employees and independent distributors. Located in Rock Springs, Wisconsin, you may obtain additional information about IPS through their website, www.ipssires.com or by calling toll free: 1.800.542.7593

Seven herds with 12-month pregnancy rates of 34 percent or higher were recently recognized with the CentralStar Cooperative ReproStar Award.

Four of the recipients are from Wisconsin, including Rademacher-Meier Dairy, Sun Prairie; Latham Dairy, LLC, Boscobel; Luckwaldt Agriculture, Inc., Woodville; and Blue Star Dairy, DeForest.

“This year’s winners not only have impressive pregnancy rates, but they excel in several other key metrics putting them far beyond industry averages,” said Julie Ainsworth, Coordinator of Dairy Records Consulting at CentralStar. “In particular, they do an outstanding job getting older cows pregnant. Mature cows typically present the greatest conception challenges, and yet this year’s winners achieved conception rates for third and greater lactation cows of over 44 percent, while the average for this lactation group in all Midwest herds as reported by Dairy Records Management Systems is 33 percent.”

Established in 2019, the ReproStar Award recognizes producers for their accomplishments with reproductive efficiency. A panel of judges evaluates each dairy’s data for multiple factors known to influence pregnancy rates when selecting the winners.

Following the release of the December 2020 genetic evaluations, bulls from New Generation Genetics proven and genomic bulls ranked at or near the top for Milk, Components, Type, Udder Composite, Mobility, Fertility, DPR, Productive Life, NM$, PPR, & Profitability.

BMG Lust GET LUCKY held his spot as the breed’s #1 proven bull for milk and protein pounds at a remarkable +2578M, +57P, and +56F to go along with it. He remains in the top 10 Proven bulls ranking #3 at +146PPR.

Hilltop Acres B DAREDEVIL added nearly 100 daughters to his proof and continues his reign as the #1 proven type bull in the Brown Swiss breed at +0.80 and an exceptional udder composite of +1.22.

Jo-Lane Dario HAMPTON, the #2 proven PPR bull at 149, continues to create profitable cows through his outstanding health traits and daughter fertility with +5.8PL, +2.66SCS and +1.7DPR. He also ranks #2 for Net Merit and #2 for productive life.

Switzer Tals Pyssli DARIO, the sire of HAMPTON, claimed his title as the top proven PPR, Net Merit and productive life bull in the breed at +161PPR, +480NM$ and +6.1PL. He also provides great production at +968M and +40P.

La Rainbow Sweet SALSA ETV *TM ranks #2 for G-type at +1.0. He offers type without sacrificing production at +1330M +44F, +41P.

La Rainbow Sweet SPARK *NP ETV *TM, the polled bull hailing from the same maternal line as SALSA, is the top polled genomic bull for type and udder composite at +0.8T, +1.14UDC, +0.6DPR, and +732M.

Triangle Acres Carter JUKE is ranked #4 for G-type at +0.80. He also provides +1.22UDC, +292M, +1.0DPR +4.2PL. JUKE is now available in preferred sexed.

We also offer the CHAMPIONS COLLECTION elite sire lineup including 54BS600 WINRITE, 54BS602 FIRST CHOICE, 54BS539 RICHARD, 54BS581 RASTA, 54BS568 FAST & FURIOUS, and 54BS548 WINNING FORMULA.

New Generation Genetics offers the most comprehensive Brown Swiss Sires portfolio in the U.S. For further information call 920-568-0554, visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/newgenerationgenetics, email info@brownswiss.com or visit www.brownswiss.com.

Following the December sire summaries, Select Sires graduated 10 daughter-proven sires to the Select Sires, Accelerated Genetics and GenerVations branded product lines. In addition to seven super Holstein sires, there’s a breed-leading Ayrshire, an elite Guernsey and a tremendous Jersey.

“As a farmer-owned cooperative, Select Sires is excited to acquire and develop sires that truly meet the needs of dairy producers,” said Jeff Ziegler, vice president of dairy cattle breeding. “We realize there is no one-size-fits-all approach, so we focus sire procurement and development efforts on balanced genetics, healthy cattle and profitable pedigrees.”

