James S. Huffard III, Crockett, Va., received the Distinguished Service Award of the American Jersey Cattle Association on June 24, 2023 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.

The Distinguished Service Award is presented by the Board of Directors to as many living AJCA members and/or members’ families, who, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, have rendered outstanding and unselfish service for many years and thereby made a notable contribution to the advancement of the Jersey breed in the United States.

During his time in the dairy industry, James has taken on a variety of responsibilities including leadership positions, developing genetics, marketing products, and creating friendships and mentorships with other breeders. The Huffard Dairy Farm has been operating under the slogan “Production-Pure Genetics Since 1929” for almost 100 years. The land and farm have been in the family for over 200 years and is recognized as a Century Farm by the Virginia Department of Agriculture. Due to this, it is no surprise that James has been surrounded by the Jersey breed his whole life. 

After graduating from Virginia Tech, he began dairying full time with his father. He also stays busy as co-owner of Duchess Dairy Products and operating his own nutrition consulting company, Rationale Inc. 

James has had a passion for breeding programs, but he is so much more than just that. Jeff Ziegler, Ostrander, Ohio, vice president dairy cattle breeding at Select Sires, Inc comments on James’s willingness to step up and be a leader. He has demonstrated this by supporting the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey, Inc., in leadership positions. James served on the AJCA Board of Directors from 1988 to 1994 and then became president from 2001 to 2004. During his time on the board, he was the chair of the Breed Improvement Committee and helped develop the Functional Trait Index.
 
He has also served on the NAJ board as vice president since 2009 and serves as the NAJ finance chair and member of the Joint Operations Committee. He also currently serves as the technical advisor on the Type Advisory Committee and is a member of the AJCC Research Advisory Committee and the Investment Advisory Committee. In the early 2000s, he chaired the Vision 21 Committee and was a founding member and former president of Dixieland Jersey Sires Inc. These are just a few from the long list of his involvement and contributions to the Jersey industry. 

The positions he has held in the past and present are all proof that he not only cares about the Jersey breed, but the industry as a whole. In addition to positions within the Jersey breed, he is also active within his Virginia community. He is a board member for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and supported education in agriculture when he was the chair of Agricultural Business Technology Advisory Committee of Wytheville Community College. 

James has been recognized on the local, national, and international levels for his involvement. In 1982 he received the American Jersey Cattle Club Young Jersey Breeder Award. The next year he received the Outstanding Young Farmer Award and in 1986 he was given the Virginia Tech William M. Etgen Outstanding Alumnus Award. His next achievement was in 2008 when he received the AJCA Master Breeder award. He continued to be recognized with awards into 2014 with the World Dairy Expo’s Dairyman of the Year award, and into today with this Distinguished Service Award. 

Walter Owens, Frederic, Wis., was awarded with the 2023 Distinguished Service Award by The American Jersey Cattle Association on June 24 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.

The Distinguished Service Award is presented by the Board of Directors to as many living AJCA members and/ or members’ families, who, in their opinion have rendered outstanding and unselfish service for many years and thereby made a notable contribution to the advancement of the Jersey breed in the United States.

Walter’s biggest support has been as an advocate of the NAJ Equity Program and participation in REAP since its inception. Another one of his roles within the dairy industry was in 2011 when he was the co-chair of the National Heifer Sale the last time the AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings were in Wisconsin. Owens Farms Inc. donated a heifer for the all-donation sale that benefited the Jersey Youth Academy program. This year for the 2023 meeting, Walter has stepped up as a co-chair of the event.

In addition to supporting these individual events and programs, Walter has also supported the association as a whole. From 2012-2019, he has served on the AJCA board and jumped from many roles including vice president as one of them. As of 2019, Walter has been sitting on the NAJ board on the Investment Advisory Committee and will be serving as the chair of the Junior Activity Committee for the All American Show and events in Louisville, Ky., for 2023. 

Water has also shown support for the Jersey breed higher than the AJCA level. He has had the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. to speak to congressional representatives where he lobbied, educated, and talked about possible solutions to problems facing dairy farmers. He has also been a member and on boards where he was elected to high positions including being president of the Wisconsin Jersey Breeders Association. From a young age, Walter had an interest in evaluating. He has participated in 4-H and collegiate dairy judging and coached the Polk County Dairy Judging team for 37 years. In this time, he took his team to 10 nationally recognized competitions. 

The care and support coming from Walter does not stop with the AJCA. It continues to the love he has for his family and herd. Walter’s personality is one that lights up any room he is in. He is described as caring, inviting, and always up for a good joke. With this attitude paired with his love for the Jersey breed, it is no surprise why Walter was recognized. He has acted as a mentor to others within the industry and has always given thoughtful advice and compassion to others. 

Walter learned this way of life from his father, a previous Distinguished Service Award winner in 1997. Walter grew up on Sunny Slope Jersey Farm owned by his parents. After earning a Degree in Animal Science from Wisconsin-River Falls in 1979, Walter returned to the farm and changed it to Owens Farm Inc. with hopes of expanding. His success in this plan can be seen through his 2022 numbers. The herd average of 21,283 lbs. of milk, 1,082 lbs. of fat, and 824 lbs. of protein on an m.e. basis on 692 lactations. 

He and Joyce received the 1989 AJCA Young Jersey Breeder Award, the same award all his children have also received. In 2019, Walter and his brothers, Wilfred, and Roger, were awarded the AJCA Master Breeder Award. 

As previously stated, family is a big priority to Walter. His greatest supporter has been Joyce, his wife since 1983. Together they have had three children, Brendon, Jeff, and Michelle, who are all shareholders and work on the family farm. His grandchildren, Marissa, April, Cole, Lane, and Callie, also have a hand in the family business and he could not be prouder. 

The Owens family has also taken the opportunity to be the ones handing out awards. Walter and his wife created the Walter and Joyce Owens Family Scholarship in 2019. This scholarship has already allowed two past recipients to go on and continue their passion for the industry through opportunities they otherwise would not have.

