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Archive – Page 10

GARY SAUDER: The Muse in His Studio

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Tuesday, February 5th, 2013

Have you seen any beautiful cows lately? If you know of artist Gary Sauder you can quickly answer, “Yes!” Gary’s detailed paintings make you feel as if you are actually there viewing the animal on the farm or over a fence. His chosen technique of super-realism reflects the pride he takes in accurate portrayals of the cattle who are his subjects. He goes beyond photographic to artistic and many clients feel that owning his work is very special. Alta Mae Core shares her experience. “We have had the privilege to work with Gary on several occasions. The first being a pencil drawing of our farm favorite KCJF Regency Treasure. Since then he has done numerous other paintings of several of our cows both past and present. I think his extraordinary talent stems from his knowledge and passion for ‘cows’ in general. When you combine that knowledge and passion with his god given gift, it is easy to see why his work is truly one of a kind.

Keightly Core

From Farming to Framing

Gary Sauder grew up showing registered Jersey cows from a small farm in Sonoma Country, California. During his last 4-H year, he exhibited the Grand Champion Jersey at every show he entered, including the Jr. Grand National at the Cow Palace and the California State Fair. At the same shows, he was the dairy showmanship champion as well as the Round Robin Master Showmanship Champion. He earned the Paul Jackson Scholarship that same year. After college, Gary took a position caring for and exhibiting cattle for then, Meadow Glen Farms of Orland California. It was about this time that he made the exciting leap into the realm of painting.

Puttin on the Ritzy

A Love for All Things Bovine

Sauder’s work has been juried into many exhibitions. He is resident artist at the Healdsburg Center for the Arts. Gary loves capturing the beauty and character of the cows he paints but he has just as much passion and concern for the dairy breeders themselves and for the generations to come. While he finds it difficult to pick a favorite from his work he does rise to the challenge. “If I had to choose one it would be my painting “The Jersey Cow.” He explains his choice. “This painting was the culmination of my Jersey experiences throughout my life and brought into play elements of many of my favorite cows that I had seen and admired from afar, as well as having had the great fortune to work with. Cows like Generators Sweet Dreams, KCJF Regency Treasure, Huronia Centurion Veronica, Lloyn Jude Griffen, Generators Topsy, Generators Imp, and Sunset Canyon MBSB Anthem and cows like that. After that I like the painting I did of my own cattle entitled “Jersey Fields” and that is for purely sentimental reasons. The next few are all special and I like the newest one for Brady Core of “Ritzy” and I really like the painting of “Kit Kat” that I did for George Colpetzer.

Capturing the Ideal Bovine on Canvas

Gary is a perfectionist and renowned for his ultra-realistic portrayals that some people think are photos. “I take that as a compliment” he says and adds, “Even though I am not trying to create a photo, I am trying to show how I see and how I want to communicate to the viewer.” Of course his photos are not done in Photoshop – “I don’t get the Photoshop question” – but he goes on to explain. “I do use Photoshop myself in order to help build compositions and correct colors for reproduction and Internet promotion. It is a valuable tool and I use it as such.” Gary has produced five “ideal” cows in his artistic repertoire: Jersey; Holstein; Brown Swiss; Milking Shorthorn and Red & White.

Mentors From Both the Barn and the Gallery

Sunset Canyon MBSB Anthem drawing

Gary acknowledges that there are quite a few in the art world that have had an effect on him. “Most of them are from the wildlife/animal art world and they include Carl Brenders, Terry Isaac, Leslie Harrison and the great portrait artist Daniel E. Greene.” On the dairy side, Gary feels that it was his great good fortune to grow up around “some of the giants in the industry.” His list has many familiar names. “Local dairymen such as Henry Lafranchi, George, Tom and Marvin Nunes, Jim Pappas, John McKitrick and Doug Maddox.” He goes on. “These men used to judge our local county fairs and, when there, I got to compete with Cheryl LaFranchi, Hank Van Excel and John Rowe.” He speaks with the enthusiasm of a true dairyman, “ I showed Jerseys and always admired the cattle that were shown against me and the ones that stood out where the cattle with the MG prefix that were bred by Harlan Askeland and of course the Stardust cattle. Our county Fair always put on quite an Open Jersey Show with such renowned breeders as Harlan Askeland, Bob Bignami, Jack Snell, Phil Nyberg and John Giacomini. If you wanted to learn about quality Jerseys, there was no better show to watch.” Gary obviously learned from these leaders as he reports, “Later I had the privilege of working with the Askeland-Bignami herd and got to work with some great cattle like Generators Sweet Dreams, MG Tradition Robyette, Empire Amelia Beacon, and MG Master MC Lou.” Sauder not only watched the cows he watched the competitors and he shares this interesting side note. “During the last couple of years that I showed as a junior I kept noticing and talking to a very energetic and quite enthusiastic young exhibitor who seemed to know more about Jerseys, breeders and pedigrees than anyone in the barns. It is no surprise to me that he has grown up to be what I think is the most influential Jersey breeder of our time and I am talking about Eric Silva of Sunset Canyon Jerseys.”

Sunset Canyon Wall of Fame

Pencil, Police and Pastels

In looking back, Gary reports that he had been drawing as long as he could remember but says, “I had grown bored with drawing in graphite and hadn’t done it for a long time.” Then one movie changed everything. “I saw a movie about a sketch artist for the police and he was using colored pencils and I decided to find out more about them. I got some books on the medium and I conquered my fear of color and shortly thereafter I graduated to pastel and even water color and oils.” A momentous change and he confirms, “I enjoy them all but I prefer to paint in pastel.”

Facebook Extends the Artist’s Reach

No matter what career path you’re on, there are going to be changes. This has been true for Gary Sauder as well. “The biggest changes for me are two completely different things that came about at different times for me. The first was my discovery of coloured pencils and the second was the digital camera. The camera helps me not waste as much time and money on photographing my reference material.” But there are other tools that have made changes in Gary’s work. “Right now the two most profound things to affect my business are the new pastel product called Pan Pastel and the surface PastelMat and Facebook.” He is emphatic, “Without Facebook I would not be able to reach as many people as I do now and it really reaches my target audience.”

Passionate about Breeders, Breed Promotion and Paternity

Gary, like many artists, considers every finished painting an accomplishment. He modestly leaves it up to the viewer to determine if that is a great accomplishment or not. For himself he ranks “becoming a father last year” at the top of the list. This fits very nicely with his commitment to the future of the dairy industry. “I have donated a painting to the Ayrshire Junior Youth Fund and a really nice painting called “Generations” to the AJCA for their Jersey Youth Academy”. Gary is definitely putting the positive reaction to his work to a valuable purpose.

Something in the Ayr

No Shortcuts

Having admired the honesty of his own mentors, Gary strives to be the same. “I have always believed in the honest cow and having showed and milked many of those kinds of cattle I have always thought that I could portray that quality in a painting. To that end I prefer to work from “casual” pictures taken by mew or a client and, if you look at my paintings of “Anthem” and “KitKat” you can really see that influence.” I also believe in no shortcuts in creating a painting and by that I mean doing a drawing first to perfect the pose or setting and then using that drawing as the basis for the painting.” As in any high calling, there is no “easy” way says Gary the encouraging mentor. “It’s going to take about a hundred paintings, before you get really good and consistent and develop a style” It is really important to learn to draw, before you learn to paint.” And, above all, “Never give up!”

Xanadu Brendan Kit Kat

Balance, Line and Proportion

Speaking of never giving up, the ultimate goal of every purebred dairy breeder is to bring all the best parts of the dairy cow together in one animal. Gary Sauder has a parallel artistic vision and Russell Gammon, former General Manager of Jersey Canada and now Jersey Program Manager at Semex Canada, applauds Gary’s work and explains why he personally has expectations of a “Mona Lisa Jersey painting”. “Gary Sauder’s artwork fills a niche in the dairy industry. Given his long term passion for dairy cows and dairy cow conformation (especially that of the Jersey breed) he nails proportions and the small details perfectly. I’ve seen some of the cows he has painted and he captures them perfectly on canvas.”

The Bullvine Bottom Line – “Follow Your Moos”

There is no doubt that Gary Sauder, the muse in his gallery, will always follow his “Moos”. And, as long as he does so, there will be a growing following in the dairy/art world who will agree with Gammon’s praise of his mastery, “Call Gary Sauder the Renoir, the Picasso, the Da Vinci of the Dairy World!”

To order some of Gary’s fine art work visit Cow Art and More.

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Categories : Breeder Profiles

Tags : Dairy Cattle Artist, GARY SAUDER

Larcrest Juror Chanel: Perfect Holstein Harmony In the Key of C

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Tuesday, January 29th, 2013

One of the fun family parts of raising Holsteins comes with naming them. Larcrest Holsteins of Minnesota not only does a great job with the names of their herd (most of which start with “C”) but those names have earned worldwide recognition for one cow family based on the descendants of Larcrest Juror Chanel EX-93 3E GMD DOM. Jon and Ann Larson and their son Tyler own and operate Larcrest Holsteins and, even without the signature “C” names, they are building an impressive reputation as hard-working, honest Holstein Breeders. A noteworthy group all around!

Larcrest Juror Chanel 3E-93 GMD DOM

GOOD TIMING: 8 to the Barn

As the second generation at Larcrest, Jon and Ann continue to build. “We currently milk 120 cows and farm approximately 500 acres.” says Ann. “The dairy was started in 1960 by Jon’s parents, David and Raymona Larson. When they started their family, Raymona used her teacher’s retirement savings to purchase 8 registered Holstein heifers. Most of the registered Holsteins at Larcrest have descended from the original 8 heifers.” A great opening number for the herd. Positive dynamics have happened on the family side as well. Today Jon`s sister, Linda, and her children, Chase, Bridget and Lydia are an active part of the team.

Larcrest Crimson-ET EX-91 93-MS GMD DOM
Daughter of Cosmopolitan
Grand daughter of Champagne
Great grand daughter of Chanel
#4 GTPI Female on Locator List (12/12)

LARCREST DREAM: The Complete Cow

At Larcrest everybody is on the same page, or to continue the musical analogy, they sing the same breeding philosophy tune. They explain their goals. “We very much strive to breed a complete cow. We have always appreciated cows with high type and longevity. Each corrective mating is important to us. Now with more modern tools we are more accurately able to identify each cow’s strengths and weaknesses. Health traits are gaining importance and service sires are screened for them.” Such harmony in goal setting has meant that Larcrest Holsteins is recognized for “outstanding type, modern health traits and high components.”

Larcrest Chima-ETS VG-88 DOM
Planet x Crimson
#25 GTPI Cow on the Locator List (12/12)

STRONG COW FAMILY: Hitting the High “C’s”

Much is written, talked about and attempted in the breeding of great cow families. With Juror Chanel, Ann and Jon got started on the right note and haven`t been off-key since. Chanel, Champagne, Cosmopolitan, Crimson, and Chenoa are making records for Larcrest. Ànn and Jon provide this update, “Our breeding and ET programs are based on the members of the Chanel family. Great Granddaughter Crimson and her daughters are the current focus. We are presently quite excited about 2 of Crimson’s daughter to calve this spring. Cale by Observer is due in March and Cordial by Atwood is due in June. Crimson and her 3 Planet daughters now rank as 4 of the top 26 CTPI cows of the breed. Larcrest Cardigan (2634 GTPI Cale x Numero Uno # 6 GTPI of the breed) and Larcrest Charmed (2590 GTPI Crimson x Numero Uno # 10 GTPI of the breed) as well as Larcrest Crayon (2512 GTPI Crimson x Mogul) show much promise in the calf pens.

LARCREST CALE
Observer x Crimson
GTPI+2379 +771NM$ PTAT+3.18

LARCREST: A Chorus of Praise — Lucky Notes

Even a brief look at Larcrest leaves a strong impression of the achievements of Jon, Ann and Tyler. Theirs is the unique situation of a high index cow family that has many generations of home breeding. “A lot of credit for the generations of success can be given to our good friend and mentor, Dr. Marv Johnson who has done our embryo transfer work from the beginning.” Says Jon and he and Ann agree, “Breeding cows and seeing the next generation improve is something that we truly enjoy.” From the outside it’s hard to imagine such easy harmony but that too is practiced. “Patience and focus have produced the kind of cattle that we want to work with. We have some luck along the way… Chanel was nearly lost on first calving and Champagne was twin to a bull.” Nevertheless, everything reached a positive resolution. “Fertility and aggressiveness have also helped the cow family to thrive.”

Larcrest Oside Champagne-TW VG-88 EX-MS GMD DOM
Dam of Cosmopolitan
2nd dam of Crimson
Daughter of Chanel

Key Changes Come with Genomics

Whether you consider it as the previously mentioned aggressive or put it down to natural cow sense, Jon and Ann have moved with the times. “The use of genomics has changed our breeding program. It has shaped the decisions on which members of the family to concentrate our focus on. It has encouraged the use of more young sires. We still like to use daughter proven bulls when possible, especially on intriguing matings.” They definitely like the finer details of cattle breeding, “On the genetics end the biggest change has been the shortening of the generation interval with genomics. We feel that this has both positives and negatives. The positives would include the rapid increase in genetic potential. The negative would be increased inbreeding and higher risks for holes in the pedigree. We feel that the greatest animals are the proven cattle, both male and female, sired by daughter proven bulls that can still compete with the younger generations genetics-wise.”

Larcrest Cosmopolitan VG-87 VG-MS DOM
Daughter of Champagne
Dam of O-Cosmopolitan (the #1 Planet son in the world)

In the Spotlight: And Now Here’s Cosmopolitan

When it comes to long- running performances, Cosmopolitan, the Shottle granddaughter of Chanel, steals the show. Her progeny have been sought after by many breeders, many in embryo form, by breeders in North America and Europe. The spotlight is held by her top son O-Cosmopolitan, the #1 Planet son in the world. He is being used heavily in Europe. One of his full sisters is #2 gTPI Planet in Europe. The bright lights continue to shine for Cosmopolitan progeny and the continuous production of embryos since she was flushed to top bulls for Net Merit, TPI and PTAT.

Marketing: It Takes Perfect Pitch

Marketing elite cattle when you are not the dairy heartland can be very challenging. For Larcrest Holsteins they take advantage of all available tools to get it right. Says Ann, “We use Holstein Plaza, website on Holstein World, Facebook, ads in Hotspots, Cowsmopolitan, Holstein World, Cattle Connection, and Holstein International.” She admits that it takes great work behind the scenes as well. “I think that the best marketing that we can do is through having good people that know the family inside and out. The performance of the cattle plus the representation of this group of people have been key to our success.”

Larcrest Chenoa-ETS VG-87 DOM
Planet x Crimson
Dam of Chevrolet GTPI+2490, #1 Freddie son of the breed and #6 GTPI sire worldwide

SOUND ADVICE: Practice Makes Perfect

Such resounding success doesn’t come by accident. From day one Jon and Ann have stuck to their values. “If we were to give any advice it would be to be honest with yourself about what you have or don’t have. Accurate representation of your cattle both positive and negative in the long run will pay dividends

THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE: The Key to Success

And so the curtain continues to rise on Larcrest Holsteins with years of great performance and headliners to come. The stage is set for Larcrest’s outstanding home bred high index cow family to remain in the spotlight. As they pay attention right down to the smallest details of name selection, there is little doubt that genetic stars from Larcrest Holsteins will be hitting all the right notes! Encore! Bravo!!

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Categories : Donor Profile

Tags : LARCREST CALE, Larcrest Chenoa, Larcrest Chima, Larcrest Cosmopolitan, Larcrest Crimson, Larcrest Juror Chanel, Larcrest Oside Champagne, O-Cosmopolitan

HALTER, PEN and GAVEL. That’s Just the Norm.

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Thursday, January 24th, 2013

When you look back from the mid-point of a rewarding career, it is sometimes easier to see the tools that made success possible. In the case of Norman Nabholz of West Union Iowa there are three tools that stand out: Halter, Pen and Gavel. Norm has used all three of these tools to carve out a unique career spanning the show ring, the written word and as a sale promoter. However, like many of his peers, this 1989 Klussendorf Trophy Winner finds it impossible to talk about himself. He states simply that he “was born into dairying” and is emphatic that “cows have been my life from day one.”

Norman Nabholz of West Union, Iowa owns and operates Nabholz Farm that has owned or sold 16 Grand Champion Jerseys at World Dairy Expo, including two Supreme Champions. Nabholz has also owned two All-American Grand Champions, two Royal Winter Fair Grand Champions and five Jersey Jug winners. The farm has earned Premier Breeder and Exhibitor awards at World Dairy Expo and Premier Exhibitor at the NAILE in Louisville. Norm has served as Official Judge three times at World Dairy Expo and three times at the Royal Winter Fair. He has judged in more than 30 states, four Canadian provinces, Argentina, Australia, Ecuador and Mexico. In 1976, Norm started Nabholz Sales Company and has since managed or co-managed the highest selling Jersey dispersal of all time and several of the highest selling sales in history. Three of the breed’s 10 highest-selling females of all times have been sold through the Field of Dreams sales, managed by Nabholz.

Despite these achievements, Norm deflects praise regarding his breeding philosophies. “As I look at my office wall I don’t see a lot Premier Breeder Banners. If I did breed a good one it was pure luck. For that question I would turn to somebody like Darin Meyer or Frank Regan or Jeff and Alta Mae Core. I find it amusing all the people that talk about breeding cows and breeding philosophies and the ones that do the talking are not the ones that have bred great herds like De Su or Regancrest or Keightley Core”.

Great Mentors, Great Minds and Great Stories

He has definite opinions about those who have influenced him saying, “My parents and then several including Max Gordon, Lew Porter and, in later years, David Younger and Peter Heffering (Read more – Hanover Hill Holsteins: Peter Heffering 1931-2012). My dad and mom started with nothing and worked harder than anybody I have ever seen. My dad was as good a cowman as I have ever been around. Max Gordon was a genius and such a class act. Lew Porter taught me attention to detail. I was blessed to have considered Dave Younger and Peter Heffering personal friends and would talk to them on a weekly basis and, toward the end, more often. I learned so much from them. Not to offend but “they don’t make ‘em like those anymore”.

REGANCREST JUROR BRINA EX-92-4YR-USA GMD

Norm’s PEN Pals in the Barn

Norm looks for value in people and has favorites in the barn as well. Frank Regan’s Dellias and Barbies are Norm’s choices for a cow family that has had the greatest impact on the breed. “”I have had the great opportunity to have lived close to them and watched their remarkable progress. I worked with the first daughters of Durham and Barbie’s dam “Brina” and believe she was one of the all time great show cows EVER. These two cow families breed so true that they are as close to sure things as there are in this business. I must say, in the Jerseys, Duncan Belle and Veronica have set the bar very high.”

Taraley Astro Sherry EX-97-2E
ALL-CANADIAN MATURE COW,4-YR
ALL-AMERICAN MATURE COW 1998,1996

Norm’s strong feelings don’t stop with his own cows although he avoids naming a favorite saying, “This would be like me asking a parent which of their kids is the greatest? I have a few that are special. Gil-Bar Unique Bonnie who was supreme champion at Madison, Taraley Astro Sherry (owned her for 2 days but she helped my confidence level a bit.) Quality Ridge Stormi Hazel (what a doll). Response Wonder, was a Jersey we owned for a month that might have been the greatest show cow I ever saw including the previous mentioned three cows.”

Norm with PEN in Hand

Since Norm’s first visit to the National Dairy Cattle Congress, he has been drawn to such dairy showplaces and returned every year. “I was captivated by it,” Nabholz said. “I remember everything, from the smells to the sights, sounds, and the people. It’s why I’m in the business that I’m in today”

Millionaires in the Cornfield: The Glory Days of the National Cairy Cattle Congress

Millionaires in the Cornfield: The Glory Days of the National Dairy Cattle Congress

In time for the 100^th anniversary of the fall tradition, Norm penned a book recalling those days and “some of the greatest cows God created.” He wrote “Millionaires in the Cornfield: The Glory Days of the National Dairy Cattle Congress.” (To order the book contact Nabholz Farm) Nabholz said he wrote the book because the last great show at the Cattle congress was in 1965, and he wanted to record the stories of the people who were there before that generation passed”. Not only a record keeper, Norm is also an active admirer, “For days I’d just live in the past, remembering,” he said. “The millionaires of the cornfield were my idols, my rock stars.”

With GAVEL in Hand: From Show Ring to Auction Sale

While admiring those men and women around him, Norm Nabholz quietly established himself as a respected cow man as well. Today he sells cattle ranging from commercial animals for people who milk to show cattle. He also shows and judges dairy cattle and reads pedigrees. A simple resume that covers the facts of his career in the show ring as showman and judge, and in the sale box, as pedigree announcer or auctioneer. The facts but not the fine points of his attention to detail, eye for type, love for cattle and day-to-day passion for the dairy industry. Nabholz Sales Company — biannual Field of Dreams Sale which celebrated Sale VI in 2011. Whether he’s reviewing past successes or working with a team to present the best of today, Norm takes great pleasure in working hard and doing a good job at whatever he turns his hand to and then, diverting the praise to everyone else.

Change is Normal. Love is the Key.

Clone of the Million Dollar Apple! She sold for $30,100

Whether looking back or looking ahead, Norm is well aware that the only sure thing is that change is going to happen. “So many changes have occurred, some good, and some not. Technology has done so many great things to help with the care of cows and farming in general but perhaps has not helped create a new generation of cow people. The last generation spent more time with their cattle and that meant they learned what made them tick. Knowing a cows weaknesses made it easier to improve on them.” Considering technology somewhat further he makes two predictions and voices a concern. “Robotic milking will become the norm. Efficiency will be a word used more often than it is now. Something will have to be done with milk marketing in the U.S. The world will get smaller and smaller when it comes to genetics.” For someone starting out, Norm looks back at his decades in dairying and points out a truth he has learned. “You have to love this business to survive. It will give you the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Being able to handle both will dictate how you survive.”

Norm says, “The cows are second to the people.”

Norm has no problem when facing difficult questions or situations. When asked, “If you could learn to do anything in an hour, what would it be?” he answers in a flash. “Learn the art of political correctness.” The dairy business – especially for those with a pen in their hand — can be quite challenging from that point of view. However, in Norm’s case, it goes without saying that he is driven by the best motivations and has been quoted as saying that “If you think the cows are impressive” you’re going to be amazed when you look at the people behind them. “The cows are second to the people.” He has a clear idea of the people he enjoys (everybody!) however if he had to narrow it down to few on an island he has a quick plan ready in response. “I have been told that I am not a very good vacation person, so being on an island, without the conveniences I so enjoy, would be tough. But if I had to be there, it would be fun to have Ray Brubacher, Bill Fetherstone, Bob Morrell and a couple of bottles (maybe more than that).” Like his halter, pen and gavel, Norm knows that it’s important to have the right kit at the right time. He concludes, “We would laugh and wouldn’t the stories be cool?”

The Bullvine Bottom Line

There is no doubt that Norman Nabholz has already left a strong influence on those near and far, who are privileged to have known him. He is a gifted thinker, talented cowman and a sincere ambassador of all that is great about the characters and cows that are building on the past to move the dairy business forward. For this dairy man “Exceptional” is the every day “NORM”. Thank you Norman Nabholz.

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XTRA! XTRA! Don’t Miss the Canadian Dairy Xpo!

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Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013

“X” marks the spot for dairy lovers this February. The inaugural Canadian Dairy XPO is being held at the Stratford Rotary Complex on February 6^th and 7^th, 2013. CDX is the realization of a dream conceived by CDX founders, Jordon Underhill and Talo Tamminga, who felt passionately about providing a platform for the Canadian dairy industry, its people and its possibilities.

Lineup of “X”perts!

Day one of the two day event starts with Andrew Dellava, Marketing Manager of Hoard’s Dairyman Magazine. This knowledgeable Master of Ceremonies will welcome everyone to an “x”citing dairy classroom education program, which includes several internationally recognized experts. The program is designed to give you tons of content you can use from key people in the dairy industry. This is where you get to have your questions answered on the following topics:

Genetic Advancement HIR trait
- Brad Sayles, Semex Alliance – Canada
- Dr. Bonnie Mallard, University of Guelph
Technology and Social Media
- Billy Frey, Alltech Ag Network – USA
Nutrition
- Dr. Charles Swab, University of New Hampshire –USA
Global Dairy Summit Meeting
- 5 dairymen from USA, UK, Hungary, Poland, Brazil and of course Canada
Economics and Animal Welfare
- Joep Driessen, CowSignals, Netherlands
Consumer Connection
- Lynn Crawford, Celebrity Chef Toronto, Ontario

“X”po Recognizes Female “X”pertise

The full spectrum of agricultural opportunities and leadership will be highlighted over the two-day program. Three women who are making their mark in diverse areas of the dairy business are recognized by CDX. Vicky Morrison, of Bally Bright Farms in Bright, Ontario is originally from Northern Ireland and now milks around 100 cows with her husband Mark. They have recently installed two robots and she is keen to share her experiences and says she is “grateful to have worked with some wonderful people in research, extension and practical agriculture.” Like Vicky, Kathryn Kyle, General Manager of Jersey Canada, encourages “all women passionate about the industry to step forward and take advantage of the countless opportunities our rapidly progressing industry has to offer.” Kathryn is looking forward to face-to-face time with breeders who visit the exhibition halls. Dr. Bonnie Mallard, Professor of Immunogenetics at the University of Guelph is one of those who is enjoying a career that grew from her lifelong connection with farming. Her career journey has provided the opportunity to focus on learning about genetic regulation of the immune system and its impact on dairy health. Her talks will highlight how these new genetic tools are ways to improve animal health and well-being as well as food quality and safety.

Excited to Explore

From the complimentary pancake breakfast that will start each morning to the demonstrations, exhibitions, genetics showcase, robotic showcase and extensive seminars, there is something for everybody at this showcase of dairy innovation. Attendees will get to evaluate the latest tools and technology for growing their dairy business. They will learn about initiatives and all that is dear to the heart of dairy cattle breeders and industry stakeholders. Three tradeshow halls and the Britespan Cow Coliseum (itself a massive 65 ft x 300 ft structure) will guarantee that everything is bright, light and right at hand for spectators to discover.

Real Know-How and Real X-amples

Everyone knows that the best part of attending seminars is the one-on-one opportunity to ask questions, get answers and learn from the best in the industry. The opportunity to get up close and personal with the leading technology will be a definite highlight of CDX. Three demonstrations will be feature twice daily in the Britespan Cow Coliseum.

Real Time Somatic Cell Count Testing Using An iPhone
Milk Guardian^TM using patents pending technology From Dairy Quality Inc. will demonstrate how after a sample is drawn, the device scans the milk, an image is captured and analyzed and displayed on the iPhone seconds later. The cell activity will then be shown to spectators on a TV screen.
Live Colostrum Management/Feeding Demo
The unique aspect of the ColoQuick system is a hygienic way of handling and storing colostrum without de-naturing it. The demonstrations will show how pasteurized colostrum can be taken from frozen to feeding in less than 15 minutes and immediately fed to newborn calves.
Live Demonstration of Tranfaunation Using the Rumen
Transfaunation involves the removal of rumen fluid from a healthy herd mate that is then drenched into a sick cow. In addition to treating sick cows, research at Cornell University also shows the benefit of using this rumen fluid to greatly reduce scours in calves’ first 14 days of life. Should every producer have a healthy fistulated cow on farm? Come see for yourself!

As well there will be four simulated milking robot demos LIVE under one roof!

Buildings are already being constructed.

Event organize enthusiastically proclaim that these robot demos are “first for the world!” As the technology expands CDX is providing a showcase for dairy producers to see and compare the latest in robotic milking excellence. They report: “In the last 15 years, milking robotics and on-farm automation have gone from expensive curiosities to redefining the dairy industry. The growing use of robotics on Canadian dairy farms demonstrates that this technology is not only proven, but that there isn’t just one approach to farming anymore.”

“X” tras Make the Xpo Experience “X”ceptional!

It goes without saying that you will want to see Celebrity Chef Lynn Crawford who will be cooking with 4-H kids and photo opportunities with the TV star will be available.

Genervations will be selling tickets on four high genomic Holstein heifers that will be showcased in the Cow Coliseum as part of their dairy daughter showcase. Not only an eye-full but also potentially a winning opportunity! Tickets available to 4-H’ers at the XPO and a draw at the end of the XPO where one lucky youth will get choice of the 4 heifers for their 2013 4-H project…WOW!

Dave Carson Auctions will present an Elite Embryo LIVE auction with 100% of the sale commission proceeds going to 4-H. Support for 4-H and our future dairy industry is a recurring theme throughout the event.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

The Canadian Dairy XPO hopes to inspire both the current generation and the tech-savvy next generation. Of course, the CDX TEAM has put their hearts into this event and are confident in saying to dairy lovers everywhere “We trust you will find this a rewarding experience!”.

Click here for a $10 off Admission Coupon

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BREEDING RI-VAL-RE: Where Looking Good in the Stall Is Just As Important As Looking Good On Paper

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Thursday, January 17th, 2013

Can a great business plan look good on paper and in the lineup too? Twenty-four year old Jerry Jorgensen of Ri-Val-Re Holsteins in Webberville, Michigan gives a resounding “Yes!” He states their breeding goal as follows” We want to breed cows that appeal to the eye as much as they do on paper.”

No Sibling Rivalry Behind the Scenes

Ri-Val-Re Holsteins milks 300 Holsteins twice a day. Jerry and his dad Aaron focus on the dairy operation. They have 850 head of young stock and farm 8000 acres of soybeans, corn, alfalfa and wheat. Jerry outlines the setup. “The acreage is farmed in partnership with my grandpa, dad and aunt and uncle.” He outlines his own role. “I’m in charge of all breeding decisions, marketing (purchasing and selling) and have been for the past ten years. My sister Julie works full time assisting the vet and, in addition to daily chores, keeps up on all the paperwork associated with the farm.” Beyond the Jorgensen family they also have five other full time employees who milk, feed cattle and haul manure.

