Archive for The Bullvine

Dairy Cattle Breeding in 2044

The dairy cattle breeding industry is poised for significant transformations in the coming decades as technological advancements, sustainability concerns, and shifting consumer preferences reshape the agricultural landscape. While genomics, sexed semen and IVF technology have greatly changed the dairy breeding industry over the past 10 years, technology like gene editing is going to totally change how the dairy industry operates in the future.

 The following trends are going to change the dairy industry over the next 20 years:

  1. Precision Breeding and Genomic Selection:
    The future of dairy cattle breeding will see an increased reliance on precision breeding techniques and the leveraging of genomic data to make more informed breeding decisions. Genomic selection, powered by CRISPR-Cas9 (gene editing), will enable breeders to enhance desirable traits such as milk production, disease resistance, and feed efficiency with unprecedented accuracy.
  2. Data-Driven Decision-Making:
    The integration of big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning will become standard practice in the dairy cattle breeding industry. Comprehensive datasets on individual cow performance, genetics, and environmental factors will empower breeders to optimize breeding strategies, improve herd health, and increase overall productivity.
  3. Focus on Sustainability:
    Sustainability will be a central theme in the future of dairy cattle breeding. Breeders will prioritize developing cattle with lower environmental footprints, focusing on reducing methane emissions, improving feed efficiency, and minimizing water usage. Sustainable practices will not only align with consumer preferences but also address the industry’s responsibility to environmental stewardship.
  4. Disease Resistance and Animal Welfare:
    The breeding industry will place greater emphasis on enhancing disease resistance and promoting overall animal welfare. Advances in genetic research will enable the development of cattle that are naturally resistant to common diseases, reducing the reliance on antibiotics and improving the overall health of the herd.
  5. Customization for Niche Markets:
    Consumer demand for specialty dairy products, such as A2 milk or milk with specific nutritional profiles, will drive customization in breeding practices. Breeders may focus on developing specialized breeds or individual cows tailored to niche markets that cater to the diverse preferences of consumers seeking unique dairy products.
  6. Technological Adoption on the Farm:
    On-farm technologies will continue to evolve, with the widespread adoption of automated systems for monitoring, feeding, and health management. Robotics and smart sensors will play a crucial role in optimizing the efficiency of dairy operations, reducing labor requirements, and improving the overall well-being of the cattle.
  7. Regulatory and Ethical Considerations:
    As gene-editing technologies advance, the industry will grapple with evolving regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations. Striking a balance between innovation and responsible use of technology will be crucial to gaining public acceptance and regulatory approval.
  8. Global Collaboration:
    The future of dairy cattle breeding will likely involve increased collaboration and information-sharing on a global scale. International partnerships and research initiatives will accelerate progress, allowing the industry to address challenges collectively and share the benefits of technological advancements.

What will dairy farms look like in 20 years?

Ultimately there will be four different types of dairy farms in 20 years:

  1. Milk Production Operations:
    These dairy farms will solely focus on the production of milk. Automated milking systems, precision feeding, and sensor-equipped wearables for cattle health monitoring will become standard and thereby improving operational efficiency, and ensuring the well-being of the herd.  Comprehensive data on milk production, cow behaviour, and environmental factors will empower farmers to optimize feed formulations and overall herd management for enhanced productivity.  Robotic systems for feeding, cleaning, and even herding will reduce labor demands, allowing farmers to focus on strategic decision-making and herd welfare. Robotic milking systems will become more sophisticated, ensuring a stress-free and efficient milking process.  These milk production facilities may embrace vertical integration by incorporating various elements of the supply chain within their operations. This could include on-farm processing facilities for dairy niche products, allowing farmers to diversify their income streams and have greater control over the quality of their end products. All dairy cattle at these facilities will be bred to beef cows and they will do no heifer raising and get all their replacement animals from heifer raising facilities.
  2. Heifer Raising Operations:
    Similar to the milk production facilities these heifer-raising operations will use precision feeding, and sensor-equipped wearables for cattle health monitoring will become standard, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring the well-being of the herd. Data-driven decision-making will become integral to heifer raising practices. Farmers will leverage technologies such as sensors and wearables to monitor heifer health, growth rates, and behavior. This data will enable precise management strategies, ensuring each heifer receives personalized care for optimal development. Automated feeding systems will play a crucial role in the future of dairy heifer raising. Precision nutrition programs, tailored to individual heifer needs, will be administered through automated feeders. This not only ensures efficient nutrient utilization but also reduces labor requirements, allowing for more attentive and strategic care. Improved housing facilities will prioritize the comfort and welfare of heifers. Innovative designs, including spacious and well-ventilated barns, will provide optimal living conditions. Additionally, practices such as the use of soft bedding, proper lighting, and access to outdoor areas will contribute to the overall well-being of the heifers.  These facilities will focus on the raising of heifers and calving of 2-year-olds.  But the genetic component of their operations will be under the control of PharmaGen corporations.
  3. PharmaGen Corporations:
    Genetic technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 will change the dairy breeding industry and who controls the breeding programs. Gene editing technology such as like CRISPR-Cas9 will lead to the development of high-performance and disease-resistant dairy cattle.   Not only will this change how dairy cattle breeding is done, it will also change who is in control of the industry.  Instead of it being the large AI companies that currently control the industry, similar to what happened in the corn industry, big pharma will come in and take over control.  Companies like Zoetis merged with Genus PLC (parent company of ABS global), or MSD Animal Health merged with Inguran LLC (parent company of Sexing Technologies) or even Boehringer Ingelheim merged with URUS (parent company of Alta Genetics and Genex) will be responsible for the seed stock production.  They are the ones that will be doing the mating programs and embryo development of the seed stock used in the heifer raising facilities.
  4. GMO Free Operations
    Similar to the corn industry there still be a niche demand for GMO free product. This is where current pedigree breeders and show herds will survive.  While there will be end to end management of their cattle, they will not leverage technology like CRISPR-Cas9 to produce greatly improved cattle, but will leverage traditional breeding strategies to produce a GMO free product.  While they may be small in numbers, they will still be able to be profitable due to servicing this niche market.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

The dairy cattle breeding industry in twenty years is poised to be a dynamic and technologically advanced sector, driven by precision breeding, sustainability, and a deep understanding of animal genetics. The adoption of gene editing technology such as CRISPR-Cas9 will totally change how the industry operates, to a point that we will have four types of operations: milk production; heifer rearing; PharmaGen corporations;and GMO free breeders. As the industry navigates these changes, a commitment to ethical practices, environmental stewardship, and meeting consumer demands will be essential for ensuring a thriving and resilient future for dairy farming.

 

 

 

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GMO Corn: The future of dairy cattle breeding

There is no question that the dairy cattle breeding industry has seen significant changes in recent years.  But the biggest changes may still be yet to come.  Why you ask?  Well let’s look at what has happened with the introduction of GMOs to the corn/maize industry over the past 30 years has done to the corn breeding marketplace, and we will see the future of what will happen to the dairy industry.

Corn and the Introduction of GMO’s

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) have played a transformative role in the agricultural landscape, particularly in the corn industry. The introduction of genetically modified corn varieties has brought about significant changes in crop yields, pest resistance, and overall agricultural practices.

Let’s explore the impact of GMOs on the corn industry, examining both the benefits and challenges associated with their adoption.

  1. Increased Crop Yields: One of the primary ways GMOs have revolutionized the corn industry is through increased crop yields. Genetically modified corn varieties are designed to be more resilient in the face of environmental challenges, such as drought and pests. This enhanced resilience has led to higher yields per acre, allowing farmers to produce more corn with the same or fewer resources.
  2. Pest Resistance: GMO corn varieties often incorporate traits that make the plants resistant to specific pests. For example, the introduction of Bt corn, which produces a toxin lethal to certain insect pests, has significantly reduced the need for chemical pesticides. This has not only lowered production costs for farmers but also lessened the environmental impact associated with traditional pest control methods.
  3. Herbicide Tolerance: Another crucial aspect of GMOs in the corn industry is the development of herbicide-tolerant varieties. Corn engineered to withstand specific herbicides allows farmers to control weeds more effectively, simplifying weed management and reducing the need for labor-intensive cultivation practices. This has streamlined corn farming operations, making them more efficient and cost-effective.
  4. Economic Impact on Farmers: The adoption of GMOs has had a profound economic impact on corn farmers. Increased yields and reduced production costs have contributed to higher profits for many farmers, particularly those who embraced genetically modified varieties. However, the economic benefits have not been uniform, and some farmers have faced challenges related to seed costs, intellectual property issues, and market dynamics.
  5. Controversies and Public Perception: Despite the undeniable benefits, GMOs in the corn industry have also stirred controversies and faced public scrutiny. Concerns about the environmental impact, potential health risks, and the concentration of seed ownership by biotechnology companies have led to debates about the ethical and social implications of widespread GMO adoption.

Balancing the advantages of GMOs with ethical considerations remains an ongoing challenge for the corn industry.

Biotechnology Companies Take Complete Control

Genetically modified corn has undeniably transformed the corn industry, offering solutions to longstanding challenges, and significantly impacting agricultural practices. The increased crop yields, pest resistance, and herbicide tolerance associated with GMOs have reshaped the landscape of corn farming.  But along the way another major change has occurred. Corporations like Monsanto (now part of Bayer), DuPont Pioneer (now part of Corteva Agriscience), and Syngenta have invested heavily in genetic engineering technologies to develop genetically modified (GM) corn varieties. These companies hold complete control over the market due to their ownership of patented genetic traits and seed technologies.

The control exerted by biotechnology companies is rooted in intellectual property and patents. These companies invest substantial resources in research and development to create genetically modified traits that confer benefits such as pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, and increased yield. By patenting these traits, they gain exclusive rights to sell seeds containing those genetic modifications, allowing them to control the corn breeding market.

As a result of this control, the corn breeding market has seen massive consolidation, with major seed companies merging or acquiring smaller rivals. This consolidation has led to a concentration of market power in the hands of a few large corporations. While this can bring about efficiency and scale, it also raises concerns about reduced competition, potentially limiting choices for farmers and influencing seed prices.

Dairy Already Following the Corn Trend

The changes have already started in the dairy industry.  The introduction of such technologies as genomics and sexed semen has seen companies such as Inguran LLC, the parent company of Sexing Technologies have seen insane growth in the genetics marketplace.  They have gone from having to start a semen sales division to get top sires available by sexed semen, to now pretty much all AI companies only allowing sexed semen use of their very top sires. Sexed semen sales have led to dairy AI companies selling more units of beef semen than they do of dairy. 

Master Breeder Killed in Triple Homicide

The dairy cattle breeding industry has been significantly impacted by technologies like genomics, IVF and Sexed Semen, as well as the ownership of genetic rights and females by AI companies. While it was initially believed that AI units would cash in on the exclusive use of genomic information, this was short-lived as they had to control their costs of sire acquisition and started buying their own females. This has led to a triple homicide of the dairy cattle breeding industry, with only a few global companies owning the top genetics. AI companies now own the rights to early-release semen, which is more advantageous to them than to breeders. This has led to AI companies forcing breeders to sign contracts that give exclusive rights for the resulting animals to AI companies. As the rate of genetic gain increases, AI companies will continue to dominate the industry, limiting breeders’ options and potentially leading to their downfall.  Read more: https://www.thebullvine.com/the-bullvine/master-breeder-killed-in-triple-homicide/

Gene Editing in Dairy

There is no question that the ability to edit the genes has significantly changed the corn industry.  The question now becomes how long until gene editing is allowed in the dairy industry?  The regulations and policies regarding gene editing in dairy cattle vary across different countries and regions.   In some regions, there are established regulatory frameworks governing the use of gene editing technologies in agriculture, including dairy cattle. These regulations typically address concerns related to the safety of the edited organisms, environmental impacts, and ethical considerations.

Currently:

  1. United States: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the regulation of genetically engineered animals. The FDA has indicated that animals modified using gene editing technologies may not need the same level of regulatory scrutiny as those modified using traditional genetic engineering methods. However, the specific regulations may vary based on the nature of the modification.
  2. European Union: The regulatory landscape in the EU is more cautious regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs). As of my last update, the EU’s stance on gene-edited organisms was under discussion, and there was an ongoing debate about whether organisms produced through gene editing should be subject to the same regulations as traditional GMOs.
  3. Other Countries: Different countries have taken varied approaches to regulating gene editing in agriculture. Some have embraced the technology with specific guidelines, while others have imposed stricter regulations or outright bans.

It is important to note that we will soon see the introduction of gene editing to the marketplace in the swine industry which will give a clear indication to the dairy industry of how soon it will be introduced into dairy animal agriculture.

Niche is the future of pedigree breeders.

While biotechnology companies dominate the corn breeding market, public institutions and universities also play a crucial role in corn breeding. Publicly funded research contributes to the development of non-GMO varieties, promoting genetic diversity and serving the interests of farmers who may prefer conventional or organic farming practices. However, these public institutions often face budget constraints, limiting their ability to compete with the resources of private biotechnology companies.   When thinking of how this will unfold for the dairy industry there will be the potential for a few other breeding programs to survive.  If they model the non-GMO market of the corn industry and service, this will be a much smaller niche.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

In looking at what has happened to the corn industry and when gene editing is allowed in dairy cattle, the industry will see its greatest changes in history. Similar to the corn industry when dairy cows become twice as productive and more importantly way healthier how long until the large dairy pharma companies like Zoetis (already largest provider of genomic testing in dairy), MSD animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim, Elanco and Covetrus follow the lessons of Monsanto/Bayer, DuPont Pioneer (now part of Corteva Agriscience), and Syngenta and take complete control.

 

 

 

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Data – The Future of Dairy Cattle Breeding: But Who Owns it?

Have you ever heard a dairy farmer exclaim, “It’s my data!… Why should I share my information?… Just so that someone else may profit from my info!… “How much will you pay me for my data?”  These statements are often directed against A.I. groups, and breeding or testing corporations that have access to but do not pay for the use of breeders’ individual animal and herd performance data, as they formerly did.

In the realm of modern agriculture, data-driven technologies have revolutionized the dairy industry, particularly in the domain of cattle breeding. The collection and analysis of data related to genetic information, reproduction, and herd management play a pivotal role in shaping breeding strategies and improving overall herd performance. As the importance of data in dairy cattle breeding grows, questions about ownership and ethical considerations surrounding this sensitive information have come to the forefront of discussions within the agricultural community.

The Landscape of Dairy Cattle Breeding Data:

Dairy farmers, geneticists, and breeding specialists utilize advanced technologies to gather and analyze data on individual cattle and their genetic traits. This includes information on milk production, reproduction, health, genetic markers, and other vital factors influencing breeding decisions. The amalgamation of traditional breeding methods with cutting-edge technologies has led to unprecedented advancements, but it has also given rise to concerns regarding the ownership and ethical use of the resulting breeding data.

Ownership of Breeding Data:

Determining the rightful owner of dairy cattle breeding data poses a unique challenge. Farmers who invest in sophisticated genetic testing and data analytics tools argue that they should retain ownership of the data generated from their cattle. On the other hand, genetic testing companies may claim a stake in the data, asserting that their expertise and resources contribute significantly to the extraction of valuable genetic insights.

Farmers’ Concerns:

Farmers express concerns about the potential exploitation of their cattle breeding data. Issues such as unauthorized sharing of genetic information, potential monopolization of valuable genetic traits, and ethical considerations related to cloning and genetic modification are top concerns. Some farmers fear that the commercialization of breeding data could lead to a loss of control over the genetic destiny of their herds.

Industry Standards and Ethical Guidelines:

To address these concerns, there is a growing need for industry-wide standards and ethical guidelines regarding the ownership and use of dairy cattle breeding data. Collaborative efforts among agricultural organizations, breeding associations, and ethical committees are crucial in developing frameworks that ensure fair practices, protect farmers’ rights, and establish ethical boundaries for the use of genetic information.

Ethical Considerations:

Beyond ownership, ethical considerations in the use of dairy cattle breeding data are paramount. Farmers, researchers, and industry stakeholders must grapple with questions about the responsible use of genetic information. This includes ethical breeding practices, transparency in genetic manipulation, and ensuring the welfare of animals throughout the genetic improvement process. Striking a balance between technological advancement and ethical considerations is essential to building public trust and sustaining the long-term health of the dairy industry.

The Bullvine Bottom Line:

The ownership and ethical use of dairy cattle breeding data present multifaceted challenges that demand a thoughtful and collaborative approach from all stakeholders involved. Establishing clear industry standards, ethical guidelines, and regulatory frameworks will be crucial in navigating the evolving landscape of breeding data. The challenge is that many on the breed association side have already sold many producers down the river by relinquishing control of the data to the other members of the industry. These concerns need to be addressed. The dairy industry is harnessing the power of data-driven breeding practices but are they upholding ethical standards that prioritize the well-being of animals, protect farmers’ interests, and ensure the sustainable development of dairy farming for future generations?

 

 

 

 

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Is Type Classification Dead?

To some, that statement may sound like blasphemy and think that I am insane. However, there is no question that the percentage of dairy cattle type classified in North America is on a steady decline. Farmers tell me that they can no longer obtain a ROI from type classifying their cows, while others say they only use it now for the information to be used in sire proving and mating programs offered by some artificial insemination companies. Combining these with the fact that there are now bulls being offered from the major artificial insemination companies that have three or more generations of unclassified direct mothers in their maternal line and you start to wonder, and eventually ask, “Is type classification still relevant to the modern dairy farm?”

Type Classification is Falling Short

Type classification has long been regarded as the gold standard for evaluating and categorizing the physical attributes of dairy cows. While this traditional human observation approach has had its merits, it also has its limitations. Going forward we may need to consider a more holistic approach when assessing, breeding and managing dairy herds.

There are several reasons why type classification may fall short of capturing the complete picture of a dairy cow’s potential and well-being. They include:

  1. Focus on Conformation Over Functionality:
    Type classification prioritizes the aesthetic aspects of a dairy cow’s conformation, such as body shape and size. While those traits have been assigned importance in the past, they often do not align with a cow’s functional capabilities, including milk production and overall health.
    By concentrating solely on physical appearance, type classification can overlook essential functional traits crucial for a cow’s ability to thrive in modern operations. Traits like locomotion, fertility, daughter calving ease and resistance to diseases are integral components of a cow’s overall contribution to a herd’s bottom line. Indexed traits such as Herd Life/Productive Life, Livability and Daughter Pregnancy Rate all have a significant connection to how long a cow will last in a herd and ultimately a direct alignment with lifetime production and cost minimization.
  2. Genetic Advancements:
    Rapid advancements in genetic technology and selective breeding have introduced cows with superior traits that may not align with traditional breed supported conformation standards. Relying primarily on type classification results may hinder the integration of these genetically advanced animals into a herd. Robotic milking systems and on-farm data management softwares integrated with DHI, A.I. and other service organization programs offer far greater opportunities, than type classification, to align with herd profitability goals.
  3. Milk Production Variability:
    Type classification provides limited insights into a cow’s actual milk-producing capabilities. Two cows with similar conformation can have significant differences in lactation and lifetime milk production. Therefore, primarily using type classification results can hinder a farmer’s ability to maximize their herd’s profitability.
  4. Emerging Technologies for Comprehensive Assessment:
    Modern dairy farming is increasingly embracing technologies such as sensor-based monitoring, genomic testing and artificial intelligence. These tools provide a more comprehensive understanding of a cow’s performance, health and genetic potential and surpass the insights offered by traditional type classification.
  5. Data-Driven Decision Making:
    Leveraging data-driven approaches enables farmers to make more informed decisions. This results in considering a broader spectrum of services beyond just physical conformation. This holistic approach ensures that the genetics, nutrition, reproduction and management of dairy cows aligns with the overarching goals of individual farms.
  6. Investing in the Future
    If you look at where the research money for genetic advancement is being spent, it is heavily weighted towards on-farm data collection combined with traits that are directly linked to profitability versus type classification traits that are an antiquated predictor of what profitability could be.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

While type classification has been a valuable tool in the history of dairy cattle improvement, its limitations in capturing the full scope of a cow’s potential are increasingly apparent. Embracing a more holistic approach that integrates modern technologies, production traits, feed and labor efficiency traits, functional traits and other new novel economically important traits is the way forward. A way whereby dairy farmers will be able to make decisions that optimize profit and sustainability.

Having grown up with a father who spent his early-career developing the Canadian Type Classification System, declaring that type classification is dying is not easy. But as I have learned from my father, you either lead, follow or get out of the way (Thomas Paine). If the type classification programs are no longer leading and are not following the path to the profitable modern dairy farm, then, type classification needs to get out of the way.

 

 

 

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Are dairy genetics a commodity?

For years we have been told that you must invest in the best to advance your herd, but is that true?  What if you could get a sire that is at   97% Rank instead of one that is at 99% rank. Instead of paying $35 a unit, you could pay $8?  That is the magic question many breeders/producers struggle with.

What is a commodity?

First, I guess we must understand just what a commodity is. Wikipedia will tell you that a commodity is an economic good, usually, a resource, that has full or substantial fungibility: that is, the market treats instances of the goods as equivalent or nearly so, with no regard for who produced them. So, in terms of dairy genetics, I guess we could define it as spending money on dairy genetics to come to a point where all the bulls/genetics available are seen as equal or pretty much the equivalent and, also, that minor differences really don’t make a difference to the end result.

Let Xerox show us the future!

To answer the question if dairy genetics has become a commodity let’s look to the photocopying world.  In the photocopying world, at one point Xerox was so dominant that not only did they have the largest market share, but so much so that general slang became to Xerox something instead of copying something.  They had such a technological edge that no competitor could even compete.  But then things started to change. Xerox’s competitors got smart.  Instead of trying to invest billions to try and make a much better copier than Xerox they simply made a copier that was “almost” as good.  Instead of selling it for 90% of the cost of a Xerox, they sold it for 50%.  So sure, it was not a Xerox, but at half the cost to purchase it, it did a “good enough job”.  Its total cost of ownership became way less than that of a Xerox. 

So how did these competitors make money?  Simply they realized that the profits were in the consumables.  Instead of trying to get you to make the big purchase of the unit itself, they simply sold you the unit at the cost of production and then made their money on the consumables which were the ink, and the toner.  Businesses and people were copying so much, or should I say xeroxing so much, that there was more money to be made on the consumables than there was on the actual sale of the unit.

How does this apply to the dairy breeding industry?

The same has started to happen in the dairy industry.  Many of the larger genetics companies using tools like genomics, IVF and sexed semen, have become so efficient at producing sires that are 97% as good, they can sell them at a greatly reduced rate compared to trying to produce the top 1%.  Over the past few years, The Bullvine has begged and pleaded with breeders to not sell females to the AI companies as it would lead to their own downfall.   (Read more Master Breeder Killed in Triple Homicide).

When you combine these factors with economies of scale, you start to realize just how semen companies can sell genetics so cheaply.  It is because many semen companies have become much more than simply semen companies. They have diversified their operations so much that they are not only your genetics suppliers, but they also offer other services to producers to maximize revenue from each producer each time they drive in the lane.  So instead of trying to make a $10 profit from selling you semen, they will try to make a net $10 profit by selling you semen and other dairy-related products. Same net profit just through multiple services instead of just 1 product.  Ultimately, it results in cheaper expenses for producers and fewer vendors to deal with.  So, like our Xerox example, the competitors in the dairy genetics market have changed the game, making it no longer about who has the top-rated product, but rather by offering comparable products at a greatly reduced cost.  They have diversified their operations to make profits on other needs of the producer.

Are the genetics as good?

If you look at the top NM$ Sires, a top 99% ranking sire is about +1036, while a 97% ranking sire is about +965 which is a difference of about +71.   Now by definition, NM$ predicts net profit over the lifetime of the sire’s average daughter, expressed in U.S. dollars.  So, if we say that over the lifetime of the resulting animal’s life, we will see a $35.50 increase in profitability. Considering that the sire would only have a 50% impact on the resulting calf and that you also need to factor in that NM$ is only 80% reliable, the difference in current dollars is $26.34. So, for a current increased semen cost of $27, producers could earn $26.34 over the lifetime of the resulting animal. A cost of $0.66. So, when you factor in the increased cash flow by saving the money now versus earning later you can see why so many numbers-based producers are leveraging the opportunity to purchase a 97% rank sire over a 99% rank sire.

So why would you invest more?

With that, the question becomes should the investment in dairy genetics become just an expense on your general ledger that needs to be made “efficient” or as “low as possible” or is it worth investing your time or energy The real question becomes what are your breeding goals? Are you wanting to get the very best animals you possibly can?  Or would you rather invest that time and effort in other areas of your operation?  If you are willing to take the time to maximize every mating to its maximum potential to achieve the greatest rate of genetic gain, then yes you will see an increased return on your investment in genetics and can swing the numbers in favour of investing more.  But if you would rather invest that time and energy into maximising return on your investment in nutrition or animal comfort, feeling that those areas would see a greater return on your bottom line, then yes purchasing a 97% sire instead of a 99% sire would make sense.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

In the dairy industry, 97% rank sires are now significantly cheaper and easier to produce than a top 1% or 99% rank sire.  This has resulted in dairy genetics becoming a commodity for many producers in the industry.  At the same time, there are certainly those breeders who want to maximize every dollar they invest in genetics and, therefore, will continue to invest in the top 1%. Having said that, for many producers 97% has become good enough and, for them, it makes long-term economic sense that they now consider dairy genetics to be a commodity.  This is not to say that they don’t understand the value of investing in top genetics. It just shows that 97% is good enough. Dairy genetics is a commodity.

 

 

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The Top 10 Editor’s Choice Articles of 2021

Entering a New Year gives The Bullvine two good reasons to review the year just past. The obvious first look allows us to (ascertain) whether goals were achieved. Secondly, this look back reveals what challenges remain. Of course, everyone reading this did not face the same choices in 2021.

The right choice for a dairy breeder might be less than perfect or even unnecessary for a dairy scientist or the milk marketing department in your area. Relevant action is different for a dairy veterinarian than it is for a supplier of genetic or nutrition services.

Every year we enjoy this process and are pleased to invite you to join us in reviewing 2021 from your dairy point of view.

#10. HOW MILK PRODUCERS CAN BREED PROBLEM FREE DAIRY COWS

Dairy problem solving and dairy decision-making belong together. Nevertheless, before dairy breeders can use current and future genetic indexes to breed problem-free dairy cows, they must identify what problem they are targeting.

This article starts with identification and then provides 5 steps to undertake. From the outset, the writer makes it clear that “Dairy farmers and their advisors must be open-minded in sire selection and include traits that will reduce animals with problems.” In 2021 being open-minded was intended to allow breeders to approach their herd genetics problems and find new strategies. (Read more: How Milk Producers can Breed Problem Free Dairy Cows)

#9.  FEED EFFICIENCY INDEXES – WHICH ONE WILL YOU USE?

Dairy breeding would be much simpler if we only had ourselves to please but producing what buyers need and will pay for cannot be overlooked. In prioritizing dairy managers are aware that feed costs are seventy percent of the variable on-farm costs. As a result, income over feed costs (IOFC) is being more closely monitored and used by dairy farmers and their advisors. Feed efficiency indexes are a new tool in the genetic toolbox. Many feed efficiency indexes are published for breeders to use and other countries, primarily from western Europe, are developing more. Five International indexes are pointed out in this article. (Read more: Feed Efficiency Indexes – Which One Will You Use?)

#8. TODAY’S HIGH-RANKING SIRES ARE NOT ALL EQUAL

There is a momentary temptation to substitute “high-ranking politicians” for “high-ranking sires” when looking back at this article.  Is it too much of a reach to recognize that politics has an impact on dairy farming?  Having said that no matter what you choose you will face limiting factors.  In 2021, The Bullvine encouraged all dairy cattle breeders to expand their use of genetic indexes. “As sires account for over 90% of a herd’s genetic improvement, refining and focusing sire selection to include more economically important traits will be a wise business decision.” (Read more: Today’s High-Ranking Sires Are Not All Equal)

#7. THE FUTURE OF DAIRY CONSOLIDATION

Dairy farms in the US are consolidating at a faster rate today than any other agricultural commodity. Depending on your personal situation that can mark new beginnings or a fast ending. We realize that consolidation does not boil down to a simple “either” “or” decision. In simplest actual fact terms, less than 6% of dairy farms are milking almost 60% of the total number of cows. At the top end of the scale, the average herd size is more than 3,000 cows. The total number of cattle is not getting smaller even as the total number of farms is dropping dramatically but this article notes, “It is all too easy to get mired in milk, money and politics.” (Read more: The Future of Dairy Consolidation)

#6. STUD WARS MAY ’21 Attack of the Clones

Modern society seems to be driven by competition.  Having said that, we need to take a moment to acknowledge that progress is never made by simply standing still. As in the national dairy herd, national AI organizations are consolidating. In this article, which is graphically supported by colorful pie charts, dairy breeders are given numerical percentages that show who is winning the Stud wars — based on the selected criteria that drives decision making. More than 10 lists are analyzed including TPI; NM$; PTAT PROVEN; PTAT GENOMIC; POLLED; RED and WHITE; PROVEN SIRE LINEUP; GENOMIC SIRE LINE-UP and TOP PROVEN SIRE LINEUP. (Read more: Stud Wars May ’21 Attack of the Clones)

#5. LEARN FROM THE BEST HERDS – A Canadian Perspective

We are midway through our Top 10 and we are looking back nine months to present another dairy perspective. Dairy Farmers gauge their practices and performance by comparing their herds to those of fellow farmers.  In Canada, one way to compare dairy herds that participate in Lactanet’s recording, testing and management services is the annual Herd Management Score Report. The Bullvine thanks Harley Nicholson for his generous time and commitment in conducting the survey. Special thanks go to the 12 progress dairy farmers who have achieved superior performance and willingly shared their vision for their farms and herds. (Read more: Learn from the Best Herds)

#4. DAIRY FARMING IN THE CONTINUING SHADOW OF COVID

At this time one year ago, we probably thought we were nearing the end of the Coronovirus, however, dairying worldwide continues, at this very moment “in the continuing shadow of Covid”. Re-reading this article, we see how even as everything remains the same, there is much that is changing. Were we ready for the challenge?  Did we meet it?  Are we better prepared to move forward now? (Read More: Dairy Farming in the Continuing Shadow of Covid)

#3. ROBOTS AT COMESTAR HOLSTEINS – Video Tour

When this video was presented we urged everyone to “get inspired by the mega-successful Master Breeder Marc Comtois and his son Steve as they present this inside look at Comestar with their move to DeLaval robots.”  We also extended thanks to the Semex Alliance and DeLaval for presenting this great session.

Certainly, 2021 was a year where unusual connections and improved alliances were the order of the day.  Dairy Breeders are justifiably proud of progressive breeding, ideas, and management.  There is much to learn from this video produced by Comestar, Semex Alliance, DeLaval. (Read more: Robots at Comestar Holsteins – Video Tour)

#2. BREEDERS CHOICE AWARDS

Despite lockdowns and cancellations, THE BULLVINE once again rose to the challenge of providing their loyal audience with interactive competition.  Many in the dairy industry see themselves as amateur geneticists and enjoy the thrill of the hunt for first place.  Sometimes there are those who reach for the golden ticket by picking the wild card. Whether visiting barn stalls, show rings or browsing through online pictures and videos, dairy amateurs turn into dairy professionals in no time at all.  The Breeders Choice Awards, like this annual Bullvine review, offers the added stimulation of competition.  The prize and bragging rights are keenly sought after. (Read more: Breeders Choice Awards) 

#1. ERBACRES SNAPPLE SHAKIRA – THE NEW INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTAR

It is appropriate that our look back at 2021 climaxes with an article that wraps up the best parts of everything we value in the story of Erbacres Snapple Shakira – The New International Superstar.  Here we find a great story, exceptional breeding, hard work and vision, interweaving in the best of all possible ways! The people are passionate.  The love of this very special queen of the showring is heartwarming. “With so many facts already recorded in the historically exceptional story of Shakira, the question becomes, “Where will Shakira go from here?” Each person who has known her best answers from a different perspective, but they all share the same confidence, “Whatever happens next, Shakira, will continue to set new records and leave outstanding genetics.” And so we wrap up an exceptional year with an exceptional dairy cow who epitomizes the mantra, “On with the Dairy Show!”  (Read more: Erbacres Snapple Shakira – The New International Superstar)

THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE

As we at The Bullvine wish you “Happy New Year”, we extend sincere thanks for the hard work, discipline, and determination of readers, dairy breeders, photographers, videographers, writers, and dairy industry businesses that accepted new responsibilities during these sometimes strange and often difficult times. 2021 taught us that dairy must continue to have an agile, flexible culture and be willing to adapt to changes as fast as possible. It is a privilege for The Bullvine to journey beside you into 2022 in search of the best that dairying has to offer.

 

 

 

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Top Stories, News and Events of 2021

‘Tis the season; but for some, there aren’t many reasons to be jolly. The pandemic is back, not that it ever really left. Headlines are again dominated by explosively rising case numbers, which means equally rising levels of depression and panic. Covid is a news story so inescapable it swallows up the attention of the world. And yet, here are the top stories, news, and events of 2021 as measured by our Bullvine readers.  As seen by this list the dairy industry continues to adapt and move forward despite the challenges it faces.