The 2023 Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder followed an unconventional path to his career as a dairy farmer. Growing up in town, Ty Etgen always jumped at the chance to spend time on his friends’ farms. Today, he’s living out his dream as a successful Registered Holstein® breeder and dairy farmer.

Holstein Association USA is thrilled to recognize Ty Etgen as this year’s Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder. Ty is the sole owner and manager of Etgen-Way, a herd of 100 Registered Holstein cows near Harrod, Ohio. He’s sharing life on the farm with his wife, Heather, and sons Cash and Henry.

“The whole list of Distinguished Young Holstein Breeders is impressive, and to be on that list, it means a lot to me,” Ty shares. “Fifteen years ago, I had nothing, and to be recognized with this award, it’s awesome.”

As a youth, Ty found his way to the dairy industry through jobs on dairy farms and involvement in 4-H and FFA. After high school, he dove into working full time on a dairy farm for a year and a half. Ty then furthered his education with a degree in dairy cattle production and management from Ohio State Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI). He notes his participation on the dairy judging team and an internship at Air-Osa Dairy in California as key learning experiences during his college years.

After graduating from college, Ty farmed in a partnership for a couple of years before starting a small herd of his own. In spring 2015, Ty and his family broke ground on a new 110 cow barn and double-seven herringbone parlor. Today, he takes on all the primary responsibilities on the dairy, and continuously works to improve his Registered Holstein herd.

The herd at Etgen-Way is milked twice a day and has a rolling herd average of 23,044 pounds of milk, with a 4.0% fat test and a 3.1% protein test. Breeding high-scoring cows is also important to Ty, and in 2022 the herd had a BAA of 111.4.

Ty and Heather, who met while showing dairy cattle, also enjoy competing in the show ring. Whether doing day to day chores or getting ready for a show, Ty says he’s thankful for the work ethic he’s teaching his two young sons. He’s also quick to give credit to the many mentors and friends he’s had in the dairy industry who have helped him pursue his dreams.

“One thing that got me where I am today is, I’ve always been surrounded by great people that challenged me and pushed me on,” Ty says.

About the Award

The Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder award recognizes significant accomplishments of young Registered Holstein breeders for their commitment to preserving the dairy industry and for achieving excellence in their daily lives. Ty Etgen will be recognized on June 25, 2023 during the National Holstein Convention in Lexington, Kentucky. 

Holstein USA, in collaboration with Western Kentucky University, created the SmartHolstein Lab.

Dairy farmers are driving the drive to enhance on-farm practises and technology. One method is the SmartHolstein Lab, which was established by Holstein USA in collaboration with Western Kentucky University.

“As everyone in the dairy industry progresses, it seems like we’re getting so much more into technology,” said Customer Success Specialist Jenna Williamson. “It should be possible for farmers to make it easier so that there isn’t this constant labour need, and technology and software will basically be at the forefront of the dairy industry.”

At the WKU Agriculture Research and Education Centre, the herd is planned to milk 50 cows with accompanying replacements. The facility has been built as a user-friendly demonstration and development farm to investigate new technologies for collecting novel phenotypic features, such as wearable or indwelling sensors and milk-based biomarkers.
The economic effect of the dairy business in the United States is roughly $794 billion.

According to the latest Economic Impact Report from the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), the US dairy industry has grown significantly over the last two years, adding nearly 60,000 new jobs, increasing average wages by 11%, and increasing its total impact on the US economy by $41 billion.

The 2022 Star of the Breed is Show-Mar Crush Everyone, owned by Wesley Brantner of Saegertown, Pennsylvania.

Holstein Association USA’s Star of the Breed award is an elite accolade designed to recognize a Registered Holstein^® cow with outstanding production and exceptional type. This year’s recipient, Show-Mar Crush Everyone, has eye-catching dairy character, an incredible udder, and impressive milk production. To top it off, her owners say she has the style and personality to match.

Crush Everyone is owned by Wesley Brantner of Saegertown, Pennsylvania. Wesley works on his family’s farm, Show-Mar Holsteins. The 70-cow herd is owned by his parents, Mark and Jelena Brantner. To the Junior Holstein member, the award holds special significance.

“Winning the award means a lot because it shows you are on the right track to better cows,” Wesley explains. “I appreciate that the Star of the Breed award looks at both the way she is classified and the way she’s milking.”

Show-Mar Crush Everyone qualified for the award with her fourth-place finish in the Four-Year-Old cow class at the Northeast Spring National Show in 2022. She has a lifetime production record of 108,990 pounds of milk with 4,165 pounds of fat (3.8%) and 3,421 pounds of protein (3.1%). She’s also classified Excellent 92.

“Crush Everyone has an incredible udder, with a high, wide rear udder, a good tight seam, and it attaches really well,” Wesley shares. “She’s got a lot of style, and is really dairy with a nice pretty head, wide pins, and good feet and legs.”

The 2022 Star of the Breed will be recognized during Holstein Association USA’s 137^th Annual Meeting at the 2023 National Holstein Convention in Lexington, Kentucky this summer. To learn more or register for convention, visit www.2023nationalhoslteinconvention.com.

For the full story on Show-Mar Crush Everyone, see the Spring 2023 issue of The Pulse. Select pages, including the Star of the Breed article, are now available online at www.holsteinusa.com under the Latest News tab.

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Holstein Association USA, Inc., provides programs, products and services to dairy producers to enhance genetics and improve profitability — including animal identification and ear tags, genomic testing, mating programs, dairy records processing, classification, communication, consulting services, and Holstein semen.

The Association, headquartered in Brattleboro, VT., represents approximately 25,000 members throughout the United States. To learn more about Registered Holsteins® and the other exciting programs offered by the Holstein Association, visit www.holsteinusa.com, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Semex and Holstein Canada are pleased to announce their collaborative support of the 2023 Young Breeders School (YBS).