Ri-Val-Re Made Headlines

Ri-Val-Re recently attracted prominent attention, when they paid $10,000 a dose for five doses of polled semen. That’s a great story in itself but this one was even more unique in that it took place on Facebook (Golden PP Facebook Page). Of course Jerry had a plan. He wrote “I’ll pay 10K a unit if I can get the first 5 and no one else can buy it for 90 days.” The early negotiations were right out there for everyone to see as Roy MacGregor responded, “That’s a pretty hard offer to ignore!” The deal was made and everyone eagerly pencilled out the possibilities (Read more – $10,000 a dose polled semen). It looked like Ri-Val-Re was set to turn Golden PP into golden business tactics.

Reaction To Ri-Val-Re Risk Taking

Every new shift in the marketplace, stirs up interest and sometimes controversy. Such was the case with the $10,000 semen deal. Jerry reports that reaction was pretty mixed, “I would guess I have received calls, emails and text from 100 different people. Most were wondering if it was true or not.” Securely grounded in his vision for the future, he reports that opinions changed. “After I explained my plan and what I was doing with the semen, most people thought it would work out well for me and that it was a good risk to take.”

Golden PP was not a Shot in the Dark

Those who are less willing to take a leap of faith are won over by Jerry’s analysis of what went into the decision. “I love the Colt P x Goldwyn cross. Also he is the first homozygous bull available that has appealing numbers across the board.” Again that combination of numbers and the eye appeal which he says “I feel okay using him without sacrificing too much. Also with IVF and what you can do with a single unit of semen and knowing that every single calf will be polled there are several advantages economically that way.”

Ready to Risk on Genomics

With this explanation of the Ri-Val-Re game plan, it isn’t surprising to learn that genomics doesn’t inspire timidity either. Jerry confirms that “Genomics has changed our breeding program in the fact that we use all young bulls, where before all we used were daughter proven bulls. We still look for good pedigrees but we definitely are willing to take a lot more risk.” It all boils down to personal confidence, “I’m a big believer in genomics so I feel safe using young sires.”

Ri-Val-Re Grows Thanks to Breeding Program Stars

RI-VAL-RE SUPER NIKE VG-85 VG-MS +2180 GTPI

RI-VAL-RE SUPER NIKE VG-85 VG-MS
+2191 GTPI, From Goldwyn Nadine family.
Her first daughter (Alchemy Nikole *RC #1 RC heifer in breed) sold for $150,000

When discussing the stars of their breeding program Jerry notes, “We have three major areas. Firstly, Ri-Val-Re Goldwyn Nadine-Et VG-87 has been on a continuous flush program since she calved as a two year old. She’s the 7^th generation VG or EX and has a sire stack of Goldwyn, Oman, Jesther, Terry, Elton and Melvin. She has 6 sons in A.I. the highest indexing one being Ri-Val-Re Nely (a Facebook at Semex) with a DGV LPI +3293. She has several daughters over 2300+ GTPI by Mogul, Observer and Numero Uno. Currently we have over 150 pregnancies on the way from her and her daughters.”

RI-VAL-RE ALC MINI-P-RED-ET
2168 GTPI PO & R&W. Sold for $100,000 in August 2012

Ri-Val-Re Adv Win-Go-Red-Et Ex-90 and her daughters are being extensively flushed. Win-Go is the Grand dam of Ri-Val-Re Alc Mini-P-Red who is the #1 GTPI polled, red and white heifer. She is also the Grand dam of Ri-Val-Re Obsrvr Dolo-P *RC one of the highest GTPI PO bulls.

Over 100 pregnancies are on the way from Win-Go and her RC daughters by MacGuiness & Observer (many will be Polled & Red). Several other heifers that are 2300-2400 GTPI are on IVF flush programs from other branches of these families and other purchases.

Currently the sires being used at Ri-Val-Re Holsteins are Shanosber-P *RC, Golden-PP-Red, Predestine, AltaOak, Shan, Cashcoin, Colt-45, Platinum, Morgan, Chevrolet, Willpower and Liquid Gold.

Full Sales Ahead for Ri-Val-Re Holsteins

Starting in February we will be doing advertising leading up to our summer sale here at the farm. We consign to several sales throughout the year and are having our own sale June 15^th. We plan to sell 300-350 genomic tested heifers in 2013 through consignment sales and our own sales in June and November.

Foreseeing An Emphasis on Health with More Polled Animals

A keen observer of the dairy business, despite his relative youth, Jerry reports “The biggest change I’ve seen in the last ten years is the emphasis put on health traits…. Not really sure what will change in the near future, I do believe the breed will be mostly polled by 2020 though once more and more polled animals are bred with comparable genetics to horned animals it will make more sense for breeders to breed polled and once that happens it will be hard to turn back .

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Jerry confirms what we have heard from many breeders. Real success comes when you can put it all together both on paper and in the barn. “We are heavily invested in genomics but I still want a product I`m happy to have my prefix in front of.” He advises new breeders to “start off slow and buy into cow families with deep pedigrees and known success.” As they continue to have success on paper and in the barn, they are proving that, when it comes to cattle breeding,

Ri-Val-Re is here to stay!

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Categories : Breeder Profiles

MILK MARKETING: How “Got Milk?” BECAME “Got Lost”

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Wednesday, January 9th, 2013

It’s just eight days into a New Year and already I’m thinking about the ‘good ol’ days!”. Remember when the dairy industry was at the top of the agricultural sustainable list, milk was the “perfect food” and milk moustaches were seen on celebrities and sports stars? Hmmm. Where has all the glory gone? In 2013, the dairy industry is fighting to stay alive, the North American diet, including milk, is under attack as obesity from babes to the elderly is out of control and, when all is said and done, milk is a slipping way down on the favorite beverage list!

The land of milk and money is gone. In the cold light of the soul searching brought on by a new year, it seems that this shocking state of affairs has happened suddenly and for no apparent reason. In actual fact, the signs have been there for more than thirty years and we as an industry let it happen.

MILK OF AMNESIA – We forgot the basics

It took three steps for the milk market to evaporate!

We forgot about the consumer.
The first commandment of business, “The customer is always right!” in the dairy industry has become “The cow always comes first!”
We forgot about the product.
Somewhere production, with the myriad of logistics in between, pulled out in front of the inherent value of our end product – milk.
We forgot delivery.
Despite the first two failures, we still expected that the product we produced could be delivered in boring, hard-to-open cardboard cartons, heavy jugs or even plastic bags and compete against the “cool” the “sexy” and the “handy” beverages provided by competitors – who wanted — and stole — our market share!

MISSING THE TARGET: Where’s The Consumer? Where’s the market?

Consumer demand is the key to market sustainability. There’s no use producing a product if there is nobody to buy it. The truth is demand for milk has been in a free fall for the last three decades. North American milk consumption has dropped a startling 36% since the 1970s. The continuing economic downturn has refocused consumers on value. They not only are choosing private label products and discount store venues, they are seeking low calorie, reduced sugar and functional value in the beverages they consume. Milk – even though billions of pounds are being produced is losing out to fortified, organic, sports drinks and a myriad of better-for-you products. We are paying the piper for focusing on just one highly commoditized product, ignoring market trends, and trying valiantly to sell what we make rather than what people want. If we don’t give consumers what they want, someone else will.

LOOK BEYOND THE PAIL: Think outside the box stall.

For decades industry strategy has been to make dairy operations more efficient. It has succeeded: From 1970 to 2006, the number of cows declined 25%, output per cow more than doubled. But while the dairy industry focused on squeezing more milk out of fewer cows, they largely ignored the fact that demand was getting squeezed as well. That’s the nature of business. Where’s the competitive spirit that drives all the other parts of the dairy industry? Even the perfect sire or model cow, needs to be marketed. Our over-riding concern to “protect” ourselves from each other, the economy and even mother-nature, has made us put on blinders to the dangers of not being relevant to the marketplace. Breeder beware! We could protect our industry right to zero!!

4 STEP ACTION PLAN: It’s Time for a MILK SHAKE Up!

Three steps got us into this mess. Let’s start with four to get us out.

Pay Attention:
With per-capita North American milk consumption down 36% between 1970 and 2011, it isn’t whether or not there is a problem. The fact is the dairy industry is in trouble.
Make it Functional:
You’ve got to get the drink – in our case milk – into consumers’ hands. This is no time for doing things the way they’ve always been done. Look at Nestle. They wanted their milk drink containing probiotic for children to have a shelf life of one year. Realising that it is impossible to keep the probiotic alive at room temperature for more than a few days. The solution was a shelf-stable nutritional drink with the probiotic in the straw, instead of in the drink. Inside the patented straw of boost Kid Essentials is the probiotic lactobacillus reuteri ‘protectus’, released by the liquid when the consumer drinks through the straw! Now that’s functional! On-the-go consumption is increasing. Milk packaging needs to conform to this trend. Consumers are increasingly looking for a range of package sizes to suit different beverage types and thirst levels, as well as functional and aesthetically-pleasing packaging. Not my area, you say as a dairy farmer? Whose is it? Who cares?
Make it Healthy:
Whether it’s the health benefits you get from drinking milk or the environmental benefits of how it is packaged – the consumer cares about both! Parents are increasingly concerned about the nutrition and sugar content of the products consumed by their children. This can work for us (with soft drink competition) or against us (sugar added milk products). Again packaging enters the discussion. Studies in 2011 showed there is a substantial proportion of European consumers that would be prepared to pay extra for glass containers, especially for milk, yoghurts, juices and wine. “it may well be that consumers are willing to pay more as good packaging protects the health benefits and taste of the product for longer”. The health and wellness trend is not going away. We have a healthy product but it won`t sell itself if we continue our milk-sells-itself mind set!
New Products. New Location.
We`ve got to ask ourselves what does the market want and then find innovative ways to provide it. Perhaps even before we answer those questions we have to zero in on “where” the market will be. In a global marketplace, we need to consider the enormous potential of focusing on the end user – perhaps in another country!

LIVE OR DIE MILK BATTLE: Consumption is the Key

We can no longer rest on our milk stools. We have to compete for the marketplace with all the old beverages … and countless innovative new ones. That may seem to be a daunting task but it can no longer be ignored. Again. The world is waiting. Look at the graphic below. While our own markets are mature in the milk marketplace, there are HUGE opportunities for dairy in the global scene.

Consider this: One glass of milk per day per child in China could surpass the milk consumption of the entire North American market. It’s a new frontier to be won!

THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE

We can’t continue to let narrow focus override finding the consumer and serving them the milk products they want. Laying blame won’t stem the downward trend of the dairy industry. Remember when land-line phones had a monopoly on communication? Think about large phone companies (another almost monopolistic industry, especially in Canada). Where would they be today, if they had continued to whine about the intruders into the marketplace? The faster we learn from their example, the sooner we’ll prove that the North American dairy industry isn’t ready to kick the milk bucket yet!

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Categories : Dairy Industry

Tags : Dairy Industry, Milk Consumption

Editors’ Choice – The Top 12 of 2012

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Tuesday, January 1st, 2013

With 10 months in at The Bullvine and a New Year just beginning, this is a timely opportunity to revisit our Top 12 Favorite Stories of 2012 and tell you why we loved them so much.

These aren’t necessarily the highest-traffic stories (The Top 10 of 2012 – The most read articles of the year) although in some cases they did attract a lot of attention. More importantly, they are the stories that best represent what we try to deliver to our Bullvine readers every day: real stories, features, and analysis about the people, cows, issues and trends that are shaping the dairy industry in North America and around the world.

These are the ones that kept us up at night and got us out of bed in the morning! We know that when we are engaged, you will be too! Read on for our favorites of 2012!

12. Early to Bed Early to Rise Work Like Mad and Advertise

“These days, dairy producers need to have as much confidence in handling their advertising as they do when handling their high-producing cows.” We like this article for its relevance to modern dairy producers. Just as important as what you feed your dairy cattle, what you feed your customers in terms of information can make or break your bottom line. Social media has overtaken our industry. (Read more – How Social Media is Changing the Holstein World). What tech gadget did YOU get or give for Christmas? Unlike other advertising trends these ones are here to stay and growing more and more relevant to marketing success.

11. Which Is Your Most Profitable Cow

“Every farmer and every farm has their own individual situation. One type of cow is not the most profitable for everyone. But it is important that every cattle breeder takes the time to decide which, for them personally, is the most profitable cow. And then it’s equally important that they take the next step and breed for that type of cow. Your reality is the source for your profit.” This is a message that The Bullvine feels is both informative and timely. With a changing industry, global economics and advancements in genetics and technology finding the profitable cow is crucial to every producer.

10. Don Schwartz: Love What You Do and Do the Best You Can

“This was our favorite story to put together this year”. That is saying a lot when you consider that The Bullvine provided the opportunity to interview Cristy Nurse (Read more – Cristy Nurse: From Show Ring Beauty to World Class Rower and Cristy Nurse: Standing Tall) and Bonnie Mohr (Read more – Bonnie Mohr: Science and Art Together Creates a Holstein Love Story) – who are both amazing role models for the industry. In the case of Don Schwartz it was the unassuming way in which he has dedicated himself to the cows he works with that stood out for us. His passion shows in the cattle he guides from birth to the show ring — and home again. The 2012 Curtis Clark Award Winner is a fine example, like Cristy and Bonnie, of how far you can go by loving what you do and doing your best every day!

9. The Bullvine – The Party is Over

From the outset The Bullvine has stated our belief that open discussion is the best way for the industry to grow, develop and move forward.” This article reiterates that. One supporter wrote, “If only there were more people in our industries who adopted the same attitude. Don’t shy away from it, reveal it, raise it, discuss it and come out the other side better informed, more empowered, more engaged, and much stronger!” Will do!

8. Holstein vs. Jersey: Which Breed is More Profitable?

There are many questions that are relevant to today’s dairy industry and this article is one example that we have taken a look at. Profitability is the driving force of a sustainable industry and weaves its way through many of our articles on investing in genomics, robotics and management articles that consider the money-makers and money-wasters in today’s dairy business. Of course, it’s always relevant to keep our minds and eyes open to more than “black and white”.

7. Gone But Not Forgotten.

Seventh place on my top 12 list is occupied by cows who have left a legacy for the dairy industry despite passing on much too soon for those who raised and loved them. Rainyridge Talent Barbara (Read more: LASTING LEGACY: A Tribute to Rainyridge Talent Barbara) and Sweet Pepper Black Francesca (Read more: The Magic of Francesca) are two stories that are the cornerstone for why breeders dedicate their lives to dairy cattle breeding.

6. Talk About Money!

The Bullvine takes seriously its role in providing information to breeders to help them make informed decisions. We enjoy the research and analysis that provides a basis for articles that are relevant and useful. Our investment articles are consistently among the most popular and, for us, bring this article in at number 6 (Read more: Top 6 ways to invest $50000 in Dairy Cattle Genetics).

5. Answering the Tough Questions.

Every day we are faced with new ideas, financial challenges and, on occasion, the impact of Mother Nature on our day to day dairying success. It isn`t the Bullvine`s style to fly below the radar or to deny the obvious. Whether it`s providing a needed wakeup call or asking a tough questions about Genomics, the Show Ring, hot house or high priced cattle or Industry leadership, we bring the issues to the table for discussion and debate. One of our favorites earns 5^th place – (Read more: $750 Semen Are You Crazy?”) because it took a different angle on this new approach to dairy cattle semen selling.

4. The Perfect Holstein Cow.

If frequency of discussion was the only measure, this article on envisioning the perfect Holstein cow would be out in front by a country mile. It is a topic that we never tire of at The Bullvine. With experience in classification, true-type model designing and day-by-day cattle management, it is the “impossible dream” that eludes our grasp. That doesn’t mean that we won’t try every scientific, photographic or genetic tool to bring it within our impassioned reach! And we WILL talk and write about it!!

3. The Story Behind the Story.

There are many obvious stories to write about: the winner at the cattle show; the top seller at the Auction; the list of industry Award Winners and so on. However, for the Bullvine, the real excitement comes from learning what goes on “behind barn doors” as we say! By far one of our favorite articles was the one from this year’s Royal describing the touching events for the Eby family in “The 2012 Royal Winter Fairy Holstein Show – One of the Greatest Stories Ever Told”. While it rises to the top, we are constantly impressed by the dedication, commitment and expertise of the dairy breeders we meet. Quality Holsteins (Read more: Quality Holsteins – Well Deserved Congratulations) and (Read more: Top 10 most Influential Holstein Breeders of All-Time) are great examples. It is the personal stories they shared with us that make our work a pleasure every day.

2. If it Matters, It Produces Controversy.

We continually ask ourselves, “What really matters to the dairy breeders who read the Bullvine?” Sometimes the answers take us into areas that may be deemed politically incorrect or even none of our business. Great! Obviously, we receive (and accept) criticism especially when it leads to open and transparent discussion of these issues. When we look at industry leaders, we definitely raise hackles (Read more: Semex – The Rise and Fall of a Semen Empire). Our readers give us feedback: “I for one enjoy the service you provide. While I do not always agree with you, you always make me think” “Unfortunately truth is not always popular and frequently contradicts the institutional consensus.” and, most encouraging, “Your articles and subject are great. I’m so damned tired of hearing the same old thing from others.” “I read The Bullvine first thing every morning and think about it, while I do chores!” Perfect!

This brings us to #1 on our Editors’ Choice list of favourites.

#1 Now That’s Timely.

Anyone involved in journalism will tell you that the Holy Grail of article writing is timeliness. At the Bullvine we strive to provide news in a way that is relevant to where you are RIGHT NOW! Sometimes we burn the midnight oil. Quite often we see the sun rise while we click away on our computers. It is all worth it when it works for YOU!

For these reasons our favorite article of 2012 was (Read more: Who’s Next? World Dairy Expo: Holstein Show Preview). This choice may surprise many. While, to some it was controversial, it comes in at number one because it met our top three criteria of timeliness, usefulness and relevance.

As we seated ourselves early on the morning of the Holstein Show at World Dairy Expo, I received a tap on my shoulder. The couple in the seats behind us had noticed our Bullvine logo on our jackets. As we introduced ourselves the gentleman pulled a paper out of his pocket. It was the article previewing World Dairy Expo. He had printed it off and brought it with him. He updated us throughout the show on our insights. We were right on and he followed up with comments, when he returned home. This interaction and dialogue happens often whether its auction sales, cattle shows or predictions of rising stars in genomics or the next proof run!

Input from our readers will always be #1 with The Bullvine.

THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE

At the end of the day — or at the beginning – we love what we do. Your passion and enthusiasm for dairy breeding inspires everyone The Bullvine. We are grateful to Len Vis, the breeder-friend who didn’t hesitate to be the first breeder to interview with us (Read more: “Mapel Wood Farms – Invest in the Best! Forget the Rest!) and are thrilled at the growing network of breeders, experts and enthusiasts who share with us regularly. We will continue to look for our best story ever! It’s coming soon and will definitely be shared on The Bullvine.
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The Magic of Francesca

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Wednesday, December 19th, 2012

Today The Bullvine joins with Beverly Donovan and Richard Caverly of Benton Maine during a sad moment in the breeding journey of Deer Hill Ayrshires, as they mourn the passing of Sweet-Pepper Black Francesca 3E-94. Francesca, wasn’t just a cow who had great show ring accomplishments, she was a cow who won the hearts and minds of breeders the world over. She was one of those rare cows that transcended her breed to be loved by all. Beverly and Richard took amazing care of “Frannie” and gained a close friend in return.

Sweet-Pepper Black Francesca – EX-94-3E (USA)
Grand Champion World Dairy Expo 2012, 2010
Grand Champion Royal Agricultural Winter Fair 2012
All-World 6 & 7 Year-Old Ayrshire 2012
Total Performance Winner World Dairy Expo 2012, 2011
Nasco International & Type Production Award World Dairy Expo 2012, 2011
Reserve Grand Champion World Dairy Expo 2011
Grand Champion Eastern States National 2011, 2009

A Firm Foundation

Richard recalls how they found Francesca. “Beverly was looking to add a strong foundation animal to her Deer Hill herd. We visited Craig and Bonnie Hawksley, as Craig has always been the most helpful mentor and friend. He has an uncanny ability to breed Ayrshire cattle.” It was a great consultation that netted results. “Francesca was discussed and later purchased as the cow that would become a focus of Beverly’s Ayrshire passion.”

Dedication, Commitment and Support

Once the choice was made, the focus at Deer Hill became Francesca’s development. Richard describes that attention to detail. “Beverly’s passion to seek the greatest things for each and every one of her animals is something found in very few individuals. If it is chore time, no matter what the job may be, Beverly is there to provide for the animals first and foremost.” He points out that this care is not a 9 to 5 event at Deer Hill. “From the time her feet hit the floor in the morning, Bev’s sole attention is for her animals. We also have the incredible support of a team of trusted and cherished friends, family, and people willing to share their successes and help with our problems.”

Francesca being shown by close friend Jim Strout during the Supreme Champion Parade at the 2012 WDE

Francesca’s Feats

At Deer Hill, Francesca, fondly known as Frannie, made high records including 6-09 (305 days), 34,560 pounds, 4.3% Fat and 3.1% Protein and has had three calves the oldest a son Deer Hill Francis EX91. Francis is the main herd sire at Deer Hill and his two Calimero sisters, Princess, now a yearling and Pixiedust, born in early August 2012, are very promising heifers. Francesca’s feats are even more amazing when you know that she calved six times before her eighth birthday.

2012 Madison Tanbark Legends Frannie with Veronica and Vivid at 2012 WDE Team Arethusa

Francesca Truly Was a Saint!

Obviously, overcome with the loss they must face, Richard explains how Francesca’s perfection was the motivation that inspired all of them. “In many ways she was both magical and determined. She would make you turn your head with her beauty and fascinate you with her ability to excel as a cow, while she appeared to be running on cruise control!” He credits Frannie with presenting two sides to her own story. “On the one hand she made everything easy. Yet was the first to show you that nothing should be taken for granted. She would take unexpected opportunities to bring you into reality as she guided you through a dream.”

A Shining List of Achievements

Sweet-Pepper Black Francesca was the Grand Champion of the 2012 International Ayrshire Show at World Dairy Expo. She was the winning entry from the Six-Year-Old & Over Class, best uddered, the senior champion and the grand champion female of the show, the Nasco type & production award winner, and total performance winner of the show. Francesca was also the recipient of the Udder Comfort $1,000 Cash Award. This was another crowning achievement after being the 2010 Grand Champion and the 2011 Reserve Grand Champion. In 2012, she was the Grand Champion of the Eastern States Exposition for the third time in her show career, and also won Best Uddered Cow, the Nasco Type & Production Award, Total Performance Award, and the Milk Fat Production Award, all awards that she had won in 2011 at that show, too. In 2012 she was also the winning Mature Cow, Senior Champion, Grand Champion and Best Udder at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Earlier this year, Francesca won the All-World Title for Best 6 to 7 Year Old Ayrshire from the World Ayrshire Federation. In both 2010 and 2011, she was named Unanimous All-American. Deer Hill Farm has shown Francesca 6 times at national shows in the U.S.A. and won Grand Champion at 5 of the 6 and Reserve Grand Champion at the other.

The “Frannie Pack”

As already mentioned, Francesca had 6 calves before she was 8 years old. Richard describes her offspring. “The first 3 born at Sweet Pepper were all males. Deer Hill’s first arrival was also a male who we named Francis. Francis is the hub of the Deer Hill program as his calves have truly been incredible and he currently is the service sire of choice with every female within the other families here at Deer Hill.” With justifiable pride, he points out that her daughters excel for him and Beverly as well. “Fairytale Princess is Francesca’s first daughter and the epitome of what we look for in a young female. Fairytale Pixiedust is the family baby, who like momma and siblings inspires us to go to the barn! We are blessed to be working with Craig and Bonnie with Francesca’s dam Feather. At 15 years old she was raised to Excellent 93 in a system that only allows for a 94-point maximum score. She has been a show Grand Champion as well, as recently as this summer at the state fair.” As expected there is true affection for the success of others in Francesca’s family. “She has two sisters who have both won shows in milking form this year. Faith is Francesca’s sister here at Deer Hill. She is a June baby who is truly precious to us.”

Frannie and Beverly Supreme at Skowhegan State Fair (Oldest Continuing Fair in The World)

The Frannie Dream Team is Amazing Both “At Home” and “Away”

As Francesca’s story unfolded Bev and Richard were supported, uplifted and mentored by many others who saw the potential and possibilities facing Francesca. They recognize how much that has meant to them. “With such great family, friends, neighbors, and my employer, we always felt safe with our “home team” watching out for us!” It takes many players to pull together a winning team and Richard starts with “Pam Jeffery – because every great team is known by its cheerleaders!” He gives special recognition to Ernest Kueffner, Terri Packard, Gary and Melissa Bowers, Steve McDonald and Julie Hemp because, as Richard points out “These great individuals let us be part of their wonderful teams at the shows! Team Arethusa, Mac-Ayr, M & J Heifer Care, and Lencrest. So many people, such wonderful individuals! The veterinarians, foot trimmers, truckers, fitters, and that one very special lady who always looked Frannie up to make sure her tail looked glamorous (Joyce Thomas).Also, the ever-important leadsmen Steve White, Gary Bowers, Jim Strout and Mike Duckett.” Richard doesn’t leave out one other important group, the Judges, who contributed to Francesca’s success. “ It was always their decision in the end and for the most part they all did agree!

The Team the helped Frannie at the 2012 RAWF

Ode To Francesca

The support, friendship and love Frannie has received through the years is amazing. “People whom we do not know spent their vacation time and hard earned dollars to travel millions of miles to see her. She brought them to the coliseum and back to the straw pack where they admired her and often had their photo taken with her.” Obviously, Francesca was more than one of the cows she was a superstar at the shows and “one of the family” all the time.

Life Lessons from Francesca

Richard is thankful and declares “It is an honor to share such an experience with so many! For everyone who loved Frannie you all shared in the dream in your own special way. Frannie touched a generation, and if they learned one thing from her she would want them to know “Dream big. Dedicate Yourself and Follow the Dream” Francesca started out in the little state of Rhode Island. Bev gave her homes in Massachusetts and Maine and Francesca conquered the world with love and friendship.”

Francesca and Beverly early one morning at Eastern States Expo

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Bev and Richard have been married 2 ½ years and Francesca has been a shared dream. Faced with a future without her, they sum it up quite eloquently. The magic of Francesca is that she has excelled at showing, milking, producing nice offspring, and winning the hearts of people all over the world. She has been a magical fairytale in our lives by making Bev’s dreams come true. The future may bring more fairytale magic to Deer Hill Farm, and in time, we will see if the ‘Magic of Francesca’ continues through her offspring.

“Loved by All”
Sweet-Pepper Black Francesca
2004-2012

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Categories : Donor Profile

FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ: Passion with a Purpose

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Thursday, December 13th, 2012

As we research topics here at The Bullvine there is always an undercurrent of expectation. You never know the “when” or “where” of the next big surprise. Most often it is the “who” that makes our days special. As we began the background work on a series we have planned on robotic milking, we lined up several interviews (Read more – Robotic Milking: More than just automation it’s a new style of herd management). It became obvious that the go-to expert in this area would be Francisco Rodriguez, DVM, Holstein Breeder, Dairy Management Advisor Automatic Milking for DeLaval North America. Not only did we get tremendous insight from his experience in this new and growing field but, once again, we met a passionate cow man who is following a dream.

Five Farming Generations in Colombia

Francisco is the 5^th generation of farmers in Colombia. His grandfather was a dairyman, cattleman and one of the pioneers in the genetic development of the Paso Fino horse. Francisco, like others in his family, inherited that love for raising livestock. He recounts how his own interest was ignited. “Our dairy was relatively small and my Dad needed a simultaneous job to keep up with his new family. Then he joined Semex Colombia as a sales representative, I remember going to the farm since the beginning of my life, but I got in love of Dairy cows when every month a catalogue or a magazine from Canada or USA arrived home. Instead of reading about superman or batman I started reading about Starbuck, Aerostar, Raider, Laurie Sheik, etc. etc. I developed a true love for cows and genetics becoming the foundation of my life together with my passion for business, as my mother has had clothing stores her entire life, allowing me to get the entrepreneur spirit at a very young age.

Single Minded Student

Because of his passion for dairy cows and horses, Francisco decided to go to Vet School after graduating from High School. He had tremendous academic success and was the best student in the faculty for four years in succession. After graduation, Francisco’s internship continued in the USA. “When I finished my Vet School I started an internship in one of the largest and most progressive western dairies in the USA. I learned from the management of an operation milking thousands of cows.”

Vet-Businessman in Colombia

After one year gaining experience, Francisco made the decision to move back to Colombia. His career now became more business focused as he adapted to the opportunities arising there. “When I arrived in Colombia two very interesting things happened. My Dad Francisco Rodriguez and my genetics mentor Juan Pablo Muriel started a partnership and became the exclusive Select Sires Dealership in Colombia!!” This was exciting explains Francisco because of the opportunity it gave him to understand both the genetics industry from both the Canadian and the US perspective. A new opportunity soon presented itself. “At the same time DeLaval hired me as a Sales Manager for The Andean and Caribbean countries, working with farmers from 1 – 30,000 milking cows, from Water Buffalo to High yielding Holsteins, and traveling all over the world learning the different dimensions in milk production. “

More Diversity. More Studies. Big Vision.

By now, it was clear that Francisco like generations before him could comfortably handle several different challenges at the same time. He clarifies. “Simultaneously with my work at DeLaval I continued developing my business skills graduating from Business School as a Strategic Marketing Management Specialist. I am a passionate individual, a dreamer, and I’ve been developing my life under friendship, excellence, focus and education, always starting small but thinking big, with a wide vision.

Achieving the Dream

It isn`t surprising that someone whose family, studies and passion all revolve around cows would want to own them as well. Sure enough he confirms, “Since I was a kid I had a dream of my own registered Holstein herd, I liked my Dad’s commercial cows but that was not enough for me, I wanted purebreds, I wanted to become a real breeder.” With that end in mind he worked very hard to make it become reality. He outlines what it took. “Simultaneously with my position at DeLaval, in 2007 my parents and I founded Colganados RV.” Colganados is a dairy business based on added value strategies, particularly genetics. Francisco explains how they carried out this philosophy. “Colganados started with 15 cows, 30 heifers and 25 embryos selected from the best cow families available in the Colombian Market, most of them coming from well known Canadian and American Blood lines. Today Colganados RV milks approximately 200 registered Holsteins and develops one of the most aggressive Holstein breeding programs in Latin America.”

