Barn-appropriate attire has certainly changed over the years. Overalls, coveralls, boots and the iconic farm hat have defined ‘looking like a farmer’. The options available are weatherproof, waterproof and, if I had my way, they would be smell-proof and self-cleaning too. Regardless of what dairy folks choose to work in, we make our choices of what’s appropriate based on the job we are doing. There are no extra points given for fashion when cleaning stalls, filling feed bunkers or helping with a calf delivery in pouring rain in a muddy field. Dust, dirt and manure are ever present and ready to turn our country fresh style into downright dank and dirty.
While most dairy folks make excellent clothes choices for barn conditions, the ones we make in public, at meetings or in the show rings are sometimes questionable. What side of the fashion line are you on?
Ring, Booth and Barn Clothes are Broadcasting Your Farm Message
Clothes make a strong visual statement regardless of the industry you work in. Comfort and serviceability, boots and barn hats may serve their purpose in the barn. Unfortunately, some might think wearing them directly to a meeting not only saves time but sends a message that you’re a hard working dairy professional. Well. Not so much. You want your co-workers and potential customers to take you seriously. They should not smell where you’re coming from.
Should Farmers Dress for Success?
Yes, they should. Something as superficial as how you’re dressed does make a difference. Is there something clinging to your boots or pants from your last walk through the barn. Does your grooming and basic hygiene suggest that you have become “nose blind” to those country smells that city folk are not so familiar with? Maybe we are too familiarized with the messy side of our work day and forget that the uninitiated, who are also dairy consumers, are a little more fidgety about where there food comes from and what and who it comes into contact with. We have all seen how bad publicity over animal treatment can reflect on an entire industry. Wardrobe malfunctions can hurt too. It is always better to represent the industry as a professional whose outfit does not harm public perception of the people who produce or come into contact with the animals and food they eat..
Looking like a Farmers Starts with Who, What and Wear!
You can’t notcommunicate. Everything you do makes some kind of statement.
The old saying, “You can’t judge a book by its cover” may be true, but book jacket and product packaging designers around the world have created an industry betting that people will judge and purchase products based on how they look.
Things move incredibly fast today. Only things that catch our eye capture our attention. That goes for magazine ads, product packaging and, of course, people. Because we are so busy, looks count for a lot more than they used to. Like it or not, we are under a lot more scrutiny and looks make the first and most lasting impression.
We at The Bullvine make a big deal about the need to tell the story of farming in a positive way. However, before any of that story can come into play, we must get past the first impression. Whether we like it or not, that starts with your appearance. That first wave of impressions severely impacts perceptions of capability and credibility. Positive or negative that is what will stop you or start you moving forward.
“Dress for the ribbon you want”
If there were dairy ring fashion advisors, no doubt they would advise their clients to dress for the ribbon they want – in the same way job counselors tell you to dress for the job you and not the one you already have. When we stand at exhibit hall booths, or visit farms with our advice or products or simply converse with the public at a show, meeting or in the grocery story, we are evaluated by our appearance. It is important to “look the part”. There is no value in dressing low key in some misguided idea that it sends a humbler, more low key message. It simply says you don’t care.
You are What You Wear to the Show Ring!
To be fair, most dairy people display common sense when making their fashion statements in the show ring. Creativity is, usually, restricted to belt buckles for the guys and belts with bling and pants with sequined pockets for the girls. However, sometimes we witness some fashion statements which draw less positive attention to “those farmers”. If attention on yourself is more important to you than the animal you are leading, you might want to reconsider why you are in the ring in the first place.
First Do No Harm
When in the public eye either in the show ring or at a commercial booth – either buying or selling — the primary rule to observe is “first do no harm: The harm referred to is what happens right after split second decisions are made. While a showring Judge is unlikely to be affected by unprofessional, too tight, too revealing or unbecoming ring-wear, the audience has a great deal of time to ask themselves, “Is that the best they could do?” And then there’s the fact that you yourself are affected when your clothing is a distraction. We put countless hours preparing our animals for the best few minutes of their lives under scrutiny from a dairy judge who, in most cases, is formally dressed befitting the level of attention being given to selecting the top animals in each category.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
Dressing for success presents your true potential. It’s like putting your “best foot forward.”
Like it or not, most of us carry subconscious thoughts about what is acceptable or not. Especially in the workplace or when doing business. When given the choice between a well-dressed person and one in sloppy clothes with unkempt hair, the public, the judge or the possible client will choose the former… hands down
Although we loudly proclaim that looks should not make a difference …One advisor suggests this test. Wear your “barn” clothes to the bank one time and “professional farmer” clothes the next time. Pay attention to the difference in the attention you receive. Even though, we may protest, we are constantly judged on our appearance. And admit it. We do it too!
Start by Keeping it Covered!
We have all seen the outfit that looks great when the person is standing but becomes way too revealing when the wearer is seated on a chair at ringside or, worse yet, on a raised platform or stage. Too revealing works with tops too. It would be great if we all had perfectly toned bodies. We don’t. At the very least, keep it covered. Avoid cleavage displays, midriff tops and informal sheer T-shirts and butt views
Dairy Do’s, Don’ts and Dress Codes
In the dairy world, not all fashions are created equal. We’ve seen some pretty cringe worthy looks in our day. Here are some examples from the ring, exhibition hall and ag meetings that deserve a spot in the Don’t Hall of Fame!
Skin Tight Pants.Thank goodness that, in general, they are a thing of the past. At best, they are uncomfortable at their worst they provide a severe case of TMI.
Too much cleavage.If it isn’t right for the grocery store, it isn’t right for the red carpet, show ring or presentation ceremony.
Too much color.In most dairy show rings, white and black are the best choices. For show ring photographers, many shows request all black clothing. The focus (pun intended) is meant to be on the cows.
Too much glitter. So far this season, too much bling has not made it to the winners circle. My informal study indicated that glitter belts rarely place above sixth.
Keep your wardrobe malfunctions out of the news. With instant sharing through social media your wardrobe slip-ups or fallouts could go viral. It’s how you handle these wardrobe malfunctions that will determine whether you’re dressed for success or seen at less than your best.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
A well put together outfit sends the message that you pay attention to detail. It suggests if you put so much effort into your image, you’re probably just as meticulous in your work. Ifhow you look is sending a message…. what are you saying about dairy farmers?
As I attend dairy events and communicate with other breeders, I hear varied reactions to the ever increasing rate of change in the dairy cattle improvement industry. Some want things to stay the way they are or go back to the way they were. Others want a slower rate of change. While others say – “Bring it on!” Most often the last group are the new entrants and those that are expanding and buying the new technology. As a result of all these interest groups having different viewpoints, organization serving breeders receive mixed messages on how they are to operate and what they need to do to lead us into the future. But one thing is for certain, the future will not be the past or the present. Here are a few topics that we all need to mull over.
Criticism and Fault Finding Don’t Work
When was the last time you pointed a finger at others and said ‘They are wrong!’? Well maybe they are but then again maybe they are not. It seems that folks in the dairy industry waste energy on pointing out deficiencies instead of accepting others and moving forward to make the overall better. Every parent knows that when they complement and build up their children, the end result can be over the moon. There is a people management theory that talks about bosses finding employees doing things right and rewarding them for that instead of focusing on the things done wrong. Future and fault both start with an ‘f’, but they do not both belong in the same sentence.
Needed – Futuristic Organization Leaders
When you vote for your rep to an organization do you vote for the one that has the time to serve or the one that will put in place the policies and direction so that staff can develop the programs and services needed for five and ten years down the road. Often we hear “He or she would make an excellent director, but they are too busy developing their own business to take the time to serve on a board of directors.” The truth is that those ideas are exactly what progressive boards need. There are ways to get their creative input into policy and direction and it does not mean that they need to attend unnecessary and unproductive meetings. Big companies operate very well under policy and direction boards – so too can the dairy improvement industry. Our futures may depend entirely on the type of leaders breeders elect and how those leaders are encouraged to operate. (Read more: Empty Chairs at Empty Tables)
Dynamic Organizations
Frequently these days we hear about mergers, take-overs, consolidations and elimination. Often our initial reaction is negative to any or all of these. Nevertheless the industry moves on afterwards. Our industry needs to move continually on too new and higher heights. Protection, of jobs, programs, services or organizations, is a time, energy and resources waster.
Traditionally we have had individual organizations providing animal identification, animal tracking, milk recording, type classification, data storage, data analysis, research and technology transfer. If we were starting from where we are at today to create new, would we still need all these centers? Avoiding the costs of duplication and providing the best information to breeders in 2020 are opportunities that must be taken.
Most often we think nationally. But in this ever increasingly global world we need to consider if there are opportunities for more success if we were to have multicounty or worldwide organizations. International organizations for providing services such as genetic evaluations, data storage, research and technology transfer need to be considered. (Read more: The Future of the Dairy Cattle Breeding Industry – United we Stand, Divided we Fall!)
Automation Has Just Begun
Something new in robotic or drone technology comes on the scene for dairy farmers almost every month. Initially, it was machines replacing labour but it has quickly expanded to be more data captured that is significantly improving cow, herd and business management. The day is coming where every input is tested and measured and every output is measured, tested, monitored and documented for consumer awareness.
Our traditional concept of what’s official and what is not will not be necessary. Milk weights will be captured at every milking and on a routine schedule other tests, including components, will be performed.
But that is not all – animals will be continually monitored and have the results retained from birth to death. As herd size expands and the cost of technology decreases, breeders will fine tune their genetics, their nutrition programs, their management and how they market their products. If we call the current time the “information age” then I am sure, we’ll need to call it the super information age in ten years’ time. (Read more: Robotic Milking: More than just automation it’s a new style of herd management)
One Cow Will Not Suit All
In the past, we have defined the ideal cow and strongly encouraged every breeder to breed for that ideal. Well, that’s not what will happen in the future. Yes, every breeder will want and breed for the profitable cow but the definition of profitable will be very much breeder specific. With more on-farm software and more on-farm testing, programs like milk recording or type classification could well be replaced. It could very well be that automatically captured photos will be all that is needed as far as conformation assessment is concerned. Want to know how a cow moves? Then watch her move in real time. Want to know the mobility of a sire’s daughters, analyse the videos. When genomic indexes reach 80+% accuracy, then the need for third party verification of performance will be much less important than it has been in the past. Furthermore with most breeders deriving the vast majority of their revenue from the sale of milk and with cow input costs captured individually, net returns will determine which cows stay or go, not their performance. (Read more: The Secret to Breeding the Dairy Cow of the Future… )
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Our industry’s future success depends on the attitude and approach taken by breeders. Collaboration amongst breeders and support for new information and concepts is necessary. The leaders, we elect, need to be business oriented visionaries. Communication from breeders to their leaders and organizations and back to the breeders must be continuous. Information and data will determine profit or success. Where once breeding was considered primarily an art form, in the future cattle breeding will depend upon science and business. One thing is for sure, pulling together is not an option, it is a must have.
The Bullvine’s search for the best-kept secret continues. With so many great submissions it was tough to narrow it down to the five finalists, listed below in alphabetical order.
Canhope Dagger Berry VG-88
Date of Birth: 6/13/2007
Lactations: 5
Submitted By: Bryce Sanor
Breeder’s Comments: Canhope Dagger Berry is the kind of cow I try to breed for a barn full of. She is moderate in stature, straight in her lines, has width from front to rear, a high quality mammary system, and travels on an excellent set of feet and legs. The best thing about her in my opinion is her dairy strength a trait that I feel like has went to the back burner in modern breeding. She’s a cow that could be out on the lot, in the freestall barn, or in the box stall for your show string and never gives you a bad look. She is scored VG 88 and has been grand champion at local shows twice.
Embrdale Bailey Federal
Date of Birth: 6/21/2011
Lactations: 2
Submitted by: Kyle Stockdale
Breeder’s Comments: I nominate this cow for the Bullvine Breeder’s Cup because she exemplifies what we strive to breed for in a young cow, she combines high type, pedigree, high production and show ring appeal, she is also a great grand-daughter of Embrdale Emily Charles who was 3 time All-Canadian and 2 time All-American and HM grand at RAWF all in milking form.
Jaspers Shottle Julianna EX-91
Date of Birth: 11/7/2009
Lactations: 3
Submitted By: Devin Jaspers
Breeder’s Comments: Every dairyman/woman wants a “correct” or balanced cow, they produce and stay healthier. It’s the key to longevity. Julianna is as balanced as they come standing at an even 60″ tall producing a plus in the herd for almost three lacerations only her stature keeps her from the show ring. But Julianna would work in any management system and excel. Julianna’s 4th dam was our first VG cow that we purchased when we started registering and getting away from grades only. Her Grandmother was our first homebred cow scoring EX 92 3E. Her mother a VG 88 Goldwyn. She scored EX as a very young 4yr YR and moved to EX 91 with more days in milk. The dairyman’s dream cow is why this Breeder’s cup is right up Julianna alley/stall!!
Sunset Canyon Militia Liza GP-84
Date of Birth: 12/2/2007
Lactations: 4
Submitted by: Francois Vermette
Breeder’s Comments: Liza is a cow with who it’s easy and fun to work. She will have 7 years old in December and will give her fifth calf in September 2014.She has a gold award and a silver award for her production record in Jersey breed. She will finish her fourth lactation with calving and 3 flush, we got 19 progeny including 4 sons in AI sold in three different studs and 6 daughters in milk including 1 VG 87 USA, 3 VG and 2 GP in Canada. 3 of her daughters have sons in AI and over 90% of the heifers at the farm who come from Liza have contracts in AI. We got 2 times the first jersey heifer in Canada on GLPI list with a grand and a great granddaughter of Liza. In April 2014, 5 of her descendants are in the top 10 GLPI jersey heifers in Canada (under 9 months) and 13 in the top 85.Her 3 oldest daughters also had silver or gold award for their milk performance by Jersey Canada. It’s a high fertility family who has high flush results and embryos exported in Australia and USA. They are also easy to put Liza and her offspring’s in calf. That’s a lot of reasons that Liza could be nominated for the Bullvine breeder Cup!
Voight-Acres Daisy Duke-TW EX-94
Date of Birth: 5/16/2004
Lactations: 6
Submitted by: Cole Voight
Breeder’s Comments: I’m nominating Voight-Acres Daisy Duke-TW EX-94. She’s my ideal cow for longevity and high lifetime production. Daisy Duke has a welded on udder, after having 6 calves, her udder is still well above her hocks. She has sound feet and legs and she’s all dairy strength! Daisy Duke is a Linjet from an EX-91 Durham, which was Res. Grand Champion at the Wisconsin State Fair Jr. Show. Daisy Duke also has an EX-93 twin sister.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Voting will start today and run till September 10th at Midnight EST. Votes can be cast on Facebook, Twitter or completing the form at the end of this article. The point values will be 1 point for each Like on Facebook, 3 points for a Facebook Share or a Tweet and 5 points for each web form submission. Best of luck to our finalists.
I cannot tell you the number of times that I have been asked, “Why do you lay down on the ground in the cow piss and poop to take pictures?” It seems like after every show that I go to someone has taken a picture of me laying on the ground taking pictures. I figured that in order to answer everyone’s questions and explain it in more detail, I would write an article about it. Here goes.
When I first launched the Bullvine, we did not cover many shows, so we had to use professional side shots of the animals, instead of having pictures of the cows how they looked at the show. Then, as we grew, we started attending more shows and decided that we would start covering them in more detail. With that came the need for pictures. For years, I have been a big fan of the photography work that Han Hopman has been doing for Holstein International. (Read more: Han Hopman: Shooting Straight at Holstein International)
He has taken some of the most iconic shots the show ring has ever seen. Therefore, when we started to cover shows here at The Bullvine, we decided that we wanted to do more photos like Han. In order to achieve this, I first started by looking at Han work and seeing exactly how he was achieving such fantastic results. I went out and purchased a $500 Canon camera and started to learn about photography. One of the first things you learn is how to set up the camera to achieve the best results. The camera settings can often be found in the META Data of each photograph. So I found myself looking at Han’s photographs to see how he was setting up his camera. This gave me great insight into the technical part of the process but certainly left much room to learn the artistic side.
Han Hopman always get’s his shot including this one of Eastside Lewisdale Goldwyn Missy & RF Goldwyn Hailey, Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion at Royal Winter Fair 2011.
While Han has been the first to employ this method in dairy cattle show ring photography, it has been a very popular technique in sports photography for many years. Sports Illustrated, known worldwide for their excellent photos, has been using this technique since the 1970’s when Walter Ioos started doing this in order to differentiate his photographs. It also turned out to be a great contributor to the early success of Sports Illustrated.
Walter Iooss’ photos and collages of Michael Jordan featured in Sports Illustrated cover story celebrating the basketball icon’s 50th birthday
Having looked at what Han has been doing, and how Sports Illustrated used the power of differentiated photographs to grow to be the largest sports magazine in the world, I figured that we here at the Bullvine should do the same. Over the past two years, I have been working at learning this technique and using it and other lessons to create differentiated photographs for us here at the Bullvine.
This is a low-angle shot by Sports Illustrated’s Peter Read Miller. The camera resting on the ground.
First let’s clear things up. I often have conversations with other show ring photographers about this very issue. Many comment that they prefer to do event coverage photographs instead of cover shot photographs. For that reason, you will not find them lying on the ground to get the type of shots Han has made so popular. In doing regular event coverage photography instead of trying to get 3-4 cover shots, you are more likely aiming to get 5-10 pictures per class so that viewers can get a good understanding of what each animal in the class looked like and so that the viewers of the photographs could make their own judgement call on each animal. This means you don’t have as much time to set up for each photo, as you need to always be moving and getting the required shots. Add to that the fact that most publications are posting in real time to their website with placings, and here at the Bullvine we are also posting to Facebook and it can be very hard to stop and pose each photo. The challenge with conventional event coverage photographs is that they are actually not really giving you a good representation of the animals. That is because, when taking a regular event coverage photograph, you are shooting down on the animal (as most photographers are taller than 5 feet tall/60 inches). This causes the level of distortion that is actually unbecoming to the animal. Combine that with the fact that each camera and lens comes with a certain level of distortion and the pictures you see in typical event coverage are not as accurate as one would think.
Picture taken at standing height
Picture taken at about 30 inches off the ground.