Select Sires Highlights

• 7HO13693 BENZ is an A2A2 sire that will improve components while siring shallow, well-attached udders with perfect teat size. Expect his daughters to be feed efficient and perform well in robotic milking operations as he earns both the RobotPRO^® and FeedPRO^® designations.
• 7HO13727 JEFRI makes his progeny proven debut among the breed’s top 20 TPI^® sires at +2757. This 7HO13250 JEDI son leads the Fertility Index list (+3.5 FI) and boasts valuable mastitis resistance traits.
• 7HO13730 UNDENIED was a popular Showcase^TM young sire and ranks as Select Sires’ No. 2 proven sire for Type (+3.35 PTAT). With 129 daughters scored to date, UNDENIED adds frame and width of chest with plenty of style.
• 7HO13753 DEVINE is a deep-pedigreed 7HO12449 MARTY son with high Net Merit (+601 NM$), great components (+0.04% Protein, +0.12% Fat) and valuable health traits (+749 DWP$^®, +181 WT$^®). DEVINE is perfect for automated dairies as a carrier of the RobotPRO designation.  
• 7HO13839 TATOO was another heavily used Showcase young sire. He hails from the famed Vangoh Durham Treasure (EX-96-3E-EX-MS) cow family. Reports from the field describe TATOO daughters as clean and dairy with amazing udders. Already a showring success, TATOO also excels in mastitis resistance traits, making his offspring even more appealing.
• 7AY114 PETITION is 93.61% US Ayrshire and offers a highly reliable daughter-proven evaluation. He transmits great production (+394 Milk) and positive components (+19 Protein, +26 Fat) with extremely low Somatic Cell Score (2.77 SCS).
• 7GU470 NEWTON is a 7GU458 JAGUAR son and among the breed’s best for Net Merit (+197 NM$). He offers elite health, fitness and fertility values while qualifying for Select Sires’ FertilityPRO^® designation.
• A product of Select Sires’ great partnership with Jerseyland Sires, 7JE1614 SHOCKER checks all the boxes, bringing balanced production, type and health. He answers the call for A2A2 genetics while improving milk yield, components and daughter fertility (+0.3 DPR).

Accelerated Genetics Highlights

• 14HO7823 CROWNE is an elite TPI rank (+2727) 7HO12165 MONTROSS son with superior production (+2,252 Milk) and Combined Fat and Protein (+150 CFP). CROWNE transmits excellent mastitis resistance traits and is RobotPRO designated.

GenerVations Highlights

• Daughters of 250HO13743 CASPER are quickly earning him a customer-satisfaction reputation. With positive values for Sire Conception Rate (+2.4 SCR) and Daughter Pregnancy Rate (+1.1 DPR), he is stamped as a FertilityPRO sire. 

gender SELECTED^TM SexedULTRA^TM

• BENZ, UNDENIED, DEVINE, TATOO, CROWNE and CASPER are all available with sex-sorted semen.

For more information about individual sires, please visit www.selectsires.com and use the new Advanced Sire Search to locate and sort sires that match your genetic goals. To access sires from the palm of your hand, download Select Sires Mobile from your app store today!

Based in Plain City, Ohio, Select Sires Inc., is the largest global A.I. cooperative and is comprised of six farmer-owned and -controlled local organizations in the United States. As the industry leader, it provides highly fertile semen, as well as excellence in service and programs to supply dairy and beef producers with the world’s best genetics.

7HO15167 GAMEDAY is added to the NxGEN program as the Holstein breed’s No. 1 available sire for both NM$ and GTPI.

Three new sires have been added to Select Sires’ NxGEN^® program, including 7HO15167 RMD-Dotterer SSI GAMEDAY-ET, the breed’s No. 1 available sire for both Net Merit (NM$) and GTPI^®. 14HO15265 Houin BR Legacy TUA-ET and 14HO15445 OCD Legacy MASSEY-ET are now available to NxGEN members as well. With the December sire summary, the NxGEN portfolio includes 17 exceptional, industry-leading sires.