Held since 1999, YBS is an annual educational event designed to help train young people aged 13-25 regarding the Holstein breed. The three-day training includes courses on animal preparation, nutrition, judging, showmanship, marketing, genetic selection and leadership. Participants stay with families from the host region, fostering cultural understanding and life-long friendships. The event culminates with a multi-day competition in which participants put their learnings into practice, with awards given to top individuals for showmanship, conformation and country.  

This year’s event will be held in Battice, Belgium August 30-September 3.

Congratulations to the individuals who will be representing Canada at the 2023 YBS:

• Grace Hughes, Atlantic Canada
• Felix Lemire, Quebec
• Kolton Crack, Quebec
• Emma Finch, Ontario
• Sarah Dean, Ontario
• Ethan Nienhuis, Western Canada

These individuals were selected through their provinces’ requirements based on individual merit, achievements and experience. If you are interested in applying for YBS in 2024, please contact your provincial Holstein branch.

The Holstein UK Group is delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Halliwell as Group Commercial Director.

As an exciting new position within the company, the appointment of Michael provides the Holstein UK Group with the opportunity to further develop commercial strategies and areas of growth. The Holstein UK Group is at the heart of the UK dairy industry, providing a wide array of services to assist members and customers in breeding profitable, robust and productive dairy cattle. 

The Group includes the Holstein UK breed society which is Europe’s largest independent breed society and has been established for over 110 years, registering over 200,000 animals per year with a membership of over 4,500.  There is also The Cattle Information Service (The CIS), which is a leading provider of milk recording and health testing to farmers throughout GB.  Finally, the National Bovine Data Centre (NBDC) collects, analyses and disseminates data for a wide variety of pedigree dairy and beef breeds, including Type Classification and Genomic information.

Michael has a strong commercial and sales background with a broad network within the industry. He has experience in the genetics field, working with both elite pedigree and highly focused commercial operations which have given him knowledge of various production systems and business models required by the different dairy farming businesses.   Michael spent six years as Business Development Manager for Worldwide Sires and recently has been in the role of Commercial Director for CattleEye Ltd, a tech start-up business. Michael, who joins on 3^rd April 2023, will report to CEO Melanie Harmitt and work closely with key heads of departments including Janette Mathie and Dena Snidall, CIS; Meurig James, NBDC and Hannah Williams, Head of Events and Marketing.

Michael Halliwell, Group Commercial Director, says, “I look forward to joining the Holstein UK Group and this is a fantastic career opportunity to utilise my skills and network to shape and implement the commercial strategic objectives. I look forward to further developing the portfolio of products and services across the Holstein UK Group, creating commercial offerings for both the membership and external stakeholders.”

Melanie Harmitt, CEO of Holstein UK Group, adds, “Michael was a highly impressive candidate for the position of Group Commercial Director. His experience and knowledge of the industry, partnered with his commercial background, made him a great fit for the  Holstein UK Group and we’re delighted to welcome him to our team.”

The Holstein UK Group is delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Halliwell as Group Commercial Director.

As an exciting new position within the company, the appointment of Michael provides the Holstein UK Group with the opportunity to further develop commercial strategies and areas of growth. The Holstein UK Group is at the heart of the UK dairy industry, providing a wide array of services to assist members and customers in breeding profitable, robust and productive dairy cattle. 

The Group includes the Holstein UK breed society which is Europe’s largest independent breed society and has been established for over 110 years, registering over 200,000 animals per year with a membership over 4,500.  There is also The Cattle Information Service (The CIS), which is a leading provider of milk recording and health testing to farmers throughout GB.  Finally, the National Bovine Data Centre (NBDC) collects, analyses and disseminates data for a wide variety of pedigree dairy and beef breeds, including Type Classification and Genomic information.

Michael has a strong commercial and sales background with a broad network within the industry. He has experience in the genetics field, working with both elite pedigree and highly focused commercial operations which have given him knowledge of various production systems and business models required by the different dairy farming businesses.   Michael spent six years as Business Development Manager for Worldwide Sires and recently has been in the role of Commercial Director for CattleEye Ltd, a tech start-up business. Michael, who joins on 3^rd April 2023, will report to CEO Melanie Harmitt and work closely with key heads of departments including Janette Mathie and Dena Snidall, CIS; Meurig James, NBDC and Hannah Williams, Head of Events and Marketing.

Michael Halliwell, Group Commercial Director, says, “I look forward to joining the Holstein UK Group and this is a fantastic career opportunity to utilise my skills and network to shape and implement the commercial strategic objectives. I look forward to further developing the portfolio of products and services across the Holstein UK Group, creating commercial offerings for both the membership and external stakeholders.”

Melanie Harmitt, CEO of Holstein UK Group, adds, “Michael was a highly impressive candidate for the position of Group Commercial Director. His experience and knowledge of the industry, partnered with his commercial background, made him a great fit for the  Holstein UK Group and we’re delighted to welcome him to our team.”

Holstein Canada’s annual Cow of the Year competition, which has been running since 1995, aims to recognise elite Canadian cows that have had an impact both domestically and internationally while also being enjoyed by Canadian producers. The four finalists for the 2022 Cow of the Year award are as follows:

Goldwyn Belfast EX-95-3E 17* 7-06 2x 365d Lasenza 42,657 4.0 1689 3.3 1407 (lbs)\s19,349 4.0. 766 3.3. 638 (kgs) (kgs)
All-American and All-Canadian 2014 Junior 2-Year-Old
Belfast Holstein, St. Patrice de Beaurivage, Quebec
“Lasenza has been a special cow to us since her birth,” says Robert Chabot. She is the offspring of a magical cross and comes from a long line of show-stopping performers. She is still active as she approaches the age of 12, and she has distinguished herself through her high productions, exceptional show results, and prolific offspring. Her daughters and granddaughters have won major competitions in six countries. All of her daughters in Canada are 100% GP or better, with 8 EX, 17 VG, and 7 GP.”

