• Why Good Business for A.I. Companies Can Mean Bad Business For Dairy Breeders
• What Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby taught me about Dairy Cattle Marketing
• HOMETOWN JERSEYS: Beating the Odds
• Tarred With the Same Brush
• Dairy Cattle Sales in a Digital World

News Stories

• Minnesota Barn Blaze Kills 40 Cattle
• Farnear Focus on the Future Sale Averages $15,471 on 112 Lots
• Canadian A.I. Market Share and Most Popular Sires for 2012
• Tramilda & Select Consignment Tag Sale Averages $6,200
• Fabulous Classification Scores for Fradon Holsteins
• Western Spring National Holstein Show Heifer Results
• Western Spring National R&W Heifer Results
• Lifetime Milk Production Starts At Birth
• Young Cancer Patient Get His Wish – Farming
• Cooling Strategies for Dairy Cattle

Junior Champion – Ms Lulus Fever Legacy-ET (Fever), Spring Yearling, Westcoast Holsteins, BC

DATE: May 16, 2013
LOCATION: Richmond, UT
JUDGE: Gus Schwartzbeck, Union Bridge, MD

Junior Champion – Mil-R-Mor Desire-Red-TW, 1st fall calf, Westcoast Holsteins, Chilliwack, BC

The Western Spring R&W Heifer Show is took place today and tomorrow in Richmond, UT. The official judge is Gus Schwartzbeck of Union Bridge, MD. The cow classes will be exhibited tomorrow.

Winter Calf (1)
1. Ms Apples Aleda-Red-ET (Lookout P Redburst-Red-ET), Westcoast Holsteins, Chilliwack, BC

Fall Calf (3)
1. Mil-R-Mor Desire-Red-TW (Hylite Barbwire-Red-ET), Westcoast Holsteins, Chilliwack, BC
2. Air-Osa-MLE Majsty-Red-ET (Lookout P Redburst-Red-ET), Joseph Airosa & Matthew Evangelo, Tipton, CA
3. Enfuego Cont Rosabel-Red-ET (Patience Showline Contender-Red), Jim Folkinga, Twin Falls, ID

Summer Yearling (2)
1. UTAG Redliner Glamor-Red-ET (Fradon Redliner-Red-ET), Utah State University, Wellsville, UT
2. Enfuego BW Rhonda-Red-ET (Hylite Barbwire-Red-ET), Jim Folkinga & Knott-Run Holsteins, Twin Falls, ID

Spring Yearling (2)
1. UTAG Redliner Freckles-ET (Fradon Redliner-Red-ET), Utah State University, Wellsville, UT
2. Knott-Run Redliner Ash-Red (Fradon Redliner-Red-ET), Knott-Run Holsteins, Buhl, ID

Winter Yearling (2)
1. Ms Doubletree J Charm-Red (Fradon Jericho-Red-ET), Doubletree Dairy & EskDale Dairy, Holden, UT
2. Jerland Sh Advt Nova-Red-ET (KHW Kite Advent-Red-ET), Zadie Harris, Richmond, UT

Fall Yearling (1)
1. Cache-Valley Daiquiri-Red (Scientific Destry-ET)

Junior Champion
Mil-R-Mor Desire-Red-TW, 1st fall calf,  Westcoast Holsteins, Chilliwack, BC

Reserve Junior Champion
Ms Apples Aleda-Red-ET, 1st winter calf, Westcoast Holsteins, Chilliwack, BC

HM Junior Champion
Ms Doubletree J Charm-Red, 1st winter yearling, Doubletree Dairy & EskDale Dairy, Holden, UT

Roots Tell All
As you walk your field, excavate several alfalfa plants with a spade or shovel aiming to retrieve at least six inches of root tissue. When examining the roots, look for the following:

• Normal roots should be creamy white to tannish brown with very few scars or lesions.
• Moderate to slight damage is harder to assess but is usually manifested by slight discoloration (yellowing), a corky feel and very slow or no re-growth occurring after the soil has warmed up.
• Severely damaged roots will be discolored and possibly have a water soaked or mushy feel to the crown region.

If certain parts of the field look healthier than others, be sure to take root samplings from each area. This will allow you to get a better understanding of your field’s health overall.

Take Counts at the Right Time
Wait until your crop is growing vigorously to take your stand counts; the recommended time is typically when alfalfa is two- to four-inches tall. To get an accurate assessment, throw an alfalfa square and count the number of plants and stems that fall within the border of the square.

If your field is relatively consistent, take one count per acre otherwise take two per acre. Remember to only count plants that are healthy and will survive. Any winterkilled plants should not be counted as to avoid an inaccurate reading and plan for your crop moving forward. A good rule of thumb is that plants with only one to three stems growing out of one side should not be counted.

Newer recommendations for measuring yield potential for an existing stand use the stems per square foot as a more accurate measure of yield potential for an existing stand.

Winter Injury Management
If you do need to keep winter-injured crops for the coming season, you’ll want to be sure to pay special attention to them.

· It is recommended to delay first cutting until first flower, giving the crop more time to recover.
· Top dress these stands with potash and/or phosphorus according to soil test.
· Do not treat winter-injured crops with spring herbicides that are known to stress or stunt plant growth.

Not all crop injury can be avoided, but taking these steps to assess damage and establish a plan to move forward will help you get the most out of your crop heading into summer.

There is no question that many good photographers have been tarred with the same brush as those who have a lower level of ethics.  One of the effects that has happened from this is that many breeders no longer trust the images they see.  Hence why we introduced the Dairy Cattle Marketer’s Code of Conduct (Read more: Introducing the Dairy Marketing Code of Conduct and Dairy Cattle Photography Overexposed)

This photographer I was speaking with pointed out to me that, since we have “brought this to light”, they cannot even set  foot on a farm without hearing some sort of negative comment toward photographers or  off-handed jabs about Photoshop.  The sad part is that was not my intent at all.  Certainly not for this photographer and the team she works with, as I have the utmost respect for them.

Contrary to public perception, there are photographers that do amazing work and do so ethically.  There is no question that photography is an art form.  Sure there is a science to it, but it is also a finely honed craft.  Especially dairy cattle livestock photography.  I dare anyone to just pick up the camera walk into the barn and expect that they can nail a great shot.  Getting the composition correct isn’t easy.  That one aspect really differentiates the talented ones from the average ones.

Another aspect that I have seen that really makes a difference between those photographers whose work I trust and those that I have some reservations about is their use of light.  Lighting is probably the most important aspect that I think many photographers have gotten lazy about since the introduction of Photoshop.  There are some that would rather edit or adjust during postproduction rather than take the time to get the shot correct in the first place.  With the introduction of digital photography, many photographers are now just taking the pictures of the animals in the barn and then cropping them out, adjusting them and putting them on a new background.  That is why I love to see videos such as this one below from Cybil Fisher and how they make sure they get the lighting correct so that they don’t have to do so much post production adjusting.

While Cybil and her amazing team do adjust tails, toplines and backgrounds, that is all they do.  By my standards this is acceptable.  They do exceptional work.  Some of the greatest shots over the past few years have been done by these talented women.  One of the reasons they do nail the shot so often, is that they take the time to respect the craft.  They make sure they get the composition correct.  They take the time to make sure they get the lighting correct.  They do this before they snap the shot, not after.  While for some this may sound like a little thing, for me it is a big thing.  Sure it would be just as “easy” to edit afterwards.  But in fact it’s not.  If you don’t nail the shot both in composition and in lighting, there is no ethical postproduction that is acceptable when marketing dairy cattle genetics.  Sure it works for super models, but we are not purchasing the genetics from these super models we are purchasing the clothes they wear (FYI Did you know that Gisele Bundchen made $45 million last year?  Maybe we should purchase her genetics)

The Bullvine Bottom Line

There is no doubt that we, as an industry, need to clean up our act and improve public perception.  We also need to make sure that we don’t tar all photographers with the same brush.  That is why I encourage those photographers who don’t want to be tarred with that brush to call us and let’s talk about the benefits of the Dairy Cattle Marketer’s Code of Conduct.

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

If you believe that there is a need for a ethical standard in marketing dairy cattle genetics please like and share this post.

A.I. Market Share

A total of 280,915 dairy heifers were born in Canada in 2012 and registered in the respective breed association herdbook, of which 94.6% were Holstein. Of these, 89.9% were daughters of A.I. sires and therefore the national usage of herd sires was 10.1%. Herd sire usage varied widely by province with the lowest rates amongst registered heifers in Newfoundland (1.2%), Québec (4.1%) and Nova Scotia (6.7%) and the highest rates in Saskatchewan (38.1%), Alberta (28.6%) and Manitoba (17.9%).

On a national level, the 2012 market share occupied by the various A.I. companies marketing semen in Canada is represented in Figure 1. As the largest nationally based A.I. organization with decades of history in Canada, the partners within the Semex Alliance occupied 60.1% of the market share in 2012. By region, Semex Alliance surpassed 74% in Quebec, attained 55% in Ontario and Atlantic Canada and occupied 44% in Western Canada. Three other companies had a national market share exceeding 5%, namely Select Sires (13.1%), Alta Genetics (7.4%) and ABS Global (6.7%). Regionally, Select Sires occupied 15-17% of the market share in Western Canada, Ontario and Atlantic Canada in 2012 with nearly 8% in Quebec. For Alta Genetics and ABS Global, Western Canada was their highest region taking 17% and 11% of the market share based on herdbook registered daughters. Full details of A.I. market share statistics by province are available on the Canadian Dairy Network (CDN) web site at http://www.cdn.ca/articles.php.

Popular Sires of Heifers Born in 2012

From time to time, usually on a yearly basis, CDN also conducts an analysis of the most popular sires of registered heifers born in Canada. Table 1 provides the 30 Holstein sires with the highest number of daughters born in 2012 that were registered by Holstein Canada.

Two progeny proven sires, namely Crackholm Fever and Gillette Windbrook, produced more than 10,000 registered daughters born in 2012, jointly representing nearly 5% of the yearly total. Of major interest, however, is the relatively wide variety of sires amongst the list in Table 1. In fact, the 10 most popular sires of registered daughters born in 2012 represent just over 25% of all such heifers in Canada. While these were all progeny proven sires, the era of genomics has also led to the inclusion of three genomic young bulls amongst the 30 most popular sires of heifers born in 2012, as indicated by the “GYS” label in the table. In total, over 40% of the registered Holstein heifers born in 2012 were sired by the list of 30 most popular sires presented in Table 1. Also, over 5,900 different sires had at least one registered daughter born in 2012, and one-third of all sires represented had at least 10 registered daughters. The oldest sire with registered daughters born in 2012 is Rosafe Citation R*RDC (HOCANM267150), who was born in 1958.

Summary

The rate of genetic improvement in a breed is highly dependent upon the sires used by producers in their herd to generate the next generation of replacement heifers. Canada has various A.I. organizations marketing semen  from their bulls and these companies are members of CDN. Each organization competes for market share, which can vary from province to province. An examination of the most popular sires for registered heifers born in   2012 indicates that the top 10 Holstein sires represent over 25% of all such heifers in that breed and genomic young bulls are also now entering the list of the 30 most common sires for 2012.

Source: Canadian Dairy Network

Efficiency in all the productive areas is an important factor for dairy farm profitability today.

The estimated cost of mastitis in the U.S. is about $2 billion per year, and the cost of an individual case has been estimated from many studies to be from $0 to $400.

One cost included in these estimates is the negative effects of clinical and subclinical mastitis over the reproductive performance.

The biggest losses occur from the subclinical cases that are undetected during the daily operation. About 97 percent of all mastitis cases are “subclinical.” While these cases do not involve visible changes to the quarter or the milk it produces, they do result in lower milk production and an increased somatic cell count.

In 1999, the USDA National Animal Health Monitoring System estimated that a cow with subclinical mastitis lost 1.5 pounds of milk with every increase of one point of linear score. This amounts to an estimated loss of production equivalent to $110 per cow per year.

It is not clear how the inflammatory mediators, hormones and neurotransmitters of the immune response affect the reproductive performance of cows.

The first line of defense against pathogens includes both the physical barriers – such as the skin, keratin plug and closed teat ends – plus the effect of immune cells, such as phagocytes and mammary epithelial cells.

When the physical barriers have been breached by a micro-organism, various immunological defenses are present to either limit the growth or kill the invading micro-organism. Inflammatory mediators are present and involved, coordinating the local and systemic response during clinical mastitis.

The presence of endotoxins from the pathogen induce the release of other chemical neurotransmitters and hormones like histamine, serotonin and prostaglandins (PGF2α) responsible for the local response like heat, redness, swelling, pain and loss of function.

However, these mediators and hormones have not only local but systemic effects that can affect reproductive performance and pregnancy loss.

Research from 2001 found that the time when clinical mastitis occurs can extend days open from 85 days on an uninfected cow to 106 days if the infection occurs before first service, and up to 143 days if the infection occurs between first service and pregnancy diagnosis.

There is also a significant reduction in conception rate. Research from 2004 demonstrated that the occurrence of mastitis is associated with prolonged interval to first postpartum A.I., increased services per conception and prolonged interval from calving to conception.

One possible explanation for the negative effects of mastitis on reproduction was illustrated by 2009 studies that found that 30 percent of cows with clinical or subclinical mastitis had an extended interval between estrous and ovulation of up to 56 hours.

This delay in ovulation would likely compromise the viability of semen relative to oocyte age. Those studies indicate that delayed ovulation was primarily from a direct depression of the estradiol production with the consequent depression of GnRH and LH needed to stimulate ovulation.

There are many risk factors that facilitate mastitis infections; these should be considered as opportunities to reduce clinical mastitis incidence and its negative effects on reproduction. The main risk factors for mastitis include:

• Lactation stage: During the dry period and early lactation, susceptibility to mastitis is higher. The risk of developing clinical mastitis, from either chronic infections or from new environmental infections, is greatest during the peripartum period. The incidence of mastitis during the first 60 days in milk is often 12 percent or higher.
• Housing – stalls: Cows in confinement systems are at higher risk for mastitis than cows on pasture. Similarly, cows in tiestalls are generally at higher risk compared with cows in freestalls. Regardless of the system, a clean, dry and comfortable environment is key to reducing clinical and subclinical mastitis incidence. Overstocking, dirty lots and any manure accumulation in alleys, tiestalls or freestalls will increase risk. Stall design will impact the time cows spend lying down; proper size, 2 percent slope and at least 2.5 inches of dry bedding material is important to maintain a dry and clean environment for the udder and to increase cow comfort.
• Feeding: A well-balanced ration that supplies all the nutrients as well as products that enhance health and immune systems will provide a better opportunity to resist mastitis.
• Ventilation: Humidity and high temperatures increase stress and affect milk production. High humidity favors bacterial growth and increases moisture content in bedding material, increasing the risk for mastitis.
• Milking equipment: Eight to 20 percent of new infections can be attributed directly or indirectly to improperly maintained milking equipment.
• Milking procedure: A calm, quiet, efficient, clean and complete milking procedure is fundamental to reduce risk for new mastitis infections. The use of pre-dip and post-dip are the easiest and most cost-effective tools to reduce mastitis incidence.
• Feed delivery: Fresh feed in the bunk when cows return from milking will promote standing for at least 30 minutes to facilitate teat end closure and formation of the keratin plug.
• Regular review: Managers and veterinarians should establish a routine for regular evaluation of udder health status and develop a plan for corrective actions.

Opportunities
Education is the most important tool a manager has to reduce mastitis and its impact on reproduction. The foundation of any milker training, or any other job at the dairy, is not about how, it is about “why.”

All employees, not just milkers, need to understand why they do what they do every day, why it is important to the cows for us to follow procedures and protocols consistently. We all know the parlor is the place where we get money back from all the efforts and investment on a dairy.

I wonder how much time managers and owners spend at the parlor, supervising and encouraging crews to do a good and consistent job?

A dairy is a complex biological web. Tugging on the web in one place will shake up things in another. So it is with reproduction and mastitis. Poor udder preparation or dirty stalls can have a negative influence on reproduction.

Use all the professionals on your team to help you identify weak links that might be having far-ranging negative impacts in other areas of your dairy.