“The NxGEN lineup and its membership base are growing! Select Sires is privileged to work with the industry’s best partners and breeders as we acquire and develop sires for this elite program,” said Jordan Siemers, dairy sire analyst. “From its inception, NxGEN was designed for all dairy producers and offers unprecedented genetic access. Some of our early members have NxGEN-sired calves on the ground and the results are very exciting.”

GAMEDAY is quickly earning a fan base with unmatched NM$ (+916) and breed-leading GTPI (+3081). This 7HO14451 BIG AL son is the complete package with a tremendous balance of production and Type (+1,311 Milk, +1.55 PTAT, +1.72 UDC), as well as superior health and wellness traits (+1,175 DWP$^®, +135 WT$^®). He aligns with Select Sires’ focus on healthy, trouble-free cattle and transmits powerful mastitis resistance (2.67 SCS, 104 Z MAST, +2.6 MAST). GAMEDAY is a FeedPRO^® and GrazingPRO^® designee.

TUA and MASSEY are early sons of one of the original NxGEN program superstars, 7HO14250 LEGACY. TUA is an extreme components sire (+0.10% Protein, +0.35% Fat) with positive fitness and fertility traits. He carries FeedPRO and GrazingPRO designations. MASSEY ranks well for NM$ (+824) and the Dairy Wellness Profit Index^® (+1,132 DWP$) and offers elite Productive Life (+7.9 PL) and Daughter Pregnancy Rate (+2.2 DPR). MASSEY is also designated as a FeedPRO sire. Both TUA and MASSEY are milk quality specialists and transmit valuable mastitis resistant genetics.

GAMEDAY, TUA and MASSEY are each available in Select Sires’ high-quality gender SELECTED^TM SexedULTRA^TM semen.

The 17 sires offered through the NxGEN program average +2970 GTPI, +826 NM$, +861 CM$ and +961 DWP$, making the program one of the most elite of its kind.

For next level genetic gains, join Select Sires’ NxGEN program and add these sires to your breeding roster. For more information about NxGEN, or to apply for a membership, visit www.selectsires.com/NxGEN.

Based in Plain City, Ohio, Select Sires Inc., is the largest global A.I. cooperative and is comprised of six farmer-owned and -controlled local organizations in the United States. As the industry leader, it provides highly fertile semen, as well as excellence in service and programs to supply dairy and beef producers with the world’s best genetics.

On December 1st, 2020, Evolution, Masterrind and VikingGenetics (owned by Faba, Växa and Vikingdanmark) establish a new dairy and beef genetic cooperative Arcowin representing 53,000 farmers in Europe. The new cooperative will work on ensuring the most sustainable and the highest possible genetic progress, to the benefit of the members and customers worldwide.

Evolution, Masterrind and VikingGenetics are leading cooperatives within cattle breeding with strong bases in Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, and Sweden. All three cooperatives have been pioneers in driving progress and profitability of the dairy and beef industry, not only in their home markets, but also around the world.

From 1st of January 2021, Arcowin will support dairy and beef breeding programs from Evolution, Masterrind, VikingGenetics, with the main objective to ensure the highest possible genetic progress.

‘We believe that by combining the ambitions, the expertise and the obligation to support the dairy and beef industry, the road is set for Arcowin to be able to play a key role in developing the industry for the future, which could include additional partners to join. The three organizations will use Arcowin to get better usage of their genetic resources and investments,’ says Mr. Lars-Inge Gunnarsson, Chairperson of the board for VikingGenetics.

Arcowin will implement a full exchange of genetic information across all breeds and countries. The new cooperative will be able to identify the best animals, and thereby to maximize the genetic gain in all the breeding programs organized by the Arcowin partners. The dairy genetics will still be evaluated and marketed on the existing bases.