The best viewing angle for the most accurate evaluation of an animal is to have a camera and lens approximately at the middle of the animal. So, for a 60 inch cow, you should have the lens at about 30 inches off of the ground. For most photographers, that means they would need to get at least down on one knee in order to get the best shot. This is something that many do not choose to do.
Now Han has taken this technique to a whole new level, where he prefers to get down on the ground as low as possible. This works great when shooting cattle from long distances as it makes the cows seem larger than life and provides very impressive cover shots. However, as I have learned the hard way, in the past two years that I have been doing this, when these photos are taken at close range, you will find that the cows start to look quartered. So there is certainly an art form to this photography.
Picture taken at about 30 inches of the ground
Picture taken at ground level
One of the things I quickly learned is that not all North American shows have iconic environments to create these magnificent photographs. Most dairy cattle shows in North America take place in dark arenas that don’t have very picturesque backgrounds, unlike those in Europe that have a custom environment which helps in producing outstanding photographic results. The other challenge I learned is that we are typically shooting in low light, with high color cast so certainly shows are a tricky place to get great shots. This is where I have employed and benefited from the help of others. I started with staff photographers I work with in my main company who taught me the technical side. It meant combining many conversations with the likes of Han and Randy Blodgett and two outstanding young photographers, Laurens Rutten and Bradly Cullen, as well as working through much trial and error. I have slowly learned how to overcome these challenges. Along with that came the understanding that I would have to invest in new equipment. What started out as a $500 investment has now become a $30,000 investment complete with converting my garage into a studio in order to learn even more. We have also now added a video studio for Bullvine TV (Read more: Introducing BullvineTV – The Dairy Breeding Industry Now Has Its Own Channel)
The lesson that I learned from many of the professional portrait photographers I have been fortunate to work with is that you need to develop your own style in order to stand out. For me, that started out with wanting to catch those moments that breeders will never forget. It meant being able to capture those moments when a cow is named grand at Expo, or when a father and son embrace after the Royal. These are the moments that people will never forget, and pictures from these events have proven to be viral on social media.
One of the things I found as our pictures become more recognizable, is that more and more exhibitors where asking me if I had been able to get a picture of their animals. In the beginning, since more of my photographs turned out somewhat less than good, it meant that I didn`t have time to get the shots all breeders were looking for. However, more recently, as our experience has grown, we now strive to get a picture of every animal that enters the ring, and this is something we have been very close to achieving. With the last Quebec Summer Show, we posted over 300 photographs from a show that had 148 animals. (Read more: Expo provinciale de Montmagny) The interesting part is that instead of just doing event coverage like most publications are still doing, we are now able to produce shots that showoff the animals in the best possible way. This has led to the Bullvine`s photos being the most used photos for ads and magazine covers in the dairy breeding industry.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
For me being able to be in the middle of the ring at Expo, the Royal or pretty much any other dairy cattle show is a real honor. Exhibitors go to a great deal of effort 365 days a year, and I love being able to see up close just which cows look good and which ones are not at their best on that day. I feel that it`s my responsibility to the breeders that view our photographs to provide them with the best photos possible. Also the reason I don`t charge breeders and exhibitors for the use of my photographs, as I have not paid for the right to take the photographs, how do I have the right to charge them? In order to achieve this it not only means having the best equipment we can afford, but it also means being willing to get down on the ground in order to get the angle and perspective that captures the best possible moment. Often this means laying in the piss and poop, as the angle that allows you to get to see the cows fore and rear udder may not be one that is in the cleanest spot in the show ring. Sure I could move to a different angle, but then I would be cheating the breeders who go to so much effort to bring their animals to the show as well as those who like to view our pictures online. It`s not about how pretty I look, but rather, what can I do to capture that animal looking her best! If that means laying in piss and poop, so be it. Besides how many true dairy farmers do you know that are afraid to get a little poop on them?
A recent headline in Hoard’s Dairyman proclaimed “Brown is the Color of Money” and that’s all it took for “The Hunt Family Feud” to take off over phone, email and Facebook. With roots in Holsteins, dairy nutrition and dairy genetics, the perfect ingredients were present for arguments, controversy and loud proclamations of bull* –all of which are highly esteemed in the Hunt family.
Can you Measure the Difference?
This debate is fueled by a lot of things but every good argument needs actual facts. Inputs of feed, facility, equipment and staff may be impacted by the size differential between Holsteins and Jerseys. Smaller animals may correspondingly require less inputs. We have to recognize that “may” is the operative word here because there are different variables depending on each particular dairy operation.
One size variable that can’t be ignored is that dairy herd size is growing. Faced with this scenario, there may be good reasons for choosing one breed over another or for having a combination of breeds on a single operation. Choice might be influenced by:
Specific markets
Relative health issues between breeds
Calving ease
Initial investment and sources for replacements
Many questions have to be answered, before a winner can be named.
Which Breed Fits the Facilities?
For those working in barns that were built twenty or more years ago where stalls are smaller, Jerseys may be a better fit. As well new dairy operators who are renting such facilities could find that Jerseys would operate better in those smaller stalls. Bedding packs also are another way to put minimal effort and expense into rented facilities. Jersey’s work well on packs. If there is a drawback, it could be that it may take more stalls to produce the same volume of milk. However, if the Jerseys are high volume for %F and %P, then the pounds of fat+protein produced per day may be the same whether it’s Holsteins or Jersey.
Which Breed Eats the Most?
Scientific examples abound regarding “efficiency” because of the Jersey’s smaller size. Let’s briefly consider human size relating to efficiency. “Is the size two female more efficient than her size 18 cousin. What are they producing? Food for a party? Or are you measuring food consumed? Not relevant. Well – what about groceries consumed? Or children produced? Getting warmer. But there are still too many variables to make a choice based on efficiency related to size alone. However, back to choosing the most efficient dairy breed to feed. It isn’t only about quantity of feed consumed per cow per day. The calculation should refer to the net dollars per day for the herd. When calculating returns minus feed costs, Jerseys can be competitive. (Read more: Feed Efficiency: The Money Saver)
Which Breed Has Better Genetics and Genomics?
Jerseys are not just for show oriented breeders. Milk production focused herds are using Jerseys.
Genetically Jerseys differ from Holsteins in that SCSs are higher, and the Median Suspensory Ligament (cleft) may not be as defined. Their reproduction is much superior. Jersey dropped bull calves are much less in demand. Dollar value is low. Using sexed semen for the top of the herd and beef semen on the bottom half gives a revenue source because crossbred dropped calves are in demand. (Read more: SEXED SEMEN – At Your Service!) Jerseys have genomic indexes as well. Genomics may have been a little slower to be adopted than in Holsteins but just wait Jerseys will catch up. Or so the argument goes. (Read more: Dairy Cattle Genomics)
Which Breed will Save Time?
Jerseys are the Queens when it comes to reproduction in dairy cattle, boasting easier calving, better conception rates and fewer inseminations. All of these have an impact on less vet time required for checking or treating as well as staff time and effort daily and annually. Easier calving for Jersey’s impacts that there will be fewer calf losses at birth and most likely more calves getting off to a better start. Superior reproduction can allow for less time off in the dry cow pen or less time milking at lower levels during a lifetime. (Read more: Artificial Insemination – Is Doing It Yourself Really Saving You Money?) Every manager knows that staff and cows need time off. Unnecessary time off on the cow’s part means less than optimum returns over a cow’s lifetime. Jersey heifers reach puberty at a younger age. This means age at first calving can be earlier, thus saving on rearing costs.
Which breed sells more milk? More live sales?
In the US, Jerseys are about 10% of the population. There has been steady growth in the number of Jersey herds in the U.S., particularly among large dairy owners in the West. The way breeders market and which markets they send their milk to is essential in areas where cheese and butter sales (which are at the highest relative level in twenty years) can greatly influence which breed you choose to work with. Owners are producing milk that their processors desire. In fact, the processor is the breeders’ customer not the end consumers. With eat local food movements the world over being emphasized, Jerseys may fit better than other breeds in some situations. The recent popularity of Jerseys has resulted in the fact that sales of breeding stock have been good as well,
It’s All About the Numbers. Are they In the Red or In the Black?
When you want to win the argument over which breed is the most profitable it all comes down to the actual data, you are analyzing. The reason the debate goes on is because there isn’t a source for reliable data comparing Jerseys and Holsteins. And so we come back to the initial article which triggered these questions which reported a comparison that exists through financial reports of Ganske, Mulder & Co. LLC, the largest dairy accounting firm in the U.S., They prepared reports summarizing all of its clients as a group and also does a separate summary for its Jersey clients. “It is perhaps the only such set of Jersey financial data that exists” reports the article that goes on to present statistics and the following summation. “Jerseys did make less milk per day than did all of the firm’s clients. But Jersey herds had much higher protein and fat tests, which resulted in significantly higher milk price per hundredweight. As a result, Jersey herds’ bottom line was much bigger – they made 45.7 percent more net profit per head.
NAME
Sale
Lot
GLPI
OCONNORS PLANET LUCIA
Genetics By Design
1
3823
STE ODILE MOON MODEL AMALUNA
GPS
16
3798
OCONNORS LIVING THE DREAM
Genetics By Design
14
3755
MAPEL WOOD LAST DANCE
Genetics By Design
3
3710
MAPEL WOOD SNOWMAN LEXUS
Genetics By Design
4
3673
OCONNORS BOULDER LUNA
Genetics By Design
6
3537
MAPEL WOOD BOULDER LIMERICK
Genetics By Design
7
3537
OCONNORS LAST HOPE
Genetics By Design
2
3534
BENNER FORK JANARDAN
GPS
1
3493
OCONNORS EPIC LAST CHANCE
Genetics By Design
8
3465
OCD MOGUL FUZZY NAVEL
Sale of Stars
5
3460
GEN-I-BEQ LEXOR PLAGE
Sale of Stars
45
3398
VELTHUIS SG LAVAMAN ENVY
Sale of Stars
46
3372
MARBRI UNO BEAUTY
GPS
11
3328
MAPEL WOOD M O M LUCY
Genetics By Design
12
3299
ROCKYMOUNTAIN LEXOR EDEN
GPS
32
3289
WELCOME-TEL ECOYNE ABBIE
Sale of Stars
12
3286
ZIMMER WENDON UNO CAMI
Sale of Stars
35
3268
OCONNORS SNOWMAN LEXIE
Genetics By Design
5
3255
BOLDI V S G EPIC ASTER
Sale of Stars
7
3240
So What Color of Dairy Breed Is the Money Maker?
Jersey herds produced 48 pounds of fat and protein where all herds produced 5.0 pounds of fat and protein. This is not significantly different. But on any given day, on any particular dairy operation, the numbers can be rallied to support the choice that is dearest to the heart of owner-operators.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
In the end, your particular passion is what it all boils down to. When it comes to the choice of Black and White, Brown, or “green”, the only thing you can know for sure is that dairy love is NOT color blind. Whether your passion is driven by the color of the dairy breed or by the color of money … or both… the right answer is up to you? End of argument.
Someone who does not work with animals on a daily basis may think that PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) champions a very worthy cause in defending animal rights. The challenge is that the noble cause PETA started from, and the entity that it is today have grown a long ways apart. Recently PETA has received a significant amount of publicity in regards to its unacceptable behavior.
One might forgive, or at least understand, PETA’s conduct in regard to Gillette Emperor Smurf EX-91, who won a Guinness World Record for Lifetime Milk Production achievement. Unfortunately, instead of talking from a position of fact or knowledge, they just pulled stuff out of their butts and leveled accusations at people who love animals with the same venom they use on people they charge with mistreating and exploiting dairy cattle. (Read more: What PETA Does NOT KNOW about Raising Dairy Cattle!)
This reminds me of a movie my children like to watch called BEE Movie. In it when the bee, Barry B. Benson, graduates from college, he finds that he will have only one job for his entire life and, absolutely disappointed, he joins the team responsible for bringing the honey and pollination of the flowers to visit the world outside the hive. Once in Manhattan, he is saved by the florist Vanessa, and he breaks the bee law to thank Vanessa. They become friends, and Barry discovers that humans exploit bees to sell the honey they produce. Barry decides to sue the human race for having destructive consequences to nature. Sure he wins the court case, which I am sure many PETA followers got excited about, but as a result of humans no longer being able to produce and eat honey, all the bees are not needed. Eventually, they all stop working and, as a result; flowers are not pollinated; plants aren’t able to grow, and ultimately animals have nothing to eat, and humans and the whole ecosystem are devastated. At the end of the movie, they show a dairy cow explaining her “beefs” to the bee Barry B Benson. I am sure this also gave many PETA follows many incorrect ideas.
More recently PETA released a new video showing less-than-ideal situations on a Hickory, N.C., farm. The video shows cows slogging through incredibly thick manure. Their legs are dirty, and the amount of manure in the barn is unbelievable. The challenge is the video appears to be in fact a hoax and not an accurate depiction of the actual conditions or events at the Hickory dairy. Carrie Mess, in a post on her website, DairyCarrie.com. Mess took still screenshots of the video, showing relatively clean cows walking through a very full (in terms of manure) manure alley in a free stall barn. While Carrie admits that she does not know the exact story about this specific Hickory dairy, there are certainly many inaccurate accounts and analysis by PETA about his particular farm. PETA found her actions so “threatening” that they have served Carrie with a cease and desist letter, demanding a public apology and retraction of her article. Something they are never willing to do themselves for their actions. This fits with PETA`s formula. They find a farm with bad conditions or fabricate these conditions, link them to regional or national name brand, and get everyone talking about it, and then never being accountable for their actions. Because of that, dairy farmers like Dairy Carrie get an undeserved black eye and now have a huge hill to climb to get the correct information out.
It is interesting that PETA tactics have been able to continue for so long. Despite themselves having been connected with the Animal Liberation Front (ALF), an FBI-designated “domestic terrorist“ group. PETA`s support of the ALF appears to include financing the legal defense of arrested ALF activists, providing resources to individual ALF cells, recruiting interns for the sole purpose of committing criminal acts at protests, and publicizing ALF activities in a favorable manner. One witness interviewed by the FBI (whom other sources have indicated was a former long-term PETA employee) made statements suggesting that PETA was formed as a cover for the Animal Liberation Front (ALF). These are not the actions of a group whose number one concern is the ethical treatment of animals.
In fact the PETA, which claims to be dedicated to the cause of animal rights, can’t explain why its adoption rate is only 2.5 percent for dogs. Out of 760 dogs impounded in 2011, they killed 713, arranged for 19 to be adopted, and farmed out 36 to other shelters (not necessarily “no kill” ones). As for cats, they impounded 1,211, euthanized 1,198, transferred eight, and found homes for a grand total of five. PETA also took in 58 other companion animals — including rabbits. It killed 54 of them. These figures don’t reflect well on an organization dedicated to the cause of animal rights and possess a $30 million annual budget.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
While certainly not all dairy operations treat their cattle like they are at a spa (read more Westcoast), the vast majority do care for their animals responsibly. Good care is good commerce. Stress-free, healthy cows produce more milk and deliver more progeny over their lifetimes. Just like at well-run company where they treat their employees well, dairy farmers know that how they treat their cattle has a direct impact on their bottom line. The challenge with organizations like PETA is that they sensationalize the story to elicit a strong reaction from their supporters in order to gain more support and funding. The challenge with this is the tactics they are using are extremely questionable and hurt dairy farmers, who love their animals as much or more than PETA supporters do. Do they ever take the same effort to highlight examples of the best treatment of animals? Instead of working to understand the complete story, and working with producers to ensure proper treatment of animals, PETA looks to discredit the dairy industry with nothing more than lies, mistruths and inaccurate stories. Ethical treatment is a label we all need to live up to. Otherwise, PETA — you don’t know Jack!
A little while back I was comparing three different contracts offered to three different breeders for a lease of comparable sires, all from the same A.I. unit. The interesting part was that all three of the lease offers were drastically different, with the “best” contract being potentially almost twice as lucrative as the other two. This got me to thinking about the whole leasing of bulls to A.I. units and how it really is biased in favor of the A.I. centers and how the divided nature of dairy breeders has led to the failure of the seed stock industry.
Back in early 2012 we first raised the question Should A.I. Companies Own Females? At that time, we commented “some A.I. companies have taken early steps to control the source and supply top genetic animals to their customers. The world is changing and so will the inter-relationship between breeders and A.I. companies. In many cases they are no longer just a customer they are now a competitor.” Since that time, what was a smart business decision for A.I. companies has led to the devaluation of elite dairy cattle genetics and, in the long run, could lead to the end of the seed stock industry. (Read more: Why Good Business for A.I. Companies Can Mean Bad Business for Dairy Breeders)
The Enemy Is At the Gate
Many seed stock breeders are asking me what they can to do combat this challenge. While part of me wants to say, “I told you so” and another part tells me that it’s too late, I find myself still searching for answers. While the “I told you so” answer is pointless, I have been doing some thinking about whether it really is too late or not. In talking with some breeders about this issue, they raise the point that perhaps we need to form a variation of a union. This would be similar to the way pro athletes (the product) unionized in order to get a larger share of the revenue.
There are two problems with unionizing:
This reminds me of attempts to form a union in the NHL. In the late 1950’s Ted Lindsay rallied other players to form a union, after watching how Tim Horton, star defenseman for the Toronto Maple Leafs, had his pay cut after breaking his leg. This was at a time when players had to work summer jobs and could barely afford to cover their bills. To cripple the movement, the Red Wings traded Lindsay to Chicago, where he was less effective in organizing key players to join him. Other influential players across the league were also traded away or banished to the minor leagues. Lindsay was successful in creating a small association of players but the group folded shortly after Lindsay was traded. I see the same thing happening in today’s breeding industry. Those breeders that do try to make a stand are being undercut by their fellow breeders. Most seed stock breeders are so eager to sell, at any price, they don’t think about the ramifications those actions will have on their fellow breeders. In fact, I doubt that many are even aware what effect their actions are having. Breeders have no idea what other breeders of elite or similar bulls are getting, so they are at a tremendous disadvantage.
Many of the larger A.I. companies are now investing heavily in ownership of females, and they already have a stranglehold on supply. So unlike the way pro sports unions were ultimately formed as a result of an inferior product being offered with non-unionized players. The A.I. companies already have their supply and are in full control.