Source: Progressive Dairyman

DCHA will be redefining the information and services provided to its members to ensure relevant and progressive training and educational resources are available. These changes will help to further advance the profitability, health and performance of young dairy animals, as well as the profitability potential of its members operations.

Additionally, the organization will seek to modernize its professional image and reputation across the industry, working closely with allied industry and research-focused entities to help drive product and service developments that will improve the livelihood of calf and heifer raising operations.

“DCHA was built on the combined passion, interest and need for continuous calf and heifer raising improvements,” says Jack Banker, DCHA president from Black Creek, Wis. “We are very excited to revitalize the role and long-standing vision of DCHA.

“Building a professional producer-focused organization to help enhance calf and heifer raising is a critical responsibility of DCHA and one that association leadership is committed to as a strategic objective,” adds Banker.

Realigning association operations with an industry partner that has a deep focus on the dairy industry is the first step DCHA has taken towards accomplishing its goals. In the upcoming months, programs and services will be carefully reviewed and enhanced as appropriate. Concentrated efforts will be placed on an industry-leading conference agenda for the 2014 DCHA Annual Conference, to be held April 1-3, 2014 in Green Bay, Wis.

“The 2014 conference committee is looking forward to developing a fresh approach for the upcoming meeting, which we hope will set new standards in information exchange and peer-to-peer calf and heifer manager interaction,” says Vicki Franken, chair of the 2014 conference committee. “The 2014 conference will be a vital part of the reinvention of DCHA and we are nothing but committed to making it an invaluable event for dairy producers.”

The Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (www.calfandheifer.org) was founded in 1996 based on the mission to help dairy producers, calf managers and those professionally focused on the growth and management of dairy calves and heifers. With a national membership of producers, allied industries and research leaders, DCHA seeks to provide the industry’s standards for profitability, performance and leadership, serving as a catalyst to help members improve the vitality and viability of their individual efforts and that of their business.

Figure 1. Average test-day somatic cell count from Dairy Herd Improvement herds during 2012 by State (Click on image for enlargement)

Each year, test-day data from all herds enrolled in Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) somatic cell count (SCC) testing in the United States are examined to assess milk quality on a national basis.

During 2012, the SCC in DHI herds averaged 200,000 cells/ml. This compares to 217,000 in 2011; 228,000 in 2010; 233,000 in 2009; 262,000 in 2008; and 276,000 in 2007.

National average test-day herd SCC has declined every year since 2005, and every year except one since 2001.

Forty-two states had lower average SCC than reported the previous year; five states had higher averages. A few Mexican herds tested through the US system were included for the third time.

Variation among states remains large. State average SCC generally was lower than the national average for mountain and western states, and often higher for a few southeastern states. Differences between adjacent states were substantial, which suggests that factors such as mastitis control practices and genetic selection are impacting state differences.

The current federal SCC regulatory limit in the US is 750,000. In many other major dairy countries, the SCC limit is 400,000.

The overall percentage of herd test days that exceeded 400,000, 500,000, 600,000, and 750,000 during 2012 were 12.0%, 6.1%, 3.3% and 1.5%, respectively, which was lower for all levels than during 2011. The 1.5% of 2012 DHI herd test days that were higher than the present legal limit for bulk tank SCC in the US may overestimate the percentage of herds that shipped milk exceeding the legal limit because milk of cows treated for mastitis is excluded from the bulk tank even though included in DHI test data. The percentage of herd test-days that exceeded the legal limit also would have been higher than the percentage of herds that were rejected from the market because market exclusion only occurs after repeated violations.

As herd size increased, milk yield generally increased and SCC decreased. During 2012, the average test-day SCC in herds with fewer than 50 cows was 200,000 compared to 222,000 in herds with 100 – 149 cows; 195,000 in herds with 500 – 999 cows; and 168,000 in herds with over 3,000 cows.

The typical seasonal pattern was also evident. Average SCC increased from May through August and declned quickly from September through November. The lowest average SCC was in November and December.

[Click here for report details, including individual state averages and history since 1995.]

Source of image and article: USDA AIPL Research Report SCC14 (2-13) “Somatic cell counts of milk from Dairy Herd Improvement herds during 2012″

The legislation approved 15-5 includes concessions to Southern rice and peanut farmers, thanks to a new top Republican on the committee, Mississippi Sen. Thad Cochran. The bill eliminates $5 billion in annual subsidies, called direct payments, that are important to those Southern farmers but makes it easier for them to receive alternate subsidies if prices dip.

The Senate bill calls for a total of roughly $2.4 billion a year in cuts, while a House version to be considered Wednesday would save $4 billion out of almost $100 billion annually. Those cuts include more than $600 million in yearly savings from across-the-board cuts that took effect earlier this year.

Much of the savings in the House and Senate bills comes from eliminating the direct payments, which are frequently criticized because they aren’t tied to production or crop prices. Part of that savings would go toward deficit reduction, but the rest of the money would create new programs and raise subsidies for some crops while business is booming in the agricultural sector.

Republican Sen. Pat Roberts of Kansas, the top Republican on the committee in the last session of Congress, criticized the higher subsidies for Southern farmers, which are essentially a lower threshold for rice and peanut subsidies to kick in. Roberts said the new policy could guarantee that those farmers profits are average or above average.

“I simply don’t know how to justify a program that pays producers more than the cost of production and essentially becomes nothing more than another income transfer program, not a risk management tool,” Roberts said.

Under the House bill, authored by Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Okla., those subsidies for rice and peanut farmers could kick in even sooner. These “target price” programs allow farmers to receive subsidies if prices fall below a certain threshold. It hasn’t been used much in recent years because of record crop prices, but is intended to be a safety net if prices collapse.

The bill includes generous protections for other crops as well. Both bills would boost federally subsidized crop insurance and create a new program that covers smaller losses on planted crops before crop insurance kicks in, favoring Midwestern corn and soybean farmers who use crop insurance most often.

Nebraska Sen. Mike Johanns, a Republican on the panel who served as Agriculture Secretary in the George W. Bush administration, was critical of the entire bill, arguing that the bill was more generous than Nebraska farmers had asked for and that the added help for the Southern farmers could endanger the bill on the Senate floor. The Senate easily passed a farm bill last year that did not include those higher subsidies.

Johanns also said the bill has fewer cuts than advertised because the across the board cuts have already taken effect. He called many of the cuts an “illusion.”

“It’s no way to deal with budget problems,” he said.

Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said all of the changes are meant to make farm programs more efficient.

“Instead of subsidies that pay out every year even in good times, the bill creates risk management tools that support farmers when they are negatively impacted by weather disaster or market events beyond their control,” she said.

In order to boost savings, the Senate bill would cut $400 million out of almost $80 billion spent annually on food stamps, now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. The legislation would save dollars by targeting states that give people who don’t have heating bills very small amounts of heating assistance so they can automatically qualify for higher food stamp benefits.

The committee rejected amendments by Johanns and Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., to expand the cut, while New York Sen. Kristen Gillibrand, a Democrat, said she will offer amendments on the Senate floor to restore the food stamp dollars. She said the cuts are immoral.

All three of those senators voted against the final bill, along with Roberts and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who sits on the agriculture panel but did not attend the meeting.

The House bill up Wednesday would cut five times as much domestic food aid as the Senate bill in that chamber in an effort to appease conservatives in that chamber. That bill would cut $2 billion annually from the program and rewrite policy that allows some people who already receive benefits to automatically receive food stamps.

Balancing the cutbacks important to conservatives with maintaining the generous safety net that farmers have relied on for decades will be key to getting the bill passed before current farm programs expire Sept. 30.

This is the third year in a row that farm-state lawmakers have tried to push the bill through. Though it passed the Senate, the House declined to take up the bill last year after conservatives in that chamber objected to the bill’s cost and insisted on higher cuts to food stamps.

In 2011, Stabenow and Lucas attempted to include the bill as part of the congressional supercommittee’s effort to come up with a long-term deficit reduction plan. When that effort failed, farm bill action stalled until the next year.

House leaders have given supporters more optimism this year as they have said they plan to put the measure on the floor this summer.

Longtime critics of farm policy say that even with the belt-tightening, the legislation is still a giveaway to the largest farms which tend to receive the largest shares of the subsidies.

“It’s very disappointing in a time of runaway deficits and record farm income,” says Scott Faber of the Environmental Working Group.

Farm groups defend the policy by using last year’s drought as an example. Despite widespread losses, federally subsidized crop insurance helped farmers recover.

The bill would also limit payments to the wealthiest farmers and require farmers who receive crop insurance to comply with certain soil and water conservation requirements.

Lessons from Sydney Crosby

Due to the lockout of 2004-2005, Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin both entered the NHL in the same year.  At the time there was great debate about who was going to be the better player.  Since then the stats would tell you that Ovechkin has been the better investment.  He has 371 goals, 365 assists for 735 points, whereas Crosby has had 238 goals, 427 assists for 665 points.  However, sometimes numbers don’t tell the whole story.  Even though Ovechkin has won more individual awards (Rookie of the Year, 2x NHL goal scoring leader, 2x most valuable player, vs. 1 MVP and 1 scoring title for Crosby),  ask any NHL player which one is better and they would tell you that Crosby is by far.  That is because Crosby not only puts up numbers himself but he also makes the players around him raise their level of play. For example, before playing on a line with Crosby, Chris Kunitz highest goal total was 26 in an 82 game season. This year, playing with Crosby he had 22 in the shortened 48 game season. That is an almost  50% increase.  This outstanding ability to inspire  others around him has resulted in Crosby having played more playoff games than Ovechkin and has already won a Stanley Cup in his career.

When I got to thinking about how the truly great ones not only make themselves look great they also make the others around them better, it reminded me of a comment that Jeff Butler of Butlerview made in an interview we did with him just before Royal last year (Read more: Exciting Times for Butlerview).   In the article Jeff say’s “type brings the foot traffic to the farm, but genomics and pedigree get them buying.” This further reminded me of  an article I had written early this year about the great RF Goldwyn Hailey and how she  herself may not be a great return on investment (Read more: RF Goldwyn Hailey: Cash Cow or Cash Hog?).  While there is no question that Hailey’s  own numbers alone are  not the highest ROI in the market today, if you look at it from a marketing investment she and other great show cows could be the wisest marketing investment you could ever make.  Now I am not talking buy these animals for the over 1 million dollar mark.  But as Jeff says nothing drives traffic to your door like a great show cow.  Something Jeff should know considering he owns 2 of the top 5 cult following cows in the world today (R-E-W Happy Go Lucky and Cookview Goldwyn Monique).

R-E-W HAPPY GO LUCKY VG-89-2YR-USA
ALL-CANADIAN MILKING 1-YR 2012
ALL-AMERICAN MILKING 1-YR 2012

The big thing you need to remember and as Jeff pointed out in our article is that you need the supporting cast in your herd to help convert that traffic into revenue.  For Butlerview that means animals like Regancrest S Chassity, Regancrest G Brocade and De-Su 199 Chart Topper.  These high genomic animals from big name pedigrees are the ones that help Butlerview’s big investment in show cattle pay dividends.  Key to any of this is the fact that all animals need to be good embryo producers or you might as well kiss your money goodbye (Read more: What Comes First the Chicken or the Egg?).

Lessons from Wayne Gretzky

The great hockey player  to every play the game, Wayne Gretzky, always said don’t go to where the puck is but rather, see where the puck is going and go there.  As we highlighted in our article about the marketing of Glen Drummond Aero Flower and DES-Y-GEN PLANET SILK, you need to see or even predict where the marketing is heading and make sure your marketing and breeding goals are in alignment with that (Read more: Marketing Lessons From Glen Drummond Aero Flower).  As the dairy industry develops, efficient milk production that fills the consumers’ needs will gain greater importance. National indexes are always being adjusted to reflect the marketplace.  In Canada it will not be long before greater weighting will be placed on health and fertility traits, this means you should already be breeding for this today so that your ahead of the curve when these changes occur.  Remember that it’s not only about how much milk, or how many show winning daughters a sire produces, but it’s also important to breed to a bottom line that is consumer friendly. It’s only a matter of time before the national indexes reflect this even more.

DES-Y-GEN PLANET SILK *RDC VG-87-2YR-USA
David Dyment has kept Planet Silk ahead of the curve by combining both high index, Red Factor and polled in one complete package. Her sons and daughters dominate the top of the Red and the RC list (GTPI). Her son DYMENTHOLM S SYMPATICO is one of the highest GTPI and GLPI active bulls in the breed.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Headliners will get you attention, but their ability to make the others around you shine as well will be what makes you the money.  Sidney Crosby is a great player, but it’s the ability to lift up the others around him better that  wins the Stanley Cup.  The same was true for Wayne Gretzky.  It wasn’t just his own ability to dominate a game that created the opportunity for Gretzky to appear in 6 Stanley Cup finals, winning four of them.  It was his ability to see the play developing and make his team around him shine too that did it.  Until players like Ovechkin learn this key lesson he will never win a cup.  The same is true when you are designing your genetic marketing program.  Until you learn just how you are going to use your headliners to maximize the other genetic stars in your herd and look 3+ years down road and see where the market is heading, you are never going to generate  as much return on your investment as you could.

To learn how to get your farm on Facebook download this free guide.

Ms Crescentmead SS Amy now EX-91

A recent classification at Fradon Holsteins left them with the following exciting results!

New Excellent cows:
-Ms Crescentmead SS Amy Rc* EX-91 (Sept Storm x Lee Alice x Chief Adeen)
-Fradon Gold Anne EX (Goldwyn x EX Lyster x 5 EX Dams)
-Del-Hollow Goldwn Trudy EX (Goldwyn x EX Outside back to Roxys)
-Fradon Talent Jubilee EX (Talent x Encount Jodie EX-94)
-Fradon Redliner Marg EX (Redliner x Maude Family)

Very Good 2-year-olds:
-DKC Dewitt Atwood Angie VG-87
-Fradon Gold Jamaica VG-86 (Goldwyn x Encount Jodie EX-94)
-Fradon Shaq Jubilee VG (Shaquille x Encount Jodie EX-94)
-Fradon Dusk Jeeta VG (Dusk x Dundee x Rudolph Jodie)
-Fradon Goldwyn Angel VG (Goldwyn x EX-93 Talent, EX, EX, EX, EX, EX)
-Fradon Goldwyn Adessa VG (Goldwyn x EX Durham x Chief Adeen)

Very Good 2nd calf:
-Fradon Redliner Abigail VG-87 (Redliner x Amanda Family)
-Fradon Gold Josie VG-87 (Goldwyn x R Mark Jodie)
-Del-Hollow SS Jodie VG-88 (Sept Storm x Encount Jodie EX-94)

Click here to visit their updated website!

The barn was already completely engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived on scene. Cattle, two tractors and three skid steers were all lost in the fire. Submitted photo

A barn and 40 head of cattle were destroyed in a fire just north of Perham Friday evening.

Area firefighters were called to the scene of the fire, at 49596 Highway 8, at 5:43 p.m., according to the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office.

The property, owned by Arlin Wanderi, was in the process of being sold to Robert and Amie Ruther. Cattle lost in the fire belonged to both parties.In addition to the cattle, about 100 square bales, a hay shed, corn crib, two tractors, three skid loaders and some other equipment were also lost.

Wanderi said no people were hurt in the fire, and despite fast-moving flames that took everything “within minutes,” nine head of cattle were able to be saved.

Perham Fire Chief Mark Schmidt said the barn was approximately 60×85 feet in size, and was already completely engulfed when firefighters arrived.He said a nearby farmer let firefighters take loads of water from his irrigator well, helping them put the fire out as quickly as possible. Many loads of water were needed to extinguish the flames.

Authorities said the fire was likely started in front of the barn, but the cause of the blaze is still under investigation. Wanderi said the skid loaders had just been parked in the barn, and that may have had something to do with it.

New York Mills, Vergas and Wolf Lake fire departments also responded to the scene.

“I want to thank everyone that helped out,” Wanderi said. “We were fortunate (for the quick response)… another five minutes and the fire would have taken more buildings, I’m sure.”

As of Monday, Wanderi still had some clean-up left to do, though he said much had already been done. He expected that the barn would be rebuilt in the future.

