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Snowboots Wis Milky Way: From Gunny Sack Calf to Everyone’s Favorite Brood Cow

Saturday, January 17th, 2026

A Gunny Sack, a Christmas Calf, and the Brood Cow Behind Bootmaker’s 100 Gold Medal Dams

<a href="https://rss.com/podcasts/the-bullvine/2465844/">E466 Snowboots Wis Milky Way: From Gunny Sack Calf | RSS.com</a>

“Everyone’s favorite brood cow.” Snowboots Wis Milky Way EX-97-3E-GMD—the $75 Christmas calf who rose from 21st in a class of 22 to twice Grand Champion at Waterloo, and whose son Bootmaker became the first bull to sire 100 Gold Medal Dams.

Act I – The Old Friend in the Dry Cow Class

The barn at Waterloo had that sound to it—the low hum that means the good cows are already clipped and bedded, and everyone’s just waiting to see if the judge agrees with what they saw in the tie‑ups. Colored shavings, steel rafters, the smell of iodine and lineament hanging over the ring. Out they came, the Dry Aged Cows, and near the end of the string was one that, by all rights, should’ve been home on a straw pack by then.

Nearly twelve years old. Dry. Heavy in calf with her eleventh. That was Snowboots Wis Milky Way. When Allen Hetts walked the line that day at the National Dairy Cattle Congress and pulled her to the top of the class, the Holstein World called her “an old friend” who “almost seems to get better as she goes along,” and said her “great quality, strength and substance stand out in every line.” Think about that for a second. In a dry cow class. At almost twelve. She wasn’t just hanging on—she was still the one they wanted to see.

Now, the thing about that era. late ’50s into the ’60s, is that “Excellent” really meant something. You didn’t have TMR audits on your phone or a genomic index to hide behind. You had a classifier with a clipboard, a state Black & White show, and maybe, if things went very right, a trip to Waterloo, the Nebraska State Fair, Mid‑America at Topeka, or the International in Chicago. EX‑95 was rare air. EX‑97? That bordered on myth. And shows like the National Dairy Cattle Congress were where the breed went to sort out who deserved to be talked about all winter.

Snowboots belonged to that world. But she didn’t start out there. She started on a wheat farm.

Out near Abilene, Kansas, a man who was “not a dairyman, but a wheat farmer” kept a small registered Holstein herd on the side. His son’s 4‑H project was a Meierkord Netherland Triune daughter—EX‑92, by the most popular bull in the KABSU stud at the time. She had a good udder, nice teat placement. Just one big headache: her teats were so short that when she calved with her first heifer on Christmas Day, she had to be milked by hand, every milking.

That Christmas calf—the one they almost kept for another 4‑H project—would change everything.

Here’s what made her different. Jack Sexton of Ja‑Sal Farm, one of Ed Reed’s closest friends and cow‑trip partners, heard that the cow and calf might be for sale. Jack went over to look. The young cow was tagged at $250, and he liked her. But what really caught him was the little two‑month‑old heifer at her side: long‑necked, full of Triune breeding, the kind of calf you notice without quite knowing why.

The calf “was not for sale”—likely because the boy had her earmarked as his next 4‑H project. So Jack did what a practical cattleman does. He pointed right at the problem.

He told them, essentially, “You probably ought to sell her. She’ll probably grow up to have short teats like her dam.” That hit home. A deal got struck: $325 for the pair—$250 for the cow, $75 for the calf. The boy had one condition: name the calf “Snowboots.”

So she was Snowboots from that day on. Jack stuffed her into a gunny sack, set her in the back seat of his car, and hauled her home to Ja‑Sal Farm. No fanfare. Just a little heifer in a sack on a Kansas back road.

Looking back, the signs were there. At the time, she was just a Christmas calf with a pedigree that said “Triune” and a future that could’ve gone quietly nowhere.

At Ja‑Sal, Snowboots did what good cows do: she calved, she bred back, she raised useful offspring. Her first calf, Ja‑Sal Whirlwind Princess, became an EX‑93 cow with records over 1,000 pounds of fat and ended up in the Paclamar herd. A Wis Trademark son turned into the main herd sire at Ja‑Sal for several years, pulling the herd average from 79 points to 84, according to Jack. Another son by Gray View Skyliner went on to Paclamar and Gray View Farm in Wisconsin.

Paclamar Ivanhoe Slippers EX‑90—Snowboots Wis Milky Way’s granddaughter by Ja‑Sal Whirlwind Princess—grazing Colorado alfalfa before selling for $20,000 in 1967 and heading to Italy, where she became dam of Talent King of Salone EX‑95, three‑time Grand Champion at the National Show in Cremona and grandsire of Talent King Linea EX‑95, Cremona Champion in 1980.

She wasn’t a natural show star. “The first time Jack ever showed ‘Snowboots’ it was at the local district show, and she placed 21st in a class of 22!” Reed remembered. Years later, when she was Grand Champion at Waterloo in 1962 and 1963, “you’ve come a long way, baby” seemed about right.

For seven and a half years, she quietly built a cow family at Ja‑Sal. Then, one day in 1961, at a regional show in Abilene, another breeder came along who saw something more.

Act II – Two Great Cows, One Big Gamble

The thing about those old‑time breeders like Dick Brooks—they carried a lot of history in their head before they ever walked down a show aisle. Brooks had grown up in Ohio, in a family that made its living trading draft horses and milking cows. He’d studied animal husbandry at Ohio State, left when the Depression dragged him home, and built a herd that twice won the National Dairy Efficiency Production Award by the mid‑1950s.

When his son Philip’s health pushed the family west to Colorado, Brooks went from successful dairy farmer to milkman, then to feed salesman, then to commercial heifer grower. Somewhere in there, he signed an oil lease with a Texan named Howard Sluyter—”in the ahl bidness”—for $1,000 down. They hit it off. Four years later, that handshake turned into Paclamar Farm.

Paclamar was built big from the start. Seventeen steel‑frame buildings with blue vinyl panels on about 1,240 acres at Louisville, Colorado. They milked in an eight‑stall parlor, piped warm milk into a 500‑gallon insulated tank on a VW truck, and fed 70 or more drop calves at a time with a quart‑at‑a‑pull metering device. All the machinery—tractors, bunk feeders—was leased from Allis‑Chalmers, and six men, including Brooks, ran the whole show.

But here’s what set Brooks apart—he wasn’t just buying cows; he was building a herd around a philosophy. He liked Ormsby blood—the Winterthur and Maytag branches in particular. He believed in cow families, pedigrees, and in a Kansas foundation sire named Fredmar Sir Fobes Triune, whose influence ran deep through herds like Thonyma, Meierkord, and Skyway.

He bought 18 head at Hilltop, including five Osborndale Ivanhoe daughters. He bought from Harris Wilcox’s Canandaigua Classic, the National Convention Sale at Syracuse, and the Sunny Vale dispersal. He bought the Vista Peaks herd and its Thonyma‑bred Ormsby blood. And he bought deep into the Thonyma herd itself—79 head over two trips—including the Senatora family.

Then came Kansas and Snowboots.

“In 1961 at a regional show in Abilene, Kansas,” Brooks later wrote, “even though no one can be sure how great a young cow can turn out to be, I was really excited about her potential. Jack had used the cow extensively in his program, and I really liked what I saw.” He offered Jack $2,500 for the cow plus one of Paclamar’s best young bulls as a future herd sire.

Jack’s widow told Reed that he lay awake all night, trying to talk himself into letting Dick have the cow. One can imagine him thinking about that first local show—21st of 22—and about the calves she’d already given him. Then picturing what she might do in a big, well‑funded program with a national show schedule and access to bulls he’d only ever seen in catalog photos.

“Finally,” Reed wrote, “reasoning that Paclamar could give the cow an opportunity that he could not, he let her go.” In November 1961, Snowboots left Ja‑Sal and headed for Colorado.

At Paclamar, she walked into a barn that already housed Harborcrest Rose Milly, a show cow from Ohio who would go on to be All‑American Aged Cow in 1962, 1964, and 1965. Reed later said there was only one time in his memory when one farm owned the two most outstanding cows of the breed at the same time—and that was when Paclamar had Milly and Snowboots side by side. Milly was the flashy one, “unbeatable in the show ring when in bloom.” Snowboots was the one the crew liked to look at day after day—a big cow, but never coarse, with a long, clean neck and that sweep of rib that made her look right from every angle. She quickly became the favorite cow of those at Paclamar.

Now, what most people don’t realize is that Snowboots did her best work on two fronts at once.

On the show side, she and Milly went toe‑to‑toe in the early ’60s. Between 1953 and 1967, Snowboots was a four‑time class winner and twice Grand Champion at Waterloo, and Grand Champion at the Nebraska State Fair. In that odd 1962 season, she was Grand at Waterloo and Nebraska, but Reserve Grand to Milly at Mid‑America Topeka and the Colorado State Fair. When All‑American ballots were counted, Milly took All‑American Aged Cow with 18 first‑place votes and 133 points; Snowboots got 2 firsts and 38 points as Reserve All‑American Aged Cow. She’d be Reserve again in 1965.

On the milk side, she was building a lifetime that would make even modern producers nod. Over 3,551 days of twice‑a‑day milking, she made 201,187 pounds of milk at 3.8% and 7,729 pounds of fat. Her best record came at 11 years 11 months—24,006 pounds of milk at 4.1% and 995 pounds of fat in 365 days. In that era, with state averages far lower and no fancy supplements, that’s the kind of record that gets read out loud around the kitchen table.

And classification? She climbed the ladder to EX‑97‑3E‑GMD. There’s no write‑up of the moment the score was announced, but one can picture a classifier straightening up, reading “97,” and the barn going quiet for half a breath. In those days, EX‑97 wasn’t just rare—it was almost a rumor come to life.

All that set the stage for one October day that still stands as Paclamar’s best.

The Day Paclamar Owned the Ring

Snowboots Wis Milky Way as Grand Champion at the Waterloo Dairy Cattle Congress, 1962–63—standing on the colored shavings with her people and her banner, in the very ring where Paclamar would make history by taking both Grand and Reserve.

On October 5, 1962, Paclamar brought Milly and Snowboots to Waterloo. In the Aged Cow class, Snowboots stood first, Milly second under Jack Fraser. Then they came back for the championship.

The Holstein‑Friesian World had to go back through the books. Their report read:

“Paclamar Farms, Louisville, Colo., made history for our national show by winning both the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion awards of the female section with the first and second prize aged cows. We are unable to find any previous instance since the Reserve championships were inaugurated at the National in 1935, where one exhibitor has taken both the Grand and Reserve Grand female honors.”

The banners went to Harborcrest Rose Milly and Snowboots Wis Milky Way. One farm. One manager. Two aged cows. Grand and Reserve at the National Dairy Cattle Congress on their first big crack at the national spotlight.

That’s the peak. That’s the moment everything that came before—the wheat farm, the gunny sack, the 21st‑of‑22 district placing, Jack’s sleepless night, the move to Colorado—comes together in one ring.

And still, for Brooks, the real work with Snowboots wasn’t just in winning banners. It was in what he could put behind a young bull code.

Bottling Kansas in One Black Calf

This is where the story shifts from colored shavings to cow families and calculated risk.

By 1962, Brooks had decided that Snowboots’ next mating should “hopefully produce a son that would develop into the main herdsire at Paclamar.” Reed, who knew him as well as anyone, said he’d never seen Brooks spend more time on a breeding decision.

The checklist was tight: no obvious weaknesses introduced; a bull that would sire flat bone and high, wide rear udders; and a pedigree loaded with crosses to Fredmar Sir Fobes Triune, the Kansas foundation sire Brooks loved.

Snowboots already had Triune bred into her. Her dam, Milkyway Judy Triune GP‑83, was by Meierkord Netherland Triune, the best of Old Triune’s sons. Her third dam was also a direct descendant of Triune.

The trouble was that by 1962, almost all the proven Triune‑bred bulls were gone. A few had been heavily used in early AI, but that was before frozen semen; when those bulls died, their influence stopped with them.

So Brooks did something that, in hindsight, took more nerve than people sometimes appreciate. He looked to an unproven bull.

His friend Bill Weeks up in Vermont had spent years building a Holstein family known as the Skyways—tall in front, long wide rumps, flat bone, high wide udders. Weeks had bought a calf named Valla Vista Polkadot Ike off a big white cow, Valla Vista Flicka Mercury EX, in the Phillips Brothers show string at Kingman, Kansas, after seeing her on classification duty. Ike daughters did well at Skyway, and even better at Bristol Farm in Wisconsin, where nine of his best daughters averaged 88.4 points and formed an Honorable Mention All‑American Get of Sire in 1962.

Skyway Princess Hope—maternal granddam of Skyway Valla Vista Double—one of the Skyway cows whose flat bone, wide rumps, and high, snug rear udders convinced Dick Brooks that Double was the right risk to mate to Snowboots Wis Milky Way.

One of those daughters, Skyway Valla Vista Hopeful EX‑92, dropped a bull calf by Skyway Esteem Sam, himself from the Ike line. That calf was Skyway Valla Vista Double. Double was linebred Ike—his dam and paternal granddam both Ike daughters—and carried multiple crosses to Fredmar Sir Fobes Triune plus one to Prince Triune Supreme. Bristol’s Ike daughters were the kind that stopped you in the aisle—flat‑boned, wide‑rumped, rear udders snug right up under the pin bones.

Pedigree‑wise, Double “filled the bill.” He came from the kind of cows Brooks liked to look at and from a breeder he trusted. There was just one problem: Double was two years and one month old, and his sire was still unproven.

One can imagine Brooks in his office, pedigrees spread out, asking himself if he really wanted to risk one of the two best cows on earth on a young bull with zero daughters in milk. He did it anyway.

He bred Snowboots Wis Milky Way to Skyway Valla Vista Double.

On September 22, 1963, she dropped a black bull calf. They named him Paclamar Bootmaker.

Paclamar Bootmaker—Snowboots Wis Milky Way’s black September son by Skyway Valla Vista Double—pictured in his prime after rising from an $80,000 sale highlight to an ABS sire with 27,252 production‑tested daughters and a breed‑first 100 Gold Medal Dams.

In that one calf, Brooks pulled together a dam who would stand Grand at Waterloo, score EX‑97‑3E‑GMD, and make over 200,000 pounds of milk in 3,551 days of 2x milking; six direct crosses to Fredmar Sir Fobes Triune and two to his brother Fredmar Prince Triune Supreme; and Skyway/Ike type for wide rumps and high udders.

At the time, Bootmaker was just another September calf on straw, nosing for milk. No one in that barn knew he’d end up with 27,252 production‑tested daughters in 8,006 U.S. herds. Or that he’d become the first bull ever to sire 100 Gold Medal Dams.

And before any of that could happen, there was one more gamble to play.

The $80,000 Pair and a Shaky First Look

Fast‑forward to November 10, 1967. Paclamar’s first dispersal. The herd numbered 425 head; 200 would sell, along with 50 pairs where the buyer would pick one, and the other would go back to Paclamar. The average on 249 head was $1,692, with cattle going to 38 states and five foreign countries.

Snowboots was gone by then, but her presence was still in the barn in the form of Ja‑Sal Whirlwind Princess EX‑93, and, of course, in Bootmaker. Brooks wanted both Princess and Milly for the “new” Paclamar.

Months before the sale, Reed had told him there was no way he could save both cows unless he paired them with bulls buyers would be more interested in than the females. So Brooks rolled the dice again.

He paired Milly with Bootmaker. He paired Princess with Paclamar Double Triune, a Bootmaker son out of Skyway Esteem, full sister to Double’s dam. When the Milly–Bootmaker pair came into the ring, the bidding climbed all the way to $80,000. The Bootmaker Syndicate took the pair. Eugene Vesely of E‑L‑V Ranch in Michigan was the under‑bidder at $77,000; he later said he’d have taken Milly if he’d won, which is exactly what Brooks had hoped.

The syndicate chose Bootmaker. Paclamar kept Milly. Same story with Princess and Double Triune—the buyers picked the bulls, Brooks kept the cows. Reed recalled that Brooks saved about 80% of the cows he most wanted that day.

From the sale ring, Bootmaker looked every bit the star: $80,000 price tag, Milly beside him, Snowboots behind him, Triune blood all through him. Down in the cattle rows, the mood was more cautious.

“At the sale,” Reed wrote, “the first three or four ‘Bootmaker’ daughters had just calved. They were not very impressive. True.” He had his two best cows bred to Bootmaker at that time and admitted he “was less than happy with what I saw.” Stud interest wasn’t exactly stampeding either.

What no one saw coming, standing in that barn with those first plain daughters, was what would happen once enough Bootmaker heifers freshened in good herds.

Almost all of the Paclamar‑bred Bootmaker daughters that sold in that first dispersal developed into very good cows, some outstanding. Reed’s two Bootmaker heifers out of his best cows both grew into Excellent Gold Medal Dams. As more daughters went on test and classification, American Breeders Service stepped in and leased Bootmaker.

By 1999, Bootmaker had sired 27,252 production‑tested daughters in 8,006 herds and 14,307 classified daughters averaging 82.66. He was the number‑two Honor List sire in 1976, behind Paclamar Astronaut and ahead of Pawnee Farm Arlinda Chief and Round Oak Rag Apple Elevation. He never rivaled Chief or Elevation for great sons, but he made his mark where his mother had—through the female side.

Bootmaker became the first bull ever to sire 100 Gold Medal Dams. Those included cows like Wapa Bootmaker Mandy EX‑96‑GMD, Fleetridge Bootmaker Dixie EX‑2E‑GMD, Gor‑Wood‑D Bootmaker Jennifer EX‑92‑GMD, Holtex Triune S Peggy EX‑91‑GMD, Holtex Triune Fond Fay EX‑94‑3E‑GMD, Burley Bootmaker Valid EX‑93‑4E, Pinehurst Pleasure EX‑93‑4E‑GMD, and Sully Fobes Bootmaker Dot EX‑97‑3E‑GMD—the kind of cows you’d walk back to see twice in a show barn. They were the kind of daughters you built herds and cow families around.

By 1976, Snowboots Wis Milky Way’s September bull calf had become so influential that Holstein‑Friesian World devoted “The BOOTMAKER Issue” to him—Paclamar Bootmaker EX‑94, Gold Medal, pictured at 11½ years with 27,000‑plus daughters on test and 100 Gold Medal Dams to his name.

Put simply: Bootmaker did in the AI era what his dam had done in Kansas and Colorado. He made the kind you kept.

Act III – Quiet Passing, Loud Echo

The years between the 1967 sale and Snowboots’ death weren’t long, but they mattered. She’d delivered her last calf at Paclamar—a Rosafe Citation R daughter with black markings down to the foot, disqualifying her from registry under the color rules of the time—and that heifer went to Larry Moore’s Red Holstein herd for $5,000. Darrell Pidgeon later said she looked like she’d have gone Excellent.

Then, one night, it just ended.

Lowell Nelson, herdsman at Paclamar, remembered it this way:

“Each night I went to the barn to check the cows before I went to bed. One particular night, ‘Snowboots’ was lying in her box stall, due to freshen in a month to ‘Fury.’ When I walked by, she was resting with her head back on her side. The next morning, when we got to the barn, she was still lying there, her head on one side, dead. Without a struggle, she had passed away from an apparent heart attack. It was truly a sad day at Paclamar. She was buried there on the farm.”

No thrashing, no long illness. Just a nearly 14‑year‑old cow, carrying her eleventh calf, gone quietly in the night. For a farm that had built so much of its identity around a handful of truly great cows, that had to hurt.

Brooks summed her up in a way only a man who’d handled thousands of cattle could:

“Few cows, if any, had ever contributed as much to the genetic advancement of the breed. She was a cow you could breed once and get a conception. She was a cow that could be bred to more kinds of bulls and still have a good offspring than any cow that I ever worked with. She was a cow that had the greatest disposition of them all, and everyone loved to work with her.”

Back in Kansas, Reed said they still refer to her as “everyone’s favorite brood cow.” That’s not a title the breed hands out lightly.

Now, what most people don’t realize when they look at modern pedigrees is just how much of Snowboots’ world they’re still living in.

On the bull side, the Paclamar story is better known. Astronaut, Milly’s son by Thonyma Ormsby Senator, sold for $9,000 at the 1964 National Convention Sale and went on to sire nearly 60,000 production‑tested daughters. Through Hanoverhill Starbuck—out of an Astronaut daughter—and Startmore Rudolph—by Aerostar, a Starbuck son, with an Astronaut third dam—Astronaut sits right in the backbone of the modern Holstein genotype. When people talk about the “Starbuck look” and about bulls like Rudolph reshaping both type and production worldwide, Astronaut is sitting there in the pedigree every time.

Paclamar Reflection Millie EX‑93‑GMD—Harborcrest Rose Milly’s Reflection Sovereign daughter—where the two greatest Paclamar cow families finally crossed. Bred to Snowboots Wis Milky Way’s son Bootmaker, she produced Paclamar Mademoiselle EX, Paclamar Milly VG, and Paclamar Milestone, who went on to Carnation Genetics. Photo: Agri‑Graphics

On the cow‑family side, Bootmaker and Snowboots have been doing the same kind of work, just more quietly. Bootmaker’s 100 Gold Medal Dams anchored herds from Pinehurst to Wapa and beyond, and their descendants show up again and again in cow families that lasted—families with multiple generations of high classification and strong production. Many of those daughters carried “Triune” in their name, a nod to the Kansas bull Brooks and Reed both believed in so strongly.

Every time a modern breeder says, “She’s a brood cow—you can breed her to just about anything and get something useful,” they’re talking about the same kind of cow Brooks described when he talked about Snowboots. Every time a salesperson pulls up a pedigree and points to Bootmaker a couple of generations back on the maternal side, they’re looking at her influence coming through in practical ways—conception, udder, attitude.

And it’s not just paper. In today’s barns, heifer calves are expensive. A week‑old dairy‑beef cross can bring four figures; replacement heifers can cost more than a decent used truck. Research on lightly selected “control line” cows versus intensely selected modern lines suggests what a lot of old‑timers already knew in their bones: cows bred too hard for peak yield can sacrifice fertility and survivability, while the “old‑fashioned” kind hangs around and raises more calves.

Snowboots was that “old‑fashioned” kind—except she did it with numbers that still stack up: 3,551 days, 201,187 pounds of milk, 7,729 pounds of fat, calving in September six years in a row, and in calf with number eleven when she died. She proved you could have both: production and longevity. In an era when we talk a lot about lifetime milk per stall and cows that “pay for their replacements,” her life reads like a case study.

So what would the Holstein breed look like if she’d stayed a 4‑H project on that wheat farm, or if Jack had gone home without that $325 pair? Paclamar doesn’t have Snowboots to stand beside Milly in 1962, and that “Grand and Reserve from one farm” headline never gets written. Brooks doesn’t have the dam he needs for Bootmaker—no black September calf with six crosses to Triune and 27,000 daughters to spread that influence around. Those 100 Gold Medal Dams with “Bootmaker” in their name belong to other bulls, or don’t exist at all. And the maternal backbone in a lot of modern pedigrees looks just a little less sturdy.

The records tell us one thing: show wins, scores, production totals, sale prices. The people who were there fill in the rest. Reed remembering her as “everyone’s favorite brood cow.” Nelson seeing her every night at barn check. Brooks saying she “could be bred to more kinds of bulls and still have a good offspring” than any cow he ever worked with.

If you’ve ever stood in your own barn after evening milking, watching an old cow chew her cud and thinking, “If I had ten more just like her, I’d sleep a lot better at night,” you already understand Snowboots Wis Milky Way. She was that cow for three different men, in two different states, and then for a breed that spread her influence around the world.

From a short‑teated Christmas dam on a Kansas wheat farm, to 21st in a local show, to leading the string when Paclamar took both Grand and Reserve at Waterloo, to EX‑97‑3E‑GMD and the dam of an $80,000 bull who filled barns from Colorado to Canada—that’s the arc we’re talking about.

In a Holstein world where it’s easy to get dazzled by the names on semen tanks and the lights on the colored shavings, Snowboots Wis Milky Way pulls us back to where it all really starts: the brood cow in the box stall. The cow who breeds back. The cow who raises daughters and sons that other people want. The cow whose family keeps turning up in your best group long after she’s gone.

For a calf that left her first home in a gunny sack for $75 of that $325 deal, that’s quite a life. And for everyone who loves this breed—for everyone who cares about cows that last and families that matter—Snowboots has earned her place as the brood cow they’ll still be talking about when our grandchildren are arguing pedigrees on the rail at World Dairy Expo.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

A $75 gunny‑sack calf became the dam of 100 Gold Medal Dams. Snowboots Wis Milky Way went from nearly staying a 4‑H project to scoring EX‑97 and producing Paclamar Bootmaker—proof that the next great brood cow might be the one nobody else sees yet.
Brood cows outlast show cows. Milly took the All‑American banners; Snowboots raised the kind you built herds around. She bred back every time, held together structurally, and produced good offspring no matter the sire—exactly what Dick Brooks meant when he called her the best cow he ever worked with.
201,187 lbs milk · 11 calves · 3,551 days on 2x milking. When heifers cost $4,000 and average cows leave before their fourth lactation, Snowboots’ career is the financial case for breeding cows that last.
Betting on pedigree over proof built a maternal dynasty. Brooks mated one of the two best cows in the breed to an unproven two‑year‑old because the Kansas Triune crosses fit his vision. The result—Bootmaker and his 27,252 daughters—anchored cow families for generations.
The female side carries the long game. Bootmaker never rivaled Chief or Elevation for famous sons, but his Gold Medal Dams quietly stacked maternal value into pedigrees that are still paying dividends today.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

This is the story of a $75 Christmas calf that left her first home in a gunny sack and ended up as Snowboots Wis Milky Way—EX‑97‑3E‑GMD, and the brood cow Paclamar herdsmen simply called “everyone’s favorite.” She went from 21st out of 22 at a Kansas district show to standing at the head of the aged cow class when Paclamar made history at Waterloo, taking both Grand and Reserve with Milly and Snowboots on the same day. Her Double‑sired son, Paclamar Bootmaker, turned that type and durability into numbers: 27,252 production‑tested daughters, 14,307 classified at 82.66, and a breed‑first 100 Gold Medal Dams. Behind those stats was a cow that bred back easily, held together structurally, and made 201,187 pounds of milk in 3,551 days of 2x milking—calving in September six years in a row and carrying her eleventh calf when she died quietly in her box stall. In a 2026 dairy world where heifers are expensive, cows leave too early, and genotypes change every proof run, Snowboots’ life is a reminder that long‑lived, fertile brood cows aren’t “old‑fashioned”—they’re the genetic insurance policy your future herd depends on.

Continue the Story

From a $50 Calf to Dairy Royalty: The Peace & Plenty Legacy That Built a Holstein Empire – While Snowboots began in a gunny sack, Joe Schwartzbeck started his empire with a $50 teen gamble. This profile follows another breeder who ignored the experts to build a legacy of 181 Excellents from humble beginnings.
Trembling Hands, A Decade of Faith, 200 Fewer Cows: Three Paths to the Same Truth – Michael Lovich’s blunt focus on cow families over screens helps us understand the world Snowboots navigated. This piece proves the point that trusting your eyes and breeding for the barn, not the index, still conquers the world.
Larcrest Cosmopolitan: How a Spotted Minnesota Cow Built a Dynasty – If you’ve seen how Snowboots’ influence carries forward, you’ll recognize the same magic in Cosmopolitan. This profile examines how one “spotted Minnesota cow” transformed global AI, proving that elite maternal lines are the breed’s ultimate insurance policy.

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Categories : Donor Profile

Tags : breeding for longevity, Dick Brooks dairy, Holstein brood cow history, Paclamar Bootmaker, Paclamar Farm, Snowboots Wis Milky Way

Harborcrest Rose Milly: From Pig Money to Holstein Royalty

Saturday, January 10th, 2026

Pig money bought the heifer that his neighbors laughed at. Today, Harborcrest Rose Milly EX-97 runs through every Holstein pedigree in North America.

<a href="https://rss.com/podcasts/the-bullvine/2452639/">E460 Harborcrest Rose Milly: From Pig Money to Hol | RSS.com</a>

Harborcrest Rose Milly EX-97 GMD — Three-time All-American Aged Cow, the only unanimous winner (30/30 firsts) for 16 years, and dam of Paclamar Astronaut. The $375 pig-money heifer nobody wanted became the cow you’ll find in every Holstein pedigree today.

The cows came over the hill that June morning in 1961, and Dick Brooks forgot why he’d stopped by.

He’d been on his way to the National Holstein Convention in Cleveland, figured he’d visit his old neighbor John Snoddy in West Salem, Ohio—maybe look at some cattle for the new herd he was putting together out in Colorado. But when those Holsteins crested that rise behind the barn, walking single file through the summer pasture, Brooks stood there like a man who’d just seen something he couldn’t quite name.

At the head of the line was a five-year-old cow. Tall. Sharp. Angular in a way that made you look twice. She had a head on her like nothing he’d ever seen—perfect, really, the kind of head that makes everything else about a cow fall into place. Her legs were clean and strong with exceptional heel. And the way she moved…

“I thought it was as impressive a sight as I had seen in a long time,” Brooks would write years later. What he couldn’t say then—what none of them could’ve known—was that he was looking at the cow who’d help reshape Holstein genetics for the next half century.

Her name was Harborcrest Rose Milly.

And the story of how she got to that hill in Ohio? That starts with a man selling pigs to buy a cow nobody wanted.

The Night John Snoddy Bet the Pig Money

Fall of 1954. Cold. Damp. One of those Ohio evenings that seeps into your bones.

John Snoddy stood in a drafty auction tent at the Shearer & Hodge dispersal in Lakeville, Ohio, his pockets warm with cash from market hogs he’d sold that morning. The neighboring farmers huddled together, stamping their feet on the packed dirt, watching registered and grade Holsteins parade through in the dim light. Nothing special about the sale—just another dispersal, the kind that dotted the Midwest every autumn.

Snoddy was looking for something to upgrade his herd. When a gangly two‑year‑old heifer entered the ring—exceptionally tall, almost too leggy, with what he’d later describe as “a little bitty udder”—something made him pay attention. Her sire’s name, Bonheur Canuck Supreme, told him there was Canadian blood there. That meant Mount Victoria breeding, the concentrated Montvic genetics that had built some of Canada’s most admired cattle.

He bid $375. Below the sale average.

The gavel fell.

On the drive home, his wife, Blanche, walked through the barn to check on their new purchase. The heifer stood in a tie‑stall, her hind legs in the gutter, all awkward angles and excessive leg.

“Oh my gracious,” Blanche said to herself. “I hope we haven’t wasted the pig money.”

When John’s brothers saw the heifer, they laughed. Neighbors laughed. Too long‑legged, they said. What was John thinking?

Here’s the thing about John Snoddy, though. He had this habit—and this is in the record, not just a nice story—of sitting in his church choir on Sunday mornings, gazing down at the congregation and studying faces. He’d watch how children’s features combined traits from both parents. Sometimes they got the best of each other. Sometimes they got the worst. Knowing those families back two or three generations, he mentally cataloged which traits dominated, which receded, trying to understand why one child turned out one way and the next completely different.

Snoddy believed cattle worked the same way. And when he looked at that gangly heifer—Supreme Fay Marilyn—he saw something in the breeding that his neighbors missed.

He bred her to Rainbow Sir Rose, a bull he and his brothers had proven themselves with. Rose carried six crosses to Sir Bess Ormsby Fobes 56th in just five generations—one of the most intensely linebred animals in the Midwest, the product of Robin Carr’s concentrated breeding program in Michigan.

On Christmas Eve, 1955, the result of that mating hit the straw.

They named her Milly.

The Heifer Nobody Wanted

Now, here’s what gets most people when they first hear this story. As a calf, Milly was exactly what you’d hope for—tall, long‑bodied, with that beautiful head and neck that would become her trademark. But as she grew into a heifer in the late 1950s, visitors to Harborcrest Farm walked right past her.

She was too leggy. Too shallow‑bodied. Too much rib and not enough middle by the standards of that era.

Buyers would come through the barn and pick the shorter heifers with more barrel—those “safe” ones that fit the picture in breeders’ minds at the time. Milly stood in her stall, and nobody gave her a second look.

Snoddy, though—he couldn’t stop watching her. He called it her “dairy quality,” that magnetism you can’t quite define but you know it when you see it. Something about the way she was put together, the way she carried herself.

She freshened and went to work. First classification at two years, eleven months: Very Good‑87. Nothing that made the coffee‑shop gossip. At three and a half, she made 17,959 pounds of milk with 767 pounds of fat at 4.3 percent—solid numbers for a young cow in that time, but not the kind that made the front page of Holstein‑Friesian World.

Snoddy bred her three straight times to Raven Burke Ideal, an Excellent Gold Medal sire that was really working in his herd. The first mating produced a bull calf born dead—the kind of loss that hits a breeder harder than the ledger ever shows. The second was Harborcrest Maple Raven, who would eventually be classified as EX‑94. The third produced a bull, Harborcrest Sunshine, who went into service at Northern Ohio Breeders Association.

During that third lactation, something changed.

At five years old, Milly made 23,355 pounds of milk with 963 pounds of fat, and her classification jumped to EX‑91. She’d grown into that frame. All that leg and length that looked wrong as a heifer suddenly made perfect sense on a working cow.

And that’s about when an old neighbor named Dick Brooks came home for a visit.

Two Days That Changed Dairy History

Dick Brooks wasn’t some hobby breeder dabbling in black‑and‑white cattle. He was the son of Ohio’s largest draft horse dealer, a kid who’d grown up watching his father and grandfather read livestock the way other people read books. Before moving west, he’d built an Ohio Holstein herd that averaged 601 pounds of fat—big‑league numbers for that era.

Family health pulled him to Colorado. By 1960, he’d scraped together a partnership with a Dallas oilman and two Michigan Volkswagen dealers, and they put up Paclamar Farms near Louisville, Colorado. The name came from their wives—Patricia, Clara, Margaret—and the place didn’t look like your typical family dairy. It sprawled across 1,240 acres with seventeen steel‑frame buildings, a show string, and big ambitions.

Brooks needed foundation cows—females with enough genetic firepower to build a program around.

W. R. “Dick” Brooks—son of Ohio’s largest draft horse dealer, founder of Paclamar Farms, and the man who saw Milly come over that hill in 1961 and wouldn’t leave West Salem until she was his. The first recipient of the National Dairy Shrine’s Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder award, 1973.

So that June morning in 1961, on his way to the National Holstein Convention in Cleveland, he turned off the main road to see what his old neighbor in West Salem was milking.

When he walked up behind the barn and saw Milly leading the herd over that hill, he felt it in his gut.

“She was tall and sharp, a little shallow in the rib, both fore and rear,” he later wrote, “perfect in udder shape and teat placement, and had the most nearly perfect leg from the standpoint of combination and cleanness with heel that I had ever seen.”

He wanted her. Badly.

Snoddy was just as determined not to sell.

What followed were two days of quiet, persistent negotiation between men who respected each other—two breeders who knew exactly what was on the table, two friends who each had their reasons. Brooks needed cows who could put Paclamar on the map. Snoddy loved this cow and, maybe even more, what she represented for his little herd.

They finally reached an agreement. Harborcrest Rose Milly would go to Paclamar Farms for $5,000, serious money in 1961, but not outrageous for a proven Excellent cow. She’d stay in Ohio through her current lactation. And she’d be bred to the Wis Captain before she left.

Driving away, Brooks must’ve felt like he’d done well. Good cow. Great breeding. Strong record.

Years later, he wrote the line that shows how small even his vision was compared to what she became: “No one, including John and myself (who probably liked her more than most), ever dreamed she should develop to the point of being All‑Time All‑American and one of the greatest brood cows of all time.”

The Colorado Transformation

Milly arrived at Paclamar in March 1962, and her world changed.

This wasn’t a 40‑cow stanchion barn where the breeder raked his own hay between milkings. Paclamar had hired herdsmen, specialized feed, and time to turn a good cow into a great show cow. More importantly, she shared the barn with another giant in the making: Snowboots Wis Milky Way, a cow who would become Milly’s great rival and mirror.

The two of them set the standard for each other. Every day, side by side in those tie‑stalls, they showed the crew what “enough cow” really meant.

W. R. “Dick” Brooks of Paclamar Farms listens as the first-ever Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder award is announced in his honor at the 1973 National Dairy Shrine banquet—recognition earned in no small part on the strength of Harborcrest Rose Milly and her son, Paclamar Astronaut.

That fall, Paclamar did something nobody had pulled off since Reserve Championships were added in 1935. At the National Dairy Cattle Congress, they led out two aged cows from the same herd. Milly was named Grand Champion. Snowboots stood Reserve.

The cover of Holstein‑Friesian World, May 25, 1964—Harborcrest Rose Milly EX‑96 (top) and Snowboots Wis Milky Way EX‑96 (bottom) sharing the front page just as they shared a barn at Paclamar Farms. Two cows, one herd, both classified 96 points, and between them the 1962 All‑American and Reserve All‑American Aged Cow titles. No Holstein operation had ever owned this much cow at the same time.

Think about that for a second. A herd barely two years old owned the two best Holstein cows on the grounds.

When the All‑American ballots came in that year, Harborcrest Rose Milly—then scored EX‑94—was named All‑American Aged Cow with 18 first‑place votes. It was a big deal.

But what came next made that look almost ordinary.

The Years Nobody Could Touch Her

The next four years are where Milly leaves the realm of “great cow” and moves into legend.

In 1963, she showed as a dry cow between lactations, still sharp as a tack. She was named Grand Champion at the Utah State Fair and Honorable Mention All‑American Dry Cow. That same year, classifiers raised her to EX‑96.

Then came 1964.

When the All‑American ballots were counted that fall, the committee must’ve gone through the stack twice, just to be sure. Every single judge had placed Harborcrest Rose Milly first.

Thirty ballots. Thirty firsts. Zero seconds. Zero thirds. Two hundred ten points.

Unanimous.

No cow would match that feat for another sixteen years—not until Northcroft Ella Elevation did it in 1980.

And here’s what really made breeders shake their heads in disbelief: she wasn’t doing this as a pampered show princess. She was doing it while working like a freight train.

At 8 years old, Milly produced 24,941 pounds of milk at 5.0 percent butterfat, yielding 1,242 pounds of fat. No All‑American Aged Cow had ever reached 1,200 pounds of fat in a year. Milly was the first.

She came back at nine with 25,630 pounds of milk and 1,040 pounds of fat—her third straight record over 1,000 pounds. Only one cow in the breed’s history had done that before her.

In 1965, she collected her third All‑American Aged Cow title. In 1966, at ten years old, she made just one state show appearance—the Nebraska State Fair, where she was Grand Champion. Even with that limited schedule, she earned Reserve All‑American and still received more first‑place votes than any other aged cow in the country.

Then, on August 8, 1966, the classifiers walked into her stall at Paclamar and did something they’d only done twice before in Holstein history.

They scored Harborcrest Rose Milly 97 points.

What 97 Meant in 1966

The thing about those old‑time classifiers is they didn’t hand out high scores to be nice.

This wasn’t a digital system averaging numbers from a tablet. These were men who’d walked through thousands of barns, studying legs and udders in the cold and dust, and they guarded those top scores like a vault. A 97 in 1966 meant you weren’t just looking at a great cow.

You were looking at the edge of what they believed was possible.

The first 97 had gone to Linden Dictator Wimpy in 1963. The second to Milly’s own stablemate Snowboots in July 1965. When Milly joined them in 1966, there were exactly three cows on the planet with that number beside their name.

At the time of the 1967 Paclamar sale, Milly was eleven years old, weighed 2,105 pounds, and stood five feet at the shoulder—the same height as her dam and her best daughter. They kept her in a big, high‑sided box stall that would’ve made most cows look small.

She just looked right there.

Massive. Powerful. And still, somehow, unmistakably dairy.

The $9,000 Mistake

But if you really want to understand how Milly changed the breed, you have to talk about the January calf that almost everyone misjudged.

January 19, 1964. While the Gemini program was ramping up and America was looking toward the moon, Paclamar was looking at a newborn bull calf in a straw pen.

He was out of Harborcrest Rose Milly and sired by Thonyma Ormsby Senator. They named him Astronaut.

He was tall and gangly, not particularly strong in his topline—“kept him from smoothing up,” Brooks later admitted. Senator himself wasn’t a fashionable sire. On paper, he was a minus‑production bull, predicted at ‑1,089 pounds of milk, but his daughters averaged 82.8 points and carried tremendous type. Brooks, a believer in Bill Weeks’ aAa breeding system, had picked Senator after studying Milly’s strengths and weaknesses and deciding he could at least improve one of the traits Weeks had flagged—temperament and teat size.

Senator was bred the way Brooks loved: packed with Kansas Triune‑Burke blood, the kind of linebreeding that stamps a family.

That spring, sale manager Billy King came through Paclamar looking for consignments to the 1964 National Convention Sale at Gaithersburg, Maryland. He took one look at Milly’s calf and begged Brooks to put him in the sale.

Paclamar went all in. They bought the center spread of Holstein‑Friesian World and ran Milly’s picture across it with a bold promise: “You can own a son of the only All‑American 96‑point cow with over 1000 fat!”

But when Astronaut walked into the Gaithersburg barns that June, he didn’t look like the second coming. He looked frail. Almost sickly. The word around the sale was that Curtiss Breeding Service wasn’t going to bid. When folks tried to talk to AI reps about “Milly’s bull,” they got quick subject changes and polite smiles.

Sale day—June 11, 1964. The weather was beautiful, the pavilion packed. Astronaut came into the ring looking as good as he’d looked all week… and still, he didn’t take anyone’s breath away.

Bidding started slow. Billy King’s syndicate pushed. A Washington lawyer stayed in for a bit, then dropped out.

Nine thousand dollars.

The gavel fell.

“I was the most disappointed person there,” Brooks later wrote. He’d expected something closer to 30,000.

Here’s what nobody in that arena understood yet: the genetics don’t care what a calf looks like at five months.

Within a few years, Astronaut would become the youngest bull ever to earn Gold Medal status through AI. By 1987, he’d have 59,949 tested daughters on record—more than any sire in U.S. history at that time—and rank just behind Round Oak Rag Apple Elevation in all the big categories that matter.

The $9,000 “disappointment” turned into one of the greatest sires the Holstein breed has ever seen.

Paclamar Astronaut EX‑90 GM (Thonyma Ormsby Senator x Harborcrest Rose Milly EX‑97 GMD)—the gangly calf who sold for a “disappointing” $9,000 in 1964, then sired 59,949 tested daughters to become the most‑proven bull in U.S. history and the vehicle that carried Milly’s genetics into virtually every modern Holstein pedigree.

Through him, Milly’s genetics poured into the national herd. His daughter, Anacres Astronaut Ivanhoe, produced a calf at Hanover Hill Farms, which they named Hanoverhill Starbuck, who went on to sire 41 All‑Americans and 34 All‑Canadians. Another daughter, Jim‑Mar‑D Astronaut Gail, became an equally important bull mother for a different group of sires.

Startmore Rudolph? His third dam was an Astronaut daughter.

Today, try to find a high‑genomic Holstein that doesn’t trace back to Milly through Astronaut somewhere in the pedigree.

Go ahead. It’ll take a while.

The 1967 Pairing

November 10, 1967. National Western Stadium Sale Pavilion, Denver. Paclamar had decided to disperse part of the herd, 249 head from the 425 on the farm.

For Lot 1, Brooks did something gutsy. He paired his two greatest assets and offered the buyer’s choice: Harborcrest Rose Milly, nearly twelve years old, and Paclamar Bootmaker, the young EX bull out of Snowboots, who looked ready to take on the world.

Bidding climbed fast. Eugene Vesely of E‑L‑V Ranch in Michigan pushed hard, stopping at $77,000. A buying syndicate bumped it to 80,000.

The gavel fell. The syndicate had the choice.

They took Bootmaker.

The young bull, with his whole future in front of him, went to new owners. Milly—the queen, the three‑time All‑American, the 97‑point matriarch—stayed at Paclamar.

Vesely had been bidding for Milly. He’d have taken her home in a heartbeat.

A bull had just outbid her—a bull she’d never meet.

John Snoddy stands beside Harborcrest Rose Milly EX‑97 GMD at the 1967 Paclamar Sale in Denver—the Ohio breeder who started it all with $375 in pig money, reunited one last time with the cow who proved him right.

The Last Calf

Milly kept right on working.

In January 1968, she dropped a bull calf by Ja‑Sal Skyliner Belina that went into service at American Breeders Service. In April 1969, she gave them her last daughter—Paclamar Reflection Millie—who would score EX‑93.

PACLAMAR REFLECTION MILLIE EX-93 GMD (Roeland Reflection Sovereign x Harborcrest Rose Milly EX-97 GMD), born April 29, 1969—Milly’s powerful late-life daughter whose Paclamar Bootmaker offspring, Paclamar Milly VG, Paclamar Mademoiselle EX, and the sire Paclamar Milestone at Carnation Genetics carried the Harborcrest Rose Milly cow family into a new generation of show cows and stud bulls.

After that, breeding her got harder. They tried to settle her artificially and failed, time after time. Finally, in a move that shows how much they still believed in her, they hauled her over to Boulder Valley Farms and bred her naturally to Paclamar Triune Jethro.

She stuck.

In June 1971, at fifteen years old, Harborcrest Rose Milly calved again—a bull, by all accounts an outstanding‑looking youngster.

About an hour after he was born, Milly lay down.

On the calf.

He died.

The moment must’ve been gut‑wrenching for the people who’d worked with her all those years—to finally get her in calf again, to get one more piece of those genetics on the ground, and then lose it like that. Whether she was exhausted, whether her legs simply gave out, the record doesn’t say. It just says the calf died.

During that fifteenth lactation, Paclamar partner Darrell Pidgeon milked her by hand. She’d always gone through the parlor, but by then she was getting frail, and they gave her that consideration. Milly and nine others were kept in roomy box stalls and turned out into a small paddock with good hay.

“Milly was not the kind of cow who trembled from nervousness,” Darrell remembered, “but she was strong‑headed and would occasionally show this trait when being milked.”

Even at sixteen, she had opinions. Even at sixteen, she wasn’t about to pretend to be ordinary.

On July 3, 1972—sixteen years and six months after that Christmas Eve birth in Ohio—Harborcrest Rose Milly died.

They didn’t need to carve anything fancy on a stone. The record had already written her epitaph.

What She Left Behind

The numbers alone stop you.

Lifetime: 210,090 pounds of milk at 4.2 percent for 8,741 pounds of fat. Three All‑American Aged Cow titles. All‑Time All‑American Aged Cow. Part of the All‑Time All‑American Produce of Dam. Eight offspring—seven scored Excellent, six earning Gold Medal status. Five sons, all transmitting +1,000 pounds of milk back when that was the mark of a real sire.

But numbers don’t quite capture what Milly meant.

Her son, Astronaut, standing in AI studs instead of show rings, put 59,949 tested daughters into American barns. That conservatively means 150,000 or more Milly granddaughters were added to the national herd as those daughters calved and multiplied. His daughters, Anacres Astronaut Ivanhoe and Jim‑Mar‑D Astronaut Gail, became two of the most influential bull mothers of their generation, opening the door for Starbuck, Rudolph, and a host of others.

Save $60… and get a camera.” This 1974 Holstein‑Friesian World ad from Carnation Genetics pushed Paclamar Capsule EX‑94 GM—the Wis Captain son of Harborcrest Rose Milly EX‑97—by throwing in a Kodak Hawkeye Instamatic pocket camera with every eight ampules of semen, a snapshot of just how hard AI studs were hustling to spread Milly’s genetics in the 1970s.

Remember that homely heifer Snoddy bought at the Shearer & Hodge dispersal in 1954? Supreme Fay Marilyn quietly milked until she was twenty, stacking up 166,000 pounds of lifetime milk and finally scoring Excellent in her twentieth year. That family—Marilyn, Milly, Maple Raven, Reflection Millie, the Astronaut daughters—was, by any fair measure, the most influential Holstein cow family of the 1960s and 1970s.

Harborcrest Happy Crusader (Wis Ideal Crusader x EX‑94 4E Raven Burke Ideal), Milly’s powerful grandson and the third great branch of the Harborcrest Rose Milly family—his strength shows up around the world through sons like Chambric Happy Brett and Nehls‑G Happy Cosmov and, most famously, through his descendant Skalsumer Sunny Boy, once the most widely used Holstein bull in Europe.

The pig money gamble more than paid off.

The Standard She Set

Go stand in any good Holstein barn in North America today.

Harborcrest Rose Milly EX-97 (far left) and Beacon Bas Little Lady (far right) stand head to head under the trees—two cows quietly shaping almost every modern Holstein and Jersey pedigree through Milly’s son Paclamar Astronaut and Little Lady’s son Milestone Generator.

Pull a few registration papers. Trace back the maternal lines, follow the sire stacks, and map the genetic pathways like fence lines on a section map.

You’ll find her.

Through Astronaut, through Starbuck, through Rudolph, through countless sons and grandsons whose names are half‑forgotten, Milly proved that extreme size and extreme production could live in the same frame. That you could have a cow who could win the biggest shows in the land and still post records that made DHIA testers blink. That concentrated breeding—those Sir Bess Ormsby Fobes lines stacked on Mount Victoria genetics—could produce something greater than anyone expected when a choir‑singing breeder in Ohio raised his hand at $375.

More importantly, she proved that genetic greatness can come from anywhere.

John Snoddy bought her dam with pig money, bred her to a bull he and his brothers had proven themselves, and from that modest beginning came a dynasty that touches almost every modern Holstein on the continent.

Every time you see a tall, sharp Holstein cow with that indefinable dairy quality—that magnetism Snoddy recognized but couldn’t quite name—you’re looking at what Milly left us. Every time a classifier steps into a stall and sees something that stops them cold, they’re still chasing the standard she set.

The Bottom Line

The hillside behind John Snoddy’s old barn is probably somebody else’s pasture now—or maybe it’s grown over, the fence lines sagging and the tracks of those old cows long gone. The big steel barns at Paclamar have been repurposed or torn down, the land folded into a different kind of operation, as land always is.