So What Can Seed Stock Breeders Do?
First of all seed stock breeders need to communicate openly about what is truly happening to their livelihoods. These seed stock producers are investing heavily in IVF and the purchase of top females and they are padding A.I.’s pocketbooks by purchasing early release semen at a significant premium. At the same time, breeders should be well aware of what females are worth, as they watch them going through public auctions for large sums of money. However, do they have any clue what other seed stock producers are receiving for their males? From the discussion with many seed stock producers, and as per the example at the beginning of this article, I would so, “No!”
In my career outside of the dairy industry, I have been fortunate to be involved in many merger and acquisition deals. In working with a few seed stock producers, I took a sample of one of the contracts to a lawyer who specializes in contracts similar to these that I worked with in my career outside the dairy industry. His reaction was almost comical. He first explained to me that since seed stock producers are the ones who have the ownership of the animal, it should be them developing the lease agreement. He then went line by line through the contract and pointed out how many of the stipulations would not holdup in court, or why seed stock producers should never sign such an agreement that is so vague and poorly worded. Now I understand that most seed stock producers are not lawyers and, if they were, why are they not practicing law instead of dairy farming? But still these agreements are pivotal to breeders’ income and yet they don’t have a clear understanding of what they are actually signing. (Read more: Top 10 Questions to Ask Before You Sign That A.I. Contract)
Seed stock producers are also not professional negotiators, yet they are going into contract negotiations with individuals who are. Don’t let the “Sire Analyst” title fool you. , The last time they actually had a real say in what sires they brought in, I was 60lbs lighter, had hair color, no kids and drove a mustang. (Read more: You’re Fired: The Future of the Sire Analyst) The role of the modern day “Sire Analyst” is to become your best buddy so that they can leverage that relationship to get the best contract they can for the A.I. company they work for. Seed stock producers need to become great negotiators, or at least learn that friendship is one thing, but this is a business, and business is business when it comes to the negotiating table. In my career, I have had to do tough negotiations with some of my best friends. I have learned that real friends know that business is business and what happens at the negotiating table has nothing to do with our friendship outside of work. That is what being a professional negotiator requires.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
The ship may already have sailed on this issue as there is a growing trend for A.I. companies to produce their own supply of elite sires. If you don’t think that could happen, take a look at the swine industry where this has already occurred. Seed stock producers need to start to unite now, if they want to have any hope of salvaging their livelihoods before the dairy genetics industry is taken out of their hands.
Listen in on two dairy breeders’ conversation, and you might think you were listening to an entirely different language. The show ring, dairy cattle breeding and dairy farming industry is full of strange terminology that most people would simply not understand. Here are 22 phrases that have totally different meanings to dairy breeders.
Ring
Non Dairy Breeders: a typically circular band of metal or other durable material, especially one of gold or other precious metal, often set with gems, for wearing on the finger as an ornament, a token of betrothal or marriage, etc.
Dairy Breeders: The place where dreams can be made or broken. Where dairy breeders bring their best to compete for fame and fortune. Well for fame at least. Though there are times the two are combined. (Read more: World Dairy Expo Proposal – First comes cows then comes vows! and 8 of the greatest Dairy Love Stories in the World)
Expo
Non Dairy Breeders: a world’s fair or international exposition
Dairy Breeders: Expo in the dairy breeding industry is a short form for none other than the pinnacle of competition, World Dairy Expo. A five-day event showcasing the finest in dairy genetics and the newest technologies available to the dairy industry. For many dairy breeders this is their Mecca where dairy breeders from around the world make an annual pilgrimage to Madison, Wisconsin USA in early October for the greatest dairy cattle show and exhibition in the world. (Read more: World Dairy Expo 2013 – Memories to last a Lifetime and World Dairy Expo 2013 Holstein Show Results)
The Royal
Non Dairy Breeders: Most non breeders would think of the British Monarchy, and Queen Elizabeth. Very popular now are Prince William, his wife, Catherine Elizabeth Middleton and their adorable son Prince George.
Dairy Breeders: For dairy breeders in North America say the words The Royal and they will think of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, held every November in Toronto, Ontario Canada. Similar to Expo, the Royal showcases some of the greatest cattle the world over all in one place to compete for the coveted title of Supreme Champion. In Australia, they will think of The Royal Melbourne Dairy Show held in September of each year. (Read more: The Royal Flu – Did you catch it? and Canadian National Holstein Show Results)
County fair
Non Dairy Breeders: The once a year event where you ride the midway, eat fried food and go to concerts.
Dairy Breeders: The single most important show in the history of the universe. Your chance to become a legend in your own community. If you can’t make it here, you can’t make it anywhere.
Strapper
Non Dairy Breeders: a large, robust person.
Dairy Breeders: A dairy cattle showman with the unique ability to display a magnificent beast to the utmost of her ability. Though there are some “Strappers” who are also on the much larger side.
Fitter
Non Dairy Breeders: a person who fits garments.
Dairy Breeders: A unique person who travels from show to show preparing dairy cattle for competition. Often possessing egos to fit the situation.
Clear Magic
Non Dairy Breeders: the art of producing illusions as entertainment by the use of sleight of hand, deceptive devices, etc.; legerdemain; conjuring:
Dairy Breeders: a liquid in an aerosol or other spray container, used in preparing dairy cattle for the show ring.
Crazy Glue
Non Dairy Breeders: Super glue that is crazy strong, crazy fast. It works in as little as 30 seconds, forming an extremely strong bond on all kinds of surfaces.
Dairy Breeders: A tool used to temporarily correct poor teat placement on dairy cows.
Plough Puller
Non Dairy Breeders: from the genus Bos, oxen used to pull ploughs and other implements.
Dairy Breeders: A dairy cow that is so thick and heavy that they would be better suited working in the fields than producing milk.
Greasy
Non Dairy Breeders: composed of or containing grease; oily:
Dairy Breeders: A dairy cow that is over conditioned and not ready to exhibit in the show ring.
Silky
Non Dairy Breeders: the soft, lustrous fiber obtained as a filament from the cocoon of the silkworm.
Dairy Breeders: A dairy cow whose parts blend together so smoothly it is said she looks like silk.
Woody
Non Dairy Breeders: A character from the Toy Story movies.
Dairy Breeders: A dairy cow that lacks dairy character, i.e. is thick and not refined.
Sack
Non Dairy Breeders: a large bag made of durable material such as burlap, thick paper, or plastic, used for storing and carrying goods.
Dairy Breeders: A dairy cows mammary system
Goat Bag
Non Dairy Breeders: The latest couturier designer purses from the streets of Milan.
Dairy Breeders: A dairy cow who has only two quarters or extremely large teats, similar to that of a dairy goat.
Blow Bag
Non Dairy Breeders: The latest couturier designer purses from the streets of NY.
Dairy Breeders: A dairy cow whose udder attachments have deteriorated to the point where her udder hangs significantly low.
Chrome
Non Dairy Breeders: chromium-plated or other bright metallic trim, as on an automobile.
Dairy Breeders: A dairy cow that has such extreme venation on her udder that it “shines” like chrome on an automobile.
Fresh
Non Dairy Breeders: not preserved by freezing, canning, pickling, salting, drying, etc.:
Dairy Breeders: The calving date of a cow when she last gave birth.
Index
Non Dairy Breeders: a more or less detailed alphabetical listing of names, places, and topics along with the numbers of the pages on which they are mentioned or discussed, usually included in or constituting the back matter.
Dairy Breeders: A genetic evaluation tool such as TPI (Total Profit Index) or LPI (Lifetime Profit Index).
Genomics
Non Dairy Breeders: the study of genomes.
Dairy Breeders: A breeding tool that has totally changed the way we breed dairy cattle. Also, a four letter word for many old school dairy breeders. (Read more: Genomics)
Putting on her wedding clothes
Non Dairy Breeders: What a woman does when she is preparing to marry the love of her life.
Dairy Breeders: Getting a dairy cow ready to exhibit at the show.
Flushes like a chicken
Non Dairy Breeders: A chicken that is very prolific at producing eggs.
Dairy Breeders: A cow that is very prolific at producing valuable embryos.
Polled
Non Dairy Breeders:In today’s social media age, say the word polled and most people would think of a Facebook poll about Justin Bieber’s new hair cut or Miley Cyrus twerking video. Also, not to be confused with a type of dance at your local mens establishment.
Dairy Breeders:For dairy breeders it’s one of the hottest breeding topics. Hornless, especially genetically hornless dairy cattle are in great demand. The polled gene (P) is dominant to the horned gene (p). If an animal has two polled genes (PP), homozygous, or one polled and one horned gene (Pp), heterozygous, it will be polled. However, if it is heterozygous polled (Pp) it may pass either the polled or horned gene on to its offspring. The only situation when an animal will be horned is when it possesses two recessive horned genes (pp), homozygous horned. (Read more: Polled Dairy Cattle)
There are certainly breeders who are not fans of Genomics and the heavy use of high index genomic young sires. Yet genomic sires now account for 50% of semen sales. That leads me to propose that genomics will soon be used by 84% of the breeders in the world.
The reason for this has nothing to do with the merits of genomic sires versus proven sires. Rather it has to do with the historical patterns of adoption of new technologies. The theory behind this is called the Diffusion of Innovations. According to this theory, consumers differ in their readiness and willingness to adopt new technology. There are the innovators (2.5 percent of the population), the early adopters (13.5 percent), the early majority (34 percent), the late majority (34 percent), and the laggards (16 percent), who are also the people who still don’t have cell phones or who are not on Facebook.
As far as genomics goes, we have seen that it has followed this same pattern. When genomics was introduced, there was a small percentage of breeders who were so excited about the technology, or technology in general, which started using genomic sires instantly. These were the innovators in the dairy breeding marketplace. Since the information was not publically available and held by the A.I. centers, this uptake was very restricted. Then came the public introduction of genomics and the early adopters started using it. For a little while after that genomics seemed to stall. While there was 16% of the marketplace that was excited about Genomics and the possibilities that it held, the majority of breeders were not convinced. They had skepticism about whether genomics would work and if they should be using this new technology in their breeding programs. Regardless, the momentum started to grow.
Malcolm Gladwell describes this point, after early adoption, as “The Tipping Point” in his titled bestselling book of the same name. It’s at this point that it is determined whether something will spread like wildfire or sputter and fade into oblivion. Gladwell’s central argument is that there are actually a number of patterns and factors that are at play. They have an effect in virtually every influential trend, ranging from the spread of communicable diseases to the unprecedented popularity of a particular children’s television show. If you analyze the evolution of any significant phenomenon, Gladwell suggests, you will find that the processes involved are strikingly similar. Based on his in-depth research spanning a number of different fields, industries, and scholarly disciplines, Gladwell identifies three key factors that each play a role in determining whether a particular trend will “tip” into wide-scale popularity or fade. He calls them the Law of the Few, the Stickiness Factor, and the Power of Context.
The following is a closer look at each of these concepts and how they apply to what we have seen in the adoption of Genomics in the Dairy Breeding Industry:
The Law of the Few Before the tipping point can be reached, a few key types of people must champion an idea, concept, or product, Gladwell describes these key types as Connectors, Salesmen and Mavens. If individuals representing all three of these groups endorse and advocate a new idea, it is much more likely that it will tip into exponential success. Regarding the use of genomics in the dairy breeding industry, these roles were filled by the large A.I. companies, their salespeople as respected high index breeders.
The Stickiness Factor This refers to the unique quality that compels a phenomenon to “stick” in the minds of the public and then influences their future behavior. Gladwell defines the Stickiness Factor as the quality that compels people to pay close, sustained attention to a product, concept, or idea. In the dairy industry use of genomics, this was the allure of significantly more accurate genetic evaluations for young animals combined with the ability to dramatically accelerate breeding programs.
The Power of Context This is enormously important in determining whether a particular phenomenon will tip into widespread popularity. Even minute changes in the environment can play a significant role in the likelihood of a given concept attaining the tipping point. If the environment or historical moment in which a trend is introduced is not right, it is not as likely that the tipping point will be attained. Clearly, in order for a trend to tip into massive popularity, large numbers of people need to embrace it. However, Gladwell points out that certain groups can often be uniquely helpful in achieving the tipping point. For genomics, commercial dairy producers were that group. When they started to adopt the use of genomic young sires that marked the point at which genomics fulfilled the three concepts and crossed the tipping point.
After the use of genomic young sires crossed the tipping point, the rate of adoption accelerated to the point where the limiting challenge was not consumer demand, but rather the ability of A.I. companies to supply the semen. Because young sires produce far less semen than mature proven sires, it is hard for A.I. companies to meet demand. This has actually led to an increase in the number of young sires being sampled compared to the number that was forecast when genomics was first introduced. A.I. companies have had to sample more sires than predicted in order to meet the growing demand. It has also led to a much shorter active use life span for sires than in the past.
The Polled Story
In looking at the three tipping point factors, when applied to the dairy industry, you can see why some trends may not have been adopted as quickly. An example of this is the use of polled sires. Polled sires have been around for years but have failed to gain significant traction until recently. (Read more: Polled Dairy Genetics: The Cold Hard Facts, From the Sidelines to the Headlines, Polled is Going Mainline! and Why Is Everyone So Horny For Polled?) That is because while polled certainly has the concept of the Law of the Few, it has not had the Power of Context. While there have been significant gains in quality of the polled sires available, adoption will not pass that tipping point until it meets the third concept that Gladwell highlights, which is the Power of Context. Until there is significant consumer demand that dairy cattle not be dehorned, the use of polled sires will not pass the tipping point. While there will certainly be polled sires in the top 10 genomic sires within 2-3 years, and proven sires in 5-6 years, polled semen will not account for more than 16% market share until it develops the Power of Context (consumer demand for animal treatment) needed to cross the tipping point. It’s for that reason that I think that widespread polled semen use will not really take off until 10-12 years from now. Until then, it will be the domain of the innovators and the early adopters and stay below 16% market share. In fact, I would argue that it has just recently crossed over in the past couple of years from the innovators to now include the early adopters.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Throughout history, there have been many excellent examples of products or technologies that have failed for a variety of reasons. Genomics met resistance similar what was faced by artificial insemination in the early days. However, currently genomic usage has crossed the tipping point. It is now inevitable that soon 84% of the dairy breeding industry will be using genomic sires.
Not sure what all this hype about genomics is all about?
Want to learn what it is and what it means to your breeding program?
A year ago Clarence and Wendy Markus were abruptly awakened in the night to discover that 30 years of their family’s hard work was burning to the ground. (Read more: Your Barn is on Fire!) A thousand times over the past year, Clarence has shared with everyone his unique perspective on that fateful night….”It’s just stuff”. Despite the loss and upheaval to their lives, Clarence and the entire Markus family have come to see something that could have defeated them has become a blessing. They are extremely appreciative of the outpouring of support from the dairy community around the world. As members of the dairy industry, we all know that the dairy community is the greatest. (Read more: Why the Dairy Community is the Greatest in the World….) Nevertheless, sometimes it is harder to remember and accept Clarence’s message that, “It’s just stuff.”
There are those who might take Clarence’s comments lightly, while agreeing with the observation “They’re just cows” or “It’s just a barn.” They may too quickly overlook the amount of hard physical work, the time spent, the late nights or the costs involved for “just a cow” and the memories that “just a barn” hold for generations of a dairy farmer’s family. For families like the Markus’s, dairy farming is more than just an occupation. It is more than a career. It is a way of life. Therefore, when the cows are lost, and the barns are destroyed, it is like getting laid off, fired or downsized from your chosen career and having your place of work completely eradicated.. Seeing all that was lost in this horrific fire, I don’t take Clarence’s words, “It’s just stuff” lightly. And neither does he or his family. What he is sincerely highlighting is the fact that everyone was safe. Clarence and his wife Wendy were not harmed in the fire. Their four kids, spouses and many grandchildren are all safe. They are able to appreciate that as a blessing especially when it was combined with the amazing support of the many community members from around the world who have reached out to them.
I contrast this story with the tragic one of Patricia Stiles and Reese Burdette. (Read more: Patricia Stiles –Dairy Farmer, Grandmother, Hero, Fighting for Her Life!) They too were awakened in the night to a devastating fire. However, unlike Clarence and Wendy, their fire was not in the barn, but rather in the house. Unlike the Markus family who were able to remain safe, Patricia and her husband Mike had their two young grandchildren, Reese and Brinkley, in the house and they had to help them escape the blaze. Tragically for Patricia and Reese, they did not make it out unharmed. Both suffered massive smoke inhalation and burns to most of their bodies. While Patricia is now out of the hospital, after a tough battle to regain her health, Reese still finds herself battling in hospital.
It is at a time like this that you can appreciate Clarence’s perspective on “stuff” as compared to family health, life and safety. . While there are large differences in the economic cost of the Markvale fire and the Waverly one, all of us can agree that , the damage to the health of our hero Patricia and her sweet granddaughter Reese far outweigh the losses of “stuff”. .
You see, ultimately the old stuff lost in the fire can be replaced by new stuff. This was the case on display yesterday as Markvale opened their doors to their new facility. However, instead of the day being about the fancy new barns, it was about the community that supported them and made it possible. It was about giving heartfelt thanks for how fortunate they were that everyone was safe and that they are members of such a caring community.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Fire has a way of destroying the old and making room for the new. A forest fire clears the underbrush and dead trees and makes room for the new to grow and thrive. This is exactly the way the Markus family sees it as each of their three sons will continue on as dairy farmers and members of this great fraternity. Fire can also be devastating, as the Burdette and Stiles families have been experiencing. All of these families have certainly been reminded of the lesson that “it’s just stuff.” Stuff can be replaced. However being a member of this great community and having your health is irreplaceable and far more important than just stuff.
No matter what industry you look at there are always going to be those people who are immoral, shiftless, self-gratifying and good-for-nothing. Throughout the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church hierarchy emphasized teaching all lay people the Deadly Sins. We here at the Bullvine decided to take a look at the Seven Deadly Sins in the context of the dairy breeding industry. The following is what we found:
Lust
Who hasn’t lusted for money, food, fame, power or sex? Come on. We are not monks. So we are all guilty of this at some point or another. In the dairy breeding industry there are those who lust for money, fame and power. Lust for these three desires has led many dairy breeders to their downfall. Instead of just making their breeding and farm decisions based on sound judgment, they let the desire for money, fame or power influence them and, in the end, make investments or decisions that make no rational sense. Funny that the animal associated with lust is the dairy cow.