Top Feature Stories of 2021

  1. Erbacres Snapple Shakira – The New International Superstar
  2. 2020 Breeders Choice Awards – Tanbark Trail Edition – The Results
  3. Robots At Comestar Holsteins – Video Tour
  4. Stud Wars May ’21 – Attack of the Clones
  5. Today’s High-Ranking Sires Are Not All Equal

Top News Stories of 2021

  1. Ferme Jacobs Rocks the Dairy World with Outstanding Sale
  2. The way we breed cows is setting them up for extinction
  3. Bill Gates is about to change the way Amerıca farms
  4. Oakfield Solomon Footloose Tops Duckett Holsteins Summer Selections Sale at $355,000
  5. More than 1,600 cattle on second Spanish cattle ship to be killed

Top Events of 2021

  1. International Holstein Show – World Dairy Expo 2021
  2. Canadian National Holstein Show 2021
  3. International Red & White Show – World Dairy Expo 2021
  4. Autumn Opportunity Holstein Show
  5. Le Supreme Laitier 2021 – Holstein Show
  6. Trois-Rivieres Holstein Show 2021
  7. Ontario Summer Holstein Show 2021
  8. Cremona International Holstein Show 2021
  9. International Junior Holstein Show – World Dairy Expo 2021
  10. International Jersey Show – World Dairy Expo 2021

 

 

 

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The Top 12 Editor’s Choice Articles Of 2020

The Rear View Mirror Says Dairy Had to Stop. Detour. Slow Down. Delay & Follow the Science

 “A YEAR OF BROKEN RECORDS”

In January 2020 I remember thinking that, in order to create catchy headlines, the two-word phrase 2020 vision was going to become annoyingly overused. In fact, the most repetitive headlines had to do with data. In the dairy industry, which has been built on records, the daily deadly reports were hard to hear and they continue to be impossible to ignore. As data collectors, we at The Bullvine were most fortunate that, although distanced from meeting face to face, our readers still proactively shared the information that the dairy industry felt was most important.  Every industry and every business, whether small or large, has had to learn ways to navigate through a pandemic. We thank you for these top ten 2020 road signs of the times.

#1 Should You Share Your Data?

When faced with a proposal for sharing, we worry about what we will get out of it and what the cost will be. It is easy to get tunnel vision and begin to fight against others in our industry.  Dairy grows at the speed of cash but we can’t make money without using data.  When a farm’s data is not available for others, everyone loses. Collaboration using all data perspectives will inspire innovation, insights and capabilities that a single dairy cannot solve by itself. It isn’t about who owns the data but who uses the data for new implementation.  Sometimes we want confirmation that we are right. Sometimes we need insights about where we could be better.  (Read more: Should You Share Your Data?)

#2 Heat Busters. Who You Gonna Call? 

One of the lessons that will long outlast 2020 is the warning, “When facing a crisis, it is vital to take fast and effective action.” Multiple forces act on dairy cattle to send their body temperatures beyond normal levels. Managing heat stress is a high priority. The goal is to make it possible for each cow to meet her full potential for milk yield and fertility, without damaging heat stress. More research is needed to identify improved comprehensive cow-side measurements that can indicate real-time responses to elevated ambient temperatures. With this knowledge, effective heat abatement management decisions can be acted upon in the right way, right now!  Here is where cow sense, common sense and scientific research must combine for success. (Read more: “HEAT BUSTERS. Who You Gonna Call?”)

#3 Break the Mold – Shape Your Future Through Sire Selection                            

The economic crisis triggered by the pandemic did not necessarily affect the entire dairy industry equally. For some it marked a heartbreaking end of a long family journey. Others had to reconsider every aspect of the dairy business, including breeding models. The old way was characterized by dairy breeders using a total merit index as their primary tool and following a “balanced” breeding program. Balanced because the emphasis placed on the traits included in the index are proportional to the historic economic importance of the trait or balanced because the relative equal emphasis is placed on conformation and production traits with a lesser emphasis on auxiliary traits. This article addressed how a modern strategy might pivot toward new breeding realities It is time to break the mold. (Read more: Break the Mold – Shape Your Future Through Sire Selection)

 #4 To Niche or Not to Niche? Big Questions Face Dairy Markets

It’s impossible to predict what the impacts of Covid-19 on dairying will look like three, six or twelve months from now. One thing, however, will be certain. Dairy businesses that decide to take the leap and prioritize what the dairy consumer wants and needs, will be the ones that come out on top. In the past, the total volume pumped from the milk tank was the priority.

Continuing to chase volumes means accepting the risk that an outside force could make some dairy operations irrelevant.  Uncontrollable forces such as a global pandemic, weather disasters, economic upheaval and politics will become the endgame for some.  Instead, what is needed is dairy decision making based on market consumption. Milk producers must then prioritize products that recognize the end customer.  Milk has huge potential.  It is up to dairy owners and mangers to create partnerships, collaboration and community connections that will point the way to dairy sustainability.  (Read more: To Niche or Not to Niche? Big Questions Face Dairy Markets) 

#5 Tomorrow’s Dairy Cattle Genetic Evaluations Must Consider Environments 

Dairy cattle genetics in North America has enjoyed exponential acceptance worldwide. It has been an exciting journey which, ironically, has contributed to creating worldwide competition.  This front-line forward motion can only be maintained if we keep developing the science. If breeders and organizations persist in using one milking or one day’s observations per month to calculate milk yields and ignoring data from in-barn monitoring systems, our dairy industry will fall behind.  As well, animal performance beyond milk cows cannot remain non-existent in our central data bases. It is time for breeders and their representatives on committees and boards to expand, collect and use more on-farm data. There can never be too many known and implemented dairy genetic facts.  (Read more: Tomorrow’s Dairy Cattle Genetic Evaluations Must Consider Environments)

#6 You Can Strengthen Your Dairy Immune Status

The dairy journey through 2020 experienced a parallel reality with the human journey. This article homed in on “Five signs that your herd Immunity is under attack.” and included “8 Steps to Strengthen Dairy Immune Response.” Insights and opportunities are always present when strengthening immune systems. As happens on the human side, it is important to watch out for headline scare tactics. Vaccines for animal diseases are nothing new thanks to Louis Pasteur in 1879. What is new are trends suggesting refusal of the use of vaccines. Allowing vaccine preventable disease to decimate food animals would not only be a severe hit to the economy, it would threaten food security all around the world wherever these animals are a source of protein. (Read more: You CAN Strengthen Your Dairy Herd Immune Status – Healthier Herd. More Milk. Healthier Herd. More Profit.)

#7 STOP WASTING TIME!! Choose Sires that Save on Labor

There are good arguments for driving forward in the dairy industry by using the same genetic science that produced superior production and conformation in our dairy herds.  This article asks “Is it time to address how the genetic merit of our animals affects the cost of labor on the farms of tomorrow?” With more animals per employee and the focus moving to on farm efficiency, it is imperative that milk producers choose and use sires that are significant breed improvers for labour-saving traits. More time will be available to attend to other important on-farm herd functions – fresh cow temperature checking, extra health checks of calves, increased herd checking, more time for report analysis, more time for staff training. (Read more: STOP WASTING TIME! Choose Sires that Save on Labor)

#8 Terri Packard: When you build it..they do come

If there is anything hard times have taught passionate dairy people, it is that right next to the cows, people are the most important success factor. This article focuses on Terri Packard and opens by saying, “Although she isn’t royal in the strictest sense, there’s no doubt her iron-clad reputation makes her one of the industry’s blue bloods – and a shining example when it comes to talent, integrity, intelligence and grace under pressure.” When we look back and try to identify what kept the dairy industry compelling amid the uproar of changing times, people like Terri Packard and husband Ernie Kueffner will stand tall. “Every industry needs leaders” and Terri recognizes that the dairy industry needs everyone on that team making sure that great cows get great care every day. Ernie adds, “To get to the top requires sacrifice.” This wonderful story of beloved cows and, most importantly, dedicated people, has all the elements to inspire generations. (Read more: Terri Packard: When you build it…they do come)

#9 Watch Out – Breed Societies are on a Course to Crash and Burn

It is quite true that there are occasions when we are so close to what is happening that we can’t really see mistakes even as they are happening. This article encouraged dairy associations to remove the blinders before it is too late. To be relevant, decision makers for breed societies must value the skill of listening to what members are saying. Having earned a chair at the table, they must then bring those real concerns to the determination of the value provided. It isn’t enough to say that we are all part of the journey.  Associations must align priorities, services, data and science and then commit to being drivers of the necessary changes. The signs will either be followed or associations will come to a full stop. (Read more: Watch Out – Breed Societies are on a Course to Crash and Burn) 

#10 & 11 “UP ON THE FARM.  DOWN ON OURSELVES”

One lesson does not fit every dairy.  There are kids, adults, bosses, employees and services providers.  All ages.  Many stages. A determined dairy detective would be able to find silver linings among the impacts of Covid-19 on their dairy.  Such was the intention behind the article, “WAYS FOR KIDS TO BE UP-ON-THE-FARM DURING CORONAVIRUS.” At the other end of this road we travelled, we find the losses incurred when mental health issues are ignored. This was raised in “Dairy Farmers – Break Down the Stigma Around Suicide.” This is a dairy business issue but it goes beyond that too. The goal is to help yourself and others to come out on the other side with a more constructive, productive and effective way to face mental pain.  (Read more: Ways For Kids To Be Up-On-The-Farm During Coronavirus) 

#12 WORLD DAIRY EXPO – The Show Must Go On

And so we come to what many of us recognized as the main casualty on the Pandemic Road. Cancelled dairy shows were frequently announced.  Depending where you lived, efforts were made with varying degrees of success to adjust to the rules and continue this iconic part of the dairy industry experience.  On behalf of The Bullvine, its readers and the dairy industry, our founder Andrew Hunt did not shy away from analysis and a call to action. “We have the opportunity to re-invent the industry so that it is greater than it ever was before.” He concluded, “The show side of the dairy industry was in trouble before Cofid-19 hit.  The question now is will Covid-19 be the nail in the coffin or the catalyst for change that revises the show industry?” (Read more: World Dairy Expo – The Show Must Go On)

THE BULLVINE 2020 BOTTOM LINE

We won’t find our way through 2021 by blindly fixating on the roads taken in 2020. The future needs us to heed what we have learned and to work every day to make the conditions, cows and dairy teams the best they can be.  At The Bullvine we look forward with gratitude and appreciation to each one of you and wish you every success as we commit to proudly sharing your passion, as we continue this amazing journey together in 2021.

Top 20 of 2020 – The Bullvine’s Most Popular Articles of the Year

The Bullvine team is pleased to once again bring you the most well-read articles in the three most popular sections of our website for the past year.   This list reflects content published from January 1st, 2020  through December 27th, 2020 and is based on Google Analytics with over 3,000,000 monthly views from almost 2,600,000 unique yearly visitors.

Top 10 Feature Articles

  1. STOP WASTING TIME! Choose Sires that Save on Labor   
  2. The Bullvine 2019 All-North American Awards
  3. To Niche or Not to Niche? Big Questions Face Dairy Markets
  4. Break the Mold – Shape Your Future Through Sire Selection
  5. Proof How Critical Calf Care Is
  6. Don’t Ignore Selection Intensity When Selecting Sires!
  7. Terri Packard: When you build it…they do come
  8. Watch Out – Breed Societies are on a Course to Crash and Burn
  9. World Dairy Expo – The Show Must Go On
  10. The Bullvine Battle of the Champions – North American Edition 

Top 8 News Stories

  1. Trump’s False Claims About Dairy Farms 
  2. Straussdale Holsteins Barn is a total loss after Friday fire
  3. Dairy farms thriving during coronavirus pandemic
  4. Six companies are about to merge into the biggest farm-business oligopoly in history
  5. Dairy cattle genetics company donating bull semen to aid struggling farmers
  6. Van Leeuwen Group to sell nine dairy farms
  7. Missouri charmer led double life, masterminded one of the biggest frauds in farm history
  8. Ontario woman fined $25K for illegally importing hundreds of doses of bovine semen
  9. Neighbors Disturbed After Body Discovered In Manure Pile At Dairy Farm
  10. Topless dairy industry protesters crashed the stage at a Bernie Sanders rally

It been an amazing journey since we started the Bullvine back in 2012, (Read more: The Top 10 of 2012 – The most read articles of 2012).  2020 is a year no one will forget. While the industry has certainly changed, we here at the Bullvine are excited about the potential the new year will bring and the great things that will happen in the dairy industry.  One thing you can be certain of is the continue to bring you the most talked about in the industry.  Happy Holidays and See You in 2021!

World Dairy Expo – The Show Must Go On

There is no question that the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the world forever.  People everywhere are in lockdown and everything seems to have stopped.  While the dairy industry is an essential service, aspects of the dairy industry, such as the show niche have not been immune to the pandemic and has seen many of its major events wiped out for 2020.  The most recent casualty is the Superbowl of Dairy Shows, the mecca that attracts people from around the globe, The World Dairy Expo.   While the health concerns are valid, it does not mean that the show industry must stop. The Show Must Go On.

Why Was World Dairy Expo Cancelled?

The World Dairy Expo Executive Committee reached this difficult decision based on the public health orders and restrictions related to COVID-19 put in place and issued by Public Health Madison & Dane County. The Alliant Energy Center, home to World Dairy Expo, is a county-owned facility that falls under the jurisdiction of Emergency Order #3 and Forward Dane, the phased reopening plan for Dane County. Public health officials predict Dane County may be in the third phase of the plan when the World Dairy Expo is set to occur. This phase includes a limit of 250 people at outdoor events, eliminating any possibility that World Dairy Expo, as people know it today, can take place.

Why Now?

World Dairy Expo previously shared that a decision regarding the 2020 show would be made and announced on July 1. However, based on the Forward Dane plan, released by Public Health Madison & Dane County on May 22, and signed into action by Emergency Order #3, the decision to not hold World Dairy Expo 2020 was made earlier than originally anticipated. They hope the decision to announce this disappointing news sooner allows our exhibitors and attendees to save resources during this time of heightened economic hardships.

Change Location?

The World Dairy Expo board commented that the Alliant Energy Center and Madison, Wisconsin have been Expo’s home for 53 years. With this rich history comes critical infrastructure for a show of Expo’s size and scope. Beyond the physical footprint of the campus, World Dairy Expo relies on dedicated and trained volunteers, a paid labor force and established event partners.

Go Virtual?

World Dairy Expo will not be hosting a virtual show in place of the version of Expo we all know and love. Expo is so much more than the events that take place during the show. There is networking, camaraderie and a sense of coming home for so many, that unfortunately, can’t be recreated over a computer screen or mobile device.

So, Were Does This Leave Us?

The dairy show industry has seen a massive transformation over recent years.  Once seen as the place to showcase your top cows in hopes of selling a sire to an artificial insemination unit, or daughters for big money, the dairy show industry has become a much smaller niche that is akin more to a beauty pageant than the source for genetic advancement.  With pedigree cattle selling for a fraction of what they used to, and milk prices plummeting, those that exhibit on the tanbark no longer do it for profit, but more because of passion and tradition and the thrill of competition.  It’s for those reasons that the show must go on.

The Response on Social Media

Probably one of the most notable responses was posted by Grassion Schmidt, Grai-Rose Cattle Co.  & RuAnn Genetics Show Genetics & Boarding Services, on June 5th,

Due to the recent cancellation of World Dairy Expo and the many different options and opinions floating around I felt a need to copy and paste a letter I wrote (with the help of my wife of course) to the World Dairy Expo Staff. I’m not sure if this was ever presented to the board or not. As you can see by the date on the letter it was written a while ago. I think it sheds some insight as to the kind of event we could have with the right leadership in our industry.

December 7, 2018

Dear Staff and Leadership Team of World Dairy Expo,

Challenging times have fallen on the dairy industry – as we all know. More unfortunately, the hard times have stayed much longer in the low cycle than anyone could have anticipated. It is not a secret how people directly involved in milking, breeding, and owning cows are feeling right now. We are facing the hardest of times. 

However, the point of this letter is not to tell you depressing statements about aspects you already know. It is to, hopefully, bring to your attention ways I feel we can help the treasured industry that has given myself, many of you, and so many others, their start in life. I truly believe we can, and should, find ways to preserve this tradition. 

I am not proposing anything extreme or out of scope for what World Dairy Expo was originally founded. The start of World Dairy Expo was through the cattle show; bringing together people to share appreciation and support for the breeders and exhibitors who had come close to perfection in the art of breeding and developing show cows. I am proposing actionable steps to return back to what World Dairy Expo started as: a place to showcase the best dairy cattle in the world. 

Other than the name, World Dairy Expo has become a very unrealistic and impractical place to exhibit cattle. My fear, which is not unfounded and has in part already occurred, is that the dairy cattle show aspect will fall away. While the tradeshow is spectacular, the dairy cattle show is what lights excitement across the globe. It MAKES World Dairy Expo what it is. But, at what cost do exhibitors donate to the promotion of World Dairy Expo?

Exhibitors spend thousands of dollars every year to come to World Dairy Expo. In return for the money we spend in travel, hiring a crew, show displays, and other costs strictly associated with going to a general show … we receive from World Dairy Expo increased entry fees, sky-high hotel rates, and outrageous costs for feed, bedding, and display space. If we are lucky to do well in classes with cattle, our premium checks will hopefully match our entry fees.

My call to action for you, the World Dairy Expo Staff and Leadership Team, is to show a little bit of gratitude and start giving back to the exhibitors who fill your barns with the cows World Dairy Expo is celebrated for.

Rather than making this a non-sustainable venture, consider enhancing premiums – as many other shows around the United States and Canada have done – to offset costs that we know exhibitors have. Increased premiums would do so much for this sector of the dairy industry. 

World Dairy Expo maintains a full-time staff. Shouldn’t the team who makes a living from this event consider ways to make this event viable into the future? Someone from the staff could be directly responsible for sourcing sponsorship money – in relation to or in addition to income coming in from trade show exhibitor sponsorships.

I recognize World Dairy Expo has operating costs. I also am aware costs to be part of the trade show are not exactly pocket change for the companies paying to be at the trade show. However, I would be fairly confident, and I am sure you are too, most companies in the dairy industry have decided the cost of not being involved with World Dairy Expo is higher than being involved. So, they will continue to pay the fees. They will continue to rise up to the challenge to buy every square inch of space in which a logo can be attached. That feature of Expo won’t phase out very quickly, but if we do not start to show some appreciation to cattle exhibitors, the cow show will quickly become a past memory of World Dairy Expo. 

Why isn’t someone from the staff directly responsible for raising sponsorship money for the cattle show? 

Why is Supreme Champion at Madison not worth $50,000? Why is each breed champion not $30,000, with the same for Premier Breeder and Exhibitor? Perhaps consider donating the cost of a couple booths to make sure this accomplishment is rewarded. Is it out of line to think a class winner in a milking cow class should be $1,000? This is very much the case with every horse event, no matter how big or small. A substantial cash purse is awarded for winning.

Our industry is even able to do it! The British Columbia Spring Show is offering $200,000 in prize money! This is divided for a two breed show (Black & White Holsteins and Red & White Holsteins). If a small group of local volunteers are able to raise money like this for the exhibitors, why can’t World Dairy Expo with a full-time staff? If this were to happen at World Dairy Expo, cattle would be sold left and right – once again bringing value and marketability back to the industry!

Walking through the barns at Madison last year was depressing, to put it lightly, regarding the future of dairy farming and this niche of the industry. To put it bluntly, it was like a trip to the morgue. 

Very few cattle were being sold or even seriously looked at. Never before have I seen a group of people more down on our industry that is, for many, the reason they get out of bed in the morning. 

We all continue to come … so far … even though most of us really can’t afford to do so. Why? Because we are very passionate about this niche of the dairy industry and can’t take the thought of missing out. For many smaller sized dairy operations, this is farmer’s vacation. Unfortunately, a very expensive vacation is what it is becoming.

We used to offset costs by selling cattle, but that is no longer the case. Other than a medal and pat on the back, World Dairy Expo has devalued registered cattle. Large premiums could mean a revived market, a point to continuing to show up at World Dairy Expo, and maybe even life changing money for the small dairyman doing everything they can to survive in the industry.

It is really very simple. Start asking sponsors from alliance industries to contribute and show them exactly where their money will be applied. Make a promise to pass sponsorship onto the exhibitors who make World Dairy Expo more than a trade show – the most prestigious dairy event in the world. 

As the co-chairman of the Western Fall National Holstein Show, between my wife, my boss, and myself, with an admittedly last-minute sponsorship drive (three weeks prior to the show) we raised nearly $13,000 in extra prize money to go directly into exhibitor pockets! This was for a new event, located 700 miles from where we live and do business! I know the amount Word Dairy Expo could raise would be phenomenal and highly appreciated! 
Aside from the obvious industry sponsors who would donate, let’s think outside of the box. Maybe learn a lesson from the outstanding team at the All-American who does an incredible job with sponsorship as well. Where’s Carhartt? I can almost guarantee you, at one point or another during the week of World Dairy Expo, everyone on the grounds will wear something Carhartt. What about Coors Light? Crown Royal, McDonalds, Elmers Glue (Krazy Glue, we all use it), Yeti Products, Wrangler, Coleman Tents, Miss Me Jeans, Twisted X, etc. Put their logos everywhere – highlight them for giving back to the exhibitors – in the show ring, around the barns, in the hotels, and TV screens in between shows. Show them the advantage sponsoring this great event brings! 

Beyond the domestic dairy industry use of their products, we would be lying to ourselves if we said the only shopping international visitors do while in the U.S. is at the World Dairy Expo Trade Show. Tell clothing sponsors how many foreign visitors are on the grounds! 

I want nothing more than for World Dairy Expo to continue to be the meeting of the best cows for the best competition in the world. However, I am not too proud to recognize things need to change in order for this to continue. 

Give dairymen, of all sizes of operations, a little hope to move forward in the niche market that creates Expo. Help us revive the registered cattle market to what it once was. Do something to help bring new outside investors into the industry. 

I want nothing more than for the legends of the colored shavings to continue on for decades, but I am not confident the show will stay alive if things continue the way they are. It is too late for some in the industry already, but I respectfully ask you to please consider the actionable steps for the rest of us who are still hanging on, hoping for change before it is too late. 

Kindest regards,

Graisson D. Schmidt
Grai-Rose Cattle Co.
RuAnn Genetics Show Genetics & Boarding Services

So, What Happens Next?

At this point, it’s a moot point to argue whether World Dairy Expo 2020 should happen in any form.  Given the current pandemic there really is no chance it will happen in Dane County, and the Executive Board of WDE has decided that if it can’t happen at the Alliant Energy Center it’s not going to happen. 

However, just because World Dairy Expo is not going to happen and most likely most other shows, especially in the Eastern US and Canada, that does not mean shows are not going to happen.  The Western National Holstein Show in Richmond Utah is a go for September 3rd and 4th.  I have attended this usually Spring show for several years and the hospitality and level of competition held there is outstanding.    There is also going to be a show held in California that Graisson and others are telling me will be a great show as well.

The Bigger Question

It’s not how we can save World Dairy Expo, it’s how can we save the show scene. There is no question that attendance at cow shows has declined significantly and the number of exhibitors has become a more and more select group, especially at the highest levels.  We need to think bigger than just how to hold a show, we need to think about how we can host an event that will attract the attention of a larger audience.

For me, we need to look at the major sporting events like the National Football League’s Super Bowl.  These types of events draw a massive viewership from around the world, and it’s not just die-hard fans but it’s casual viewers as well.  How are they able to achieve this?  They put on a show, I mean, they make it interesting to watch.  The NFL has done such a good job making their TV product so good, there are many fans that prefer to stay home and watch the game on TV over even attending the show live.  With this widespread interest, the NFL has seen record revenues and the profits skyrocket.

The Dairy Industry’s Equivalent to the Super Bowl

If you are looking for an example of this in the industry, it has to be The Swiss Expo hosted in January each year.  This show puts on an event like none other.  Remember the Super Bowl, is more than just the two best teams in a Championship game.  It’s a whole production and event like none other.  While World Dairy Expo does unquestionably have the best cattle, it is not the best production in the world.  That honor goes to the Swiss Expo team.  They work tirelessly to always up the presentation level of their show.  They did this despite changing location this year because they had grown too large for the old amazing facility. Swiss Expo upped their game and took things to an even higher level. Jacques Rey and his team are not afraid to take risks. They are not afraid to try new things.  Sure, sometimes those things can receive mixed reviews, as did the decision to have attractive young ladies carrying the boxing style signs before the naming of grand champion. But the fact remains they take risks that generate interest.

While I totally understand the “tradition” that is the dairy show scene, I feel you can still honour tradition while evolving the industry.  Some great ideas for this are:

  • Having play by play announcers during the live stream of the show
  • Interview the winners after the classes to get the raw emotional responses
  • Engage the fans during the show to make them feel part of the show
  • Interview the judge after each Championship class
  • Create fan favourite awards

While I understand the requests to increase prize money, there has to be something that will make the corporate sponsors want to put up the cash.  That comes down to guaranteeing the eyeballs of their target audience.  Unless you can show these companies that they can be seen by their prospects, they are not going to be motivated to shell out the cash. 

The Bullvine Bottom Line

This is certainly a time of great change in the world and in the dairy industry.  Nowhere is that more evident than the show scene.  We have the opportunity to not just extend a dying industry, but we have the opportunity to re-invent the industry so that it is greater than it ever was before.  That starts with taking this time to not just save a show, but to rethink what is a show and what enthusiasts actually want to see.  Until we do this, nothing is really going to change.  The show side of the dairy industry was in trouble before Covid-19 hit. The question now is “Covid-19 the nail in the coffin or the catalyst for change that revives the show industry”?

For those that are looking to get their cattle seen and the thrill of competition be sure to check out Coronashow 2020, the Bullvine’s Online Dairy Show, with a new extended deadline of July 31st. 

The Bullvine Battle of the Champions – North American Edition – Final

The results are and RF GOLDWYN HAILEY is the Grand Champion of the Bullvine Battle of the Champions – North American Edition.

 

Watch Out – Breed Societies are on a Course to Crash and Burn

Have breed society members become too complacent? Have they lost hope? Do they even care about their own futures?

The Bullvine knows and understands that with the current global health crisis and the associated food supply disruptions that there is much on dairy breed society members’ minds about immediate survival and future business. 

The outlook for dairy cattle farmer-breeders is often negative. On the Milk House Group and on Facebook there are comments about how breeding companies (formerly called A.I. companies) are taking over from farmer-breeders by running their own breeding herds, by having their breeding lines proprietary to themselves and by producing their own genetic evaluations.

The Bullvine wonders how breeders feel about this because we see that breed society members are not asking more of their breed organizations. More to keep them in the breeding scene. More to help breeders generate revenue from the sale of breeding stock (breed societies once did that). More action to demonstrate a ‘go-to-it’ organization as members plan for the future of their farms. More focused on the future and not repeating the past.

We here at The Bullvine care about helping dairy cattle farmer-breeders to be successful … but … do breeders themselves care?

Is It Too Late for Breed Members and Breeds?

It should never be too late. However, nothing will change in breed societies, if breed members do not act collectively and demand results.

What Can Breed Members and Breed Societies Do?

Here is a partial list of things that breed members and breed societies could do to start down the road to a successful tomorrow:

BREED MEMBERS ACTION

Future Dairy Farming

  • Take time to acquaint themselves with where dairy farming will be in their region in 5 years’ time. Dairy farms will, on average, be double their current size and have considerably more technology.
  • Reach out to neighbors that milk cows but do not register to find out their future service and genetic needs.

Expectations of Director

  • Elect only progressive dynamic breed society directors. Boards only need to meet virtually for 3-4 hours per month so that busy directors are not taken away from their farms for days at a time. Insist that boards of directors are doing accurate visioning, setting priorities, updating policies and programs, overseeing finances and virtually reporting to breed members.

Animal Data

  • Lead by example and genomically test all their breeding animals. Then use the genomic information in all herd improvement and service purposes – genetics, nutrition and management.
  • Promote maximum data capture from breed members entire herd (cows and heifers) and ensure that all animal data reaches the national data base so that it can be used for benchmarking, genetic evaluation, research and development purposes.

Breed Genes

  • Be open to supporting ways of introducing new superior bovine genes into their breed. 

BREED SOCIETY ACTIONS

Breed Priorities

  • Breed purity, pretty animals and protection of animal owners’ investment must take the back seat. The front seat will be value-added services including those that related to a) animal health, welfare, feed conversion, functionality and heifer performance; and b) financial details on both a daily and lifetime basis.
  • Work with breed members, all dairy farmers and industry stakeholders to research and determine breed strengths, limitations and opportunities.

Work with Others

  • Takedown the walls and align, merge or collaborate with DHI’s, breeding companies, herd software providers, herd device providers, genetic evaluation centres, genomic testing organizations, cooperative milk marketing organizations, animal research centers, extension education and youth development. The farmers own the data, not the breed societies or other services that capture animal data.
  • Staff and data systems are costly items. Only one national dairy animal database is needed.

Breed Services

  • Leave behind the verified, control and only official data source approach. The future will depend on serving the needs of breed members, milk producers and industry partners. This includes governments.
  • Move all breed-related services for heifers and cows into the virtual information and service age.
  • Expect that funding breed societies based on registrations, genomic testing and animal transfers not to be acceptable to dairy farmers. Breeds must address the need to work with industry partners on animal traceability services (the combination of animal id, location and movement) in order to guarantee products to consumers.

Animal Data

  • Support that all animal-related information is publishable provided the data source is identified. Farmers will decide if any or all the animal information is useful to them.

Breed Operations

  • Modernize the breed’s purposes, roles, organizational infrastructure and operations.

Breed Genes

  • Takedown the barriers by expanding the gene composition of the breed.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Dairy cattle breed societies are in the process of moving from being on life-support to becoming museums.

Without new value-added services, society members will do their voting with their chequebooks. Dairy farmers have been heard to say – “I no longer get value from registration, type classification and historic data files”. So, they will quietly stop registering, having the classifier visit and requesting performance pedigrees.

Is there an opportunity for breed societies to exist in the future? Yes … but only if they change. Performance efficiency, satisfying the consumer, viability and sustainability are today’s prime drivers of that change.

Now is the Moment of Truth. Breed societies have only two options … change or fold!

 

 

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The Bullvine Battle of the Champions – North American Edition – Semi Finals

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The Bullvine Battle of the Champions – North American Edition – Round 2

The results are in and its now time to vote for the Round 2.  Please note that battle 2 and 4 RF Goldwyn Hailey has already been named the winner as she was competing against herself.

Battle of Champions - NA RD2
First
Last

Voting will end on April 13th 2020

 

The Bullvine Battle of the Champions – North American Edition – Round 1

Since we started the Bullvine over 8 years ago we have had the opportunity to see some of the greatest moments on the Tanbark trail around the world.  In honour of that, we have launched the Bullvine Battle of the Champions to determine just who was the greatest Champion at World Dairy Expo or The Royal in the past 8 years.  Simply cast your vote here or on our Facebook page to determine just who was the greatest.

The Bullvine 2019 All-North American Awards

Take out all the politics, all the baloney and just look at who had the best year, and that is the Bullvine’s 2019 All North American Contest.  In the same way that Golf, Nascar and many other major sports determine their yearly winners, the All-North American system is designed to keep it simple, clear and fair. The All-North American awards are a clear points system that takes all the bias and political headaches that have killed the other contests.  This year three of our winners did not win their class at either World Dairy Expo or The Royal Winter Fair.

The rules are simple:

  1. In each class, the animals earning the top two positions on points will have their results compared head to head, to see how they did when in the same ring on the same day. If the 2nd highest point earner wins the head to head battle by two or more points, i.e.3 to 1, the 2nd highest point earner will be declared the victor.
  2. In classes where the judge or associate judge at World Dairy Expo or The Royal owned and/or bred one of the top three point earners, all animals in the top three will have their points compared excluding the show that the judge evaluated and the one with the most points will be declared the victor.