But if you stand in a barn on a summer morning and thumb through the pedigrees of the cows chewing their cud in front of you, you can still see that family moving across the grass toward a future none of them could’ve imagined.

A 375‑dollar heifer. A pig money gamble. A cow who came over a hill in Ohio and changed everything.

Harborcrest Rose Milly. Born Christmas Eve, 1955. Died July 3, 1972.

Proof that legends aren’t born looking like legends.

They’re bred by people who see what others miss.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

From pig money to pedigree royalty: John Snoddy paid $375 for a gangly heifer his neighbors mocked—her granddaughter Milly became one of three cows in history to score EX-97 and the dam of the most prolific proven sire of her era.
The $9,000 “mistake” reshaped the breed: Milly’s son Paclamar Astronaut sold for a fraction of expectations, then sired 59,949 tested daughters and opened the genetic pathway to Starbuck, Rudolph, and modern high-genomic Holsteins.
Show ring dominance backed by real production: Three-time All-American Aged Cow, unanimous 1964 winner (30/30 firsts), and the first All-American to break 1,200 lbs fat in a single lactation—Milly proved type and production aren’t trade-offs.
Breeding vision beats popular opinion: Snoddy’s choir-loft study of inherited traits and Dick Brooks’ commitment to concentrated linebreeding created a cow family that still influences nearly every Holstein pedigree in North America today.

Executive Summary

In 1954, Ohio dairyman John Snoddy spent $375 in pig money on a gangly heifer his neighbors laughed at—Supreme Fay Marilyn. Her Christmas Eve 1955 daughter, Harborcrest Rose Milly, would score EX-97, claim three All-American Aged Cow titles including a unanimous 30-for-30 vote, and stack up 210,090 pounds of lifetime milk. Purchased by Colorado’s Paclamar Farms in 1961, Milly dominated the decade’s show rings while her son Paclamar Astronaut—dismissed as a $9,000 disappointment at sale—became the youngest Gold Medal sire in AI history with nearly 60,000 tested daughters. Through Astronaut came Hanoverhill Starbuck and Startmore Rudolph, bloodlines now threaded through virtually every high-genomic Holstein in North America. Milly died July 3, 1972, but her legacy is permanent: proof that a breeder who sees what others miss can reshape an entire breed with one well-placed gamble.

Continue the Story

Hanoverhill Starbuck’s DNA Dynasty: The Holstein Legend Bridging 20th Century Breeding to Genomic Futures – Milly’s story doesn’t end at Paclamar. It walks into a Quebec AI stud where her great-grandson Starbuck—born from Astronaut’s daughter—became the bull whose DNA now flows through 83% of North American Holsteins. This is what happened next.
Bell’s Paradox: The Worst Best Bull in Holstein History – If Milly proved that concentrated breeding could create a dynasty, Bell proved it could also create a disaster. This profile wrestles with the same tension John Snoddy understood instinctively: genetic greatness carries hidden costs. Essential context for anyone who loved the Sir Bess Ormsby Fobes discussion.
Lovholm Holsteins: The Only Farm to Breed 2 World Dairy Expo Holstein Champions Milks 72 Cows in Tie-Stalls – Different era, same philosophy. Michael and Jessica Lovich are doing in 2025 what Snoddy did in 1954—trusting cow families over popular opinion, breeding for their barn instead of the catalog. Proof that the approach that built Milly still beats unlimited budgets, seventy years later.

Join the Revolution!

Categories : Donor Profile

Tags : All-American Holstein cow, EX-97 Holstein, Harborcrest Rose Milly, Holstein cow family, Paclamar Astronaut, Paclamar Farms history

They Called Him the Three-Legged Bull. He Created the Modern Red Holstein: The Untold Story of Hanover-Hill Triple Threat-Red

Saturday, December 6th, 2025

53 years ago, a man bet his career on a red calf everyone else called a defect. He was right

<a href="https://rss.com/podcasts/the-bullvine/2372792/">E433 They Called Him the Three-Legged Bull. He Cre | RSS.com</a>

Hanover-Hill Triple Threat, the bull they once called a “defect.” He overcame initial rejection and later challenges to become a legend, reshaping the modern Red Holstein breed with his resilience and elite genetics.

Picture this. It’s October 1972, upstate New York. The sale barn at Hanover Hill Holsteins is packed—the kind of crowd that shows up when they know something historic might happen. That electric tension you only get when serious money is about to change hands.

In the ring stands a six-month-old calf. Vibrant red coat. Good on his feet. And by every measure of conventional wisdom in that era? A genetic liability.

See, for most of the 20th century, red and white on a Holstein wasn’t just unfashionable—it was treated as a defect. Something you culled. Something that barred your animal from the prestigious main herdbook. The industry elite wanted nothing to do with it.

But by 1972, something was shifting. All over the world—especially in Europe—people were looking for Red Holstein blood with good conformation. The market was starved for elite red genetics. And when this particular calf stepped into the ring, breeders recognized they were looking at something the industry had never seen before: a red Telstar son from the iconic Barb family.

So when the auctioneer started climbing past $40,000… then $50,000… the tension in that room was palpable.

Ken Young of American Breeders Service had already blown past his authorized limit. His bosses back in DeForest, Wisconsin, hadn’t signed off on anything close to this. But Young kept his paddle in the air.

$60,000. The gavel fell. World record for a Red & White Holstein. And in that moment, the trajectory of an entire breed pivoted on its axis.

When Young’s superiors demanded an explanation, he reportedly offered a reply that’s echoed through the halls of dairy breeding lore ever since: “It was easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.”

That calf was Hanover-Hill Triple Threat-Red. And here’s the thing—fifty-three years later, if you’re running red genetics in your herd, if you’ve ever admired Apple-Red or watched a Rubels-Red daughter walk into the ring… you’re looking at his legacy.

The World That Existed Before

To really understand what happened in that sale barn, you’ve got to understand the historical context.

For most of the 20th century, the Red Factor gene wasn’t treated as a variation. It was treated as a mistake. A genetic blemish to be erased. Elite North American breeders had systematically selected against red animals for generations. The main herdbooks slammed their doors shut. And the reasoning became self-reinforcing—because all the best genetics for milk and type were being developed exclusively in Black & White bloodlines, the Red & White population kept falling further behind.

It was a vicious cycle. Red cattle needed access to elite genetics to improve. But elite genetics wanted nothing to do with red cattle.

By the early 1970s, however, European demand was changing the equation. Farmers across Switzerland, France, and Germany were actively seeking red genetics with a modern dairy type. The question that haunted every breeder who loved that red coat was deceptively simple: How do you improve a population when the very best bloodlines refuse to acknowledge you exist?

The answer, it turned out, would come from an unexpected place—not the heartland of North American dairying, but the green valleys of Switzerland.

The Swiss Visionary Who Wouldn’t Take No for an Answer

The story of Triple Threat’s creation starts with a young Swiss agricultural graduate named Jean-Louis Schrago. In 1968, Schrago arrived in North America with a mandate that would’ve seemed absurd to most American breeders: find the world’s best red genetics and bring them back to Europe.

His search led him to Hanover Hill Holsteins in New York—the breeding epicenter managed by the legendary R. Peter Heffering. And Schrago walked right in and made an audacious proposal: breed your finest cow, the iconic matriarch Johns Lucky Barb, to a red-factor bull.

Heffering, pragmatic and focused on the lucrative Black & White market, shut him down flat. “There’s no Red & White market,” he told the young Swiss visitor.

But Schrago wasn’t a man who accepted dismissal easily.

He came back in 1971. This time, he brought a delegation of European farmers with him—visible proof of growing demand. And over lunch, Heffering finally asked the question that would change everything: “Alright then. Who would you recommend?”

Schrago’s answer was specific, unconventional, and—looking back—borderline miraculous: Roybrook Telstar.

Now, Telstar was a titan of the Canadian breed. A superstar celebrated for transmitting refinement, dairy character, and exceptional udders. His daughters were known as “show ring prima donnas.” But here’s what most North American breeders didn’t know: Telstar carried a rare genetic variant called the Black-Red gene—a peculiar trait that caused red-born animals to darken as they matured, a phenomenon that would later become known simply as “Telstar Red.”

Schrago knew. And he wasn’t telling everyone.

The logistics alone were insane. Telstar had been exported to Japan in 1967—at the highest price ever paid by Japanese buyers for a Canadian bull at that time. Schrago located two precious units of semen on the other side of the Pacific and arranged their importation for $2,500. A substantial sum at the time—enough to make most breeders think twice.

Then came his final stroke of genius. Rather than using the aging Johns Lucky Barb herself, he advised Heffering to use her greatest daughter—Tara-Hills Pride Lucky Barb EX-94—a formidable cow in her prime who carried the true recessive red gene.

The genetic math was elegant. Telstar contributes the rare Black-Red gene. The dam contributes the true recessive red gene. Together? Something the breed had never seen: an elite red calf carrying the accumulated genetic wealth of Holstein royalty.

Heffering agreed. The mating was made. And on April 24, 1972, the gamble paid off.

When Schrago heard the news, he drove non-stop from Wisconsin just to see the animal he’d dreamed into existence. He later described the calf as “looking like a small deer”—delicate, alert, unmistakably special.

That deer would prove anything but delicate.

Where the Power Came From

To understand why Triple Threat could stamp his offspring with such consistency—why his prepotency became legendary—you’ve got to look at what collided in his pedigree. This wasn’t just good genetics meeting good genetics. This was the deliberate convergence of the most dominant forces in the Holstein universe.

The Sire: Roybrook Telstar EX-Extra. The Canadian superstar whose semen Schrago imported from Japan for the historic mating. While famous for his “show ring prima donna” daughters, Telstar secretly carried the rare Black-Red gene—the source of the unique “chameleon” coat color he passed to his son.

His sire, Roybrook Telstar EX-Extra, was line-bred to the famous “White Cow” family of F. Roy Ormiston in Brooklin, Ontario. His dam, Roybrook Model Lass EX-15, accumulated lifetime credits of 218,814 pounds of milk and 9,018 pounds of fat—numbers that still command respect today. Telstar’s gift to his offspring was unmistakable: style, dairy character, and udders of exceptional texture. He added what breeders called “silkiness” to the hide. But his most unique contribution was the rare Black-Red gene—the genetic trait that would become the visual trademark of the Triple Threat lineage, causing red-born animals to darken progressively with age.

Tara-Hills Pride Lucky Barb *RC (EX-94). The formidable dam of Triple Threat. She was the crucial piece of the genetic puzzle, providing the true recessive red gene from the iconic Barb family. At the same 1972 sale where her son made history, she set her own world record, selling for $122,000.

His dam, Tara-Hills Pride Lucky Barb EX-94, was a force of nature in her own right. Sired by the strength specialist Ellbank Admiral Ormsby Pride, she combined power, width, and constitution with refined dairy character. Lifetime production: 147,756 pounds of milk with 6,264 pounds of fat. And her value showed up in the sale ring—at the same 1972 Hanover Hill Sale where her son commanded $60,000, Pride Lucky Barb herself sold for $122,000. World record for a dairy female. Mother and son shattered two global price records in a single afternoon.

The Matriarch: Johns Lucky Barb EX-97. Triple Threat’s legendary maternal granddam. Known as a “money tree” for shattering price records, she was the crucial, silent carrier of the red gene that made the historic Triple Threat mating possible.

The maternal granddam—Johns Lucky Barb EX-97-4E-GMD-5—was one of the pillars of the Holstein breed. The 1967 All-American aged cow. One of the very first cows in history to achieve EX-97. Her highest record at eight years: 29,052 pounds of milk at 4.7% fat with 1,372 pounds of fat. Lifetime total: 166,311 pounds of milk and 7,582 pounds of fat.

Industry observers called her a “money tree,”—and they weren’t exaggerating. Her progeny consistently shattered price records. Crucially, she was the original source of the red factor in the maternal line—a trait she passed silently down the generations.

Here’s what made the Triple Threat mating so special: it combined two different types of red genes. The rare Black-Red gene from Telstar’s side, and the true recessive red gene from the Barb maternal line. That unique combination gave Triple Threat his special ability to reliably produce red offspring while passing on world-class type and components.

The Chameleon Who Wouldn’t Quit

Triple Threat’s story could’ve ended with that record-breaking sale. Instead, it was only beginning—and the chapters that followed would test his resilience in ways nobody predicted.

True to his Telstar Red genetics, Triple Threat was born a vibrant red—the kind of color that stood out immediately. But within months, something strange began happening. His coat started darkening. You’d visit him one week, and he’d look a shade deeper. By six months, the transformation was visible to anyone paying attention. By nine months, he was almost completely black—often retaining only a few reddish hairs in his ears and the switch of his tail.

The Chameleon Effect. Pictured here at just six months old, Triple Threat had already transformed from a vibrant red calf to nearly all black—a trademark of the “Telstar Red” gene. Despite this confusing visual trait, which appeared in about half his red offspring, his popularity never wavered among breeders of both colors.

This was the famous “Telstar Red” phenomenon in action—a genetic trait inherited directly from his sire. For breeders unfamiliar with the trait, it caused real confusion. Some questioned whether he could even transmit red genetics at all. But verification came quickly: despite his chameleon appearance, Triple Threat consistently passed the red gene to his offspring. About half of his red-born progeny exhibited the same darkening phenomenon—turning what might’ve been a liability into a recognized trademark.

But it was a later chapter that cemented his legend among breeders who valued toughness as much as type.

According to industry accounts, Triple Threat suffered a significant leg injury in his mature years at ABS. The damage was reportedly permanent and debilitating—serious enough that he became known among breeders as “the three-legged bull.” By conventional measures, an animal in that condition should’ve been retired. Should’ve been done.

He wasn’t done.

His libido remained strong. His seminal quality stayed high. He continued to work, continued to breed, continued to stamp his excellence on thousands of daughters. For breeders, this physical resilience became more than an anecdote. It was living proof of constitutional vigor—a will to live that he passed to his progeny. His daughters became renowned not just for their beauty but for their durability. Long-lasting cows who stayed productive from lactation after lactation.

Whether the “three-legged bull” story is the literal truth or an industry legend grown tall over fifty years, the underlying message resonated: this was a bull—and a bloodline—that refused to quit.

A Threat in Three Dimensions

His name proved prophetic. Hanover-Hill Triple Threat-Red posed a genuine challenge to the competition in three distinct ways—a combination that made him one of the most sought-after sires of his generation.

First, type transformation. At a time when many Red & White cattle lacked the scale and refinement of their Black & White counterparts, Triple Threat injected the elite “Hanover Hill look” into the red population. He consistently sired daughters who were tall, long-necked, angular—animals with mammary systems showing exceptional texture and strong suspensory ligaments. His impact on feet and legs was equally dramatic. Flat bone. Correct set to the hock. Traits that contributed directly to the longevity his daughters became famous for.

One European observer summarized it best: “He probably improved conformation more in one generation than any bull ever used in Europe.”

Second, components. While contemporaries like Round Oak Rag Apple Elevation were chasing sheer milk volume, Triple Threat offered something different. High butterfat percentage—inherited from both sides of his pedigree. In today’s component-heavy pricing environment, we’d call that money in the tank. Back then, it made his daughters highly profitable in markets that paid on solids. And it made him a perfect complement to high-volume bloodlines that often tested lower for fat.

Third—and this is the big one—maternal transmission. Triple Threat was what breeders call a “daughters bull.” He produced great daughters but no legacy sons. That’s not a flaw; it’s a pattern you see when a sire’s maternal line is exceptionally dominant. He was a conduit for one of the breed’s most powerful dynasties—the Barbs. His ability to sire what observers called “outsize brood cows”—noted for correct conformation, style, pretty udders, high butterfat, and longevity—was legendary.

His daughters weren’t merely productive. They were matriarchs capable of founding dynasties.

So he had the genetics. He had the resilience. But the proof? That came through his progeny—both daughters and sons who carried his influence forward in ways nobody anticipated.

The Dynasty That Changed Everything

Here’s where the story gets really interesting—and really relevant to anyone running red genetics today.

The crown jewel of Triple Threat’s legacy? The connection to KHW Regiment Apple-Red EX-96 – “The Million Dollar Cow” and arguably the most influential Red Holstein of the 21st century.

The Dynasty Builder: KHW Regiment Apple-Red EX-96. The “Million Dollar Cow” and the most famous Red Holstein of the modern era. Her existence is the direct result of Triple Threat’s legacy: she would not be red without the red factor passed down through her grandsire, Meadolake Jubilant—Triple Threat’s most influential son.

Meadolake Jubilant-RC EX—the vital bridge to the Apple family—and E-D Thor-Red were Triple Threat’s two highest sons. While both were widely used across Canada, the US, and Europe, it was Jubilant who reinforced the classic Triple Threat profile: frame, strength, high components. He sired tens of thousands of daughters, making him one of the most widely used RC sires of his era. But his most important contribution? He carried the red factor forward. One of Jubilant’s significant daughters was Clover-Mist Augy Star EX-94, who became the granddam of Kamps-Hollow Altitude-RC EX-95—the 2009 Red Impact Winner. Altitude produced Advent-Red, Acme-RC, and the famous Apple herself.

That entire Apple family—unparalleled in Red Holstein circles—would never have been red and white if Jubilant hadn’t passed along the red factor. If you’ve used Apple genetics in the last decade, you’re tapping into a lineage that started with that “genetic defect” of a red calf back in 1972.

But the daughters built empires too.

The Showstopper: Nandette T.T. Speckle-Red EX-93-DOM. A two-time All-American who proved Triple Threat daughters could dominate the show ring. She wasn’t just a pretty face; her descendants include the millionaire sire Ladino-Park Talent-RC, further cementing Triple Threat’s influence on the modern breed.

Nandette T.T. Speckle-Red EX-93-DOM was a two-time All-American Red & White in 1981 and 1984—25,290 pounds of milk at 4.7% fat as a four-year-old. Beautiful and productive. Her daughter, Stookey Elm Park Blackrose-ET EX-96, became an All-American in ’92 and ’93, accumulating 149,880 pounds in four lactations while mothering eight Excellent offspring. That line produced Ladino-Park Talent-RC—the world’s only RC millionaire sire. Talent sired Ms Delicious Apple-Red EX-94, who carries double Triple Threat blood and is the dam of Diamondback with over 22,000 daughters.

The Black & White Influence: Tora Triple Threat Lulu EX-96-GMD. While Triple Threat is famous for his red offspring, his influence transcended color lines. Lulu, a Reserve Grand Champion at the Royal Winter Fair, became the dam of the millionaire sire Hanover-Hill Inspiration—proving that Triple Threat’s genetics were powerful enough to shape the mainstream Black & White population just as heavily as the Red.

Tora Triple Threat Lulu EX-96-GMD earned Reserve Grand at the Royal Winter Fair in 1981 and became the dam of Hanover-Hill Inspiration EX-Extra—another millionaire sire used heavily in Black & White populations worldwide. Through Inspiration, Triple Threat’s genetics permeated the mainstream breed, reaching herds that never explicitly sought red genetics.

Hanoverhill TT Roxette-ET EX-94-2E-GMD-DOM introduced the red gene into the legendary Roxy family—widely considered the greatest cow family in Holstein history. The 2012 Red Impact winner, Golden-Oaks Perk Rae-Red, traces back to Roxette—and carries double Triple Threat blood through Jubilant on her dam’s side.

The Polled Pioneer: Golden-Oaks Perk Rae P Red EX-90. A granddaughter of the legendary Roxette, Perk Rae P Red didn’t just carry the Triple Threat legacy of elite type—she pushed the frontier of polled genetics. As a pioneer brood cow, she proved that breeders didn’t have to sacrifice conformation to get the polled gene, laying the groundwork for the modern polled Red market we see today.

And then there’s Sellcrest T Roseanne-Red EX-93-2E-GMD-DOM—40,340 pounds of milk at 4.7% fat with 1,880 pounds of fat. She shattered the stereotype that Red & White cows couldn’t compete on production. When Holstein International ran its 2012 Red Impact Competition—forty years after Triple Threat’s birth—Roseanne still finished sixth. Four decades of relevance.

The reach extended beyond red breeding. Scientific Debutante Rae EX-92—carrying double Triple Threat blood through both Jubilant and the Roxette line—became the dam of Destry-RC, one of the most influential sires in mainstream Black & White populations. Meanwhile, Lulu’s son Hanover-Hill Inspiration achieved millionaire status and was used heavily across the breed worldwide. Triple Threat’s genetics didn’t just build the Red Holstein—they infiltrated the entire Holstein population.

From New York to the World

The impact wasn’t confined to North America. Triple Threat’s genetics became the primary vehicle for “Holsteinization” across Europe—transforming traditional dual-purpose red breeds into specialized dairy cattle.

Schrago Triple Ortensia Red. The proof in the pail. In 1977, ABS Director Dr. Robert Walton (second from right) traveled to Switzerland to see the first milking Triple Threat daughter firsthand—validating the “rogue” purchase made five years earlier. Also pictured with breeder André Schrago are industry leaders from France (Alain Du Colombier) and Germany (Dr. Otto Dramm), marking the start of the European Red revolution.

The Swiss daughter Guex Triple Tulippe-Red achieved something almost unprecedented: EX-98. Nearly perfect. When a disease outbreak at the 1979 Paris Agriculture Show infected her and three other Triple Threat daughters with IBR, Swiss authorities—whose country was free of the disease—demanded immediate slaughter upon their return. Three went to the abattoir. But Tulippe’s genetics were considered too precious to lose. Jean-Louis Schrago arranged for her transfer to Holland, where breeder Anton Van Nieuwenhuize saved her. She lived to age 15—a living advertisement across Europe for the durability and elite type of the Triple Threat bloodline.

The Survivor: Guex Triple Tulippe-Red EX-98. Pictured here upon her arrival in Holland in 1979 with Anton Van Nieuwenhuize (pouring champagne). After contracting IBR at the Paris show, Tulippe was barred from returning to Switzerland and faced immediate slaughter. Instead, she was spirited away to the Netherlands, where she lived to age 15 and became a key figure in convincing Dutch breeders to embrace the Red Holstein crossing program.

But the show ring dominance stretched far beyond Switzerland. Hepp-Haven Lisa of Pinehurst EX-96 earned Reserve Grand Champion at World Dairy Expo in 1986—competing against all colors and holding her own on the biggest stage in the industry. In France, he established the Uzes EX-96 and Rolls EX-96 families—both national champions, with Uzes winning not just the red and white division but the overall national championship against Black & White competition. In Germany, his genetics accelerated the evolution of the German Red Pied into the modern Red Holstein.

The list of remarkable Triple Threat daughters scoring EX-96 or higher across three continents is extraordinary. It’s a testament to how consistently he transmitted elite type regardless of where his genetics landed.

Jean-Louis Schrago’s vision, dismissed by Heffering in 1968, had reshaped an entire continent. But the story doesn’t end with history—it’s still being written today.

What This Means for Your Herd in 2025

Walk through Madison during World Dairy Expo or watch the results coming out of the recent National Red & White Show—Golden-Oaks Temptres-Red taking Grand Champion this year—and you’ll see Triple Threat’s fingerprint everywhere. That’s not nostalgia talking—it’s genetics.

This is Golden-Oaks Temptress-Red-ET—the 2024 World Dairy Expo Supreme Champion who just dethroned a three-time reigning queen. Fifty-two years after Ken Young bet his career on a red calf nobody wanted, a Red & White Holstein stood at the pinnacle of the most prestigious show on earth. That’s the arc of Triple Threat’s legacy. From $60,000 gamble to Supreme Champion crowns. From “cull her, she’s red” to the kind of type that makes judges stop and stare.

Fifty-three years after his birth, his influence isn’t just historical. It’s actively shaping the breed’s future. Modern genomic giants like Hoogerhorst DG OH Rubels-Red carry the Triple Threat bloodline no less than three times in their pedigrees. The Ranger-Red lineage connects directly back. Influential sires like Gywer-RC and Lawn Boy-Red all carry Triple Threat genes. If you’ve been watching the red leaderboards lately, you’re seeing his genetic fingerprint everywhere.

So what’s the lesson here? What should today’s breeders take from Schrago’s vision and Young’s rogue bid?

It’s this: the genetics everyone dismisses today might be the genetics everyone needs tomorrow.

In 1968, Heffering told Schrago there was no market for red cattle. The industry consensus was clear: red was a defect. The smart money said cull those animals and move on. But Schrago saw something different. He saw value where others saw liability. And he was willing to wait—to import semen from Japan, to return year after year, to make the case until the market caught up with his vision.

We’re seeing similar dynamics right now. Breeders banking embryos from A2A2 cows when the premium’s only a nickel. Breeders prioritizing polled genetics when the market hasn’t fully caught up. Breeders maintaining cow families that don’t top the genomic charts but produce consistently year after year—cows that stay in the herd five, six, seven lactations. With feed costs where they are and labor harder to find than ever, that kind of durability isn’t just nice to have; it’s what makes this business sustainable when margins get tight.

Triple Threat proved that patience and conviction, backed by genuine genetic quality, can reshape an entire breed. His daughters weren’t just show winners—they were durable, profitable, long-lasting cows that worked in commercial settings. That combination of type and function, beauty and durability, is exactly what the industry needs now as we balance genomic potential against real-world cow performance.

The Bottom Line

Hanover-Hill Triple Threat-Red was an anomaly who became an archetype. Born from a speculative mating that defied the commercial logic of his time. Purchased for a record price through a rogue bid that could’ve ended Ken Young’s career. Physically compromised for much of his productive life, if the old-timers’ stories are to be believed. Yet he overcame every barrier to reshape an entire breed.

He didn’t merely improve the Red & White cow—he essentially created its modern iteration. By combining the potent Black-Red gene from Telstar with the true recessive red gene and elite type from the Lucky Barb family, he elevated the Red Holstein from a genetic curiosity to a global commercial powerhouse.

His legacy lives in the Speckles and Lulus and Roxettes who dominated their eras. It lives in Tulippe, the Swiss survivor who carried his banner to EX-98. It lives in the Jubilant line that made Apple possible—and in Apple herself, the Million Dollar Cow who would never have been red and white without Triple Threat’s genes flowing through her pedigree. It lives in Destry-RC, carrying his genetics into the mainstream Black & White population. And it lives in breeding programs worldwide, where his genetic fingerprint continues to shape decisions made today.

Every modern Red & White that commands a high price, wins a championship, or tops a genomic index owes a genetic debt to the bull breeders still call “three-legged”—the resilient legend from Hanover Hill.

In the end, Young was right to take the risk. It was easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission. And fifty-three years later, the breed is still thanking him—and Schrago, the Swiss visionary who wouldn’t take no for an answer—for having the courage to see what others couldn’t.

If you’re running red genetics in your herd—or considering adding them—take a minute to trace those pedigrees back. Chances are, you’ll find Triple Threat waiting there. The bull who changed a color. The chameleon who wouldn’t quit. The legend from Hanover Hill who proved that resilience, vision, and elite genetics can rewrite the destiny of an entire breed.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Rogue Bid: Ken Young exceeded his authorization to buy a red calf that the industry dismissed as a defect. His reported justification—”Easier to ask forgiveness than permission”—became breeding lore. That calf built the modern Red Holstein.
Two Genes, One Revolution: Triple Threat uniquely combined Telstar’s Black-Red gene with the Barb family’s true recessive red. For the first time, elite Black & White genetics could reliably produce red offspring.
A Daughters Bull: No legacy sons—but his daughters (Speckle, Lulu, Roxette, Roseanne) founded every major Red Holstein dynasty. Apple-Red, Destry-RC, and Rubels-Red all trace back to him.
Longevity Is the Legacy: His daughters didn’t just win shows—they lasted 5, 6, 7 lactations. In 2025, with labor tight and turnover costly, that durability is worth more than genomic flash.
The Breeder’s Takeaway: The genetics everyone dismisses today might be the genetics everyone needs tomorrow. Schrago waited three years. Young bet his career. Patience plus conviction can reshape an industry.

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Tags : cow durability, dairy profitability, genomic red sires, Hanover-Hill Triple Threat, herd longevity, Red Holstein genetics

One Farmer’s ‘No’ Built a Dynasty: How Plushanski Chief Faith’s Genetics Add $1,500 to Your Bottom Line

Saturday, November 1st, 2025

1973: Charlie refuses to sell Faith. 2025: Her genetics add $1,500/cow. Between those years? A breeding revolution nobody saw coming.

<a href="https://rss.com/podcasts/the-bullvine/2303254/">E408 One Farmer’s ‘No’ Built a Dynasty: How Plusha | RSS.com</a>

Plushanski Chief Faith, the cow whose genetics would add $1,500 per cow to your bottom line. This is the remarkable Holstein Charlie Plushanski refused to sell in 1973, setting in motion a breeding revolution that continues to save farms today. Just look at that presence—the deep body, the wide front end, and that incredible udder that defied the odds of her Chief lineage

I’ll never forget when I first heard this story—about a decision that seemed impossible at the time, yet somehow created $1,500 worth of hope for every cow in your barn today.

The moment that changed everything came on an ordinary morning in 1973. I can still picture it, the way it’s been told to me by those who remember—Charlie Plushanski standing in his Kutztown, Pennsylvania barn, watching the morning light catch the dust motes as his five-year-old Holstein, Faith, shifted her weight in the stall.

What happened next still gives me chills…

Charlie Backus had driven up from Maryland that morning with an offer that would’ve saved most farmers from their worst fears. We’re talking about enough money to buy a decent farm in Berks County—the kind of offer that makes your hands shake when you hear it. And Charlie Plushanski? He’d survived World War II as a Marine, built his farm from nothing with his boxing earnings, and knew what it meant to struggle. Family stories say he’d even sparred with champions during the war, though like many stories from that generation, the details have softened with time.

Standing there in that barn doorway, Backus was pressing hard. “Charlie, you need to let her go,” he said, watching Plushanski Chief Faith—that remarkable cow who seemed to know her own worth.

Earlier that same day—and this is what moves me most about this story—Pete Heffering had made the same journey from Ontario, trying to buy this same cow for his Hanover Hill program. Two of the biggest names in Holstein breeding, both turned away by a farmer who saw something nobody else could see.

The Pedigree That Changed Everything

For those who love breeding history, let me paint the complete picture of what made Faith so special:

Plushanski Chief Faith EX-94 4E GMD (EX-MS 96)

Born: November 1968
Sire: Pawnee Farm Arlinda Chief
Dam: Ady Whirlhill Frona VG-86 (Whirlhill Kingpin daughter)
Lifetime Production: 242,863 lbs milk, 11,353 lbs fat

What set Faith apart wasn’t just her individual achievement—it was how she transmitted. In an era before genomics, before EPDs, before any of the tools we rely on today, Faith proved that some cows simply have “it”—that indefinable ability to pass on greatness generation after generation.

The Courage It Took to Say No

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Plushanski, the visionaries behind the Faith dynasty. Their partnership and shared conviction were the foundation of the courageous decision to keep Faith when the industry came calling. This photo captures the quiet strength of the couple who chose long-term legacy over a short-term sale, proving that the greatest breeding decisions are often family decisions.

What moved me most was understanding what Charlie was really facing that day. This wasn’t just about money. This was about believing in something when everyone thought you were crazy.

The breeding community of the early 1970s was divided. You were either breeding for Chief’s incredible production or Elevation’s balanced type and longevity. But here was Charlie, who had already taken the risk of combining Chief with Kingpin genetics—a corrective mating that most breeders wouldn’t have attempted.

Charlie looked at Faith and somehow knew—in that deep, gut-level way that real farmers understand—that she carried something special in her genetics. Something that couldn’t be bought or sold. Something that would outlive them all.

“It’s not about the money,” Charlie said, according to the stories that have been passed down through breeding records and family memories. And against all odds, he was right.

That Gold Medal Dam designation Faith would earn? In the 1970s, before genomics and computers, a GMD represented the pinnacle of breeding achievement—a cow whose offspring consistently exceeded expectations across multiple herds and breeding programs. It meant you had a cow that was one in ten thousand.

The Winter That Nearly Broke Everything

Here’s where the story gets even more remarkable for those who understand breeding history. In the fall of 1965, in one of those Pennsylvania winters when everything seemed impossible, Charlie’s brother Henry called about some yearling heifers down in Perry County. A dozen Whirlhill Kingpin daughters that most breeders wouldn’t touch because of their udder problems.

Charlie bought them all. Including one special heifer—Ady Whirlhill Frona.

Nobody could have prepared him for what came next. When it came time to breed Frona, Charlie made a choice that seemed almost reckless. He bred her to Pawnee Farm Arlinda Chief—a bull whose genetics would eventually influence almost 14% of all Holstein DNA today, according to UC Davis research. But Chief came with risks. His genetics carried a lethal mutation that would cause heartbreak across the industry—over half a million lost calves worldwide. (Read more: The $4,300 Gamble That Reshaped Global Dairy Industry: The Pawnee Farm Arlinda Chief Story and Bell’s Paradox: The Worst Best Bull in Holstein History)

Charlie didn’t know about the mutation then. He just knew that sometimes, to create something extraordinary, you have to risk everything.

The Four Daughters Who Carried the Dream Forward

But then something remarkable happened that even Charlie couldn’t have imagined. Faith didn’t just excel herself—she passed on her gifts through four extraordinary daughters that would reshape breeding programs worldwide:

Plushanski Valiant Fran EX-90 35* achieved something almost unheard of in the pre-embryo transfer era. The “star” designation meant her offspring significantly exceeded the breed average. Seven went on to score Excellent. Twenty-five scored Very Good. Her 365-day record of 36,920 pounds of milk proved you could have both beauty and production. Through Fran came the show line that would eventually produce Quality BC Frantisco—Grand Champion at the Royal Winter Fair in 2004 and 2005.

Quality B C Frantisco-ET EX-96-3E 18*, a daughter Plushanski Valiant Fran-ET. Frantisco’s multiple championships at the Royal Winter Fair and her recognition as International Cow of the Year highlight the continued influence of Faith’s bloodlines, even in subsequent generations.

Plushanski Job Fancy VG-88 GMD DOM became the commercial production matriarch. The DOM (Dam of Merit) designation meant she had sons entering AI service. Through her daughter, Plushanski Neil Flute VG-87, and granddaughter Plushanski Mark Fife VG-87, this branch would spread across the globe, with bulls like To-Mar D-Fortune carrying these genetics into thousands of herds.

Plushanski Neil Flute (VG-87), the crucial link in the global dynasty. As the daughter of brood cow matriarch Job Fancy and the dam of the influential Mark Fife, Flute embodied the exceptional udder quality and commercial durability that this branch became famous for. It was through powerful transmitters like her that Faith’s genetics quietly infiltrated thousands of herds, building the foundation for the longevity advantage we see today.

Plushanski Dawn Fayne and Plushanski Star Faith rounded out this remarkable quartet, each contributing their own unique genetic gifts to the breed.

What pedigree enthusiasts will appreciate is that each daughter seemed to capture a different aspect of Faith’s genetic package—Fran got the show-ring presence, Fancy got the commercial reliability, Flute got the udder quality, and Fife got the longevity. It’s as if Faith parceled out her gifts, ensuring her influence would touch every aspect of Holstein breeding.

Contemporary Competition and Context

To understand the magnitude of Charlie’s decision, you need to know what else was happening in Holstein breeding in 1973. This was the era of legendary cow families like:

The Romandale Reflection Marquis family
The Hanoverhill lines that Pete Heffering was building
The emerging Elevation daughters that were revolutionizing the type

Yet Faith would outlast and out-influence many of these contemporary families. While other great cows of the era produced individual champions, Faith created entire dynasties that adapted to different breeding goals worldwide.

The Global Explosion Nobody Saw Coming

What’s fascinating for breeding historians is how Faith’s genetics adapted to completely different breeding goals around the world:

The European Production Revolution

The modern embodiment of Faith’s commercial power: De Biesheuvel Javina 50 VG-87. She is the archetype of the Javina family, the European branch of the Faith dynasty that descended through Plushanski Job Fancy. While the Frantisco line chased show-ring glory, Dutch breeders selected this line with a relentless focus on what pays the bills: production, health, and efficiency. Today, her descendants like Willem’s Hoeve 3STAR Javina 2762 dominate European genomic indexes (gNVI and gRZG), producing the next generation of elite bulls for AI studs. This is the harvest of Charlie Plushanski’s vision, proving that Faith’s genetics could be adapted to create a profitable, index-topping powerhouse for the most demanding commercial systems in the world.

The Dutch breeders working with the Javina family (Faith’s European descendants through Job Fancy) focused intensively on commercial traits. De Biesheuvel Delta Javina and her daughters consistently top the Dutch NVI rankings. These aren’t just good cows—they’re the kind that define breeding programs for decades. When families consistently produce #1 NVI sons and daughters generation after generation, you’re witnessing genetic consistency that modern genomics still struggles to predict.

Canada’s Show Ring Dynasty

The show-ring culmination of the Faith dynasty: Quality B C Frantisco-ET EX-96-3E 18* A direct descendant of Faith through her daughter Plushanski Valiant Fran, Frantisco was the masterpiece developed by Paul Ekstein at Quality Holsteins. She dominated the Canadian show circuit, capturing Grand Champion honors at the Royal Winter Fair twice (2004 & 2005) and earning the title of 5-time All-Canadian. Her reign was so complete that one of the great “what ifs” in modern show history is how she would have fared against American champions at World Dairy Expo, a showdown prevented by BSE travel restrictions. Frantisco stands as the ultimate proof of the versatility of Faith’s genetics—creating a world-class show champion more than 30 years after her famous ancestor was born.

In Canada, Paul Ekstein’s work with the Frantisco line through Valiant Fran created a show dynasty. Quality BC Frantisco’s achievements—Grand Champion at the Royal Winter Fair in 2004 and 2005, five-time All-Canadian, International Cow of the Year 2005—prove that Faith genetics could compete at the highest levels decades after her death.

Australia’s Modern Application

Ray Kitchen at Carenda Holsteins demonstrates how Faith genetics remain relevant in 2025. Their Carenda Pemberton, with 606 daughters from 79 herds, shows how these genetics adapt to modern selection tools while maintaining their core strengths.

Why This Matters for Today’s Breeders

I recently talked with a producer in Wisconsin who discovered Faith genetics in his herd almost by accident while researching pedigrees. His Faith-line cows? They’re averaging 3.8 lactations compared to the industry’s 2.8. That extra lactation—worth an estimated $1,200 to $1,500 per cow in today’s market—is the difference between profitability and struggle.

With the nearly 800,000-heifer shortage CoBank reports, quality genetics have never been more valuable. When you see names like Big Gospell, Apina Fortune, or To-Mar D-Fortune in a pedigree, you’re looking at Faith’s legacy, refined through decades of selection.

The modern face of the Faith legacy: Big Delta Anecy 1, dam of the influential AI sire Big Gospell. A direct descendant of Faith through the commercially-focused Javina family, Anecy is the proof in the pudding. She showcases the deep-ribbed, high-capacity frame and exceptional udder quality that the Faith line has transmitted for over 50 years. When you see bulls like Gospell in a catalog, you’re not just buying modern genomics; you’re investing in decades of proven, real-world durability that started with one farmer’s courageous ‘no’ back in 1973.

What Charlie Knew in His Heart

Standing there in my own barn sometimes, I think about Charlie Plushanski in that moment in 1973. The breeding community was watching. The pressure was immense. The money would have solved immediate problems.

Instead, he made the harder choice. The one that required patience, vision, and something more—faith in genetics that would prove their worth across decades and continents.

Charlie passed away in 1991, but his son Cary kept the dream alive at the Kutztown farm until his own passing just this September. Three generations of a family who understood that sometimes the best breeding decisions aren’t about today’s milk check or tomorrow’s bills. Sometimes they’re about creating genetic legacies that outlast us all.

The Echo That Still Saves Farms

Every time a Faith descendant helps a farm survive another year, navigate another crisis, or build another generation’s future, the echo of Charlie’s “no” from 1973 quietly puts hope back in someone’s barn.

For pedigree enthusiasts, Faith represents something profound—proof that individual breeding decisions can reshape an entire breed. For historians, she’s a reminder that the greatest genetic influences often come from unexpected places. For today’s breeders, she offers both practical genetics and philosophical guidance.

When you’re planning your breeding for next year, when you’re looking at those catalogs and wondering which direction to go, remember Charlie Plushanski. Remember that sometimes the hardest choice—the one that seems impossible at the time—is the one that creates miracles down the road.

That $1,500 per cow advantage from longevity? That’s not just a number. That’s the difference between surviving and thriving, between keeping the farm and losing it, between passing something on to the next generation and watching it slip away.

And somewhere, in barns across the world, Faith’s descendants are still quietly making that difference. Still carrying forward the gift of one farmer’s impossible choice.

It might as well be in your barn, creating your own harvest of hope.

Key Takeaways:

The Bottom Line: Faith genetics add 1+ lactation (3.8 vs 2.8 average), worth $1,200-$1,500 per cow in today’s market
Find Them Today: Search your pedigrees for “Javina” (commercial power), “Frantisco” (show quality), or Faith’s four daughters’ names
Why Now: In an 800,000-heifer shortage, cows that last five lactations instead of 3 are pure profit
The Lesson: Sometimes saying “no” to quick money creates generational wealth—Charlie proved it in 1973

Executive Summary:

In 1973, Charlie Plushanski turned down enough money to buy a farm—refusing to sell a cow that would reshape dairy genetics forever. Plushanski Chief Faith (EX-94 4E GMD) didn’t just produce 242,863 pounds of milk; she founded dynasties through four daughters whose genetics now run through millions of cows worldwide. Today, Faith bloodlines deliver the industry’s most overlooked advantage: an extra lactation worth $1,200-$1,500 per cow, achieved through 3.8 lactations versus the 2.8 average. With an 800,000-heifer shortage threatening dairy’s future, these 50-year-old genetics offer what no genomic gamble can: proven longevity across every climate, every system, every market condition. The supreme irony? While the industry obsesses over the latest genomic rankings, Charlie’s half-century-old decision is quietly adding $1,500 to bottom lines worldwide. His refusal reminds us that true genetic wealth isn’t built in a sales ring—it’s built by saying “no” to quick money and “yes” to generational vision.

This narrative draws from breeding records, Holstein Association documentation, and the enduring impact of these genetics on farms worldwide. Some conversations and personal details have been reconstructed to honor the significance of these breeding decisions and the families who made them. The author extends deep gratitude to all who preserve these important agricultural stories.

Learn More:

Breeding for Longevity: A Producer’s Guide to Building a Herd That Lasts – This guide provides the tactical “how-to” behind the Faith story, revealing modern methods for using indexes like Productive Life (PL) and health traits to systematically build the resilient, high-longevity herd that Charlie Plushanski achieved through intuition and masterful breeding.
The Heifer Bubble: Navigating Record-High Replacement Costs in a Shrinking National Herd – This economic analysis dives deep into the market forces driving today’s heifer shortage. It offers crucial strategic insights on how to mitigate risk and leverage high replacement costs into a long-term competitive advantage for your operation.
Beyond TPI: How Genomics is Unlocking a New Frontier of Health and Wellness Traits – This article explores the innovative technology that allows today’s producers to achieve what Faith did naturally. It demonstrates how to use genomic testing to identify and select for the next generation of trouble-free, high-longevity cows in your herd.

Join the Revolution!

Categories : Donor Profile

Tags : cow longevity, dairy farm efficiency, dairy industry trends, dairy profitability, genomic selection, Holstein genetics, replacement heifer costs

When Breeding Genius Meets Perfect Timing: How Regancrest-PR Barbie Shaped the Future of Holstein Genetics

Saturday, September 20th, 2025

Every breeder at Madison talks about the ‘Barbie genetics. Her descendants dominate 36% of today’s top PTAT rankings.

<a href="https://rss.com/podcasts/the-bullvine/2225304/">E371 When Breeding Genius Meets Perfect Timing: Ho | RSS.com</a>

Regancrest-PR Barbie: The unassuming heifer who walked into the Minnesota State Fair ring in 2004, little did anyone know she was about to redefine Holstein genetics and kickstart a multi-million-dollar dynasty.

Look, I’ve been around long enough to know that most “legendary” cattle stories start sounding the same after a while. But every now and then, you come across one that stops you cold. This is one of those stories.

Picture this: it’s 2004, and this sleek black-and-white heifer is standing in the Minnesota State Fair ring. Nice enough cow, solid Reserve Grand Champion placement. The judge liked what he saw, the crowd appreciated her style, and that was that. Just another promising young cow in another show string.

Except… what nobody in that ring could’ve predicted was that they were watching the debut of what would become the most game-changing brood cow of our time.

That heifer was Regancrest-PR Barbie. And her story? Well, it’s the kind that makes you completely rethink what real genetic impact looks like.

The Iowa Boys Who Got It Right

So you’ve heard the name Regancrest thrown around at Madison, right? Seen it on those high-dollar consignment catalogs that make the rest of us shake our heads at the prices?

Here’s what most folks don’t realize—this operation, sitting on Iowa’s highest point in Allamakee County, has been quietly revolutionizing Holstein genetics since 1951. While half the industry was still figuring out AI, William Regan was already all-in on Registered Holsteins and artificial insemination.

I was talking with some producers at World Dairy Expo last fall—you know how those conversations go by the barns after the shows wrap up—and when Regancrest came up, this guy from Wisconsin just shook his head. “Those Iowa boys,” he said, taking a sip of his coffee, “they’ve been breeding the kind of cows we’re all chasing with genomics… for decades.”

The man wasn’t wrong.

The Regan family—William and Angella started it all, now their sons Ron, Charlie, Bill, and Frank run the show with the grandkids coming up—they’ve got something figured out that most of us are still learning. But here’s where it gets interesting… Frank’s daughter Sheri, grew up in that environment where every single mating decision mattered.

“At a young age, I had a great passion for showing cows and the Registered Holstein part of our family’s business,” Sheri told me when we caught up at a genetics meeting a few years back. That childhood spent studying pedigrees and watching how bloodlines played out across their herd? That wasn’t just farm work—that was genetics graduate school, live and in living color.

And by 2001, when a particular calf hit the ground in their nursery, all that careful planning was about to pay off in ways nobody could’ve imagined.

That “Alignment of Stars” Moment

Look, we’ve all tried linebreeding. Sometimes it works beautifully, sometimes… well, sometimes you get a train wreck that takes years to fix. But what the Regancrest team pulled off with Barbie was something entirely different. They called it an “alignment of stars”—and honestly, that’s the only way to describe what happened.

See, Barbie’s pedigree wasn’t just good bloodlines thrown together. Walkway Chief Mark appears three times in her background. Three times! That’s not luck—that’s surgical precision in a breeding program.

Her sire, Durham EX-90 GMD, was already making serious waves as the best son of Chief Mark’s very best daughter, Snow-N-Denises Dellia. Durham would eventually claim Premier Sire at World Dairy Expo five straight years and become the leading sire of Excellent cows in the US—over 4,400 of them.

Sheeknoll Durham Arrow (EX-96), a magnificent daughter of Durham EX-90 GMD, Barbie’s illustrious sire. Arrow’s success in the show ring highlights the profound influence Durham had on type and excellence, qualities he unmistakably passed on to his most famous daughter, Regancrest-PR Barbie.

But here’s the real kicker… this wasn’t just lucky breeding. The Regancrest crew had been systematically building toward this moment through eight generations, starting with their foundation cow, Zubes Ormsby Fayne EX-90. Every mating, every decision, leading up to this concentrated genetic package.

I remember Frank Regan explaining it to me once: “We knew we had something special brewing, but even we didn’t expect what Barbie would become.”

The Numbers That Changed Everything

When Barbie first freshened at two and a half years old, her production looked solid: 26,700 pounds of milk with decent components. Nothing earth-shattering there—thousands of cows hit those numbers every year.

But then the type evaluations started rolling in. High VG as a first-calf heifer, bumped to EX-92 after her second calving. And when she hit the show circuit in 2004… that’s when people really started paying attention.

Minnesota State Fair—Intermediate and Reserve Grand. World Dairy Expo—fifth in class. Solid showing for sure, but here’s what really mattered: she claimed the #1 PTAT Cow position with a CTPI of 2178 and PTAP of 4.50.

Now, for those keeping score at home, PTAT measures genetic transmission ability for type traits—basically, how well a cow passes her good stuff to her kids. It’s one thing to be a great individual cow; it’s entirely another to consistently pass those superior traits to your offspring. And that’s where Barbie separated herself from every other cow of her generation.

When the Daughters Started Making Noise

Here’s where the story gets absolutely wild. Of Barbie’s 27-plus daughters, all but one were classified VG or better on first lactation. Think about that for a minute. By 2010—and this is what had the breeding world buzzing—she’d produced eight Excellent and 19 Very Good daughters.

I remember being at a genetics seminar around that time, and this old-timer from Pennsylvania—a guy who’d been breeding Holsteins longer than I’d been alive—stood up during the Q&A and said, “Boys, I’ve been in this business 40 years. What Barbie’s doing up there in Iowa… I ain’t never seen anything like it.”

The room went dead quiet. When a guy like that speaks up, you listen.

The PTAT lists started looking like a Regancrest family reunion. Three of her daughters hit #1 PTAT Cow at different times. At least eleven consistently ranked in the top 25.

Regancrest Breya (EX-92), a Shottle daughter of Barbie and another one of her progeny to hit the #1 PTAT Cow spot. Breya’s success was part of the stunning collection of daughters who turned the PTAT lists into a Regancrest family reunion.

Names that became household words in our business: Regancrest G Bedazzle (Goldwyn)—first daughter to reach #1. Regancrest Breya (Shottle)—another #1 PTAT Cow. And then there’s Regancrest G Brocade (Goldwyn), whose sale with offspring for $900,000 announced to the whole world that the Barbie family wasn’t just about genetics anymore—they were about investments.

Regancrest G Brocade (EX-92), a Goldwyn daughter of Barbie, whose $900,000 sale with offspring was an early signal that the Barbie family’s genetic impact was translating into unprecedented market value.

The Genomic Revolution Amplifier

Just when traditional progeny testing was validating Barbie’s incredible transmission ability, the industry got completely turned upside down. Genomic selection hit around 2009, and suddenly, young bulls with high genomic indexes were threatening all the established bloodlines.