Gluttony
Gluttony is an inordinate desire to consume more than that which one requires. This is often interpreted as selfishness. Essentially it is placing concern with one’s own interests above the well-being or interests of others. This is one area that I can say very confidently that most members of the dairy community are actually not as guilty of. (Read more: Why the Dairy Community is the Greatest in the World….). However, there are those that have a tendency to overindulge in show ring results. While I am as big a fan as anyone of the tanbark trail, I often have to remind myself that it is just a passion and remember where it fits relative to the rest of the dairy industry.
Greed
Greed is the desire for material wealth or gain, ignoring the realm of the spiritual. It is, like lust and gluttony, a sin of excess. However, greed (as seen by the church) is applied to a very excessive or rapacious desire and pursuit of material possessions. “Greed is a sin directly against one’s neighbor, since one man cannot over-abound in external riches, without another man lacking them.” Lately, I see the dairy breeding industry getting “greedy” with their genetics. Empire building A.I. companies are not sharing their early release semen, and breeders are now not willing to sell embryos from their top females. Greed has undoubtedly infected the dairy breeding industry.
Sloth
Sloth is the avoidance of physical or spiritual work. It certainly would be really hard to accuse most dairy farmers of avoiding physical work. However, there are definitely some areas where sloth is starting to creep in. No, I am not talking about the skyrocketing number of breeders who are switching to robotic milking systems. These breeders are changing the type of work they are doing as opposed to the amount of work they do. What I am talking about here are the breeders who are looking to take the easy way out. On the tanbark trail, it is the breeders who expect to win at the big shows, but don’t realize how much work it takes and fail to do the work 365 days a year that it takes to achieve success. For the average dairy breeder, I notice sloth tendencies when they make their breeding decisions. Instead of taking the time to carefully do effective research on the best mate for their cows (Programs like GPS) they look for a quick and easy answer for their breeding programs. (Read more: gPs– Genetic Profile Systems – Dairy Cattle Breeding Made Simple). Another example of sloth in the dairy breeding industry, is livestock photography. Many professional photographers have gotten lazy and have let their ethics slide to a point where it is now downright sinful. (Read more: Dairy Marketing Code of Conduct)
Wrath
Wrath, also known as “rage,” may be described as inordinate and uncontrolled feelings of hatred and anger. Feelings of anger can manifest in different ways including impatience, revenge, and self-destructive behavior. In the dairy breeding industry, I notice this vice in many breeders choice of which A.I. unit to purchase their semen from. Instead of purchasing semen from the A.I. company that has the best sire for their animal, some breeders let their anger for a certain organization cloud their judgment and lead to diminished returns in their breeding program. There are also those who have turned their wrath on us here at the Bullvine (Read more: The Bullvine: Wanted Dead or Alive and Why I Don’t Care If You Like Me)
Envy
Envy is the desire for others’ traits, status, abilities, or situation. There are many (yes I say many) dairy breeders that are guilty of this. From those whose envy is relatively mild, such as case of envy over ownership of a certain animal, or breeding success to those that turn almost green with envy over the success of their fellow breeders.
Pride
In almost every list, pride is considered the original and most serious of the seven deadly sins and the source of the others. It is identified as believing that one is fundamentally better than others, failing to acknowledge the accomplishments of others and excessive admiration of the personal self. In the dairy breeding industry, I notice this in many old school breeders who fail to recognize new tools such as genomics. They believe that their “breeding strategy” is far superior to that of others and let pride get in the way of achieving even greater success.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Remember – no one is perfect. Sin, like death, is an unassailable fact of life. It is also one of the last great taboos for public debate. We here at the Bullvine feel that it is possible and necessary to talk about sin in ways that enrich our industry, as well as our personal lives. These sins have been the downfall of some. However, others find success through overcoming them. It is important to recognize the vices you’re susceptible to and to manage them. Otherwise, these seven deadly sins will be the downfall of your dairy breeding program.
You don’t have to talk to many dairy farmers who have committed their lives to the safe production of quality nutritional milk to discover that there are many different ways to be wealthy in the world. Wealth means a lot more than just financial success. However, sometimes, especially when times are financially tight, we forget that we are all wealthy in one way, or another.
Over the years I have become a big fan of a gentleman named, Robin Sharma, starting when I read his book The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari. It was Robin who first opened my eyes to the fact that there is more to life than just making money and specifically “there is no benefit in being the richest man in the graveyard.” He defined and introduced me to the following seven elements of wealth:
Inner wealth
This includes a positive mindset, high self-respect, internal peace and a strong spiritual connection. Positive people with a positive outlook on the world can be happy – Always. I have been fortunate in my life to have married a wonderful woman, who is a psychiatrist. (Read more: How I Used Everything I Know About Animal Breeding to Choose My Wife and The Other Woman) In our many conversations about people’s mental health, I have come to realize that this might be one of the biggest areas that many of us overlook when we judge our wealth. My wife deals with people from all economic backgrounds every day. Your financial health has very little to do with your mental health. Yes, lack of income is very stressful. However, there are also pressures on those who have significant wealth. I can remember when I was about 16 years old, a very “wealthy dairy farmer” from our community committed suicide. At the time, I can remember wondering why he would do such a thing. He had a financially successful farm and a great family. How could he possibly want to leave all of that? It’s now at an older age that I can appreciate that he suffered from inner health issues. Try this: Have a positive mental attitude and try to be sad at the same time. I don’t think it’s possible. With a positive attitude, life appears to be positive. Inner wealth really helps.
Physical wealth Your health is your wealth. What’s the point of having all the money in the world if you get sick doing it? Why be the richest person in the graveyard? For me, it took having a heart attack to realize this. Before that, I worked 80 hours a week, and drank copious amounts of Coke in order to compensate for my lack of sleep. Upon having my heart attack, and realizing that I was risking losing it all and not being there for my children as they grow up that I knew that my lifestyle had to change. A person who is not healthy cannot enjoy life. If you want to learn the importance of wealth, ask someone who is not feeling well or facing health issues (Read more: Patricia Stiles –Dairy Farmer, Grandmother, Hero, Fighting for Her Life!).
Family and social wealth Do you have loving parents or a caring brother or sister or friends who can come to your help at any time you want? Family and friends are another form of wealth. We are fortunate to be part of the greatest community in the world (Read more: Why the Dairy Community is the Greatest in the World….). However, one of the things about being part of this great community is being an active participant in it. No one gets to the end of their life and regrets making their family their first priority. Imperative in this is forging deep connections with friends and members of your personal community (including mentors, role models and trusted advisors).
Career wealth When we have success in our chosen career, we feel a sense of fulfilment. In the dairy industry, this could mean earning a Master Breeder shield or production achievement awards. This is another type of wealth. Actualizing your highest potential by striving for your professional best is incredibly important. Earning recognition in your profession brings a feeling of satisfaction for a job well done. It helps you to make your mark. Being world class in your work is also good for your self-respect.
Economic wealth Yes, money is important. Not the most important thing in life but very important. It absolutely makes life easier and better. Money allows you to live in a nice home, take beautiful vacations and provide well for those you love. And as Yvon Chouinard, the founder of the outdoor gear company Patagonia, has said: “The more I make, the more I can give away. So, earn more to give more.”
Adventure wealth We feel happy when we visit a new place or meet new exciting people. We feel happy when we are able to take the challenge and deliver more than expected. Adventure is another form of wealth. To be fulfilled, each of us needs mystery in our lives. Challenge is necessary for happiness. The human brain craves novelty. We are creative beings, so we need to be constantly creating if we hope to feel joy. Lots of adventure (ranging from meeting new people to visiting new places, to trying new things) is an essential element of authentic wealth.
Impact Wealth Perhaps the deepest longing of the human heart is to live for something greater than itself. That is part of what drives the majority of the dairy farmers I have met in my life. Each of us craves to be significant. To make a difference. To know that the world has somehow been better because we have walked the planet. This is just one of the reasons that dairy farming is one of the most rewarding professions in the world.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Money alone does not define wealth. There are many rich people who are unhappy and unsuccessful as human beings. By focusing on improving these seven elements of wealth to higher levels, you will not only be richer in the eyes of those around you, but you will also find contentment in who you are as a person. That is when you will truly be the wealthiest dairy farmer in the world.
The world watched yesterday as Germany became world champions for the fourth time thanks to a stunning extra-time winner from super-sub Mario Gotze. Germany is the first European team to win a World Cup in North or South America. Germany won its fourth World Cup by displaying a team unity that was above and beyond anyone else in the tournament. Each man knew his role and the Germans moved as a unit with clockwork precision. This same teamwork and precision can be seen in the German dairy industry. In honor of Germany’s World Cup victory, we decided to take a closer look at the German Dairy Industry.
Dairy Cattle Numbers
In Germany half of the farms are specialized in livestock, with the main group (>25%) are dairy farms. With a production value of about 10.6 milliard Euro (2009) cattle production (milk and beef) contributes about 25 percent to agricultural output in Germany. Germany is the world´s largest exporter of breeding cattle and one of the leading countries in the export of bovine semen. Germany has around 12.5 million head of cattle in total, including 4.2 million dairy cows and 0.7 million suckler cows. Germany has the largest dairy cattle herd and the second largest cattle population in the European Union.
Graph 1 – Cattle Production in Germany 2013
The main areas for cattle are in the North Western part of the country (Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia) as well as the Bavaria region in the South Eastern part of Germany.
Graph 2 – Cattle Stock in Germany
More than 40 breeds are kept of which 80% belong to the major breeds: German Holstein black and white and red and white (67.3%); the German Fleckvieh (26.4%) and the German Braunvieh (5.1%). The remaining 20% are shared by eight local rare breeds and about 30 beef breeds. The diversity of the cattle breeds also shows the differences of the regional climate and the fodder availability from the north to the south. In the north and East German Holstein black and white and German Holstein red and white are the most common breeds. In the south, Simmental and Brown Swiss Cattle are dominant. With that, Germany has the largest Holstein herdbook population worldwide. About 2.2 million Holstein cows are officially milk recorded. Every year around 1,000 Holstein and Red Holstein young bulls are progeny tested.
The average yield of a Holstein cow in Germany is 9,013kg in 305 days of 4.00% Fat and 3.33% Protein. The German Fleckvieh (Simmental) average about 7,210 kg in 305 days of 4.09% fat and 3.48% protein. The German Braunvieh (Brown Swiss) average 7,190 kg in 305 days of 4.16% Fat and 3.55% protein.
Housing Systems
In Germany, there is a wide range of different management systems ranging from small family operated farms with 50 – 60 cows to large-scale operations with over 2,000 cows. The fact that German Holsteins prove to be successful under these widely varying feeding and management systems, both in the barn and on pasture, underlines their extraordinary adaptability. This adaptability is also shown under various climatic conditions and makes German Holsteins an export sales hit.
74% of dairy cows in loose/freestall operations
21% of dairy cows in tie stalls
42% of dairy cows utilize pastures
Dairy Cow Rations
Cows in Germany are fed based on forages [silage (mainly grass and corn) or hay i.e. alfalfa], concentrate [grains (barley, wheat, and corn), protein sources (soybean meal and rapeseed meal), and other by-products (sugar beet pulp, etc.)] and common additives. The ratio of forage to concentrate varies from 60:40 to 40:60 percent but mainly forage based diets are used.
More than 130 years of German Holstein Breeding
In Germany, the first official breeding cooperative was established in Fischbek near Altmark in 1876. The objective was “to use pure-bred sires of the black-and-white Lowland Breed“ to develop this breed in pure-breeding. From then on, the number of regional breeding associations and breeding cooperatives increasingly grew to merge into larger organizations over the years. To this day, Germany has numerous powerful cow families whose foundation cows can be traced back to the very first registrations in the herdbooks of North German breeding areas.
For a while, most of the breeding organizations kept on registering black-and-white as well as red-and-white animals in one herdbook and the breeding goal for both breeds was identical. Later on, breeding organizations were formed that exclusively dealt with Black-and-Whites and Red-and-Whites respectively.
Due to the world wars, the breeding organizations’ business was severely impeded. However, thanks to the commitment of enthusiastic breeders, the herdbook organizations took up their activities over and over again. This fact ensured the survival of the German Holstein industry and its qualities in West Germany as well as in East Germany.
In the mid-sixties, herdbook associations and AI studs intensified their cooperation. This led to a number of larger breeding organizations that stamp the German Holstein industry to this day. Following the reunification of Germany, the dairy cattle industry in the East German states reorganized itself according to this model too. In the meantime, the breeding goals for Black-and-Whites and Red-and-Whites became more and more similar to each other with the result that, in 1996, a common breeding goal was laid down, and the German Holstein Association (Deutscher Holstein Verband e. V. – DHV) was founded.
For decades, German breeding programs have been carried out according to the latest findings. They form the cornerstone for the high production and the functional conformation of the German Holstein cow. In addition, productive life, fertility and udder health are highly rated traits.
Due to its federalist structure and its special livestock breeding act, Germany has numerous different breeding organizations. There are 14 organizations which are involved in Holstein breeding.
During the past years most of the former independent herdbook organizations and A.I. centers have merged into powerful breeding organizations, uniting herdbook, breeding program, artificial insemination and marketing under one roof. Most of the DHV members are organized in such merged breeding companies. TopQ and NOG (North-East-Genetics) are large nation-wide co-operations between different breeding companies. To become more efficient, the co-operative partners together run sizeable breeding programs. Furthermore, the partners work close together on the field of research, product development, and scientific analysis of the breeding programs.
The milk recording organizations are independent. Milk recording, at about 85% usage, is higher than in any other country of the world. Among others, their staff members register all animals and transmit the data to the United Data systems for Animal Production (VIT). Under the federal program, the computer center VIT in Verden is responsible for the estimation of breeding values for Holsteins and Red Holsteins and processes all data registered. VIT publishes the breeding values as well as data for the business analyses of the dairy farms. VIT also connects all breeding organizations through a widespread online-communication system.
National Index – RZG
The Total Merit Index RZG guarantees a balanced breeding considering milk production, functional herd life, conformation, reproduction, udder health and calving traits according to their economic importance. The Total Merit Index combines a number of individual trait indexes and makes it easy for the breeders to choose a bull according to all relevant traits. Today, the Total Merit Index (RZG) includes production (RZM 45%), functional herd life (RZN 20%), conformation (Udders, Feet & Legs 15%), reproduction (RZZ 10%), somatic cell count (RZS 7%) and maternal calving traits (RZKm 3%). To date the RZG is one of the world´s most popular total merit indexes for the Holstein breed.
In 2009, the German Holstein industry implemented genomic selection as a new tool in its breeding programs. The model was completely developed by the German data center VIT, and was among the first in the world that became ICAR/Interbull approved in August 2010. Therefore, semen of sires with a genomic enhanced breeding value (gEBW) from VIT is allowed to be sold all over Europe without any restrictions. Within the scope of EuroGenomics, more than 27,000 proven sires are involved in this genomic project to evaluate the gZW today. EuroGenomics is not only the largest training site for genomic evaluation but also represents the complete European and Northern American genetic background of the Holstein breed.
Popular German Cows
Loh Nastygirl (Marbach x Marshall) Grand Champion German National Show 2013. 3.8 La: 48,310 Kg 3.20% 3.15% Type. 4 La: 96-94-96-95/95
WIT A-Klasse (Classic PS x Stadel) Senior Red Holstein Champion German Holstein Show 2013. 3 La: 30,345 Kg 3.72% 3.46% Type, 3 La: 94-93-88-94/92
FG Ice EX 90 (Jasper 2 x Lee) 2013 Intermediate Reserve Champion on the European Holstein Championship 2013 in Fribourg, CH
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Germany has the largest Holstein herdbook population worldwide. Germany is the world´s largest exporter of breeding cattle and one of the leading countries in the export of bovine semen. Now, as the world is recognizing Germany as a football powerhouse, the German dairy industry should also be recognized as a dairy cattle powerhouse.
Breeding the next generation cattle is always a combining of the females we have in our herds with the breed leading sires to obtain even more profitable herd in the future. How big our Holstein cattle need to be and how their bodies function are important matters that future focused discerning breeders are asking about and discussing with fellow breeders.
How Do You Measure Size?
Many different yardsticks exist in dairy cattle to measure size. It can start at the muzzle and goes all the way to the pins. For some breeders, it starts at the ground and goes to the top of the cow. In the perfect cow it a combination of everything – front to back and top to bottom. However, are all areas that measure capacity of equal importance? Alternatively, are there some areas that are more important than others?
Type classification programs and the show ring deal with many areas relative to width, depth and total mass. There are many areas, but I seldom hear reference made to the lung capacity that an animal has. Sometimes we hear mention of width of heart, as a measure for the size of the lungs. However, do we know, for sure, if animals that have more width of chest and heart actually have a greater lung capacity?
Do You Consider Lung Capacity?
We know that in humans the ability to take in air and add oxygen to our systems is essential for every person especially physical workers, mountain climbers or Olympic athletes. Do cattle breeders consider the capacity of their animals’ lungs? If they do, how do they know if animals have more or less lung capacity? As in human environments, dairy cattle are subjected to high altitudes, high temperatures and airborne diseases and our cattle are expected to perform no matter what. Every breeder knows that calves that have had severe pneumonia will not reach their genetic potential to produce milk. So less lung capacity due to loss definitely has an effect on performance. In cows, the more milk produced, the more blood that must flow to the udder. Every drop of blood requires oxygen. Larger lungs facilitate the addition of more oxygen to the blood.
Measuring Lung Capacity
One question that remains unanswered for me is this: “By breeding taller and taller Holsteins with narrow and narrower width between their front legs and also less width side to side in the heart region, have we decreased the lung capacity of our breed?”