The shows that are eligible are:

  1. USA
    1. Mid-East Spring National Holstein Show
    2. Northeast Spring National Holstein Show
    3. Southern Spring National Holstein Show
    4. Midwest Spring National Holstein Show
    5. Western Spring National Holstein Show
    6. Mid-East Summer National Holstein Show
    7. Midwest Fall National Holstein Show
    8. Western Fall National Holstein Show
    9. Northeast Fall National Holstein Show
    10. Eastern Fall National Holstein Show
    11. Mid-East Fall National Holstein Show
    12. International Holstein Show (World Dairy Expo)
  2. Canada
    1. BC Spring Show
    2. Ontario Spring Show
    3. Quebec Spring Show
    4. Ontario Summer Show
    5. Le Supreme
    6. Eastern Ontario/Western QC
    7. Autumn Opportunity
    8. Atlantic Dairy
    9. Westerner
    10. Royal

The point system is as follows:

  1. Regional National Shows
    • 1st = 5 points
    • 2nd = 4 points
    • 3rd = 3 points
    • 4th = 2 points
    • 5th= 1 point
  2. National Championship Shows (World Dairy Expo and The Royal)
    • 1st = 15 points
    • 2nd = 13 points
    • 3rd = 11 points
    • 4th = 9 points
    • 5th = 8 points
    • 6th = 7 points
    • 7th = 6 points
    • 8th = 5 points
    • 9th = 4 points
    • 10th = 3 point

Winter Calf

All North American –  CASHELLS DEFIANT LOUIS V
Reserve All-North American – SF-SHADYLANE ADRAN 
HM All North American –  BLEXYS CRUSH BUDWEISER
Top at US Shows: BLEXYS CRUSH BUDWEISER
WDE Winner:  BLEXYS CRUSH BUDWEISER
Top at CDN Shows:  SF-SHADYLANE ADRAN 
RWF Winner: SF-SHADYLANE ADRAN 

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL Total
CASHELLS DEFIANT LOUIS V 14 13 27
SF-SHADYLANE ADRAN  5 15 20
BLEXYS CRUSH BUDWEISER 17 0 17
VANDOSKES DENVER CAMI 13 3 16
HS-HOTSTUFF AN SPICY-RED 3 11 14
OCD DOORMAN MAGIC 0 13 13
REYNCREST DOORMAN CARMEN 13 0 13
CROVALLEY ACROBAT ALLSTAR 0 12 12
WINRIGHT GOLDCHIP EMOJI 0 11 11
WEIGLAND DEMPSEY ALEXJO 11 0 11
MISS OCD UNDENY GOOGLE 11 0 11

Fall Calf

All North American – REYNCREST DRM LOVEBUG
Reserve All-North American –  COMBHAVEN DOORMAN ELISE
HM All North American –  BUDJON-VAIL AVA ELLUSIVE
Top at US Shows:  CRYSTAL STAR AVLNCH CALI
WDE Winner:  REYNCREST DRM LOVEBUG
Top at CDN Shows:  COMBHAVEN DOORMAN ELISE
RWF Winner:  MS CAUGHT A GLIMPSE

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL Total
REYNCREST DRM LOVEBUG 15 13 28
COMBHAVEN DOORMAN ELISE 0 25 25
BUDJON-VAIL AVA ELLUSIVE 15 6 21
MS CAUGHT A GLIMPSE 0 19 19
CRYSTAL STAR AVLNCH CALI 18 0 18
MS SOLOMON SKITTLES 4 12 16
BLONDIN SIDEKICK CHARABIA 0 15 15
PETITCLERC AVALANCHE SYRAH 14 0 14
RI-JUL DRMAN MAGNIFICENT 0 13 13
MILK&HONEY DM MADISON 13 0 13
BUDJON-ABBOTT AVA AMANDA 13 0 13
ZBW BAILEYS DENVER BANJO 12 0 12
CANHOPE BEEMER BRECKETT 0 11 11
MS BORDERVIEW CRUSH SUE-ET 0 10 10
LAVENDER JORDY RAZZLE RED 0 10 10

Summer Yearling

All North American –  WINDCROFT DRMAN IRREPLACEABLE
Reserve All-North American –  HAMMERTIME DOORMAN NOVA
HM All North American –  BLONDIN KING DOC CHEWY
Top at US Shows:  WINDCROFT DRMAN IRREPLACEABLE
WDE Winner:  WINDCROFT DRMAN IRREPLACEABLE
Top at CDN Shows: WINDCROFT DRMAN IRREPLACEABLE 
RWF Winner:  WINDCROFT DRMAN IRREPLACEABLE

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL Total
WINDCROFT DRMAN IRREPLACEABLE 20 20 40
HAMMERTIME DOORMAN NOVA 13 13 26
BLONDIN KING DOC CHEWY 11 12 23
SCENIC-EDGE JORDAN-RED 9 7 16
REYNCREST GOLD DIGGA 8 5 13
BRABANTDALE SIDEKICK AMAZON 8 4 12
BELFAST DENVER FINGER 0 11 11
KINGSWAY JACOBY A TEAGUON 0 10 10
JM VALLEY UNIX SALSA 5 5 10
BANOWETZ PEACH CRUSH 10 0 10

Spring Yearling

All North American –  MAPEL WOOD DOORMAN DANCER (See rule 1)
Reserve All-North American –  SUN-MADE LARIONS CRAYON
HM All North American –  REYNCREST AVALNCHE LUSHA
Top at US Shows:  REYNCREST SOLOMON LUCILLE
WDE Winner:  MAPEL WOOD DOORMAN DANCER
Top at CDN Shows:  REYNCREST AVALNCHE LUSHA
RWF Winner:  KNONAUDALE OHYAH

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL Total
SUN-MADE LARIONS CRAYON 8 21 29
MAPEL WOOD DOORMAN DANCER 15 11 26
REYNCREST AVALNCHE LUSHA 0 25 25
REYNCREST SOLOMON LUCILLE 22 0 22
HARVUE DOORMAN FIJI 16 0 16
KNONAUDALE OHYAH 0 15 15
RED BRAE DOORMAN THERESA 13 0 13
WEEBERLAC JACOBY PANDORA 0 13 13
BLONDIN T&L AVALANCHE ANGELA 5 7 12
BLONDIN T&L AVALANCHE ANGELINA 11 0 11
SCO-LO-COONS ALISON 2306 7 4 11
RUANN JEST KINGPIN-80236 10 0 10
KAMPS-RX APPLES ATBEST 0 10 10
RIVERDOWN ATWOOD JIGGAJOYRIDE 0 10 10

Winter Yearling

All North American –  MISS OCD DOORM GEORGETTE
Reserve All-North American –  GENO DOORMAN TESLA & PETITCLERC IMPRESSION AURALIE
Top at US Shows:  PETITCLERC IMPRESSION AURALIE
WDE Winner:  MISS OCD DOORM GEORGETTE
Top at CDN Shows:  ALL-GLO BYWAY MONTRAL
RWF Winner: MISS OCD DOORM GEORGETTE

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL Total
MISS OCD DOORM GEORGETTE 15 15 30
GENO DOORMAN TESLA 17 5 22
PETITCLERC IMPRESSION AURALIE 22 0 22
MILKSOURCE ZEST 15 6 21
ALL-GLO BYWAY MONTRAL 0 20 20
OCONCREST DEMPSEY SENORITA 0 18 18
KEYSTONE SOLOMON ALLSTAR 16 0 16
SUN-MADE CRAVE DRN DIANE 0 14 14
MISS OCD CALLEN GEORGIA 0 11 11
C-COVE AIRLIFT COMET 11 0 11
BUCKS-PRIDE SLATER MARIA 10 0 10

Fall Yearling

All North American –  MASE’S MANOR DBACK LUXURY (See rule 1)
Reserve All-North American –   ALL-GLO O KOOL TULLY
HM All North American –  BLEXYS DOORMAN BRANDY
Top at US Shows:  MASE’S MANOR DBACK LUXURY
WDE Winner:  MASE’S MANOR DBACK LUXURY
Top at CDN Shows:  BLAYJOY CALLEN MARBLE

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL Total
MASE’S MANOR DBACK LUXURY 19 0 19
ALL-GLO O KOOL TULLY 13 6 19
BLEXYS DOORMAN BRANDY 16 0 16
BROOK-CORNER DOOR WAKEUP 14 0 14
T-TRIPLE-T BLAKE PEWTER 11 0 11
R-E-W SO LOIS 10 0 10

Milking Yearling

All North American –  IDEE IMAC 645
Reserve All-North American –  GARAY DOORMAN BLIND DATE
HM All North American –  PIERSTEIN EXPANDER ROYSE
Top at US Shows:  BUDJON-VAIL SOLMN APACHE-ET
WDE Winner:  BUDJON-VAIL SOLMN APACHE-ET
Top at CDN Shows:  IDEE IMAC 645
RWF Winner: IDEE IMAC 645

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL Total
IDEE IMAC 645 0 20 20
GARAY DOORMAN BLIND DATE 6 13 19
PIERSTEIN EXPANDER ROYSE 13 3 16
BUDJON-VAIL SOLMN APACHE-ET 15 0 15
CROVALLEY SOLOMON SPARKLE 0 14 14
BLONDIN AVALANCHE DARLEEN 0 13 13
OPPORTUNITY GOLD PHOENIX 13 0 13
OCD DEFIANT LETHAL 12 0 12
GEG JACOBY POPPY 0 11 11
DUCKETT SOLOMON LETA 11 0 11

Junior Two Year Old

All North American –  SWEETVIEW DEMPSEY HURRYUP
Reserve All-North American –  JACOBS DIAMONDBACK LISAN
HM All North American –  WEEBERLAC TICKLE ME RED
Top at US Shows:  PETITCLERC DOORMAN SAPPHIRE
WDE Winner:  SWEETVIEW DEMPSEY HURRYUP & JACOBS SOLOMON BRIDAL
Top at CDN Shows:  JACOBS DIAMONDBACK LISAN
RWF Winner: SWEETVIEW DEMPSEY HURRYUP

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL Total
SWEETVIEW DEMPSEY HURRYUP 15 15 30
JACOBS DIAMONDBACK LISAN 13 16 29
WEEBERLAC TICKLE ME RED 5 13 18
PETITCLERC DOORMAN SAPPHIRE 18 0 18
JACOBS CONTROL BRISK 8 9 17
SWEET PEAS GCHIP ALEX 16 0 16
PIERSTEIN DEVOUR ROULA 11 4 15
JACOBS SOLOMON BRIDAL 15 0 15
VOGUE LMF LOVE ACTUALLY 6 8 14
BENRISE BLISTER LOVEABLE 7 7 14
HEART & SOUL DEMPSEY RAELYNN 14 0 14
WINRIGHT BEEMER BABY ENTHEM 0 13 13
OAKFIELD SOLOM FOOTLOOSE 12 0 12
OAKFIELD BYWAY MS TABOO 11 0 11
MOSNANG SOLOMON LIQUIFY 0 10 10
WINRIGHT V DOORMAN BUBBLY 0 10 10
SAHARA BEEMER REESE 10 0 10

Senior Two Year Old

All North American –  EASTRIVER WINDHAMMER RUTH 405
Reserve All-North American –  CRAIGCREST RUBIES SMARTY PANTS
HM All North American –  JACOBS HIGH OCTANE BABE & GOLDEN-OAKS SID CHROME
Top at US Shows:  GOLDEN-OAKS SID CHROME
WDE Winner:  GOLDEN-OAKS SID CHROME
Top at CDN Shows:  EASTRIVER WINDHAMMER RUTH 405
RWF Winner: CRAIGCREST RUBIES SMARTY PANTS

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL Total
EASTRIVER WINDHAMMER RUTH 405 13 21 34
CRAIGCREST RUBIES SMARTY PANTS 5 15 20
JACOBS HIGH OCTANE BABE 4 13 17
GOLDEN-OAKS SID CHROME 17 0 17
LELLAVAN AVALANCHE FUJI 8 8 16
WESTCOAST EXPANDER LAURAMIE 11 5 16
MILKSOURCE GOLDWYN CAPRI 14 0 14
J-FOLTS AWESOME HOKULANI 11 0 11
BRIDGEVIEW HIGH OCTANE SKOR 0 10 10

Junior Three Year Old

All North American –  FLOYDHOLM MC EMOJI
Reserve All-North American –  TOLAMIKA ARMANI WILL
HM All North American –  JACREST TONKA NARCISSA & MIDAS-TOUCH JEDI JANGLE
Top at US Shows:  FRAELAND DOORMAN BONNIE
WDE Winner:  FLOYDHOLM MC EMOJI
Top at CDN Shows:  TOLAMIKA ARMANI WILL
RWF Winner: FLOYDHOLM MC EMOJI

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL Total
FLOYDHOLM MC EMOJI 15 15 30
TOLAMIKA ARMANI WILL 7 18 25
JACREST TONKA NARCISSA 0 17 17
MIDAS-TOUCH JEDI JANGLE 9 8 17
BEST NORD ATWOOD LOLLY 3 13 16
FRAELAND DOORMAN BONNIE 16 0 16
QUIETCOVE FOXYS LOLLIPOP 15 0 15
QUALITY BEEMER FLINSUE 0 13 13
IDEE DOORMAN LYSA 13 0 13
APPLEVUE SOLOMON CIARA 0 11 11

Senior Three Year Old

All North American –  JACOBS DOORMAN VICTOIRE
Reserve All-North American –  MS BEAUTYS BLACK VELVET
HM All North American –  FLORBIL DOORMAN LILLY & JACOBS GOLD CHIP ATTORNEY
Top at US Shows:  RUANN DOORMAN JEAN-55162
WDE Winner:  JACOBS DOORMAN VICTOIRE
Top at CDN Shows:  FLORBIL DOORMAN LILLY
RWF Winner: JACOBS DOORMAN VICTOIRE

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL Total
JACOBS DOORMAN VICTOIRE 15 15 30
MS BEAUTYS BLACK VELVET 13 13 26
FLORBIL DOORMAN LILLY 0 17 17
JACOBS GOLD CHIP ATTORNEY 6 11 17
RUANN DOORMAN JEAN-55162 16 0 16
SCO-LO-AF SID SANGRIA 14 0 14
WEEKSDALE BRADNICK DELAUNEY 0 13 13
MS SMITH-OAK PW D MAGGIE 4 9 13
MS SMITH-OAK PW D MILLIE 12 0 12
BOSDALE DOORMAN F LIBBY 0 10 10
JACOBS DOORMAN BOMBA 0 10 10

Four Year Olds

All North American –  ALFINCH ZELGODIS TACI
Reserve All-North American –  MAPLELEY GOLDWYN JULIA
HM All North American –  ARETHUSA DARYL SIENNA
Top at US Shows:  ALFINCH ZELGODIS TACI
WDE Winner:  ALFINCH ZELGODIS TACI
Top at CDN Shows:  ALFINCH ZELGODIS TACI
RWF Winner: MAPLELEY GOLDWYN JULIA

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL Total
ALFINCH ZELGODIS TACI 15 16 31
MAPLELEY GOLDWYN JULIA 13 15 28
ARETHUSA DARYL SIENNA 11 13 24
OAKFIELD WB TIFFANY 12 9 21
VINBERT KINGBOY BIRDY 0 11 11
T-TRIPLE-T PERFECT STORM 8 3 11
GLEANN BRADY PRIVATEER 11 0 11
LUCK-E OLYMPIAN ACTION 0 10 10
PIERSTEIN WINDBROOK ALACAZAM 5 5 10

Five Year Old

All North American –  OAKFIELD GC DARBY
Reserve All-North American –  SKYCREST MINCIO PRICKLES
HM All North American –  IDEE WINDBROOK LYNZI
Top at US Shows:  K-LAND KILO BLACK DIAMOND
WDE Winner:  OAKFIELD GC DARBY
Top at CDN Shows:  IDEE WINDBROOK LYNZI
RWF Winner: IDEE WINDBROOK LYNZI

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL Total
OAKFIELD GC DARBY 15 18 33
SKYCREST MINCIO PRICKLES 13 11 24
IDEE WINDBROOK LYNZI 0 20 20
FRADON ARMANI JORDEY 9 9 18
STONYWAY GOLDWYN VEE 0 17 17
K-LAND KILO BLACK DIAMOND 17 0 17
HENDERCROFT ATWOOD BIG LEAGUE 0 12 12
GAMBLIN ARMANI GLADE 12 0 12
PIRESTEIN CICERO TIME OUT 11 0 11
SHADOW-W REGINALD MARIAN 10 0 10

Aged Cow

All North American –  JACOBS JORDAN CARMEL
Reserve All-North American –  WEBB VIEW LADY BELL WILDTHING
HM All North American –  LAFONTAINE AFTER AMAZ SEVEN
Top at US Shows:  WEBB VIEW LADY BELL WILD-THING
WDE Winner:  JACOBS JORDAN CARMEL
Top at CDN Shows:  JACOBS JORDAN CARMEL
RWF Winner: JACOBS JORDAN CARMEL

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL Total
JACOBS JORDAN CARMEL 15 20 35
WEBB VIEW LADY BELL WILDTHING 17 13 30
LAFONTAINE AFTER AMAZ SEVEN 13 7 20
WENDON GOLDWYN ALBERTA 0 16 16
VALRICK CHARLIE MELODIE 0 16 16
LIDA-ACRES ATWOOD ANNIE 16 0 16
CO-VALE DEMPSY DINA 4270 14 0 14
LONG-HAVEN SID CARLA 11 0 11
PAPPYS ATWOOD FELMA 10 0 10

Production Cow

All North American –  HAZEL GOLDWYN HATTY
Reserve All-North American –  WINTERBAY FEVER LEGACY
HM All North American –  KINGSWAY SANCHEZ ARMADILLO
Top at US Shows:  HAZEL GOLDWYN HATTY
WDE Winner:  BUTZ-BUTLER GOLD BARBARA
Top at CDN Shows:  KINGSWAY SANCHEZ ARMADILLO
RWF Winner: MEADOW GREEN ABSOLUTE FANNY

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL Total
HAZEL GOLDWYN HATTY 23 0 23
WINTERBAY FEVER LEGACY 6 13 19
KINGSWAY SANCHEZ ARMADILLO 0 16 16
MEADOW GREEN ABSOLUTE FANNY 0 15 15
BUTZ-BUTLER GOLD BARBARA 15 0 15
ROBELLA GOLDWYN EDGELEY 7 7 14
MILKSOURCE GOLDWYN JENAY 0 13 13
BLONDIN GOLDWYN SUBLIMINAL 11 0 11
PAPPYS EMPHASIS VELVET 10 0 10

The Bullvine Bottom Line

 The Bullvine congratulates the hard work of all the exhibitors and we are proud to recognize the 2019 All-North American winners. 

We would love to know your thoughts.  Please enter them in the comments box below or email them to allnorthamerican@thebullvine.com

Top 10 Editor’s Choice Articles of 2019

“The Changes We Faced in 2019 Raised New Questions and New Answers!”

We’ve started into a New Year with all the anticipation that readers of The Bullvine bring to the dairy industry. At The Bullvine we enjoy this retrospective look at the top trends that you have brought to our attention.

To start off, we invite you to join us in using this opportunity to identify and discuss three trends that are becoming dairy industry truths:

  1. The Dairy Industry Must Identify Friends and Enemies.
  2. Sometimes We Are Our Own Worst Enemies!
  3. Everyone Wants a Piece of the Dairy Farm!

#10 Frenemies at the Farm Gate

In 2019 we became even more familiar with news stories that opened with who we love to hate. Unfortunately, dairy farmers often felt that they had landed in that negative category. The very fact that we are producing a food product, means that we directly impact the personal health, family health and social lives of our customers. Sometimes our intentions and methods are questioned. The mistake on both sides happens when we reduce everything to a popularity contest. As dairy producers we want consumers to enjoy delicious healthy food. We need to establish trust or restore it, if it has been lost. If we can manage to be kind first and be right later, we can make good progress at turning frenemies at the farm gate into friends in the food aisle.

#9 Don’t Let Ageism Kill the Dairy Industry

Economics, politics and poor business decisions are the excuses we give when dairy dollars are going down the drain.  Assigning blame is the knee jerk reaction whenever dairy sustainability is challenged. We need to ask the tough second questions.  What is at the root of a dairy industry that faces the onslaught of multiple challenges. Unfortunately, with all our knowledge, data and assessment processes, we are turning a blind eye to the biggest asset that we have available to us. It only makes sense that to survive into the future, we need leaders, managers and owners to take on those roles with conviction. A future industry must have people. Without a doubt, those people are the next generation of young dairy entrepreneurs. The take home message is that we can’t have a future dairy industry, without the input of young dairy people. 

#8 Everybody’s Kicking the Milk Bucket

Sometimes being in the spotlight isn’t rewarding or glamorous.  When the eyes of consumers become more critical than supportive, it throws into question generations of pride in the dairy industry. From the working level as seen by the the farmer managing machines, milking cows and raising calves, those on the front lines that dairy farming isn’t as simple as it looks from a drive-by viewing. It is easy to find fault.  The facts show that it is hard to provide food. They also show that it is being done successfully. Today Canadian farmers feed 120 and supply products to 150 other countries. Farmers in the United States feed 155. Food production has big needs.  We need to recognize the challenges and successes.  Recognition must start by moving beyond past measurements and romanticized visions of the family farm. Will consumers ever understand the enormity of that problem or will they continue to turn their support toward sensational headlines and away from the food producers? 

Having identified some of the issues which are attacking the dairy industry, those who remain must take a serious look at where they fit in.  In 2019 this raised more questions.

            Is it time to quit?

            Is it time for more women in leadership?

            Is it time to use robots?           

#7 Is It Time to Quit Dairy Farming?

Our seventh Editor’s Choice in our year of facing the tough questions is “Is it time to quit dairy farming”.  Although it may seem pointless to make endless lists of questions, failing to answer them means just that … failing. You don’t have to answer questions.  The flip side of that decision is that you also don’t have to stay in business. Either way, taking action is the answer.  We can be justifiably proud of our dairy history even as we recognize that the way forward will always hold new issues, challenges and opportunities. We must take big risks if we would reap bigger rewards. The time has come to start something new, with people who will stop at nothing to achieve it. That is the business of dairy farming.

#6 Are Dairy Boards Closed to Women?

There are many things in the world of business that don’t transfer smoothly when you try making them work in the business of dairying.   One of those areas is women in the Board Room.  In areas outside of agriculture the commitment to woman in the workplace has seen more dramatic changes. “Since 2015, commitment to gender diversity has risen significantly.” For more information, see womenintheworkplace.com. Closer to home, when we look at the dairy industry, we applaud the women who step into managing the family farm but the question remains, “Why are there so few women in the boardroom?” Can we answer honestly?   

#5 Robots are Ready

Everyone chimes in on what size farms should be. Sometimes it is a contentious issue.  Having even a distant connection to the farm, tends to make us want the small, gentle and familiar ways to remain. But that is unrealistic. Evolving with the times has always been part of dairy farming history. Today technology is in our cars, our schools and our churches.  Readers of The Bullvine have made technology part of their every day life. Using economies of scale, large dairy farms are turning to robots. Even if you don’t milk five hundred cows, there are ways that robotics can support your place in the dairy industry. The future means adapting to change.

At The Bullvine we are constantly put in a position of being able to witness the clever, creative and even courageous ways that the dairy industry proactively meets the challenge of changing.

            Genetic Change Dairy Sire Selection

            Cooperative Change: Align, Merge or Die

            Change One Thing: Change Cow Structure

            Change the Ideal Cow

#4 Does Your Sire Selection Need an Overhaul?

Ninety percent of the genetic progress that can be made in a herd comes from the sires used. Just as there are no perfect sires, there is no perfect index that will place the correct emphasis on functions, fertility and health for an individual farm’s breeding program. Progressive breeders need to determine where their herd needs improvement for traits beyond production and type. Changing sires isn’t like changing tires.  Profitability and longevity require a prioritized overhaul that looks at customizing the priorities used to make sire selection decisions.

#3 ATTENTION: Dairy Farmer Cooperatives – Align, Merge or Die!

Decision making and prioritizing are not restricted to dairy owners and managers only.  Everyone drawing from the financial pot of a dairy farm needs to accept responsibility and accountability for the long term sustainability of that dairy herd. Is your cooperative ahead of the challenges or falling behind? Private companies will take on whatever services cooperative ignore. Dairy farmers need to stop being silent.  They must demand dynamic progressive service by their leaders.

#2 Ideal Rump Structure – Does It Really Matter?

Current Holstein breed ideals and standards for rump structure and the emphasis placed on rumps in the type classification programs are only of quite limited value for most herds. Outside rump appearance bears little value in predicting calving ease, longevity and fertility. Conformation evaluations need to include the functioning of the body part and not simply the appearance. Rumps could be a good place for breeds to start in revamping their type classification programs in order to remain relevant to tomorrow dairy farmers’ needs.

#1 Cows of the Future Will Look Very Different

And so our looking back must inevitably lead to where we should be going in the future. The good old days provide stories but a sustainable dairy herd must be profitable. Have you recently heard a dairy cattle breeder speak or write about how cows used to last until they were ten years old and that today cows are one lactation wonders? Should Bullvine readers accept this perception as fact?  For sure yesterday’s cows got us here… Definitely, tomorrow’s cows will be different. In the future cows will function trouble free for many years in large groups on automated farms. They will live in a multitude of environments and will need to be able to produce a high volume of milk solids. They will efficiently covert non-human food to milk. And genetic selection will turn on net returns over a lifetime and how body parts function most effectively. Will your herd find its place in the future?

The Bullvine Bottom Line

No one wants to look back and wonder if they could have done better. There are no sure things or easy answers.  It all depends on you and whether you will take action or not. Here at The Bullvine we are committed to providing information, support and encouragement for each one of you.  Keep on changing, evolving and asking for the best information available so that you can make decisions that make a difference.  Best wishes for an active and reward 2020 and beyond.

Top 9 of 2019 – The Bullvine’s Most Popular Articles of the Year

It has been a tough time for many in the dairy industry and most are looking forward to a better year next year.  This list reflects content published from January 1st, 2019 through December 18th, 2019 and is based on Google Analytics with over 3 million monthly views from almost 3 million unique yearly visitors.

Top 9 Features Articles:

  1. Ideal Rump Structure – Does It Actually Matter?
  2. The Jersey Future is Now
  3. ATTENTION: Dairy Farmer Cooperatives – Align, Merge or Die!
  4. Four Steps to a Workable Herd Genetic Improvement Plan for Profit Focused Milk Producers
  5. How Jersey Breeders Can Take Over The Holstein World
  6. Is it Time to Quit Dairy Farming?
  7. KHW Regiment Apple-Red-ET – Everything and more
  8. Ferme Jacobs – “Dreams without goals are just….dreams”
  9. Forget the past, dairy cows in the future will look very different…or will they? 

Top 9 News Stories of 2019:

  1. Prayer Requests for Carlie Ostrom
  2. Holstein Journal Announces Final Edition
  3. New A2 milk clinical trial with children has big implications both for child nutrition and also for the dairy industry
  4. Farmers Have More Sex Than People With Any Other Job
  5. From Two Bulls, 9 Million Dairy Cows
  6. Ferme Jacobs Rocks the Dairy Industry with Incredible Sale
  7. Award-winning dairy farm forced to sell off herd
  8. Animal Activists Chose the Wrong Farmers to Steal From
  9. Fire at Ferme Jacobs

Top 9 Diary Cattle Shows of 2019:

  1. Eastern National Holstein Show 2019
  2. Midwest National Spring Holstein Show 2019
  3. Ontario Summer Holstein Show 2019
  4. Le Supreme Laitier – Holstein 2019
  5. British Columbia Holstein Spring Show 2019
  6. Quebec Spring Holstein Show 2019
  7. Swiss Expo Holstein Show 2019
  8. Canadian National Holstein Show 2019
  9. International Holstein Show – World Dairy Expo 2019

It been an amazing journey since we started the Bullvine back in 2012, (Read more: The Top 10 of 2012 – The most read articles of 2012).  Looking ahead to 2020, we here at the Bullvine are excited about the potential the new year will bring and the great things that will happen in the dairy industry.  One thing you can be certain of is the continue to bring you the most talked about in the industry.  Happy Holidays and See You in 2020!

Is it Time to Quit Dairy Farming?

You make entirely different decisions, once you have answered the question posed in the title of this article. Have you failed or are you simply frozen in indecision? Are you facing bankruptcy, or is there a chance for recovery?  Have you nowhere to turn and nothing you can do?  Are you in the race? Or have you been eliminated?

“It’s only a matter of time before there’s nothing left.” 

With heart pounding certainty never before have dairy owners faced so many years of devastating downturns. Caught in the crosshairs of an economic and political climate that could continue indefinitely, even the most persistent are finding it difficult to find ways to keep their farm solvent. There are major debt loads. Personal guarantees are due. Family members and even young children are being negatively affected as they see that their family’s hopes and dreams disappearing. There are many who, finding themselves in this situation, would throw their hands up in despair. 

“Postpone The Pity Party”

I say this with no intention of minimizing the seriousness of the situation your farm is in. -I am not mocking it either. It is almost a given that rejection, failure and unfairness are a part of today’s dairy business life.  For years, one crisis after another has not only chipped away at producer income it has chipped away at producer confidence.  We can’t change what we have no control over, but we can control how we react to it.  No matter how tough or unjust the circumstances, there is always some positive forward action to be taken.

“Who Are You Going to Call?”

When self-esteem is at an all-time low, no one feels like making any call and talking about it their troubles.  So do it anyway. You have nothing left to lose. Make those hard calls.  Talk to creditors, bankers, family and counsellors. When you are down and feeling desperate, you need to look for that needle in a haystack piece of information that could make a difference. Suffering in silence is just as demeaning as blaming everyone and everything else. There is absolutely no room to continue with the romantic notion that dairy farming is going to magically right itself in time to save you, small dairies, your county or, depending on where you live, your country. The dairy industry is big business. If that is something you can accept as part of your dairy reality, then there are a few more things you can consider, when attempting to change the downward slide.

“Talk to the Leading Edge Not the Bleeding Edge”

Fifty years before you started farming, what did dairy farming look like?  How has your dairy changed during your tenure?  Are you expecting or hoping that change will stop now?

For a moment, ask yourself where the industry is currently succeeding.  What size is the most successful?  What size is unsuccessful? What business decisions are producing profits? What three things distinguish leading edge dairies from those who are bleeding money? Seek out ways to meet with, connect with or, at the very least, read about those who are rising to the top. Get the details on cash flow, mechanization, using new technology, nutrition and genetics and robotics. Are any of these relevant to your family dairy situation?

“Talk to the Family On the Front Line”

Having an open discussion with family members about the severity of the situation is probably the hardest conversation you will ever initiate.  As much as we would like to spare loved ones or protect them from stress and worry, this isn’t a decision from which they can be excluded. You may even be surprised at how aware everyone is.  Do your best to provide a clear explanation, providing numbers and dates and other relevant information that is true right now.  Don’t cite the past.  Don’t fear the future.  By stepping outside your comfort zone, show those you love that the best way to conquer fear is to face it head-on.  Allow them the time to ask questions, show fear and lay blame.  When everyone is on the same page, you will have an idea of what the next priorities should be.

  • Keep running the business. If you do decide to sell, don’t showcase that you have quit.
  • Get your paperwork in order. In one place.   Do it now!
  • Get rid of everything that isn’t working. These things not only slow you down, but they also bring you to a complete stop. Think broken equipment. Or it could be cows with more sentimental value than production value. Sick animals that are taking your time away from your priority producers.
  • Don’t spend money on new field equipment or on maintaining and repairing your own. Work with a custom operator to evaluate what can be sold and how your land and crops can be part of a business arrangement. Focus on efficiency. Crops or milk? What are you better at? Producing crops or managing cows?
  • If you decide to focus on your milk-producing cows, get the most from the best and sell the rest.

Once you give this area your focus, you will find more ways to put your money where the money is!

“Money Talks!”

Money is the beginning of your recovery. Talk to everyone who is on your money list

  • Those who want your money.
  • Those who have money.
  • Those who owe you money.

If possible, call together your lenders.  Have the same honesty and transparency with them that you and your family have gone through.  Don’t stop at the status quo.  Come up with at least one alternative.  Every person or business with a hand reaching into your pockets would also have the willingness to provide advice, information or even capital based on what they have learned from their connections to dairy businesses today. The goal is to seek a win-win for all parties.  Of course, in any new restructuring of the business relationship, there are risks.  The reward is to come up with strategic decisions that make the future viable.

“But Can You Bank on It?”  

Many dairies are well beyond a simple cash crunch.  Realistically more credit is not the answer for either side.  Have discussions about what options there are before foreclosure.

Financial businesses have issues with profitability too. They can’t simply cut off clients. Work with them from the idea that nobody wins when a dairy must close.  Be open and honest. Don’t simply fold. Discuss which is worse — write off or write down or is there a workable plan that can be put in place.  It goes without saying that those who owe you money must pay up. Now.

“Givers. Takers.  What Do Your Suppliers Do Best?”

Take a hard look at those people, companies and teams that you do business with.  If they submit invoices to your dairy, can you equate that expense with the value added that they provide? Suppliers are part of your team, and this is a time to expect more from everyone on that team.  Once again, off-farm businesses like these suppliers could offer a different perspective on your situation that might be helpful. You recognize that you can’t stand still.  It is time for all your health, nutritionists, equipment and feed suppliers to step up too!  Expand your discussions.  Nutritionists may have a business idea.  Veterinarians may suggest different animal housing management. Expect more or part ways. Ending one of these relationships may seem har, but how committed are they to your success?  What role do they play, or want to play, or should they play in your future?

“All I Ever Wanted….”

Facing your dairy crisis will make you repeat this mantra often, “All ever wanted to do was to milk cows!” Today you are milking all right, but you are about to lose it all if you don’t change something? Are you frozen and unable to do anything because of things you will not do?

In other businesses who (like small agriculture) have been squeezed out by economies of scale, it is common for the management and staff to be hired by the new ownership team.  However, in dairy, this type of takeover has been deemed distasteful and gets rejected for not being a viable solution. Before walking away, ask yourself where you will find the best place to use the skills you have spent your working life developing.  Can you afford to be unemployed? Where can you cash in on the abilities you already have? You are your own best asset.