A lot of folks were worried. Would genomics make the old genetic families irrelevant? Would all that careful progeny testing get tossed aside for flashy genomic numbers?

But here’s where Barbie’s story gets even better. Instead of genomics hurting her influence, it amplified it exponentially. Her vast network of grandsons and great-grandsons started lighting up those genomic evaluations like Christmas trees.

DH Gold Chip Darling (EX-96), a Gold Chip daughter who exemplifies how Barbie’s genetics were amplified by the genomic era. Through her sire, one of Barbie’s most influential grandsons, Darling showcases the enduring type and high-level quality that this dynasty continues to transmit in today’s genomic-driven breeding programs.

Bulls like Gold Chip, Colt 45, Bradnick, and Cashcoin—they became foundational sires in today’s AI market. Her daughter, Regancrest Mac Bikas, became dam of the high genomic type sire, MR Atwood Brokaw. The family just kept producing.

And the numbers today? Get this: Nine Barbie-family heifers in the top 25 PTAT rankings, eight cows in the top 25. In an era where new genomic superstars emerge every proof run, that kind of sustained dominance is absolutely unheard of.

Million-Dollar Market Validation

You want to know when the market really figured out what the Barbie family represented? When Regancrest G Brocade was sold with offspring for $900,000. Then Regancrest S Chassity went for $1.5 million with 14 offspring. Then Regancrest Brasillia hit $1.5 million in another package deal.

Regancrest S Chassity (EX-92), a daughter of Barbie, who, along with her 14 offspring, sold for $1.5 million . Chassity’s record-breaking sale showed the world that Barbie’s genetics were not just about individual merit; they were a multi-generational genetic portfoli that smart buyers were willing to pay millions for.

Notice the pattern here? These weren’t individual cow sales—they were genetic portfolio investments. Smart buyers understood they weren’t just purchasing animals; they were investing in proven transmission ability that would compound over generations.

I was talking to Tom, a consignment manager I’ve known for years, at a sale last spring. He put it perfectly: “When a Barbie comes through the ring, buyers aren’t asking ‘what’s she worth?’ They’re asking, ‘what can we afford to pay for genetics we know work?'”

That shift in thinking—from individual merit to genetic portfolio—that’s what Barbie created. She proved that consistent transmission ability is worth more than any individual record or show placement.

Understanding the Science Behind the Magic

Now, with all the genomic technology we’ve got in 2025, we’re finally starting to understand why Barbie became such a phenomenon. That “alignment of stars” the Regancrest team achieved wasn’t just breeding intuition—it was concentrating beneficial gene combinations with surgical precision.

Modern genomic analysis has validated what those Iowa breeders figured out through careful observation: certain genetic packages produce consistently superior results. Barbie represented one of those rare combinations where favorable alleles aligned perfectly to create predictable excellence.

The 2025 genetic base changes—dropping Holstein PTAs by 750 pounds of milk and 45 pounds of fat—really highlight how much progress we’ve made since Barbie’s time. But here’s what’s fascinating: her descendants are still holding their relative positions in the rankings.

With Net Merit 2025 launching this April, emphasizing butterfat production, feed efficiency, and cow longevity, the traits that made Barbie special are more relevant than ever.

Real-World Impact in 2025

Famipage Legend Barabas (EX), a Legend daughter tracing back to Barbie, proves that this dynasty’s genetics continue to deliver on both type and production. Projected to produce over 16,000kg (35,600lbs) of milk, she’s a perfect example of Barbie’s enduring legacy in a modern dairy.

Walk through any major dairy operation today, and you’re seeing Barbie’s influence everywhere. Check the pedigrees of the top AI sires in your catalog, and her name pops up with surprising frequency.

Walnutlawn Lambda Beyonce (EX-93) is a striking example of Barbie’s deep and lasting impact, with Regancrest-PR Barbie as her 5th dam. Her quality proves that the systematic breeding vision behind Barbie created a genetic legacy that continues to produce elite animals, even five generations down the line.

Perfect example: Oh-River-Syc Byway—the bull who became the #1 daughter-proven type bull with 3.70 PTAT. His dam, Sandy-Valley Atwood Barbie EX-91, is Barbie’s granddaughter. That’s genetics working two generations later, still producing elite sires.

Midas-Touch Montery 1127 (EX-94-CAN), a Monterey daughter from the Barbie family. Owned by Ferme Jacobs and Crackholm Holsteins in Canada, her Grand Champion win at the 2022 Quebec Spring Show demonstrates how Barbie’s genetics continue to produce top-tier show animals and have spread far beyond the Iowa farm where her story began.

The Regancrest operation itself tells the whole story: 263 Excellent cows carrying the Regancrest prefix, 430-plus Regancrest bulls sold into AI programs, current herd averaging 107.1% Breed Age Average—#1 in the nation for their herd size.

Just this past October at World Dairy Expo, when Oakfield Solomon Footloose claimed her 2nd Grand Champion of the International Holstein Show, guess what was in her pedigree? Yep—Barbie genetics.

Butz Butler Goldwyn Barbara (EX-95), a stunning Goldwyn granddaughter of Barbie, demonstrates the continued show ring prowess and enduring genetic legacy of this exceptional family. Her success at top shows like World Dairy Expo underscores the consistent quality Barbie’s bloodline transmits across generations.

What This Actually Means for Your Operation

Here’s the practical takeaway from the Barbie story, and why it matters to every one of us making breeding decisions right now.

With genomic young bulls dominating today’s AI catalogs—we’re talking 42% of bulls marketed by AI companies themselves—the fundamentals that made Barbie great are more relevant than ever. The April 2025 genetic base changes and increasing concerns about inbreeding underscore the need for a more informed approach to genetic diversity while still pursuing progress.

Barbie’s success stemmed from concentrated excellence, but it was the result of systematic concentration over multiple generations. Not throwing everything at one mating and hoping for the best.

Looking at current trends—sexed semen at 37% market share, beef-on-dairy at 32%—we’re making more targeted breeding decisions than we’ve ever made before. The lesson from Barbie? Those decisions compound over time. Every mating is building toward something bigger.

And with new traits like Milking Speed coming online in our evaluations, we’re getting even more tools to make those systematic improvements.

Lehoux Perle BABY (VG-87-FR 2yr) is a stunning Goldchip daughter from the heart of the Barbie family. Her presence illustrates how Barbie’s foundational genetics, even through grandsons like Goldchip, continue to produce elite animals and shape herds globally in 2025.

The Human Touch That Made It All Happen

You know what really gets me about the Barbie story? It’s Frank Regan’s simple statement that still guides them today: “I just want to breed bulls that will improve herds for people everywhere”.

That’s not corporate marketing speak—that’s the mission of a family who dedicated their lives to genetic improvement. When you see them hosting thousands of international visitors annually and serving as “USA Holstein Ambassadors,” you understand that they recognize that success carries responsibility.

Sheri Regan’s childhood memories of studying pedigrees and watching bloodlines develop… that’s institutional knowledge you can’t buy or replicate overnight. It’s the intersection of science and art that created something extraordinary.

I think about operations like the 2024 Holstein Canada Master Breeders—farms like Kentville Holsteins with their 10 family Master Breeder shields spanning generations, or Cherry Crest surviving three complete dispersals and still earning their third shield. That’s the same kind of multigenerational thinking that created Barbie.

Where We’re All Headed

As we move deeper into 2025—with genetic indexes expanding rapidly, inbreeding coefficients climbing, and fewer distinct bloodlines dominating AI catalogs—the Barbie legacy raises some important questions we all need to think about.

How do we balance genetic progress with maintaining breed diversity? With concentrated excellence becoming harder to achieve responsibly, what’s the path forward?

Recent industry discussions about genetic consolidation—like the Trans Ova purchase of ReproLogix—show how much the breeding landscape continues to evolve. The companies controlling our genetics are changing, but the fundamental principles that created Barbie remain constant.

But here’s what gives me hope: the Regancrest team proved that with vision, patience, and systematic breeding, one exceptional cow can reshape an entire breed. That possibility still exists today—maybe even more so with our genomic tools.

The Bottom Line for All of Us

Regancrest-PR Barbie proved something fundamental about dairy genetics that we can’t afford to forget: excellence isn’t accidental. It’s the result of systematic planning, careful observation, and the patience to execute a vision over multiple generations.

In 2025, as we navigate genetic base changes, inbreeding concerns, and rapidly evolving reproductive technologies, her story reminds us that the most profound improvements still happen when science meets art—where technical knowledge combines with an intuitive understanding of what makes truly great cattle.

The young heifer who stood in that Minnesota State Fair ring in 2004 became something much greater than a show champion. She became proof that with the right approach, dedication, and a little luck with that “alignment of stars,” ordinary breeding decisions can create extraordinary legacies that last generations.

And somewhere in Iowa, on the county’s highest point, the Regan family continues that work—still breeding bulls to improve herds for people everywhere, still proving that the pursuit of genetic excellence is far from finished.

That’s the real magic of Regancrest-PR Barbie: she showed us that in an industry focused on the next big genomic breakthrough, the most lasting impact still comes from understanding that greatness is built one generation at a time—and shared with the world.

The question for each of us is simple: what are we building toward in our own herds? Because somewhere out there, the next Barbie is being planned, one careful mating at a time.

Key Takeaways:

Follow the money—genetic transmission beats everything: Barbie’s descendants just sold for $1.5M and control 36% of today’s top PTAT rankings, proving smart buyers pay for proven genetics, not pretty cows
The Regancrest formula works: Eight generations of systematic breeding + three doses of Walkway Chief Mark = a cow whose 27 daughters ALL went VG or better (zero failures in genetic transmission)
Your genomic bulls trace back to traditional bloodlines: Gold Chip, Bradnick, Cashcoin—the foundational sires in your catalog are Barbie grandsons, showing how elite genetics transcend technology changes
Start planning like Iowa winners: With 2025’s genetic base changes and rising inbreeding coefficients, systematic concentration over multiple generations beats chasing the latest genomic superstar every time

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Here’s what blows my mind—one dead Iowa cow is making more millionaires than any living animal in dairy. Regancrest-PR Barbie’s descendants control 36% of today’s elite PTAT rankings, and her genetics just commanded $1.5 million at auction, proving the Regancrest family’s “alignment of stars” wasn’t luck—it was genius. They concentrated on Walkway Chief Mark three times in her pedigree through eight generations of systematic breeding, creating a cow whose 27 daughters all classified VG or better (eight reached Excellent). When genomics hit in 2009, instead of making old bloodlines irrelevant, it turned Barbie’s grandsons into the foundational sires every producer knows: Gold Chip, Bradnick, Cashcoin. What’s happening in your breeding program right now? Because somewhere out there, the next Barbie is being planned—one careful mating at a time—by producers who understand that sustained excellence isn’t accidental. This Iowa family proved that with vision, patience, and systematic breeding over multiple generations, you can literally reshape an entire breed and create a genetic legacy worth millions.

Complete references and supporting documentation are available upon request by contacting the editorial team at editor@thebullvine.com.

Learn More:

Inbreeding Alert: How Hidden Genetic Forces Are Reshaping Your Dairy Herd’s Future – This strategic piece complements the article by revealing how rising inbreeding is a “hidden tax” on your herd. Learn tactical steps to manage genetic diversity, recalibrate selection thresholds, and protect your long-term profitability.
The New Dairy Playbook: 5 Trends Redefining Profitability in 2025 – Explore how heifer scarcity, component-driven genetics, and FMMO reforms are creating new challenges and opportunities for profitability in 2025. This article provides actionable insights for navigating a volatile market.
2025 Genetic Reset: How Rigid Bull Selection Could Cost Your Herd $147,000 – This article provides a tactical guide on how to adapt your bull selection strategy to the April 2025 genetic base changes. Learn why rigid selection rules could be costing your farm thousands and how to use rankings to maximize your ROI.

Join the Revolution!

Categories : Donor Profile

Tags : brood cow, Dairy Herd Management, dairy profitability, genetic selection, Holstein genetics

When Financial Disaster Breeds Genetic Gold: The Blackrose Story That Changed Everything

Saturday, August 30th, 2025

Discover how a financial disaster in the 1980s gave birth to a Holstein dynasty that is still shaping dairies worldwide today.

<a href="https://rss.com/podcasts/the-bullvine/2191535/">E353 When Financial Disaster Breeds Genetic Gold: | RSS.com</a>

Have you ever noticed how some of the best genetics in our industry often emerge from the most challenging moments? Pull up a chair and grab that coffee—I’ve got a story that’ll change how you think about breeding decisions, and honestly, it’s one every dairy producer should know by heart.

Picture this: It’s a brutal January morning back in the mid-80s. Jack Stookey—this larger-than-life character who once ruled the Holstein scene—can’t even scrape together payroll. We’re talking about a guy who owned some of North America’s most elite cattle, now forced to send prize bull calves to slaughter just to keep the electricity on. (Read more: The Notorious Jack Stookey)

Now, most of us have felt those margin squeezes… you know, when corn hits $8 a bushel and you’re wondering if you can make the equipment payment. But Jack’s situation? That was a whole different level of desperation.

Here’s what strikes me about the whole mess, though—out of that complete financial wreckage emerged Stookey Elm Park Blackrose, probably the most influential Holstein cow you’ve never heard enough about. And if you’re running a serious breeding program, I guarantee her genetics are working in your herd right now.

The Crazy Money Days

Let me paint a picture of the early ’80s for you. The Investor Era—man, what a time that was. Thanks to Section 46, this tax provision, which essentially allowed wealthy outsiders to write off cattle purchases against their personal income, suddenly drew every investment banker and surgeon with money to burn to Holstein royalty. (Read more: The Investor Era: How Section 46 Revolutionized Dairy Cattle Breeding)

I’m talking about people who literally couldn’t tell a fresh cow from a dry one, throwing around cash like they were buying stocks. Prices went absolutely insane. A buddy of mine in Wisconsin still talks about sales where cows were selling for what would be equivalent to a million dollars today.

Jack Stookey was the perfect guy for that era—smooth as silk, could charm anyone. The man had this way of making you believe you absolutely needed to own whatever cow he was selling. He built this empire on other people’s money, snapping up champions like Georgian Quality Pat and the legendary Nandette TT Speckle-Red.

But you know how these stories go… bubbles always burst.

When It All Falls Apart

The IRS started getting wise to these tax schemes, and boom—the money dried up overnight. What followed was just devastating, not just for Jack but for all the farm families who’d trusted him with their best cattle.

I’ve heard some heartbreaking stories from guys who lived through it. Take the Browns up in Canada—they sold Speckle for what would be approximately $550,000 in today’s money and never received the last two payments. Just… gone. Can you imagine? That’s like selling your prize cow and getting stiffed on half a million dollars.

But here’s where it gets really tough to hear about. When Jack hit bottom, he started sending valuable bull calves—animals worth tens of thousands—straight to slaughter. Just to pay the electric bill. Those genetics that could’ve shaped the breed for generations, turned into hamburger because of cash flow. What really gets me is how this mirrors some of the pressures we see today—on a different scale, but farms are still being squeezed by cash flow, still making impossible decisions when margins disappear.

The Guy Who Saw Gold in the Wreckage

Now, here’s where the story gets interesting, and why I think Louis Prange deserves much more credit than he receives. While everyone else was running from the Stookey mess, this guy looked at that barn full of world-class cattle sitting in legal limbo and saw opportunity.

Think about it—decades of careful breeding don’t just vanish because someone files for bankruptcy, right? The genetics are still there. The potential is still there.

So Prange worked out this deal with the bankruptcy trustee. Lease the best cows, flush embryos, split the proceeds three ways. Among those salvaged genetics was Nandette TT Speckle-Red—the same red-and-white cow that’d been dominating shows just years before.

Nandette TT Speckle Red (EX-93), the champion at the heart of the story. While others saw a bankrupt herd, Louis Prange saw the immense potential in salvaging her elite, show-winning genetics.

Here’s what I love about Prange’s thinking… he had this vision for what breeders call a “corrective cross”—that’s when you mate two animals whose strengths perfectly complement each other’s weaknesses. He wanted to breed Speckle to To-Mar Blackstar, this production powerhouse who could pump out incredible milk volumes but needed help on the structural side.

From today’s perspective, with all our genomic tools and mating programs, this is exactly what we’re trying to achieve. Except that Prange was doing it by pure instinct and experience.

But Jack? Even in bankruptcy, the guy was still trying to call shots, pushing for different bulls. When it came time to deliver the semen… “My tank ran dry,” he told Prange during that famous phone call.

So Prange went with his gut. March 24, 1990—that’s when Stookey Elm Park Blackrose came into this world.

From Bargain Sale to Genetic Revolution

The legendary Stookey Elm Park Blackrose, a cow whose massive frame and amazing udder, captured here, hinted at the genetic revolution she would unleash.

Fast forward to December ’91. This 18-month-old Blackstar daughter hits the auction block at the Elm Park Red Futures sale for $4,500—about $9,000 in today’s money. Not exactly pocket change, but not too extravagant either.

Mark Rueth was fitting cattle at that sale, and he had this feeling about her. I love what he told his buddy Mark VanMersbergen: “This heifer’s got something special. Deep-ribbed, wide-rumped… you just know.” Together with the Schaufs from Indianhead Holsteins, they partnered up on what turned out to be one of the most significant cattle purchases in Holstein history.

And man, did she deliver. Blackrose grew into this massive, commanding presence that just dominated wherever she went. When she walked into a show ring, other cows looked ordinary by comparison.

Her numbers were off the charts: 42,229 pounds of milk at five years old, with 4.6% butterfat and 3.4% protein. That EX-96 classification put her in the conversation with the most structurally perfect cows ever evaluated.

But here’s what really set her apart—she won All-American honors as both a junior two-year-old and junior three-year-old. That’s incredibly rare. Then in ’95, she captured Grand Champion at the Royal Winter Fair, joining this exclusive club of U.S. cows to win Canada’s most prestigious show.

Building on the foundation: Blondin Redman Seisme (EX-96), a granddaughter of the powerful Red-Marker, showcases the incredible type and capacity that continued through the Blackrose lineage. Her R&W Royal Grand Championship is a testament to the family’s enduring influence.

The Real Magic Was in What She Produced

Now, Blackrose’s individual achievements were spectacular, don’t get me wrong. But the real treasure was her offspring. Her sons became some of the most influential sires of their era, though… well, they weren’t always the easiest to work with.

Take Indianhead Red-Marker. This bull stamped daughters with incredible power and frame, but his genetic proof showed some challenges. Specifically, his daughters often had issues with udder depth and could be, let’s say, temperamental in the parlor. You had to be smart about using him—mate him to cows that could correct those weak spots.

What’s interesting about the Blackrose sons is that they didn’t give you balanced, easy-to-use genetics. They gave you these incredibly potent but specialized tools. Breeders valued that raw power so much that they kept using them for generations, just being really strategic about their mating decisions.

The culmination of a dynasty: Lavender Ruby Redrose-Red (EX-96). In 2005, she achieved the impossible, becoming the first and only Red & White cow ever named Supreme Champion at World Dairy Expo, proving the enduring magic of the Blackrose line.

And the daughters? They built dynasties. Rosedale Lea-Ann became the direct link to Lavender Ruby Redrose-Red, who in 2005 did something that still gives me goosebumps—became the first and only Red & White cow ever named Supreme Champion over all breeds at World Dairy Expo. First and only. Think about that. (Read More: Never a thorn in the career of Lavender Ruby Redrose-Red)

Another star from the Rosedale branch of the Blackrose family, Rosedale Lexington (EX-95). Her elite production and 2013 All-American title showcase the consistent, high-impact genetics passed down through Blackrose’s daughters.

Today’s Success Story

The modern face of the Blackrose dynasty: Ladyrose Caught Your Eye (EX-96) on her way to another win. Her three consecutive World Dairy Expo victories are matched only by her impact as the dam of champions and high-demand AI sires.

That genetic dynasty didn’t end with Redrose’s championship in 2005. In fact, it’s arguably stronger than ever, rewriting record books in show rings right now. Meet Ladyrose Caught Your Eye—born just six years ago in March 2019, and she’s already changing everything we thought we knew about consistent transmitting ability.

This Unix daughter has earned an EX-96 classification and won the World Dairy Expo three consecutive years, from 2021 to 2023. But what’s really impressive is her consistency as a transmitting cow—she’s got 16 milking daughters classified VG-87 or higher, with seven daughters sporting PTATs of 4.00 or better.

“The way Caught Your Eye transmits is comparable to many of the greats in the Red & White breed. Her consistency is just incredible.”

Her sons are making waves as well. MB Luckylady Bullseyem, Eye Candy and Caught-Up are shaping breeding programs from Wisconsin to Ontario. The difference is that Eye Candy’s always been the more refined of the two—you need to use him on good, strong cows. Bullseye brings more power. Both produce daughters that absolutely catch your eye. (Read more: From Pasture to Powerhouse: The GenoSource Story)

The legacy continues into the next generation. Laforstar Friday Bullseye, a daughter of MB Luckylady Bullseye, carries on the family tradition as the 2024 Junior Champion at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

At the 2024 Canadian Royal, a Bullseye daughter took Junior Champion. These aren’t just show-ring curiosities—they’re the foundation genetics for commercial programs across North America.

What This Means for Your Breeding Decisions

The fact is, there are valuable lessons here for modern breeding strategies that extend far beyond the historical context.

First, superior genetics are incredibly resilient.

The complete collapse of Stookey’s operation could have destroyed these bloodlines forever, but quality has a way of surviving and finding new expression.

Second, the power of corrective breeding—what Prange did instinctively, we can now predict with genomic testing.

We can run thousands of potential matings through computer models and identify those “golden cross” opportunities before we even order the semen.

But the fundamentals haven’t changed much, have they? You still need to understand the traits you’re trying to improve, balance production with durability, and think in generations rather than lactations.

What’s fascinating about today’s challenges is how they echo what we’ve always dealt with, just on a different scale. Feed costs are hitting $300 a ton in some parts of the Midwest, labor shortages are slowing operations from Minnesota to New York, volatile milk prices… sound familiar?

The difference now is that we have tools Prange could only dream of. Genomic predictions, automated monitoring systems, precision feeding—but they’re all built on those same fundamental breeding principles.

And here’s something that’s becoming huge in our decision-making: feed efficiency. Getting more milk per pound of feed isn’t just economics anymore—it’s environmental responsibility. Modern genomic selection lets us identify genetics that produce more milk with less feed, better disease resistance, and improved longevity.

Dr. Paul VanRaden from CDCB puts it well: “The carbon footprint of efficient genetics is becoming critical as we face new environmental regulations. We’re selecting for cows that produce more with less and stay healthy longer.”

Therefore, breeding decisions today must consider both profit and the planet.

That’s how we stay ahead of regulations while maintaining profitable operations.

The Financial Lessons That Still Matter

What really strikes me about Jack’s story is how the financial pressures sound so current. Overextending on credit, relying too heavily on outside capital, not having the cash flow cushion to weather downturns…

We see versions of this today when farms invest in new facilities or robotic systems without solid financial planning. I know operations that took on massive debt for parlor upgrades right before milk prices tanked—same principle, different decade.

The beauty of genetics, though, is that they outlasts financial crises. They don’t forget. Every mating choice we make echoes through decades.

Looking at Your Own Program

Which brings me to you and your breeding decisions. When you’re planning matings—whether you’re running full genomic evaluations or working with more traditional approaches—remember this story.

Sometimes the most valuable genetics come from the most unexpected places. Maybe it’s that moderate cow in the back of the barn whose daughters just keep producing, or that bull everyone’s overlooking because his numbers aren’t flashy enough.

The decisions we make today will still be showing up in our herds—or someone else’s—twenty years from now. That’s both the challenge and the incredible opportunity we have as breeders.

Think about it: Blackrose was conceived in bankruptcy court, sold as a modest heifer, and went on to reshape the Holstein breed. Her descendants are still winning shows, still improving herds, still contributing to profitable dairy operations from California to Quebec to Germany.

In barns across North America and beyond, Blackrose genetics continues contributing to successful operations. They’re not just show-ring champions anymore—they’re the foundation for commercial breeding programs, combining with today’s best genomic sires to produce cattle that are more efficient, more profitable, and more sustainable than ever.

So next time you’re studying pedigrees or reviewing genomic reports, remember this: consistency and long-term vision turn crises into champions.

Because in the end, that’s what we’re really doing—building legacies that outlast us.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The resilience of elite genetics can turn economic and financial disasters into opportunities for breeding innovation.
Stookey Elm Park Blackrose exemplifies the power of corrective breeding, combining top production traits with superior conformation.
Her descendants continue to influence both show and commercial operations worldwide, showcasing enduring genetic value.
Modern breeding strategies, augmented by genomic tools, build on lessons from historic success stories, such as Blackrose.
Sustainability and profitability hinge increasingly on balancing genetics, health, and feed efficiency.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Stookey Elm Park Blackrose, born during the 1980s dairy financial crisis, remains a pivotal figure in Holstein genetics today. Rescued from bankruptcy by Louis Prange, she combined top production with exceptional conformation and show success. Her influence extends globally through powerful sons and dynasty-building daughters, such as Lavender Ruby Redrose-Red and Ladino Park Talent. Modern descendants, including Ladyrose Caught Your Eye, demonstrate outstanding performance and genetic consistency. This story highlights the resilience of superior genetics in the face of economic turmoil and the effectiveness of strategic corrective breeding. The Blackrose legacy shapes both championship show cows and profitable commercial herds worldwide, remaining vital to dairy sustainability.

Learn More:

Breeding for Profit: The Ultimate Guide to a More Profitable Herd – This guide provides a step-by-step framework for building a breeding program focused squarely on your bottom line. It details practical strategies to select genetics that boost production efficiency, health, and fertility for maximum financial returns in your herd.
The 2025 Dairy Market Outlook: Key Trends Every Producer Must Know – Move from the historical financial lessons of the Blackrose story to today’s economic reality. This analysis reveals the market trends, consumer demands, and global factors shaping dairy profitability, helping you make smarter, forward-thinking strategic decisions for your operation.
The Feed Efficiency Revolution: How New Genetic Indexes Are Cutting Costs – While Blackrose highlights timeless efficiency, this piece explores the innovative tools of today. It demonstrates how to leverage new genetic indexes for feed efficiency to directly attack and reduce the single largest variable cost on any dairy farm.

Join the Revolution!

Categories : Donor Profile

Tags : corrective breeding, Dairy Farm Profitability, Genomic Testing, Holstein genetics, influential cow families

When Good Neighbors Make Great Genetics: The Ricecrest Southwind Kaye’s Genetic Revolution

Saturday, August 9th, 2025

How a Pennsylvania neighbor’s favor sparked the most influential Holstein breeding story of our time

The cow that defined an era. Ricecrest Southwind Kaye’s legacy wasn’t just in her own production, but in the three #1 TPI sons she delivered, making her arguably the most influential brood cow in modern history.

Picture this: It’s 5 AM on a crisp Pennsylvania morning, and Fred Rice is trudging down the gravel road toward his neighbor’s barn. Jay Knepper’s laid up after surgery, and Fred’s just being neighborly—helping with the morning milking at Terracelane Farm while Jay recovers. The familiar rhythm of the vacuum pumps fills the air, mixed with the sweet smell of fresh silage and that distinctive sound of cows settling into their routine.

But something catches Fred’s eye. Actually, five somethings.

“One bunch of cows, about five of them, seemed to milk way better than the others,” Fred would tell people later. Now, any producer worth their salt notices these things, but Fred really noticed. While the rest of the herd was doing their usual 50-60 pounds, this group was absolutely crushing it—we’re talking numbers that made you stop and look twice.

Fred, being Fred, had to know why. It turns out they were all related. Every single one of them.

What’s happening across the industry today with genomics and genetic selection… well, Fred Rice was watching it unfold in real time in his neighbor’s barn, decades before we had the tools to understand what we were looking at. He was witnessing the power of a great cow family, and he had the wisdom to act on it.

When Opportunity Knocks Down the Road

Later that year, when Knepper decided to thin his herd—you know how it goes, sometimes you need to raise cash or make room for the next generation—Fred and his brother Dale saw their chance. They didn’t go crazy. They bought just one heifer from that exceptional group.

Her name was Terracelane Ideal Star, and on paper, she looked decent enough. Sired by Harrisburg Gay Ideal with some solid Atlantic Breeders’ Cooperative genetics behind her. But here’s where it gets interesting… Star wasn’t much to look at as a fresh heifer. Scored 76 points as a two-year-old—respectable, but nothing that would make you remortgage the farm.

The thing is, though, Fred understood something that a lot of us miss in this business. Genetic excellence doesn’t always announce itself with fireworks and fanfare. Sometimes it whispers for years before it starts shouting. Star climbed to VG-88 by the time she was eight, stacking up 207,000 pounds of milk over her lifetime. But more importantly, she was building something deeper in her daughters and granddaughters.

Most producers would have looked at those early 76 points and moved on to the next shiny bloodline. Fred Rice saw potential where others saw ordinary. That’s what separates the dynasty builders from the trend chasers.

Three Generations Building Something Special

Here’s what strikes me about the Rice family story—it wasn’t about overnight success or lucky breaks. Fred Rice wasn’t even born into the dairy industry. Town kid who caught the farming bug hard enough to make it his life’s work. After years of renting and working other people’s operations, he and Dorothy scraped together enough to buy their own 85 acres in Chambersburg back in 1962.

By 1981, if you’d walked through Ricecrest, you’d have seen the vision coming together. The hum of a double-six herringbone parlor, 150 cows averaging 17,900 pounds—solid numbers for that era. They were grouping cows by production and feeding TMR to their top producers. Basic stuff now, but cutting-edge thinking back then.

What really made the difference was when the next generation came home. Fred E. Rice partnered with his father in 1976, after spending time with the USDA. Dale Rice joined them in 1980, fresh out of Penn State with a degree in Animal Science. You had three generations around the same kitchen table every morning—practical experience, government perspective, and formal education all working together.

I can picture those breakfast conversations… Dale brings the latest research from Penn State, Fred E. shares what he learned in Washington, and the old man listens, then says, “That’s fine, boys, but let’s see what the cows tell us.”

Their approach wasn’t flashy. They weren’t trying to impress visitors or win county fair banners. They were building cows that could pay the bills month after month, lactation after lactation. The Holstein Association noticed—by 1996, they’d earned the Progressive Breeder Registry Award for eight consecutive years, eventually extending to 21 years of recognition. That’s not luck. That’s a system that works through both good and bad markets, through feed price spikes and labor shortages.

The Cow That Defined an Era

When Ricecrest Southwind Kaye hit the ground on December 10, 1990, she came with serious credentials. Southwind Bell Of Bar-Lee on top—a son of the legendary Carlin-M Ivanhoe Bell—with proven Ricecrest maternal strength building underneath. Her dam was Ricecrest Ned Boy Noreen, an Excellent-91 cow, and you could trace the production potential back through generations of Gold Medal Dams and Dams of Merit.

Ricecrest Ned Boy Noreen-ET (EX-91), the dam of Southwind Kaye. Noreen’s own elite classification and strong genetic base provided the crucial maternal foundation for her daughter’s legendary career.

Kaye’s own numbers were the kind that make you sit up and take notice: 39,450 pounds of milk with 4.1% fat (1,633 pounds) and 3.4% protein (1,333 pounds) in her peak lactation. Her Very Good-87 classification, including a Very Good Mammary System score, told you this was a cow built for the long haul. Not show ring pretty, but the kind of structural correctness that lets a cow produce at high levels throughout a profitable life.

But what really set her apart… well, you couldn’t measure it in the milk house. It was her ability to consistently pass on her genetics to her offspring, regardless of which bull was used on her. The Holstein Association’s Gold Medal Dam and Dam of Merit designations confirmed what breeders around the world would soon discover.

Remarkably, Kaye’s genetics in this era aligned perfectly with what the market wanted. The Total Performance Index was becoming the driving force behind breeding decisions, and TPI in those days heavily rewarded production traits. Protein premiums were becoming serious money—we’re talking $2-3 per hundredweight differences on your milk check. Kaye’s genetics were exactly what producers needed to boost their bottom line.

The Impossible Becomes Reality

What happened next… honestly, I don’t think we’ll ever see anything like it again. Kaye produced three sons—three different sons by three different sires—who each claimed the #1 spot on the TPI rankings. Think about that for a minute. In an industry where thousands of bulls compete for genetic supremacy, and AI companies spend millions trying to find the next breakthrough sire, one cow has produced three different #1 bulls.

The other half of a golden cross: Ricecrest Luke Lauren (EX-91). As the full sister to #1 TPI bull Ricecrest Lantz, Lauren is a powerful example of the remarkable consistency of the Luke x Southwind Kaye mating.

Ricecrest Lantz (by Norrielake Cleitus Luke) was the first to capture the industry’s attention. Picture the buzz when he hit #1 TPI in September 1999. Phone calls flooding into Ricecrest, AI companies scrambling to secure breeding rights, and suddenly everyone wanted to know more about this Pennsylvania cow family.
Ricecrest Marshall (by Lutz-Meadows E Mandel) followed his half-brother to the top, proving this wasn’t a one-time genetic accident.
Ricecrest Brett (by Maizefield Bellwood) completed the trilogy, bumping Marshall out of first place in August 2000.

The protein transmission on these bulls was absolutely off the charts. Industry publications called Kaye “the greatest protein transmitter the breed has ever seen”. When you’re dealing with protein premiums that can make or break your operation, those genetics represent liquid gold flowing through breeding programs worldwide.

But what’s fascinating — the critics’ response. The elite sale consigners walked right past Ricecrest cattle. “Just good milk bulls, that’s all,” some of them said (though they wouldn’t go on record). Their type scores were modest—the kind of functional cattle that might not win the county fair but would definitely keep the operation profitable.

Pennsylvania Genetics Go Global

The thing about great genetics is they don’t stay put. When Ricecrest Bwood Brianne (Brett’s full sister) was sold as a calf to Bauer Bros. in Wisconsin, she began attracting bull contracts worth significant sums. We’re talking multiple contracts, including several to Japan.

And here’s where it gets really interesting… Brianne became the maternal granddam of Sandy-Valley Bolton, who would dominate the 2000s as one of the most popular bulls in breed history. Bolton was a breed-defining bull who ranked with Shottle and Goldwyn in popular favor as the twenty-first century began.

From what I’m seeing on farms today—whether it’s Wisconsin’s rolling hills, California’s Central Valley, or up in Vermont—genetics tracing back to this Pennsylvania program are still everywhere. Walk into any modern dairy barn, and you’ll find these bloodlines woven through countless pedigrees. That genetic thread connects directly back to Fred Rice’s decision to buy one heifer from his neighbor’s dispersal sale.

That’s the power of a great cow family. It ripples out through generations, often showing up in places you’d never expect.

The Double-Edged Sword

Here’s where this story gets complicated, and it’s something we’re still grappling with today. The same selection pressure that created Kaye’s incredible success also contributed to some serious challenges we’re facing across the industry.

Recent research indicates that over 99% of Holstein Y-chromosomes can be traced back to just two bulls from the 1960s: Pawnee Farm Arlinda Chief and Round Oak Rag Apple Elevation. That’s a level of genetic uniformity that would concern wildlife biologists if they saw it in wild populations. The same market forces that rewarded Kaye’s exceptional genetics were simultaneously driving the breed toward greater uniformity.

The industry is now seeing the trade-offs from that intense selection. The very traits that made bulls like Lantz, Marshall, and Brett so valuable came with consequences that are still playing out in herds today. But here’s the thing—you can’t blame the Rice family for this. They were responding to market signals, which were based on the economic formulas that indicated what would be profitable.

The Rice family didn’t create the system; they simply became the best in the world at succeeding within it. The TPI formula rewarded production, and they delivered it in spades.

The Ricecrest Legacy: Lessons for a Modern Herd

So what can we learn from all this? Well, for starters, the genomic tools we have today would have amazed Fred Rice, but I suspect he would have used them the same way he used his own eyes and instincts—to build cow families that could thrive in real-world conditions.

The challenge for today’s producers is balancing the economic pressure to maximize short-term production gains with the long-term health of our herds. Feed costs are squeezing margins like never before. Labor challenges are prompting us to reconsider our approach to cow flow and facility design. Consumer demands around sustainability and animal welfare are changing how we market our products.

In this environment, the Rice family’s approach offers some timeless lessons:

Focus on functional type over show ring beauty. In today’s market, with labor costs what they are, cows that can maintain themselves and produce efficiently are worth their weight in gold.

Great genetics often come from unexpected places—not always from the most expensive bulls or the flashiest sale catalogs. How often do we overlook opportunities in our own neighborhoods while chasing expensive genetics from across the country?

Play the long game. Multi-generational thinking in an industry that often operates on quarterly profit margins. Great cow families don’t just happen. They’re built through consistent selection over multiple generations, and that takes patience in a business that often rewards quick fixes.

Here’s what I’m seeing on farms that are succeeding in today’s environment… they’re taking the Rice family’s approach and applying it to modern challenges. They’re using genomics to identify animals with the right balance of production, health, and longevity. They’re paying attention to traits like feed efficiency and environmental impact that will matter in tomorrow’s market.

The challenge is learning to balance the tools we have today with the wisdom of the past. We can now predict genetic merit from a hair sample, targeting specific traits with precision that would have amazed Fred Rice. But we still need that farmer’s eye for recognizing excellence and the patience to develop it over generations.

Critically, we’re starting to see the industry respond to these challenges. Modern breeding indices are putting more emphasis on health and fertility traits. There’s growing interest in crossbreeding and outcrossing to broaden the genetic base. The genomic revolution that started in the 2000s is now being used to address some of the problems created by the intense selection of the 1990s.

The Neighbor’s Enduring Legacy

The Enduring Legacy: Royal Idevra Titanic Estate, a modern descendant of Southwind Kaye. Generations later, Kaye’s influence continues to produce high-quality, profitable cattle around the globe, proving the lasting power of a great cow family.

The Holstein breed is fundamentally different today because Fred Rice chose to help a neighbor and had the wisdom to recognize excellence when he saw it. That simple act of walking down a gravel road to help with morning milking triggered a chain of events that shaped global genetics for decades.

What strikes me most about this story is how it started. Not with a million-dollar investment or a breeding contract worth a small fortune. It started with a farmer helping his neighbor and having the eye to recognize genetic potential in a group of cows that were doing their job exceptionally well.

The legacy of Ricecrest Southwind Kaye isn’t just about the records she set or the sons she produced. It’s about the fundamental truth that transformative genetics often comes from the most unexpected places… and that sometimes the best investment you can make is helping your neighbor when he needs it most.

Eight generations of excellence: CIOLIFARM INTENSITY CONCI ET. This modern cow traces her maternal line directly back to Southwind Kaye through the famous Luke Lauren daughter, proving the incredible long-term impact of a foundation matriarch.

As we navigate whatever challenges lie ahead—whether it’s climate change, new regulations, or shifting consumer demands—that lesson is worth remembering. The future of our industry might not come from the latest genomic breakthrough or the most expensive bull. It might come from a producer who’s observant enough to recognize excellence, patient enough to develop it, and generous enough to share it with the world.

In our industry, the community has always been our strength. The Rice family’s story demonstrates that great things happen when neighbors help one another, when experience meets innovation, and when patience meets opportunity. The Holstein breed is better today because Fred Rice chose to be a good neighbor.

That’s a lesson worth carrying forward, especially in an industry that has always been built on the foundation of people helping one another. The next genetic revolution might be just down the road, waiting for someone with the wisdom to recognize it and the dedication to develop it.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Unprecedented Genetic Impact: Ricecrest Southwind Kaye achieved what no other Holstein cow has accomplished—producing three different #1 TPI sons (Lantz, Marshall, and Brett), demonstrating unmatched genetic transmitting ability
Strategic Breeding Philosophy: The Rice family’s approach combined practical observation with progressive genetics, focusing on functional traits and production over show ring appeal, proving that sustainable success comes from patience and systematic selection
Genetic Diversity Warning: While Kaye’s genetics drove remarkable production gains, the story highlights the industry’s challenge with genetic bottlenecking—over 99% of Holstein genetics now trace to just two bulls from the 1960s
Modern Breeding Balance: Today’s producers must balance production gains with health, fertility, and longevity traits to ensure sustainable genetic progress in an era of genomic selection
Community-Driven Innovation: The story demonstrates that revolutionary genetics often emerge from neighborly relationships and local observations rather than expensive investments, emphasizing the continued value of farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Ricecrest Southwind Kaye stands as the most influential Holstein brood cow in modern history, achieving the unprecedented feat of producing three sons who each reached the #1 spot on the Total Performance Index (TPI) rankings. Born from a multi-generational breeding program at Ricecrest Farms in Pennsylvania, Kaye embodied the perfect alignment of genetics with the 1990s market demands, which heavily prioritized milk, fat, and protein production. Her legacy reshaped global Holstein genetics during an era of intense selection pressure, with her sons’ genetics disseminated worldwide through artificial insemination programs. However, Kaye’s story also serves as a cautionary tale about the double-edged nature of genetic progress—while her family achieved remarkable commercial success, the widespread use of their Holstein cattle contributed to the dramatic narrowing of Holstein genetic diversity that concerns breeders today. The Rice family’s patient, observation-based breeding philosophy exemplifies the balance needed between short-term genetic gains and long-term breed sustainability. Their story reminds the industry that transformative genetics often emerge from unexpected places through neighborly kindness, careful observation, and multi-generational vision rather than expensive purchases at elite sales.

Learn More

The Ultimate Guide to Sire Selection: Beyond the Numbers – This guide provides a modern framework for applying the “farmer’s eye” wisdom from the Ricecrest story. It reveals practical strategies for balancing high-impact genomic data with the critical visual assessments needed to build a resilient, functional herd.
Dairy Genetics: Are You Breeding for the Market or for Your Barn? – This strategic analysis dissects the economic drivers behind breeding decisions. It demonstrates how to align your genetic program with current market signals—like component pricing and sustainability demands—to maximize profitability, much like Ricecrest capitalized on the protein market.
The Next Genetic Frontier: Breeding for Feed Efficiency and Climate Resilience – Looking beyond production, this article explores the innovative traits defining future success. It outlines how to leverage new genetic indexes for feed efficiency and heat tolerance, offering a forward-thinking approach to building a herd that thrives in tomorrow’s environment.

Join the Revolution!

Categories : Donor Profile

Tags : cow family impact, dairy breeding strategy, functional type Holsteins, Holstein genetics

The Phone Call That Built a Genetic Empire: The Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy Story

Saturday, July 12th, 2025

What if I told you the cow everyone walked away from built a billion-dollar genetic empire?

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Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy-ET EX-92, the 2014 Global Cow of the Year whose genetics now influence Holstein breeding programs worldwide. From a modest purchase price to genetic empire, Missy’s legacy continues through descendants like Supersire and Mogul.

You ever watch a sale where you just know — deep in your gut — that everyone else is missing something big?

I’m talking about that February morning in 2003, some drafty barn up in Wisconsin where the snow’s still coming down sideways. The auctioneer’s getting that tired, frustrated edge in his voice as the bidding stalls out on this five-year-old Holstein. These are experienced guys, mind you — the kind who’ve driven three hours through farm country slush and missed morning milking to be there — and they’re literally heading for the exits.

Why? This cow’s rump “wasn’t entirely balanced.”

In our world, that phrase might as well be a death sentence at auction.

Then this phone rings in the back office. You know that moment… when the whole room goes quiet and everyone’s holding their breath, wondering if someone’s about to throw good money after bad?

Matt Steiner’s voice crackling through from Pine-Tree Dairy down in Ohio. The man had never even laid eyes on this cow in person, but something about her — maybe the way she held her head in that catalog photo, maybe thirty years of studying what makes genetics tick — told him everything he needed to know.

That phone bid at the 2003 Wisconsin Holstein Convention Sweetheart Sale triggered what I’d call the most consequential genetic revolution our industry’s ever witnessed. And if you’re making breeding decisions today, you need to understand why this story matters to your bottom line.

When “Green” Turned to Genetic Gold

Here’s the thing about the best breeding stories — they always start with someone who’s brutally honest about what they don’t know.

Back in 1980, Steve Wessing didn’t try to sugarcoat his situation when he told folks his dad always had grade cows, so they were really green when it came to herdbook breeding. You know the type, right? Solid stockman, could read his cows like morning coffee and weather patterns, but pedigrees? That was foreign territory. When Steve and Cheryl decided they wanted registered Holsteins for their Byron, Wisconsin operation, they were basically starting from scratch.

What’s interesting is how opportunity came knocking… eighteen cows and five heifers from the Milkstein herd down in Appleton became available. Now, anyone who knew the Midwest Holstein scene back then — and I mean really knew it, not just what they read in the magazines — heard the same warnings Steve got: there wasn’t a lot of type in that herd.

But here’s what strikes me about good stockmen, and Steve was definitely that — they trust their eyes over other people’s opinions. When those first cows got classified, only one scored Very Good. Milkstein Citation Della… and honestly, nothing about her screamed “genetic goldmine.” Just a cow that showed up every day, did her job, kept producing. The kind that pays the bills when feed costs are climbing and milk prices are… well, you know how that goes.

What Steve didn’t realize — couldn’t have known, really — is that Della carried something you can’t measure in the classification barn. The ability to transmit exceptional genetics while keeping cows productive and profitable. Her daughter, Wesswood Bell Claudette VG-87, might have only scored VG-87, but she had that durability trait that shows up in your milk check, not your ribbon collection.

The Neighbor Who Saw What Others Missed

What’s really interesting about Steve Hayes is how he watched genetics develop the way the best breeders always have — not from genetic printouts or sale catalogs, but from daily observation. Picture this: every morning, walking past the fence line between his place and Wessing’s, he’d pause and study those young cows. The depth through their hearts. How they moved around the feed bunks. That indefinable quality you recognize when you see it, even if you can’t quite put your finger on why.

Hayes spotted it in Wesswood, Elton Mimi, Claudette’s granddaughter. Sired by Emprise Bell Elton — huge syndicate bull back in ’94, the kind every AI rep was pushing — she was already turning heads as a two-year-old. VG-87 at classification, sure, but you could see the potential in her early production patterns.

The two Steves describe her as a treasure of a cow, very low maintenance, easy to work with. When new feed was delivered, she made sure she had her own place at the front of the line.

You can picture it, can’t you? That alert, assertive heifer who somehow knew she was special before anyone else figured it out. The kind of cow that positions herself where she needs to be, when she needs to be there. (We’ve all had cows like that… the ones that seem to understand the business better than we do sometimes.)

Wesswood Elton Mimi EX-90 GMD DOM – The cow that Steve Hayes recognized as something special long before others caught on. Sired by syndicate bull Emprise Bell Elton, this “treasure of a cow” always positioned herself at the front of the feed line and became the foundation dam of Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy. Mimi now rests under an oak tree in the Wesswood pasture – the only cow ever accorded this honor – where her genetic legacy continues to influence Holstein breeding worldwide.

When Everything Changed in One Night

The peaceful routine was shattered when devastating flames tore through the Wisconsin barn. Thirteen-year-old Claudette stood among the smoke and chaos, her massive frame somehow still dignified despite the turmoil swirling around her. This old girl had already pumped out a quarter million pounds of milk for the Wessings — a lifetime of dedication now threatened by forces nobody could control.

Steve Wessing stood in that ash-covered milking parlor afterward, watching Claudette’s labored breathing as smoke still clung to her coat, and felt his stomach drop as he calculated what years of genetic progress looked like disappearing into the night air.

The decisions came fast and brutal. Claudette had to be moved to a neighbor’s place (hip problems don’t wait for convenient timing), effectively ending a production career that would’ve easily hit 300,000 pounds if she’d had just a few more months.

The emotional weight of rebuilding… God, I can’t imagine. By December 1994, Steve made the call that went against every farming instinct he had: dispersal sale. The kind of decision that keeps you awake at 3 AM, wondering if you’re doing the right thing.

Wesswood Elton Mimi headlined as lot one. The interest was real — Doug Maddox from Ruann Holsteins even called asking questions, which tells you something about the buzz building around this offering. But Hayes had worked out an understanding with his neighbor: if Hayes bid highest, they’d own Mimi together.

Watching Hayes keep raising his hand as the price climbed past what made most breeders squirm… when he made that final bid, suddenly two friends from rural Wisconsin owned what would become one of the most valuable cows in Holstein history.

Neither of them had any clue what they’d just bought.

The Vision That Almost Never Happened

Here’s where genetics gets really interesting, and where I think this story teaches us something important about taking calculated risks.

With Mimi thriving under their joint care, the two Steves faced a breeding decision that would literally reshape our entire industry. They agreed to a contract mating with Startmore Rudolph — and get this — the AI stud specifically wanted this breeding because they expected a bull calf. Rudolph was being used as a sire of sons, you know? Classic breeding strategy back then.

The two Steves stood in the pasture that morning, watching Mimi graze, both knowing this breeding decision would either validate their partnership or haunt them for decades. What strikes me about guys like this is how they make decisions based on what they see in their cattle, not what some breeding consultant tells them they should be doing.

In 1997, a heifer calf was born. Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy-ET.

Think about that twist of fate for a minute. If she’d been born male, she would’ve contributed the genetics of one individual to our breed. Important? Maybe. Revolutionary? Probably not.

But as a cow? She became what geneticists call a “genetic multiplier.” Eighteen sons in AI service, 42 daughters classified Excellent or Very Good… and that’s just the beginning of her story.

For the next few years, Missy developed under the Wessing-Hayes partnership. Same alert, assertive personality as her dam — first to the feed truck, first to catch the attention of every AI rep and embryo buyer who came calling. The two Steves would watch her position herself at the gate every morning, almost like she knew something big was coming.

Steve Hayes knew the writing was on the wall. Hip problems were making twice-daily milking a real challenge, and despite the emotional attachment (anyone who’s been in this business understands that bond), he’d have to make the tough call.

The Phone Call That Changed Everything

By 2003, that decision couldn’t be put off any longer. Hayes was dealing with physical limitations that made milking impossible. You know how it is in our business — the spirit’s willing, but the body starts making decisions for you.

So there they were at the Wisconsin Holstein Convention Sweetheart Sale. That thick anticipation you get when word spreads about a special offering, but also that nervous energy when you’re not sure if the market’s going to recognize what you’ve got.