Doorman Comestar Lamadona EX-94-2E 21* 5-09 2x 365d 56,799 4.9 2754 3.7 2090 (lbs)\s25,764 4.9 1249 3.7 948 (kgs) (kgs)
HM 2016 All-Canadian Junior 3-Year-Old
Comestar Holstein, Victoriaville, QC, is the owner.
Comtois, Marc: “Internationally known for her numerous show exploits and milk production records, Lamadona continues to influence the breed through your herds with its many sons: LEMAGIC (Semex), LOYALL (Blondin Sires), LATAYO (Semex), and BARLOT” (Semex). She also stands out for her daughters (100%GP+; 3 EX, 24 VG, and 20 more daughters to come), who are following in their mother’s footsteps and expanding the impact of this exceptional family.”

Goldwyn Garondale EX-94-4E 21* 6-00 Conny 2x 365d 40,346 4.3 1715 3.2 1303 (lbs)\s18,301 4.3 778 3.2 591 (kgs) (kgs)
Reserve 2017 All-Quebec Lifetime Production Cow
Ferme Garondale, Saint Denis de la Bouteilliere, Quebec
“Conny deserves your vote because she already has 10 Excellent daughters, including 3 93 points, and is herself EX-94-4E,” says Alain Garon (MS:96). She has an incredible ability to transmit her genetics, as evidenced by the 21 stars she has earned so far. She produced over 101,400 kg in 6 lactations with 4.3%F and 3.4%P. She also had a successful show career, having won Grand Champion at Saint-Pascal in 2017, All-Canadian Nominee, and Tout-Québec Reserve in 2017. Despite her age of 14, Conny is in good health and has incredible mobility for her age!”

Duplex Dion EX-95-5E 3* 8-01 2x 365d Willswikk 36,843 4.6 1695 3.7 1349 (lbs)\s16,712 4.6 769 3.7. 612 (kgs) (kgs)
Vancouver Island’s first junior three-year-old 2014
Wikkshaven Holsteins, Cobble Hill, BC, is the owner.
“Willswikk Duplex Dion should be voted Cow of the Year because she exemplifies longevity, has scored EX 95 5E, has 3 stars, and 7 Excellent daughters,” says Cindy Wikkerink. She completes 6 generations of Excellent homebreds, with a total of 65 stars in those 6 generations. So far in her seven lactations, she has produced 104,300 kg of milk, 4,753 kg of fat, and 3,874 kg of protein. She was named BC’s Cow of the Year in 2020 and is a shining example of what we strive for as breeders of great Canadian cows every day!”

Members of Holstein Canada have until March 13 to vote via your online account or the InfoHolstein magazine voting ballot. The Cow of the Year will be announced at Holstein Canada’s Annual Meeting in Montreal on Saturday, April 15th.

The Gold Cup is the UK’s top dairy award. It went to the Logan family, a fifth-generation partnership that runs the 280-head Holehouse herd in Ayrshire, Scotland.

The mostly red and white cows gave an average of 10,500 kg of milk with 4.10 percent butterfat and 3.40 percent protein when they were milked twice a day from September 20,2021 to September 20,2022. Muller buys milk from the herd that has calves all year.

Di Wastenage, chair of the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) and one of the judges, said that Logan’s farming system “had it all”: “They tick all the boxes for sustainability, the environment, getting the most out of the land, and making sure the cows are healthy and happy. They are on the cutting edge of many new technologies that help them move their 280 pedigree Holstein cow herd forward.
Dairy-Tech 2023 awards

At Dairy-Tech 2023, 4 awards were given out in addition to the National Milk Records RABDF Gold Cup: The Torrance family from Stapleford Abbotts, near Romford, Essex, won the Chris May Memorial Cup for having the Gold Cup-qualifying herd with the highest lifetime daily yield. Their Curtismill pedigree Holstein herd, which was made up of 670 cows and 430 followers, gave an average of 22.30 kg of milk per cow per day over the course of its lifetime. In 2020, the Gold Cup went to John Torrance’s dairy business, which he ran with his father Robert, mother Janet, and wife Lucy.

The NMR Silver Salver was given to Messrs Harvey, Drum Farm, Beeswing, Dumfries, for having the Holstein herd that produced the most fat and protein overall. The farm family takes care of 300 Holstein cows that have been raised from birth. Their Killywhan herd gave them 1.017 kg of fat and protein per cow and 14,267 kg of milk when they milked them three times a day.

The Lillyhill Cup was won by Robert, Lorraine, and Mark Hunterm from West Tarbrax Farm in Lanarkshire in 2022. It is given to the Gold Cup-qualifying Jersey herd with the most fat and protein overall. The 160 milking cows from Hunter’s Clydevalley Jerseys weighed a total of 878.42 kg/cow. Cows give milk that is 6.97% fat and 3.93% protein and weighs 8,063 kg.

And Richard Bell from Wigton, Cumbria, won the Chairman’s Cup for the herd that had the most fat and protein. This was for breeds other than Holstein and Jersey. His Nerewater pedigree Friesian herd of 70 milking cows had a fat and protein total of 738 kg, which was a winning number. The herd of cows that have calves all year long and are fed grass makes an average of 8,800 kg of milk with 4.4% butterfat and 3.52% protein.
Milk guarantee programme

At the event, which was held at Stoneleigh Park, a new milk assurance scheme was introduced. The Assured Integrated Milk Supplier (AIMS) scheme will make sure that people who buy milk from sources other than farms can find out where it came from.

The AIMS Assured Standards fill a gap in current assurance and industry schemes by covering milk that is sold between dairy companies as part of business deals. The scheme was made by the industry and is supported by Dairy UK. It has a Code of Practice that businesses must follow and are audited on. This makes sure that members can find out where their milk came from and makes sure that suppliers have done their jobs.

