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Royal Connections At Ferdon Genetics In New Zealand

As attention turns to New Zealand’s DairyEvent, slated for January 20-22, the country’s exhibitors are all critically assessing their entries every day.

Warren and Michelle Ferguson slicing into the cake to celebrate 75 years of farming with Ferdon Genetics in April 2024. Photo: Mud Media.

One of the king-hitting teams is a name no-one underestimates – Ferdon Genetics – at Otorohanga, in the heart of New Zealand’s Waikato, in the North Island. It is known globally for its Jerseys – which comprise 75% of the herd. Ferdon today also includes 25% Holsteins and some classy registered Ayrshires. The farm is run by Warren and Michelle, together with their son, Corey, milking 200-210-head on 75 effective hectares. 

The 2024 Grand Champion Jersey Ferdon Tbone Veneer (Ferdon Genetics, Otorohanga). Photo: Evie Tomlinson.

The 2024 Grand Champion Jersey Ferdon Tbone Veneer (Ferdon Genetics, Otorohanga). Photo: Evie Tomlinson.

This is home to the reigning NZ DairyEvent Senior and Grand Champion Jersey, Ferdon Tbone Veneer EX, who will defend her title in two weeks time under US judge Terri Packard. Ferdon’s NZ DairyEvent team includes 24-head (18 in-milk, six calves).

Ferdon Comerica Viyella (the Queen of the decade)

Ferdon has always been a force at the NZ DairyEvent – winning Grand Champion Jersey eight times, Supreme Dairy Cow four times, and Premier Jersey Exhibitor for nine successive years. One of their most well-known exponents is Ferdon Comerica Viyella (the Queen of the decade), who won Grand Champion Jersey five times and Supreme Dairy Cow three times at this show.

Find out more about this family’s Royal connections, its rich back story, and the breeding philosophy which takes no notice of New Zealand’s index system

The Ferguson family right before the 75 years of Ferdon sale in April 2024 were united and ready for action. Photo: Mud Media.

The Ferguson family right before the 75 years of Ferdon sale in April 2024 were united and ready for action. Photo: Mud Media.

Warren and Michelle are continuing a legacy at Ferdon Genetics that is ground in passion, resourcefulness, and a tight family laden with big personalities. 

They are industry disruptors – the ones that change the tempo, tone, and the results. They aren’t afraid to test the market or to test themselves, which makes them vital for the industry’s growth and progress. 

They have sold cattle to Australia, the UK, Kenya, and South Africa.  Warren judged the Holsteins at Australia’s International Dairy Week in 2022, the Ayrshires in 2017, and the Jerseys in 2012.

Ferdon Tbone Veneer just two weeks out from defending her Grand Champion title at the NZ DairyEvent in Feilding on January 20-22. Sheila Sundborg.

Ferdon Tbone Veneer just two weeks out from defending her Grand Champion title at the NZ DairyEvent in Feilding on January 20-22. Sheila Sundborg.

Where their family story first switched gears into a global perspective was in 1975 when Warren’s parents, Don and June, travelled to the UK. It was a bold move at the time, when travel and communication wasn’t immediate, nor taken for granted.

Don and June visited the (now defunct) English Royal Show at Stoneleigh Park near Kenilworth, where UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II’s, cows were being exhibited. Don wasn’t that impressed by the royal herd, and told her somewhat-startled herdsman as much, showing him photographs of the Ferdon Genetics’ Jerseys at home in New Zealand.

Don would later meet Her Majesty in person in 1977, in the lounge of the Te Rapa Racecourse at Hamilton on the North Island. And, when Queen Elizabeth returned to New Zealand in 1990 for the Commonwealth Games, she asked to visit the Ferguson family’s farm.

Queen Elizabeth II and Don looking at the cows at Ferdon.

Queen Elizabeth II and Don looking at the cows at Ferdon.

A RIGHT ROYAL VISIT

And, so it was that on February 4, 1990 Ferdon welcomed Queen Elizabeth II to Ferdon’s farm. It was an event he shared with his family and the community, who lined the road to Ferdon to welcome her. After the official welcome, Her Majesty and Don wandered a freshly mowed paddock viewing Ferdon’s grazing herd. 

Ferdon Tandras Elizabeth pictured with Her Majesty the Queen and Don Ferguson at Windsor.

Ferdon Tandras Elizabeth pictured with Her Majesty the Queen and Don Ferguson at Windsor.

Ferdon Tandras Eve drew the Queen’s eye that day, and her full sister, Ferdon Tandras Elizabeth, would later be exported and included in the Windsor herd.

A garden party was held for family and friends while Her Majesty, Don and June, the Queen’s lady-in-waiting, and Warren and Michelle enjoyed a cup of tea in the front room, which included a spread of pikelets, blueberry tarts, asparagus rolls and Bell tea.

“Our memorable moments of the day were having all the family introduced to her Majesty, sitting talking to her in the sitting room with Dad and Mum, and just sharing the day with family and friends,” Warren said. 

Michelle added, “The young girls sat in the chair that The Queen had sat in and finished her cup of tea.”

The 1990 farm visit - Queen Elizabeth II with Don and June Ferguson on their farmhouse steps. Photo / Richard Wallace Photography

The 1990 farm visit – Queen Elizabeth II with Don and June Ferguson on their farmhouse steps. Photo / Richard Wallace Photography

Warren finished, “One memory, in particular was seeing Dad after The Queen had left, and he was just so full of pride that Queen Elizabeth II had visited his home and farm to see the cows that Ferdon had bred.” 

The Queen’s presence is remembered as gracious and warm – and she left a lasting impression, not simply as a Monarch, but as a new friend who appreciated the values and traditions of Ferdon’s cows and of the Ferguson family. 

She would go on to import their genetics to the UK, to become a partner on a select group of animals with Ferdon, and to establish a friendship with Don, which lasted until his passing in 2017. The Queen then extended her friendship to Warren and Michelle until her own passing in 2022. 

Warren Ferguson (with Michelle Ferguson in support) wasn't planning for their 75 years of Ferdon Sale in April 2024 to be emotional, but more than once Warren had to check himself as he prepared to let go some of his favourite families and animals. Photo: Mud Media.

Warren Ferguson (with Michelle Ferguson in support) wasn’t planning for their 75 years of Ferdon Sale in April 2024 to be emotional, but more than once Warren had to check himself as he prepared to let go some of his favourite families and animals. Photo: Mud Media. 

A DREAM IS BORN

Don’s love of the registered Jersey cow was initially encouraged by Arthur Lovelock, from the Glenmore Stud, where he helped farm and show. The story goes that while Don was at compulsory military training, he sent his parents of to buy Oakley Bellbird. This family remains in the herd today represented by the BrightEyes family.  

Warren’s path into the family farm was accelerated in 1975 when his parents and younger siblings spent four months living in a flat at Windsor Castle in the UK, where Don was working as The Queen’s herdsman. Warren stayed home to run the farm with the help of his Aunt and Uncle. He struggled to combine the farm with school, and left his formal education behind, aged 15 years. From there, he continued to work alongside his parents for their entire farming career. The first animal Warren bought was Ferdon Choice Bambi – the same family as Bellbird and BrightEyes. 

Maternal cow families were the centre of Don’s breeding. He successfully linebred to Ferdon Glens Glory. Warren’s accession to a lead role on-farm included the infusion of North American sires – notably Lesters Sambo and Lencrest Blackstone. 

“We are now looking to use some of our own sires from our top cow families, as well as using the North American Genetics,” Warren said.

Ferdon’s herd is on track to average 500kg MS per cow this season. Photo: Mud Media.

Ferdon’s herd is on track to average 500kg MS per cow this season. Photo: Mud Media.

“GREAT COWS COME FROM GREAT FAMILIES.”

The key traits Ferdon focusses on today include udders, front ends, capacity, rump and legs – in short – balance.

New Zealand has a strong commercial dairy farming base, with a much smaller emphasis on show cows. Warren believes the two shouldn’t be so separate.

“We find it difficult with the perception that we are just breeding show cows,” he said. “We are breeding a cow that has to be able to pay the bills, and we think that having both makes no difference. 

Ferdon Follys Viyella 19yrs old right in the photo and Ferdon Blackstone Rose 13yrs old left living the retired life.

“A good type cow should be able to milk, to be shown, and to last for many years. The cows we choose to show have also been our top producers over the years. Both Comerica Viyella EX and Ferdon Bstone Rose EX have been top producers in New Zealand.

“We strongly advocate that a show cow and dairy/commercial cow are one and the same. If our cows where not commercially viable we would not still be here farming. The show cows’ milk contribution is huge, and it’s really missed when we take them out to the shows.”

Everything is grounded in the maternal lines at Ferdon.

Top price Jersey and top price in the 75 years of Ferdon sale in April 2024 was the final animal to sell. Ferdon Fizz Viyella EXC sold for $24,000. She was pictured with the sale crew and one of the three new owners (on the halter) Peter Hansen, of Lilac Grove Jerseys (Canterbury). The sale averaged $7305 overall. Photo: Mud Media.

Top price Jersey and top price in the 75 years of Ferdon sale in April 2024 was the final animal to sell. Ferdon Fizz Viyella EXC sold for $24,000. She was pictured with the sale crew and one of the three new owners (on the halter) Peter Hansen, of Lilac Grove Jerseys (Canterbury). The sale averaged $7305 overall. Photo: Mud Media.

“They have always been one of our main stays, and many of our foundation families are still here. We also look to the new cow families around the world to be introduced into Ferdon – for example – the Duncan Belles and Veronicas are now both here. We like to see what we can get from joining top families together. 

“Great cows come from great families.”

Consistently winning Premier Jersey Exhibitor banners comes down to the bigger picture.

Ferdon Tequila Caramel (left) and the defending Grand Champion Ferdon Tbone Veneer owning the paddock. Photo: Sheila Sundborg.

Ferdon Tequila Caramel (left) and the defending Grand Champion Ferdon Tbone Veneer owning the paddock. Photo: Sheila Sundborg.

“Although we have some outstanding individuals, the goal is to breed a line of cows that contribute to this success. The ‘V’ family is a testament to this. One year we had a Viyella in every age class, and from our five Champion Cows at the NZ DairyEvent, four have been Viyellas.”

Staying ahead of the curve, includes returning to the NZ DairyEvent at the end of January with the defending Grand Champion Jersey.

“It is very rewarding to get these results with animals you breed, and we all strive to win the big one. But we are always looking for the next one to come through.”

That includes Holsteins.

“Because we have ventured into Holsteins that is exciting to see what we can breed using our own breeding selections. We are also interested in exporting semen and embryos more, so time will tell.”

Michelle Ferguson follows the show cows home. Photo: Sheila Sundborg.

THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS

Ferdon is a pasture-based farming operation. They feed three to four kilograms of mixed grain in the dairy (the recently installed in-shed feeding) at milking. The balance of their diet is grass, silage and hay. Their young stock are reared off-farm by graziers after weaning. Their production goal is an average of 500kg Milk Solids per cow.

Because the farm is long and walking negatively impacts milk production, the family runs two herds for cow comfort to protect their older cows. The farm is 75% flat contour with some rolling contour.  Their biggest seasonal challenge on-farm is managing wet weather in the spring. 

The challenges within the industry in general comes down to politics, payout, and succession.

Ferdon milk through a 24-a-side herringbone dairy. Photo: Sheila Sundborg.

Ferdon milk through a 24-a-side herringbone dairy. Photo: Sheila Sundborg.

“The New Zealand Breeding Worth Index and the Kiwi Cross cow is a challenge in itself. Our payout can also fluctuate because 95% of our product is exported. Also, advocating for the Jersey breed – often in the presence of non-Jersey farmers has becoming hard – yet the Jersey cow is much more efficient at converting food into profit and very easy on the environment compared to other breeds because of their superior feed conversion efficiency,” Warren said.

“Farm succession is a hard one, which I think is similar for everyone all around the world now. In addition, climate change and how we can combat and work with it is increasingly challenging for the dairy industry, and it isn’t getting any easier to find a work force who want to milk cows.”

Ferdon Blackstone Lippy, aged 11, will complete in the aged cow class at the NZ DairyEvent this January. Photo: Sheila Sundborg.

Ferdon Blackstone Lippy, aged 11, will complete in the aged cow class at the NZ DairyEvent this January. Photo: Sheila Sundborg.

MOVING FORWARD

Michelle and Warren are looking towards Corey – who also works for the Semex Alliance – to continue the dream.

Warren (left) and son Corey Ferguson consider their potential milkings times for some of this year’s NZ DairyEvent team. The cows pictured (left to right) are the 2024 NZ DairyEvent Honourable Mention Intermediate Champion, Ferdon Skyclass Fancy 21, Ferdon Chrome Maida (owned by Jerome and Holly Ferguson), Ferdon Valentino Faline (3yrs and Reserve Intermediate Champion, Waikato Show). Photo: Sheila Sundborg.

Warren (left) and son Corey Ferguson consider their potential milkings times for some of this year’s NZ DairyEvent team. The cows pictured (left to right) are the 2024 NZ DairyEvent Honourable Mention Intermediate Champion, Ferdon Skyclass Fancy 21, Ferdon Chrome Maida (owned by Jerome and Holly Ferguson), Ferdon Valentino Faline (3yrs and Reserve Intermediate Champion, Waikato Show). Photo: Sheila Sundborg.

“We will still continue to breed to strong cow families and keep our cow families evolving to meet the ever-increasing demands of dairying,” Warren said. “It will be Corey and the next generation that will help keep Ferdon’s legacy and Jersey dream alive.”

Ferdon Chrome Brighteyes is owned in partnership with Simon Gaskin, from the UK. Simon is flying to New Zealand to join the Ferdon team for the NZ DairyEvent this year to see her show. Photo: Sheila Sundborg.

That includes preparing 24-head, including partnership animals (one with their UK partner Simon Gaskin who is flying to New Zealand) for the NZ DairyEvent. The family prepares their team on pasture, ad-lib hay, additional grain, and increasing amounts of protein with Dried Distillers Grain, and Soy.

“We try to keep it as simple as possible at home,” Warren said.

Ferdon’s famous independent thinking continues to shine through to the fifth generation of this extended and inclusive family who love farming, breeding, and showing cows.

Warren finishes, “We are a small unit in the whole scheme of things in New Zealand, we don’t follow trends, and we dance to the beat of our own drum when it comes to breeding the kind of cows we want.”

Key Takeaways:

  • Ferdon Genetics, a leading dairy farming company in New Zealand, is known for its Jerseys, Holsteins, and Ayrshires.
  • The farm, run by Warren and Michelle, and their son, Corey, milks 200-210-head on 75 hectares.
  • Ferdon has won Grand Champion Jersey eight times, Supreme Dairy Cow four times, and Premier Jersey Exhibitor nine consecutive years at the NZ DairyEvent.
  • Ferdon Comerica Viyella, a well-known exponent, won Grand Champion Jersey five times and Supreme Dairy Cow three times at the show.
  • Ferdon’s family values both commercial and show cows, breeding top producers like Comerica Viyella EX and Ferdon Bstone Rose EX.
  • Ferdon is committed to introducing new cow families from around the world.

Summary:

Ferdon Genetics, a prominent New Zealand dairy farming company, is known for its Jerseys, which make up 75% of the herd, along with 25% Holsteins and some registered Ayrshires. The farm, run by Warren and Michelle and their son, Corey, milks 200-210-head on 75 hectares. Ferdon has been a significant force at the NZ DairyEvent, winning Grand Champion Jersey eight times, Supreme Dairy Cow four times, and Premier Jersey Exhibitor for nine successive years. Ferdon Comerica Viyella, one of their most well-known exponents, won Grand Champion Jersey five times and Supreme Dairy Cow three times at the show. The family’s passion, resourcefulness, and big personalities have led them to sell cattle to Australia, the UK, Kenya, and South Africa. Ferdon’s family believes having both commercial and show cows is essential for their success.

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The rise and rise of the Red & White show at World Dairy Expo

Premium Apple Crisp Lilly-Red
Grand Champion
International Red & White Show 2024
Butlerview Farm

Butlerview had a word-perfect day in the Red & White Holstein show on the coloured shavings at WDE today, while another family a few aisles away was reeling from the emotions of experiencing its first banner moment.

Butlerview Farm, from Chebanse, IL, now own the back-to-back Grand Champion Red & White Holstein after its imposing and spine-tinglingly good five-year-old Premium Apple Crisp Lilly-Red EX-94 carved up her age class, before going all the way under judge Kevin Doeberiener (West Salem, Ohio) and his associate Adam Hodgins (Kincardine, Ontario, Canada). 

Meanwhile, Jay and Kristy Ackley and Donald and Danette Simpson (East Liberty, OH) was still absorbing what their first banner at the biggest dairy show on earth meant for their family. Their six-year-old and over winner Glaustar Calif All Out-Red-ET is the 2024 Reserve Grand Champion.

BUTLERVIEW ROCKING

First to the Butlerview camp’s campaign. The pressure of preparing a defending champion was easily absorbed by the experienced Butlerview crew. With Mike Deaver strapping Lilly – who Jeff Butler described with a smile as an “experienced grizzled veteran” – she was in safe hands. While Lily has a mind of her own, it wasn’t Mike’s first rodeo either, and he kept her on-point all day.

Jeff Butler said they were hopeful that she would get it done.

“But you know that everything has to go right for it to happen,” he said. “They have to calve in without any problems and get through the heat of the summer. It’s never easy.”

Regarding the pressure of preparing a defending champion?

“We handle it fine, because we put more pressure on ourselves, and we don’t pay a whole lot of attention to others. There is always pressure.”

Butlerview bought Lilly privately at WDE last year on the Tuesday before the show from Juniper Farm (Gray, ME). 

“I saw her for the first time at Pierre Boulet’s sale, and I remember her selling that day. We bought her a year later privately. He said that the people who bred her didn’t classify a lot.

Regardless of that she has Apple on the top and bottom of her pedigree. She is the granddaughter of KHW Regiment Apple-Red EX-96, and she is sired by Siemers Oct Apple Crisp-RC, whose great granddam is also Apple-Red.

The team were taking a few hours to enjoy the victory before they started their plans for Supreme Champion tomorrow. Further out than that Lilly has gone over her days after being bred, and they are planning to show her at The Royal. Jeff didn’t rule out her also running in the black & White and the Red & White show.

Demand for her embryos is already high.

“We will be IVF flushing her right after the Royal. While she doesn’t have a lot of classification scores, because of her uniqueness as an individual there is a lot of interest,” Jeff said.

For judge Doeberiener, the Grand Champion was decisive.

“For me she has the advantage of the openness and angularity and dairyness throughout. A cow that has a little more length of frame. A cow that has a lot of ring presence, and she shows a little more quality to that mammary system today. 

“She’s got a deeper crease, more veination on that rear udder. Taking nothing away from Reserve. A cow that you love the balance. You love the symmetry to her udder. It is that balance and that little depth to that rear flank to give her the advantage over that first placed four-year-old in Honourable Mention.”

RESERVE CHAMPION WON’T EVER BE SOLD

Glaustar Calif All Out-Red-ET
1st place Aged Cow
International Red & White Show 2024
Glaustar Calif All Out-Red-ET

For Jay and Kristy Ackley, the tears were flowing freely as they enjoyed their first banner moment. 

They bought Glaustar Calif All Out-Red-ET three years ago. Last year she finished third in the six years and over last year, but for the last three years she has anchored the winning dam and daughter combination at WDE, and she has collected Honourable Mention All-American. 

The couple milk 160 Holsteins and Jerseys on 4500 acres. Both acknowledged Jay’s parents, Robert and Kathleen, who ignited their passion for show cows. Robert passed away 12 years ago.

“He meant a bunch to us, he loved showing, and he loved the dairy industry,” Jay said.

“Dad was the inspiration for us to keep going in this industry, and to push to be at the top.”

Kristy added, “She calved in August 28 with a bull calf, and once we stretched her bag at home, she knew it was game time,” Kristy said. “She travelled good, and she got in here and knew what to do, and she just got it rolling. 

“Full credit to that girl for being a gamer.”

Jay added, “We’re just so happy and we have a great team of friends. The dairy industry is so good for friendships. The money means nothing, it’s the friendships you build. That’s all that matters. We had so many people congratulate us and we’re just so happy.”

At home, Out-Red is the “queen bee”.

“She knows she’s the boss, and she knows she made it this year. We have semen in her to breed her for next year, but I don’t ask anymore of her. If she wants to just be a baby momma, I’m fine with it,” Kristy said. 

“And, just in case anyone is wondering: “She’s not for sale,” Jay said.

Butlerview’s Jeff and Jim Butler were also on the Junior Champion Red & White, Milksource A Tierney-Red-ET. The two other partners include Clarkvalley and Pierre Boulet. The trio bought her privately from Milksource.

“Those guys are two of our great friends, and we all happened to come to the show together, and Pierre saw her in the wash rack, and he came and got me, and we looked at her, and then we asked Milksource for a price, and we decided we were going to buy her. She’s turned out really well, she’s got a great family, and we’re so happy she won.”

Norman Nabholz: Preserving priceless history

Norman Nabholz has long been a keen observer and quick-witted narrator for the global dairy industry.

He has now turned his attention to putting the words to paper in a popular group of self-published books, which the industry has embraced. He is now on the second print run of his third read, “Bonnie goes to the Fair”, and he has started researching his fourth publication, “Ringside Notes”.

Norm said they have been bowled over by the popularity of “Millionaires in the Cornfield”, “The Queens Caretakers”, and now “Bonnie Goes to the Fair.” Bonnie’s story follows a calf’s journey through the 4-H process. 

The second section includes helpful hints from several of the best in the business. Nathan Thomas (Triple T Holsteins) talks about feeding, Terri Packard (Kueffner Holsteins and Jerseys) shares her knowledge about breaking heifers to show, the Harbaugh family (Bella-Ridge) talk about washing, and Shirley Spencer advises on keeping whites, white. Jennifer Hill speaks about her packing list for a show.

Norman wants the industry to keep the trailblazers of the industry alive for the next generation.

“Ringside Notes is about the great sales and interesting cows from the past,” Norman said.

“It will be about this business we’re in, the characters from the rich people to the eccentric – we’ve got them all. I like writing about the past, because I think the past is interesting.”

He said he loves the research the most.

“There was a Milking Shorthorn back in the early 1970s that showed at a lot of shows. And, they would show their cattle in the dairy in the morning at these fairs, and then as beef in the afternoon. They had one heifer that was shown 56 times (in beef and dairy) and she was never beat in either division,” Norm smiled.

“I find that interesting. I remember the basics of that cow, because we showed at a lot of shows that they did, and we became friends. These guys that owned that cow – one ended up being an orthopedic surgeon – and the other a very high-priced corporate lawyer. But they were showing cattle, and I thought it was pretty cool.”

Then he followed the crumbs to a cow that had a sliding door moment.

“There was a cow found at the University of Illinois as a two-year-old, and she went from no score to EX-95 the first time she was scored. 

“There is another story about a Jersey in the early 1960s. She calved with twins three times on the truck going to the National Show – from Texas to the All-American. Even worse, one of the times she calved they were milking her on the truck and she got her tail caught in the milking pump and she cut it off…up high. 

“They got to the show and went to the stock yards and found a Jersey tail and sewed it on. Looking at the photo – that is 65 to 70 years old – you cannot tell. It’s unreal.

“They are just some of the stories like that that I think people will be interested in.”

Norman said he was movitated because he worried the industry might forget the legacies that made today possible.

“I’m not an athlete, and I’m really not into doing physical stuff, and I wanted to write about the cattle.

“So, I wanted to do this and make sure those stories remain.”

“Bonnie goes to the Fair” is available from the Bovine Boutique in the exhibition hall.

Vierra Dairy – Back to Back Grand Champions

US tennis player Billie King said it best when she told a faltering player on her Federation Cup team that, “Pressure is a privilege”. 

And, yesterday in the WDE stadium, the big dogs – who know exactly what the nuance within that statement means – came out to play in the National Jersey Show. 

Judge Ryan Krohlow (Poynette, Wisconsin) and his associate Jean Philippe Charest, (Saint Alexandre, Quebec, Canada) worked through 375-head (223 juniors, 98 intermediates, and 54 senior cows). 

Stoney Point Joel Bailey
1st Place Mature Cow
International Jersey Show 2024
Vierra Dairy Farms

When it came down to the pointy end of the day, the 2023 defending Grand Champion, Stoney Point Joel Bailey (Vierra Dairy Farms Hilmar, CA), hit the ring and won the six years and over class – right after the crowd watched the classy winning five-year-old, Spring View Joel Kinsley – from Budjon Farms and Peter & Lyn Vail (Lomira, WI). 

Spring View Joel Kinsley
1st Place Five Year Old
International Jersey Show 2024
Budjon Farms and Peter & Lyn Vail

Both cows were on-point, and they were both backed by exceptional pit crews who were primed to make judge Krohlow’s job as hard as they could. 

Bailey had to beat seven entries in her class, and Kinsley took on 18-head. Judge Krohlow appeared to have the time of his life making the big calls, and he never hesitated – outside of his emotional thank you speech – as he revealed the top-three of the show.

“It’s been unbelievable – by far the best that I can ever remember here – and I want to thank the boys in the barn because they get the cattle out,” judge Krohlow said.

“I know how much work it takes, and what a long day it is. The fitting was second to none this week. The way these three cows stand out in the ring with those long, beautiful heads and necks, how dairy they are, and how they stand so square on both front and rear feet, while being so comfortable for how much milk they’ve got on. They are as good as it gets.”

Bailey a two-time Grand

Vierra Dairy’s Stoney Point Joel Bailey successfully defended her title, taking Grand for the second time. It is the fifth successive time that Vierra Dairy has shown Grand Champion Jersey at WDE.

2024: Stoney Point Joel Bailey

2023: Stoney Point Joel Bailey

2022: Rivendale VIP Eloise

2021: Bri-Lin Valson Spritz

2020: No show

2019: Bri-Lin Valson Spritz

Speaking on behalf of Vierra Dairy, Jennifer Thomas said the win was exciting and she confirmed that Bailey is back in-calf for 2025. 

“It may be the fifth time Vierra have had Grand, but we never take it for granted because there is such tremendous quality here, and you know that any cow can come out on any day here, and be the right one,” Jennifer said.

“It was an incredible show all the way down the line. That five-year-old class was amazing.”

She described Bailey as a “true-type model type of cow”, who was a no-fuss individual to get ready. She said they liked their cows to be resilient, and able to hold their own at the farm. Bailey is that cow. She showed with a ring in her nose, because she also likes to get her own way.

“She can sometimes have a Jersey moment and lose her manners,” Jennifer smiled. 

With 34-head in their string, Vierra Dairy’s team looked more like a small-town heading into the ring for the champion team photos. Jennifer said it was important they joined the celebration.

“We always make sure that the team can come down to watch Grand because they work really hard, and we want them to be part of it. We’re all friends – family really – and we all have a good time. We have people and friends who have helped us for like 14 years, in addition to our young people.”

She said that every win was special in its own way, but the first ones remain deeply etched in their memory banks.

Jennifer and her husband, Nathan, run Triple-T Holsteins, milking 35 head at their Ohio property. Their work includes Vierra’s show cows, which the couple manage for the Californian dairy operation.

“Vierra are great people, and this is a relationship that has grown from one cow to where it is today. When you work this closely with people and you trust them, you do become family.”  

More than one high point

For Budjon’s Kelli Cull the day was exciting on several levels. The obvious one was that she led the winning five-year-old and Reserve Grand, Spring View Joel Kinsley. 

“What a day,” Kelli said. “It was amazing. When you can come out and win a class like that [five-year-old], that (to me) is incredible. I’m so happy for my team, and I appreciate everybody who helps us at home and at the show. 

Budjon Farms and Peter & Lyn Vail (Lomira, WI) bought Kinsley for $41,000 at the Kueffner Holstein and Jerseys’ July 2023 South Mountain Sale.

“When I walked into the class, she just felt so good. I knew they liked her, and – not to take that for granted – I really felt like she floated out there today. 

“But you never take that for granted when you’re in this business. It is deep water, and I think the show keeps getting better and better every year. 

“Whether you’re breeding them or buying them, if you can get in the top-five or the top-three here, anything after that is a huge bonus in my opinion.” 

She acknowledged Vierra for the energy it brings to the show.

“We are also happy for Vierra Dairy with Grand. They have tremendous cows and just to be Reserve to them is incredible.”

Both cows could be back

Kelli confirmed that Kinsley is carrying a heifer sired by the reserve premier sire, River Valley Victorious-ET. 

It means these two top cows could potentially be at the same venue doing the same thing in 12 months.

“It feels like the stars are aligning for her, I think her best days are still ahead of her,”

Kelli said.

The more subtle levels of excitement for Kelli came from the junior three-year-old class.

She said it was gratifying to have bred the second and third-placed animals respectively, Budjon-Vail Victorious Blayke-ET (owned by Ron & Christy Ratliff Trustees & Gettle Mason & Jaxson, Garnett, KS) and Budjon-Vail Andreas Dakota-ET (owned by Budjon Farms and Peter & Lyn Vail, Lomira, WI)

“Honestly watching that class [25-head], and how great it was made it such an honour to finish second and third. Then to come out with Kinsley in the five-year-old, which I also thought was one of the best classes of the day.”