“Seller Beware! Buyer Be Informed”

If you come to the decision to sell, don’t let the decision break the spirit that has brought you this far.  Your mental and physical well-being stands well above everything else you face.

You have come to where you are by doing your best. The optimism of dairy farmers is part of your character, but there comes a time when enough is enough.  In facing accountability, there is much that has been beyond your control.

  • Dairy market turmoil
  • Natural disasters
  • Sustained low commodity prices
  • Droughts.
  • Seasons (such as the current one0 where the planting window may close entirely
  • Unrelenting mental stresses leading to depression and health issues
  • Political talk is cheap. Political help isn’t enough.
  • The Opioid crisis.

You alone cannot turn any one of these around. Nor should you try.

At this point, your best step forward may be to take a step back and decide to take care of yourself. You are worth it.  You are needed for who you are as a person, not only as a dairy farmer.  Seek advice. Get spiritual support. Do what is best for your good health.

THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE

Regardless of where you are, focus on today.  Focus on what you can START.  Start something new.  Start a new change. START OVER.  Remember how many times you have heard, “Life isn’t a sprint. It is a marathon.” We can look at dairy and say, “Dairy isn’t a mad dash.  It is a long distance relay.” Love your team.  Love yourself!

 

 

 

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Everybody’s Kicking The Milk Bucket

There is a growing urban-rural divide. Somehow being a dairy farmer —in the public eye — is much harder than we thought.  From the public side, the reported news, alleged abuse and videos are the information sources that are galvanizing activists and inciting angry mobs.

THERE IS A NEW URBAN PASTIME- It’s called, ‘Finding Fault with Farmers’
THERE IS A NEW RURAL PASTIME-  It’s called, ‘Finding Fault with the Consumer.’

Did you ever notice how everyone has a family roots story about their loved farming grandparents from long ago?  But somehow today having smelly noisy animals next door and equipment running while you are enjoying sitting outside in your yard … is annoying.

Did you ever notice what saints farmers are when they are hauling something for the school, or church or sports team …but, as a group, those same appreciative people feel farmers are trying to rip them off with their farm practices – pesticides — and rising prices in the grocery aisle?

Every one of us is a saint in isolation. However, when our particular group, urban or rural, gets targeted in the news, that’s when our real weaknesses, flaws and shortcomings are exposed. Of course, we in agriculture have no reason to find fault with those who consume the food we produce. Because if we did, we would by guilty of the pot calling the kettle black.  Blanket assertions that all consumers are misinformed is offensive too.  Both sides share responsibility and accountability for actions taken.

THE COLLISION COURSE BETWEEN
GROCERY AISLE CONFIDENCE and NEGATIVE PRODUCER PUBLICITY

When we look at the day to day exchange between dairy producers and dairy consumers, we seem to be offering fresh milk, cheese, butter and dairy products to a more and more alarmed consumer. The days are gone when people were more hands-on in their own food preparation and trusted those who were in the business of growing the products they needed.  Consumers back then recognized that no one farm could do it all. 

Today, from the business side of dairying, it is easy to resort to a broad scale negative branding of all consumers.  The condescending observation that “Consumers don’t produce anything but criticism.” ignores the positive impact resulting from push back from the consumer. These advancements include banned tail docking, new dehorning protocols and strict regulation of antibiotics and change for the better that have happened in part because of pressure from activists and/or consumer demand.

BULLIES, VICTIMS and THOSE WE LOVE TO HATE

Shocking daily headlines bombard the consumer with a growing list of offences from food waste, to hunger and include video evidence of inhumane livestock conditions. As a result, farmers are compiling a growing list of offences committed against them. These now include verbal harassment, trespassing, intimidation and even death threats.

Does spending money automatically give the non-producing consumer the right to criticize producers? Certainly!  However, from the rural side of the fence, constructive criticism appears to be turning into bullying power.

“CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? “

It is easy to become cynical and decide that the consumer’s opinion of farmers is irrevocably damaged. “People don’t believe what farmers tell them.” because “farmers benefit from doing it wrong!” Consumers always seem to believe what is shown to them on video news, especially when it declares that agriculture has been caught in the act. It is easier to believe news even when it comes from what a friend of a friend reports as real, then to let their own reasoning ask the second question, “What is the big picture here?  What is at the root of the problem? Who stands to gain from this situation?”  

On the positive side, real conversations and opportunities for actual on-farm experiences are helping consumers make sense of the science of food production.  Will this do anything to dispel the urban legends about farming that are so easily recited?

For example, mention methane and somebody will inform you that cows are the problem.  In fact, when it comes to livestock, cows are the primary methane offenders. Each animal releases 30 to 50 gallons a day on average.  But cows are not the main offenders in methane production.  Most methane emissions come, directly or indirectly from humans.

  1. Decay in landfills.
  2. From plastic bags that when heated by sunlight or soaked in seawater emit methane.
  3. Leakage from the oil and gas industry (1/3 of all methane emissions).

WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW CAN HURT YOU

When I was growing up, there was a common proverb, “What you don’t know won’t hurt you.”. The idea is that by remaining ignorant or uninformed about something, it allows you not to have the sense of responsibility to worry or think about it. 

Imagine overhearing this conversation; “How much did your dairy lose last month? Or “Did your milk processor raise their prices this month?” Or “Is producing milk harmful to animals or people?” What about “Can consumers afford to drink milk?”  “Are the stories about animal abuse real or faked?”  If the answers are always a version of “Don’t even ask – what you don’t know won’t hurt you!”, then it is time to move beyond being uninformed.  Whether it is in the grocery aisle or the milking parlor, what you don’t know can and will hurt you!

FAIR OAKS FARMS … IS IT FAIR?

There are those who feel strongly that dairy publications should refuse to produce, share or report the negative news such as the horrendous video shared on social media and alleging that animal abuse was carried out at Fair Oaks Farm in Indiana. The reasoning is that news reports such as this are so extreme and incendiary that they destroy any hope for maintaining the credibility of dairy food producers. Having said that, I believe anyone contributing to cruelty – animal or human –should be prosecuted. When does seeking justice cross the line to seeking vengeance?

“UNDERCOVER or UNDERHANDED”

Because these “groundbreaking investigations” by such groups as Animal Recovery Mission (ARM) are only shared on social media, how do they represent justice? Is the ending of abuse to animals really the goal?  The headlines shout of farm owner deception driven by profit-seeking.  Who profits when sensational videos convince consumers to give up animal products?

BITING THE HANDS THAT FEED US

Reality says that we need dairy producers to produce and consumers to consume. Jumping on the bandwagon of criticism isn’t working for anybody. On the one side, there is the urban bus rolling by the fields and passengers pronouncing indignantly against what they can only partially see.  From field level, the farmer managing machines, milking cows and raising calves knows that it isn’t as simple as it looks from a drive-by viewing.

It is easy to find fault.  It is hard to provide food. Today Canadian farmers feed 120 and supply products to 150 other countries.  US farmers feed 155. Food production has big needs.  Food production cannot be met using past measurements and romanticized visions of family farms. Will consumers ever understand the enormity of that problem, or will they continue to turn their support toward sensational headlines and away from the food producers?

“ LET’S GET RID OF THE FARMER”

We pay lip service to the idea of dialogue. If we, as farmers, don’t allow consumer dialogue are we guilty of assuming that all our current practices are above reproach and need no alteration? This is an unrealistic conclusion, no matter what business you are in. There is always room for improvement. This leads us to the question, “If consumers don’t trust farmers who will they trust to provide them with food?”

Is food provision the only problem farming causes?

Having raised that question around the family table the other day, a non-farming relative asked, “How much carbon does a farm return to the environment? Shouldn’t farmers get a carbon rebate, if the rest of us are paying a carbon tax?  Another time, a frustrated farmer at a social event stopped a conversation cold with the observation, “If we can’t do anything right, why have farmers at all?” We need conversations.  We need answers.   We need farmers.

THE DAIRY “RUT” MEANS RESPECT, UNDERSTANDING AND TRUST

It is often hard for those digging themselves into a rut to dig themselves out. First, we have to recognize the fruitlessness of some of our actions. What is the point in resorting to what is negative, when there is no balancing appreciation for the ultimate goal, which is to produce healthy food? Both sides can agree on that.

Healthy food production needs an inspection of soil, crops, water, pests, waste management, harvest and storage methods, energy, labor and sales supervision.  Oversight by governments, federal and local, needs to be relevant, responsible and accountable.  Having said that, we cannot legislate our way to a healthier greener food system. 

THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE

Farmers and consumers need to recognize their need for one another.  Open communication is not about embarrassing each other.  It is about empowerment. Of both sides.

 

 

 

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ATTENTION:  Dairy Farmer Cooperatives – Align, Merge or Die!

For the last century dairy farmers have successfully joined together for mutual benefit and, as a result, that joining has facilitated very significant improvement in all aspects of dairying. However, whether today’s farmer cooperatives recognize or admit it, working together in dairying in the form of cooperatives, associations, societies and alliances is currently under challenge. Challenges, especially on value-added and effectiveness will come from competitors offering enhanced, expanded and linked services for dairy farms. Tomorrow’s farms will list quite different priorities in services needed. These different priorities and the rapidly changing dairy economy mean that cooperatives will need to adjust their services in order to stay relevant.

This Bullvine article is a call-to-action for farmer cooperative organizations to address the future and to work with other organizations for the benefit of farms and members. Cooperatives that primarily focus on their organization’s past success will be recorded in the history books as a tool no longer used.

Is Your Organizations Involved?

Every organization that has a dairy producer board of directors that sets policy provides direction oversees finances and serves dairy farms is subject to the challenges. Farmer organizations were established when there were seven to ten times more farms than those currently shipping milk. Most cooperatives started as a specific service or as regional groups. Over time they have grown the size of the areas serviced but have not necessarily expanded the scope and effectiveness of the services provided.

Tomorrow’s dairy farmers need their cooperatives to remove duplication, eliminate ineffective programs and to increase the effectiveness of services retained. Often cooperatives are slow to critically evaluate and improve or eliminate member services.

These challenges must be addressed by all cooperatives – breeds, herd/milk recording, artificial insemination, milk and genetic marketing, input buying groups, milk transport, farm supplies, data/genetic analysis and any other cooperative seeking to a share of time and money from dairy farms.  

Is Your Cooperative Ahead of the Challenges or Falling Behind?

We are talking about CHANGE. Dairy farming is no longer characterized by labour-intensive, stand-alone enterprises with less than 100 cows. Today’s dairies and those that survive into the future will be specialized in scope and programs. Narrow margins mean that farms and their service organizations must focus on increased efficiency and effectiveness. In general, consumers want cheap food of high quality. For processors and stores that means listening to and not telling customers what they will get and what they will pay. Consumers will set the standards and the products. Tomorrow’s new consumers will live in Africa and Asia, as that is where population growth will occur.

Farmer cooperatives once had a single focus and ‘life was fine’. Breeds registered animals and may have assisted with animal marketing. DHI’s milk recorded the cows and details to manage by. A.I. sampled bulls and inseminated females. Milk marketing cooperatives bargained for price. Data centres analyzed and reported. In the past, farmer cooperatives provided most of the services needed on-farm except for animal health, equipment and financial services. In improvement cooperatives, the technology was not advanced. Reasonably priced labour accounted for 60-70% of total costs. Travel was relatively inexpensive, and farms were not demanding in the scope of information they wanted to know. (Read about future data needs at  Owner Collected Data: The Future of the Dairy Industry) Government services filled in where cooperatives did not provide.

Yesterday Is Gone

But that was yesterday and yesterday is gone! The technical and legal reasons as to why cooperatives were started no longer exist. Tomorrow’s farms will buy and use services based on value-added and/or cost-benefit.

The Changing Scope of Tomorrow’s Services

Dairy farms will require an extensive array of linked services all the way from inputs to the point of sale of product. In some cases, farms will be very large and will be vertically integrated from the soil to the consumer.

Overall, farm performance and profit will be more important than purity and individual animal performance. Services will cover all animals on the far, not just milking cows. Feed conversion, animal health and welfare and future consumer product buying decisions will be added to selection and improvement programs. Technology will replace labour and will greatly enhance decision making. Specific nutrients in feed will be integral to feeding regimes.  In total, dairy farming will be all-encompassing, and the services used on-farm will be markedly different. So will the sources that win the privilege of providing what is needed.

Private Companies Will Take on Whatever Services Cooperatives Ignore

Where once farmer cooperatives were the primary providers of service, private providers have filled in when farmer needs expanded, and services became more sophisticated.  A need was seen and answered.

Private or Cooperatives – Improvement Will Occur

On-farm improvement, profit and success will take place no matter whether the service provider is a cooperative or a private company. Current cooperatives that have stood still and not increased scope or benefits to their services will be left behind.

What are Progressive Cooperatives Doing?

Progressive cooperatives have expanded their scope of services or joined forces with other cooperatives or private companies to provide a more complete scope of services.  A.I. organizations have done extensive combining and expanding over the past fifty years. Breed societies have been the sector most determined not to join with others. With herd recording falling in between the other two.

The need to combine is not new to 2019. Cooperatives have been joining and expanding services for quite some time. The global list is long – LIC (NZ), Select Sires (US), CRV (NL & BE), Semex (CA), Viking Genetics (Scandinavia), Milk Marketing Board (UK, later disbanded by the government), Fonterra (Oceania), … and many more.

Recent examples of combining/aligning include URUS (US cooperative CRI and NL private Koepon Holdings); and Lactanet (effective June 01, CDN, Valacta and CanWest DHI will be combined in CA).

At present, there are farmer boards or trade associations planning their futures where they may be part of a combined or aligned organization.

Is it too Late for Some Cooperatives?

Yes, the time is up for farmer cooperatives which are standing still on providing and implementing value-added services. Other organizations, some of them global, are expanding to compete with the services that the standstill cooperatives have provided.

Many services are going private company or global. Where once farmers felt it necessary that their country have its own national cooperative services. It won’t be long until there are discussions on having an international animal registry, herd recording and genetic evaluation services? Already there are proprietary company genetic indexes.

Is Your Cooperative Ready for Vertical Integration?

In the future, vertically integrated farming companies will provide all their own on-farm services and may outsource for new progressive value-added services.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

The tradition of farmer cooperatives has been to stick with their tried and true limited scope of services. For them, change or die is written on the wall. Their choices include: immediately provide much more value to users; combine with partners to save costs and add value; or close the doors and save their members the expense.

 By the time farmers discontinue the use of their cooperative’s services, it will be too late for those organizations to be able to take items of value to another organization.

Dairy farmers wanting to see their farmer-owned cooperatives continue need to stop being silent and demand dynamic progressive action by their leaders.

No matter the outcome on who provides on-farm services, the positive outcome is that dairy farms will be well served in the future.

US Dairy Industry Vision and Leadership – Video Presentation from the 2019 National DHIA Annual Meeting

The Bullvine’s geneticist and dairy improvement specialist, Murray Hunt, was invited by National (USA) DHIA to speak to its annual meeting on the topic of what he sees as the future in US dairy data and information from the farm to the national dairy database. He chose as the title for his presentation “Industry Vision and Leadership – A view based on need and opportunities”. Bullvine readers are encouraged to listen to Murray’s presentation and to provide feedback.

Top 10 Editor’s Choice Articles of 2018

“Dairy changed in 2018! How did we deal with it?”

Happy New Year!  Traditionally The Bullvine enjoys an annual ritual of reviewing and sharing the Top Editor’s Choice articles.  It won’t be news to any dairy folks, that 2018 was unique.

Of course, the dialogue with readers of The Bullvine continues to be a highlight of our dairy activities.  However, 2018 stands out more for its difficulties, dangers and damages than for it’s delights. This is a watershed year.  Things aren’t going to get better.  We can’t keep doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome. That is the definition of insanity.  We will always celebrate this industry we are passionate about, but 2018 has taught us that now is the time to start DEALING with CHANGE. Thus our New Year’s Day pick of the TOP 10. Hope you enjoy this review.  Let’s discover what’s not working? What is working? What’s missing? What’s emerging.  We hope you will take a look to see if you are changing with the industry.

#10 Dairy Breeders – Stop the Insanity

Looking at 2018 let’s start with how we market ourselves?  Have we adapted to new sources? Or are we doing the same old things, while expecting different results?  Whose hands are dipping into dairy breeder’s profits. There are too many forks in the pie. It’s time to admit that there isn’t any money to waste being ineffective. Print is expensive inflexible, tough to track the effectiveness of and doesn’t attract breeders under 40. Marketers must adapt to change.  There are more dairy breeders on Facebook than read all the dairy print publications combines. Go where the market is going! If we’re going to make a difference, we have to start being the difference!

#9 NAFTA Trade Talks: Whose Glass Is Half Full?  Whose is Half Empty?

Another place where 2018 presented a large dose of reality came with the honest facts regarding the consumption of dairy products. While it would be more comfortable to consider only those things that happen to our product before it leaves the farm, reality says that we not only have to provide what the consumer wants but we need to consider the picture in our states and provinces and even beyond our borders. We all rally for our own side and our particular dairy interests.  But as one analyst said, “It’s fiendishly complicated.” When the final negotiations go into action, who will be toasting dairy success?  Who will be toast?

#8 Milk Battles: The Red, White and Blues Continues and Dairy Farmers’ Message to Donald Trump

Looking back at 2018, the dairy industry was never very far from making political headlines. That may be a good result if you are newspapers, magazines or political activists but dairy breeders and the dairy industry need to make profits.  Nobody wins if the dairy industry closes up shop. “Over production is the biggest threat to the dairy industry.” This isn’t fake news or a dramatic sound bite. “The current overproduction is a race to the bottom.” No business survives if it irresponsibly produces more than the market is prepared to consume. Success for US and Canadian dairy producers will come when progressive, dynamic producers support and lead the necessary changes to have milk supply match the demand. Producer-leaders will need to be visionary and able to bring groups with diverse positions to a mutual benefit.” We need to change our strategy before the consumer changes to the competition.

#7 STOP Limiting Dairy Progress- START Looking After Heifer Data

“Somewhere back in time the dairy farming industry decided that cows and their information was important but that dairy heifers were not important.” Extensive data for all dairy heifer traits and characteristics are needed from conception all the way to herd removal. The average female spends sixty months in a herd.  Data for twenty months or 33% of an animal’s lifetime, is being ignored. This can’t help but have an effect on animal longevity and productivity, but also on dairy profitability and longevity. Change is going to happen no matter how much we fight, protest or procrastinate but it’s our own fault if we choose to ignore decision making information.

#6 Dairy Cattle Genetics: Are We Breeding Cows for the Correct Environment?

Are today’s dairy genetics suited for heat, new bugs and grazing?  Eventually the decision will come down to economics.  Where can cows be expected to produce milk the most efficiently and the most economically?  What is the long-term viability of competing with climate change, land use and exponentially growing populations of people, bugs and diseases?  We cannot keep postponing the development of genetics that produce cows that can be productive on grazing systems and live in warmer and warmer climates. The time for effective breeding in the right location is now.

#5 The Future Value of Genomic Testing

Before the days of the information explosion through digital access, it may have seemed that there was time to think about trends and changes before they needed a “yes” or “no” answer on your particular dairy operation.  Those times are gone.  If you are still postponing decisions in 2019, your next planning session will be an exit strategy. In this article, The Bullvine looked at both sides of the decision to choose or reject Genomic Testing. If you plan to be here, genomic testing needs to be viewed as an investment rather than a cost.

#4 Dairy Love: Long-Term Plans or One Night Stands?

The Bullvine takes our role as information providers very seriously. We recognize that everyone has different breeding strategies, so we try to make the research and data accessible and actionable for our readers. We can’t be so focused on this particular moment in time that we don’t prepare for the future that is coming headlong down each dairy farm lane. This article draws on the depth of experience of Jack Britt, PhD, Professor and Associate Dean Emeritus from North Carolina State University. His vision is bold. “Dairy farmers in 2066 will meet the world’s need for essential nutrients by adopting technologies and practices that provide improved cow health and longevity, profitable dairy farms, and sustainable agriculture” says Britt.  Furthermore, “larger dairy farms will continue to make greater use of automation to reduce costs.  Improvements in genetic selection will lead to dairy cattle lines that re healthier, produce milk more efficiently, and are more disease and heat-resistant.” New market demands can’t be postponed.  Real world challenges mean real time changes in the way we manage.

The Top Three Editor’s Choices of 2018!

As you can see, questions kept coming at the dairy industry in 2018.  The most asked questions about responsibility, new consumer choices and new methods, inspired our 2018 selection of the top three editor’s choice articles.

#3 Bottom Line: Who is Responsible for this Mess?

We have often written about and criticized the blame game.  Sometimes it’s big government. Sometimes it’s big business.  Sometimes it’s big consumers and their influence on the industry.  In this article, we brought accepting responsibility right back to each dairy farm.  We faced up to the fact that successful dairies don’t make excuses, they make changes.  Furthermore, motivation starts at the top and it needs to be positively shared on both good days and bad.  Too often responsibility can become one side versus the other.  Whether you are management or staff, it is essential to recognize that there is nothing to be gained by falling into a pattern of blame and shame.  When everyone learns how to accept responsibility and is willing to be held accountable, the operation has found the two building blocks that are the foundation of a successful dairy.

#2 Should Farms Be Shipping 4.5% Fat Milk?

And so we come to the top two Editor’s Choice picks.  They aren’t about successes.  They aren’t about wins at shows or international trade deals.  They both come right down to day to day decision making.  Number two tells us that the future isn’t built on what if’s and pie-in-the-sky We must deal with changed consumers’ choices and a changing global marketplace. Producers need to think about the proportions of components in the milk they ship off-farm. “Forward-looking breeders will need to use sires that give high % fat improvement, minimal % protein improvement”.  In this often read and discussed article, charts and bull lists wrestle with the reality of a do-it-sooner-not-later breeding problem.

#1 Why is Inbreeding a Good Thing?

And so we come full circle. If we are going to “Stop the Insanity”, we need to be ready to change.  The changes we make need to be significant ones.  We took your feedback and input and looked at ways to implement breakthrough new approaches. This article challenged everyone. “Even though our industry has traditionally thought of inbreeding in negative terms – there are positives in using inbreeding to fix the desired genes in our dairy cattle. Inbreeding is a good thing if it is actively used as a tool “to eliminate the undesired gene and have only the desired gene in our cattle.”  If we are to survive into the future, this type of breeding change must go beyond a someday hoped for improvement to today’s necessity

The Bullvine Bottom Line – You are the Difference!

The very nature of working passionately in a 24/7 industry means that there will always be controversy, challenges and concerns. The silver lining for us at The Bullvine is that once again in 2018 our readers continued to debate with us and with each other…and then they implemented actions that will move, not just their own farms, but the entire dairy industry forward!  

We are so proud of you for facing each rising crisis and finding ways to turn them into an opportunity! The Bullvine wishes you and yours all the best in 2019. You don’t just make a difference … you are the difference!

Top 8 of 2018 – The Bullvine’s Most Popular Articles of the Year

The Bullvine team is pleased to once again bring you the most well-read articles in the three most popular sections of our website for the past year.   This list reflects content published from January 1st, 2018  through December 27th, 2018 and is based on Google Analytics with over 2,900,000 monthly views from almost 2,200,000 unique yearly visitors.

Top 8 Feature Articles

  1. Dairy Breeders – Stop the Insanity
  2. US April 2018 Genetic Evaluations – Highlights
  3. Why Inbreeding is a good thing!
  4. The Future Value of Genomic Testing
  5. Dairy Industry Devastated as Tragedy Strikes Couple on Cross Country Tour Promoting Canadian Supply Management System
  6. US August 2018 Genetic Evaluations – Highlights
  7. How profitable is dairy farming?
  8. Bottom Line: Who Is Responsible For This Mess?

Top 8 News Stories

  1. The Rumours are True – There is a NEW AI Stud in Town!
  2. The Planned Destruction of the American Dairy Farmer
  3. Dairy farmer left devastated after 105 cows test positive for bTB
  4. Sex Is Big Business in Dairy Farming and the Focus of Legal Battles
  5. 300 dead cows were found at California Ranch
  6. Best advice to U.S. dairy farmers? ‘Sell out as fast as you can’
  7. Farmers Stand In Silence At Auction So A Young Man Can Buy Back His Family Farmhouse
  8. Walmart’s milk production hits farmers hard

Top 8 Dairy Cattle Shows

  1. International Holstein Show 2018
  2. Royal Holstein Show 2018
  3. Northeast National Spring Holstein Show – New York Spring Holstein Show ’18
  4. Quebec Spring Holstein Show 2018
  5. Ontario Summer Holstein Show 2018
  6. Le Supreme Laitier – Supreme Dairy Show 2018 – Holstein
  7. International Jersey Show 2018
  8. International Red & White Show 2018

 

A lot has changed since 2012, (Read more: The Top 10 of 2012 – The most read articles of 2012) in both the dairy industry as well as here at the Bullvine.  Looking ahead to 2019, there is no question things will continue to change.  It certainly has been a very busy year and these articles were among the most talked about in the industry.  Thanks again for your continued reader

The Bullvine 2018 All-North American Awards

Take out all the politics, all the baloney and just look at who had the best year, and that is the Bullvine’s 2018 All North American Contest.  In the same way that Golf, Nascar and many other major sports determine their yearly winners, the All-North American system is designed to keep it simple, clear and fair. The All-North American awards are a clear points system that takes all the bias and political headaches that have killed the other contests out of the equation.  This year we had two winners that did not win at either Expo or the Royal, but thanks to their body of work throughout the whole year take home the All-North American award.

The rules are simple:

  1. To be eligible all animals must be shown at either World Dairy Expo or The Royal
  2. In each class, the animals earning the top two positions on points will have their results compared head to head, to see how they did when in the same ring on the same day. If the 2nd highest point earner wins the head to head battle by two or more points, i.e.3 to 1, the 2nd highest point earner will be declared the victor.
  3. In classes where the judge or associate judge at World Dairy Expo or The Royal owned and/or bred one of the top three point earners, all animals in the top three will have their points compared excluding the show that the judge evaluated and the one with the most points will be declared the victor.

The shows that are eligible are:

  1. USA
    1. International Holstein Show (World Dairy Expo)
    2. New York International Spring Holstein Show
    3. Mid-East Spring National Holstein Show
    4. Midwest Spring National Holstein Show
    5. Western Spring National Holstein Show
    6. Mid-East Summer National Holstein Show
    7. Midwest Fall National Holstein Show
    8. Northeast Fall National Holstein Show
    9. Eastern Fall National Holstein Show
    10. Mid-East Fall National Holstein Show
    11. Western National Holstein Show
  2. Canada
    1. The Royal
    2. Le Supreme Laitier
    3. Autumn Opportunity
    4. Westerner Championship Show
    5. Eastern Ontario Western Quebec
    6. Atlantic Fall Championship
    7. Ontario Summer Show
    8. Quebec Spring Show
    9. Ontario Spring Show
    10. BC Spring Show
    11. Atlantic Spring Show

The point system is as follows:

  1. Regional National Shows
    • 1st = 5 points
    • 2nd = 4 points
    • 3rd = 3 points
    • 4th = 2 points
    • 5th= 1 point
  2. National Championship Shows (World Dairy Expo and The Royal)
    • 1st = 15 points
    • 2nd = 13 points
    • 3rd = 11 points
    • 4th = 9 points
    • 5th = 8 points
    • 6th = 7 points
    • 7th = 6 points
    • 8th = 5 points
    • 9th = 4 points
    • 10th = 3 point

Please note: Spring Heifer Calf and Milking Yearling will be published shortly

Spring Calf

All North American – REYNCREST AVALNCHE LUSHA
Reserve All-North American – BLONDIN T&L AVALANCHE ANGELINA
HM All North American – MAPEL WOOD DOORMAN DANCER
Top at US Shows: REYNCREST AVALNCHE LUSHA
WDE Winner: REYNCREST AVALNCHE LUSHA
Top at CDN Shows: MAPEL WOOD DOORMAN DANCER
RWF Winner: REYNCREST AVALNCHE LUSHA

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL TOTAL
REYNCREST AVALNCHE LUSHA 20 15 35
BLONDIN T&L AVALANCHE ANGELINA 13 14 27
MAPEL WOOD DOORMAN DANCER 0 23 23
OAKFIELD AVALAN LIBERTY 0 18 18
SHOW-MAR D-BACK UPPERCUT 14 0 14
BUDJON ABBOTT ANITTA 10 0 10

Winter Heifer Calf

 

All North American – MISS OCD DOORM GEORGETTE
Reserve All-North American – GENO DOORMAN TESLA
HM All North American – BESLEA DOORMAN LATTITUDE & SUN-MADE CRAVE DRN DIANE
Top at US Shows: BESLEA DOORMAN LATTITUDE
WDE Winner:BESLEA DOORMAN LATTITUDE
Top at CDN Shows: GENO DOORMAN TESLA
RWF Winner: MISS OCD DOORM GEORGETTE

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL TOTAL
MISS OCD DOORM GEORGETTE 16 15 31
GENO DOORMAN TESLA 7 18 25
SUN-MADE CRAVE DRN DIANE 13 11 24
BESLEA DOORMAN LATTITUDE 24 0 24
PFAFFSWAY DEFIANT JEN A 16 0 16
ALL-GLO BYWAY MONTRAL 8 7 15
VELTHUIS ATWOOD PASSION 0 10 10

Fall Heifer Calf

All North American – GARAY DOORMAN BLIND DATE
Reserve All-North American – KNONAUDALE SUNNYLODGE JASMINE
HM All North American – LUNCREST AMBISSION-1924
Top at US Shows: KNONAUDALE SUNNYLODGE JASMINE
WDE Winner:GARAY DOORMAN BLIND DATE
Top at CDN Shows: GARAY DOORMAN BLIND DATE
RWF Winner: GARAY DOORMAN BLIND DATE

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL TOTAL
GARAY DOORMAN BLIND DATE 15 25 40
KNONAUDALE SUNNYLODGE JASMINE 17 11 28
LUNCREST AMBISSION-1924 11 13 24
MILEY AVALANCHE GENESSEE 9 8 17
WINRIGHT GOLDWYN KARAMEL 0 16 16
ALL-GLO O KOOL TULLY 7 9 16
CROVALLEY SOLOMON SPARKLE 3 12 15
KAMPY CORVETTE GRETCHEN 8 6 14
SAVAGE-LEIGH LALAS FIRST 14 0 14
GABZ DEFIANT REAGAN 12 0 12
JACOBS GOLD CHIP VERSION 6 4 10

 

Summer Yearling

All North American – JM VALLEY DEMPSEY LYZARA
Reserve All-North American – MILKSOURCE TAELYN
HM All North American – KIRKLEA JACOBY BUBBLEGUM
Top at US Shows: MILKSOURCE TAELYN
WDE Winner:MILKSOURCE TAELYN
Top at CDN Shows: KIRKLEA JACOBY BUBBLEGUM
RWF Winner: JM VALLEY DEMPSEY LYZARA

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL TOTAL
JM VALLEY DEMPSEY LYZARA 11 19 30
MILKSOURCE TAELYN 20 5 25
KIRKLEA JACOBY BUBBLEGUM 0 23 23
KAROLSTEIN LILASTRUCK 1STGRADE 9 9 18
OAKFIELD BLAKE LUXURIANT 11 7 18
MAPLE-DOWNS-PV DRMAN GAVINA 18 0 18
COREDALE DIAMONDBACK IVY 16 0 16
PETITCLERC CONTROL ARIANNA 0 15 15
ULMAR CONTROL ETERNITY 0 15 15
COMESTAR LARION CONTROL 11 0 11
MISS SOLOMON HORIZON 11 0 11
BIRKENTREE DOORMAN LAINY 0 10 10
CLAIRCREST SOLOMON CHIPOLTE 0 10 10
ROSEDALE AVALA LOLLIPOP 4 6 10

Spring Yearling

All North American – WINRIGHT BEEMER BABY ENTHEM
Reserve All-North American – AHD DOORMAN SILK & RYAN-VU GOLDWYN RAVISH
Top at US Shows: AHD DOORMAN SILK
WDE Winner:AHD DOORMAN SILK
Top at CDN Shows: MS MAPLE-DOWNS A S GWEN
RWF Winner: GLENNHOLME MARIO MERCILESS

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL TOTAL
WINRIGHT BEEMER BABY ENTHEM 11 23 34
RYAN-VU GOLDWYN RAVISH 19 11 30
AHD DOORMAN SILK 30 0 30
MS MAPLE-DOWNS A S GWEN 0 26 26
GLENNHOLME MARIO MERCILESS 0 20 20
PETITCLERC DOORMAN SAPPHIRE 17 0 17
GARAY SOLOMON ALIX 9 7 16
FLEURY DOUGLAS LISALY 0 15 15
RAN-CAN ALONZO CLICHÉ 15 0 15
CERPOLAIT DOORMAN FANTASTIC 3 11 14
BLONDIN AVALANCHE SASHA 0 10 10