I know from hands on experience that cows in hot climates differ in their ability to cope with sweltering weather. Especially when the temperature does not drop during the night. It’s hot sometimes for weeks on end. I have seen, in such an environment, wide chested cows able to produce 100 pounds (45 kgs) of milk in 113F (45C) temperature days. Moreover, in the same herds small heart and narrow chested cows have froth dropping to the ground from their mouths. They are panting, and even when cold mist is sprayed on their backs they can barely produce 80 pounds (36 kgs). In large herds, the managers do not often choose to take the steps necessary for the narrow cows to be comfortable. It’s a matter of economics not animal treatment. Trained staff are often not available on the farm. The narrow cows self eliminate from the herd.
During physical exams, people often blow into a device to measure their lung capacity. It’s not so easy to get a measure of an animals’ lung capacity. Somehow we need to know more about lung capacity and its impact the productive ability of our dairy cattle.
More Thoughts on Lung Capacity
There may be a way to physically measure lung capacity in dairy cattle but then to collect enough data to do genetic evaluations is a very costly task. Could an animal appraisal be done on heifers at weaning for a number of traits? Besides lung capacity, additional traits could include weight, feet, height, vigour and rumen function. After all, we need the type of weanling that will grow into heifers able to calve at 20 months and then quickly become productive and profitable member of the milking cow herd. Herd replacements are the third biggest cost item on dairy farms yet we often do not track and manage the heifer herds as well as we should.
It would be possible if we knew both lung capacity and genomic make-up of a sample group of heifers to develop a genetic evaluation system to breed for lung capacity without having to directly measure lung capacity on every animal.
Lessons from Secretariat
Let’s let our thinking move beyond dairy cows to race horses. For those breeders not familiar with Secretariat, he was perhaps the greatest racehorse in history. He won every race in the Triple Crown, the three biggest races that horse greatness is judged by. Not only did he win all the races, but he won that last one by 31-lengths. Destroying the competition. Charles Hatton of Daily Racing Form comments on Secretariat as follows “ Secretariat had depth of barrel, with well-sprung ribs for heart and lung room …. with the big rear end, the straight legs, huge lung and blood-pumping capacity, and his great size, he was a phenomenon waiting to happen ….. He lost only five times in his career … He was on the threshold of track or stakes records in most of his races and he broke them in his Triple Crown races … after his death, at 19 years, in 1989 post mortem examination revealed that his heart was two-and-a-half times the size of a normal heart for a horse his size. Not enlarged. Just big. There’s an equine gene for it. He had that too.” If there’s a gene for heart size in horses then likely there is a gene for lung capacity in dairy cattle.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Breeders select and care for their animals so they can maximize their lifetime profit. We know and are learning more every year about the genetic makeup of our dairy animals. It is time to think about how our animals’ lungs operate in order to complement the balanced nutrition, sound management, high-calibre genetics and cow friendly environments that we provide. Maximizing oxygen intake is important.
With Canada celebrating its national holiday this week and today being US Independence Day, we thought it only fitting to see which of these two great dairy cattle breeding nations has the edge when it comes to dairy cattle genetics.
We decided to look at 5 areas -Total Index, Production, Health and Fertility, Longevity and the Show Ring. For each category we calculated the top 100 Canadian or USA bred animals. For country of origin we used the country they were registered in. Each area carries a 20 point total. The following is what we found.
Total Index – BPI
Naturally the US will dominate the TPI list and Canada will dominate the LPI lists so we decided to use our own BPI index as a gauge to determine which country has the top sires in the total balanced index category. (Read more: Bullvine Performance Index)
While Canada is coming on strong in the genomic sire lists, on the whole the BPI index is dominated by the USA.
Verdict: 3 Points to Canada and 17 Points to the USA
Production
For top production sires we used a weighting of 50% PTAM, 20% PTAP, 5% %PTAP, 20% PTAF, 5% %PTAF
With 82% of the top proven and genomic sires for production, the USA dominates the production section of this competition. However it is interesting to see that Canada is getting stronger with 30% of the top genomic production sires. This stronger showing may also be a result of Canada’s national index, LPI having more production weighting than that of the American TPI.
Verdict: 4 Points to Canada and 16 Points to the USA
Health and Fertility
For Health and Fertility we used the following weightings SCS 20%, DPR 20%, SCR 20%, SCE 10%, DCE 10%, SSB 10%, and DSB 10%.
It isn’t surprising, since the USA’s national index, TPI, has a heavier weighting on Health and Fertility, to find that the USA absolutely dominates this list.
Verdict: 2 Points to Canada, 18 Points to the USA
Longevity
For longevity we used the following weightings -PL 50%, MS 30%, F&L 10%, BC 5% and DC 5%.
Given that Canada does put a high emphasis on type and, as a result longevity, it’s not surprising that Canada does have a strong showing in this category.
Verdict: 3 Points Canada, 17 Points USA
Show Ring Success
For the show ring we decided to take a look at the top 5 placings from this past year’s World Dairy Expo and Royal Winter Fair to see who dominates in the show ring.
One area where Canada does dominate the USA is in the show ring. At both National Shows Canada came out on top. Although the USA did have an edge in the cow classes at World Dairy Expo, Canada absolutely dominated the 2013 Royal Winter Fair.
Verdict: 14 Points to Canada and 6 Points to the USA
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Final Verdict: Canada 26 USA 74
Not surprisingly the USA comes out on top of this North American Battle. In fact the USA comes out on top when compared to any country in the world and Canada comes in 2nd place in the world ranking. While Canada’s passion for the show ring certainly helps them in this competition, even in the index categories Canada performs better than their cattle numbers would indicate. Canada has 1/10 the cattle numbers of the USA but wins 15% of the index market share. In the end, national pride always finds a way to wave the flag!!
Do you own the best kept secret in the dairy breeding industry? Would you like the world to know about your amazing cattle? Then enter them in the inaugural Bullvine Breeders’ Cup and showcase your animals to the world from the comfort of your own barn.
Not all great cows have the ability to win at the big shows and not all great cows are determined by what their genomic index indicates. That is why we have created the Bullvine Breeders’ Cup. Simply post a self-picture of your contender on Facebook or in the form below and tell us why your cow is worthy of being named The Bullvine Breeders’ Cup Champion. Finalists will then be voted on by Bullvine readers as well as our official judge and equal weighting between both will determine the winner.
This is not just a contest for show cows or for those that have the highest index. Equal consideration will be given to each animal’s pedigree, conformation, and progeny as well as their MVP status in your herd. This is a contest to determine who is the best kept secret in the dairy business.
Winners will receive a feature article on www.thebullvine.com about their cow and their operation, a banner ad on our website as well as use of the Bullvine Breeders’ Cup logo in the promotion of their animal.
Rules and Regulations:
Animals must have calved at least once (1) to be eligible for the mature cow class competition.
Competition is open to “in milk” cows only. (Picture must show cow in milking form)
No professional side shots of cows will be accepted.
This is an all breeds competition.
There are no classification or production requirements to enter.
Animals can be clipped but preferably not fitted for the show ring. (no toplines, no uddering)
The top five (5) selected as finalists will be voted on and placed.
ENTRY DEADLINE – Tuesday, July 31st, 2014. No Late Entries Accepted.
Over the past year, I have found myself wondering, “What is the function of the show ring?” Attendance at shows has gone down, and there are fewer animals coming out. But more concerning than anything else is that it seems that too many of the winners at the major shows have had significant flaws and do not truly represent the most productive, long-lived cows that were at the show. This has me wondering if the show ring still has a function in today’s dairy industry.
Long have I listened to the three functions of showing dairy cattle: breed improvement, merchandising and marketability. So as I am now pondering show ring relevance, I figured I would look at each of these three areas and see how well each one actually performs.
Breed Improvement
For years, there has been an ongoing debate about how well a top show cow would last in a commercial environment. Over the past eight months, pretty much every cow that I have seen named Grand Champion at a Holstein show has had a significant functional flaw. This definitely raises an issue for me because, if the show ring is supposed to be the best of the best, shouldn’t the Grand Champion be a great example of that? For me, the question now becomes, “What is it that we are looking for?” For that, I turn to the Dairy Cow Unified Score Card (US) and Holstein Cow Score Card (Canada), and I find myself looking at the relative emphasis of each major category. I question the relative weightings in relation to what a long-lived productive cow truly looks like. (Read more: She Ain’t Pretty – She Just Milks That Way!). This became very evident to me at a judging school I recently attended. On that day, the official panel (which was two representatives from AI) placed a cow at the top of the class who had a major rump problem which is usually associated with reproductive issues. Something you would expect someone who worked in the AI industry to be cognizant of. At the bottom of the class was a very sound cow, placed there because she was not as “deep bodied and dairy as the other cows in the class.” This caused me extreme concern. Not only did it kill my score/performance for the day, but also on a more significant scale, what does it say about us as an industry, if we are selecting these animals to represent the best of the best.
Ideal Show/Classification 2 year old
Typical High Index 2 year old
High productive and efficient production 2 year old.
For me, the issue here is not just a show ring problem. It is also a classification issue. The weighting on the score card is the same for both classification and show ring. If we look at the score card and compare the correlations between production and productive life, we see significant issues arising around what should be benchmarks for a long-lived productive cow.
*Performance based score developed by using weights of correlations for productive life and production to each of the four major trait areas.
By looking at the correlations between actual performance data and the breed scorecards, two glaring issues come to light:
Too much emphasis on Mammary System
For years I have heard it said, again and again, it all begins with the cow’s udder. Naturally, that makes sense, since we are talking about milk production. What is interesting is that, while the correlation between Mammary System and Productive Life are very high, the correlation between Mammary System and actual milk production is actually negative. My belief on this matter is that, since we have put so much emphasis on udders over the past 30 years, the Mammary Systems on most cows are to the point where they are more than sound for productive reasons. In other words, we have done such a good job at breeding for strong well-attached udders that are well above the hock that we now have taken it to the extreme, where even cows with average udders are still correct enough to last several lactations and be productive cows. Furthermore, and this is where the problem lies, the sires who provide the greatest udder improvement don’t actually sire enough milk.
Top 10 Proven UDC Proven Sires April 2014
Name
Milk
Fat
Prot
SCS
Conf
Stature
Body Depth
DE-SU OBSERVER-ET
2336
91
83
2.71
12
-2
-4
BADGER-BLUFF FANNY FREDDIE
1717
66
59
2.74
5
-3
-6
DE-SU CIMARRON-ET
2895
99
88
2.69
10
0
0
LONG-LANGS OMAN OMAN
1490
83
82
3.11
12
6
-2
DE-SU HISTORY-ET
2083
101
81
2.72
8
0
2
MORNINGVIEW LEVI
1321
86
74
2.57
3
0
-3
DE-SU ALTAGOALMAN-ET
2856
107
89
2.77
3
-2
-3
CO-OP BOSSIDE MASSEY-ET
1151
75
66
2.52
6
0
0
ENSENADA TABOO PLANET
2497
89
82
2.88
8
-6
1
WELCOME BOL LATHAM-ET
1797
78
81
2.94
7
2
2
KINGS-RANSOM B RUBLE
3078
87
92
2.98
7
-2
-2
In looking at the top 10 proven sires for Udder Composite you will notice that only 5 sires have a positive value for milk (PTAM) and only two sires (Buxton and Golf) are over 1000 lbs. of milk. The top 100 UDC proven sires from the April 2014 Genetic Evaluations average a very low 551 lbs of milk (PTAM).
Top 10 Proven Production (PTAM) Sires April 2014
Name
Milk
Fat
Prot
SCS
Conf
Stature
Body Depth
DE-SU MUCHO 11209-ET
1319
102
85
2.63
9
2
0
MR CHARTROI ELOQUENT-ET
1740
106
86
2.79
12
3
1
PARILE LOCARNO
1774
86
84
2.67
12
2
-3
SANDY-VALLEY PANAMA-ET
1841
108
74
2.49
11
-1
-2
BUTZ-HILL LETTERS-ET
1999
86
85
2.71
10
-2
-1
DE-SU THUNDER-ET
1339
100
60
2.63
16
4
-2
WELCOME ARMITAGE PESKY-ET
1088
101
71
2.72
9
4
-5
DE-SU PHOENIX 588-ET
2659
113
95
2.76
8
-1
-3
DE-SU SKYMONT 11195-ET
1631
94
74
2.74
12
-1
-3
CHAMPION ALTABOOKEL
1963
94
79
2.81
15
-1
-1
Conversely, if you look at the top 10 proven sires for milk (PTAM) you will notice that there are two sires (Ruble and Jigsaw) that are over +2.00 for UDC in fact the top 100 milk sires have an average UDC of 1.16. In the top 100 proven Productive Life sires average +1.44 for UDC and +1.48 for PTAT. Therefore it’s very clear that the top sires for milk do not always have the best udders, and the top udder sires are not typically you high production sires. Interestingly this leads to the conclusion that a high UDC is not as strong an indicator of either production or the ability to have high production over a cows lifetime as many believe.
Not enough emphasis on Functional Rumps
There certainly has been a strong positive trend over recent years to breed and select cattle with greater emphasis on reproduction. With that has come a greater focus on rump angle. This is an area where I am noticing the greatest discrepancy between the show ring and what it truly takes to be a long-lived functional cow. It has been generally accepted that a level wide rump was a show ring rump and a high rump angle rump was a calving ease rump. The challenge is that, over the past year, I have seen cows with extremely high pins being made Grand Champion. While I love a nice boxcar rump as much as the next person does, it still needs to be at least level and not have a severe tilt from back to front.
Merchandising
There used to be a time that you could take a heifer to a spring show with the expectation that, if she did well, you would be able to sell her for significant dollars. That has changed to such an extent that not nearly as many breeders are even sending animals to the spring shows anymore. In fact, those that are looking to sell their animals are opting to send them to a Tag Sale instead. Lately, that is proving to be a better avenue for merchandising your show animals. For a couple of hundred dollars you can have your heifer clipped, fitted and worked with. That is a fraction of the cost of taking them to a show yourself. (Read more: TAG – You are it! How and Why TAG Dairy Sales Are Successful)
One thing that came to light for me, as I was sitting watching the Best of Both World’s sale this week, hosted by St. Jacobs ABC, Ferme Blondin, and Crasdale Auctions, was that there is still a market for “show cattle.” (Read more: Best of Both Worlds – Sale Report) Now I am not saying that they are topping the major sales or bringing the highest revenue (Read more: An Insider’s Guide to What Sells at the Big Dairy Cattle Auctions 2013). What I am saying is that a cow that has had some success in the show ring and that can produce desirable type calves reliably is still very profitable. An example of this was Ernest-Anthony Aphrodite-ET 2E 95 who sold for $21,000 at the sale. While her show days are long behind her, she still carries significant value. That is because she is able to reliably produce nice cut calves. She also flushes well, as was evident at the sale with many of those nicely cut daughters selling for $5,000 to $10,000. (Read more: KUEFFNER DAIRY TEAMWORK “2 Dream the Impossible Dream!”) While the price of genomic animals has certainly fluctuated, a well-bred, nice pedigreed calf from a fairly well known show cow family continues to be one of the most stable markets. (Read more: The Judge’s Choice – Investment advice from Tim Abbott)
Ernest-Anthony Aphrodite-ET 2E 95 the Member 2009 All-American Produce of Dam, Member 2009 All-American Senior Best 3 Females, Member of 2007 Unanimous All-American Senior Best Three Females and Reserve All-American Produce of Dam sold for $21,000 at the Best of Both Worlds Sale. Of course Aphrodite is from the great Tri-Day Ashlyn-ET EX 96, the Supreme Champion from the 2001 World Dairy Expo and Royal Winter Fair.
Marketability
Over the past two years, I have noticed a drastic decrease in the number of people attending cattle shows. This has gotten to the point where many have started openly raising concerns about what is happening. Take for example the recent Maxville Holstein Show (Read more: Maxville Holstein Show Results 2014) where it would have been generous to say there were 100 spectators in the crowd. Furthermore, the average age of those spectators was well over 60. If you were evaluating marketability by that attendance at the show, you would certainly have been disappointed. However, here again, times have changed. Today, due to the Internet, more and more people are watching from home. Especially if they live a significant distance away. (Read more: Who is going to the show? Why attendance is down at the dairy cattle shows). The statistics from our own coverage tell a very different story than does the attendance at the show. We had over 10,000 people view the show results on our website on show day alone. Over 1,300 people shared our webpage on Facebook and another 3,000 people liked or shared our pictures on Facebook. Therefore, what has really happened? The answer is that the marketability of a show has gone from being that of a local attendance market to a worldwide market, where you can merchandise to people from around the globe (as long as the right dairy publications attend). If the dairy publications don’t choose to attend your local show, there is still an opportunity to snap your own pictures, get them liked and shared around the world and produce your own viral marketing. I have often seen a quick selfie by breeders at a show far outperform a professional side photograph on Facebook.
The Bulvine Bottom Line
When all is said and done, the viral nature of show results, pictures, and videos on the Internet prove that the show ring still serves a relevant position in today’s dairy industry. There are certainly opportunities to further enhance the relevance of the show ring to the rest of the industry. The best way to do that is in the type of cattle that we select at the shows. For years, the show ring and type classification led the charge on the need to focus more on mammary system improvement. Today we are at the point where cows’ udders in most herds in the world are very sound. It’s now time for the show ring and type classification to again lead the charge when selecting for long-lived productive cows. This will mean putting greater emphasis on functional rumps and functional cows.
Let`s ensure that the show ring has a relevant function in the dairy industry for years to come.
Two weeks ago, another “undercover” video from an animal rights group rocked the dairy world and gave the dairy industry yet another black eye. (Read more: Dairy Cattle Abuse Video – A black eye for the dairy industry). While tens of thousands of people across North America, and for that matter around the world, have now seen this brutal video, the fact is that most of them assume that the actions that occur on this video take place on all dairy farms on a daily basis. Those of us that work in the dairy industry know this is not the case at all. However, since Happy Cows Don’t Make Headlines, the general public is only exposed to the negative side of the dairy industry rather than the positive.
In the media business there is no question that if you can touch an emotion, whether it be positive or negative, you certainly can get attention and gain readership. Anyone watching this horrifying video would be hard pressed not to get emotional when seeing the abuses that occur. As a result, the mainstream media has been very quick to jump on this story and continues to pound the dairy industry with their negative coverage.