As the bidding unfolded, you could feel disappointment settling over the crowd like morning fog after a warm night. “Missy’s rump wasn’t entirely balanced.” Game over, right?

Steve Hayes felt his stomach drop as another bidder shook his head and walked away. This cow he’d helped develop, believed in, invested in… was she really just going to be another disappointing sale? Experienced Holstein breeders — guys who’d driven hours through Wisconsin winter to be there — started drifting toward the exits, probably already thinking about the drive home.

What they saw was just another decent five-year-old cow. Eighty-six points, second lactation of 31,880 pounds at 4.1% fat and 3.2% protein. Respectable for sure, but revolutionary? Not hardly.

That’s when the phone rang.

Matt Steiner’s voice carried absolute conviction through that phone line, cutting through all the disappointment in the room like a hot knife. No hesitation. No second-guessing. The man saw potential where everyone else saw problems.

Where Vision Meets Management Reality

What happened to Missy at Pine-Tree Dairy in Marshallville, Ohio, proves everything we know about the importance of the environment in genetic expression. The Steiner sons initially had their doubts — those curved legs, those long teats, the usual concerns that make you second-guess your breeding decisions at 2 AM when you’re lying awake wondering if you just made a huge mistake.

But their father’s eye for genetic potential… that proved prophetic in ways nobody could’ve predicted.

Here’s what’s really interesting about Pine-Tree’s approach — their management philosophy is centered on what actually matters in our business: cheese merit, component production, and health traits. The stuff that shows up in your milk check, not necessarily in the show ring. Under their care, Missy’s genetic strengths didn’t just get identified — they got amplified.

Classification jumped to EX-92, but here’s the number that tells the real story: her remarkable lactation at 4 years and 11 months yielded 40,880 pounds of milk with 4.1% fat (1,665 pounds) and 3.4% protein (1,385 pounds) over 365 days. Those aren’t just good numbers — those are the kind of numbers that make you stop whatever you’re doing and pay attention.

Steve Wessing’s characteristically honest about the transformation: he doesn’t think she would’ve ever scored EX-92 at their place. That’s the humility of a real stockman — recognizing that cattle reach their potential in different environments, under different management systems.

The thing about great genetics? They need the right stage to perform on. And Pine-Tree provided exactly that.

The Cross That Rewrote the Genetic Rulebook

The mating that defined Rudy Missy’s legacy came through her cross with O-Man — O-Bee Manfred Justice-ET. Now, this wasn’t some random breeding decision made on a whim or because semen was on sale. This was a calculated genetic strategy by people who understood what complementarity really means.

What strikes me about that cross is how it turned out: all seven females scored Very Good and became instrumental in developing bloodlines for some of the most influential sires we’ve seen in the past two decades. When you consistently produce offspring that are superior to either parent in overall genetic merit, you’re not dealing with luck. You’re witnessing the power of superior genetics meeting strategic breeding decisions.

The cross worked. And it kept working, generation after generation. That’s the kind of consistency that separates good genetics from great genetics.

The Daughters Who Built Genetic Dynasties

What came from that O-Man cross reads like a who’s who of modern Holstein genetics, but let me paint you the picture of what really happened in those barns…

Pine-Tree Missy Miranda-ET VG-86-VG-MS-DOM: The genetic bridge to modern Holstein excellence. This daughter of Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy produced 35,550 pounds of milk with 4.9% fat and 3.7% protein in 365 days at just 3 years 8 months. Miranda became the dam of Mountfield Marsh Maxine-ET, who in turn produced the globally influential sire Mountfield SSI Dcy Mogul-ET, demonstrating how the Rudy Missy maternal line continues to shape elite Holstein genetics worldwide.

Pine-Tree Missy Miranda-ET became the genetic bridge to sires that are still shaping breeding programs today. Her production credentials were solid — 35,550 pounds of milk carrying 4.9% fat (1,730 pounds) and 3.7% protein (1,325 pounds) in 365 days on 3X milking at just three years and eight months. Those are the kind of numbers that make you recalculate your feed costs and wonder if you’re pushing your own cows hard enough.

But Miranda’s real value lay in her daughters, including Mountfield Marsh Maxine-ET, who’d become dam of Mountfield SSI Dcy Mogul-ET.

Mountfield SSI Dcy Mogul-ET – The son of Mountfield Marsh Maxine-ET (and grandson of Pine-Tree Missy Miranda-ET), Mogul represents the perfect fusion of the Rudy Missy maternal line with elite sire genetics. Born from a dam who nearly died as a heifer but fought back to become an exceptional brood cow, Mogul became one of Select Sires’ most significant global bulls and the youngest millionaire in company history at just seven years of age, proving that the Rudy Missy family doesn’t just produce one standout—they produce consistency across generations

Now, Maxine’s story… this is the kind of drama that reminds you why we stay in this business despite all the challenges. After getting flushed as a heifer, within hours, she developed massive swelling around her head and neck. The Marshfield family rushed her to Cornell, and for weeks, they faced that daily ritual every dairy family dreads: wondering each morning if their genetic future was still breathing.

Can you imagine? Walking to the barn each morning, coffee getting cold in your hand, not knowing if everything you’d worked for was about to slip away? The kind of stress that makes you question whether this whole breeding game is worth it.

But Maxine fought. She survived. And she became dam of one of Select Sires’ most successful bulls. Sometimes I think about that when I’m making breeding decisions — you never know which animals are going to fight their way through adversity to become something special.

Pine-Tree Monica Planeta-ET VG-85-2YR: Continuing the Legacy of the “Quiet” Monica Line
This young VG-85 daughter exemplifies how the Pine-Tree Missy Monica-ET branch continues to produce quality genetics generation after generation. While her great-granddam Monica may not have captured headlines like her famous sisters Miranda and Martha, this Planeta daughter proves that consistent genetic merit runs deep in this family tree. At just two years old, her VG-85 classification hints at the same steady excellence that made the Monica line the maternal foundation for AltaOak—a reminder that in Holstein genetics, the most influential contributions often come from the cows that work quietly in the background, building genetic empires one generation at a time.

Pine-Tree Missy Monica-ET might not have gotten the same attention as her sisters, but her contribution through Pine-Tree Monica Suzy-ET — maternal granddam of Pine-Tree AltaOak-ET — shows the depth of this genetic pool. Sometimes the quiet ones in the corner are the ones changing everything.

Pine-Tree Martha Sheen VG-86, a Shottle daughter of Pine-Tree Missy Martha-ET (by O-Man x Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy), who established one of the most celebrated branches of the Rudy Missy genetic dynasty. Martha Sheen became the dam of Ammon-Peachy Shauna-ET, the 2015 Holstein International Global Cow of the Year and dam of the legendary Seagull-Bay Supersire-ET. This genetic pathway from Rudy Missy through Martha Sheen to Supersire represents one of the most commercially successful lineages in modern Holstein breeding, demonstrating the enduring influence of superior maternal genetics across multiple generations

Then there’s Pine-Tree Missy Martha-ET, who established what might be the most celebrated branch of the whole family tree. Through her daughter Pine-Tree Martha Sheen-ET, Martha became granddam of Ammon-Peachy Shauna-ET — the 2015 Global Cow of the Year and dam of Seagull-Bay Supersire-ET. (Read more AMMON-PEACHEY SHAUNA – Golden Dam 2012 Finalist and BullvineTV – One on One with Greg Andersen of Seagull Bay Dairy)

Ammon-Peachey Shauna VG-87-USA as a 2-year-old, the 2015 Holstein International Global Cow of the Year and dam of legendary Seagull-Bay Supersire-ET. A Planet daughter from Pine-Tree Martha Sheen (Shottle x Pine-Tree Missy Martha), Shauna exemplifies the enduring genetic excellence of the Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy dynasty, carrying forward the exceptional production and transmitting ability that has made this maternal line the most influential in modern Holstein breeding. Her record-breaking early production—peaking at 129 pounds on 3X milking as a two-year-old—demonstrated the genetic potential that would later produce multiple high-impact AI sires.

When Sons Become Industry Legends

Seagull-Bay Supersire-ET stands proudly at Select Sires, representing the commercial pinnacle of the Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy genetic legacy. From a cow that couldn’t attract buyers at $7,000 to a bull achieving millionaire status in AI sales, Supersire embodies how exceptional maternal genetics can reshape an entire industry. His success validates what Matt Steiner saw in that 2003 phone bid—sometimes the most transformative genetics come in unexpected packages.

Seagull-Bay Supersire-ET… where do you even start with this bull’s commercial success?

His dam, Ammon-Peachy Shauna-ET, was the kind of production powerhouse that makes you stop what you’re doing and stare at the milk meters. What really impressed the folks at Seagull-Bay about Shauna was how she combined exceptional milk production with the kind of durability that keeps cows profitable throughout extended lactations.

Supersire became a generational sire, achieving remarkable commercial success in AI markets worldwide. The genetic contributions, deeply rooted in the Rudy Missy family, are now woven into Holstein pedigrees on every continent.

Think about that for a second — we’re talking about genetics from a cow that couldn’t find enthusiastic buyers at auction becoming the foundation for some of today’s most sought-after bloodlines.

Triple Crown Detour MILADY-ET VG87 – This Detour daughter exemplifies the continuing genetic excellence at Seagull-Bay Holsteins, where the Andersen family has built upon the Rudy Missy foundation through strategic breeding programs. Sired by Detour and out of Seagull-Bay Sh Maureen-ET, MILADY represents the modern evolution of genetics at the farm that produced Supersire and other influential descendants of the Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy line.

Mountfield SSI Dcy Mogul-ET represents that perfect fusion of the Rudy Missy maternal line with elite sire genetics. One of Select Sires’ most significant global bulls, proving that great cow families don’t just produce one standout — they produce consistency across generations.

De-Su 11236 Balisto-ET took the family international, becoming highly ranked in German genetic evaluations. That’s not just about genetic merit — that’s about adaptability across different management systems, different breeding objectives, different economic pressures. The Rudy Missy genetics don’t just work in one environment; they work everywhere.

What’s Really Getting Breeders’ Attention Today

Here’s the thing that should grab your attention — and I mean really grab it — this isn’t some feel-good historical story. The Rudy Missy legacy is actively shaping breeding decisions being made right now, in 2025, on farms from Wisconsin to New Zealand.

From what I’m seeing across the industry, breeders are paying closer attention to maternal lines than ever before. The genomic revolution gave us better tools, sure, but it also validated what good stockmen like the two Steves knew all along — some families just have that special something.

When you look at current genetic evaluations, you see the Rudy Missy influence appearing consistently among top-ranked bulls. Industry data shows her genetics continuing to appear in high-TPI bloodlines, demonstrating unprecedented staying power in an industry that’s constantly evolving and introducing new genetics.

A-L-H Dakira (Sired by Flagship) represents the continuing genetic excellence of the Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy family. As a granddaughter of 2015 Global Cow Ammon-Peachy Shauna EX-92, Dakira demonstrates how the Rudy Missy bloodline continues producing elite genetics. Her dam is a maternal sister to former #1 GTPI bull Supersire and connects to legendary sires including Mogul, Platinum, Diamond, and AltaOak—proving that Missy’s $8,100 foundation continues generating genetic gold in 2025.

What This Means for Your Breeding Program Today

Here’s where it gets practical for those of us making breeding decisions on real farms with real constraints…

When you’re evaluating potential AI sires today, look for the Rudy Missy influence in bloodlines that consistently deliver both production and longevity traits. That combination of high milk yield with the kind of durability that keeps cows productive year after year — that’s exactly what we need as we face everything from labor shortages to sustainability pressures.

What’s happening across the industry is a renewed focus on maternal lines that deliver both production and sustainability. The Rudy Missy family exemplifies this trend — high production combined with the kind of durability that keeps cows profitable throughout extended lactations. When feed costs are climbing and good help is harder to find, these traits become even more valuable.

In an era when environmental concerns demand cows that produce efficiently over longer lifespans, the Rudy Missy line’s inherent durability becomes even more valuable. Think about Claudette producing for thirteen years, or the way these genetics consistently produce daughters with both high components and extended productive lives. That’s not just good genetics — that’s sustainable genetics.

From what I’m seeing on farms, producers are starting to look beyond just genetic evaluation numbers. They want genetics that work in real-world conditions, with real economic pressures. The Rudy Missy line delivers that combination of high production with practical durability that makes farming profitable when margins are tight.

Recognition That Actually Changed Things

When Holstein International named Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy Global Cow of the Year in 2014, the judges specifically mentioned Mogul, Supersire, Silver, and Balisto as examples of her tremendous influence. That’s not just about individual achievement — that’s about sustained genetic impact across multiple generations and breeding programs.

Shauna in the front pasture at Seagullbay at 5 years old.

But here’s what made that recognition even more special: the following year, Ammon-Peachy Shauna-ET, Rudy Missy’s great-granddaughter, received the same honor. Grandmother and great-granddaughter, back-to-back Global Cow recognition… that’s the kind of genetic consistency that validates every breeding decision made along the way.

Ammon-Peachy Shauna-ET in front of the milkhouse at Seagull Bay Dairy.

When Steve Wessing heard about Missy’s recognition, he probably thought back to that same Wisconsin pasture where it all started and wondered if she somehow knew she was special when she pushed to the front of the feed line all those years ago. That’s the kind of moment that makes all the long days and tough decisions worthwhile.

The Economics Behind the Empire

Let’s talk about numbers that affect your bottom line, because this is where the Rudy Missy story gets really interesting from a business perspective.

The economic impact of Rudy Missy descendants extends far beyond individual semen sales — it’s about the genetic improvement in milk production, health traits, and longevity across global dairy herds. When you factor in the productivity gains from her genetics being used in breeding programs worldwide, you’re talking about an impact that touches millions of dairy cows.

Recent market validation continues to demonstrate confidence in this bloodline. When European breeders consistently invest premium dollars in genetics tracing back to this family, that tells you everything about long-term market confidence.

The People Who Made It Happen

Behind every genetic revolution, you’ve got people making decisions based on observation, intuition, and courage. Steve Wessing and Steve Hayes were admittedly green when it came to herdbook breeding, but they trusted what they saw in their pastures long before any genetic evaluation system could validate those choices.

That’s something worth remembering in our genomic age — sometimes the best breeding decisions come from stockmen who understand cattle, not from computer printouts.

Matt Steiner’s phone bid demonstrated something we don’t see enough of anymore — the willingness to invest in potential when everyone else sees only modest value. That kind of vision, backed by the expertise to develop that potential… that’s what builds genetic empires.

Today, when you’re running genetic evaluations on your herd and see names like Supersire, Mogul, or Balisto in those pedigrees, you’re witnessing the continuing influence of decisions made by neighbors in Wisconsin who understood cattle better than they understood their own credentials.

The thing is, Steve Wessing still farms that same land where it all started. Sometimes he stands in the pasture where Mimi used to graze, and I bet he wonders if she somehow knew what she was beginning when she positioned herself at the front of that feed line all those years ago.

Looking Forward: What This Story Teaches Us

Here’s what really strikes me about this whole story — it proves something that gets lost in all our genomic testing and genetic predictions. Exceptional genetics combined with human wisdom, friendship, and the courage to believe in something extraordinary can literally reshape an entire breed.

What’s happening across the industry right now is a return to basics in some ways. Yes, we’ve got better tools than ever before, but the fundamental principles remain the same: good cattle in the right environment, managed by people who understand what they’re looking at.

The interesting thing about current trends is how they’re playing out regionally. Midwest herds are focusing more on component production and longevity. California dairies are looking at feed efficiency and heat tolerance. Northeast farms are emphasizing reproductive efficiency and barn-friendly temperaments. But regardless of the region, genetics tracing back to the Rudy Missy line seems to adapt and deliver.

Here’s what’s really interesting, though… we’re seeing third and fourth-generation descendants of this cow still achieving high genetic evaluations, still setting production records, still generating significant commercial interest. In a breed measured by generations, that’s not just success — that’s genetic immortality.

The story reminds us that sometimes the most transformative revolutions begin not with corporate strategies or marketing campaigns, but with a phone call, a modest purchase, and the kind of practical stockman wisdom that recognizes greatness before the rest of the world catches on.

From high-producing herds worldwide to genomic laboratories, from AI studs to family farms improving their genetics one generation at a time, the influence of Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy-ET continues shaping the future of dairy cattle breeding.

And that phone call? It’s still echoing through Holstein pedigrees around the world, reminding us that in our business, vision and friendship — combined with the courage to act on what you believe — can create something that lasts for generations.

Key Takeaways

Maternal line genetics deliver 23% higher lifetime profitability — Start tracking your cow families beyond just sire selection, because Missy’s daughters averaged 42 EX/VG classifications while maintaining exceptional production longevity.
Component production beats show ring pretty every time — Focus your 2025 breeding program on cows carrying 4.1% fat and 3.4% protein genetics like Missy, which translates to $847 more per cow annually in today’s component-premium markets.
Durability genes are worth their weight in gold — Look for bloodlines that produce to age 13+ like Missy’s dam Claudette, because extending productive life by just two lactations adds $3,200 profit per cow in current feed cost environments.
Phone bidding on genetic potential pays off long-term — Don’t let conformation faults scare you away from superior production genetics, especially when genomic testing now proves maternal influence accounts for 60% of a cow’s genetic potential.
Global recognition follows genetic excellence — When Holstein International names consecutive Global Cows from the same family (Missy 2014, Shauna 2015), smart farmers pay attention and adjust their breeding programs accordingly.

Executive Summary

You know that feeling when you see something everyone else missed? That’s exactly what happened in 2003 when Matt Steiner made an $8,000 phone bid for a cow whose “rump wasn’t entirely balanced.” The biggest mistake in dairy genetics isn’t buying the wrong cow — it’s walking away from the right one because she doesn’t look perfect. Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy went from auction reject to producing 40,880 pounds of milk and becoming the 2014 Global Cow of the Year. Her descendants now generate hundreds of millions in semen sales, with bulls like Supersire proving that maternal lines matter more than we thought. Today’s genomic testing validates what Steiner saw thirty years ago — sometimes the best genetics come in imperfect packages. If you’re still making breeding decisions based on conformation over production potential, you’re leaving money on the table.

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Tags : breeding decisions, dairy profitability, Genomic Testing, Holstein genetics

Kamps-Hollow Altitude: The Red-Carrying Cow Who Rewrote Breeding History

Saturday, June 21st, 2025

From a $1 million auction to global genetic revolution: How one red-carrying Holstein cow rewrote breeding history and created dynasties still dominating today.

<a href="https://rss.com/podcasts/the-bullvine/2083403/">E298 Kamps-Hollow Altitude: The Red-Carrying Cow | RSS.com</a>

Kamps-Hollow Altitude-ET RC EX-95-USA 2E DOM – The breed-defining Holstein matriarch. This Durham daughter, born January 11, 2000, would go on to revolutionize Red Holstein breeding through her extraordinary offspring, including the million-dollar Apple-Red and show ring legend Advent-Red.

The bidding had reached a fever pitch. In the packed sale arena, hearts raced as the price climbed higher than anyone had imagined possible. One million dollars. For a single dairy cow. When the hammer finally fell on that August day in 2008, KHW Regiment Apple-Red-ET had not only shattered every sales record in Holstein history—she had announced to the world that the genetic revolution begun by her remarkable mother was far from over.

That mother was Kamps-Hollow Altitude-ET RC, a Durham daughter born on a cold January morning in 2000 who would become the most influential Red Holstein cow in modern breeding history. But on that winter day when she drew her first breath, few could have predicted that this calf would single-handedly transform an entire segment of the Holstein breed, create dynasties that still dominate show rings today, and establish a genetic legacy so profound that more than 80% of Red Holsteins at major shows would eventually trace back to her bloodlines.

The Foundation of Dreams

The story begins not with Altitude herself but with three college friends whose shared vision would reshape Holstein breeding: Ryan Kamps, Mark Haag, and Ryan Weigel. Together, they formed KHW Genetics, a partnership built on youthful ambition and an eye for exceptional cattle. These young men, who would later be recognized as Wisconsin’s Distinguished Young Holstein Breeders in 2014, were about to make breeding history.

The foundation for their success was laid at a dispersal sale in November 1998, when Richard Kamps made what would prove to be one of the most prescient purchases in Holstein history. At the Clover-Mist dispersal in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, he acquired Clover-Mist Augy Star EX-94 along with her young Prelude daughter, Alisha. In the barn at Clover-Mist, the legendary D-R-A August EX-96—known simply as “The White Cow”—had been an icon, standing in the end box stall and producing three 94-point daughters. Now, through Augy Star and Alisha, that extraordinary maternal line would find its way to Kamps-Hollow.

D-R-A August EX-96, known as “The White Cow”. This legendary matriarch, who produced over 200,000 pounds of lifetime milk and three 94-point daughters, would become the genetic cornerstone whose bloodlines eventually flowed to Kamps-Hollow Altitude through her granddaughter Alisha.

The Making of a Matriarch

Born on January 11, 2000, Kamps-Hollow Altitude-ET RC carried within her genes a convergence of Holstein excellence that breeders dream about but rarely achieve. Her pedigree read like a who’s who of breed legends: sired by Durham, a bull known for transmitting long bodies, broad rumps, and well-attached udders, and tracing through her maternal line to the foundation strength of D-R-A August, who had achieved over 200,000 pounds of lifetime milk production with exceptional type.

But Altitude was destined to be more than the sum of her illustrious parts. As she matured in the freestall barns at Kamps-Hollow, her own excellence became undeniable. She would eventually classify EX-95-USA 2E DOM, a score that placed her among the elite 5% of Holstein cows for conformation. Her production records told an equally compelling story: by her seventh lactation, she was producing 39,690 pounds of milk with an exceptional 4.7% butterfat—numbers that spoke to both her capacity and her metabolic efficiency, the kind of performance that turns red ink to black on dairy farm financial statements.

Yet for all her individual excellence, Altitude’s true genius lay in her extraordinary ability as a brood cow. In the unpredictable alchemy of cattle breeding, where exceptional parents don’t always produce exceptional offspring, Altitude possessed the rarest gifts: the consistent ability to transmit superiority across generations and through diverse genetic combinations.

The Son Who Conquered Show Rings

KHW Kite Advent-Red-ET, the legendary son of Kamps-Hollow Altitude who dominated Red & White Holstein show rings for seven consecutive years as Premier Sire at World Dairy Expo. His unprecedented success with over 400 Excellent daughters established him as a cornerstone sire for an entire generation of Red Holstein breeders. (Photo: Frank Robinson)

The first hint of Altitude’s genetic prowess came through her son KHW Kite Advent-Red-ET, sired by CK Kite RC. In the competitive world of Red & White Holstein breeding, Advent would become nothing short of legendary. His dominance was so complete that he claimed the Premier Sire banner at the Grand International Red and White Show at the World Dairy Expo for seven consecutive years—an unprecedented achievement establishing him as the foundation sire for an entire generation of show-winning cattle.

For breeders across Wisconsin and beyond, watching Advent’s offspring mature became a lesson in genetic consistency. As one admirer noted, his daughters displayed “excellent frames and open rib structure”—the kind of cattle that caught judges’ eyes and commanded premium prices at sales. The numbers behind Advent’s success told the story: over 400 Excellent daughters in the United States and Canada combined, with 105 earning All-American nominations in just five years. When forty-one of those daughters achieved All-American or Reserve All-American status, it represented more than ribbons and trophies—it represented increased asset values for the families who owned them.

ELMBRIDGE LOOKOUT LADY IN-RED, sired by KHW Kite Advent-Red-ET, exemplifies the show ring excellence that made Advent a seven-time Premier Sire at World Dairy Expo’s Red & White Show. As one of Advent’s over 400 Excellent daughters, she demonstrates the exceptional frame and open rib structure that became hallmarks of Altitude’s genetic legacy through her legendary son.

Advent’s genetic potency attracted the attention of Select Sires, though his journey to artificial insemination prominence wasn’t without the challenges that test every dairy farmer’s resolve. Initially purchased by Select Sires, he encountered a health issue with leucosis and was subsequently offered to Glaze-Way Enterprises before being leased back to Select Sires. His popularity soared there, particularly after his calves began dominating show rings with their exceptional frames and open rib structure.

The Million-Dollar Daughter

If Advent established Altitude’s reputation as a producer of sires, her daughter KHW Regiment Apple-Red-ET would make her a household name throughout the global Holstein community. Apple-Red, sired by Carrousel Regiment-Red-ET and born in May 2004, possessed a rare combination of show ring glamour, production excellence, and genetic potency that would captivate the cattle world.

KHW Regiment Apple-Red-ET (led by Mike Deaver) made history at the 2006 World Dairy Expo by winning the Junior Two-Year-Old Holstein class—a breakthrough moment that announced the arrival of Altitude’s genetic legacy on the world stage. Her victory in a traditionally black-and-white dominated competition marked the beginning of Red Holstein prominence in elite competition. Photo: Dianna Malcolm.

In the early morning hours at barns across North America, farm families would gather around their laptops and phones, watching Apple-Red’s show career unfold with the dedication of sports fans following their favorite team. Her breakthrough moment came at the 2006 World Dairy Expo when she captured the Jr. 2 Holstein class—a red cow triumphing in a world traditionally dominated by black and whites. For red breed enthusiasts who had long felt like an overlooked minority in the Holstein world, this victory felt like vindication.

But it was in 2008 that Apple-Red truly made history. At auction, bidding reached the unprecedented sum of one million dollars, paid by Apple Partners of Lanark, Illinois. The sale generated international headlines and brought previously unimaginable attention to the Red Holstein breed. For small dairy farmers watching the coverage, there was validation that exceptional genetics commanded exceptional value and that sound breeding decisions could transform the economic prospects of an entire operation.

The moment that defined a legacy: WDE’s 2011 Red & White Holstein judge Adam Liddle of Argyle, New York, declares KHW Regiment Apple-Red-ET Grand Champion at World Dairy Expo’s International Red White Show. Handler Mike Deaver stands with the cow that had already made million-dollar history and would go on to revolutionize Red Holstein breeding. Photo: Nina Linton.

Yet Apple-Red’s influence extended far beyond the show ring and sale barn. Her impact as a brood cow has been nothing short of revolutionary. She is the first Red Holstein with over 100 Excellent daughters worldwide—83 in the United States and 16 in Canada, with one appearing on both lists for a North American total of 98. This productivity translated to something more valuable than any ribbon for commercial dairy farmers: genetic consistency they could bank on, generation after generation.

KHW Regiment Apple-Red-ET stands before a packed arena at the 2013 World Dairy Expo Red and White Show, where she earned Reserve Grand Champion honors while her clone claimed the Grand Champion title—a unprecedented sweep that demonstrated the genetic consistency and star power of the Altitude family. Nine years old and still commanding the attention that made her the first million-dollar dairy cow, Apple-Red’s presence in Madison that day represented the living legacy of her mother’s transformative impact on Holstein breeding.

The Apple dynasty created by this remarkable cow continues to dominate Red Holstein breeding. Her sons, Apples Absolute-Red and Mr Apples Armani-RC have become influential sires in their own right. When Absolute daughters like Meadow Green Abso Fanny-Red EX-96 claimed multiple Grand Championships at the World Dairy Expo and the Royal Winter Fair, they proved that Apple’s genetic legacy was more than marketing—it was sustainable excellence that delivered results where it mattered most, in the milk house and the breeding barn.

The Global Genetic Revolution

Jotan-Red-ET, photographed at Cogent in the United Kingdom, became the European ambassador for the Altitude genetic revolution. This Jordan son of Kamps-Hollow Altitude produced nearly 18,000 daughters across ten countries, with his late-maturing cattle thriving in diverse management systems from the Netherlands to Eastern Europe. His success opened international markets to Altitude bloodlines and proved that exceptional American genetics could improve dairy herds worldwide.

While Advent conquered North American show rings and Apple-Red captivated the cattle world with her celebrity status, Altitude’s influence was quietly spreading across continents through another of her offspring: Jotan-Red-ET. This Jordan son, introduced by the German AI Masterrind in 2005, became the European trailblazer for the Altitude family’s international expansion.

In the rolling dairy country of the Netherlands, farmers like those at Drouner Holsteins discovered that Jotan-Red’s daughters were transforming their operations. These late-maturing cows with excellent rumps and strong feet and legs thrived under various management conditions, carrying their productive lives through longer lactations than farmers had dared hope for. When Durkje 252, representing Jotan’s 75th EX daughter in the Netherlands, posed for her classification photo, she embodied what dairy farmers worldwide were experiencing: cattle that got better with age, improving with each lactation rather than breaking down.

Jotan-Red became a sales phenomenon, ultimately producing nearly 18,000 daughters in at least ten countries. His popularity in Eastern European countries was particularly notable, as farmers discovered that his daughters delivered exactly what commercial dairy operations needed: functional cattle that converted feed efficiently while maintaining their structural integrity through multiple lactations. In the Netherlands alone, he has produced 78 EX daughters from 4,236 classified offspring, with 90.7% scoring Good Plus or higher in the United Kingdom.

Holec Redrose Jotan 2y VG-88 – A daughter of Jotan-Red exemplifying the European success of Altitude genetics. Jotan-Red, a Jordan son of Kamps-Hollow Altitude, became a sales phenomenon across Europe with nearly 18,000 daughters in at least ten countries, proving that Altitude’s genetic influence extended far beyond North American show rings. (Photo: Alger Meekma)

The success of Jotan-Red was significant for more than just his individual merit. His European career established genetic lines that would influence Red Holstein breeding across continents, proving that Altitude’s genetics weren’t just American show ring curiosities—they were foundational bloodlines that could improve dairy herds anywhere exceptional cattle were valued.

The Genomic Era and Continued Relevance

As the dairy industry evolved into the genomic era, many wondered whether traditional cow families would maintain their relevance in a world increasingly driven by DNA-based selection. Breeders held their breath at farms across North America as genomic test results arrived, hoping their favorite bloodlines would translate to the new digital scoreboards that increasingly determined breeding decisions.

KHW Goldwyn Aiko-ET RC, daughter of Kamps-Hollow Altitude-ET RC, demonstrated the seamless transition of Altitude genetics into the genomic era with her remarkable 2050 GTPI. Aiko’s global impact extended from North America to Europe, with her embryos exported to six countries and her descendants achieving elite genomic rankings worldwide, proving that traditional cow families could not only adapt to but excel under DNA-based selection criteria.

Altitude’s daughter KHW Goldwyn Aiko-ET RC provided a definitive answer. This Goldwyn daughter achieved a remarkable GTPI of 2050, demonstrating that Altitude’s genetics adapted to genomic evaluation and excelled under its criteria. For breeders who had invested their futures in Altitude bloodlines, Aiko’s success represented more than validation—it was their ticket to continued relevance in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

KHW-I Aika Baxter RC VG-87-2YR-CAN, a daughter of Aiko and granddaughter of Altitude, became a #15 GLPI Cow in Canada and one of the highest RC cows in the breed. Her genomic success demonstrated how Altitude’s traditional genetics seamlessly translated to elite performance in the DNA-driven era, proving that exceptional bloodlines could thrive under both conventional and genomic evaluation systems.

Aiko’s global appeal was evident in the demand for her genetics, with embryos sold to six countries. Her offspring continued the family’s tradition of excellence: her daughter KHW-I Aika Baxter RC VG-87-2YR reached as high as the #15 GLPI Cow in Canada and one of the highest RC cows in the breed, while another daughter, De Jonge Aiko RC by Sahara, achieved the #1 GTPI ranking among Sahara daughters. Even her son by Sahara earned a high gRZG ranking in Germany, proving the international appeal of Altitude genetics across gender lines.

Gen-I-Beq Inaika Red EX-95 (Detox x KHW Aika Baxter), shown here in her fourth lactation, exemplifies Altitude’s continued European influence through the Aiko branch. Reserve Champion at the 2019 All-European Championship in Libramont, Belgium, and a member of France’s second-place country team, Inaika traces directly to Altitude through her dam KHW Aika Baxter, demonstrating how the matriarch’s genetics continue to excel in international competition decades after her birth. Named France’s Cow of the Year nominee in 2020, she represents the ongoing success of Altitude’s genomic-era descendants across continents.

In the genomic era, Altitude’s daughters by modern sires consistently produced offspring with elite genomic values well into the 2010s, including high-ranking TPI daughters KHW SUPERSIRE ANNETTE-ET and KHW SYMPATICO ALARM-RED-ET. These results demonstrated that Altitude’s base genetics were robust enough to complement the industry’s most advanced sires, ensuring her family’s continued prominence in an increasingly competitive genetic marketplace.

Real-World Impact on Commercial Herds

The true test of any genetic program isn’t show ring victories or auction prices—it’s performance in commercial dairy operations where profit margins depend on cows that calve easily, milk heavily, and breed back efficiently. At Koester Dairy in Illinois, one of America’s leading production herds with a dazzling average of over 36,000 pounds of milk per cow, the Altitude influence shines through descendants that prove their worth every milking.

K-Star Frazzled Ruby VG-85-2-yr, fresh for her second lactation and milking 145 pounds daily, represents the practical application of Altitude genetics. She traces back through an 88-point Silver daughter and then the Uno sister to Apple, connecting her directly to Altitude’s maternal line. Ruby’s presence demonstrates how elite genetics translate to operational success in a herd that has won the Holstein Association’s Herd of Excellence Award for five consecutive years.

MS D APPLE DANIELLE-RED EX-95 represents the commercial success of Altitude genetics in modern dairy operations. This exceptional daughter of the Apple-Red lineage demonstrates how the genetic excellence that began with Kamps-Hollow Altitude translates directly into profitable dairy cattle that excel in both the milk house and the show ring. Her EX-95 classification score—placing her among the top 5% of Holstein cows for conformation—proves that Altitude’s descendants continue to deliver the structural soundness and dairy quality that commercial farmers depend on for long, productive lactations.

The Koester family’s experience with Altitude descendants like KHW Uno Arkansas EX-91 tells the complete story of genetic value. Arkansas, directly out of Kamps-Hollow Altitude, has produced EX daughters sired by Jacey, Montross, and Supersire, along with a pair of 88-point Silver daughters. In a commercial operation where every cow must pull her weight, these results represent the difference between profitability and struggle. When Dan Koester notes that “competition to be among the brood cows can certainly be fierce” in a herd averaging over 36,000 pounds, Arkansas has more than earned her place.

For the Koester operation, which pushes feed to their cattle twelve times daily and maintains the intensive management that elite production demands, the Altitude bloodlines deliver the metabolic efficiency and structural soundness that make such performance sustainable. These aren’t pampered show cows—they’re working dairy cattle that convert feed to milk with the efficiency that keeps family dairy farms viable in an increasingly challenging economic environment.

Recognition and Industry Impact

The dairy industry’s recognition of Altitude’s extraordinary impact came through multiple prestigious awards that acknowledged not just her genetic merit but her transformative effect on an entire segment of the breed. In 2009, she was named Red Impact Cow of the Year by Holstein International. That same year, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle proclaimed her Wisconsin Cow of the Year, recognizing her importance to one of America’s premier dairy states.

Perhaps most tellingly, every bull put into stud has made the ACTIVE lineup—a remarkable testament to her consistent ability to produce the high-quality sons desired by artificial insemination organizations. This statement reflected her genetic potency and the commercial viability and market acceptance of her offspring across diverse breeding goals.

BTS-Avea Red VG-87-NL VG-89-MS 2yr demonstrates the continuing excellence of Altitude’s European legacy through the Aiko family line. This promising young cow, descended from KHW Goldwyn Aiko EX-91-USA, exemplifies how Altitude’s genetics have flourished across continents, combining the structural correctness and dairy character that made her great-grandmother a global phenomenon. Her dual classification scores reflect the consistent quality that European breeders have come to expect from this influential bloodline.

The European Success Story

At Drouner Holsteins in the northern Netherlands, the Albring family’s experience with Altitude genetics through the Aiko branch demonstrates how exceptional bloodlines adapt to different management systems and geographic conditions. When Harm Albring reflected on their investment in Freddie embryos out of KHW Goldwyn Aiko nine years ago, he described a breeding decision that transformed their operation.

The family characterizes their Aikos as “late-maturity” cattle that “look a bit round as heifers, but they all continue developing.” Rather than being a drawback, this trait has proven to be an asset in their management system. As Henk Albring explains, “the family breeds very consistently,” providing the predictability that allows dairy farmers to plan their replacement strategies confidently.

Vignes Rousses Riska VG-88-2nd Calf demonstrates the continuing European success of Altitude genetics. Tracing directly back to Kamps-Hollow Altitude EX-95 through her maternal line (Discjockey x Appren End x Dresser x Baxter x Goldwyn Aiko x Altitude), captured Championne Young Cow honors at both SIA 2024 and Aquitanima 2024, plus Grande Champion at Sommet de l’Élevage 2023. Her success exemplifies how Altitude’s genetic legacy continues to dominate European show rings more than two decades after her birth, proving the lasting international impact of this legendary matriarch’s bloodlines.

The practical results speak for themselves. Drouner AJDH Aiko 1288-Red EX-90, the Olympian daughter of Freddie Aiko, “transmits strong fitness traits, production, and type,” according to Henk. Her ability to combine “everything” makes her the kind of cow that commercial dairy farmers prize above show ring glamour. This reliable producer consistently improves the herd’s genetic base while maintaining the structural soundness needed for long, profitable lactations.

When the Albrings’ herd averages over 86 points for black and whites and more than 87 points for red and whites, combined with production averaging 10,300 kg (22,700 pounds) at 4.30% fat and 3.48% protein, they’re demonstrating how Altitude genetics contribute to the kind of balanced excellence that sustains family dairy operations. Their breeding sales revenue of 10 cents per kilogram of milk shows how genetic excellence translates to economic viability—the bottom line determining whether the next generation will continue farming.

A Legacy Written in Excellence

Erbacres Snapple Shakira-ET EX-97 stands triumphant in the show ring, embodying the continued excellence of the Altitude dynasty. This two-time World Champion (2021, 2023) at the World Dairy Expo International Holstein Show represents the fourth generation of Altitude’s genetic legacy—tracing back through her dam MS Apple Snapple-Red EX-96, grandam Apple-Red, and great-grandam Kamps-Hollow Altitude-ET RC. Shakira’s dominance on the world’s most prestigious stage proves that Altitude’s transformative genetics continue to shape Holstein excellence decades after the matriarch’s passing.

When Altitude passed away at the age of 15 in July 2015, she left behind a genetic legacy that had already transformed Holstein breeding. Her influence extended through multiple generations of exceptional descendants, dominating show rings, breeding programs, and AI catalogs worldwide.

The transformation Altitude brought to Red Holstein breeding was so complete that today, any Red Holstein or RC bull without an intensive link to her or her famous descendants is embraced as an outcross sire. This reflects the Altitude family’s tremendous influence in the international Red Holstein population, fundamentally reshaping the genetic landscape of an entire breed segment.

At operations like Westcoast Holsteins, where Swingman-Red traces back through Altitude genetics to become the #1 red bull in Canada, her influence shapes breeding decisions affecting thousands of cattle. Swingman’s breeding combines “solid production with good components, impressive type excelling for udders, and stellar figures for the health traits”—exactly the combination of traits that commercial dairy farmers need to maintain profitable operations.

The Enduring Vision

Three generations of genetic excellence: Aiko, Altitude, and Alisha pose together at Kamps-Hollow in 2009, the same year Altitude was named Red Impact Cow of the Year. This rare photograph captures the living embodiment of KHW Genetics’ vision—a maternal line that would “transmit strongly generation after generation,” with each generation seemingly getting better than the last.

As we look back on Altitude’s remarkable life and continuing legacy, we see more than just the story of an exceptional cow. We see the realization of a vision shared by three young men who believed that exceptional genetics could reshape an industry. Reflecting on Altitude’s impact, Ryan Kamps noted that she and her dam Alisha “put Kamps-Hollow and KHW on the map” as fantastic brood cows that “transmit strongly generation after generation,” with each generation seeming to get better.

Today, that vision continues to unfold in barns across the globe. From the European descendants of Jotan-Red to the latest genomic stars tracing back to Aiko, from the show ring dynasties built on Apple-Red’s foundation to the commercial dairy herds benefiting from Altitude’s production genetics, her influence touches virtually every corner of Red Holstein breeding.

In the challenging environment facing modern dairy farming—where profit margins shrink, regulations tighten, and family operations compete against industrial-scale facilities—the Altitude legacy represents something invaluable: genetic consistency that farmers can depend on. Her descendants don’t just win show rings; they populate the milk lines of farms where economic survival depends on cattle that calve easily, milk heavily, convert feed efficiently, and breed back reliably.

The genetic echo of Kamps-Hollow Altitude-ET RC resonates through pedigree production records and shows ring victories on six continents. She was more than a great cow; she was a genetic cornerstone who proved that exceptional individuals could change an entire breed’s trajectory. In the unpredictable art and science of cattle breeding, where dreams often exceed reality, Altitude delivered on every promise her pedigree suggested and created possibilities no one had dared imagine.

Her story reminds us that in agriculture, as in life, true greatness is measured not just by individual achievement but by our lasting impact on future generations. Through her sons and daughters, grandsons and granddaughters, and the countless descendants yet to come, Kamps-Hollow Altitude-ET RC achieved a form of immortality that transcends her physical presence. She became a genetic force of nature whose influence will shape Holstein breeding for generations to come—a matriarch for the ages whose greatest achievements may still lie ahead in the offspring yet to be born, carrying forward her extraordinary legacy.

Key Takeaways

Record-Breaking Sales Impact: Altitude’s daughter Apple-Red sold for $1 million in 2008, setting an unprecedented price that brought global attention to Red Holstein genetics and validated the economic value of exceptional breeding
Show Ring Dominance: Her son Advent-Red achieved the unprecedented feat of winning Premier Sire at World Dairy Expo’s Red & White Show for seven consecutive years, producing over 400 Excellent daughters and reshaping show competition
Global Genetic Transformation: Through descendants like Jotan-Red (18,000 daughters in 10+ countries) and the Aiko family in Europe, Altitude’s genetics spread internationally, making her bloodlines foundational to modern Red Holstein breeding worldwide
Genomic Era Success: Altitude’s genetics successfully transitioned to genomic selection, with daughters like Aiko achieving 2050 GTPI and producing offspring with elite genomic values exceeding 2400 GTPI, proving her genetic relevance across breeding eras
Commercial Dairy Excellence: Her descendants continue to excel in high-production commercial operations like Koester Dairy (36,000+ lb herd average), demonstrating that her genetics deliver practical value beyond show ring success

Executive Summary

Kamps-Hollow Altitude-ET RC, born in 2000, became the most influential Red Holstein cow in modern breeding history through her extraordinary ability to produce exceptional offspring. Her daughter KHW Regiment Apple-Red-ET made headlines by selling for $1 million in 2008 and becoming the first Red Holstein with over 100 Excellent daughters worldwide. Her son KHW Kite Advent-Red-ET dominated show rings for seven consecutive years as Premier Sire at the World Dairy Expo’s Red & White Show. Altitude’s genetics spread globally through descendants like Jotan-Red, who produced nearly 18,000 daughters across ten countries, fundamentally transforming Red Holstein breeding worldwide. Her bloodlines successfully adapted to the genomic era, with descendants achieving elite genomic rankings well into the 2010s. Today, more than 80% of Red Holsteins at major shows trace back to her genetics, and her influence continues through multiple generations in both show rings and commercial dairy operations. Altitude passed away in 2015 at age 15, leaving behind a genetic legacy that earned her recognition as Red Impact Cow of the Year and Wisconsin Cow of the Year in 2009.

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Larcrest Cosmopolitan: How a Spotted Minnesota Cow Built a Dynasty

Saturday, May 31st, 2025

A spotted calf born in Minnesota in 2005 defied genetic odds to build a global Holstein empire worth millions. This is her remarkable story.

The call came on a crisp autumn morning in September 2005 at Larcrest Holsteins in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Another calf had been born—this one spotted, female, and sired by the popular Picston Shottle. In the bustling rhythm of a busy dairy operation, it was just another entry in the herd book. Yet, standing in that Minnesota barn, neither Jon nor Ann Larson could have imagined they were witnessing the birth of a genetic empire that would span continents and redefine Holstein excellence for generations.

Twenty years later, that spotted calf—Larcrest Cosmopolitan—has passed into legend, but her genetic fingerprints can be found in AI studs from Alberta to Amsterdam in champion rings from Wisconsin to Bavaria. Her descendants have claimed national titles, topped genomic rankings, and commanded record-breaking auction prices. The Cosmopolitan name has evolved from a simple farm designation into a global brand synonymous with exceptional udder quality, high milk components, and balanced excellence, transforming dairy operations worldwide.

This is the story of how a single cow family, built on the foundation of a spotted Minnesota heifer, grew into one of the most influential bloodlines in modern Holstein history—a dynasty that proves that greatness, once achieved, has the power to reshape an entire breed.

Against All Odds: The Foundation Story

The Cosmopolitan dynasty began not with certainty but with a series of genetic near-misses that could have easily prevented this entire bloodline from ever existing. Two generations before Cosmopolitan was born, her great-grandmother, Larcrest Juror Chanel EX-93, suffered severe calving paralysis as a 2-year-old, lying immobilized for over two weeks. In most cases, such an ordeal proves fatal. Yet somehow, through sheer determination and the devoted care of the Larson family, she survived to become the genetic cornerstone of what would become a global dynasty.

The next generation brought another brush with genetic extinction. Cosmopolitan’s dam, Larcrest Oside Champagne EX-90, was born as a twin to a bull calf—a circumstance that renders more than 90% of female calves infertile freemartins. The logical decision would have been immediate culling. Instead, the Larsons chose to keep her, and against overwhelming odds, Champagne proved fertile, ensuring the continuation of this precious maternal line.

“We’ve been lucky,” Jon Larson reflects with characteristic humility. “The Juror had calving paralysis as a 2-year-old and was down for 2 weeks. She probably should have died, but somehow, she had the drive and spirit to survive. Then the Outside was a twin with a bull, and for some reason, we kept her, and we were lucky enough that she bred.” These twin strokes of fortune underscore a fundamental truth about even the most sophisticated breeding programs: sometimes, the greatest dynasties hang by the thinnest of threads.

When Cosmopolitan rapidly captured international attention by achieving the coveted Nr. 1 GTPI position among US Holstein cows, it became clear that the Larsons’ patience and those fortunate breaks had converged to create something extraordinary. Here was a cow that combined the power and presence of her Shottle genetics with the proven transmitting ability that would define her legacy through 184 registered progeny in the United States and prestigious Gold Medal Dam and Dam of Merit awards.

The Heart of the Empire: Where Science Meets Passion

Larcrest Crimson-ET EX-91 93-MS GMD DOM, the Ramos daughter of Cosmopolitan who became the beating heart of the global dynasty. Winner of Global Cow of the Year in 2016, Crimson’s remarkable transmitting ability produced influential AI sires including Calibrate, Camelot, Chavez, Conquest, Casual, and Cyclone. “Crimson is housed in a box stall close to where I do the milking, so I spend my days with Crimson and my nights with Ann—I’m the luckiest guy alive,” reflects Jon Larson about the cow who embodies everything the Cosmopolitan family represents.

While Cosmopolitan provided the foundation, her Ramos daughter, Larcrest Crimson EX-94, became the expanding dynasty’s beating heart. In the quiet morning hours at Larcrest, one cow commands special attention as Jon makes his rounds through the barn. Her box stall sits strategically close to the milking parlor, allowing Jon to spend precious moments with the animal that embodies everything he’s worked to achieve.

“Crimson is housed in a box stall close to where I do the milking, so I spend my days with Crimson and my nights with Ann—I’m the luckiest guy alive,” Jon exclaims, his voice carrying the unmistakable warmth reserved for truly exceptional animals. This isn’t just sentiment—it’s the recognition of a breeder who understands that great genetics without genuine care and attention remain unrealized potential.

Described as a powerful cow with a big, strong head and wide muzzle, massive rib capacity, and impressive chest and rump width, Crimson embodies the substantial frame that characterizes the family and the kind of robust constitution that modern dairy farming demands. Crimson represents the perfect marriage of genetic merit and practical functionality in an industry increasingly focused on animal welfare and reduced interventions.

The market’s recognition of this genetic gold mine became dramatically evident when Crimson’s Observer daughter, Cale, commanded astronomical prices for her offspring. Picture the tension in a packed sale barn as bidding escalated beyond all expectations—Larcrest Cardigan, a Uno daughter, brought a stunning $400,000, while her Supersire sister Canto sold for $290,000. For dairy farmers watching these sales, these weren’t just impressive figures—they represented validation that genetics truly could transform their operations’ profitability and sustainability.

Crimson’s transmitting ability reached its pinnacle in 2016 when she was crowned Global Cow of the Year after finishing 2nd the previous two years. Her remarkable list of sons reads like a registry of influential AI sires: Calibrate, Camelot, Chavez, Conquest, Casual, and Cyclone. Each carried forward the family’s genetic blueprint to herds worldwide, where dairy farmers would experience firsthand the improved udders, enhanced components, and extended productive lives that define Cosmopolitan excellence.

Building Excellence Through Strategic Partnerships

De Su Commander 9026 2y VG-85, a striking example of Larcrest Commander’s transmitting ability in action. Sired by the Mogul son who ranked No. 31 TPI in the US and No. 2 LPI in Canada, this young cow exemplifies the “welded-on udders and high components” that Commander daughters consistently deliver to dairy operations worldwide. Her VG-85 classification as a 2-year-old demonstrates how the Cosmopolitan family’s genetics for exceptional type and functionality translate across international boundaries, validating the strategic partnerships that have spread this bloodline’s influence throughout the global Holstein industry.

From Crimson’s exceptional genetics grew multiple branches, each adapted to different markets and breeding objectives while maintaining the core family traits that deliver tangible benefits to dairy operations. Her Observer daughter, Larcrest Calinda, became the dam of Larcrest Commander, a Mogul son who achieved remarkable success by ranking No. 31 TPI in the US and No. 2 LPI in Canada. For dairy farmers seeking that elusive combination of high production and functional type, Commander daughters consistently delivers the welded-on udders and high components that translate directly into easier milking, reduced mastitis treatments, and enhanced profitability.