Open to A New Opportunity

For many, this would have marked the high point in a fast-rising career. For Francisco – dairyman- veterinarian- breeder- businessman it was just the beginning. In 2010 DeLaval offered to relocate Francisco to Madison, WI as the Dairy Management Advisor – Automatic Milking for North America. In describing what this felt like, he says, “I compare it to a pilot being asked to race in Formula 1.” Joking aside he admits that it was a tough decision to make. “I had a life built in Colombia and at the same time I had a unique opportunity in the heart of the dairy industry. My parents and employees gave me the strength and then I accepted the challenge and moved to Madison in 2011.”

Francisco Rodriguez and his wife Sofia Cordabo

Love and Marriage

2011 marked special changes in Francisco’s life. He sums it up, “I got married to a wonderful woman, met wonderful people, made new friends and of course that put in the best place to continue reaching my dreams and accomplishing goals as a professional and as a breeder.”

Seen here are (l-r) Juan David Rodriguez, Francisco Rodriguez and his wife Sofia Cordabo with KHW Regiment Apple A1-Red-ETN.

Enter Robotic Milking

An interesting facet of Francisco’s career opportunity would be that he would be working with Robotic Milking and high end technology. This has been tremendously positive he reports. “It has exposed me to the most progressive farmers and advisors around the world, especially in the North American Market. On average I visit two robotic herds every day, it is amazing to evaluate the quantity of miles and farms we see in a year!!!”

KHW REGIMENT APPLE-RED EX-95-2E-USA DOM 2*
ALL-AMERICAN JR.2-YR 2006
RES. ALL-CANADIAN R&W MATURE COW 2009
GRAND MADISON R&W 2011
RES.GRAND ROYAL R&W 2009
1ST MATURE COW MADISON R&W 2011
1ST JR.2-YR MADISON 2006

Building on a Firm Family Foundation

Even more amazing than the miles Francisco travels, are the achievements he makes on several fronts simultaneously. “In the beginning of 2012 I was missing having my own herd so together with my wife we started looking for the next level. For us that would mean being a dairy breeder in the North American Market with a global Scope.” Never one to dream big without doing his homework Francisco tells what they did next, all the while making it sound easy. “After visiting some of the most influential herds in the USA and Canada we met the foundation of our new project KHW Regiment Apple A1 RED-ETN a clone of the R & W world champion 2011 and million dollar APPLE.” This purchase is a fascinating story on its own. Another day perhaps.

KHW REGIMENT APPLE 1-RED

The Bullvine Bottom Line

And so a passionate cattle man continues on several fronts to build his dream. In April 2012 Colganados began its history as a member of the USA Holstein Association. There have been many dimensions to the journey so far but Francisco recognizes that the diversity is what keeps him passionate “At the end of the day, the combination of all different kinds of knowledge, experiences and daily life bring a unique vision for every person.” Exactly!

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Categories : Breeder Profiles

Tags : Colganados, DeLaval, Francisco Rodriguez, Juan David Rodriguez, KHW Regiment Apple A1-Red, KHW REGIMENT APPLE-RED, Select Sires, Semex Colombia, Sofia Cordabo

Pine-Tree Monica Planeta Is the New Genomic Super Star Maker

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Tuesday, December 11th, 2012

Sandy-Valley Farms, located in central Wisconsin, is owned and operated by three brothers, David, Patrick and Frank Bauer Jr. A fourth brother, Greg, helps with the breeding and marketing programs. Frank’s daughter Danae manages the calf program and assists Greg with the breeding and marketing programs. The Bauer family farms 1500 acres and milks 450 Holsteins in a free stall set-up. Embryo transfer and IVF are important tools in their program. We are already familiar with Sandy Valley families which include names like Sandy Valley Bolton, the outstanding sire with top daughters and now sons. It is exciting to talk with Greg about the future they are building toward at Sandy Valley.

Start with Clear Goals and Go Beyond

In talking about their success, Greg clarifies the breeding goals that are the basis they build from at Sandy Valley Farms. “We aim to breed a cow that can respected by the commercial dairymen, yet admired by the type enthusiast.” As simple as that sounds Greg acknowledges that it can be complicated. “When you set your breeding goals it is easy to play it safe. However it is going to take new genetic strategies to meet the needs of the new genetics marketplace.” He says with encouragement knowing that it is only by taking risks that Sandy Valley is making progress. Pine-Tree Monica Planeta-ET is an example of a foundation cow that has the potential to launch superstar generations.

PINE-TREE MONICA PLANETA-ET VG-85-2YR

Attracted by Planetas

Hindsight is always 20/20. That’s why it’s great to hear from breeders who have the good fortune to pick a winner. Greg ticks off the points that attracted Sandy Valley to Planeta: “She was from a proven sire; possessed a high genomic rank in comparison to age-mates and paternal sisters; and she was from a cow family that had has brought us success in the past.” Greg then describes why she fits so well with the Sandy Valley breeding goals, “Planeta is a modern freestall cow. Moderate in stature with plenty of strength and width. She has a nice spring to her rib, a silky hide and an attractive cut to her front end and shoulder. Her udder is soundly attached with great cleft and teat placement. She has somewhat more set to her rear leg than optimal but possesses a clean, flat bone.” He saves the best adjectives for last, “Planeta tracks beautifully and almost glides when she walks.”

New Genomic Stars at Sandy Valley Revolve Around Planeta

First let’s take a look at Planeta’s own record:

Pine-Tree Monica Planeta
Sire: Planet
VG-85 VVV+V @ 2-7 DOM
2-01 2x 184 15564 3.8 598 3.3 508 (incomplete)
GTPI +2239 gTPI 697 NM$ 2.88 PTAT
In August 2012, Planeta was the #12 GTPI cow and dam of the #2 GTPI heifer. She had 4 daughters over 2400G, a Numero Uno son over +2500 and a Sudan son over +2400 GTPI.
The starts in her orbit expanded with the December 2012 Proof Indexes. She now has 9 daughters over DGV LPI 3000: 5 Numero Unos; 2 Epics; 1 Armitage and 1 Banco daughter. Outstanding!

Planeta Daughters Start Their Own Outstanding Orbits

The numbers definitely proclaim that Numero Uno has been the best cross on Planeta. Looking at those first six daughters, there were three over +2400 gPA TPI.


*Penelope*	(Numero Uno)	+2647 gPA TPI +3.50 PTAT +3716 gPA LPI +4156 DGV LPI
*Paxton*	(Numero Uno)	++2524 gPA TPI +2.64 PTAT +3463 gPA LPI +3713 DGV LPI
*Precious*	(Numero Uno)	++2503 gPA TPI +3.22 PTAT +3509 gPA LPI +3892 DGV LPI
*Paisley*	(Numero Uno)	+2447 gPA TPI +3.30 PTAT +3282 gPA LPI +3483 DGV LPI

Planeta & Ammon-Peachey Shauna: These Genomic Hits are Both “Miss”es

Even while we stand in awe of the offspring of Planeta, research tells us that it really could or should have been expected because of Planeta’s shared lineage with the outstanding Ammon-Peachy Shauna (Read more – AMMON-PEACHEY SHAUNA – 2012 Golden Dam Finalist). Three generations back Shauna and Planeta trace their heritage to Wesswood MH Rudy Missy and her daughters, Miss Martha, in the case of Planeta, and Miss. Monica, for Shauna. They have the exact same sire stack: Planet x Shottle x Oman x Rudolph. Definitely Planeta is a fully functioning contributor to an all-star family.

PINE-TREE MONICA PLANETA VG-2YR-USA	AMMON-PEACHY SHAUNA VG-87-2YR-USA DOM
PINE-TREE MONICA SUELA VG-87 DOM	PINE-TREE MARTHA SHEEN VG-86-3YR-USADOM 1*
PINE-TREE MISSY MONICA VG-85-5YR-USA DOM GMD	PINE-TREE MISSY MARTHA VG-86-4YR-USA DOM
WESSWOOD-HC RUDY MISSY EX-92-3E-USA DOM GMD

Other Prominent Cow Families at Sandy Valley

You know that Sandy Valley has high goals in mind that includes establishing other great cow families. Greg lists them for us: “The Barbies, Dellias, Rudolph Missy, Ravens, Bolton Music, Terry Tory, Juror Faith, Cosmopolitans, and Oman 6121.

Using Genomics to Look Toward the Future

Greg has a simple viewpoint on why you should use young sires on top cow families. “Use young sires to maximize genetic progress.” He states emphatically and then looks into the future realistically, “Granted all high G young sires won’t stay high but then neither do all high proven bulls once their second crop is in the system.” Sandy Valley Farm looks for certain attributes for all young sires they use. “GTPI ranking and overall transmitting pattern are taken into account, as well as the cow family they stem from. We also prefer those out of proven sires such as “Freddie, Man-O-Man, Massey, Snowman and Super.” He notes that “We are currently using a wide variety of high G young sires and a few of the highest GPTI proven sires.

Advice for Those Seeking Sky High Success

Every great herd starts with a plan and Greg advises everyone to start with this end in mind. “Consider your goals. If you’re most interested in building a sound, functional herd with few ‘2yr old mistakes’ stay with proven sires, especially those with 2^nd crop information.” Greg then goes on to suggest another option. “If you’re interested in working at the cutting edge of genetic improvement, incorporate some of the high G young sires.” Like all other parts of the discussion, he rounds out the advice: “When using young sires, it’s often best to spread your risk and use more than just one.” Cautionary and visionary at the same time.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

It is always wonderful when we can benefit from the insights of great cattle breeding families. Sandy Valley Farm is building their success on a solid cow family foundation. We wish them well as they take Planeta and go where genomics has never gone before!

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

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

Download this free guide.

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Categories : Donor Profile

Tags : Donor Profile, Genomics, PINE-TREE MONICA PLANETA, SANDY-VALLEY NU PENELOPE, SANDY-VALLEY NU PRECIOUS, SANDY-VALLEY UNO PAISLEY, SANDY-VALLEY UNO PAXTON

EASTSIDE HOLSTEINS – Where Modern Marketing Rises to the Challenge

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Tuesday, December 4th, 2012

For most of us The Eastside Lewisdale prefix is associated with the fame of “Missy”. Maria Jones, Marketing Manager for Eastside Holsteins modestly summarizes the connection. “Here at Eastside, we were lucky enough to have co-bred Eastside Lewisdale Gold Missy EX 95, Grand & Supreme Champion at World Dairy Expo and the Royal in 2011. That has really helped our exposure and marketing, not only of the Missy Family, but of other families here at Eastside”. As Bloyce Thompson, owner of Eastside Holsteins, points out, “When Missy took off as a Jr 2 yr old, we needed to be able to capitalize, get on board and go with her success.” The fact that Missy’s sister Amaze flushed well put even more marketing opportunities in front Eastside and partner Lewisdale (Read More – You Can Bank on Amaze to Pump up the Volume). “Our main focus has been selling embryos from well known families and making sure each customer is very satisfied with their purchase.”

EASTSIDE LEWISDALE GOLD MISSY EX-95-CAN
Supreme Champion WDE 2011. Grand Champion WDE 2011.
Supreme Champion RAWF 2011. Grand Champion RAWF 2011

Viewing the Future from EASTSIDE Out!

Bloyce and partner Jamie Lewis, of Lewisdale Holsteins, thought over the potential they were facing and decided to set up a new company Eastside-Lewisdale. They plan to have it underway early in 2013. One of their visions is of an embryo community. In order to do that, they know that they have to plan not only the financial side but also how to brand their genetic products. “We thought about it and decided we need email a web site” and all of the modern technology that puts PEI fully accessible to the marketplace. Bloyce admits “We knew we wanted someone who had great computer skills.” That’s where Maria Jones came into the picture.

Maria Jones
Marketing Manager at Eastside Holsteins

MISSY meets MARIA: Behind Every Super Star There is a Super Marketer!

It wasn’t long before the marketing part of the plan was put into action says Bloyce, with the hiring of Maria Jones. “I knew Maria had computer skills and that she was between jobs. She lived on PEI and started part time which has grown to almost two-thirds time now.” Maria has demonstrated her technical ability and how comfortable she is with global communication. Bloyce is enthusiastic, “She is a person I can give ideas to and she can take it from there.” Sales numbers are backing up the wisdom of the hiring a marketing person.”Since Maria started embryo sales are up 90%”

New Tools Greatly Enhance Familiar Methods

Modesty is contagious around PEI and Maria points out.”Of course, you have to have the product people want and be ready to roll.” As a marketing manager, she wears many different hats and faces the challenges and logistics of, not only marketing the products but getting them delivered. She notes,” In the cattle business it can be very complex and goes beyond the designing to record keeping, financial and managing the workload.” Time pressure is an added incentive. Bloyce states what he feels is obvious, “Holstein genomics is moving so fast that you must always be developing for the future market.” He gives an example. “Hailey has taken over From Missy so we must adapt to that.” Every tool is analysed and critiqued. “Embryo sales at World Dairy Expo time went well. We will likely try that again another year.”

More Information Sourced and Delivered with New Tools

Maria is well aware of modern tools. “We have been using Facebook and Twitter. It really helps communicate to our customers what is going on at Eastside. They know about our new purchases and what embryos we have available. We report show results and just about anything else that is happening.” They see the potential of using social media for real time updates. “On a daily basis, we broadcast to our audience around the world what is happening. It has been a very successful tool for Eastside.” Maria feels this asset also serves another valuable purpose, “It is a great advantage that we have two-way communication with others about what is going on in the industry.”

Good Two-Way Communication = Marketing Progress

Everyone at Eastside agrees that communication is important to their marketing strategy. Maria lists her favorite sources, “The internet, magazines, mixing and communicating with others at Shows and Sales are all great ways to keep up with the industry.” She is always eager to pick up something new. “I just keep an eye on what is going on around me and always notice everyone’s marketing efforts. I enjoy seeing all the new ideas and try to understand why they thought it was a good idea. I always keep in mind that they are in the same boat as I am!” She sums up the three L’s of her marketing philosophy, “I am never one to judge but I listen, look and learn!”

The Challenges of Dairy Marketing

In the fast paced world of modern dairy marketing it is important to know your priorities. Bloyce says the challenge is clear. “You must always plan ahead and have the current product that people want.” There are the usual business pressures to keep costs under control but this team feels that marketing must be able to reach the huge number of potential clients based around the world. Bloyce recalls, “A decade ago, living on PEI was a major disadvantage but, today, with the World Wide Web, location is not a problem.” This opportunity also presents the main challenge, “We are only touching a fraction of the market.” Both Bloyce and Maria recognize that creating interest means constantly facing deadlines. For instance “The website must be updated 3-4 times per week.” Although that might seem simple, it too turns on the speed of responses to email, phone calls and messages. Maria acknowledges,”It can be frustrating.” But admits that “Marketing can be a fun and enjoyable career.”

Walk in Your Buyer’s Boots and Walk Fast

Bloyce repeats business maxims we all know to be true, “The way that you position yourself, how you use words and how you treat customers are all very important.” He sees dairy breeding evolving to produce “a more functional cow with stronger immunity, better female reproduction and requiring minimum labour.” Maria agrees that the market drives demand, “We have turned to more of what the market will be looking for in the future, namely the polled breed and genomics.” Acknowledging that everyone is not interested in the same thing she feels that “Eastside has got you covered” by providing show cattle, type and genomics.

Develop Marketing Skills Where You Find Them

Drawing on his positive experience, Bloyce sums up the best advice he has for those looking to market their dairy genetics. First and foremost he feels “It is absolutely necessary that you have a product people want to buy.” Once you have met that hurdle, he suggests “Get with technology both on the farm and in marketing.” He points out what he feels is an obvious resource to develop, “Why not bring your children into the business via the marketing side of the farm, instead of just through the labour side.” He sums up his reasoning quite convincingly, “Kids run computers with their eyes closed.”

The Bullvine Bottom Line

At the end of the day, marketing only works if the story moves off the planning page and produces measureable results. Eastside and Lewisdale are banking on good marketing based on a philosophy of “Listen, Look and Learn” to promote their supply of genetics that the market is asking for. The future looks ready to shine brightly for Eastside-Lewisdale.

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

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Categories : Dairy Cattle Marketing

Tags : Bloyce Thompson, Dairy Cattle Marketing, Eastside Holsteins, EASTSIDE LEWISDALE GOLD MISSY, Facebook, Maria Jones, Twitter

What Happens after She’s Sold?

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Tuesday, November 27th, 2012

In much the same way that walking down the street with a cute puppy attracts comments and conversation, keeping in touch with your heifers after they sell often brings great exchanges and insights from other dairy breeders. Three months ago we at The Bullvine started communications with the Crosbie Family of Caron, SK (one hour west of Regina). Our mutual interest was a Huntsdale bred cow, Shottle Crusade, who had classified EX93. A mutual friend then emailed us that Crusade had won the 5 yr old class at the 2012 Westerner Show in Red Deer and vouched that he heard “many individuals around the ring say that she could be the nicest Shottle daughter in Canada”. Biased friendships aside, hearing that she went on to HM Senior Champion inspired us to exchange emails and then talk on the phone to Ian Crosbie. Once again, what starts out on the cattle trail ends up bringing people together too!

HUNTSDALE SHOTTLE CRUSADE EX-93-CAN

A Boy’s Passion for Cows

At twelve Ian showed a great interest in Holstein breeding, so his parents, Neil and Betty Jean, and his uncle Blaine gave him the responsibility of selecting the sires to be used on the Benbie herd. Back then the Crosbie’s milked 90 cows through a parlour and housed the cattle in pack barns. Ian had the challenge of choosing sires for both their commercially oriented operation and also those that he and his siblings would take to 4H shows. Folks we need to remember that Caron SK is not downtown central for the Canadian Holstein breed and believe it when Ian says that he read every book and magazine he could get his hands on and talked cows with Holstein breeders whenever and wherever the opportunity presented itself.

Ian Crosbie (2nd from right) – showing the Reserve Champion calf at the 2010 Western Canadian Classic.

Parents’ Passion for Developing Youth

All the Crosbie children have been encouraged and supported in attending college or university. For Ian that meant attending Lakeland College in Alberta. Along the way he helped show herds and took part in every 4H competition that he could. It was in fact through 4H that he met his future wife, Nicole Hylkema who was from Chilliwack, British Columbia (Hyljon Holsteins Ltd.). What started out as competition at the Western Canadian 4H Classic has developed into a lifelong relationship as Ian and Nicole are now husband and wife. After college Ian spent some time working and showing cattle for other herds, while Nicole got her university degree in Ag Business at the University of Saskatchewan.

Home to the Family Farm

In January of 2012 Ian and Nicole returned to Benbie and joined the farming operation with his parents after his uncle left the dairy farm. Since then, another pack barn has been built, quota has been purchased and the parlour updated and expanded to a double twelve. Prior to the expansion, the 90 cows were all housed on one bedded pack. Benbie Holsteins are now milking 135 cows and have put up another addition, which includes two more packs. One of the packs is for first lactation animals and the second pack is large enough for 6-8 head, which will be for show animals. The remainder of the herd is housed on the original pack. These changes are already results. To answer your question the herd’s diet is the common one for Western Canada: barley silage, alfalfa haylage, some dry hay, rolled barley and supplements fed as TMR.

BENBIE GOLDWYN SADIE VG-86-2YR-CAN
Res Int Champ Western Canadian Livestock Expo
Sold to Silvermaple Holsteins B.C.

Benbie Believes in Balanced Breeding

Ian has a clear vision of the Benbie breeding philosophy. He explains, “We are aiming towards a balanced breeding philosophy. We strive to breed a modern cow- high scoring and stylish, yet long living and trouble free. We look for a cow with a balanced dairy frame, a great udder and a correct set of feet and legs. Production and health traits are also considered when making mating decisions. We try to use bulls with a minimum of +12 Conformation, <3.00 SCS and positive figures for components and milk.”

Benbie uses 3-4 proven sires at one time and have started using a variety of genomic bulls. Current daughter proven sires are Fever, Lauthority and Windbrook. Genomic bulls used over the past year include- Meridian, McCutchen, Gold Chip, Day, Sajac, Numero Uno, Shamrock, Hefty, AltaHaley and Airlift.

Recent Heifer Purchases

WINDY-KNOLL-VIEW PASIAN

Before we return to Crusade who brought us to Benbie Holsteins in the first place, let’s take a quick look at other more recent heifer purchases which include: Windy-Know-View Pasian (Braxton x Pledge) due in June to Gold Chip; Speek-NJ Chrm Debbie Rae (AltaChairman from the Roxie Family) due to AltaHaley; and Winright Bolton Sugarshack (Bolton from the Splendor Family) who did well at shows in 2012 and is due to Windbrook.

Auction Fever Strikes

So that purchased animals can learn to fit into the Benbie management system and also in order not to expend high dollars, females are purchased as calves or yearlings, sometimes for 4H projects. In 2007 one of those purchases was Huntsdale Shottle Crusade. As Ian tells it, “Crusade was purchased as a heifer when my Uncle Blaine could not contain the Crosbie itch at an auction sale. She was one of 10 head bought that day at the 2007 Rocky Mountain High Sale. Even though the average price he paid was only $2800, they all had great pedigrees and the chance for a diamond in the rough was there.” We at Huntsdale love the next part. “Crusade was a very raw heifer. It wasn’t until she freshened as a two year old that she caught your eye. While she possessed an exceptional mammary system, she lacked power and depth and was scored GP84.”

Crusade Hits the Show Trail

Ian was pretty sure great things were ahead for Crusade. “When Nicole and I arrived home in early January, Crusade was in the close-up pen. She had grown into quite a cow. We were excited to calve her in and, a month after freshening, we began to prepare her for the upcoming spring shows. As part of our first full string as Benbie, Crusade did not disappoint. She was named Grand Champion of the Western Canadian Livestock in Saskatoon in April. Throughout 2012 Crusade won or placed high at four shows. She is now scored EX93 and continues to develop. She is completing her third Superior Lactation, with an average 4.2% butterfat and low SCC. She was flushed twice give 25 good embryos and is now short bred as we are hoping to have her back for the 2013 show season.” What an incredible first year at Benbie for Ian and Nicole.

WINRIGHT BOLTON SUGARSHACK
2ND JR.1-YR WESTERNER CHAMP. 2012

Where to Look for Advice

It seems quite obvious that this young couple have a vision for where they are going and can offer advice to others who are starting out too. “Being relatively young, we are always looking for more advice on showing and marketing top cattle! Lots of people are willing to give advice and opinions, but the best advice always comes from those that have been successful.” They continually seek out and share with other breeders and Benbie Holsteins can be followed on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/BenbieHolsteins).

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Sometimes we make our path into the future far too complicated. Ian suggests that moving forward can be summed up quite simply. “Be open minded. Don’t be afraid to try new ideas. The moment you stop progressing you being regressing.” What good advice that is coming from someone who has already launched a Crusade!

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Categories : Breeder Profiles

Tags : BENBIE GOLDWYN SADIE, BENBIE HOLSTEINS, HUNTSDALE SHOTTLE CRUSADE, WINDY-KNOLL-VIEW PASIAN, WINRIGHT BOLTON SUGARSHACK

“COLD CALVES” – The Next Drama Coming to a Calf Pen Near You!

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Thursday, November 22nd, 2012

Thanksgiving in the US is the time for many breeders when the weather starts to get a lot colder. Cold weather just like hot weather can have detrimental effects on the health and well-being of your calves. Here are 12 things you can do to prepare your calves for the cold winter months ahead.

Why are they stressed?

Cold stress in calves is caused by the environment surrounding them and includes low temperatures and wind chill factors. Even temperatures that we might consider moderate, like the ones we are experiencing this week, can cause cold stress in newborn and young calves. It is particularly stressful for calves younger than 3 weeks of age. Newborn calves experience cold stress at just below 60 degrees F. Calves more than 21 days old can be cold stressed at 42 degrees F. They are susceptible to cold stress because they consume very little calf starter and have little or no stored fat to draw extra energy from. By the time the temperature reaches zero, a calf should receive 50 percent more energy (calories) just for maintenance.

Keep in mind that if an 88-pound newborn calf has to start using its own fat storage to stay warm, it has less than one day’s worth of energy and could easily die because energy for growth and developing immune function becomes short or nonexistent.

When to begin?

Start with what you know for sure. If you feel more comfortable wearing longer sleeves or a warm sweatshirt while doing chores, it’s probably time to consider increasing calf rations. Even though we’re ready to look after ourselves, research suggests that 67% of dairy producers do NOT make changes to their calf feeding practices in cool weather. It’s definitely too late if you wait until temperatures are consistently below freezing.

Key Management Factors to Limit the effects of Cold Stress

The following options can help reduce the effects of cold on calves. Work with your nutritionist and veterinarian to determine the best options for your operation.

Monitor the weather
Monitor temperature and increase feeding in response to cold weather. At temperatures below 60 degrees F, calves must increase their energy consumption just to maintain their core body temperature.
Protect animals from the Wind
Wind markedly increases cold stress. Producers should provide housing that allows a space for calves to have fresh air yet protects them from drafts.
Bed well.
Providing adequate dry bedding makes a significant difference in the ability of calves to withstand cold stress. Bedding should be clean, dry and deep enough to completely hide a calf’s legs when they’re lying down. Proper insulation will help calves stay warm without relying on energy reserves to regulate body temperature. Calf blankets can also be used to help keep them warm. A deep bed of long-stemmed straw allows caves to burrow in and preserve body heat. One way to determine proper bedding depth for cold weather is to look at the calf while it is lying down. If you cannot see the calf’s feet, the bedding is deep enough
Keep bedding clean and Dry
Wet bedding can cause problems. Also their coats must be dry. Wet coats have greatly reduced insulating properties and make calves more susceptible to cold stress. Mud-caked coats also reduce the insulating properties of the hair. Calves have much greater heat loss through wet bedding compared with dry bedding.
Keep Calf clean and dry
The calf’s coat must be clean and dry to provide maximum protection. Dirt or moisture on the coat reduces its insulation value dramatically.
Provide additional Feed
Feed more hay and grain. If wet feeds are fed, make sure they are not frozen. By implementing a cold weather feeding program that meets increased energy requirements, producers can keep their calves healthy and growing.
For example, a 100-pound calf at 50 F requires 1.1 pounds of dry matter just for maintenance. That is equivalent to 8.8 pounds, or about 4.25 quarts, of milk. In the case of milk replacer, that is about 0.5 pound of powder mixed to make 2 quarts.
If producers only feed the minimum amount, calves will struggle to keep healthy and there will be a surge in mortality, especially among fall-and winter-born calves.
Feed at least two gallons of liquid nutrition each day.
Calves fed less than two gallons of milk or milk replacer are more likely to fall behind on weight gain. They are also more like to get sick. Feed calves a full potential ration; calves fed a maintenance diet (less than 1.8 lb. Milk replacer daily) are more likely to fall behind on weight gain and become sick.
Add a third feeding of milk or milk replacer
A third feeding of milk or milk replacer provides extra energy to the calf. The additional helping, especially during cold weather, preferable late in the evening provides extra energy for young calves. Calves fed three times a day show improved growth, better starts prior to weaning than calves fed twice daily.
Switch milk replacer for cold weather
Milk replacers are available that are designed specifically for cooler temperatures. These calf milk replacers have been developed to deliver optimal combinations of protein, energy and technologies to help during times of cold stress.
Provide Free Choice Water Available at all times
Provide warm water with morning and afternoon feedings, and consider adding a third watering as well. By feeding liquids at closer to the calf’s body temperature of 102 degrees F., you can reduce the additional drain on its energy reserve to warm it. Other practices may include offering warm water two to three times daily to support calf starter intake. As the rumen develops, the calf’s nutrient intake and ability to grow and develop immune functions improve.
Warming
If a calf is cold-stressed, it will be more susceptible to disease, so warming the calf may be necessary. The best method to use depends on your facilities. Once the calf has been warmed, provide colostrums and maintain body temperature. When the calf is warm and the situation has stabilised, move it back to its mother.
1. Warm bath
2. Warm blankets
3. Hot box or warming box
Vaccination
Cold stress leaves calves vulnerable to a host of health problems, including Pasteurella pneumonia, one of the leading causes of bovine respiratory disease. According to bovine veterinary practitioners, the most important diseases to vaccinate against include infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, bovine viral diarrhea, parainfluenza-3 and bovine respiratory syncytial virus. Many herds will benefit from using a coccidiostat and a vaccine to help prevent Pasteurella pneumonia in calves. Producers should watch their calves very carefully for the first sign of respiratory disease. Some advise calves be given a coccidiostat labeled for prevention and treatment of coccidiosis. If not treated 12 to 21 days after infection, coccidiosis causes dramatic clinical signs, such as diarrhea, inability to absorb nutrients, depression, weight loss, secondary infections and sometimes even death. Once signs of coccidiosis appear, much of the damage already has been done and a preventive strategy is best. Disease can progress quickly and treatment must be done early to be successful. Waiting too long can lead to irreversible lung damage and chronic or dead calves.

THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE:

We can’t control the weather but we can do everything reasonable to reduce the effects of cold on calves. A well managed calf can survive and thrive in cold temperatures.

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Categories : Management

Tags : Calf raising, cavlve management

Whispers Heard ‘Round the Royal

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Wednesday, November 21st, 2012

From my ringside perch at the Royal Holstein Show two weeks ago I heard knowledgeable Holstein breeders remarking, “There are seven breeders’ herds lined up out there and they’re all good ones! Wow!” Their amazement was echoed by Judge McKinven. (Read more – The 2012 Royal Winter Fair Holstein Show – One of the greatest stories ever told) When giving his reasons for his placing he pointed out lack of maturity in some entries or less uniformity in others but he opened with the comment. “It is great to see seven high quality Breeder Herds’” and then he led the crowd in an enthusiastic round of applause.

Wilhelmina’s Herd In the Royal Ring

Watching the exhibitors carefully place their animals, I mused to myself that that it really is quite an achievement to reach this top level with three exceptional animals. No doubt there were seven stories (or more) for each of the seven herds. Wouldn’t you know one of those stories fell on my attentive ears as we were walking back to the cattle barn and Dr David Chalack mentioned that all three of Rocky Mountain’s animals, although young, were daughters and in fact full sisters from Raeland Leduc Wilhelmina. Can you believe it? Not only three from one herd but three from one cow. Talk about dam good genes (Oops that’s another writer’s byline). For now let’s look back at how Wilhelmina got her start.