Source: Perham Focus

Cache-Valley Lheros 2331 VG-89 3yr x EX-93 Durham x EX-95 Leader Nom All Am x EX Chief Mark HM Int Champ BC Spring ’13

The Tramilda & Select Consignment Tag Sale held May 9-10 in Montezuma, GA. Nearly 40 lots sold for an average of $6,200 resulting in a gross of over $230,000.

Just a few of the High Selling lots:

Lot 10 Sold for $20,000 – Cache-Valley Lheros 2331 VG-89, 3y CAN, Max Score
HM Intermediate Champion BC Spring Show 2013
Consigned by: Joel Phoenix, T&L Cattle & Kingsway Farms, Canada
Purchased by: Austin Yoder, Ruben Schaapman & Matthias Swartz, GA

Lot 7 Sold for $20,000 – Choice of O Daddy Females both over 2400 GTPI
Dam is A VG, 2y Dorcy with numerous Contracts
Consigned by: Seagull Bay Dairy, ID
Purchased by: Select Sires, OH

Lot 12  Sold for $15,000 – Savage-Leigh Golden Girl-ET
Fancy Goldwyn Fall Calf x Savage-Leigh Leona EX-96
Consigned by: Chip Savage, MD
Purchased by: Austin Yoder & Samuel Nisly, GA

Lot 29  Sold for $12,500 – Croaky-Pond Bolivia Remnant EX-91
4-Yr-Old for this year that traces back to the Roxys
Consigned by: Austin Yoder, Ruben Schaapman & Matthias Swartz, GA
Purchased by: Jason Volker & Jason Steinlage, IA

Lot 4  Sold for $12,000 – Morsan Miss Agreable
Hero Fall Calf x Eastside Lewisdale Gold Missy EX-95
Consigned by: Morsan & Butz, Canada
Purchased by: Farnear Holsteins, IA

Feeding high-quality colostrum
We know that if calves do not receive enough high-quality colostrum, they will not achieve passive transfer. Calves that do not achieve passive transfer are less able to fight off disease challenges because they do not have adequate antibodies.

Calves with failure of passive transfer also have 50 percent less feed efficiency, delayed time to first calving and decreased milk and fat production during the first lactation.

A higher plane of nutrition
Researchers have found that calves fed to a higher plane of nutrition calve 22 days earlier on average and produce 1,700 pounds more milk in the first lactation.

In fact, eight university trials show that calves fed a higher plane of nutrition from birth to weaning had higher milk production in their first lactation than those that were not.

Recent work from Cornell University further examines the long-term benefits of feeding to a higher plane of nutrition in two herds.

One herd showed that for every pound of pre-weaning average daily gain (ADG), heifers produced 1,874 pounds more milk during their first lactation. In the second herd, for every pound of pre-weaning ADG milk yield increased by 2,456 pounds of milk in the first lactation.

Researchers concluded that the relationship between pre-weaning nutrition and higher-lactation milk yield is consistent, but the magnitude of the response might be different between herds.

The Cornell study also examined the relationship between pre-weaning ADG and milk yield in subsequent lactations. Researchers found that there was a positive correlation between second-lactation and third-lactation milk yield and pre-weaning nutrition.

They concluded that “the effect of early life nutrition and management previously attributed only to the first lactation can now be discussed in terms of lifetime productivity.”

A winning combination
The benefits of high-quality colostrum and feeding to a higher plane of nutrition are well-documented. But work from the University of Illinois shows that the results from pairing these two programs trump either as a stand-alone practice.

In this study, calves were classified by their IgG status as having successful passive transfer or failure of passive transfer. Calves were then offered a conventional feeding program or fed to a higher plane of nutrition.

Results showed that all calves fed to a higher plane of nutrition, regardless of IgG status, had better ADG. But those calves with a higher IgG status and a higher plane of nutrition had the greatest ADG and outshone all of the other calves.

The University of Illinois researchers conclude, “growth factors or other components in the colostrum may enable calves to more efficiently use the greater nutrient supply for rapid body growth.”

Achieve the results
To harvest these long-term milk production benefits, start with a sound colostrum management program. Experts agree that calves should be removed from their dam immediately following birth.

This prevents the spread of disease and increases the likelihood that newborns will consume adequate amounts of clean, maternal colostrum or a high-quality colostrum replacer.

Calves should receive 3 quarts of high-quality (more than 50 mg per ml of IgG) colostrum within one hour of birth via nipple bottle or 4 quarts administered by esophageal feeder within one hour of birth.

A high-quality USDA-approved colostrum replacement fed to provide at least 150 g of IgG will also do the job efficiently and effectively.

Next, manage for 1.6 to 2.0 pounds of ADG per large-breed calf through the pre-weaning phase. Small-breed calves should achieve 1.1 to 1.6 pounds of ADG.

This can be achieved by feeding as close to 2.5 pounds (1.8 for small breeds) of dry matter per calf per day as possible in two or preferably three or more feedings, regardless of whether you feed milk, milk replacer or pasteurized waste milk.

The goal is to double a calf’s birthweight and have her grow 4 to 5 inches taller by the time she reaches 56 days old.

Other goals are less than 5 percent calf mortality and less than 10 percent of calves receiving treatments for scours and other diseases.

The advantages to starting calves off with a sound colostrum program and raising calves on a higher plane of nutrition are many.

Benefits may include reduced age at first calving, potential for internal herd growth, reduced calf treatment costs and potentially longer herd life and optimal milk production.  

For more information, email Earleywine or contact him at (800) 618-6455.

Source: Progressive Dairyman

Great Accomplishments & Very Good Two Year Old Streak

Hometown Jerseys have recorded several successes but they agree on what Neil describes as their greatest accomplishment. “For us it was simply getting started to milk cows against the odds and all of the people who said it couldn`t be done.  That includes our bank client rep at the time, who told us in 2009 that we should sell it all and buy a house in town.” A benchmark of which they are also justifiably proud is this one “We have had a VG 2yr old in every round since we started milking 8 years ago , including the round when we only had 1 cow to show, a VG 86 2yr. old. And over 50 percent of our homebred 2 year olds (Hometown prefix) have scored VG.” Very good indeed!

Strategic Climb to Opportunities and Hometown Recognition

With growing confidence after their purchases in Virginia and Tennessee, Hometown returned the following year to Gaby Jersey Farm’s Production Sale and purchased lot #1  “Pick of the Herd” for $25,000.  Neil covers the highlights. “We selected Gabys Action Baby EX 91 who was the 3^rd high seller in the US that year.  She has put 5 bulls in AI.  Our relationship with Gaby Jersey Farm was further strengthened in Nov 2011 (15 months later) when we travelled back to Louisville KY (the 1^st time since representing Ontario on the judging team) to show Gabys Artist Ambrosia in the Mature Cow class of the All-American.  Ambrosia created quite a bit of interest since there had never been as high a genomically tested Jersey at such a high profile event.  She had already been 2^nd Mature Cow at both the Quinte and Stratford Championship Shows in Ontario, also winning the highest BF record in both shows.  Ambrosia placed 10^th in Louisville, but opened the eyes of many conventional breeders that there may be something to this “genomic thing”.  Completing the list of awards for 2011 was the highest Butterfat produced by a Jersey cow in Canada presented to Gabys Artist Ambrosia.  Our herd had never achieved anything like that before and certainly had never made it a goal.   The strategic purchase of these cows in 2010 was proving its worth in recognition of the Hometown herd name worldwide and was starting to pay dividends.”

Gabys Action Baby EX-91
4-11 proj. 11681M 603F 5.2% 429P 3.7% (373-351-361)
Dam of three TAG sires (Branson, Banker, Donovan)
Full sister to Ballard at ABS
Has contracts with Semex, ABS and Alta

Hometown Bred. Hometown Owned.

Two cows have fulfilled Neil and Melanie’s goal of working with and breeding the best.  Neil describes his first Hometown Owned choice. “Way-Bon Counciller Mystery SUP EX 95-5E was bought at the end of 1^st lactation. She has wowed visitors anytime in her lactations with her huge, long dairy frame that looks the same all year long.  This is the cow which gave us confidence to take some chances after selling her son first son, Hometown On The Money, to AI.  She is a 3* brood cow off of the 1^st 4 milking daughters.  She will continue to increase as she will have at least 4 sons in AI and likely all but one daughter will be EX.”

Way-Bon Counciller Mystery SUP EX 95-5E
HM. Grand Champion – NY Spring Show 2013
2nd Place 100,000 Lb. Cow – NY Spring Show 2013
6th Place Mature-Cow – Royal Winter Fair 2010
1st Place Mature-Cow – Ontario Spring 2010
2nd Place Mature-Cow – Ontario Summer 2010
4th Place Mature-Cow – Royal Winter Fair 2009
Nominated All-Canadian – Mature-Cow 2008
6th Place Mature-Cow – Royal Winter Fair 2008
4th Place Mature-Cow – Ontario Spring 2008
Nominated All-Canadian – 5-Year-Old 2007
3rd Place 5-Year-Old – Royal Winter Fair 2007
Female Offspring:
8 Daughters Average 87.75 Points
Including 3 Excellent Daughters
Dam of Semex Genomax Sire: Hometown On The Money

Next Neil goes on to describe Hometown bred J Meant To Be VG 87 2yr.  “Meant To Be has attracted great cattle people like Gerald Coughlin’s interest since a being a Sept Calf.  She lived up to our expectations when she went 87pts 10 days fresh and later that week was 1^st Senior 2yr old, NY Spring Carousel 2013 and a major contributor to our 1^st Premier Exhibitor banner at a major show.  Meant To Be is from the prolific heifer giving family we are developing which traces back to the original Jersey cow Melanie’s grandfather gave to her and her sister Tiffany.”

Hometown J Meant To Be VG 87 (18 days fresh, 1st calf)
1st Senior 2 Year Old at the New York Spring Carousel 2013

Hometown Marketing Programs and Initiatives:

Melanie and Neil have a 4-step approach to marketing. They outline what they use and why.

1. Unique Niches: “We aren’t large and don’t have a large budget, therefore we buy or develop unique cows and market sons to AI or privately sell semen, leaving us with the females for the next generation”.
2. Facebook: “For the past 5 months we are continuing to increase our use of this marketing avenue as it is cheaper, simpler and more current than a webpage or magazine advertising.”
3. Magazines: “This is used for large announcements and ads when we have a need to speak to a larger audience than the keenest or most aggressive 25% which we feel already use Facebook.”
4. Face To Face Contact:  “We attempt to be in contact with people as often as possible by supporting the breed events like shows, sales, meetings and judging opportunities.  We feel people buy from people in the majority of cases, therefore, pure use of the internet as a marketing tool will have a limited reach.”

The “Bull Business” and “Genomics” Growing at Hometown Jerseys

Click on image to see ad

Neil and Melanie are keen and look for opportunities to take advantage of such as Genomics. “The advent of genomics gave us a trend to recognize and get ahead of.  It has become a key, but not exclusive, decision making tool when deciding which sires to use and which donors to include in our flushing program.  It will also be utilized as a culling tool in the same fashion, but will never supersede our “cow sense” related to their visual appearance.” They go on to provide examples of how it is working. “In the recent April proof run, Hometown privately genomically tested 9 bulls; 6 of them will be high enough to see AI service.  The future of our business should include bulls sold to major AI’s as well as privately proven. The decisive factor of which ones will be private will relate to the size of the potential market and the “net” value attached to them by ourselves vs. conventional AI businesses.”

Hometown Breeding Philosophy:

Hometown sticks to a sustainable breeding plan.  Neil describes the parameters. “We breed for pleasing general appearance cattle with snuggly attached udders, solid feet and legs, deep rib and wide enough chest and muzzles to eat large amounts of homegrown forage in order to convert it to high amounts of BF and Protein in the most cost efficient manner possible.  This has led us to use a base of more typically type sires and cross them with the more attractive general appearance “production sires” that possess extreme rear udder width.” They make use of genetic tools. “We do rely on genomic testing as one of the influencers in narrowing down our sire and donor dam selections, but not exclusively.  Finally, we breed from the deepest cow families as they will always be in demand as they have the highest probability of transmitting the traits they are recognized for.”

The Bullvine Bottom Line

With the courage of their convictions and a dream that they shared through whatever came their way, Melanie and Neil Hunter are building Hometown Jerseys in a way that is making the family, friends and fellow dairy breeders who encouraged them very proud.  We know that they will use their experiences and enthusiasm to encourage and mentor those who aspire to thrive against the odds. For Hometown Jerseys they’re working hard to make sure the odds remain in their favor.

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Mike started farming with his father Joseph (a Past-President of the CMSS) in 1964, initially shipping cream before transitioning to ship fluid milk a few years later.   The Maple Inn herd was active in the show ring across Ontario, including local shows in Peterborough and Lindsay as well as the CNE and Royal Winter Fair in Toronto and the World Dairy Expo in Wisconsin.  Mike lists as one of his showing highlights when Maple Inn Dairymaid 56th EX-95 won Grand Championship honours at the 2008 National Show, with Rosemary also named Reserve Grand in 2009 and 2011.

The story of the Maple Inn herd has been built on the strength of cow families, particularly the Dairymaid and Rosemary cow families.  For example, Maple Inn Rosemary 33rd VG sits second all time for lifetime milk and fat production among Canadian Milking Shorthorns.  Members of the both families have been exported to the United States, and Maple Inn was the first Canadian herd to export embryos to the United Kingdom in the 1990’s.

Mike was a director of the CMSS for the best part of 20 years.  He was a long time Chairman of the Sale Committee, instrumental in organizing and running the annual National Sales that were held in Peterborough or Lindsay for a number of years.  Maple Inn cattle have helped to form the foundation of a number of new Milking Shorthorn herds in Canada and the United States, including one of the 2013 Cow of the Year nominees.

The Maple Inn herd ceased milk production in 2004 but Mike continues to breed Milking Shorthorns at the farm just south of Peterborough.  In receiving this Distinguished Service Award, Mike receives an Honourary Life Membership to the CMSS.

The new Katie Couric “got milk?” ad, unveiled Friday, May 10th on her daytime talk show, “Katie”, depicts the host and her daughters sharing breakfast in bed – while sporting the iconic Milk Mustache. The ad, Katie’s first foray into the campaign, reads, “Even when you have the day off, you still need protein. An 8 ounce glass of milk has 8 grams of protein. A glass worth raising, even on Mother’s Day. got milk?”

Including milk in the morning is a healthy habit that Katie learned from her mom growing up and passed down to both of her daughters. Milk has nutrients needed to make breakfast more complete, including protein to help power through your morning– which is crucial when your morning is as chaotic as Katie’s.

“When you’re adding milk to your breakfast you’re getting all sorts of added benefits. You’re getting protein when you put it in your cereal; you’re getting calcium when you add it to your coffee or just drinking a glass straight up,” said Couric.

Visit TheBreakfastProject.com or www.facebook.com/MilkMustache and follow @MilkMustache on Twitter to see exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photos of Katie Couric, and daughters Ellie and Carrie. Processors can access information and free resources to help drive milk sales at milkpep.org.

About MilkPEP:
The Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP), Washington, D.C., is funded by the nation’s milk processors, who are committed to increasing fluid milk consumption. The MilkPEP Board runs the National Milk Mustache “got milk?®” Campaign, a multi-faceted campaign designed to educate consumers about the health benefits of milk. For more information, go to MilkPEP.org. The tagline “got milk?®” was created for the California Milk Processor Board by Goodby Silverstein & Partners and is licensed by the national milk processor and dairy producer groups.

Sick days may cost the U.S. economy an estimated $84 billion annually, but a new study has found that farmers are among a group of professions that miss substantially less time due to illness than others, according to 24/7 Wall St.

A joint study by Gallup and Healthways listed farmers, foresters and fishers as No. 2 on the list. Only physicians ranked higher. On average, workers in the agriculture, fishing and forestry industries missed just one day of work every four months.

In the study, 93 percent of farm workers reported that they felt treated with respect. About one-quarter reported feeling stressed the day before.

So why are farmers not calling in sick? The study suggests that it is “potentially in part due to the constant attention they must give to their crops and livestock.”