However, the true genius of the Cosmopolitan family lies in how their genetics have been developed and refined through strategic partnerships with other elite breeding operations. Sandy-Valley Conway exemplifies this collaborative approach, demonstrating how the family’s influence extends through partnerships that benefit the entire industry.

Conway’s success tells a powerful story about consistency and practical value. Ranked Nr. 13 on the daughter-proven TPI charts as of October 2023 with a score of 2959, Conway has proven himself as a transmitter of exactly the traits that matter most to commercial dairy operations. “Dairymen milking Conway daughters have commented that they are perhaps milking better than his milk proof indicates and that they are very persistent in lactation, being better at 150 days in milk than they are at 60 days in milk,” reports Kevin Jorgensen from Select Sires.

This persistence in lactation represents more than just a genetic trait—it embodies the kind of practical excellence that builds sustainable dairy operations. Feed efficiency improves, reproductive performance stabilizes, and overall herd profitability increases when cows maintain their production deep into lactation. Mike Larson at Larson Acres in Wisconsin, milking 2,500 cows, provides real-world validation: “Way above average for type, really excellent components, and I would say a bit wetter than the proof says. Conway is very consistent in what he does, with moderate size, welded-on udders, and no glaring type deficiencies.”

Conway’s 44 sons entering the Select Sires system represent a multiplication of this excellence, carrying Cosmopolitan genetics to thousands of dairy farms where the improved udders, enhanced components, and extended productive lives translate directly into increased profitability and reduced management challenges.

Global Champions and Local Heroes

O’Katy, a stunning 3-year-old Stantons Chief daughter, stands as Grand Champion at Schau der Besten 2025, exemplifying the continued global dominance of Cosmopolitan genetics. Descended from the legendary Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra line, O’Katy represents the perfect fusion of Chief’s transmitting ability with established European bloodlines. Her championship victory adds to the impressive international record of Chief daughters, who have consistently demonstrated the family’s signature traits of exceptional type, strong udders, and balanced excellence across diverse show rings worldwide. This latest triumph reinforces how the Cosmopolitan dynasty continues to shape Holstein excellence on the global stage.

The international reach of the Cosmopolitan influence became increasingly evident through bulls like Stantons Chief, a High Octane son bred in Ontario, Canada. In 2023, the crisp air of a German show ring witnessed Chief’s daughter Les Ponts Chief Elina claiming National Champion honors, while across the border in Belgium, Maxima de Bois Seigneur earned the same prestigious title. Back in the United States, Blexys Chief Bloody Mary captured All-American Milking Yearling honors, demonstrating how Cosmopolitan genetics translate excellence across different climates, management systems, and breeding philosophies.

Chief’s influence extends far beyond show rings into the daily reality of commercial dairy operations. With 22,373 daughters in his proof, he represents a genetic revolution in action. His daughters consistently demonstrate the family traits that have made Cosmopolitan genetics so sought after: good strength and width throughout with strong loins, wide rumps, and those signature shallow, smoothly attached udders that remain youthful and functional throughout extended lactations.

These characteristics translate into measurable benefits for dairy farmers dealing with the daily challenges of efficient milking, maintaining cow comfort, and maximizing productive life. Shallow, smoothly attached udders facilitate easier milking and reduce the risk of injury. Strong, wide rumps support better reproductive performance and easier calvings. The consistency of these traits across thousands of daughters provides the reliability that commercial operations need to make confident breeding decisions.

The Science of Sustainable Progress

At Larcrest Holsteins, the breeding program evolved into a sophisticated operation that masterfully balances cutting-edge technology with time-tested genetic principles—and, most importantly, with the practical needs of modern dairy farming that increasingly prioritizes animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and economic viability.

The Larsons developed distinct breeding lines from Crimson’s genetics: a high-TPI line focused on production metrics and a high-type line emphasizing conformation excellence. This strategic approach allows them to meet diverse market demands while preserving the essential characteristics that make cows profitable and manageable in real-world dairy operations.

“We’ve developed two distinct lines from Crimson that form the mainstay of our breeding program—we have the TPI line and a high-type line,” Jon explains. On the type side, they work with Crimson’s EX-92 Atwood daughter Cordial, whose Doorman daughter Circadian scored VG-87 as a 2-year-old with an impressive 3.5 gPTAT. But the real excitement comes when Jon discusses what these numbers mean for dairy farmers and their animals: “Our 2-year-olds are better than the previous generations, especially in the areas of fitness and longevity—they are more trouble-free than we’ve ever had before.”

This evolution toward enhanced robustness represents more than genetic progress—it embodies the values that drive sustainable dairy farming. When cows require fewer veterinary interventions, maintain better body condition, and extend their productive lives, the benefits cascade through every aspect of farm management. Feed efficiency improves, labor demands decrease, animal welfare increases, and profitability grows. Perhaps most importantly, the environmental impact per unit of milk produced decreases, aligning with the industry’s growing commitment to sustainability.

The integration of genomic testing has revolutionized their breeding decisions while maintaining a focus on practical outcomes. “It’s always rewarding when what you see and what the animal turns out to be fit exactly with what the numbers predicted,” Jon notes. “And that is just as important to us whether we are using it to pick out the high milk heifer from a group of siblings or the high type heifer.” This scientific precision, combined with their deep understanding of what works in real dairy operations, has enabled them to maintain genetic progress across multiple generations while ensuring that advances benefit both animals and farmers.

“For us, it really has been the realization of what genomics promised,” Jon reflects, highlighting how technology has enhanced rather than replaced the fundamental principles of good breeding and animal husbandry.

The International Network of Excellence

CRV’s impressive daughter display showcasing Vekis Chevrolet daughters at a major European exhibition, demonstrating the international reach and commercial success of Cosmopolitan genetics in the Netherlands. This striking presentation of uniformly excellent Holstein females illustrates how the family’s influence has extended effectively through both male and female lines across different management systems and climates. The consistent type, udder quality, and overall excellence displayed by these Chevrolet daughters validates the global breeding network that has made Cosmopolitan genetics sought after from Minnesota to Europe, proving that superior genetics can adapt successfully to diverse environments while maintaining their essential characteristics.

The global dissemination of Cosmopolitan genetics reflects both their superior quality and the Larsons’ commitment to international collaboration. “The main export countries for us have been Japan, Germany, France, and the Netherlands,” Jon explains. “We really value our international clients and enjoy working with them.” This international distribution has created a network of elite breeders working with Cosmopolitan genetics, each adding their expertise to the family’s ongoing evolution while adapting the genetics to their local conditions and market demands.

In Japan, bulls like Cosmopolis became among the most popular daughter-proven sires, demonstrating how the family’s genetics adapt successfully to diverse environments while maintaining their essential characteristics. Similarly, the achievements of Vekis Chevrolet in the Netherlands and Fanatic in Germany illustrate how the family’s influence extends effectively through both male and female lines across different management systems and climates.

This global network creates a feedback loop of genetic improvement, where success in different environments validates and refines the breeding decisions made back in Minnesota. Each international champion, each improved udder, and each extended lactation becomes part of the growing evidence that Cosmopolitan genetics deliver consistent value across the diverse challenges of modern dairy farming.

Current Momentum and Future Vision

OCD Captain Rae 63785-ET, a powerful Genosource Captain daughter who exemplifies the continuing evolution of Cosmopolitan genetics into the future. As the dam of high-ranking TPI sire RIPCORD (+3399 GTPI), Rae represents the multi-generational multiplication of excellence that defines the dynasty’s ongoing momentum. Her success demonstrates how Captain’s #1 TPI genetics are already producing the next generation of influential sires, ensuring that the Cosmopolitan legacy will continue shaping Holstein improvement for decades to come. This genetic powerhouse embodies the strategic vision at Larcrest: developing complete animals that not only excel individually but consistently transmit superior genetics to build sustainable breeding programs worldwide.

Today, the Cosmopolitan influence continues expanding through currently active AI sires, including Genosource Captain, who reached Nr. 1 TPI in the US in 2025, demonstrating that the family’s impact remains as strong as ever. In breeding barns across Minnesota and beyond, the youngstock being developed at Larcrest, with their dual focus on high TPI and elite type lines, promises continued contributions to Holstein improvement worldwide.

Strategic initiatives, including developing polled genetics through lines like Larcrest Farrah-P-RC, show how the Larsons continue innovating while preserving the family’s essential characteristics. This willingness to explore new genetic combinations while maintaining core family traits ensures that the Cosmopolitan legacy will continue evolving to meet future industry needs—whether that’s enhanced animal welfare, improved environmental sustainability, or the changing demands of global dairy markets.

The breeding philosophy at Larcrest reflects a deep understanding that sustainable genetic progress requires complete animals rather than single-trait excellence. This commitment to balance has guided their selection decisions through multiple generations, creating a family that consistently produces cattle excelling in the multiple traits essential for sustainable dairy farming: production, longevity, udder health, reproductive efficiency, and animal welfare.

Legacy Measured in Transformation

Sandy-Valley Conway, the Renegade son who exemplifies the practical transformation that Cosmopolitan genetics deliver to commercial dairy operations worldwide. Ranked Nr. 13 on the daughter-proven TPI charts as of October 2023 with a score of 2959, Conway represents the quiet revolution happening in milking parlors across the globe. His daughters consistently outperform their genetic predictions, milking persistently and maintaining production deep into lactation with those signature “welded-on udders” that define the family. With 44 sons entering the Select Sires system, Conway’s genetics multiply this excellence thousands of times over, carrying the Cosmopolitan blueprint to dairy farms where improved components, extended productive lives, and enhanced profitability validate what breeders have long recognized: that true genetic progress comes from developing complete animals that excel in all the traits that matter to sustainable dairy farming.

Walk into a modern dairy parlor anywhere from Minnesota to Bavaria, and you might find yourself observing the quiet revolution that Cosmopolitan genetics has created. Her 184 registered progeny in the United States represent just the beginning—the true measure of her impact lies in the countless descendants now milking in commercial herds worldwide. These aren’t merely genetic abstractions—they’re cows that maintain their production deeper into lactation, require fewer veterinary interventions, and generate more profit for the farming families who depend on them.

Consider the cascade of benefits when Conway’s daughters demonstrate persistent lactation performance or when Chief’s offspring display those signature shallow, smoothly attached udders that remain functional for extended careers. Each improved udder reduces mastitis risk and treatment costs. Each enhanced component percentage increases milk check values. Each extended productive life reduces replacement costs and improves herd efficiency. Most importantly, each healthier, more comfortable cow represents progress toward more sustainable and humane dairy farming.

The raw numbers tell part of the story—Conway’s 44 sons entering major AI systems, Commander’s success in both US and Canadian rankings, and Chief’s thousands of daughters demonstrating consistent improvement—but the real legacy lives in the transformed efficiency, profitability, and sustainability of dairy operations worldwide.

The Enduring Dynasty

Though Cosmopolitan has passed away, her genetic legacy continues expanding through each new generation of descendants. The combination of elite foundation genetics, astute breeding decisions, advanced reproductive technologies, and genomic precision that created this dynasty serves as a compelling model for sustainable breed improvement that honors both genetic excellence and the practical values that define responsible dairy farming.

The Cosmopolitan story ultimately transcends genetics and numbers. In an industry where animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and economic sustainability increasingly define success, the family’s evolution toward enhanced robustness and functionality provides a roadmap for responsible breed development. When Jon observes that their “2-year-olds are better than the previous generations, especially in the areas of fitness and longevity,” he’s describing more than genetic progress—he’s outlining a vision for dairy farming that balances productivity with animal welfare and environmental responsibility.

Standing in those Minnesota fields where it all began, the Cosmopolitan legacy lives on through countless descendants carrying her genetic blueprint to new achievements worldwide. Her spotted coat may have marked her as unique, but her true distinction lies in the global dynasty she built—a dynasty that continues growing stronger with each passing generation, carrying the Cosmopolitan name to new heights of international influence and recognition.

The story continues writing itself in breeding barns from Minnesota to Munich, from Ontario to Osaka, wherever dedicated breeders recognize that true genetic progress comes not from chasing trends but from developing complete animals that excel in all the traits that matter to sustainable dairy farming. In that enduring pursuit, Cosmopolitan’s legacy remains as relevant today as it was when she first captured the world’s attention—a spotted reminder that greatness, when built on solid foundations of functionality, animal welfare, and balanced excellence, has the power to transform an entire breed for generations to come.

From a single calf born on a Minnesota farm to a global genetic empire spanning continents, the Cosmopolitan dynasty stands as proof that exceptional breeding, when guided by wisdom, commitment, and respect for both genetic merit and the values that define responsible farming, can create legacies that outlast any individual cow, farm, or even generation of breeders. In the end, that harmonious balance between genetic excellence and sustainable farming practices may be the most remarkable achievement of all.

Key Takeaways

Against All Odds Origins: Cosmopolitan’s bloodline survived two genetic near-extinctions—her great-grandmother’s severe calving paralysis and her dam being born co-twin to a bull—before producing a global dynasty
Record-Breaking Market Value: Cosmopolitan daughters commanded astronomical auction prices, with Larcrest Cardigan selling for $400,000 and sister Canto bringing $290,000, validating the family’s genetic worth
Global Championship Legacy: Family descendants have claimed national championships in Germany, Belgium, and the US, with Stantons Chief alone siring 22,373 daughters worldwide demonstrating consistent genetic improvement
Sustainable Breeding Model: The family exemplifies modern dairy values by producing cattle with enhanced fitness, longevity, and functionality, with recent generations requiring fewer veterinary interventions while maintaining high production
Continuing Innovation: From achieving #1 GTPI in 2005 to Genosource Captain reaching #1 TPI in 2025, the Cosmopolitan genetics remain at the forefront of Holstein improvement, proving the lasting value of balanced breeding programs

Executive Summary

Larcrest Cosmopolitan, a spotted Picston Shottle daughter born in September 2005, overcame genetic near-misses in previous generations to become the foundation of one of the most influential Holstein bloodlines in modern history. After achieving the coveted #1 GTPI position among US Holstein cows, Cosmopolitan’s genetics spread globally through her exceptional daughter Crimson EX-94, who won Global Cow of the Year in 2016. The family’s descendants, including influential AI sires like Stantons Chief, Sandy-Valley Conway, and Larcrest Commander, have claimed national championships across multiple countries and command premium prices at elite sales. With genetics exported to Japan, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, the Cosmopolitan family consistently transmits superior udder quality, high milk components, and enhanced longevity. Today, nearly 20 years later, the dynasty continues evolving through bulls like Genosource Captain (2025 #1 TPI), proving that strategic breeding focused on complete, functional animals can create lasting genetic legacies. The family represents a model for sustainable breed improvement that balances genetic excellence with animal welfare and practical farming values.

Learn more:

Larcrest Holsteins: Outstanding Type, Modern Health Traits and High Components – An in-depth profile of the Larson family’s breeding philosophy and the early development of the Cosmopolitan cow family, including insights into their “complete cow” breeding approach and the foundation genetics that made this dynasty possible.
The Maternal Mastermind: How Douglas Dunton’s Breeding Philosophy Revolutionized Holstein Genetics – Explores another legendary breeding program and the “breeding warm” philosophy that created influential sires like Chief, offering valuable perspective on how exceptional maternal lines shape breed development across generations.
Snow-N Denises Dellia: The Holstein Legend Who Redefined Dairy Genetics – Chronicles another transformational Holstein cow family that revolutionized breeding through influential sons and daughters, providing context for understanding how individual cows can create lasting genetic legacies that span decades and continents.

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Tags : AI sires, cow families, dairy genetics, Holstein breeding, Larcrest Cosmopolitan

From Lowest to Legendary: The Extraordinary Tale of Hanoverhill Designer Miss

Sunday, May 4th, 2025

From $2,100 sale reject to Holstein royalty: How a John Lennon-bred underdog cow reshaped global dairy genetics.

<a href="https://rss.com/podcasts/the-bullvine/2013641/">E249 From Lowest to Legendary: The Extraordinary T | RSS.com</a>

HANOVERHILL DESIGNER MISS (EX-95 12*). Purchased as a day-old calf for just $2,100-the lowest price at the 1985 Hanover Hill dispersal-this unassuming heifer would develop into one of Holstein history’s most influential matriarchs, producing four Excellent daughters and establishing the renowned Mavis family line. Her journey from sale-day afterthought to breed-defining foundation dam exemplifies the unpredictable magic of dairy cattle breeding.

There’s a certain magic in the unpredictability of dairy breeding. While most eyes are drawn to the record-breaking sales and celebrated pedigrees, sometimes the most profound impact comes from unexpected sources. Such is the remarkable story of Hanoverhill Designer Miss-a Holstein, whose journey from sale-day afterthought to breed-defining matriarch reminds us why we fell in love with this industry in the first place.

The Beginning: A Chance Discovery

The story begins not with Designer Miss herself but with a conversation between two industry professionals in the late 1970s. Jeffrey Nurse, the ambitious owner of Nurseland Farms in Georgetown, Ontario, was chatting with Halton County’s agricultural representative, Phyllis MacMaster, about securing some “index cattle, “a concept that had the dairy community buzzing with excitement.

Jeff Nurse (center) receives the 2013 Curtis Clark Achievement Award from 2012 winner Don Schwartz (left) and Orville Schmidt (right) at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair-a moment honoring Nurse’s lifelong dedication, sportsmanship, and respected leadership in the Canadian dairy industry.

This conversation led Nurse south to Bill Hughes’ Apex, South Carolina farm. Hughes wasn’t just any breeder-he had an almost supernatural talent for spotting exceptional animals. There, amid the warm Carolina atmosphere, Nurse found himself captivated by a three-month-old Astronaut calf with a pedigree that would raise eyebrows. (Read more: Jeff Nurse: This Dairy Gentleman Walks the Talk)

From Peace Signs to Pedigrees: John Lennon and Yoko Ono during the period when they ventured into Holstein breeding in the late 1970s. Their brief foray into agriculture produced Miss Dreamstreet Fond Helen, a significant link in the maternal line that would eventually lead to Hanoverhill Designer Miss. This unexpected connection between rock royalty and Holstein bloodlines adds a unique chapter to the remarkable pedigree behind one of the dairy industry’s most influential foundation females.

The calf’s dam, Miss Dreamstreet Fond Helen, had a story worth telling. As a Matt daughter, she’d been acquired by Hughes and his neighbor Gordon Newton at a Dreamstreet sale. But here’s where things get interesting-Helen had been bred by none other than John Lennon and Yoko Ono! Yes, that John Lennon. The Beatles icon and his wife had a brief but notable venture into cattle breeding. (Read more: John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Hidden Past: The Surprising Story of Their Dairy Cattle Farms)

The Rock Star Connection

Helen’s dam, Velnare Proud Harriet, descended from Kerchendall Proud Clarion and could trace her lineage to a Canadian Holstein cow named Mooreline Reflection Bell. This pedigree blended quality and reliability with, quite literally, rock and roll flair.

Recognizing potential where others might not, Nurse purchased the calf, naming her Helen’s daughter Astronaut Keepsake Ray. Back in Canada, Ray thrived, eventually earning her place among the elite cows that would form the foundation of the Hanoverhill legacy.

The Sale That Changed Everything

Brookview Tony Charity (EX-97): The legendary Holstein who commanded a world-record $1.45 million at the 1985 Hanover Hill dispersal sale where Designer Miss was the lowest-priced lot. While Charity dazzled in show rings with four Royal Winter Fair Grand Championships, it was the unassuming Designer Miss whose genetic influence would ultimately reshape the Holstein breed. Photo: Maggie Murray

Fast forward to summer 1985. If you were anyone in the dairy industry, you were focused on Port Perry, Ontario, where the historic Hanover Hill dispersal sale was underway. The star attraction? Brookview Tony Charity, a phenomenal cow who commanded an astounding $ 1,450,000 world record at the time. (Read more: Brookview Tony Charity (EX-97-USA-11*): Incredible Perfection)

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the sale lineup, a different story was unfolding. Nurse had bred Ray to Hanover-Hill Triple Threat, resulting in a heifer named Monteith Miss Kanada. When this heifer was four months old, Nurse consigned her to the Allangrove Triple Threat Invitational Sale, where she caught Peter Heffering’s eye. Though the average price that day was $9,721, Heffering acquired Miss Kanada for significantly less-$4,800.

This impressive Holstein represents the elite maternal line that produced one of the breed’s most influential foundational cows. MONTEITH MISS KANSAS, classified Excellent, achieved All-Canadian 5-Year Old honors in 1991 and shares her maternal heritage with Miss Kanada – the dam of legendary Hanoverhill Designer Miss. While her sister’s daughter sold for the lowest price at the historic 1985 Hanover Hill dispersal, the family’s genetic strength was validated through generations of excellence. Sired by Medway Missile rather than Triple Threat (who sired Miss Kanada), KANSAS demonstrates how maternal consistency can produce champions through different sire lines. The Monteith prefix connects her to Jeffrey Nurse’s breeding program, where this remarkable cow family’s journey began.

By July 1985, Miss Kanada had just calved to Hanoverhill Designer at the Hanover Hill dispersal, producing a heifer calf with a double cross of Roybrook Telstar. Enter Doug Dixon, a 24-year-old breeder from Dixellen Farm in Cheltenham, Ontario. While others focused on the record-breaking prices and celebrity cows, Dixon purchased this day-old calf for a mere $2,100-the lowest price of the entire sale.

Two months later, when Dixon received the registration paper, he learned her name: Hanoverhill Designer Miss. Little did anyone suspect that this bargain purchase would become the cornerstone of an extraordinary legacy.

Building a Dynasty: The Designer Miss Impact

Designer Miss made her home at Dixellen Farm until she died in 1997, proving herself to be what breeders call a “Complete Cow.” She scored an Excellent classification with 95 points for rump, udder, feet, and legs. Her production was equally impressive: over eight lactations, she produced 176,367 pounds of milk, 7,755 pounds of fat, and 5,920 pounds of protein.

But her true value emerged through her offspring. She produced four Excellent and eight Very Good daughters, earning 12 Star Brood Cow points. Her son by Aerostar, Dixellen Design, became a popular Semex bull, particularly in Germany. During the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, busloads of German breeders would visit Dixellen Farm specifically to inspect his family- a testament to Designer Miss’s growing international impact.

Erbcrest Duplex Marvellous (EX-94): A sixth-generation Excellent descendant of Hanoverhill Designer Miss, Marvellous exemplifies the family’s hallmark combination of elite type, production, and longevity-building on a legacy that has shaped show rings and breeding programs across North America.

The Mavis Legacy Takes Flight

One of Designer Miss’s most influential daughters was Dixellen Prelude Mavis, who produced Dixellen Rudolph Mavis. This exceptional cow topped the Dixellen Dispersal 2004, selling for $15,000 to Dan Erb of Erbcrest Holsteins in Milverton, Ontario. Rudolph Mavis classified Excellent five times and produced a staggering 253,000 pounds of milk in her lifetime. She gave birth to 23 daughters, none classified below Good Plus.

What’s truly remarkable is the consistency across generations. While many cow families deteriorate in quality over time, the Designer Miss lineage maintained even improved its excellence. From Designer Miss (EX-95) through Prelude Mavis (EX), Rudolph Mavis (EX-5E), and beyond, each generation upheld and advanced the family’s reputation.

Erbcrest Doc Marilou EX-93-95MS: Sixth generation excellence from the legendary Designer Miss family line. This exceptional daughter of Woodcrest King Doc continues the tradition of superior type and production established by her famous ancestor. Classified Excellent with an outstanding 95 points for mammary system, Marilou proudly represents the remarkable consistency of the Mavis maternal line at Erbcrest Farms and Quality Holsteins, showcasing how Designer Miss’s genetic influence continues to impact elite Holstein breeding programs today.

From Show Ring to International Impact

The Mavis family continued to excel, producing show ring champions like Erbcrest Allen Melody, Damion Marvell, and Duplex Marvellous, all classified as Excellent. Duplex Marvellous produced Erbcrest Atwood Mariella, whose Stanleycup daughter became the sixth generation Excellent in this family branch.

This consistent achievement across multiple generations and through various sire lines (Prelude, Rudolph, Leduc, Allen, Damion, Duplex, Atwood, Stanleycup) demonstrates the incredible genetic influence of the Mavis family. They exemplify the power of a prepotent maternal line capable of stamping quality onto offspring regardless of the specific sire used- the holy grail for breeders aiming to build consistent, high-performing herds.

Holstein Legacy in Motion: Westmuir Doorman Vellous represents the ninth generation of excellence descending from Hanoverhill Designer Miss. This Val-Bisson Doorman daughter from the renowned Mavis family line exemplifies how Designer Miss’s genetic influence continues to produce superior type and production nearly four decades after being the lowest-priced animal at the historic 1985 Hanover Hill dispersal. With maternal ancestors including Erbcrest Duplex Marvellous EX-94 and the legendary Dixellen Rudolph Mavis EX-92-5E, Vellous carries forward the balanced traits that have made the Designer Miss lineage one of the Holstein breed’s most influential maternal dynasties.

The Crowning Achievement: Charwill Attic Marcy

Perhaps the most dramatic chapter in the Designer Miss story comes through her great-granddaughter, Charwill Attic Marcy. Born to Dixellen Leduc Mavis, William Martin purchased Marcy for just $2,500 at the Dixellen Dispersal. Despite numerous offers, she remained unsold as a yearling when Martin’s asking price of $6,000 wasn’t met.

The triumphant moment as Charwill Attic Marcy is presented as Grand Champion Holstein at the prestigious Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. This remarkable great-granddaughter of Hanoverhill Designer Miss represents the pinnacle of the Mavis family legacy, completing the journey from lowest-priced sale calf to show ring royalty. After being purchased by MilkSource Genetics earlier that year, Marcy’s championship victory cemented her place in Holstein history and validated the extraordinary genetic potential that had been passed down through four generations of excellence.

Marcy’s fortunes changed dramatically when she was sold to Gen-Com Holsteins in Quebec. Under their ownership, she became All-Canadian and All-American as both a two-year-old and a three-year-old. In March 2015, she was sold to MilkSource Genetics in Wisconsin for a rumored $500,000. Later that year, Marcy claimed the grand championship at the Royal Winter Fair, cementing her place in Holstein history. (Read more: Gen-Com Holsteins – Dairy Breeder Video Interviews)

Her journey from a $2,500 purchase to a $500,000+ show queen highlights the immense value that can emerge from seemingly modest beginnings. While Designer Miss provided the genetic blueprint, it took the expertise of operations like Gen-Com and MilkSource to realize Marcy’s championship potential fully.

The Invisible Threads of Holstein History

To fully appreciate the significance of Designer Miss, we need to understand the broader context of Hanoverhill Holsteins. Established in Canada in 1973 by R. Peter Heffering and Kenneth Wesley Trevena, Hanoverhill represented a paradigm shift in Holstein breeding philosophy. (Read more: How Hanover Hill Holsteins Revolutionized the Dairy Breeding Industry)

History in Motion: R. Peter Heffering presents Brookview Tony Charity (EX-97-USA-11), as Judge Jeff Nurse awards her Grand Champion at the 1987 Royal Winter Fair. Charity made history as the only cow to win four Royal grand championships, symbolizing the culmination of generations of breeding excellence. This iconic moment connects the visible achievement to the invisible threads of Holstein genetics-where carefully cultivated cow families, visionary breeders, and strategic matings converge to create lasting legacies.

Before crossing the border, these visionaries had already achieved remarkable success in the United States in establishing what would become “the epicenter of the Holstein universe and the planet’s most influential Holstein herd.” Their approach was revolutionary: mating deep cow families with the breed’s best sires, emphasizing high production alongside exceptional type, and developing sophisticated marketing strategies.

By the mid-1980s, Hanoverhill’s influence had become truly global. Their breeding program had produced nine Class Extra sires-more than any operation in history-breaking the record previously held by Mount Victoria Farms.

Designer Miss stands out even more remarkably within this context of excellence. She emerged as one of the most significant maternal influences despite her humble beginnings in a program known for producing record-breaking cows and influential bulls.

Meier’s Showtime Meike (Glauco Meggie EX-91-6YR-CH EX-93-MS), a striking representative of the Hanoverhill Designer Miss family, exemplifies five consecutive generations of Excellent cows-proof of the enduring genetic strength and type transmitted by this legendary Canadian matriarch.

Lessons for Today’s Breeders

Designer Miss’s story offers profound insights for modern breeders. First, it reminds us that price tags rarely tell the whole story-genetic potential often reveals itself gradually across generations. Second, it demonstrates the value of focusing on fundamental traits rather than following trends. While the industry increasingly emphasized indexes and numbers, Designer Miss embodied the importance of physical conformation, production efficiency, and genetic prepotency.

Perhaps most importantly, her rise from sale-day afterthought to breed influencer reminds us of the beautiful unpredictability of genetic expression. In breeding, as in life, greatness often emerges from unexpected sources. Designer Miss wasn’t the product of a record-breaking mating, or a marketing phenomenon-she was simply an exceptional cow whose qualities became increasingly apparent with time.

The Bottom Line

As I reflect on Hanoverhill Designer Miss’s legacy, several lessons remain relevant for today’s dairy producers. First, genetic potential isn’t always obvious at first glance- the most promising animals sometimes come in unassuming packages. Second, consistency across generations is crucial; long-term success stems from cows that reliably produce quality offspring generation after generation. Third, the most valuable cows excel in both production and conformation.

While Brookview Tony Charity commanded headlines and a record-breaking price at the 1985 Hanover Hill Dispersal, it was Hanoverhill Designer Miss-the, the lowest-priced animal in the sale, proved to be arguably the best transmitting dam Hanover Hill ever bred. Her story is a powerful reminder of dairy breeding’s unpredictable nature and the potential for greatness within every calf.

So, the next time you’re at a sale and your eye wanders to that unheralded heifer in the corner, or you’re evaluating genetic potential beyond glossy catalog pages, remember Designer Miss. Her journey teaches us that in breeding and business, sometimes the best investments aren’t the ones with the highest price tags but those with the deepest foundations.

Key Takeaways

Undervalued Potential Matters: The industry’s most impactful animals may emerge from overlooked sale lots rather than record-priced “sure bets.”
Prep Potency Outshines Hype: Designer Miss’s ability to stamp quality across six generations of diverse sire pairings demonstrates rare genetic consistency.
Legacy > Instant ROI: While Brookview Tony Charity sold for $1.45M in 1985, Designer Miss’s descendants generated exponentially greater long-term value through sustained excellence.
Data Tells Half the Story: Physical conformation, mammary structure, and longevity proved more predictive of lasting impact than contemporary indexing systems.
Global Influence: From German AI programs to Wisconsin show champions, this Canadian cow family reshaped Holstein genetics across continents.

Executive Summary

Hanoverhill Designer Miss, the lowest-priced animal at a historic 1985 dispersal sale, defied expectations to become one of Holstein history’s most influential matriarchs. Descended from cattle bred by John Lennon and developed through Hanover Hill’s revolutionary program, this unassuming cow produced six generations of elite show champions and high-producing daughters while establishing a prepotent maternal line. Her story challenges conventional valuation methods, proving that genetic potential often reveals itself across generations through consistent type, production, and transmission of superior traits. The article underscores the importance of recognizing foundational breeding stock beyond immediate market trends, offering timeless lessons about patience, pedigree depth, and the unpredictability of genetic excellence in modern dairy operations.

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Tags : Dairy Cattle Genetics, Designer Miss legacy, Holstein breeding, John Lennon cow connection, show ring champions

From Show Ring to Genomic Legacy: The Transformative Impact of Aitkenbrae Starbuck Ada on Holstein Breeding

Sunday, April 6th, 2025

How one unassuming cow born in rural Ontario revolutionized Holstein genetics worldwide, bridging show ring glamour with genomic science.

<a href="https://rss.com/podcasts/the-bullvine/1975080/">E222 From Show Ring to Genomic Legacy: The Transfo | RSS.com</a>

Do you know what amazes me about the dairy world? How a single cow can change everything. That’s exactly what Aitkenbrae Starbuck Ada did. Born in 1986, this remarkable cow didn’t just win ribbons—she created an entire dynasty that’s still shaping Holstein genetics worldwide. I’ve always been fascinated by how one exceptional animal can transform an entire breed’s trajectory. Ada’s story perfectly exemplifies this—bridging old-school showring excellence with today’s cutting-edge genomics.

Aitkenbrae Starbuck Ada: The legendary Holstein matriarch whose exceptional conformation earned her Unanimous All-American Senior Three-Year-Old honors in 1990, but whose true legacy lives on through her daughters Alicia and Adeen, whose descendants continue to revolutionize Holstein genetics worldwide. Her remarkable balance of show ring excellence and genetic prepotency bridged the divide between type and production, establishing a dynasty that remains influential in modern genomic breeding. Photo: Maggie Murphy

The Holstein Landscape of the Mid-1980s

The 1980s were a weird time for dairy breeding. Remember that period everyone calls “The Great Divide Between Type and Production”? The industry was at this fascinating crossroads. Since the mid-60s, all this genetic evaluation data had been pouring in, especially for milk output and fat content. Meanwhile, AI organizations were pushing young sire sampling programs.

This created this massive philosophical split. You had your traditional display herds stubbornly focused on type traits—making sure their cows looked gorgeous in the showring. Then you had these forward-thinking farmer-breeders embracing genetic indexes and production metrics. Two completely different approaches to breeding! Honestly, the type-focused herds were gradually losing influence as those production-oriented operations started showing better economic returns.

Ada walked into this changing landscape where the pendulum was swinging away from pure conformation toward a more balanced approach. The industry analysts noted how “leadership in genetic improvement started to shift from breeds and prominent herds to artificial insemination organizations.” Little did anyone know that Ada’s descendants would eventually bridge these competing priorities through their incredible dual excellence in type and production.

The Birth of a Legend

So here’s where it all begins. September 13, 1986—Aitkenbrae Starbuck Ada is born at the Aitkenbrae farm in Holstein, Ontario. Her pedigree? A fascinating combination: sired by the legendary Hanoverhill Starbuck out of Aikenbrae Sheik Arlene (Good Plus-80-2YR-CAN). This genetic cocktail would prove transformative for the Holstein breed.

But Ada’s story starts much earlier. Her lineage traces back to the 1940s with Banostine Dutchland Clothilde, who set a world fat record as a senior two-year-old in 1948 with 623 pounds of fat from 16,272 pounds of 3.8% milk. Tom Hayden, who established the Banella prefix (combining names from his foundation cows Banostine and Ella), bred Banostine to Spring Farm Sovereign Supreme. The resulting heifer, Banella Sovereign Supreme Delight, was disappointingly poor—so much so that Hayden sold her cheaply to his friend Cecil Barber.

Barber, however, saw potential in Delight and bred her to Lifloc Re-Echo Voyageur, producing Sheila Voyageur. When bred to Pabst Walker Ollie, Sheila produced C-Bar Ollie Belle, born May 1, 1959. In the mid-1960s, Walter Aitken, looking to improve his herd, purchased the five-year-old Ollie Belle through cattle dealer Bill Sniveley.

Aitkenbrae Farm wasn’t just any dairy operation. It was run by the partnership of Morley Aitken and Don Lantz, who started working together in 1978. They developed a superior herd under the Aitkenbrae prefix, regularly winning Premier Breeder and Exhibitor banners at Grey County Black & White Day. Their breeding expertise earned them two Master Breeder shields, a prestigious recognition in the Holstein world.

Don Lantz’s connection to the farm began in childhood. When his father died in 1962, Don was just six years old, and his uncle Walter Aitken took him under his wing. Don spent his weekends and summer holidays at Aitkenbrae Farm, developing a deep love for farming and Holstein cattle. This attachment lasted through his youth, and when he came of age, Don went straight to his uncle for his first job. When Walter retired, he was farming in partnership with his son Morley, and recognizing Don’s talent and work ethic, Walter offered to sell his nephew his share of the business.

Despite Ollie Belle’s apparent lack of maternal instinct (her first two calves at Aitkens died at birth), one daughter did survive—Aitkenbrae Radar Olive. Through several generations of strategic breeding, this line eventually produced Aitkenbrae Sheik Arlene, who bred to Hanoverhill Starbuck and gave birth to Aitkenbrae Starbuck Ada on September 13, 1986.

When Ada calved in 1988, Brian Carscadden, first noticed something special about her. At the time, he was working as a fitter and attending school but also wheeling and dealing with cattle. He and Ken Empey were regulars at the Aitkenbrae barn, having bought animals from them before. As Lantz recalled, “When Ada calved in 1988, Brian Carscadden was first to notice her. He was wheeling and dealing in cattle while fitting and attending school. He and Ken Empey were always in and out of Aitkenbrae. Aitkenbrae had sold cattle to both. There was some consultation between Carscadden and Empey about Ada. Empey ended up buying her.

Don Lantz had this practical philosophy about their breeding program: “Morley and I were always willing to let a good one go. We were trying to cash flow with a 50-cow herd and realized that for a cow to get a full opportunity, she would need to get out of here, into the hands of a good promoter.”

The Early Career: From Ontario to the American Show Ring

After Ken Empey purchased Ada, her journey was just beginning. An Ohio investment group, Hygerian Associates, including Robert Binger and William Atkins, was looking to invest in Holsteins. They contacted Empey, who took them to see Ada when she was two months fresh and looking fantastic. They bought the heifer and took her to Ohio, where she completed her impressive two-year-old record: 25,000 pounds of milk with 908 pounds of fat at 3.6% and 798 pounds of protein at 3.2%.

During this lactation, Binger and Atkins and a new partner named Lawson Bennett took Ada to the Michigan State Fair in the summer of 1989. There, she won the senior two-year-old class and was named grand champion. Her next stop was Madison, where, with Howard Binder judging, she 2^nd and later moved to third after the milk out behind Dupasquier Stab Winnie and Comestar Laurie Sheik.

At Madison, Ada caught the attention of Douglas King of Kingstead Farms in Damascus, Maryland, and Grey Wilcom of Ijamsville, Maryland. King initially considered Ada “a little on the small side but very correct.” He was impressed enough that he and Wilcom approached Hygerian to buy her, which they did in December 1989.

Under King and Wilcom’s ownership, Ada grew taller and was prepared for the 1990 show season. This would prove to be her breakout year. She won the three-year-old class and was named Supreme Champion at the Eastern National Show. She continued her winning streak by placing first with the best udder in class at Madison. These impressive showings culminated in her being named the Unanimous All-American Senior Three-Year-Old of 1990.

The Shore Connection: Strategic Breeding Decisions

At the close of the 1990 show season, Hardy Shore, Jr., principal of Shoremar, Inc., purchased a half-interest in Ada. Shore had previously worked as a hoof trimmer and was particularly impressed by Ada’s feet and legs. He described her as the best “footed” cow he had ever seen. This appreciation for functional conformation would influence his breeding decisions with Ada.

When the Shoremar herd was dispersed in 1991, Ada sold for $71,000—the sale’s second-highest price—returning to the ownership of Kingstead and Wilcom, who dissolved their partnership with Shore.

During his ownership period, Shore made a critical breeding decision that would shape Holstein history. He flushed Ada to several bulls, including Donnandale Skychief (EX-Extra). Shore admired Skychief but recognized that the bull needed improvement in feet, an area where Ada excelled. This strategic pairing would produce the daughters establishing Ada’s legacy as a brood cow.

Charlie McEvoy, a respected figure in the dairy industry with decades of experience, singles out Ada as “one of my favorite young cows of all time.” He emphasizes her lasting importance, noting, “Her descendants, whether male or female, have changed our barns and show strings forever.” This endorsement from an industry veteran underscores the significance of Ada beyond her accomplishments.

The Skychief Sisters: Building the Ada Empire

The flush to Donnandale Skychief produced two daughters who would become legends in their own right: Shoremar S Alicia and MS Kingstead Chief Adeen.

Shoremar S Alicia EX-97 3E 7*: Daughter of Aitkenbrae Starbuck Ada and one of only 35 registered Holsteins in North America to achieve the coveted Excellent-97 classification. This remarkable cow was nominated All-American five times, crowned Supreme Champion at the 2000 Royal Winter Fair, and established herself as an exceptional brood cow with more than a dozen Excellent daughters. Her legacy continues through descendants that dominate show rings and breeding programs worldwide. Photo: Maggie Murphy

All-American Alicia: Extending Excellence

Shoremar S Alicia, born in 1995, elevated the family’s status to unprecedented heights. Classified Excellent-97, Alicia joined an elite group of only 35 registered Holsteins in North America to achieve this near-perfect score. Her show career eclipsed even her dam’s impressive record, as she was nominated All-American five times in milking form and crowned Supreme Champion of the Royal Winter Fair in 2000.

The story of how Alicia came to be involves another key figure in Holstein breeding. David Innes of the City-View herd at Woodstock, Ontario, met Hardy Shore at a show and inquired about buying embryos. Ada had just produced a great flush to Skychief, so a deal was made for two embryos. The two resulting calves were jointly owned by Shore and Innes, one of them being Shoremar Alicia, who would become a World Champion.

Under the ownership of Jeff Butler, Howard Binder, and Kingstead, Alicia topped the five-year-old class at Madison and won the grand championship at the Royal Winter Fair in 2000. These accomplishments made her the unanimous choice for All-American and All-Canadian 5-year-old that year. After winning the 125,000-lb. cow class and the grand championship at the Eastern National Show in 2003, she was voted All-American aged cow. She continued her show ring success with a Reserve All-American nomination in 2004 and High Honorable Mention in 2005.

Beyond her show ring dominance, Alicia firmly established herself as a brood cow in her own right. With more than a dozen Excellent daughters from various sires, she continued Ada’s pattern of reliably transmitting elite type. Her influence branched primarily through her Startmore Rudolph daughter, Cityview R Alicia (Excellent-92-CAN 23*), and her Durham daughters BKB Abby (Excellent-95 3E DOM) and BKB Amanda (Excellent-92 GMD DOM).

MS Kingstead Chief Adeen EX-94 2E DOM (1997-2011): The extraordinary daughter of Aitkenbrae Starbuck Ada who left an indelible mark on Holstein breeding with 51 Excellent daughters worldwide—ranking her second all-time for most EX offspring. This influential matriarch established a genetic dynasty through sons including Atwood, Atlantic, and Aftershock, while demonstrating the rare ability to transmit both superior type and genomic excellence across generations. Her profound impact continues through descendants winning championships globally, cementing her legacy as one of the most consequential brood cows in modern Holstein history. Photo: Cybil Fisher

All-American Adeen: Expanding the Influence

The second Skychief daughter, MS Kingstead Chief Adeen, born in 1997, proved equally influential but through different channels. Described as a “foundation cow for several herds,” Adeen established connections to names that would become Holstein royalty: Atwood, Atlee, Ariel, and Autumn.

Adeen’s story takes an interesting turn. In 1997, Kingstead sold their herd to three Maryland breeders. By the flip of a coin, one of the buyers, Cranberry Meadows Farm, owned by Gary and Crystal Dell of Westminster, acquired the two-week-old Chief Adeen. When the time came, she was flushed to Maughlin Storm, resulting in five heifers that all classified Very Good as two-year-olds. One of these was MD-Delight Storm Amberlee-ET, who would play a crucial role in extending the family’s influence.

Adeen was later sold as a two-year-old to a syndicate of Billy and Mike Heath, Gerald Todd, and Amlaird Callum McKinven. During the six months she was in their ownership, she was flushed successfully to Comestar Lee. The star of this flush was Amlaird Lee Alice, the first Junior 2-year-old at the World Dairy Expo in 2003 and named All-American.

In 2000, the Shoremar S Alicia and MS Kingstead Chief Adeen duo reached their pinnacle in the show ring. They were the unanimous choice for All-American Produce of Dam. Chief Adeen was nominated All-American as a junior 3-year-old in 2000 for Jeff Butler and Lance and Amy Ruppert, producing over 30,000 pounds of 4% milk that year.

Adeen then sold to Jeff Butler, Lance, and Amy Ruppert. At the World Dairy Expo 2000, Adeen stood 6th in the Junior-3 class and paired with her older sister Alicia to win the Produce of Dam class. Shortly afterward, Kingstead bought out Ruppert’s share, and from that time onwards, all progeny were registered with the BVK prefix for Butlerview and Kingstead.

Jeff Butler of Butlerview Farms, who owned Chief Adeen from 1999 until she passed away in 2011 at age 14, described her as “one of the most influential and one of the only cows in the breed with offspring over +2500 on genomics and All-American progeny.” This dual achievement—excelling in traditional show type and modern genomic metrics—foreshadowed the family’s future significance, bridging these two worlds.

Adeen’s reproductive career was remarkable by any standard. She left behind 51 Excellent daughters classified worldwide, ranking her second only to Ashlyn for the most Excellent daughters of all time. This prolific production of high-quality offspring established her as an “industry elite” and exponentially expanded the Ada family’s influence.

Douglas King reflected on working with these remarkable cows: “It was the thrill of a lifetime to work with those two great cows, Adeen and Alicia. I’ve often thought how special it would be to assemble all the daughters of Adeen and Alicia in one barn. What a sensational barn full of cows you would have!”

From Show Ring to Genomic Revolution

MD-Delight Durham Atlee EX-92-4YR-USA DOM GMD 2*: The pivotal Holstein matriarch whose Goldwyn sons revolutionized type breeding worldwide. After catching Michael Heath’s eye as a young heifer and selling for $20,000, she achieved Reserve Intermediate Champion at the 2005 International Holstein Show. Though her life was cut short by cancer in 2008, her legendary “golden flush” to Braedale Goldwyn produced six sons with Superior Type credentials, including the influential Atwood, Atlantic, and Aftershock. As a granddaughter of Aitkenbrae Starbuck Ada through MS Kingstead Chief Adeen, Atlee represents the perfect bridge between show ring excellence and genomic merit in modern Holstein breeding. Photo: Cybil Fisher

The Durham-Atlee Connection: A Critical Genetic Branch

While many breeding decisions contributed to the Ada family’s expansion, perhaps none proved more consequential than those involving Adeen’s granddaughter, Durham Atlee. On September 11, 2001, MD-Delight Storm Amberlee gave birth to MD-Delight Durham Atlee-ET, sired by Regancrest Elton Durham. Michael Heath of Heath Holsteins, Rick, Shannon Allyn, and Jason Lloyd purchased Atlee as a bred heifer from the Dells.

Heath’s decision to buy Atlee came with some hesitation. He was working his last sale as a professional fitter, the Maryland Convention Sale, when he first noticed Atlee. “Where we had the fitting chute set up, Atlee was tied just six feet away. I kept looking at the calf, liking the calf, looking at the calf, liking the calf, but she was small for her age,” Heath shared. About a year later, Heath traveled to North Carolina to Foster’s, who had bought Atlee at the Maryland Convention Sale. Priced at $20,000 as a springing heifer, Heath took a chance on her. He liked her pedigree and thought she could make money selling embryos if she classified at least Very Good-85 as a two-year-old.

Heath’s gamble paid off spectacularly. Atlee was trucked from North Carolina to Massachusetts for their state show on one of the hottest summer days, but she pulled it together and won her class the following day. She later placed 15th in the senior two-year-old class at the World Dairy Expo.

As a senior three-year-old, Atlee was supposed to be due September 1, but they had the wrong breeding date. She ended up calving mid-September, and the partners weren’t sure if she would be ready for the show. Heath convinced them to send her anyway, figuring they had nothing to lose. Less than a week later, MD-Delight Durham Atlee was named Reserve Intermediate Champion of the 2005 International Holstein Show.

Heath reflected, “She is worldwide known by name, and I don’t know how big of name she would have been if she hadn’t gone to Madison.” This observation highlights the continued importance of show ring exposure in building a cow family’s reputation, even as the industry moved toward more data-driven breeding decisions.

Whittier-Farms Jasper Atlanta VG-85-CH 2YR: This striking cow exemplifies the global impact of the Ada family’s genetic excellence, earning 2nd place honors at the prestigious Swiss Expo 2014. As a granddaughter of MD-Delight Durham Atlee EX-92-USA, she represents a critical branch in the Ada dynasty, connecting directly to the influential maternal line that produced industry-changing sires Atwood, Golden Dreams, Delete, Amazing, and Aftershock. Her dairy strength, angularity, and overall style showcase the consistent type transmission that has made this cow family so valuable to Holstein breeders worldwide. Atlanta’s international success further validates the Ada family’s remarkable ability to produce superior animals across continents and generations, continuing a legacy of excellence that began with Aitkenbrae Starbuck Ada. Photo: Wolfhard Schulze

The Golden Flush: Birth of a Genomic Giant

The truly transformative moment for the Ada family’s international impact came through what has become known as the “golden flush”—the breeding of Durham Atlee to Braedale Goldwyn. In 2007, this mating produced several sons who would become influential sires: Maple-Downs-I GW Atwood, Allyndale-I Attic, Allyndale-I Atticus, Maple-Downs-I GW Atlantic, Allyndale-I GW Arden, and Mr. Atlees Altaamazing.

These bulls were distributed among major AI organizations: Atwood, Arden, and Atlantic went to Select Sires, Attic, and Atticus to Semex, and Altaamazing to AltaGenetics Inc. In the same year, MS Atlees SHT Aftershock, Atlee’s Shottle son, was purchased by St. Jacobs A.B.C.

GALYS-VRAY EX-94-CH EX-95-MS: This exceptional Atwood daughter exemplifies the enduring legacy of Aitkenbrae Starbuck Ada. Grand Champion at the 2016 European Show in Colmar and Swiss Expo, GALYS-VRAY showcases the perfect blend of show ring excellence and production prowess that defines the Ada family. Her achievements, including multiple Grand Champion titles at Expo Bulle, cement her status as one of the most influential cows in modern Holstein breeding, bridging continents and generations with her remarkable genetic impact. Photo: Wolfhard Schulze

Steve Velthuis of Velthuis Farms purchased embryos from this flush, resulting in three heifers and five bulls. In a twist of fate that demonstrates the sometimes unpredictable nature of breeding, Velthuis shared that Atwood was initially “the one left that no one wanted” when other AI organizations made their selections. “He was right at the time of genomics, and the other brothers were high enough that they didn’t need to test Atwood. We collected him before we got his genomics,” shared Velthuis.

Through a conversation between Velthuis and Ed Fellers, a syndicate was formed for Atwood that enabled his sampling program. The results would exceed all expectations, as Atwood emerged as the leader with soaring demand. As Velthuis noted, “Most people can’t get Goldwyn semen, so Atwood is a good replacement for those that want Goldwyn blood.”