Winter Yearling

All North American – WINRIGHT GOLD CHIP EXPLOSION
Reserve All-North American – BRIGEEN BRASH PADDY
Honourable Mention All-North American – CRAIGCREST RUBIES SMARTY PANTS
Top at US Shows: BUDJON-ABBOTT ALEXANDRA
WDE Winner:BUDJON-ABBOTT ALEXANDRA
Top at CDN Shows: WINRIGHT GOLD CHIP EXPLOSION
RWF Winner: WINRIGHT GOLD CHIP EXPLOSION

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL TOTAL
WINRIGHT GOLD CHIP EXPLOSION 7 30 37
BRIGEEN BRASH PADDY 14 10 24
CRAIGCREST RUBIES SMARTY PANTS 5 18 23
BUDJON-ABBOTT ALEXANDRA 22 0 22
JM VALLEY ATWOOD ALY 4 17 21
CLAIRCREST ATWOOD MARMELADE 0 14 14
ROB-JO DOORMAN EMBRACE 14 0 14
QUIETCOVE WINNING WAYS 13 0 13
COCALICO GOLDWYN MORGAN 0 11 11
RONBETH DOORMAN SULTANA 0 11 11
SAVAGE-LEIGH GOTTA LOOK 11 0 11

Milking Yearling

All North American – MIDAS-TOUCH AV CLING
Reserve All-North American – MS PG PV DOORMAN ASPIRE
HM All North American – HODGLYNN BEEM ME UP
Top at US Shows: MIDAS-TOUCH AV CLING
WDE Winner: MIDAS-TOUCH AV CLING
Top at CDN Shows: REPA JENNIA DOORMAN
RWF Winner: MS PG PV DOORMAN ASPIRE

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL TOTAL
MIDAS-TOUCH AV CLING 20 8 28
MS PG PV DOORMAN ASPIRE 6 15 21
HODGLYNN BEEM ME UP 13 5 18
REPA JENNIA DOORMAN 0 16 16
Westcoast Orion Aryane 4727 11 5 16
BONACCUEIL RANTA GOLDWYN 0 15 15
LELLAVAN AVALANCHE FUJI 5 9 14
BERWEN AVALANCHE FANTOM 8 5 13
BOSDALE SOLOMON PORTLEA 0 11 11

Junior Two Year Old

All North American – GARAY AWESOME BEAUTY
Reserve All-North American – TOLAMIKA ARMANI WILL
Honourable Mention All-North American – MIDAS TOUCH JEDI JANGLE
Top at US Shows: JUNIPER SID CHARDONNAY
WDE Winner: JUNIPER SID CHARDONNAY
Top at CDN Shows: MIDAS TOUCH JEDI JANGLE
RWF Winner: GARAY AWESOME BEAUTY

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL TOTAL
GARAY AWESOME BEAUTY 18 15 33
TOLAMIKA ARMANI WILL 7 16 23
MIDAS TOUCH JEDI JANGLE 5 17 22
JUNIPER SID CHARDONNAY 20 0 20
ROLL-N-VIEW BYWAY LIGHTING 10 9 19
FRAELAND DOORMAN BONNIE 16 0 16
QUIETCOVE FOXYS LOLLIPOP 14 0 14
PREMIUM GOLD DIVINE 0 12 12
BEST NORD ATWOOD LOLLY 9 2 11
AUTUMN LANE ROSWITHA ROCKSTAR 0 11 11

Senior Two Year Old

All North American – MS SMITH OAK PW D MAGGIE
Reserve All-North American – FLORBIL DOORMAN LILLY
Honourable Mention All-North American – JACOBS DOORMAN VICTOIRE
Top at US Shows: DUCKETT DOORMAN GISELLE
WDE Winner: KINGSWAY DOORMAN ANDREA
Top at CDN Shows: FLORBIL DOORMAN LILLY
RWF Winner: FLORBIL DOORMAN LILLY

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL TOTAL
MS SMITH OAK PW D MAGGIE 16 18 34
FLORBIL DOORMAN LILLY 0 25 25
JACOBS DOORMAN VICTOIRE 7 14 21
SCO-LO-AF SID SANGRIA 13 7 20
BERNADALE GOLDWYN INDIGO 6 13 19
DUCKETT DOORMAN GISELLE 17 0 17
KINGSWAY DOORMAN ANDREA 16 0 16
MS BEAUTYS BLACK VELVET 14 0 14
RUANN DOORMAN JEAN 55162 14 0 14
SCO-LO DOOR ACURA 2218 9 4 13
FRAELAND BLACK BEAUTY 0 11 11

Junior Three Year Old

All North American – ALFINCH ZELGODIS TACI
Reserve All-North American – ROLL N VIEW DEF BOJANGLES
Honourable Mention All-North American – ERBACRES SNAPPLE SHAKIRA
Top at US Shows: ERBACRES SNAPPLE SHAKIRA
WDE Winner: ERBACRES SNAPPLE SHAKIRA
Top at CDN Shows: ALFINCH ZELGODIS TACI
RWF Winner: ALFINCH ZELGODIS TACI

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL TOTAL
ALFINCH ZELGODIS TACI 0 20 20
ROLL N VIEW DEF BOJANGLES 11 9 20
ERBACRES SNAPPLE SHAKIRA 15 0 15
R-M ATWOOD BRENDA 0 14 14
JACOBS MCCUTCHEN BRITT 0 13 13
VINBERT KINGBOY BIRDY 0 13 13
UNIQUE DEMPSEY CHEERS 13 0 13
BUTLERVIEW DOOR ALEAH 12 0 12
OAKFIELD A SHAMPAGNE-RED 0 11 11
MS LISTERINES LOOK AT ME 11 0 11
HENDERCROFT ATWOOD HARMONY 0 10 10

Note: There was a tie between ALFINCH ZELGODIS TACI and ROLL N VIEW DEF BOJANGLES.  The tie is broken by head to head matchups.

Senior Three Year Old

All North American – MAPLELEY GOLDWYN JULIA
Reserve All-North American – MS GOLDWYN SATURDAY
Honourable Mention All-North American – WEEKSDALE ABSOLUT VODKA
Top at US Shows: MAPLELEY GOLDWYN JULIA
WDE Winner: MS GOLDWYN SATURDAY
Top at CDN Shows: MAPLELEY GOLDWYN JULIA
RWF Winner: MAPLELEY GOLDWYN JULIA

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL TOTAL
MAPLELEY GOLDWYN JULIA 17 16 33
MS GOLDWYN SATURDAY 15 15 30
WEEKSDALE ABSOLUT VODKA 5 13 18
KINGSWAY GOLDWYN LIP BALM 12 5 17
CORLANE SEAVER MISTY 14 3 17
KINGSWAY DOORMAN WANDA 3 11 14
VALLEYVILLE GOLDWYN BISSY 0 13 13
T-TRIPLE-T PERFECT STORM 12 0 12
KINGSWAY GOLDWYN LADONNA 0 11 11
GEG SID MADONNA 4 7 11
KINGSWAY GOLDWYN LAUREN 6 5 11
TEEBROOK DEMPSEY REBECCA 8 3 11
MISS WBK BRITTANY 11 0 11
VALE-O-SKENE LAUTHORITY KITTY 10 0 10

Four Year Old

All North American – JACOBS WINDBROOK AIMO
Reserve All-North American – WILLOWS-EDGE ATWOD FAITH
Honourable Mention All-North American – IDEE WINDBROOK LYNZI
Top at US Shows: MS ELLMVUE NOVELTY KEELEY
WDE Winner: JACOBS WINDBROOK AIMO
Top at CDN Shows: WILLOWS-EDGE ATWOD FAITH
RWF Winner: JACOBS WINDBROOK AIMO

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL TOTAL
JACOBS WINDBROOK AIMO 15 19 34
WILLOWS-EDGE ATWOD FAITH 9 24 33
IDEE WINDBROOK LYNZI 13 13 26
JUNIPER-HAVEN ATWOOD DOLLY 10 11 21
MS ELLMVUE NOVELTY KEELEY 16 0 16
WEBB VIEW BUTTERBALLS MCCUCHEN 0 14 14
GAMBLIN ARMANI GLADE 12 0 12
CITYVIEW BRAXTON LOIS 0 10 10

Five Year Old

All North American – JACOBS JORDAN CARMEL
Reserve All-North American – CO-VALE DEMPSY DINA 4270
Honourable Mention All-North American – AL-SHAR DEMPSEY ALISON
Top at US Shows: WALKERBRAE DORMAN LOCKET
WDE Winner: CO-VALE DEMPSY DINA 4270
Top at CDN Shows: JACOBS JORDAN CARMEL & AL-SHAR DEMPSEY ALISON
RWF Winner: JACOBS JORDAN CARMEL

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL TOTAL
JACOBS JORDAN CARMEL 13 20 33
CO-VALE DEMPSY DINA 4270 15 13 28
AL-SHAR DEMPSEY ALISON 6 20 26
WALKERBRAE DORMAN LOCKET 16 0 16
JEANLU STANLEYCUP ALEXIS 0 15 15
BERNALTA DUDE DRESSY 0 14 14
MISS APPLE ARIA RED 10 4 14
HARVUE ATWOOD GINGER 13 0 13
WAYHOLME REGINALD PETUNIA 0 11 11
AROLENE GOLDWYN DIVINE 10 0 10

Mature Cow

All North American – JACOBS LAUTHORITY LOANA
Reserve All-North American – TK-PLAIN-VIEW RIPLEY & WEEKS DUNDEE ANIKA
Top at US Shows: JACOBS LAUTHORITY LOANA
WDE Winner: JACOBS LAUTHORITY LOANA
Top at CDN Shows: JACOBS LAUTHORITY LOANA
RWF Winner: JACOBS LAUTHORITY LOANA

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL TOTAL
JACOBS LAUTHORITY LOANA 15 20 35
TK-PLAIN-VIEW RIPLEY 11 13 24
WEEKS DUNDEE ANIKA 13 11 24
ZIMMER KRUSADER AVA 7 11 18
HENDERCROFT FEVER BAZOOKA 0 11 11
ROBELLA GOLDWYN EDGELEY 0 11 11
CAVANALECK DEMPSEY BOZICA 6 8 14
HOMTOSTA ATTIC FEREEDA 4 7 11
GAMLAKE DESTRY SALLIE 12 5 17
T-TRIPLE-T PLATINUM 13 0 13
LAIDLAWN SANCHEZ GEMINI 11 0 11
BELLA-ROSA GW SARA 10 0 10
UTAG WINDBROOK ECLIPSE 10 0 10

Production Cow

All North American – LIDDLEHOLME RESUR LU
Reserve All-North American – LOYALYN GOLDWYN JUNE
Honourable Mention All-North American – JACOBS FEVER CAEL
Top at US Shows: LIDDLEHOLME RESUR LU
WDE Winner: LIDDLEHOLME RESUR LU
Top at CDN Shows: LOYALYN GOLDWYN JUNE
RWF Winner: LIDDLEHOLME RESUR LU

  US TOTAL CAN TOTAL TOTAL
LOYALYN GOLDWYN JUNE 13 23 36
LIDDLEHOLME RESUR LU 20 15 35
JACOBS FEVER CAEL 6 15 21
TC SANCHEZ KRISTINA 19 0 19
PHOENIX BAXTER GEOMETRY 0 18 18
CACHE-VALLEY LHEROES 2331 17 0 17

Please note: In shows that did not have a production class but the animal does qualify for this class, their mature cow class points are used. Also note that LOYALYN GOLDWYN JUNE actually had more points than LIDDLEHOLME RESUR LU, but due to rule #2 in regards to head to head matchups LU takes home the all North American Award.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

 The Bullvine congratulates the hard work of all the exhibitors and we are proud to recognize the 2018 All-North American winners. 

We would love to know your thoughts.  Please enter them in the comments box below or email them to allnorthamerican@thebullvine.com

Will You Still Be Dairying in 2023?

Five years is not long in cattle breeding time. But, it can seem like a long time on the business side of dairy farming when you’re losing more money with each successive month.  What the dairy industry will be in five years was on the mind of one Wisconsin Milk House member when he posted the question “Where do you see the dairy industry in five years?”. It obviously was on many members’ minds as there were 364 comments, the most ever for a Milk House post. This article attempts to capture the input from the over 11,000 dairy producers members of The Milk House on dairying in 2023 (Read more: Introducing The Milk House – Dairy Breeder Networking on Facebook).

The Current Scenario

The ever-increasing over-production in the United States dominated the responses to the question. This situation in the US follows the recent EU, New Zealand and Australia low farm gate prices, the re-balancing of supply with demand and ultimately an adverse effect on farm numbers and dairy farmers lives in those countries. The global oversupply of milk, especially skim powder, is on the minds of everyone these days. Let’s hear what Milk House members see for the next five years in dairying.

Real Facts For The Next Five

Milk House members agreed that the following items would define the next five years:

  • The US decline in total herd numbers (now at about 40,000) and the increase in herd size (currently at 234 milking cows) will continue. USDA is predicting more total cows and even more total production in 2018. Things will not get better soon.
  • The cost of production (COP) will continue to rise, and herds over $15-16/cwt will be forced to eat up reserves or to go into debt.
  • Respondents see a wider margin now between farm gate price and in-store price than existed when farm gate prices were high in 2014. They question if farmers are being taken advantage of.
  • Immigration, animal welfare and environmental laws will have a significant impact over the coming years. Drought and rainfall is always a significant factor for the dairy farming industry.
  • Farms are exiting the business and hurting service providers and local communities.
  • Out-sourcing of some services (i.e. cropping) is being tried by some farms but with that option comes a hefty bill, and it may mean that farm labour is not being fully utilized.
  • Government support last time (buy-out program) to help dairy farmers did not get the public’s support. Such government support programs have only been short-term solutions.
  • And finally, morale amongst dairy people is low. It is perhaps at an all-time low. Some respondents openly shared that they are seriously considering exiting the dairy industry. Change is needed!

Real Challenges

Milk House members listed both immediate and five-year challenges:

  • Often farmers blame each other (i.e. small vs large) for creating the current situation of over-production and low prices. Respondents said farmers find themselves at the mercy of their financial institutions and their processor. And many commented that the focus is on blaming and not on finding solutions for the next five years. The truth is that solutions are needed immediately.
  • The respondents with the most concern about the current over-supply and low farm gate price were farming from Eastern to Mid-West USA. Producers commented on the high cost of equipment and automation and losing over $2+ per CWT. Only 75% of current Mid-West herds are expected to be in the industry in five years. Since 1992 70% of US dairy herds have exited the dairy industry at an even pace.
  • Many respondents did not feel that their farmer directed organizations are showing leadership to address the current situation and ‘thinking-outside-the-box’ for five years from now.
  • Within the respondents, there was disagreement about whether their marketing coops had their backs. They wondered if coop directors adequately represent the farmer members and if the coops are fulfilling their mandates. Consumer education by the coops was said to have not returned benefit. It was mentioned that the ‘milk for health’ concept will be slow to catch on and may take more than five years to have a significant effect.
  • Respondents mentioned that discussions are about the ’average’ herd without allowing for consideration of individual herd circumstances. Remote farms, especially ones under 200 milking cows, are facing significantly increased costs for milk transport and all other services.
  • A government cheap food / cheap milk policy, a lack of consumer and politician awareness of agriculture, trade policies and financial support of foreign producers by their governments were all mentioned as significant challenges outside US producers’ control.
  • A couple of respondents wondered if dairy would go the route of pork and poultry industries where the corporations supply the cows and feed, and farmers provide the labor and facilities and are paid on a monthly per cow basis. That possibility was viewed negatively by most respondents.
  • One respondent identified that after producing milk products, there are 32 byproducts that must be made use of in American or that are put on the world market. Often at the global level, there is an excess already, and so the world price is low.
  • However, respondents always came back to the current farm gate price being below the COP. They need to survive today, or they will not be in the industry in five years.

Opportunities

Responding Milk House members brought forward numerous ideas when it came to opportunities for positioning the industry and individual farms for 2023, five years from now:

  • Most respondents saw great potential for new or current milk products to assist in making a successful industry in five years. Products identified were: butter; yoghurts; cheeses; a2 milk; full-fat milk; natural; organic; byproducts as ingredients; and more.
  • Specialized, focused and well-managed farms were thought by respondents to be the most likely to be in the best position for being viable and sustainable in five years.
  • From a genetic perspective, high component yielding cattle were suggested as being the route to follow as more and more milk is processed into the product and transporting water is an unnecessary cost. Since there is a considerable excess of skim powder and just a slight amount over the demand there is for butter, it could be that the ideal cow for production and health would be 1.5% higher for fat % than protein % (i.e. 4.5% F & 3.0% P or 5.3% F & 3.8% P)
  • Practising top management was often mentioned as the key to a farm being in the industry in five years’ time. Automated on-farm data capture and the use of that data from cows, calves and heifers along with financial data was mentioned as being necessary.
  • A few respondents mentioned that they are considering processing their own milk, with a focus on local customers. It was recognized that this is not for everyone and is often location dependent.
  • Supply Management was often mentioned, and it got both support and ‘it is not for America’ comments. Setting a base period to determine a herd’s supply allocation was mentioned as being problematic. The Canadian Supply Management Model of producing for domestic needs was thought by some to be worthy of consideration.
  • The Milk House members mentioned one price for domestic milk and a lower price for export milk as worthy of consideration.
  • One respondent put forward that the US must find its own solution to both current and five years hence relative to supply, demand and pricing. “We cannot depend on there being a global crisis or a global animal health issue to solve our problems.”
  • Respondents mentioned that, immediately, there must be more collaboration amongst industry stakeholders to find both short and longer-term solutions to the volume of milk produced in the USA.

 Poignant Thoughts

Two Milk House members from the USA provided comments that may assist US dairymen as they plan for the industry and their farm five years from now:

Kirt Sloan (Idaho) – “The industry is like a wagon train circled and angry … only, pointing the guns at each other inside the circle. The time is coming that unless we focus our attention united against the forces that attack us … the dairy industry will be like Custer’s last stand … picked apart and over-run by a large group bent on destroying our way of life and efforts to feed a growing hungry world. … The fight is not against big dairies … the fight is against regulations that set the stage with capitalized requirements that require more cows to pay for them. The environmental groups that say they like small farms are driving the regulations that put small farms out of business.”

 Jack Britt (North Carolina) – “Forecasting is difficult. Just 3-4 years ago we had the highest prices and largest income over feed costs ever. If we have a severe shortage of water in the west and southwest, we could see a swing from the current oversupply. If we have a bad crop year, we could see a change. The real question to ask is “How resilient is your dairy operation?”. It is not how large or small that puts a farm out of business, it is how resilient the operation is in times of change. Price per CWT is critical, but resilient farms of all sizes can survive. What is your plan? Do you have one?”

Things that can challenge a dairy operation’s resilience could include: 1) over investment in equipment; 2) owned equipment that is only used one to two months a year and otherwise sits idle; 3) expensive facilities that are not fully utilized; 4) heifers that calve for the first time at 27 months; 5) cows that are dry for four months;  6) excessive road time for equipment and labor to move crops from fields miles away from the farm; 7) rough use of equipment causing excessive repair bills; 8) excessive number of sick calves or cows that run up vet bills and require more farm staff care; 9) poorly arranged facilities requiring more labor to carry out farm chores; and many more.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Dairy people, the world over, have done an excellent job of applying methods and technology over the past quarter-century. At the farm level, the focus has been on getting more and more milk. In many countries, production has outpaced demand. A viable and sustainable future at the industry level needs to be given priority and must be planned for now. Vision, leadership and inclusion must be on everyone’s radar screen.

It is up to every producer to make their operation resilient. Is your operation resilient? 

 

 

 

 

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The Bullvine 2017 All-North American Awards

The competition that changed the tanbark trail in 2016 is back this year.  In the same way that Golf, Nascar and many other major sports determine their yearly winners, the All-North American system is designed to keep it simple, clear and fair. The All-North American awards are a clear points system that takes all the bias and political headaches that have killed the other contests out of the equation.  Unlike the All-American or All-Canadian where the winners are the same as World Dairy Expo and The Royal, the 2017 All-North American Contest has three Winners that did not win at either of those shows.  

Click on image to download hi-resolution poster.

The rules are simple:

  1. To be eligible all animals must be shown at either World Dairy Expo or The Royal
  2. In each class, the animals earning the top two positions on points will have their results compared head to head, to see how they did when in the same ring on the same day. If the 2nd highest point earner wins the head to head battle by two or more points, i.e.3 to 1 or 2, the 2nd highest point earner will be declared the victor.
  3. In classes where the judge or associate judge at World Dairy Expo or The Royal owned and/or bred one of the top three point earners, all animals in the top three will have their points compared excluding the show that the judge evaluated and the one with the most points will be declared the victor.

The shows that are eligible are:

  1. USA
    1. International Holstein Show (World Dairy Expo)
    2. New York International Spring Holstein Show
    3. Mid-East Spring National Holstein Show
    4. Southern Spring National Holstein Show
    5. Midwest Spring National Holstein Show
    6. Western Spring National Holstein Show
    7. Mid-East Summer National Holstein Show
    8. Midwest Fall National Holstein Show
    9. Northeast Fall National Holstein Show
    10. Eastern Fall National Holstein Show
    11. Mid-East Fall National Holstein Show
    12. Western National Holstein Show
  2. Canada
    1. The Royal
    2. Le Supreme Laitier
    3. Autumn Opportunity
    4. Westerner Championship Show
    5. Eastern Ontario Western Quebec
    6. Atlantic Championship
    7. Ontario Summer Show
    8. Quebec Spring Show
    9. Ontario Spring Show
    10. Western Spring Show
    11. Atlantic Spring Show

The point system is as follows:

  1. Regional National Shows
    • 1st = 10 points
    • 2nd = 7 points
    • 3rd = 5 points
    • 4th = 3 points
    • 5th= 1 point
  2. National Championship Shows (World Dairy Expo and The Royal)
    • 1st = 20 points
    • 2nd = 17 points
    • 3rd = 15 points
    • 4th = 13 points
    • 5th = 11 points
    • 6th = 9 points
    • 7th = 7 points
    • 8th = 5 points
    • 9th = 3 points
    • 10th = 1 point

Spring Heifer Calf

All North American – FLEURY DOUGLAS LISALY
Reserve All-North American – RAN-CAN ALANZO CLICHE
HM All North American – SAHARA BEEMER RIOT
Top at US Shows: RAN-CAN ALANZO CLICHE
WDE Winner:PETITCLERC SOLOMON ANNICE
Top at CDN Shows: FLEURY DOUGLAS LISALY
RWF Winner: FLEURY DOUGLAS LISALY

Animal US TOTALS CDN Total Total Average
FLEURY DOUGLAS LISALY 0 30 30 15
RAN-CAN ALANZO CLICHE 25 0 25 12.5
SAHARA BEEMER RIOT 0 23 23 11.5
GLENNHOLME MARIO MERCILESS 0 22 22 11
PETITCLERC SOLOMON ANNICE 20 0 20 20
MS PG PV BEEMER MAGICAL 17 0 17 8.5
MIDAS-TOUCH SOLOMON CHER 17 0 17 17
RONBETH SOLOMON SUNSET 0 16 16 8
ROTALY CONTROL HURRICANE 0 15 15 15
WINRIGHT BEEMER BABY ENTHEM 0 12 12 6

Please note that Average represents the animals average score at qualifying shows.

Winter Heifer Calf

All-North American – SMITH-OAK AVALANCHE ROSETTE
Reserve All-North American – JM VALLEY ATWOOD ALY
HM All-North American – BONNIE BRAE APE QUINN
Top at US Shows: SMITH-OAK AVALANCHE ROSETTE
WDE Winner:SMITH-OAK AVALANCHE ROSETTE
Top at CDN Shows: BONNIE BRAE APE QUINN
RWF Winner: BONNIE BRAE APE QUINN

Animal US TOTALS CDN Total Total Average
SMITH-OAK AVALANCHE ROSETTE 30 10 40 13.33333333
JM VALLEY ATWOOD ALY 13 27 40 13.33333333
BONNIE BRAE APE QUINN 0 30 30 15
OAKFIELD BYWAY TAXI 15 7 22 11
BUDJON-ABBOTT DR ADDIDAS 22 0 22 11
KAKOUNA DOORMAN COURAGE 0 21 21 10.5
KINGSWAY DOORMAN ROWDY 0 20 20 10
TY D DEMPSEY LOVEMMY 20 0 20 10
BUDJON-ABBOTT AUTOMATIC 11 7 18 9
WINRIGHT GOLD CHIP EXPLOSION 0 17 17 8.5

Note: SMITH-OAK AVALANCHE ROSETTE and JM VALLEY ATWOOD ALY tied for points, but in head to head matchups SMITH-OAK AVALANCHE ROSETTE defeated JM VALLEY ATWOOD ALY at World Dairy Expo

Fall Heifer Calf

All-North American – MILKSOURCE GLDNDRM ASSET
Reserve All-North American: LELLAVAN AVALANCHE FUJI
HM All-North American: MS AOL DB RASPBERRY RED
Top at US Shows: REYNCREST BYWAY LADONNA
WDE Winner: MILKSOURCE GLDNDRM ASSET
Top at CDN Shows: MAROCH CINDERDOOR COLGATE
RWF Winner: MILKSOURCE GLDNDRM ASSET

Animal US TOTALS CDN Total Total Average
MILKSOURCE GLDNDRM ASSET 20 20 40 20
LELLAVAN AVALANCHE FUJI 13 15 28 14
MS AOL DB RASPBERRY RED 10 17 27 9
WEEBERLAC DOORMAN SUMMIT 7 19 26 8.666667
MAROCH CINDERDOOR COLGATE 0 24 24 12
REYNCREST BYWAY LADONNA 22 0 22 7.333333
BUTLERVIEW LOTUS QUEEN B 19 0 19 6.333333
MM-T POCKETS LORELEIE 17 0 17 17
BUDJON-VAIL DOORMAN ELANIA 15 0 15 15
BELFAST DOORMAN PARADISE 0 14 14 7

Summer Yearling Heifers

All-North American – PETITCLERC ATWOOD SPOUTNIK
Reserve All-North American: FARAWAY DOORMAN MISSY
HM All-North American: KINGSWAY SOLOMAN GORGEOUS
Top at US Shows: PETITCLERC ATWOOD SPOUTNIK
WDE Winner:PETITCLERC ATWOOD SPOUTNIK
Top at CDN Shows: FARAWAY DOORMAN MISSY
RWF Winner: KINGSWAY SOLOMAN GORGEOUS

Animal US TOTALS CDN Total Total Average
PETITCLERC ATWOOD SPOUTNIK 40 13 53 13.25
FARAWAY DOORMAN MISSY 0 46 46 9.2
KINGSWAY SOLOMAN GORGEOUS 0 30 30 15
VERTDOR JACOBY ALTITUDE 0 29 29 9.666667
MILKSOURCE DOORMAN MISSY 29 0 29 9.666667
MAPEL WOOD DOORMAN BARBARA 0 27 27 9
PINERIVER DOORMAN HAYLEY 0 18 18 9
BUDJON-VAIL DOORMAN EMMA 17 0 17 17
MARTINALE DEMPSEY ICESTORM 15 1 16 8
PETITCLERC SID SHANIA 3 12 15 5

Spring Yearling Heifers

All-North American – UNIQUE GOLDEN RING
Reserve All-North American: REYNCREST CORVETTE GRACIE
HM All-North American: JM VALLEY DOORMAN LEXIE & CAMPBELL-RUN GCHIP AMELIA
Top at US Shows: CAMPBELL-RUN GCHIP AMELIA
WDE Winner:CAMPBELL-RUN GCHIP AMELIA
Top at CDN Shows: UNIQUE GOLDEN RING
RWF Winner: JM VALLEY DOORMAN LEXIE

Name US TOTALS CDN Total Total Average
UNIQUE GOLDEN RING 17 57 74 12.33333333
REYNCREST CORVETTE GRACIE 22 11 33 11
JM VALLEY DOORMAN LEXIE 0 30 30 15
CAMPBELL-RUN GCHIP AMELIA 30 0 30 15
QUIETCOVE FOXYS LOLLIPOP 28 0 28 9.333333333
DUHIBOU DOORMAN PADMAY 24 0 24 8
PETITCLERC LOTUS SPYRO 3 20 23 7.666666667
ALEAH MILLEN NAUGHTY TALK 0 22 22 11
GLENNHOLME DOORMAN REGGAE 10 10 20 10
DUHIBOU DOORMAN PRINCESS 7 12 19 6.333333333

Winter Yearling Heifers

All-North American – RIDGE-FIELD ATLANTA
Reserve All-North American: ROSEDALE CATCH A GLIMPSE
HM All-North American: BROWNTOWN MARIO MARLO
Top at US Shows: COBEQUID DOORMAN PIPPY
WDE Winner: ROSEDALE CATCH A GLIMPSE
Top at CDN Shows: RIDGE-FIELD ATLANTA
RWF Winner: RIDGE-FIELD ATLANTA

Animal US TOTALS CDN Total Total Average
RIDGE-FIELD ATLANTA 12 40 52 10.4
ROSEDALE CATCH A GLIMPSE 20 17 37 18.5
BROWNTOWN MARIO MARLO 20 15 35 11.66666667
COBEQUID DOORMAN PIPPY 29 0 29 9.666666667
MOUNT ELM DOORMAN CRISSCROSS 0 23 23 11.5
HAMLETT HILL DRMN HEZ 22 0 22 11
SAVAGE-LEIGH BIG LIGHTS 20 0 20 6
ALL-GLO GOLD C KAPPUCCINO 20 0 20 5
HENDERCROFT GOLD CHIP GOOEY 0 17 17 8.5
BELFAST HIGH OCTANE SOFIA 0 15 15 7.5

Fall Yearling Heifers

All-North American – ALEAH MILLEN NAUGHTY SURPRISE
Reserve All-North American: PLUM-LINE ATTIC ATLEE
HM All-North American: MAPEL WOOD DOORMAN STELLA
Top at US Shows: PLUM-LINE ATTIC ATLEE
WDE Winner:ALEAH MILLEN NAUGHTY SURPRISE
Top at CDN Shows: MAPEL WOOD DOORMAN STELLA
RWF Winner: No Class

Animal US TOTALS CDN Total Total Average
ALEAH MILLEN NAUGHTY SURPRISE 20 10 30 15
MAPEL WOOD DOORMAN STELLA 11 17 28 9.333333333
PLUM-LINE ATTIC ATLEE 28 0 28 9.333333333
PETITCKERC MCCUTCHEN SKY 20 0 20 10
STRANSHOME BARBWIRE EMMY 19 0 19 9.5
RUANN DOORMAN JEAN-55162 17 0 17 17
PAPPYS DOORMAN ROUSEY 15 0 15 7.5
SCRATCHWELL LADD ROCKIN 14 0 14 7
GOLDEN-OAKS LINE EM UP 13 0 13 13
SKYCREST ATWOOD DIAMOND 0 10 10 10

Milking Yearlings

All-North American – DAMESTAR DOORMAN BRANDY
Reserve All-North American: MS SMITH OAK PW D MAGGIE
HM All-North American: FLORBIL DOORMAN LILLY
Top at US Shows: ROSEDALE ACHIEVERSLEGACY
WDE Winner: ROSEDALE ACHIEVERSLEGACY
Top at CDN Shows: DAMESTAR DOORMAN BRANDY & FLORBIL DOORMAN LILLY
RWF Winner: FLORBIL DOORMAN LILLY

Animal US TOTALS CDN Total Total Average
DAMESTAR DOORMAN BRANDY 15 25 40 13.33333333
MS SMITH OAK PW D MAGGIE 19 13 32 10.66666667
FLORBIL DOORMAN LILLY 0 25 25 12.5
SKYCREST ATWOOD DIAMOND 17 5 22 11
ROSEDALE ACHIEVERSLEGACY 20 0 20 20
KAY-BEN-I CG CHEEZIE 0 19 19 6.333333333
MS APPLE ANDRINGA-RED 0 17 17 17
BUDJON-VAIL ATW STYLISH 11 3 14 7
OAKFIELD DOORMAN CAMERON 13 0 13 13
WINDY-KNOLL-VIEW CAFFEINE 12 0 12 6

Junior Two-Year-Olds

All-North American – ERBACRES SNAPPLE SHAKIRA
Reserve All-North American: WINTERBAY SEAVER GLORY
HM All-North American: UNIQUE DEMPSEY CHEERS
Top at US Shows: R-M ATWOOD BRENDA
WDE Winner: R-M ATWOOD BRENDA
Top at CDN Shows: ERBACRES SNAPPLE SHAKIRA
RWF Winner: ERBACRES SNAPPLE SHAKIRA

Animal US TOTALS CDN Total Total Average
ERBACRES SNAPPLE SHAKIRA 11 30 41 13.66666667
WINTERBAY SEAVER GLORY 7 24 31 10.33333333
UNIQUE DEMPSEY CHEERS 17 10 27 13.5
HENDERCROFT ATWOOD HARMONY 0 23 23 11.5
KAWARTHA ARMANI MEMORY 0 22 22 11
R-M ATWOOD BRENDA 20 0 20 20
COMESTAR HOLIDAY GOLDWYN 9 9 18 9
MS LEGENDHOLM HEZ HOPE 15 0 15 15
MS SID LEAP FROG 15 0 15 7.5
EXPRESS-SMD NAYNAY-RED 15 0 15 7.5