Tim Hampton, who is the chair of AIMS, said, “Trading milk between dairies has many benefits, both financially and in terms of operations and the environment. This is important for a modern, efficient dairy industry.” But it has been known for a long time that it does leave a hole in supply chain assurance. This programme is meant to fill that gap by creating a network of trusted suppliers who can grade with confidence and help us meet the needs of our customers and, in the end, consumers.

It will be like the Red Tractor and the Dairy Transport Assurance Scheme, which are already in place. It lets any dairy business in Great Britain buy and sell milk with other businesses.

Matthew Knight, who is in charge of running the RABDF, said that business was good at the show. But producers were aware of milk price cuts, even though input costs were still high, there were still problems with labour, and there was more pressure to cut emissions.

“The new lameness village had a lot of visitors because there were demonstrations of foot trimming going on all day. We’ll definitely try to build on it next year, when this important issue gets more attention.”

Lucas and Alise Sjostrom of Brooten, Minn. have been selected as the Holstein Foundation’s 2023 Young Dairy Leaders Institute Distinguished Alumni Leader award recipients. The Holstein Foundation annually recognizes a Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI) graduate or couple who have made noteworthy contributions to the dairy industry, applying skills gained during their YDLI experience.

Lucas and Alise are Class 7 YDLI graduates who voice that “When thinking about transforming ourselves as people, YDLI stands out as a very life-changing event.” 

Both Lucas and Alise agree YDLI gave them a different perspective of the dairy industry and taught them how to be effective advocates. Aside from the wealth of knowledge the couple took away from YDLI, they formed a multitude of lasting friendships and invaluable network connections. 

“As we continued our careers, we realized taste and fun could be mixed in with sustainability,” they shared. Lucas and Alise strive to uphold this mission at their family’s artisan cheese and whey spirits business, Redhead Creamery. They source the milk for their farmstead creamery from Jer-Lindy Farms, both owned in partnership with Alise’s parents, Jerry and Linda Jennissen.

Currently, Alise is the Owner and Head Cheesemaker at Redhead Creamery LLC, where she has produced over 50,000 pounds of artisan cheese per year using milk from Jer-Lindy Farms. At Redhead Creamery, she has a hand in everything from customer service to product development and marketing. 

Lucas serves as Executive Director of the Minnesota Milk Producers Association at Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative. There he develops relationships with legislators, farmers, media, academia, and industry to simultaneously achieve the needs of two farmer-led organizations. He also heads Redhead Creamery’s new whey distillery project.

Lucas and Alise have three children, Lucy, Henry, and Conan. Aside from their careers in the dairy industry they are active in many committees and foundations such as The League of Minnesota Cheesemakers, The U.S. Dairy Sustainability committee, The Upper Midwest Dairy Industry Association, and The Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program.

Lucas and Alise will be honored during the upcoming YDLI Class 12 Phase III program being held February 14 – 17 in Fort Worth, Texas.

The Young Dairy Leaders Institute, a program of the Holstein Foundation, is a nationally recognized three-phase leadership and communication skills development program for young adults (ages 22-45) working in the dairy industry. For more information about YDLI or Holstein Foundation programs, visit www.holsteinfoundation.org or contact Jodi Hoynoski at 800.952.5200 ext. 4261 or by email.

Every dairy has a story, and for six years, Holstein America has shared modern-day farm life with audiences around the world. The documentary series, produced by Holstein Association USA, pays tribute to U.S. Registered Holsteins^®, the world’s perfect cow, and the people who raise them.

Tune in to the next episode of Holstein America at 7 p.m. CST/8 p.m. EST, Monday, February 13, on RFD-TV.

“As the nation’s leading television program devoted to the dairy community, we are honored to tell these important stories,” says John Meyer, CEO of Holstein Association USA. “This next episode of Holstein America is a wonderful example of the diverse reaches of the Registered Holstein cow.”

At the heart of the program are Holstein breeders, who ensure an abundance of dairy products are produced efficiently, sustainably and at the highest quality in the world. Holstein America visits a dairy in southwest Missouri, where two brothers are continuing a family tradition generations in the making. The show also spotlights an industry trailblazer from Pennsylvania, who helped pioneer early genetic innovations for dairy producers.

The upcoming Holstein America will also showcase work at colleges and universities to grow an even brighter dairy future. From the Midwest to the East Coast, student-run dairy farms are inspiring students to dream big in the dairy industry. At Western Kentucky University, see how the one-of-a-kind WKU SmartHolstein Lab sparks curiosity and future technology for dairy producers around the world.

Opportunities for careers in the dairy industry expand far beyond the barn. Hear the story of how a longtime cheesemaker in New England works to engage the next generation about where their food comes from.

The hour-long program, sponsored by Merck Animal Health, also explores programs and services offered by Holstein Association USA, including a look at genetic offerings through Holstein Marketplace Sires, and research into how dairy conformation plays a role in overall productivity and performance.

Join us for Holstein America at 7 p.m. CST, Monday, February 13, on RFD-TV.

RFD-TV is a leading independent cable channel available on DISH Network, DIRECTV^®, AT&T U-Verse, Charter Spectrum, Cox, Comcast, Mediacom, Suddenlink and many other rural cable systems. Reference local listings for more information.

After the show, visit www.holsteinusa.com to find a complete collection of the Holstein America series. Also stay tuned to Holstein Association USA on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

Holstein Association USA recently released the lists of top Holstein Breed Age Average (BAA%) herds for 2022 classifications. Members utilizing the Classic or Standard options of the Holstein classification program receive an overall BAA for their herd. The BAA value provides a way to compare an animal’s score to breed average, taking into account the age of the animal and their stage of lactation. The calculation puts cows of all ages on the same playing field.

”Providing recognition to breeders of outstanding Registered Holstein cattle across the country is one of the more enjoyable activities we perform at Holstein Association,” said Lindsey Worden, Executive Director, Holstein Genetic Services. “Earning recognition as a high BAA herd on any of the various lists is a notable achievement. It shows a commitment to breeding quality Holstein cattle, paired with outstanding animal husbandry and management that allows those cattle to express their genetic potential.”