The Honourable Mention Grand was the winning senior three-year-old and Intermediate Champion, GMBV Joel Dixie-ET (Milk Source Genetics Kaukauna, WI). 

Judge Krohlow acknowledged Dixie’s breed character “all the way throughout” in his comments for Intermediate Champion. 

“She’s a touch crisper through the top and I also prefer the way she blends through the pelvic bone right back through that tailhead. And, like I said in her class, the overall quality right through her mammary system.”

The Junior Champion (and Junior Champion Bred and Owned) emerged from a deep junior show that collectively numbered 223 entries. Schulte Bros Colton Fallon was exhibited by David Hoese and Schulte Bros from Glencoe, MN in the Summer Yearling class, that numbered 48-head.

Pacific Edge from Tillmook, OR was the Premier Breeder after a strong day across the board.

See complete results.

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Canadian Sisters’ Steal the Ayrshire Show at World Dairy Expo 2024: A Heartwarming Triumph Against the Odds

Two Canadian teams – who had the toughest road to WDE this year – dominated the Grand Champion line-up in the Ayrshire Show at Madison yesterday.

Sisters Vicky and Bianca Foley, from Piopolis, in Quebec, were on the grounds to watch two of their family’s cows – from their milking herd of 50 – win Grand and Reserve Grand Champion in what they describe as the “best day of their lives”.

The Grand Champion was the winning five-year-old, Vieux Village Gentleman Joy. Reserve Grand was the winning four-year-old, Vieux Village G Montana. Honourable Mention was the Intermediate Champion, B-Wil Kingsire Willow, owned by Pierre Boulet, from Montmagny, Quebec.

Bianca Foley said their goal at the start of the week was for Joy and Montana – who are both sired by Gentleman – to win their class. Everything else was a bonus. They wouldn’t be drawn on who was their personal favourite.

“We like both. They are friends. No matter which one wins, we are happy,” Bianca said. 

They said their father, Florent, was emotional over the phone when they let him know that their day at the office couldn’t have gone any better. The family had trusted the McKinven team at Lookout Farm to prepare their cows. The 20-hour transit (without chores), showing early in the week (giving the cows less time to settle), and the quarantine ahead faded into insignificance as the reality of the victory started to sink in.

“Yes, we were worried, but we wanted to come. We have a heifer barn that is empty, because the heifers are outside, so they will stay there by themselves until they test clear.”

They said not coming was never an option for them, and they didn’t hesitate to put the pair into Lookout’s hands.

“We know Callum. He is the perfect cowman, and we are never worried when they are with him,” Bianca said.

Callum said that Joy – who is from one of Vieux Village’s strongest show families – had been slow to start eating since arriving. He said she got on the programme once Vicky arrived, and “gave her a hug”.

Callum first met Florent when he prepared and led his cow in 1984 – whipping out his phone to prove it with a photo. He was thrilled to be able to deliver the perfect one-two result for his friends.

“They’ve been with our string for two years now, I’m good friends with them and they trusted me to take their cows for them,” he said. “They are not really people to settle with just anyone because they are so passionate. We’re thrilled for them.”

While the sisters couldn’t be drawn on their favourite, it was the judge’s express job to do exactly that. Brandon Ferry, from Hilbert, Wisconsin, said he couldn’t go past his five-year-old.

“She’s one word – balanced,” he said. “She is so correct, she blends so harmoniously through her parts, she’s dairy strength, with a great foot and leg, and a beautiful mammary system. 

“This great juddered four-year-old is so, so wet. With that beautiful mammary system. My Honourable Mention [from the Intermediate show], her udder from earlier to now hasn’t moved. It’s gotten higher and wider, and the crease hasn’t gone anywhere.”

Judge Ferry and his associate, Michelle Upchurch, Hebron, Ill.placed 327-head yesterday [2023 numbers were 283]. 

Among the competitive show was the 2003 Supreme Champion of the Junior Ayrshire Show, Toppglen Wishful Thinking-ET, exhibited by Tanner, Brennan, Marissa, Logan Topp, West Salem, OH. Wishful Thinking – who has a slew of results at WDE – won the production class, and she happily chewed her cud in the ring while the photos were taken at the end of the day…

Premier Breeder: Palmyra Farm, Hagerstown, MD

Premier Exhibitor: Glenmar-Dale Farms, Mark & Becky Brown, Fennimore, WI

Premier Sire: Bear-Ayr Distinct Kingsire

Full Ayrshire results

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Richard Caverly – gone but not forgotten

WDE may be all about the cows, but at its heart it’s just as much about the people.

One of the emotional stories of the day came in a class of 48-head of winter heifer calves – the biggest Ayrshire class in five decades – in the Ayrshire show under judge Brandon Ferry. 

The heifer that rose to the top of that class had a fairytale story, which framed a “homage” to one of the big personalities of the industry, Richard Caverly, who died in February. The heifer, Palmyra Magellan Gigi-ET, has not only added a new colour to Kueffner Holsteins and Jerseys, she now resides at her Boonsboro address minutes from where she was bred – Palmyra Ayrshires.  

The sense of Richard’s loss lingers in the Kueffner and Packard camp – heightened by the additional industry loss of Michael Heath – who introduced Ernie and Terri to Richard 30 years ago. 

Ironically, the Ayrshire calf was a recent buy from Katie Shultz, of Chambersburg (this year’s inaugural recipient of the Richard Caverly Memorial Dairy Award)*. 

While Terri says there had to be some emotion in the buy, everyone knows this couple doesn’t get off the bench for no reason. The ball started rolling on Ayrshires the day Ernie idlily commented that he was bored, and that he needed a project.

“It was two years ago when I first heard Ernie say, ‘I’d like to own a good young Ayrshire’,” Terri said.

“I looked at him and I thought he was joking, but he didn’t laugh. Then Richard [Caverly] was on the hunt for one from there. 

“Ernie and Richard became obsessed with a cow from Quebec [Vieux Village G Montana] who went on to win Intermediate Champion last year, and they spent five days trying to get her bought. They were disappointed they didn’t get her.

“Then recently, Katie was tied next to us at our State Fair, and she started telling Ernie about a good Ayrshire calf she had at home. Then she started showing him pictures and video and told him about the genomics and that’s when he started getting interested.”

Ernie may have wanted an Ayrshire, but his team knows he doesn’t prefer heifers. One of the couple’s longtime friends and cattle partner Nate Oleniacz, from Gettysburg, put it into perspective.

“He really appreciates the cows – and he likes that we all get along with the heifers – but he calls them the ‘little pains in the arses’,” Nate said. 

Terri agreed: “If I had a dollar for every time he said, ‘I hate heifers’ for the last 28 years…I could have paid for that heifer twice over. He sees no value in them until they are cows.”

However, this time Ernie was on the page, because this heifer came with some special credentials, in addition to be sired by Magellan and bred by Palmyra Farm – Ernie and Terri’s neighbours – who would go on to win Premier Breeder yesterday.

Terri said, “This one has a great pedigree, along with very high genomics for her mammary. Genomics were so important for Richard because he thought the Ayrshire breed should be doing more testing to help move them forward, so they would have more information for their mating decisions. 

“He was adamant about that, and Katie is too. She tests all of her heifers. So, we’ve ended up with pedigree and genomics, which he would have liked.”

Terri said the Gigi handled like a dream – almost as if Richard was watching over them – and that the other Ayrshire breeders had been very welcoming.

“When we were waiting for the class, people were very positive and happy to have us. I guess it also creates some excitement at a level, and it was great for Katie too,” Terri said. 

Nate said the team still feel like Richard is with them.

“You always feel at WDE that Richard is here, and we miss him a lot. This win for our group who knew Richard and his desire for the Ayrshire breed to shine…is a homage to him.”

The International Ayrshire heifer show included 201-head. Judge Ferry (and associate judge Michelle Upchurch) chose their winning winter yearling, Budjon-Vail Autograph Kristina-ET (sired by Autograph) and owned by Budjon, Peter Vail, C Rupprecht, Brothers Three and S & S Nehls of Watertown, WI, as their Junior Champion.

Reserve Junior Champion was Ullmstar A Rectify (sired by Andy) owned by Damian & Kiley Ullmer, Seymour, WI. Honourable Mention was another Autograph daughter, Budjon-Vail Autograph Kimberley (2ndwinter yearling) owned by Cole Rupprecht, Lomira, WI.

* The Richard Caverly award was established by friends to honor Richard’s memory. Richard is remembered for his deep cow sense, love of breeding, animal husbandry, and his enduring belief in the importance of training and guiding dairy youth.

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World Dairy Expo – A solution within the problem

Some people find problems. Some find solutions.

When news of the outbreak of the bird flu virus in 13 US states, WDE officials had to elevate biosecurity measures for Madison. The US competitors could roll with it. Canada faced some tougher conversations surrounding the two testing perimeters over the 21-day period before and after the competition – including quarantine measures that demand no “nose-to-nose” contact and stringent milking practices.

Some Canadian teams are missing or smaller, although heifers class numbers today peaked at around 50-head.

Quebec competitors Ferme Blondin makes its living from marketing cattle, and WDE is a big deal on their calendar. The team usually bring around 20-head to Madison, and its Marketing Manager Dann Brady doesn’t mind admitting there was plenty of head-scratching before they decided to saddle up for this year’s WDE.

Outside of the 23-hour trucking trip (including two stops for chores), they knew they couldn’t test on-ground, that the pre-show test lasts seven days (expiring tomorrow), that the show finished on a Friday, and there were no laboratories open over the weekend be able to turn the results around to get the cows out of the grounds by noon Saturday. And, Blondin tried.

Blondin spoke to their partners and the owners of their tie-ins, and it was agreed that all the cows on the Blondin trailer would either be marketed at WDE, or they would sit out the quarantine period at a fairground – half an hour from Madison – and once the quarantine period is completed they will be returned to the partners’ farms. None of them will go home to Blondin.

One cow has already sold – Desperle Lambda Kim VG87-2YRS – a summer junior two-year-old. She was owned by Ferme Ralston, and she will be shown under Butlerview come show day.

Blondin milk 300 cows (including 50-head on behalf of Ferme Desdion who had a barn collapse under snow).

Blondin has a young team – all aged four years or under – for the Holstein and the Red & White Holstein show.

“The reality is we did change how many we brought. We usually might bring 20 and within that number, they may be one or two that aren’t quite ‘ready’, but if they handle the truck ride well they come to it,” Dann said. “I can remember us selling a milking yearling one year and we literally made the final decision to bring her as we loaded the cows on the truck. We sold her to Milksource that year, and she ended up winning her class.

“A lot of people already know that we sell lots of cows every year. It’s part of our business. Because we had a sale last year where we sold some of our top cows, we do have a younger team this year, but they are all doing everything right.

He confirmed there has been solid interest so far this week.

“We want to protect the safety and health of our animals just like everyone else,” Dann said. “The industry has taken all the precautions possible before any animals are taken back into regular populations, and the good part is that every milking animal on the show grounds has been tested to be here.

“Our cows have all settled in exceptionally well. It’s been probably one of our best trips for the cows. The stress level on the team is at a manageable level at the moment.

“We are very happy we came. We have a new booth. We do a lot of business in the USA and Canada, we get a lot of international visitors come and visit us, and we wanted to be here to support the show and to be a part of it.”

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International Judges Surprised By New Zealand Cows

Two of the international judges candidly admitted they were surprised when they judged in New Zealand for the first time this week.

Brian Behnke was pleased with his options in the Ayrhsire show.

Brian Behnke from Wisconsin in the United States has judged at the biggest show in the world – World Dairy Expo – three times, and his expansive judging resume spans many years across multiple countries. Nico Bons, from the Netherlands, said he had followed Australian cattle for years through International Dairy Week (IDW), so he had a good idea about what to expect when he judged the Red & White Holsteins at IDW two weeks ago.

However, they both said they did not know as much about New Zealand cattle, and they were flying blind when they arrived in Feilding to judge the New Zealand Dairy Event (NZDE). Brian judged the Ayrshires and Nico adjudicated over the Holsteins.

“I expected the kind of cows that are generally promoted out of New Zealand – the smaller New Zealand-type cows,” Brian said. “But that’s not what I found.

“I’ll admit I was blown away. New Zealand has awesome cows with quality and strength, a great spring of rib, with great udders and feet and legs.

“It wasn’t a huge show, but the quality was there. You guys should tell more people that these kinds of cows are here, because they are capable of competing on the world stage.”

Brian did have a piece of advice for the exhibitors. “One thing they could do better is to break their animals to lead. There were some nice cows that I struggled to get a good look at,” he said.

HOLSTEIN JUDGE ALSO IMPRESSED

Nico was on the same page when it came to his choices.

“I was impressed with the heifer show because there was quality all the way through – it wasn’t only the top two or three,” Nico said. “The first five or six in every class made quite a competition for all of them.

“What I liked was that they were ready. They had the right body condition, and they had the body depth. I’m looking a little bit for heifers who have enough chest width. I think the heifer show is made to find out which one is going to be the best cow in the future to milk.

“My champion was quite special. It was not the toughest decision to make her champion because she had more capacity and more spring of rib. She showed a naturally straight topline. That’s what I like to see on these heifers.”

Both judges were joined by associate judges from New Zealand.

The associate Ayrshire judge, Neko McDonald, from Kaitaia, in Northland said the experience working alongside Brian was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“Brian’s awesome, and the cows were wicked,” Neko said. “I learned a heap from him, and it was just an incredible experience being out here, getting to know him and getting to know the kind of cows he likes.”

SUPREMES DOMINATED BY THE HOLSTEINS IN 2024

This year, the Holsteins dominated the Supreme Champions awards.

This year’s judges brought a gratifying international energy to the show. They included (L-R): Nico Bons (Holland), Kate Cummings (Southland), Jamie Taylor (Taranaki), Brian Behnke (USA), Simon Tognola (Australia).

The Supremes are chosen from the breed Champions in the junior, intermediate, and senior sections. They were pointed by the entire judging panel, which included Brian (Ayrshire judge), Nico (Holstein) Jamie Taylor (Taranaki, Combined Breeds), Simon Tognola (Australia, Jerseys), and Kate Cummings (Southland, Youth Show).

The Supreme Champion and Supreme Intermediate Champion both came out of the Fullerton and Dreadon team. It was a satisfying finish for the Hamilton family who had a week that initially challenged their decision to show.

Supreme Champion of the 2024 show, Tahora Mogul Paris, sired by Mountfield SSI DCY Mogul, and owned by the Dreadon/Fullerton partnership, from Hamilton. Paris is surrounded by the Fullerton family and team (right) and judges (left). Photo: Evie Tomlinson.

Their cattle fitter slept through and missed multiple flights – almost turning Alex Fullerton into a travel agent. Their four-year-old Grand Champion Holstein and Supreme Champion of the show, Tahora Mogul Paris, didn’t handle the 360km journey to the show well, and took some time to settle. Reflecting after judging, Alex said the overriding feeling was relief.

They bought Paris for $28,000 in a solid buy from Tahora Holsteins’ Party at the Pub sale in Canterbury in 2022. In her most recent herd test, Paris produced 2.8kg Milk Solids (MS) a day. She had finished her first season at her new Ngāhinapōuri home with more than 10,000 litres and 700kg of Milk Solids.

The Fullerton family also snaffled Intermediate Supreme Champion with their three-year-old, Waipiri CR Freaky Girl-ET, sired by Oh-River-Syc Crushabull-ET. Alex said she was their surprise package in terms of the team’s results, and they were thrilled with her performance.  

Reserve Champion Holstein Waipiri Mogul Kristy (sired by Mountfield SSI DCY Mogul), and owned by the Dreadon/Fullerton, partnership from Hamilton.

Alex added that one of the special moments for the family was when the Holstein judge Nico Bons remembered seeing their seven-year-old entry, Waipiri Mogul Kristy in a photo three years earlier. The 2023 Senior Holstein Champion had an eye removed a month ago because of eye cancer, and she bounced back to win Reserve Champion Holstein this year in another broad ribbon effort for the cow who has been a constant in the Fullerton show team over several years. Kristy was Best Udder of the 2021 NZDE, and in 2023 she won Supreme Champion at Stratford and Senior Holstein Champion and Senior All Breeds Champion at the 2023 Waikato Show. She was also the 2021 Semex On-Farm four-year-old Champion.

“Having those top herdsman see your animals and recognise them is the whole incentive to bring them out,” Alex said. “Not only did Nico judge her this year, he had seen her before and remembered her.

“I think it’s important for New Zealand breeders that people around the world do see our animals.”

Supreme Junior Champion was the Holstein (right) Glenidol Lambda Cookie owned by 14-year-old Toby Whytock, of Te Awamutu (kneeling). Reserve Supreme Junior Champion was the Junior Champion Jersey (left), Ferdon Tbone Veneer (Ferdon Genetics, Otorohanga).

Supreme Junior Champion was the Holstein (right) Glenidol Lambda Cookie owned by 14-year-old Toby Whytock, of Te Awamutu (kneeling). Reserve Supreme Junior Champion was the Junior Champion Jersey (left), Ferdon Tbone Veneer (Ferdon Genetics, Otorohanga).

SWEET STORY FOR 14-YEAR-OLD

The Supreme Junior Champion came with a great story for her 14-year-old owner, Toby Whytock.  

Eighteen months ago, Toby and his parents, Newlands Whytock and Lee Morris (an equine vet who specialises in equine embryos through her business, EquibreedArt) decided to shift their focus on their 40-hectare (100-acre) farm from horses to cows.

 

They not only won Holstein Junior Champion and Supreme Junior Champion with Glenidol Lambda Cookie – they had two animals finish in the top-two of the six Holstein classes that peaked at 26-head in one class. It was a punchy start in the registered industry at the country’s premier show for this tightknit family which supplies Open Country Dairy.

“We’ve got a small farm, and we thought if we can have only a small number of cows we’ll have 50 really nice cows,” Lee said. 

Nico Bons (Holland) makes the Junior Champion’s day with this tap. She is Glenidol Lambda Cookie, owned byToby Whytock, of Te Awamutu.

Lee said they had secured foundation cows from the Barclay family (Okawa Holsteins) and later from Tahora Holsteins’ Party at the Pub sale in Canterbury in April 2022. One of the those cows, sired by High Octane – Tahora Octane Cookie – bred them Cookie. It’s worth noting that Tahora Holsteins had a quiet hand in two of the three Supreme Champions of the show.

“We bought seven amazing animals, and her mother was one of them,” Lee said. Newlands said he had always followed the production awards in the Dairy Exporter and had always been impressed by Tahora’s results.

“Now we’re buying some of their animals,” he smiled.

They both said – as Toby rushed straight from the win to join his team in the youth challenge – that it was an incredible feeling not just to show cattle – but to show cattle together.

“Because it’s such a family thing…kind of ‘united we stand’,” Lee said.

AYRSHIRE ACTION

Brian Behnke had some big decisions to make in the Ayrshire show because the 2023 Supreme Champion had re-calved and returned this year as a third calved four-year-old. Raetea Rubicom Debbie, owned by Joanna Fowlie, from Matamata, made history in 2023 when she became the first Ayrshire Intermediate Champion and only the second Intermediate Champion to win Supreme Champion of the show.

Ayrshire Senior & Grand Champion and Best Ayrshire Udder, Stenvale Burs Jem (Jamie Baxter, Tirau).

This year Debbie moved into the senior show where she met the cow who would push her into second place and out of contention for Champion, Stenvale Burs Jem.

Owned by Jamie Baxter, of Tirau. Jem was judge Behnke’s choice not only for the class, but for Best Udder, Senior Champion, and Grand Champion of the Ayrshire show.  

Brian said the choice was clear for him once Jem got alongside the other cows in the class. He did pull Debbie first and Jem second on the first line-up, but he elevated Jem to first in his final decision.

Brian appeared to take some time to make the call, but he said he was never in any doubt about what he was going to do. He said Jem’s extreme balance was deceptive on the first look, but there was no denying her when he broke her down.

Jem’s breeder and owner, Jamie, 33, who milks 180 cows, said the class “aged him 10 years”. Jem had finished fourth in her class last year, but she had continued to develop, and they had high hopes for the cow, whose dam they bought from Brookview Ayrshires.

“She’s so easy to work with and she just does what you want her to do at a show,” Jamie said. “She’s a very cool cow, and a lot of fun.”

 Jamie’s partner, Caitlyn Rawlings, who works on a 400-cow herd, led Jem in only her second show with dairy cows.

SALE ANIMALS RETURNING THE FAVOUR

Everyone in the Powell family was happy with Junior Champion…except perhaps the heifer herself. Larkspur Alfie Chipotle, owned by the Powell family, of Rongotea, is this year’s Ayrshire Junior Champion.

There were a number of young people exceling with animals they had bought. Arguably the best deal on the showgrounds may have been the Junior Champion Ayrshire, Larkspur Alfie Chipotle. She was bought by the Powell family, of Rongotea for $1900 from the Fusion Genetics’ Spring Fling Coloured Breeds Dispersal in October 2023.

Ayrshire Junior Champion, Larkspur Alfie Chipotle (Powell family, Rongotea).

Speaking for the family, Chipotle’s excited and tearful owner, Holly Powell, 20, said the investment looked pretty inexpensive now. Holly is a herd manager for a 450-cow herd. While Holly is well-known in the Holstein world, she is pushing into other breeds – also winning Reserve Junior Champion in the Combined Breeds show.

“She caught my eye, and I just couldn’t leave her behind,” Holly said. “I think a lot of people thought because she was an autumn calf that she was an awkward age, but I loved her.”

So did the US judge, Brian Behnke. He noted that the four animals pulled out for the Ayrshire Junior championship all had quality bone, dairyness, and openness of rib.

“She didn’t have a lot of competition in her class, but she puts it all together and she can stand a lot of competition,” Brian said. “She’s balanced, clean-cut, and dairy with exceptional legs and feet. She’s just a beautifully balanced calf.”

Argyll Lot Alfie sired the Junior, Reserve, and Honourable Mention Junior Ayrshire Champions, while Burdette sired the Senior and Grand Champion, and the Reserve Senior Champion.

The Powell family was also active in the Holsteins, winning Honourable Mention Senior Champion and Best Udder of the Holstein show with Radly Meridian Ana-ET, and in the

Combined Breeds, winning Reserve Junior Champion with Westell Mont Sandie SOS.

JERSEY SHOW HAD THE GOODS

Champion Jersey led by Corey Ferguson had the cage judge Simon Tognola was looking for (owned by Ferdon Genetics, Otorohanga).

The Jersey show gave Australian judge Simon Tognola the cows he wanted to work with. His four-year-old Senior Champion came out of the Ferdon Genetics team, from Otorohanga. Tbone Veneer is sired by Richies Jace Tbone.

Ferdon double whammy – Jersey Senior Champion and Grand Champion Jersey (right) Ferdon Tbone Veneer is joined by the Intermediate Champion and Reserve Grand (left) Ferdon Victorious Shirlee, who sells in the 75 years of Ferdon Sale on April 22. Both are owned by Ferdon Genetics, Otorohanga.

Ferdon Genetics has now won Champion Jersey eight times, and Supreme Champion All Breeds at the NZDE four times.

Australian judge Simon Tognola gives Ferdon Tbone Veneer (Ferdon Genetics, Otorohanga) the nod.

Simon has been coming to the NZDE for more than a decade. Everyone is more used to seeing him in work clothes preparing cows, but this year he was suited up for an important judging assignment in a strong Jersey show.

“Since I first came to the show the quality of the mammary systems on these cows have certainly improved,” Simon said. “There is so much more width and texture and height to those mammary systems, and they can certainly hold a lot of milk. I think in general the cows are more dairy now. They are thinner in their hide, and maybe a little nicer in their rumps as well.

“I think – and I don’t mind saying this – for a country that might not grow the nicest hay they do a helluva good job of developing the rib in their cows.”

He was impressed with how youthful his choices were.

“There wasn’t too many cows that looked like they would get old really quickly,” Simon said. “For me, the Junior Champion was a pretty easy champion. The intermediate is built right to mature well. She’s not deep in her udder, she’s wide through her chest, with a beautiful openness to her fore and rear rib. She’s hard of her loin, and she is rump down.”

Simon said he and his associate judge, Susanna Booth, from Kerikeri (Northland) saw cows the same.

Simon said, “Susanna appreciates dairy cows that have strength and good mammary systems. I don’t think we were looking for animals that were too flashy. I think we were just looking for the ones that were balanced, and looked like they could pay bills.”

Simon closed by congratulating the exhibitors.

“It takes an army to get the animals to a show. It takes a lot of long nights, a lot of money, and a lot of thoughts when no-one else is looking. They did a tremendous job,” Simon said.

AGING WELL

Left – right: Combined Breeds Senior Champion Cow, Best Udder & Grand Champion Combined Breeds, Northbrook Wok (Northbrook Enterprises Ltd, Bunnythorpe), Reserve Westell Jedi Saddie (Ella Pirie, Te Aroha) and Honourable Mention Brookview Mighty Cognac (Aislin partnership, Ohakune).

The Combined Breeds came down to a rising 12-year-old Milking Shorthorn, Northbrook Wok, showed by Northbrook Enterprises Ltd, just 10 minutes from Palmerston North at Bunnythorpe. The Treeton Pingerly daughter took the show all in her stride and she never missed a beat.

Judge Jamie Taylor gives the Combined Breeds Championship to 12-year-old Northbrook Wok (Northbrook Enterprises Ltd, Bunnythorpe).
NZDE2024_Show_Combined BreedsJCLine.jpg = Combined Breeds Junior Champion (right to left) – Imagin Java Amy 24 (Regan Kelly, Kaiaua) Reserve Westell Mont Sandie SOS (Powell family, Rongotea), and Honourable Mention Xcead Delta Sunny P SIS (Xavier Gread, Tahuna).

Wok has had an extensive career, winning Best Udder at the NZDE in 2018 which propelled her into the All-World Red Cow photographic competition that year.

YOUTH SHOW

The Youth Show’s Supreme Champion was won by Thomas Jeyes with Waipiri Movie Siri. Reserve was Emma McLaughlin with Radly Doc Anna. They are joined by judge Kate Cummings (Southland).

There was plenty hair flying here.

The Youth Show was judged by Southlander Kate Cummings. She said the results give her significant confidence in the direction of the industry.

“The quality of the stock were so good they made my job harder as a judge, which means the breeders are doing the right thing,” she said. “There were great numbers, given that the milk price is flatter this year and there have been seasonal challenges in a number of areas. It’s really nice to see the passion in the show community, and it’s a great excuse to get off the farm to come to the NZDE, even if they bring their cows with them.

“My champion was a whole lot of heifer but when you break her down there was a whole lot to like. No matter what angle you looked at her there was so much dairyness and it made me fall in love with her. She was just so balanced from side-to-side and from top to tail. All the exhibitors should be really proud.”

RESULTS

NZDE’s Gold Sponsors: Semex and Allflex

NZDE’s Silver sponsor: Farmers Mutual Group

*Key – Grand Champion refers to the breed champion. Supreme Champion refers to the Champions of All Breeds.