Senior Two-Year-Olds

All-North American – EMBRDALE EXQUISITE LAUTHORITY
Reserve All-North American (Tied): GEG SID MADONNAR
Reserve All-North American(Tied): ARETHUSA DARYL SIENNA
Top at US Shows: VALE-O-SKENE LAUTHORITY KITTY & T TRIPLE T PERFECT STORM
WDE Winner: MS GOLDWYN SATURDAY
Top at CDN Shows: EMBRDALE EXQUISITE LAUTHORITY
RWF Winner: ARETHUSA DARYL SIENNA

Animal US TOTALS CDN Total Total Average
EMBRDALE EXQUISITE LAUTHORITY 0 34 34 11.33333333
ARETHUSA DARYL SIENNA 13 20 33 16.5
GEG SID MADONNA 15 18 33 11
BONACCUEIL LIMET SEAVER 0 23 23 11.5
MS GOLDWYN SATURDAY 20 3 23 11.5
VALE-O-SKENE LAUTHORITY KITTY 22 0 22 7.333333333
T TRIPLE T PERFECT STORM 22 0 22 7.333333333
ALLSTAR LM DURBIN ANGEL 0 20 20 10
JACOBS ABSOLUTE BEIGETTE 7 12 19 6.333333333
ERNEST-ANTHONY TAMRON 19 0 19 9.5

Junior Three-Year-Olds

All-North American – IDEE WINDBROOK LYNZI
Reserve All-North American: WILLOWS-EDGE ATWOD FAITH
HM All-North American: TREFLE CHASSEP DOORMAN
Top at US Shows: T-TRIPLE T PLAY IT AGAIN
WDE Winner: TREFLE CHASSEP DOORMAN
Top at CDN Shows: IDEE WINDBROOK LYNZI
RWF Winner: IDEE WINDBROOK LYNZI

Animal US TOTALS CDN Total Total Average
IDEE WINDBROOK LYNZI 17 30 47 15.66667
WILLOWS-EDGE ATWOD FAITH 20 20 40 10
TREFLE CHASSEP DOORMAN 20 17 37 18.5
T-TRIPLE T PLAY IT AGAIN 30 0 30 10
MS ELMVUE NOVELTY KEELEY 21 0 21 10.5
KNONAUDALE ORANGECRUSH 9 11 20 10
OAKFIELD GC DARBY 10 10 20 6.666667
PIERSTEIN ATWOOD GABIGAELLE 0 19 19 9.5
PHOENIX ARMANI MJ 0 17 17 8.5
RADINE ATWOOD BARBERRY 16 0 16 5.333333

Senior Three-Year-Olds

All-North American – JACOBS WINDBROOK AIMO
Reserve All-North American: SKYCREST MINCIO PRICKLES
HM All-North American: PIERSTEIN CICERO TIME OUT
Top at US Shows: SUNNY PLAINS DEMPSEY LAUREL
WDE Winner: JACOBS WINDBROOK AIMO
Top at CDN Shows: JACOBS WINDBROOK AIMO
RWF Winner: JACOBS WINDBROOK AIMO

Animal US TOTALS CDN Total Total Average
JACOBS WINDBROOK AIMO 20 30 50 16.66666667
SKYCREST MINCIO PRICKLES 17 23 40 13.33333333
PIERSTEIN CICERO TIME OUT 9 24 33 11
SUNNY PLAINS DEMPSEY LAUREL 25 0 25 12.5
MUSTHAVEN GOLDWYN JAELYN P   21 21 7
ACK-LEE DEMPSEY PASSION 21 0 21 10.5
LINGLE GOLD FREAKY GIRL 13 3 16 8
HICKLEE BROKAW GYPSY 0 15 15 15
DUCKETT SID TIZZ 14 0 14 7
GAMBLIN ARMANI GLADE 14 0 14 7

Four-Year-Olds

All-North American – CO-VALE DEMPSEY DINA 4270
Reserve All-North American: MILLBROOKE ATWOOD OOH LA LA
HM All-North American: CLAQUATO-RH EVE
Top at US Shows: CLAQUATO-RH EVE 
WDE Winner: CO-VALE DEMPSEY DINA 4270
Top at CDN Shows: AL-SHAR DEMPSEY ALISON
RWF Winner: CO-VALE DEMPSEY DINA 4270

Animal US TOTALS CDN Total Total Average
CO-VALE DEMPSEY DINA 4270 20 20 40 20
MILLBROOKE ATWOOD OOH LA LA 15 15 30 15
CLAQUATO-RH EVE 28 0 28 7
AL-SHAR DEMPSEY ALISON 0 27 27 13.5
ALDORA ATTRA DEMPSEY 16 10 26 8.666666667
AROLENE GOLDWYN DIVINE 17 9 26 13
DREWHOLME DEMPSEY ALCENA 23 0 23 11.5
SPRINGBEND WINDHAMMER SLASH 23 0 23 7.666666667
BUCKS PRIDE GOLD CHIP WINIE 20 0 20 10
LOYALYN DUPLEX VANESSA 7 12 19 6.333333333

Five-Year-Olds

All-North American – TK-PLAIN-VIEW RIPLEY
Reserve All-North American: JACOBS LAUTHORITY LOANA
HM All-North American: HENDERCROFT FEVER BAZOOKA
Top at US Shows: TK-PLAIN-VIEW RIPLEY
WDE Winner: TK-PLAIN-VIEW RIPLEY
Top at CDN Shows: JACOBS LAUTHORITY LOANA
RWF Winner: TK-PLAIN-VIEW RIPLEY

Animal US TOTALS CDN Total Total     Average
TK-PLAIN-VIEW RIPLEY 25 20 45 6 3 15
JACOBS LAUTHORITY LOANA 7 37 44 7 4 11
HENDERCROFT FEVER BAZOOKA 0 31 31 6 3 10.33333333
JACOBS FEVER CAEL 13 18 31 6 3 10.33333333
LOVHILL BRAXTON FUNKY 25 0 25 5 2 12.5
BUDJON JK ATWOOD ERIKA 24 0 24 5 2 12
CAVANALECK BG BRUIN 24 0 24 5 2 12
BOSDALE GOLD LUSTER 0 20 20 5 2 10
CAVANALECK DEMPSEY BOZICA 11 7 18 5 2 9
KEYLAS SID ROXANNA 0 17 17 5 2 8.5

Mature Cows

All-North American – ROSIERS BLEXY GOLDWYN
Reserve All-North American: JACOBS GOLDWYN VALANA
HM All-North American: WINTERBAY FEVER LEGACY
Top at US Shows: ROSIERS BLEXY GOLDWYN
WDE Winner: ROSIERS BLEXY GOLDWYN
Top at CDN Shows: JACOBS GOLDWYN VALANA
RWF Winner: ROSIERS BLEXY GOLDWYN

Animal US TOTALS CDN Total Total Average
ROSIERS BLEXY GOLDWYN 27 20 47 15.66666667
JACOBS GOLDWYN VALANA 17 23 40 13.33333333
WINTERBAY FEVER LEGACY 7 19 26 8.666666667
ZIMMER KRUSADER AVA 11 11 22 7.333333333
BRACKLEYFARM CHELIOS CHEERIO 9 11 20 10
LIDDLEHOLME RESUR LU-RED 20 0 20 10
MEADOW GREEN ABSOLUTE FANNY 0 17 17 17
T-TRIPLE-T PLATINUM 16 0 16 8
KINGSWAY SANCHEZ ARMADILLO 0 15 15 15
WENDON GOLDWYN DIODE 0 15 15 7.5

Production Cows Cows

All-North American – JACOBS GOLDWYN LISAMAREE
Reserve All-North American: KNONAUDALE JASMINE
HM All-North American: LIDDLEHOLME RESUR LU-RED
Top at US Shows: BLONDIN GOLDWYN SUBLIMINAL
WDE Winner: BLONDIN GOLDWYN SUBLIMINAL
Top at CDN Shows: KNONAUDALE JASMINE
RWF Winner: JACOBS GOLDWYN LISAMAREE

Animal US TOTALS CDN Total Total Average
JACOBS GOLDWYN LISAMAREE 13 30 43 14.33333
KNONAUDALE JASMINE 0 37 37 12.33333
LIDDLEHOLME RESUR LU-RED 20 15 35 11.66667
BLONDIN GOLDWYN SUBLIMINAL 28 0 28 14
HAZELS GLDWN HATTY 25 0 25 12.5
GARONDALE GOLDWYN CONNY 0 21 21 7
J&K-VUE GOLDWYN GLAMOUR 21 0 21 10.5
SIEMERS ATWOOD ALEXIA 19 0 19 9.5
VIORIS ALEX PANDORA 5 13 18 9
DOANLEA AMAZING FLANA 0 17 17 5.666667

Please note: In shows that did not have a production class but the animal does qualify for this class, their mature cow class points are used.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

 The Bullvine congratulates the hard work of all the exhibitors and we are proud to recognize the 2017 All-North American winners. 

We would love to know your thoughts.  Please enter them in the comments box below or email them to allnorthamerican@thebullvine.com

Top 7 Editor’s Choice Articles from The Bullvine 2017

“New insights.  Best practices. Getting Ready for the Future!”

As 2017 draws to a close, we at The Bullvine enjoy the opportunity to put together an Editor’s Choice List. Throughout the year we are able to delve into all aspects of the dairy industry to find articles that will serve the goals of our readers. This year we are choosing seven articles that we think were the most informative and essential to our readers in the dairy community.  We hope you will take a look to see if any of your favorites made the list.

Let’s get this countdown started.

#7 Use of Activity Monitoring for Identification of Dairy Cows with Health Disorders

Because this is a relatively short list, it was obvious to start with articles that relate to the industry’s primary producer – the cow.  The Bullvine always encourages dairy breeders to look at the dairy cow from new perspectives.  This popular webinar-video gives dairy breeders the opportunity to benefit from change-making information. The analysis of rumination and activity monitoring as a means to identify health issues delivered a pro-active point of view and provided breeders with valuable insight and information in taking every opportunity to improve their profit margins.

#6 Are You Breeding for the Correct Conformation to Produce the Greatest Lifetime Profit?

Here at The Bullvine we are in the privileged position of being able to take part in ongoing discussions of the problems and issues facing the dairy industry. We receive questions from our readers and sometime we are in the position of posing questions that we think our readers should consider.  Such is the case with our sixth place Editor’s Choice.

This article displays ideal cow models from Canada and USA and discusses the relationships between body parts and longevity. Three well-respected commercial dairy breeders explain what they see as classification standards that need to be applied in the future.

#5 SHOWMANSHIP JUDGING VIDEO – Your Guide to Judging Dairy Showmanship

The Editor’s Choice for 2017 continues to branch out beyond the written word.  Videos, live interviews and webinars have become very popular with industry followers who many not have time to attend events and seminars or spend time reading multiple articles at a time. This showmanship video provides in-depth and valuable training children, judges and others who connect with the show ring.  This is a one-stop opportunity to learn from the live discussion and actual footage of what to look for.  The judge talks about what is happening and what he’s looking for.  He explains his thought processes. Entering the Ring. Stop and Start.  Technical analysis and Pulling into line.

#4 GENETIC EVALUATION REVIEWS: Timely and Informative Analysis

Proof release articles published by The Bullvine are the best ones to read If you’re looking to be part of dairy genetic advancements. Successful dairy breeders understand the importance of keeping in touch with the way ever-advancing genetics is affecting production and profitability.  The Bullvine evaluation review articles are published to coincide in a timely way with Proof Releases in April, August and December. The Bullvine cover everything you need to know with the right amount of detail to make it comprehensible without being overwhelming.  The carefully considered analysis offers actionable insights and what to watch for with each bull that is being discussed.  The Bullvine Genetic Evaluation Reviews are a go-to for breeders looking to deepen their knowledge and find ways to integrate top genetics into their own breeding programs. Here is a one stop year end listing for you to review with the improved clarity provided by passage of time.  Be sure to check out sire proof central for all the timely and imofrative analysis.

#3 10 Ways to Cope with the Stress of Dairy Farming

At first glance this article on coping with stress may seem to be an over-simplified listing but the real value lies in the fact that the insights and suggestions were provided by members of The Milkhouse. With ten actual examples the contributors encourage keeping friends close, regularly looking for and expressing gratitude and finding ways to channel anxiety. This articles recognizes that nothing goes forward if stress gains the upper hand.  As dairy farm families face the emotional and financial stress of modern dairy farming, it is important to find positive ways to deal with the grim realities of the situation.  It can’t be denied that some think about ending it all.  Doing nothing can also be fatal to the business. Coping can start with these ten tested and shared methods.

#2 Epigenetics will be a Driver for Future Successful Dairying

The Bullvine always works with the goal of providing real value for our readers.  Epigenetics, robotic milking and advancements in health and nutrition have all sparked reader interest in 2017.  This article on epigenetics is an insightful and clearly explained discussion of the science behind epigenetics and what it will mean for the dairy industry.  Articles like this one don’t only discuss what is current but they provide a forecast for several years ahead. 

#1 Pat “Cowboy” Conroy – Shooting Straight and Straight Shooting

An easy choice for us to place in the number one position are those that provide insights. The industry is focused on cows but people make the difference. Readers of The Bullvine look forward to gaining valuable knowledge from professionals such as Pat Conroy – world respected Judge from Indiana USA.  This article was authored by Australian Dianna Malcolm for her publication Crazy Cow. Readers enjoyed the open sharing by Judge Conroy regarding his thoughts, opinions and concerns about the future of the dairy show ring.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

At The Bullvine we take pride in our work and enjoy discussing all of the different topics that shape the dairy industry.  Thanks for joining us in looking at our top seven choices from 2017.  We look forward to continuing to make connections with you in the coming year. All the best to you and yours as we do our best to ensure that you find it all at The Bullvine in 2018.

 

Season’s Greetings

The Bullvine staff wishes all of our subscribers, readers and advertisers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The Bullvine office will be closed on the following dates during the holidays: Monday, December 25, and Tuesday, December 26, and then again on Monday, January 1.

Top 17 of 2017 – The Bullvine’s Most Popular Articles of the Year

The Bullvine team is pleased to once again bring you the Top 17 most well-read articles in the three most popular sections of our website for the past year.   This list reflects content published from November 30, 2016  through December 1st, 2017 and is based on Google Analytics with over 2,500,000 monthly views from almost 2,000,000 unique yearly visitors.

Top 17 Feature Articles

  1. Pat “Cowboy” Conroy – Shooting straight and straight shooting
  2. Are Robotic Milking Machines Worth the Expense?
  3. The 12 Sires Available In 2017 That You Should Be Using in Your Breeding Program to Achieve Maximum Genetic Gain
  4. Top Type Sires With the “WOW” Factor for the Tan Bark Trail
  5. US Holstein Highlights – August 2017 – 7 Sires that remove the need for luck in your breeding program
  6. Trump Fabricates False Dairy War with Canada – US Dairy Farmers Stuck Paying the Price
  7. December 2017 Holstein US Proof Highlights – Delicious Delivers
  8. Canadian Holstein Highlights – August 2017 – Impressive Invasion of Top 10 Lists for LPI and Pro$
  9. US Holstein Highlights – April 2017 – Nine Sires that Stand Out of the Crowd
  10. Showmanship Judging Video – Your Guide To Judging Dairy Showmanship
  11. Canadian Holstein Highlights – April 2017 – Two New Number Ones in Town
  12. August Holstein Association USA Indexing Revisions – Will these changes to TPI do it for dairy breeders?
  13. Accelerated Genetics Merges with Select Sires – “The Force Grows Stronger!”
  14. North American Sire Usage: Time changes everything
  15. Are You Breeding for the Correct Conformation to Produce the Greatest Lifetime Profit?
  16. Use of Rumination and Activity Monitoring for the Identification of Dairy Cows with Health Disorders
  17. Has the Purebred Dairy Industry Lost Its Leadership?

Top 17 News Stories

  1. Largest Organic Milk Producer in the U.S. Isn’t Actually Organic at All
  2. Inside Almarai’s 46,000-head dairy farm in the Saudi desert
  3. Award-winning dairy calls it quits
  4. Undercover video shows farmworkers beating cows with metal rods. Police are investigating the dairy.
  5. Oregon mega-dairy owner charged with patronizing a prostitute, meth possession
  6. Animal rights activists begin targeting 4-H
  7. Reese Burdette Update January 23rd 2017
  8. The largest robotic dairy farm in the United States will go online in Michigan in 2017
  9. Snickerdoodle enjoying life at retirement home
  10. Protest Planned for World Dairy Expo
  11. Midwest Spring Show Grand Champions Come Home to Barn Fire
  12. Fire burns Burdettes’ barn near Mercersburg
  13. Farmers will lose their Milk supply contracts if caught doctoring their cows udders
  14. ABS Global Granted Permanent Injunction Against Sexing Technologies
  15. Undercover Video Captures Abuse at Pennsylvania Dairy
  16. Floating Dairy Farm Being Built in Holland
  17. Dairy farm worker found dead in manure holding tank

Top 17 Dairy Cattle Shows

  1. International Holstein Show – World Dairy Expo 2017
  2. Royal Holstein Show 2017
  3. International Red & White Show – World Dairy Expo 2017
  4. International Jersey Show – World Dairy Expo 2017
  5. International Junior Holstein Show – World Dairy Expo 2017
  6. Le Supreme Laitier – Holstein Show 2017
  7. Eastern Fall National Holstein Show 2017
  8. 2017 Expo Printemps Quebec Spring Holstein Show
  9. Midwest Spring National Holstein Show 2017
  10. 2017 Swiss Expo Holstein Show
  11. Ontario Summer Holstein Show 2017
  12. New York Spring International Holstein Show 2017
  13. Royal Jersey Show 2017
  14. British Columbia Spring Holstein Show 2017
  15. Maxville Holstein Show 2017
  16. Wisconsin State Holstein Show 2017
  17. Royal Red & White Holstein Show 2017

The Bullvine Bottom Line

A lot has changed since 2012, (Read more: The Top 10 of 2012 – The most read articles of 2012) in both the dairy industry as well as here at the Bullvine.  Looking ahead to 2018, there is no question things will continue to change.  It certainly has been a very busy year and these 17 articles were among the most talked about in the industry.  Thanks again for your continued readership and support.

The Last Minute Dairy Farmers Christmas Buying Guide

Let’s face it if you are like most of us, finding time to get that something special for the dairy farmer in your life can seem almost impossible.  That is why we have assembled these 17 items for you to consider for the special farmer in your life.

  1. Artwork from the dairy industries hottest new artist
    Some might say that artist Andrea Jorgensen, of Webberville Michigan, is an overnight success. You might agree, especially after hearing her say, “I didn’t start painting until the fall of 2015.” Since that time her paintings are drawing considerable attention and have given her the opportunity to build a career from commissioned pieces. The Bullvine recently had the privilege of interviewing Andrea and finding out about the evolving story behind her art.
  2. A Special Lady from Steel Cow
    Although she is neither a dairy breeder nor a show ring competitor, artist Valerie Miller of Steel Cow is, nevertheless, completely hands-on in her relationship with cows. This passionate painter not only paints her girls larger than life but she also aligns their bovine characteristics with dear family members and friends.  These paintings are admired by all and make a great Christmas gift for the dairy breeder on your list.  Steel Cow’s Valerie Miller: Larger Than Life With Her Cow Girls
  3. A Great Pair of Work Boots
    Never underestimate the power of a pair of comfortable, warm work boots. When mucking around chasing that fresh heifer, who just doesn’t want to go into the robotic milker, nothing beats a pair of great work boots
  4. Holstein History books by Edward Young Morwick
    Anyone who likes history, even in the slightest, will greatly appreciate either the US history (The Holstein History) or the Canadian History (The Chosen Breed) by Edward. New this year E.Y. Morwick’s Livestock Record as Norman Nobholz says “Without a doubt the finest book I have ever read (I have not read the Bible and I know I should). We had a chance to interview Edward – Edward Young Morwick – Country Roads to Law Office and you get a true sense of his passion and quick wit and they also come shining through in his books.  Be sure to get your copies of amazing compilation of Holstein history in these books.
  5. Prints by Bonnie Mohr
    For a long time, Bonnie Mohr has been the industry standard for great dairy Like many, our family has had the opportunity to appreciate Bonnie’s great work.  My wife has given me a Bonnie Mohr print every year on our anniversary.  That is why when we had the opportunity to interview Bonnie – Bonnie Mohr – Science and Art Together Creates a Holstein Love Story-; it was an honor for us.  Be sure to check out her website for more extraordinary fine art from rural America.
  6. A Show-Cation
    This could be the Christmas to take relief milking to another level. How about giving the Tanbark enthusiast on your list a vacation, or as we like to call it – a Show-Cation to World Dairy Expo or The Royal? Better yet, maybe you can send them to IDW in Australia or the European Championship show in France. Check out our favorite showcations.
  7. Paintings by Gary Sauder
    Since the first time I saw Gary’s work on Facebook, I was amazed by the super-realism of his paintings.  His passion and understanding of what great dairy animals look like comes through in each and every one.  We had the chance to interview Gary in our feature article – GARY SAUDER: The Muse in His Studio. To order some of Gary’s fine artwork visit Cow Art and More.
  8. 2017 World Dairy Expo and 2017 Royal Winter Fair Holstein Show Photo Books
    Due to their extreme popularity over the past four years, we brought back the photo books for 2017. These 80 page 10”x 8” coffee table books each contain over 150 hi-resolution photos. You can relive all the action and excitement of the 2017 World Dairy Expo Holstein Show and The Royal Winter Fair 2017 Holstein Show with these one-of-a-kind photo books.  Check out these photo books here.
  9. Coupons for relief milking
    It may seem silly to some, but dairy farming is a 365 day per year job, and sometimes they just need time to step away for dinner with their partner. Coupons for 2 or 3 milkings might just be the gift they never forget and greatly appreciate.
  10. The Dairy Queen: A History of the Jersey Breed Worldwide
    This 300-page book is a great Christmas present for anyone interested in the Jersey breed.  It chronicles the origins and development of the Jersey breed through detailed text and photos.  Be sure to check out our interview “THE DAIRY QUEEN” HAS ALL THE ANSWERS! with Co-Author Derrick Frigot.  He tells how this book came to be and what makes it so unique.  Supplies are limited, so be sure to check out their Facebook page and order your copy for the Jersey breeder in your life.
  11. Prints by Emma Caldwell
    Probably one of the most talented young artists I have ever come across, Emma Caldwell is well on her way to becoming a worldwide household name.  Although she is just starting out in her career, she has already done some amazing paintings of Hailey, Smurf, and Francesca.  Check out our feature interview with Emma, Emma Caldwell’s Art Stirs Mind and Heart, as well as her many great prints available from her web shop.
  12. Millionaires in the Cornfield: The Glory Days of the National Dairy Cattle Congress by Norman Nabholz.
    For me, Norm is probably one of the greatest cattle minds of the past 50 years. It only takes a few moments of chatting with Norm to recognize his passion for this business we all love.  His book is easy to pick up but hard to put down.  Not only does it recount the achievements of legendary breeders and showmen with words and countless pictures, the background information and this behind-the-scenes look are most entertaining and engaging.  The Bullvine had a chance to sit down and interview this multi-talented man in our feature article – HALTER, PEN and GAVEL.  That’s Just the Norm.
  13. A New Smartphone
    If there is one thing we have learned since starting The Bullvine, it is that Dairy Farmers love to check out the latest news on their smartphones. More than half our web traffic comes from a mobile device.  So, make life easier for the dairy farmer on your list and get them that smartphone that makes reading the latest news on The Bullvine, or gossip on Facebook that much easier.  While you’re at it, be sure to join the world’s largest community of dairy breeder discussion,The Milkhouse.  There are over 10,000 members, and 40-60 posts and comments every day about all the issues that face Dairy Producers from around the world.
  14. Legends of the Tanbark Trail by Tim Baumgartner
    Dairy cattle have been on exhibit for nearly 200 years and taking home the coveted title of National Grand Champion has always been a compelling force. Tracing the first 100 years of U.S. national dairy cattle shows, Legends of the Tanbark Trail is a remarkable account of the people, the places, and the magnificent and unparalleled animals that have graced the show ring throughout its history. Be sure to get your show enthusiast their copy of this special
  15. Facebook Page for Their Farm
    Instead of wasting hundreds of dollars on a web page that no one will ever read, give the dairy breeder in your life a Facebook page that will reach the world. The best part about it? It’s free!  That’s correct; it will cost you nothing.  All you need to do is download this simple guide,The Dairy Breeders Guide to Facebook and you will be well on the way to helping the dairy breeder in your life market to the world.
  16. Get the gift of maximum genetic progress
    Why not give the dairy breeder on your list some embryos from their favorite cow or even a gift card for semen for that young sire they have always wanted? Check out our mating recommendations section for some ideas, or Sire Proof Central to find that needle in a haystack sire that will change your breeding program.
  17. A Subscription to The Bullvine
    For those that are tight on budget, go for a FREE subscription to the largest dairy breeder publication in the world. Filled with daily news items and feature articles, this subscription is the gift that keeps on giving year-round.

How to Stop Dairy Cattle Abuse Videos

Let’s face it we are in a “Record Now, Ask Questions Later” society. A quick scan of the news or a search on YouTube.com will turn up all sorts of videos showcasing bad behavior. The dairy industry is not immune to this trend.  For the second time in the past week, a dairy in Florida is being accused of abusing cattle on their farm. (Read more: Second Florida dairy farm accused of animal abuse & Undercover video shows farmworkers beating cows with metal rods. Police are investigating the dairy) The problem is that instead of trying to solve the problem through education most are more concerned about concealing the issue through legislation against whistleblowing and exposure on social media.

This is not the first time the dairy industry has received a “black eye” with the appearance and wide distribution of a few animal abuse videos. (Read more: Dairy Cattle Abuse Video – A black eye for the dairy industry) Once again, we as dairy farmers find ourselves asking whether they were staged or not and how were these “employees” able to record such videos. These are the wrong questions. We should be  asking ourselves what we can do to prevent these issues from occurring in the first place.

Now naturally there is the question of what type of individual whips out their phone and records such incidents instead of stopping them.  Sadly, many people will record a street mugging rather than try to prevent it.  I guess in one way they feel that by documenting it they are doing some measure of prevention, though, in reality, they are doing nothing to solve the problem.

Then there are the whole Ag-Gag laws.  “Ag-Gag” typically refers to state laws that forbid the act of undercover filming or photography of activity on farms without the consent of their owner. These mainly target whistleblowers of animal rights abuses at these agricultural facilities.  Currently, Ag-Gag laws only exist in Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, North Carolina and Utah.  In fact, in Florida where these two recent videos occurred, Ag-Gag laws where introduced back in 2011 as part of Bull 1246. It would have “prohibited a person from entering onto a farm and making any audio record, photograph, or video record at the farm without the owner’s written consent”. Ultimately the “Ag Gag” language was struck from the Florida bill in committee and then died in committee on March 9, 2012. 

But “Ag-Gag” only masks the issues and does not solve the root problem. If unchecked, this trend will lead to unwelcome, officious oversight of dairy husbandry practices.  While the vast majority of those involved in the dairy industry understand that the better you treat your cattle and provide them with the ultimate comfortable, care, and nutrition you will maximize profitability, it is still essential to enforce ethical behavior on your dairy.

The old saying “When the cat’s away, the mice will play” applies on many dairies.  Poor treatment of our livestock is directly related to a lack of capable, accountable supervision.  Now I understand that it’s impossible to be present 24/7 at all parts of your dairy operation.  Also, video recording every inch of your dairy and monitoring like a maximum-security prison or vegas casino is simply not possible.  But here are three steps to encourage and enforce ethical behavior on your dairy:

  1. Develop better hiring practices
    Many jobs on a dairy don’t require extreme levels of education, background screening or even an in-depth interview to get the job. That is the first problem right there.  If the candidate seems half reliable and has a heartbeat, too many dairies are offering a position on the spot.  Due to the limited supply of labor, any candidate seems better than nothing.  This also helps partially explain why robotic milking is seeing such an increase in demand.   As Ben Loewith of Summitholm Holsteins, one of Canada’s top managed herds, with employees who average over 10+ years on the farm, explains in this video, hiring the correct people with potential might be one of the most important investments your dairy can make. As an employer, you can and should do background checks and reference checks and ask for Social Security cards and other hiring documents. If you’re not sure, seek counsel from an employment lawyer. It is legal to ask a potential employee if he/she is a member of or if they support an animal rights organization. Ask during the interview or on the employment application.If you interview a potential employee who seems suspicious, share that information with other farmers in your area. Stop would-be activists from getting access to any farm.  Once you’ve hired an employee, put him or her on probation for 30, 60 or 90 days, watching them closely. Partner each new hire with a trusted employee – the new employee will learn best practices for your dairy and you’ll benefit from another set of eyes watching them closely.  Also, require employees to sign a non-disclosure and confidentiality agreement. The agreement should include a clause for liquidated damages for taking or distributing photographs or video. If the employee violates the agreement, they may be subject to legal action and damages.
  2. Education
    While it’s important to have the correct members on the dairy team. It is even more critical to educate them.  There is a saying that the world is full of people with unrealized potential. If this is true, when the people you hire  are recognized as having potential and then are adequately trained, these “diamonds in the rough” can become contributing dairy team members and ensure the completion of desired tasks, such as the humane care of stock.  Often, there is an inadequate amount of scheduled time to teach or even develop best practice and expected protocols.  Taking the time to review the practices on your dairy, cannot only eliminate embarrassing videos from surfacing but can have a massive impact on your bottom line.  Sometimes we have done things a certain way for so long that we have never really stopped to think if it is necessarily the best way to do them.  Your current employees can also be one of your best sources for developing new protocols. They are the hands-on people who are doing the job day to day. They can bring insight you had never thought of before.  Involve them in this process and they will not only understand that they need to adhere to protocols, but they also will understand why.  When these protocols are set, It’s also important to post clear guidelines that delineate the type of behavior you expect.  
  3. Reward positive behavior
    Workers respond better to positive reinforcement than they do to the threat of punishment. Enact a rewards system that promotes ethical behavior. For example, if an employee goes out of their way to provide superior care or concern for your cows, reward them. It is also important to reward whistleblowers who notify management of problem employees or practices that are detrimental to the care of the cows on your dairy. If an employee acts ethically even at a personal cost, publicly praise and reward them.  It’s also important to outline potential penalties for unethical behavior, but use them as a last resort. It’s also essential to ensure privacy for whistleblowers and people who file complaints. If workers fear retaliation from peers, they are very likely to hesitate in bringing important matters to your attention.

Another good resource on animal care is the See it? Stop it! program that can be found by visiting www.seeitstopit.org/

 

The Bullvine Bottom Line

While some of the conditions depicted in these recent videos reflect that dairys’ struggle to deal with the aftermath of historic Hurricane Irma, others show a breakdown in the adherence to protocols, as well as our broader dairy community standards.  It’s one thing to have best practices and expected protocols, it’s another to make sure they are remembered and adhered to.  Following these three steps around hiring, educating and rewarding your employees and it will go a long way in ensuring that your dairy will not be featured in a future dairy abuse video.

 

 

 

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Milk futures lower, cash dairy mostly steady

Class III milk futures at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange were pressured by follow through selling and bearish supply expectations. September was down $.02 at $16.26, October was $.03 lower at $15.91, November was down $.07 at $15.72, and December was $.02 lower at $15.64.

Read more: Brownfield Ag News

THE LIFE, ART and DAIRY LOVE of ARTIST ANDREA JORGENSEN

Some might say that artist Andrea Jorgensen, of Webberville Michigan, is an overnight success.  You might agree, especially after hearing her say, “I didn’t start painting until the fall of 2015.” Since that time her paintings are drawing considerable attention and have given her the opportunity to build a career from commissioned pieces. The Bullvine recently had the privilege of interviewing Andrea and finding out about the evolving story behind her art.

Everyday Objects Are Given New Life

All good success stories must look back to the earliest beginnings. “I have always been artistic starting from a very young age,” says Andrea as she looks back to pastimes where creativity sprang from whatever was close at hand. “I can remember constantly creating random DIY projects with trash around the house, building nonsense wood pieces in my grandpa’s workshop, sewing anything I could think of with my grandma’s scrap fabric, and always drawing.” It is obvious that Andrea’s loving family surroundings impacted her artistic talents.

Studying Art Has Always Been a Happy Choice for Andrea

As a child growing up in Williamston Michigan, Andrea was drawn to the creative subjects at each different level of the school curriculum.” I took almost every art class possible all the way through high school. That was my time to really be myself and to create and to learn art with different mediums.” From the beginning, Andrea knew she had found something she enjoyed and excelled at. She recalls, “I mainly leaned towards drawing with a pencil because it came easiest for me. Even through college, I took art classes because it was fun and exciting.”