‘The three founding partners of Arcowin have a long history of investing significant resources into R&D, to ensure a continued strong development of their breeding programs, production and services. Going forward Arcowin, will coordinate and align the R&D activities between the three founding partners, for eliminating parallel work and to share the resulting benefits with members and customers,’ says Dr Josef Pott, CEO Arcowin.

The three founding partners will keep operating separately in administration, production, marketing and sales, and agree to investigate further synergies of collaboration.

For more information, please contact Henrik Biilmann, CEO VikingGenetics on mail: hebii@vikinggenetics.com, Tel +45 2383 8788.

Select Sires invites farmer-owners to visit the cooperative’s new website to access exciting news, sire announcements and the enhanced dairy sire search tool. The website has been refreshed with a modern design, improved functionality and responsive, mobile-friendly technology. Users can now view the website using a mobile device or tablet, as well as a desktop computer. The exciting new features and tools are all available at the same trusted web address, www.selectsires.com.

“As a farmer-owned and farmer-led cooperative, Select Sires is dedicated to developing the tools and services that bring the most value to our customers,” said David Thorbahn, president and CEO of Select Sires, Inc. “Select Sires will always be a people-centric organization with a team approach service strategy, but our presence in the digital space has become increasingly important. We are excited to launch an improved website with new features that connect our farmer-owners with the industry’s best resources on a virtual platform.”

New features on the site include an updated sire search. The sire search has been redesigned with faster processing and an easier-to-use interface. Farmer-owners will still be able to filter and sort sires with a detailed list of criteria and export data in a format they choose. In addition to the new look, the search tool now offers a compare function that allows users to compare traits and industry indexes for a selected group of sires.

A new Discover section will be home to news, resources, expert advice and educational materials to help farmer-owners achieve genetic and reproductive goals for their herds. This section will also house Select Sires’ video library with customer interviews and commentary from sire analysts. For those looking to begin their career with Select Sires, the Careers tab will host job opportunities from across the nation and around the world. Filters specific to passion, role and location will ease the job search and put candidates in contact with the right people as soon as possible.

For more information, please visit www.selectsires.com and preview Select Sires’ new website today!

Based in Plain City, Ohio, Select Sires Inc., is the largest global A.I. cooperative and is comprised of six farmer-owned and -controlled local organizations in the United States. As the industry leader, it provides highly fertile semen, as well as excellence in service and programs to supply dairy and beef producers with the world’s best genetics.

Top L to R: Phil MacLean, Jean-François Morin, Gerrit Wensink • Middle L to R: Jean Bissonnette, Mariette Gagnon, Eric Iversen • Bottom L to R: Richard Lagacé, Curtis McNeil, Tom Pasco, Jim Ross

Semex is pleased to announce that Phil MacLean (EastGen) has been appointed as President & Chairman of the Board for 2020-2021, succeeding Gary Bowers (CIAQ). Assisting Semex’s new President is Jean-François Morin (CIAQ) as Vice President and Gerrit Wensink (EastGen) as Executive Member of the Board.

Semex President Phil MacLean first joined the Semex Board in 2017, serving on the Audit & Risk Committee from 2017-2020. Representing Semex Partner Owner EastGen, he joined their board in 2016, and was elected Vice President in 2019 and 2020. A native of Nova Scotia, Phil’s farm spans 1300 acres and is a robot operation, now focused on developing an A2A2 herd following the dispersal of his 300-head registered herd, Headline Holsteins. Active in the dairy industry, Phil has served on the boards of the Dairy Farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as Dairy Farmers of Canada. Phil and his wife Pauline Duivenvoorden also operate Barn Fine Eggs, a 7800-laying hen operation as well as Farm Fine Brood, a 25,000-bird broiler operation. Extremely successful, they were awarded the Outstanding Young Farmers Atlantic Canada Award in 1999.