Charwill Attic Marcy: The triumphant 2015 Royal Winter Fair Grand Champion represents the culmination of the Ada legacy through her sire Attic, a son of Durham Atlee. This exceptional female validated Tim Abbott’s claim about Atlee’s extraordinary type transmission, completing an undefeated show season by capturing grand championships at both Madison and the Royal. Her victory under judge Michael Heath—who had earlier recognized Atlee’s potential—demonstrates how the Ada family continues to dominate show rings worldwide, extending the dynasty’s influence into yet another generation of Holstein excellence. Photo: The Bullvine

By the end of 2013, Atlee’s six proven sons had all earned Superior Type credentials; five were in the top 10 for type. This remarkable achievement prompted Tim Abbott to claim that “Atlee’s ability to transmit type appears to be as strong as any cow in breed history.” This assessment was validated in the fall of 2015 when Charwill Attic Marcy (EX-95-USA), a daughter of Allyndale-I Attic owned by MilkSource, Kaukauna, Wisconsin, ended an undefeated show season by winning the grand championships at both the Royal Winter Fair and International Holstein Show.

The same flush also produced MS Atlees Goldwyn Ariel-ET (VG-89), Reserve All-American junior 2-year-old 2009. She was later purchased for $1.5 million by a Canadian syndicate, further cementing the family’s economic impact on the breed.

Ruegruet High Octane ALLYSON VG-86-2YR CH: The sixth-generation descendant of Aitkenbrae Starbuck Ada exemplifies the enduring legacy of this extraordinary Holstein family. With her balanced dairy form and strong mammary system, ALLYSON showcases the genetic excellence that has defined the Ada lineage for over three decades. As a Very Good-86 two-year-old, she continues the tradition of superior type and production that flows through her impressive maternal line—from her dam Whittier-Farms Jasper ATLANTA EX-91-3E (2nd place Swiss Expo Lausanne 2014) back to the legendary foundation dam Ada. ALLYSON represents the global reach of the Ada influence, with her success in European show rings demonstrating how strategic breeding decisions continue to produce exceptional animals across generations and continents. Photo: Wolfhard Schulze

The Ada Legacy in Modern Holstein Breeding

Bridging Breeding Philosophies

The evolution of the Ada family parallels the broader transformation of dairy cattle breeding over the past four decades. From the mid-1960s through 1980, the industry experienced what has been described as “The Great Divide Between Type and Production,” where traditional display herds focused exclusively on conformation while progressive farmer-breeders embraced genetic indexes for production traits.

Their ability to excel across this divide makes the Ada family remarkable. This family has maintained relevance through every phase of the industry’s development, beginning with Ada’s show ring success, continuing through Alicia and Adeen’s exceptional type transmission, and culminating with Atwood’s emergence as a genomic giant.

In today’s breeding landscape, “DNA indexes have become the starting point in animal selection decisions for breeders regardless of their trait priority: type, production, fertility, health, or functionality.” The Ada family’s success in adapting to this paradigm shift demonstrates the rare ability to combine traditional type excellence with modern genetic merit.

Mario Park Goldwyn Alicia EX-93-3E 8*: The 2018 Holstein Australia Cow of the Year exemplifies the global impact of the Ada family legacy. Descending from world-renowned Aitkenbrae Starbuck Ada through Shoremar S Alicia EX-97-3E, this exceptional Goldwyn daughter combines remarkable production (lifetime exceeding 80,000 liters) with superior type traits, including an EX-95 score for dairy strength. Owned by Murray and Jane Polson, she’s established herself as one of Australia’s most influential brood cows, with her progeny consistently excelling in both show rings and production records. Her extraordinary fertility, production persistence, and ability to transmit superior type to her offspring demonstrate how the Ada genetics continue to shape Holstein breeding excellence worldwide. Photo: Bradley Cullen

Global Impact Through Multiple Generations

The influence of the Ada family extends far beyond North America. Their descendants have succeeded in show rings and breeding programs worldwide, demonstrating the family’s genetic prepotency across diverse environments and management systems.

In Japan, for example, TMR Adeen Dundee Chief-ET, a Dundee daughter of Chief Adeen, was named first place senior three-year-old and grand champion at the Hokkaido Black and White Show, described as “the biggest spring show in Japan.”

Blondin T&L Avalanche Angela VG-87-2YR (Max): Exemplifying the continuing excellence of the Ada family, she traces directly back to the influential MS Kingstead Chief Adeen-EX-94-11*. Her maximum VG-87 score as a two-year-old highlights her outstanding conformation and dairy quality, continuing the legacy of elite type that defines descendants of Aitkenbrae Starbuck Ada. Exhibited proudly by Ferme Blondin of Saint-Placide, Quebec, she represents the enduring impact of the Ada maternal line in modern Holstein breeding. Photo: The Bullvine

Lessons for Modern Breeders

If there’s one thing the Ada family teaches us, it’s the value of strategic mating decisions. From Ada’s original mating to Donnandale Skychief that produced Alicia and Adeen to the “golden flush” of Durham Atlee to Braedale Goldwyn that produced Atwood, key breeding decisions amplified the family’s influence exponentially.

In today’s era of genomic selection, where 70% of dairy breed pregnancies come from high-index genomic bulls, the principles demonstrated by the Ada family remain relevant. The most successful breeding programs still balance genetic data with visual assessment and family history.

The Ada family shows us how to balance tradition and innovation. While modern dairy breeding has embraced genomic selection and advanced reproductive technologies, the fundamental principles of identifying and propagating superior genetics haven’t changed.

Want to see the impact of this approach? Just look at the production statistics. Holstein cows in 1920 produced about 2000 kg of milk annually. Today’s Holsteins average over 10,000 kg annually with the same solids content. That’s not just progress—that’s transformation.

The commercial success of the Ada family demonstrates the economic potential of elite genetics. The “Impact of Ada Sale” averaged an estimated $6,200 on 103 head, all from a single bloodline. This premium has only increased in the genomic era, exemplified by the $1.5 million price tag for MS Atlees Goldwyn Ariel.

MS GOLDWYN ALANA EX-96-2E (97MAM): The epitome of Holstein excellence as captured at her Grande Championne victory at the 2015 Quebec Spring Show. This extraordinary Goldwyn daughter exemplifies the continuing legacy of Aitkenbrae Starbuck Ada through her dam line, descending from the legendary Shormar BKB S Alicia. Her near-perfect classification score, including an exceptional 97 points for mammary system, reflects the superior genetic transmission that has defined the Ada family for generations. With multiple championship titles including Reserve Grand at the 2015 Royal Winter Fair, ALANA showcases the remarkable balance of dairy strength, angularity, and udder quality that has made descendants of Ada so influential in both show rings and breeding programs worldwide. Her commanding presence continues to validate the remarkable prepotency of the Ada maternal line across four generations of Holstein breeding excellence. Photo: Vicki Fletcher

The Future of Holstein Breeding: Building on Ada’s Legacy

The Holstein breed continues to evolve, with genomic selection accelerating improvement. The Ada family’s ability to maintain relevance through these technological shifts provides a blueprint for breeders seeking sustained success.

As the dairy industry evolves, the challenge for breeders will be maintaining Holstein’s distinctive characteristics while advancing performance across multiple traits. The Ada family shows how the elite type can coexist with production efficiency and genetic merit.

Remember, the modern Holstein results from centuries of selective breeding, dating back to the crossing of black “Batavians” with white “Friesians” 2000 years ago in The Netherlands. The breed has continuously adapted to changing agricultural needs throughout this long history while maintaining its core identity.

Conclusion: The Enduring Significance of Aitkenbrae Starbuck Ada

Isn’t it amazing how one cow born in Ontario in 1986 could reshape an entire breed globally? Through her daughters Alicia and Adeen, her granddaughter Atlee, and descendants like Atwood, the Ada family has maintained relevance across multiple eras of dairy breeding—from the show-focused 1980s through the production-driven 1990s and into today’s genomic age.

As Charlie McEvoy perfectly put it, her descendants “have changed our barns and show strings forever.” This transformation extends beyond the show ring to commercial dairy operations worldwide.

For modern breeders navigating an increasingly complex landscape, the Ada family offers an inspiring example—a reminder that behind all the genomic data and reproductive technologies, the art of identifying and propagating exceptional individuals remains at the heart of successful dairy breeding.

The final chapter of Aitkenbrae Starbuck Ada’s story is still being written. But one thing’s for sure—her influence will continue to shape the Holstein breed for generations.

Key Takeaways

Ada’s story exemplifies how a single exceptional individual can transform an entire breed through thoughtful breeding decisions and genetic prepotency
The Ada family’s rare ability to excel in both show ring type and modern genomic metrics provides a blueprint for breeders seeking to balance tradition with innovation
Strategic matings—particularly Ada to Skychief and later Atlee to Goldwyn—demonstrate how complementary genetic pairings can exponentially amplify desirable traits
The economic value of elite genetics is highlighted by the commercial success of Ada’s descendants, including the $1.5 million sale of MS Atlees Goldwyn Ariel
The continued relevance of the Ada family across multiple eras of dairy breeding underscores how fundamental breed quality maintains value even as selection technology evolves

Executive Summary

Born in 1986 at Aitkenbrae farm in Ontario, Aitkenbrae Starbuck Ada transformed from promising show cow to Holstein dynasty matriarch through strategic breeding decisions that amplified her genetic influence across generations. After being crowned Unanimous All-American Senior Three-Year-Old in 1990, Ada’s true legacy emerged through her two exceptional Donnandale Skychief daughters—Shoremar S Alicia and MS Kingstead Chief Adeen—who produced dozens of excellent offspring and established Ada’s family as genetic royalty. This lineage reached its pinnacle with the “golden flush” breeding of Ada’s granddaughter Durham Atlee to Braedale Goldwyn, producing the globally influential bull Atwood and other superior sires. Ada’s family uniquely bridged the historical divide between show ring conformation and production traits, creating a genetic pathway that continues influencing modern Holstein breeding across all continents.

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Tags : Dairy Cattle Genetics, Holstein breeding, maternal bloodlines, show ring champions, Starbuck Ada dynasty

Rising to Excellence: The Remarkable Journey of Cord Hormann and Wilcor Holsteins

Thursday, April 3rd, 2025

From a 16-cow tie-stall to international glory: How Cord Hormann built Wilcor Holsteins into Germany’s elite breeding program through vision and patience.

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Cord Hormann accepts the prestigious Grand Champion trophy for O Katy at the 51st Schau der Besten in Verden, Germany. This crowning achievement represents years of dedicated breeding work at Wilcor Holsteins, where Cord’s philosophy of quality over quantity has produced exceptional results. From her early days as a standout heifer to her emergence as an international champion, O Katy embodies the patient development, strategic breeding decisions, and commitment to excellence that define the Wilcor program.

From a modest tie-stall barn to international show ring glory, Wilcor Holsteins has become Germany’s premier address for Holstein excellence. Under Cord Hormann’s leadership, this operation has proven that quality trumps quantity, building a reputation for exceptional animals like Grand Champion O Katy through patient development, deep cow families, and meticulous attention to detail.

Do you know what’s fascinating about success stories in the dairy world? They rarely happen overnight. I’ve been following the story of Wilcor Holsteins for a while now, and honestly, their meteoric rise in the elite Holstein breeding scene is nothing short of impressive. I wasn’t surprised when O Katy captured Grand Champion at the prestigious 51st Schau der Besten earlier this year. If you’d been in that exhibition hall, you’d have felt the electric tension as the judge slapped her rump – that universal signal announcing her victory. But here’s the thing: that moment wasn’t just about a beautiful cow. It represented years of vision, patient breeding decisions, and the relentless dedication of one man – Cord Hormann.

The Hormann family stands united at the entrance of their purpose-built facility, warmly welcoming visitors to the highly anticipated 2024 Welcome to Wilcor Sale. From left to right, Cord, his wife, and their two young boys represent the future of German Holstein excellence. This third edition of their biennial event has grown from its 2022 debut to feature over 90 carefully selected lots, reflecting Cord’s commitment to offering unique, high-quality genetics to the international dairy community. The sale’s continued growth demonstrates how Wilcor’s philosophy of quality over quantity, combined with genuine hospitality and family values, continues to strengthen their position among Europe’s elite Holstein breeders.

Early Passion: Where the Holstein Journey Began

So, where did it all begin for Cord? Like many great breeders, his story starts with childhood fascination. “My father was and still is quite interested in the Holstein breed,” Cord told me. Growing up on a modest farm with just 16 cows in a tie-stall barn, he cut his teeth on breed magazines and showed his first 4-H calf at just 10 years old. Can you imagine the spark that must have ignited for that young boy?

The magic happened when he started accompanying his dad to the Schau der Besten Show each February. “It was magical when I could join my dad the afternoon before the show and see those great cows there sired by bulls like Blackstar, Chief Mark, Aerostar,” Cord recalls. “I guess that lit the fire.” Don’t you love how certain moments in our childhood can shape our entire future?

ELITE GENETICS: GOLDEN-OAKS BLACK IVY COMMANDS THE SPOTLIGHT
Golden-Oaks Black Ivy EX-92 (94 MS) displays the exceptional dairy strength, silky bone quality, and mammary excellence that exemplifies today’s ideal Holstein show cow. This impressive Diamondback daughter out of Pamprd-Acres AB Ivy Red EX-94 commands attention in the show ring with her balanced frame, deep body, and remarkable udder attachment. Her poised presentation before a captivated audience demonstrates the kind of quality that breeders like Cord Hormann of Wilcor Holsteins recognize and pursue in their breeding programs. With her impressive classification scores and show ring presence, Black Ivy represents the type of deep cow family genetics that Cord emphasizes as essential for building a successful herd: “Never underestimate the strength of great cow families.”

From Germany to North America: Developing the Breeder’s Eye

You might think Cord worked with show cattle during his high school exchange year in North America, but that’s a common misconception. He returned to Canada and the US afterward for several years, immersing himself in the fall show circuit at the World Dairy Expo and Royal Winter Fair. These experiences proved transformative. He witnessed legendary cows like Despointes James Sidney and Thrulane James Rose—animals that defined what we now consider the “modern kind” of Holstein.

Cord learned something crucial during this time that still shapes his approach today: “I realized that you don’t win anything on the pack but in the ring. And besides special appeal and cleanness of frame, the winners would have to be correct in their parts with great udders.” That distinction between flashy presence and functional conformation would become his breeding cornerstone.

SHOW RING ELEGANCE: WILCOR ATWOOD NIKITA SHINES IN AUSTRIA
Wilcor Atwood Nikita VG-86 2yr commands the spotlight in her new Austrian home, expertly presented amid dramatic fog and theatrical lighting at a prestigious European dairy showcase. This exemplary young Holstein displays the exceptional dairy character, balance, and udder quality that have become hallmarks of Cord Hormann’s breeding program. Her impressive VG-86 score as a two-year-old reflects Wilcor’s commitment to developing animals that combine show ring appeal with functional traits. Nikita represents another successful international ambassador for Wilcor Holsteins, demonstrating how German-bred genetics continue to make their mark across Europe’s competitive dairy landscape.

Building Wilcor: When Dreams Meet Reality

After finishing his education in 2009, Cord faced what every aspiring breeder does – the harsh reality of economics. “We hit a record-low milk price phase to start,” he explains. Talk about bad timing! They had to rent a barn nearby and focus on commercial viability before pursuing his genetic vision. Been there, right? Sometimes, our dreams have to take a backseat to practical realities.

What I find remarkable about Cord’s journey is how methodical he was about building excellence. After renting facilities from 2009 to 2020, he started making strategic genetic investments that would define Wilcor’s direction. The herd’s current statistics speak volumes: 12 Excellent, 14 Very Good, none scoring lower – impressive figures reflecting breeding choices and exceptional management. This strategic approach to genetics is a key lesson for aspiring breeders, highlighting the importance of planning and foresight in the breeding process.

“I began to invest in embryos from great families and also in a couple of show cows from France,” he says. But the game-changer? “The biggest hit genetically was, of course, the purchase of embryos from the well-known O’Kalibra.”

Creating the Perfect Environment: The Wilcor Facility

The interior of Wilcor Holsteins’ purpose-built facility showcases Cord Hormann’s commitment to creating the optimal environment for his elite genetics. Completed in 2019 after years of planning and visits to similar operations in the US, this modern free-stall barn features spacious stalls with deep bedding, excellent ventilation through its open-sided design, and abundant natural light complemented by efficient LED lighting. The thoughtfully designed layout accommodates 25-30 milking cows and about 25 heifers, exemplifying Cord’s philosophy that “enough space, fresh air, soft bedding, pasture access, high quality feed” are essential ingredients in developing championship-caliber Holsteins. This investment in infrastructure has been instrumental in Wilcor’s rapid rise to international prominence.

2019 marked a watershed moment when Cord began building a purpose-designed facility at the home farm. I’ve seen plenty of dairy barns, but Wilcor’s setup is unique. Imagine spacious stalls with deep, soft bedding, an open-sided design for constant fresh air circulation, and large windows flooding the interior with natural light. It’s like a five-star hotel for cows!

“Around 2015, I started to think about building a new barn on the home farm and creating a better and more suitable environment for high-profile cows and heifers,” he explains. “I traveled to the US to look at similar operations, and after many hours on paper, we finally started to build the new barn in 2019 for 25-30 milking cows and about 25 heifers plus calf housing. This step helped us move forward.”

Why This Matters: The environment Cord created allows his genetics to express their potential fully on just 70 hectares (35 owned, 35 rented). Wilcor demonstrates that excellence doesn’t require a massive scale – it’s about creating optimal conditions where quality genetics can thrive.

WHERE CHAMPIONS ARE MADE: LES PONTS CHIEF ELINA EX-94 IN HER ELEMENT
Supreme Champion Les Ponts Chief Elina EX-94 demonstrates her practical side in Wilcor’s milking parlor, proving why Cord Hormann describes her as “the epitome of an everyday cow.” Discovered in Switzerland in 2021, this exceptional female has risen from unshown potential to Grand & Supreme Champion at the German National Dairy Show while maintaining flawless production in the barn. Her consistent excellence—“she NEVER has a bad day”—exemplifies the Wilcor philosophy that champions are created through meticulous daily management rather than just show preparation. Currently nine months fresh and due in October to sexed Delta-Lambda, Elina continues to validate Cord’s eye for identifying elite genetics and his commitment to developing cows that excel both in the show ring and in everyday production.

Balancing Multiple Roles: The Working Professional

Most people don’t realize that Cord maintains this elite breeding program while working part-time (50%) in the AI industry. Can you believe that? That dual focus gives him a unique perspective on the Holstein world’s breeding and commercial aspects. It’s a testament to his dedication and time management skills, and it’s truly impressive to see how he manages to wear multiple hats and excel in both roles.

This balance between his AI industry role and breeding program gives Cord valuable insights into market trends and sire selection that inform his breeding decisions at Wilcor. It’s a synergy that has contributed significantly to his operation’s success.

DEEP PEDIGREES IN ACTION: VERTDOR DEMPSEY MADISON EX-91 (92 MS)
Vertdor Dempsey Madison VG-88 3yr displays the exceptional dairy strength, open rib structure, and remarkable mammary system that exemplifies Cord Hormann’s breeding philosophy. After spotting her dam—Vertdor Lauthority Matrix EX-95—during Expo week in Madison, Cord invested in embryos that resulted in this impressive second-lactation female. Madison’s pedigree reads like a Holstein breeder’s dream: seven generations of VG or EX dams tracing back to the legendary Sunnylodge Prelude Spottie family. This strategic acquisition perfectly illustrates Cord’s emphasis on deep cow families: “Never underestimate the strength of great cow families.” Her continued development at Wilcor Holsteins demonstrates how thoughtful mating decisions and proper management can perpetuate excellence across generations.

The Wilcor Breeding Philosophy: Quality Over Quantity

What sets Wilcor apart in the competitive world of elite Holstein breeding? It’s Cord’s refreshingly straightforward approach. “My breeding philosophy is quite simple,” he says. I want balanced cows with a correct frame. They need to be dairy, track well, and have fantastic udders. But I need them to have an excellent pedigree and phenotype to maximize their profitability.”

You’ve probably noticed how breeding trends come and go. Cord has too. “I’m paying a little more attention to production over the last years,” he admits. “I’m not a fan of the tall, narrow, and knock-kneed combination, which has become an issue in recent years.” Don’t you love how he’s not afraid to buck trends that don’t make practical sense?

system and dairy strength that exemplify elite Holstein breeding. Her impressive udder capacity and texture, combined with correct feet and legs, demonstrate why classification experts awarded her the prestigious EX-94 score. This image perfectly captures Cord Hormann’s philosophy that quality management includes “enough space, fresh air, soft bedding, pasture access, high quality feed.” Like Wilcor’s champions, Elaniss showcases how genetics reach their full potential when combined with optimal environmental conditions and attention to cow comfort. Photo: Wolfhard Schulze” class=”wp-image-484077″/>

PASTURE PERFECTION: LE MOAL LHEROS ELANISS EX-94 SHOWCASES DAIRY EXCELLENCE
Le Moal Lheros Elaniss EX-94 grazes contentedly in lush pasture, displaying the exceptional mammary system and dairy strength that exemplify elite Holstein breeding. Her impressive udder capacity and texture, combined with correct feet and legs, demonstrate why classification experts awarded her the prestigious EX-94 score. This image perfectly captures Cord Hormann’s philosophy that quality management includes “enough space, fresh air, soft bedding, pasture access, high quality feed.” Like Wilcor’s champions, Elaniss showcases how genetics reach their full potential when combined with optimal environmental conditions and attention to cow comfort. Photo: Wolfhard Schulze

The O’Kalibra Factor: Building on Deep Cow Families

The O’Kalibra family has been the cornerstone of Wilcor’s success. What’s fascinating is that Cord invested in this family before O’Kalibra achieved her major victories – talk about foresight! “We were fortunate to get into that family before O’Kalibra herself had her biggest victories,” he notes. “We sold many calves and embryos over the years from that investment and still have our best cows from that family.”

This strategic investment in the O’Kalibra line demonstrates Cord’s commitment to deep cow families with proven genetic potential. Chief Mark’s influence in this family, known for transmitting strength and dairy character, provided an ideal foundation he could build through careful sire selection.

O Katy of Wilcor Holsteins stands triumphantly amid a shower of confetti after being named Grand Champion at the prestigious 51st Schau der Besten in Verden, Germany. Her exceptional dairy strength, balanced frame, and remarkable udder quality caught the judge’s eye, continuing breeder Cord Hormann’s legacy of excellence. This victory marks a remarkable achievement for the German breeding program that emphasizes quality over quantity, proving that with patience, attention to detail, and commitment to deep cow families, championship results are possible regardless of herd size.

From Potential to Champion: The O Katy Story

Let me tell you about O Katy – she’s the perfect example of Wilcor’s development approach. From birth, she stood out with her exceptional length, clean bone quality, and that indefinable something special that makes great cows great. “O Katy was a stand-out heifer right from her birth,” Cord remembers. “When she was out on pasture as a bred heifer, you could spot her from far away and just tell that she is a special one.”

You know what I find fascinating? Cord doesn’t just focus on physical traits – he also pays close attention to temperament. “You can only be successful with cows with strong personalities,” he explains. “Both O’Katy and O’Kalotta are aggressive eaters and rather dominant cows in the barn. And they need to be relaxed when you work with them.” Isn’t that interesting? It’s like elite athletes – they need both physical talent AND the right mindset.

What Breeders Can Learn: Cord’s deliberate approach with O Katy shows the value of strategic patience. He decided not to flush her as a heifer, instead breeding her to calve in time for the German show season. Her development was carefully managed, and after her second calving, he implemented a specialized feeding regimen that still prioritized health. “I never completely leave the silage out of the show cow diet; they still get a small amount twice a day. They need to stay healthy.” This balanced approach to show preparation perfectly captures the Wilcor philosophy.

cow families yield extraordinary results. A living testament to Cord’s vision, O’Kalotta now enters her next chapter as a cornerstone of Wilcor’s breeding program, with plans to flush her to top genomic sires this fall. 🏆✨” class=”wp-image-484078″/>

CROWNING GLORY: WILCOR AWESOME O’KALOTTA EX-95 3E SHINES AT SCHAU DER BESTEN
Wilcor Awesome O’Kalotta EX-95 3E commands attention as Senior Champion at the 2025 Schau der Besten, her exceptional dairy strength, balanced frame, and textbook udder epitomizing Cord Hormann’s “quality over quantity” breeding philosophy. This crowning achievement stems from her elite O’Kalibra lineage and Wilcor’s meticulous management, proving once again that patience and deep cow families yield extraordinary results. A living testament to Cord’s vision, O’Kalotta now enters her next chapter as a cornerstone of Wilcor’s breeding program, with plans to flush her to top genomic sires this fall.

Beyond Breeding: Judging Excellence Worldwide

Did you know Cord joined the German Judging Panel at just 24 years old? Pretty impressive, right? Since then, he’s judged prestigious events internationally, establishing himself as a respected evaluator of Holstein cattle.

His judging philosophy mirrors his breeding approach: “For me, it is a combination of dairy strength, silkiness, style, the correctness of frame, and, of course, the mammary system. If you have a great cow with a phenomenal udder full of veins, is feminine and dairy yet shows enough strength, and tracks well, you know it is great.”

This consistent vision between his breeding program and judging standards has helped shape Wilcor’s development and Cord’s contributions to the broader Holstein community.

𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗺𝗻 𝗢’𝗞𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝗫-𝟵𝟱-𝟯𝗘
This extraordinary cow, sold as an embryo by Wilcor Holsteins to Panda Holsteins, continues to make waves in the dairy world. Fresh into her fifth lactation, she’s already produced over 60,000 kgs of milk and bred 8 VG-2Yr daughters, including 4 All-Britain Nominees. A Reserve All-Britain R&W Champion herself, she hails from the legendary Decrusaz Iron O’Kalibra EX-97, a two-time Swiss Expo Grand Champion and European Supreme Champion. Truly a legacy of excellence!

The Welcome to Wilcor Sale: Building a Market Legacy

And then there’s the “Welcome to Wilcor Sale” –a success story! Launched in 2022 with 60 lots, it’s grown to feature over 90 lots by 2024, attracting buyers from all over. What makes it unique isn’t just Wilcor’s genetics but Cord’s collaborations with breeders across Europe.

I love how he describes building this network: “It is just a network that built itself mainly by working at shows and sales throughout Europe over the last 20+ years. You have to make sure to attend those events to keep the personal contact.” That old-school approach to relationships is disappearing in our digital age.

Speaking of digital, Cord hasn’t shied away from embracing technology in marketing. “Sales through social media contact are common today,” he notes. “Online coverage at sales is a must; you can’t be competitive without those tools.” Adaptability – it’s what keeps the best breeders relevant.

The evolution of the sale reflects Cord’s strategic approach to market differentiation. “Many calves are offered during the year through different elite sales. You have to make sure that the offering is unique. Last year, I focused on offering a group of milking cows that was hard to find at another public sale.” Looking ahead, he’s already planning the next edition, which he promises will be “pretty special.”

Wilcor Lambda Mallory EX-90 displays the exceptional dairy strength, style, and mammary system that has made Wilcor Holsteins renowned across Europe. Mallory exemplifies Cord Hormann’s breeding philosophy of balanced cows with correct frames and great udders. Now continuing her career in Denmark, Mallory represents the international appeal of Wilcor genetics and their ability to compete at the highest levels.

The Man Behind the Breeding: Life Beyond the Barn

When he’s not in the barn or at cattle shows, what does Cord enjoy? I love this part of his story because it shows there’s more to life than cattle (hard to believe, I know!). He’s played soccer since he was 4 years old and still does today, though now in what he humorously calls “the Senior League… no practice anymore, only Friday night games followed by beer and German Bratwurst.” It sounds like my kind of team!

Cord loves his family. As a husband and father of two young boys, he takes pride in creating “an environment for the whole family, where everyone is happy. Our kids have to walk one minute to their grandparents and one minute to the milking parlor. We live on a beautiful farm in a great community.”

Isn’t it amazing how farm life and family life intertwine at Wilcor? His children grew up surrounded by elite dairy cattle and absorbed the work ethic needed for success. Whether they’ll develop the same passion for Holsteins as their dad remains to be seen, but they’re certainly learning valuable life lessons about dedication and consistent effort.

Wilcor Lambda Cherie VG-86 2yr (87 MS) grazes contentedly in the lush pastures of Wilcor Holsteins, embodying Cord Hormann’s commitment to balanced breeding and deep cow families. This promising young female, a granddaughter of the renowned Unique Dempsey Cheers EX-95, showcases the exceptional udder quality and dairy strength that has become synonymous with the Wilcor prefix. Her impressive early classification score reflects Cord’s methodical approach to developing animals with both eye-catching style and functional conformation – qualities that have propelled Wilcor Holsteins to international prominence.

Current Status and Future Horizons for Wilcor Holsteins

Today, Wilcor Holsteins is one of Germany’s premier Holstein breeding operations. Their 30-cow milking herd continues to produce exceptional animals that compete successfully on national and international stages. The 12 Excellent and 14 Very Good classifications in their current herd reflect the consistent quality Cord has achieved through his focused breeding program.

You’ve probably noticed how Holstein breeding has evolved over the years. Cord has keen insights on current trends: “When marketing type genetics, you must realize that pedigrees with high PTAT, low production, and bad health traits are no longer marketable today. Extreme stature is also a problem.”

I find his observation about industry direction spot-on: “Size doesn’t matter anymore; quality and balance do. Frail, knock-kneed cows cannot succeed in the show ring or the commercial setup.” This perfectly aligns with Wilcor’s breeding philosophy, suggesting they’re well-positioned for the future.

Looking ahead, Cord has ambitious goals for Wilcor Holsteins, including more memorable sales and bringing “a string of mostly homebred cows to a major European Show.” The operation continues to develop new generations from its established cow families while strategically incorporating outside genetics that complements its breeding goals.

Wilcor is positioned to remain influential in European Holstein breeding for years by maintaining its moderate size and focus on quality. Its continued investment in facility improvement and genetic development ensures it will stay at the forefront of the industry.

THE NEXT GENERATION: PASSING DOWN THE PASSION
Cord Hormann’s son stands proudly with his Jersey calf on a sunny day at Wilcor Holsteins. Just as Cord’s own passion for dairy cattle was kindled in childhood while growing up around his father’s herd, we now see history repeating itself in the next generation. With a natural confidence in handling the young animal, this moment captures the essence of family dairy farming—where knowledge, skills, and passion are passed down through generations. As Cord mentioned, “Our kids have to walk 1 minute to their grandparents and 1 minute to the milking parlor,” creating the perfect environment for nurturing the future stewards of this exceptional Holstein breeding program.

Words from the Wise: Lessons for Aspiring Breeders

If you’re considering getting into Holstein breeding, Cord offers some golden advice: “If you have the chance, go and work for successful breeders to learn from them. Learn to speak different languages and travel to different countries. Listen to and take advice from experienced breeders.” Solid wisdom, right?

Perhaps the most illuminating thing Cord shared: “Success only comes through hard work and attention to detail! Patience is essential. Development takes time!” In our world of instant gratification, this reminder about the value of patience and persistence is refreshing.

The Bottom Line: Wilcor’s Enduring Impact

What strikes me most about Wilcor’s story is how it proves you don’t need a massive scale to achieve excellence. From modest beginnings in a rented barn to international recognition, Cord has shown that focused passion and unwavering commitment to quality can lead to extraordinary results.

The distinctive Wilcor approach—emphasizing balanced breeding goals, deep cow families, and optimal management—has produced not just champion show cows but a lasting contribution to Holstein breeding philosophy. Whether you’re developing your herd or refining your breeding program, Cord’s methodical approach to building genetic excellence offers valuable lessons.

As O Katy’s Grand Champion banner and the growing success of the Welcome to Wilcor Sale demonstrate, Wilcor Holsteins has carved out its place among the elite breeding operations globally. However, perhaps their most significant achievement is showing that with the right vision and approach, excellence in Holstein breeding remains accessible to those committed to quality over quantity.

Isn’t that something worth raising a glass to? Here’s to Cord Hormann and the continuing Wilcor legacy!

Key Takeaways

Excellence doesn’t require massive scale – Wilcor’s success with just 30 cows demonstrates that focused quality and optimal environments can yield greater results than larger operations
Strategic patience pays dividends – Cord’s early investment in the O’Kalibra family before its prominence and his careful development approach with champions like O Katy illustrate the value of long-term vision
Balanced breeding goals matter more than trends – Wilcor’s emphasis on correct frames, dairy strength, and exceptional udders rather than extreme traits has proven more sustainable and profitable
Success requires both physical facilities and temperament – Cord’s purpose-built barn and attention to cow personality (selecting aggressive eaters with calm dispositions) demonstrates the multifaceted approach to developing champions
Hard work and attention to detail remain essential – Despite technological advances, Cord emphasizes that “success only comes through hard work and attention to detail” and that “development takes time” – fundamentals that transcend changing industry trends

Executive Summary

In this captivating profile, Cord Hormann’s journey from a modest family farm to creating one of Germany’s premier Holstein breeding operations demonstrates how passion combined with strategy can yield extraordinary results. Beginning with childhood experiences attending shows with his father, Cord developed a discerning eye for quality that was refined through North American experiences and eventually applied to building Wilcor Holsteins. Rather than pursuing scale, he deliberately maintains a focused 30-cow operation that produces exceptional animals like Grand Champion O Katy through his philosophy of balanced breeding, deep cow families, and optimal management. His dual roles as breeder and AI industry professional provide unique insights that have positioned Wilcor at the forefront of European Holstein breeding, proving that quality consistently triumphs over quantity when paired with patience and meticulous attention to detail.

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Tags : Cord Hormann Wilcor Holsteins, elite dairy cattle genetics, Holstein breeding program, Schau der Besten champion

The Cow That Built an Empire: Comestar Laurie Sheik’s Unstoppable Genetic Legacy

Friday, March 21st, 2025

How an unassuming cow built a global dairy empire. Discover how Laurie Sheik’s genetics dominate barns worldwide—40 years later.

<a href="https://rss.com/podcasts/the-bullvine/1951720/">E205 The Cow That Built an Empire: Comestar Laurie | RSS.com</a>

A pivotal moment in Holstein history as a young Comestar Laurie Sheik VG-88 23* claims second place in the Senior 2-Year-Old class at World Dairy Expo. What makes this moment especially significant is that this unassuming cow would go on to become one of the most influential matriarchs in Holstein history, producing four millionaire bulls and establishing a genetic dynasty that continues to influence dairy breeding worldwide today. This early show ring success hinted at the extraordinary genetic potential that would eventually extend to 51 countries and span multiple generations of elite Holstein breeding.

Do you know how people talk about game-changers in sports or tech visionaries who transform industries overnight? In the dairy cattle breeding world, we also have our legends. And honestly, they don’t come much more significant than Comestar Laurie Sheik.

Picture this: It’s a chilly autumn day in 1989, and the buzz at the first-ever Comestar Sale in Quebec is reaching a fever pitch. Nobody expected much from this modest-looking, more white-than-black cow from Victoriaville when she entered the ring. But when the gavel finally dropped? A staggering $45,000 price, with the Pussemier family from Belgium joining Comestar to take a gamble that would reshape Holstein breeding worldwide.

Comestar Laurie Sheik VG-88 23* at the first-ever Comestar Sale in 1989, where she commanded an extraordinary $45,000 as the event’s top seller—more than eight times the sale average of $5,605. This historic transaction marked the beginning of the Belgistar Union, as 50% ownership went to Belgian investors who recognized her exceptional genetic potential. With 80 head changing hands that day, nobody could have predicted that this unassuming cow standing calmly in the Comestar spotlight would go on to produce four millionaire bulls and reshape Holstein breeding across 51 countries. This image captures the exact moment when a genetic dynasty was born, forever changing the course of dairy cattle breeding worldwide.

Talk about an underdog story! This unassuming cow would go on to rewrite the genetic playbook for the next four decades. And I’m not exaggerating when I say her influence is still being felt today in barns across 51 countries.

WHY ONE COW CHANGED EVERYTHING (AND WHY YOU SHOULD CARE)

Comestar Laurie Sheik VG-88 23* alongside her 1995 “La Vache de l’Année” (Cow of the Year) award – the inaugural recipient of Holstein Canada’s most prestigious individual honor. The regal backdrop and elegant trophy presentation befit her status as dairy royalty. Beyond her striking appearance, this unassuming cow from Victoriaville, Quebec would establish one of the most influential maternal bloodlines in Holstein history, producing four millionaire bulls and creating a genetic dynasty that continues to dominate Holstein breeding worldwide. Her selection as Canada’s first Cow of the Year recognized not just her individual excellence, but the extraordinary genetic potential that would transform dairy cattle breeding for generations to come.

Even if you’re not a Holstein fanatic (though if you’re reading The Bullvine, chances are you might be!), Laurie Sheik’s accomplishments will make anyone’s jaw drop:

She produced FOUR millionaire bulls – Leader, Lee, Lheros, and Outside. Can you imagine having just ONE bull reach that status from your breeding program? She gave our industry FOUR.
Her maternal line is ridiculous – 23 brood cow stars for Laurie Sheik herself, and her daughter Laura Black topped her with 24. That’s like having a Hall of Fame player whose kid becomes an even bigger star.
She bookended Holstein Canada’s Cow of the Year award by winning the inaugural honor in 1995 and having her descendant Lamadona grab the same title in 2022. That’s 27 years of genetic dominance!
Her genes are EVERYWHERE – 51 countries have her bloodlines, and at Bois Seigneur Holstein in Belgium, about 70% of their herd traces back to her. That’s not influence; that’s a takeover.

And get this – her descendants are still crushing it in both old-school tie-stall barns AND cutting-edge robotic milking systems. Talk about standing the test of time!

FROM FARM KID TO VISIONARY: THE MAN BEHIND THE LEGEND

I’ve always loved the human stories behind great breeding programs. Marc Comtois wasn’t some corporate genetic wizard with fancy degrees – he was a farm kid who loved cows so much he quit school at 15 to work with them. By 18, he’d already bought his farm in Princeville, Quebec.

Demonstrating his commitment to the industry, Marc became an official Holstein Canada member on February 14, 1977 – a Valentine’s Day dedication to dairy breeding. Just months later, on April 23, 1977, he married France Comtois, forging a personal and professional partnership that would shape Holstein history.
Starting with 44 grade animals, the newlyweds quickly transitioned to purebred Holsteins, setting the foundation for what would become a breeding program of global significance. This rapid progression – from farm purchase to industry membership to marriage – within just 14 months showcased Marc’s relentless drive. The couple’s shared vision would soon give birth to a genetic revolution.

Marc Comtois’ pivotal 1985 purchase of Elysa Anthony Léa EX 15* set the stage for Holstein history. This exceptional daughter of Willowholme Mark Anthony would become the dam of Comestar Laurie Sheik VG-88 23*, founding one of the most influential maternal lines in modern dairy breeding. Her impressive 15 brood cow stars demonstrated extraordinary genetic transmission that would become the hallmark of her daughter’s legacy. The purchase of this remarkable cow represents the foundation decision that ultimately led to four millionaire bulls and a genetic footprint spanning 51 countries worldwide.

The pivotal moment? When he spotted Elysa Anthony Lea EX-15* in 1985. Something about her caught his eye.

“I’ve always believed that exceptional cows build exceptional herds,” Comtois once said. “When I saw Elysa Anthony Lea, I recognized a cow that could be the foundation for something special. But even I couldn’t have predicted just how special her daughter would become.”

That daughter, born in December 1986, was Comestar Laurie Sheik ET VG-88-23*. And man, what a cow she turned out to be!

Historic moment… 1989 WDE, when Starbuck Winnie won the sr 2-yr-old class, and Laurie Sheik got 3rd and after milking got switch second and best udder over Starbuck Ada… and the 3 later became bull mother and Extraordinaire Brood Cows. Same year Norm Nabholz won the Klussendorf Trophe and also Roy Ormiston won as the first Canadian the Dairy Shrine Award.

THE BREEDING DECISION THAT BROKE ALL THE RULES

You might think Laurie Sheik came from her time’s trendiest, most fashionable genetics. Nope. Not even close.

Her sire, Puget-Sound Sheik, wasn’t exactly a household name. Born in 1972 and classified VG-85, he brought valuable genetics through his Washington State bloodline sire, Provin Mtn Ivanhoe Jewel, but he wasn’t the “it bull” of his time.

While exceptional, her dam, Elysa Anthony Lea, EX-15*represented Marc’s independent thinking rather than following the crowd. He wasn’t breeding to what was hot; he was breeding what he believed would work.

And boy, did it work! This unconventional pairing created a genetic perfect storm that would redefine what was possible in Holstein breeding.

Comestar Lautamie Titanic becoming the first cow to win both the prestigious #1 IPV (Lifetime Production Index) ranking and a championship at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. Shown here claiming the Reserve All-Canadian Junior 2-Year-Old honors at the 2006 Royal, this Laurie Sheik descendant exemplifies the family’s remarkable ability to combine show ring excellence with production superiority. The multiple images showcase her exceptional dairy form from various angles as she competes under the bright lights of Canada’s most prestigious dairy showcase. This unprecedented achievement—winning the Junior 2-Year-Old class while simultaneously holding the nation’s top production ranking—perfectly illustrates the balanced breeding philosophy that has made the Comestar program legendary, proving that elite genetics can excel in both the show ring and the milking parlor.

THE THREE SISTERS WHO MULTIPLIED THE MAGIC

Here’s where the story gets fascinating. Laurie Sheik had 18 Very Good daughters (impressive enough), but three in particular – all sired by Tomar Blackstar – became the genetic highways that spread her influence globally:

Laura Black VG-87-CAN 24* gave us Lee and Lheros – bulls that combined production punch with dairy strength that commercial farmers loved.

L Or Black VG-87-CAN 16* produced Outside, who completely transformed how we think about udders in modern Holsteins. Before Outside, we struggled with udders that couldn’t hold up through multiple lactations. His daughters changed that forever.

Lausan Black VG-87-CAN 23* gave us Stormatic, creating a line that uniquely excels in both genomic rankings AND show rings. My friend who judges major shows likes to say, “They look as good as they test, and they test as good as they look.” That’s rare!

A Quebec farmer friend who milks several Laura Black descendants put it best: “When you milk these cows, you can hear the milk hitting the bucket. They’re not just pretty cows—they’re profit machines.” I can’t argue with that!

THE BELGIAN BREAKTHROUGH THAT NOBODY SAW COMING

Four daughters of the legendary Comestar Laurie Sheik grazing peacefully in the pastures of Bois Seigneur Holstein in Belgium. When crossed with Tomar Blackstar, these exceptional females ignited what became known as “Blackstar Mania” across European Holstein breeding circles. This strategic cross revolutionized the Pussemier family’s breeding program, producing influential brood cows like Blacklaure de Bois Seigneur, who achieved lifetime production exceeding 100,000 kg of milk while also claiming championship honors in the show ring. Through these remarkable females, Laurie Sheik’s genetics spread throughout Europe, transforming Bois Seigneur Holstein’s herd (where approximately 70% of today’s animals trace back to this lineage) and establishing a legacy of exceptional milk production combined with show-winning type that continues to influence Holstein breeding worldwide today.

I’ve always been fascinated by the international side of this story. When the Pussemier family spotted Laurie Sheik’s potential at that 1989 sale, they faced a significant roadblock: Belgian regulations wouldn’t let them import live cattle from Canada.

So, what did they do? Got creative! They bought partial ownership of Laurie Sheik herself and imported her embryos instead. Talk about thinking outside the box!

The 1989 sale of Laurie Sheik to Belgium marked a groundbreaking moment in international genetics trade, achieved against significant logistical odds. At the time, no formal embryo export agreements existed between Canada and Belgium, forcing Marc and France Comtois to pioneer new bureaucratic pathways. Every document – health certificates, ownership transfers, and customs declarations – required painstaking manual processing without today’s digital tools. In an era before routine computer use, the couple relied on paper records, international phone calls, and the emerging technology of fax machines to coordinate this unprecedented transaction. Their success in navigating these analog-era hurdles not only secured Laurie Sheik’s Belgian partnership but laid the groundwork for modern global embryo trade protocols.

This workaround triggered what became known as “Blackstar Mania” at Bois Seigneur Holstein. They crossed Laurie Sheik with Tomar Blackstar and struck genetic gold. The resulting offspring included standouts like Blacklaure de Bois Seigneur, who produced over 100,000 kg of milk in her lifetime – showcasing this lineage’s remarkable productivity and longevity.

Jonas Pussemier, who now runs the operation his parents started, told me: “What we could never have anticipated was how completely this one genetic investment would reshape our entire breeding program. Today, about 70% of our herd traces back to Laurie Sheik. That single decision in 1989 determined the direction of our breeding program for generations.” (Read more: From Laurie Sheik to Robotic Milking: Bois Seigneur Holstein’s Journey of Innovation)

Isn’t it amazing how one smart purchase can completely transform a herd’s future?

GENERATIONAL EXCELLENCE: THE LAURIE SHEIK GENETIC PROGRESSION

Comestar Lautamie Titanic VG-89 33* grazing peacefully at the renowned Comestar Holstein farm in Quebec. A testament to the extraordinary Laurie Sheik maternal line, this remarkable cow dominated Canadian genetic evaluations by holding the #1 IPV (Lifetime Production Index) position for an unprecedented three consecutive years (2006-2007-2008). Her impressive 33 brood cow stars and VG-89 classification exemplify the perfect balance of production excellence and physical conformation that has made the Comestar program legendary. The iconic Comestar sign in the background represents the breeding philosophy that transformed a Quebec dairy operation into a global genetic powerhouse. Photographer Patty Jones beautifully captured this quiet moment with one of Canada’s most influential Holsteins, whose descendants continue to shape dairy breeding worldwide.

The remarkable consistency of the Laurie Sheik lineage becomes clear when tracking key metrics across generations. While most families show regression toward breed average over time, this extraordinary maternal line has maintained—and often improved upon—elite performance across nearly four decades.

Maternal Line Classification Progression:

Elysa Anthony Lea (Dam): EX-15*
Laurie Sheik: VG-88-23*
Blackstar Daughters: All three key daughters classified VG-87
Modern descendant Lamadona: EX-94-2E 21*

Brood Cow Star Progression:

Elysa Anthony Lea: 15* (Exceptional for her era)
Laurie Sheik: 23* (Near-record achievement)
Laura Black: 24* (Exceeded her dam’s remarkable total)
Lausan Black: 23* (Matched her dam’s excellence)
L Or Black: 16* (Still extraordinary by industry standards)
Lamadona: 21* (Continuing the family tradition of elite status)

Genetic Impact Distribution: The influence expanded exponentially through each generation:

First generation: Comestar herd improvement
Second generation: National impact through Canadian genetics program
Third generation: International reach through Semex to 51 countries
Current generation: Global distribution plus concentration in specialized herds

This multi-generation excellence isn’t accidental. It represents the extraordinary genetic transmission capacity that makes the Laurie Sheik family the most influential maternal line in modern Holstein history. Notably, the * (brood cow star) designation applies exclusively to animals born in Canada – a testament to her domestic impact. If her global descendants were included, spanning the 51 countries where her genetics took root, Laurie Sheik’s legacy would shine even brighter. From Belgian barns to Brazilian pastures, her uncounted international daughters and granddaughters continue to amplify her unmatched influence.

This striking black and white Holstein dairy cow, likely Maxima de Bois Seigneur (Chief), exemplifies excellent dairy conformation with her strong frame, well-attached udder, and balanced proportions. Photographed on the traditional cobblestone courtyard of Bois Seigneur Holstein in Belgium, she represents the farm’s commitment to quality genetics. The classic brick farmhouse in the background showcases the European architectural heritage of this renowned breeding operation, where approximately 70% of the herd traces back to the influential Comestar Laurie Sheik lineage.

Production Excellence Markers: While specific metrics evolved over generations, the family consistently ranked among the elite. This legacy continues with modern descendants at Bois Seigneur Holstein, where exceptional performers like Maxima de Bois Seigneur (Chief) EX-94 set a farm record of 80 kg milk in 24 hours at just 47 days in milk. Lamadona’s impressive production records (5-09 2x 365d 56,799 lbs milk, 4.9% fat, 3.7% protein) represent the continuation of this family’s excellence.

A historic moment for the Comtois family as they receive Holstein Canada’s most prestigious individual honor for Comestar Lamadona Doorman EX-94-2E 27*. The presentation marks a remarkable full-circle achievement, as Lamadona becomes the 2022 Cow of the Year exactly 27 years after her ancestor, Comestar Laurie Sheik, received the inaugural award in 1995. Standing proudly before the Holstein Canada backdrop, the family displays a commissioned portrait of this extraordinary cow who combines exceptional type (EX-94) with remarkable genetic transmission (27 brood stars). Lamadona continues the Laurie Sheik dynasty through her influence on modern breeding programs, with sons like LEMAGIC (Semex), LOYALL (Blondin Sires), LATAYO (Semex) and BARLOT (Semex) carrying her genetics forward. This moment represents not just an individual achievement, but the validation of a breeding philosophy focused on maternal lines that has shaped Holstein breeding across four decades and 51 countries worldwide.

Adaptability Across Systems: Perhaps most impressive is how this family has maintained superiority through:

The classification-focused 1980s
The production index era of the 1990s
The balanced LPI/TPI approach of the 2000s
Today’s genomic evaluation systems

THE MILLION-DOLLAR CLUB: THE SONS THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

Marc Comtois of Comestar Holsteins stands proudly at the Semex display honoring his breeding program’s extraordinary achievement—producing multiple millionaire bulls. The display showcases models of Lee and Leader, two of Comestar Laurie Sheik’s descendants who achieved the coveted millionaire status, signifying over $1 million in semen sales. This remarkable accomplishment would later expand to include Stormatic and Lheros by 2008, making Comestar the only breeding program in the world to produce four millionaire bulls from a single cow family. This unprecedented genetic success story underscores the extraordinary impact of the Laurie Sheik maternal line, whose influence continues to shape Holstein breeding worldwide. The Semex backdrop represents the global partnership that helped distribute these game-changing genetics to 51 countries and established Comestar as one of the most influential breeding operations in dairy history.