In 2022, 970 herds had a BAA value eligible for inclusion in these lists. The average number of cows included in the BAA calculation for the entire group was 68, and the average BAA% was 107.7. Herds must have a minimum of 10 cows to be included for calculation on the list.

Topping the 2022 highest overall BAA list are Delbert W. and Heather D. Yoder from West Salem, Ohio, with a BAA of 116.3. Also earning honors in the top five spots on the list are Matthew T. Mitchell, Tennessee; Juniper Farm, Inc., Maine; Conant Acres, Maine; and G. Alpheaus Stoltzfus, Pennsylvania.

Lists are broken down in several different ways to recognize members across the country with herds of all sizes. Lists of the Overall Top 200 BAA Herds, Top 25 BAA Herds by Region, Top 25 BAA Herds by Herd Size, and Top 15 BAA Herds for Colleges & Universities can be viewed at www.holsteinusa.com. Find the page under the Popular List section on the homepage or directly at www.holsteinusa.com/programs_services/baa_lists_2022.html. Congratulations to all herds on these lists!

The National Judi Collinsworth Outstanding Junior Exhibitor Memorial Scholarship award recognizes National Junior Holstein Exhibitors who have shown committed involvement and interest in the Holstein industry. Holstein Association USA is pleased to announce the 2022 scholarship winners and support two outstanding Junior Holstein Members as they pursue higher education. Kylie

Receiving the top $1,000 scholarship is Kylie Konyn from California. Kylie is currently attending the University of Wisconsin – Madison, where she is involved in the Badger Dairy Club, Collegiate Farm Bureau, Association of Women in Agriculture, and is an undergraduate research assistant. In the future, she plans to pursue a doctorate in dairy cattle genetics or nutrition.

Kylie has been working with Registered Holsteins® for 12 years and found success at both the International Junior Holstein Show and Grand National Junior Holstein Show this year. In addition to her showring success over the years, Kylie has been a Young Distinguished Junior Member (YDJM) finalist, competed in the Dairy Bowl, Dairy Jeopardy, and Speech competitions, and served three terms as California Junior Holstein president.

“From various Junior Holstein competitions, leadership positions, on farm internship and learning opportunities, show string teams, and in my daily life at school, I have learned the value and impact that network and teamwork can have on a person’s Junior Holstein career,” Kylie wrote in her scholarship application. “As I look forward to further involvement in the Holstein breed, I aspire to use the skills and relationships I have developed to further impact the lives and industry around me.”

Receiving the $500 scholarship is Delana Erbsen from Illinois. Delana is majoring in Dairy Science at Iowa State University where she is active in the Iowa State Dairy ScienceDelana Club. She also remains involved in her family’s farm, Erbacres Holsteins, where she is responsible for helping care for youngstock, milking cows, and cow comfort. After completing her undergraduate degree, Delana hopes to attend veterinary school or pursue a doctorate in animal breeding and genetics.

Delana’s National Junior Holstein Association experiences include participating in Dairy Bowl and Dairy Jeopardy and being selected as a YDJM finalist. She also enjoys working with her family at local, state, and national Holstein shows, and plans to continue breeding, raising, and showing Registered Holsteins with her family.

About the Award

Judi Collinsworth worked at Holstein Association USA in Brattleboro, Vermont as the Executive Director of Member and Industry Relations. She spent a great deal of time working to improve and expand the programs available to Holstein youth and was responsible for telemarketing, member-related programs, State Association communications, member services and Association external affairs.

Scholarship recipients must be a National Junior Holstein member and enrolled in a 2- or 4-year college or university. Youth must also have exhibited their animal at a National Junior Holstein Show during the current show season. Applicants are judged on their leadership profile, Holstein involvement and interest, and participation in other activities. More information can be found at www.holsteinusa.com/pdf/forms_apps/collinsworth_award.pdf.

The American Milking Shorthorn Society (AMSS) is happy to announce that it will work with the Holstein Association USA (HAUSA) to evaluate Milking Shorthorn cattle all over the United States. The new Multi-Breed Classification (Holstein, Guernsey, and Milking Shorthorn) programme will be run by appraisers who have been trained by HAUSA. They will work with HAUSA staff and AMSS staff to make sure that as many Milking Shorthorn breeders as possible can classify cows on a regular basis.

Under the direction of the AMSS type and classification committee, training sessions for HAUSA classifiers will be set up this spring. In May of 2023, HAUSA classifiers will start giving scores to Milking Shorthorn herds. On the AMSS website in January, there will be a full calendar with sign-up dates and tour dates.

“We’re glad to be able to help the American Milking Shorthorn Society classify Milking Shorthorn cows. “This joint effort will help members of both the American Milking Shorthorn Society and the Holstein Association USA,” said John M. Meyer, CEO of HAUSA. AMSS President Marcia Clark said, “The AMSS Board of Directors are looking forward to working with HAUSA on a classification programme that they think will make it easier to score more Milking Shorthorns consistently.”

In January, the milkingshorthorn.com website will have a full multi-breed classification schedule and a linear traits brochure. Contact the AMSS or HAUSA to find out more.

The BC Holstein Association has just made the announcement that Vanvalley Epic Siiri EX-90-2E-CAN 5* has been selected as the winner of the 2022 British Columbia Cow of the Year award. Siiri was the pinnacle of utility, and it all started with her breeding in Duncan, British Columbia, with Ben Van Boven and his family. She had a lifetime production of 173,875 litres of milk (383,325 lbs), with a top record of 17,105 kg 616 kg 3.6% f 482 kg 2.9%p in 365d days at 13-01 (37,710 M 1358 F 1063 P) and a BCA of 316-309-277. In addition, she had a top record of 17,105 kg 616 kg 3.6% f 482 kg 2.9%p in 365d days at 13-01

Her first baby was a boy, but after that, she gave birth to a total of 12 healthy female calves. Her nine daughters have all been categorised as Good Plus or better, with three receiving a score of VG-88 and two more receiving a score of VG-85. She still has two more heifers that need to give birth, and as her offspring continue to add lactations and categories, she should be eligible for additional brood cow stars.
At the moment, one third of the VanValley herd is made up of Siiri’s offspring. Congratulations to Ben and Margie VanBoven, as well as Matt and Darbi VanBoven, on winning the BC Cow of the Year competition for 2022!