Also serving on the Semex Board of Directors are:

• Jean Bissonnette (CIAQ)
• Mariette Gagnon (CIAQ)
• Eric Iversen (WestGen)
• Richard Lagacé (CIAQ)
• Curtis McNeil (EastGen)
• Tom Pasco (EastGen)
• James Ross (WestGen)

Semex is comprised of three Partner Owners: WestGen, CIAQ (Centre d’insémination artificielle du Québec) and EastGen. As a leading global genetic company, Semex is focused on providing our clients with the solutions, innovations and technologies that positively impact their lives, as well as the lives of the animals on their operations and within our global community. This is Genetics for Life, our guiding compass. For more information please visit www.semex.com.

 Select Sires has developed a full-service sire search mobile application for farmer-owners. This easy-to-navigate app is available at no cost on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. 

“As we set out to create an app for Select Sires’ farmer-owners, we identified three key goals: quick, easy-to-use and offline data access,” said Jess Peter, senior business analyst at Select Sires. “We are excited to make this app available to dairy farmers and have confidence that the features will bring great value to herds of all sizes and breeding goals.” 

The Select Sires Mobile app was designed with offline capabilities and a noticeably small download size. For farmers without wireless connection or limited access to cellular data, the app remains fully functional at all times and in all places after the initial download. Customizable, in-depth search filters allow users to identify the sires that best fit their genetic criteria. With the ability to create lists and save favorite sires, genetic information is made readily available in the palm of your hand. The Select Sires Mobile app was also built for collaboration with the ability to export genetic data, sire lists and individual sires as PDF documents or CSV files. These exports can be easily shared with your local Select Sires representative, team member or trusted advisor. Data will be refreshed regularly, including sire summary releases and monthly Zoetis information, to provide farmer-owners with timely information as they make genetic decisions for their herd. 

The app is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, Portuguese and English. Download the Select Sires Mobile app today in your device’s app store for use on mobile phones and tablets. 

Based in Plain City, Ohio, Select Sires Inc., is the largest global A.I. cooperative and is comprised of six farmer-owned and -controlled local organizations in the United States. As the industry leader, it provides highly fertile semen, as well as excellence in service and programs to supply dairy and beef producers with the world’s best genetics. 

The Semex Board of Directors and Executive Management Team is excited to announce the creation of a new wholly-owned subsidiary, Semex Mexico, effective October 1, 2020.

“The Mexican dairy industry has seen consistent, steady growth. This is driven by their consumers turning to new healthier dairy products and a growing cheese market, the formation of the Semex Mexico subsidiary is a natural progression of our business,” says Horacio Larrea, Semex Director International Sales & Business Development, Latin America. “Mexico has always been a key market for Semex, with the Mexican dairyman demanding the product, solutions and services Semex is known for worldwide.”

Leading Semex Mexico is Ing Ernesto Padilla de Anda, with seven years of experience working shoulder-to-shoulder with dairymen across Mexico. Ernesto will work with our distribution network around the country, ensuring that Semex’s very best products and programs will be available to Mexican farmers.  

Semex Mexico joins Semex USA, Semex UK, Semex Australia, Semex Argentina, Semex Uruguay, Genbank (Hungary), Semex Deutschland, Semex N.Z. Ltd and Semex China within the Semex-owned subsidiary companies. Along with Ernesto and his distributor network, Semex is committed to Semex Mexico’s future growth and success.

Semex is a leading global genetic company focused on providing our clients with the solutions, innovations and technologies that positively impact their lives, as well as the lives of the animals on their operations and within our global community. This is Genetics for Life, our guiding compass. For more information please visit www.semex.com. For more information on Semex Mexico please visit www.semex.com/mexico

On September 17th, the PhönixGroup was presented as part of a live stream, the cooperation of five German breeding organizations from nine federal states, which will in future operate a joint breeding program, exchange bulls and invest in joint projects.  RinderAllianz (RA), Rinderproduktion Berlin-Brandenburg (RBB), Rinder-Union West (RUW), Qnetics and Rinderunion Baden-Württemberg (RBW). The partners in the newly formed cooperative together represent more than 1 million cows, 50% of the total German Holstein population 150,000 Simmental cows, 40,000 Brown Swiss and more Dairy and meat breeds united under one roof.