 

2024 SUPREME CHAMPIONS OF ALL BREEDS

 

SUPREME CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS – NZDE 2024 – HOLSTEIN – Tahora Mogul Paris (Mountfield SSI DCY Mogul), Dreadon/Fullerton, Hamilton

 

SUPREME SENIOR CHAMPION – HOLSTEIN – Tahora Mogul Paris (Mountfield SSI DCY Mogul), Dreadon/Fullerton, Hamilton

RESERVE – JERSEY – Ferdon Tbone Veneer (Richies Jace Tbone) Ferdon Genetics, Otorohanga

 

SUPREME INTERMEDIATE & SUPREME INTERMEDIATE BEST UDDER – HOLSTEIN – Waipiri CR Freaky Girl-ET (Oh-River-Syc Crushabull-ET), Dreadon/Fullerton, Hamilton

RESERVE SUPREME INTERMEDIATE – JERSEY – Ferdon Victorious Shirlee (River Valley Victorious), Ferdon Genetics, Otorohanga

 

SUPREME SENIOR SUPREME SENIOR BEST UDDER – HOLSTEIN –

Radly Meridian Ana-ET (Sully Hart Meridian), Powell family, Rongotea

RESERVE – JERSEY – Allandale Tbone Quintet (Riches Jace Tbone), Horn Genetics, Feilding

 

SUPREME JUNIOR CHAMPION – HOLSTEIN – Glenidol Lambda Cookie (Farnear Delta-Lambda) Toby Whytock, Te Awamutu

RESERVE – JERSEY – Manor Cocochip Alaska (Avonlea Chocochip) Thomas Jeyes, Te Kuiti

 

INDIVIDUAL BREED CHAMPIONS

 

COMBINED BREEDS

Judge: JAMIE TAYLOR (OPUNAKE, TARANAKI, NZ)

Sponsored by Fibre Fresh

 

COMBINED BREEDS JUNIOR CHAMPION – Imagin Java Amy 24 (Java/Keslie Lightning Adelle), Regan Kelly, Kaiaua

RESERVE – Westell Mont Sandie SOS (Riversleigh Alston Montagna) Powell family, Rongotea

HONOURABLE MENTION – Xcead Delta Sunny P SIS (Northbrook Delta SIS) Xavier Gread, Tahuna

 

COMBINED BREEDS INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION & BEST INTERMEDIATE UDDER – Brookview Carter IC (Voelkers TD Carter) Brookview Genetics, Tokoroa

RESERVE – Croydon Patricia (Golden Gate Judgement Knight) Soffe family, Stratford

HONOURABLE MENTION – Northbrook Royal Way (Oceanbrae Royal Bentley) Northbrook Enterprises Ltd, Bunnythorpe

 

COMBINED BREEDS SENIOR CHAMPION COW, BEST UDDER & GRAND CHAMPION COMBINED BREEDS –Northbrook Wok (Treeton Pingerly) Northbrook Enterprises Ltd, Bunnythorpe

RESERVE – Westell Jedi Saddie (Glencliffe JP Jedi) Ella Pirie, Te Aroha

HONOURABLE MENTION – Brookview Mighty Cognac (La Rainbow Bfly Dynamite) Aislin partnership, Ohakune

 

MILKING SHORTHORN SUPREME CHAMPION COW – Northbrook Wok (Treeton Pingerly) Northbrook Enterprises Ltd, Bunnythorpe

 

AYRSHIRE

JUDGE: BRIAN BEHNKE (WISCONSIN, USA)

Associate judge: Neko McDonald (Kaitaia, Northland)

Sponsored by World Wide Sires

 

AYRSHIRE JUNIOR CHAMPION – Larkspur Alfie Chipotle (Argyll Lot Alfie) Powell family, Rongotea

RESERVE – Argyll Alfie Raspberry (Argyll Lot Alfie) Bourke/Langlands, Opunake

HONOURABLE MENTION – Mossy AA Great Alice (Argyll Lot Alfie) D & R Simons, Midhurst

Intermediate Ayrshire Champions in a neat line (L-R): Lakeview Bigtime Penelope (Charlie Kelsen, Dannevirke), Reserve Brookview Big Flame (Brookview Genetics, Tokoroa) and Honourable Mention, Imaginayr TSB Lexie (Regan Kelly, Kaiaua). They are flanked by judge Brian Behnke (US, left) and the associate judge, Neko McDonald, from Kaitaia, in Northland.

 

AYRSHIRE INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION & BEST INTERMEDIATE BEST UDDER – Lakeview Bigtime Penelope (Marbrae Bigtime), Charlie Kelsen, Dannevirke

RESERVE – Brookview Big Flame (Marbrae Bigtime), Brookview Genetics, Tokoroa

HONOURABLE MENTION – Imaginayr TSB Lexie (Palmyra Tri Star Burdette), Regan Kelly, Kaiaua

 

AYRSHIRE SENIOR CHAMPION, BEST UDDER & GRAND CHAMPION – Stenvale Burs Jem (Palmyra Tri Star Burdette), Jamie Baxter, Tirau

RESERVE – Kiteroa Cream Predette (Palmyra Tri Star Burdette), Kite/Fullerton, Hamilton

HONOURABLE MENTION – Pukekaraka Distinct Memo (Family-Af-Ayr Distinction), D & R Simons, Midhurst

 

JERSEY

JUDGE: SIMON TOGNOLA (AUSTRALIA)

Associate judge: Susanna Booth (Kerikeri, Northland)

Sponsored by FMG

R-L: Jersey Junior Champion, Manor Cocochip Alaska (Thomas Jeyes, Te Kuiti), Reserve Radly Swagger Chiquita (Powell family, Rongotea, and Honourable Mention Laurendale Choco Posie (Ella Pirie, Te Aroha). They are flanked by associate judge, Susanna Booth (Kerikeri, Northland) and the Jersey judge, Simon Tognola (Australia).

JERSEY JUNIOR CHAMPION – Manor Cocochip Alaska (Avonlea Chocochip) Thomas Jeyes, Te Kuiti

RESERVE – Radly Swagger Chiquita (Triple-E-CF Mr Swagger), Powell family, Rongotea

HONOURABLE MENTION – Laurendale Choco Posie (Avonlea Chocochip) Ella Pirie, Te Aroha

 

INTERMEDIATE JERSEY CHAMPION & INTERMEDIATE BEST UDDER – Ferdon Victorious Shirlee (River Valley Victorious), Ferdon Genetics, Otorohanga

RESERVE – Kuku Vic Precious (River Valley Victorious) Horn Genetics, Feilding

HONOURABLE MENTION – Ferdon Skyclass Fancy 21 (Perkins Skyclass), Ferdon Genetics, Otorohanga

 

JERSEY SENIOR CHAMPION AND GRAND CHAMPION – Ferdon Tbone Veneer (Richies Jace Tbone) Ferdon Genetics, Otorohanga

RESERVE – Kuku Van Gemmah (Pannoo Abe Vanahlem), Horn Genetics, Feilding

HONOURABLE MENTION – Glenalla Links Clover (Carrondale Bstone Link), Charbelle Farms, Hamilton

JERSEY BEST UDDER – Allandale Tbone Quintet (Riches Jace Tbone), Horn Genetics, Feilding

 

HOLSTEIN

JUDGE: NICO BONS (HOLLAND)

Associate judge: Josh Norton (Tai Tapu, Canterbury)

Sponsored by Holstein Friesian New Zealand

The three lead Holstein Champions – L-R is the Champion, Reserve, and Honourable Mention (and Best Udder of show). Tahora Mogul Paris (Dreadon/Fullerton, Hamilton). Reserve Champion was also a Mogul daughter from the same farm, Waipiri Mogul Kristy, while Honourable Mention was Radly Meridian Ana-ET, owned by the Powell family, Rongotea.

 

HOLSTEIN JUNIOR CHAMPION – Glenidol Lambda Cookie (Farnear Delta-Lambda) Toby Whytock, Te Awamutu

RESERVE – Waipiri Lambda Tonio (Farnear Delta-Lambda), Fullerton family, Hamilton

HONOURABLE MENTION – Hukaview Alpine Lively-Red (Farnear Altitude-Red) Nova Genetics, Palmerston North

 

HOLSTEIN INTERMEDIATE HOLSTEIN CHAMPION & INTERMEDIATE HOLSTEIN BEST UDDER – Waipiri CR Freaky Girl-ET (Oh-River-Syc Crushabull-ET), Dreadon/Fullerton, Hamilton

RESERVE – Te Hau Crush Lyric-ET (Oh-River-Syc Crushabull), Te Hau Holsteins, Morrinsville

HONOURABLE MENTION – Hukaview Moov Rosetta-Red (Lindenright Moovin), Nova Genetics, Palmerston North

 

HOLSTEIN SENIOR & GRAND CHAMPION – Tahora Mogul Paris (Mountfield SSI DCY Mogul), Dreadon/Fullerton, Hamilton

RESERVE – Waipiri Mogul Kristy (Mountfield SSI DCY Mogul), Dreadon/Fullerton, Hamilton

HONOURABLE MENTION & HOLSTEIN BEST UDDER – Radly Meridian Ana-ET (Sully Hart Meridian), Powell family, Rongotea

 

YOUTH SHOW

 

JUNIOR CHAMPION (SENIOR HANDLER) YOUTH SHOW – Waipiri Moovn Suri (Thomas Jeyes)

RESERVE – Charbelle Parfect Macy (Siemers Rengd Parfect) Lucy O’Reilly, Tirau

HONOURABLE MENTION – Swissmade S Paula S2B (Medo-Brook Saras Shar) Noah Dibble, Te Aroha

 

JUNIOR CHAMPION (JUNIOR HANDLER) YOUTH SHOW – Radly Dock Anna (Emma McLaughlin)

RESERVE – Joyclas Doorman Acorn (Val-Bisson Doorman) Izzy James, Linton

HONOURABLE MENTION – Argyll Lambda Roxy (Farnear Delta-Lambda) Fergus Bourke, Opunake

SUPREME CHAMPION OF THE YOUTH SHOW – Waipiri Moovn Suri (Thomas Jeyes)

 

YOUTH HANDLERS’ COMPETITION

Sponsored by Semex

Judges: Kate Cummings (Southland), Simon Tognola (Australia)

 

CHAMPION HANDLER – Ella Pirie, Te Aroha

RESERVE CHAMPION – Chloe Sargent, Ngatea

HONOURABLE MENTION HANDLER – Sienna Bourke, Opunake

 

TEAM YOUTH CHALLENGE

Sponsored by Holstein Friesian New Zealand and JerseyNZ youth in a team competition of clipping, parading, and judging sessions.

JUDGES: Simon Tognola (Australia), Jamie Taylor (Taranaki)

 

1stPrick Between Prickles  (Thomas Jeyes, Annabel Jeyes, Hilary Vanner, Sienna Bourke)

2nd – Aislin (Zara Williams, Rylee Parks, Izzy James, Elan Thomas)

3rdRadly Holsteins (Holly Powell, Emma McLachlan, Izzy Edge, Paddy Atkins)

4thJerseyNZ  (Riley Taylor, Chloe Sargent, Xavier Gread, Jody Hardwick)

5th– Aislin Young Guns

6th – Team Northbrook

7th – Young Ones

 

FUTURITY CLASSES

Judge: Kate Cummings, Southland

 

FUTURITY CALF

1st – Charbelle Parfect Macy (Siemers Rengd Parfect) Lucy O’Reilly, Tirau

2nd – Carse-O-Fern Showtime Grace (ABS Jacobs Showtime) Ellen Sands, Rotorua

3rd – Brookview Super Chi Chi (Iwa Super Sonic), Angus Thomson, Waiuku

 

FUTURITY YEARLING

1st – Swissmade S Paula S2B (Medo-Brook Saras Shar), Ella Pirie, Ngatea

2nd – Aotearoa Wals Blossom (Kieteroa Wheres Wally) Zoe Botha, Opotiki

3rd – Raetea Barolo Elle (Claynook Barolo) Brad Powell, Maramarua

 

Legacy for Our Future Leaders

Over the next decade the Ostrom family will dedicate more than $120,000 to World Dairy Expo’s Youth Showmanship Contest classes to honor the late Annette Ostrom.

Annette, 49, of De Pere, Wisconsin, passed away on October 19, 2022, following a courageous battle with cancer, shortly after she completed one of her final wishes. She was determined to be ringside at WDE in 2022 to watch her son Tristen show, to see her industry friends, and to champion her family’s Milk Source Genetics’ show campaign.

Annette was a beloved figure at every level. There wasn’t a part of the industry she didn’t touch or influence in all the best ways.

The tangible legacy of this quiet overachiever is that everyone can affect change…simply by taking the first step with the right people.

Her husband, Jim Ostrom, of Milk Source Genetics, says it is time to pause and to celebrate one of Annette’s enduring passions – young people.

 

This year’s cash prizes will peak at $3500 for the Supreme Champion Showmanship award. Jim says the decision is a deliberate nod to the significance of encouraging youth, the foundation the movement lays for life, and acknowledging Annette’s commitment to both.

“The most important thing about showmanship and youth programs is that it brings our future leaders back to our industry,” he says. “It might be the most important thing we do in a given year – to give young people the chance to fall in love with this industry that we all love.”

“Anything we can do to build some excitement around youth and youth programs is worthy.”

Giving Back

Outside of Milk Source Genetics juggernaut commercial operation and compelling show herd, Annette was a long-time business manager for Zoetis, and a co-founder of “Dairy Cares of Wisconsin”, a non-profit organization that raised $2.3 million within 12 years for Children’s Wisconsin (formerly Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin).

It included “The Dairy Cares of Wisconsin Simulation Lab”, named after its benefactor. The lab uses computerized patients so the hospital can replay traumas for training purposes. In 2017, Annette and Jim were acknowledged with a “Wisconsin Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award” on behalf of Dairy Cares during National Philanthropy Day. 

Dairy Cares of Wisconsin started with a simple garden party of 35 people who collectively had momentous aspirations to give back.

Today, that event welcomes more than 500 people to the Ostrom’s family home each year.

Flawless on the Halter

Annette was an exceptional cowwoman in her own right. Few will forget the iconic images of her gliding out of the darkness in 2016 and into the spotlight in unison with Milk Source’s five-year-old Jersey Grand Champion, Musqie Iatola Martha-ET. Martha would go on to win WDE Supreme Champion.

Annette’s close friend and Milk Source’s young stock manager Mandi Bue – a force in the ring herself – remembers Annette’s connection with Martha like it was yesterday.

“I remember asking Annette if she got nervous when she was headed into the ring with a cow that carried a lot of prestige like Martha,” Mandi said. “She would smile so lovingly at Martha and say that ‘Martha led her’. They were like watching a perfectly choreographed dance, they paraded so elegantly and flawlessly together. I believe it’s because she respected and adored any and every animal, so the second she took the show halter she put that animal at ease.

In 2016, Annette paraded Muskie Iatola Martha-ET across the colored shavings, leading her to become both Grand and Supreme Champion at World Dairy Expo. 

“Her personality was so graceful and calm – never arrogant – and it allowed any animal to show itself because they completely trusted her.” 

Annette and Mandi initiated the five-woman cattle syndicate, La Femme Fatale, which notably owned half of the 2019 Intermediate WDE Holstein Champion, Floydholm Mc Emoji-ET. That buy happened because of Annette’s faith in Mandi’s eye for a potential great one.

The Power of True Friendship

Mandi says outside of the ring, her lasting memories of Annette circle around the power of true friendship.

“She would remind me that as much as we love the cows, it is the genuine and sincere friendships we make along the way that withstand the test of time. Those friendships are what carry us through the tough times, and they are what make the good times sweeter.”

Sara Harbaugh, a Territory Business Manager at Zoetis, also describes Annette as a steady constant in her life.

“She was so much more than a co-worker. She was an amazing friend,” Sara said. “Our lives overlapped through work, kids, and showing and she could always make me smile even when life was crazy.

“It seemed like she never had a bad day, and her continuous optimism through the most difficult times will always inspire me. I think of her often and try to use her example as a guide.

“The world needs more people like Annette, and this program is a perfect way to honor her.”

Everyone Starts Somewhere

Annette’s love of the dairy industry was ignited by her parents, Gladys, and the late Hans Palm. And, when she decided she needed better heifers to be more competitive in 4-H competitions, Hans approached Sherry Siemers-Peterman, of Siemers Holsteins.

Sherry remembers that Annette was a stand-out young person, and she was happy to allow her the pick of the “better heifers at their farm.”

“Annette was quite a human,” Sherry said. “She gained a lot of confidence in herself throughout her 4-H career. Showmanship sets you up for life and it carries many lessons, including presenting your animals, presenting yourself, and learning how to be a gracious winner…and a gracious loser. Annette could do anything she set her mind to.”

 

 At The Heart of it All

Behind all the obvious accolades and achievements, Annette was a woman, a daughter, a wife, a mother, a sibling, a friend, and a colleague who continues to be sorely missed every day. To preserve her memory in perpetuity within the industry is important for her family.

Jim said, “She could tell you the pedigree of a 10-year-old kid running around the show barn at a show more than she could tell you the pedigree of a famous cow. She knew their ages, what animals they showed, and where they placed.

“I might know a young kid who’s 10, but the next time I see them they are a foot-and-a-half taller and they are looking like a young adult, but Annette always instantly knew who they were…because she truly knew that person.

“That is the essence of why we are doing this. Before Annette was diagnosed, she would never have allowed me to name something after her. I did tell her I was going to, and as time wore on, she did come to accept it, because she cared so much for the young people.

“So, while we have signed up for 10 years, I do see this as a permanent thing. We want to make it meaningful, and we’ve deliberately put forward some sizeable prizes.”

 

Call for Entries 

Sisters Nicole Pralle and Jessica Pralle-Trimmer serve as superintendents of the World Dairy Expo Youth Showmanship Contest. Open to all youth, ages 9 to 21, more than 460 youth competed in three age divisions in the 2022 contest.

Participants in 2023 and in future contests will vie for the cash awards listed below.  The Supreme Champion will also receive a crystal trophy. Replicas of the Annette Ostrom Memorial Supreme Showmanship Award will also be displayed by the Ostrom family and at World Dairy Expo’s headquarters. Visit the Contests tab on www.worlddairyexpo.com for contest rules and to enter online. Entries will be accepted starting July 1, 2023.

 

Word Dairy Expo 2023 Showmanship Awards

  • Champion Junior Showmanship (cash award) – $1500
  • Reserve Champion Junior Showmanship  (cash award) – $750
  • Champion Intermediate Showmanship (cash award) – 1500
  • Reserve Champion Intermediate Showmanship (cash award) – $750
  • Champion Senior Showmanship (cash award) – 1500
  • Reserve Champion Senior Showmanship (cash award) – $750
  • Supreme Champion Showmanship (cash award) – $3500
  • Reserve Supreme Champion Showmanship (cash award) – $1500

Article written by Dianna Malcolm of Mud Media for World Dairy Expo.  Look for the complete article in the 2023 World Dairy Expo Official Program.

Riverdane Ex Rosabel – Bred to Be Great

Riverdane Ex Rosabel recently scored EX97 points for her UK breeders and owners, Riverdane Holsteins. Photos: Jane Steel.

Riverdane Holsteins have now been involved in four EX97 classifications – including their latest and first homebred individual – a great granddaughter of global household name Thrulane James Rose EX97-2E-CAN 3*.

The classification result comes as her UK breeders, Mark and Susan Nutsford, along with their daughter, Jodie, start turning their attention towards their “Theatre of Dreams” sale in northwest England on Saturday, August 19.

Riverdane milk 200-head (and run 650 in total, including young stock), in addition to Celltech Embryo Transfer in the heart of Cheshire, 20 miles out of Manchester. They milk 100 of their high-production Holsteins through two robots, with the balance being milked through a 20/20 herringbone parlour. They farm 182 hectares (450 acres, mostly grass, maize and whole crop wheat). They have also been a part of a fourth EX97, who now calls Willsbro Holsteins home.

Riverdane Holsteins will sell 150 lots along with select embryo packages at their farm on August 19. This is the first time a public offering of this size has been offered from Riverdane and it has been packaged in a two-day event that promises to bring the European industry together. Graphic design: Hayley Boyd, Signature Graphics.

EX ROSABEL is nine years old with seven calvings and nine calves (courtesy of two sets of twins) behind her. She has a continuing lifetime production of 95,446kg of milk with a 4.5% fat percentage (May 2023). Nominated as an All-Britain finalist as a two-year-old, EX ROSABEL has been a popular addition in Riverdane’s show team her entire career. Several of her descendants will sell on August 19 in an offering that will catalogue 150-head – the biggest offering Riverdane has ever put forward.

CHASING JAMES ROSE

US cowman Mike Deaver (pictured) was the judge who first elevated Thrulane James Rose to Grand Champion Holstein at the RWF in 2006. Photo: Dianna Malcolm.

Mark Nutsford said he had chased the family since first seeing James Rose storm the biggest shows in North America between 2006 and 2009.

= In 2008 Thrulane James Rose continued on to be Supreme Champion at both the World Dairy Expo (pictured) and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. The popular entry was also All-Canadian and All-American Mature Cow in 2008 and 2009. Photo: Dianna Malcolm.

Mark said James Rose’s udder was the first thing that drew him to her in 2006 when US cowman and judge Mike Deaver first pulled the trigger on her career despite rich company at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (RWF) in Toronto.

At the time, Mike commented as he juggled the five-year-old’s promise against the reigning back-to-back champion, Quality BC Frantisco (who was 14 months fresh) and some other high profile expensive exponents of the breed that did not lighten the responsibility, nor the public pressure.

“Well…the trick to this job is finding how to get along with new friends and how to keep your old ones,” he told the crowd at the time.

“There is a lot of great cows out here and a lot of famous cows. It’s not easy, but I like pretty girls that look like they’re ready to work and don’t want to complain about it.”

Thrulane James Rose EX97-2E-CAN 3* (pictured at WDE in 2008) now has a great granddaughter who shares the same classification score. Photo: Dianna Malcolm.

With that, he put James Rose through to her first Grand Champion. At the time, she had passed from her Mennonite breeder (who was going to beef her because she wasn’t in calf) through Scott Brethet and Beni Faulmner (Mt Elgin Dairy Farms, Guelph) to Pierre Boulet, who took the chance on her being short-bred. A true rag to riches story.

In 2008 James Rose continued on to be Supreme Champion at both the World Dairy Expo (WDE) and the RWF (she was also Grand Champion Holstein at the RWF in 2006, 2008, and 2009). The year she took WDE’s Supreme title in 2008 she had to beat Quality-Ridge Stormi Hazel in a show which also included a record number of more than 2600 animals under judge Brian Carscadden (who walked 23km that day judging them).

HEALTHY OBSESSION

By the time Mark saw Rose again at the WDE in 2008, she had become his healthy obsession.

“For sure, she’s the best cow I’ve ever seen in my life,” Mark said. “And, I haven’t missed many Madisons in the last 25 years, I can promise you.

“I was literally blown away by her frame that year. You could have got a wheelbarrow between her front legs, you really could. I couldn’t believe a cow could develop so much in the two years since I first saw her. In 2006 I couldn’t believe how good her udder was, but once she came together with her frame, she was incredible.”

He told Pierre Boulet that year that he “had to have embryos from her”. Although, the contract was signed, Rose never made those embryos.

DETERMINED TO SUCCEED

However, Riverdane did secure eggs from James Rose’s Dundee daughter through Jamie Wood (Hays Genetics International, Ontario).

Mark and Susan Nutsford with their Grand Champion of the 2021 UK Dairy Day, Riverdane Absolute Springsteen and (left) Holstein UK’s Chairman Elect Wallace Gregg. Photograph: Richard Hodgson.

When Riverdane got an exciting Goldwyn daughter on the ground in the UK their “Rosabel” family was on the way. RIVERDANE GOLDEN ROSABEL-ET VG87 was only two points off being a max-scored two-year-old, and Mark remembers her as “a goodun”. However, after complications from a twisted caecum, they lost her on her second calf.

She did leave the chance of a legacy though – in her Explode daughter, RIVERDANE EX ROSABEL-ET.

EX ROSABEL’S sire stack is WABASH-WAY EXPLODE x GOLDWYN x DUNDEE x SHORMAR JAMES x COMESTAR LEE, x COMESTAR LEADER x PRELUDE.

It includes a double-up of Goldwyn, thanks to Goldwyn siring Shoremar James in addition to EX ROSEABEL’S dam.

Mark says what he loves about EX ROSABEL is her pedigree, and how that translates.

“ROSABEL has got very, very few faults, she’s so naturally open, dairy, clean-boned and she’s got that unusual combination of strength and silk. It starts at her muzzle, and it goes right the way through her,” he said.

Mark Nutsford (Riverdane Holsteins) appeared to absorb the pressure with ease when he judged the 2019 All-European Championship in Belgium. Photo: Zosia Hunt, The Bullvine.

THE PEDIGREE CONNUMDRUM

He says James Rose was born in a herd that classified only their two-year-olds. It explains the fifth and six dams’ GP classification scores, and James Rose’s ability to shine.

“I remember back in the day when the All-American and All-Canadian two-year-old was Dupasquier Starb Winnie,” Mark said. “She was 83 points when she won those titles. If you had a GP two-year-old then, it was a helluva good heifer. It puts those scores into perspective.”

Mark says knowing that, meant there were no surprises for him in this family’s achievement.

“I know greatness doesn’t come from nowhere. It’s always got to be in that pedigree. If you look at the sire stack, they were all geat sires every one of them, and all from good cow families.

“James Rose wasn’t an accident. She was bred to be great. And, if you add Dundee x Goldwyn – a magic cross – and Explode, who was the No. 1 GTPI sire in America at the time (and who stayed up there for a long, long time), it brought us to this point where we’ve been able to breed an EX 97-point family matriarch at our farm with great milk and fertility.”

The rest of Riverdane’s classification results will follow this story…

Stay with Riverdane’s FB page as it starts to drill down into the sale offerings, and the events that promise to be well worth the trip to Cheshire on August 19.

RIVERDANE EX ROSABEL ET  

Maternal Lineage

SIRE: WABASH-WAY EXPLODE-ET VG88

D: RIVERDANE GOLDEN ROSABEL-ET VG87 (x Braedale Goldwyn)

D2: PIERSTEIN DUNDEE ROSABEL-ET VG88 (x Regancrest Dundee)

D3: THRULANE JAMES ROSE BRC EX97 (x Shoremar James)

D4: THRULANE ROXY LEE BRC VG87 (x Comestar Lee)

D5: THRULANE LEADER ROSENA GP81 (x Comestar Leader)

D6: THRULANE PRELUDE ROSE GP81 (x Ronnybrook Prelude)

 

The EX97 cows that have called Riverdane home:

  1. Bassingthorpe Leader Dilys 10 EX97 – sold as an eight-year-old to Willsbro Holsteins
  2. Applevue Rudy Mattia EX97
  3. Bressingham Raider Pansy 2 EX97
  4. RIVERDANE EX ROSABEL EX97

Written by Dianna Malcolm, Mud Media

Sale logo – Hayley Boyd, Signature Graphics

What Are the Secrets And Opportunities In Candid Photographs?

Candid ring and on-farm shots freeze time and bottle emotions, but does the industry truly appreciate the power the best images wield long after show day is over?

For the longest time, side-on photographs were the hallowed and lasting proof of excellence at the biggest shows. Now, there are a tight group of global photographers who routinely shoot and preserve action ring shots capable of raising the hair on the back of people’s necks. They are met halfway by an equally progressive group of breeders who know how to use that work – in tandem with side-on photographs – to their best advantage.

There are a couple of important “dos” and a “don’ts” for breeders who want to include candid ring shots in their marketing, and the ones who understand this undoubtedly have a head start when it comes to merchandising or saving images for their own memories…

The first and most meaningful piece of advice comes down to three words – “high resolution images”. Facebook immediately downsizes photographs, so they are not good enough quality to be used in print. If the file size doesn’t have a “MB” [megabyte] behind its name, it’s of limited use for print. It may be “marketing 101”, but it’s surprising how many make this mistake, and are left disappointed.

Breeders who want to add candid photographs to their marketing options, should request the high-resolution files from the photographer. Photographers should always also be acknowledged whenever images are used. This is not only common courtesy, it’s clearly covered in copyright law.

ADVISE FROM THE TOP

Terri Packard on Elliotts Cosmo in 2014. Photo: Laurens Rutten.

Terri Packard, of Kueffner Cows in Western Maryland, understands this part of the business well. Terri and her husband, Ernie Kueffner, are genius marketers and Terri has some simple advice. (Read more: Terri Packard: When you build it…they do come)

They launched Arethusa Farm’s brand and took its cows – among other achievements – to a history-breaking effort at the WDE. It was 2004 when Arethusa won both Supreme and Reserve Supreme Champion with their Holstein, Hillcroft Leader Melanie, and Jersey Huronia Centurion Veronica. They also won Premier Breeder banners for Arethusa in the two toughest breeds at WDE – Holsteins and Jerseys.

SSF ANDREAS CAMILLA (ANDREAS), SENIOR & GRAND CHAMPION 2022 ROYAL WINTER FAIR, ERNEST KUEFFNER & TERRI PACKARD, BOONSBORO, MD

This couple also co-managed and hosted (with Dan Donor and Isaac Lancaster) the Global Glamour sale from Arethusa’s Connecticut base in 2008, which averaged US$97,491. This was the sale that Apple was sold for US$1million. (Read more:  KHW Regiment Apple-Red-ET – Everything and more)

KHW Regiment Apple-Red-ET EX96 4E DOM 19* being led by one of the men who made her, Mike Deaver. Apple was only shown eight times in her career – for three historical results at WDE and seven All-American nominations. Today, she has more than 280 EX descendants all over the world and is the only cow to have her clone beat her for Grand at WDE and her daughter finish Honourable Mention. Her sons and grandsons have also had an extraordinary impact on both the Black & White and Red & White populations. And, there isn’t a person on the planet interested in great cows who doesn’t know her, thanks to these iconic images which serve as part of her legacy and help so many market her progeny. Photo: Nina Linton.

Today, Terri and Ernie enjoy concentrating on their own operation. They were the co-owners, masterminds, and daily grunt behind the 2019 WDE Grand Champion Holstein, Butz-Butler Gold Barbara EX95 (pictured), who was 65 days fresh after a two-year break when she won.

This magic image of Butz Butler Gold Barbara sits above Terri and Ernie’s fireplace. The photo was taken by Laurens Rutten, who will be picturing at the NZDE.

Terri says, “Before WDE Jenny Thomas [Triple-T Farm, North Lewisburg, Ohio] asked me to find some ring shots of Veronica [Huronia Centurion Veronica] for a project she was doing for Select Sires’ WDE displays.

“So, there I was digging back into my 2004 to 2006 files hoping to find something that was high enough resolution for her to enlarge. Eventually I did…and as I walked into the coliseum at Expo, there was a life-size banner of Veronica and Norman [Nabholz, her handler] hanging above one of the entrances.