The following cows were all finalists for the 2022 BC Cow of the Year award:
Lavender Shottle Rosey EX-91-5E-CAN 7* – Lavender Farms Ltd.
Marilyn Sunnyhome Shottle is the EX-91-5E-CAN 12* representative of Sunnyhome Farms.
Vanvalley Epic Siiri EX-90-2E-CAN 5* – Vanvalley Farm Ltd.
Willwikk Baxter Dottie EX-91-6E-CAN 3* – J. William Wikkerind Farms Ltd.

Holstein Marketplace Sires in excited to announce the release of IR PRIMETIME 712SM02001. PRIMETIME is a homozygous black, homozygous polled SimAngus™ bull, and the first HOLSim™ bull to be added to the Marketplace Sires line up.

HOLSim bulls like PRIMETIME are elite SimAngus sires with traits that will complement Holstein females for a more profitable terminal calf. SimAngus bulls combine the strengths of two breeds (Simmental and Angus), giving them an economic advantage and making them the sought-after breed for beef on Holstein breeding programs.

PRIMETIME is a superior bull that ranks among the highest HOLSim bulls available. He ranks in the top 5% of the SimAngus breed for several economically relevant traits, such as Calving Ease, Birth Weight, Marbling and Ribeye Area. He?s also ranked in the top 1% for Terminal Index. His Angus sire, G A R HOME TOWN, is recognized for his combination of breed leading carcass traits and pleasing phenotype. His Simmental dam, KBHR IR/JLN ASTORIA G119, is a great young donor with an elite genetic profile.

“PRIMETIME represents unparalleled opportunity to add efficiency, muscle, and marbling to every HOLSim calf he sires. Whether selling day-old beef on Holstein calves or feeding them through harvest, Primetime’s genetics are designed to enhance marketability and profitability,” says bull owner John Irvine of Irvine Ranch.

Located in Manhattan, Kansas, Irvine Ranch’s core business is providing beef genetics and customer service to a progressive and growing number of beef production enterprises. The herd’s genetic base has developed over several decades of disciplined and systematic selection for traits of economic value to their customers.

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

Contact Holstein Marketplace Sires Manager Timothy Ziemba by email at tziemba@holstein.com or call 315.730.3312 for questions, further information, or bulls to consider for the program.

The Canadian Milking Shorthorn Society is pleased to announce that Oceanbrae Farms of Belmont, Prince Edward Island has qualified for a second Master Breeder Award in 2022, based on points accumulated by animals bred by the Barrett Family between 2007 and 2019.  Oceanbrae Farms attained their first Master Breeder Award in 2008.

Oceanbrae Farms is a multi-generational farm on the shores of Malpeque Bay in Prince County, Prince Edward Island.  The Barrett Family has been actively breeding Milking Shorthorns since 1950, and the farm will be celebrating its 100th anniversary next year.  Fred Barrett and his wife Margaret shared their first Master Breeder award with Fred’s parents Keith and Sylvia, the culmination of many years farming in partnership with his father.  This year, Fred and Margaret celebrate their second Master Breeder recognition with their son Matthew and daughter-in-law Chandler, the fourth generation of Oceanbrae Farms.  In addition, Fred and Margaret’s son Ryan is involved in the farm in a part-time capacity, assisting with field agronomy and marketing of genetics.

For many years, the Oceanbrae prefix has been well known across Canada and internationally for expertise in Milking Shorthorn breeding.  The Barrett’s have sold Milking Shorthorns to producers in every Canadian province as well as to several US states over the years.  In addition, Oceanbrae embryos have been exported to the United States, United Kingdom and New Zealand, while five Oceanbrae-bred bulls have entered AI in the past fifteen years, including the current #3 LPI sire, Oceanbrae Royal Bentley.

“Our goal is to breed highly productive cows with well-attached udders and sound feet and legs that will breed back quickly and survive in the herd for more than five lactations,” says Fred.  “In the last ten years of so, we’ve put a lot of focus on improving fat and protein production in our herd.  In that time, the average fat percentage in our herd has risen by more than a full percent, which we feel has increased the profitability of our farm.”

Oceanbrae Farms has been ranked as the #1 Lifetime Profit Index (LPI) Milking Shorthorn herd in Canada for several years and has also been the top ranked Milking Shorthorn herd in Canada for average BCA for many years, receiving the Society’s Clydagh Trophy.  During the twelve-year window evaluated for this award, the Barretts bred 30 Excellent cows, 24 cows scored between Very Good 87 and 89, 96 Superior Production Awards, 32 Lifetime Production Awards, 20 BCA Class Leader Awards, and three proven sires in the current Top 20 LPI sire list.

The Barrett’s currently milk approximately 75 cows in a modern free-stall barn built in 2019, including sand bedding and computerized grain feeders.  Milk cows are rotationally grazed from late May to early October and supplemented with a partial mixed ration.  The rest of the year, cows are fed twice a day with a total mixed ration consisting of high-quality alfalfa silage and hay, corn silage, grain corn and/or barley, soybean meal, and a Belisle mineral supplement.  Bred heifers are also extensively pastured.  The farm also maintains a small cow-calf herd of purebred Simmental beef cattle and does a small amount of cash cropping of corn and barley.

The Barrett’s maintain a passion for the Milking Shorthorn breed and are continuing to plan for the future by building on the success of the past.  Congratulations to the Barrett family on their second Master Breeder award!