The organization begins as a cooperation, but does not want to rule out further steps and is open to accepting additional members. Female animals are also to be bought, and a biotechnology station is being planned. In addition to an efficient breeding program, the goals mentioned were, among other things, to improve the utilization of the bulls, to keep the semen prices stable, to take regional characteristics into account and to maintain proximity to the base. The PhönixGroup will be able to prove how successful this is from January 1, 2021, when business operations will begin. The homepage is www.phoenix-genetics.de.

As 7HO12165 Bacon-Hill MONTROSS-ET (EX-92-GM) approaches his eighth birthday, Select Sires welcomes him to the millionaire club. MONTROSS has made a tremendous impact on the Holstein breed, ranking as the No. 1 TPI^® sire twice and holding a spot within the industry’s top-10 for three additional sire summary runs.

MONTROSS hails from a tremendous herd in Schuylerville, New York. Select Sires is very grateful to work with the Peck family at Welcome-Stock Farm and their partners in the Bacon-Hill Prefix, Tom Kugler and Jim Copper. With nearly 30,000 daughters in his proof, MONTROSS has been extremely influential in milk yield and protein improvement for the breed.  

“He’s a bull that really modernized the Holstein cow with moderate stature, tremendous depth, width, strength and power,” said Rick VerBeek, senior Holstein sire analyst at Select Sires. “His daughters convert that strength into production performance and make milk with ease. MONTROSS is a bull that has significantly changed a lot of herds.”

In the international market, MONTROSS has garnered great attention with sales in more than 30 countries. He has been extremely popular in Italy, Spain, Poland, Japan and Korea, as well as both North and South America. 

“Since his genomic release, MONTROSS has delivered extreme milk production and sound udders – traits that are critical to dairymen worldwide,” said Scott Ruby, vice president of sales and marketing at World Wide Sires. “As MONTROSS daughters began milking, reports from the field exceeded our expectations.”  

Today, MONTROSS remains in the active, progeny proven lineup and is available with gender SELECTED^TM semen. He’s also the sire of 250HO13267 DUKE, a rising star on the proven TPI list with the stamp of customer-satisfaction. 

For more information about MONTROSS and to view daughter photos, please visit www.selectsires.com.

Based in Plain City, Ohio, Select Sires Inc., is the largest global A.I. cooperative and is comprised of six farmer-owned and -controlled local organizations in the United States. As the industry leader, it provides highly fertile semen, as well as excellence in service and programs to supply dairy and beef producers with the world’s best genetics.

International Protein Sires (IPS) has advanced homozygous polled genetics in the Holstein breed resulting from the August sire summaries. On close examination, facets of the homozygous polled offering at IPS are equal to their horned stable mates. These genetic advancements result in greater appeal for the commercial dairy farmer. “The IPS bulls are proof positive that polled genetics have an economic advantage. Dairy farmers will realize labor savings by disbudding their cattle naturally while advancing their herd performance with these superior genetics,” stated Ron Sersland, IPS President and CEO.

566HO1337 BY THE WAY-RED PP is ranked #1 GTPI among homozygous polled Red & White sires at +2544 GTPI. There is a +114 point spread between #1 and #2. This breed leader offers a balance between strong performance and quality type traits. At +565 lbs. milk, BY THE WAY-RED PP also improves component test; +.04% fat and +.04% protein. BY THE WAY-RED is the only PP R&W genomic sire who is plus for both milk and DPR according to the Holstein Association’s Redbooks Plus program. This provides a unique genetic package. Sired by Webster-P, BY THE WAY-RED PP is from a Very Good two year old daughter of Jax-P.

566HO1320 JUST IN TIME RC PP shows superior rankings in several categories among homozygous polled Holsteins. He is #1 for milk at +1,712 lbs., #7 for GTPI at +2557, and #12 for type at +1.61. This breed leader shows impressive linear traits across the board with several off the chart. Two added qualities include; 1.9% calving ease and red factor. A son of Simplicity-P, JUST IN TIME is from a Very Good Zipit-P daughter that produced nearly 35,000 lbs. milk at one year, eleven months.