Through the Eyes of an Artist

Andrea Jorgensen now living and loving life on Ri-Val-Re Farm in Webberville, Michigan unexpectedly declares that her journey to becoming a bovine artist wasn’t the usual one of lifelong familiarity with cows. “I wasn’t raised on a farm, so the whole dairy industry has really opened my eyes.”   Andrea’s eye-opening experience has art also opened the eyes of dairy art lovers. Those familiar with her art, admire her eye for dairy anatomy and the way her paintings capture the nuances of the different personalities or her subjects.  From a single painting or a hanging of several pieces, it is easy to see what set’s Andrea’s work apart. Her unique, ultra-colorful paintings, are comprised of layers of bright acrylics that enhance and expand our usual perception of the black, white and brown dairy cows that dairy folk love to admire. (Read more: BREEDING RI-VAL-RE: Where Looking Good in the Stall Is Just As Important As Looking Good On Paper)

 

 

Andrea Began by Using Her Gift as A Gift

So, let’s return to consideration of the relatively short amount of time that Andrea has been painting. “I didn’t start painting until fall of 2015.” says Andrea giving the time and then goes on to explain the reason, “My husband, Jerry, had gone on a hunting trip and I had an urge to surprise him with a painting of one of his donor heifers, Hope. Plus, we had moved into our farm house earlier that Spring and I wanted a cow portrait in our living room. Next thing I knew I was painting a 4 x 6 ft. portrait of my husband’s beloved cow, Redwing.” She might just as well say the rest was history, because she explains, “After that Jerry really encouraged me to continue painting cows and that’s when I created Artwork by APJ.”

From One Love-Inspired Gift to Creator of Many Gifted Paintings

You might say that Andrea was inspired by a favorite from her husband Jerry’s stable and, as a result, Andrea has created a stable of painted favorites to send out into the world. Much of Andrea’s painting has been done on commission and frequently the products of her talent, like the gift she painted for her husband, become gifts given and shared between other dairy admirers.

“The World is My Inspiration!”

When asked who has been the biggest influence on Andrea, her answer is as unique as the pieces that she produces. “Art wise, I can’t really think of anything or anyone particular that has had a significant influence on me,” she says and then expands dramatically. “The world, in general, is my inspiration and influencer.” She shows her artistic awareness when she analyzes how that inspiration affects her work. “I can look at a bowl of strawberries and automatically get inspired to do a red scheme background.” I think having that perspective has really helped me find my known style.”

Andrea Paints Bold, Colorful Bovines

Andrea’s artwork is a bright representation of her subjects, and she doesn’t aim to be low key.  “Bold and colorful! The more colors, the better. My style also involves visible brush strokes with every layer I paint.” It is unique and immediately evokes a response.  For more of her work visit her website. Scrolling through Andrea’s canvases, photographs and projects will quickly highlight and showcases her love of animals, nature, family, home, and farming.

Love Inspires the Artist’s Journey

As we get to meet this artist, we are in the fortunate position of being able to use hindsight to discern what events were responsible for getting Andrea’s artistic career started.  Andrea gives credit for her introduction to dairy to one her husband Jerry Jorgensen, known to many as a successful dairy breeder and recognized dairy judge. “I probably wouldn’t be painting at all if it wasn’t for him. Not just because of the support and encouragement but because of the family dairy farm. I wasn’t raised on a farm, so the whole dairy industry has really opened my eyes. I always thought cows were dumb, stinky creatures before I met Jerry.” It is an understatement to say that he changed her initial perceptions of cattle, “Yes, they can still come off (as smelly) but I have a different respect for their beauty now.” 

 

 

 

Andrea Reveals Love That Goes Beyond Cows

At this point, I must make sure that my reporting does not limit Andrea’s artistic talent to cow portraits only.  As much as this is what drives The Bullvine, it isn’t fair to this gifted artist to limit the reporting of her talents to dairy only. Indeed, when asked to list her favorite works to date, Andrea responds the same way that dairy breeders, cattle judges and show string historians do, by first proclaiming what a difficult question that is. “It’s so hard to choose one! I have an attachment with all my paintings! There’s a top 5 favorites list which is constantly changing as I do more paintings.” Her diversity shows in the list she provided us with, which included what is hanging in her own home.” Right now, I would say my top 5 favorites are (in no particular order): Burt & Ernie (a painting of 2 pigs that is hanging in our living room), Antoine (a ram), Gizzard (a longhorn), Alfred (a rooster that is hanging in our kitchen), & Gatsby (a custom Jersey).

Andreas Goes Beyond an Exact Likeness to Painted Poetry

If, until now, you’ve never seen Andrea Jorgensen’s work, you are in for a treat. In a world of photographic realism and real-time animal videos, it is especially refreshing to find a talented artist who uses deft strokes to create unique portraiture.  She doesn’t target a perfect likeness. Her clients already know what the subject looks like.  What makes Andrea’s work unique is that it goes beyond the restrictions of a portrait or video frame to a composition that skillfully reveals a deeper understanding of her subjects. Which inspires the question, “How do you decide what to paint?” Andrea gives us a look behind the scene with her answer. “Ninety-five percent of my paintings are commissioned, so I work with the customer to get a good reference photo before I start painting. Otherwise, I will randomly find a picture on Facebook or Instagram that really catches my eye.” Andrea’s business portfolio “Artwork by APJ” continues to grow at the pace of her enthusiasm and growing recognition.

Andrea’s Advice

Whenever you see someone doing a successful job of using their talents to build a career, it is human nature to want to understand how they have managed to do it. As a successfully productive artist, Andrea is in the position of not only growing from her own life choices but also being able to help others who wish to start their artistic journey.  Her suggestions, like her art, are bold, forthright and forward looking. Here are the three that she urges others to use.

  1. DO NOT compare your work to other artists.
  2. Find your style
  3. Don’t be afraid to push your comfort zone

It seems obvious that artist Andrea also has talents to share as a mentor.

The Artist.  The Mother.

Now that we have glimpsed what goes on in Andrea’s studio, our natural curiosity leads us to find out more about Andrea herself.  Readers of The Bullvine can all relate to the fact that there are times in life when our passion for our work inspires our daily lives and prepares us for new pathways. This is true for the Jorgensen’s too as we learn from Andrea’s update. “By the time you read this, I’ll be working on something different. I have a few custom pieces I’m finishing before I have to take a pause, we are expecting, a little girl the first part of August. I’m also getting things organized for my dream-come-true-booth at World Dairy Expo.” We all look forward to seeing her at Dairy Expo, but her other life benchmark also has us applauding.

Congratulations to the Jorgensen Family

We are thrilled to join with friends, family and Bullvine readers in congratulating Andrea and Jerry on the arrival of their baby girl. Izadore Irvette Jorgensen was born on August 1st.  We wish you all the best as you hold this work of art in your arms and create a beautiful family together.  

Hand in Hand.  Romance.  Cows and Art.

Andrea concludes our interview with a special thank you for those who have helped her get this far in her career. “I wouldn’t be where I’m at today if it wasn’t for my husband. He has encouraged me from day one.” It takes special support to pursue art the way Andrea has, and she is grateful. “A huge thanks to everyone that follows me on social media and those who have commissioned or bought a painting. Their support keeps me motivated to continue creating new pieces of art. It means more than they will ever know!” As a result, Andrea has built on this exceptional support, to grow an impressive following in just two years. She is justifiably enthusiastic about the future. ‘My goal is to keep creating colorful pieces of art for other people to enjoy. I hope to keep growing and evolving with all of life’s changes being thrown at me. I could not be more excited.”

The Bullvine Bottom Line

The Bullvine wishes Andrea Jorgensen all the best with her growing business and growing family.  We enthusiastically hope that she will continue to open her gallery doors and continue painting until the cows come home.

 

 

 

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Jersey Sire Usage: What Bulls Are Breeders Actually Using

Jersey breeders read about their breed’s top genetic sires, the popular show ring sires and the most promoted sires. However, do they know which Jersey sires are producing the next generation of milking cows in the United States and Canada?  Even though the Jersey breed is garnering attention in commercial settings, The Bullvine is quite sure that even the most ardent Jersey breed enthusiast will not be able to list all ten of the sires with the most registered daughters. Just as we did for Holsteins, a few weeks ago, we have now studied the Jersey sires with the most registered daughters. (Read more: North American Sire Usage: Time changes everything)

Read on if you are interested in the recent genetic gains and what’s possible for the compact brown cows known for their high percentage of components, fertility, calving ease and heat tolerance.  

Data Sources

Off the top, thank you to the American and Canadian Jersey Associations for providing us with the lists of sires. The Canadian lists derived through a search of the female registrations by year. The US list was obtained by reviewing the annual Jersey Journal list of the forty sires with the most registered sons. Those Journal listings also contained a column on the number of daughters for those forty sires and we selected from those listings.

To cover the recent period of considerable change and breed improvement in dairy genetics, our study included three years, 2008, 2012 and 2016. We analysed the genetic indexes for the top ten sires from each of the countries and years. To make comparisons equal we used the genetic index details for all sires from the April 2017 index run as available from the Canadian Dairy Network, Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding and Accelerated (now Accelerated-Select Sires) files.

Which Sires Were Used

The ten sires from each year and each country are listed in tables 1 and 2.

Table 1 Sires with the Most Registered Daughters* – United States

2008
      Sire           Sire Stack Interval**
Iatola Paramount x Barber x Tops 7.25 yrs
Jacinto Lemvig x Delco x Malcolm 7.25 yrs
Manny Perimiter x Haug x Index 10.5 yrs
Q Impuls IDE x BYG x Haug 9.75 yrs
Action Avery x Berretta x Venture 9 yrs
Abe Lemvig x Skyline x Legend 8.25 yrs
Rocket Barber x Berretta x Lyndon 9.75 yrs
Jevon Mecca x Daniel X Berretta 6.25 yrs
Matinee Angel x Haug x Index 7.25 yrs
Country Avery x Berretta x Lyndon 9.25 yrs
Average 8.5 yrs
     
2012
      Sire          Sire Stack Interval**
Eclipes-P Action x Henery x Lemvig 6.75 yrs
Tbone Jace x Lemvig x Delco 4.75 yrs ***
Valentino Louie x Paramount x Lemvig 3.75 yrs***
Plus Iatola x Artist x Tanic 5 yrs ***
Riley Axtion x Paramoung x All A 6.75 yrs
Allstar Maximus x Berretta x Major 7 yrs
Abbott Lemvig x Hallmark x Berretta 7 yrs
Q Impuls IDE x BY x Haug 13.75 yrs
Premier Impuls x Jace x Berretta 3.25 yrs***
Action Avery x Berretta x Venture 9 yrs
Average 6.7 yrs
     
2016
      Sire          Sire Stack Interval**
Lemonhead Samson x Renegade x Hallm. 6 yrs
Calypso Prescott x Headline x Iatola 3.5 yrs ***
Valentino Louie x Paramnount x Lemvig 7.75 yrs
MacKenzie Vinnie x Merchant x Impuls 3 yrs***
Harris Volcano x Garden x Rocket 4 yrs***
Dimension Renegade x Impuls x Param. 6 yrs
Archer Volcano x Champ x Jacinto 3 yrs***
Regency Visionary x Plus x Lexington 3 yrs***
Volcano Legal x Paramount x Abe 6 yrs
Reno Volcano x Maxim. x Ramus 3.75 yrs***
Average 4.6 yrs

* Listed in order of the ten sires with the most registered daughters
** Years from sire’s birth to the birth on July 1st, in the study year, of a daughter (in genetic studies known as Generation Interval)
*** Sire used based on genomic indexes

Table 2 Sires with the Most Registered Daughters* – Canada

2008
      Sire           Sire Stack Interval**
Senior Councillor x Perim. X Gemini 7.75 yrs
Comerica Remake x Renass. X Bruce 7 yrs
Sultan Centurion x Jude x B Major 10 yrs
Legacy Perimiter x Renass. X Lester 7 yrs
Iatola Paramount x Barber x Tops 7.25 yrs
Country Avery x Berretta x Lyndon 9.25 yrs
Jamacia Councillor x Renass. X Bruce 7.5 yrs
Fusion Berretta x Fascin. X Fneva 10.75 yrs
River BigTime x Fusion x Montana 2.75 yrs***
Exploit Jade x Sambo x Lad 2.75 yrs***
Average 7.25 yrs
     
2012
      Sire          Sire Stack Interval**
Legacy Perimiter x Renass. X Lester 11 yrs
OnTime Sultan x Delco x B Major 7.75 yrs
Iatola Paramount x Barber x Tops 11.25 yrs
I Pod Paramount x Parade x Delco 5.5 yrs***
Sultan Centurionx Jude x B Major 14 yrs
Habit Rocket x Remake x Jude 6 yrs
Blackstone Parade x Delco x B Major 9 yrs
Minister Jade x Fillpail x Pride 8.5 yrs
Kyros Avery x BigTime x Haug 6.75 yrs
Comerica Remake x Renass. X Bruce 11 yrs
Average 9 yrs
     
2016
      Sire          Sire Stack Interval**
Joel Impuls x Paramount x Prize 5 yrs***
Beautiful Iatola x Prize x Delco 7.25 yrs
David Valentino x Impuls x Param’t 5.75 yrs
Bruce Branson x Impuls x Barber 4.5 yrs***
Matt Irwin x Tbone x Impuls 4 yrs***
Premier Impuls x Jace x Future 7 yrs
Valentino Louie x Paramount x Abe 7.75 yrs
Topeka Merchant x Nathan x Morgan 6.5 yrs
Tequila Primetime x Sambo x Regal 11 yrs
Colton Avery x Connect’n x Prize 6.75 yrs
Average 6.5 yrs

* Listed in order of the ten sires with the most registered daughters
** Years from the sire’s birth to the birth on July 1st, in the study year, of a daughter (in genetic studies known as Generation Interval)
*** Sires used based on genomic indexes

Points of interest from these tables include:

  • No single sire dominates on the year or the country lists. A more diverse use of sires of daughters and sire stacks than we found in Holsteins. That speaks well for maintaining genetic diversity in Jerseys.
  • By studying sire stacks, it was found that United States’ breeders used Danish breeding earlier (e.,.2008) than did Canadian breeders. Eventually, the Danish influence also reached Canada. The Danish Jerseys are noted for their outstanding production with high component percentages.
  • The American bull Berretta appears in many of the sire stacks for 2008 and 2012 in the United States.
  • In Canada, it is descendants of American bred and Canadian owned cow, Duncan Belle, that appear in 2008 and 2012.
  • Genomically evaluated sires were more quickly available in the United States (2009) than in Canada (2011).
  • In 2016 in the United States six of the top ten sires of daughters were genomic sires. In Canada, in 2016, three of the top ten sires producing the most daughters had only genomic indexes. Jersey breeders may use more sexed semen than happens in Holsteins. Often young sires are not available in a sexed format since young sires produce much less semen that mature bulls.
  • Never-the-less, in 2016 in Canada the most used sire, Joel, was used based on his genomic information.
  • River and Exploit, two genomic sires, on the 2008 Canadian list were the exception to the rule of only using heavily daughter proven sires. Canadian Jersey breeders may know why these bulls appear in positions #9 and #10, but this writer can only assume it was about the popularity of bloodlines, promotion of these bulls or a lack of positive proven sires.
  • There are 16 sire listing lines (27%) where the generation interval between sire and daughter is nine or more years. Thus, in a quarter of the time, Jersey breeders decided to stick with older proven sires rather than use newly proven sires or genomic evaluated sires. Turning generations quickly of highly ranked sires did not in the minds of those breeders’ warrant giving up the performance they had seen in the past for new and less accurately evaluated sires.
  • Within a single year, only on three occasions does a sire overlap being on the top ten list for both the United States and Canada. That highlights the difference in general breeding philosophies that exists between the two countries.
  • Some sires overlap years within country. Since the years in the study are four years apart, sire-year-overlap shows that some breeders stay with using a chosen proven sire and do not move on to newer sires.
  • By 2016, Danish and Duncan Belle bloodlines figured prominently in the sires used to produce daughters in both countries.

Index Comparisons from 2008 to 2016

In both countries, the average indexes are quite similar in 2008 and 2012. However, in 2016 the indexes are much higher in genetic merit than what is seen in the other two years.

Table 3 Average Genetic Indexes* for Ten US Jersey Sires with Most Registered Daughters

  2008 2012 2016
  Average Range Average Range Average Range
Milk    lbs -69 -1078 to 494 -39 -668 to 1331 894 69 to 2062
Fat      lbs 13 -22 to 65 22 -26 to 65 50 20 to 92
Fat      % 0.08 -0.08 to 0.34 0.12 -0.12 to 0.47 0.06 -0.17 to 0.33
Protein  lbs 3 -23 to 24 10 -12 to 46 38 17 to 81
Protein  % 0.03 -0.03 to 0.12 0.06 -0.03 to 0.16 0.03 -0.06 to 0.31
PL 1.1 -1.9 to 4.1 1.9 -1.1 to 6.2 4.2 2.5 to 6.2
SCS 3.02 2.87 to 3.30 3.04 2.89 to 3.24 2.93 2.80 to 3.08
DPR 0.7 -1.8 to 4.10 -0.6 -5.1 to 3.0 -1.4 -4.3 to 0.8
LIV 0.2 -1.9 to 4.1 0.3 -9.5 to 4.1 -0.7 -6.5 to 3.0
Final Score 0.1 -1.0 to 1.2 1 -0.2 to 2.0 1.4 0.20 to 2.0 
U Clef 0 -0.7 to 1.6 0.4 -1.10 to 1.60 0.3 -0.20 to 1.00
U Depth 1.2 -2.3 to 2.3 1 -0.20 to 2.20 1.3 0.50 to 1.90
GFI (%) 7.1 3.4 to 9.8 8.3 4.1 to 11.3 8.4 6.0 to 11.3
JPI 28 -1 to 76 53 -20 to 87 128 85 to 213
CM$ 110 -63 to 277 190 -61 to 341 442 280 to 739
NM$ 102 -62 to 270 173 -69 to 335 421 286 to 702

* April 2017 genetic indexes were used to allow for comparisons on a common base

From Table 3 it clearly stands out that US Jersey breeders increased their focus on component yields from 2008 to 2016. Increasing from 16 lbs. fat + protein in 2008 to 88 lbs fat + protein in 2016. A genetic increase of 9 lbs of fat + protein per year was seldom seen in the past. Gains were also made in PL, Final Score, SCS, JPI, CM$ and NM$. But the gains were at the expense of fertility ( -25% in DPR) and cow livability (- 20% in LIV).

Table 4 Average Genetic Indexes* for Ten Canadian Sires with Most Registered Daughters

  2008 2012 2016
  Average Range Average Range Average Range
Milk  kgs 238(525#) -850 to +1015 147(324#) -985 to 1063 518(1142#) -709 to 1678
Fat    kgs   8 (17.6#) -49 to +50 16(35.3#) -31 to 39 35(77.1#) -13 to 52
Fat      % -0.05 -0.53 to +0.44 0.12 -0.20 to 0.44 0.13  -0.15 to 0.77
Protein kgs  7(15.4#) -31 to +30 11(24.2#) -33 to 39 26(57.2#) -18 to 47
Protein  % -0.03 -0.23 to +0.25 0.08 -0.05 to 0.25 0.09 -0.23 to 0.33
HL 103 98 to 111 100 92 to 110 102 99 to 106
SCS 2.96 2.78 to 3.28 2.98 2.78 to 3.22 3.01 2.85 to 3.20
DF 100 92 to 106 98 89 to 106 101 97 to 105
CONF  3 -5 to 8 4 -3 to 11 9 1 to 16
Mammary 3 -4 to 10 4 -5 to 10 9 4 to 13
U Depth 0 11 D to 7 S               2S 4 D to 7 S               3S 0 to 9S  
Feet & Legs  1 -6 to 8 4 -3 to 18 6 -3 to 15
Inbreeding (%) 5.13 1.65 to 7.95 6.33 2.02 to 9.21 5.23 0.31 to 8.68
LPI 1188 881 to 1540 1285 987 to 1540 1579 832 to 1894
Pro$ 403 -261 to 1054 411 -261 to 1054 1053 97 to 1475

* April 2017 genetic indexes were used to allow for comparisons on a common bases

Table 4 shows that Canadian Jersey breeders also increased the selection for fat + protein from 2008 to 2016. That increase was 46 kgs or 101 lbs., so even greater than in the US.  In Canada, there were gains for fat %, protein %, conformation, LPI and Pro$. No gains were made in SCS, longevity (HL) and fertility (DF).

Overall, North American Jersey breeders annually increased the genetic merit of their herds by 12.5 JPI points, 50 LPI points, 40 CM$ points and 80 Pro$ points during the 2008 to 2016 time-period. That compares to +100 points per year in Holsteins for TPI and LPI, +75 in NM$ and 150 points in Pro$.

The sires of daughters from 2008 would not have been competitive in 2016. A close look at the 2012 sires used lists (in both US and Canada) shows that many sires ‘were long in the tooth and/or low in genetic merit’. The result was little or no genetic improvement in 2012 from 2008.  Those same North American breeders turned it around and made significant genetic progress by 2016 by using top sires.

Country Differences in Genetic Gains

Another way of comparing what has happened in sire usage is to make the comparisons on a percentile ranking (often short formed to %RK or %ile) basis. To make this country comparison, The Bullvine went to the CDN publicly available files to bring the index values for the two countries to a common basis. To look at this on a different basis, we decided to compare using four categories – LPI, LPI Production, LPI Durability and LPI Health & Fertility.

Table 5 United States vs Canada Comparison of Sires with Most Registered Daughters

  United States Canada
  2008 2012 2016 2008 2012 2016
Production      17%RK      34%RK      97%RK      17%RK      33%RK       85%RK
Durability      27%RK      73%RK      89%RK      23%RK       77%RK      89%RK
Health & Fertility      49%RK      47%RK      99%RK      35%RK      38%RK      96%RK

Note: Comparisons made using Canadain genetic indexes and Canadain percentile ranking tables as published by CDN

The take home messages comparing 2008 to 2016 percentile ranks from Table 5 include:

  • US Jerseys have made great gains in Component Production
  • Canadian Jerseys have made great gains in Durability
  • Neither US or Canadian Jerseys made gains in Health and Fertility. This is a lost opportunity for sure.
  • Jersey breeders need to be asking themselves if they have been giving away some of their breed advantages in fertility. And if breeding for cow health (aka wellness) and livability (LIV) need to be given more attention.

What the Future Can Hold

Breeding is about what the future will be. A synopsis of how 2016 top ten groupings of sires of daughters compared to the top ten sires available in 2017 is shown in Table 6.

Table 6 Comparison 2016 Daughter Sires to 2017 Available Sires

United States
  2016 Sires 2017 Proven 2017 Genomic
JPI 128 199 *155%* 221 *173%*
            (FS 1.4)           (FS 1.4) *100%*           (FS 1.7) *121%*
CM$ 442 691 *156%* 743 *168%*
            (PL 4.2)           (PL 5.7) *136%*           (PL 6.8) *162%*
Canada
LPI 1579 1803 *114%* 2035 *129%*
         (CONF 9)         (CONF 7) *63%*          (CONF 9) *100%*
PRO$ 1030 1472 *143%* 1881 *183%*
           (HL 102)          (HL 102) *100%*          (HL 105) *166%*

Note: HL (Herd Life, produced by Canadian Dairy Network) has an average of 100 and a standard deviation of 5. HL 105 is 166% in a standardized basis.

The potential for an increase in the genetic merit of Jerseys is clearly shown in Table 6. Increases from the sire averages in 2016 of up to 100 JPI points, $300 in NM$, 400 LPI points and 800 Pro$ points are possible by using the top 2017 sires based on their genetic (daughter proven or genomic) indexes. Note that there is no loss in type or longevity by using the top ten 2017 JPI, LPI, CM$ or Pro$ sires and potential gains range from 14% to 83%.

In short … Opportunity Knocks for North American Jersey Breeders to take advantage of the genetically superior sires that are available.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Time marches on at a quick pace.  It was enlightening for The Bullvine to learn that US Jersey has excelled at increased production and Canadian Jerseys at improved durability. Yet they both were not capturing the top genetics available for health and fertility.

The challenge for Jersey breeders in the future is to genetically improve the total cow – production, durability and health and fertility. A total and aggressive genetic improvement program will be needed to support the breed plans to become a larger proportion of the North American dairy cow population.

 

 

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Round Oak Rag Apple Elevation: The Sire That Took the Dairy Breeding Industry to New Heights – Bullvine Legend Series

Round Oak Rag Apple Elevation

Breeding a legendary dairy sire isn’t automatic. It is not as simple as crossing the right sire with the right dam. However, although it isn’t easy, it does happen.

In one of the most famous cases of all, that of Round Oak Rag Apple Elevation, it is somewhat surprising that the tremendous impact that was to become legendary was not immediately obvious.

It took a little time for the world to recognise his greatness. But, in the end, Round Oak Rag Apple Elevation changed  an entire breed and the dairy industry.

The Breeding of Elevation was Far from a Sure Thing

It would take time for the world to recognize the presence of greatness. Elevation was the product of a great mother, Eve, and a questionable father, Tidy Burke. As it happens, Elevation brought together the best from the Burkes, Rag Apples, Triunes and Winterthur bloodlines.  That is one of the reasons why Elevation would never have been totally missed.  Furthermore, Elevation did many important things well.  There are five that stand out: 1. Production 2. Udders 3. Mobility 4. Fertility and 5. Longevity. Measuring any one or all of these traits shows you what made Elevation special, for these are just a few of the characteristics that contributed to his popularity.  However, Elevation went way beyond mere popularity.  This legendary bull made a tremendous impact on the genetics of the Holstein Breed. He changed dairy organizations.  He affected dairy breeding around the world. The fact that Elevation has 10,000 registered sons in the United States alone speaks volume to both his acceptance and impact.

Was Elevation a Product of Genomics or Ahead of Genomic Times?

Today Elevation would have had hair pulled and submitted to DNA testing.  But in the 1960’s, if you can imagine it, here was a bull entering a sampling program from a slow maturing mother and a never classified father. A father who physically significantly lacked both size and mobility.

George Miller

The mating that resulted in Elevation used the combined knowledge and ‘go for it’ attitude of two men: breeder, Ron Hope from Virginia and his advisor, George Miller.  These two were first cousins, and they started three generations back to produce Elevation.  That is the way it was done in those days.  To arrive at Elevation’s dam, Eve, Hope and Miller stacked three sires: Ivanhoe, Gaiety and General.

By the way, in her early life, Eve carried more condition than normal. This is something that is also seen in Elevation daughters.

It is not any wonder, therefore, that Elevation passed on good fertility, given what we know today about the positive correlation between fertility and body condition score.

After completing a Master of Science degree at Virginia Tech, George Miller spent his career in A.I. starting at the field level, then as a state A.I. manager and eventually as Director of Marketing and Development at Select Sires.  George knew Holsteins, and he had access to bull performance information.  There must have been many interesting discussions between these first cousins about who would be the best mate for Eve, in order to produce a son that could enter A.I.

As mentioned previously, Tidy Burke Elevation, Elevation’s sire, was an ugly duckling but he did produce outstanding daughters.  Four of those daughters earned Honorable Mention All-American Get of Sire.  Today, it is evident that an artful breeder and a top notch A.I. man were indeed able to find the best sire available for Eve.  Remember that these men were making their decisions before the world had ever thought of using DNA information to aid in mating.

Elevation Made an Impact on Organisations

Charlie Will, who is the Holstein Sire Program Manager at Select Sires, gives perspective to the impact that Elevation has had on the company that originally purchased him. “Elevation put Select Sires on the map.  He was so far ahead of all other bulls for his time.  He had exceptional production and amazing type at the same time.” He explains what that meant over time, from the beginning and up to and including the present time. “Elevation made it possible for Select sires to grow as a new company.  Today Elevation still ranks #1 at Holstein USA for the most genes in common among today’s active proven sires (14.5%).  His impact continues 52 years after his birth.”

The WOW Factor of Elevation.

It’s easy to reiterate what set Elevation apart from the competition. Charlie keeps it simple. “Elevation had extraordinary type and production in one package.”  He sees this combination as almost miraculous.  “he dominated the mating no matter what kind of cow you used him on.  He could make a Great Cow from a Poor dam.  This is why he could have a huge impact in a single generation.”

Elevation Didn’t Just INFLUENCE the Future, He MADE the Future!

Breeders always pay attention to cow families.  But in order to influence an entire population, you must go beyond sires and look at their descendants.  Elevation influenced one generation after another: his kids, his kid’s kids, his kid’s kid’s kids.  This is what made Elevation’s influence stellar.

Facts Alone Don’t Spark Legends.  Results Do.

In any business, repeatable results are the only true measure of legendary success.  Popularity and memories fade.  In dairy cattle breeding, generations of descendants tell the real story. 

Charlie Will
Holstein Sire Program Manager
Select Sires

In describing Elevation daughters, Charlie Will starts with a somewhat modest description.  “His daughters had great legs and feet.  A straighter leg but with healthy hocks and strong loins.” Warming to the topic, Charlie adds “Elevation daughters are tall enough, but not extreme, with ideal dairy strength and proportional width for the stature.”  He concludes with what made the difference. “The typical Elevation daughters were short headed heifers but, when they were called into line, their exceptional udders, high and wide Rear Udder, and the great shape and symmetry of their udders, quickly made a breeder proud to own her.”

The first appearance was not always the final answer with Elevation daughters that became long- lived high production cows.

Once proven, everyone recognized that Elevation would continue stamping out great daughters, as he moved the Holstein breed to new heights.

Elevation’s Legacy Lives on Through His Sons and Daughters

Since almost all sires active in the breed today trace back to Elevation, Charlie Will finds it hard to pick from a list where the greats are almost too numerous to mention.  For him, Elevation’s most impact sons include, “Bova, Starbuck, Pete, Mars Tony, Sexation, and Lime Hollow Mars.”

On the daughter side, Charlie lists many attributes. “Elevation has had many class winning daughters, including at World Dairy Expo and the Royal Winter. Elevation also led the list, at one time, for the number of Excellent daughters and also for the number of daughters who scored 95, 96 and 97.” His daughter list reads like an all-star lineup, from EX97 All-Time All-American’s Ella and Twinkie to EX-GMD Cora and Lindy, the dams of Carnation Counselor and Townson Lindy, respectively.

Elevation Surpasses All Heights

When we recognize a dairy legend, it is great to hear some stories from behind the scenes.  Charlie tells one about the time that Elevation was classified 96. “Jim Patterson was head of the Holstein USA classification program at the time that Elevation was raised from 95 to 96.  Later, after he retired, he told me that he only made one mistake, in all the years that he classified. He wished that he would have made Elevation 97 instead of 96!” (Learn more: CHARLIE WILL “A CAREER WITH IMPACT” – SELECT SIRES 50TH ANNIVERSARY)

Northcroft Ella Elevation EX-97-4E
1980 – Grand/Supreme Champion – WDE
1981 – Grand Champion – RAWF
1977, 1980, 1981, 1982 – All-American

Elevation’s Impact is Felt

With the perfect vision accorded to us by hindsight, we can clearly see that Elevation didn’t only influence genetics. Elevation has also had a tremendous impact on sales, new research and the success of countless breeders and organisations. Dairy strategy and development have also felt his influence. And, ultimately, the dairy show ring was also impacted by Elevation.

The World Wide Elevation Influence

Elevation, often known as RORAE, made friends for United States Holsteins around the world.  Therein lies the engine that drives the legend.  Fundamentally, around the world, one bull, through his progeny, significantly changed the profitability of the Holstein cow.  But the measure of Elevation goes beyond mere financial success.  Elevation made many dairymen into successful dairy breeders.  How did he do it? Elevation stamped out daughters that provided what dairymen needed. Production. Longevity. Fertility. Mobility. Functional mammary systems. These are the characteristics passed on by a one-of-a-kind, legendary bull.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Elevation forever lifted the worldwide dairy breeding industry to a new level.

Greatness can have many definitions, but in Holstein breeding, it can be said using a single name, Round Oak Rag Apple ELEVATION.

 

 

 

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North American Sire Usage: Time changes everything

Many dairy breeding information articles are published on which genetic index is the best or which traits are considered to be the most important … however … the proof of the best, from a breeder’s perspective, is the genetic merit of the heifers on the farm. To see which sires breeders in fact use, The Bullvine decided to study and compare the years 2008 to 2012 to 2016 Holstein registrations in the United States and Canada. Some interesting facts were uncovered including that North American Holstein breeders do use genetic indexes and do follow the latest in what research shows are the sires to use.

Which Sires Were Used

The twenty sires with the most registered daughters in the United States and Canada, as supplied by the breed associations, are listed in Tables 1 & 2.