Topping the list of professions taking the most sick days were service workers, office workers, nurses and business owners.  Read more here.

The study results likely are no surprise to hardworking farmers who are used to working while sick. However, Kansas State University animal scientist Chris Reinhardt urges producers to care for their bodies as well as they care for their equipment.

“Like mechanical devices, people need fuel, people need rest and people sometimes wear out. In order to ensure that people are rested and refueled for the upcoming season, it is critical that managers monitor the well-being of the people in their charge, and perhaps even insist that people take time off,” Reinhardt suggests.

Source: Dairy Herd Network

“Body temperature regulation in dairy cows is constantly challenged by a combination of environmental heat and the heat produced during rumen fermentation and nutrient metabolism,” Garcia said. “Heat stress occurs when cows cannot dissipate enough heat to maintain their core body temperature below 101.3 °F. Air velocity also increases the maximum threshold, suggesting cows housed in facilities with forced air can tolerate higher ambient body temperature.”

Despite the recent cool temperatures of the early spring, temperatures in South Dakota can turn warm very quickly, says Dennis Todey, SDSU Extension Climate Specialist. He says this situation is expected during the next couple days.

“As warm air from the south combines with locally dry conditions it will allow temperatures to reach the 80s statewide,” Todey said.

Because of the cooler spring overall; the rapid shift may produce stressful conditions for livestock.

“The heat this week was preceded by unusually cool days and nights. At this point, cows have not had the chance to acclimate. Cattle usually need two to four weeks of gradual temperature built-up to adapt to changes. Temperatures above the mid-80s can be very stressful, particularly if there is little air movement and humidity above 50%,” Garcia said.

Temperature, humidity, and stage of lactation

When temperatures exceed 75 °F however, intake drops considerably even at 50 percent relative humidity. Intake is reduced at higher intakes and/or productivity.

Garcia says that close-up and early lactation cows are the most sensitive to heat stress and need more stringent cooling strategies. One strategy he suggests is soaking them with water.

“Heat loss through the skin can be improved when both skin and coat are soaked,” Garcia said. “Cows can tolerate greater body temperature during the day when ambient body temperature during the night drop below 70 °F. Keep soaking them in the evening to help accomplish this.”

He adds that intake and production are more closely associated with the temperature of the two previous days than those of the present one.

“Whenever necessary it is important to have strategies that reduce temperature at night,” Garcia said.

Cooling affects milk yield

In order for soaking to be effective, Garcia says sprinklers must soak coat and skin and should work intermittently to allow time for water to evaporate before the next soaking cycle.

“Fans alone are not enough,” Garcia said. “Treating cows under severe heat stress with sprinklers or fans alone is not enough. Both strategies need to be combined.”

He adds that the effectiveness of the cooling system depends on the number of rows of cubicles; four rows, then the sprinklers over the feed bunk and two rows of fans, one over the cubicles, one over the feed bunk, if working with two rows, then one row of sprinklers over the feed bunk and one of fans over the cubicles.

He warns dairy producers about the risks associated with high-pressure misters.

“High-pressure misters reduce the amount of water used, but eject very small droplets and when incapable to soak completely the coat and skin,” he said. “They create an air space between the skin and the water film which insulates and impairs heat dissipation. To achieve cooling they must work with a minimum water flow of 3.4 gallons per hour with 5 minute cycles.”

He explains that if the temperature is 86 degrees, the soaking cycle frequency needs to be every 8 minutes, (1 minute on, 7 minutes off.) When body temperature exceeds 68 degrees, the fans should work continuously.

“Supplemental fan cooling, in combination with low pressure feed bunk sprinklers can reduce the effects of heat stress on milk production and intake,” Garcia said. “Providing clean and fresh water, enough shade and adequate air circulation is critical to maintain production. These systems should be accompanied of key nutritional management strategies suggested for hot weather.”

Todey says near average temperatures will prevail later in the week. But warmer temperatures will return in coming weeks. For more information on keeping dairy cows cool, visit iGrow.

“Herds were nominated from across the U.S.,” notes Stephen Sheppard, Genex National Account Senior Specialist, “and all nominated herds demonstrated spectacular performance.”

The Genex Excellence in Reproduction awards were distributed in four categories: heifer facilities, dairies with less than 500 cows, dairies with 500-2,000 cows, and dairies with more than 2,000 cows.

“To determine the winners, we utilized a matrix calculation of individual herd performance numbers,” explains Sheppard. “The calculation considered the dairy’s pregnancy rate, service rate, conception rate, percent pregnant by 150 days in milk (DIM), sexed semen use and the genetic level of service sires.”

The performance levels of the platinum award winning operations were among the top percentiles in the dairy industry. Combined, the platinum winners in the three dairy farm categories averaged a 32.75% pregnancy rate, 48.5% first service conception rate and 84% of cows pregnant by 150 DIM. The average Lifetime Net Merit (LNM) level of service sires among the platinum award winners was +$691.

The winners of each category are listed below.

Heifer Raisers
PLATINUM: M&M Livestock, Leota, Minn.
GOLD: Coleman Ponderosa, Coleman, Wis.
SILVER: Circle Bar, Satanta, Kan.

Less Than 500 Cows
PLATINUM: Kodesh Dairy, Rice Lake, Wis.
GOLD: Breitenmoser Farm, Merrill, Wis.
SILVER: Del-Tu Farms, Beatrice, Neb.

500 to 2,000 Cows
PLATINUM: Dutchland Dairy, Rolfe, Iowa
PLATINUM: Leix Farms Inc., Monfort, Wis.
SILVER: Hourigan Family Dairy, Syracuse, N.Y.

Greater Than 2,000 Cows
PLATINUM: Sunridge Dairy, Nampa, Idaho
GOLD: Harmony Grove Dairy, Waynesboro, Ga.
SILVER: Synergy LLC, Linwood, N.Y.

For more information about Genex, visit www.crinet.com .

Genex is a subsidiary of Cooperative Resources International (CRI). The CRI mission statement summarizes the goal of CRI: “To provide products and services as effectively as possible to maximize the profitability of members and customers worldwide while maintaining a strong cooperative.”

Here are just some of the highlights!

• Freurehaven Labelle, VG-88 EX-91 MS @ 2-00 (Man-O-Man from Laurie Shieks) GTPI +2196  GLPI +3028 / Daughter by Supersire and 1st Choice female sells June 8th!
• Woodcrest Planet Yakara, VG-85 @ 2-01 (Planet x Coyne Farms Buckeye Yvonne, VG-87) GTPI +2117 / Dam of Mogul daughter selling in Woodcrest Bridge to Excellence and Woodcrest Mogul Yoder GTPI +2584 #4 Highest Genomic Young Bull (Select Sires)
• Woodcrest Osmond Porsha, VG-85 @ 2-03 (Osmond from Conductor Peggy family) / Dam of +2405 GTPI Mogul selling
• Woodcrest Observer Lucinda, VG-86 @ 2-03 GTPI +2186 / Selling in Woodcrest Bridge to Excellence!
• Woodcrest Atwood Esther, VG-87 5th Jr 2 Yr Old NY Spring International Holstein Show 2013 (Fond Example family)
• Ms Ma-Tom-Ba Alex Becky, VG-87 @ 2-04 *RC Alexander! (R-E-W Beyonce family)
• Rocking-P Bowser Luna, VG-85 @ 2-7 GTPI +2078 (Durham Lizzy family)
• S-S-I Beacon LaRose 7281, VG-87 @ 2-02 (Durham Lizzy family)
• Elm-Spring Damion Petra, VG-88 @ 3-0 (first lactation) Jr 3-Yr-Old from two EX-91 dams
• KM&IH Atwood Beatriz, VG-86 @ 2-05 (dam EX-94 Indianhead Kite Brienne)
• Horizon-Jay Shot-Obsee, VG-88 @ 2-05 (Observer from Durham Lizzy family) GTPI +2068
• Woodcrest Observer Abril, VG-85 and Abigail, VG-86 GTPI +2157 Both full sisters from BC Durham Annabell family!
• S-S-I Plato Wapak 7206, VG-85 @ 2-05 GTPI +2105 (Juniper Outside Wish family)
• Spruce-Haven Mill W11835, VG-85 (Million x Baxter Winona)
• First Glance Laurin Rose, EX-90 Sr 3 Yr Old for this year from an EX-91 Durham
• Burr-Ayr Bolton Tressa, EX-90 / Sells in Woodcrest Sale!
• Duckett-SA Shot Furgi, EX-91 @ 4-0 just fresh 3 weeks!  Shottle x Frosty
• Wales Jayz June, EX-92 @ 3-10 1st 4 Yr Old NY Spring Jr Holstein Show 2013 / She sells!
• Lismore Buttercake, EX-90 @ 3-06 Shottle from Buttercup family
  Sells June 8th!
• SRF-ZBW Talent Luscious, EX-91 @ 4-8 just fresh 6wks and selling in the sale!  From Durham Lizzy!
• Me-Do-Crest PR Aubergine, EX-93 (EX-96 MS) @ 5-02 (Pronto x Cranberry-Mdws D Abigail)
• Sibert Gold Stacey, EX-94 (EX-95 MS) @ 5-0 / 5th 5-Yr-Old NY Spring International Holstein Show 2013

Those earning the $750 scholarships are Kayla Carson of New Lebanon, N.Y. ; Lauren Casdorph of Twin Falls, Idaho; Lindsay Daniel of Tiffin, Ohio; and Cole Davidson of Strafford, Mo.

Kayla Carson is the daughter of Scott and Kristin Carson. Her father is a Genex Dairy Procurement Specialist. Carson earned valedictorian honors and was a very involved youth. She played the clarinet in both concert and jazz bands, served as yearbook editor, played varsity volleyball, and exhibited dairy and sheep in 4-H. She plans to study marketing at either the University of Maryland, Syracuse University, the University of Connecticut or the University of Delaware.

Lauren Casdorph is the daughter of Vaughn and Heidi Casdorph. Her father is a Genex Territory Sales Manager. Casdorph has been active in 4-H, serving as club president for three years. In FFA, Casdorph was elected chapter president and district reporter. She has served in the Idaho Junior Angus Association as an officer and also reined as the Western States Angus Queen. Casdorph plans to pursue a career in beef or dairy nutrition by attending the College of Southern Idaho.

Lindsay Daniel is the daughter of Roger and Melissa Daniel. Her father is a CRI Shipping Specialist at the cooperative’s Tiffin, Ohio, facility. Daniel held many offices for her local 4-H club and currently serves as the Seneca County Junior Fair Board president. In FFA, she received the State FFA Degree and currently holds the title of chapter treasurer. She plans to study at The Ohio State University – Mansfield to become a registered veterinary technician.

Cole Davidson is the son of Lance and Kathy Davidson. His father is a Genex Territory Sales Manager. Davidson earned valedictorian honors and served two terms as Student Council president. He was also elected president of his Future Business Leaders of America and National Honor Society chapters. Davidson plans to pursue a career in biomedical research and will attend Truman State University this fall.

“As an organization comprised of both dairy producers and processors, we are in a unique position to explain why the Dairy Freedom Act is the best option for all of us in the dairy industry,” wrote DBA president and farm owner Jerry Meissner, president of the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Dairy Business Association, and owner of Norm-E-Lane, Inc., a 2,000-cow operation near Chili, Wi.  “And as producers and processors in Wisconsin, America’s second largest dairy producing state, we can tell you why the supply management program included in the Dairy Security Act would be the worst thing for our growing industry.

Recent reports found that both the Dairy Freedom Act and DSA are “effective in providing catastrophic risk insurance” for stable and growing dairy farms.  A key difference between the two proposals, however, is that the Dairy Security Act contains the supply management provision called the Dairy Market Stabilization Program (DMSP), while Goodlatte-Scott does not.

“The DMSP adds even more government intrusion into an already highly regulated dairy industry,” the letter continues, “and would impose new and costly regulations on the nation’s dairy processors.  Among other requirements, processors would be forced to keep extensive production records for each dairy farmer, to withhold payments from those farmers when the program kicks in and to remit the revenues to USDA.”

“Dairy industry growth should not be subject to any impediments,” the letter concludes. “By dropping the supply management program, the Goodlatte Scott dairy bill represents a true compromise that is broadly supported and won’t stand in the way of moving the 2013 Farm Bill forward. “

Read the letter here.

About DBA
The Dairy Business Association is an industry organization comprised of dairy producers, corporate as well as allied industry supporters. DBA promotes the growth and success of all dairy farms in Wisconsin by fostering a positive business and political environment. For more information about DBA, please visit our website at www.widba.com.

Three new Excellent 94 cows:
Liddlehome R Shottle, 7 generation Roxy owned with Jeff King,Tom Kugler and John Emerling.
Cook Farm Jolt Incescent EX-93 MS. A Jolt that goes back to Flip Inez.
Cook Farm Durham Jangle, an EX-93 MS Durham

Three EX- 92 point 2nd calvers(Max Score)

In our recent analysis of what is selling at the Canadian Auction sales of 2013, we found that high genomic animals, (animals that are over 3,000 LPI) outsold all other animals by a whopping 61%.  (Read more at An Insider’s Guide to What Sells at the Big Dairy Cattle Auctions).  This change in market demand has coincided with changes in how these sales can now be run.  A great example of this is the recent Genomic Giants Sale series held in Quebec (Read more: The 2013 Genomic Giant Sale Was a Giant Success!) and the Planet Holstein Sale at the 2012 World Dairy Expo (Read more: The Plant Explodes at World Dairy Expo – 2013 Planet Holstein Sale Recap).  Both of these sales had outstanding sale averages ($33,775 and $40,853 respectively) and yet none of the animals were actually present at the sale.  The reason this startling change works is that breeders’ buying decisions are backed by confidence in genomics and in the favorable buyer satisfaction guaranteed terms.  Breeders are investing in these animals with confidence.

The next evolution of these sales is about to happen as they are taken fully online.  There have certainly been many breeders who have taken advantage of social media (Read more: The Dairy Breeders Guide to Facebook) and there is no question about how it helps promote your sales consignments (Read more: Nothing Sells Like Video).  However these are all tools that facilitate the sale but do not actually result in the sale.  That is where sites such as Holstein Universe, Holstein Plaza, and Eurogenes  can help.  (Read more: EUROGENES: You Love It.  They List It! and Tag Sales: What are they? What makes them successful? and What does the future hold?) Breeders from around the world are looking to actually purchase genetics.  While sites like Facebook are great for getting the message out there, you also need a platform to list all your genetics.  Enter Holstein Universe, Holstein Plaza and Eurogenes.  Holstein Universe is like an online tag sale.  Tag sales have caught on like wildfire in North America and Holstein Universe is the digital version of a tag sale.  Holstein Plaza and Eurogenes are a combination of donor listing services, live auctions and news and events.  Breeders are looking to not only market their genetics to the world, but also to join the community and list actual genetics for sale.  These three sites offer all these aspects.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

For years the knock on the internet and social media has been,”Yeah that’s great but how do I actually make money?  How do I actually sell something?  Instead of just using the internet and social media as a large megaphone, how do I use it as a sales tool?”  That is where online auction sites and dairy community sites have greatly changed the game.  No longer is it just a tool to get the latest news about your genetics out to the world but you can actually sell to the world.” Cha-ching!!

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.