Even we here at the Bullvine are guilty of exposing this story. Some breeders commented to us that we should not cover this story. Unlike other dairy publications, we have learned that burying your head in the sand is not the way to bring about change. Instead, you need to be 100% transparent and address the problem head on. We as an industry cannot hope that this story will “quietly go away.” That is not going to happen. Moreover, we need to stand up for ourselves and share the positive instead of hiding from the negative.
It’s at times like this when we all need to be strong dairy advocates and make sure that the general public actually knows the truth of what goes on in the dairy industry. A great example of this is provided by Jerry Jorgensen from Ri-Val-Re Holsteins. Jerry was disgusted by what he had seen in the video and certainly expressed his comments on social media. However, he also took the time to produce a video that showed the public what actually happens on most dairy farms.
Jorgensen’s video provides an excellent explanation of how most dairy cattle are cared for. Jerry applied his unique sense of humor to the video. The challenge is that, while those in the dairy industry applauded the video and appreciated Jerry’s efforts, the video was viewed on YouTube by 4,000 people. This is just a fraction of the over 140,000 people that viewed the Mercy for Animals video from Chilliwack Cattle Sales.
Carrie Mess (aka Dairy Carrie) a strong dairy advocate and very active social media personality (Read more: Dairy Carrie – Diary of a City Kid Gone Country) says the social media comments spurred by the Mercy for Animals video have been frustrating.
“The group that is responsible for this video has an agenda. That agenda is… they advocate for a vegan diet. They don’t like animal agriculture. So when they release a video like this and try to paint all farmers with this huge brush, it’s so frustrating to me. Any industry will have bad actors, but that doesn’t mean that everybody is.”
Carrie adds that on the hundreds of dairy farms she has been on she has never seen anything like that happening. She does say that the video from Chilliwack is unacceptable, ”There is no excuse for that kind of treatment of cows.” Though she is also quick to admit that “sometimes I’m mean to my cows” and it’s because it can mean life or death. Sometimes farming is messy, ugly, and tragic. (Read more: Sometimes we are mean to our cows)
“I do want people to understand that these are very large animals and that we can’t necessarily just pick up with a couple of guys lifting her,” she explains. “A cow is so big that if she lays down for too long, whether it’s because of an injury or illness, the cow is large enough that basically her legs go to sleep. More so than you can ever imagine where she just can’t get up. So if she’s laying down for too long and can’t get up, she’s not going to be able to get up…a down cow that can’t get up is going to be a dead cow.”
Now to be fair to the video from Chilliwack Cattle Sales, there are some actions that to the uneducated watcher seem pretty horrific, but to the average dairy farmer can be explained. One such case is the rush to get a downed cow off of the rotary parlor before she is squished to death. The cows are so large there is no other way to lift them than to use a tractor. However, then the average dairy farmer would also ask, “Why was the cow down in the first place?” If it was because she was afraid of the rotary parlor, which can be the case, then why was she being forced to go on it in the first place?
None of this is to say the abuse shown at Chilliwack Cattle Sales was justifiable in any way because it’s not. However, this situation highlights a significant disconnect in our modern dairy production system. How does the consumer, who doesn’t know anything about where his milk comes from, have a meaningful discussion with the dairy farmer who doesn’t have to think about the person at the grocery cooler buying it?
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the only way to prevent future videos of this nature is to give activists nothing to film. Dairy farmers around the world need to look at their own operations and make sure that they run a farm that they’re proud to show to anyone, at any time, and are not afraid to do so, especially through social media. Education is key, although it takes time and effort from both sides and doesn’t really prevent the possibility of problems slipping through. Thanks to the power of social media we all have the opportunity to help educate the consumer about how much we care for our dairy cattle and why the dairy community is one of the greatest in the world. (Read more: Why the Dairy Community is the Greatest in the World….) Remember we cannot expect the general media to do it for us, because Happy Cows Don’t Make Headlines.
Growing up on a dairy farm is certainly one of the most rewarding experiences anyone could ever have. Now that I am a parent myself, I am constantly reminded of some of the unique experiences that only a dairy farm kid can have.
1 – The unpredictable circle of life
On a dairy farm on any given day, you can experience the highs of welcoming a newborn calf, or the lows of a favorite cow getting hurt and having to be culled. While most kids may experience the death of a pet, a dairy farm kid gets to experience the complete circle of life, from birth, through raising to death. A dairy farm kid gets to experience it all. However, through everything a dairy farm kid also learns that no matter what happens you have to wake up each morning and plow on. Regardless of what happened yesterday, today you still need to feed, water and care for all the cattle on the farm.
2 – Summer vacation means mowing hay or fixing fences.
While many kids get all excited about their summer vacation trip to Europe or Disneyland, a dairy farm kid knows that their summer will consist of repairing the pasture fence, mowing hay, or training a 4-H calf. There may not be the glitz and glamor of international travel, but the discipline and work ethic learning during these “staycations” will prove invaluable no matter what career is chosen later on.
3 – Baler twine can fix anything
While some kids grow up learning that duct tape is the fix all around the house, it pales in comparison to the power of baler twine. From fixing broken fences, gates and keeping your pants up, the limitless potential of baler twine is invaluable around the farm. Even now when I find myself in a pinch I think to myself “If I only had some baler twine I would have this fixed in no time.”
4 – A hard day’s work is not measured in hours
In most other walks of life, you will hear people talk about how many hours they have worked, but not on a dairy farm. Dairy farm kids learn that there is always more to be done and, “If you have the time to calculate how many hours you have worked, you haven’t worked hard enough.” Every dairy farm kid knows that the day starts well before sunrise with cows to be milked, and ends after sunset after the crops have been harvested, and the pregnant cows have been checked for calving. The best way to appreciate how hard someone has been working is not by listening to them complain, but rather it is by shaking their hands and feeling the calluses from all the work they have been doing.
5 – Mistreat a cow and you are going to get kicked….hard
Recently there has been much made about a video released about cattle abuse. While the actions in these videos are certainly deplorable, any kid actually raised on a dairy farm knows this is not how you treat cattle. If you mistreat a cow, she is going to kick you, and hard. Hooves are hard and can leave a bruise like none other. Mistreatment only escalates whatever problem you think you are dealing with.
6 – It’s better to lead than to push
When cows refuse to cross a gutter or go through the door it’s far more productive to lead them across than to try to push them. Pushing them in this kind of a situation is pointless and is only going to lead to greater frustration for you. A far better way is just to lead them. Lead and they will follow. This kind of attitude can also apply in life. Don’t push…lead.
7 – The measure of a man is not how much money they have but rather the community that supports them
While many love to tell you about how much money they have, a dairy farm kid learns pretty quickly in life that it’s not money that is the measure of a man, but rather how quickly the community around them supports them in the tough times. Recently we have seen this very measure proven again and again (Read more: Why the Dairy Community is the Greatest in the World….)
8 – Multitasking means doing more than two things at once
I can’t tell you how many times I have heard socialite mothers complain about having to watch the kids (which means having the nanny do the work for them) and then have to worry about cooking dinner (that again is done for them) and then have to be ready to go out and be sociable. Really, try having to feed the family, feed the calves, milk the cows, be a taxi service for both the kids and the farm and then whenever you have time also be the accountant and referee between the kids fights. (Read more: Dairy Farm Moms are Unstoppable and The Dairy Farmer’s Wife)
9 – You have to give love in order to receive love
Anyone who has ever taken care of a dairy cow has quickly learned that if you show them the love they will quickly show you the love back. When you take care of them, they will take care of you. You discover that having a vigilant focus on your cows’ comfort and well-being is the key to a successful dairy farm. Healthy, happy cows give more milk and lead far more productive lives than cows that aren’t treated well. It’s been scientifically proven that cows with more love in their life will outperform any cows that aren’t being treated well.
10 – Nothing is more refreshing than a glass of ice-cold milk, fresh from the cow
Raw milk may not be everyone’s personal preference and is even considered “dangerous” to some, but anyone who was raised on a dairy farm agrees that nothing compares to it. After moving away from the dairy, I will never enjoy milk purchased from the store as much as I loved the creamy goodness of milk from your own herd fresh from the bulk tank.
11 – It’s possible to combine your passion and your paycheck
Far too many people, these days, are lost in their careers. They are stuck in jobs that they don’t like, working in an industry that they could care less about. In contrast, anyone who has grown up on a dairy farm certainly has been exposed to the passion that comes with being a dairy farmer. Sure, the paycheck may not be as sexy, but a rewarding career is second to none.
12 – Nothing compares to working with family
Everyone talks about and values teamwork but there are no greater teams than the ones comprised of dairy families pulling together. Growing up on a dairy farm the dinner table acts as the boardroom table and pretty much every decision is made over a dinner of roast beef, mashed potatoes and a glass of ice cold milk.
Whatever “dairy dozen” you hold most dear, I have no doubt that they have a positive impact on your life — on or off the farm!
Nineteen days ago, Patricia and Mike Stiles woke up to a nightmare. One that they and their families are still going through today. It’s a nightmare that is going to continue for some time to come. Since that time the dairy industry from around the world has rallied to their support. Sending out prayers, love, support and giving generously to aid them. Thanks to the support of many of our community members, for the past two weeks ww.thebullvine.com ran a fundraiser to help these families deal with the costs associated with these many surgeries. (Read more: Helping Heroes – Fundraiser to Support the Stiles & Burdette Families and Let’s Help End the Nightmare – Fundraiser to Support the Stiles & Burdette Families Ends at Midnight) Thanks to the generous support of the donors and the abundant bidding of the buyers the Helping Heroes fundraiser raised $24,230 for Patricia Stiles and Reese Burdette and their families to help them end the nightmare that they have been going through.
BREEZE HILL HOLSTEINS, WINCHESTER, ON, (613) 821-3906
CARLDOT FINAL CUT CARISSA
92
GILLETTE FINAL CUT
CARLDOT FARMS, STRATFORD, ON, (519) 655-2817
COBEQUID LINJET JAZZ
92
SUNNYLODGE LINJET
FERME AROLENE INC, ST. ISIDORE, PQ, (418) 882-5171
ERROLEA BABY JAMES
92
SHOREMAR JAMES
ERROLEA HOLSTEINS, CAMLACHIE, ON, (519) 899-2362
FLORBIL LHEROS WONDER
92
COMESTAR LHEROS
MAPLEVUE FARMS, LISTOWEL, ON, (519) 291-1917
FLORBIL TEE OFF WONDERFUL
92
RIETBEN TEE OFF
FLORBIL FARMS LTD, MILDMAY, ON, (519) 367-5591
GREENLARK GOLDEN ROSE
92
BRAEDALE GOLDWYN
GREENLARK FARMS, PEMBROKE, ON, (613) 638-6283
HADDINGTON BLITZ BOBBI JO
92
FUSTEAD EMORY BLITZ-ET
SANDY & LILIAN STEWART, MARA, BC, (250) 838-2255
LOYALYN MR SAMUELO SPECKLES
92
REGANCREST-MR SAMUELO-ET
ROB & ALICE BUMSTEAD, OWEN SOUND, ON, (519) 376-8583
LOYALYN STORMATIC SHERRY
92
COMESTAR STORMATIC
ROB & ALICE BUMSTEAD, OWEN SOUND, ON, (519) 376-8583
OURIVER LHEROS CARA
92
COMESTAR LHEROS
OURIVER HOLSTEINS, KINCARDINE, ON, (519) 395-5812
QUALITY BLITFICE
92
FUSTEAD EMORY BLITZ-ET
QUALITY HOLSTEINS, VAUGHAN, ON, (905) 851-3892
RUETZVIEW FINALCUT JUBILANT
92
GILLETTE FINAL CUT
HYHOLME HOLSTEINS, CHESLEY, ON, (519) 363-0449
SUNSPARK BLITZ DOTTIE
92
FUSTEAD EMORY BLITZ-ET
SUNSPARK FARMS INC, SOUTH BRUCE PENINSULA, ON, (519) 935-2016
ZETTLERDALE ALEX RUBY
92
SURE-VIEW ALEX-ET
ZETTLERDALE FARMS, CHEPSTOW, ON, (519) 366-2736
Of interesting note is that many of the items sold for six and seven times their retail cost. This is a great sign of just how much the winning bidders wanted to support these two families during this tough time. On behalf of the whole team at www.thebullvine.com, managing editor Karen Hunt comments “From the very start the level of support and the response we received from the donors as well as the bidders was truly amazing.” “There is no question that the dairy community is the greatest in the world”. (Read more: Why the Dairy Community is the Greatest in the World….)
Eighteen days ago, Patricia and Mike Stiles woke up to a nightmare. One that they and their families are still going through today. It’s a nightmare that is going to continue for some time to come. Since that time the dairy industry from around the world has rallied to their support. Sending out prayers, love, support and giving generously to aid them.
Both Patricia Stiles and her granddaughter, Reese Burdette, who Patricia risked her life to try and save, continue to fight their battles. (Read more: Patricia Stiles – Dairy Farmer, Grandmother, Hero, Fighting for her life!) Pneumonia is huge demon that both are facing, as well as the other infections and trauma that face burn victims. Surgeries for skin grafting are working, and slowly, but surely, Reese and Patricia are healing. Doctors have estimated at least 15 to 30 operations for the Reese over the next few months — many for skin grafting.
The dairy industry continues to rally around these families, with support and donations. Thanks to the support of many of our community members, for the past two weeks we have been running a fundraiser to help these families deal with the costs associated with these many surgeries.
There are three simple ways to bid; you can enter your bid in the comments below, place your bid on the Facebook, or email helpingheroes@thebullvine.com, and we will keep all locations up to date with the latest bids.
Terms
The Bullvine will act as a dairy breeder’s version of eBay. That means that once the sale is complete we will collect the funds from the successful bidder, notify the breeder who donated the lot of who and where to send the lot to. Once the winning bidder has successfully received the items, we will release the funds. The buyer will be responsible for all shipping expenses.
Please share this article to help raise awareness of this great opportunity to support the Stiles and Burdette families at this time.
Please continue to reach out to this family, and continue to pray for little Reese and Miss Patricia, and their family.
Today marks my eighth anniversary with my amazing wife Zosia. However, I have a confession to make. There is another woman. For a long time, I have denied her existence and told myself “It is okay. She will never know.” But as I think about it, I think my wife has known about the “Other Woman” all along.
For as long as, I can remember the other woman has been in my life. She has been there for me whenever I needed her. She has provided for me in times of need and has provided me with many life lessons. Nevertheless, now I find myself in a quandary. Trying to decide between my wife and the other woman.
Whenever I have to make a crucial decision in my life, I have always tried to write down the pros and cons of each option and then use logic to sort things out. Therefore figured that I would do that now.
My Wife
The Other Woman
Advantage
Attraction
When I first met my wife, I was like damn; that woman is too hot for me. I figured she would not even give me the time of day.
I have probably taken more photographs of the other woman than anything else in the world. I have seen her from all angles, appreciated her curves, and been amazed are her exceptional form.
No question my wife
Motherhood ability
We have three amazing children. They certainly have brought new meaning to my life. While I certainly used corrective mating to choose my wife. Our children have each seemed to get a unique set of the genetics available.
The other woman has often been called the foster mother of the human race. She has been one of the chief sustaining forces of the human race.
No question my wife.
Intelligence
My wife never stops amazing me. She is the smartest woman I have ever met in my life. She has achieved so many great things in her life that I could never even imagine doing.
Some people like to say that the other woman is not that smart at all. I argue that those people just have not spent enough quality time with the other woman. She never ceases to amaze you with her intelligence, if you give her a chance.
No question my wife.
While my wife has never made me choose between her and the other woman, she has often complained that the other woman gets far too much of my time. She feels that I focus too much on the other woman and not enough on her. I am feeling this tug of war on a daily basis and soon I may have to decide between my wife and the other woman.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
For as long as I can remember, I have been passionate about the other woman. However, not in a sexual way, but rather, a passion for the dairy industry and the greatness of the dairy cow. While my wife did not grow up on a farm, she has learned to accept my appreciation for dairy cattle and so far has been willing to share me with the other woman. In fact, I guess I have always known this. When I proposed to my wife, I had to let the other woman go. In fact I had to let two of them go. You see it was at a time when Mad Cow had stuck Canada and dairy cattle prices were extremely low, so I had to sell two cows in order to afford the engagement ring.
Zosia Hunt, you are the most amazing woman I have ever met, and the fact that you agreed to marry me eight years ago and that we now have these three amazing children are the greatest things that have ever happened in my life. Your understanding of the other woman just proves that you are my soul mate and that I could not be a luckier man. Happy Anniversary Zosia, I love you so much!
Being a dairy farmer means working long days that start before the sun rises and don’t end until well after the sun sets. Dairy farming isn’t easy.
Being a dairy farmer means staying up all night waiting for the first calf heifer to calve, and then having to help her in order to save her and her calf’s lives. Dairy farming isn’t easy.
Being a dairy farmer means knowing when a cow is sick, in heat or has mastitis. Dairy farming isn’t easy.
Being a dairy farmer means being able to balance a ration, a checkbook and crop rotations. Dairy farming isn’t easy.
Being a dairy farmer means being able to make a halter or gate latch or just about anything with baler twine. Dairy farming isn’t easy.
Being a dairy farmer means watching your prized cow flair up with mastitis and almost die and there is nothing you can do about it. Dairy farming isn’t easy.
Being a dairy farmer means having to get waist deep in the manure to clear a jammed stable cleaner. Dairy farming isn’t easy.
Being a dairy farmer means risking losing everything you own in a fire or natural disaster. Dairy farming isn’t easy.
Being a dairy farmer means no lavish parties or long vacations to fancy resorts. Dairy farming isn’t easy.
But….
Being a dairy farmer is all worth it when you see the look in your child’s eyes the first time they see a calf being born.
Being a dairy farmer is all worth it when you get that very good two year old after you have spent many generations of corrective mating to get her.
Being a dairy farmer is all worth it when you see that 7 year old cow calve for the 5th time, attending to her newborn calf.
Being a dairy farmer is all worth it when you hear your children tell you that they want to dedicate their lives to providing safe and nutritious dairy products to feed a growing world.
Being a dairy farmer is all worth it when you watch your children grow up on the farm and learn the values that you hold so close to your heart.