Table 1 – Sires with the Most Registered Daughters* – United States

2008
Sire Sire Stack Interval**
Toystory BW Marshall x Patron 7.25 yrs
Baxter Blitz x Mtoto 6.25 yrs
Pontiac  Durham x Emory 6.75 yrs
Oman Manfred x Elton 10.25 yrs
Boliver Amel x Mathie 9.75 yrs
Advent  Kite x Durham 6.5 yrs
Pronto Outside x Rudolph 6.25 yrs
Lou BW Marshall x Patron 7.25 yrs
Airraid BW Marshall x Manfred 7 yrs
Bolton Hershel x Convincer 6.75 yrs
Talent Storm x Leader 10.25 yrs
Moscow BW Marshall x Integrity 7 yrs
Mac BW Marshall x Rudolph 7.25 yrs
Coldspring BW Marshall x Patron 6.75 yrs
Fortune Durham x Blackstar 8 yrs
Colby Outside x Rudolph 6.25 yrs
Laurin BW Marshall x Lee 6.5 yrs
Mr Sam Durham x Emory 8.5 yrs
Damion Durham x Encore 8 yrs
Tres Mtoto x Elton 8 yrs
Average 7.8 yrs
     
2012
Sire          Sire Stack Interval**
Million Outside x BW Marshall 9.25 yrs
Shot Shottle x Ito 6.75 yrs
S Braxton Shottle x Durham 6.75 yrs
Planet Taboo x Amel 9.25 yrs
Durable September x Outside 7 yrs
Shamrock Planet x Shottle 3 yrs***
GoldChip Goldwyn x Shottle 3 yrs***
Atwood Goldwyn x Durham 5.25 yrs
Guthrie Goldwyn x Blitz 6.25 yrs
Alexander Stormatic x Patron 9 yrs
Crown Goldwyn x Oman 6.5 yrs
Sanchez Stormatic x BW Marshall 9.25 yrs
Gabor Finley x Convincer 8.5 yrs
Super Boliver x Oman 7.5 yrs
Dempsey Goldwyn x Derry 6.5 yrs
Hero Toystory x Durham 5.75 yrs
Shottle Mtoto x Aerostar 13 yrs
Big Time Mac x Shottle 4.5 yrs***
Windbrook FBI x Blitz 6.5 yrs
Epic Super x Baxter 2.5 yrs***
Average 6.7 yrs
     
2016
Sire Sire Stack Interval**
Mogul Dorcy x Marsh 6 yrs
SuperSire Robust x Planet 5.5 yrs
King Boy McCutchen x Super 3.75 yrs***
Yoder Mogul x Planet 3.5 yrs***
McCutchen Bookem x Shottle 5.75 yrs
Montross Mogul x Bolton 3.75 yrs***
Damaris Sterling x Bookem 3.5 yrs***
Spark Supersire x Gabor 2.75 yrs***
Jedi Montross x SuperSire 2.25 yrs***
Monterey McCutchen x Robust 3.5 yrs***
Mayfield Domain x Shottle 5 yrs
Bayonet Donatello x Shamrock 3.25 yrs***
Beemer McCutchen x Goldwyn 3.25 yrs***
GoldChip Goldwyn x Shottle 7 yrs
Pety Mogul x Explode 3.75 yrs***
Headliner Robust x Planet 5.5 yrs
Modesty Pety x SuperSire 2.25 yrs***
Atwood Goldwyn x Durham 9.25 yrs
Troy Mogul x Freddie 3.75 yrs***
Silver Mogul x Snowman 3.25 yrs***
Average 4.3 yrs

* Listed in order of the twenty sires with the most registered daughters
** Years from the sire’s birth to the birth on July 1st, in the study year, of a daughter (in genetic studies known as Generation Interval)
***Sire used based on genomic indexes

Table 2 – Sires with the Most Registered Daughters* – Canada

2008
Sire Sire Stack Interval**
Dolman BW Marshall x Emory 7 yrs
Goldwyn James x Storm 8.5 yrs
Buckeye BW Marshall x Rudolph 7.5 yrs
Frosty BW Marshall x Sand 7.25 yrs
September Storm x Astre 10.75 yrs
Spirte Lee x Mason 9.75 yrs
Talent Storm x Leader 10.25 yrs
Final Cut Inquirer x Storm 7 yrs
Salto Convincer x Formation 8 yrs
Mr Burns Thunder Storm 8 yrs
Baxter Blitz x Mtoto 5.75 yrs
Toystory BW Marshall x Patron 7.25 yrs
Fortune Durham x Blackstar 8 yrs
Dundee Encore x Chief Mark 9 yrs
Bolton Hershel x Convincer 6.75 yrs
Jasper Lee x Bellwood 9 yrs
Tom BW Marshall x Merrill 6.75 yrs
Tribute Storm x Astre 11 yrs
Wildman BW Marshall x Winchester 7.5 yrs
More Mtoto x Luke 8 yrs
Average 8.0 yrs
     
2012
Sire Sire Stack Interval**
Windbrook FBE x Blitz 6.5 yrs
Fever Goldwyn x Blitz 6.5 yrs
Steady Mr Sam x Convincer 7 yrs
Lauthority Goldwyn x Igniter 6.75 yrs
Jordan Goldwyn x Durham 6.75 yrs
Dempsey Goldwynx Derry 6.5 yrs
Sid Mr Sam x Finley 6.75 yrs
Manifold Oman x BW Marshall 7.75 yrs
StanleyCup Bolton x Blitz 5.25 yrs
Lavanguard Goldwyn x Titanic 6.25 yrs
Reginald Goldwyn x Durham 6.5 yrs
S Braxton Shottle x Durham 6.75 yrs
Altaiota Oman x Ito 7 yrs
Ladner Goldwyn x Champion 6.5 yrs
Shottle Mtoto x Aerostar 13 yrs
Seaver Goldwyn x Durham 6.5 yrs
Lavaman MOM x Goldwyn 2.5 yrs***
Sanchez Stormatic x BW Marshall 9.25 yrs
Spectrum FBI x Talent 6.25 yrs
Baxter Blitz x Mtoto 10.25 yrs
Average 7.0 yrs
     
2016
Sire Sire Stack Interval**
Impression Socrates x Potter 7.75 yrs
SuperPower Bonair x Shottle 7 yrs
Jett Air Baxter x BW Marshall 8.5 yrs
Dempsey Goldwyn x Derry 10.5 yrs
Uno MOM x Shottle 6 yrs
Doorman Bookem x Shottle 4.75 yrs ***
Fever Goldwyn x Blitz 10.5 yrs
Elude Mccutchen x Snowman 3 yrs***
Brewmaster Garret x Shottle 5.75 yrs
Meridian Domain x Planet 5.5 yrs
Pinkman Super x Baxter 5.5 yrs
Supersonic Super x Shottle 6 yrs
Wickham Mogul x Snowman 3.5 yrs***
High Octane McCutchen x Observer 3.5 yrs***
Epic Super x baxter 6 yrs
GoldChip Goldwyn x Shottle 7 yrs
Brawler Baxter x Shottle 8.5 yrs
Capital Gain McCutchen x Observer 3.5 yrs***
Pulsar McCutchen x Super 3.5 yrs***
Facebook MOM x Airraid 6.25 yrs
Average 6.1 yrs

* Listed in order of the twenty sires with the most registered daughters
** Years from the sire’s birth to the birth on July 1st, in the study year, of a daughter (in genetic studies known as Generation Interval)
*** Sire used based on genomic indexes

Points of interest from these tables include:

  • In 2008 and 2012 many sires are common to both countries’ lists. However not so in 2016.
  • In 2008 BW Marshall was the most prevalent sire of the bulls in both counties. In 2012, it was Goldwyn. In 2016 Mogul and his sons have the most appearances on the top twenty list in the US, but in Canada it is McCutchen.
  • In the US in 2012 and 2016 there were a higher proportion of sires in the United States that were used based on their genomic indexes than there were in Canada. 65% on the 2016 US list are genomically evaluated, sires. That closely reflects the total volume of semen sales from genomic evaluated sires.
  • Generation Interval has decreased more quickly in the US than in Canada. In 2016 there was only one sire on the US list, Atwood, that has a generation interval (sire to his daughters) greater than 6.75 years. US breeders are using sires and moving on to newer, higher indexing, sires than occurred in the past.
  • As would be expected, each country has a dominant A.I. stud ownership of the sires on these purebred most used sire lists. In the United States, it is Select Sires, and in Canada it is Semex.

Comparisons 2008 to 2016

The short synopsis of the comparisons that follow is that the change in sire use patterns is quite similar in the United States (Table 3) and Canada (Table 4)

Table 3 – Average Genetic Indexes* for 20 US Holstein Sires with Most Registered Daughters

  2008 2012 2016
  Average Range Average Range Average Range
Milk    lbs 64  -1722 to 1189 381  -1204 to 1554 1421   -227 to 3063
Fat      lbs 2   -69 to 48  20   -26 to 51 62    1 to 108
Fat      % 0   -0.15 to 0.11 0.02   -0.21 to 0.19 0.04   -0.07 to 0.15
Protein  lbs 1   -28 to 32 10   -22 to 30 47   -22 to 91
Protein  % 0   -0.08 to 0.11 0.01   -0.10 to 0.08 0.01  -0.06 to 0.14
PL 0   -4.5 to 3.4 1.3   -3.2 to 7.8 4.8   -0.5 to 8.7
SCS 3   2.69 to 3.29 2.91    2.62 to 3.19 2.91   2.67 to 3.19
DPR -0.8   -4.0 to 4.0 -0.4  -5.2 to 3.2 0.1   -3.2 to 3.1
MCE 7.8    4.8 to 12.1 6.7  3.5 to 9.8 4.6   3.2 to 9.8
PTAT 0.58   -1.24 to 2.08 1.59   0.38 to 3.44 2.31  0.83 to 3.65
UDC 0.56   -1.37 yo 1.71 1.26   0.26 to 2.66 1.96  0.49 to 3.07
U Depth 0.46   -0.82 to 2.02 1.08   -0.27 to 3.33 1.59  -0.04 to 3.49
FLC 0.39  -0.97 to 2.26 1.09   -1.39 to 2.63 1.72   0.02 to 2.78
RLRV 0.41  -1.64 to 2.34 1.2   -0.78 to 3.16 1.95   0.05 to 3.16
TPI 1653  1355 to 1906 1908  1449 to 2283 2477  1880 to 2867
NM$ 28  -333 to 336 175   -229 to 602 618  104 to 977

* April 2017 genetic indexes were used to allow for comparisons on a common bases

In the United States from 2008 to 2012 breeders increased the emphasis on type, and to a lesser degree placed increased emphasis on functional traits. However, from 2012 to 2016 the big shift was too much more emphasis on production traits and increased emphasis on productive life and maternal calving ease.

Table 4 – Average Genetic Indexes* for 20 Canadian Sires with Most Registered Daughters

  2008 2012 2016
  Average Range Average Range Average Range
Milk  kgs 188  -1045 to 1582 415  -482 to 1948 1092  -209 to 2632
Fat    kgs   7   -44 to 51 29  -22 to 86  57   8 to 133
Fat      % 0.05  -0.24 to 0.36 0.13  -0.55 to 0.53 0.15  -0.15 to 0.77
Protein kgs  7   -38 to 50 19  -8 to 73 38  -18 to 68
Protein  % 0.01   -0.21 to 0.44 0.04  -0.29 to 0.54 0.02  -0.19 to 0.32
HL 99   91 to 106 103   94 to 113 108  102 to 114 
SCS 3.01  2.62 to 3.33 2.95   2.55 to 3.23 2.78  2.50 to 3.11
DF 98   93 to 103 99   82 to 111 102   94 to 111 
DCA 98   90 to 105 101   96 to 109 105   98 to 109 
CONF  1   -4 to 8 7   0 to 15 10   2 to 16
Mammary 1   -6 to 7 6  1 to 13 9   2 to 13 
U Depth 0   8D to 4S               2S   5D to 8S               6S   2D to 12S 
Feet & Legs  1  -5 to 8 5   -8 to 14 7   1 to 14
RLRV -0.5  -9 to 6 3   -10 to 11 5   -5 to 13
LPI 1966  1632 to 2561 2325  1746 to 2885 2890  2327 to 3224
Pro$ 245  -423 to 1247 901   -88 to 1963 1766  951 to 2377

* April 2017 genetic indexes were used to allow for comparisons on a common bases

From 2008 to 2012 Canadian breeders placed some increased emphasis on all traits, except for daughter fertility. From 2012 to 2016 Canadian breeders were much more selective when it came to requiring high genetic indexes for all traits. Sire genetic indexes for SCS and fat and protein yield stand out as being much higher in 2016 than in 2012. Note that Canadian breeders have always demanded a positive fat percent deviation.

In both countries, Holstein breeders used the genetic information available to them to greatly improve the genetic merit of their herds. From 2008 to 2016 average annual genetic increases were +100 TPI, +100 LPI, +75 NM$ and +190 Pro$. Definitely, the function traits associated with fertility, daughter calving ease and longevity have come on to Breeders’ radar screens when they select sires.

In actual sire terms, breeders in 2017 would no longer choose to use Toystory or Dolman, the sires that topped the sires with the most registered daughter lists in 2008.

There Are Country Differences

Another way of comparing what has happened in sire usage is to make the comparisons on a percentile ranking (%RK) basis. To make this comparison, The Bullvine went to CDN files to bring the values to a common basis. And to look at this on a different basis, we decided to compare using CDN’s three categories, on combining indexes, of Production, Durability and Health & Fertility.

Table 5 – The United States vs Canada Comparison of Sires with Most Registered Daughters

  United States Canada
  2008 2012 2016 2008 2012 2016
Production      17%RK      34%RK      97%RK      17%RK      33%RK       85%RK
Durability      27%RK      73%RK      89%RK      23%RK       77%RK      89%RK
Health & Fertility      49%RK      47%RK      99%RK      35%RK      38%RK      96%RK

Note: Comparisons made using Canadain genetic indexes and Canadain percentile ranking tables as published by CDN

In both United States and Canada, the most significant change in the genetic merit of sires used has occurred in Production. Both countries were low in 2008 at 17%RK and in 2016 US Breeders were at 97%RK, twelve higher that Canada. Increased emphasis in each country on Durability almost mirror each other, and both reached 89 %RK in 2016. Health & Fertility in both countries started low in 2008 but have reached very high levels by 2016. Breeders are using the best sires to take their herds to new heights.

What Can the Future Hold?

Breeding is about what the future will be. A quick look at how 2016 sire usage compares to what sires are available in 2017 show potential for continued genetic improvement.

In the United States, the top twenty available April 2017 proven sires average 2606 TPI and 798 NM$ and for genomic sires the values are 2833 TPI and 944 NM$. So, especially for NM$, there is considerable scope for improvement from the 618 NM$ level of 2016.

In Canada, the averages for proven sires are 3126 LPI and 2310 Pro$. While for the top twenty genomic sires the averages are 3471 LPI and 2939 Pro$. A 10-20% gain in Pro$ is immediately there for the taking.

Of course, beyond the current traits used by breeders, the future holds the use of traits with considerable potential like polled, A2A2, fertility, wellness, kappa casein, feed efficiency and many more. (Read more: From the Sidelines to the Headlines, Polled is Going Mainline!, 12 Things You Need to Know About A2 Milk, A Guide to Understanding How to Breed For Feed Efficiency and Fertility)

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Time changes everything. No longer are North American Holstein breeders sticking to only old ways. Now they are incorporating new young sires and refining trait emphasis into their selection. In the process, these breeders are not abandoning the old practice of always demanding higher production and true type conformation. The increases in genetic merit of Holstein sires with the most registered daughters from 2008 to 2016 were significant. Moving forward new traits along with more accurate genetic indexes will allow breeders to further customise breeding plans to their individual needs. It is exciting to see the progress made and the potential waiting to be harnessed.

 

 

 

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DAIRY FARMERS are DEFINITELY ODD

We had an enlightening moment recently when my Michigan Granddaughter who is studying American History thought it would be fun to Play Canadian History trivial pursuit.  Her mother and father did extremely well (both Canadians), but she was disappointed in the gaps in her knowledge.  In true Canadian fashion, we apologized for the one-sided viewpoint of this Canadian game and urged her to seek historical bridges between the two countries. We found it.  It is in our agricultural roots as descendants from farmers. However, it didn’t take much reminiscing until we came to this conclusion.

Farmers — on both sides of the border —
have a lot in common with each other.
And there is a lot that isn’t in common with anyone else!

Farmers are Odd

It seems that any time we look into our farmer past; we always land on one of those one-of-a-kind memories. The phrase “hard to believe” is the golden grail of family farmer stories and it seems that every generation has many to draw on. We love to see the looks of disbelief, when a story starts out with,” There was a farmer…” As I seek to polish my farmer’s wife role in tandem with writing for The Bullvine, I have a growing file on the oddities of the dairy farmer. Some of them are scientifically proven, others go beyond science to the undeniable truth which is found, of course, through four decades of marriage to a farmer.

Even Oddities Can Be Measured

Today everyone wants proof. Thankfully some farmer oddities can easily be monitored by the speed at which they occur. When it comes to walking, farmers are faster.  When it comes to talking, farmers are slower.  I haven’t had the opportunity to simultaneously test the two, but we all know that, when something unexpected is happening two fields away, the farmer is off and speed walking to the rescue. After the emergency is taken care of, the final five-word assessment of the successful outcome almost always seems to take longer to say than it took him to get to the scene. “She wasn’t due until tomorrow!” Apparently, the slowness of the delivery adds to the significance of the pronouncement.

Farmers Have an Odd Sense of Hearing

When I got the opportunity to join a farm family, I was mightily impressed by the attention they gave to listening.  Coming from the fast forward of a house construction family, it was delightful to be heard at the board room table, which like farmers was also the kitchen table.  However, not only do farmers listen better, farmers think about what you say.  If I was prone to wild pronouncements in my early farm days like “that looks easy” or “I could do that,” it would quickly earn me the privilege of becoming more farmer-like myself.  To this day, handy experiences magically appear to prove whether I actually have managed to fit in with these odd folks. You see, real farmers are not only hands-on, but they are also hands in.  Most things non-mechanical will only get you dirty or smelly but it’s a fact that farmers get the oddest satisfaction from going beyond hands on to get up to their elbows in mud, dust, manure or baby calf deliveries. I’ve done most of the dirty jobs, but I usually try to have water, rags, and soap on hand for the inevitable clean-up. 

Odd Sense of Smell

Which brings me to the biggest oddity that sets farmers apart — their smell.  No.  I don’t mean their sense of smell.  It goes beyond that. You too probably know one of those odd farmer dudes who is absolutely convinced that he is still huggable even when he is covered head to foot in manure, and other unidentifiable ride longs gathered on his around-the-farm journey. That charm can only go so far.  However, it also makes him a prime candidate for diaper changing, should the opportunity arise.  But first, you have to convince him that he notices it.  Remember farmers are odd.  They love those dairy airs perhaps a little more than smells coming from their dairy heirs. Truth be told, I have learned to accept that oddity, until or unless it invades my car or suddenly wafts down to where I’m sitting in the church choir.  “What is that smell?” remains a subject of investigation, but somehow or another folks are learning to check out that guy up there in the men’s section.  You know the one with a little bit of something on his shoe.  As for the car, I must be a real farmer.  The other day, the neighbor surreptitiously put the window down when I was driving her to a card party. Farmers are odd!

Farmers Are the Oddest Volunteers

Although hubby’s family have lived on this farm for 101 years, there seem to be less and less farmers in the surrounding community every year.  Having said that, if you want to test how many farmers belong to the group you’re volunteering for, whether it’s Lions Club, community theater or any other group that needs a big effort, just call a work bee, and the conversation you hear will quickly tell you where the odd farmers are. 

Farmers cannot get together – ever – and not have their conversation start somewhat harmlessly with the weather and then turn to a variety of farm related experiences that most of the neighbors wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole.

Of course, I have proof. Recently, when setting up tables for the Annual Ladies Salad Luncheon, I clearly overheard two of these odd fellows as their conversation moved easily from broken water mains to mastitis.  They didn’t have any concern that their heartfelt problem solving might not be entirely appropriate to the rest of the team who was preparing for white tablecloths and teaspoons. If this occasionally happens to you, remember farmers are a declining breed. It is best to make sure your normality meter can handle a conversation that is as free-wheeling and organic as the food they produce. 

Dairy Farmers Produce Experiments

When I am spending time with my city friends, that’s when I notice that they are oblivious to the excitement that being married to a dairy farmer can entail.  Although I don’t think my hubby actually plans to scare me, nevertheless I sometimes feel that he ponders the deep question of, “Let’s see if this will go through the washing machine!” more frequently than his innocent expression is intended to display. Although the quantity of rattles and bangs has started to decline, I still experience the mystery of discovering everything from binder twine to invoices in the washer. This recurring problem would be eliminated if the machines didn’t get turned on without inspection.  But remember farmers are hands on.  They are not hands- emptying-the-pockets-first on! Then, of course, there is stage two. “If it makes it through the wash, let’s try drying it.” Ear tags, cotter pins and anything else that can be zipped into a pocket to keep it safe will eventually send you running to the crash banging of the clothes dryer.  “Well it may not be safe anymore, but it sure is dry!” (This is delivered slowly and with an eye on the nearest exit). Odd indeed!

Farmers Remember Differently

I have learned from being married to a farmer, that there is satisfaction in repairing and maintaining the family homestead.  In the past 100 plus years, there are unique stores of items all over the farm that can be used for landscaping.  Family history wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t join around the fire pit to hear the tales of days gone by.  So, when I needed some especially flat stones for edging, I was told to drive the front end loader to the rock ridge.  Well, folks.  After one hundred years, the rock ridge is no longer rocky or a ridge. Thanks to erosion, tree harvesting, and rock picking, it is currently only slightly more than a rise in the rolling terrain. However, if you have to ask for more defined directions, the ensuing argument ranks right up there with trying to create a mountain out of an old hill. 

Likewise, when you think it’s time to replace a split rail fence that has seen better days, you better get approval from any guys still living that had a hand in building it.  “Dad and I built that when I was fifteen.  We hauled all those rails from the bush to the barnyard.  It is not only beautiful, but it’s also part of our history!” Yup.  Farmers remember things differently. They’re odd. 

The Bullvine Bottom Line

As the sun sets each day beyond the now empty milkhouse, I often reflect on the myriad of ways that the man I married is different from the men and women I meet in corner offices.  Although he is comfortable there too, he really shines when he takes a farm project into his own two hands.  Today that might have more to do with writing and consulting, but he always comes home to the farm and delves into the next ‘real’ work that needs doing. He’s there when the neighbors need help training calves. He’s there to build tree houses and forts with his grandchildren. He works hard.  He sometimes smells funny.  He loves the land and his long, long days almost as much as he loves passing on his long, long history to the next generations of his family.

You might call that odd. I think it’s inspiring!!

 

 

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Canadian Politics: SUPPLY MANAGEMENT MADE THE DIFFERENCE

I didn’t see all the rounds of voting for the new leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, but my ears did ring to attention when the subject of supply management was discussed by the election night panel.  “It affects only 11%.”  That phrase and the notion that it was too small a portion of the electorate to be an election game changer went by very quickly. I remember thinking. “Yes, it’s a small group.  But there are so many others affected by that small group. 

Food Chain Lingo Should Not Be Disparaged

“From Farm to Fork” and “From Stable to Table” are popular lingo used in support of the good chain. When analysts decide the group is too small to have national, or political, significance they are writing off a much larger group than just the primary providers. From the stable to the table applies to all the suppliers, consultants, financial institutions, truckers and grocery stores that make a portion of their living from the sustainability of the dairy industry.  And that’s not to mention consumers.  Too often that silent majority also gets overlooked in the hoopla of election forecasting and numbers analysis.

Who is Andrew Scheer?  Why Does He Care About Supply Management?

On May 27th, Andrew Scheer, Regina-Qu’Appelle MP, became the new leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. He pulled ahead of Maxime Bernier to win.  Once again, the modern day election results of “By a slim margin” came into play. A CBC article quoted Franck Groeneweg, a grain farmer from Edgeley, Saskatchewan as saying “It was a nail-biter to the end.”  Hindsight being 20/20 political pundits are now saying that Scheer seemed to have the support of many (dairy) producers” and that made the difference.

 The Rural Vote Rallied Around Scheer

Election platforms come and go and sometimes the ones that win never get put into action, but Andrew Scheer voiced support for supply management and for abolishing Prime Minister Trudeau’s carbon tax.  Rural voters took notice of what he claimed and also were not as supportive of Maxime Bernier’s statements that he wanted to abolish supply management.  Thus the expected winner became the election-night loser.

Who Likes Him Now?

The Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) also proclaimed its support for the new leader in a congratulatory post.

“Dairy Farmers of Canada would like to congratulate Andrew Scheer on his win in the Conservative leadership race,” says the DFC post.  “Mr. Scheer was supportive of supply management as a Member of Parliament, and has continued to be supportive throughout this leadership campaign; on behalf of all Canadian dairy farmers – thank you!”

Farming Is a New Political Game Changer

It hasn’t been that long since we wrote about the turmoil, rural interests are causing for US President Trump (Read more: Trump Fabricates False Dairy War with Canada – US Dairy Farmers Stuck Paying the Price). Whenever two or more people gather together to solve the problems of the world, you can be sure that Trump’s position on NAFTA, supply management and Canadian impact on Wisconsin dairy farmers, will be a hot topic. It isn’t surprising then that the Conservative Party had to choose who they felt was ready for that challenge on top of putting their agenda in the forefront of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government.

The Winner Had a Farm Strategy

Over the coming months, there may be many who try to determine how someone from a smaller province like Saskatchewan can rise to political prominence or even become Prime Minister.  As Scheer himself put it in an interview, “John Diefenbaker did it.” and he obviously has his eye on the prize. Ag supporters noted that, throughout the campaign, he valued the needs of farmers.  He campaigned in Quebec where he met directly with dairy farmers and earned the support of many of them. His strategy worked, and now he will be using those insights to power his opposition in Parliament.

So Who’s TOO SMALL Now?

We all love to read statistics that confirm that our position – political or otherwise – is the most popular.  I know I’m not the only one who is wondering why election polls seem to be missing the mark more and more often these days.

I think pollsters are asking the wrong questions of the wrong people.  They are so immersed in the take and take of traditional politics that they are missing the shifting mood of the times.  No one would ever call election campaigning and international politics as “normal, ” but we keep trying to look at modern issues through the distortion of the past.  Bluster, bravado, and name-calling have risen to new heights.  In the real world, there are many who don’t conduct themselves this way.  Nevertheless, they want their position to be acknowledged on the world stage.  That’s when what they would do themselves is sublimated, and they vote for the candidate who can get the job done.  If they think it takes bluster, they mark the “X” for that manner of candidate. If they are against smooth, big money politics, they put their vote where the candidate doesn’t spout those values. It doesn’t make a huge number to make the winning difference in an election. Twenty-five percent of the population is a landslide in most modern elections. Winning agricultural support is not often considered a mainstream election platform. Yet it is a good strategy when it brings out the passionate group who is ready to challenge mass production, mass advertising and mass conformance to money issues. The average voter – him or her— are ready to take the unlikely route when choosing who best represents what satisfies their average needs. That’s where majority wins are made.

Speak Up and Stand Up for Agriculture

There are so many times when headlines regarding agriculture broadcast the negative (Read more: Country vs. City – Bullying, Rejection, and a Total Lack of Understanding). It is refreshing to see a high-profile opportunity to celebrate the positive values of producing healthy food products. The challenge for Andrew Scheer will be where he goes with this foundation of support.  He saw the sector and recognized that they wanted their voice heard.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

It wasn’t a landslide victory for Andrew Scheer, but many analysts feel his insight into supply management did make a difference!  Now let’s see if he will continue to do so on Parliament Hill.

 

 

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Country vs City – Bullying, Rejection, and a Total Lack of Understanding

From Hamilton, New Zealand to Grand Rapids, Michigan there appears to be an unsettling addition to the growing disconnect between the realities of farm life and city sensibilities. Headlines proclaim bullying, rejection from stores and verbal abuse as the new normal for city-country relations.

Who Is the Bully? Who is Being Bullied?

Regardless of when it happens, we are always dismayed to hear about bullying.  When this headline “Dairy Farmers’ Children Bullied” came out of New Zealand, it struck a chord within the agricultural community.

Comments from DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle were reported in NZ Farmer. DairyNZ is the industry organization that represents all New Zealand dairy farmers. At a speech given at the organization’s Farmers Forum near Hamilton, Mackle said there had been “two or three incidents” of children who were being singled out in school because their parents were dairy farmers. He referred to it as: “The saddest story I’ve heard.”  He concluded that the behavior was an indication of the negative treatment “many felt the industry was receiving from the media.” He added. “It’s fair to say that across the country, dairy farmers are feeling a bit beaten up right now and that’s been going on for the last 18 months.”

Halfway around the world in Grand Rapids Michigan dairy farmer, Leslie Van Houten Parrish, went to Facebook in outrage over her son being kicked out of a Lush Store. Here are the highlights from her post that has since gone viral.

“Her teen son was shopping for a gift for his girlfriend when an employee allegedly asked him to leave the high-end beauty retailer known for its “100 percent vegetarian” products.  The 17-year-old, who was wearing clothes that indicated he worked on a dairy farm, was told the beauty retailer “didn’t support farmers and stood against cruelty to animals and refused to sell to him,” Van Houten Parrish said her son explained how his family’s farm goes “above and beyond to care and nurture our animals. “When the Lush employee refused to relent, Van Houten Parrish says her son said “I farm you eat!” before leaving. The angry mom says she will never shop at Lush again, and unleashed her fury on what she sees as the ignorance about the connection between farms and food.

Is ignorance the problem?

We tend to brush off the occasional bad urban-rural interaction as ignorance.  We glibly use the words that “They don’t know enough!” If that was the case, all we would have to do is inform critics loudly, clearly and often. The thing is ignorance is not really the problem between country and city.  With the world of communication being what it is today, it isn’t that we don’t know about differences in our respective jobs and locations.  The real problem is that city, and country lifestyles are so disconnected that too many think of all farmers … as dirty, poor people. Rather than an understanding of the nature of animal-based food production, our interactions are reduced to a quick judgment. It’s bad enough when it’s all in the mind, but in many cases, it’s all in the nose!  “What’s that smell?” is the new country nose rage offense. Unfortunately, no concession is given to extenuating circumstances that might have brought the farmer to the store, bank or pharmacy before showering and changing from work clothes into shopping wear.

We don’t need to inform each other. We need to engage each other.

Although headlines grab attention, we need to recognize that the priority isn’t that we need to expose our sight and smell differences. It’s that we need to communicate our shared goals. The angry Mom in Michigan tried very passionately to state the farmer side of the issue.  Her post said, “Maybe you don’t realize that the ingredients YOU USE (soy yogurt and soy milk) in your products are available because of FARMERS!!!*** I supported your business because you didn’t test on animals. We treat our animals with love and respect. But I refuse to support you when you can’t support those who help make your business profitable.  This world needs farmers more than it needs bath bombs.” Mrs. Parrish later followed up after talking to the store’s manager. “At first he thought it was a miscommunication. But after telling him, it clearly wasn’t when the clerk made a statement to him ‘how would you like to be chained up most of your life?’ He was caught a little off guard. This was not what was told to him by the employees working that night. I am continuing to work with them to educate their staff.”.

Bully, Bullied or Bystanders.

Clearly in both instances described here, feeling “in the right” doesn’t make the inflicted adverse actions any more justifiable. In these instances and many more, disconnectedness causes and, unfortunately, encourages bullying of a targeted group. In this case, it’s farmers. We especially feel for the one being bullied. Even more so, because we too are part of that shrinking group. I always encourage reasonable people to ask the second question. “Are we willing to do anything about it or are we okay with remaining bystanders?”  Do we or should we bully back? After all, it’s not hard to find instances of poor hygiene or fashion flops in city crowds.  Or do we become enablers, simply standing by and bemoaning the ways of the world?

Disconnection Is Fertile Ground for Growing Lack of Trust

The most dangerous outcome of not trying to meet on common ground is that a lack of trust develops on both sides.  In the Lush Store headline, the issue went beyond smell detection to blaming the identified farmer as an animal abuser. This radical leap is made too quickly by those who are at best three generations from the farm. On the farmer side of the equation, we are too quickly taking the position, which everyone on the “other” side is misjudging and abusing us! Neither position benefits consumers or animal agriculture.

Many farmers feel a great sense of frustration that people don’t understand how life, in general, is connected to life in the soil and life on the land.

Having said that, if something as simple as the smell can trigger abuse and rejection, the issues have gotten further than the mere excuse of not knowing where your food comes from. It isn’t lack of understanding.  It is a lack of respect.  Even worse, it’s the idea that expressing that respect in word or action is entirely acceptable.

What does it matter if people don’t understand where their food comes from?

I must admit there are many other occupations that I don’t understand.  I drive a car.  I live in a house. I read and work extensively on the Internet.  Certainly, problems arise.  However, I don’t believe it would serve my needs to attack all providers and malign them as a group. I don’t believe that, but I do acknowledge that seeds of dissension are happening much more often in today’s society. In politics, communities, schools and sports we first react with outrage and division.  That is at the core of what is happening between consumers and farmers.

Conflict, frustration, depression, anger, and other miseries in life are but a symptom of our disconnectedness. It’s one thing when it’s just a headline that you’re reading.  It’s another when it happens to someone you care about.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

No matter which category you fall into, bully, bullied or bystander, this response to city-country life comes at a high price.  Not only does it point out a growing disconnection between food providers and consumers, but there is an increasing disconnection between two vital parts of the community. City-country cruelty hurts everybody!

 

 

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