Wilhelmina daughters part of the RockyMountain breeders herd at the 2012 RAWF

Wilhelmina’s (almost) Royal Beginnings

From Rae Stadder we found out that Wilhelmina’s great grand dam came to the Stadder’s because she was too late in gestation to travel as a bred heifer to Ohio. The story as Rae relates it goes like this. “My dad, Blake Stadder, travelled in our area with cattle buyer, Ken Brown from Ohio. One day they bought 4 bred heifers from a dairy farmer in Walpole and when it came time to ship them the Marquis Ned heifer, Wilhelmina’s great grand dam, was too close to calving to take the truck ride to Ohio. Dad agreed to take her for the price Mr Brown had paid for her.” Not headed to the party. Now that’s a Cinderella story for sure! Especially when you hear that this was not the typical Ned. “She was dairy and had a super udder – classifying VG and milking well’. Rae continues on with the history behind Wilhelmina “We bred the Ned to Unique, another Marquis son and that double cross to Marquis seemed to put into the family excellent feet & legs, high fat, stature, great udders, great reproduction and more heifers than bulls calves.” The line began and continued. “No matter what bulls were later used on the family all those traits came through”. Eventually, the family developed to comprise 35% of the Raeland Herd, with many family members the prominent cows in the herd in 2012. The Stadders then used Lincoln, Red Marker and Leduc to come up with Wilhelmina.

RAELAND LEDUC WILHELMINA EX-92-2E-CAN 5*
RES. ALL-CANADIAN JR.3-YR 2004
GRAND CALGARY SPRING 2005

Wilhelmina Becomes the Wildcard

Wilhelmina was the first family member sold by Rae. In the spring of 2002, Ken Empey and Brent Howe came to Raeland seeking consignments for The Shore Spring Sale and were impressed with Wilhelmina. By this time, she was a tall dairy, good legged year old, so off to the sale she went. And, unlike her grandmother, she made it all the way there. She was bought and moved to Alberta ownership where she classified VG85 and producer 7602 kg milk 4.0%F and 3.3%P.

Go West and Win Young Wilhelmina

David Chalack showing Goldwyn Winnie at the 2012 RAWF

Dr David Chalack relayed the following to us “Wilhelmina was one of the first purchases made by RockyMountain. The year was 2004 and she was the winning Jr 3yr old at the Calgary Spring Show. We bought her that day and she went on to be Res All-Canadian Jr 3 yr old. She returned to the Calgary Spring Show in 2005 and was Grand Champion as a 4 yr old. For RockyMountain she has shown her power as a transmitter of outstanding type and high butterfat. For RockyMountain she has had 2 Superior Lactations, classify EX92-2E and to date she has 26 daughters that carry the RockyMountain prefix. Of those twenty-six, 23 are owned by 23 different breeders. Sound business breeding on RockyMountain’s part – breed great animals and merchandise them to have a revenue center beyond the milk cheque. It was interesting for me to learn that Rocky Mountain is waiting to implant Goldwyn and Braxton embryos in December to produce more heifers to be born in September 2013. Yes more Wilhelmina show heifers will be seen in the future.

Wilhelmina’s Royal Family

ROCKYMOUNTAIN GOLD WISHES VG-89-2YR-CAN
HM. ALL-QUEBEC JR.2-YR 2011
2ND JR.2-YR QC INTERNATIONAL 2011

Every cow has a best mate and for Wilhelmina that mate is Goldwyn (Read more – Goldwyn first ever to cross 1000 EX daughters in Canada). To date there are nine Goldwyn daughters with seven in lactation classifying EX94, VG89, VG88 (2 yr), 2 VG86 (2 yr) & 2 GP (2 yr). In first lactation they averaged Mammary VG85, Feet & Legs VG86, Dairy Strength VG86, Rump VG87 and 9252 kg M (305D) 4.0%F & 3.3%P. Like Dr Chalack says “she never misses producing tall, dairy, good uddered Goldwyns”. No wonder RockyMountain is producing more Goldwyn x Wilhelmina daughters.

Wilhelmina All The Way

ROCKYMOUNTAIN GOLD WINTER EX-94-CAN
NOM. ALL-CANADIAN SR.3-YR 2011
HM. ALL-QUEBEC SR.3-YR 2011

Years of observation and experience, would lead any judicious cattle fan to conclude that one cow cannot produce a winning breeder’s herd all on her own. Especially, at a show of the quality of The Royal. At least, that’s what you would have said until November 2012. Wilhelmina along with her best mate did it this year. The members of the RockyMountain Breeder’s Herd was 3^rd Jr 2 yr old Goldwyn Winnie (VG88 2yr), 3 yr old Golden Winnie (VG86 2yr) and 4 yr old Gold Winter (EX94 4yr).

ROCKYMOUNTAIN GOLDWYN WINNIE VG-88-2YR-CAN
HM. ALL-WEST JR.1-YR 2011
3RD JR.2-YR ROYAL 2012

Bullvine Bottom Line

QUESTION: Can one cow make a Breeder’s Herd all on her own?

ANSWER: Yes! Wilhelmina can.

NEXT QUESTION: Could an entirely new group of full sisters win at a future Royal?

OBVIOUS ANSWER: Of course. Where’s there’s a Wilhelmina, there’s a way!

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Tags : RAELAND LEDUC WILHELMINA, ROCKYMOUNTAIN GOLD WINTER, ROCKYMOUNTAIN GOLD WISHES, ROCKYMOUNTAIN GOLDWYN WINNIE

Who will win the 2012 Jersey Canada Cow of the Year?

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Tuesday, November 20th, 2012

The 2012 Jersey Canada Cow of the Year contest has three outstanding cows whose individual impact will be felt in the years to come. Sofie (Bri-Lin Ren’s Sofie EX90), Marmie (Pine Haven SSM Marmie EX94) and Becky (RJF Remake Becky SUP EX 96-6E) have received nominations and await the final decision.

Jersey Canada- Criteria

“When selecting the three nominated animals, Jersey Canada took into consideration the performance of the cow herself in milk production, conformation and show ring success. Of high importance as well was the merit of her progeny and the impact that they are having on the breed.”

You Have Until December 1^st to Vote

The selection of the 2012 Cow of the Year rests in the hands of Jersey breeders and enthusiasts. Join The Bullvine as we take a look at these exceptional individuals.

BRI-LIN REN`S SOFIE Excellent 90

Her Progeny Excel Especially for Type.

BRI-LIN REN`S SOFIE EX-90

Bred by the Raymer Family, Bri-Lin Farms, Bright, Ontario, Sofie is a Hollylane Renaissance daughter out of Bri-Lin Imperial Snow, 6 Star Brood Cow. Currently she is owned by Tom Breakell, Goshen, Connecticut.

Sofie had show ring success as Reserve Jr Champion at Oxford Parish Show, was 5^th at World Dairy Expo as a Sr 2yr old and 1^st 4 yr old at the New York Spring Show and the Eastern States Expo. She has become an outstanding brood cow. To date she has 11 EX and 11 VG daughters. Her top daughter is EX94 and a three time winner at World Dairy Expo. Becky`s impact will be through her more than 26 progeny and numerous granddaughters and great granddaughters that are also winning in the show ring.

Classification

VG 87 (First Lactation)
EX 90 (Third Lactation)

Production Record

Best record: 4yr 305d 9,775 kg M 5.2%F 3.8%P
Lifetime (5 lactations) 32,690 kg M 5.4%F 4.0%P

Show winnings include:

1st 4 Year Old, New York Spring Show, 2000
1st 4 Year Old, Eastern States Expo, 2000
5th Senior 2 Year Old, World Dairy Expo, 1998
Reserve Junior Champion, Oxford Parish Show, 1997

Progeny

11 Excellent and 11 Very Good daughters

PINE HAVEN SSM MARMIE, Excellent-94

Leading Lady on the Tanbark Trail

PINE HAVEN SSM MARMIE – EX-94

Bred by the Thompson-Dillman Families, Pine Haven Farm Ltd., Oxford, NS, Marmie is a Select-Scott Minister daughter out of Pine-Haven MBE Kitty. She is currently owned by the Sauder family of River Valley Dairy, Tremont, Illinois.

Marmie has an un-equaled and celebrated record of winning in the Jersey show ring. She started out by being named the Reserve All Canadian Milking Yearling in 2008 and each year from then until 2011has won her class at World Dairy Expo. Marmie has the singular accomplishment of being the Intermediate Champion twice and Grand Champion Jersey and Reserve Supreme Champion in 2011. She has also won in milking form at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and the All American Jersey Show. Marmie’s impact on the Jersey breed beyond the show ring will continue with her next generation to be born at River Valley starting in September 2012. Nearly 30 heifer pregnancies are due by: Fire, Tequila, Verbatim, Centurion, Remake, Sambo, Impulse and Response.

Classification Record:

EX 91 (First classified in Second Lactation. Maximum score.)
EX 94 (Fourth Lactation. Maximum score.)

Production Record:

Best Record 3-09 305d 9,122 kg M 5.2%F 3.8%P
Lifetime (1.395 days) 36,626 kg M 5.1%F 3.8%P

Show winnings include:

Reserve Supreme Champion & Grand Champion, World Dairy Expo, 2011
Back-to-Back Intermediate Champion World Dairy Expo, 2009, 2010
1^st 4-Year-Old, World Dairy Expo & All American Jersey Show (All-American 4-Year-Old), 2011
1^st Sr 3-Year-Old, World Dairy Expo & Royal Winter Fair (All Can Sr. 3-Year-Old), 2010
1^st Sr 2-Year-Old, World Dairy Expo, 2009
Reserve All Canadian Milking Yearling, 2008

Progeny:

Marmie’s first ET daughters were born September 2012. 30+ heifer pregnancies are due Dec 2012 to June 2013. Prior to that she had one daughter by Jewels Barbaro.

RJF REMAKE BECKY SUP EX 96-6E

Becky Sets the Bar High for Production

RJF REMAKE BECKY SUP – EX-96-6E

Bred and owned by the Jarrell Family of RJ Farms Inc., Corbyville, Ontario, Becky is a Rock Ella Remake out of RJF Lester Beth.

Becky started out well in both classification and production and improved with each lactation until in 2012 she achieved Supreme EX96-6E. At 12-01 (305d) she became the All-Time Jersey Production Leader with 17,407 kg milk, 4.3%F, 3.6%P. In eight lactations she has produced 92,506 kg. milk. In addition, Becky placed 4^th at The Royal as a 5 year old and again as a Mature Cow. She has also been the Production Award Mature cow at The Royal. A 9 Star Brood Cow, Becky now has 5EX and 7VG daughters. Becky`s impact on the breed is by the example she has set for combining type and production. It will continue through her daughters and their progeny.

Classification Record

VG 85 (First Lactation)
Sup EX 96 – 6E (Eighth Lactation)

Production Record

Best Record 12-01 (305D) 17,407 kg 4.3%F 3.6%P
All-Time Production Leader for Milk, Fat and Protein in a single lactation
Lifetime (8 lactations) 92,506 kg M 4.4%F 3.7%P

Show winnings include:

1^st Jr 3 yr old & Best Udder Quinte Championship Show 2002
4^th 5 yr old RAWF 2004
4^th Mature RAWF 2005
Production Award Mature Cow, Royal Agricultural Winter Fair 2011

Progeny:

5 EX and 7 VG daughters
9 Star Brood Cow

The Bullvine Bottom Line

There you have it – three great nominees. Take the opportunity to choose the ideal 2012 Jersey Cow. The Bullvine encourages Jersey Enthusiasts to vote. Go to http://www.jerseycanada.com/pages/cow-of-the-year-contest.html

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Categories : Donor Profile

Tags : BRI-LIN REN`S SOFIE, Jersey, PINE HAVEN SSM MARMIE, RJF REMAKE BECKY SUP

DON SCHWARTZ: “Love what you do and do the best you can!”

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Wednesday, November 14th, 2012

Don Schwartz is definitely a gentleman and a quiet one at that. Don opens up when talking about cows but is very humble when speaking of his own success. As the 26^th recipient of the Curtis Clark Achievement Award he declares quite simply, “This is a wonderful honour.” Like Curtis Clark himself, Don does not seek the spotlight. “It was the last thing I was thinking of.” Being called to the show ring during the 2 yr old class was both “a surprise” and “a bit of a funny story.”

“It was All a Blur”

Looking back on how he learned of the award Don says, “Apparently Ari told my brother David at nine on show morning and the crew also knew. The big question was how they would get me to the ring.” Don is definitely most happy to be the guy in the barn. He goes on, “The two year old had gone out and someone called out that she was having trouble and I had to get to the ring. I grabbed an antihistamine and a needle and took off.” It’s been reported that Don could have won the running with the bulls in Pamplona he was moving so fast!” He continues the story. “When I got there I looked at her to see if she was hiving up or reacting. She seemed okay. I couldn’t understand it!” And then the conspiracy continued. “Ari said, ‘I just wanted you to be here to see her show.’ Still confused, I replied, “I’ll take her back to the barn.’ Ari said, ‘Let Manuel take her, you stay here.’ As the plot thickened, Don was still in the dark, “I thought that was really strange. Then I looked around and Steve Fraser and Gary Vanderpost were nearby.” A light went off. “I asked, ‘I didn’t win that award did I?’ Gary squeezed me so hard I couldn’t believe it! The next thing I knew I was joining that amazing lineup.” Don says he has no idea what they actually said about him over the microphone. With only 4 minutes to prepare himself, he concludes, “The rest is all a blur!”

Family Role Models and Lifelong Friends

Clearly moved by receiving this recognition from such respected peers, Don says “I never dreamed of such a thing. From day one it has always been about my passion for dairy cattle.” His admiration for his father Jim inspired his lifelong desire to be a farm manager. “At home we showed a Guernsey Herd. Hank Vanderpost was herdsman there for 15 years. Tannery Hill Farms earned 23 Breeder and Exhibitor Banners.” In his usual understated style he says, “That was quite a thing.” Indeed, for Don, it laid the foundation for what would lead him to his future career.

“I had the opportunity to be around the best showmen of all breeds. I learned from the respect that was given to these ‘guys in overalls’ that they were important people. I have always tried to learn from the best.”

He points to his 23 years with Quality Holsteins and what it means to him. (Read more – Quality Holsteins – Well-Deserved Congratulations) “The passion and dedication of Paul – the perfectionism for fine detail of Ari – they both reinforce what I believe in.” It has been a wonderful team says this modest man who feels that his role is to fill in the blanks. “I love to see the udders bag up and feed to fill the frame. I want them to eat as much as they can.” He enthusiastically expands, “I like to develop the cow. I do all the feet and trim them three or four times before showing – always planning ahead for who will be there on the day and who isn’t quite ready.”

“Keep An Open Mind”

The annual trip to “The Royal” is a never-miss-family-tradition. Although, it may seem that it’s easy, there is always something to learn. Don advises those who aspire to winning. “I think the best thing you can do is to keep an open mind. When you’re working at shows always look back afterwards at what worked and what didn’t. I model myself after others who are willing to try things. When you try new ideas some might think it’s crazy but it’s always best to keep an open mind.”

He has coped with many challenges in his years in the trenches of cattle preparation. You never know what surprises will pop up. Your window of opportunity may be only 30 days from calving to the show ring as Don reports it was with Valleyville Rae Lynn. No wonder he was pleased that they met the challenge and was second place two year old at the Royal.

Valleyville Rae Lynn VG-89-2YR 2nd Senior 2yr old RAWF 2012

Valleyville Rae Lynn VG-89-2YR
Under Don’s watchful care

“The Goldwyn Factor”

Over the years, Don could have written a veritable how-to book on cattle preparation. In that time, he has witnessed many changes. He gives one example. “There’s what I call, the Goldwyn Factor. Udders are so much better. Cows are more dairy. Commercial breeders can appreciate the cows that are winning in the show ring today.” This improvement has impacted preparation of cattle. This year’s 2 yr old, Rae Lynn is an example. “I only had 11 hours of milk in that cow. People walking by were commenting. “They’re not going to have enough milk in the cow.” He chuckles, “They were probably wondering if they should have trusted this guy to get the job done?” The show ring results support the confidence in Don, with a resounding, “Absolutely!”

Valleyville Rae Lynn VG-89-2YR
2nd Senior 2yr old RAWF 2012
NOM. ALL-CANADIAN MILKING 1-YR 2011
RES.INT. ON SPRING DISCOVERY 2012
2ND SR.2-YR ROYAL 2012
1ST SR.2-YR ON SPRING DISCOVERY 2012
1ST MILKING 1-YR AUTUMN OPP. 2011

Winning Spirit. Winning Record.

Don points with pride to previous Curtis Clark Award winners, such as Harold Patterson. “I was so honored to be in that lineup and shake his hand. I’m sad that Milking Shorthorns are out of the Royal! Think of the great ones, you’ll never see!” Like this man whom Don admires, the sheer volume of successes of the Quality show strings sets him apart as exceptional too. “I love to develop each cow.” This hands-on, 24-7 dedication has contributed to 20 Quality Breeder’s Herds and a record setting seven All-Canadian awards.” It’s no surprise to hear that his favorite thing to do on his day off is to “drop in on my neighbours and look at their cows before milking.”

QUALITY B C FRANTISCO EX-96-3E-CAN 18*
ALL-CANADIAN MATURE COW, 5-YR, 4-YR, SR.3-YR, MILKING 1-YR
HM. ALL-CANADIAN MATURE COW, SR.2-YR
GRAND ROYAL 2005, 2004
INT.CHAMP ROYAL 2002
HM.GRAND ROYAL 2002

“It’s always all about the cows”

Don admits that he never considered any other career. “I always admired a good cow, whether it was a good Jersey or Ayrshire.” He affirms his passion for Holsteins and then adds, “I can be happy to see a great Brown Swiss too. That’s what I love about the Royal. I get the chance to socialize as much with Jerseys as with Holsteins.” If you want to gets his enthusiasm really overflowing, talk to Don about the many, many cows that are his favourites. “Of course there is Quality BC Frantisco (Ex-96-3E-18*) and Quality Astre Felice (ex-27*). Quality Carlton Pam (Ex-97-6E-3*) and Quality Leadman Lady have also won his permanent affections, although Lady’s life was cut short when she was struck by lightning.

QUALITY CARLTON PAM EX-97-6E-CAN 3*
NOM. ALL-CANADIAN 5-YR 2003
NOM. ALL-ONTARIO MATURE COW 2010
RES.GRAND AUTUMN OPP. 2002

“Home Bred Makes Me Happy”

Don has seen many changes over his years preparing for the show ring. “I miss that you don’t see as many herds like Spring Farms and Romandale .. the homebred herds.” He respects herds like Ferme Jacob and explains,” That is what I love about Quality Holsteins. People think of you as a breeder first.” He is amazed at some aspects of the modern cattle breeding business. “Now days it’s kind of funny. You read who won Madison and two days later she’s sold to someone else.” This accepting and adaptable guy says, “That’s okay but for me I love taking care of homebred cows. From the day they are born until they are famous, I take pride in the success of our homebred herd.” He would never criticize other’s paths. “It’s great to have a good eye for a cow and I like to make great purchases” but this Curtis Clark winner admits, “I want to look back on the success of the cow and her mother and her grandmother before her. That is the true measure of what success means to me.” He proudly points out how the offspring from Frantisco and Astre Felice are making their way to the winners circle today.

QUALITY GOLDWYN FLANSCO EX-94-CAN
ALL-ONTARIO SR.3-YR 2010
NOM. ALL-CANADIAN SR.2-YR 2009
GRAND AUTUMN OPP. 2012
INT.CHAMP AUTUMN OPP. 2009
1ST 4-YR ON SPRING DISCOVERY 2011
1ST 5-YR AUTUMN OPP. 2012
Grand daughter of Frantisco

Not Just Show Day But Every Day

Even though Don always sets his personal standards very high, he is humbled to be with the smart business men and cattle men who have preceded him as Curtis Clark winners. “I’m the barn guy 24-7 at the barn. I have no desire to be a leadsman but I take pride in taking show cows home after the show and having them look as good as they did at the show.” Like Gerald Coughlin who Don admires he says, “I’m happy to be in the trenches.” Regardless of what challenges face Don he feels that the cows are a blessing that will see him through. “If I have a tragedy, or people are sick … or when my Dad died when I was thirteen … I always know I can go out to the barn, where the cows are calm, and I will feel their calmness.” Unconditional love works both ways.

Don being presented the 2012 Curtis Clark Achievement Award

Gentle Man. Powerful Example.

Son Randy signed by the Toronto Blue Jays as a non-draft free agent in January 2009.

With emotion in his voice, Don shares a family concern that the “Royal” cattle tradition could end with him and his brother David, whom he admires and respects as a mentor too. It’s been talked about by his son and daughter. Son Randy had been drafted by The Blue Jays baseball team and is now married and teaching in Florida and daughter Erin manages a marina in Parry Sound. He talks so proudly of them and concedes that “perhaps” their success is part of that 24-7 gene that he has passed on. “Oh my wife has that too!” he enthuses. “Linda works in the Quality Seed business. She is a tremendously hard worker.” He pauses to recall how happy Linda was when he came home with his award.”I never saw her cry so much ” he says with modest amazement. “It was an emotional moment for both of us.” When Don called his mother with the good news her voice was also filled with emotion when she said, “Look what my boys have done!” There may be new places and different careers, but Don and Linda needn’t doubt that the Schwartz family legacy lives on.

The Bullvine Bottom Line.

Following the example of other special men in overalls, Don Schwartz is a very special man himself. He is a fine example of how far you can go by loving what you do and doing your best every day.

It is a pleasure to extend heartfelt congratulations to Don Schwartz the 2012 Curtis Clark Achievement Award Winner!

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Categories : Breeder Profiles

Tags : Curtis Clark Achievement Award, Don Schwartz, QUALITY B C FRANTISCO, QUALITY CARLTON PAM, QUALITY GOLDWYN FLANSCO, Quality Holsteins, VALLEYVILLE RAE LYNN

Exciting Times for Butlerview

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Friday, November 9th, 2012

The dairy cattle business is built by people who have the passion and persistence to bring their dreams to reality such as Butlerview Farm of Chebanse, Illinois. Butlerview, which is owned and operated by Jim and Jeff Butler and their mom Joyce, is a state of the art facility, where brood cows and show animals are on display at all times in one location. It is the realization of a family dream based on their passion for cattle.

Cookview Goldwyn Monique EX-92 EX-95 MS
Reserve Grand Champion, Intermediate Champion, 1st Sr 3-Year-Old/Best Udder
Owned with Joe & Amber Price

Field of Dreams Facility

The original facility from the 1970s has undergone major renovations, with utmost attention to cow management, comfort and presentation. From hutches, through the heifer facility, to the box stall barn, every detail has been carefully considered to provide the best environment and allow the animals to reach their full potential. Separate housing for bulls and complete federally approved flushing facilities round out this field of dreams cattle genetics business.

REGANCREST S CHASSITY EX-92-4YR-USA DOM
Dam of Gold Chip GTPI+2450 – #2 Genomic Sire 4/11
Her daughter, Goldwyn Cash GTPI+2324 is the #1 GTPI Goldwyn of the Breed 4/11

Build It and They Will Come

Years of experience in sales and marketing and a passion for cattle have come together in this start to finish home for the production and marketing of elite dairy genetics. Jeff admits that attracting clients can be a two step process. “Type brings the foot traffic to the farm. But genomics and pedigree get them buying.”

R-E-W Happy Go Lucky-ET
HM Intermediate Champion, 1st Milking Yearling/Best Udder WDE 2012

Growing Pains: Challenges and Opportunities

Jeff acknowledges the challenges they face. “Like most businesses that are going through rapid expansion, there are certainly growing pains along the way.” The logistics alone require constant attention to detail.” We need to turn our animals 2.5 times per year for proper facility utilization. That means keeping most newborn animals no more than 4-6 months. This means we have to plan what sales animals are going to, contact people that have purchased 1^st choices from us and get them to pick their animals, decide what bulls studs the qualified males will go to and arrange all of the proper testing.”

REGANCREST G BROCADE EX-92 DOM
Goldwyn daughter of 2012 Golden Dam Finalist REGANCREST-PR BARBIE
Daughters currently at Butlerview by Supersonic, Bookem, Shamrock (GTPI +2443), Snowman, Greatest (GTPI +2358), Large (PTAT +4.13), Epic & Numero Uno

Butlerview Success Formula: People, Talent and Time Off

Even though the vision is quite large the success formula is quite simple explains Jeff. “We try to have the best employees we can find because they are the most important asset we have. We teach them how we want things done and then let them do their jobs without micromanaging them.” He adds that, “It is important to make sure that employees get some time off to prevent burnout in this type of environment.”

BVK Atwood Arianna-ET VG-89
1st Jr 2-Year-Old/B&O/Best Udder WDE 2012
Owned with Frank & Diane Borba

Marketing Strategy says “No!” to the Familiar and “Hello Wow Factor!”

The environment Jeff is referring to is the one where every animal and client benefits from the facilities and expertise offered by Butlerview Farm, Jetstream Genetics and Butler Fellers Auctions. These are the three pillars of success according to Jeff. “I think what helps the success of Butlerview is that there are synergies between having the farm and having the auction company in Butler-Fellers to market the animals.” He points to the advantages. “This allows us to have a pulse and relationships with the buyers and sellers in the marketplace.” Each auction is an event in and of itself but Jeff doesn’t leave out the additional benefit of having the Jetstream bull stud. “This provides another avenue to market some of our bulls.”

Ms Atlees Shottle Aubry VG-88 EX-MS
Full sister to AFTERSHOCK

Buyers Come Through the Door for Type but Stay for Genomics and Pedigree

A keen observer of the marketplace, Jeff homes in on what is most important to clients. “For show cows the most important thing I look for is the udder. The other things I look for are style and show appeal, width of rump, openness and angularity, functional feet and legs and great front ends, with smooth blending of shoulders and long necks extending upward out of the shoulder. If they have all of that, then I look at size and length of body to make sure they are big enough.” On the genomic side he has priorities as well. “For genomic animals, I look at three things in order: 1 Cow families and maternal lines; 2. Conformation of the individual; 3. GTPI score. Milk, fat, protein and high Type are the most important numbers that I look at. When trying to market offspring from them, I think those are the most important characteristics that the majority of our customer base looks at.”

RockyMountain Talent Lisorice EX-95
All-Canadian 2012 & 2011
All-American 2011

Butlerview Seeks to Provide Exclusive Genetics

The team at Butlerview never loses sight of the fact that the goal is to be a world leader in top-ranked genomic and breed-defining type sires. “For type and show cows, we are using Gold Chip, Atwood, Brokaw, Sid, Colt 45 and Numero Uno because we really like the calves. We anticipate using Licorice’s 2 sons that will be coming out in early 2013 at Jetstream Genetics: a red Destry son and a RC Goldwyn Son.” He outlines how they are approaching the genomic sires. “For genomic sires we are using Cashcoin, Cashmoney, Colt .45, Numero Uno, Supersire and have also ordered some Liquid Gold semen that we will be using.”

MS ATLEES GOLDWYN ARIEL EX-92
2nd Jr. 2-Yr-Old World Dairy Expo 2009
Res. All-American Jr. 2-Yr-Old 2009
Full Sister to Atwood & maternal sister to Aftershock

World Vision for Butlerview

These are exciting times to be in the dairy breeding business and Jeff offers this opinion. “Probably the two biggest game changers have been the ability to IVF animals which allowed a much quicker and more profitable ROI on the purchase of elite animals and then the invention of genomic testing which provides a tremendous tool for identifying the elite animals.” He looks ahead to an exciting future with three important developments: “I see the value of high genomic males increasing for farmers as they move closer to 2013, when they will be able to test their own bulls. I see high genomic males topping public auctions much like high genomic females currently do. I see the price of early semen from the high genomic bulls increasing rapidly in price, which will greatly benefit farmers.”

Ms Dundee Belinda-ET EX-94 EX-94 MS
3rd 5-Year-Old/1st Bred & Owned at 2012 World Dairy Expo

Butlerview Shares Advice With Young Breeders

Jeff’s passion for the industry extends to everyone who shares his enthusiasm and particularly those just starting out. “When it comes to acquiring animals, I would encourage young breeders to look very closely at the maternal line.” His reason is based on years of experience.” It is much easier to market an animal when people around the world recognize the cow family that you are trying to market from.”

Micheret Alexandra Sid VG-89
5th 4-Year-Old WDE 2012

Innovation Changes Butlerview. Butlerview Innovates Change

If you stand still as the industry changes, eventually you will be left behind. Through his new endeavours and keen eye for analysis Jeff talks about how modern marketing is based on engaging with the customer. He advises, “I would use the social media such as Facebook, print media and websites to get your message across to people.” He adds. “Today’s market is truly a global market. You have to design messages that will reach and appeal to people all around the world.”

Peirstein Goldwyn Frisou EX-94
7th 5-Year-Old WDE 2012
Owned with Frank & Diane Borba

Bullvine Bottom Line

As Butlerview moves toward an exciting future Jeff is enthusiastic. “There are unlimited possibilities ahead.” They look forward to working to grow their own business and those of their clients.