I cannot think of a better way to kick off National Dairy Month, than doing what the dairy industry does best….supporting our community. A week ago tragedy struck the Stiles and Burdette Families when Patricia Stiles and her husband Mike, awake to smoke, only to discover their house was on fire, and they need to get their two grandchildren out. While Mike and the youngest grandchild Brinkley Burdette made it out relatively safe, Patricia and seven-year-old Reese Burdette, where not as fortunate and now find themselves with severe burns to their body and a long road ahead. (Read more: Patricia Stiles –Dairy Farmer, Grandmother, Hero, Fighting for Her Life!) Over the past week, there has been an amazing showing of support for these to great families, and since our article Why the Dairy Community is the Greatest in the World we have had many breeders offering their support and willing to make donations to help support these families at this time of need.
Over the next few days, we will be releasing three donated lots per day to help raise funds to cover the hospital expenses these families now face. The auction will end on Friday June 13th at midnight. 100% of the proceeds will go to the bank account that has been set up for the families.
Lot A – 4 #1 Reginald embryos from JACOBS SID MIKA VG-87-2YR
Lot B – 5 #1 Kingboy embryos from Ri-Val-Re Obsrver Salsa VG-86-2YR
Current Bid: $400/embryo (Bids in $50 increments)
From the heart of Ri-Val-Re comes these great embryos that will have a brother sampled through Select Sires by Relif P as well as sisters that are 2400 gTPI. These embryos will have a parent average TPI of over 2300 with the potential for a 2400+ gTPI calf. This is a great opportunity from an emerging cow family and support a great cause. (Read more: BREEDING RI-VAL-RE: Where Looking Good in the Stall Is Just As Important As Looking Good On Paper)
Lot C – 11 x 16 framed print of DALEMCEE-J COUNCILLER TAUNTRA
Current Bid: $640 (Bids in $20 increments)
The very talented artist Gary Sauder has donated an 11×16 (actual size of the picture) framed print of DALEMCEE-J COUNCILLER TAUNTRA EX-95. Tauntra is the showing winning cow exhibited by Patricia and the Stiles family. This painting was originally commissioned by Patricia and Mike. Gary has the unique ability to truly capture these great cows in their truest form. (Read more: GARY SAUDER: The Muse in His Studio) Don’t miss you chance to get this amazing painting and support Patricia at this time.
Lot D – 12 x 12 canvas print of ANNA ( Steel cow )
Current Bid: $500 (Bids in $20 increments)
Original Paintings by artist Valerie Miller can be found in art collections worldwide and are available exclusively through ( STEEL COW ). Valerie captures the personality of each of “the girls” in original acrylic paintings after going out into the field and studying and sketching them. “The girls” are all named after friends or family. This is your opportunity to take home Anna. Anna love’s country boys and pickup trucks, but she really is just a farm girl at heart. Here is your chance to support to great farm girls and take home an amazing canvas print by the very talented Valerie Miller. (Read more: Steel Cow’s Valerie Miller: Larger than Life with Her Cow Girls)
Lot E – 4 #1 Atlanta-P embryos from Luck-E Talent Kiki *RC EX-93
Lot F – 16 x 24 vivid metal print by Farmgirl Photography
Current Bid: $500 (Bids in $20 increments)
Danae Bauer has a real talent for capturing those special moments. She combines that ability with her passion for dairy cattle and she has taken some amazing photographs. Danae is offer a 16 x 24 vivid metal print from any of her Farmgirl photographs. Vivid metal prints are show-stopping conversation pieces and add an artistic edge and contemporary elegance to the photographs This makes a very special gift for those dairy farmers that you know that spend just as much time talking to cows as much as they do people. (Read more: DANAE BAUER: Capturing the Passion)
Lot G – 17.5 x 14 Signed and Numbered Lithograph by Bonnie Mohr – Sweet Summer
Current Bid: $600 (Bids in $20 increments)
The art of Bonnie Mohr stimulates, engages, and inspires both the heart and the mind, from her rural, American pieces of country life to her poetic, peaceful images of inspiration. The essence of Bonnie’s art is that it reflects who she is, 100 percent. Every facet of her life is threaded into the canvas of her work, and after growing up and living on a dairy farm, she began painting her passion — cows. (Read more: Bonnie Mohr – Science and Art Together Creates a Holstein Love Story) In her work Sweet Summer a perfect summer day at the farm unfolds with rolling hills in the background, the white barn, farm buildings, and silo; green trees border the beautiful pasture where a herd of Holstein cows graze and wander peacefully amidst the purple clover in the fields. A note from Bonnie: The rosy colors and sweet smell of clover dwell abundantly in most pastures across the upper Midwest, every summer. If you have ever approached a herd of cows out in the pasture – they will inch towards you out of complete curiosity. This painting is one of pure enjoyment and love for dairy cows and enchanting summers of rural America! Don’t miss you chance to get this amazing painting and support Patricia at this time.
Lot H – 5 #1 Alexander embryos from Arethusa Shottle Domino EX-93
Current Bid: $400/embryo (Bids in $50 increments)
Not only does Domino come from a show winning pedigree with her dam Cherown SY Delilah EX-96 4E USA being named honorable mention grand champion at the 2001 Royal Winter Fair, but also her daughter, Arethusa Sanchez Dice EX-92(Pictured Above) was recently named Intermediate Champion at the New York International Spring Show demonstrating these she can also breed great ones. Here is your chance to get in on one of the great show cow families in the breed today. (Read more: Arethusa: A Winning Focus)
Lot I – 17.79” x 21.35” framed poster of Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra
Current Bid: $370 (Bids in $20 increments)
Laurens Rutten is probably one of the most talented show ring livestock photographers in the world. He has taken some of the greatest show ring photographs in both Europe and North America. No photograph has been seen by a larger audience than Decrausaz Iron O’ Kalibra *RC EX-96-CH. O’Kalibra was voted the 2013 Most Influential Cow In Switzerland and The European Champion of 2013. She was Grand Champion Swiss Expo 2013 & 2012. O’Kalibra is simply one of the greatest show cows in the world today. (Read more: DECRAUSAZ IRON O’KALIBRA: Simply the Best) Here is your chance to get a framed print of this amazing cow and support a great cause.
Lot J – 3 #2 Declan IVF female embryos from Dubeau Dundee Hezbollah EX-92
Current Bid: $600/embryo (Bids in $50 increments)
Talk about a pedigree that has it all. If you are looking to invest in superior bloodlines this package has it. In HEZBOLLAH you have the great SNOW-N DENISES DELLIA EX-95-2E-USA GMD DOM 5* and COMESTAR LAURA BLACK VG-87-3YR-CAN 24* and in Declan you add MD-DELIGHT DURHAM ATLEE EX-92-4YR-USA DOM GMD 6*, BRAEDALE BALER TWINE VG-86-2YR-CAN 33* and SCIENTIFIC DEBUTANTE RAE EX-92-4YR-USA DOM GMD 3*. Declan’s EBV for type are outstanding at +3.59 PTAT, +3.08 UDC and +2.30 FLC, in Canada his just as impressive at +16 Conformation, +14 Mammary Systems, +12 Dairy Strength, and +12 Feet and Legs. Hezbollah is becoming a great brood cow. Of her first 8 classified daughters, 6 are VG including 2 at VG-87! We know of 3 more fresh that should be VG as well. (Read more: The Judge’s Choice – Investment advice from Tim Abbott) What more could you ask for?
Lot K – 16 x 20 signed and ready to hang canvas print EMMA CALDWELL – “Holstein”
Current Bid: $300 (Bids in $20 increments)
Emma Caldwell’s paintings are depict dairy cattle, and they are a celebration of the dairy community. In her art she strives to capture the calm air and that tremendous physical strength that is absolutely necessary in an enduring cow, but also present her as feminine, dairy and stylish. Together generations of the dairy community have worked together to develop this hard working, strong healthy animals that we milk today. The dairy industry is working to help support our own once again. (Read more: Emma Caldwell’s Art Stirs Mind and Heart!) Emma is proud to be able to contribute to this great cause and be a part of this incredible community. Don’t miss your opportunity to help celebrate the Holstein Cow and support Patricia and Reese.
Lot L – 21.35” x 17.79” framed poster of KHW Regiment Apple-Red
Current Bid: $225(Bids in $20 increments)
KHW Regiment Apple-Red has done it all. She wins shows, she classifies high and produces loads of milk. Her daughter can be seen at the top of the biggest red and white shows in the world, and her decedents dominate the Red & White Index lists. At this past years World Dairy Expo, she showed off her trademark depth, angularity and balance but that was not enough for the living legend. Apple-Red was able to take things to a level that might never be able to be repeated ever again. Her clone, KHW Regiment Apple 3-Red-ETN who is the spitting image of a younger Apple-Red was the only cow that was able to beat her on this day. Yes you could say she was beaten by herself. And to add to the growing legend, her daughter MS Candy Apple-Red-ET was named Honorable Mention Grand Champion. (Read more: KHW Regiment Apple-Red – Beauty, performance, and even more record accomplishments ) Here is your chance to remember this amazing accomplishment with this limited edition framed print.
Lot M – Choice of Aftershock embryos from Quality Holsteins
Current Bid: $800/embryo (Bids in $50 increments)
Quality Holsteins has generously donated your choice of 4 Aftershock embryos from two amazing cows. (Read more: Quality Holsteins – Well-Deserved Congratulations and Quality Cattle Look Good Every Day) First up are 2 After Shock embryos from the legendary QUALITY CARLTON PAM EX-97-6E 4*. Pam was the first EX-97 bred and owned cow in Canada. She was nominated All-Canadian in 2003 and has already produced 5 EX daughters and 9 VG and made over 230,000 lbs of lifetime production. She really has done it all. Also available are 4 Aftershock embryos from QUALITY GOLDFINZ EX-92-2E. The fancy Goldwyn daughter from QUALITY B C FRANTISCO EX-96-3E 21*. Goldfinz first two daughters have both scored VG in their first lactation. Winning bidder can choose any 4 of these 6 embryos. This a great opportunity to purchase some of the highest quality embryos available in the world and support a great cause.
Lot N – 5 doses of Deer Hill Francis EX-91
Current Bid: $100/dose (Bids in $20 increments)
Talk about an extremely rare opportunity. Deer Hill Francis EX-91 semen is extremely limited supply and has never before and will never again be publicly available. Of course Francis is the Sweet Pepper Willy Sam (Desblay Rebel Willy x Sweet Pepper Jaye Sherry EX94 Max Score) from the legendary Sweet-Pepper Black Francesca 3E-94. Francesca’s has been the Grand Champion World Dairy Expo 2012, 2010 Grand Champion Royal Agricultural Winter Fair 2012 All-World 6 & 7 Year-Old Ayrshire 2012 Total Performance Winner World Dairy Expo 2012, 2011 Nasco and International & Type Production Award World Dairy Expo 2012, 2011. Francesca, wasn’t just a cow who had great show ring accomplishments, she was a cow who won the hearts and minds of breeders the world over. She was one of those rare cows that transcended her breed to be loved by all. (Read more: The Magic of Francesca)Here is your chance to bring the greatness of Francesca into your herd and support a great cause.
Lot O – 4 #1 Doorman embryos from VIEUXSAULE SEAVER ELSI VG-86-2YR
Current Bid: $700/embryo (Bids in $50 increments)
From the same family as the extremely popular Immunity+, HealthSmart, Genomax and Robot Ready, VIEUXSAULE FLAME. VIEUXSAULE SEAVER ELSI VG-86-2YR is continuing the legacy of her dam VIEUXSAULE ALLEN DRAGONFLY EX-94-2E-CAN 16* (Read more: VIEUX SAULE ALLEN DRAGONFLY: 2013 Canadian Cow of the Year Nominee) and grand dam VIEUXSAULE OUTSIDE MARY SOLEX-95-3E-CAN 4*. Elsi’s pedigree brings persistence and performance together. It is repeated on the sire stack side as well where Dragonfly’s sire stack is loaded with bulls that Canadian breeders hold in high regard. Here is your chance to get in on an emerging cow family and support a great cause.
Lot 0 – One of a kind CUSTOM PAINTED MILK CANS from Debbie Cornman Studio
Current Bid: $720 (Bids in $20 increments)
Debbie Corman offers her unique artistry to one of a kind milk cans that are cherished by all. Deb is a self-taught Calligrapher and Artist and combines these two great talents to create unique items that are treasured by all. She has spent over 30 years developing her skills as an accomplished painter doing animal portraits, decorative painting, pen and ink, and watercolor and combines those talents to create amazing pieces of art from milk cans. Here is your opportunity to get custom painted milk can with your favorite cow; barn or whatever you want painted on it by Deb. Don’t miss this chance to get an amazing piece of memorabilia for your dairy operation.
Bidding ends at midnight on June 13th.
How to Bid
There are three simple ways to bid; you can enter your bid in the comments below, place your bid on the Facebook, or email helpingheroes@thebullvine.com, and we will keep all locations up to date with the latest bids.
Terms
The Bullvine will act as a dairy breeder’s version of eBay. That means that once the sale is complete we will collect the funds from the successful bidder, notify the breeder who donated the lot of who and where to send the lot to. Once the winning bidder has successfully received the items, we will release the funds.
The buyer will be responsible for all shipping expenses.
Please share this article to help raise awareness of this great opportunity to support the Stiles and Burdette families at this time.
Imagine this….you wake up in the wee hours of the night to smell smoke, you discover that your house is on fire, and your grandchild is trapped in her bedroom, with no way to escape. What would you do?
This is exactly the scenario Patricia Stiles of Waverly Jerseys found herself in this past Monday morning. Without regard for her own life, she ran through the fire to t reach her seven-year-old granddaughter Reese Burdette. Both are now battling for their lives.
The fire, which apparently started with an electrical cord, quickly spread through the two-story home of Patricia and Mike Stiles at Waverly Farm Jerseys of Clear Brook, Virginia. Reese and her sister, 3 year old Brinkley Burdette, were staying at their grandparents’ home for the weekend. They are the daughters of Claire and Justin Burdette of the Holstein farm Windy Knoll View, Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. Mike Stiles went to Brinkley’s room and grabbed her, and Patricia Stiles went to Reese’s bedroom — where the fire originated — to get her. Mike and Brinkley escaped the fire unharmed. Both Reese and Patricia were badly burned and suffered smoke inhalation. Patricia was airlifted to MedStar Washington Hospital Center and Reese was airlifted to Johns Hopkins Hospital. 35% of Reese’s body has second- and third-degree burns, but “She is stronger than we could ever believe and definitely a fighter!” comments Reese’s father. Doctors have estimated she will need at least 15 to 30 surgeries over the next few months – many for skin grafting. Reese is a brave, strong little girl. She is quickly winning the hearts of nurses and doctors. The doctors at Johns Hopkins are optimistic about where she is right now, but they are taking it day to day. Thanks to the heroic efforts of her grandmother.
The outlook for Patricia is not as optimistic, but her vitals are good and that is positive news. Patricia’s lungs are inflamed and about 27 percent of her body — mostly her face, arms, hands and feet — have suffered mostly third-degree burns. Doctors are hopeful about both Patricia and Reese, but say it will be a long recovery. The doctor was very ‘frank’ with the family in explaining that they still need ‘many prayers, a little luck and his best work’ for Patricia to pull through this. So please, please continue to pray for Patricia and Reese. Patricia is truly a hero because she has always said she would put her life before her grandkids, and she did exactly that. (Read more: Patricia Stiles –Dairy Farmer, Grandmother, Hero, Fighting for Her Life!)
Resse’s mothers day card for Claire
If the names Justin Burdette and Windy Knoll View seem familiar, that is because Justin was the Judge at this past year’s World Dairy Expo. (Read more: World Dairy Expo 2013 Holstein Show Preview – Everything You Need To Know To Get Ready For the Show and World Dairy Expo 2013 Holstein Show Results) Known for their excellent breeding program, they have bred more than 150 Excellent Holsteins carrying the Windy Knoll View prefix, including two 96-point, four 95-point, and twelve 94-point animals. Their farm has won numerous Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor awards, including the 2006 World Dairy Expo Premier Breeder Award, which I am sure Justin, would trade in a heartbeat for the safe recovery of his daughter and mother in law.
Justin Burdette awarding Bonaccueil Maya Goldwyn Grand Champion honors at the 2013 World Dairy Expo Holstein Show
Tragic losses are not new to the dairy community. From barn roofs collapsing under the pressure from snow (Read more: Barn Roofs: The Bigger the snow… the Harder the Fall) to whole herds being lost to fires (Read more: 100 cattle dead after barn fire at Markvale Holsteins, Fire strikes one of Ontario’s largest dairies – London Dairy Farms and 150 Cows Dead in Quebec Barn Fire). Fires have certainly been devastating to members of the dairy community. One constant, however, is the way the dairy community has rallied around the farmers who have suffered such great loss. Clarence Marcus of Markvale Holsteins who lost his herd to a fire last July (Read more: Your Barn Is On Fire!) tells us how amazed they are at the way the dairy community came to their aid in a time of need. Producers from around the world were offering support to Clarence and his family, and thanks to that support and the great character of the Macrus family, they will soon be milking in their rebuilt barns (Watch for more on this coming soon).
Perhaps the things that break our hearts are the very things that serve to open them.
From baby calves that die seemingly for no reason to cherished cattle that die unexpectedly, there is no shortage of heartbreak in being a dairy farmer. (Read more: The Magic of Francesca and 8 of the greatest Dairy Love Stories in the World) Facing these issues on a reoccurring basis has made the dairy community strong and quick to support their fellow members whenever the need arises.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Life’s most painful experiences are the very circumstances that introduce us to who we really are. During easy times, we can be caught up in shallow pursuits and pleasures. Hard times cause us to dig deeper. Less meaningful concerns fall aside, and we awaken to what’s truly important. Family, friends, and relationships are all that matters. Whatever curve balls life throws at them, the dairy community instantly steps up with prayers, support, and encouragement for their members. That is when the dairy community is at its best.
Those wanting to show their support can do one of the following:
To contribute to Patricia and Reese’s Fund please Click HERE.