Mapel Wood Baxter Bethany VG-85-2YR-CAN Her Dec ’12 Meridian daughter sold for $6,000

Top 5 Sellers

Lot 41- $6000-Benner Meridian Brooklynn (Dec ’12 Meridian x Mapel Wood Baxter Bethany VG-85 2yr x Bombi EX-92 4*)
Buyer: Plemark & Stu Riemer, MB
C0nsignor: Benner Holsteins, MB

Lot 10- $3000-MS Chassity Osmond Casi (Jan ’12 Osmond x Regancrest S Chassity EX-92 GMD 2* x Cinderella EX-92 GMD DOM 5* x Barbie EX-92 GMD 4*)
Buyer: Labass Holsteins, MB
Consignor: T&L Cattle Inc., BC

Lot 23- $3200-Harmill Oman Rose (Jun ’12 Man o Man x Harmill Armstead Roberta VG-85 x Rhythm VG-86)
Buyer: T&L Cattle Inc., BC
Consignor: Harmill Farms Ltd., MB

Lot 24- $4000- Harmill Hefty Rose (Bred Mar 2013 to Dempsey – Hefty x Harmill Kite Rolo Ex-90 2E)
Buyer: Roswitha Holsteins, MB
Consignor: Harmill Farms Ltd., MB

Lot 11- $4200- Serli Braxton Cindi (Fresh Mar 13 Braxton x Serli LOrenzo Bunny EX-90 2E x Jed Cam EX-94 3E 3*)
Buyer: T&L Cattle Inc., BC
Consignor: Fred Fornwald & Sons Farms Ltd., SK

“These multi-use pavilions will accomplish goals I identified early in my first term as County Executive – secure the long-term financial strength of the county’s Alliant Energy Center, keep our facility a multi-million dollar contributor to our local economy, and provide the kind of state of the art space that will help current and new customers call the AEC home for years to come,” said Parisi.

Early in his first term as County Executive, Parisi initiated conversations and planning regarding the future of the AEC, and prospects for the continuation of long-time staple events, like World Dairy Expo, that bring millions into the region’s economy.

As a result, Parisi developed a partnership with the state Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP), and current AEC customers, to fund an $18 million plan to replace the AEC’s existing barns with two modern, state of the art multi-use pavilions.  The state budget proposal before the legislature currently includes $9-million to fund half the cost of the project.

Should state  and county funding meet final approval, and construction proceed, the multi-use pavilions hold the potential to secure long term commitments from events like World Dairy Expo and Midwest Horse Fair.

The promise of multi-use facilities has already generated more than a dozen new contract proposals for shows that have expressed an interest in bringing their event to the AEC – hundreds of thousands in new business for the center and an influx in new tourism dollars for the local economy.

A resolution authorizing the county to award Strang Inc., the $745,000 architecture and engineering contract passed the Dane County Board’s Personnel and Finance, and Public Works and Transportation Committees this week.  The County Board is anticipated to vote their final approval at their May 2^nd meeting.

During the summer, Nicole will serve in a public relations and professional writing role. In her role she will gather articles, testimonials, round table leads and write Breeder Profiles. Nicole will also be a vital part in creating content for the Wisconsin Holstein website, monthly e-newsletters and reinvigorating the blog with regular posts. Telling the story of the Association through technical writing, social media and brainstorming new ideas will be the main focus during her internship. She will also be the primary point person for the planning and coordination of the 2013 WI Holstein Futurity in West Allis, Wis. this August. Her experience in public relations and writing will be utilized as she travels around the state meeting members and conducting interviews.

Nicole has been extremely involved on her family’s dairy, Quad-R Holsteins, where she assisted with milking, feeding, calf care and numerous other chores on the farm. She has also been active in showing registered Holsteins as a member of the Green County Jr. Holstein Association at numerous District, State and National shows.

Currently she is a Professional Writing Intern at the Educational Abroad Office at UW-Platteville where she coordinates blogs of students abroad, writes and distributes campus newsletters and assists with event planning. At the same time, Nicole also works as a student writer for the Public Relations Department drafting press releases, conducting interviews and researching stories.

Nicole is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a double major in Communication Technologies with an emphasis in Public Relations and English with an emphasis in Literature. On campus she has been named to both the Dean’s List and Chancellor’s List. She is active in the International Pal Program, Students for Education Abroad Club, Public Relations Organization and the Circle K Clubs on campus. Nicole has had the opportunity to study abroad at the University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia and plans to graduate in December of 2013.

We are excited to welcome Nicole and her talents to the team beginning May 28th, 2013.

Read more: http://holsteinworld.com/story.php?id=8753#ixzz2TBGLHHYG

At the recent Farnear Focus on the Future Sale, Alta Genetics paid $185,000 for a Massey daughter from Larcrest Case VG-86-2yr with a gTPI of +2505 (Read more: Farneer Focus on the Future Sale Averages $15,471 on 112 lots) .  While Alta Genetics owning females is not  new (Read more: Should A.I. Companies Own Females?), it does mark the resurgence of their program and certainly a significant investment by Alta Genetics probably indicating  that they are looking for new ways to control their sire procurement costs.  Of course Alta Genetics is not the only A.I. company that currently owns females.  Others, especially some of the smaller companies, have taken to owning top females in order to secure procurement of valuable and unique genetics and to differentiate their genetic offering (Read more: A Wake-Up Call To All A.I. Companies).  There are also those who have taken a very public stance against ownership of females (Read more:  Select Sires vs. Semex – A Contrast in Cooperatives).  This too may be a move to watch, as the competition for breeder-bred bulls will decrease with less competition for them from other A.I. companies.  Thus Semex and others too may start to see procurement costs subside.  Of course the market will decide just how low this price will go, as the other studs will always be watching the cost of production versus the cost of procurement.

What Has Caused This to Happen?

Since March 2013, breeders have had the ability to test their own bulls before negotiating the deal with an A.I. company.  This results in a much greater negotiating position for bull breeders.  The estimated effects of this change are as follows:

How A.I. Companies are Reacting

There are not substantial enough profit margins in the A.I. industry to support such a change in profitability.  As a result, A.I. companies are being forced to take one of the following actions:

• Increase semen price
  Since they now have greater expenses, A.I. companies will be forced to increase price.  As demonstrated in many other industries, the market will not respond favorably to this and ultimately will drive prices back down.
  END RESULT: No change
• Cap contracts
  So if A.I. companies cannot increase revenues they will have to try and cut their costs.  The procurement of sires will become the major expense they will look to control.  One way to do this will be to cap bull contracts.  However, as the NHL has shown us, even if A.I.  could introduce a cap, some members will break that rule and other breeders will not stand for it. 
  END RESULT: No change
• Produce their own product line
  If A.I. companies cannot buy the bulls at a cheaper price, then they will have to go out and buy females and produce their own product.  This will lead to cheaper acquisition costs.  A.I. companies can now buy the females for $50,000 to $250,000 and only need to have that female produce one son.  That will still be cheaper than leasing the son on an open lease.  This also allows them to have greater control of their bloodlines, accelerate their genetic advancement and develop their own distinctive product.
  END RESULT: Cheaper product development costs and a distinctive product.

What does this mean to YOU the average seed stock producer?

For the initial stage, which we are currently in, as A.I. companies buy into the female side, prices will rise.  Once they have the base genetics, they will not need to buy any more and they will stop buying.  Also currently we see top genetic breeding programs investing more in the top .1% of the genetics market.  The money for this is not coming as much from the female side as it is from the current or future revenue potential of semen lease deals.  The problem is that these bull breeders will be out of the market, as more and more A.I. companies STOP leasing from them, because they are now producing their own genetics.

With A.I. companies starting to own more of the top genetics, especially in the health and fertility and polled bloodlines( an area the market is heading to in the future) this will leave the seed stock breeder with a product or cattle that do not top the lists like they used to.  Also, now the A.I. companies will not release their new high genomic sires until they have mated them on all their own females first.  This will give A.I. companies a substantial advantage in generating list toppers.  Bull breeders, on the other hand, will not have the lease deals that they currently enjoy, so they will not have the same revenues from the sale of high index animals.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Nobody likes to be told “I Told You So” and the reason I bring this up is not to do that, but rather to open the eyes of breeders to what is happening and what the future still holds.  While there will always be a seed stock business selling females to other breeders, as the bull market continues to change, so will the prices for the top genomic females.  You will continue to see a spike for a few years, while the genetics companies stock up on top genetics.  However, after that, you will start to see prices drastically decline.  Your best course of action would be to ride the wave while it lasts, and then plan on all future sales/revenue (3-4 years from now) to start to be from females only, with only a very small, select group of sires being contracted by A.I. companies in the future.

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.

Larcrest Case-ETS VG-86-2YR VG-MS
Her Massey daughter with a gTPI of +2505 sold to Alta Genetics for $185,000

High seller so far at $185,000 is Lot 55 – Farnear-TBR-BH Case Caite-ET, a 3/13 Massey at +2505 GTPI from the Cosmopolitan family
Buyer: Alta Genetics

More high sellers on the day:
Lot 28 – 121,000 – Farnear-TBR-BH Vickie-ET, a 11/12 Supersire at +2527 GTPI out of Vision-Gen Sh Sho A1207-ET (VG-87) from the Chief Adeens.
Buyer: Select Genetics, IN

Lot 75 – $109,000 – Farnear-TBR-BH Fantasy-ET, a 3/13 McCutchen at +2521 GTPI +3.13T out of Opsal Planet Fame-ET (VG-86), then five EX dams.
Buyer: Dennis Caudil, IN

Lot 100 – $98,000 – Farnear-TBR-BH Georgia-ET, a 11/12 McCutchen at +2509 GTPI out of B-Enterprise Super Gigi (VG-86), from the ‘G’ family at Brigeen
Buyer: Select Genetics, IN

Lot 101 – $94,000 – Farnear-TBR-BH Gorgeous-ET, a 11/12 Supersire at +2441 GTPI out of B-Enterprise Super Gigi (VG-86), then six more VG & EX dams

Lot 23A – $87,000 – Ms Delicious Night To Be-ET, a 1/13 Numero Uno at +2522 GTPI +3.01T out of Miss OCD Robst Delicious-ET (GTPI +2511) from the Zip family.
Buyer: Mike Bossom

Lot 31 – $81,000 – Farnear-TBR-BH Varsiity-ET,  a 11/12 Supersire at +2527 GTPI out of Vision-Gen Sh Sho A1207-ET (VG-87)
Buyer: Select Genetics & Jeff Butler, IN & IL

Lot 14 – $79,000 – Ms Farnear-TBR Uno Amanda-ET, a 9/12 Numero Uno at +2478 GTPI out of a VG-86 Destry daughter of Apple – the highest GTPI Apple descendant to date
Buyer: Morsan Farms

Lot 30 – $65,000 – Farnear-TBR-BH Valour-ET,  a 12/12 Supersire at +2527 GTPI out of Vision-Gen Sh Sho A1207-ET (VG-87)
Buyer: Jeff Butler, IL

Lot 89 – $64,000 – Farnear Ellie Elsa-ET, a 3/13 Supersire at +2527 GTPI out of Morningview Super Ellie (VG-85), then nine VG & EX dams from the Lead Maes.

Lot 76A – $60,000 – 1st choice Colt 45 from Bomaz Iota 5423-ET *PO (GTPI +2197), a guaranteed polled and possible Homozygous polled heifer

Joseph Charles isn’t your average five-year-old. More than 120 days of Charles’ young life have been spent in a hospital after being diagnosed three years ago with Neuroblastoma.

KSDK NewsClick the photo above to see a slideshow of pictures from Charles’ day on the farm.Amid the darker days of chemo, surgeries, and radiation, the Make-A-Wish foundation jumped into action to give Charles a day he would never forget.

For Charles, his Make-A-Wish request wasn’t to visit Disney World or a Justin Bieber concept. Instead, Charles opted for a different destination – a farm, according to KSDK News.

“This is the most amazing wish I’ve come across,” added Stephanie Hampton-Boeglin, Director of Mission Delivery for Make-A-Wish Missouri.

Charles was sent to Waterloo, Ill., for his day as a farmer. At a local farm, Charles was involved in everything from collecting eggs to planting fields. During a stage coach ride around the city, hundreds of students from the area lined the streets to welcome the special quest.

Watch the video for the full story or click here to read more. 

Olson is currently the dairy advertising coordinator at Accelerated Genetics in Baraboo. A native of the Fond du Lac area, Kristin grew up showing dairy cattle with her family’s Holstein and Jersey farm. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she majored in life sciences communications.

While in school, Olson held leadership roles in the Association of Women in Agriculture, Badger Dairy Club and the National Agri-Marketing Association. She was the Fond du Lac County Fairest of the  Fair in 2007. And in 2009, Kristin was honored as the Wisconsin Holstein Outstanding Girl and was a National Holstein Distinguished Junior Member Semi-Finalist.

“Having been born into Wisconsin’s agricultural industry, I have truly been blessed,” Olson after her name was called. “It is an honor to share my knowledge of agriculture with others, in hopes that they become more aware of the impact that this $59 billion industry has on their daily lives.”

Other finalists in the running during the competition were Beth Babcock, Wisconsin Dells; Marie Mahaney, Milwaukee; and Tammy Wiedenbeck, Lancaster. Green Bay Farm Broadcaster Mike Austin of  WTAQ Radio served as master of ceremonies.

Meanwhile, Out-Going Alice, Rochelle Ripp of Lodi, said the opportunity of serving as ‘Alice’ has been an honor of a lifetime.

“As I reflect on my year, I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to have met and shared the positive impact of agriculture with thousands of people at the hundreds of events I have attended all in one  incredible year,” Rochelle said. “There are countless memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.  I look forward to a lifelong career of promoting and giving back to this amazing agriculture community, where  my roots run deep.”

And before giving up her title, Ripp presented the ’2013 Friend of Alice Award’ to Diana Normand of WSAW-TV in Wausau.

Also in the crowd on Friday were some former Alices, including: Mary Ellen (Jenks) Jordal (1953-54), Laura (Oldenberg) Drendel (1978-79), Dorothy Farrell (1982-83), Angela (Corbin) Tuthill (1993-94),  Jolynne (Nagel) Schroepher (1995-96), Courtney (Ott) Booth (1997-98), Jennifer (Hasler) Meyer (1998-99), Sheri (Holt) Hicken (2001-02), Natalie (Parmentier) Killion (2003-04), Betsy Francoeur  (2004-05), Jill Makovec (2007-08) Ashley (Huibregtse) Andre (2008-09), Cheryl O’Brien (2009-10), Christine Lindner (2010-11), and Katie Wirkus (2011-12).

Kristin officially begins her duties as Alice on June 3. Until then, Rochelle will continue to make appearances at various events as her successor goes through a brief training process.

Calumet County is a major ag employer, as nearly 4,100 people work in the industry–about 19-percent of the area’s overall workforce. Agriculture accounts for $1.17 billions in total business for the county  each year.

Next year, the Alice in Dairyland finals will be held in Clark County on May 15-17, 2014.

Source: Wisconsin Ag Connection

If you have any upcoming sales, sale reports or private member sales to be added, please send the following details to feedback@holstein-uk.org

- Your name, prefix, club, email address and contact phone number that can be used on the advert
- The animal name, eartag, HBN & date of birth (or link to its Holstein UK factsheet)
- If it is embryos that you are selling, please provide donor and sire information
- Any further information e.g.- pictures, herd website link, number and grade of embryos.

The new Sales Centre will be launched next week, so please send in any sales that you may have ready for its launch. In the future, we aim to allow users to update the sales directly themselves, but we will be managing it ourselves to start with.

Please note that this new service is not open to commercial companies and it is for members only.

Wings Park Elementary in Oelwein, Iowa, was awarded the contest’s grand prize, including a visit from a pro football alumni player, a $2,500 cash donation from the GENYOUth Foundation, and pro football player-signed merchandise for their school and chosen hero. The prize was awarded for their video creation about a “cheesy” meal or snack that celebrates a local hero. Former Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker, Matt Blair #59, is visiting the school today (Friday, May 10).

The following runner-up schools from Iowa will receive prizes including supplies of reduced-fat cheese – courtesy of Land O’ Lakes – and Fuel Up to Play 60 merchandise:

2nd place: Williamsburg Jr./Sr. High School – Williamsburg, Iowa
3rd place: Newell-Fonda – Newell, Iowa
4th place: Ireton Christian School – Ireton, Iowa
5th place: Anson Elementary – Marshalltown, Iowa
6th & 7th place: Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School – Waverly, Iowa
“Our goal was to give students an opportunity to learn about healthier snack options they can create at home or in school,” says Melissa Young, health and wellness director for Midwest Dairy Council. “This challenge allowed students and staff to work together to create a special event featuring a healthy menu, while recognizing a hero in their local community.

“Hero’s Cheesy Challenge Celebration” was created through a partnership between the Midwest Dairy Council and Land O’ Lakes to reward Fuel Up to Play 60-enrolled Iowa schools for engaging in healthy eating and physical activity behaviors.