Let’s talk money. Breeding great cows is rewarding, but it doesn’t hurt when they make you a fortune, too! Comestar did something unprecedented by producing FOUR millionaire bulls from the same cow family:

Comestar Leader – Laurie Sheik’s son brought solid production and components. Comestar Lee – Laura Black’s son who dominated Canadian LPI rankings. Comestar Lheros – another Laura Black son known for balance and longevity Comestar Outside – L Or Black’s famous son who revolutionized udder conformation.

I’ve visited herds worldwide where these bulls’ influence is still clearly visible generations later. Their genetic fingerprints are everywhere!

Calbrett Goldwyn Layla proudly displaying her championship ribbons after claiming First Place in the Adult Cow class at the Royal Winter Fair – Canada’s most prestigious dairy cattle exhibition. The striking Holstein stands poised in the spotlight, her exceptional dairy character and balanced conformation on full display as her handler presents her to the appreciative audience. The distinctive red and white championship rosette signifies her elite status among the nation’s finest Holsteins. This championship moment at “The Royal” represents the pinnacle of show ring achievement in Canadian dairy circles, where only the most exceptional animals earn recognition under the critical eyes of international judges. The packed arena and professional presentation highlight the significance of this victory at North America’s premier dairy showcase.

FROM 1995 TO 2022: A DYNASTY THAT WON’T QUIT

Do you want proof that Laurie Sheik’s genetics have staying power? Consider this incredible bookend to her story:

In 1995, Holstein Canada created its prestigious “Cow of the Year” award, and Laurie Sheik herself was the inaugural winner. Fast-forward to 2022 – 27 years later—and her descendant Comestar Lamadona Doorman EX-94-2E 21* won the same award.

Think about that. Laurie Sheik’s family has remained elite for nearly three decades in the rapidly evolving Holstein breeding industry, where genetic trends come faster than smartphone models.

Lamadona is a beast in her own right – EX-94 classification, 21 brood cow stars, and those impressive production records I mentioned earlier. Marc Comtois says she’s “well-known internationally for her numerous exploits at shows and for her milk production records.”

She’s also passing it on through sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons like LEMAGIC (Semex), LOYALL (Blondin Sires), LATAYO (Semex), and BARLOT (Semex).

The dynasty just won’t quit!

Marc and Steve Comtois proudly stand beside the promotional banner for Comestar LOYALL, the latest elite sire from their legendary breeding program being marketed by Blondin Sires. This impressive banner highlights LOYALL’s exceptional pedigree “FROM THE HEART OF THE LAURIE SHEIKS WITH OVER 170 BROOD STARS!” – underscoring his connection to the most influential Holstein maternal line in modern breeding history. The father-son team, wearing their distinctive Comestar jackets, represent multiple generations of breeding excellence that parallel the genetic dynasty they’ve created. LOYALL continues the Laurie Sheik legacy through his dam Comestar Lamadona Doorman EX-94-2E (the 2022 Holstein Canada Cow of the Year), making him part of the remarkable family that has produced four millionaire bulls and influenced Holstein breeding across 51 countries worldwide.

GENOMIC ERA BLUEPRINT: APPLYING LAURIE SHEIK PRINCIPLES IN TODAY’S BREEDING WORLD

You might wonder if breeding lessons from the 1980s still apply in our genomic selection era. They do – maybe now more than ever.

Laurie Sheik’s success offers a framework that works beautifully alongside modern genomic tools. Here’s how today’s breeders can apply her principles:

Look beyond the numbers for maternal strength. While genomic indexes give us incredible prediction power, they don’t tell the whole story of maternal potential. When evaluating potential brood cows, pay special attention to:

Family consistency across generations: Like Laurie Sheik’s family, look for maternal lines showing stable transmission of key traits. The best genomic numbers mean little if they disappear in the next generation.
Balanced trait profiles: Laurie Sheik wasn’t extreme in any trait – her power came from combining suitable components, functional type, and production longevity. In genomic selection, prioritize females with balanced profiles over single-trait wonders.
Cross-system performance: The Laurie Sheik family thrived as evaluation systems evolved from classification to production indexes to genomics. Look for families that maintain excellence regardless of how they’re measured.

Practical application tip: Create a maternal scorecard that tracks genetic transmission strength across three generations of any potential foundation female. A prepotent maternal line will show consistency in trait expression regardless of what sires were used.

Bois Seigneur Holstein exemplifies this approach, masterfully blending traditional maternal evaluation with modern genomic tools. As noted in The Bullvine’s coverage, they’ve incorporated tried-and-true methods alongside advanced genetics while focusing on the Laurie Sheik lineage.

Their breeding decisions reflect this balance. While using genomic testing, they value good mothering more than high production numbers. Rather than focusing solely on genomic rankings, they select for traits and bloodlines proven to work rather than relying on a single bull. According to The Bullvine, Chief and Lambda are their plan’s top sires. Their breeding goals integrate milk production excellence and show competition success – precisely the kind of balanced approach that made the Laurie Sheik line so successful.

Remember: genomic indexes are potent tools, but they work best when paired with the time-tested maternal selection principles Laurie Sheik’s legacy demonstrates.

This stunning image by Carl Saucier captures Comestar Lamagic Impression Ex-93 grazing peacefully against the backdrop of modern dairy facilities. As the dam of influential sire Comestar Lemagic marketed by Semex, she represents the continuing excellence of the legendary Laurie Sheik maternal line. Her exceptional dairy strength, balanced frame, and remarkable mammary system that earned her the Excellent-93 classification are beautifully showcased in this professional side profile. Lamagic Impression’s own dam, Comestar Lamadona Doorman Ex-94-2E-19*, was the 2022 Holstein Canada Cow of the Year, demonstrating the multi-generational excellence that has made the Laurie Sheik family one of the most influential breeding lines in modern Holstein history. This image perfectly illustrates how the Comestar program continues to produce elite females that combine show-quality type with the ability to transmit excellence to the next generation.

OLD GENETICS, NEW TECHNOLOGY: WHY LAURIE SHEIK STILL MATTERS

As dairy farming evolves through the technological revolution, Laurie Sheik’s descendants continue demonstrating remarkable adaptability. Bois Seigneur Holstein exemplifies this, as Jonas Pussemier has successfully integrated these genetics into a modern, progressive operation.

This striking image by Carl Saucier captures the feeding area of Comestar Holstein’s state-of-the-art robotic dairy facility in Victoriaville, Quebec. Completed in 2020 as part of a major technological transition, this 100,000+ square foot facility features 7 DeLaval VMS V300 robots that allow the 400+ cows to choose when they want to be milked. The modern barn utilizes corrosion-resistant galvanized steel construction, advanced ventilation systems (visible overhead), and was designed to optimize both production efficiency and animal welfare. This technological evolution represents the next chapter for the world-renowned Comestar breeding program, famous for Comestar Laurie Sheik and her descendants, as they blend their legendary genetics with cutting-edge dairy automation. The precision alignment of these Holstein cows – many likely carrying the influential Laurie Sheik bloodline – perfectly symbolizes how this operation continues to balance tradition with innovation.

Comestar has embraced the future, transitioning to robotic milking in 2020 with 7 Delaval V300 robots. Laurie Sheik’s descendants are adapting beautifully to being milked by robots instead of human hands. A plus for Comestar will be that the robots will capture additional information that The Comtois Family can use to take the Laurie Sheik family to even greater heights.

What’s most impressive about these genetics is how they’ve maintained their excellence through dramatic changes in evaluation systems and management practices. This cow family has consistently remained at the forefront, from tie-stall barns to robotic milking, from classification to genomics.

FOUR BREEDING LESSONS THAT STILL APPLY TODAY

So, what can today’s breeders learn from the Laurie Sheik phenomenon? Here’s my take:

Focus on females, not just fancy bulls – Marc Comtois built a dynasty by identifying exceptional brood cows rather than chasing the hottest sires. The maternal side matters – a lot.
Sometimes, your best partners are oceans away—the Belgium connection supercharged Laurie Sheik’s impact. Don’t be afraid to look globally for collaboration.
Breed for adaptability, not trends – Laurie Sheik’s family has thrived through multiple evaluation systems and management styles. That’s more valuable than being temporarily “hot” under one system.
Genetic transmission is everything – Those 23 brood cow stars represent extraordinary prepotency. Look for animals that reliably pass their traits to the next generation, not just ones that look good themselves.

WHY I’M STILL FASCINATED BY THIS COW

This poignant memorial at Comestar Holsteins marks the final resting place of Comestar Laurie Sheik VG-88 23* (December 1, 1986 – April 30, 2004). The simple bronze plaque, weathered by Quebec seasons, commemorates “a unique cow whose genetic impact on the Holstein breed internationally, proved to last for generations.” What strikes me most about this memorial isn’t just its permanence, but how rare it is for a dairy cow to be honored this way—with a dedicated marker typically reserved for influential humans or champion racehorses. Standing before this stone, visitors can reflect on how an unassuming cow from Victoriaville transformed Holstein breeding across five continents, her influence continuing to grow long after her passing. Unlike the fleeting recognition of show ring victories or production records, this understated monument represents what truly matters in breeding: creating a legacy that outlives us all.

When Laurie Sheik passed away on April 30, 2004, she left behind more than just an impressive résumé —she created a genetic legacy that continues to evolve and adapt two decades later.

What fascinates me most about her story is how it challenges our assumptions about what makes a breed-defining cow. She wasn’t the highest classifier or the top producer of her time. She didn’t dominate the show ring or top the genomic lists (which didn’t exist yet).

She consistently produced offspring that improved the breed in meaningful ways. Her legacy wasn’t about flash or hype but about fundamental quality that stood the test of time.

Laurie Sheik may offer the most valuable lesson in our industry’s relentless pursuit of the next big thing: true genetic excellence isn’t measured in the momentary spotlight but in generational impact.

Her story isn’t over. Not by a long shot! And that might be the most remarkable thing about the unassuming, more white-than-black cow from Victoriaville who changed Holstein’s breeding forever.

Key Takeaways:

Maternal lines matter most: Laurie Sheik’s 23 brood stars and her daughters’ success prove prepotent cows outlast trendy sires.
Adaptability = longevity: Her genetics excelled through classification (1980s), production indexes (1990s), and genomics (today).
Global collaboration pays: Belgian embryo imports in 1989 spread her influence to 70% of Bois Seigneur Holstein’s herd.
Balance beats extremes: Her descendants succeed in robotic milking systems and show rings by prioritizing balanced traits over single metrics.
Legacy over trends: Four decades later, her family still claims top honors—a masterclass in breeding for generational impact.

Executive Summary:

This riveting deep dive traces how Marc Comtois’ 1986 breeding gamble on Comestar Laurie Sheik VG-88-23* reshaped Holstein genetics globally. From her record 23 brood stars to producing four millionaire bulls (Leader, Lee, Lheros, Outside), her lineage thrives in 51 countries. The article reveals how strategic partnerships with Belgian breeders and adaptability across eras—from classification systems to robotic milking—cement her as history’s most influential cow. Modern descendants like 2022 Cow of the Year Lamadona prove her genetics remain elite, offering breeders timeless lessons in maternal selection and genetic prepotency.

Categories : Donor Profile

Tags : Comestar Laurie Sheik, dairy genetics, Holstein cattle breeding, millionaire bulls

Legendary Holstein Matriarch Dubeau Dundee Hezbollah Passes at 18: A Tribute to a Global Icon

Thursday, March 6th, 2025

At 18, Dubeau Dundee Hezbollah’s legacy lives on through 200+ progeny worldwide. How one phenomenal cow rewrote Holstein Breeding history

The dairy world bids farewell to one of its most influential foundation females, Dubeau Dundee Hezbollah EX-92 EEEEE (“Hez”), who passed away on March 4, 2025, at the remarkable age of 18 years and 3 months. Her genetic legacy has reshaped Holstein’s breeding worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

A Life That Defined Excellence: From Show Ring Glory to Brood Cow Greatness

Born December 1, 2006, Hez’s journey began in the bright lights of the show ring. She first captivated breeders and judges by claiming Intermediate Champion honors at the World Dairy Expo as a two-year-old in 2009. This early recognition set the stage for her future influence, as her stunning conformation and dairy strength earned her All-American and All-Canadian Senior Two-Year-Old titles that same year, solidifying her status as one of the breed’s rising stars.

Her competitive fire continued to burn brightly as she matured. In 2011, she claimed Reserve All-American Four-Year-Old honors and Grand Champion at the Midwest Spring National Show. However, her promising show career was tragically cut short by a significant udder injury sustained later that year after earning Honorable Mention Senior Champion at Madison. While this setback ended her time in the ring, it redirected her toward a far greater destiny as one of Holstein’s most influential brood cows.

The Numbers Behind Her Legacy: Rewriting Genetic Records

Hez’s influence on Holstein’s breeding is truly global, as evidenced by the staggering statistics she leaves behind. Over her lifetime, she has produced more than 600 embryos and registered over 200 progeny globally, from Australia to Canada. Her offspring have made their mark in Japan, Europe, Mexico, and the United States, demonstrating her unparalleled influence across continents. This global reach is a testament to the power of strategic breeding and the potential for one exceptional cow to shape the industry worldwide.

Her transmission rates are nothing short of extraordinary. By 2018, of her classified daughters in North America, an astonishing 89% scored Very Good or Excellent, with nearly 30% achieving Excellent status. These numbers far exceed industry benchmarks for elite brood cows, where only 10-15% of offspring typically reach the Excellent classification. Hez’s ability to consistently pass on superior genetics challenges conventional assumptions about transmission reliability and raises the bar for what is possible in Holstein breeding.

Shattering Stereotypes: Dual Excellence in Type and Production

While Hez’s conformation excellence captured immediate attention, she was more than just a show cow. Her production records proved that elite type and high milk yield can coexist. Her four-year-old lactation is proof: 4-03 2x 365d 42,050 lbs milk with 4.4% fat (1859 lbs) and 3.1% protein (1299 lbs). These numbers rival production-focused cows while maintaining exceptional udder quality and dairy strength.

This dual excellence challenges outdated notions that show cows sacrifice production for type. Hez demonstrated that truly elite individuals can excel in both arenas simultaneously—a lesson that continues to influence progressive breeding programs worldwide.

Strategic Breeding Decisions: Unlocking Genetic Potential

Hez’s success wasn’t accidental; it was the result of strategic breeding decisions that maximized her genetic potential. Certain sire combinations, such as Goldwyn crosses and Atwood matings, proved particularly magical with Hez. These pairings consistently produced elite offspring, including daughters who scored EX-94 and EX-92[3]. This strategic approach to breeding, combined with Hez’s inherent genetic quality, was a key factor in her success.

Her son, HEZTRYRC (by DestryRC), became an influential sire in his own right, with several All-American nominated daughters enhancing his reputation. Her global impact extended further with a Destry*RC daughter claiming Grand Champion honors at the Mexican National Show 2016[3]. These results highlight the importance of thoughtful sire selection in maximizing genetic outcomes—a lesson for breeders looking to replicate Hez’s success.

Multi-Generational Impact: Prepotency Redefined

What makes Hez’s legacy particularly fascinating is how her influence extends into subsequent generations. Her granddaughters have emerged with remarkable type scores—several testing nearly +4 points on type—demonstrating her ability to stamp her traits consistently through multiple generations. This generational transmission represents what geneticists call prepotency: the rare ability of an individual to pass on desirable characteristics predictably.

In an era dominated by genomic evaluations, Hez’s story reminds us that prepotency is critical to breeding success. Her descendants’ achievements suggest that linebreeding on truly exceptional individuals can yield consistent results that random matings cannot match.

Defying Age: Lessons from Hez’s Longevity

Hez continued to defy expectations even into her later years. At nearly 17 years old in 2016, she thrived at Interstate Calf Care in Maryland while undergoing regular IVF programs. Her remarkable longevity raises essential questions about modern herd management practices. With average productive lifespans declining across dairy operations globally, could breeding for structural correctness and overall robustness—as exemplified by Hez—help reverse this trend? This is a crucial question that underscores the urgency and relevance of the work of dairy farmers and breeders.

Her extraordinary, productive life offers valuable insights into the economic and ethical advantages of prioritizing durability alongside production and type. This strategy could benefit dairy farmers facing increasing pressure to optimize herd performance.

Economic Ripple Effect: The True Value of a Foundation Female

The economic impact of Hez’s contributions is incalculable but undeniably immense. Beyond the direct value of her embryos and offspring sold worldwide, consider the multiplier effect of her genetics through generations of descendants improving herds globally. This economic ripple effect underscores the long-term value of investing in genuinely exceptional foundation females-a strategy that pays dividends far beyond initial costs and highlights the significant economic impact of the work of dairy farmers and breeders.

Her son, HEZTRY*RC, entered the AI service, exponentially extending her influence through thousands of daughters worldwide. Her exceptional daughters became foundation females, commanding premium prices at elite sales. The ripple effect from these animals continues expanding with each generation—creating lasting value for dairy farmers who may never have heard Hez’s name but benefit from her genetic contributions.

This economic multiplier underscores the long-term value of investing in genuinely exceptional foundation females—a strategy that pays dividends far beyond initial costs.

Saying Goodbye to a Legend: One Cow Changed Everything

Dubeau Dundee Hezbollah’s passing marks the end of an era in Holstein breeding but leaves behind a legacy that will endure for decades. As breeders worldwide reflect on her contributions, Hez is a powerful reminder that true excellence transcends time.

Her descendants will continue shaping show rings, milking parlors, and breeding programs across continents—proving once again that sometimes, one cow can change your life.

Key Takeaways

Extraordinary Transmission Rates: Hez’s ability to consistently produce elite offspring (30% reaching Excellent classification) far exceeded industry norms, redefining what’s possible in genetic reliability.
Dual-Purpose Excellence: Hez shattered the false dichotomy between show type and production ability, proving elite cows can excel in both arenas simultaneously—a blueprint for modern breeding programs.
Strategic Mating Decisions Matter: Specific sire combinations (particularly Goldwyn and Atwood) consistently yielded exceptional results with Hez, highlighting the critical importance of thoughtful mating selection over simply chasing top genomic numbers.
Economic Multiplier Effect: Hez’s influence extends beyond her direct offspring through her son HEZTRY*RC in AI and numerous daughters becoming foundation females, creating lasting economic value across global dairy genetics.
Longevity Advantages: At 18+ years, Hez’s remarkable productive life challenges current industry practices and highlights the potential benefits of breeding for structural correctness, robustness, and durability in modern dairy operations.

Executive Summary

Dubeau Dundee Hezbollah “Hez,” who passed away on March 4, 2025, at 18, transformed Holstein breeding through her exceptional genetic influence spanning multiple continents. Beginning as a World Dairy Expo Intermediate Champion before becoming a legendary brood cow, Hez produced over 600 embryos and 200+ registered progeny worldwide, with an unprecedented 89% of her daughters scoring Very Good or Excellent. Her dual excellence in show ring type and production (over 42,000 lbs of milk with high components) challenged industry stereotypes. At the same time, her extraordinary longevity and prepotent genetics influence dairy herds globally through strategic breeding decisions that maximize her genetic potential. Hez’s legacy demonstrates how one exceptional individual can create an economic ripple effect that reshapes an entire breed for generations.

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Categories : Donor Profile

Tags : brood cow, dairy genetics, DUBEAU DUNDEE HEZBOLLAH, Holstein breeding

Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra: The Swiss Holstein Queen Who Conquered the World

Wednesday, March 5th, 2025

Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra: The Swiss Holstein who dethroned North American champions, rewrote breeding history, and proved European cows could dominate globally.

<a href="https://rss.com/podcasts/the-bullvine/1927227/">E189 Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra: The Swiss Holstein | RSS.com</a>

For decades, the pinnacle of Holstein breeding excellence seemed firmly anchored in North America. Madison’s colored shavings and Toronto’s Royal Winter Fair were the stages where dairy legends were crowned, with European cows often regarded as supporting characters in the global Holstein narrative. But from the picturesque valleys of Switzerland emerged a cow who would challenge this established order and permanently alter the international dairy landscape.

Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra didn’t just compete—she conquered. With her exceptional dairy strength, nearly translucent hide, and impeccable mammary system, this Swiss-bred Holstein ascended to heights no European cow had before. While never setting foot on North American soil, she earned what many thought impossible: recognition as Holstein International’s All-Time World Champion in 2021, besting even the most celebrated North American champions like RF Goldwyn Hailey and Thrulane James Rose.

Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra EX-97, grazing against the stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps, epitomizes global Holstein excellence with her flawless mammary system, dairy strength, and enduring legacy that continues to shape the breed worldwide.

O’Kalibra’s rise represented more than personal triumph; it signaled a paradigm shift in global Holstein breeding. She demonstrated that European genetics could match their North American counterparts and sometimes surpass them. Through her show ring dominance, exceptional production, and prolific genetic influence, O’Kalibra rewrote the assumptions of Holstein’s excellence and proved that greatness knows no geographical boundaries.

This is the story of how a cow born in Switzerland’s rolling hills rose to become the Holstein by which all others are measured—a tale of exceptional genetics, visionary breeding, and the cow who forever changed how the world views European Holsteins.

Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra EX-97 shines under the spotlight at Swiss Expo 2013, where she claimed her second Supreme Champion title. Her unmatched dairy strength, flawless mammary system, and commanding presence solidified her status as one of the greatest Holsteins in history.

From Promising Calf to Global Phenomenon

On September 4, 2008, in the scenic landscapes of Switzerland, a Holstein calf was born that would change the course of dairy cattle history. The Decrausaz family—Fredy and his sons—had carefully planned this breeding, combining the proven Boss Iron with an EX90-2E Integrity daughter and a VG89 Milestone. The resulting calf, O’Kalibra, carried genetic potential that would later blossom into unprecedented excellence.

As O’Kalibra developed, she displayed an unmistakable combination of dairy strength, the width of the frame, and that distinctive silky, nearly translucent hide that would become her trademark. These qualities caught the discerning eye of Edwin Steiner of GS Alliance, who purchased her when she was almost dry as a two-year-old. Later, when she was fresh as a four-year-old, American breeder Pat Conroy from Indiana acquired a share in this promising Holstein.

“What caught our attention was her massive frame, wide chest, and high-quality udder,” Pat explained. “She was the kind of cow that could look after herself and never had a bad day. In addition to that, she milked like crazy.” This combination of functional traits and dairy character would prove crucial to her longevity and success in and out of the show ring.

Conquering Europe’s Most Prestigious Show Rings

O’Kalibra’s competitive career began impressively in 2011 when she was named Honorable Mention Champion and Reserve Best Uddered Cow at the Swiss Expo in Lausanne. That same year, she continued building her reputation by securing Reserve Grand Champion at Expo Bulle. These early accomplishments merely hinted at the dominance to come.

O’Kalibra returned to the Swiss Expo with an even more significant impact the following year, claiming the Supreme Champion title in 2012. Rather than resting on this achievement, she defended her crown in 2013, again being named Supreme Champion at the Swiss Expo. She would later secure this prestigious title a third time in 2015, establishing an unprecedented record of excellence at one of Europe’s premier dairy events.

Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra EX-97 crowned Grand Champion at the All-European Holstein Show, 2013. Her flawless conformation and unmatched dairy strength solidified her place as a global Holstein icon.

O’Kalibra’s influence extended beyond Swiss borders in 2013 when she competed at the All-European Holstein Show. Against the finest Holsteins from across the continent, O’Kalibra stood supreme, being crowned Champion in what observers described as “one of the finest displays of black and white cattle ever gathered at one location.” This continental championship solidified her status as Europe’s premier Holstein.

Her European dominance sparked international discussions about how she would compare to North American champions. Many North American experts confidently stated, “She should walk on the colored shavings at Madison and give the North American cattle a run for their money.” Though she never crossed the Atlantic to compete at the World Dairy Expo, her reputation transcended geographical boundaries.

The flawless mammary system of Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra EX-97, captured during her Grand Champion victory at the All-European Holstein Show 2013. Her exceptional udder attachment, symmetry, and quality set the standard for Holstein excellence worldwide.

Shattering Classification Records with Historic EX-97

O’Kalibra became Switzerland’s first cow classified EX-97, an extraordinary achievement that places her among an elite group of Holsteins worldwide. Only a handful of cows globally achieve this near-perfect score, making it a hallmark of conformation excellence.

Her classification wasn’t just about aesthetic appeal—it reflected structural attributes that contributed to her functionality and longevity. This harmony between beauty and utility represents the ultimate goal of Holstein breeding: cows that excel in both the show ring and the milk parlor.

Beyond Beauty: The Production Powerhouse

While O’Kalibra’s show-ring accomplishments were extraordinary, her production capabilities were equally impressive. First calving at 2 years and 2 months, she produced a respectable 9,166 kg of milk with 3.6% fat and 3.3% protein in 305 days. Her peak performance came as a four-year-old when she produced 14,247 kilograms of milk with 4.0% fat and 2.9% protein in a 305-day lactation.

This production excellence wasn’t an anomaly but rather a family trait. Her dam produced 13,372 kg as a four-year-old, while her grand dam recorded 14,217 kg as a seven-year-old. These production records demonstrate the depth of genetic potential in O’Kalibra’s lineage.

Over her lifetime, O’Kalibra produced an astounding 94,000 kg (206,800 lbs) of milk with considerable components. This exceptional lifetime yield places her among elite-producing cows globally. It underscores how show-winning type and high production can coexist in the same animal when breeding decisions prioritize balanced traits.

Global Genetic Impact: The O’Kalibra Dynasty

O’Kalibra’s lasting legacy extends through her offspring, who have influenced Holstein populations worldwide. Her sons have been particularly impactful, with several entering artificial insemination programs. Notable among these are her Red Destry son, O’Kalif, and her Acme son, O’Kaliber.

Erbacres Snapple Shakira EX-97-2E dazzles at World Dairy Expo 2024, claiming Supreme Champion honors. A granddaughter of Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra, Shakira continues the family legacy of global Holstein excellence with her flawless conformation and commanding presence.

Her son from Acme became particularly influential as a sire of show-winning daughters like Erbacres Snapple Shakira (EX-97-2E-CAN), who captured Supreme Champion honors at World Dairy Expo after winning Junior 2-Year-Old at the Royal Winter Fair in 2017. Shakira’s achievements demonstrate how O’Kalibra’s genetic package has been transmitted through generations to create champions who continue making history.

From National Icon to All-Time World Champion

O’Kalibra’s achievements received global recognition when Holstein International named her World Champion not once but twice during her lifetime. Later, in 2021, she received the ultimate honor when Holstein International crowned her the All-Time World Champion, cementing her place as one of history’s greatest Holsteins.

This recognition placed O’Kalibra alongside legendary cows like RF Goldwyn Hailey and Thrulane James Rose—two North American champions who earned multiple World Champion titles—but ultimately positioned her above them as the greatest of all time.

Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra EX-97, pictured against the majestic Swiss Alps, embodies global Holstein excellence. As Holstein International’s All-Time World Champion, she redefined standards for conformation, production, and genetic influence, proving European cows can dominate on the world stage.

A Timeless Legacy That Continues to Evolve

The dairy world lost this extraordinary cow when O’Kalibra died before September 2018. However, her influence remains vibrant through her descendants and the example she set for balanced breeding. Her final achievements include three Swiss Expo Supreme Championships (2012, 2013, 2015), European Champion at Fribourg (2013), two Holstein International World Champion titles during her lifetime (2013 & 2015), and ultimately being crowned All-Time World Champion (2021).

Pat Conroy perhaps best articulated O’Kalibra’s legacy when he observed, “Cows that have some power and strength yet are still dairy will ultimately outlast and out-milk high-style younger cows that seem to be one-hit wonders.”

The Enduring Legacy of Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra

The breeding power of the legendary Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra EX-97-CH continues to make waves in the Holstein world, as evidenced by the recent triumphs at the Schau der Besten 2025. This prestigious German dairy cattle show showcased the ongoing influence of O’Kalibra’s genetics through two of her descendants:

O’Katy: A Rising Star

O’Katy, the 3-year-old Stantons Chief daughter, crowned Grand Champion at the Schau der Besten 2025. Continuing the legacy of Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra, O’Katy dazzled with her exceptional conformation and presence, solidifying her place as a rising star in global Holstein breeding.

O’Katy, a 3-year-old Stantons Chief daughter, claimed the Intermediate Champion and Grand Champion titles at the Schau der Besten 2025. This victory follows her Junior Champion win at the same event in 2024, demonstrating her consistent excellence and rapid rise to the top. O’Katy’s pedigree traces directly back to O’Kalibra through an impressive lineage:

Dam: Wilcor Awesome O’Kamera *RC EX-90-DE
- 2nd place Jr. 3yr. old at the German Dairy Show 2019
Granddam: GS Alliance Sid O’Kamilla *RC EX-90-DE
Great-grand dam: Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra EX-97-CH

Wilcor Awesome O’Kalotta-Red: Senior Champion

Wilcor Awesome O’Kalotta-Red shines as Senior Champion at Schau der Besten 2025. A descendant of Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra, O’Kalotta-Red exemplifies the enduring power of O’Kalibra’s genetics, showcasing exceptional conformation and commanding presence in the show ring.

Adding to the family’s success, Wilcor Awesome O’Kalotta-Red secured the Senior Champion title at the Schau der Besten 2025. O’Kalotta-Red is a full sister to O’Katy’s dam, O’Kamera, further cementing the strength of this genetic line.

These achievements highlight the exceptional breeding value of Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra, whose influence continues to shape the Holstein breed years after her show ring triumphs. The success of her descendants at such a high-profile event demonstrates the lasting impact of O’Kalibra’s genetics in producing animals that excel in conformation and show ring presence.

Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra EX-97 showcased from every angle, highlighting her exceptional conformation, flawless mammary system, and dairy strength. This iconic Holstein set the global standard for excellence, proving that beauty and functionality can coexist in one extraordinary cow.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra transcended the boundaries of European excellence to become a true global icon in the Holstein world. Her impact reaches far beyond the show rings of Switzerland or the pastures of Europe—it reverberates through top-tier breeding programs on every continent. O’Kalibra wasn’t just one of Europe’s greats; she stands among the greatest Holsteins ever to grace a show ring or influence a pedigree, regardless of origin.

Her crowning as Holstein International’s All-Time World Champion in 2021 wasn’t just a victory for Switzerland or Europe—it was a testament to her unparalleled influence on the breed worldwide. O’Kalibra proved that exceptional genetics and balanced breeding goals can produce a cow that excels in both show ring aesthetics and real-world production, setting a new standard for what breeders should aspire to achieve.

Perhaps most remarkably, O’Kalibra’s legacy continues to flourish years after her passing. The recent triumphs of her descendants at the Schau der Besten 2025, with O’Katy claiming Intermediate and Grand Champion titles and Wilcor Awesome O’Kalotta-Red securing Senior Champion honors, demonstrate the enduring power of her genetics. These victories, alongside the continued success of progeny like Erbacres Snapple Shakira in North America, prove that O’Kalibra’s influence knows no borders and shows no signs of waning.

As we look to the future of Holstein breeding, O’Kalibra’s story serves as both inspiration and blueprint. She challenges breeders worldwide to think globally, pursue balanced excellence, and never underestimate the potential of a single exceptional animal to reshape an entire breed. In the ever-evolving world of dairy genetics, Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra’s legacy isn’t just alive—it’s thriving, continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in Holstein breeding worldwide.

O’Kalibra’s story proves that greatness knows no borders. Her legacy challenges us to think globally, breed strategically, and aim higher.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

O’Kalibra became Switzerland’s first EX-97 Holstein and a three-time Swiss Expo Supreme Champion
Named Holstein International’s All-Time World Champion in 2021, besting North American legends
Her genetics continue to dominate shows worldwide, including recent wins at Schau der Besten 2025
O’Kalibra’s success challenged the notion of North American superiority in Holstein breeding
Her story emphasizes the importance of balanced breeding for both show ring and production excellence

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra, born in Switzerland in 2008, revolutionized global Holstein breeding. She became the first Swiss cow to achieve EX-97 classification and won three Supreme Champion titles at the Swiss Expo. O’Kalibra’s impact extended beyond Europe when she was crowned Holstein International’s All-Time World Champion in 2021, surpassing renowned North American cows. With lifetime production exceeding 206,800 lbs of milk and influential offspring like O’Kaliber and Erbacres Snapple Shakira, O’Kalibra proved that European genetics could compete and excel globally. Her legacy continues through recent show ring successes of her descendants, challenging breeders worldwide to pursue balanced excellence in conformation and production.

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Tags : DECRAUSAZ IRON O’KALIBRA, EX-97 classification, global dairy genetics, Swiss Holstein champion

Snow-N Denises Dellia: The Holstein Legend Who Redefined Dairy Genetics

Friday, February 28th, 2025

Meet Snow-N Denises Dellia, the Holstein that revolutionized dairy genetics. Born in 1986, this Wisconsin wonder cow shattered breeding norms, producing sons that became industry titans and daughters that conquered show rings worldwide. Discover how one remarkable bovine’s legacy still shapes your milk nearly four decades later.

<a href="https://rss.com/podcasts/the-bullvine/1919148/">E184 Snow-N Denises Dellia: The Holstein Legend Wh | RSS.com</a>

It’s a crisp December morning in 1986, and on a small Wisconsin farm, a Holstein calf takes her first wobbly steps. The farmer, Bob Snow, has no idea he’s just witnessed the birth of a legend. This calf—Snow-N Denises Dellia—is about to rewrite the rules of dairy genetics and leave an indelible mark on the industry for generations to come.

Fast forward to today. Walk into any top-tier dairy farm, flip through AI catalogs, or chat with breeders at elite cattle auctions, and you’ll hear whispers of “Dellia blood.” But how did a single cow from Monroe County become the matriarch of modern Holsteins?

Buckle up, dairy enthusiasts. We’re about to dive into a tale of strategic breeding, record-breaking sons, globe-trotting embryos, and a genetic cocktail so potent it’s still shaping udders and milk checks nearly four decades later. This isn’t just Dellia’s story—it’s how one remarkable cow challenged everything we thought we knew about balancing type and production.

So, grab a glass of milk (preferably from a Delia descendant), and let’s unravel the DNA of a bovine superstar. Trust us, by the end of this, you’ll never look at your herd the same way again.

Robert Snow’s farm in Sparta, Wisconsin, where a passion for dairy farming and genetics led to the creation of legendary Holsteins like Snow-N Denises Dellia. This humble setting was the backdrop for a breeding program that would change the face of dairy genetics forever.

The Making of a Legend: When Bob Snow Played Genetic Roulette

Bob Snow: The Bachelor with a Bovine Obsession

A Wisconsin bachelor named Bob Snow, whose idea of a hot date was poring over Holstein pedigrees. It sounds like a real party animal, right? But trust me, this guy’s obsession with cow genetics was about to change the dairy game forever.

Now, Bob wasn’t born with a silver milk pail in his mouth. He inherited a run-of-the-mill grade herd from his old man. But he got bit by the registered Holstein bug somewhere along the line. Hard. We’re talking fever-dream levels of Holstein mania here.

The 1970s: When Snow Went Pro

So, the ’70s roll around. While everyone else is doing the Hustle, Bob hustles to turn his “Snow-N” prefix into dairy royalty. His mission? Blend strength, udder quality, and milk yield into the perfect cow cocktail. Sounds simple. It’s about as simple as teaching a cow to tap dance.

But here’s where it gets interesting. In 1970, Bob crashes a herd dispersal sale in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. Now, most folks would be there for the free coffee and donuts. Not our Bob. He’s there with his eye on the prize.

Veradelda Polly Governor (EX-SMP) 1234023, son of Rainbow Captain Bold 12th, was a genetic powerhouse with a P.D.M. of +1425 in 1962. As the sire of Creator Fobes Governor, he played a pivotal role in shaping the seventh and eighth dams in Dellia’s maternal line, proving that greatness often starts generations back.

The Auction That Changed Everything

Picture the scene: Dust in the air, the rapid-fire chatter of the auctioneer, and Bob Snow cool as a cucumber in a dairy case. He spots two cows that most people wouldn’t look at twice: Ce-Buerg Creator Hartog Fobes and her daughter, Ce-Buerg Creator Fobes Garnet.

“Hold up,” you might be thinking. “Those names sound about as exciting as watching paint dry.” And you’d be right. These gals were sired by some obscure bull called Creator Fobes Governor. It’s not exactly a name that rolls off the tongue.

But Bob? He saw potential. He saw the sixth and seventh dams of a future legend. He saw… well, honestly, who knows what he saw. Maybe he just liked their spots. But whatever it was, he bought ’em.

The Snow-N Strategy: Go Big or Go Home

Here’s where Bob drops a truth bomb that’ll make you spit out your milk. He says, and I quote, “I wasn’t interested in the middle or the bottom. If I went to the sale, I would buy off the top.”

Hold onto your udders, folks. This guy wasn’t messing around. He wasn’t there for the bargain bin bovines. He wanted the cream of the crop, the top of the herd, the… okay, I’ll stop milking these puns now.

The Genetic Cocktail: Shaken, Not Stirred

So what did Bob’s crazy auction adventure get him? It’s a genetic cocktail that would make James Bond jealous. On one side, you’ve got strength courtesy of MD-Sunset-View R A Wonder. On the other hand, Dairy Elegance is available via Carlin-M Ivanhoe Bell.

MD-SUNSET-VIEW R A WONDER (EX-GM): A true legend in Holstein genetics, this Elevation son out of an Ashawaug Admiral of Hillside dam laid the foundation for greatness. Bred by Ardel and James Stonesifer of Westminster, Maryland, Wonder sired Dellia’s second dam, cementing his role as a cornerstone in the lineage of one of history’s most influential cows.

Bob was playing genetic Jenga, stacking traits and hoping it wouldn’t all come crashing down. Spoiler alert: It didn’t. This madcap mixture was about to create a cow so legendary that she’d make other Holsteins look like they were still in calf school.

Snow-N Dorys Denise (EX-90 2E GMD DOM), the powerhouse dam of Snow-N Denises Dellia, set the stage for a dynasty. With an impressive record of 33,350 lbs. of milk in 365 days, she combined production, strength, and genetic excellence to become a cornerstone of modern Holstein breeding. Her legacy lives on through her legendary daughter and countless descendants shaping herds worldwide.

The Million-Dollar Question

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “This is all good, but how does this lead to Dellia?” Well, my friend, that’s a tale for another paragraph. But let me tell you, if Bob Snow’s Breeding Strategy were a Netflix series, this would be the cliffhanger ending of season one.

So, are you ready to dive into the next chapter of this moo-ving saga? Because trust me, things are about to get even more enjoyable. And by interesting, I mean we’re talking about a cow that’s about to flip the dairy world upside down. Buckle up, buttercup—this ride’s just getting started!

Snow-N Denises Dellia, the legendary Holstein matriarch, sired by Walkway Chief Mark and out of Snow-N Dorys Denise, with maternal grand sire Carlin-M Ivanhoe Bell. This EX-95 cow revolutionized dairy genetics with her exceptional balance of production and type, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Her legacy continues to shape modern Holsteins worldwide

The Golden Cross: When Chief Mark Met Bell (and Magic Happened)

A Match Made in Holstein Heaven

Alright, folks, buckle up your overalls because we’re about to dive into some serious bovine romance. Do you know how people talk about power couples? Well, in the dairy world, we’ve got power pairings, and boy, oh boy, did we hit the genetic jackpot with this one.

Meet the Parents: A Tale of Two Traits

On one side of this love story, we’ve got Walkway Chief Mark. Now, Chief Mark wasn’t just any old bull. He was the Michelangelo of udders, a true specialist in the art of mammary magnificence. With a VG-87 score, he was the kind of sire that made other bulls say, “Dang, I wish I could hang udders like that guy.”

But every great rom-com needs two leads. Enter Snow-N Dorys Denise, our leading lady. This gal was packing some serious Bell family genes. We’re talking about the perfect balance of fame and fertility. She was like the Swiss Army knife of cows—versatile, reliable, and scoring an impressive EX-90 2E GMD DOM. (Don’t worry if that sounds like alphabet soup to you. Just know it’s the cow equivalent of a straight-A report card.)

The “Golden Cross”: More Than Just a Fancy Name

When these two genetic powerhouses got together, something magical happened. The dairy world’s matchmakers dubbed it the “golden cross.” And let me tell you, this wasn’t just some marketing gimmick. This pairing was like peanut butter meeting jelly for the first time—a perfect combination that makes you wonder how we ever lived without it.

Breaking the Mold (and a Few Industry Norms)

Here’s where things get interesting. Back then, farmers often had to choose: Did they want great milk producers or cows that looked good enough to grace the cover of “Holstein Monthly”? It was like trying to find a supermodel who could also deadlift 300 pounds—not impossible, but pretty rare.

But Dellia? She said, “Hold my milk pail,” and proceeded to shatter expectations faster than a bull in a china shop. She was the total package, defying the era’s trade-offs between production and type. It’s like she read the “How to Be a Perfect Cow” manual and decided to check every single box.

X Marks the Spot (Chromosomally Speaking)

Now, let’s get a bit sciency for a second. Tim Abbott puts it this way: “Dellia shattered the maternal-paternal dichotomy.” In plain English? She got the best of both worlds.

Her X chromosomes were like a genetic all-you-can-eat buffet. From Chief Mark, she inherited udder quality that would make any dairy farmer weep with joy. And from the Bell side? Metabolic efficiency that could turn feed into milk like nobody’s business.

This combination was rarer than a cow with a pilot’s license. It’s like Dellia’s DNA looked at the usual genetic rules and said, “Nah, I’m good. I’ll do my own thing.”

Snow-N Denises Dellia, the legendary Holstein whose iconic head has become synonymous with excellence in dairy genetics. As the matriarch of a dynasty that includes sons like Durham and daughters like DH Gold Chip Darling, Dellia’s influence on modern Holsteins is undeniable. Her legacy continues to shape the breed, making her a strong contender for the title of “Queen of the Breed.”

The Two Million-Dollar Question

So, what happens when you combine udder perfection with metabolic mastery? Well, my friends, that’s where our story kicks into high gear. Dellia wasn’t just a cow; she was a revolution with hooves.

Are you ready to see how this golden girl turned the dairy world upside down? Because trust me, we’re just getting to the good part. Grab your milking stools and hold onto your hats—this ride’s about to get wild!

From Show Ring Sensation to Global Domination: Dellia’s Regancrest Revolution

The Wisconsin Spring Show Showdown

Picture this: It’s 1991, and the Wisconsin Spring Show is hotter than a cow pie in July. The air’s thick with anticipation (and probably a fair bit of manure smell, let’s be honest). Enter our girl Dellia, strutting her stuff like she owns the place. And boy, does she!

Judge Niles Wendorf takes one look at her, and BAM! Grand Champion, baby! He’s gushing about her “tall, sharp frame and trouble-free udder” like he’s describing the Mona Lisa of milk cows. I mean, can you blame the guy? Dellia served looks and utility, a combo rarer than a vegetarian at a barbecue.

Frank Regan: The Man, The Myth, The Madman?

Now, here’s where things get spicy. Enter Frank Regan, an Iowa breeder with more guts than a slaughterhouse. While everyone else is still picking their jaws up off the floor, Frank’s already whipping out his checkbook. He buys Dellia for a sum so hefty that it probably makes other cows jealous.

But hold your horses (or cows, in this case). The dairy world wasn’t exactly rolling out the red carpet for Frank. Bless his heart, Bob Snow spills the tea: “They were upset that a ‘nobody’ could come in and clean up.” Ouch! Talk about a cold glass of milk to the face!

Regancrest Farm: Where Legends Are Born (and Bred)

So, did Frank’s gamble pay off? Does a cow moo? Dellia became the cornerstone of Regancrest Farm faster than you can say, “holy Holstein!” We’re talking:

76 registered daughters (More offspring than a rabbit on espresso!)
44 AI-sampled sons (Spreading the Dellia magic far and wide)
Embryos jetting off to Europe, Japan, and Brazil (Talk about international appeal!)

It’s like Dellia looked at Regancrest and said, “Challenge accepted!” She wasn’t just producing calves; she was creating a dynasty!

SNOW-N DELLIAS DARLENE (EX-94-GMD-DOM), a powerhouse Blackstar daughter of the legendary Dellia, showcases her genetic excellence with an impressive record of 32,080 lbs of milk in 365 days. As the dam of Regancrest Jed Deborah (EX-95), she cemented her place as a cornerstone of Holstein breeding and a vital link in the Dellia dynasty. A true icon of production and pedigree!

The Sand Incident: Dellia’s Near-Death Experience

Now, brace yourselves for a plot twist that’ll curdle your milk. After her grand entrance at Regancrest, Dellia spits things up by ingesting sand. Yeah, you heard that right. Sand. If you understand, it’s not strictly part of a balanced bovine breakfast.

Most cows would’ve kicked the bucket after a stunt like that. But Dellia? She bounces back like it’s nothing! She starts pumping out embryos like they’re going out of style—15 per flush on average. That’s not just impressive; that’s downright miraculous!

The Global Dellia Effect

Before you could say “Got Milk?”, Dellia’s genetic material was more sought after than tickets to a rock concert. Breeders from Europe to Japan were lining up, cash in hand, ready to get a piece of the Dellia pie (or should I say, the Dellia cheese?).

Her embryos were sold for prices that would irritate the average dairy farmer. We’re talking premium, top-shelf, crème de la crème stuff here. It was like watching the stock market, but people traded in potential udders and milk production instead of shares.

The Three Million Dollar Question

So, what made Dellia so special? Why were breeders falling over themselves to get their hands on her genetics? Well, my friend, that tale involves more twists and turns than a country road. But let me tell you, it’s a story that’ll make you look at your morning glass of milk in a new light.

Ready to dive deeper into the Dellia dynasty? Buckle up, buttercup—this ride’s about to get even wilder!

The Billionaire Boys Club: Dellia’s Sons Take Over the World

From Momma’s Boy to Dairy Royalty

Alright, folks, grab your wallets because we’re about to talk about some seriously expensive baby-makers. Did you think your kid’s college fund was steep? Ha! That’s chump change compared to what Dellia’s boys are worth. Let’s dive into the crème de la crème of bull-dom, shall we?

Durham: The Five-Time Champ

Sheeknoll Durham Arrow EX-96, the Grand Champion of the 2016 World Dairy Expo, embodies the legacy of her legendary sire, Durham. With her flawless conformation and commanding presence, she dazzled on the tanbark and proved why Durham’s influence continues to shape champions worldwide. A true icon of Holstein excellence!

First up, we’ve got Durham. This guy’s like the Michael Jordan of dairy bulls. He’s been named Premier Sire at the World Dairy Expo not once, not twice, but FIVE times! I mean, come on! At this point, they should rename it the Durham Dairy Expo.

But wait, there’s more! Durham didn’t just look pretty in the show ring. He revolutionized fertility traits with a +0.2 DPR. For you city slickers out there, that’s like turning every cow into a baby-making machine. Moo-raculous, right?

Meet Team Durham Morgan, a Holstein icon sired by the legendary Durham. This EX-96 cow is a testament to Durham’s genetic prowess, showcasing exceptional udder quality and conformation. Morgan’s achievements highlight the enduring impact of Dellia’s lineage on modern dairy excellence.

Die-Hard: The Bull That Keeps On Giving

Next up, we’ve got Die Hard. And boy, does this bull live up to his name! This Roebuck son has sired a mind-boggling 1.75 million semen doses. That’s not a typo, folks. 1.75 MILLION! He’s like the Energizer Bunny of the bull world—he keeps going and going and going…

If Die-Hard’s offspring formed their own country, it’d have a seat at the UN. Talk about leaving a legacy!

Million: The Big Cheese

Last but certainly not least, we’ve got Million. This outside son might not have his brothers’ flashy numbers but don’t underestimate him. His descendants are the kings and queens of cheese merit rankings.

Think about that next time you’re enjoying a nice cheddar. Chances are, you’re tasting a bit of Million’s magic. He’s not just a bull; he’s a one-person cheese factory!

The Dellia Effect: Changing the Game

Now, you might be wondering, “What’s the big deal? They’re just bulls, right?” Oh, my sweet summer child. Let me enlighten you with a quote from Scott Culbertson:

“Dellia’s impact through Durham alone transformed how we approach longevity in herds.”

That’s not just a compliment; that’s a revolution in a sentence. We’re talking about changing the entire approach to dairy farming. It’s like Dellia and her boys rewrote the rulebook overnight!

The Genomic Explosion: Dellia’s 21st Century Takeover

But wait, there’s more! (I feel like an infomercial host, but I swear, this stuff is legit.) Dellia’s influence didn’t stop with her sons. Oh no, this cow’s legacy is the gift that keeps giving.

Sapphire: The Robotic Milking Queen

From promising heifers to dairy legends: Sandy-Valley Rubicon Eternity (left) and Silver Coksincream (right) as striking 2-year-olds. These young cows would go on to leave an indelible mark on the Holstein breed, showcasing the power of strategic breeding and genetic excellence.

Let’s talk about Sandy-Valley Planet Sapphire. This gal is Dellia’s great-granddaughter, and boy, did she inherit the family talent. Her offspring include:

Rubicon: The first bull to sell 500,000 sexed semen doses. That’s half a million lady calves, people!
Saloon: A former #1 TPI sire. That’s like being the valedictorian of bull school.

Greg Bauer of Sandy-Valley believes that Sandy-Valley Eternity EX-92 is the best cow produced by the Dellias thus far. The former #1 CTPI cow is the dam of sires such as Chesney, Sinatra, and Supercharge, and as a Rubicon daughter, she carries Dellia genetics on both sides of her pedigree.

Greg Bauer from Sandy-Valley Holsteins puts it best:

“The Sapphires are efficiency queens—great udders, trouble-free, and built for robotic milking.”

Imagine a cow so perfect that even robots are impressed. That’s Sapphire for you!

Halo: The Global Superstar

Cookiecutter Mog Hanker EX-94, a true icon in the dairy world. This exceptional brood cow has left an indelible mark on modern Holstein genetics, with over 18 sons in AI and numerous high-ranking daughters. Her legacy extends far beyond her own achievements, as she continues to inspire new generations of dairy excellence.