“Anyway, as I had been digging, I found several that I wished I had of got in high resolution at the time. But we are talking 16 to18 years ago. Ring shots were just becoming a ‘thing’.

“There wasn’t necessarily a place to see or preview them all (like Facebook now where hundreds are posted) and you had to purchase them individually, which got to be expensive, so you only ordered your absolute favourites.

Rivendale VIP Eloise, Grand Champion International Jersey Show 2022 for Vierra Dairy Farms

“This is what I said in my email to Jenny (thinking about the success the Vierra cattle have had recently under her families’ care). ‘A piece of advice – get all the good pictures even if you have to buy them. Gather them up and file them somewhere because you never know when you will need to pull them out.’

“Fifteen to 25 years later, I am still looking back for pictures – whether for a banner we’re doing to promote a certain cow family or accomplishment, a ‘remember when’ social media post (which people love), to add more variety to the photographic selection in a sale catalog, or at the request of an AI company that wants to promote one of their bull’s daughters from the past, or just to frame for our personal use, or for gifts for our friends or partners in cattle.

 “So, that would be my advice to your readers too. Get all the good pictures you can. Every angle. And make sure you have your favourite ones saved in high resolution so that they can be used in print. Chances are the photos you grab from Facebook while scrolling on your phone are low resolution – fine for social media – but they won’t work for those special projects down the road. Twenty years from now the cost (if there is any) will seem minor compared to the memories that you have saved.”

This remains an easily recognised image which was taken at WDE in 2018. It was the moment Ysabel Jacobs accepted judge Carl Phoenix’s Grand Champion salute, which was not lost on Ysabel’s brother, Yan, standing beside her with the winning four-year-old, Jacobs Windbrook Aimo EX95. Aimo’s day would come at The Royal a month later. This is a powerful reminder of Jacobs in full flight. Photo: The Bullvine.

Ysabel Jacobs, of Ferme Jacobs agrees. Based at Cap-Santé, in Québec, only one other Canadian farm has won Premier Breeder at The Royal more times than Ferme Jacobs (Romandale Holsteins, 13 times). Notably, at The Royal, in 2018 Ferme Jacobs showed no heifers and they have nudged ahead of household names like Dupasquier Holsteins, Hanover Hill Holsteins, Glenafton Holsteins and Rosafe Holsteins. (Read more:  Ferme Jacobs – “Dreams without goals are just….dreams”)

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

In 2018 the Holstein breeders won Grand and Reserve Grand Champion with homebred entries. The last time that had happened at The Royal was Agro Acres with maternal sisters in 1969. Before that the only other recorded time was by Mount Victoria in 1935. Not bad for a family that didn’t show in-milk cows at The Royal until 2003, or at WDE until 2008. 

“We mostly use our ring shots because we believe they are the most natural pictures of the cow,” Ysabel says.

It’s worth noting that they also have the advantage of the incredibly talented photographic story-teller, Carl Saucier, in-house.

Carl Saucier at the WDE 2022. He is one of the undisputed masters at telling stories through his lens.

Erbacres Snapple Shakira was Supreme at the 2021 World Dairy Expo. She is owned by Ferme Jacobs, Ty-D Holsteins, Theraulaz, Ferme Antelimarck, C & F Jacobs, Quebec. Photo: Carl Saucier.

Shakira looked just as good at home. Photo: Carl Saucier.

Shakira with Yan Jacobs son Charlie

A recent tragedy is perhaps the most potent reminder of the value of an exceptional photo. Blondin RD Unstopabull Maple appeared to indeed be “unstoppable” after winning Grand Champion of the Red & White Holstein show, Grand Champion of the Black & White Holstein Show, and Supreme Champion of the 100th Royal Winter Fair, in Canada. A month later, this exciting four-year-old passed away. She was owned by K Doeberiener, L Bowen, W Schilling & T&S Abbott.

Everyone had their lens trained on Blondin RD Unstopabull Maple over her three-day back-to-back journey at The Royal in Canada last November when she achieved something that hadn’t been done at that show since 1982. She won the Red & White, the Black & White and the Supreme Champion of the show. Photo: The Bullvine.

A special moment for William Schilling, one of Maple’s owners. Photo: The Bullvine.

It was also a sad day for Adam Hodgins, from Hodglynn Holsteins, Kincardine, Ontario who had bought Maple’s dam, Kawartha Armani Memory EX92 (in partnership with Select Farm, Export Ltd, Little Star Holsteins, and Crackholm Holsteins) when she was carrying Maple. However, his partnership still has Memory, along with several sisters and family members. He knows the reality is that those photos are potentially gilded with gold.

“I can’t emphasis enough the importance of getting a high-resolution photo to increase your profits, and the marketability of family members and future generations,” Adam said.

PUSHING BOUNDARIES

Han Hopman’s work through Holstein International is as iconic as his on-farm images which have been gracing this magazine for years. (Read more Han Hopman: Shooting Straight at Holstein International)

Another of the photographers who has more recently led the charge in candid ring photographs is Andrew Hunt, of The Bullvine. Never backward in coming forward, he doesn’t mince his words. (Read more: The Bullvine – Comfortable making others Uncomfortable)

“Nothing does a better job of grabbing the readers’ attention and capturing the moments people will never forget than show ring pictures,” Andrew said. “They tell a story and storytelling is timeless.”

The week following WDE there were more than 600 downloads of The Bullvine’s hi-resolution photographs.

“In an era of photoshop, show ring pictures leave no doubt as to the ethics of the photos. In show ring pictures you can ensure that what you see is what you are purchasing or investing in.”

For many in the industry, these images have also become more than simply about the great cows. It has also about the people, friends, and families who manage and show those cows.  

Ms Beautys Black Velvet-ET, owned by Duckett Holsteins, Vierra Dairy, and Triple-T Holsteins, leaves the ring with Mike Duckett (left) and his children in a special family moment at the 2022 WDE. Black Velvet won the six years and over class. Photo: The Bullvine.

Oakfield Solom Footloose-ET getting the nod from judge Pierre Boulet. Footloose is owned by Duckett Holsteins, Vierra Dairy, and Tim & Sharyn Abbott, Rudolph, WI. Photo: The Bullvine.

It’s been a while since the 2016 WDE, but many will remember this image The Bullvine took of judge Pat Conroy giving Jeannette Sheehan’s Sheeknoll Durham Arrow, of Sheeknoll Farms, Rochester, MN Grand Champion of the Holstein show.

Reese Burdette’s determined return to the ring was a triumphant moment for this young woman and her family. She had spent two years at Johns Hopkins Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Baltimore, recovering from severe burns and other injuries she received in a fire at her grandparents’ house over Memorial Day weekend in 2014. The global industry followed her progress closely. Photo: The Bullvine.

The NZDE judge Mark Nutsford in action at the 2019 All-European Championship in Belgium. He will soon be standing in the middle of the ring at Feilding. Photo: Zosia Hunt, The Bullvine.

SPAIN KNOWS HOW TO CELEBRATE

Llinde Ariel Jordan EX93 is the three-time consecutive Champion of the Spanish National Show (2019, 2021, and 2022 – no 2020 show). Last year this 11-year-old with more than 113,000 lifetime litres to her credit was trucked more than 1500km to the Cremona International Show. She went up against younger cows that hadn’t travelled as far…and she won Supreme. Photo:Guillaume Moy)

For any, who had any doubt about what that win meant for Spain, click on this link and see Jordan’s phenomenal homecoming. https://www.facebook.com/reel/533140285375660?fs=e&s=m

NZDE HAS A TALENTED BELGIUM ON THE BOOKS

The NZDE has an exciting opportunity to find its own iconic images from January 24 to 26 when Belgium photographer Laurens Rutten pictures at its Feilding event this year. Laurens, who is well known to the international show community, was nicknamed “the pretzel” by Canadian photographer Patty Jones because of his uncanny ability to fold his lanky frame into a low-lying pose to capture photographs. (Read more Photographer Laurens Rutten “A Rising Star”)

Laurens Rutten has earned his nickname. Photo supplied.

Laurens Rutten has been learning about New Zealand dairying.

Laurens brings New Zealanders an advantage they haven’t had since UK photographers, Ginger & Pickles, and Claire Swale, visited.

Laurens has been working on-farm in New Zealand after finishing his bachelor’s degree in International Agribusiness (Van Hall Larenstein, Wageningen) and Masters degree in Animal Science specialising in Animal Nutrition & Metabolism (Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands).

“I’m on a global dairy experience where I’m working in various roles for progressive dairies with a view to enhance my practical knowledge in dairy production,” Laurens said.

“I’m working across different regions while travelling, exploring different cultures, and developing my professional network,” he said. In the lead-up to the NZDE he was working on a 1400-cow pasture-based dairy in Methven, Canterbury (South Island).”

He was just 17 when he first worked the European show in March 2013 in Fribourg, Switzerland.

“It has truly been a fantastic experience and I feel very privileged to have photographed some of the best cows our industry has seen over the past decade.

“Two of my photos of O’Kalibra are still some of my favorites today, and when they were recognised at the time, it gave me opportunities like being asked by Holsteinplaza/Eurogenes to photograph at World Dairy Expo in October 2013,” Laurens said.

How much money would have been made from the photographic memories Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra EX97 left with the industry? She was the Supreme Champion at the 2012 and 2013 Swiss Expo. In 2013 she was also selected as the Champion of the All-European Holstein Show. Without these photos, her marketing might would have been compromised. Photo: Laurens Rutten.

Laurens Rutten with fellow photographers at the 2018 WDE. His work not only put European cows in the global spotlight, it also furthered his photography career. Photo: Randy Blodgett.

Laurens has pictured at four WDEs (2013, 2014, 2015, 2018), two European Shows (2013 Fribourg – 2016 Colmar), four Swiss Expos (2014, 2015, 2016, 2020), the Belgian National Show, the Dutch National Show, the Austrian National Show, the European Open Holstein Show at Montichiari (Italy), the Luxembourg National Show, various regional shows in Canada, Belgium and The Netherlands – in addition to young breeders competitions and auctions.

“A candid photo shows cows from many different angles and as a photographer there is nothing more exciting than having the 360-degree freedom around those amazing cows while integrating beautiful backgrounds and the scenery typical of a specific show,” Laurens said.

“A photographer generally has the best seat in the house. Therefore, from a short distance looking in the class for an animal’s strengths, capturing the atmosphere and searching for beautiful moments in and around the ring is very enjoyable, and all part of providing the best possible coverage.

“In the end, there is nothing more rewarding to see your photos being used.  It has been exciting to see the uptake of everyone’s candid photos in our industry being nowadays the showcase/gateway for a show to the international dairy community as well as an integral part of breeders and farmers for their marketing their genetics.”    

He credits his parents, Karel Rutten and Anne-Lies Martens for infusing a love of the industry from a young age and he is available for competitors at the NZDE to picture – either in the ring at the show – or by appointment following the show.

“It’s something that still gives me goosebumps when I reflect or look back at my work and continue to do photographing forward. I’m looking forward to being part of the NZDE’s media team.”

As the show focus heads Down Under over the next month, one of those shows – the New Zealand Dairy Event (NZDE) – will welcome a number of international fitters, in addition to ringside photographer Laurens Rutten (Belgium). He will team up with Dianna Malcolm (Mud Media) as the NZDE’s media team. Laurens’ candid ring shots include some iconic international work, and he offers New Zealand exhibitors a special opportunity to take their cows’ marketing to the next level. For the spectators who can’t get to the show, judging will be livestreamed via the show’s facebook page by On Target Productions. This story traverses the international industry and shows what can be achieved with savvy marketing…

Laurens’ work at the NZDE is partially sponsored by Performance Probiotics. 

Horror Trip Finishes on a High Note

The top price for the Glenalla and Snowfed Tag sale was $13,000 and it was paid for four-year-old, Glenalla Links Clover, who went on to finish third in the four-year-old class which included the Reserve Senior Champion Jersey and Best Udder of the Jersey Show.

The three-and-a-hour hour ferry ride passes through some treacherous water between the North and South Islands of New Zealand.

When 14 hours turned into 60 calamitous hours trucking 33-head from the South to the North Island, the Gilbert family knew they were up against it more than usual at the New Zealand Dairy Event (NZDE). 

LITERALLY NEARLY EVERYTHING THAT COULD GO WRONG, DID. 

Just north of Cheviot in North Canterbury their truck’s clutch went, which left them stranded on the side of the road with the cows on-board (top and bottom) from 9.45pm until 3.30am the next morning, when they were towed 92km back to a mechanic’s garage in Rangiora.

CRESSLANDS TO THE RESCUE

The cavalry arrived soon after in the form of the Stewart family, who run Cresslands Farms, just out of Rangiora. Graham Stewart brought their truck in, they off-loaded the cows between trucks in two trips, and took them back to Cresslands. At that point the cows and heifers had been on the truck for 14 hours. The Cresslands team, which include Josh Norton and Andrew Stewart, then got them milked out and into Cressland’s show paddocks on hay racks to rest and recover.

Westbourne T Bone Yoko finished 4th in the five and six-year-old class that her herdmate won. She didn’t sell.

The replacement truck they arranged also broke down (before they loaded up) and they had to find a back-up for the back-up truck. The next truck got to the ferry, only to be turned away because it didn’t have a booking – a booking that Peter Gilbert had an email confirming. But the cows were turned away nonetheless, and had to be trucked 28km back to Blenheim, and unloaded in the saleyards until the booking could be re-scheduled for later that day. They finally arrived in Feilding Saturday morning, having been milked four times in 60 hours.

Glenalla and Snowfed Farms knew they had the toughest recovery to settle their team if everything went perfectly. Let alone if there were problems. They also had the added extra pressure because they were offering their whole team for sale in a “Sell the Show String” Tag sale (excluding their clients’ animals who either boarded at their farm, or who were showing in their team).

The Tag sale format they are using was new for New Zealand, but it is common throughout the world. It involved Glenalla and Snowfed pricing their animals during the week. If the price worked for buyers, they would be sold.

NO PUBLIC ALLOWED

Then, Glenalla and Snowfed – like most of the showgrounds – heard the news that the New Zealand government had gone to the red traffic light COVID-19 protection framework – limiting exhibitor numbers on-ground to 100 (plus event staff).

It was more bad news for a first-time Tag sale that depended on people and energy.

Premier Tequila Sweet won the five and six-year-old class for Glenalla and Snowfed Farms.

“It worried me when no-one was going to be at the show apart from exhibitors,” Peter said. “It was scary enough doing the sale, I thought, and it became a little bit more scary when there was no public there.”

It’s was another lesson in tenacity and teamwork.

“We had sort of decided if we could get a 50% clearance, we’d be pretty happy.”

They achieved a remarkable clearance, selling 17 of the 21-head they offered (81%) for a gross turnover of around $80,000.

The top price was $13,000 for their four-year-old Jersey, Glenalla Links Clover, who went on to finish third in the four-year-old class which included the Reserve Senior Champion Jersey (and Best Udder of the Jersey Show).

“It’s fair to say we are pretty thrilled with how it went. We always said we were prepared to sell our best, so we showed that we will,” Peter said.

He was also thrilled to see a number of young breeders buy.

“We always hoped that would happen, and that’s why we had some reasonably cheap lots in there.”

When it came to getting the cows out on show day, Peter credited the team around them for being able to turn the cows around in time to have a competitive show.

They would go on and win their first ever Premier Exhibitor banner.

“I was amazed how they came out. It was a real team effort, but I think we’ll all be pretty glad when the cows are safely home,” he said.

Glenalla and Snowfed Farms faced the toughest road to get their teams out on-song after a nightmare trip. Premier Tequila Sweet won the five and six-year-old class.

The good news is the homeward-bound truck home will only be carrying around 19-head as a result of the sale (including animals that were sold that are going to South Island buyers and some new animals that will board at Glenalla and Snowfed).

Safe travels Glenalla and Snowfed.

Dangerous stretch of water tests a New Zealand family’s nerve

When New Zealanders decide to show a cow from the South Island in the North Island, it’s never a decision for the faint-hearted.

There is no comfortable low-centre-of-gravity vehicles, portable milkers or easy way to do almost anything with the cows when they are on the road.

They are usually tied on the trucks. And, the ferry rules prohibit owners from checking on their cattle during the three-and-a-half ferry ride across the Cook Strait between Picton (the top of the South Island) and Wellington (the bottom of the North Island).

Not such a big deal, some may think?

Dangerous waters

However, the Cook Strait is notorious for being one of the world’s roughest stretches of water. It’s part of the westerly wind belt known as the “Roaring Forties”. As the only gap between the mountainous main islands of the country, the strait acts like a huge wind tunnel.

To put that into perspective, the Cook Straight was the scene of two of New Zealand’s worst maritime catastrophes – the 1909 Penguin Disaster – and, the 1968 sinking of the Wellington-Lyttelton ferry, Wahine. 

Yet, the Gilbert family, from Mid-Canterbury are preparing tackle the 17-hour (in total) journey with a load that includes Jerseys, Holsteins, and one Ayrshire, who recently won the Canterbury A&P On-Farm show’s Supreme Senior Champion of all breeds.

Four-metre high swells

Brothers, Nick, Michael and Luke – together with their parents, Peter and Anne – collectively milk just over 1200 cows on two farms at Ashburton. They are headed to the Stratford Show in the Taranaki, which carries significant prize money and the tempting title of a “Royal” show.

Michael Gilbert said they have endured a crossing with cows before when the swells have been up to four metres high.

“To be honest, on that particular crossing we were struggling to stay in our seats up top with the other passengers, and we knew that our cows were down there, so it was pretty stressful,” Michael said.

“But, surprisingly the cows seem to handle the ferry crossing better than the rest of the truck trip. They were lying down when we got to them at the end of that trip. But, when we’re on the road, they tend to stand the whole time.”

Michael said they’d had tried breaking the trip up to rest the cows, but it just seemed to work better if they pushed through, and got it done.

No surprises now

And, now that the industry is aware that their Ayrshire, Pukekaraka Elle Delilah, is on the truck with all breed winning potential, the brothers will be working hard to get her settled and ready to take on her counterparts who don’t have to travel as far.

“We already had Delilah pencilled in for Stratford before these results,” Michael said. “It’s going to be a massive show, there are some good Ayrshires in the North Island, and we wanted to see what she’ll look like alongside them.

“Plus, we haven’t been out for two years [because of New Zealand’s decision to eradicate M.bovis], and we’re really ready to get back into it.”

Michael bought Delilah last year within a group of five cows at the Pukekaraka dispersal. She cost him $2500 in a sale, which averaged $1600. He didn’t have her listed in his first picks when he went through the catalogue offered by the Robinson family. But, when he got to the sale that decision quickly changed.

Planned punt

Even though she was dry with no herd test results, he decided the five-year-old, who is sired by UK sire, Haresfoot Elegant, needed to join his 630-cow herd at Ashburton – an hour south of Christchurch. Brookview sires (from the Steiner family at Tokoroa) are the sires two generations behind that.

“She just caught my eye,” Michael said. “I thought she could be a diamond in the rough, if she came together right. And, the reason I had more confidence in her was that I’d always admired the Robinson’s show cows.

“They’ve always had that cut of a cow that suits all breeds. And, if we were going to buy an Ayrshire, she needed to be able to compete in all breeds. As soon as she calved in, I knew I had something special.”

She produced more than 8000 litres in 280 days on her first lactation, and won the Canterbury and national on-farm for her breed age-group last year.

Michael said when she calved in again at the start of September with a heifer by Kingsire, she was producing close to 3kg MS/day extremely fresh. The Canterbury A&P On-Farm was the first and only chance to step her out.

“I hoped she’d be competitive in the all breeds for her age group, but to win the Supreme Senior Champion was a pretty big honour,” Michael said. “Because there haven’t been a whole lot of Ayrshires in Canterbury do that well in a long time (1981).

“And, since we haven’t been to a show ourselves since 2017, it’s felt like a long time between drinks for us.”

Strong family

Delilah’s breeder, Matt Robinson, confirmed that she was from one of their strongest families, which had only been held back by their penchant for delivering more bulls than heifer calves. Delilah’s fifth dam, Pukekaraka Pebbles Dell EX, was Champion All Breeds at the Waihi Show, aged 13. 

Matt who is a PE teacher has kept some cows, and he said that Delilah would have been his very next choice if he hadn’t been bound by a ceiling on numbers.

“But, I’m very happy that she has gone to a great home, where the Gilbert family could develop her even more,” Matt said.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better result. If you can’t show a champion, having your prefix on a champion is the next best thing, isn’t it?

“And, for her to get through the All Breeds against some bloody good Holsteins and Jerseys in Canterbury is very cool for our breed, and for our breeding.”

November 28 and 29 will be the day of truth when the Stratford show – which is shaping up as a big show for Down Under  – kicks off.

 

 

 

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Terri Packard: When you build it…they do come

Kueffner Cows’ Terri Packard is a rare mix of elegance and grit.  

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.

Terri is married to Ernie Kueffner, and there is nothing this power couple has not achieved in the industry – for others – and, for themselves. They are among the small echelon of A-listers that influence the top end of the global registered-cattle business. (Read more: KUEFFNER DAIRY TEAMWORK “2 Dream the Impossible Dream!”)

 Terri was recently named a judge for the National Jersey Jug Futurity at Louisville. It’s only the second time a woman has been asked to judge the world’s oldest and richest class for dairy cattle. The first was Alta Mae Core, and it’s an accolade Ernie believes is long overdue.

 Terri is not only ready to step up to judge, she is also ready to speak up about the registered industry, her defining moments, what it takes to market cattle, and the extreme solution the couple has been mulling over to combat the cancellation of this year’s World Dairy Expo (WDE)…

Now settled full-time at Kueffner Cows in Western Maryland, Terri and Ernie are well-known for launching Arethusa Farm’s brand, and taking its cows – among other achievements – to a history-breaking effort at the WDE. It was 2004 when Arethusa won both Supreme and Reserve Supreme Champion with their Holstein, Hillcroft Leader Melanie, and Jersey Huronia Centurion Veronica. (Read more: Arethusa: A Winning Focus)

The couple also co-managed (with Dan Donor and Isaac Lancaster) and hosted the Global Glamour sale from Arethusa’s Connecticut base in 2008, which averaged US$97,491, when Apple was sold for US$1 million. They won Premier Breeder banners for Arethusa in the two toughest breeds at WDE – Holsteins and Jerseys.

More recently, Terri and Ernie were the co-owners, masterminds and grunt behind the 2019 WDE Grand Champion Holstein, Butz-Butler Gold Barbara EX95, who was 65 days fresh after a break of two years.

There have been too many blue ribbons and Grand Champions in between to mention.

Great cows need care

Known equally for her cowmanship as for her marketing genius, Terri’s talent – in combination with Ernie’s – has granted the couple access to some of the best cows and deepest pockets in the industry.

Yet being a sixth-generation farmer, Terri’s ultimate master remains as it has always been: hard graft.

Terri has overhead people saying it’s easy to market great cows on the budgets they’ve had access to over the years. Her reply is simple.

“Yes, we have worked with a lot of people who have had money, and some people say we bought the cows, and there was the money to do it.

“But, one of the biggest things for me in marketing is first and foremost you have to take care of the cows. Without them, you have nothing. It doesn’t cost anything to brush tails, and soap is cheap.

“Yes, you can spend a lot of money on a beautiful display at a show, but if all you do is look after the cows, you’re still promoting your ability, your programme, and your attention to detail.

“There’s honestly nothing I enjoy doing more at a show than brushing tails. It’s therapy. We were all taught in 4H to clean hooves, ears, and have the sweat out from the udders … and so many seem to forget that. It’s something you can do without a lot of financial outlay. That’s what my mother taught me. And, wow, she was tough. She taught me more about elbow grease than anything else.”

Within the bigger picture, it has been Terri’s upbringing in northern Pennsylvania, her 4H experience, her personal journey, and Terri and Ernie’s partnership – all of which has collectively contributed to her stellar career. 

More than show day

Terri says not having WDE this year will sort out who truly is prepared to put the work in on their cattle day in, day out.

“With the shows falling like dominos, it’s going to sort the people out. I’m talking about the people who take care of their cows every day, no matter what, and who takes care of them ‘just because there is a show on’ – because this is an every-day, detail-oriented business.”

Terri says Ernie still gets up every night between midnight and 2 am to check the cows whether there is a show on the horizon or not.

He either puts the lights on them if they are in the pasture, or he picks the shits while he’s there if they are in the stalls. Terri does the early morning shift. They know their best insurance is having eyes on their cows.

Terri says, “You can’t teach people to observe. You either have it, or you don’t. You can teach them all the other stuff. But not that.

“Ernie gets annoyed with me at shows, because I’m on the wash rack, which is my one-on-one time with the cows, and I’ll come in and say, ‘There’s a cut on this cow, this cow has some swelling in her neck, and I can smell some hoof rot’. He’ll say to me, ‘Did anything good happen on the wash rack?’.

“But, we both know that observing and the attention to detail is so important, and it’s unrelenting.”

Unsurprisingly, it was Terri who suggested a sign for the new barn’s entrance at Arethusa. It’s a statement that hung at Ernie’s family operation in Wisconsin: “Every cow in this barn is a lady. Please treat her as such.”

It speaks to both of their hearts.

Ernie on Terri’s talent

As always with industry couples who are both talented, Ernie has often been given the lead. However, his respect for his wife runs deep, and he says her judging role at Louisville’s National Jersey Jug Futurity is overdue.

Ernie says, “In agriculture, to get to the top requires sacrifices. If they’re willing to do it, I’ve always thought that women had as much – or more – ability than the men. I’ve never had a question about that in my mind.

“I thought there was an opportunity for Terri to go forward to judge because she’s ready, she enjoys it, and that’s extremely important. She’s been up for judging roles before now, and she’s been beaten by males that aren’t qualified as her … because they’re men. It’s irritating. In fact, it irritates me a lot, because I believe that holds a number of women back sometimes.

“When she got the Louisville appointment – even though we don’t know for sure [the event] is going to happen – it was quite thrilling.”

Ernie also says Terri has strong opinions – these will keep her steady when she gets to the pointy end of the day.

“Over the years I’ve seen when certain male or female judges get to the Grand Champion – the very important times – they start to second guess themselves. Terri doesn’t second guess herself.”

Terri confirms she enjoys judging, and she knows it includes some pressure for her peers.

“I think it’s hard being in a situation whereas a couple the two of us have had success. People think I might do what Ernie would like. It’s hard to get out of that shadow, and it seems to be hard for people to understand that you might have your own opinion.

“If a woman doesn’t do a good job judging, then it’s that much harder to get momentum for other women. If a man does a bad job, it doesn’t hurt the other guys as much.”

Terri’s associate in the National Jersey Jug Futurity will be the dry-witted Richard Caverly, who managed Arethusa before Ernie and Terri took over.

Ernie’s best deal

Ernie says his wife is one of the special ones, and when asked what she has brought to their operation, he doesn’t hesitate to give her the credit she deserves.

It’s a little difficult to answer real quick because she obviously brings a great deal. She brings a lot of energy and a lot of objectivity.

“She does physical, mental and emotional work, and she’s outstanding in marketing and advertising. Terri can do anything – and she does it well.”

He smiles, “We don’t always agree, and sometimes she takes longer to do some jobs than I’d like her to, but she always does it well.”

He quips, “And when she gets a new haircut, that looks good too!”

All jokes aside, Ernie knows he made the best deal of his life when Terri agreed to share her life with him.

“There is an integrity and decency in Terri which means she can also go to any farm anywhere, at any time and she will always be welcomed.

“That’s quite a compliment. I’m not sure I’d be welcome everywhere, but that’s okay. Because there’s some places I don’t want to go.”

Arethusa was defining

What some don’t know about the couple’s dominating run at Arethusa is that for the first 12 months of their full-time association, Terri managed Arethusa while Ernie continued to run their home operation – six hours away.

She was 33 at the time, and Ernie and Terri had never milked more than 15 to 20 cows at home. Her brother, David, worked alongside her, and Ernie commuted a couple of times a month. It was a defining appointment for Terri.

Ernie says, “That was probably quite extreme for Terri at the time, and she was probably quite shocked for the first five minutes after I suggested it. But, for me, it was simple. From a personal standpoint, I wanted her to be more challenged; I knew she’d do well, and I knew there would be no failure.”

Terri agreed that she was stunned when Ernie suggested it without discussing it with her first.

“That really changed me – because it threw me out there,” Terri says. “I wasn’t on my own entirely, but it sure felt like it. That first year we were there, our mother [Marilyn], passed away and David and I were on this new farm, with young employees, Japanese interns and college kids.

“It was like being a parent in many ways, but I also had the responsibility of the cows. It was a lot. But I enjoyed it. There were days in the beginning where I was out mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, and mowing the pastures, because in the beginning, we did it all. When it got to that first successful year at Madison, that put me in the office full time, and I then became the relief milker.”

The 2004 WDE success put a lot of pressure on Terri and Ernie because it “ratcheted” up Arethusa’s owner’s expectations. And the industry was paying attention.