Knowledge and energy alone would not necessarily make Simmons a successful leader on the global stage; however, he is also able to transfer his personal passion into communicating effectively to a variety of audiences. As one colleague noted, “Simmons has that special ability to put the multiple complex issues involved in confronting hunger and the critical role of science in that process in terms that are not only understandable but inspiring.”

Established in 1986 by CAST, the annual award goes to a specialist who communicates the importance of food and agricultural science to the public, policymakers, and the news media. Simmons’ noted ability to communicate credible scientific information has made him a respected expert in his field and a popular speaker at agriculture and science events.

Simmons began developing his passion for food security as an ag student and FFA member in New York where he gathered experience and awards at an early age. After studying marketing and agricultural economics at Cornell, he joined Elanco, and his abilities led to leadership roles for the company in Brazil and Europe. During the ensuing years, he has built a reputation for his writing, speaking, and organizing expertise. His international experience gave him broad perspectives on food and agriculture, and he has published two white papers on the problems of global hunger. Simmons supports many groups ranging from Gleaners Food Bank to Heifer International, and he has traveled worldwide in an effort to make food security a reality for all.

One nominator sums up Simmons’ impact this way: “Jeff’s affable personality and warmth balance his dynamic energy, intellectualism, and excitement when talking about our food future, so the message is readily received. Jeff can distill data and present it so that it is easily understandable, garnering confidence and trust in the premise conveyed.”

Diverse audiences benefit from Simmons’ insights because he has a clear message and an ability to bring statistics and research into focus. He addresses groups that include senior business executives, government officials, research scientists, and 4-H or FFA members. Simmons gets his point across whether he is working face-to-face, on YouTube, or through Twitter (@JeffSimmons2050). In the modern world of agriculture, he is an inspiring communicator and a worthy recipient of the 2013 Borlaug CAST Communication Award.

An award presentation will occur at a breakfast cohosted by DuPont and CAST as a side event at the World Food Prize Symposium on October 16, 2013, in Des Moines, Iowa. The Borlaug CAST Communication Award honors the legacies of Nobel Prize winner Dr. Norman Borlaug and Dr. Charles A. Black, the first president of CAST.

• DECRAUSAZ IRON O’KALIBRA: Simply the Best
• HOMETOWN JERSEYS: Against All Odds
• Who’s to Blame? Why is there a lack of accountability in the Dairy Genetics Marketplace
• EXIT HERE! It`s Your Cull
• What Is Your Opinion?

News Stories

• Massive Dairy Farm Fire Kills More than 100 Cows
• Duckett Celebration Sale III Results
• Semex’s Windbrook Passes Away
• Lessons From The Family Cow: Raw milk always a risk
• A New EX-96 at Ferme Blondin
• Great Classification Results at Butlerview
• Top 500 New gLPI Females for May 2013
• Top 200 New Genomic Females for May 2013
• First Time Excellent Cows in the USA over the past 30 days
• New and Multiple EX Cows in Canada April 2013
• New VG 87+ 2yr olds in Canada for April 2013
• New VG 87+ 2yr olds in the USA for the past 30 days

“I recently ordered semen online through Jetstream Genetics, and found it easy and efficient to use and maneuver through the ordering process. Everything was very clear and simple to understand and handled in a   professional manner,” shares Dwight Rokey of Rokeyroad Holsteins, Sabetha, Kan.

Additional bulls that recently joined the online order catalog include an outcross Shamrock son from the popular Barbie family – 534HO00016 BANK, the fancy RC Goldwyn son from Licorice EX95 – 534HO00018 LOTUS, and the +3.73 Type Snowman son from the Roxy family – 534HO00017 DELTA. They join headliners 534HO00008 COLT 45 RC PO, the Cash brothers – 534HO00009 CASHMONEY and 534HO00010 CASHCOIN, as well as a select group of additional sire opportunities.

“Jetstream Genetics is the real deal. The online ordering system is easy to use. The semen is shipped out and at your door before you know it. I placed my order and was quite surprised when the semen tank arrived two days later. The Jetstream tanks arrived quickly and they’re beautiful tanks! I’ve ordered both CASHMONEY and CASHCOIN already,” shares Nick Mitteer, Farm Manager at Country Dairy, New Era, Mich.

Online orders have shipped all across the U.S., to valued customers in Michigan, California, New York, Kansas, Maryland, Ohio, Iowa, Illinois, Idaho, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.

Online ordering of Jetstream sires is fast, easy and secure, delivered direct to the farm. Receive most shipments within two business days. To take advantage of these outstanding genetic opportunities, go to www.jetstreamgenetics.com. (Online orders available only in the U.S.)

Jetstream distributors worldwide are also ready to serve. For a copy of the latest sire portfolio, email info@jetstreamgenetics.com.

Subclincal hypocalcemia is an under-recognized disease, according to Dr. Brian Miller, Professional Services Veterinarian with Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. “Hypocalcemia is a gateway or connector disease,” he says. “It is linked to almost every disease we face around the time of calving.”

Low calcium levels in the blood can also increase the risk of injuries due to falling and slipping. Low blood calcium levels also have a blocking effect on immune function and increase the risk of mastitis, retained placenta, metritis and pneumonia.

With or without clinical signs, calcium is essential for all muscle and nerve function in the dairy cow — particularly functions that support skeletal muscle strength and gastrointestinal motility. Problems in either of these areas can trigger a cascade of negative events that ultimately reduce dry-matter intake, increase metabolic diseases and decrease milk yield.2

Clinical hypocalcemia is defined as low blood calcium without obvious signs; animals having it often go unrecognized on a dairy. “Typically, these cows are up and wobbly, may be quivering, are off feed, and have reduced rumen motility,” Dr. Miller says. “Milk losses can be substantial, with clinical milk fever cases resulting in a 14 percent loss of milk production in the subsequent lactation. Animals affected by subclinical hypocalcemia can experience a 2 to 7 percent decrease.”

BOVIKALC: Supplementing calcium when she needs it most

Intravenous (I.V.) calcium is necessary for cows that have become recumbent due to milk fever. To reduce the risk for hypocalcemic relapse, oral calcium is indicated following successful I.V. calcium treatment. Administer one oral supplement once the cow is standing, alert and able to swallow, followed by a second oral supplement about 12 hours later. Intravenous calcium is not recommended for cows that are still standing.

Because most cases of subclinical hypocalcemia go undetected on a dairy, an intentional strategy for oral calcium supplementation is cost-effective due to increased milk yield in supplemented cows. Most second- and greater-lactation cows should be given an oral dose at the time of calving and a second dose about 12 hours later.

BOVIKALC is an oral calcium supplement that is a combination of calcium chloride and calcium sulfate delivered in a fat-coated bolus. Dr. Miller explains that one of the biggest advantages of the product is the combination of two types of calcium it provides. “BOVIKALC gives cows rapidly available calcium, calcium chloride and a sustained-release form of calcium, calcium sulfate,” he adds.

Miller also reminds producers and veterinarians that, for cows, BOVIKALC doesn’t create an unpleasant taste like other calcium supplements. “This encapsulated version of calcium salts has the advantage of not having an unpleasant taste to the cow,” he says. “There’s little or no waste of the oral formulation, no risk for aspiration pneumonia, and a longer release of the oral calcium.”

To learn more about BOVIKALC, contact your herd veterinarian or local
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. representative. For more information, please visit www.bi-vetmedica.com.

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (St. Joseph, MO) is a subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation, based in Ridgefield, CT, and a member of the Boehringer Ingelheim group of companies.

1Oetzel GR. Monitoring and testing dairy herds for metabolic disease. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2004;20(3):651–674.

2Oetzel GR. Non-infectious diseases: Milk fever. Encyclopedia of Dairy Sciences Vol. 2. Eds. Fuquay JW, Fox PF, McSweeney PLH. San Diego: Academic Press, 2011;239–245.

This past summer N stayed in the soil profile longer due to little precipitation. For those with below trend line yields that applied N for trend line or higher yields in the spring of 2012, much of the N was still in the soil last fall.

According to DuPont Pioneer agronomists, the soil N “carried over” could be a great benefit for the corn crop in June. However, as growers continue to receive precipitation, the likelihood of that happening is getting smaller. Spring storms will likely leech the N out of the soil before the plants use it.

While N fertilizers such as anhydrous ammonia, urea and urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN) exist in various forms, the basics of nitrogen availability still apply. Stable ammonium (NH4+) forms are gradually broken down into highly soil mobile nitrate (NO3-) that readily leeches out of the soil profile. This break down process is known as nitrification. Nitrification generally occurs at soil temperatures above 50 degrees, and increases as temperatures rise above this level.

Nitrification inhibitors such as nitrapyrin and DCD (dicyandiamide) are compounds that slow the conversion of ammonium to nitrate and have proven effective for this purpose.

For more information related to soil nitrogen, including tips for managing nitrogen>, contact your Pioneer sales professional or visit www.pioneer.com.

T-Triple-T Dundee Paige
Nominated All-American Aged cow 2011 is now up for EX96!
She is just fresh 40 days!

Triple-T Holsteins have lots of exciting news to share:

• T-Triple-T Dundee Paige – Nom All-American Aged cow 2011 is now up for EX96! She is just fresh 40 days!
• Starmark Ad Hotstuff-Red-ET – grand champ rw 2013 ny spring show & and Res Grand Champ 2012 Grand International RW Show is now up for EX95!
• Smith-Oak Glwyn Mint-ET – just shy of 5 yrs of age is now EX94
• Ms Trplt Rock of Love-Red-ET now EX93
• Km&Ew Goldwyn Smarty Rae-ET now EX93
• Lovhill Goldwyn Katrysha – 2nd 4 yr old 2013 Ny Spring Show is maxed at EX92!
• Androscoggin-I Redlight-Red – Res grand Champ 2012 Ny RW Spring Show went EX92 just 12 days fresh! Shows in the 4-yr-old class this year!
• Lylehaven Phantom – Damion 4-yr-old just fresh 35 days went EX91
• T-Triple-T-I Durham Poppi – (Durham x Gold Prize) a jr 3-yr-old for 2013 scored EX90 just a month fresh!
• Rocky-Mount Sanchez Finesse- 3rd Jr 3 at Ny spring show went VG89-1st lact!
• T-Triple-T Platinum-ET – a fancy Sr 2-Yr-old just fresh 40 days went VG88
• They also had 3 more VG 2-Yr-Olds!

They would also like to thank their partners and a special thank you to Michael Heath for helping on classification day and Joe Nash for clipping!  To learn more check out their Facebook page.

Two Way Conversation

Since starting the Bullvine there is no question we have not been short on stating our own opinions.  We have dealt with issues “too touchy” for the others to even think about covering (Read more: Select Sires vs. Semex – A contrast in cooperatives, Empty Chairs At Empty Tables, Lance Armstrong, Drugs and the Dairy Industry, The Hot House Effect on Sire Sampling, Rumors, Lies, and Other Stuff Salesmen Will Tell You What Happens If Genomics Doesn’t Work and Reality Check – Who Is Really Controlling The Dairy Breeding Industry).   We have also certainly posted who we think are the greatest animals, sires and breeders of all time (Read more: Top 10 Most Influential Holstein Breeders of All-Time, 7 Sires To Use In Order To Breed The Next World Dairy Expo Champion,  and Who’s Next? World Dairy Expo Holstein Show and many other mating recommendations).

The thing that makes The Bullvine different from all the rest is that we have also made this a two-way conversation.  We have run many contests and polls asking the dairy community for their opinion on different issues.  Highlighting this was the 2012 Breeders’ Choice Awards (Read more:  Vote for the 2012 Breeder’s Choice Awards, The 2012 Breeder’s Choice Awards – The Tanbark Trail Edition and The Winners of the 2012 Breeder’s Choice Awards Are).

Then there are the daily conversations that we have on the different social media platforms.  Instead of locking down what is being said, or worrying about the legal ramifications of comments made by breeders, we have actually encouraged dairy breeders to express their opinion.  Our number #1 goal here at The Bullvine is not to control the industry like some other publications try to do.  Our goal is to make breeders think and to get breeders talking.  Yes we want to know your opinion.  Yes we want you to feel you have the right to express it … Even if we don’t agree with it.

Bring It On!

An interesting thing has happened over the past few months.  The Bullvine has gone from the hunter to the hunted.  When we first started The Bullvine we were the hunter.  We were the ones gunning for the bigger publications with the larger readerships.  But now that has all changed.  We are now the ones with the largest daily digital dairy readership and we find ourselves in the cross hairs.  We listen.  We learn.  We share.  Now everybody is shooting for The Bullvine and that’s just the way we like it.

Our very first post on The Bullvine clearly laid out how we were going to be different and how we thought others were missing the boat (Read more: Twice The Bull – Half the S**T).  But we didn’t stop there.  We continued to highlight things we felt relevant along the way.  Including how other dairy magazines are old school (Read more: How Social Media Is Changing the Holstein World) and how our readership is more engaged and larger than the others (Read more:  The Fakebook – Our Secret Is Exposed).  So it’s only fair that when the others start gunning for us that we accept and deal with it.

Gandhi once said “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win!”  A pattern we have seen perfectly since starting The Bullvine.  When we first started many ignored us.  After a little while they started to laugh at us.  And now more recently they have started to fight us.  We surmise that we are starting to take the next step.  (Read more:  I’m Sorry But I’ve Had Just About Enough Of….)

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Who are we to be very opinionated and then not let others express their opinion?  If we tried to control what others say, it would make us hypocrites.  What makes the dairy industry so amazing is that everyone is so passionate about what we do, and we all have our own opinion.  So please share your opinion.  What issues would YOU like to target?  Take aim.  It’s good for all of us.

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The showmanship contest will be judged by world-class dairy show people including Jenn Hill, Terri Packard and Michael Heath, all from Maryland and David Dyment from Ontario and Alta Mae Core from Kentucky.   The judges have shown and judged at the largest and most prestigious shows in the world.

Each contestant will receive individual attention from the judges and each of the judges will be available to answer any questions concerning selection, care and showmanship.  Contestants need only to bring a calf size show halter and their white clothes.

Registration runs from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday morning, May 25th.  All events will be at the Fayette County Fairgrounds in West Union, Iowa.

One of the coolest springs on records has delayed most producers across the Midwest from getting in the field. Typically, 42 percent of the corn in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois is planted by the first week in May. This year, only 5 percent of the planting had occurred by May 3.

Despite the delay in planting, Joe Speich, an agronomist for Landmark Services Cooperatives, says growers can still position themselves for a successful growing season.

“There’s still time to get the crop in the ground,” he says. “A successful start impacts the entire growing season, so it’s best to focus on the essentials rather than rushing planting.”

Essential variables of planting include: soil temperatures and conditions, ambient temperatures and rainfall. These conditions should be monitored and forecasted as the first 48 hours after planting are the most critical for corn seedling growth.

Successful corn planting is a combination of these conditions and timing. Planting too early in cool or wet conditions can cause seedling damage; however, if planting occurs after May 20 in the Midwest, it is estimated that 1 to 2 bushels per acre per day will be lost due to a shortened growing season.

“No matter the timing, we first need to get the stands started and healthy,” Speich says. “We need to make sure we plant the crop right the first time, because we can’t fix it after it’s gone in the ground.”

Here are five rules from the Landmark Agronomy team on providing the best start to the corn crop:

1. Wait until soil temperature reaches 50 degrees F. 
Planting corn in soil that is too cold can impact early seedling development. Speich says the optimal soil for corn planting is 50 degrees F because the warmth helps foster seedling growth.

2. Plant corn when average daily high temperatures reach 60 to 70 degrees F and overnight temperatures are in the mid-50 degree F temperature range for an extended period of time. 
With the delayed spring in the Midwest, temperatures have not reached this level for an extended period of time, meaning that soil temperatures have not reached the needed temperature. Watch the forecast for an extended period of warm temperatures before planting. Cold weather following planting can cause damage to seedlings by cooling the soil.

3. Do not plant before expected rainfall. 
Cold water can damage seedlings and reduce yields from the start. The most critical period of the growing season is the 48 hours following planting.