Like his stable mates, 566HO1333 LIVE NOW RC PP ranks among the best homozygous polled Holsteins. With the preferred A2A2 trait, LIVE NOW PP is #2 for udder composite, #7 for GTPI at +2627, and #15 for fat pounds at +81. He also accelerates fat test at +0.30%. This breed improver has also been assigned aAa: 246; valued and complimentary breeding qualities. For those desiring stronger cattle with high rear udders, LIVE NOW PP answers the call. LIVE NOW PP is from a promising young daughter of Bandares and sired by Presley-PP.

566HO1259 RAMP UP RC PP has emerged as a leading homozygous polled daughter proven sire at +2445 GTPI. At +1,060 pounds milk, RAMP UP PP also adds quality components; +61 lbs. (.07%) fat and +49 lbs. (+.06%) protein. His daughters are showing excellent size and strength with quality, workable udders. This dehorning specialist is plus for productive life at +1.7 and the preferred A2A2 designation. RAMP UP is sired by Powerball-P and from an Excellent daughter of Man-O-Shan. And, his family is loaded with a deep line of Excellent matrons.

The superior homozygous polled lineup at IPS is a commitment to breeding top performing cows, not numbers. These genetic qualities are preferred by dairy farmers throughout the world. Semen is available worldwide from IPS employees and independent distributors. Located in Rock Springs, Wisconsin, you may obtain additional information about IPS through their website, www.ipssires.com or by calling toll free: 1.800.542.7593.

Select Sires is excited to announce the hiring of Rick Ellerbrock of West Salem, Ohio and Ernesto Santillanez of Ada, Ohio as Eastern regional managers of Select Reproductive Solutions^® (SRS^®). These gentlemen will administer reproductive-based technical service and communications, develop and coordinate employee training, and provide sales support and solutions for Select Sires’ dairy and beef customer-owners located in the Eastern half of the United States and Canada.

Ellerbrock has been an employee of COBA/Select Sires in Ohio since 2005 and has served the cooperative as a large-herd technician. He was promoted to reproductive solutions specialist in 2011 and in 2013 he was promoted to regional sales manager. Ellerbrock has extensive experience conducting genetic audits, genomic testing, and reproductive analysis; skills he has used to advance the profitability and sustainability of dairies throughout the COBA/Select Sires sales territory. Ellerbrock is a 2005 graduate of The Ohio State University where he received a Bachelor of Science in agriculture, with a major in animal science and a minor in production agriculture. 

“Rick’s service to our customer-owners throughout the past 15 years has provided him with the experience and skills that will prove invaluable as he works with our technicians and service teams to help serve customer-owners across the Eastern U.S. and Canada,” said Todd Kranz, chief development officer for Select Sires Inc.

Santillanez comes to Select Sires with 20 years of experience working in the dairy industry. He brings expertise in employee management and training to his new position. For the past five years, he has held various positions with AFIMILK. Most recently he conducted application support and sales for the Eastern United States, Canada, and South America. Santillanez was born and raised in California. He later managed his father-in-law’s large dairy in Lovington, New Mexico as well as dairy herds in the Southwest United States and Central Ohio. His bilingual skills are extremely valuable as he will collaborate with Hispanic labor in their native language to provide training or troubleshoot reproductive issues. 

“We are very pleased that Ernesto is joining the Select Sires team and we look forward to having him use his experience with very large herds, as well as the technical skills acquired in his most recent roles to assist our service teams in serving the cooperative’s customer-owners,” said Kranz. 

Based in Plain City, Ohio, Select Sires Inc., is the largest global A.I. cooperative and is comprised of six farmer-owned and -controlled local organizations in the United States. As the industry leader, it provides highly fertile semen, as well as excellence in service and programs to supply dairy and beef producers with the world’s best genetics.