Terri says, “When you have a certain amount of success, there are people that are happy for you, and there are people that are jealous. Some people are both.

“But Arethusa was great at letting us do our job. From the beginning we said we would stay involved as long as they remembered that the cows came first, followed by the owners, and then the employees. But, the cows would always come first.”

When the couple called time on Arethusa after a decade, they gave owners George Malkemus and Tony Yurgaitis just over a year’s warning to put their plans in place.

“Sometimes it feels like it was a lifetime ago. We had a great group of cows and a great group of young people.

“One of the best things was the people we got to work with. Because we had young people who wanted to learn. And, they were dedicated, teachable and they loved cows.

“They’ve gone on to do great things. At one point, we had former employees managing every one of the major show herds in North America.

“We still get calls and texts with what they’re doing. That’s been a major highlight for both of us to watch their careers.”

Reputations make sales

Terri and Ernie were planning a sale in conjunction with the Franchise Kind in June.

When COVID-19 happened, they were preparing to hunker down and ride it out until they could re-schedule.

In the interim, the Hogan family, who milks over 5000 cows at Misty Meadow Dairy in Oregon, approached them with an eye on acquiring the 2018 WDE Intermediate Champion and Reserve Grand Champion, South Mountain Voltage Radiant EX91. Ernie had always said she was for sale. On one condition.

“There was one cow in particular that they wanted and other people have asked about her at different times,” Terri confirms. “And, the answer was, ‘Yes, Radiant is for sale, but not alone’. Because, if she is not here, the excitement is gone about going to the barn in the morning for Ernie.

“He’s said that for a couple of years now.”

“Finally, I just gave the Hogan family the spreadsheet of all our animals, and they came back and asked us how much for all of them. You can’t pass up that kind of opportunity. Ernie and I each picked out one baby calf to keep and we have a couple of donors, some Holstein heifers, a Brown Swiss donor and Barbara left.

“We still have Radiant here too on behalf of the Hogans, because we had planned to prepare her for Madison. Hopefully, Louisville will go ahead, so we can get her out there.”

Importantly, Terri and Ernie have never been able to ship milk in their operation, and so 37 head were loaded up for their new future. They are now in the care of Misty Meadow’s herdsman, Danny Upchurch. Danny handled a lot of the sale detail and is responsible for the family’s type herd, which is currently located in California while a facility is being acquired for them in Oregon.

“We sold because there was so much uncertainty in these unprecedented times. We didn’t know when we’d be able to have a sale, what the economy would be, whether anybody would be in the mood to buy anything and whether there would be any shows. And, when somebody comes along with sincere interest in type cattle with pedigrees who wanted to breed from them, we had to consider it.”

Ernie and Terri remain in the mix, helping the new owners with decisions related to marketing, showing and breeding.

“It’s hard to see them go, and I still cried when we left after visiting them, but they look good,” Terri said. “They’re doing well and they’re happy. The first day we walked in there they were so buried in this beautiful oat hay they were eating that they didn’t even want to talk to us. Which was good. They’ve adjusted well, and it couldn’t be more opposite living for them.

“But this is the first time since we’ve lived here for 23 years that there’s not been a Jersey heifer on this farm.”

Circular business

Terri says she wasn’t surprised when Ernie immediately started gathering new animals.

“This is an addiction, right?! No sooner had we got them loaded and out the driveway than Ernie started talking about Michael Heath and Nathan Thomas’s sale, which was running a week later. Ernie felt he should support it because he’s a firm believer that everyone in this industry has to give and take.”

They bought a springing heifer that caught Terri’s eye, who they say has calved out beautifully. Terri says while buying goes against their “sort of” plans to slow up, they both have a happy knack for finding the good ones.

“I give Ernie a hard time about it, but it’s usually beneficial,” she pauses reflectively. “If we sell a whole bunch of cattle, two years later he’ll end up buying one of them back. When we had our sale in 2016, we sold a bred heifer for $5500. She calved out the next year, and Mike Deaver called and said, ‘You might want to know about this one.’

“We bought her back over the phone, and we never saw her before she arrived at the farm. That was Radiant. And, he’s done it before.”

Another Jersey recently joined them – a daughter from Radiant – who was sold last year. She’s owned in partnership with RCD Jerseys (Rankin, Ceresna and Deist).
The two calves they chose to keep include Ernie’s choice of a Velocity out of Radiant, while Terri chose a calf who goes back to one of the first Jerseys they bought from Canada after they moved to Boonsboro in 1997.

Terri says, “I’m keeping something out of that Sofie family until we’re done. Her dam is a Premier x Comerica x Deluxe x Premonition x Sofie and she’s sired by Velocity too, so I’ve got my shot of Veronica in there.”

Giving up the business may have been muted, but somehow it still feels a world away.

“We did have that discussion pretty seriously, and I thought selling that many cattle during a pandemic might be a sign that perhaps it is enough, and we should slow down.

“Ernie is almost 20 years older than me, he’s got Parkinson’s Disease, and while he’s working hard against it, he does have it.”

Barbara: sweet win

When the talk turns to achievement and favourite cows, Terri says for Barbara to go all the way last year under judge Chad Ryan, of Fond du Lac in Wisconsin, was a personal sweet spot in her career. 

“I remember when Barbara was in the ring, all these people were wanting to talk to me. And, all I wanted to do was to watch that cow,” Terri said. “Finally I got up on top of a chair, so that no-one could talk to me.

“Because that moment was the culmination of so, so much work, and I just wanted to see Barbara be happy, and see her appreciated.

“We’ve shown some beautiful older cows in the last few years that have been hammered in the ring. And, I wanted to see a judge respect an older cow. And, I’ve never seen her in all the years we’ve had her behave so well and look so happy out there, and just show off like Veronica and Ashlyn used to do.

“That moment made up for all the hours of work over the years.”

Terri says Barbara calved at the end of July. She hadn’t had a calf in two years, was fat and angry to be in-milk again.

“She was wicked. She was the nastiest Holstein cow I’d ever milked for those first two weeks. She was so mad that her udder was full of milk. We had quite a roller coaster ride with her for 65 days, and then to stand there looking at her in the ring was a testament to the cow and to the judge, who was so respectful of both the cows and the exhibitors.

“I don’t think anyone would feel that he didn’t give their cows time that day.

“If we never showed again after that, I’m okay with that.”

Barbara inspirational

Terri Packard worries that missing WDE could be critical for a number of form cows, and she has been mulling over an edgy alternative because it also worries her what the industry will do without some light at the end of the tunnel.

“Every day since they’ve cancelled WDE, I have the discussion with my husband about another show.”

“So many of these cows have that one day like Barbara, and you may not ever get it back. That’s one of the main reasons why I want a show this year. For all these cows that are ready.

“People say there is always next year, but there may not be next year for some of them.”

Veronica still favourite

People who know cows, know that if they get great care and management, they have the confidence to show their personality and intellect.  

And, of all the great ones Terri has worked with – even though she was reared with Holsteins – it is a household Jersey name, Veronica, who remains her favourite.

“There’s been so many unique and interesting animals I’ve worked with, but I don’t think anyone else looked at you like they knew what you were talking about like Veronica did.

“She was so aware of people. It is 18 years since we bought her, and we worked with her for more than 10 years, and we still tell the stories about her because she was just that smart.

“She had such an appetite, and she was so aggressive at a show. When we would take her out to be washed, Ernie would have to stand the end of the barn and clear the way for her when she came back.

“Because as soon as she got to the door, she knew her feed would be in her stall, and no-one could hold her back. We literally always had the biggest guy we had in our team bring her in, and she’d start getting mad, and Ernie would say, ‘Let her go.’ She’d just storm into the barn, and into her stall, and start eating.

“She was the same in the clipping chute. And, she knew when people were watching her. You could see the angle of her head change. One day we were classifying Holsteins at Arethusa, and we were washing and clipping the cows and the Holsteins were getting all the attention, and that morning we left the Jerseys out.

“When they let the cows back in to feed, we turned around and Veronica had walked into the barn, and she was standing in the clipping chute like she was saying, ‘What am I? Chopped liver?’

“Norman [Nabholz] used to lead her, but I remember one year we took her to Louisville, and she was pissed that day. Norman saw her come out of the chute really mad, she was hauling arse as she stormed up the aisle and into her stall, and he was like, ‘I can’t do it. I’m out. She’s gonna take me for a ride’.

“Ernie was like, ‘We haven’t got time for this’. Norman said, ‘Steve White will do it’. And, Ernie didn’t think he would. And, Norm replied, ‘He will if I ask him’.

“Steve is such a big, broad-shouldered man, and luckily for us he said he’d do it. So, we walked Veronica down to the ring with Norman at the halter and right before Veronica went into the ring, Steve took over.

“And, you could see Veronica slowly look up at Steve, take in his size advantage, and you could literally see her thinking, ‘I’m not gonna be messing with this guy’. She led like a dream that day, and she was Champion.”

Does Terri think she would have led for Norman?

“I think that day she might have taken him.

“Everything she did was always extreme. It was great to be around her. I led her twice over the years – once at The Royal as a second-calved two-year-old when she was Intermediate Champion and Reserve Grand under Steve Borland – and, as a 10-year-old at the Spring Show where she was Reserve Grand. But she was a handful and headstrong. Her great-granddaughter acts just like her.

“Jerseys have so much more personality than Holsteins, and they just draw you in. There’s the rare Holstein that is responsive like that, and Barbara is one of them, so I enjoy working with her, and I love observing her.”
Terri says Jerseys might get sick a little quicker than Holsteins, but they get better faster.

“And, don’t let anyone tell you they don’t eat as much.”

Delicate marketing dance

Terri warns that marketing in today’s world is a delicate dance.

“I think it’s just so important, especially now that we don’t get a Holstein World, and every state doesn’t have their own breed publications. We’ve got to build our own hype, and have our cows in front of people. And, it’s very accessible to do that through social media.

“But, I don’t like to badger everyone, because – when I need to market – I want them to listen.”

Every industry needs leaders

In closing, Terri hopes there is room in the industry for the next generation to come through.

“There are a lot of young people out there who have a strong interest in registered cattle, and they want to take care of good cows,” Terri said. “But I don’t see very many of them going out and buying the farms, or having the income to be the next generation of that.

“All these young people who love to do this – there needs to be the next layers of owners who can afford to hire them, and who can afford to take care of these good cows.

“I hope there are enough people that still get excited about going to the shows and having a nice cow to look at in the barn in the morning.

“Because it does take more work, those kinds of cows do need more care, and in order to be developed to that point…it’s every day – it’s not just once you get on the truck, and head out for the show.”

It’s been said that without someone to set the bar, how does everyone else know how high they have to climb?

There’s no doubt that Terri and Ernie help bring the energy, and the excitement, that makes this industry special and compelling for everyone else. And Terri is a beacon for young women who are aspiring to take lead roles at any level.

Panmure Jerseys Rebuilding After The Fire – It Will Never Be The Same

Jill and Brad Porter with their dairy cows. Picture: Christine Ansorge

It was the phone call every dairy farmer dreads when they are off-farm.

 Brad and Jill Porter were milking 600 cows at Panmure Jerseys, just out of Warrnambool in south-west Victoria. On March 17, 2018, they were in Tasmania for a short break when their neighbour, Jack Kenna, rang. He said a power pole had fallen on his farm, ignited a fire and it was headed their way. He said they had three minutes to get out.

 There was no time to do anything. The flames, propelled by the hot windy temperatures and a lot of fuel, would wreak unspeakable destruction within 30 minutes – including killing or maiming 400 of their herd. Cows which Brad adored. The life-changing event was to be so catastrophic and traumatic on so many levels that it still haunts them both today.

 Both Jill and Brad have become fierce advocates for change, board members for Blaze Aid, and they have advice and life lessons – that they wish they had never had to learn – for their colleagues facing up to their own recoveries after the recent bushfires across Australia…

Brad and Jill (who was still in her pyjamas) rushed to the airport. They left their rental car sitting in the middle of the drop-off zone, and sprinted for the ticketing counter. They managed to bag the last flight out of Tasmania. The airline put them in the front seats, giving them the best chance of a rapid exit when they landed.

The Porters arrived home at 3am and began immediately checking the cows. Jill, a pharmacist, stepped into her professional role to help assess and triage the herd. As the sun rose, the depth of the carnage became clear. They wouldn’t go to bed for the next three days.

Brad said, “There were the dead, the walking dead, the severely burned cows, the burned cows, and the cows that were okay. The fences were all gone, and the cows were in shock. So were we. One side of the farm wasn’t as bad, and we could put all the other animals over there so we could concentrate on the herd.

“We assessed all the cows and we had to get a number destroyed immediately, and we were forced to sell a large number of cows that were burned, but saleable.

“Some things you just can’t un-see. And, I don’t want to ever see what we saw that day ever again.”

‘I wouldn’t have my husband’

Jill’s life has also changed in the aftermath, and she is sure of one thing.

“I wouldn’t have my husband today, if we had been home,” she said without a pause of hesitation. “He would have died defending those cows. Every day I get up now and look at him and think, ‘Thank God, we weren’t there’.

“I still can see in my mind’s eye a cow who was burned … with her nose half peeling off. And she just stood and looked at me. I couldn’t help her, and I couldn’t protect my husband from seeing her. He knew every cow. He loved them all. Those memories remain very raw. I struggle to go to the dairy even today if it’s hot and windy.”

Brad still hasn’t had the heart to check the computer thoroughly to update his records on the cows which survived. Because he will see the ones that didn’t.

“I don’t even think about how many cows we’ve lost, and that’s why I haven’t gone back into the computer since the fire. I just block it out. It’s for my own mental preservation.”

Running to find peace

The fire was caused by a power company’s ageing infrastructure – with nothing the Porters, their neighbour Jack Kenna, or any other neighbour could do about it. The bitter pill to swallow is that was preventable. The result has been lengthy and engulfing litigation that threatened to swallow Jill. She was so enraged by the injustice of that day, that her counsellor advised her to take up a sport.

“I am not into sport at all, so I started walking,” Jill said. “But it was too slow because I was so angry, so I started running.”

How far does she run?

“Until I feel good.”

It could take 19 kilometres to achieve peace. It depends on the morning.

Jill didn’t work off-farm again for 18 months.

Daily, intensive treatment

Brad still tears up when he thinks about the cows and the suffering they went through.

One of the first things the Porters needed to do after the fire was to get the cows through the dairy. It was akin to a war zone: so many of the herd were injured and in pain. So many needed treatment every milking.

Neighbours and friends pitched in. There was a kindness and solidarity that Brad and Jill will never forget. For about six months afterwards they were feeding up to 150 people every lunchtime.

Milking health focus saved cows

Brad said they considered drying the herd off, but he needed the routine to make him get out of bed every morning.

“We needed the income as well. But mostly I needed my usual routine to maintain my sanity. I think it helps with making decisions.”

One of the first post-fire orders of business was the dairy. The clusters and liners, which had concerned Brad in the past, were now causing havoc.

“The cows’ teats were weeping, and their skin was so thin and so tender. We were so worried about stripping all the skin off the teats because we had really bad cup slippage. We needed cups and liners that were gentler on the teats.

“For the health and comfort of the cows we didn’t have a choice. There was no running away from it. We would have lost so many more cows if we hadn’t done something, and we knew it had to happen fast.

He made an SOS call on the Thursday to Mick Scanlon of Scanlons Dairy Centre in Terang, who in turn contacted Leon Lourey from Daviesway. By the Saturday, a full install of new Milkrite clusters and liners was complete. They chose Milkrite because the science behind the design gives cows the highest level of comfort (they have the world’s only internally triangular moulded plastic shell with mouthpiece vented triangular liners).

Team works with farmers

Leon said the whole team made it happen.

“Knowing the circumstances, we just knew we had to do something as quickly as we could,” Leon said. “Mick was also a big part of it. Our sole focus was to help in any way we could.”

Brad said it was a life-saving decision.

“Most of the cows’ udders were burned. The teat orifices on a lot were fine, but we would have lost the entire herd with that cup slippage. We needed cups that hung on, but which were gentle.”

Milkrite, which is used by 40% of farmers in the USA, includes a patented and revolutionary air-vent position in the mouthpiece of each shell. It introduces air above the milk-flow, stops splash-back and makes cluster removal gentler.

“I was so delighted and relieved with the result,” Brad said. “The clusters were much lighter, and much easier to use.

“I was a real sceptic about the air hole in the mouthpiece of the liner – I thought it’d get clogged up with shit – but it hasn’t been an issue.

“I’d be happy to stand on the corner of the street and sell Milkrite to anyone who would listen.

“They milk cows out properly, they are much gentler on their teats. We haven’t seen any teat-end damage in the last two years and that’s been a big thing for me because I can’t afford to lose anymore cows. I wouldn’t dare put my name to it if I didn’t think it was worthy.”

Fences around the district have been destroyed. Picture: Rob Gunstone

80% of bushfires preventable

What now haunts Jill is that her research has revealed that more than 80% of the bushfire deaths in Victoria can be traced to electrical failures. Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) has determined that Powercor failed to identify the termite-riddled power pole which razed Brad and Jill’s property. That day six fires – all started by electrical failures – burned 40,000 hectares.

“These fires are really deadly. If you look at Black Saturday [February 7, 2009], six out of the 11 fires were electrically initiated. On Ash Wednesday [February 16, 1983] five from the eight were ignited by electrical failure. All of the 1977 fires [that burned about 103,000ha] were electrically started.

“On the day of our fire, all were started from electrical infrastructure failing. Every single one of them. And, it’s because the infrastructure is aging and it’s failing our community.”

Jill has been fighting for change ever since because their community’s pain remains real and raw.

“I think the biggest thing is I’m devastated that a Government and a system can let a community down like we’ve been let down. We deserve to be safe. That is not happening.

“Yes, we got a civil settlement, but they are now arguing about what they should and shouldn’t pay for. They’re still in the driver’s seat. They destroyed my husband, and you can’t get that back.

“His passion and his livelihood was gone. I can articulate that, and I’ll continue to take it to them. Because they are wrong, they are indecent, and they are cruel.”

People were the difference

Day-to-day their community’s resilience has been the shining star to come out of the experience.

Jill said, “We are still a long way from recovered. I’m not saying we’re not functioning. I’m back now, but it took me 18 months to go back to work.

“You listen to the psychologists and it takes an average of six years to recover from a bushfire. You’re not ‘right’, even when the grass is green again because everything changes. It rips you apart.

“People talk in terms of ‘getting back to where you were before the fire’. It’s very much the catch phrase in recovery. I’m absolutely certain that you never get back to where you were because the recovery takes you down a different pathway.

“It’s not all bad. There are some good things – people’s generosity and support of us is something Brad and I hope to pay forward.

“Our neighbours and community that were burned out have become very resilient, and we know each other on a much deeper level because of the fire.”

Brad said it had been a humbling experience, and it had been hard to accept help. But people had made the difference

“I remember walking out the door after the fire and thinking, ‘where do I start?’. People came from everywhere.

“It was a generosity you never, ever forget. It pays to be charitable in life. I would walk over hot coals for my neighbours – there are so many people I have such a high and healthy respect for in my neighbourhood. At the end of the day, they’re the ones that got us back up on our feet.”

Jill said her advice to peers now facing their own recovery in the wake of the most recent fires was to take care of each other, and not to be afraid to ask for help.

“It takes a long time to come out of the fog, and you don’t need to rush it. You have to attend to certain things straight away, but you don’t want to make too many decisions unless you have to.

“There are a lot of good people in this world, and you’re not on your own.”

Thanks to Daviesway for allowing us to share this story.  Also, be sure to check out Dianna Malcolm’s new venture Mud Media.

 

 

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Proof How Critical Calf Care Is

Half of a calf’s lifetime height and growth is achieved in its first six months, according to a visiting US specialist.

David Kuehnel was raised on a family farm in Wisconsin, which reared 1200 special fed veal calves every year. He went on to major in Meat and Animal Science at the University of Wisconsin, and he is the former president of Milk Products for Land O’Lakes – the biggest producer of milk replacer in North America. Today, he runs consultancy firm, Rule of Three. 

Talking to dairy farmers throughout Victoria as a guest of Daviesway, David explained that 25% of a calf’s lifetime weight gain also happened within the precious six-month window of birth.

And, for every additional 100gms of Average Daily Weight Gain (ADG) achieved in that time, producers could expect an additional 821 litres of production on the first three lactations – or a 7:1 Return On Investment (ROI).

“We can argue whether or not it was an increase of 600 litres or 1000 litres,” David told one group in northern Victoria. “But the key point, and the takeaway message, is that the better the weight gain we achieve pre-puberty and pre-breeding age, the bigger the impact on the future milking ability of those individuals.

“And, you can’t recover it, if you don’t have it to begin with.

“There is no such thing as compensatory frame growth – a short calf will be a short cow. I’m talking not just scale and size. I’m also talking body, lung, liver and digestive capacity. They are all set in early life.”

He acknowledged that every operation was different, but stressed that the reality of the maths, and the ROI didn’t change. The subjective part of the story lay only in the way that producers chose to prioritise their next generation.

“You have one chance to feed her right, and as I see it, one chance to screw it up,” he said.

US studies reveal that calves fed a higher solids diet the first eight weeks gained 11kg (16.1%) more weight, were 3.3cm (3.8%) taller, were 5.6cm (7.3%) longer and had 33 litres (17.2%) more body volume.

David was sensitive to the cost of rearing replacement animals in a tight economy. But he offered some options to address the issue. Using a baseline of a 100-cow herd, he explained that producers needed 63 herd replacements if they had an average first-calving age of 23 months (and a cull rate of 30%). At an average first-calving age of 24 months (with a cull rate of 40%), the number of replacement heifers jumped to 88. 

“I’d advise to invest only in the calves with the greatest potential and sell your surplus animals as early as possible,” he said. “Re-invest that money into rearing the calves you choose to keep better. 

“I think that’s a more positive result than saying, ‘I didn’t have enough money to raise them well, but I raised them all’. 

Daviesway’s calf rearing specialist Brendan Johnson said the visit was part of Davieway’s commitment to knowledge sharing at a time when it has never been more valuable.

Thanks to Daviesway, Australian Probiotic Solutions, and David Kuehnel for their efforts helping Aussie farmers rear their best calves.  Also, be sure to check out Dianna Malcolm’s new venture Mud Media.

 

 

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KHW Regiment Apple-Red-ET – Everything and more

Mike Deaver and Apple captured by Nina Linton in this iconic WDE image in 2011.

So many exciting cows have been lost to the international industry too soon.

Misadventure, illness and calving complications have all too often put a fatal full stop on the careers of the high-profile cows the world has loved to love. In the last two decades, the mortality levels of several exciting young cows set to impact the global dairy community have been crushing.

So, it is worth celebrating the incredible career of a Red & White Holstein, who has bucked every trend the industry has to offer – almost as much as one of her owners – when she celebrated her 15th birthday in May.

Everyone knows her simply as Apple, but her official title is KHW Regiment Apple-Red-ET EX96 4E DOM 19*.

Story starts….

So many things have to go right for a cow to become a household name. Most of that rests in the hands of whomever is managing her. 

Apple was lucky in that regard. She was bought by one of the industry’s cleverest cowmen – Mike Deaver – as a bred two-year-old.

While Mike couldn’t afford her, he knew people who could and, importantly, he knew how to manage her. Mike, of Sherona Hill at Edgerton, Wisconsin, USA, is at the heart of Apple’s story – and most of her early success.

Mike remains the majority shareholder (30%) in Apple, who lived at Sherona Hill during her early reign and for the past seven years has resided in a prime-time box stall at Mike and Julie Duckett’s Duckett Holsteins, at Rudolph, Wisconsin.

As Mike reflected on his adventures with Apple after selling his farm recently and re-locating to a warmer climate on the other side of the USA in Arizona, this master storyteller brings Apple’s journey into perspective.

SHORT BUT SWEET

KHW Regiment Apple-Red-ET EX-96 DOM
2013 HI Red Impact Cow of the Year
Res Grand Champion, Grand Int’l R&W Show 2013
Grand Champion, Grand Int’l R&W Show 2011
All-American R&W Aged Cow 2011
HI World Champion R&W Cow 2010
Unanimous All-American Jr 2-Yr-Old 2006
All-American R&W Jr 2-Yr-Old 2006
HHM All-American Jr 3-Yr-Old 2007
Nom All-American R&W 5-Yr-Old 2009
Photo: John Erbson.

It’s worth noting that Apple was only shown eight times in her career – for three historical results at World Dairy Expo (WDE) and seven All-American nominations. Today, she has more than 280 EX descendants all over the world, and is the only cow to have her clone beat her for Grand at WDE and her daughter finish Honourable Mention.

Her sons and grandsons have also had an extraordinary impact on both the Black & White and Red & White populations. And, there isn’t a person on the planet interested in great cows who doesn’t know her.

Apple’s lineage was recently traced back 26 generations and 139 years of registered Holsteins to 1880. She comes from an imported cow from North Holland named “Vriend”, who was number 2439 in the Dutch herd book.

She remains modern, timeless, and in demand. Her ability to cross credit to the genomics market, and the family’s super production records and great components, hasn’t hurt her either.

MARCH TO GREATNESS

The day Apple sold for US$1million at the Global Glamour sale in 2008, she was the reigning All-American for age, the maternal sister to KHW Kite Advent-Red-ET (multiple WDE Premier Sire), the first Red & White in 11 years to win a Black & White in-milk class at WDE, and her pedigree was laden with six consecutive EX dams.

After that sale, Apple would go on to win Grand Champion Red & White at WDE in 2011. She was Reserve Grand at WDE in 2013 to her clone (KHW Regiment Apple-3-Red ETN owned by Westcoast Holsteins) with her Talent daughter in Honourable Mention (Ms Candy Apple-Red-ET EX93, owned by Frank & Diane Borba and Frank & Carol Borba). That year, KHW Kite Advent-Red-ET was again Premier Sire of the Red & White show. It was hardly surprising that Apple was also the 2013 Holstein International Red Impact Cow of the Year. 

Much of the credit for her success comes down to the core group of people who understood what she was capable of from the get-go, and then made sure that it happened.

SLIDING DOORS

The day Mike met Apple he had visited with Norm Nabholz to look at a Jersey he was considering buying at Kamps Hollow Dairy in Belmont, Wisconsin.   

I was completely obsessed to buy her when I saw her as a bred heifer,” Mike said. “I liked the Jersey that day, but she wasn’t good enough to suit me. Norm and I were talking on the way home and I was going on and on about how much I liked the two-year-old, and he said to me, ‘You’re more excited about this Jersey than I thought you’d be?’. I replied, ‘The Jersey? No, I’m talking about the Red one’.

“He thought I was a bit over the top. But, from the moment I saw her, it was complete obsession – more than any other cow during my career. I didn’t really care about the proof of her sire [a plus proven Rubens sire, Carrousel Regiment-Red-ET], but I really liked the dam of her sire [Stelbro Renita Ranger EX94 8*]. She was a four-time Madison Grand Champion, and it was good blood. I’d never seen Apple’s mother until that day. I’d heard she was a pretty nice cow – and [Kamps Hollow Durham] Altitude was an incredible cow.”

Altitude is today remembered as one of the breed’s most important brood cows. Sired by Durham, she lived to 15 years old, and was classified EX95. Not only was she Apple’s dam, she was the dam of bulls Advent, Acme and Jotan, and the granddam of Amor Red, Absolute, Big Apple and Armani. She, herself, was the Red Impact Cow of the Year in 2009, and every bull from her that was put into stud made the active line-up.

Behind Altitude was Apple’s big-hitting fourth dam – the famous D-R-A August EX96.

RIGHT PERSON ASKING THE QUESTION

Mike asked Norm who the best person was to broker the deal. That man was cattle photographer John Erbson, who would join Mike in the Apple partnership.

“John got to Kamps Dairy at 10am the day we bought her, and I never got the call until 10.30pm that night that they had finally priced her,” Mike said. “John asked me if I was sitting down. It was US$60,000.

“I think they priced her where they thought I wouldn’t take her. I had no idea how to pay for her. I probably had $600 at that point. I said to John, ‘That’s a lot of money for a heifer. Tell them I’ll take her’.”

She was at Sherona Hill by 4.30am the next morning.

Mike said he also asked about housing and working into a partnership on Altitude with Ryan Kamp (one of Apple’s former owners).

“I was inches away from that, and we’d agreed, but Ryan called me the next morning and he said it would break his heart if she left his farm, and I completely understood.

“In the end, he used to drive over to look at Apple at our place and stand outside her box stall for an hour and just smile as he watched her eating. Then he’d turn around and say, ‘Thank you. She could never live like this at my house’.”

KHW Regiment Apple-Red-ET stormed onto the international stage when she won the junior two-year-old class at the 2006 World Dairy Expo. She was led and co-owned by Mike Deaver. Photo: Dianna Malcolm.

WDE 2006 PAVES THE WAY

Apple calved in at Sherona Hill as a junior two-year-old, and was set for WDE in 2006. As always, Mike had put some thought into her campaign. He entered her in both the Black & White and Red & White shows – deliberately building hype on the young cow.