“If more than 1 inch of cold rain happens after planting, we can predict about a 20 percent stand loss just from the cold weather of the rain,” Speich says. “Once the cold water gets into the seedling, it causes cracking and infections of the cells. Look for a constant, warm 60 to 70 degree period with no major rain in the forecast; that’s a safe time to be planting corn.”

4. Be observant of soil conditions. 
Moisture levels in the soil impact seedling growth. Plant corn in saturated soil can be problematic.

“If soil is muddy, you can start seeing sidewall compaction caused by the corn planter,” Speich says. “This can cause a delay in root development in corn. To help ensure a better yield, be conscious on how wet the fields are and do not try to rush them. Letting the field dry out for an additional day will pay dividends in the fall.”

As a general rule, if the soil sticks to the depth-gauge wheel on the corn planter, the soil is too wet for corn planting.

5. Work with an agronomist to create a planting plan. 
Fertilizers, growth regulators, planter box treatments and other additives can help promote early corn stand growth. Agronomists can determine a plan that works best for the field and the goals of the operation.

“Rely on a trusted agronomist for recommendations,” Speich says. “Each farm is different; an agronomist can help you determine which products, planting time and programs are best for you.”

For more information on spring corn planting, contact Joe Speich at (608) 751-4707 orJoseph.Speich@landmark.coop or visit www.landmark.coop .

Landmark Services Cooperative is a member-owned cooperative business dedicated to providing both rural and urban customers the highest quality products and services. For more than 80 years, Landmark has been providing agronomy, energy, animal nutrition, grain, retail and transportation products and services to its more than 15,000 members in South Central Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. Employing nearly 500 people in rural areas and reaching sales in excess of $570 million, Landmark provides the benefits of volume buying and access to state-of-the-art technology to its members while maintaining a hands-on, customer service-oriented approach in each of the communities we serve. For more information, visit www.landmark.coop or call 1-800-236-3276.

Another TV station takes on HSUS deception

WZTV Fox 17 in Nashville, Tenn., reports that the Dickson County Humane Society receives no money from the Humane Society of the United States, despite desperate need.

According to WZTV, the Dickson County Humane Society, located west of Nashville, occupies two make-shift buildings that are falling apart ― and the roof is leaking.

The National HSUS, meanwhile, is flush with cash.

“We checked the HSUS tax records Form 990. It shows the non-profit took in over $133 million in donations last year,” WZTV said. “Of that, $6 million went to local shelters. We found of that money HSUS gave only about $1,000 back to local shelters in Tennessee and $0 went to shelters in Kentucky in 2011.”

The CEO of the Humane Society of the United States declined an interview, the station said.

Read more and see the actual WZTV broadcast here.

This is not the first time a TV station has tackled the issue. People give money to the HSUS thinking their donations will help local animal shelters, but only a small percentage ever makes it to the shelters.

In 2009, an Atlanta, Ga., TV station reported on this. The broadcast was later pulled off YouTube but re-appeared on an Iranian video-sharing site. To see that broadcast, click here.

Also, read “HSUS continues to deceive the public.”

Source: Dairy Herd Network

The letter, which can be found online, said that dairy producers need “a financially-sound risk management program to help farmers better manage margin volatility,” noting that the economic conditions that led to the development of the DSA after the dairy depression in 2009 – low milk prices and high feed costs generating terrible margins – were experienced again by America’s dairy farmers last year, when feed costs soared to record levels as milk prices dropped.

The coalition’s letter – signed by 52 separate organizations – urged House members to oppose a competing proposal to be offered by Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and David Scott (D-GA), the “Dairy Freedom Act,” because it would weaken the safety net for farmers in order to benefit dairy processors. The Dairy Freedom Act strips out the market stabilization component from the DSA.

The letter says that “Without the discipline offered by market stabilization, low milk prices will continue for longer periods. This is detrimental to farmers. Low milk prices will lead to more government outlays. This is detrimental to taxpayers. The Dairy Freedom Act is supported by processors precisely because it offers them the prospect of lower milk prices, subsidized by government insurance payments. This scenario is not sustainable. Free margin insurance alone is a costly ruse.”

The farm groups assert that “Market stabilization sends a clear signal to farmers participating in this program that a bit less milk is needed. Not only does this hasten a rebound in low-margin situations, it reduces the cost of the program to the government.”

The joint letter points out that “The real threat to the growth of our domestic dairy industry is not a market stabilization program that will only rarely activate; it’s the further damage to our dairy producer sector that would result from an ill-conceived processors’ dream plan to assure themselves a sea of taxpayer-subsidized milk.” Also, the letter notes, the DSA is “a voluntary approach to risk management, which offers producers the choice to participate.”

“The U.S. dairy industry is demonstrating a level of unity and support for the Dairy Security Act that is unprecedented for our industry. These organizations share the belief that the status quo is not an option for our future, and we stand united behind the Dairy Security Act as a rare opportunity for the dairy industry to collectively support reasonable, financially-sound changes to our Federal policies,” said the letter.

The following groups signed onto the letter: Agri-Mark, Alabama Dairy Producers, Arkansas Dairy Cooperative Association, Associated Milk Producers Inc., Colorado Dairy Farmers, Continental Dairy Products, Inc., Cooperative Milk Producers Association, Dairy Farmers of America, Dairy Farmers Working Together, Dairy Producers of New Mexico, Dairy Producers of Utah, Dairylea Cooperative Inc., Dairymen’s Marketing Cooperative, Inc., Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Farmers Cooperative Creamery, FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative, First District Association, Foremost Farms USA, Holstein Association USA, Inc., Idaho Dairymen’s Association, Iowa State Dairy Association, Kansas Dairy Association, Land O’Lakes, Lone Star Milk Producers, Maryland Dairy Industry Association, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Coop. Assoc., Michigan Milk Producers Association, Midwest Dairy Coalition, Mid-West Dairymen’s Company, Milk Producers Council, Missouri Dairy Association, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Farmers Organization, National Milk Producers Federation, North Carolina Dairy Producers Association, Northeast Dairy Farmers Cooperatives, Northwest Dairy Association, Oregon Dairy Farmers Association, Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc., Premier Milk Inc., Scioto County Cooperative Milk Producers’ Association, Select Milk Producers, Inc., South Carolina Dairy Association, South Dakota Dairy Producers, St. Albans Cooperative Creamery, Swiss Valley Farms Company, Tillamook County Creamery Association, United Dairymen of Arizona, Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc., Virginia State Dairymen’s Association, Washington State Dairy Federation, and Zia Milk Producers, Inc.

The National Milk Producers Federation, based in Arlington, VA, develops and carries out policies that advance the well-being of dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. The members of NMPF’s 30 cooperatives produce the majority of the U.S. milk supply, making NMPF the voice of more than 32,000 dairy producers on Capitol Hill and with government agencies. Visitwww.nmpf.org for more information.

The letter sent to the House Ag Committee can be found here.

More information on the Dairy Security Act can be found here.

Source: National Milk Producers Federation

Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra
Grand Champion 2013 All European Championship

O’Kalibra “Where the Wins Keep Flowing Like Champagne”

The speculation about her winning ways that started when O’Kalibra won Honorable Mention, Reserve Best Udder and 1st place at Lausanne in 2011.  Two months later she again took 1st place and Reserve Grand Champion at Expo Bulle.  She continued to develop and in 2012 won Supreme Champion at Swiss Expo at Lausanne which fueled even more speculation about how she would compare with the Hailey cow, Supreme Champion at the 2012 Canadian Royal Winter Fair and 2012 World Dairy Expo ((Read more: World Dairy Expo 2012 Holstein Show – A battle for the ages and The 2012 Royal Winter Fair Holstein Show – One of the greatest stories ever told!).  In 2013 she rose even higher in the ranks placing Grand and Supreme Champion at Swiss Expo and observers enthused. (Read more: 2013 Swiss Expo Holstein Show Results) “O’Kalibra from Switzerland was crowned Supreme Champion at the All European Holstein Show in one of the finest displays of black and white cattle ever gathered at one location.” There are many who are now prepared to crown her “the best in the world”. (Read more: Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra Wins Grand at the 2013 All European Championship and The All European Championship Show: The Greatest Show On Earth)

Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra – Mammary Photo from All European Championship Show 2013

Where is O’Kalibra Now?

At a cattle show in the Switzerland she stood out for Edwin Steiner, GS Alliance (Buerglen Switzerland) who bought her almost dry as a 2 year old. When she was fresh as a 4 year old a share was sold to Pat Conroy (Indiana USA). GS Alliance started with a predominantly Brown Swiss herd. Currently GS is 60% Holstein, 20% Red and White and 20% Swiss. To fulfill their goals of providing buyers with varied top quality breeding, they seek out exceptional cattle. Edwin explains, “Additions made to our herd are either show cows or bull dams and we invest in individuals with a deep pedigree. This way we seek to develop cows that satisfy every breeder.” Pat Conroy who partnered in the purchase of O’Kalibra, who still resides in Switzerland, adds to the story.  “We bought her when she was fresh and for Edwin and I, it was her massive frame, wide chest, and high quality udder that caught our attention. It was only a bonus that she had a pedigree that made her marketable outside the show ring.”

Decrausaz Iron O’ Kalibra *RC EX-94-SW (3rd Lactation Photo)
Grand Champion Swiss Expo 2013
Grand Champion Swiss Expo 2012
Res. Grand Champion Expo Bulle 2011
Hon. Mention Grand Champion Swiss Expo 2011
Res. Grand Udder Champion Swiss Expo 2011

And the Best Just Keeps Getting Better

Although not a common sire stack, O’Kalibra is backed by well proven sires. Her sire Boss Iron (Bookie x Chief Mark) was proven over a decade ago in Italy. He has many strengths, including high daughter fertility, fat percent, daughter calving ability, somatic cell score and productive life.  This easily makes him the kind of sire many breeders look for today. Beyond Iron her sire stack goes to Integrity (Blackstar x Chief Mark) who is known for his deep bodied show type daughters.  After that her sires are Milestone, Factor and Astre. Definitely the inclusion of Chief Mark twice in her sire stack is well expressed in O’Kalibra’s dairy strength and overall style.

Decrausaz Iron O’ Kalibra *RC EX-94-SW (4th Lactation Photo)
Grand Champion Swiss Expo 2013
Grand Champion Swiss Expo 2012
Res. Grand Champion Expo Bulle 2011
Hon. Mention Grand Champion Swiss Expo 2011
Res. Grand Udder Champion Swiss Expo 2011

Five Generations Makes O’Kalibra Special

O’Kalibra traces back five generations to Cloverlands Skylar Cherry Red 11 Stars and two Superior Production records made famous by Granduc Holsteins, Quebec, Canada.  Her fourth dam Granduc Carla Astre  9 Stars was one of three outstanding Astres from Cherry. Her third dam was a Milestone embryo sold by Lystel Holsteins to David Clark, UK.  Originating from this same famous cows family are Dudoc Mr Burns (Thunder x Storm X Astre x Cherry) GLPI 1715 popular also as  red carrier and Granduc Tribute a full brother to Mr Burns’ Storm grandma who is 4Stars with three Superior Production lactations.  Her owners feel there are even more ways that she is special. Edwin proudly points out that “O’Kalibra has the build for longevity and a pedigree to go along with it. She is an extremely good day to day cow. She is the kind of cow that can look after herself, and never has a bad day. In addition to that, she milks like crazy.”

GRANDUC CARLA ASTRE

O’Kalibra Is An Excellent Swiss Hitter

O’Kalibra recently has been nominated for Excellent 96 and will see the panel next week. Her outstanding parts are Mammary and Frame.  Not far behind those top areas are great scores for Rump and Legs. She has fulfilled the predictions of many that she would move beyond 94.

First calving at 2 years 2 months, in305 days O’Kalibra produced a respectable 9166 kgs, 3.6 % fat and 3.3% protein. Her best record in 305 days was as a four year old: 14,247 kgs., 4.0% fat and 2.9% protein. Great production runs in her pedigree with her dam producing 13,372 kgs as a four year old.  Her grand dam produced 14,217 kgs as a seven year old. It goes all the way back to her fifth dam who produced 17,621 kgs as a three year old.

You’re Doing Fine O’Kalibra

Pat Conroy is happy with O’Kalibra. “We have sold a Sid daughter to a guy in Australia, a Sid bull to Select Star in Switzerland, an Acme son to Swiss Genetics, a Red Destry son to Swiss Genetics, and an Atwood choice in the USA to Morasci/Borba&Glaeser. We will also sell an Armani or MAS choice in the Field of Dreams sale May 24 in West Union Iowa.” Although he acknowledges that the best cross is yet to be determined he says, “All of her daughters and sons so far have been very good “do-ers”. We will decide which has been the best cross as the daughters freshen or sons transmit. Plans are to do a flush on her in 2 weeks to Armani (Goldwyn x Apple).”

It’s Beyond Okay for O’Kalibra in the Future

Both Pat and Edwin have a positive attitude toward O’Kalibra’s potential. “At this point, we will consider showing her again in the future” “when she really looks perfect.” When asked to compare her to cows in North America these proud owners remain positive but humble, “She has a bit more strength than most, however we do not want to take away anything from cows over there.”

The Bullvine Bottom Line

When encouraging breeders to breed the best Pat sums up his and Edwin’s theory. “Personally we would say that cows that have some power and strength, yet are still dairy, will ultimately outlast and out milk the high style younger cows that seem to be one hit wonders.” For both gentlemen it is obviously a shared opinion when Pat concludes, “I think that Iron O’Kalibra is one example that proves this fact to be true”.

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Provided by Holstein Association USA
* GTPI is a Service Mark of Holstein Association USA

From left: Paul Trapp, Judge, Canada, Der­rick Fraw­ley at the hal­ter of Cham­pion Croagh Susie Mist 46 with his nephew Paddy Fraw­ley, Cathal McCormick, All­tech, main spon­sors, Charles Gal­lagher, C.E. IHFA, Kat­rina & Harry Frawley.

The Emer­ald Expo 2013 saw a record entry of cows and young stock despite the dif­fi­cult weather con­di­tions this spring. The Holstein, Irish Pure Friesian, Short­horn and Jer­sey breeds were all well represented and com­pet­ing for a record prize fund of €25K. IHFA are very thank­ful to all the spon­sors in par­tic­u­lar the major spon­sor All­tech.

The show in its third year was held at the Hub, Cillin Hill, Kilkenny on Sat­ur­day 26th April. It was offi­cially opened by John Bryan, Pres­i­dent of IFA and the qual­ity of the stock was the best ever seen in the view of many of the spec­ta­tors.

The judge offi­ci­at­ing at the show was Paul Trapp from the USA. He has judged shows in the USA, Canada, Aus­tralia, Brazil, Japan and UK. He is also on the World Dairy Expo show com­mit­tee and a 4-H judge (young mem­bers Han­dling)

The Fraw­ley fam­ily from Croagh, Rathkeale, Co Lim­er­ick con­tin­ued with their suc­cess of 2012 and took the Supreme Cham­pi­onship and Reserve, hav­ing pre­vi­ously won this acco­lade at Emer­ald Expo 2012. Two in a row!

The Supreme Cham­pion and Exhibitor Bred Cham­pion was” Croagh Sussie Mist 46 Ex 90” and the Reserve went to” Ridge­field Dundee Portea Ex 9”3.

The result was a rever­sal of 2012 when the Portea cow took the Cham­pi­onship and Sussie Mist 46 took the Reserve.

Judges Comments:   Hon­ourable men­tion was won by the Jones fam­ily, Co. Wex­ford with “Desmond Dundee Embrace” She also won over­all best udder. The judge in his com­ments on the Cham­pion regarded her as having “the best feet and legs he had ever judged.”

The Junior Cham­pion was won by the Hur­ley fam­ily from Co. Wick­low with “Clon­paddin Wind­brook Fame”. Reserve went to Pat Cof­fey, Co Cork with “Lis­na­cunna Dee Beauty”.