Photos and Press release provided by the Canadian Milking Shorthorn Society

Jersey Canada is happy to announce that the August registrations at Jersey Canada totaled 1,281…the highest single month since the early 1960s!

2022 looks to be another record-breaking year for registry activity, with total registrations up 3.5% from this time last year.

Thank you to our Registrar Rachel for your registration reminders and hard-work in the office, our extension reps for helping new and existing members in the field, and most of all you, Canadian Jersey owners, for seeing the value registered Jerseys bring to your operation!

ConneXXion, Holstein Canada’s new podcast is finally here! Wondering what to expect?

Connexxion is here to break the misconceptions of the Canadian Dairy Industry, while offering our insights, exploring outside perspectives, and learning from diverse members of the dairy community.

Provided by Holstein Canada

Three new bulls have recently been launched through the Holstein Marketplace Sires program, managed by Holstein Services, Inc.

“These bulls exemplify the ideals of our program, creating a breeder-to-breeder market for genetics,” says Timothy Ziemba, Holstein Marketplace Sires Manager. “The goal of our program is to help Registered Holstein breeders market their genetics to fellow breeders and create a group of deep pedigreed bulls that fill everyone’s needs. Our new bulls offer the highest levels of genetics from contract-free high GTPI and NM$ bulls to the highest available Red PTAT bull from a world-renowned family.”

Holstein Marketplace Sires provides a unique avenue for Holstein breeders to market their genetics. The bull owners retain ownership of the bulls, and the Holstein Marketplace Sires coordinates the marketing and sales. Launched in January of 2019, this program provides a new choice of bulls offered by breeders for breeders.

New Releases:

712HO01017 BLUMENFELD NAVIGATOR-ET

NAVIGATOR is bred and owned by Blumenfeld Holsteins LLC in Hawley MN. Navigator ranks amongst the most elite available bulls in the breed at +2973 GTPI®, +1209 DWP$®, +1070 NM$ and +1092 CM$. Navigator is a health trait superstar with a Productive Live at +6.8, DPR at +1.0 and SCS at 2.61. Conventional and sexed semen are currently available.

“Navigator exemplifies what we breed for every day – huge components, extreme Productive Life, positive fertility, and great udders, besides one of the most important traits for today’s industry – moderate frames,” said Brian Waldner of Blumenfeld Holsteins.

Sired by Peak Rayshen-ET, Navigator is from a GP-82 Rome daughter and then backed by 12 generations of VG or EX dams straight from the Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy family. Navigator’s pedigree includes seven cows in his maternal line with records exceeding 35,000 pounds of milk and 12 dams with over 1,000 pounds of fat. Navigator has a balanced proof with high components at 102 pounds of Fat and +0.27% Fat, Calving Ease at 2.1% and an Udder Composite at +1.16. To top it off, Navigator is also Beta Casein A2/A2!

712HO01015 SUGAR-C CAPTIVATING FABIO

FABIO is bred and owned by Sugar Creek Dairy in Elkhorn, WI. He is sired by Larcrest Captivating-ET out of a GP-81 (at 2-02) Challenger. The next dam is a VG-88 Granite with records over 30,000 pounds of milk and 4.7%F. Fabio’s third dam is a Denver daughter scored EX-91 2E with records over 40,000 pounds of milk and over 1,200 pounds of fat and protein. The fourth dam is an Excellent Mccutchen with over 212,000 pounds lifetime milk. All four of these cows are currently in the herd at Sugar Creek Dairy, with his dam just fresh this summer on her second lactation.

Fabio is a well-rounded bull with extreme production traits at +1388 Milk, +93 Fat (+0.13%) and +58 Protein. His GTPI sits at an notable +2874, NM$ of +832, DWP$ of 924 and he is also Beta CaseinA2/A2. Fabio boasts a PTAT of +1.59 and UDC at +1.35. His linear profile indicates he will sire daughters who are strong, deep and open cows, with slight slope to the rump and some set to the legs.

“The productive life of Fabio’s family is tremendous. It really doesn’t miss, and they’re high performing. They’re consistent and easy on the eyes. His pedigree is unique, and it fits my breeding strategy,” says Fabio’s breeder, Rick Adams. Fabio is a great representation of what the Adams breed for at Sugar Creek Dairy.

712HO01018 GOLDEN-OAKS TANGO-RED-ET

TANGO-RED is bred and owned by Golden Oaks Farm in Wauconda, IL. Tango-Red holds the title as the number 1 red and white Holstein bull in the U.S. for genomic PTA Type at a stunning +4.25 with an impressive Udder Composite at +3.08. Tango boasts linear traits of +5.15 for Rear Udder Height, +4.41 for Rear Udder Width and +4.12 for Fore Udder Attachment.

Tango-Red’s genomic numbers are not surprising when looking at his pedigree. He is an Altitude from a VG-86 Jordy daughter of the renowned Miss Pottsdale DFI Tang EX-94. Tang was Reserve All-American Red & White Senior 2-Year-Old in 2016 and All-American Red & White Senior 3-Year-Old in 2017. Behind Tang are four cows scored EX-92 3E, EX-91 2E, EX-93 3E and VG-87 followed by the household names of Ernest-Anthony SD Tobi-ET EX-96 3E DOM and C Alanvale Inspiration Tina EX-95 2E GMD DOM. We are thrilled to give Red and White Holstein enthusiasts an opportunity to add a bull like Tango-Red to their breeding programs!

“Tango is true to our breeding program with his breed-leading type numbers, combined with his style and physical makeup,” says Lucas Moser of Golden Oaks Farm. “We feel Tango can add a lot to the type side of a herd and has great potential to make future show heifers and cows.”

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

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

Contact Holstein Marketplace Sires Manager Timothy Ziemba by email at tziemba@holstein.com or call 315-730-3312 for questions, further information, or bulls to consider for the program.