“Everyone wanted to know if I was going to show in the Red & White show or the Black & White show, which was held two days later. And, I didn’t say anything to anyone,” Mike said.

“And, then the word went through the fairgrounds that I had her uddered for the Red show.

“I’d half-bagged her, and I had her prepped, her tail brushed, and, although we didn’t oil her, we wiped her down with a sponge, and she had her show halter on. We went through the whole process like we were going to show her. 

“Everybody was still hanging around, looking around at her, waiting for her to head to the ring, but as soon as they did the first call for the junior two-year-old for the Red show, I milked her out.

“That news went through the sheds so fast, ‘He’s gone black. He’s gone black’! I thought it was kinda funny to screw with everyone a little bit.

“I was always going to show her in the Black & White show. Someone asked me why I chose the Black & White show over the Red that year? And, I said to them, ‘If you don’t compete with the best ones, what’s the sense in winning?’” 

NO NERVES

Mike said he wasn’t nervous when he hit the ring with Apple the sole Red & White entry in a class numbering 31 head under judge Dan Donor.

No, because I had hold of the greatest young cow I’d ever seen,” Mike said.

He deliberately didn’t enter the ring in order by his class number, hanging back despite the ring steward’s best efforts, and eventually entered the WDE’s coliseum last. And out of order. The ring steward was then forced to escort him to his allotted spot.

“I walked Apple on the inside of every cow in that ring, and when I got to the end and the steward told me to follow him, I knew who Apple went behind, so I just turned right and went straight across the middle of the ring.

“And, then when I got there Dan [Donor, the judge] walked straight to the middle of the ring and I just set her up, and he did a complete walk around her like she was the only cow out there. He said, ‘thank you’ to me, and then I just walked over and put her in her spot.

“I thought, ‘I might get my arse beat, but I do know he’s going to know I’m here’. And, she was the only Red one.

“After he got through looking at her, the crowd started clapping. He couldn’t not win with her because the crowd was already hooping and hollowing, and the damn class hadn’t even started.”

Mike was to have a good day that day, because in the very next class he was exhibiting Quality Ridge Stormi Hazel, who would go on to classify EX96 2E 3* and be nominated All-American seven times in milking form.

“I knew I had Hazel to come next and Dan knew that too. So, we had a nice one-two punch there. That’s the way that day went down.”

US$1 MILLION

The day the four-year-old Apple sold for US$1million in the Global Glamour sale at Arethusa in 2008, the sale manager Ernie Kueffner and a former founding partner in Apple, said the new partnership was smart to include Mike, and for them to continue to house her at Sherona Hill.

“Successful businesspeople don’t buy cows because they want a blue ribbon,” Ernie said at the time. “They buy because they are a good investment. And, truthfully, finding money is easy. The real problem is once people purchase the cows, where can they keep them and who will take care of them. That is the biggest problem in our industry – taking care of animals properly.”

And, while WDE had set the tone for her career, Mike felt she had nothing to prove that year.

“Right after we sold her we had two really good daughters to sell in our Prime Time sale [held during WDE week],” Mike said.

“And, we’d just sold a half a dozen calves for another million dollars. So, I left her at home from WDE that year and put her on display at the sale. I had a calf bring US$140,000 and another one bring US$100,000. I didn’t need to take her down to the show and give anyone the chance to beat the million-dollar cow.”

INTELLIGENT AND FUN

Mike said Apple is aggressive and intelligent, and kept everyone on their toes at Sherona Hill.

“She’s a sneaky cow. If you left the gate slightly open, she’d get out. I ended up having to put a rope and snap on her gate, because she worked out how to open the spring-loaded latches.

“She would fart around until she could flip the latch up, and then pull it over with her mouth and either go and tear your hay stack down or eat a barrel of grain.”

Mike also left her in the third box stall at Sherona Hill so she never had to turn a corner to go to the dairy. At shows, the only person to take Apple to the clipping frame, for show preparation or to the wash rack was Mike’s son, Todd. In the end, they put a ring in her nose to keep her safe.

“She’s not mean, and she’s not mad, but she would make you suffer. Running back to her stall from the wash rack around corners on concrete is not good.

“If Todd did nothing else at the show, his job was to look after Apple. She liked him. No one else was to put her their hands on her except Todd, me or Joe Hoffman.

“It’s not because we were so smart or anything. It’s just she was so inquisitive and so on her own, and she respected really diligent handling, and if we made sure that happened, then she didn’t go out of place.

“And, I didn’t want to be the guy responsible for her going down and breaking her hip. At home, it didn’t happen because we just opened the gate and she had a straight line to the dairy.

“I’ve got a Sid daughter, who is exactly the same. If you have a pail of milk she’ll stop and drink the damn thing on the way back from milking. She’s always screwing around. Instead of fighting her, we just made sure there was no milk there.”

Mike said the ring on her nose also kept Apple on her game in the show-ring.

“I showed her one year and she’d look like a million dollars, and just when it was time to put her game face on she’d drop her shoulders and chine and spread her front legs, and goof around with her head.  

“It changed her whole front-end perspective. As soon as I could feel her starting to do it, I’d flick the ring and she’d shape back up. I might have got beaten, but Apple wasn’t going to beat me.”

– Apple’s clone, KHW Regiment Apple-3-Red ETN (pictured and owned by Westcoast Holsteins) won the four-year-old class at the 2013 WDE before going on to best Apple for Grand Champion Red & White Holstein. Apple finished Reserve and one of Apple’s Talent daughters was Honourable Mention, making it an historic Apple triple-crown. Apple 3 went on to win Reserve Supreme of the show. Photo: The Bullvine.

CLONING, AND WHEN THREE APPLES WIN

Her breeding plan early on was a studied exercise.

Mike said when the partnership won a free cloning session with Trans Ova Genetics when Apple won as a two-year-old, they took the sample right there at the show.

“That’s what got us going on the cloning thing. I always thought when others had cloned a 96-point cow that was 12 years old, that all the resulting clones looked like a 12-year-old cow when they were two.

“So, I believed the cloning had to be done with the genetic information when they were at their best, and they had to be a modern cow that would be modern in another five to 10 years.

“Trans Ova kept that genetic information, and we cloned that same tissue sample three separate times for nine calves. And, they all look like her, and they all looked like young cows.”

Among them was KHW Regiment Apple C-Red-ETN – the dam of popular sire Dymentholm Mr Apples Avalanche *RC. Another clone – Apple 3 – would be the cow to deny Apple her second Grand Champion at WDE in 2013 under judge Michael Heath, of Westminster, Maryland, USA.

Mike has judged many of the world’s biggest shows, and even though Apple was Reserve Champion that day and her Talent daughter was Honourable Mention (detailed above), the historic three-way Apple bonanza wasn’t his fairy-tale finish.

I wasn’t overly thrilled with the ‘bing, bang…boom’ finish, because I thought Apple should have been Grand that day,” he said.

“If you’re going to get beat, well, your clone doesn’t hurt you. And, I knew her clone was a great young cow. She had been Intermediate Champion in 2011 as a junior two-year-old. But, I thought that Apple’s maturity and complete development could have put her over Apple 3.

“One guy told me that Apple not being Grand that day was my own fault, since I was the one who made the clone.”

WDE’s 2011 Red & White Holstein judge Adam Liddle, of Argyle, New York, USA, makes KHW Regiment Apple-Red-ET Grand Champion. Mike Deaver is on the halter. Photo: Nina Linton.

COWS WHO SHINE IN ANY ENVIRONMENT

Mike said his coast-to-coast trucking business, which took him throughout the USA and Canada, had given him a lot of experience and perspective about the kind of cows that shine in every climate.

“I see how much the weather and the living conditions will make some cows valuable in one area, yet they have no value in another area,” he said.

“And, just as an example, Fond Matt was a great bull, but he had leg issues. The best Fond Matts were in California and Kansas and there were some great ones in Virginia, but their legs couldn’t hold up on ice and concrete in other states, so his daughters didn’t work there.

“Apple had – for me – all the right angles. Every angle I look for in a great cow’s bone structure is A-framed. All of Apple’s angles were right and symmetrical, so that’s the way I looked at it. In my opinion – and I’d travelled enough roads in North America to know – she’d work on every good farm I’d ever been to.”

SIRES ALL WORKED

Perhaps for that reason, Apple clicked with almost every sire she was joined to.

“We started off with her first flushes to well-proven bulls out of great cow families like Talent, Stormatic and Redliner to see if she was going to be a brood cow. Then we went to Goldwyn – because he was the breed’s greatest bull – and we used the best Goldwyn son at the time, Destry. Every bull worked.

“We didn’t flush her every two weeks to get as many embryos as we could. She had breaks. We’d do two to three flushes for show-age calves and then we’d give her a break.”

One of Apple’s daughters that Mike bought outright is Holstein International’s 2019 Red Impact Cow of the Year (and the sixth member of the Altitude family to achieve the honour in the 12 years the competition has been running), Ms Delicious Apple-Red EX94-2E.

She is also the dam to show specialist Mr D Apple Diamondback *RC at Select Sires and full sister to Absolute-Red and Big Apple-Red.

“Delicious Apple is probably the most proportionate, balanced cow I’ve ever owned. And, when Diamondback was born that’s exactly what he was. He grew at exactly the same rate with everything. His belly came down, as his legs got longer; his shoulder came up, and his neck stayed long. He didn’t shorten in the rump or sway in the back. He’s the best calf I’ve ever had born.”

POSTER GIRLS

Today, Apple loves holding court at Duckett Holsteins.

“People will stop by there, and put her picture on Facebook all the time. I was up there several months ago, and she looks superb.

“She lives in a nice, big pen with Treasure [Vangoh Durham Treasure EX96-3E EX(99)MS]. They’ve got the life. Neither one of those cows have a problem with people coming to see them.”

THE BEST OF IT

Mike is now settled in Arizona, with no dairy cows in his direct care. He is upfront that they had the best of the registered game in the USA, and he fears for the next generation.

“The market is now completely flooded with a tremendous amount of quality cattle. It used to be a big deal when I was younger to have four generations of EX. Now, having eight or 10 is a dime a dozen.

“The only show left is Madison and the Royal [Agricultural Winter Fair], and if they’re not winners, who wants them?

“It doesn’t hold a lot of hope for anyone that wants to be in business – unless you have way too much money.”

Mike said the costs associated with farming today, along with the icy winters in Wisconsin, made his decision to step aside easier.

“I don’t have a fourth-generation tradition going on in Wisconsin. I like what we’ve done to this farm, and it’s been fun. And, if we could make some money and the weather was nice here all the time, it’d be fine.

“But when we spend six months in the ice and snow, and you can’t go anywhere because you have no help, I’d rather go and see my sons, Todd and Kyle, and their kids.”

THE NEXT CHAPTER

So, while Apple’s career continues with her latest batch of calves arriving in September, Mike has sold everything from the farm – except the halter he led Apple in – and the halter that he used on his first EX95-point cow.

“Apple is absolutely the only cow I wanted to own for her entire life, because I thought she was going to contribute something to the breed.”

And he was right.

However, Mike Deaver’s contribution to the breed – along with the cowmen of his generation – has been just as critical.

Because without Mike’s vision, work, daring and talent, Apple’s story may never have happened…

UK breeder says missing Libramont hurts more than the expense

David Jones is one of the many disappointed UK dairyman who will not show at the All-European Show at Libramont. David is pictured with Wiltor Chipper Rosie-Red, who was entered for this year, and Shirley Dodd (Garry Phillips Agricultural) after winning Grand Champion Red & White Holstein at the 2018 UK Dairy Expo. Photo: UK Dairy Expo.

As teams start to settle in for the All-European Championship at Libramont, most of the UK breeders have been left with the shattering reality that their cows will not be involved.

This is a contest like no other. It has loomed as an unparalleled marketing platform for Europe’s finest in-form cows. It rolls around every three years and on April 12 and 13, close to 200 cows form 19 countries will be appreciated by 30,000 spectators in Libramont – the small municipality of Belgium. The cows are going head-to-head for individual and national team titles in the Holstein and Red & White Holstein shows under UK judge Mark Nutsford (Holsteins) and Swiss judge Markus Gerber (Red & White Holsteins).

Teams have been selected by committees within nations. And it is these committee members only who perhaps truly knew the work, money and risk involved in putting together teams to travel. All the cows had to be from herds free of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR). All were tested – several times – for Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD), Enzootic Bovine Leukosis (EBL), Brucellosis and Tuberculosis (TB).

 When the news broke on March 27 – just days from the UK cows loading up – that its team of 16 animals was being pulled, the world’s registered industry held its collective breath in universal sympathy.

However, the UK was left with no choice because there was a recent outbreak of Blue Tongue in Belgium, and the UK’s cows were not vaccinated for it.

It is a decision which now haunts the UK team. They made the call after they were unable to get the vaccine in January because of high demand in the back end of 2018. They decided to push on without it because there were no Blue Tongue problems near Libramont at that time. 

Private offer from Belgium breeder

Wyndford Doorman Atlee 2nd VG89-2YRS pictured on her second calf three days ago was one of three from Wiltor Holsteins named in this year’s UK team for Libramont. She will now sit the show out at Wiltor Holsteins. Photo: Dean Malcolm.

Since then four animals have been cleared to continue on to Libramont (with added quarantine conditions and additional risk for their owners). It was made possible by a Belgium breeder who generously offered to house up to six UK animals at their farm for the extended 60-day quarantine period after the show.

Those cows are Knowlesmere Atwood Chic VG88-2YRS, Knowlesmere Solomon Diamond VG89-3yr Max, Feizor Elude A Rapture VG89-3YRS Max, and Riverdane Ashlyns Gold EX93 Max. If any are in-calf they will have to remain in Belgium until they calve.

While there is no doubt that it has been a herculean 11th hour effort for the UK team to have any representation at all, it is been reduced to a quarter of the original power-packed contingent.

Welsh breeder out 

Wiltor Holsteins is one of several UK farms who can now not show at Libramont after years of planning.

David and Claire Jones, of Wiltor Holsteins at Monmouthshire in Wales, had three cows chosen for the initial team. It was the biggest representation from one farm and it was to be the perfect swansong for the couple who will host their Virtual Dispersal sale on April 23. That dream is now over because two of their three cows were in-calf and the timelines were impossible for their sale. They have had to withdraw.

David, who is a board member of Holstein UK, said the expense and the work involved in the preparation was not the hardest part of the deal.

“It’s three years of planning gone,” he said. “There has been a lot of expense and a lot of hassle. It’s cost everyone a lot of money, including Holstein UK.

“But that is nothing compared to the disappointment of not being able to take our cows to the show. That far outweighs everything else. It just feels like we’ve all had the rug pulled out from under our feet at the very last minute.

“I don’t want to blame anyone, but I – like other farmers – am busy in our own business and I didn’t realise the enormity of the Blue Tongue problem in Western Europe. If I had of, I would have been far more vociferous back in January time to the vet when he said he couldn’t get hold of the Blue Tongue vaccine.

Grand Champion of the 2018 UK Dairy Expo, Wiltor Chipper Rosie-Polled-Red EX94 will now not attend the All-European Championship. She is pictured in 2018 with L-R Dean Malcolm, Stuart Maclennan and her owners David and Claire Jones. Chipper Rosie sells in the Wiltor Virtual Dispersal on April 23 and is due to re-calve on November 19. Photo: MacG.

“We were taking the vet’s advice who was employed to help us through the quarantine processes, and we all accepted it. None of the exhibitors at that time said, ‘Whoa, hang on’.”

David said his cows had been in quarantine since February. The next board meeting of Holstein UK will be in May, when the matter would be fully discussed.

Until then, he congratulated the resilient UK breeders that had been able to continue on to represent the UK, and he was re-focussing on their family’s Virtual Dispersal. It included a Monument Impression daughter from the second-calved three-year-old he has been unable to show at Libramont , Wyndford Doorman Atlee 2nd VG89-2YRS

Holstein UK’s position

Holstein UK first posted on Facebook on April 1 that it had made the “disappointing decision” to withdraw its team. On April 5, it amended it to announce that four animals would attend.

Sue Cope Holstein UK’s CEO kept it upbeat, saying: “I am delighted that we have managed to achieve our goal of getting a team of cows to Libramont. I want to personally thank the exhibitors for the absolute commitment and determination they have shown throughout and also to everyone else involved who have worked tirelessly over the past few months.”

That said, there are also now more than 100 UK visitors headed to Libramont. So, rest assured, if a UK entry does well the Union Jack will be flying high.

Competition break-down

HOLSTEIN

JUNIOR – Calved once, in-milk, and aged up to 32 months

INTERMEDIATE – Two calves, in-milk, and aged up to a maximum of 60 months

SENIOR – Cows, in-milk with at least three calves

 

RED & WHITE HOLSTEIN

JUNIOR – One or two calves, in-milk, and aged up to maximum 60 months

SENIOR – Cows, in-milk with at least three calves

 

TEAMS COMPETITION

Each participating country chooses their best four cows after the completion of the individual show results. The inter-nation competition is adjudicated by judges from all countries involved, although they do not place their own country’s entry.

Be sure to watch www.thebullvine.com for full coverage of the show starting on Friday

All-European Championship – Libramont 2019 – Tension builds in Europe

Planning starts early for the triennial All-European Championship.

Preparation for this year’s event began way back in 2017, while 67 days out from the event on February 4 this year, quarantine started for the United Kingdom entries of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

This year’s competition includes teams from Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic (known as Czechia to its inhabitants), Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland and the UKBons-Holsteins Koba 21

It seems incredible to consider the scale of the efforts that are now being mobilised to move animals across so many national borders. Perhaps even more incredible to think it will culminate with them standing beside one another in one ring.

The long trek

Teams are selected by committees within nations. And it is these committee members only who perhaps truly know the work, money and risk involved in putting together a team to travel. All cows must be from herds free of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR). All have been tested – several times – for Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD), Enzootic Bovine Leukosis (EBL), Brucellosis and Tuberculosis (TB).

Bons-holsteins has a dream….
After the open european show in Colmar we set a goal to have cows ready for the open European Show in Libramont 2019. 7 cows still selected for Libramont.

To put it into perspective, Belgium is a federal state located in Western Europe. It has 98 kilometres of coastline bordering the North Sea, just north of the English Channel which sits between England and Belgium’s southern neighbour, France. Belgium also conveniently shares borders with four other nations: France (a 556km long border), Germany (13km), Luxembourg (130km) and The Netherlands (478km). And while it’s less than 200km as the crow flies between England and Belgium, the UK teams do have to cross the English Channel to France, before heading on to Belgium to participate. All their entries have had individual passports, which is a legal requirement for all cattle in the UK, for some time.

Brexit (the UK’s decision to leave the European Union) is set to happen on March 29. This timing might further complicate the UK team’s travel plans as it passes through France, on route to its competition destination.

Any one of the challenges listed above would stop many, but for these competitors it simply doubly underlines the passion driving everyone’s campaigns and the excitement that this show creates.

One tour group of 30 supporters from the UK has booked out an entire castle to secure accommodation in the region’s pretty centre, where French, German and Luxembourgish (or Lëtzebuergesch) are all spoken.

2016 Champions

The final pick at the All-European Championship at Colmar, France in 2016 included the power-packed selection of (L-R) Lady Gaga EX97 (Germany), Ashlyn Vray Goldwyn EX96 (Spain), Illens Atwood Australia EX95 (UK) and Galys-Vray EX94-4YRS (Switzerland). 

Judge Markus Mock would tap out Galys-Vray.

At the last championship in 2016 at Colmar, France, the Swiss team dominated the big prizes. The Grand Champion Holstein was Swiss sensation Galys-Vray EX94. Sired by Atwood out of a Damion, she was owned by Mattenhof Holstein, Al.Be.Ro, Thomas Staub. Reserve Champion was the Spanish entry of Ashlyn Vray Goldwyn, owned by Ponderosa Holsteins and Al.Be.Ro.

Both Red & White Grand Champions were from Switzerland. Grand was Suard-Red Jordan Irene, owned by Schrago Frères. Reserve was Bopi Talent Lotanie, owned by Pierre Oberson and Nicolas Savary.

Front-runners

Bons-Holsteins Koba 219 Grand Champion FVZH Wintershow

This year, one of the individual danger cows in the Holsteins will undoubtedly be Dutch entry Bons-Holsteins Koba 219 EX94 Max. Bred and co-owned by Nico and Lianne Bons, a half share of Koba was sold to West Coast Holsteins (Canada) at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in November for C$46,000. The L’Authority daughter carries a high profile and plenty of international respect.

Nico Bons knows much has to happen before Koba steps out at Libramont. But he is ready for it.

“This is the show I want to win once in my life,” he said. “We have worked three years already to get the cows ready for this show.”

He said while he has enjoyed many titles, the All-European Show Grand Champion one would be special.

“This competition is only held once every three years; every country sends their best animals, and the atmosphere is second to none.”

Sunibelle Dempsey Esprit EX94 (pictured winning Supreme Champion at the Swiss Expo in Lausanne on January 12 under Swiss judge Pascal Henchoz) looms as arguably the strongest contender for Libramont.

The other exciting entry is the newly crowned Swiss Expo Holstein Grand Champion, Sunibelle Dempsey Esprit, owned by Gary Jones, Markus van Känel, Pat Conroy and Nicholas Sudan.

The cow many know is capable of thwarting Nico’s dreams is the reigning Swiss Expo’s Supreme Champion, Sunibelle Dempsey Esprit EX94 (95MS), owned by Gary Jones, Markus van Känel, Pat Conroy and Nicholas Sudan, Gary was on the halter the day the third-calved four-year-old won at Lausanne in January, and his allegiances will be tested in April: Gary was born in Ireland, is married to English breeder Izzy Jones (nee Whittaker, whose family will most likely have animals included within the UK team), he will be fitting the Dutch team at Libramont, and is expected to lead Esprit for Switzerland against Koba.

Grand Champion HOLSTEIN Expo Bulle 2019: Au Parchy Doorman Jolie

The other cow to recently come into contention was a month fresh in March when she beat Dempsey Esprit in a tight race for Grand Champion Holstein at Switzerland’s National Show, the Expo Bulle in Espace Gruyère, Bulle. Dempsey Esprit won Best Udder of the show. Au Parchy Doorman Jolie has been quietly coming for two years – she won her class at the 2017 and 2018 Swiss Expo. She is owned by Gobeli Holstein, Gasser Ruedi & Räz Hansjörg. She has been included in the Swiss team, along with four of her Gobeli herdmates.  

With quarantine testing and internal selection processes still to navigate, most other countries were reluctant to talk up any cows at the time of writing this article.

This year’s competition includes teams from Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic (known as Czechia to its inhabitants), Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.

Spain, Germany and Italy preparing

Spanish team head fitter and leader, Agapito Fernandez, said he is proud to represent his country.

Spain is bringing 14 animals, leaving from Cantabria, in northern Spain, where they completed their quarantine requirements. Their trip will take 24 hours. The Spanish Holstein Association is helping support them.

Germany has entered with eight Holsteins and four Red & White Holsteins, with the effort costing between €5000 to €6000 (A$7900-A$9500) per cow. Their quarantine spans 30 days and the Germans have based their effort from the farm of Claude Thein, in Luxembourg, according to one of the team selectors, Henrik Wille.

“We want to present the best cows from Germany, and we are proud to be a little part of this big show,” he said.

Italy’s head classifier and team organiser for the All-European Show, Corrado Zilocchi, said there are 15 Holsteins and five Red & White Holsteins coming from his country.

“Unfortunately we don’t have a national plan of IBR eradication, so we are in the Annex III of the EU regulation and we need to test all animals of the farm that include animals participating at the show,” he said.

This year, the All-European Championship will be held in the small municipality of Libramont in Belgium. On April 12 and 13, some 200 cows from 19 countries will go head-to-head for individual and national team titles in the Holstein and Red & White Holstein shows under UK judge Mark Nutsford (Holsteins) and Swiss judge Markus Gerber (Red & White Holsteins).

Italy’s quarantine is 30 days and they have chosen a stable in Mantova. Their road-trip to Libramont will take 15 hours. The Italian team has no government support for the costs, and they were looking for sponsorship at the time of printing.

Corrado said the competition was the high point of the exercise.

“It is always an emotional experience,” he said.

In the 2016 team contest, France won followed (respectively) by Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, the UK, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Czech Republic.

In 2019, the competition again promises to get the crowd’s adrenalin pumping. And there is no doubt that Libramont represents a culmination of work and planning in return for three years of bragging rights.

And, for that reason no-one has hesitated to put their hand up.  

Competition break-down

HOLSTEIN

JUNIOR – One calf, in-milk, and aged up to 32 months

INTERMEDIATE – Two calves, in-milk, and aged up to a maximum of 60 months

SENIOR – Cows, in-milk with at least three calves

RED & WHITE HOLSTEIN

JUNIOR – One or two calves, in-milk, and aged up to maximum 60 months

SENIOR – Cows, in-milk with at least three calves

TEAMS COMPETITION

Each participating country chooses their best four cows after the completion of the individual show results. The inter-nation competition is adjudicated by judges from all countries involved, although they do not place their own country’s entry.

For more information, please visit “Holstein Libramont 2019” on Facebook or http://www.holsteinlibramont2019.com/en and be sure to watch right here on The Bullvine for full live coverage of the show.

Thank you to Sheila Sundborg (Canada), Brent Crothers (UK) and Alberto Medina (Spain) for their help in securing and translating answers.

 

Ferme Jacobs – “Dreams without goals are just….dreams”

It’s so hard to focus on the victories with Ferme Jacobs, because the way it wins is so well, winsome.

Just one other Canadian farm has won Premier Breeder at The Royal more times than Ferme Jacobs (Romandale Holsteins, 13 times). Notably, at The Royal, Ferme Jacobs showed no heifers and they have now nudged ahead of household names like Dupasquier Holsteins, Hanover Hill Holsteins, Glenafton Holsteins and Rosafe Holsteins.

And the last time a Holstein breeder won Grand and Reserve Grand Champion with homebred entries at The Royal was Agro Acres with maternal sisters in 1969. Before that the only other recorded time was by Mount Victoria in 1935.

The landslide results for Ferme Jacobs started here when The Royal judge Jamie Black slapped the family’s winning four-year-old, Jacobs Windbrook Aimo EX95 for Senior Champion.

This year’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair belonged to Ferme Jacobs’ winning four-year-old, Jacobs Windbrook Aimo EX95, and their winning mature cow, Jacobs Lauthority Loana EX96-2E, who finished Grand and Reserve Grand Holstein respectively. Loana is owned in partnership with Pat Conroy.

And yet the lasting impressions from both WDE and The Royal are not only the family’s champions, but also the way they care for their cows, the way they celebrate and the way they share their success with the industry.

The squeals and multiple photographs of their children swarming ringside, together with the unadulterated joy between their parents in the ring, is infectious.

“We always have a party, even if we lose,” Ysabel Jacobs, 37, smiled.

“But that party at The Royal this year was one of the best ones we’ve had, for sure. We were so excited. We’ve never had Grand and Reserve Grand before, so we went wild.

“Because the level where we are now with our results; it’s easier to get there than it is to stay there. We know that.

“Last year we said we couldn’t have a better year than that was. Then this year, we did. We don’t know what’s coming up for us. But we know we are going to have to accept it when it comes, because we have kids around and we need to show them the right way to handle losing.”

The family was also unafraid to bring the reigning WDE Grand Champion Holstein out again at The Royal one month later – always a risk when a cow has something to lose.

WDE and Royal wins both special

“I think both the WDE and RWF results were special in their own way,” Ysabel said. “At WDE, Loana was perfect, and while Aimo [the 2017 WDE Intermediate Champion] won her class at WDE this year, she didn’t co-operate with us that day, and we had wanted her to look better than she did.

“At the RWF, it was the opposite. Aimo got ready perfect, and Loana didn’t want to co-operate. When we get our cows ready in the string, we get all excited before they leave the string if they are heading to the ring looking as good as we know they can be. After that, whatever happens in the ring is fine because you have no control over that.

“We think Loana might have had a big heat the day before the RWF because she was very mad that day. So, one show was perfect for Loana, and one was perfect for Aimo. We’re happy with that.”

As to which cow is best, Ysabel smiles. She always leads Loana and Yan takes Aimo.

“I don’t know,” she laughed. “If you talk to my brother he’ll say Aimo, and if you talk to me, I think I’d say Loana. There are some things that I like more about Loana and some things I like more about Aimo.

“We both like to lead, and we kind of always have our own cows. We never fight for who leads who, because we always differ slightly. We like the same kind of cow, but we like different things on individuals too. I would say Aimo is more Yan’s type, and Loana is more my type.”

Carl Saucier mentor

Semex’s well-known Carl Saucier, who has been a mentor and friend for Yan and Isobel, says there is something special about the family’s care of their cows, which always comes before winning.

“What I love about this family is that they are not only humble winners, they are great losers,” Carl said.

“I remember in 2015 at The Royal, they lost the Premier Breeder banner by the smallest of margins and they went down to Kingsway [Farms, the winner] and drank to their success with them. They are always happy for others. Ysabel is happy to help others at shows too – even her biggest competitors. She’ll give them some of their best hay to fill cows on show day. She just smiles and says: ‘Let the best cow win.’”