The Inter­me­di­ate Cham­pion was won by Jim & Una Sin­nott, Co Wex­ford with “Bally­boy CarmenVG86”. Reserve went to the Jones fam­ily with “Hal­low Mojo Daisy” with hon­ourable men­tion win by Cyril Dowl­ing, Bal­don­nel, Co. Dublin with “Bal­don­nel Gold­wyn Sub­lime”

There was a very good turnout in the Pure Friesian sec­tion. Mar­tin Crowe took the Cham­pi­onship with “Dunum Sne­acta 86 Ex91” .Reserve went to Phil, Matt and Bill O Keeffe with “Black­isle Laura 68 Ex 91”.They also took Hon­ourable Men­tion with “Churchclara Blackie Cir­cus”

The High­est EBI award was won by the pure Friesian cow” Gort­fadda Molly 87” owned by Fran­cis Fitzgerald, Co. Lim­er­ick.

High Standard for YMA: There was very strong com­pe­ti­tion in the two young stock­man­ship and han­dling classes with 25 com­pet­itors. The over­all Cham­pion han­dler was won by Stacey O’Sullivan ‚Knock­brown, Ban­don, Co.  Cork with the Reserve going to Paul Mur­phy, Ban­teer, Co.  Cork.  Hon­ourable men­tion went to Lau­ren O’ Toole, Bag­enal­stown ‚Co.  Car­low.   The major spon­sor for this event was IHFA, All­tech Ire­land, Dept. of Agri­cul­ture Food and the Marine and FBD Insur­ance. Key spon­sors included Zoetis (Pfizer ani­mal health) ‚Glanbia-Gain Feeds, Nor­brook Laboratories, Volac, Novar­tis, Dairymaster, KW For­age, and ABS Ireland.

Asso­ciate spon­sors were  Agri Aware, Macra na Feirme, IFA, ASA, ICMSA, Tea­gasc ‚AIB, Kilkenny Mart, Irish Pure Friesian club, Shorthorn society, Jersey soci­ety, Ani­max,  Dovea Genet­ics, Euro­gene, Semen World, Bova AI, Pro­gres­sive Genetics/Semex , Volac,  Lake­land Dairies and Bovi Genet­ics.

There were two infor­ma­tion Forums on the top­ics “Renew­able Energy” and “Dairy Expan­sion”.  Ger Bergin, Vice Pres­i­dent IFA, Bri­ain Smyth, Biotric­ity were the speakers and Matt Mer­rick chaired the forum on Renew­able Energy. Dr. Padraig French and Tom O’Dwyer –Teagasc and Pat O Meara‚ AIB   Bank spoke at the forum on Dairy expan­sion.

SHOW RESULTS 2013:

Class 1 Spon­sored by ICMSA Heifer born after 1st July 2012
1st: Pat Smith Cahirmee Fever Par­adise
2nd: Gary Hur­ley Clon­paddin AFT Mona
3rd: L & S Mur­phy Ever­green Roy­alty 5
4th: Pat Smith Cahirmee Isper Pres­ence
5th: Pat Smith Cahirmee Atwood Pres­ence
6th: Der­mot McCarthy Copse­wood Goldun Wish
7th: Richard Whe­lan Lumville Dar­ren Chrissie
8th: Ml. & Eliz McNa­mara Lau­relelm Stone Daf­fodil
Best Exhibitor Bred: Pat Smith’s Cahirmee Fever Par­adise
High­est EBI: Richard Whelan’s Lumville Dar­ren Chrissie

CLASS 2 Spon­sored by Euro­gene AI Ser­vices Heifer born between 1st jan and 30th June 2012
1st: Gary Hur­ley Clon­paddin Wind­brook Fame
2nd: Philip Jones Hal­low Boss Twain
3rd: Jack Cooney Hal­low Bor­der­mist Sid Fran
4th: Kevin Behan Bonagh­more Alexan­der Mac 2
5th: Donal Neville Emer­ald Palermo Fran
6th: Ml. & Mgt Laf­fan Leagh Damion Princess
7th: Paul Mur­phy Spingview Igniter Catina
8th: Peter Ken­nelly Mount­beamish Dor­wyn Riva
Best Exhibitor Bred: Gary Hurley’s Clon­paddin Wind­brook Fame
High­est EBI: Philip Jones’ Hal­low Boss Twain

CLASS 3 Spon­sored by Ani­max Heifer born between 1st March and 31st Dec 2011
1st: Patrick Cof­fey Lis­ncunna Dee Beauty
2nd: Patrick Cof­fey Lis­na­cunna After­shock Pas­sion
3rd: Philip Jones Hal­low Fever Brenda
4th: Jack Cooney Lumville Jet-Red Mar­leen
5th: Anthony Kealy Grange­con Jasper Mimi 12
6th: Mervyn Eager Clon­paddin G Fame
7th: Richar Whe­lan Tub­ber­toby Mil­lion Jenn
Best Exhibitor bred: Patrick Coffey’s Lis­na­cunna Dee Beauty
High­est EBI: Philips Jones’ Hal­low Fever Brenda

CLASS 4 Junior Short­horn Heifer not calved
1st: Denis & Patrick Roche Slevoy Norma
2nd: Glen Carter Bal­ly­train Fanny 9

CLASS 5 Spon­sored by BOVI Genet­ics Junior Jer­sey Heifer not calved
1st G. Jones / I. Whit­taker Clay­de­boye Pride Genevive
2nd: Patrick Cof­fey Moor­shill Lis­na­cunna Nikki

Junior Cham­pi­onship spon­sored by Spirovac
Junior Cham­pion: Gary Hurley’s Clon­paddin Wind­brook Fame
Reserve Junior Champion:Patrick Coffey’s Lis­na­cunna Dee Beauty

Class H1 — Han­der aged 16 and under on 1st Jan 2013 — spon­sored by Volac
1st: Paul Mur­phy
2nd: Lau­ren O’Toole
3rd: Kevin Smith
4th: Rachel McNa­mara
5th: Andrea Raf­ferty
6th: Kevin Behan
7th: Jack Cooney
8th: Brian Smith
9th: Emma McNa­mara
10th: James O’Sullivan

Class H2 — Han­dler aged between 17 and 26 under on 1st Jan 013 — spon­sored by Volac
1st: Stacey O’Sullivan
2nd: Padraic Mur­phy
3rd: Caitri­ona Neville
4th: Bren­dan Greenan
5th: Emer Ken­nelly
6th: Owen Laf­fan
7th: Katie Ken­nelly
8th: Ann O’Toole

Han­der Cham­pi­onship spon­sored by Volac
Cham­pion: Stacey O’Sullivan
Reserve Cham­pion: Paul Mur­phy
Hon­ourable Men­tion: Lau­ren O’Toole

CLASS 6 Spon­sored by Glan­bia / Gain Feeds Junior 2 year old in milk born after 1st Sept 2010
1st: Der­mot O’Driscoll Skeaf­bridge Gold­wyn My Fair La
2nd: Tadhg Bourke Bal­don­nel Goldie Larissa
3rd: Gary Hur­ley Clon­paddin Frank Fanta
4th: Robert For­rest Cool­roe­house Mys­ti­cal Lily
5th: A. Dorian / T. Kelly Clon­paddin SFC Jill
6th: Thomas Kelly Mon­amore Pearl 27
7th: Pat Smith Cahirmee Sance 3 Chelsie
Best Exhibitor bred: Der­mot O’Driscoll’s Skeaf­bridge Gold­wyn My Fair La
High­est EBI: Der­mot O’Driscoll’s Skeaf­bridge Gold­wyn My Fair La

CLASS 7 Spon­sored by Novar­tis Senior 2 yearld onld in milk born between 1st Sept ‘09 — 31st Aug ‘10
1st: Jim & Una Sin­nott Bally­boy Car­men
2nd: Cyril Dowl­ing Bal­don­nel Gold­wyn Sub­lime
3rd: Der­mot O’Driscoll Skeaf­bridge Roy Myfair Lady
4th: P & D Fraw­ley Croagh Susie Mist 62
5th: Emma Behan Clon­paddin WRM Rose
6th: Thomas Kelly Mon­amore Iris 80
Best Exhibitor Bred: Jim & Una Sinnott’s Bally­boy Car­men
High­est EBI: Thomas Kelly’s Mon­amore Iris 80

Inter­me­di­ate Heifer in-milk Cham­pi­onship spon­sored by ABS Ire­land
Cham­pion: Jim & Una Sinnott’s Bally­boy Car­men
Reserve Cham­pion: Philip Jones’ Hal­low Mojo Daisy
Hon­ourable Men­tion: Cyril Dowling’s Bal­don­nel Gold­dwyn Sublime

CLASS 8 Spon­sored by Dovea Genet­ics irish Pure Friesian Heifer in Milk
1st: Michael Spillane Moun­tain Piet Rosie
2nd: Fran­cis Fitzger­ald Gort­fadda Molly 150
3rd: Mar­tin Crowe Dunum Sne­acta 1025
4th: Phil & Matt O’Keeffe Churchclara Beg Emily
5th: Mar­tin Crowe Dunum Havana 1003
Best Exhibitor Bred: Michael Spillane’s Moun­tain Piet Rosie
High­est EBI: Mar­tin Crowe’s Dunum Havana 1003

CLASS 9 Short­horn Heifer in Milk
1st: James Lambe Bal­ly­train Princess 35
2nd: Denis & Patrick Roche Rans­boro Cres­sida 35

CLASS 11 Spon­sored by Bova AI Junior Pure Friesian Cow in Milk
1st: Phil & Matt O’Keeffe Churchclara Blackie Cir­cus
2nd: Mar­tin Crowe Dunum Ava­cado 956
3rd: Mar­tin Crowe Dunum Olivia 952
4th: Phil & Matt O’Keeffe Churchclara Torello Laura
5th: Fran­cis Fitzger­ald Gort­fadda Molly 132
Best Exhibitor Bred: Phil & Matt O’Keeffe’s Churchclara Blackie Cir­cus
High­est EBI: Mar­tin Crowe’s Dunum Havana 1003

CLASS 12 Spon­sored by Kilkenny Mart Irish Pure Friesian Senior Cow
1st: Mar­tin Crowe Dunum Sne­acta 86
2nd: Phil & Matt O’Keeffe Black­isle Laura 68
3rd: Mar­tin Crowe Dunum Sne­acta 84
4th: Fran­cis Fitzger­ald Gort­fadda Molly 120
5th: Mar­tin Crowe Dunum Olivia ET
6th: Michael Spillane Moun­tain Gle­nal­byn Rosie
7th: Fran­cis Fitzger­ald Gort­fadda Molly 87
Best Exhibitor Bred: Mar­tin Crowe’s Dunum Sne­acta 86
High­est EBI: Fran­cis Fitzgerald’s Gort­fadda Molly 87

Irish Pure Friesian Cham­pi­onship spon­sored by Dovea Genet­ics
Cham­pion: Mar­tin Crowe’s Dunum Sne­acta 86
Reserve Cham­pion: Phil & Matt O’Keeffe’s Black­isle Laura 68
Hon­ourable Men­tion: Phil & Matt O’Keeffe’s Churchclara Blackie Circus

CLASS 13 Short­horn Cow in Milk
1st: James Lambe Bal­ly­train Julie
2nd: Glenn Carter Rans­boro Water­loo Rose 27
3rd: Glenn Carter Rans­boro Blos­som 12

Irish Short­horn Cham­pi­onship
Cham­pion: James Lambe’s Bal­ly­train Julia
Reserve: Glenn Carter’s Rans­boro Water­loo Rose 27
Hon­ourable Men­tion: James Lambe’s Bal­ly­train Princess 35

CLASS 14 Jer­sey Cow in Milk
1st: Donal & Tadgh Bourke Wood­town Ban­ter 2

Jer­sey Cham­pi­onship Spon­sored by AIB
Cham­pion: Donal & Tadhg Bourke’s Wood­town Ban­ter 2
Reserve: G. Jones / I Whittaker’s Clade­boye Pride Genevive
Hon­ourable Men­tion: Patrick Coffey’s Moor­shill Lis­na­cunna Nikki

CLASS 15 Spon­sored by KW For­age Sys­tems 4 Year old Hol­stein Freisian Cow in Milk
1st: Philip Jones Desmond Dundee Embrace
2nd: Pat & Der­rick Fraw­ley Croagh Pamela 13
3rd: David & Ken Boyd Glaslough Miss Petra
4th: David & Ken Boyd Glaslough Miss Shelly
5th: Patrick Cof­fey Lis­na­cunna Red­liner Fiona
6th: Richard Whe­lan Ard­boky Boss­man Alice
7th: Thomas Kelly Mon­amore Torch 242
Best Exhibitor Bred: Pat & Der­rick Frawley’s Croagh Pamela 13
High­est EBI: David & Ken Boyd’s Glaslough Miss Petra

CLASS 16 Spon­sored by Pro­gres­sive Genet­ics 5 Year old Hol­stein Friesian Cow in Milk
1st: Pat & Der­rick Fraw­ley Croagh Susie Mist 46
2nd: Philip Jones Hal­low Advent Twiz­zle 3 ET
3rd: Liam & San­dra Mur­phy Ever­green Duplex Ebony
4th: Thomas Mur­phy Swift­sheath Ruby 969
5th: C Dowl­ing / R Dro­han Suir­val­ley Fair Dawn
Best Exhibitor Bred: Pat & Der­rick Frawley’s Croagh Susie Mist 46 High­est EBI: C Dowl­ing / R Drohan’s Suir­val­ley Fair Dawn

CLASS 17 Spon­sored by FBD Senior Hol­stein Friesian Cow in Milk
1st: Pat & Der­rick Fraw­ley Ridge­field Dundee Portea
2nd: Richard Whe­lan Lumville Danoise 2
3rd: Philip Jones Hal­low Cham­pion Car­men
4th: David & Ken Boyd Glaslough Gold­wyn Bret
5th: Hur­ley Fam­ily Clon­paddin GWY Fanta
6th: Thomas Kelly Mon­amore Tal­ents Allie
7th: Kevin Behan Bally­boy Gib­son Car­men 6
Best Exhibitor Bred: Richard Whelan’s Lumville Danoise 2
High­est EBI: Pat & Der­rick Frawley’s Ridge­field Dundee Portea

CLASS 18 Spon­sored by Dairy­mas­ter Pro­duc­tion Class
1st: Richard Whe­lan Lumville Danoise 2
2nd: Philip Jones Hal­low Cham­pion Car­men
3rd: Hur­ley Fam­ily Clon­paddin GWY Fanta
4th: Thomas Kelly Mon­amore Miss Elly
Best Exhibitor Bred: Richard Whelan’s Lumville Danoise 2

CLASS 19 Spon­sored by Nor­brook Best Group of three
1st: Pat & Der­rick Fraw­ley “Croagh” Herd
2nd: Mervyn & Philip Jones “Hal­low” Herd
3rd: David & Ken Boyd “Glaslough” Herd
4th: Tom Kelly “Mon­amore” Herd

Best Udder of the Show spon­sored by Lake­land Dairies
Mervyn & Philip Jones’ Desmond Dundee Embrace ET

Exhibitor Bred Cham­pion spon­sored by IHFA
Patrick & Der­rick Frawley’s Croagh Susie Mist 46

Over­all EBI Award spon­sored by Macra Na Feirme
Fran­cis Fitzgerald’s Gort­fadda Molly 87

Pre­mier Breeder Award spon­sored by IFA
Mervyn & Philip Jones “Hal­low” Herd

Pre­mier Exhibitor Award spon­sored by Semen World
Mervyn & Philip Jones “Hal­low” Herd

Senior Cow Cham­pi­onship spon­sored by All­tech
Cham­pion: Patrick & Der­rick Frawley’s Croagh Susie Mist 46
Reserve: Patrick & Der­rick Frawley’s Ridge­field Dundee Portea
Hon­ourable Men­tion: Mervyn & Philip Jones Desmond Dundee Embrace

Source: IHFA

A new push by the consumer watchdog organization SumOfUs.org promises to renew public outrage on a petition made by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) for the approval of artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, in flavored milk.

Ads, such as the one to the above, will run on 15 buses in the Washington D.C., metro system.

The buses will stop directly in front of the Food and Drug Administration, at a special stop provided by the DC metro for FDA employees, the group says. Click here to read more.

Read “Bad publicity for the dairy industry,” to learn more about the petition.

Source: Dairy Herd Network