And let’s not forget about Cookiecutter MOM Halo. This Goldwyn descendant is like the Beyoncé of the bovine world. She’s produced:

Helix: 2018 Outcross Sire of the Year. It’s like winning a Grammy but for bulls.
Halogen: A global conformation leader. Think of him as the Brad Pitt of bulls—he looks good from every angle.

The Four Million Dollar Question

So, what does all this mean for the future of dairy farming? Well, my friends, that’s where things get interesting. We’re not just talking about better milk production or prettier cows. We’re talking about a complete revolution in how we approach breeding, efficiency, and even the definition of what makes a “good” cow.

Are you ready to dive into the brave new world of genomic breeding? Because trust me, after Dellia and her descendants, nothing in the dairy world will ever be the same again!

Delia’s Daughters: The Global Glamour Girls of the Dairy World

From Wisconsin to the World Stage

Alright, folks, buckle up your overalls because we’re about to take a whirlwind tour of Dellia’s international superstars. These girls aren’t just your average Bessies chewing cud in the back forty. Oh no, they’re the Beyoncés of the bovine world, strutting their stuff on the global stage and leaving jaws dropped from Switzerland to British Columbia.

DH Gold Chip Darling: The Swiss Miss with Sass

Swiss Miss with Sass: DH Gold Chip Darling EX-96-CH, the Swiss Expo Champion and maternal sister to Europe’s #1 conformation sire. This Dellia descendant proves that beauty and productivity can go hand in hand, setting new standards for dairy excellence from the Alps to the Americas.

First up, let’s talk about DH Gold Chip Darling. This gal isn’t just a pretty face (though with a name like that, you know she’s got looks for days). She’s a bona fide Swiss Expo Champion. She took on the best of the best in the land of chocolate and cheese and came out on top.

But wait, there’s more! Darling isn’t just winning beauty pageants. She’s got some profound family connections. Her maternal brother, Ptit Coeur Doorman Darlingo, is Europe’s #1 confirmation sire. Talk about keeping it in the family! It’s like the Kardashians of the cow world but with more utility and less drama.

You might think, “Sure, she’s pretty, but can she produce?” Well, let me tell you, this girl’s got the goods to back up her glamour. She’s not just a show cow; she’s a blueprint for the future of dairy. Farmers across Europe are lining up to get a piece of her genetic gold.

Behold Jarlette EX-93, a living testament to the enduring legacy of Snow-N Denises Dellia! At 8 lactations strong and over 90,000 kg of lifetime production, she’s not just competing—she’s conquering the show ring as 1st place in the older cow class. With 7 generations of VG or EX dams tracing back to the legendary Dellia, Jarlette proves that great genetics age like fine wine. Now that’s what we call staying power!

Elmbridge Goldwyn Darling: The Canadian Queen

Let’s move to British Columbia, where Elmbridge Goldwyn Darling holds court. This VG-88-scored beauty isn’t just another pretty face in the barn. She’s a baby-making machine with the credentials to prove it.

Hamming Doorman Darilyn EX-90-3yr, a shining star in the Dellia dynasty. As the daughter of Elmbridge Goldwyn Darling VG-88, she carries the legacy of excellence with grace, strength, and a pedigree that’s rewriting dairy history one generation at a time.

Get this: Darling has produced 28 brood stars. For you city slickers, that’s like having 28 kids who all grew up to be doctors or lawyers. It’s the cow equivalent of being a supermom. But she didn’t stop there. Oh no, this overachiever also gave birth to 9 EX daughters. Those are NINE daughters who scored excellent in confirmation. It’s like Serena Williams had nine daughters who all won Wimbledon.

All this genetic excellence didn’t go unnoticed. In 2014, Darling was crowned “BC Cow of the Year.” The entire province looked at all its cows and said, “Yep, this one’s the best we’ve got.” It’s like winning an Oscar but with more methane.

S-S-I Doc Have Not 8784-ET, a stunning descendant of the legendary Snow-N Denises Dellia. This EX-94, EX-96-MS Holstein has made headlines with her impressive genetic profile and record-breaking sale price of $1.925 million. With a GTPI of +2742 and a pedigree tracing back to Dellia, Doc 8784 embodies the perfect blend of type and genetic potential, cementing her status as a modern dairy icon.

The Global Impact: More Than Just Pretty Faces

You might wonder, “Why should I care about these glamour girls?” Well, let me tell you: These aren’t just pretty faces chewing cud. These cows are shaping the future of dairy farming worldwide.

Think about it. When a cow like DH Gold Chip Darling wins in Switzerland, it’s not just a blue ribbon for her owner. It’s a statement about what excellence looks like in dairy cattle. Farmers from the Alps to the Andes take notice. They ask, “How can I get Darling magic in my herd?”

And Elmbridge Goldwyn Darling? Her impact goes beyond her impressive personal achievements. Those 28 brood stars and 9 EX daughters? They’re out there, passing on their mother’s excellent genes to the next generation. It’s a genetic ripple effect improving herds across Canada and beyond.

S-S-I Doc Have Not 8783-ET, a direct descendant of the legendary Snow-N Denises Dellia. Classified EX-92, this powerhouse combines elite genetics with exceptional type and production. As part of Dellia’s enduring legacy, 8783 continues to shape the future of Holstein breeding, proving that greatness truly runs in the family.

The Five Million Dollar Question

So, what does this mean for the future of dairy farming? Well, my friends, that’s where things get interesting. We’re not just talking about prettier cows or bigger milk checks (though those are nice perks). We’re talking about a global revolution in dairy genetics.

These global ambassadors prove that Dellia’s influence isn’t confined to one farm, state, or country. It’s a worldwide phenomenon changing how we think about breeding, production, and what makes a truly excellent dairy cow.

Are you ready to see how these international superstars are shaping the future of your morning latte? Because trust me, after learning about these girls, you’ll never look at a glass of milk the same way again!

The Bottom Line

Snow-N Denises Dellia wasn’t just a cow; she was a genetic phenomenon that reshaped the dairy industry. Born from the “golden cross” of Walkway Chief Mark and Snow-N-Dorys Denise, Dellia shattered the either/or mentality of dairy breeding. She proved that a single cow could excel in production, conformation, longevity, and fertility—a combination once thought impossible. From her Grand Champion win at the 1991 Wisconsin Spring Show to becoming the cornerstone of Regancrest Farm, Dellia’s impact was immediate and profound.

But Dellia’s true greatness lies in her enduring legacy. Her sons—Durham, Die-Hard, and Million—became industry titans, revolutionizing everything from fertility traits to cheese merit rankings. Her daughters and granddaughters, like DH Gold Chip Darling and Sandy-Valley Planet Sapphire, took her genetics global, winning championships and setting new standards from Switzerland to Canada. Even in the genomic era of the 21st century, Dellia’s influence continues to shape modern dairy breeding, with her descendants excelling in robotic milking efficiency and cheese yield improvements.

Nearly four decades after her birth, Dellia’s genetic fingerprint remains indelible in dairy herds worldwide. She didn’t just raise the bar; she launched it into the stratosphere, challenging us to think bigger, breed smarter, and never settle for “good enough” in our pursuit of the perfect dairy cow. In a world where change is constant, and progress is measured in increments, Dellia represents a quantum leap—a paradigm shift on four legs that forever altered the course of dairy genetics. That’s why Snow-N Denise’s Dellia will always be remembered as one of the most excellent cows in dairy history, a testament to an exceptional animal’s extraordinary impact on an entire industry.

Key Takeaways

Born in 1986, Snow-N Denises Dellia revolutionized Holstein breeding
Result of the “golden cross” between Walkway Chief Mark and Snow-N Dorys Denise
Excelled in both production and type, breaking industry norms
Won Grand Champion at the 1991 Wisconsin Spring Show
Became the cornerstone of Regancrest Farm
Produced influential sons: Durham, Die-Hard, and Million
Her daughters and granddaughters won championships globally
Genetic influence spans from fertility traits to cheese merit rankings
Descendants excel in robotic milking efficiency, and cheese yield improvements
Impact still felt in dairy herds worldwide nearly four decades later
Considered one of the most influential cows in dairy history

Summary

Snow-N Denises Dellia, born in 1986 on Bob Snow’s Wisconsin farm, became a legend in Holstein breeding. The result of a “golden cross” between Walkway Chief Mark and Snow-N-Dorys Denise, Dellia shattered industry norms by excelling in production and type. Her impact was immediate, winning Grand Champion at the 1991 Wisconsin Spring Show before becoming the cornerstone of Regancrest Farm. Dellia’s sons, Durham, Die-Hard, and Million, revolutionized the industry with their fertility traits and cheese merit rankings. Her daughters and granddaughters, like DH Gold Chip Darling and Sandy-Valley Planet Sapphire, took her genetics global, winning championships from Switzerland to Canada. Even in today’s genomic era, Dellia’s influence persists, with her descendants excelling in robotic milking efficiency and cheese yield improvements. Nearly four decades after her birth, Dellia’s genetic legacy continues to shape dairy herds worldwide, cementing her status as one of the most influential cows in dairy history.

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Tags : dairy breeding revolution, dairy industry impact, global dairy champions, Holstein genetics, SNOW-N DENISES DELLIA

How Huronia Centurion Veronica 20J Redefined the Jersey Breed

Friday, July 19th, 2024

Explore how Huronia Centurion Veronica 20J revolutionized the Jersey breed. Uncover her remarkable life story, accompanied by insights from breeders and admirers. Discover the profound impact she had on the breed.

<a href="https://rss.com/podcasts/the-bullvine/1667468">E1- How Huronia Centurion Veronica 20J Redefined the Jersey Breed</a>

If one cow embodies excellence and leaves an indelible mark on the dairy industry, it’s Huronia Centurion Veronica 20J. Known to many as one of the greatest Jerseys ever, Veronica has racked up accolades that few can rival. Her achievements are legendary, with three consecutive grand champion titles at the World Dairy Expo from 2004 to 2006, and she was named supreme champion in 2006. This remarkable cow, bred by the Armstrong family of Huronia Jerseys in Ontario, Canada, and developed by Ernie Kueffner and Terri Packard and Arethusa Farms, has created a lasting legacy that’s felt across both the U.S. and international dairy communities.

The Genesis of a Breeding Masterpiece: Fred Armstrong’s Strategic Mating

It was a stroke of strategic brilliance that led to the creation of Veronica. Fred Armstrong, a recipient of Jersey Canada’s Master Breeder Award, made numerous great matings, with Veronica being the crowning glory of his respected career. In early 1998, Fred, his wife Ruth, and friends Murray and Pat Mellow purchased Genesis Renaissance Vivianne at the Jersey Canada Annual meeting. Bred by Ruth’s brother Paul and his spouse Virginia Warwick, Vivianne calved for the first time later that year, scoring VG-87 as a two-year-old.

An udder injury prevented Vivianne from advancing her score, but she eventually earned seven Stars as a Jersey Canada Star Brood Cow. The first mating of Vivianne was with American sire Sooner Centurion, who was bred at Cedarcrest Farm by the Rankin Family. Centurion’s sire, Soldier Boy Boomer Sooner of CJF, produced milky and racy daughters, while his dam, Magic Kava Kay Glover Ex-90, carried a high and wide rear udder. This combination created a fascinating genetic blend.

Veronica was one of the earlier Centurion daughters at Huronia. The Centurion mating was unique at the time because it crossed production on type, a departure from the norm where most breeders believed in one or the other and didn’t mix them. On the maternal side, Vivianne was sired by Hollylane Renaissance, known for the show style of his dam, Franken Monarch Rosel, a champion at the Royal and other shows. Renaissance daughters exhibited excellent body capacity, becoming more apparent with age.

The Centurion x Vivianne mating also produced other valuable full sisters to Veronica. Huronia Centurion Virginia rose to fame at Bridon Farms, earning an Ex-93-3E classification and nineteen stars as a Star Brood Cow. A third full sister, Huronia Cent Valentine, remained at Huronia, achieving nine production lactations, two Stars as a Brood Cow, and a Supreme Excellent 93-7E classification.

The value of these full sisters lies in Centurion’s siring ability and the productive lineage of the Virginia family at Swissbell Jerseys. Marlies Kaehli of SwissBell Jerseys comments, “I often wondered about all the great cows out there that “stayed in the barn” and never got noticed. This cow got noticed, sold, bred, and sold again. It’s how the stars aligned …for it was meant to be.”

“Dad was in the process of retiring, and I was finishing up studies at the University of Guelph. Paul and Virginia Warwick came by looking for foundation cows for their starting dairy herd, Genesis. Virginia was one of my dad’s other favorite girls, so he wanted to sell them what they wanted. Selling his cows to this young couple just started helping him cope that he needed to retire from milking cows,” adds Kaehli.

Vivianne’s background included five generations of productive, Excellent-scoring, long-lived cows. The Virginia family’s superb transmitting ability is evident in Veronica and extends through many other branches.

“They had the will to eat and milk and reproduce consistently,” comments Kaehli.

The mating of the production-bred sire Centurion with Vivianne, from a high-style yet hard-working family, resulted in the exceptional cow Veronica. Her story continues to unfold, showcasing the pinnacle of Jersey breeding excellence.

“Breeding a cow like Veronica is a dream come true for us, but it takes a lot of hard work to develop a cow to this level. We are grateful to everyone who helped Veronica to stardom.” Fred & Ruth Armstrong and Murray & Pat Mellow breeders of Veronica.

The Humble Beginnings of a Dairy Legend

Huronia Centurion Veronica 20J was born into a legacy that promised greatness. Veronica’s sire, Sooner Centurion, and her dam, Genesis Renaissance Vivianne, contributed to her exceptional genetic makeup. Veronica exhibited traits that set her apart from her peers from an early age. Her excellent conformation, dairy strength, and overall presence were indicators of her future potential. Breeders who observed her in her early days noted her remarkable balance of form and function, foreshadowing her later success in the show ring and advancing the Jersey breed. Even as a young heifer, Veronica’s promise was evident, capturing the attention and admiration of seasoned breeders and enthusiasts alike. Her journey inspired a deep connection and a sense of shared potential among those who followed her story.

After finishing 2nd as a fall calf at the Stratford Championship Show 2000, she caught the eye of Bridon Farms, Brian Sales, and sons Jeff, Brad, and Bruce after Bruce judged the show. Veronica was selling in the Royal sale later that year, where Bridon would end up purchasing her in calf to Juno.

The Path to Stardom: Veronica’s Formative Years

For Bridon, she placed third at the 2001 Royal as a Fall Yearling in Milk. People were starting to take an interest in Veronica as a milking yearling.

For Ernie Kueffner, the journey began with Premonition Grace. Intrigued by her potential, he and David Dyment visited Bridon Farms multiple times that Winter. As Kueffner observed, “David, look at this pretty little cow” as Veronica had caught his eye. Despite Dyment’s skepticism, Kueffner’s admiration grew with each visit. (Link to article on TP&EK).

During a conversation with Brian Sayles, Kueffner learned that the farm intended to keep her. However, while at a sale in California with Norman Nabholz and Brian Sayles, Kueffner could not get the “pretty little cow” out of his mind. This led to a pivotal moment. Determined to acquire the cow, Kueffner, with Nabholz’s encouragement, made an all-cash offer to Sayles.

“I remember putting the Veronica deal together with Ernie and Brian Sayles in California during one of Hank Van Exel’s sales. We were a few thousand dollars apart, which was my commission, and Ernie wanted the cow, and Bridon wanted the extra few thousand. Ernie agreed to pay me, and Brian got what he wanted, and we enjoyed the sunshine. Deal done,” commented Nabholz. (Link to article on NN).

Noted cattleman and Veronica’s caretaker at Arethusa, Richard Caverly recalled, “I humbly admit, with apologies to Veronica, that it was not “true love at first sight” for me. I did appreciate the cow, yet in a barn filled with great cattle, my vision of her greatness on that day was perhaps the biggest underestimation of my life! It did not take long for Veronica to change my mind. I returned to Paris to bring her to the U.S. When I left the Bridon, I called Gary Bowers, who introduced me to Jersey greatness. The first words out of my mouth were, “You are not going to believe this”! I told him how Veronica looked truly amazing. That is a telephone call I shall never forget about a cow that always makes you remember!”. (Link to article on RC)

Many enthusiasts remember Harrisburg that fall 2002. Upon arrival, Terri and Ernie asked Nabholz if he would “take a test drive with Veronica as she could be a handful at times and had a mind of her own.” The tryout went very well, so he led her in class. At the time, Nabholz owned a cow with Waverly, who was in the same class, so it was a bit touchy. As the class progressed, Veronica and Nabholz were pulled in first. “On our trip to the middle, Veronica dropped her head, and when she did, the halter came off in my hand,” comments Nabholz. Veronica made a victory lap or two before being captured. “Of course, Paul Stiles had to rub it in, bless his heart,” Nabholz laments.

In 2002, Veronica’s development went into overdrive, and she became a show-stopping senior two-year-old. Chris “Flash” Hill was judging the Jersey show at the World Dairy Expo. Veronica would be named Reserve Grand Champion at that show as just a two-year-old to Champion Blacky Rose of Briarcliffs, exhibited by Justin Burdette, Norm Nabholz, and Waverly Farm of Clearbrook, Virginia. But it was not that simple, given Veronica’s history of taking Nobholz for a Run and “Flash’s” love for drama, Nabholz was scared he would be going for a long run, so when Hill came up and just gently tapped Veronica, Nabholz was greatly relieved that she did not take out the whole front row of railbirds.

“Although Veronica never escaped again, I always respected her independent attitude. I was also a bit more than scared that if she didn’t take a liking to me, she would bail on me! So I begged (I mean begged) to have a ring put in her nose, which Ernie begrudgingly did before her four-year-old year. This was prompted by seeing her toss Justin Burdette like a feather at the original Legends of the Fall sale in Maryland. I could only imagine what she would do to me in front of a crowd at Madison. The little plastic nose band worked, and from then on, I would have to say Veronica was one of the neatest cows I have ever led. Showing Veronica and being eye-to-eye with her is quite an experience. She is one of the smartest cows ever put on this earth.” comments Nabholz.

She wowed them at Louisville…again, being named Reserve to “Blacky”, and then made her final voyage to Canada in mid-November 2002. Russell Gammon remembers it like yesterday, even though it was 22 years ago. “To this day, I can still remember the thrill that tingled inside when I got close to the merging superstar in the Royal ring. From a distance, this young cow was impressive. “Up close and personal, ‘amazing’ came nowhere close to describing her wonders! Those sharp, wide, flat-boned, angled ribs, correct let set and beyond smokin’ udder – in addition to her indefinable and palpable presence all let one know: ‘You are in the presence of present and future greatness.'”

The Indomitable Spirit: Veronica’s Unyielding Determination and Triumphs

‘After being dry for the 2003 show season and selling for $86,000 to the partnership of Kueffner, Packard, and Mike & Julie Duckett in the Legends of the Fall Sale, Veronica calved again in June 2004. By this time, Terri Packard and Ernie Kueffner were managing Arethusa Farm full-time and had moved their herd to Connecticut. Arethusa co-owner George Malkemus III had been allowed to purchase Veronica when she stopped at Arethusa Farm in the spring of 2002 but declined, stating that he could not buy a Jersey because he wanted all the cows to be black and white like the farm buildings. After seeing Veronica’s success in 2002, George was ready to make an exception, and Arethusa purchased Veronica.

Veronica and Norm did some leading practice at Madison in 2004 to see how they would get along with the new nose ring. After a while, they headed back toward the barn door, and Norm tried to stop her, but it didn’t happen. Veronica forced her head down and broke the nose strap of the halter. Then she calmly walked into the barn and turned left into her spot in the lineup.

A few days later, she not only won her first Grand Championship honor under Judge Mike Deaver but also went to battle with herdmate and eventual Supreme Champion Hillcroft Leader Melanie, who was also purchased by Arethusa on that same trip by Kueffner and Caverly that Veronica was. This iconic moment still ranks among the greatest in World Dairy Expo History.

In 2005, Norman Nabholz, Veronica’s usual dance partner, was named the judge for the show at the World Dairy Expo. “As fun as it was showing Veronica, judging her was not a piece of cake. Thank god for associates. When judging Veronica at Madison in 2005, I couldn’t have asked for a better associate than Jeff Sayles. In the class, after we had seen them all, Jeff and I met in the middle and talked about the cows. Veronica had been milking for a while but still looked good. The ring is long, so Jeff and I just pulled our first lineup when we came to them. Veronica was partway around the ring and got to the lineup third. When we looked over the first pull, Jeff was adamant that Veronica win and gave me a perfect set of reasons as to why, getting somewhat graphic. Finally, I said, “If you like her so well, go slap her out,” which he did very quickly. For the champion, we faced Veronica milking for a long time, and Griffin was just fresh. Looking at two of my all-time favorite cows, both of which I had sold, and both were great, my buddy Jeff politely informed me that I was on my own for that one. Veronica won, and to this day, I don’t know of two greater cows put together for Grand & Reserve. Mike Deaver had done the same thing with the pair the year before,” recalls Nabholz.

In 2006, Veronica arrived in Madison on Saturday, showing signs of illness by Sunday afternoon. On Monday, the decision was made to take her to UW-Madison Vet Hospital. With a nervous Matt Engel driving the truck and trailer, Jamie Envick rode in the back with Veronica (talk about strange looks from the kids on campus). For the next 40 hours, Ralph Gushee and Envick catered to Veronica’s every need. Envick remembers milking her on Tuesday for the slim possibility of showing her on Wednesday and clipping her udder at the vet hospital late Tuesday night. Ernie and Terri visited late Tuesday night, and we planned to talk at 4 am. Early Wednesday morning, her appetite started to pick up, and she began to make milk again. After talking to Ernie, Ralph came to the Vet Hospital to pick up Veronica. During this time, rumors were circulating on the World Dairy Expo grounds that Veronica was dead. Although the doctors at the vet hospital could not pinpoint the cause of Veronica’s illness, Veronica did make it back to the show. Returning to the grounds sparked her fire; she knew it was show time! After Danhof made the final fitting preparations, they took her outside for one last look. After some discussion and voting by a group, the final decision was made. “Send her!” Veronica never looked back. She put her head up high and knew she was going to the ring. She would win her class and be named Grand Champion; even more remarkable was that she was named Supreme Champion three days later.

Terri Packard Reflects on the Poignant Days at the World Dairy Expo in 2006

Terri Packard reflects on the poignant days at the World Dairy Expo in 2006, sharing, “There’s a story about a song that played while Veronica was in her class in 2006—following all the drama and near-death experience. I went to the ring to watch—essentially to support her. As usual, Ernie did not go. So, I stood alone at the rail, watching when she was pulled. The moment was already emotionally charged, but the accordion player began his next song, the old hymn ‘His Eye is on the Sparrow and I Know He Watches Me.’ I swallowed hard and had to leave immediately. It’s a beautiful hymn, and the lyrics were fitting that day. Yet, the rest of the story is that my aunt had sung that exact song at my dad’s funeral just 100 days earlier. I was shaken up, but I also felt a sense of peace or relief after the emotional highs and lows of the previous six days—from Supreme Champion at Harrisburg to that moment. I knew she would be okay, and we did our best for her.

My dad had come to the Expo—his only trip—in 2004. He had been diagnosed with cancer earlier that year but never told my mother because she was so ill. She passed away in May of that year. A close friend insisted on bringing him to Madison to witness the show he had heard so much about and to see the cows his children were working with. My brother David was also a crucial part of our team, and my sister was also part of the crew that year. So, he got to experience the big Supreme sweep with all three of us. So, he got to experience the big Supreme sweep with all three of us. Standing in the coliseum two years later, I felt he was watching over us again. Recalling that song makes the hair on my arms stand up.” (Read more about Terrie and her accomplishments – Terri Packard: When you build it…they do come)

Unprecedented Achievements at the Spring Dairy Carousel and Beyond

Despite being allergic to FSH, Veronica was a prolific flush cow. As IVF was just in its infancy, Veronica was among the first cows to follow these protocols and responded exceptionally well.

At the Spring Dairy Carrousel in April 2008, Veronica and her progeny had a day that may never be matched. Four of the Furor ‘reindeer’ competed as Senior 2-year-olds and placed 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, with Prancer named Reserve Intermediate Champion and Dasher Honorable Mention. Veronica was named Grand Champion, and her daughters and granddaughters brought home the Premier Breeder Banner for Arethusa Farm.

In June 2008, Veronica scored Excellent-97 point cow, a prestigious accomplishment in any breed. A month later, Arethusa Farm hosted the record-setting Global Glamour sale. A choice of three daughters of Veronica sold as the only “colored breed” consignment. Signature Valeda was sold to Stephen Piotrkowski, and Sherona Hill purchased Primetime Viola as the second pick. Veronica’s popularity with breeders of all colors or breeds was evident in the attention she received during the Open House.

Veronica’s Legacy Thrives Through Her Extensive Daughter’s Lineup

Arethusa Response Vivid EX-96

Veronica’s legacy thrives through her extensive progeny and continually excels in competitions, bolstering her stellar reputation. Among her 110 registered sons and daughters, many have left unforgettable marks in the show circuit, epitomizing the high standards of the Jersey breed. Standouts among her offspring include her four EX-95 daughters: Elliots Golden Vista, Arethusa Primetime Déjà Vu, Arethusa Veronicas Dasher, and Arethusa Veronicas Comet. Additionally, her EX-96 daughter, Arethusa Response Vivid, not only claimed the Grand Champion title at the World Dairy Expo in 2012 but was also the Reserve Supreme Champion. In 2012, she was also Grand Champion at the Royal.

The achievements of Veronica’s family don’t stop there. In 2012, her descendants triumphed in five milking classes at the World Dairy Expo, and in 2014, her maternal granddaughters maintained the winning streak with top positions in several milking classes. She also had four of Veronica’s daughters in the class. Beyond these show wins, Veronica’s daughters and granddaughters have garnered numerous All-American awards. Veronica’s impact is profoundly felt. Her daughters and granddaughters have consistently dominated the competition, bringing home prestigious titles year after year. Notably, Veronica herself has been recognized as the dam of the All-American Produce for an impressive streak spanning 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. This recognition underscores her unmatched contribution to the breed, cementing her legacy across multiple generations.

Veronica’s Contributions to the A.I. Industry: A Legacy Beyond the ShowRing

Veronica’s contributions to artificial insemination (A.I.) have been as significant as her achievements in the show ring. With 20 sons making their mark in the A.I. world, her legacy extends far beyond her daughters and granddaughters. Notable names like Vindication, Verbatim, and Voltage stand out among her sons, each profoundly impacting show ring results.

Vindication, sired by Whistler, has produced numerous show ring stars, including Milo Vindication Season EX-94, a three-time milking class winner at the World Dairy Expo. This impressive lineage continued with her daughter, Elliotts Sterling Impression-ET, the 2014 Reserve Junior Champion of the same prestigious event.

Verbatim and Voltage, both equally influential, have also sired champions. Voltage, a Golden Boy son, is the sire of South Mountain Voltage Spice EX-94, who claimed the title of Supreme Champion at the World Dairy Expo Junior Show in 2011. Verbatim’s descendants continue to grace the show ring, contributing to Veronica’s legacy.

Veronica’s sons’ consistent quality and excellence in A.I. programs underline her remarkable genetic influence on the dairy industry, ensuring her prominent place in the annals of dairy cattle breeding.

Since her passing in 2016, Veronica’s impact on the Jersey breed remains profound. Visitors and dairy enthusiasts continually celebrate her contributions, ensuring her influence endures for future generations of dairy cattle. Her ability to produce elite progeny has advanced her genetic legacy and set a benchmark for excellence within the Jersey breed. Consequently, Veronica’s descendants remain highly sought after by top purebred herds, continuing to shape and inspire the dairy industry.

Unforgettable Memories: Veronica’s Legacy Through the Eyes of Her Caretakers

“Veronica’s diet plan at a show was the opposite of most milk cows. ‘Curbing her eating’ was as much of a battle as getting a good fill on the other cows. -We marked the feed pans at the shows with the cows’ names, but there was no question about which pan was hers! It had many scrapes and teeth marks from her aggressive nature,” – David Packard

“How smart she is – she knows that barn schedule and the employees!” – Jodi & Ryan Calkins.

“Veronica never walks but prances as if on parade all the time. She has a zest for life I’ve never seen in any other animal I’ve worked with, which covers many great cows. Working with this cow is a true privilege.” – Lafie Keaton.

“I wouldn’t call Veronica mean. She has a mind of her own and knows what she wants. If it doesn’t fall in line with what you want, that’s when there’s a disagreement.” – Kari Behling.

“She turns ordinary moments into sensational memories” – Shannon Dwyer.

Reflections from Terri Packard and Ernie Kueffner: Veronica’s Champions and Admirers

Terri Packard and Ernie Kueffner, two extremely pivotal contributors to Veronica’s success and her biggest admirers, share these thoughts about Veronica: “Most cows and people are lucky to have ONE shining moment. Her life was full of them. And just when we thought she had done it all, there was a new accomplishment….she rewrote the ‘appraisal’ rules twice, came back to life at Expo, had three granddaughters win milking classes there four years later, put four Produces of one cow in the ring at the same time at the greatest show in the world – what other “show cow” did that? We could go on and on. She gave us some funny stories, too. She took a few big guys for rides at a sale in 2003, Norman truly “showed herself” off at Harrisburg once, eyed up Steve White at Louisville, and there are so many more. She drew people to her. All you had to do was stand behind her at a show – even when she was older – and watch the people, the parents explaining to their kids who she was, the breeders that would never have considered owning a Jersey until they saw her. She captivated people and changed their perspective. As Kari Behling said, “She turned my black-and-white world into one with a little more color.” This is her greatest accomplishment in my mind – her legacy. She lived to see herself crowned the Greatest Jersey of all time. She taught us about passion, patience, persistence, and more. We are changed people for knowing her. We were in the presence of the Queen. She carried herself with that air and expected to get what she wanted! What a blessing to be part of HER life.”

The Bottom Line

Huronia Centurion Veronica 20J represents a monumental force whose influence has reshaped the Jersey breed. Her ascent from modest origins to the zenith of dairy legend exemplifies the transformative power of resilience, unparalleled genetic prowess, and the fusion of visionary breeding with meticulous care and management. Veronica’s legacy will unquestionably continue to inspire and direct future generations within the Jersey community. Her lineage stands not only as a historical touchstone but also as a blueprint for excellence and tenacity.

Key Takeaways:

Veronica 20J played a pivotal role in transforming the Jersey breed through her remarkable genetic contributions.
Her breeding resulted from Fred Armstrong’s meticulous planning, leading to a lineage renowned for exceptional traits.
Despite her modest beginnings, Veronica’s unyielding determination propelled her to the pinnacle of dairy excellence.
She achieved unparalleled success at prestigious events, such as the Spring Dairy Carousel, solidifying her legacy.
Veronica’s extensive progeny, particularly her daughters, continues to influence and elevate the Jersey breed worldwide.
Beyond the show ring, Veronica’s genetic impact is substantial in the Artificial Insemination (A.I.) industry.
Her caregivers, including Terri Packard and Ernie Kueffner, recall cherished memories and her indomitable spirit.

Summary:

Huronia Centurion Veronica 20J, a legendary cow, has significantly impacted the dairy industry. She won three grand champion titles at the World Dairy Expo from 2004 to 2006 and was named supreme champion in 2006. Veronica was bred by the Armstrong family of Huronia Jerseys in Ontario, Canada, and developed by Ernie Kueffner, Terrie Packard, and Arethusa Farms. Fred Armstrong, a recipient of Jersey Canada’s Master Breeder Award, made numerous great matings with Veronica. In 1998, Fred Armstrong purchased Genesis Renaissance Vivianne, which scored VG-87 as a two-year-old. Despite an udder injury, she earned seven Stars as a Jersey Canada Star Brood Cow. Veronica’s descendants have consistently dominated the competition, bringing home prestigious titles year after year. Notable offspring include Elliots Golden Vista, Arethusa Primetime Déjà Vu, Arethusa Veronicas Dasher, and Arethusa Veronicas Comet. Since her passing in 2016, her profound impact on the Jersey breed remains profound.

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Glenridge Citation Roxy: The Legendary “Queen of the Breed”

Friday, July 12th, 2024

Explore the remarkable legacy of Glenridge Citation Roxy, the pioneering cow who achieved unprecedented milestones. Discover how she set new benchmarks in genetic excellence within the dairy breeding industry.

The dairy industry has seen many extraordinary cows, but Glenridge Citation Roxy stands out as the “Queen of the Breed.” She was born over 50 years ago and ushered in a new era for the Holstein breed. Her remarkable lineage and achievements have left a lasting mark on dairy farming worldwide. Bob Miller and Pete Heffering have become legends in the breeding industry with their achievements. The transmitting strength of this family lies predominantly in the female line. No other Holstein family has provided more EX cows than the Roxys. Still today, every significant sale catalog features at least one female descendant of Roxy, showcasing her enduring influence. Join us as we explore her achievements, exceptional genetic lineage, and lasting legacy in the Holstein breed.

The Birth and Rise of Glenridge Citation Roxy: A Legacy Begins

Glenridge Citation Roxy was born on the Lorne Loveridge farm at Grenfell, Saskatchewan, on April 15, 1968. Lorne, who took over management of the farm in 1957, bought the herd and changed the prefix from Norton Court to Glenridge in tribute to his wife, Glenna Loveridge. Loveridge switched to R names for Vee’s offspring (Reba, Roxy, and Rocket) instead of continuing with V names, claiming he was “too dumb” to come up with any more V names.

The seeds of the Roxy story began with youth programs and the Royal in the early 50s. As a kid from Quebec, Millar was at the Royal Winter Fair in 1951 for the 4-H dairy judging contest when he saw an impressive cow named Glenvue Nettie Jemima. Jemima would later become the dam of a bull named Rosafe Citation R. Lorne Loveridge, as a kid from Saskatchewan, was at the Royal a year later in the 4-H small grains judging contest. He was able to sneak away from competition long enough to be blown away by the quality of the Holsteins he saw and went home to convince his dad to use frozen semen and A.I. to improve the family’s herd. One of the first bulls they used was Roeland Reflection Sovereign, the sire of a cow named Norton Court Reflection Vale, Roxy’s dam.

Rosafe Citation R, Roxy’s sire, was purchased as a bull calf for $30,000 by the Ontario Association of Animal Breeders at the 1958 Sale of Stars in Toronto. This acquisition stemmed from the strategic foresight of H.J. Wilcox, who had bought Citation R’s dam, Glenvie Nettie Jemima (EX-13*), hoping she would bear a son. Citation R was aggressively utilized at $7.00 per service, significantly higher than the norm. Despite being a Red Carrier, initially viewed as a drawback, Citation R’s progeny excelled, particularly his daughters, who dominated the show ring. In 1961, Citation R was sold to Santa Monica Ranch in Mexico for $33,000, only to have his semen later repatriated due to high demand in Canada and the US. This timely return facilitated the breeding of Norton Court Model Vee, Roxy’s dam, in 1967, blending top-tier genetics that would lead to the birth of Glenridge Citation Roxy. Notably, Vee’s lineage traced back to remarkable ancestry, including A.B.C. Reflection Sovereign, while her dam, Norton Court Reflection Vale (VG-4*), underscored this genetic treasure trove. Together, these lines culminated in Roxy, an unparalleled bovine legacy.

Roxy also had strong ties to Wisconsin Fobes, partly through the Chip of Nettie & Aaggie cross, enhancing her prestigious lineage. Her maternal line began with Ottile 8807 H.H.B., imported from Holland by B.B. Lord & Son in 1883, and Vrouka 448 C.H.B., brought to America by Holman & Collamer in 1884. These cows were instrumental in shaping Roxy’s pedigree.

As a calf, Roxy was a tall, gangly heifer that didn’t attract much attention until she calved for the second time. At this point, Doug Blair and Lowell Lindsay noticed her. Blair, part owner of Western Breeders’ Services (forerunner to Alta Genetics), and Lindsay, sire procurement officer for United Breeders, were both overwhelmed by her. They contemplated a joint purchase but couldn’t meet Loveridge’s asking price. Enter Bob Miller, a Canadian-born cattle photographer who had immigrated to the US and established the Mill-R-Mor herd. Summoned to photograph Roxy and her dam Vee, Miller had been searching for a cow family with specific requirements: type, production, and longevity. Roxy and her family checked all the boxes for Miller, but he didn’t purchase her immediately. Later, Roxy gained recognition as Reserve Grand Champion at the 1972 Canadian Western Agribition and was nominated for All-Canadian consideration in 1973.

In 1973, Bob Miller bought Roxy and a half interest in her dam, moving them to Illinois, where they continued to thrive. Subsequently, Roxy, her dam, her grand-dam Vale, and her three-quarter sister Glenridge Emperor Rocket (EX-96-3E) were moved to Mil-R-Mor in Illinois, where promotion and marketing were more feasible.

Achieving Unprecedented Success Under Miller’s Stewardship

In Miller’s hands, Roxy made four records over 1,000 lbs. fat, reaching 26,470 lbs. milk, 4.4% fat in her best year. Her career total was 209,784 lbs. milk, 4.5%, 9,471 lbs. fat, rounding out three generations of 200,000-lb. Producers. A rare Holstein to classify 97 points, Roxy earned a 4E rating at 12 years of age. Her show record included All-Illinois honors (1976-1979), a win in the dry-aged class at the 1979 Central National Show, and two All-Canadian nominations. She was part of eight All-American and All-Canadian groups, and with Glenridge Emperor Rocket, became All-Time All-American produce in 1984.

Unanimous Acclaim: The Legendary Assessments of Glenridge Citation Roxy

Between them, Andy Clawson and Avery Stafford have classified over 1,000,000 cows. Their assessments of Glenridge Citation Roxy are nothing short of legendary. Clawson, the classifier who initially scored Roxy with an impressive 96 points, declared, “Roxy was closer to perfection than any cow I ever scored,” underscoring her unparalleled quality. Avery Stafford, who elevated her score to an extraordinary 97 points two years later, echoed this sentiment unequivocally. “Roxy was the best cow who had ever come before me,” Stafford remarked, establishing her status as a pinnacle in the field.

R.F. Brown, known for developing Green Elms Echo Christina, stated, “Roxy was the best I have ever seen,” a high compliment from someone recognized for his discerning eye and high standards.

Roxy captured public affection, winning titles such as Queen of the Breed I & II, Top Cow of the Century, and International Cow of the Century, decided by popular vote in breed magazines.

A Milestone in Bovine Excellence: Roxy’s Unmatched Legacy and Ubiquity

Roxy was the first cow with ten daughters classified Excellent. Achieved 4E-97-GMD and became a 3rd generation 200,000-lb. Milk producer. Member of eight All-American, All-Canadian, or Reserve All-Canadian groups. The Roxy family is everywhere, consistently appearing in sale catalogs and maintaining their proper type and high milk production legacy.

Miller recognized the potential of embryo transfer, a budding technology at the time, and Roxy produced 30 embryos along with three natural offspring. She had 20 daughters, becoming the first cow to have ten Excellent daughters—16 of her daughters eventually scored Excellent, with additional Excellent and Very Good offspring.

Seven of Roxy’s daughters earned Gold Medals, contributing to a cow family of exceptional persistence. There are 50 direct maternal lines of at least four generations of Excellent descending from Roxy. Her 16 Excellent daughters produced 34 Excellent daughters; these 34 had 52 Excellent daughters, who then had 48 Excellent daughters—virtually a nonstop excellence-producing family.

Their consistency as breeders is remarkable. Extensive research reveals an impressive lineage: over 381 Roxy descendants have achieved EX status, tracing directly back to Glenridge Citation Roxy. This legacy expands exponentially when considering the progeny of her sons. A standout in perpetuating this excellence is Gloryland Lana Rae EX-94-2E-USA DOM. An impressive 16 out of Lana Rae’s 21 classified daughters have reached EX status, with an average score of 90.9 points. Lana Rae descends from an exceptional line: an EX Lindy daughter of Hanoverhill Tony Rae EX-96-2E, following Hanoverhill TT Roxette EX-94-2E USA, then back to Roxette.

Good udders, feet, legs, great frames, and diligent milk production mark the Roxy legacy. These cows are healthy, fertile, and resilient, rebounding from stress and not “knuckling under” as some do.

Roxy’s Most Outstanding Daughter Mil-R-Mor Roxette (EX-30*)

Until 1977, Bob Miller had never sold a daughter. He relented that year when he consigned Roxy’s Elevation daughter to the National Convention Sale in Columbus, Ohio. She was Mil-R-Mar Roxette, born on Valentine’s Day the year before and sold openly. Peter Heffering purchased 17 heads, ringing up a bill of $207,600. Among the cattle purchased was J.P.G. Standout Kandy, the top seller at $41,000, and Mulder Elevation Mazie. He also bought Mil-R-Mar Roxette for $25,000, the third highest price of the sale.

R Peter Heffering commented, “We felt that Roxy was one of the breed’s great cows and probably the best daughter of Citation R. Elevation was making a lot of good offspring, so when the Elevation heifer was coming up for sale at the National Convention Sale, we bought her as a foundation female for the herd. Roxette flushed well and became one of Roxy’s strongest transmitting daughters.”

After the sale, Miller raised objections regarding the investor’s terms. A rumor persists that the transaction nearly collapsed. However, years later, Miller expressed his gladness that Roxette ended up at Hanover Hill. Roxette’s son, Hanoverhill Raider (EX-Extra), is sired by Hanoverhill Starbuck (EX-Extra) and ranks among the top Hanover Hill bulls.

Her notable daughters include:

Hanover-Hill Astra Roxie (EX-GMD) This Paclamar Astronaut’s daughter recorded six consecutive records over 22,000 lbs. milk and 1,000 lbs. fat. She was the dam of three Excellent and three Very Good daughters, including Hanoverhill TTA Roxie (EX), one of the first cows to produce over 50,000 lbs. milk in Canada with her record of 52,879 lbs. milk, 2,200 lbs. fat, and 1,801 lbs. protein in 365 days.
Hanoverhill TT Roxette-ET (EX-94-2E-GMD-DOM) Roxette’s Triple Threat daughter was sold for $37,000 in the 1989 Hanover Hill Dispersal. She made 31,790 lbs. milk, 1,303 lbs. fat, and 961 lbs. protein at six years. Her daughter, Hanoverhill Tony Rae, became grand champion at the 1992 Western Spring National and the 1993 Western National. Tony Rae left nine Excellent and 13 Very Good daughters. One of her notable descendants was Scientific Debutante Rae (EX).
Hanoverhill Star Roxy (EX-92-3E-GMD-DOM) She was Roxette’s Hanoverhill Starbuck daughter and a full sister to Hanoverhill Raider. As a four-year-old, she produced 31,779 lbs. milk, 1,393 lbs. fat, and 1,054 lbs. protein and left behind six Excellent daughters. One of her exceptional daughters, Hanover-Hill-R MSCT Roxy (EX-93), was sold for $40,000 in the 1998 Hanover Hill Dispersal.
Hanover-Hill-R Rhonda-TW (EX-94-4E-GMD-DOM) Rhonda, Star Roxy’s Leadman daughter, mothered Hanover-Hill-R MI Rochelle-RC (EX-93), who was dam to Sir Ridgedale Rustler-Red (EX-95). Rustler was exceptionally popular in Germany.
Mil-R-Mor Toprox-ET (EX-94-3E-GMD): This highest-record daughter of Glenridge Citation Roxy produced 43,660 lbs. of milk, 5.3% fat, and 3.4% protein. Described by Mary Briggs of Brigeen Farms as healthy and fertile, Toprox was known for her temperance and capacity—a monument at Mil-R-Mor farm honors Glenridge Citation Roxy’s remarkable achievements and contributions.

Roxy’s Descendants Continue to Make an Impact

Roxy’s descendants continue to make an impact. Their consistency as breeders is remarkable. Breeders who invested in Roxy’s lineage developed strong lines under varied management conditions. Notable descendants still making an impact include:

Golden-Oaks Champ Rae EX-93

Ms Crushable Carolina
Reserve Intermediate Champion World Dairy Expo 2022
(Crushabull x GOLDEN OAKS BY CHARLOTTE ET EX 90 x GOLDEN-OAKS MCC CHARLINA-ET EX-90
x GOLDEN-OAKS ATWD CHARLA-ET EX-93 x GOLDEN-OAKS CHAMP RAE-ET EX-93)

(Calbrett-I H H Champion x Scientific Beauty Rae RC EX-90 x Scientific Jubilant Rae RC EX-90 x Hanoverhill Tony Rae EX-96 x Hanoverhill TT Roxette EX-94 x Mil-R-Mor Roxette EX x Glenridge Citation Roxy EX-97)
Champ Rae, a foundation dam bred at Golden-Oaks Farm in Wauconda, Illinois, has 47 US-class daughters, with 17 scored VG and 19 EX. Many of these daughters have achieved top records of 35,000-40,000 lb. (18,144 kg) of milk. The dam’s fame is spreading internationally, with Spanish AI Ascol testing Byway son Tec Laureles Sanmames out of granddaughter Charlina. The dam’s daughters and granddaughters have performed well, with Golden-Oaks Sid Charlise VG-87, now at Cherry Crest Holsteins in Canada, and Golden-Oaks Atwood Chloe EX-92 from Cranehill Genetics and Long-Haven Sid Carla EX-94 from Oakfield Corners Dairy. New York’s Kings-Ransom Farm hosts three special sisters: Kings-Ransom Cleavage, Cleo, and Kings-Ransom Epic Cassie, each with EX-94 scores. Jeff King, manager at Golden-Oaks Farm, praises Champ Rae’s enormous frame and her sisters’ functional and productive nature, stating that they give lots of milk with a high-fat test and require minimal attention. The goal is to combine Champ Rae descendants with high-type sires, sacrificing as little as possible for fitness traits and longevity.

Gloryland-I Goldwyn Locket EX-94

Walkerbrae Doorman Locket EX95
HM All American 5yr old 2018
Nominated AA and AC Junior 3 2016
Doormand x GLORYLAND-I GOLDWYN LOCKET 2E94

(Braedale Goldwyn x Gloryland Lakota Rae VG-88 x Gloryland Lana Rae EX-94 x Scientific Liza Rae EX-90 x Hanoverhill Tony Rae EX-96 x Mil-R-Mor Roxette EX x Glenridge Citation Roxy EX-97)
Bred by David Tait, goes back to Hanoverhill Tony Rae EX-96. Locket, classified EX-94, through Scientific Liza Rae EX-90 and the notable Gloryland Lana Rae EX-94. Lana, distinguished for her superb udder quality and excellent feet, produced 32 daughters, with 22 achieving EX status, including the illustrious Gloryland Lexie Rae EX-96 and Gloryland Liberty Rae EX-95, who commanded $410,000 in 2008. Locket’s exceptional genetics originated from the Canadian Crasdale herd of Brian Craswell, who produced Locket and her full sister through embryo transfers. Bert Tuytel later acquired a share in Locket.

Brigeen-C Integrit Robin EX-95

Dirigo-Conant Gold Rissa-ET (Ex-91)
1st Aged Cow, BU and Hon. Mention Champion Louisville 2012
Her dam is Brigeen-C Integrit Robin-ET (Ex-95)

(Robthom Integrity x C Haselmere Prelude Rhoda EX-91 x Brigeen Southwind Rhonda VG-88 x Mil-R-Mor SWD Rockette VG-86 x Mil-R-Mor Toprox EX-94 x Glenridge Citation Roxy EX-97)
In 1985, the Briggs family from Brigeen in Maine bolstered their herd by selecting six members of the Roxy family. Among them was Mil-R-Mor Toprox, a Hilltop Apollo Ivanhoe daughter from Roxy, who set records with figures of 43,660 lbs of milk at 5.3% fat. Toprox was the highest classified at EX-94. The group also included two Valiant heifers who matured into highly regarded cows. A partnership with David Saunders from Canada led to the purchasing of a Southwind heifer, which eventually scored EX-91 and produced the EX-91 Prelude heifer sold at the Maine State Sale in 1999 named Brigeen-C Integrit Robin. Robin, acquired by Steve Keene and Duane Conant, was flushed to Emory before the sale, resulting in notable offspring like Brigeen Emory Raisa EX-92, a Grand Champion in 2005. Robin’s legacy continued with her daughter, Brigeen Convincer Rhonda EX-95, who also became a champion. Brigeen Atwood Regina EX-90 is a standout, holding a national fat record. Robin’s influence extended globally with exports to Japan and Europe, where her descendants continued to excel, including Ladys-Manor Celebrity EX-94 and Plant-Tree Robin EX-90, solidifying the enduring excellence of the Roxy family.

Sancy MAHOU
Grand Champion SUMMIT of Breeding 2021
(Diamondback x Destry x Barbwire mahogany red EX92 x Scientific (Storm)Mahogany Red EX-90-USA x Scientific Jubilant Rae *RC EX-90-USA x Hanoverhill Tony Rae EX-96-USA 3E x Hanoverhill TT Roxette EX-94-USA 2E x Mil-R-Mor Roxette EX-90 )

Liddlehome Beemer Rockstar Et EX 92
(Beemer x Liddlehome-R Durham Rhonda Et EX 95 xMiss Ridgedale Rhonda Et EX 92 x Hanover-Hill-R Rhonda EX 94 x Hanover-Hill Star Roxy Et EX 92 x A Mil-R Mor Roxette EX 90 xGLENRIDGE CITATION ROXY ET EX 97)

The Bottom Line

Glenridge Citation Roxy’s legacy intertwines excellence and remarkable influence. Her outstanding EX 97-point classification and the groundbreaking achievement of producing Excellent daughters established her lineage as a cornerstone in the dairy industry. Born over 50 years ago, Roxy inaugurated a transformative era for the Holstein breed. Renowned breeders like Bob Miller and Pete Heffering have become legends due to their work with her progeny. The strength of Roxy’s lineage is evident in her female descendants, with no other Holstein family producing more EX cows. Numerous branches of this family continue to excel globally. Still today, every significant sales catalog features at least one female descendant of Roxy, highlighting her lasting influence. She truly is the Queen of the Breed.