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Categories : Breeder Profiles

Tags : Butlerview, BVK ATWOOD ARIANNA, COOKVIEW GOLDWYN MONIQUE, Micheret Alexandra Sid, MS ATLEES GOLDWYN ARIEL, MS ATLEES SHOTTLE AUBRY, Ms Dundee Belinda, Peirstein Goldwyn Frisou, R-E-W Happy Go Lucky, REGANCREST G BROCADE, REGANCREST S CHASSITY, RockyMountain Talent Lisorice

Quality Holsteins – Well-Deserved Congratulations

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Wednesday, October 31st, 2012

“Congratulations on winning!” That’s one of the nicest things you can hear when you show cattle. Congratulations is fine for winning the lottery or celebrating a birthday, but “well deserved” is reserved for people who put in the effort and the time and took the risk to get somewhere. Today we are looking at why the success of Paul and Ari Ekstein of Quality Farms Ltd. in Woodbridge, Ontario is well-deserved

Quality Shows to Win

QUALITY B C FRANTISCO EX-96-3E-CAN 18*

Quality Holsteins is at the forefront of dairy cattle breeding and showing and Ari Ekstein of Quality Farms Ltd. attributes much of that to one cow, QUALITY B C FRANTISCO EX-96-3E-CAN 18*(Read more – The 8 Greatest North American Show Cows of All-Time). “Frantisco is having a great impact on our herd. There is no doubt that the two years that she was Grand at the Royal the Quality herd became more famous in the world. Her greatest impact is through her daughters and granddaughters (Read – Great Show Cows Can They Pass It On). This family is one of the most consistent breeding families in the world. The success of this family has helped keep Quality in the forefront of the Holstein industry. Both the Grand and Reserve grand cows at this year’s Autumn Opportunity go back to the Frantisco family.” (Read – Autumn Opportunity Holstein Show Results)

QUALITY GOLDWYN FLANSCO EX-94-CAN – GRAND AUTUMN OPP. 2012 – Grand daughter of Frantisco

Quality Winners Don’t Happen by Coincidence

You can’t count on luck or chance in cattle breeding. You have to make a plan and stick to it. When you breed show cows, you’ve got to prove it with winners at the major shows. Ari is familiar with analyzing and planning for show success. “There is no doubt that WDE is one of the greatest shows in the world.” However he points out that Quality’s plan was different. “The last time we exhibited at Madison was with Quality Astro Sheri. She was second prize three year old in 1988. We are only a half an hour from the Royal and we decided to continuously show there rather than Madison.” They have had tremendous success at the Royal. Perhaps this will be doubled in the future as Ari reports “You will see Quality at Madison again in the next few years.” Obviously, the key is to know where you’re showing and how to win there.

Winning today (vs. winning tomorrow)

QUALITY GIBSON FINSCO EX-95-3E-CAN 4* – HM. ALL-ONTARIO 5-YR 2008 – dam of Flansco and daughter of Frantisco

There can be high excitement and frustrating disappointments in the show ring … but everything you do today has an impact on tomorrow’s successes. Quality’s winners, in the barn and in the show ring, start before each cow is mated. Current stars in their lineup are, “Quality Goldwyn Flansco, Quality Gibson Finsco, Quality Gibson Ficoe, Quality Gibson Fantisco, Quality Carlton Pam, Quality Gold Danzi, Pine-Tree Finley Minnie and Valleyville Rae Lynn.

VALLEYVILLE RAE LYNN VG-89-2YR-CAN – RES.INT. ON SPRING DISCOVERY 2012 – 1ST SR.2-YR ON SPRING DISCOVERY 2012

The Quality Strategy

“We try to breed the best type cow possible that will milk easy with no health issues. We are very particular in what bulls we use and we try and make sure we make the best mating every time. We love great type cows and we will continue to try and breed a “champion” cow every time.” Quality sets the benchmark high.

Change is Part of the Breeding Business

Everyone must find a way to deal with change and usually it starts with recognizing that it is happening. “I am sure everybody involved in this industry will tell you that genomics has had a huge impact in the value of cattle.”

Ari feels it isn’t’t just the sales ring but also the show ring that has seen change. “We have also seen a dramatic change in the style of today’s show winners. Goldwyn has set the new standard in today’s show ring.” says Ari, who then goes on to point out the benefits brought to the dairy industry because of evolving genetics. “Today’s modern dairy genetics have also bred cows that are profitable because they have the ability to milk throughout their lactation. The days of cows peaking in the first three months and barely milking in their last three months should come to an end.”

QUALITY GOLD DANZI VG-89-3YR-CAN – INT.CHAMP, RES.GRAND & 1ST SR.3-YR AUTUMN OPP. 2012

Genomics Is a Quality Tool

Ari reports that Quality Holsteins uses genomics. “We have concentrated more on the bulls that combine the extremely high type with high production and health traits.” This may surprise those who feel genomics and type are mutually exclusive. The top 10 bulls that Ari lists are: Windbrook, Sid, Goldchip, Fever, Dempsey, Braxton, Atwood, Brokaw, Bradnick, Brawler. When you break down their attributes you see that they are all high type and that there is a 70/30 split between proven and genomic sires. (Read more – Does Genomics Belong in The Show Ring and 7 Sires to Use in Order to Breed the Next World Dairy Expo Champion)

PINE-TREE FINLEY MINNIE EX-91-CAN DOM 2* – Dam of PINE-TREE SID – Owned by Quality Holsteins

Type Leads the Way

Ari points out that even with genomics, he focuses on type. “We believe that type is still very important and we refuse to give up type for the sake of numbers. Whether you are a commercial breeder or someone who is trying to breed a show cow, the better typed cows are always worth more. When you go to a commercial sale barn the better typed cows always sell for more than the poor typed cows. Needless to say the cow in first is usually worth more than the one in 10^th.”

Quality Formula Based on Hard Work

You could be forgiven for assuming that it has been easy for Quality Holsteins to achieve their outstanding show ring success. After all they are in the winner’s circle year after year. Sometimes we forget that the hard work really begins long before the ribbon is awarded. There is no book, “The Lazy Man’s Way to Champions!” Ari attributes success to this finely honed formula: “The combination of dedication, hard work and passion from the Ekstein family and some of the best employees in the world has contributed to our success.”

QUALITY CARLTON PAM EX-97-6E-CAN 3* – NOM. ALL-CANADIAN 5-YR 2003 – NOM. ALL-ONTARIO MATURE COW 2010 – RES.GRAND AUTUMN OPP. 2002

Only Elite Breeding will have Value in the Future

Experienced in the seed industry as well as the dairy industry, Ari knows that all businesses evolve with changing markets. Ari points out where the future is headed. “The farms keep getting bigger and the importance of high producing, healthy typey cows continues.” Rather than fret about this and worry about the impact, Ari analyzes what lies ahead. “As we move forward we will see that only the true elite animals will hold their value. Anything that is rare will always be valuable. The extremely high genomic animals and the great show cows of the breed will always be valuable. It is very hard to breed both of these and the cows in between will not increase in value.” Simply put, when all of your competitors are busy increasing value by cutting prices, Ari points out that you can actually increase your returns by breeding only the cows that are valued in the marketplace.

Quality Focuses on Success

Sometimes we assume that if we just copy the bull selection of an elite breeder like Quality Farms Ltd., our herd will rise in the rankings too. Ari’s advice disproves this simplistic idea. “I think it is important to realize what your goal is as a breeder, and make sure you focus on what your idea of success is.” You have to know your herd, your cow and yourself before you make even one mating decision. Of course, there are some basic rules to follow. “It is very important to try and breed from the most consistent breeding families in the breed.” Ari says. “There are many good cows with good pedigrees but very few have the ability to consistently breed.” The third piece of advice is probably the most important, “Once you realize what family you want to focus on it is equally as important to use the right bulls. Making the proper mating is very important and do not just use a bull because he has a good proof. It is important to use the bull that is the best mating for each cow or heifer you are breeding.”

The Bullvine Bottom Line

You might think a breeding discussion with Quality Holsteins would boil down to a choice between genomics or type. Again, the assumption would be wrong. The Quality answer is that, based on your own clear goals, there is something of value in the proper use of both tools. The real foundation of success Ari points out is that,”The will to succeed, devotion and hard work will eventually pay off.” That’s when the title “Quality” is well-deserved.

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Categories : Breeder Profiles

Tags : PINE-TREE FINLEY MINNIE, QUALITY B C FRANTISCO, QUALITY CARLTON PAM, QUALITY GIBSON FINSCO, QUALITY GOLD DANZI, QUALITY GOLDWYN FLANSCO, VALLEYVILLE RAE LYNN

COW CANCER: Truth or Consequences?

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Tuesday, October 30th, 2012

Hopefully we are all beginning to face the fact that health issues in the dairy population have flown under the radar for far too long. Johnes, Leucosis and E Coli are three, all independent of each other, that come to mind easily. The other day something came across my desk that raised more concern. A recent article out of UK reports that young women having IVF treatment are at ‘higher risk of breast cancer’. It goes on to say that the Australian study has found that , “Women who have IVF in their twenties are up to 50 per cent more likely to develop breast cancer.” The key alarm raised is that “the use of strong hormones to stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs during fertility treatment as hyperstimulation can be fatal.” Granted this is talking about women in the human population but we have all experienced the parallels between ourselves and the girls in the barn. The article was well balanced and cautioned against making assumptions, concluding that “A lot more work would be needed before we can say definitively whether these results are true or not.” Only good can come from further study.

Now from the bovine side. It stimulates a series of questions and considerations. Recently the dairy industry has recorded deaths of some high profile cows due to cancer. Rainyridge Talent Barbara, Shoremar S Alicia, Winterbay Goldwyn Lotto. When you add to that list others such as Comestar Goldwyn Lilac, dying in her prime, and then consider all the more ordinary cows, both yours and mine, that don’t make headlines, you can begin to think that this could be serious. The first question needs to be asked, “Does IVF increase cancer risk in cows?” Of course, you can’t stop there. My mind is rolling out questions such as these:

Is there currently any research being done into cancer in bovines?
Could this be a thesis – for a university student?
How could we get a comparable study of cancer deaths in the bovine population?
Which age group in the bovine population has the largest number of deaths from cancer?
Are younger cattle dying more frequently of cancer? Is there an association with IVF?
How many older cows are dying of cancer? How would we know?
Is there a link between the cancer and the very early age that heifers receive IVF treatment?
What age group or sub-section of the bovine population is at the least risk of death due to cancer?

In human medicine it has been reported by Dr Linda Giudice, President-Elect of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, that: “The development of breast cancer is linked to oestrogen exposure and the longer one is exposed, the greater the risk.” Could this also be true in bovines?

THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE

As with any of the issues that face the dairy industry, the first step is recognizing the need. The next step is finding an able and willing leader. Of course, that means you can’t start with denial because that helps no one. It’s okay to say, “This is going to be difficult.” And it’s productive to point out, “We don’t know all, or even any, of the answers yet.” If we tell it like it is, we may not know where we are going but at least we are not standing still.

Read the original article that sparked these questions.

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Categories : Management

A Preview of the 2012 World Dairy Conference Seminars

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Thursday, October 25th, 2012

For Holsten Canada the logistics of organizing a World Conference are huge. The organizers faced this challenge by starting several years in advance to forecast what would be of interest to delegates, where to find the experts and in many ways they had to work in the dark. Then add to that the fact that the Internet and our 24-7 connected economy has turned old methods of sharing information on its head. Now, farmers are not only out-standing in their fields, they are outstanding with a smart phone in their hands. No longer are seminar audiences motivated by overheads and dry paper presentations. Presenters will be using IPADs and even the audience will be “linked up”.

A Fork Full or the Whole Load?

While 18 speakers in 1 ½ days seems like a lot to absorb, in reality it’s a hyper-compressed overview of the issues, challenges and potential facing “Holsteins Today for a Better Tomorrow”. On the one hand, it’s an opportunity to see the future through the eyes of the best in the business. On the other hand, it could be a mind numbing experience. It’s up to you to pick and choose and know what you`re hungry for.

What do you know? What do you need to know?

The social aspect of the conference is a perfectly good reason to attend and develop personal relationships that you can build on later but don’t forget that there is also the opportunity to add dairy business insights and scientific expertise to your resources. Today we will briefly preview the highlights of the sessions.

SESSION 1: It`s a Genomics Talk and Bull Session by The Know it Alls!

After four years of genomics, there is growing data to support or contradict the experts. Entitled The Genomics Revolution, three speakers from France, Australia and Canada will cover the following topics and The Bullvine will pose questions that need to be answered.

Genomic Developments -Didier Boichard
What is happening on studying important but low heritability traits such as conception, fertility, and immunity to disease? With genomic evaluations in place has that changed the heritabilities of traits, especially current low-heritable traits. Where do things stand with genomics and feed efficiency, resistance to disease (or an animal’s immunity disease) and heat stress?
What’s Coming Next in Genomics? – Ben Hayes
Should a breeder genomically test all his female calves? No one has a crystal ball to foresee the future. But we need to consider questions such as the ones raised in recent articles in the Bullvine: (Dairy cattle genomics. Have we taken it too far, How genomics is killing the dairy cattle breeding industry and Does genomics belong in the show ring?
Inbreeding Using Genomics & How It Can Help? – Flavio Schenkel
Is it possible that the negative effect of inbreeding will become a thing of the past due to genomic information? Line breeding has been considered to be a positive thing by breeders, what does the presenter think? For further review of his topic consider these two articles previously in the Bullvine article (20 Things Every Dairy Breeder Should Know About Inbreeding and Inbreeding, Does Genomics Affect the Balancing Act?)

Session 2 Impact of Genomics on the Industry

How Genomics is changing the Business and Services of Associations – Josef Pott
This is a hot topic in today’s dairy industry. A recent article in the Bullvine (Select Sires vs Semex: A Contrast In Cooperatives) generated discussion and raised even more questions. From the services side it would be interesting to know if there a cost effective way to include genomic and parentage testing with every registration?
Making More Profitable Holsteins (Male Selection) – Marjorie Faust
There are always lots of questions in this goal setting topic which is of economic interest to every dairy breeder. Here’s a way to get your questions about how to get your bulls in a row and look toward a healthy bottom line (see the Bullvine article Going Off the Map).
Using Genotyped Cows to Enhance Reliability of Genomic EBV –Sander de Roos
This topic stirred the interest of more than one of us at the Bullvine. We look forward to a description of the planned study and would like to know from which countries will the inclusion of cow performance be studied?

We’ve only looked at two of the six sessions and might be forgiven for saying “Wow! Let’s not bite off more than we can chew!” However, here’s a question for you? “When you think back to the last ten years of your dairy business, how much of what you haven’t achieved is due to missed opportunities – the technology you didn’t use, the heats you missed, or the heifers that didn’t make it to the milking string. Missed opportunities often rise out of lack of information, not being prepared or reluctance to try something new. The third session might be the one you need most.

SESSION 3: Improving Reproduction Using New Technologies

Getting our cows to reproduce is the foundation that our dairy businesses are built on. It’s so obvious that sometimes we are distracted by other issues of the moment. But if we are driven to make a positive difference in the business of making milk, reproduction has to go to the top of the priority list. It doesn’t matter how much milk the cows make if we are having problems making cows.

SESSION 4: Improving Our Cow’s Health & Welfare

There have been many who feel their concerns about healthy cattle are falling on deaf ears. We live in denial of the coming health crisis and hope that we will be lucky and miss being put out of business by the next bovine disease. Even if we can practice what I call sand box farming (that`s where you can bury your heads until the problem goes away) the problem is your money goes away too! Health is not just important it`s imperative. And even if the BIG ONE doesn`t get you, the little details of cattle health management could. Remember, on the human side 100,000 North Americans check into a hospital every year … and don`t check out because of infections or other illnesses caused by the system. Barns have systems too. The expectation is that that`s the best place to be. Check out these conference speakers, if you`re ready to shake off the sand.

Where’s YOUR Beaten Path? To the Milkhouse. To the Bank. To Retirement.
Dairy farming isn`t something you take up for the short term. It requires commitment, stamina and money. That said over time we tend to get into familiar routines and the path, or rut, becomes well worn. With our heads hunkered down we may lose sight of the goals we were originally aiming for. If we haven`t planned for the future, we may not have one. The way we use our resources and the products we produce matter to the industry, our customers and our families. What matters to you?

SESSION 5: Ensuring Farm Sustainability

SESSION 6: Getting More Out of Milk

THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE

In the business of dairy farming, knowledge is power. Are you milking it for all it’s worth?

(For more information on the 2012 World Holstein Conference go to http://events.holstein.ca/WHC2012/English/Index.html)

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Tags : 2012 World Holstein-Friesian Federation Symposium, World Dairy Conference Seminars

LASTING LEGACY: A Tribute to Rainyridge Talent Barbara

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Wednesday, October 24th, 2012

Many Holstein cows have made their mark on history. In October, household name, Rainyridge Talent Barbara joined that list and many were sad to hear of her passing. Barbara was a great example of show type and production in one great package. (Read more – Show Cows – All Type and No Action) Her most recent owners, River Valley Dairy, posted this tribute: “We congratulate her breeders and those that have worked over the years to develop her. Her legacy as the foundation of River Valley’s Holstein program will hopefully live on for generations through her Goldwyn daughters that will be born in April.” Join us as we look back at this great cow.

RAINYRIDGE TALENT BARBARA EX-94-CAN EX-95-5YR-USA

Talent Barbara’s Pedigree Ranks Excellent for Four Generations

Barbara was bred for strong type from the Rainyridge Tony Beauty family and she was from a strong sire stack: Talent x Outside x Milan x Tony. She is the fourth generation of Excellent. Steven Boerchers of Rainyridge Holsteins and Optimal Genetics, admits to the thrill of riding the popularity wave of Rainyridge Tony Beauty but adds, “Other than breeding Beauty, we had no direct involvement with her success.” He goes on to note that this changed with the arrival of Barbara. “This time we could really take credit in her achievements. You never anticipate something like that happening twice. It is a testament to the family.” (Read more about Beauty – The 8 Greatest North American Show Cows of All-Time)

RAINYRIDGE TONY BEAUTY EX-5E-CAN 9* – 3rd dam of Barbara

Talent Barbara’s Got Show Appeal

Several owners have shared in the successes of Talent Barbara outlined in the following list.

2011 Honorable Mention All-American Aged Cow
2010 Unanimous, All-American 5-Year-Old
2010 Unanimous All-Canadian 5-Year-Old
2010 First, 5-Year-Old, International Holstein Show, World Dairy Expo
2010 First, 5-Year-Old, 2010 Royal Winter Fair
2008 Nominated, All-American Jr. 3-Year-Old
2008 Nominated All-Canadian Jr. 3-Year-Old

Undoubtedly, there would have been many memorable moments on this tremendous path of achievements. Steven Boerchers feels that the most memorable experience for Rainyridge Holsteins was not a singular event. ”My greatest achievement with Barbara was after Madison in 2008 and came in two parts. We were 5th in the Jr. 3-Year-Old class, with me on the halter and came out of nowhere and we got noticed. Anyone will tell you that is a great achievement. Right after Expo we were at the Westerner Championship in Red Deer and we won our class but had to go into Intermediate Champion against Eastside Lewisdale Gold Missy, who at that time was 1st Jr. 2-Year-Old from Madison and had a lot of hype behind her. We beat her for Intermediate Champion that day and we were the crowd favorite too! That was my proudest moment with Barbara.”

The second part of the story happened two years later. “In 2010 in the Championship class at Madison everybody talked about how great she looked in the ring and suddenly we got sent to the rail. I remember hearing silence and also sighs of relief from competitors beside me in the ring and gasps of disbelief in the air. After that she was the most talked about cow in the barns but in the best way any cow not in the top 3 of Madison could be talked about. I will never forget that.” A tribute given by the breeder who worked with Barbara and recognized the respect she was earning.

Talent Barbara Has Outstanding Production Power

The following records show that Rainyridge Talent Barbara proved that she was more than just a show winner.

2-05 (298D) 11,213 4.1%F 3.2% P BCA 267-295-268 +65 +94 +66
3-04 (305D) 13,762 3.6% F 3.2% P BCA 308 298 303 +111 +110 +105

Talent Barbara’s Got Great Classification

The following list of classification results for Barbara shows that she just kept getting better with age.

2-06 VG86
3-01 VG 88
3-09 VG 89
5-01 EX 93
5-04 EX 94
5-07 EX 95

Barbara the Brood Cow is Off to a Great Start

Barbara already has six VG daughters in Canada. David Jordan, marketing manager at River Valley Dairy gives this update. “We have 6 Goldwyn daughters coming in April and are very excited about the potential of that mating.”

RAVENBROOK SHAQUILLE BUNNY VG-87-2YR-CAN – daughter of Barbara

Barbara Sets Herself Apart as an Attention Getter

Steven Boercher describes what made Barbara a household name. “Barbara had all the things any marketer wanted in 2008 when she was nominated All-Canadian and All-American as a Jr 3. Her pedigree, RC status, high conventional LPI and nominations both sides of the border made her very easy to market. It was not really until the genomic era came full term that this show cow proved she could produce offspring in both the show and the genomic world. That is what really set her apart from many other cow families. He goes on speaking in cowman terms, “She was such a respected cow because she looked the same day-in and day-out, hair up or hair down in the wash rack or in the pack. She made great looking calves that now are great cows. She was a very strong transmitter of her red gene and she could pass high genomic numbers to offspring that in the end made people from all parts of the industry remember her name.”

RAINYRIDGE RAMPAGE BARB RED VG-86-3YR-CAN – daughter of Barbara

David Jordan assesses that “It’s no wonder that one of the industry’s most influential cow men, Ernie Kueffner and the type-breeding specialists and marketing guru Tim Abbott at St. Jacobs took such an interest in Barbara. She had it all and hit every market”

Her Impact is What Attracted River Valley Dairy

Jordan goes on to say, “Barbara was a household name and what we refer to as a Cow of Impact™. Our focus at River Valley is on cows that can make a difference and leave an unforgettable impact on the industry. Barbara fit that criteria extremely well with her unique ability to hit the Type, Red, and Genomic crossover categories. It has been astonishing and humbling to witness firsthand the popularity of Barbara – and we feel so privileged for her to have called River Valley home.”

The Story Continues for Talent Barbara

“The day we decided to buy Rainyridge Talent Barbara is a day we’ll never forget.” says David Jordan. He goes on, “But what sticks out more, now, is what the folks at Rainyridge have referred to as ‘Barbara Fever’. The excitement that Barbara created for River Valley was unbelievable. She was a celebrity and we are honored to have been her agent, even for a short time. The story with Barbara didn’t end the way we hoped it would; but, as with any great novel, there is always a twist and the really great stories often have a sequel. It is the new chapters of the book of iconic Barbara we are excited the write.” He is referring to the philosophy of River Valley Dairy. “At the core of our breeding program we believe in working with Cows of Impact™ that will deliver Genetics to Believe In™. To us that means understanding the marketplace and what our customers want and delivering something to them that they will be satisfied with and believe in time and time again. In carrying out this breeding philosophy, we have a cell line started on Barbara and we may make the decision to clone her in the future.”

The River Valley Way

Sometimes out of adversity, we get to learn important lessons from great cattle breeders. David explains, “Our experiences are really in the Jersey market, where the show-winning and genomic index sides of the business are very different. We have worked hard to be multi-dimensional in our approach by understanding and developing both sides of the market as we have crafted River Valley’s brand footprint. We want to buy, breed and develop both show-stopping animals and genetic-powerhouses that will matter to producers around the world. And that is why Barbara made so much sense for our expanding program.”

River Valley was formed in 2006 and Jordan explains how they have been approaching managing their genetics. “In both the show and index sides of our business we want people to know our animals are presented ethically and honestly. Anyone that works with us knows that the cow stands on her own merits. Great cows just need the opportunity to do great things, he notes. “In our breeding program, we tend to use more proven sires or young bulls from deep, successful cow families on the type side. With high-indexing animals we use more young g-code sires; however, on both sides of the business we always try to balance production and beauty in a good way. Not every mating you make will produce a show winner or genomic superstar so we have to be able to make it work milking all of them .”

This is great information that is added to when he looks at crossover cows and matings. “It would be great to have genomic-ranking cows that compete well at major shows however that is often the exception to the rule. However, when it happens, those cows have the ability to bring all sides of the industry together. But on the flip side you have to be very careful that you don’t make something no one wants. There is a really fine line there.”

AVONLEA IATOLA VICTORIA VG-89-2YR – owned by River Valley Dairy
First place, Jr. Two-Year-Old and Honorable Mention Intermediate Champion, 2012 International Jersey Show at World Dairy Expo

Great Cow Families. Great Breeder Families. Great Advice.

Great cow families are the foundation to build great cow herds. In this business, it is easily recognized that Rainyridge Talent Barbara came from one of the great cow families.

Rainyridge: “You need patience. It won’t happen on the first cross and you have to use well rounded bulls to achieve a cow capable of achieving as much as Barbara. Talent at that time was not as one sided as the Talent we know today. He was high for production as well as type. It is important to keep both in mind.”

River Valley: “Take your time. Lay out a plan and follow it the best you know how. Be willing to invest – not only dollars, but time and believe in yourself. Recruit the best team that you can and ask others for advice – but always make your own decisions as you are the one that lives with the results in the end. And finally don’t compromise on what you want to achieve – the great thing about the future is you have the opportunity to create it, everyday.”

Undoubtedly with this kind of commitment, planning and vision the legacy of Rainyridge Talent Barbara will live on.

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REGANCREST S CHASSITY – 2012 Golden Dam Finalist

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Thursday, October 18th, 2012

When REGANCREST S CHASSITY EX-92-4YR-USA DOM caught the eye of Scott Courtney and he put her on his wish list that`s when this timely story began. As fate would have it, he later was working a sale where she was selling and made the first timely decision to partner on her purchase. During his ownership he reports that Chassity was not only was a great animal to work with but she flushed well and continued to attract significant attention and new owners Ernie Kueffner and David Dyment. More flushes followed to such bulls as Million, Alexander, Planet, Sanchez and Atwood. By the time the International Intrigue Sale came along in August 2009 the foundation for success had been laid. The Chassity package sold in 2009 for 1.5 million dollars and the timing was exactly right for Chassity to make money and make history. Her sale price was capturing the headlines the same year that genomics was revolutionizing the breeding scene. Genomics and Chassity became synonymous with success for Chassity`s current owners The Chassity Syndicate LLC of Illinois.

REGANCREST S CHASSITY EX-92-4YR-USA DOM

Chassity Checks Out From Family Line to Topline

Like many great cows Chassity pulls it all together. Jeff Butler, a member of the Chassity Syndicate, describes her in winning terms,” She’s a big cow standing 63 inches, with a wide rump, hard top, a wide chest, and walks up hill. And of course she has a beautiful udder. “This comes naturally when you consider that Chassity is a sixth generation Excellent from the renowned Barbie family. Looking back there is her Granddam Barbie EX92. Then her dam Champion Cinderella EX92. Then Chassity herself EX92. Chassity has a full sister Celebrity VG89, owned in Canada, who is 2* Brood Cow and a bull dam.

REGANCREST CINDERELLA EX-92-2E-USA DOM GMD 4* – dam of Chassity

Chassity’s Records Are First Class

Chassity was VG 88 as a two year old and then went EX 92. She was the number 4 Shottle in the United States and #13 cow with CTPI of 2317. She had another headlining year in 2011, when she tied with Ralma Christmas Fudge for Global Cow of the Year. She puts up outstanding numbers with 4-00 (305d) 17,513 4.5F 3.2P.

REGANCREST-PR BARBIE EX-92-7YR-USA DOM GMD 3* – 2nd dam of Chassity

Chassity Produces in the Pail and at the Bank

Chassity’s list of offspring reads like a healthy bank statement. From Goldwyn, she produced Gold Chip and Goldwyn Cash. Cash went on to make Cashmoney, Cashcoin, Cash-O, and Casher! With these offspring, Chassity is definitely in the money and, while she`s unforgettable for the exceptional 1.5 million dollar sale price at Intrigue in Aug. 2009, her financial story didn`t stop there. In the Destination Vegas Sale, in December of the same year, her daughter Chassity Goldwyn Cash was the world’s top-selling individual, being purchased for $205,000. At the World Classic sale in Madison a Planet daughter, MS Courtlane UR-S Candy VG85, sold to Regancrest. Earlier in the summer a Domain granddaughter of Chassity, sold for a high price through the Skyline Holstein sale in Germany. She sold to Koepon. Chassity’s name continues to be a guaranteed bank machine at sales worldwide.

MS CHASSITY GOLDWYN CASH VG-87-2YR-CAN – daughter of Chassity

Chassity`s Daughters Dominate

As of September 2012 Chassity has 63 daughters from 24 different sires setting new records and earning breed leading numbers of their own, especially for type. For her current owners “the largest demand these days is driven by the progeny of Chassity’s Goldwyn daughter Cash and Chassity`s Snowman Daughters.” Courtlane UR Chassity, the 8th generation EX was Chassity’s first EX daughter! She is the dam of Cameron +2356 GTPI and other sons in A.I. MS Chassity PLN Chaching is Chassity’s Planet daughter GLPI +2282, VG86 2yrs 2-05 (305D) 14,115kg 3.6F 3.1P. This cow also has sons going into AI. Her daughter MS Chassity Goldwyn Cash VG87 2yr GLPI +2277 has a record of 2-04 (305D) 15,491kg milk, 4.1F and 3.2P. She has two Observer sons owned by Jetstream Genetics – Cash Money GLPI +3385 and Cash Coin GTPI +2495. In the 2012 World Classic Sale in Madison a first choice female lot from Cash sold for $39,000. Chassity`s four highest genomic tested daughters are sired by Snowman: Snow Carrie DGV +3142 DGV LPI +3142; Snowman Clea GLPI +3021; Snow Caitlyn GLPI +2922 and Snow Corissa GLPI +2811. In cattle breeding, it takes progeny to continue making money and at Butlerview they report that “Chassity is a great embryo producer and so are her daughters”

Chassity’s Sons are Super

Chassity has numerous sons in A.I. In September her 39 sons are sired by 14 different sires. MR Chassity Gold Chip (Goldwyn X Chassity) was the No. 2 genomic sire in the US in 2010. His GTPI was 2414 and his PTAT was +4.47. There are full brothers Calvin (Select Sires) and Charlie (Semex). MR Chassity Coach with 2312 GTPI and 3.00 PTAT is the highest of Chassity’s Planet sons. Another top son, MR Chassity Carson (Observer x Chassity) has a GTPI +2225 (08/12). In December 2011, MR Chassity GW Casino (Goldwyn X Chassity) GLPI was +2744 and his CONF +14. Colt 45 (Colt P-Red X Chassity) is the result of demand for red and polled, so they got a red carrier polled. Colt’s GTPI is +2364 Dec of 2011. His PTAT is +3.78 and his PL is +5.1.