Buy when they want to

While the family is now recognised for its success with homebred animals, buying them is not without precedence. This year’s WDE Intermediate Champion, Erbacres Snapple Shakira-ET VG89, is jointly owned by Ferme Jacobs, Ty-D Holsteins, Killian Tehraulaz, Ferme Antelimarck and C & F Jacobs. The 2013 WDE Supreme Champion Bonnacueil Maya Goldwyn EX-95 3E 6* was co-owned with Drolet & Fils, Ty-D Holsteins, and Bonaccueil Holsteins.

Erbacres Snapple Shakira-ET VG89, gets the nod for Intermediate Champion at World Dairy Expo. She is jointly owned by Ferme Jacobs, Ty-D Holsteins, Killian Tehraulaz, Ferme Antelimarck and C & F Jacobs. She is led by Tyler Doiron.

“We do like to buy one once in a while and develop a cow to the max she can be,” Ysabel said. “But we’re never in a rush to buy them. It just happens when, ‘OK, I can’t get over it’. Then we get on each other. If I go to sleep at night and I still see her in my head, we need to buy her. We’re like kids and it’s satisfying to get a cow where you know she can be. With Shakira, it just happened that our friend, Killian, was there when we were looking at her, and he said he wanted in too.

“I think the partnerships we have now is that they know us. They know that we’re not going to call for a breeding decision. But they know also that we’ll make the best decisions we can on the cow’s behalf.

“If someone wants to be in with us, they need to just let us get on with it. We’re very bad for sharing news – very bad. We don’t spend all our time talking with a partner on the phone. They need to have trust in us and as soon as we flush, we usually separate everything so the partnerships don’t get too big. That’s the easiest way.”

Breeding with numbers often doesn’t add up 

When Ferme Jacobs decides on what bulls to use to breed the next one, genomics is the last consideration. The family is driven by cow families and the sires that leave the kind of cows the farm needs. They have alternated between high type and breeding for milk. It maintains a balance of stylish show cows that will work and last.

“We do look at the numbers, but that’s not big for us,” Ysabel said. “The only number we really do watch is that we will never use a bull that is minus for milk. Yan is starting to judge more now. He went to the USA, and Tyler and I are also starting to judge too, so we are all travelling a little bit.

“Between us, we see enough cattle in a year that we can see which bulls we want to use, and which bulls we don’t wanna use. When we go away, we usually also try and visit two to three farms to see what’s there and what’s working.

“Right now, we’re breeding for a bit more on milk, because you can have any good show cow in the world, if she doesn’t milk it’s not going to work.

“We are concentrating right now on balance, especially at our place because we have so many type cows. Using high type bulls here right now would be too extreme.”

Bulls in use now include Croteau Lesperron Unix, Seagull-Bay Silver, Comestar Lautrust, S-S-I Silver Spike, Sandy-Valley J Pharo, S-S-I Montross Missle, Monument Impression, and MR Mogul Delta.

“I know sometimes we use older bulls, but we don’t think using old bulls is a fault,” Ysabel said. 

Massive embryo demand

Their juggle remains working between showing cows, massive embryo demand (500 embryos were sold by Ferme Jacobs this year), and breeding a bull for the industry, to be marketed through Select Sires.

MOET embryo transfer work takes a seat behind show cow management and preparation. IVF is infrequent, because of the expense.

“If the cows are on a show programme, they are not going to be flushed,” Ysabel said. “We don’t want to work with hormones while they are showing. We’d rather flush them when they are done showing.”

And the Jacobs family remains true to itself when it comes to choosing potential bull mothers.

“Select [Sires] are not pushing us for the cross, because they know there are some crosses we don’t want and some crosses that make sense to us,” Ysabel said.

“It doesn’t have to be very high on everything, because we think that everyone in the industry is running a race right now on all that… for nothing.”

The cows they hope to make a bull from include 2017 Holstein Canada Cow of the Year, Jacobs Goldwyn Britany EX-96 2E 10* (Braedale Goldwyn x Jacobs Jasper Best), Loana (Comestar Lauthority x Jacobs Outside Linsey), Aimo (Windbrook x Jacobs Minister Aima), and Shikara (Snapple x Miss Apple Snapple EX-94). Aimo has an ET bull calf coming, sired by Lautrust, and she will calve next May to Lautrust.

The family’s happy place

Challenges come to every family and Ysabel says it is always the cows that put them back in their “happy place”. An extended and supportive team, combined with watching their children develop the same love for cattle, has sustained them.

“It’s not easy, because there is sacrifice. But it is a sacrifice my brother, my husband and I don’t mind,” Ysabel said.

Yan Jacobs is swamped by his daughters Elsie and Nellie Jacobs as he leaves the ring after winning Grand Champion at The Royal. Tyler and Ysabel’s daughter Aylson is obscured.

 “Our kids have grown up around that. We have three farms together and we have an amazing team around us, including Mum and Dad, who always support us.

“Yes, it’s hard sometimes and sometimes you want to quit. But there is always something coming and someone slapping your shoulder, or you find a new cow and you get excited again.”

Pressure has been a constant, but they can now put it into perspective.

“I would say that two years ago we could feel there was pressure to back up our performance,” Ysabel said. “But last year, we realised there is so much more important things in life than showing, and this year we just wanted to go and have fun, and to try our best.

“We get nervous at certain points, but always a good nervous. I know there is money involved. But people are so much looking at us right now, that no matter what happens, we should do it for fun.

“We’ve lost before, and we’ll lose again. Let’s be prepared to do it, and if it happens, at least we had fun doing it. Our kids are starting to show and we are trying to teach them the right way, because they don’t always lead winners – they lead both. And, if they don’t practice with their calves at home, we aren’t going to let them show their calf.”

Ultimately, Ferme Jacobs loves good cows and they continue to see the good, and the good people in the industry.

“We have people in our team who come and help us on show day, who don’t want to be paid. They just want to do it with us. Those are special people for us,” Ysabel said.

“We are very lucky to have them around us. To be honest, there are so many good people in our business who have the same passion to try to get the right cow where she needs to be. We love it.”

 

 

International Dairy Week 2018 – All Breeds Youth Show

Judge: Brian Behnke (USA)

 

Photo Crazy Cow In Print

Senior Champion In-Milk Heifer (Senior Leader) was (r-l) Fairvale BC Armani (Cally O’Shannassy, Vic) followed by Reserve Elmar Firstclass Jessica (Brady Hore, Vic) and Honourable Mention Lightning Ridge Archrival Jane 2 (Dylan McDonald, Vic) Photo Crazy Cow In Print

IDW GRAND CHAMPION HEIFER – Fairvale BC Armani Nola, Cally O’Shannessy, Munden Farms, Nilma North, VIC, 15‐04‐2015 Mr Apples Armani‐ET , Fairvale Damion Nola 21 
IDW RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION HEIFER – Elmar Firstclass Jessica‐ET, Brady Hore, Elmar Holsteins, Leitchville, VIC, 04‐08‐2015 Zahbulls AltaFirstClass‐ET, Elmar Goldwyn Jessica 11‐ET
HONOURABLE MENTION – Diamond Hill SSM Victoria, Hayley Braendler, M Mangold, Regentville,NSW, 11‐07‐2015 Select Scott Minister Avonlea Latola Victoria

Grand Champion of the youth show was led by the show’s must successful handler, Cally O’Shannassy. Fairvale BC Armani was a Grand Champion Heifer of the Youth Show. Fairvale BC Armani Nola is the first Holstein Karl Munden, from Warragul, has bought. He secured her in October 2016 at the Big Bang dispersal and she calved in this year with an Awesome heifer. Reserve was Elmar Firstclass Jessica, led by Brady Hore, of Victoria and Honourable Mention was a Jersey who her owner Mark Mangold bought in a package of B-grade embryos from River Valley Jerseys.

SENIOR CHAMPION IN MILK HEIFER – SENIOR LEADER – Fairvale BC Armani Nola, Cally O’Shannessy, Munden Farms, Nilma North, VIC, 15‐04‐2015 Mr Apples Armani‐ET, Fairvale Damion Nola 21
RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION IN MILK HEIFER – SENIOR LEADER – Elmar Firstclass Jessica‐ET, Brady Hore, Elmar Holsteins, Leitchville, VIC, 04‐08‐2015 Zahbulls AltaFirstClass‐ET, Elmar Goldwyn Jessica 11‐ET
HONOURABLE MENTION – Lightning Ridge Archrival Jane 2‐ET, Dylan McDonald, Munden Farms, Nilma North, VIC, 25‐07‐2015 Eclipse Atwoods Archrival, Pooley Bridge Advent Jane 17‐ET‐RED

In the Senior Champion in-milk heifer (Junior Leader) the Jersey Diamond Hill SSM Victoria (Hayley Braendler, SA) came in first with the Holstein Eclipse Goldchip Paradise (Mia Deenan, Vic) taking second.

Photo IDW

SENIOR CHAMPION IN MILK HEIFER – JUNIOR LEADER – Diamond Hill SSM Victoria, Hayley Braendler, M Mangold, Regentville,NSW, 11‐07‐2015 Select Scott Minister, Avonlea Latola Victoria
RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION IN MILK HEIFER – JUNIOR LEADER – Eclipse Gold Chip Paradise, Mia Deenen, Zanders Family,Kialla,VIC, 29‐07‐2015 Mr Chassity Gold Chip, Eclipse Atwood Paradise
HONOURABLE MENTION – Foleama Lix Rose 11, Chris Wright, E Cullen, Tatura, VIC, 20/04/2015 DJ Lix, Foleama Shyster Rose 4

Photo Crazy Cow In Print

Photo Crazy Cow In Print

Photo Crazy Cow In Print

JUNIOR CHAMPION HEIFER – SENIOR – Wyena B Mac Caboose                                        Cally O’Shannassy           D Edge, Carpendeit, VIC                                     12‐07‐2016 Childers Cover Anniedale Mcapple‐I Wyena Brook Caboose‐ET
RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION HEIFER -SENIOR LEADER – Llandovery Foremans Emma 1906th                   Zoe Hayes                        Hayes Family, Girgarre, VIC                                01‐04‐2017 Llandovery Stellas Foreman 4936 Llandovery Empires Emma
HONOURABLE MENTION – Cedar Vale DH Tequila Crystalyn Imp‐Et             Loren Osborne                 Cedar Vale Jerseys & M Mangold, Moss Val    15‐09‐2015 Tower Vue Prime Tequila                                                              Rock Ella Impressive Crystalite

Finesse Burdette Marcie (Heath Treloar, SA) the reigning Junior Champion from the Adelaide Royal Show was again in the broad ribbin count, winning the Junior Champion (Junior Leader). The story goes that every year at Adelaide Boldview Ayrshires, Geelunga Ayrshires, and Cher-bar Ayrshires give away an Ayrshire calf (by rotation) to the winner of a handler’s class. Several of the young people from different breeds who have won, have continued to exhibit in the Ayrshire show, including Marcie’s owner, Casey Treloar. Casey won the foundation cow behind Marcie, Geelunga Starad Molly.

Photo IDW

One of the meaningful shots of this year’s IDW Youth Show was when US judge Brian Behnke congratulated Indiana Cole and Rivendell Tornado Pretty for winning Honourable Mention in the Junior Champion (Junior Leader) championship. Pretty is the first heifer Hayley and Stewart Menzies have sold and Pretty was very young when the Cole family approached Rivendell to sell two Jersey heifers for their daughters to show. Pictured over the heifer’s topline is Hayley cheering and Indiana’s mother, Bec, capturing the moment on her iphone. Rebecca said they had considering holidaying away from the cows this year, but their daughters had greeted them at the dairy chanting: “Dairy Week, Dairy Week.”

JUNIOR CHAMPION HEIFER – JUNIOR LEADER – Finesse Burdette Marcie                                     Heath Treloar                  C Treloar, Victor Harbor, SA                               07‐08‐2016 Palmyra Tri‐Star Burdette                                                                                 Roxson Poker Molly
RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION HEIFER – JUNIOR LEADER – Hawova Doorman Tamie                                     Georgia Sieben                SD & JL Sieben, Torrumbarry, VIC                     28‐04‐2017 Val Bisson Doorman                                                                                 Hawova R Reginald Tamie
HONOURABLE MENTION – Rivendell Tornado Pretty                                    Indiana Cole                     S & R Cole, Wagga Wagga, NSW                                                                                                                                       01‐09‐2017 Kauri Klen Hg Tornado                              Rivendell Request Prissy

Photo IDW

SENIOR CHAMPION HANDLER-LEADER AGED 18-20: TAMARA LOUGHRIDGE

Photo IDW

INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION HANDLER- LEADER AGED 14-17: SAM HALL

Photo IDW

PRIMARY CHAMPION HANDLER- LEADER AGED 11-13: LEAH DICKSON

Photo IDW

JUNIOR CHAMPION HANDLER- LEADER AGED 8-10: RUBY POLLSON 

The youth show this year had 253 entries and 220 young people exhibited. The classes peaked at 45-head in a strong showing of Australia’s next generation.

Heifer, born 01/09/17 to 31/12/17 ‐ Senior Leader

 

1

 

6

 

Hightop Niels Okanobie

 

Sam Fitzsimmons

 

Hightop Holsteins, Numurkah, VIC

 

01‐09‐2017 Ever‐Green‐Veiw Edify

 

Wyena Windbook Valarie

2 5 Leader Solomon Sandalwood‐ET Nathan Smith Hightop Holsteins, Numurkah, VIC 03‐09‐2017 Walnutlawn Solomon‐ET Paringa Beemer Opaque
3 1 Wyena Edify Valarie Cally O’Shannassy D Edge, Carpendeit, VIC 09‐09‐2017 Mr DDS Rubi‐Haze 54682‐ET Glensandy Donante 2235
4 1218 Rockstar Fizz Electric‐IMP‐ET Sarah Alderton R Allen, Cobargo, NSW 09‐09‐2017 Walnutlawn Solomon‐ET Leader Atwood Sandlewood
5 3 Emu Banks Rubihaze Sandy 9018 Rachel Dickson Emu Banks, Terang, VIC 11‐09‐2017 Hill Valley Niels Hightop Attwood Orbette

Heifer, born 01/09/17 to 31/12/17 ‐ Junior Leader

 

1

 

8

 

Rivendell Tornado Pretty

 

Indiana Cole

 

S & R Cole, Wagga Wagga, NSW

 

01‐09‐2017 Kauri Klen Hg Tornado

 

Rivendell Request Prissy

2 10 Dryfield Solomon Paradise Sienna Ross Dryfield Farms, Numurkah, VIC 01‐09‐2017 WalnutLawn Solomon‐ET Dryfield Goldwood Paradise
3 9 Leader Solomon Sandalwood Ruby Mackie AJ & SD Mackie, Meeniyan, VIC 01‐09‐2017 Walnutlawn Solomon‐ET Leader Atwood Sandalwood
4 15 Whyndell Brady Allieu T Jett Easterbrook RK & JL Easterbrook, Tatura, VIC 10‐09‐2017 Butz‐Butler Attwood Brady Whyndell Masterpiece Allieu
5 21 Benlargo Cancun Frosty Shae Tweddle Benlargo Holsteins, Glencoe, SA 18‐09‐2017 Tinber JC Cancun Benlargo Sid Frosty

Heifer born 01/07/17 to 31/08/17 ‐ Senior Leader

 

1

 

1201

 

Aroona Mario Ester 3406

 

Joshua Peter

 

Eloora Pastoral Co, Deniliquin, NSW

 

02‐07‐2017 Quality Doorman Mario

 

Aroona Desire Esther

2 27 Cherrylock Rumour Has It Rachel English B & J Gavenlock, Tallygaroopna, VIC 27‐07‐2017 Pleasant Nook Tequila’s Venom Rapid Bay Resurrect Robin
3 23 Lightning Ridge Diamondback Frosty Charlie Lloyd D Patten & Ryanna Holsteins, Sale, VIC 07‐01‐2017 Mr D Apple Diamondback Budgeree Demspey Frosty
4 29 Riversleigh Alston Majedi Rachael Barnes Tuhan Family Trust, Tatura East, VIC 18‐08‐2017 Glencliffe JP Jedi Riversleigh Alston Majeda
5 28 Miami Medalist Fiesta 5493 Emily Stephenson Philmar Dairy Company, Tocumwal, NSW 02‐08‐2017 Sunset Canyon Medalist Miami Vanahlem Fiesta 4693

Heifer born 1/7/17 to 31/8/17 – Junior Leader

 

1

 

40

 

Three Creeks Redgum Honeymoon

 

Henry Hill

 

JJ & BL Evans, Greta West, VIC

 

05‐07‐2017 Three Creeks Redgum

 

Three Creeks Honeymoon 2

2 71 Winganna Velocity Day Dream Kieran Coburn Coburn Family, Bodalla, NSW 20‐08‐2017 Arethusa Jade Velocity Winganna Vanhalem Day Dream
3 34 Eastview Atwood Surprise Sarah Lloyd S Lloyd, Kyabram, VIC 03‐07‐2017 Atwood Eastview Goldchip Surprise
4 37 Eastview Jacoby Bonnie Fletcher Robinson F Robinson, Shepparton, VIC 03‐07‐2017 Cycle Doorman Jacoby Eastview Contender Bonnie
5 1204 Whyndell Velocity Pansy Jett Easterbrook R & J Easterbrook, Tatura, VIC 25‐08‐2017 Arethusa Jade Velocity Whyndell Regal Pansy

Heifer born 1/4/17 to 30/6/17 – Senior Leader

 

1

 

1205

 

Llandovery Foremans Emma 1906th

 

Zoe Hayes

 

Hayes Family, Girgarre, VIC

 

01‐04‐2017 Llandovery Stellas Foreman 4936

 

Llandovery Empires Emma

2 1206 Pooley Bridge Mogul Rose 110 Emily Lock Leslie Farms, Kialla, VIC 29‐04‐2017 Mountfield SSI DCY Mogul‐ET Pooley Bridge Goldwyn Rose 87‐ET
3 81 New Hope Solomon Butter Anthony Glennen B Pedretti, Tallygaroopna, VIC 09‐05‐2017 Walnutlawn Solomon‐ET Bluechip After Shock Butter
4 78 Diamond Hill Stephanie ‘J’ Ella Goldsmith M Mangold, Regentville, NSW 22‐04‐2017 Guimo Joel Shirlinn Special Stephanie
5 76 Lemon Grove Honeymoon 50 Sophie Chittick S Chittick, Greta West, VIC 07‐04‐2017 Three Creeks Verbenas Viper 4931 Lemon Grove Honeymoon 43

 Heifer born 1/4/17 to 30/6/17 – Junior Leader

 

1

 

94

 

Hawova Doorman Tamie

 

Georgia Sieben

 

SD & JL Sieben, Torrumbarry, VIC

 

28‐04‐2017 Val Bisson Doorman

 

Hawova R Reginald Tamie

2 92 Illinga Blushing Handsome Kieran Coburn Coburn Family, Bodalla, NSW 15‐04‐2017 Wallumlands Blushs Savard Illinga Miami Handsome‐RED
3 89 Avonlea Kingboy Amy‐ET Luke Gardiner JH & CJ Gardiner, Cardinia, VIC 08‐04‐2017 Morningview MCC Kingboy Avonlea Sanchez Alana‐IMP‐ET
4 106 Hill Valley Scenario Silk‐ET Alice Guye R & H Perrett, Kongwak, VIC 29‐06‐2017 Sandy‐Valley Scenario Hill Valley High Octane Silk
5 96 Three Creeks Elmo Verbena Thomas Hill JJ & BL Evans, Greta West, VIC 01‐05‐2017 Creighton Park Elmo Llandovery Ja‐Bob Verbena

 Heifer born 1/1/17 to 31/3/17 – Senior Leader

 

1

 

1207

 

Avonlea Solomon Bettine 2‐ET

 

Tamara Loughridge

 

JH & CJ Gardiner, Cardinia, VIC

 

21‐01‐2017 Walnut Solomon‐ET

 

Avonlea Braedale Bettine

2 117 Llandovery Royal Queenette 2 Zoe Hayes Hayes Family, Girgarre, VIC 05‐02‐2017 Stormans Royal Standard Llandovery Blushes Queenette
3 123 Hazel Vale Celebrity Benita Kaitlyn Wishart J Hayes, Invergordon, VIC 15‐03‐2017 Galaxies Celebrity Hazel Vale Verbatim Benita 4‐ET
4 111 Eclipse Jacoby Princess Charlie Lloyd D Patten & B Salmon, Sale, VIC 10‐01‐2017 Cycle Doorman Jacoby‐ET Eclipe Atwood Princess 7
5 114 Griffland Beemer Dasher‐ET Connor Griffiths C Griffiths, Katunga, VIC 20‐01‐2017 Pol Butte MC Beemer Bluechip Atwood Dancer

Heifer born 1/1/17 to 31/3/17  – Junior Leader

 

 

1

 

 

156

 

 

Brindabella Solomon Sammy

 

 

Georgia Sieben

 

 

SD & JL Sieben, Torrumbarry, VIC

 

 

14‐03‐2017 Walnutlawn Solomon‐ET

 

 

Brindabella Baxter Sambuka

2 133 Kathleigh Goldywn Nanda Lawson Kath Kathleigh Farms & Cherrylock Cattle Co, For 07‐01‐2017 Bo Joy Agenda Goldwyn Kathleigh Wonder Nanda
3 127 Rivendell Principal Tammi Matilda Cole M & I Cole, Wagga Wagga, NSW 01‐01‐2017 Rivendell Cyrus Principal Rivendell Visionary Tammi
4 1210 Whataview Byway Dorinda Cassie Broad D Spokes, Cobden, VIC 04‐02‐2017 Ohc River Byway Avonlea Crackholm Dorinda
5 1211 Arrowstar Doorman Summer‐IMP‐ET Alice Guye ID& EJ Louden,Garfield,VIC 09‐02‐2017 Val‐Bisson Doorman‐ET Misty Springs Lavanguard Sue‐ET

Heifer born 1/7/16 to 31/12/16 – Senior Leader

 

1

 

163

 

Wyena B Mac Caboose

 

Cally O’Shannassy

 

D Edge, Carpendeit, VIC

 

12‐07‐2016 Childers Cover Anniedale Mcapple‐I

 

Wyena Brook Caboose‐ET

2 176 Elmar Solomon Jessica‐ET Brady Hore Elmar Holsteins, Leitchville, VIC 14‐09‐2016 Walnutlawn Solomon‐ET Elmar Aftershock Jessica
 

3

 

181

 

Sun Vale Lotus Emerald‐RED

 

Renee Anderson

 

Sun Vale Holsteins, Yarroweyah, VIC

 

02‐10‐2016 Blondin Lotus

 

Moombra Cnt Emeralnd

4 164 Burn‐Brae Octane Satin 2 Jasmin Mackie AJ & SD Mackie, Meeniyan, VIC 18‐07‐2016 Stantons High Octane Bushlea GS Satin
5 183 Cherrylock Victoria’s Secret Anthony Glennen B Pedretti, Tallygaroopna, VIC 21‐10‐2016 Rock Ella Impression Genesis Online Venus

Heifer born 1/7/16 to 31/12/16 – Junior Leader

 

1

 

196

 

Finesse Burdette Marcie

 

Heath Treloar

 

C Treloar, Victor Harbor, SA

 

07‐08‐2016 Palmyra Tri‐Star Burdette

 

Roxson Poker Molly

2 202 Leader Goldchip Satin Georgia Sieben SD & JL Sieben, Torrumbarry, VIC 17‐09‐2016 Mr Chassity Gold Chip Leader LD Satin
3 200 Clydevale Easyboy Imperium Hannah Dee Clydevale Holsteins, Cohuna, NSW 05‐09‐2016 Warramont McCutchen Easyboy Clydevale Proshot Imperial
4 204 Aitken Farms BW Karbala Bonita Olivia Aitken Aitken Farms, Warragul, VIC 25‐11‐2016 BW Karbala Gelbeado Park Black Bonita 2‐ET
5 201 Stoneleigh Park Premier Silvermine Thomas Burnett Burnett Family, Merrigum, VIC 15‐09‐2016 Hawarden Impuls Premier Stoneleigh Park Spirit Silvermine

Class 11

  1. Homelands Tequlia Silvermine 2                         Katie Anderson                Sun Vale Holsteins & P Hentschke, Yarrowe    02‐04‐2016 Tower Vue Prime Tequlia                    Homelands Ringmaster Silvermine
  2. Paschendaele Lovely Blossom‐ET                        Sally Downie                   Eagles Partnership, Gooloogong, NSW              24‐04‐2016 Terrace Bank Free Beer                       Paschendaele Real Blossom‐ET
  3. Wisteria Park Forget‐Me‐Not                             Sarah Ludington              E Ludington, Terang, VIC                                    24‐06‐2016 Terrace Bank Free Beer                       Hurlstone Fabiola Rose

Class 12

  1. Brookbora Love Lies 723                                     Jed Young                        R&S Bacon, D Bacon & S Leppart, Tennyso     04‐04‐2016 Pannoo Abe Vanahlem                        Brookbora Love Lies 652
  2. Exclusive Delta Didie                                           Beth Tivendale                S Livesay, Toolamba West, VIC                         05‐04‐2016 Glenally Pie Delta                                Glenally GNP Didie
  3. Paschendaele Stilmore Klassy‐ET                        Jack Cole                          Eagles Partnership, Gooloogong, NSW              25‐04‐2016  Palmyra Poker Riggins                        Paschendaele Klassy Girl‐IMP‐ET

Class 13

  1. Coleshill Gazza Noelene                                       Ryan Barker                    Coleshill Farms, Riana, TAS                               18‐03‐2016 Coleshill Linx Gazza                             Coleshill GP Noelene
  2. Brookleigh TM Beige                                           Kyella McKenna               LF & JM Cleggett, Glencoe, SA                          13‐02‐2016 Gilbert Trademark                              Brookleigh Geo Brunette

Class 14

  1. Miami Blackice Dahlea 5235                               Rebekah Love                  Philmar Dairy Company, Tocumwal, NSW          06‐03‐2016 Shirlinn Black Ice                                  Miami Cairnbone Dahlea 4545
  2. Wellcoora Colton Veronica                                  Abbie Hanks                    A Hanks, Cobden, VIC                                        19‐01‐2016 Chilli Action Colton                              Southern Star Governor Vegemite
  3. Carell Josuper Milena                                         Harry Moon                     C Moon, Numurkah, VIC                                     08‐03‐2016 Uecker Supersire Josuper‐ET               Wilara Oilslick Milena
  4. Linderlan Richards Tess                                        Bailey Roberts                 Linderlan & Sherbrooke Brown Swiss, Katun    29‐02‐2016 Jo‐Dee Nemo Richard                           Strathlea Zerberus Tess
  5. Wanstead Valentino Junette                              Sheridan Heath               Wanstead Jerseys, Bookar, VIC                         27‐03‐2016 All Lynns Louie Valentino                    Wanstead Eltons Junette

Class 15

  1. Cedar Vale DH Tequila Crystalyn Imp‐Et             Loren Osborne                 Cedar Vale Jerseys & M Mangold, Moss Val    15‐09‐2015 Tower Vue Prime Tequila                    Rock Ella Impressive Crystalite
  2. Murribrook Reginald Victory‐ET                         Jasmin Mackie                 AJ & SD Mackie, Meeniyan, VIC                        16‐08‐2015 Regancrest Reginald                            Strongbark Linjet Victory
  3. Missy Moo Goldwyn Cathy                                 Nathan Smith                  Hightop Holsteins, Numurkah, VIC                      12‐07‐2015 Braedale Goldwyn                               Missy Moo Ladino Cathy
  4. Three Creeks Jango Verbena                              Sophie Chittick                Three Creeks Illawarras & Cotonhall Shortho   12‐08‐2015 Ovensdale Jennys Contender               Llandovery Ja‐Bob Verbena
  5. Boldview Rockstar Jord                                       Brittany Liebich               Boldview Farms, Jervois, SA                              24‐09‐2015 Kamouraska Rockstar                          Boldview Peri Miss Jordan

Class 16

  1. Crookslea ST Doreen                                           Kieran Coburn                  NM Wilkie, Bacchus Marsh, VIC                         03‐10‐2015 Four Winds Showtime                         Crookslea Doreen 5
  2. Enterprise Burgette Rose 2nd                             Jack Cole                          Eagles Partnership,Gooloogong. NSW               15‐08‐2015 Palmyra Tri‐Star Burgette                   Enterprise Ristourn Rose 3rd
  3. Three Creeks Rosarian 10                                    Thomas Hill                      JJ & BL Evans, Greta West, VIC                         12‐07‐2015 Three Creeks Redgum                          Three Creeks Rosarian 4
  4. Boldview Free Aurora                                         Hayley Braendler            Boldview Farms, Jervois, SA                              02‐12‐2015 Terrace Bank Free Beer                       Boldview Raider Atlas

Class 17

  1. Elmar Firstclass Jessica‐ET                                   Brady Hore                      Elmar Holsteins, Leitchville, VIC                        04‐08‐2015 Zahbulls AltaFirstClass‐ET                   Elmar Goldwyn Jessica 11‐ET
  2. Lightning Ridge Archrival Jane 2‐ET                    Dylan McDonald              Munden Farms, Nilma North, VIC                       25‐07‐2015 Eclipse Atwoods Archrival                  Pooley Bridge Advent Jane 17‐ET‐RED
  3. Cairnhill Goldchip Muskie, Zali Deenen, Zanders Family, Kialla, VIC 08‐08‐2015 Mr Chassity Gold Chip, Cairnhill Sid Music
  4. Miami Tequila Girlie 5115‐ET, Emily Stephenson, Philmar Dairy Company, Tocumwal, NSW, 01‐07‐2015 Tower Vue Prime Tequila, Miami Gannon Girlie 4254‐ET
  5. Hazel Vale Celebrity Eve, Celine Pirie, Cedar Vale Jerseys, Moss Vale, NSW, 30‐08‐2015 Galaxies Celebrity Hazel Vale Vanahlem Eve

Class 18 

1 1215 Diamond Hill SSM Victoria Hayley Braendler M Mangold, Regentville,NSW 11‐07‐2015 Select Scott Minister Avonlea Latola Victoria
2 1216 Eclipse Gold Chip Paradise Mia Deenen Zanders Family,Kialla,VIC 29‐07‐2015 Mr Chassity Gold Chip Eclipse Atwood Paradise
3 244 Brookbora Love Lies 717 Ella Young R, S & D Bacon, Tennyson, VIC 01‐09‐2015 All Lynns Louie Valentino Brookbora Love Lies 630
4 242 Whitegold Tequila Strike Twice Ikayla Shaw M & A Rood, Morans Crossing, NSW 01‐07‐2015 Tower Vue Prime Tequila Parrabel Resrected Strike

Class 19

1 248 Fairvale BC Armani Nola Cally O’Shannessy Munden Farms, Nilma North, VIC 15‐04‐2015 Mr Apples Armani‐ET Fairvale Damion Nola 21
2 249 Brindabella Dempsey W Nana Lincoln Sieben SD & JL Sieben, Torrumbarry, VIC 16‐04‐2015 Lirr Drew Dempsey Brindabella Windbrook D Nana
3 250 Jugiong Leonie 7260 Charlie Lloyd Nicholson Family, Girgarre, VIC 30‐04‐2015 Jugiong Ras Governor Jugiong Leonie 6824
4 245 Sun Vale Shottle Winnie Katie Anderson Sun Vale Holsteins, Yarroweyah, VIC 13‐01‐2015 Glenbas Liberty Shottle Moombra Juote Winnie
5 247 Kings Ville Cowslip 115 Meg Anderson R & K Anderson, Drouin West, VIC 01‐04‐2015 Dutch Hollow Clearvision Kings Ville Cowslip

Class 19

 1st Place Folema Lix Rose – Chris Wright,

2nd Jugiong Jade 7206 – Sarah Lloyd

 

Pat “Cowboy” Conroy – Shooting straight and straight shooting

Pat Conroy’s piercing blue eyes are as recognizable as his distinctive Minnesotan-born drawl – punctuated by the spit from some tobacco chew tucked securely inside his bottom lip.