IMPACT – Chassity Raises Conformation

Chassity shines for her ability to introduce type to the population and is used worldwide. This Golden Dam nomination has proven herself from all angles! According to the Chassity Syndicate, “She makes high GTPI bulls that make excellent calves. Along with making high GTPI and great bulls, her daughters and grand-daughters are making a large impact on the breed. Chassity is from a proven cow family and Chassity herself is a proven transmitter!”

Do you think Chassity deserves to win our 2012 Golden Dam Contest? Let us know. Your vote counts.

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REGANCREST-PR BARBIE – 2012 Golden Dam Finalist

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Tuesday, October 16th, 2012

REGANCREST-PR BARBIE is often referred to as the premier brood cow in the Holstein world for type. Barbie and three of her daughters have all topped the USA Cow PTAT list. As a result, many descendants have brought high prices at public auction and in private treaty sales. Barbie spent her entire career under the ownership of her breeder, Regancrest Holsteins in Iowa, but her descendants have traveled the world.

REGANCREST-PR BARBIE EX-92-7YR-USA DOM GMD 3*

Her Pedigree is an Alignment of Stars

Born in 2001, Barbie brought together the two main cow families at Regancrest. Her sire Durham, EX90 and Gold Metal, was known for siring udders and show cows. He was the very best son of the great SNOW-N DENISES DELLIA EX-95-2E-USA GMD DOM 5* that Regancrest also brought to fame. On her dam’s side, Barbie is the eighth generation of Regancrest breeding, which started from the Regan purchased cow ZUBES ORMSBY FAYNE EX90. Barbie’s dam, REGANCREST JUROR BRINA, like Barbie scored EX92 and earned GMD status. In fact Barbie was the fifth generation of Excellents with the Regancrest prefix. Her sire stack is Durham x Juror x Aerostar x Chief Mark x Board Chairman. All well-known and well-respected sires.

Barbie’s dam, Brina, EX92 and GMD, made records to 15,772 kg milk 3.6%F and 3.0%P at 4yrs of age. As well, Brina had eight other Durham daughters including Bliss VG89 (2yrs), Bianca EX92 3E and Bunny EX93, who crossed extremely well with Goldwyn.

Walkway Chief Mark appears three times in Barbie’s pedigree. Her third dam, REGANCREST MARK CHAIRMAN BEA EX-91-2E-USA GMD DOM, was sired by Chief Mark; her sire’s dam (Dellia) was Chief Mark’s very best daughter; and the dam of her maternal grandsire (Juror) was sired by Chief Mark. With that much Chief Mark influence, it is relatively easy to see where her width, depth of rear rib, smoothly blending fore udder and boxcar rump came from.

Barbie Shone in Milking Form

Barbie calved at 2-06 and produced (305D) 12,120 kg milk 3.9%F 3.0%P and classified high VG. In 2004 she was nominated All-American Jr 3 Year Old after being Intermediate and Reserve Grand at Minnesota State Fair and 5th at World Dairy Expo. She was raised in score to Ex92 after calving for a second time. In 2010 Global Cow of the Year Competition Barbie was nominated, was the Readers Choice and placed second. Barbie was #1 PTAT Cow. Her indexes were CTPI 2178 and PTAP 4.50. Her star shone brightly.

Barbie’s Progeny Excelled

REGANCREST G BROCADE EX-92-4YR-USA DOM – daughter of Barbie

When looking at Barbie’s progeny, it is not about the performance of Barbie’s more than 27 daughters it is about how many to feature. Shottle followed closely by Goldwyn were her best mates. All but one of her daughters have classified VG in their first lactations. By 2010 she had an unheard of 8 EX and 19 VG daughters. Three of her daughters have held the number one Cow PTAT position and at least eleven have made it to the top twenty-five PTAT Cow ranking.

Barbie’s Dolls Consistently Excel

REGANCREST G BRIZELDA EX-90-4YR-USA DOM – daughter of Barbie

REGANCREST G BEDAZZLE EX-91-5YR-USA DOM (Goldwyn) was the first Barbie daughter to be #1 PTAT Cow and was sold to Seimers Holsteins. REGANCREST CINDERELLA EX-92-2E-USA DOM GMD 4* (Champion) is the dam of many top daughters including REGANCREST S CHASSITY EX-92-4YR-USA DOM the dam of numerous high genomic sons (Chassity is also a Golden Dam Nominee, she will be reported on soon in the Bullvine). Chassity and her 14 offspring sold for $1.5. REGANCREST BREYA VG-88-3YR-USA DOM 1* (Shottle) was a former #1 PTAT Cow. REGANCREST G BROCADE EX-92-4YR-USA DOM (Goldwyn), another former #1 PTAT Cow, sold with offspring for $900,000. REGANCREST BARBARA EX-92-4YR-USA DOM GMD (Shottle) made it to #31 CTPI Cow and was first 2yr old and Reserve Intermediate Champion at Iowa State Fair. REGANCREST G BRIZELDA EX-90-4YR-USA DOM (Goldwyn) produced 4-04 (305D) 14,864 kg milk 4.0F 3.4P. REGANCREST MAC BIKAS VG-87-2YR-USA is the dam of the high genomic type sire MR ATWOOD BROKAW (Read- 7 Sires to Use In Order To Breed the Next World Dairy Expo Champion). Following on from these and other Barbie daughters there are numerous granddaughters that have topped lists and topped sales.

REGANCREST MAC BIKAS VG-87-2YR-USA – daughter of Barbie

Barbie’s Sons Line Up Well Too

Five Barbie sons were proven in AI. REGANCREST S BRAXTON EX-95-5YR-USA (Shottle) was returned to active service by Select Sires based on his above average milk yield and superior type (PTAT 3.57) proofs. Baltimor (Shottle), Birk (Toystory) and Bonzai (Dundee) were all proven in Canada and all achieved Superior Type proofs. Mr Blackjack (Dundee) achieved PTAT 2.12 in the USA. There are many grandsons, great grandsons and great great grandsons now being used widely based on their genomic indexes. These sons make another long list of stars for Barbie, which includes Bradnick, Branson, Brokow, Cameron, Carson, Cashcoin, Cashmoney, Circuit, Colt 45, and Gold Chip.

Barbie Breeds True for Type. She is the Holstein Breed Icon.

High rankings for PTAT are something Barbie and her descendants achieve with ease. With many grand and great granddaughters and grandsons are now receiving high genomic indexes for type, production and functional traits, it appears that Barbie’s legacy of great udders, excellent dairy strength, high classification scores and global demand will continue.

Do you think Barbie deserves to win our 2012 Golden Dam Contest? Let us know. Your vote counts.

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RALMA CHRISTMAS FUDGE – 2012 Golden Dam Finalist

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Thursday, October 11th, 2012

Ralma Christmas Fudge was a special 2001 Christmas Day gift for Ralma Holsteins. With consistently high indexing progeny and as a 2012 Golden Dam contender is the gift that keeps on giving.

RALMA CHRISTMAS FUDGE VG-88-2YR-USA DOM GMD

Christmas Fudge Starts with Ralma Recipe for Success

The foundation cow behind Fudge, Yendora Jaque Pioneer, was purchased as a heifer in the 1970’s by Mark Schmitt and his father for $890. The Schmitt family, owners of Ralma Holsteins achieved an EX score on Pioneer and by constructive breeding moved her family into elite status.

RALMA JUROR FAITH EX91 – dam of Fudge

Christmas Fudge’s dam, RALMA JUROR FAITH EX91, significantly moved the family ahead. In addition to Christmas Fudge, there were two other Durham daughters, Frisky VG88 2 yrs, 13,109 kg in 305 days, 4.5%F and 3.5%P and Fireball EX92 2yrs 13,032 kg in 305 days, 4.0% F and 3.3 %P. Both of these cows have established strong cow families with progeny selling for high prices and embryos sold globally. Juror Faith is applauded for her dairy frame, sound mammary system and an ability to produce high volumes of milk over 4.3% F.”

Christmas Fudge Shares Great Ingredients

Fudge’s immediate sire stack is Durham x Juror x Leadman x Melwood. Each of these sires adds their own specialities to the mix that produced Fudge: show type, longevity, high utility and high fat yields. Christmas Fudge classified VG88 in her first lactation and produced 12,433kg in 305 days, 4.1% F and 3.2% P.

Fudge flushed very well for Ralma produced many progeny and embryos were sold to eager buyers wishing to be part of this great cow. Shema Holsteins have owned Fudge recently and by IVF have produced many daughters yet to be heard from by many popular bulls, including Atwood, Goldwyn, Mac, Alexander and Big Apple-Red.

The Best of Christmas Fudge

To date Fudge has produced seven Excellent daughters. Quite likely there are more to come because there are some that are VG87 and 88 that are under three years of age.

RALMA CHRISTMAS COOKIE VG-89-3YR-USA DOM – daughter of Fudge

One of her daughters, RALMA CHRISTMAS COOKIE VG-89-3YR-USA DOM is hailed by many as Oman’s best conformation daughter. Cookie definitely serves up the best of Oman, Fudge and Durham. She scored VG89 in her first lactation and produced 11,0222 kg in 305 days, 4.5%F and 3.3.% P. Cookie has three Goldwyn daughters scored Ex93, VG88 and VG88 in their first lactations they averaged 12,680 kg in 305 days, 4.5% Fand 3.4% P. As well there three Goldwyn sons were sampled at Select Sires and Alta Genetics.

RALMA-RH MANOMAN BANJO VG-88-2YR-CAN – grand daughter of Fudge

Fudge’s daughter Goldwyn Clarinet is EX90 as a 4 year old produced 15,694 kg in 305 days, 4.4% F and 3.3% P. Clarinet’s Man-O-Man daughter, RALMA-RH MANOMAN BANJO recently classified VG88 at 2yrs and topped the September 2012 Gillette Visions Sale at $131,000 (Read – Gillette Visions 2012 Sale – Great People, Great Cattle = Great Results).

Fudge’s offspring incorporate another popular genetic variation in the form of her great grandson, Sandy-Valley Colt P-Red, who traces back to Fudge through his Bolton dam Crystal and Sept Storm granddam, Crimson. Fudge’s other Excellent daughters are by Goldwyn, Finley, Sept Storm and Shottle. One EX Finley daughter produced Shottle Camouflage VG88 who topped a Planet Sale at $101,000.

Male Line from Fudge Gets Sweeter All the Time

Fudge has had many sons enter A.I. Three Oman sons (full brothers to Cookie) are high ranking in the Netherlands (Cricket) and United States (Focus & Crest). In addition her Goldwyn son, Confirm, also ranks well in the United States.

It appears that grandsons of Fudge, from Fudge daughters, are going to make a major impact in the world of Holstein breeding. Many are ranked high genomically. Some of these grandsons include Gold Crown, Goldwyn Coach, Shottle Chariot and (Ramos) Cassino. As mentioned previously, Colt P-Red is getting considerable use as a sire of sons to produce red and polled progeny.

Fudge and Her Daughters Consistently Serve Up the Best

When you look at the numbers you see that Fudge and many of her family, not just one or two of them, are unique in the way that they are consistently high for type, milk yield, components and functional traits. Christmas Fudge is indeed a prolific and gifted contender for the title of 2012 Golden Dam.

Do you think Fudge deserves to win our 2012 Golden Dam Contest? Let us know. Your vote counts.

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MD DELIGHT DURHAM ATLEE – 2012 Golden Dam Finalist

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Tuesday, October 9th, 2012

The first achievement of MD-DELIGHT DURHAM ATLEE EX-92-4YR-USA DOM GMD 2* was when she caught the attention of good cattle men. She was purchased by Fosters (North Carolina) as a young calf at the Maryland Convention Sale. That is where eventual owner, Mike Heath of Heath Holsteins, first saw her and couldn’t get her out of his mind. He bought her the following year.

The Right Heifer – The Right Pedigree – The Right Partnership

MD-DELIGHT DURHAM ATLEE EX-92-4YR-USA DOM GMD 2*

For $20,000 Heath was able to work with Atlee. The first step in the process was taken when she classified Very Good-85 as a two-year old. The partnership of Heath, Jason Lloyd and Rick Allyn got together to see if they could make money marketing and showing Atlee. She didn`t disappoint when she won her class in the Massachusetts State show. At Madison she placed 15^th in the senior two-year-old class and then, less than a week after calving as a three year old, MD-Delight Durham Atlee was named Reserve Intermediate Champion of the 2005 International Holstein Show.

Atlee Makes a Name for Herself with the help of Her Team

It was that great start in the showring that kick-started Atlee to international recognition. Heath, Allyn and Lloyd pulled together and their teamwork saw her through calving, show preparation and the rise to stardom at Madison. It`s not difficult to imagine the enthusiasm these cow men had for this descendant of the Adeen family.

Atlee`s Pedigree is Showy and Productive

MS KINGSTEAD CHIEF ADEEN EX-94-2E-USA DOM 2* – 2nd dam of Atlee

Show type is written all over Atlee`s pedigree. Her granddam (MS KINGSTEAD CHIEF ADEEN EX-94-2E-USA DOM 2*), great aunt (SHOREMARE S ALICA EX-97-3E-USA 6*) and great granddam (AITKENBRAE STARBUCK ADAEX-94-2E-USA DOM 4*) all have been All-American, All-Canadian or Grand Champion at Major Shows. Her dam was not shown but classified Very Good 88 during her first lactation. Additionally Atlee`s sire stack Goldwyn x Storm x Skychief x Starbuck has very high conformation numbers and above average production.

Atlee’s Stats Add Up

Most notable is that Atlee was Reserve Intermediate Champion at the 2005 International Holstein Show. A great follow up to placing 15^th as a Senior Two Year Old in 2004. In her second lactation Atlee scored Excellent-92. That is the maximum score achievable for a second lactation cow. In two lactations she produced 35,265 kgs of milk, 5.0% Fat and 3.3% protein.

Atlee Goes Beyond Pure Gold to Simply Magical

Lafontaine AFTERSHOCK Arrie – Junior Champion World Dairy Expo 2012

The magical cross – often referred to as “golden” is the one to Braedale Goldwyn because it resulted in many sons and daughters who are making significant contributions to the breed. That golden Goldwyn flush not only resulted in the current number one proven type sire , Atwood (PTAT 4.16) but also produced Alta Amazing (PTAT 3.77 ), Avalanche (PTAT 3.48) and Atlantic (PTAT 3.02) in the USA. Four sons above 3.0 PTAT. This is a “first” ever group. In Canada the flush produced Atticus (CONF +14) and Attic (CONF+11) both awarded Superior Type in 2012. Atlee’s Shottle son, Aftershock, is now officially proven in Canada at CONF +16 and he sired the Junior Champion and Reserve Junior Champion at the International Holstein Show 2012. Yet another Goldwyn son, Ridgefield Delete (PTAT 3.52) is superior proven in Spain. Genomic evaluations for type have played a significant role in Atlee’s sons being used extensively. Before being proven, Atwood was the number one genomically tested bull for type.

Atlee’s Daughters Rise to the Top Everywhere

MS ATLEES GOLDWYN ARIEL EX-92 EX-MS – daughter of Atlee

Atlee’s Goldwyn daughters are also outstanding. In the USA Ariel EX92 was Reserve All-American Junior 2 yr old in 2009 and subsequently sold for $1.5 million dollars for her, eleven daughters, six sons and four pregnancies. Abigail EX91 has had many daughters sell for high prices. Arista VG88 has had daughters top many sales. Avery VG87 2yr has many daughters and granddaughters near the top of the index lists. Ava VG88 2yr is on an extensive flushing program. In Canada Albany VG87 2yrs, already has four VG two year olds. In the UK, Golden Atlee VG87 and Gold Atlee VG88 are the foundation for new cow families in that country.

MS ATLEES SHOTTLE AUBRY VG-88 EX-MS- daughter of Atlee

Other high Atlee daughters include Aubry, her only Shottle daughter, who has many high genomic sons and daughters. Arlene VG86 (Adam) is a foundation for a new family at Reagancrest, Farnear and Siemers. Autumn (Roy) was the winning fall calf at the 2007 International Holstein Show and All-American Fall Calf and in 2008 was the All-American Milking Fall Yearling.

BVK ATWOOD ABRIANNA VG-89-2YR – 1st Jr. 2yr WDE 2012

BVK Atwood Ariana VG89-2yr is an Atwood daughter with a double dose of Adeen genetics. Recently she placed first in the Junior 2yr old class at the 2012 International Holstein Show after being Intermediate Champion at the 2012 Illinois State Holstein Show.

Atlee Had A Short Career But is Making A Colossal Impact

Unfortunately cancer claimed Atlee early in life but not before she had been flushed extensively. Her offspring, both sons and daughters, continue to build the outstanding legacy of this Golden Dam Finalist.

Do you think Atlee deserves to win our 2012 Golden Dam Contest? Let us know. Your vote counts.

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MARKWELL DURHAM DAISY – 2012 Golden Dam Finalist

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Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012

MARKWELL DURHAM DAISY EX-92 GMD DOM is the 4^th generation of Markwell breeding. The foundation cow was a Tony EX94 4E followed by Chief Mark EX92, 4E, Blackstar (The great MARKWELL BSTAR E RAVEN) EX95, 3E and a EX-92 4E DOM GMD Luke EX92. This nomination for 2012 Golden Dam got the best from all the parts and that is certainly saying something. Her sire, Regancrest Elton Durham, was the American Show bull of his time. Her dam, MARKWELL LUKE RAPTURE EX92, 4E, Gold Medal Dam, 4 Star was one of the top daughters of the Luke bull and had nine excellent daughters, including Daisy. Daisy’s grand- dam, MARKWELL BLACKSTAR RAVEN, who had 23 Excellent daughters, was one of the most respected Blackstars ever and her name is known around the world.

Daisy Was Hand-Picked From a Well-Known Family of Late Bloomers

Daisy is currently owned by Adolph Langhout of A-L-H Holsteins who wanted to buy into the well-known Raven family. He did his homework and knew that although the Raven family are not massive cows as two year olds they continue to grow and produce as they get older. Statistics show that they start out at 22,000 lbs. to 25000 lbs. two year olds and by the time they are mature they`re producing 35,000 plus! They classify VG as two year olds and EX 92-94 at maturity. Good things come to those who wait for late bloomers.

Young Daisy is Golden in the Show Ring

MARKWELL DURHAM DAISY EX-92-6YR-USA GMD DOM

At World Dairy Expo in 2002, Daisy was named Honorable Mention Intermediate Champion. She went on to be Honorable Mention All-American Senior 2 YR Old. However, Daisy is multi-talented with high production, fitness, longevity and outstanding type. She was Excellent 92 in her second lactation.

Daisy’s Daughters Also Dazzle

A-L-H DESTINY VG-87-3YR-USA DOM GMD – daugher of Daisy

Like their mother, Daisy’s daughters also milk, show and reproduce. Her O Man daughter, A-L-H DESTINY VG-87-3YR-USA DOM GMD, is nominated for International Cow of the Year in 2012. Obviously Daisy transmits her best. Her Goldwyn son DANILLO claimed first place in the Netherlands April 2012 proof run with a very balanced proof. With a full brother, GOLDDAY also making a promising debut based on his genomic tests. Destiny also produced the sought-after bull dams HEIDENSKIPSTER GOLDWYN DESTINY VG-86, REGAN-ALH G DESTINI VG-88 (By Goldwyn), and REGAN-ALH BLVR DIVINA VG-87 (by Boliver).

Daisy Has Rising Sons

The best cross for Daisy was O Man. That produced two daughters that became bull dams in their own right and Daisy has three highly proven Oman sons – A-L-H DAKOTA in The Netherlands, A-L-H DUKE in Germany and A-L-H OSAKA in Spain. Initially her sons shone and now her grandsons are shining brighter. The next great cross was Goldwyn and now her Goldwyn grandson, mentioned earlier, Danillo ranks high in the Netherlands and grandson Goldday ranks near the top in Germany.

Daisy’s Family Grew Genomics

Daisy attracted attention because of her family and sire stack. With the advent of genomics, it has been shown that the family also possesses very high genomic values. This has been a plus for owners of sons and daughters and grandsons and granddaughters.

Daisy Continues Sowing the Seeds of Success

MARKWELL BSTAR E RAVEN EX-95-3E-USA GMD DOM 5* – 2nd dam of Daisy

Daisy’s grand dam Raven came second for International Cow of the Year. Daisy herself came third in 2011 in a close placing for International Cow of the Year. Destiny is nominated this year for 2012 International cow of the year.

Daisy Impacts Holstein Field of Dreams

Daisy took the Raven family from well-respected in western USA to international demand for her progeny. From being recommended as “possibly” having the potential to be as good as Raven herself, Daisy has gone on to do exactly that! Definitely Daisy is a Golden Dam contender.

Do you think Durham Daisy deserves to win our 2012 Golden Dam Contest? Let us know. Your vote counts.

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LYLEHAVEN LILA Z – 2012 Golden Dam Finalist

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Tuesday, October 2nd, 2012

LYLEHAVEN LILA Z comes from a long line of great genetics that have prepared her to be contender for 2012 Golden Dam. Her grand-dam THIERSANT LILI STARBUCK EX-94 5E has 22 daughters who are high for yield and type. Her dam LYLEHAVEN FORM LAURA Ex-94 3E has 14 high conformation and high production daughters including a remarkable 5 full sisters to Lila Z.

LYLEHAVEN FORM LAURA EX-94-3E-USA GMD DOM 6* – dam of Lila Z
RES. ALL-CANADIAN JR.3-YR 2002
HM. ALL-AMERICAN 4-YR 2003

Lila Z Magnifies Success for Multiple Owners

Lylehaven Lila Z has changed ownership on no less than seven separate occasions. Up to the present time more than thirteen breeders have owned shares in this record breaking cow. Lila Z is currently owned by Rich Vanderwal, Cedarwal Farms Limited (Abbotsford, BC) and the Donaldson Family, Bradner Farms (Abbotsford, BC). Rich Vanderwal sums up the interest that led to their purchase. He says, “We admired Lila Z as a valuable show cow and a great breed ambassador” (Read more – Lylehaven Lila Z: Was she really worth $1.15 Million)

Zero in on Lila Z’s Numbers

Those who work with Lila Z find that she impresses in the barn and on the books. Rich Vanderwal points out that “her greatest strengths are her frame, her dairyness and the great mammaries she passes on to on her progeny.” Lila Z’s numbers clearly support this analysis. She is EX-94 (third lactation) and a fourth generation Ex-94. Lila is a 14 Star Brood Cow. In 3 lactations she produced 75,385 kgs milk 3.9%F 3.4%. She has 1 Super 3 and 3 Superior Lactations. As well, Lila Z was All-Canadian- Junior Yearling & Jr 2 Yr Old and HM All Canadian 4 Yr Old & 5 Yr Old.

Lila Z has a Living Legacy

OCONNORS PLANET LUCIA VG-86-2YR-CAN – grand daughter of Lila Z
#1 GLPI Cow in Canada -8/12

Obviously Lila Z has what it takes and has become a media sensation but Rich Vanderwal feels she goes well beyond the headlines. “Lila Z is no longer just a million dollar cow with a nice pedigree and show winnings. She is the premier brood cow at the top of the Holstein breed.” He elaborates on what makes her unique. “Lila Z is a bull dam in her own right but now her daughters and granddaughters are producing bulls (Lavaman, Lexor and now Let it Snow) that are topping the genomics list for the last 2 years and an own granddaughter is now #1 GLPI cow in Canada (Lucia – one the sensational 6 top north American genomic Holsteins we would invest in), with high genomic sons on the way.” This has been part of the reason why her progeny and descendants are commanding high prices at sales all over the world. Rich points out, “Lila Z’s influence now extends into most herds in Canada and internationally.”

53 Desirable Lila Zs

COMESTAR GOLDWYN LILAC VG-89-5YR-CAN – daughter of Lila Z
ALL-ONTARIO SR.2-YR 2008,
NOM. ALL-CANADIAN SR.2-YR 2008

There are 5 daughters of Lila Z which feature in Canada’s Top 75 GLPI cows. “Goldwyn has been the golden cross on her so far producing daughters that are All Canadian, Star Brood Cows and valuable bull dams” says Vanderwal. The numbers are excellent for them too. Seven of her eight Goldwyn daughters were VG as 2 yr olds with high production. Goldwyn Lilac is nominated for the 2012 International Cow of the Year. Her first EX daughter is by Shottle however over thirty of her daughters are young and have not calved in for the first time. Cederwal and Bradner are using many high genomic sires on Lila Z flushes at this time.

Great Way to Get Some Zzzz’s

Embryos from Lila Z’s descendents are routinely offered for sale, privately or through public auction. Her high genomic grandsons are being used as flush sires by many breeders around the world. Acecroft in the UK have so far produced 93 registered progeny of Goldwyn Zulu.

Lila Z’s Rising Sons

So far Lila Z has 5 Ex and 4 VG sons. One is Class Extra and one is Superior Production. Her sons routinely transmit great length of body and ultra long dairy necks, with tremendous frames that have the balance and style associated with Lila Z.

Lila Z Delivers the Genomics

Lila Z just naturally rises to the top of whatever list breeders measure by. Rich explains. “Since we (Cederwal & Bradner) purchased her she has also proven to be a terrific transmitter when evaluated by genomics also.” However he notes that this isn’t the first reason buyers considered the purchase of Lila Z, “She was never bought or sold on genomics. It has been a bonus to the owners of her progeny that the science of genomics later confirmed her true transmitting ability. (Read – Lessons Learned: 6 Dairy Cattle Investment Secrets Revealed)Lila Z and her daughters are now in that very unique group of cows that demand respect as proven transmitters – the package of genomics backed by a truly reputable cow family.” (Read more – Top Three Things To Consider When Investing In High Genomic Heifers)

Lila Z is Ready for Her Close Up

“We are thrilled to be able to be involved with such a famous and significant brood cow” Undoubtedly past owners felt the same way as her growing star power continuously attracted attention. With a touch of mystery Rich advises, “Look for her to make a cameo appearance at the Genetics by Design Sale in November 2012.” Obviously the new owners continue to believe that Lila Z’s story is “still beginning”.

The Ongoing Impact of Lylehaven Lila Z

Lila Z`s owners, past and present, love to expand on the major influence of Lila Z and her progeny. David Eastman notes that “Not since the days of Laurie Sheik, has so much faith and confidence been put in one cow family.” Rich Vanderwal emphatically concludes, “Lila Z’s contribution to the Holstein breed will rank her as the #1 brood cow of this era.”

Do you think Lila Z deserves to win our 2012 Golden Dam Contest? Let us know. Your vote counts.

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GOLDEN-OAKS PERK RAE – 2012 Golden Dam Finalist

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Thursday, September 27th, 2012

Golden Oaks Farm, former owners, and Adolf Langhout, current owner, are justifiably proud of the achievements of GOLDEN-OAKS PERK RAE – Red-ET EX-90. Perk Rae is an 8^thgeneration EX and she is a red Roxy. She has 7 EX sisters. Her sire, Burket-Falls Perk-Red, is a breeding product of Burket Falls Farms in Pennsylvania where the 270-head herd is 80% polled. With that family line behind and beside her and strengths that include protein (+16kg) daughter fertility (103), milking speed (107) and temperament (106), it isn’t surprising that she is a contender for 2012 Golden Dam.

GOLDEN-OAKS PERK RAE EX-90-5YR-USA 2*

Perk Rae is a Prolific Embryo Producer

Perk is impressive in her own right as a long bodied cow with power and dairy strength. She supports all of that with an excellent udder and outstanding feet and legs. She was on a continual flush program at Golden Oaks, performed by Sunshine Genetics of Whitewater, WI and recently has milking daughters from Alexander, Goldwyn and Shaquille. Perk Rae flushed really well and sold more than 100 of her embryos around the world. (Read – What Comes First the Chicken or the Egg?) With ten years in their breeding program she had a total of 81 registered direct offspring including 10 VG and one EX-92.

GOLDEN-OAKS DUR RAE1 VG-89-3YR-CAN – daughter of Perk Rae

Perk’s Imposing Number of Daughters Also Perform on the Plus Side

What is distinctive about Perk Rae is her capacity to transmit her quality to the next generation. Perk Rae has Very Good daughters by Vince, Mr. Burns and Durham. They all have high production. Her best daughter, by Durham, is Golden-Oaks Dur Rae1. She earned the maximum score VG89 as a three year old. Her production at three years was 13,530kg, 3.4% fat and 3.2% protein. Golden Oaks is working with a Goldwyn daughter who as a GTPI of +1910. As well, she has 8 VG daughters in the USA.

Perk Rae’s Sons Considerably Improve the Breed

Perk Rae has numerous sons including Mr Perky at ABS Global, Rocco P at ABC Genetics and Parkson at Trans-World Genetics. Grandsons in AI include Ventur Proxy PP-Red – homozygous polled Red Mitey P x VG Durham x Perk Rae at DairyBullsOnline (Read – They’re Sold on Polled). In particular there is considerable enthusiasm for the polled and red daughters of Golden Oaks Rocco-Red (Redman x Perk Rae).

Perk Rae Mates Well

Nate Janssen, Dairy Operations Manager of Golden Oaks, reports that the best matings on Perk Rae have been Redman, Durham and Goldwyn. “A lot of Perks best descendants are from her Redman daughters.” Durham worked well, as mentioned previously, with a 92 pt daughter by him. Nate adds, “Goldwyn helped bring a little more angularity and style into the picture.” He outlines a two-part marketing strategy.

GOLDEN-OAKS PEACH-P-ET VG-85-2YR-CAN – daughter of Perk Rae

Perk Rae And Her Family Are In Demand in the Market

“Although we like to keep red in the picture, there is a market for high polled B&W animals, so we are using some of the top B&W as well and protecting for milk and health traits.” Presently there is large demand. “At our farm we have a PP Colt Daughter that we are currently flushing to fill contracts. We also have a polled Shamrock daughter that is 2000 GTPI.” There are progeny by over twenty-five different sires registered in North America and Europe.

SCIENTIFIC DEBUTANTE RAE EX-92-4YR-USA DOM GMD 2* – sister to dam of Perk Rae

There are Many Perks to Working with Perk Rae

Perk Rae is also the winner of the 2012 Red Impact Award from Holstein International. Second in family to win this award. Her dam’s sister, Scientific Debutant Rae, won it in 2010. In 2011, going under the hammer for $20,000 Perk Rae was the top seller at the National Red & White Convention Sale. Presently, Perk Raw is owned by Adolf Langhout of the Netherlands who plans to keep Perk Rae-Red at Sunshine Genetics in Wisconsin and export her genetics around the world where her descendants are continuing to garner attention. “It is very interesting that two direct daughters and one granddaughter are selling in the World Classic Sale at World Dairy Expo this year!”