Pat has earned his stripes in the industry at every level. And he’s at the top of his game.

Pat and Jeannie Conroy have two children, Kaiden and Zailey. The family call Angola, Indiana, USA, home.

When Pat’s not picking Champions, he’s usually leading them and/or owning them. He has fought for his position in the industry from nothing, using determination and competitiveness. Yet he carries himself nowadays with a quiet confidence and a certainty about where he fits in the industry. He is respected for his ability, honesty, and straight-shooting personality.

While he says he never wanted to judge – nor liked it initially – Pat allowed himself to be drawn into it for a reason. In August, he judged the Western New York Regional Show on the 18th, before flying to Brazil to judge at Agroleite five days later. Two days after that he landed in Australia to oversee the New South Wales State Holstein Show on August 25 and 26. His three days in Nowra was a long way from home, and his own preparations for WDE and The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, Canada.

Pat Conroy about to accept Grand Champion from WDE 2015 Holstein judge Nathan Thomas on behalf of Lovhill Goldwyn Katrysha. Pat led Katrysha for her owners MilkSource Genetics of Kaukauna, Wisconsin. That year Pat also judged WDE’s Red & White Holstein show. Photo: The Bullvine.

His 2016 judging résumé alone notably included the Holsteins at WDE, the Swiss Expo Holstein Show and the European National Show. In 2015 he judged WDE’s Red & White Holstein Show, and he was the 2013 WDE’s Junior Holstein Show judge.

Pat has also judged the 2014 All-American Jersey Show in Harrisburg, and the 2015 Brown Swiss Expo in Switzerland.

Boxed and loaded

Pat says when he left home, he had a box of Holstein World magazines, his clothes and little else.

He began cattle fitting aged 16, and by the time he was 19 was working every day of the year in his chosen profession. Pat’s career came at a time when there were a lot of talented fitters available in a busy industry, and he had to be hungry to succeed – let alone to just survive. For the next 16 years, preparing cattle for shows and sales ruled Pat’s life. It took him coast-to-coast in the USA, and into Canada, Mexico, Columbia, Argentina, Ecuador, Brazil, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Australia.

The competition and his passion kept him sharp.

“Fitting was something I always wanted to do. I always wanted to be around good cattle, and to have the opportunity to work with them. There was a good competition between us all at that time, and from the start, I always wanted to outdo the next guy.”

Pat owns 50 head of show cattle across North America and Europe. Pictured is one of them, Hallow Atwood Twizzle EX93-Max, the 2016 Grand Champion at Cremona, Italy. Pat owns her with All Nure and Gary Jones. Photo: The Bullvine.

Box cut

He pauses, before adding: “Wanting to win made you think. If you don’t have some competitiveness, you stay in neutral. Young guys today – and some won’t like hearing this, but it is true – all they want to do is clip, and that’s it.

“I’m finding that many young people don’t maybe know what a good one is supposed to look like, and so they cut them all in the same.

“Our industry has promoted a lot of bulls over the years that sired a lot of high-pinned heifers. Yet, I’ve seen a lot of fitters still leave big hair on those heifers’ chines – which just makes it worse. They don’t see that the logical thing is to mow her chine off to make her look a little more balanced.”

Skills clipped

“And, I’ll be honest with you – and probably the generation above me said this about us – hardly any of the current crop of fitters would have survived in our era. They don’t know how to work, and a lot of them aren’t good cow people. So, if a cow is sick, they don’t know what to do – they disappear like a flock of birds when the going gets tough. They’re just clippers, that’s it.

“They’ve been spoiled and spoon-fed because there’s a shortage of fitters. In our day, you had to be good or no-one hired you. Now, they can be busy every week. Everyone wants US$250 a day when they start working, and kids now all seem to need a safe place if someone says something they don’t like. What is that? My wife and I have robust discussions about this all the time – I think it’s important that kids learn how to work hard and take the knocks.”

He says intelligent hard-working fitters remain potential game-changers.

“Good clipping really does make a big difference on heifers – on cows, not so much. You can make a good heifer great by the way she’s prepared and managed – no question. Equally, you can make a great heifer middle of the road if you don’t get her preparation right.”

Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra EX97 wowed the world. The thrice Swiss Expo Grand Champion was one of the few cows Pat Conroy chose stay with for her entire ride. Photos: Wolfhard Schulz.

Fitting into ownership

As he grew into his fitting career, Pat started to focus on building capital. He says it wasn’t hard to become addicted to buying cows – and he fearlessly backed himself. Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra EX97 remains his personal pick.

Born September 4, 2008, O’Kalibra would go on to be the 2013 European Champion, thrice Grand Champion at the Swiss Expo (2012, 2013 and 2015) and the 2015 All-World Champion. She is Europe’s most famous cow, and the vibrations of her influence were also felt in Australia, when her Goldchip daughter sold for an Australasian record price of $112,000 in 2015.

Usually when he buys, Pat intends to sell them on. It’s the reality of a cattle marketer’s life. However, this time he chose to stay with O’Kalibra until the end, which came in May this year when she passed away.

O’Kalibra was bred by Fredy Decrausaz & Sons. Sired by Boss Iron, she was out of an EX90-2E Integrity daughter, followed by a VG89 Milestone. She had the width Pat loved, and a pedigree they could work with.

“O’Kalibra was just such a good doer and so aggressive. We had a lot of fun with her,” he says.

“She was game-changing for me and she was cheap in the end for what she did for us all. And she was special to me because this time I co-owned her all the way through. There’s been a lot I’ve sold through the years – and you love to see them do well for other guys – but once in a while, there’s one you want to keep.”

Throwing a fit…  

He smiles as he remembers the day he first saw her, saying he experienced the feeling cowmen often describe when they see a cow they have to have. It is a moment when the world seems to stand still – when the hairs raise up on the back of their necks. And there’s absolutely no hesitation. They just know they need to be part of her journey.

Pat says if he wasn’t so determined he could have easily missed getting aboard the O’Kalibra train.

“They didn’t want to sell part of her at first,” he laughs. “I honestly threw a fit like a kid, because I was so mad. I did – I threw a fit until I got my way. She was one of those cows I had to have, for sure.”

Win some – lose some

Typically honest, Pat is quick to balance the glory with the risk.   

“I’ve lost a lot of money too on cows too. There was four of us in a partnership and we paid US$160,000 for a cow. I thought she’d be a cow to be Champion at Madison [WDE] and the year I had in my mind she could do it, she died. I didn’t have insurance on her, and I was fairly young at the time so it was a fair kick in the teeth. It took a lot to rebound from that one because it kind of cleaned me out.

“Usually the first loss is the best one.

“I built back up, and I made another dumb decision. Three of us bought a nice cow for US$98,000 and a week later she got on the trailer and split her bag. That hurt too.”

He says buying and selling commercial cattle is a big part of his business today because the work is consistent and busy. The commercial cattle help him enjoy registered cattle. They also help underwrite his “addiction” to show cows.

Judgement day

His journey into judging evolved naturally. While he wasn’t interested, he did have strong opinions that weren’t always in line with popular thought. It is part of the reason he dons a suit more often than he’d perhaps like to.

“Somebody asked me to do a County Fair once and I said I’d do it, but it wasn’t a great experience. I thought to myself: ‘I’m never going to judge again’, but then I got asked again, and I did it and it ended up being a nice show. The biggest reason for me personally to start judging is that I got sick of narrow, high-pinned, bad-footed cows winning because they were black.

“For me, that was the biggest push. I thought somebody has got to step up and change this a bit. I think that maybe some guys who milk cows every day come to the show and they see those high-pinned, narrow cows winning and they make fun of the showing business. We’re supposed to have these high-type cattle, and to their eyes, those cattle are not functional.

“That seems to become negative publicity for the show industry. I’m not on Facebook, but I do watch the question of the week on Dairy Agenda, and I read the comments, and they’re always negative about the show industry. I want to do something to help change that for the breeders that don’t necessarily show.”

Playing favourites

Sheeknoll Durham Arrow becoming immortal at last year’s WDE when judge Pat Conroy made her Grand. She is led by her breeder/owner Jeannette Sheeham, from Sheeknoll Farms at Rochester, Minnesota, USA. Photo: The Bullvine.

That brings him to his favourite cow he has made Grand Champion to date: the 2016 WDE Grand Champion, Sheeknoll Durham Arrow. Bearing in mind, there were 2423 animals at Madison in 2016 – including 640 Holsteins (the biggest breed show) and WDE welcomed 74,000 visitors from 102 countries through its gates last year. There is always a massive audience ring-side for the Holstein judging, and the pressure resting on the sole person to award Grand should never be underestimated.

“I think because I grew up at WDE in Madison, it was the show,” Pat says. “Making that cow [Arrow] Grand was fun and a good experience. I didn’t make her Grand because she was a no-name cow before the show and I wanted to find a new Grand Champion, like some – no doubt – thought. She won it because she deserved it. It was just nice that the cow got ready on her own, she looked the part, and she was an easy fit that day.

“Madison was the easiest show to judge because you can find your kind and just go for it. At some of the other shows, you make cows Champion, that perhaps don’t excite you – but they’re the best ones there on the day. You play the cards you’re dealt.”

Heifers need width

He stays true to form on the type of show heifers that he believes will go on and make cows.

“Some people might bust my arse a bit for this, but I’ll take a heifer a little thicker, and I’m okay with that if they’re sound. The Quebec guys – and many of them are my friends – don’t like the style of cows I like. They’ll take them narrow and black.

“I’ve always liked the stronger ones, because if there ever a problem at any of the farms I’d be working at, the one that was sick and off her feed was always the narrow one. Always.

“And then I started taking care of my own heifers when I bought my first little place and I would have heifers in and that included the big black fancy ones I bought, and shouldn’t have. When I’d go to grain them and it was -60 [-15 degrees Celsius], the one standing in the corner sucking their thumb would always be the narrow one.   

“So, personally I can’t stand skinny heifers. It makes their legs look bad and they don’t have any substance. Maybe the next guy could take them skinny, but not for me. Heifers need to have muscle tone – like an athlete.”

Give it a couple of years…

Pat says patience is a virtue in the judging game.

“I always remember what they say if they’re unhappy with how I place them, and then I’ll wait a couple of years and have the conversation again. Not that I’m always right, by any means, but it’s interesting to see which of those animals last, develop and breed back,” he smiles.

The eternal question the industry has wrestled with has been the term “dairy strength”, and because it is subjective, it has proven to be an oft-confusing conversation.

“That’s another thing that pushed me into judging,” Pat says. “People have the assumption that ‘skinny’ is ‘dairy’. It’s not the case.” He says there’s a huge difference between “dairy strength” and being “half starved”.

“I think if the people making those calls had to write a cheque for one, milk them every day and calve them down, they’d learn quite a bit that way – and that includes the AI guys who don’t own or work with cattle, but who have had a role to play in starting this narrow high pins dairy, dairy, dairy crusade.”

Progress going backwards?

The impact of genomics and changing dynamics continues to be a concern when it comes to the future of shows, says Pat.

 

“I don’t want to be negative, and say there won’t be many shows in 10 to 15 years, but I’m afraid that might be the truth. I know how much it’s changed in the last 20 years, and I wonder where it will be in 20 more years.”

Pat says if he could use a time machine to choose his time to be involved in the industry, he would take the late 1980s and early 1990s.

“I’m certainly grateful for my career so far, but I almost would have loved to have been that earlier era when it was very competitive, and there was lots of investors,” Pat said.

“There were no cell phones, and no internet – it was exciting. Once in a while I grab one of my old Holstein Worlds and look through them, and it’s kinda depressing because we’re never going to have that again. It’s almost like the party’s over a little bit. I don’t know how we’ll ever get it back.”

Madison whispers

Pat confirms that this year’s lead-up to WDE in October is not rife with the usual energy and excitement that comes with cows changing hands for big money. The game has changed, and most marketers’ inventories remained available for sale when CrazyCow went to print.

“Certainly with the milk price we’ve lost a lot of good breeders and I think there’s just a bit of a negative atmosphere because of that,” Pat says. “The top-tier buyers that I would normally be selling to are disappearing. And so, the ones that are left aren’t faced with as much buying competition for animals.

“It used to be that you’d get a lot sold before the show because potential buyers knew if they looked at an animal one day and liked her, they better buy her because there’d be someone else coming to look at her the next day.   

“At Madison, I think the final-tier guys will buy there, but they don’t have to be in a hurry right now because they know that the guys like me that are selling have ultimately got to sell them – that’s our business – and there’s only limited competition, so they’re going to be patient.”

Comical source

It’s a long way from the days when Milk Source, Butlerview, Arethusa, Gene Iager, West Coast, Gerald Todd, Howard Binder Jr and Clark Woodmansee (to name a few) were all competing strongly.

By the time everyone converges on the showgrounds at Madison, Pat says animals will then be compared with others on-ground – everyone will have an opinion – and the white noise will be distracting for buyers trying to make decisions.

“I think it’ll be so cut throat this year, and there’ll be a fair bit of back stabbing. It will be quite comical, I bet,” he smiles.

“And, some of that attitude can also be attributed, I think, to people who are doing a helluva good job at shows and when others know they can’t compete with them, they are starting to say: ‘Why go?’.”

In Wisconsin, that’s getting fairly evident because Milk Source and Budjon – to cite just two – are doing great jobs and it’s expensive to show and if you don’t want to sell an animal it makes it harder to pay for it all.”

Shrinking industry heightens ‘tall poppy’

He says the shrinking industry is heightening the tall poppy syndrome and jealousy within the US registered industry.

And he doesn’t back away from it.

“Shit, I almost feed off it a little bit. It’s like a pack of wolves in a pen. If you throw enough meat in there, it’s fine. If there isn’t enough meat, it gets pretty fierce. And the dairy industry is at that same point in the US, I think. There are a lot of wolves and not a lot of meat.

“Sometimes, I think I wouldn’t care if I never went to another show again, but the truth is I’ll never quit. I get too psyched about it.

“I said I wasn’t going to buy a thing for the rest of the year, and I bought a heifer a couple of weeks ago, and I’ll buy one at Madison too. I know I will.”

For more great articles like this one check out Crazy Cow in Print  CrazyCow In Print, Australia’s favorite dairy magazine is produced by the well-known names behind Bluechip Genetics: Dean and Dianna Malcolm.

 

Be sure to check full coverage of this week’s Le Supreme Latier where Pat will be serving as the official Holstein show judge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Australian dairy has a precious chance to ‘get it right’

The heart of Australia’s dairy industry in Victoria is struggling through one of the toughest winters in living memory – as some milk companies continue to send farmers to the wall with undoable opening milk prices.

Mud sticks and none more so than the mud on Murray Goulburn’s reputation. As some farmers deal with a tough winter – they are also facing milk pricing challenges they never dreamed could happen. Photo: Sheila Sundborg

Mud sticks and none more so than the mud on Murray Goulburn’s reputation. As some farmers deal with a tough winter – they are also facing milk pricing challenges they never dreamed could happen. Photo: Sheila Sundborg

Farmer co-operative Murray Goulburn historically led the industry on pricing, processing more than one-third of Australia’s 9.6 billion milk pool. But the rhetoric has been hot and heavy since the news broke that the co-op would struggle to meet half of its net profit forecast that was outlined in the prospectus for its partial float on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) less than a year ago.

The feedback from other processors is damning – when it comes to the management strategies MG used and has tried to justify.

To recap

MG’s Managing Director, Gary Helou — who was MG’s highest paid CEO in history — resigned April 27, after he massively overestimated sales figures, plunging the company’s 2400 suppliers into a financial tub of iced water.

If that wasn’t bad enough, Fonterra then announced the price it paid its farmer-suppliers would immediately drop from between $6 and $5.60 for every kilogram of milk solids to just $4.75-$5/kg — equivalent to as little as 35c a litre of milk.

And it got worse

Not only would prices be slashed immediately, but they would be backdated or imposed retrospectively to the beginning of the 2015-16 financial year or milk season.

This meant that every litre of milk sold to MG and Fonterra during the past 10 months — for which farmers have already been paid — they are now paying back.

MG and Fonterra have offered low-interest loans, repayable after three years.

Or, the debt can be erased if suppliers accepted 14c a litre for their milk for the two months until July.

Some farmers could see no way out, and sent whole herds to slaughter. Suicides have become an overwhelming concern for the industry.

And opening milk prices (stripping away the confusing layers of smoke and mirrors) from July have been cold comfort – MG at best is $4.45/kgMS or 34c/litre and Fonterra has announced at $4.75/kgMS or 36.5c/litre. Australia’s cost of production is closer to 45c/litre. And one of the MG directors also named in the lawsuits that have followed MG’s fall from grace – Philip Tracy – remains as MG’s current leader.

Where to now

Increasingly, it appears the only way for Murray Goulburn (MG) to pave the road to recovery is to appoint an honest and approachable Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who understands the dairy industry and appreciates its co-operative culture.

Farmer lobby group Farmer Power rose up and has called MG on everything, asking for a 50c levy to be imposed on milk sales. Meanwhile, industry appointed industry watch-dogs (supported by farmer levies) have struggled to find their teeth.

Urban ally

Presenter Waleed Aly from Melbourne television show “The Project” (the 2016 Gold Logie winner) arguably did more for the industry in one newscast than many have ever been able to do. The result? The consumer listened. And sympathised. And bought branded milk. It proved one thing: the urban audience values Australian farmers.

Supported by intelligent and dogged journalism across mainstream media, MG — in particular – had few places left to hide.

Joe Aston, of the Australian Financial Review newspaper, called MG out for allowing Philip Tracy to take MG’s helm, given he was part of the initial board.

“Hasn’t Murray Goulburn’s Philip Tracy picked up right where ousted chief executive Gary Helou left off?” he wrote. “The dairy Chairman had an opinion piece in Melbourne’s Herald Sun on Thursday, which we’re seriously considering framing – so memorable it is for a scarcity of logic.

“Remember that on his watch, Murray Goulburn loaded the balance sheet with debt to lock in a decade of volume growth at paltry margins, failed to penetrate with its relaunched Devondale brand, and repeatedly fell short of profit forecasts, all while unrealistically promising its farmers $6 per kilo for milk solids, then retrospectively yanking it back to $4.75 and diluting 38 per cent of their equity to outside interests.

“Yet now Tracy sheets the blame to falling global dairy commodity prices and the fact that ‘Australia produces 35% more milk than it can possibly consume’.”

Trouser-deal stink

The journo also disagreed with Philip Tracy’s argument that MG’s 10-year contract to supply Coles with private-label milk was a “very good deal for our farmers”.

“Sorry, but the Coles deal is a stinker for Tracy’s farmers. The contract includes a rise-and-fall provision so Coles trousers the greater margin when commodity prices are lower. And if, as Tracy claims, Coles is paying MG a premium above the farm-gate price (and who knows which price he’s talking about – the real price or the one he recently foisted on his suppliers), then why aren’t the farmers seeing any of it flow back to them? Oh and that ‘much-needed investment’ he’s talking about are the factories (built with bank debt) that pump out more milk than anyone can drink, thus creating the oversupply he was earlier blaming for MG’s woes. Go figure.”

No one had to go far to find the bad guys in this story – it lands at MG’s door, and to a lesser degree, Fonterra’s.

It led to May 16, when class action specialist lawyer Mark Elliott launched legal proceedings on behalf of unit-holders in MG, alleging the dairy company and its board misled investors in a product disclosure statement (PDS) issued last May. (Mark Elliot is a former partner of Minter Ellison, but in the past couple of years alone, the now-sole solicitor has launched several shareholder class actions, including against Banksia Securities, Leighton Holdings, Treasury Wine Estates, Downer EDI and WorleyParsons.)

In a statement of claim filed with the Victorian Supreme Court, Mark Elliott alleged MG knew sales forecasts in the PDS were “unlikely to be achieved” on the very day it filed the fundraising document, May 29.

Enter the watchdogs

The action comes on top of investigations by corporate regulator the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) and competition watchdog the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

Mark Elliott, who is acting for lead plaintiff John Webster (as trustee of Elcar Pty Ltd Super Trust Fund) in the class action, alleges every member of the Board at the time — including chairman Philip Tracy and then-CEO Gary Helou — are liable to pay compensation because they “each consented to the inclusion of the misleading PDS representations”.

Mark claims MG breached the Corporations Act by failing to disclose any problems when it listed on July 3, 2015, even re-affirming its forecasts as late as October 26, at its annual general meeting.

MG units plunged on February 26 this year when the company initially downgraded its profit forecast, and again on April 27 when it released a second downgrade.

The Directors who were named in the lawsuit are: Philip Tracy, Gary Helou, Kenneth Jones, Natalie Akers, William Bodman, Peter Hawkins, Michael Ihlen, Edwin Morris, Graham Munzel, John Pye and Martin Van De Wouw.

Damning words of fairness

One of the most damning commentaries came from Bega Cheese’s CEO Barry Irvin later in the proceedings. He resisted saying anything publically for a month, but in the end it became too much for him.

“It’s an emotional thing for me,” Barry said. “Trust is built by your actions, it’s not built by rhetoric. It’s built by actually doing things and understanding the impact of those things on the people that do indeed trust you.

“We’re a very polite industry, the dairy industry. We don’t name people and I actually think the trust is also cultural, and I think if we don’t be public and we don’t address this [MG’s price cuts] in a very direct way, we will see this happen again, and again and again.”

“When MG cut the price — and I want to be fair here — no one was mentioning Fonterra because they were openly saying the price was too high. Not only do they [MG] cut the price, they elect to hold a profit, and that doesn’t feel fair to me. And it doesn’t feel like it builds trust.”

Collective ‘fluff’

“The actual price for May and June is almost impossible to work out because it’s hidden by something that is called a ‘milk supply support programme’. It sounds like a collective loan to me.

“If you give somebody money, and you ask for it back with interest, to me that’s a loan, and that’s what it should be called. And the speaking should be plain.

“Why did we [Bega Cheese] not drop our price? Because it was the wrong thing to do. Bega had to hold its price because that’s the commitment we made. Whether it’s legal or whether it’s moral I don’t actually mind. It’s a moral commitment so I’ll hold and I’ll take the pain and I’ll build trust over a long period of time — by my actions, not by my words, and not by my rhetoric.

“And so for me, this is about actions, demonstrating that you’ve thought very deeply about the lives you affect. I had a 26-year MG supplier who burst into tears while she was begging me to take her milk. That’s not what we should have in this industry. We have a long way to go to build trust back.

Unfair impact

“Sadly, for me I’ve spent my life trying to build trust and I am actually impacted by this. Because suspicion doesn’t stop at a particular company — the damage to the industry goes across the industry.”

Gippsland-based Burra Foods has also been open about its position, with its CEO Grant Crothers not mincing words.

Its website says: “We all know we are in a volatile and cyclical industry, but the selfish disregard that MG has shown to its supply base is culpable (which may well be confirmed by ASIC, ACCC and/or a Class Action).

“The cycle is against us, as has been the case for some time now. Fonterra NZ was honest about the outlook some 12 months ago, enabling the NZ industry to prepare as best as possible for the cyclical low, whereas our ‘industry leader’ decided their new business model could withstand the downward pressure.”

Less honesty, more fallout

“At Burra we were extremely suspicious and gave as many indications as possible that a $6 or even $5.60 milk price was unsustainable. In the end, MG could not defy gravity any longer and the fallout is significantly worse than if they had been more honest with themselves and their stakeholders at a similar time as Fonterra NZ.

“Personally, I am ashamed to be grouped as a processor with MG and recently refused the opportunity to sit on a panel with [Philip] Tracy as I don’t want to be grouped as a processor with the current MG Board and senior management. I have more invested in the industry than most, have been adding more value to it than most for an extended period of time, and I value transparency and communicating the best information possible to stakeholders — our values refer to it as respect.”

Hubris contained at MG

Grant Crothers went on to say that dairy is viable going forward.

“This speed bump is a steep one, made worse by management hubris at the largest processor. Thankfully there is competition in our industry and that some organisations have a stronger set of values than MG, the financial hybrid that continues to refer it itself as a Co-Operative.”

The in-house commentary appears to overwhelmingly support a clean slate for MG with fresh legs, fresh ideas, more transparency and less jargon-loaded press releases.

Co-ops have a place

Paul Kerr, CEO and Executive Director of Australian Dairy Farmers Corporation (ADFC), says he still believes in the co-operative model, and that MG should be the leading co-operative in Australia.

Paul spent 27 years at MG, including 11 as its COO. He is a current member of accounting body CPA Australia, and the Governance Institute of Australia.

He says that dairy-farming nations in the western world are dominated by co-operatives and without that model, farmers have “no chance” of a fair price.

“People will say they are only taking the market price in a co-operative. But they are also having a say in the costs up the chain, and what markets they’re going into – not just getting what someone wants to pay them,” Paul says.

Processors must collaborate

Paul also believes the future of the dairy industry lies in the 250-500-cow family farm.

“Because it is the family farm that can manage the market volatility, and it has the heart to manage its cost structure and it can weather the storms. There’s nothing like a family farm. We should be trying to create a lifestyle. That’s what we’ve got to get back in to in the industry. It’s a people game, and farming is about farmers being profitable. It’s not about big corporations and robots.”

He hopes for more collaboration between processors moving forward in a way never before achieved.

“We need this industry to be attractive to our younger people. We have got to make sure farms are profitable. And as milk processors, we should also be collaborating with other companies to take the costs out of the supply chain.”

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Check out more great articles like this in the latest edition of Crazy Cow In Print

Anger will die down…

He said farmer apathy would help no one.

“Dairy farmers are angry today. They’ll be a little less angry tomorrow. It’ll die down. It’ll rain, the grass will grow, the cows will start calving and all of a sudden it’s the peak of the season. You get tied up in your own world. It’s human nature.

“If I’m really positive about all of this, I see it as farmers having a great opportunity right now to move forward in a positive way.”