The Perk Rae Advantages. She’s Polled. She’s Red.

New owner A.L.H Genetics is happy with their purchase. Embryos imported from embryos purchased previously resulted in a VG-86 Lawn Boy heifer in the Netherlands and the popular Lawn Boy son Lewitan PP at Mastrrind in Germany. The unique polled and red qualities of Perk Rae mean that her owners have sold her genetics all over the world. (Read – Polled Genetics: Way of the Future or Passing Fad?) “Since she is red, high type, deep pedigree, and polled, with a unique sire, there are endless markets!” He happily points out the obvious, “There are not many excellent cows that are red as well as polled.”

Do you think Perk Rae deserves to win our 2012 Golden Dam Contest? Let us know. Your vote counts.

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GILLETTE BLITZ 2ND WIND – 2012 Golden Dam Finalist

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Tuesday, September 25th, 2012

The race is on and Gillette Blitz 2^nd Wind is challenging the competition. From Ferme Gillette in Embrun Ontario 2^nd Wind has claimed worldwide recognition for her winning achievements in every area of the Holstein Breed. With an outstanding list of awards, including 2011 Canadian Holstein Cow of the Year, she now targets the title of 2012 Golden Dam.

2^nd Wind Follows the Family Role Model

GILLETTE BLITZ 2ND WIND VG-88-3YR-CAN 35*

For fans of the amazing Braedale Gypsy Grand Family it is no surprise to see 2^nd Wind ready for the competition. What would you expect from her tremendous pedigree which traces back two generations to the 2003 Cow of the Year Braedale Gypsy Grand (VG-88-5yr 37*).

2^nd Wind Shows That She Has Strength in Numbers

For years she 2^nd Wind has topped the GLPI/LPI lists no less than five times in a row from 2005 and 2006. She has taken first place on the LPI list a total of six times in all. In May, August and November of 2006 she was the leader for type. And in a business that is built on milk, her name has been at the top of the milk production list three times.

Best 305: 2yr. 15,004 kg M 535 kg F 3.6% 449 kg P 3.0% BCAs 372-354-348 – 50% over herdmates.
Lifetime: 2 lacts: 31,317 kg M 1,231 kg F 3.9% 981 kg P 3.1%
1 Superior Lactation. 2nd Jr. 3-Yr.-Old (Best Udder) Québec Spring Show 2005

2^nd Wind Goes the Second Mile

But above and beyond all of these conspicuous numbers she impresses in the race to recognition as the Golden Dam of the Holstein Breed. No less than five times she has been the index leading dam of top 1000 GLPI daughters. In the past eight proof rounds she has never had less than nine daughters appear on the list and in 2010 she had fourteen on the list!

2^nd Wind Unmatched as Mother of Sons

GILLETTE WINDBROOK EX-95-CAN EXTRA’10 son of 2nd Wind

2^nd Wind has set the benchmark so high as a mother of Class Extra sons that she is in a class all by herself. As the dam of no less than five Class Extra sons she has done what has never been done before. Her Class Extra sons are Gillette Windbrook, Gillette Windhammer, Gillette Stanleycup, Gillette Wildthing, and Gillette Willrock. These five sires were in the top 30 in the North American LPI list and also in the top 30 in Japan, where 2^nd Wind is owned with T-Wave. Holsteins. She has three other active proven sons who are extremely popular among Japanese breeders. Closer to home, in the December 2011 LPI listing Stanleycup and Windhammer — identical split embryo Bolton sons — ranked as the number one conformation sires at +19.

2^nd Wind is A First Rate Mate

Her outstanding achievements are possible because of her exceptional mating history. Eric Patenaude speaks positively as he highlights this side of her story, “Every mating has worked well.” He goes on to point out that Bolton has been by far the best. “2^nd Sleep and 2^nd Motivation, two full sisters, are both 89 points and 2^ndRain (deceased split sister of Sleep) was 87 and would probably have moved up to 89 as well.” Her Bolton sons are the Class Extra sires, Gillette Windhammer and Gillette Stanley Cup.

GILLETTE BOLTON 2ND MOTIVATION VG-89-4YR-CAN – Daughter by Bolton

2^nd Wind’s Daughters Can Carry the Torch Too

2nd Wind has been able to pass the genetic torch to her daughter Gillette Bolton 2^nd Sleep (VG-89-4yr) and her granddaughter Gillette S Planet 2^nd Snooze (Recently Sold in the Gillette Visions 2012 Sale). Sleep was #1 in August 2010 and Snooze (VG-86-2yr) was #2 GLPI in December 2011. It doesn’t stop there. 2^nd Wind has 10 daughters over +2000 GLPI in Canada. Eric has already been quoted regarding these two. “They are just beautiful to look at with big dairy frames, tremendous will to milk and those incredible udders which have become 2^nd Wind’s trademark.” No doubt these were the reasons why 2^nd Wind was IVF’d to Bolton. “We now have 5 more beautiful heifers to work with.”

GILLETTE S PLANET 2ND SNOOZE VG-86-2YR-CAN – Grand Daughter by Planet

2^ndWind has a Winning Strategy

Every opportunity for success is taken by 2^nd Wind’s owners. “When it comes to flushing the daughters and granddaughters we try to use the best young sire available, which is either the highest one with numbers, or, if that one doesn’t appeal to us, we use one we truly believe in. At the moment we’re using Galaxy, McCutchen, Supersire, and Brawler.” Other bulls are being used as well. Eric provides the following update. “Also one of R-Z BAXTER CARAMEL’s son by Snowman called Caraminator who’s GPA LPI is 3055 with a DGV of 3211and a Windbrook son from Goldwyn Jenny called Jessic. This bull has a DGV of 2415 with a +21 for type!”

2^nd Wind Ready for the Future

2^nd Wind does not rest on her laurels and neither do her owners. “Now we’re mostly working with daughters of her two Boltons 2nd Sleep and 2nd Motivation as well as daughters from her granddaughter 2nd Snooze. 2nd Wind has a couple of sweet daughters by Lauthority that we will probably flush soon.” For now she has come home to Gillette from the IVF station. But there are more plans ahead. “Her progeny from trans-ova are starting to calve out. So far these are Garrets and Supers and they are calving out with 2^nd Wind’s trademark, awesome udders. We have Evolves calving out soon too!”

2^nd Wind Goes Beyond the Finish Line

Many expect that 2^nd Wind’s presence will have impact worldwide. Eric Patenaude sums up 2^nd Wind’s ongoing success. “Her genes will have impact for many years to come and her name will appear in the major pedigrees of the world.” A success story indeed for owners, Gillette and T-Wave. With 2^nd Wind the real story may be that the best is yet to come.

Do you think 2nd Wind deserves to win our 2012 Golden Dam Contest? Let us know. Your vote counts.

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Tags : 2011 Canadian Holstein Cow of the Year, 2012 Golden Dam, Braedale Gypsy Grand, Gillette Blitz 2nd Wind, GILLETTE BOLTON 2ND MOTIVATION, Gillette Bolton 2nd Sleep, Gillette S Planet 2nd Snooze, Gillette Stanleycup, Gillette Wildthing, Gillette Willrock, GILLETTE WINDBROOK, Gillette Windhammer

Bonnie Mohr – Science and Art Together Creates a Holstein Love Story

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Monday, September 24th, 2012

“Okay people, please clap or do something, because this seems very awkward to me” This is how artist, Bonnie Mohr, describes the long pause of silence that was the initial reaction of the large crowd present for the June 29^th unveiling of the Ideal True Type Holstein Bull and Cow paintings at the Holstein USA annual meeting. .”I am much more at ease in my studio or with a small group of people.” Explains the well-known agricultural artist but she needn’t have worried. As with any supreme achievement the first reaction is one of awe. The crowd was initially busy studying the paintings but then broke into enthusiastic and sustained applause. Still, Bonnie is modest, “I think they were well received…”

Ideal True Type Holstein Cow

Ideal True Type Holstein Bull

Everyone loves to look at beautiful cattle and, as you would expect, the paintings indeed were well received. As summer slips into fall, we begin looking forward to the show season and parades of beautiful cows to celebrate. Of course, if you can’t wait for Madison or the Royal Winter Fair, there is an alternative. At The Bullvine we have celebrated graduations, engagements, new homes and new babies with the beautiful animals painted by Bonnie Mohr. And now with these commissioned paintings, Bonnie turns cow science into cow art for everyone to collect, admire and strive for.

Celebration of Cows

A labour of love. The paintings were commissioned by Holstein Association USA. Discussions about what the new Model cow and bull would look like began at World Dairy Expo in 2011. She outlines the process. “The month of December was preliminary painting sketches, and January through June 1st was spent painting the two pieces. Since they were very large -each painting measures 36” x 48” – and with extreme detail in the animals, it took longer than a normal painting time. I would guess I averaged 30-40 hours per week of painting time from January 1st to June 1st.”

Ideal True Type Holstein Cow – The Beginning

Matchmaking. From the outside, it might seem unusual for an artist to work with input from others or, in this case, the True Type Model Panel. However Bonnie says that was never a problem. “Because of my extensive background in the dairy industry, it seemed as though we were both on the same page from the beginning. Input from the committee was necessary, so I would have a clear vision of what they wanted. The more detail and information I could get up front, the better the paintings I would produce.”

Ideal True Type Holstein Bull – The Beginning

A Brush with Great Expectations. Bonnie does acknowledge that there were some changes from her usual routine. “Normally I would start with some loose background and then get to the main subject. In this case, I painted the animals each to about a 75% completion point to be sure we could really focus on them against a white background.” There were other differences too. She shares her experience. “I would have to say that the size of these paintings did throw me for a loop. I have never painted so large, and I did underestimate the amount of time they would take. Also, any time you are working on a commission, there is a certain level of added stress, because you know in the end, it has to be exactly what the committee is expecting.”

Bonnie Mohr – A love story

A love story. Looking back, Bonnie points out that the experience continued to evolve beyond the routine and developed into a very special project. A highlight of the commissioning came about when she made the decision to name the Bull and Cow, Romeo and Juliet. “Because I spent so much time with these paintings, they just seemed to come alive the more I worked on them. They became REAL to me, and it just seemed like the right thing to do…give them names.” Bonnie isn’t sure what came first: the naming of the subjects or the way the two paintings related, not only to her, but to each other. “They honestly seemed to connect to each other as well, and I think I accomplished my goal of making them seem like a real nice couple – as though they could be married. And so….thus came the names Romeo & Juliet.”

Picture Perfect

Picture Perfect. “I did have pictures of both cows and bulls to work from as I created these New Models. All of the animals I studied from and the pictures that I worked from, had key points of exceptional correctness, and it was very helpful for me to use them in creating the Models.” And so, from part science and part art, models were created for everyone to aspire to. Of course when we see Romeo and Juliet they appear to be right at home. “The committee and I collectively arrived at an outdoor, ‘anywhere USA’ setting, that resembled summer and a sense of pasture. We all felt this would be a typical and natural setting for the animals.”

Romeo and Juliet

Where there any difficult moments with Romeo and Juliet? Seeing the twosome in all their glory it is hard to imagine that there were moments that were less than romantic but Bonnie assures us that there were. |” Absolutely. I have mentioned this before…and I’m not sure why, but Romeo almost seemed to paint himself. He just came together beautifully and I had very little trouble making him ‘work’. Juliet was my bigger challenge. Probably the mammary system and milk well veining is where I struggled the most. Too much veining, not enough veining, too much length to the fore udder and then too little, too small of a teat – make it bigger, and then a little plumper…..” Every cattle breeder can relate to Bonnie’s goal.

Desire for Perfection

Desire for Perfection

“The committee was great in their advice and direction…I personally as an artist just struggled with getting it just right.” It wasn’t easy. “When you study cow pictures….they can look a thousand different ways, depending on how closely the udder is shaved, how much sunlight they are photographed in, how much milk they have, etc., etc. And I wanted to try and paint the universal look, that every dairy farmer would be happy with…milky enough and yet strong in type, and so I would have to say this was definitely my biggest challenge. “In the same way that the total environment affects everyone who raises cattle, this project went beyond simply painting the models themselves. “ Making sure the backgrounds on the two paintings were fairly matched and similar was the other challenge, because they were so large and painted over a 5 month period. Every time you mix new paint, you have new colors…..so I had to go back and rematch or repaint some things to be sure they had a similar thread all the way through.” A labour of love.

Bonnie Mohr - A Brush with Great Expectations

There’s love behind the Scenes Too!

There’s love behind the Scenes Too!

“My husband John has been the biggest influence in my career.” says Bonnie as she looks back on the inspiration for her successful vocation. “He has supported and believed in me from day 1. He believed in me more than I believed in myself some days. He is the reason I kept painting, even when I really wasn’t sure this whole ‘painting thing’ would work out. Other than that, I give God the thanks and credit for the skills I have been blessed with and the determination to know that hard work can pay off.”

THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE

And so, in painting the True Type Models, Bonnie crosses an item off of her Bucket List. “No doubt she will face her next goals with the same enthusiasm, “I will always love cows and will continue to think of new ways to paint them!” A Holstein Love Story continues ……..

Be sure to check out Bonnie Mohr studio’s Facebook page where you can help them reach 3,000 likes and be entered in a draw for a framed print valued at $200, as well as check out their website for more extraordinary fine art from rural America .

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BROEKS MBM ELSA – 2012 Golden Dam Finalist

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Thursday, September 20th, 2012

It’s a Cinder-ELSA Story! Of course, she has royal bloodlines. Her grand-dam was EVER-GREEN-VIEW ELSIE EX-92-2E-USA GMD DOM the “Queen of Ever-Green” or aka Ever-Green-View dairy farm in Waldo, Wisconsin. So “once upon a time” Harry Broekhuis from the Netherlands felt his dreams would come true with Elsie’s American-born daughter, Aaron Elsie. He made an offer but returned home empty handed. But like many persistent cattlemen – and princes too – he did not give up. He asked again, this time for embryos. Too late. The only ones they had were from BW Marshall and had been sold to Czechoslovakia. Still not defeated, Broekhuis goes to Czechoslovakia and chooses the best calf from the two females that were born. Purchased for 6000 euros she is taken back to the Netherlands. And that of course is our heroine, BROEKS MBM ELSA EX-90-5YR-NLD, 2012 Golden Dam Finalist.

ELSA’s Intercontinental Rise

BROEKS MBM ELSA EX-90-5YR-NLD

Success came early for Elsa. She classified with the maximum score VG89 as a 2yr old and had high production too. She recorded 12,613 kg milk in 305 days with 4.1% Fat and 3.2% protein. An exceptional 47% above herd average! In 2009 she was nominated for Global Cow of the Year and when she was nominated again the next year she was crowned, 2010 Global Cow of the Year!

ELSA Enchanted

EVER-GREEN-VIEW ELSA VG-89-3YR-USA GMD DOM 2* – Dam of Elsa

It was enchantment with Elsa’s grand-dam that started this story. But others have fallen under the Elsa spell too. Elsa’s dam sold for $100,000. After Harry Broekhuis secured his Elsa, other breeders grew interested. Eventually Jacob Bearda, another Dutch breeder, became a partner in Elsa. Currently Elsa is owned by World Wide Sires Germany where Hubertus Diers proudly lists three more special attributes: “a really good type cow, very tall, over 160 cm and scored EX-90 on her 2^nd calf in Holland”. Throughout this fairy-tale like journey, Elsa has produced many daughters in many countries where her global influence continues to rise. For example, all her daughters that were tested for genomics in the Netherlands have become bull dams.

Elsa’s Royal Flush to Shottle

FG ELSA 12 VG88 2YR -Daughter of Elsa

To this day Elsa continues to be a successful donor cow but, to date, her best flush was the one to Shottle. That flush produced seven daughters and all are VG with genomic proofs over 2200 TPI The show ring has also felt Elsa’s presence through one of her Shottle daughters. FG ELSA 12, a VG88 2yr old was Junior 2 Champion at both the Ambt-Delden Show and at Saasveld in 2010, and stood 5^th at the Dutch National Show. She is owned by Oelhorst Holsteins.

Elsa’s Son Snowman Also Reigns

FLEVO GENETICS SNOWMAN – Son of Elsa

In the Elsa`s story, Snowman, stands above the rest as the prince of her offspring. FLEVO GENETICS SNOWMAN is an internationally popular O-Man son, with high breeding values in Germany, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands – the countries where he was sampled. Adding to the mystique of the story is the fact that, although Snowman had a very short lifetime and produced only a limited amount of semen, whenever he appeared on the Interbull lists in 2010 he held court in the top three. This happened in nine countries: the US, Scandinavia, Netherlands, Germany, Canada, France, Great Britain, the Czech Republic and Switzerland. Another crowning achievement when you consider that these are different indexes! One more command performance to be noted: In Canada on the August 2012 young bull and heifer lists Snowman had five of the top 10 bulls and four of the top 10 heifers. Producing Snowman is definitely Elsa’s crowning achievement. But even more interesting is the global recognition that has taken place since he joined the family!

ELSA’S Royal Family Looks Good and Gives Command Performances

Daughters:

BROEKS MADISON (Shottle) VG89 – 2yr (NLD)
2-01 (305) 12,778 kg 4.3F 3.3P
RR ELISA (Shottle) VG87 – 4yr (DEU)
3-10 (305) 17,604 kg 4.2F 3.6P
BROEKS ELFER (Jefferson) VG87 – 2yr (GBR)
2-09 (305) 11,753 kg 3.1F 2.9P
BROEKS ELSIE 2 (Oman) VG86 – 2yr (GBR)
2-01 (305) 12,198 kg 4.5F 3.4P
ESMERALDA (Shottle) VG86 – 2yr (DEU)
2-04 (305) 12,507 kg 3.7F 3.3P
BROEKS ELSIE 3 (Oman) VG86 – 2yr (GBR)
2-00 (305) 11,189 kg 4.1F 3.7P

In 2010 MBM Elsa had over 25 VG 2-year-olds in Europe and has added to that total since then! They impress on many levels from remarkable production to great show results. They also excel on type scores and breeding values.

Sons:

FLEVO GENETICS SNOWMAN (Oman)
MLPI +3110 Milk +3180 kg (DVG LPI +3117)
MTPI +2182 Milk +2147 lbs. PTAT +2.21
O-BOY (Oman)
MLPI +1927 Milk +2364 kg Fat +70 kg Protein +77 kg
MTPI +1903 Milk +1730 lbs. PTAT +0.89
BROEKS MANTON (Bolton)
MLPI +1814 Milk +2579 kg Fat +62 kg Protein +71 kg
MTPI +1834 Milk +2141 lbs. PTAT +1.87
FLEVO GENETICS SANDMAN (Shottle)
MLPI +1664 Milk +2554 kg Fat +52 kg Protein +59 kg
MTPI +1771 Milk +1245 lbs. PTAT +2.37
BROEKS ROUEL (Roumare)
GLPI + 1445 Milk +1313 kg Conf +7 F/L +9
MTPI +1733 Milk +992 lbs. PTAT +2.16

Happily ELSA Ever After

Elsa is owned by World Wide Sires Germany and is currently being flushed. Now this princess is a queen on her own. Her legacy continues. Happily- ELSA – ever after!

Do you think Elsa deserves to win our 2012 Golden Dam Contest? Let us know. Your vote counts.

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Tags : 2012 Golden Dam, BROEKS MBM ELSA, EVER-GREEN-VIEW ELSA, FG ELSA 12, FLEVO GENETICS SNOWMAN

AMMON-PEACHEY SHAUNA – 2012 Golden Dam Finalist

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Tuesday, September 18th, 2012

Ammon-Peachey Shauna is an attention-getting star at Seagull Bay Dairy, and a finalist in our 2012 Golden Dam contest. Nevertheless, owner Greg Anderson happily shares the spotlight with others in Shauna’s past, “Congratulations to Shauna’s breeders Mike and Jill Ammon and G Sheldon Peachey for breeding such a fine cow. The Steiner family of Pine-Tree Dairy also deserves credit for developing the cow family behind Shauna – the Rudy Missy family – into one of the most sought-after bloodlines in the Holstein breed.” That’s where Shauna’s bright story begins.

AMMON-PEACHEY SHAUNA VG-87-2YR-USA

Shauna`s Got Pedigree Credentials

Shauna originates from the very well respected Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy family. Her excellent sire stack is Planet x Shottle x O Man x Rudolph x Elton x Mandingo. The potential for greatness was there. On the female side, Shauna’s dam, Sheen, is both DOM and 1 Star, showing her appeal in both USA and Canada. As well her full sister Shana is VG87 – 2 yr (CAN) and is the #5 GLPI cow at +3400. Her Million sister is VG85 – 2 yr (CAN) and her GLPI is +2022.

AMMON-PEACHEY SHANA VG-87-2YR-CAN VG-86-2YR-USA DOM – Full sister to Shauna

PINE-TREE MARTHA SHEEN VG-86-3YR-USA DOM 1* – Dam of Shauna

Shauna is Flushed with Success

Shauna also excelled as an IVF donor as a heifer. With 16 sons and 10 daughters, she has shown that she is able to produce and reproduce simultaneously. While working on her first lactation, Shauna produced a very high number of embryos. A rare thing these days.

Shauna Transmits Son-Shine!

Proud owner, Seagull Bay Dairy, reports that “seven of her sons have already been used as contract mating sires, due to their elite TPI and LPI rankings and extreme milk, fat and protein.

Her top-6 sons average +3853 DGV LPI 2445 GTPI 2172 PTAM 72 PTAP .02% 87 PTAF .04%.

Supersire (Robust) Leads the breed in Net Merit and is #2 for GTPI.
Headliner (Robust) 3.27 for PTAT and 96 lbs for PTA lbs Fat
Shaw (Freddie) over +2907kg milk and #5 for GLPI
Sargeant (Freddie) +92kg fat, +85kg protein and 2.62 SCS

It doesn’t stop there. Both breeders and AI companies are putting great trust in Shauna’s ability to produce elite genetics. Greg informs us that “Her top eleven sons are all scheduled for A.I. sampling.” He notes that “Shauna’s Snowman sons will be available soon from Select Sires and Shauna’s Windbrook son Seagull Bay Phantom is currently being used as a mating sire for Semex.” It easy to see why, taking the average of Shauna’s top eleven sons by various sires -Robust; Snowman; Windbrook; Gerard; Pluto; Super- produces these exciting numbers:

PTAM 1950
PTAP 65
P% +.03
PTAF 78
F% +.03

Greg concludes that it will be very satisfying “to see Shauna sons used on many of the top females of the breed.” Shauna`s daughters, full sisters to the high ranking sons, also have high numbers with the top two being: Shauna Saturn (Saturn) +3689 DGV LPI and Miss America (Robust) +3655 DGV LPI.

Shauna Pays Back the Investment

Shauna’s glowing reputation also pays off on the bottom line. Her progeny are becoming sought after and that’s good news for Seagull Bay Dairy. Greg updates a couple of sale results. “Last fall we sold Shauna’s high GTPI daughters; one by Robust for $165,000 to Tranquility AG and TAG, and one by Man-O-Man for $87,000 to Elite Dairy Genomics.”

Shauna Generates Genomics

Those who are using genomic results for both selection and breeding will find Shauna is one of the premier genomic transmitters of elite production. Greg looks back. “Shauna was genomic tested as a calf along with her two full sisters, to aid us in making our choice from the pick of a flush at the 2008 Eastern Elite Sale.” Once again, Shauna produced shining results.”Shauna’s genomics were first released in August of 2009 and she ranked as the Number 4 heifer in the breed. She remained in the top 15 for most of 2010 as well.”

Shauna`s Got it All

Greg goes on to report “For us, Shauna is the total package. In addition to making a very impressive 2 yr old record and her VG classification – Shauna transmits her best qualities to her offspring. Not only does she have genomic superiority but she also has production and exceptional type. News spread fast when she scored VG-87 with VG-88 mammary system when she was only 60 days fresh. When she was only 100 days in milk she was producing 129 lb. That`s when Shauna’s star-power really started to light up. We had a lot of calls to seller her privately or publicly.”

Shauna Sets the Example

It is exciting for everyone around her to see Shauna’s legacy continue to build. Her front-running genomic results are the engine that drives her powerful transmission but for Greg Anderson at Seagull Bay Dairy her attraction is much more focused, “Shauna exemplifies exactly the type of cow we strive to breed for.”

Do you think Shauna deserves to win our 2012 Golden Dam Contest? Let us know. Your vote counts.

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Tags : 2012 Golden Dam, AMMON-PEACHEY SHANA, AMMON-PEACHEY SHAUNA, PINE-TREE MARTHA SHEEN

The Bloom Is On Oconnors Goldwyn Jasmine

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Thursday, September 13th, 2012

There is always something worth celebrating on a dairy farm. At Suntor Holsteins, owned by Fred and Ruth Sundborg and family located southwest of Montreal and 20 minutes north of the New York Border this is doubly true this August. Although, we caught up to him just before a rehearsal for his brother’s wedding, Kevin (son of Fred and Ruth) was also happy to celebrate the blooming of OCONNORS GOLDWYN JASMINE EX-92-CAN.

OCONNORS GOLDWYN JASMINE EX-92-CAN

We don’t know all the details of the happy wedding but we are getting up to date on Jasmine. Kevin wasn’t at the Royal the year his Dad purchased Jasmine at the 2007 Sale of Stars, who’s dam he had seen at Oconner’s and loved her massive frame. However since then, he has been right at her side over the five years that she has made her name OCONNORS GOLDWYN JASMINE EX-92 MS-95 one that is recognized. Let’s start by noting that she is the Goldwyn sister to Oconnors Jay who was the 2^nd highest new release bull in August 2012 coming in at #6 GLPI.

Looking back at the purchase Kevin explains what attracted them to her. “That was before the ‘genomic-era’, but Jasmine was by the magic Goldwyn x Durham cross. Her dam was a massive –framed Durham who my Dad saw before calving at O’Connor’s and Jasmine herself was a very correct-fancy heifer.” Suntor Holsteins, who earned their Master Breeder Shield in 2000, are always looking to improve their herd. “We genomically tested Jasmine right away, as she had A.I. interest, and she came back very close to her actual PA LPI, and was very high for type.”

Jasmine continues to Bloom

“Since she calved as a 2yr old and is now fresh for the 3^rd time, she has really performed.” Kevin reports enthusiastically. “She has grown, moved up in production, moved up in classification and has given us great offspring.” Is it any wonder that he says, “We are more than pleased by what she has done for us.”

DAUGHTER: SUNTOR MAN O MAN JELENA VG-85-2YR-CAN

Jasmine is Productive

As a heifer Jasmine was flushed to Onward and bred to Ashlar. “Two bulls went to Semex.” And there were more good things to come. “Fresh as a 2yr old, I wanted to breed her to a high index bull. Man-O-Man was just released so we used him.” That done “We also flushed her to Shottle and Wildthing.” In the barn Kevin notes, “We are currently milking Man-O-Mans, a Shottle and an Onward from Jasmine. She is currently projected 5-03 14,513 kg BCA 291-392-276 SCC 8,000.”

Jasmine Attracts Attention

“Besides selling to A.I., we have sold Shottle embryos to Europe and Wildthing embryos to Australia, to breeders who enjoy working with strong cow families.”

Jasmine Crosses Well

There is much for this cattle breeder to be happy about when discussing Jasmine. “The safest cross was to Shottle, her daughter Josina VG 2 yr MS86, exemplifies the best of her sire and dam.” But there is another side to Kevin’s excitement regarding Jasmine. “The best cross in my opinion was to OMan OMan. Combining a high index bull to a high type female has resulted in Suntor Man O Man Jelena VG 2 yr MS86.” So what’s the big news? “Jelena is our highest genomic animal (Aug ’12 +2157 GTPI +3.13 PTAT, +2828 DGV LPI +16 Conf.) and has passed this to her offspring.”

Jasmine Breeds Amazing Results

As we venture down the path of genomic testing, it is exciting to learn of the success stories. “Jelena’s son by Willrock is going to Semex.” That’s good news but there’s more to come.” Jelena’s sons by Epic came back with amazing results. The highest was 4107 DGV LPI 20 Conf, 2488 GTPI 3.7 PTAT.” Exciting indeed. Kevin continues to list the highlights, “Jelena herself (Jasmine’s daughter) is consigned to the Sale of Stars.” She too has loads of marketing ability. “She has “sire stack and genomics (especially CONF +14) but most importantly is PROVEN to transmit high genomics.” He is referring to the Epic bull and the fact that the Willrock is the highest Semex has tested. It isn’t any wonder that Kevin sums everything up by saying, “Jelena is the type I have hoped to breed and we are excited to have her as a consignment to the Sale of Stars.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Success in the dairy business is achieved in many different ways but, most often, it starts with a good family. As Suntor Holsteins expands their dairy herd and, more importantly, their extended family we offer congratulations on their achievements and wish them “All the best as you keep on growing!”

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Tags : OCONNORS GOLDWYN JASMINE, OCONNORS JAY, Suntor Holsteins, SUNTOR MAN O MAN JELENA

Managing to Make More Milk

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Tuesday, September 11th, 2012

Depending where you live, the last several years have put many pressures on dairy profitability. Margins are becoming slim to non-existent for some farms in 2012. Previously, one of the positive aspects of dairy farming was that dairy cows are good converters of by-products and low-cost feedstuffs that would otherwise be discarded. In today’s, challenged marketplace even these feeds are becoming more costly.

It’s Time to Look at Feed Conversion

Now the dairy industry must take a lesson from poultry, swine and beef who focus on feed efficiency in producing eggs, chicken, pork and beef. It’s time for dairy to focus on the conversion of feed to edible products.

The FE (Feed Efficiency) Formula

FE = Milk or FCM or ECM / dry matter intake

Feed efficiency in the dairy industry has traditionally been measured as some measure of milk production (actual milk, fat-corrected milk (FCM) or energy-corrected milk (ECM) as a ratio to dry matter intake.

The FCR (Feed Conversion Formula)

FCR = dry matter intake / lbs. of milk fat + lbs. of milk protein

The above is a new measure for feed conversion ratio (FCR), which is a measure of the pounds of feed (DM) that it takes to produce 1 pound of milk components.

Feed Efficiency is Not ONLY about FEED!

It would seem obvious that feed related factors would be most important when you set out to increase feed efficiency. Nutritionists and consultants draw our attention to forage digestibility, feed particle size, protein levels, fat levels, starch levels and certain feed additives that can affect feed efficiency. This is what they know. This is what we can control.

However, there are factors beyond feed that we can look at such as environmental factors and our own management inputs. Some environmental factors can be more difficult to control than others. It is difficult to be 100% in charge of the effects of heat stress, average days in milk, lactation number, acidosis and heat stress. Each one of these will affect feed conversion. But there are other environmental and management factors that we can target in our effort to improve feed conversion.

MANAGING TO MAKE MORE MILK: Do you help or hinder your cows?

Variability in management practices can greatly affect production, components and dry matter intake and, thus, feed efficiency. Researchers point to a survey which was undertaken on 3000 cows in 47 herds that were fed the same diet. Results show that there was a 27 pound difference in production (i.e. the difference between 47 pounds and 74 pounds of milk), even when fed the same ration.

Cow Comfort Should Not Be the Last Resort

A recent area under consideration for feed efficiency is cow comfort. Cow comfort issues can affect milk production and components, reproduction and general health. While most of the research has shown increases in production with improved cow comfort, generally production or component increases translate into improvements in feed efficiency. There are excellent studies on the effects of stall design on milk production and cow health.

Less Stocking density = More Milk

Too many cows in one area and the number of stalls per cow can have an effect on feed conversion. Cows in crowded conditions tend to eat faster and ruminate less. The larger numbers can directly relate to more pathogen load in the area. More pathogens can be as simple as more teat end exposure to pathogens. In the long term cows can share more serious illness and immune suppression. The previously mentioned Spanish study, attributed a 32 percent of the production variability to stocking density and determined that each 10 percent reduction in cows per stall equaled 1.7 lbs more milk per cow.

Less Lameness = More Milk

Lameness can dramatically affect production, health and reproduction. However, even cows that are mildly lame (cows that walk with shortened strides, an arched back and a slight limp) can have reduced production and feed efficiency.

Researchers have shown even cows with a lameness score of 3 (mildly lame, 1 to 5 scale with 5 being severely lame), can have 3 to 5 lbs less production (greater than 900 lbs per lactation) vs. sound cows (score 1). Key point – Even mild lameness can negatively impact production and feed efficiency.

More Lying time = More Milk

Cows need time to lie down. This priority can consume around 12 hours of a cow`s day and cows will sacrifice eating time for lying time. The Miner Institute in New York conducted a series of studies that showed an increase of 2 to 3.5 lbs of additional milk for each additional hour of lying time. More rest = More dollars.

Less Time Away from the Pen = More Milk

Minimizing time outside the pen is important to maximize cows’ time for resting, eating and drinking. Time away from the pen for milking can have an effect on production. In an extreme example of this, a study from the University of Nebraska compared the effect of three versus six hours per day away from the pen for milking. When time away from the pen was reduced, second-plus lactation cows gained two additional hours of resting time and 5 lbs of milk and first-lactation heifers gained an additional four hours of rest and 8 lbs of milk.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

These are only a few of the factors that have an impact on our cattle and their production levels. Knowing how to balance the need for resting, drinking, exercise, feeding and general comfort can have as much or more impact on feed efficiency than feed related factors alone. It only makes sense to control what we have some control over.

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Heat Detection: An Exercise in Fertility

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Thursday, September 6th, 2012

Milk is only Part of the Equation

When it comes to what we have learned about raising and managing dairy cows, you could make milk production a study all on its own. In many ways we have done exactly that. We have spent so much of our focus on selecting genetics for improved milk production, that now we have fertility issues. You don’t have a profitable dairy farm if you leave out that ability to cycle reproductively, breed successfully and put healthy calves safely on the ground. These are three vital components to a dairy cow’s productive performance. Focusing on milk has, over time, disrupted the cow’s ability to do these foundation steps successfully. Today’s cow is out of balance. We need to get back to the basics. Which starts with getting pregnant. Which starts with detecting heats.

The Heat is On. We’re not making the grade.

Heat detection is the most important factor in determining the number of pregnancies a herd produces in any period of time. Anything, and everything, you put into being more effective in this area will result in your herd achieving higher fertility ratings. Herd statistics, farm profitability and reproductive efficiency are seriously affected by the level of effectiveness of estrus detection. The report card from farm to farm varies widely and many are not achieving high marks here. You have to realize it’s still zero whether you miss the pregnancy through fertility or mismanagement.

Do your Homework.

Five ways to affect your heat detection are:

Watch their Behavior: Activity measures of estrus. Use observances, pedometers or accelerometers.
Measure their Hormones: Hormone levels such as progesterone can be detected in blood and also in milk.
Take their Temperature: Changes temperature indicators can be measured in milk and vaginal mucous.
Veterinary Diagnosis: Go to the experts and use palpation or ultrasound scanning.
Synchronize Them: Take out the variable of missed estrus by using a fixed time insemination.

Fertility 101. Get it right every time. Go to the head of the class.

Developing excellent visual heat detection technique can make your herd a lot of money – if you can correctly identify the signs of estrous. If a cow shows three or more of the following signs, there is a good chance she could be in heat.

Standing and mounting behavior
Bawling
Head butting
Chin pressing
Butt sniffing
Bright, alert appearance
Reduced appétit
Lower milk yield
Swollen vulva
Mucus discharge

Early morning, noon and late evening observations for 20 minutes each are necessary to observe more than 90 percent of the heats in a herd. During hot weather, watch animals earlier and later each day. During cool weather, the middle of the day is generally the best time to watch. Grouping cows that are ready for breeding or recently bred is another way to make the best use of observation time.

Cows tend to be more active on dirt or pasture and should be watched for heat activity while off concrete surfaces. Increased activity will not occur in cramped cubicles or on slippery surfaces. Also, carefully watch cows the first 30 minutes they are turned out to pasture or an exercise lot. Activity is low during feeding and milking times.

Report Card: Don’t manage to “fail”

Use a test to diagnose pregnancy. There are accuracy differences and challenges with each method. Here are three:

Ultrasound
Palpation
Blood based pregnancy test

Do you know the rate at which your heifers become pregnant? Under poor reproductive management the service rate is 40 percent and a conception rate of 50 percent. By contrast, the rate at which heifers become pregnant under excellent reproductive management measures out at a service rate of 90 percent and conception rate of 70 percent. The 40 percent service rate means 20% are in calf. The 70 percent service rate means 63% are in calf. In any classroom, a difference of 43% is humongous or, as the teacher would say, huge!

Although the average age at first calving can be 25.4 months for the poor-management group of heifers, more than 25 percent of the heifers will not calve until after 26 months of age and 10 percent of the heifers will not calve until after 28 months of age. Clearly, the average age at calving is not truly reflecting an underlying reproductive problem. But, more important, 95 percent of heifers subjected to excellent reproductive management will calve before 25 months of age!

Economics also supports the fact that you must improve results in this area. If each day open costs around $3-$4, then each heat missed costs $63-$84. And, remember semen, drugs and extra labour costs are over and above that $3-$4 per day. This can be very costly in a herd of dairy cows. Catching heats is the first step to getting animals bred.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

None of the preceding information is new to people who work with dairy cows but obviously we forget to put it into practice. Practice makes perfect. Heat detection makes profit. Go to school on your herd.

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8 Ways to Ensure Calves Remain Alive and Thrive

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Tuesday, September 4th, 2012

We have all said at one time or another, “If only we took as good care of ourselves as we do of our cows!” However, we may be a little less precise in our care of newborn calves. It might mean we need to change our protocols so that these newborns get the same attention to detail as our human babies.

Clear the airway: Remove mucous from around the mouth and nose, assisting the calf to breath. Inserting a piece of straw into the nasal cavity or pouring some cold water on the calf’s head should initiate a gasping reflex to promote respiration.
Dry off the calf: The dam, if she is well and able, will dry the calf. If she needs assistance, or if you are moving the calf immediately, you can handle the drying by using a clean, dry towel. The vigorous message provided while drying around the shoulders and neck encourages respiration and helps the calf to regulate its body temperature. As water evaporates, heat is removed, which can lead the calf vulnerable to chilling. In cold weather provide blankets.
Provide Calf Comfort: Even more than with cows, calf bedding needs to be clean and thick. Thickness is important because the bedding must be thick enough that the newborn is not exposed to all the bacteria underneath. Take a look at the calving area and you will see that newborn calves do not land in a sterile environment. The entire area cradles bacteria as well as brand new calves.
Feed adequate colostrum. Once the calf is breathing well, colostrum should be administered. According to DCHA Gold Standards (Colostrum Management), colostrums equaling 10% of body weight should be fed in the first four hours of life. It not only provides the calf with disease-fighting antibodies, but it also increases the calf’s blood volume and improves blood circulation.
Use a colostrometer to evaluate quality. Cattle managers are well aware of the benefits of good quality colostrum. The question is, “How do you evaluate your colostrum?” Experience tells us that if it’s yellow and thick … it’s probably good. But is that true? We can’t wait to see if the calf responds well and yet we may be saving poor quality colostrums based on visual assessment alone. Having a trusted and accurate source is well worth the investment in a colostrometer.
Use a meat thermometer. Some sources advise using a meat thermometer to determine if the refrigerator where you store your colostrum is working properly and if your hot water heater is working properly. You can’t just assume because either of these feel cold or hot to the touch that they are working at the most effective temperature. The same attention to detail that you use in cleaning the milk pipelines in the milking parlour needs to be applied to the measureable temperatures that are used in care of your calves.
Special Care: Calves from a difficult calving may need to be moved and handled with extra care. Surviving alive may not be enough to guarantee a healthy growing period for that newborn calf. Extra attention will save time, labour and medication if spent wisely in these early hours and days.
Clean the calf cart! Clean the calf pails! Clean the calf bottle! Clean the esophageal tube!

The Bullvine Bottom Line:

When it comes to raising calves it’s the first little details that pay off in big returns later. See that your calves remain alive and thrive!

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Have You Seen This Farm?

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Thursday, August 30th, 2012

As you leave the city or the suburbs, many observers are, or soon will be, inspired to ask, “Where have all the farms gone?” Crops are not ripening in the fields. What ones you can see, appear to be withering. There are fewer grazing herds! There are no busy harvest scenes.

The stories are different:

“We put our prize winning dairy herd up for auction”
“We had to sell out.”
“We are facing bankruptcy.”

The results are the same:

Farms are missing.

Some look at the recent weather change and indulge in “If only’s”. If only the storm had come a few weeks earlier. If only the drought had eased. If only we could have saved the cows. Regardless of what might have happened, the stark reality is that, with pastures so dry that in some places cattle had nothing to eat, farmers were losing money just trying to feed them.

Did They Give Up Too Easily or Too Soon?

Giving up are two words that don’t come easily to dairy farmers. They especially don’t come easily when three to five generations of one family have milked dairy cows on the same farm for several generations. One farmer who reluctantly had to sell nearly all of his cows at a livestock auction reports that they hung on for as long as they could “hoping that things would change” Unfortunately, it just didn’t happen.

What did happen?

Well it started with days, and in some places, weeks at a time, where temperatures settled at 100 degrees or above. There was no rain. Some places that did get a few drops found it wasn’t enough to penetrate the baked earth. These are only a few of the factors that created the most severe drought in fifty years. As a result, every single day, farms teeter on the brink of bankruptcy. Some go over. Each one of those farms was run by a real person with a name, a face, a family and a lifetime of memories. It’s easy to keep the disaster at arm’s length until you see the tears and hear the stories of broken dreams. This isn’t reality television which is absurd and easily forgotten or forgotten by simply changing the channel. This is real life and, eventually, it will affect more than just the single farm family.

It could touch YOU

A statistic that isn’t often put at the lead of the daily news stories is the fact that (Statistics on how many jobs depend on agricultural industry). This means that a lot of people are going to feel the effects in a very real way. It will start with the businesses in rural communities that depend on farmers to be their customers. For them it’s more than a news item – they worry it could cause retailers to become the next level to lose their business.

It Exacts a Terrible Toll

Some are trying to survive. They pray for rain and try to stay afloat financially, but at what cost? “It’s frightening” says one farmer. “I wake up many mornings and throw up. The drought has shot my nerves.” Even children are affected, “Are we going to have to sell all the animals?” There are tears and recriminations. “”We didn’t fail. We did everything right. It was the system that failed us.”

The Politics of Defeat

When your back is against the wall, it is human nature to look for help. Desperate farmers are looking for government help. This is not a natural source for people who are proud of their ability to survive come what may. The drought hasn’t changed that but with nowhere to turn, they are beginning to feel they are fighting a losing battle. They’re in the uncomfortable position of needing to ask for help. And they’re not necessarily getting it.

What’s Being Offered?

Earlier this month, the Obama administration announced emergency drought assistance
- Low-interest emergency loans
- Federal buy-up of meat from livestock producers
- Opening up of some protected lands for livestock grazing
- None of those efforts are targeted at dairy farmers, however, dairy advocates say.
In Missouri,
- the governor created a cost- share program to help farmers get access to water for their cattle
- Some see this as only a partial answer and not a full solution.

What’s Missing?

The under secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Michael Scuse, says that dairy farmers have not been offered enough of a safety net because Congress has not finalized an omnibus piece of legislation called the Farm Bill.
Several programs that deal with emergency assistance for livestock owners expired in September 2011;
An insurance program for livestock producers will be cut further in September and eliminated by October 1 unless new legislation is passed.
Earlier this summer, the U.S. Senate and the House’s agriculture committee passed versions of the five-year bill, which includes everything from food stamps to crop insurance. The House returns from August recess on September 10. The bill in its current form would create an insurance program specifically for dairy farmers. Currently, most dairy farmers are uninsured, according to officials and policy experts; that makes them more vulnerable to the impacts of a drought or high feed prices, both of which have taken hold now.

The BULLVINE Bottom Line

And so we drive down the road and wonder what is happening, who’s responsible and if there is any possibility for a brighter future. For the farm families who have lost everything, they cling to hope of some coordinated effort that will make a difference. Will the well loved family farm disappear and be forgotten? Another victim of the whims of weather and uncontrollable forces? “Have YOU seen this farm?”

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Categories : Dairy Industry

From Corn on the Cob to Corn in the Tank, Farmers are Consumers Too!

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Tuesday, August 28th, 2012

Sometimes I wonder if non-farming consumers ever ask themselves how farmers feel about the price of food.

Farmers have to eat too!

Even though I’m a farmer, I am also affected at the grocery store when events such as the largest drought in the last fifty years drives corn prices to record highs. You don’t have to be much of a food label reader to know that corn finds its way into more than 2500 products on grocery store shelves. Having said that, food corn only represents 1% of the annual corn crop. The corn planted in 2012 represents the largest it’s been in the U.S. since 1937. One might assume that the one percent grown for human consumption may have benefited, depending on local water reserves, from irrigation and therefore will not see higher prices this year. According to industry experts, the value of the corn in both processed foods and non-food products is usually not large enough for the current corn price spike to have much impact on what the consumer pays at the checkout.

So, if the impact is small, why is the forecast for food prices to rise 4.5 per cent?

Regardless of individual items, the USDA projects overall food prices in the U.S. will rise three to four per cent in 2013. That’s more than the inflation rate but food prices have been running ahead of inflation for the last few years. The Wall Street Journal calculates that the impact of the drought will be “not that much,” or $32.76 for the year for the average U.S. consumer. Sylvain Charlebois, the project lead of the University of Guelph’s Food Retail Price Index, told CBC News that he does not expect the U.S. drought to have a significant impact on food prices in Canada. He forecasts food prices will increase by no more than 4.5 per cent in 2013, and only a fraction of that can be attributable to the drought.

Farmers Grow Corn. Farmers Buy Corn.

Recently, Statistics Canada released its latest crop production forecast. In contrast to what’s happening in the U.S., corn production in Canada is expected to increase 9.5 per cent from 2011. Nevertheless, the U.S. situation will have quite an impact on Canadian agriculture. Because nearly 43 per cent of U.S. corn goes to feed cows, pigs, chickens and even farmed fish, that is where the price increase is likely to be felt most. In Ontario, which grows about three-quarters of Canada’s corn, 50-55 per cent of the crop is used as animal feed.

About 12 per cent of U.S. corn gets exported and Canada is a big buyer. Last year, another 10 per cent of U.S. corn went into “other products,” while the remaining seven per cent was surplus.

Data shows that “Canada is by far the top buyer” for the other-products category which includes corn flour, starch, malt and worked grains.

First Increases will be in dairy and eggs

Dairy and egg prices should be the first to see an increase from the higher input costs. Beef and pork prices are actually forecast to drop initially. That’s because producers are expected to send some animals to market earlier than they would have otherwise, to reduce costs. In the short term, the extra supply will put downward pressure on meat prices and then smaller herds will mean less supply.

Corn in the Tank

After animal feed, the next largest share of U.S. corn ends ups as ethanol, which gets blended into the gasoline sold at the pumps. To encourage energy efficiency and renewable fuels, governments have mandated a minimum amount of renewable fuels being blended with gasoline. These laws have led to a progressively larger share of the corn harvest ending up as fuel. In Canada the federal government has set the average minimum content for renewable fuels at 5 per cent. In Saskatchewan, the mandate is 7.5 per cent; it is 8.5 per cent in Manitoba. The U.S. now has a 10-per-cent mandate for the amount of ethanol that has to be added to gasoline.

In the U.S., the National Corn Growers Association says 38 per cent of the country’s corn crop is destined for ethanol. But since those same cobs get made into both ethanol and animal feed, in the form of distillers’ grains, they do the math to end up with 29 per cent of the corn crop getting used for ethanol, and add nine points to what’s used for animal feed. In Canada, about 30 per cent of the corn crop is grown for ethanol, or about 20 per cent, after accounting for distillers’ grains.

When it comes to the price of ethanol, government subsidies and other factors that mean the end cost is not a simple equation based on input costs. Ethanol futures prices are up about 19 per cent since the start of the year. Corn prices, on the other hand, fell through the first half of the year but have spiked sharply since then, resulting in a price increase for corn of about 35 per cent so far this year. It is nearly twice that for ethanol. A surplus of ethanol has probably helped to keep its prices low and, with ethanol prices still below those of gasoline, analysts expect the increase in corn prices for consumers buying blended gas at the pump will be insignificant.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

When all is said and done, a bad crop year has wide-ranging ripples that can hit the farmer at multiple touch points. The farmer feels the negative effects twice at the farm, as a corn producer and corn consumer, and again as the consumer at the checkout. And so perhaps the original question needs to be changed, “Why don’t non-farming consumers recognize that farmers are consumers too?”

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Categories : Management

World Records Are Not Only Set at the Olympics

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Thursday, August 2nd, 2012

She won’t bring home a gold medal from the 2012 Olympics but Gillette Emperor Smurf EX-91 like her human counterparts proudly represents the best in a record setting achievement. She too has been globally recognized for surpassing all her peers.

She Stands Apart

Even though everyone at Ferme Gillette would gladly spoil this star who is recognized by the dairy industry and The Guinness Book of Records as the most prolific milk producer in the history of dairy cows Eric Patanaude describes how she quietly sets herself apart in attitude as well. “Smurf is a trouble free cow who looks after herself. She has character.” The Patenaude’s really enjoy spending special time with their animals says Eric and learn their individual traits. “Most of our show cows love to get petted.” He goes on to describe another unique characteristic of Smurf, “Even though she’s very approachable, she just shakes her head at you if you try to pet her.”

Training Program: Eat First. Milk Hard. Eat Again. Rest.

Nothing extraordinary is ever achieved accidentally or by doing what everyone else does. This holds true with exceptional dairy cows as well. “Smurf loves to eat.” Big output requires big input and her energy consumption is one of the keys to her incredible story. “She’s always the first one at the manger during chores just waiting for us to give her TMR.” Another key is her ability to calmly manage the day-to-day schedule. “When milking time comes she knows the routine. She gets up in her box stall and walks right over to where she has to get milked. We don’t even need to tie her up. She just stays there until she’s finished eats a bit more and then goes to lay down.”

Breaking Records. Pushing New Limits.

The Motto of the Olympic Games is “citius, altius, fortius”, which translates to “faster, higher, stronger”. We thrill to the stories behind Olympic athletes who strive to fulfill this dream, especially those who achieve success in more than one area, over more events than any others and throughout longer careers. We all have our favourites. Clara Hughes is mine! For Eric Patenaude, of course, it’s Smurf. “She’s unbelievable! At almost 16 years old and now fresh 2 and a half months she is milking more than ever!” Could he be biased and looking through rose coloured glasses? Not at all. “To be more precise she’s producing 70 kgs a day! She just keeps adding to her record” and becoming a legend.

Smurf’s Performance Advantage

If there’s anything that informed observers understand it is the basic truth that the greatest performers don’t achieve the pinnacle of success without the right support around them. “Of course at this point, just like an Olympic athlete, she has everything she needs to perform.” Years of working with dairy cattle at three generations of Ferme Gillette have produced many insights into the best treatment. “Smurf has a private box stall, her own fan, ample straw and TMR and just recently we’ve added peat moss to the bottom part of the box stall where she walks. This makes it a little softer and comfortable for her to walk on.” That’s the physical side but there is a human factor too. “It is not possible without the efforts of our 24 hour knowledgeable staff. “says Eric and then specifically adds more names that have had an impact on Smurf’s specific achievements “I would like to give a special thanks to Amanda Cowan, Christina Crowley and Crystal McKay for their support and advice.”

Gillette Emperor Smurf EX-91

A Legacy of Champions

As so often happens when athletes, dairy farmers or cows excel in ways that seem almost impossible it often comes back to an entire family that have special attributes. Eric feels that “Smurf’s longevity makes her special” and then goes on to give what he thinks are the reasons this has been possible. “She is a 6th generation VG or EX. Her dam, 2nd, 3rd and 4th dam all lived to be at least 10 years old. Her only daughter at the farm an EX Champion, Gillette Champion Sally, is now fresh at 9 years old and she looks like she will reach the 10 yr milestone as well. Sally has been in a freestall pretty much her whole life.” Exceptional history. Exceptional care. Exceptional results for Ferme Gillette. “Smurf traces back to Maeford Starbuck Chrissy EX 17*, who has played a big part in us getting our Master Breeder Shield back in 2005.” And nothing stops at the podium. “Since getting this recognition, we have brought Sally over to our tie stall barn where we do our flushes and she has been in demand constantly.” But decisions are made on an individual basis, “Smurf is not a cow that we intend to flush at this point.”

Attention from Both Sides Now

The story of Smurf has reach out to people outside the dairy industry. Media attention has been both positive and negative. Eric is philosophical. “That’s ok. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.” Statistics show that a very small percentage of the population works to provide food and that means there can be a disconnect between producers and consumers. “I don’t expect everyone to understand or like what we do. I mean how can you? Some of these people who criticize may have never stepped out of their downtown apartment or office to visit a farm or take the scenic route outside the city.” Farming can fall into a storybook world populated by villains. Eric admits, “To certain people we are obviously the bad guys and the only ones that don’t see it is us!” He doesn’t expect to change the world but he knows the facts. “I can probably name you at least 20 farms right off the top of my head, including ours, where the cows are better treated than some humans!”

Shared Enthusiasm Builds Success

The story of Gillette Emperor Smurf EX-91 is far from reaching the final chapter. Eric enthuses, “I am happy about all the positive feedback that we have received from our community and surrounding region.” Like Smurf’s achievements, it continues to grow. Eric acknowledges that the support is amazing “Including some from Ottawa, our nation’s capital.” Canadians supporting Canadians. “People in our amazing dairy industry truly understand what we do and how hard we work for our cows.”

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Even though she won’t bring home a gold medal from the Summer Olympics, Smurf has definitely earned her special place in the sun. Loved and admired, she is simply, “The World’s Best!” Incredible!

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Categories : Donor Profile

Why Dairy Farmers Need To Know Their Key Performance Indicators

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Tuesday, July 31st, 2012

Having a successful dairy farm enterprise can be achieved in a multitude of ways. Even though no two farms are exactly alike, where there is success there is a business person with dreams, goals and plans that get put into action. Invariably there are five key factors that the business manager monitors closely on a continual basis. These factors are often referred to as Key Performance Indicators.

Choose YOUR Key Indicators

Each farm and farm manager has individual needs and factors that need attention at any given time. One way to get started on knowing your KPIs is to consider six main areas.

Daily output
Nutrition program
Animal reproduction
Heifer rearing
Animal health and disease
Genetics and Marketing

A good recommendation is to focus on one performance indicator from each of the six areas:

Daily Output

Milk yield per cow per dairy
Fat plus Protein yield per cow per day
Milk revenue per cow per day
Daily revenue less feed cost per cow per day
Milk sold per worker per year

Nutrition

Dry matter intake per cow per day
Feed cost per cow per day
Cost per ton for feed consumed by the milking herd

Reproduction

AI services per conception
Percent of cows detected in heat by 90 days in milk
Pregnancy rate
Days Open
Calving Interval

Heifer Rearing

Live heifer calves per hundred milking cows per year
Percent of heifer calves ,born live, that enter the milking herd
Rearing cost per heifer
Age at first calving

Animal Health and Disease

Cull rate from the milking herd
Average weighted SCC per cow
Days between mastitis onsets
Vet and medicine costs per cow per year
Number of lame cow incidents per 100 cows per year

Genetics, Sales and Marketing

Breeding stock revenue per cow per year
Average TPI or LPI or Net Merit per pregnancy
Average classification score for first calvers
Number of farm website hits per month
Total annual revenue per worker per year

How To Get Started:

The task of developing a KPI program for a herd can be daunting. Suggestions on getting started include:

While relaxing in the evening for a week jot down some areas you feel could be improved on your farm
Give your list to your vet, your accountant and your feed advisor and ask them to comment
Narrowing the list down to five making sure they are numbers easily obtained from your DHI records, your herd management software or your farm financial software.
Start by getting the historical numbers for the past year
Set goals you wish to achieve in one year`s time
Keep the process dynamic including changing the list annually, if necessary
Do not make the list too long. Five is a good number.

PROFIT is a GOOD WORD:

Dairy cattle breeders tend not to speak in terms of profit per cow per year. More often their bragging points are in terms of animal records or enterprise performance. Yet it is profit per cow that covers living costs, provides return on investment, pays for kids’ college educations and keeps the banker happy. It is strongly recommended that at least one of the five KPIs should be a measure of dollar revenue, feed costs or net returns.

BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE:

Relating genetics to farm management and farm profit is not always an easy twosome to bring together. However, for success there must be measures that can be continually monitored so that farm managers can make informed decisions or take corrective actions. Find your key performance indicators and grow your profits.

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Categories : Management

Tags : Animal health and disease, Animal reproduction, Daily output, Genetics and Marketing, Heifer rearing, Nutrition program

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Archive – Page 10

From Farming to Framing

A Love for All Things Bovine

Capturing the Ideal Bovine on Canvas

Mentors From Both the Barn and the Gallery

Pencil, Police and Pastels

Facebook Extends the Artist’s Reach

Passionate about Breeders, Breed Promotion and Paternity

No Shortcuts

Balance, Line and Proportion

The Bullvine Bottom Line – “Follow Your Moos”

GOOD TIMING: 8 to the Barn

LARCREST DREAM: The Complete Cow

STRONG COW FAMILY: Hitting the High “C’s”

LARCREST: A Chorus of Praise — Lucky Notes

Key Changes Come with Genomics

In the Spotlight: And Now Here’s Cosmopolitan

Marketing: It Takes Perfect Pitch

SOUND ADVICE: Practice Makes Perfect

THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE: The Key to Success

Great Mentors, Great Minds and Great Stories

Norm’s PEN Pals in the Barn

Norm with PEN in Hand

With GAVEL in Hand: From Show Ring to Auction Sale

Change is Normal. Love is the Key.

Norm says, “The cows are second to the people.”

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Lineup of “X”perts!

“X”po Recognizes Female “X”pertise

Excited to Explore

Real Know-How and Real X-amples

As well there will be four simulated milking robot demos LIVE under one roof!

“X” tras Make the Xpo Experience “X”ceptional!

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No Sibling Rivalry Behind the Scenes

Ri-Val-Re Made Headlines

Reaction To Ri-Val-Re Risk Taking

Golden PP was not a Shot in the Dark

Ready to Risk on Genomics

Ri-Val-Re Grows Thanks to Breeding Program Stars

Full Sales Ahead for Ri-Val-Re Holsteins

Foreseeing An Emphasis on Health with More Polled Animals

The Bullvine Bottom Line

MILK OF AMNESIA – We forgot the basics

MISSING THE TARGET: Where’s The Consumer? Where’s the market?

LOOK BEYOND THE PAIL: Think outside the box stall.

4 STEP ACTION PLAN: It’s Time for a MILK SHAKE Up!

LIVE OR DIE MILK BATTLE: Consumption is the Key

THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE

THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE

A Firm Foundation

Dedication, Commitment and Support

Francesca’s Feats

Francesca Truly Was a Saint!

A Shining List of Achievements

The “Frannie Pack”

The Frannie Dream Team is Amazing Both “At Home” and “Away”

Ode To Francesca

Life Lessons from Francesca

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Five Farming Generations in Colombia

Single Minded Student

Vet-Businessman in Colombia

More Diversity. More Studies. Big Vision.

Achieving the Dream

Open to A New Opportunity

Love and Marriage

Enter Robotic Milking

Building on a Firm Family Foundation

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Start with Clear Goals and Go Beyond

Attracted by Planetas

New Genomic Stars at Sandy Valley Revolve Around Planeta

Planeta Daughters Start Their Own Outstanding Orbits

Planeta & Ammon-Peachey Shauna: These Genomic Hits are Both “Miss”es

Other Prominent Cow Families at Sandy Valley

Using Genomics to Look Toward the Future

Advice for Those Seeking Sky High Success

The Bullvine Bottom Line

You Have Until December 1^st to Vote