Lets show Reese Burdette how much we are thinking and praying for her with a card shower! Here is her address: John Hopkins Hospital, 1800 Orleans Street , Baltimore , MD. 21287 Attn: Reese Burdette, Bloomberg 4- South Room # 25
Bank account set up for Patricia Stiles and Reese Burdette. Mail checks to Capital One Bank 12806 Shank Farm Way Hagerstown , Maryland 21742. Place the names Patricia Stiles and Reese Burdette in the memo of check.
Please like and share this article to help support the family and spread the word about how amazing the dairy community is.
Attention Deficit Disorder (also known as ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are terms used to describe patterns of behavior that appear most often in school-aged children. Children with these disorders are inattentive, overly impulsive and, in the case of ADHD, hyperactive. They have difficulty sitting still or attending to one thing for a long period, and may seem overactive. When I talk to many breeders about their breeding strategies, I see many of these same characteristics. They have difficulty attending to one thing for a long period, are overactive in thinking about just what sires to use and often end up making impulsive decisions.
There is No Quick Fix
As a young child, I had many teachers wanting to tag me with those three magic letters, ADD, to explain my behavior. You see I was not engaged with my schoolwork. I would get bored and decided to be loud and disruptive. It was not until I found a teacher who recognized this behavior in me, and knew that they needed to engage me more that I began to realize my full potential. The same is true for your breeding program. Instead of looking for a quick fix or making an impulsive decision, in order to gain maximum results you need to have a clear plan, with achievable goals.
Over the years, there have certainly been some major trends in the dairy cattle breeding world. First, it was breeding for production, then for component/protein yield, followed by longevity. More recently, the trend has moved more towards health and fertility. Moreover, while all these traits are important factors in any breeding strategy, you need to understand that you cannot achieve your breeding goals overnight, and even with the introduction new technologies such as of genomics and IVF, it still takes years to achieve the results of your breeding decisions.
The Opportunity Cost of Your Breeding Strategy
Often, what sire to use comes down to, “What sire I have in the tank?”, or “Who is hot just now?” or “What sire could I buy the cheapest?” The problem is all of these factors end up costing you much more money than you could ever realize. You see what sire you have in the tank or who is cheapest may look like economical decisions, but that is just looking at it from the cash out of hand today and does not consider the long-term opportunity cost. The impulsive decision you make today will affect your herd for generations to come. That is why there is no such thing as semen that is too expensive. (Read more: Semen Prices Are Never Too High).
The time and effort it takes to develop a sound breeding strategy may be the most effective use of time you will ever make in your herd. You see you can never take back a breeding decision. So every day that you are operating without a solid breeding strategy that compliments your management style, you are costing yourself money. (Read more: Let’s Talk Mating Strategies and gAa® – Genetic Animal Analysis – Dairy Cattle Breeding Made Simple)
A World of Constant Change
Just like how video games took children’s focus challenges to completely new levels, genomics has caused breeders heads to spin. It does seem like monthly there are new sires to use. Yes, official lists are only available 3 times a year, but the second an A.I. unit has a new hot sire, they are quick to let the world know. Either through official channels or through the unofficial network that is the semen salesmen. The challenge is that you can barely get the semen in the tank before there is a new hot sire that everyone tells you that you should be using instead of the one you just purchased. Sure, this is great for driving up semen sales, but what is it doing to your breeding strategy, and your pocket book? (Read more: Are There Too Many Semen Salesmen Coming in the Lane? )
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Instead of worrying about always following the latest fad, or using the hottest new sire, you need to have a sound breeding strategy that you can stick with over a prolonged period. That does not mean that you cannot adjust the strategy as you go along. You need to remember that, even with new technology, realizing the results of breeding decisions takes years. Stop daydreaming about what the future may hold and start focusing on what you can do today.
As I listen to breeder-to-breeder discussions and read the information that is produced and shared, I am asking myself “Have we lost our breeder minds?” Most of the details or information shared is about what non-breeders think. Organizations, media and governments have different agendas and goals than breeders have. The Bullvine feels strongly that breeders need to make their voices heard in defining the genetic systems and services that are absolutely necessary for future success.
The Gravy is Gone
Where once breeders could sell animals for good prices, the premiums are gone and there are minimal, if any, margins for selling average breeding stock (Read more: Who Killed The Market For Good Dairy Cattle? and An Insider’s Guide to What Sells at the Big Dairy Cattle Auctions 2013). Where once breeding a top proven sire would mean a nice royalty check, that farm development or retirement money is no longer there. And, furthermore, buyers who once bought replacement animals from breeders have moved to using sexed semen and cross breeding and they now have their own reproductively efficient replacements.
Adjusting to Reality takes A C T I O N
Breeders are seeing a much different industry today than even just five years ago but they have not adjusted their business plans accordingly. Getting to the future in this era requires something other than following the past. Sexed semen, sexed embryos and cows with a hundred plus daughters are here. Genomic information has moved the focus to young animals (Read more: Genomics – Opportunity is Knocking, Genomics at Work – August 2013 and The End of the Daughter Proven Sire Era). Breeding decisions must be extended to include many more profit determining traits. And that only gets us to 2014. What will the industry look like in 2020 and beyond? In today’s terms that is only three to four generations of females away.
The Future – Bright & Sunny or a Tornado?
The Bullvine hears both scenarios. Some breeders have accepted that genomics is a very useful tool for their niche and plans. They see light at the end of the tunnel for themselves. Other breeders are asking questions – “Why have purebreds? Why test? Why record? Why participate? Why more traits? …Why, Why, Why?” For them they are in a tornado. Some of those breeders have already cashed in and moved on in their careers. For those that remain in the breeding industry where are they being given support, representation or help?
We can learn from the Past
Breed societies were formed about a century ago to provide service to breeders in authentication and representation. Breeders set aside their individual ideas or priorities for the collective good. They elected peers to represent them on boards that set policies, established recording systems and set the breed direction necessary to get us to where we are today. That took work. We need that kind of work today. It isn’t just holding down a seat at a board table. It means representation. It means vision. It means proactive leadership.
Does the collective good concept still hold today? Cooperative A.I. organizations, formed 75 years ago by breeders, are in some cases being run as primarily as large corporations. Is the breeder voice being voiced? Being lost? Being heard?
Time for Breeders to Speak Up
So what has happened to our minds and our voices? Have they gone into hibernation or gone silent? Are we only huddling with likeminded breeders? Are we stuck in deep muddy ruts? Do we give good input to our elected officials?
Breeder organizations need to be looking to the future. Meetings seem to be the same old crowd talking about what’s wrong with the future. Breed promotion is, often, tied to the past not the future. It’s all about tradition in a time when we are in revolution. Meetings are boring and ignored by innovative breeders. Discerning breeders take the time, when they have it, to provide input to boards, researchers and politicians. They often catch up or link up during a break time in their busy days.
If breeders do not work collectively and take action to position breeds then the move to bigger corporations setting the rules will win the day. This has happened in poultry and swine.
You can be Heard 24-7
Not everyone has time for meetings. Holding office is time consuming. Dairy breeding is 24-7. There are ways to communicate 24-7. Several ways in fact. Social media is ready to carry your message whenever you are ready to give it. Some breeders may say that they prefer hard copy or face-to-face communications. But today that is passé.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
It is time for breeders to spend time, energy and resources to develop positions and make their wishes known. That will not happen by complaining to each other. It is time to stop leaving the action to others. Our future is in our own hands and key pads. The time for sitting back and watching is long past. Are you speaking up for the future of breeds and tomorrow’s breeders?
This past Mother’s Day, while I heard many ladies talking about the relaxing day they were having and their gifts of spa days for rest and relaxation, I noticed a slight variation of this coming from the dairy farmers’ wives that I know. They were working. I guess that won’t come as a surprise to anyone. After all, being a dairy farm wife is a 365 days a year, no rest responsibility.
Photo from Modern Farm Wife – Click to read her great blog about being a dairy farmers wife
Now let’s get our facts straight. First by no stretch of the imagination can we assume that all dairy farmers are men only. In fact, we have had the opportunity to profile several female dairy farmers. Julia James is one. (Read more: Julia James: “Cow by Cow. Doing it Now.” and Michele Payn-Knoper – Standing Up and Speaking Out for Agriculture!!) As well there are numerous dairy farms that are 50/50 operations. (Read more: Dairy Carrie – Diary of a City Kid Gone Country) We have also had the opportunity to interview dairy farm wives who came to dairy farming not from their childhood, but rather through marriage. These woman traded stilettos for rubber boots to marry a rough and ruggedly handsome dairy farmer.
Photo by From Heels to Boots – Click to see her great blog
Having established that, when the dairy farm is a family operation, the modern wife’s role is far greater than just caring for the children, as the old romanticized version would have you believe. The modern dairy farm wife’s role ranges from raising calves, bailing hay to making long-term financial decisions. Right beside their husbands, their day starts before the sun rises and does not end until after it sets. There are cows to be milked, calves to be fed and pens that need cleaning. There are few weekends off or sick days. Being a dairy farmer’s wife is as big a commitment for her as it is for him. Not to mention that she also multitasks because there are kids to be fed, chauffeuring to sports and lessons to handle and a healthy dose of community involvement to stir in. (Read more: Dairy Farm Moms are Unstoppable) The logistics of a dairy wife’s routine would make the heads of most socialites spin.
While many may assume that all decisions on the dairy farm are made by one person, usually the male farmer, in reality spouses and children often work together to set priorities. Much of what they decide is talked about at the kitchen table which is less formal but just as effective as the boardroom table in city settings.
Like any effective business, running a dairy farm requires diverse skills, cooperation, and commitment. Now the typical duties must still involve the obvious ones about crops, machinery, feed, and pastures, which have traditionally been male domain. However, today the wife too goes beyond the traditional role of household budgeting, childcare, and decisions about leisure activities. On the modern dairy operation, women also make decisions starting with the care of calves to retiring a favorite cow from the milking string and everything in between. Crucial decisions about capital investments, dairy herd development and long-term financial decisions get input and consideration from both halves of the team. There’s definitely a division of labor, but it’s the person who does the work that makes the decisions. Dairy farming is hands on and decisions are required 24/7. That’s why many significant decisions that involve long-term judgments are discussed around the dinner table. The rhyme says, “The farmer takes a wife!” but the underlying message is “Dairy farming takes the whole family.”
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Dairy farming is more than a job. It is a lifestyle. It is the way of life that takes the involvement from the whole family. While everyone has a different role and responsibilities on the dairy, they all have the same-shared goals. Many people choose to dairy farm in part because they enjoy being on the land, working with the cattle and they value the dairy farm as a good place to raise children. The dairy wife is a key factor in this family scenario. Wives working on dairy farms see themselves as dairy farmers. No glass ceiling here. Just dedication, commitment and teamwork. “Mother’s Day” for them includes their dairy girls and their offspring and, around the table or around the dairy farm, they don’t mind a day to bask (however briefly) in the glow of being recognized for their valued contribution.
This Mother’s Day while we are all sending loads of love to our mothers, wives, daughters and other amazing women in our lives, we here at the Bullvine thought we would take a look at some of the most amazing females in the Holstein breed that are also having the biggest impact in the past ten years.
AITKENBRAE STARBUCK ADA EX-94 2E DOM
There are few cow families that can rival the accomplishments of the Adas when it comes to show ring success and transmitting elite type. For generations, this family has dominated the North American show circuit and, as we near the big dance on the colored shavings, there is no doubt that the next generation of Adas will be there vying for All-American titles. Ada herself was a tremendous show cow having been named Unanimous All-American Senior Three-Year-Old in 1989, but it is her brood cow status, specifically through the impact of her two Donnandale Skychief daughters, which makes her a true legend in Holstein history.
AITKENBRAE STARBUCK ADA EX-94 2E DOM
Shoremar S Alicia is the eldest of the famous Skychief daughters of Starbuck Ada. Alicia, nominated All-American five times in milking form, was the Supreme Champion of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in 2000. With more than a dozen excellent daughters from a variety of mating sires, it is obvious that Alicia is the Ada family’s next generation brood cow. That generation is already highlighted by her Startmore Rudolph daughter, Cityview R Alicia Excellent-92-CAN 23* or her Durham daughters BKB Abby Excellent-95 3E DOM and BKB Amanda Excellent-92 GMD DOM.
The Excellent-94 2E DOM Ms Kingstead Chief Adeen is a full sister to Alicia and has produced such names as Atwood, Atlee, Ariel and Autumn. Adeen is one of the most influential and one of the only cows in the breed with offspring over +2500 on genomics and All-American progeny. It was a flush to Maughlin Storm early in Adeen’s career that might just have been the most influential mating. It produced the Excellent-91 DOM Storm Allison, Very Good-88 DOM Storm Adeline, and Very Good-88 DOM Storm Amberlee dam of the great Durham Atlee. Since the time that she made an appearance at the International Holstein Show in 2005 Atlee has attracted worldwide interest, and Atlee’s numerous sons dominate the international type lists: Atwood, Amazing, Avalanche, Arden and Atlantic in the USA; Atticus, Attic and Aftershock in Canada, Delete in Spain and Heavenly Dreams in Italy.
Notable Progeny/Descendants:
MAPLE-DOWNS-I G W ATWOOD EX-90
HOCAN000008956379
Goldwyn x MD-Delight Durham Atlee EX-92 GMD DOM
#1 Proven Type Sire in the World (+4.66 PTAT)
Heavenly Golden Dreams
HOGBRM000000642262
Goldwyn x MD-Delight Durham Atlee EX-92 GMD DOM
One of the hottest type sires in Italy (+3.78 PTAT)
Ms Atlees Sht Aftershock
HOUSAM000065249839
+3.12 PTAT
Shoremar S Alicia EX-97 3E
HOCANF000006434408
Skychief x Ada
2X All-American (Aged Cow 2003 & 5-Year-Old 2000) 3X All-Canadian (2-Year-Old, 4-Year-Old & 5-Year-Old) All World & People’s Choice Winner 2000 Member All-American Produce of Dam 2000 Grand & Supreme Champion RWF 2000
MS Kingstead Chief Adeen EX-94 2E DOM HOUSAF000017302711 Skychief x Ada 2X Member All-American Produce 2X All-American Nominee ( Jr. 3-year-old & 4-Year-Old) Dam of 1 All-American-Amlaird Lee Alice Grand Dam of 2 All-American Grand Daughters-Ms Durham Atlee (Dam of Ariel, Aubry, Albany, Atwood, Aftershock) & KY Blue BW Debbie Great Grand Dam of 2X All-American Ms Atlees Roy Autumn Dam of 24 EX offspring
MD-Delight Durham Atlee EX-92 GMD DOM
HOUSAF000131704103
Durham x Storm x MS Kingstead Chief Adeen EX-94 2E DOM
All-American Sr. 3-Year-Old 2005
Dam of Atwood, Amazing, Avalanche, Adren and Atlantic in the USA; Atticus, Attic and Aftershock in Canada, Delete in Spain and Heavenly Dreams in Italy.
Amlaird Lee Alice EX-94 2E
HOCANF7293258
Lee x MS Kingstead Chief Adeen EX-94 2E DOM
All-American Jr 2-Yr-Old 2003 1st Jr 2-Yr-Old World Dairy Expo 2003
BVK Atwood Arianna VG-89-2YR
HOUSAF140792830
Atwood x MS Kingstead Chief Adeen EX-94 2E DOM
ALL-CANADIAN & ALL-AMERICAN JR.2-YR 2012
MS ATLEES GOLDWYN ARIEL EX-92
HOUSAF63164327
Goldwyn x MD-Delight Durham Atlee EX-92 GMD DOM
Res. All-American Jr. 2-Yr-Old 2009
Full sister to ATWOOD and sold as a package for $1.5M
MS ATLEES ROY AUTUMN EX-90
HOUSAF000063164290
oy x MD-Delight Durham Atlee EX-92 GMD DOM
2x All-American and Junior Champ, International Holstein Show 2007
DE-SU BW MARSHALL GEORGIA EX-90 GMD DOM
The daughters and granddaughters of De-Su BWM Marshall Georgia currently account for an incredible 25 of the 300 daughter proven bulls over 2000 TPI. Georgia is by far the most influential cow family impacting the current active-sire lineup. Of the 25, 12 of them are over +2.00 PTAT. That is an incredible achievement that certainly makes Georgia one of the most influential brood cows of the modern era.
DE-SU BW MARSHALL GEORGIA EX-90 GMD DOM
The most notable of her sons is De-Su Oman Goli, who still ranks well on the Dutch proven sire list. Among Georgia’s most influential daughters are two full sisters to Goli, De-Su Oman 5121 VG-86 and De-Su Oman 6125 GP-82, as well as Shottle daughter De-Su 6822 VG-85 (Dam of Gillespy). A third full sister to Goli, Oman 6121, has become the face of De-Su, through her Planet son Observer and her Bolton grandson De-Su Gulf. Observer was the much heralded genomic sire that delivered on his high genomic rankings to debut #1 on the TPI rankings last April and now ranks in the top 10 sires that are 99% reliable.
Notable Progeny/Descendants:
De-Su Finley General-ET TR TY
HOUSAM000061681242
AltaFinley x Georgia
TPI +1714 PTAT +2.37 UDC +2.78 FLC +1.24
De-Su Gulf-ET
HOUSAM000064700367
Bolton x Shottle x De-Su Oman 6121-ET TL VG-86 GMD DOM
TPI +2165 PTAT +2.81 UDC +3.35 FLC+1.79
De-Su Watson
HOUSAM000064700377
Boliver x Shottle x De-Su Oman 6121-ET TL VG-86 GMD DOM
TPI +2085 PTAT +2.14 UDC +1.72 FLC +1.37
De-Su 7049-ET VG-88
HOUSAF000062720607
Shottle x De-Su Oman 6121-ET TL VG-86
Dam of proven sons De-Su 538 Hooray (+2148 TPI), De-Su History (TPI +2110) and De-Su 541 Bartlett (+2069 TPI)
De-Su 6997-ET EX-90
HOUSAF000061682318
Dam of De-Su 9843 (+2192 TPI) and De-Su Large 2075 (+2181 TPI)
De-Su 7012-ET EX-92 DOM
HOUSAF000062720570
Shottle x De-Su Oman 6125-ET GP-82
Dam of proven sons De-Su 527 Spur (+2110 TPI) and De-Su 530 Caviar (+2040 TPI) and genomic son De-Su Graze 11125 (+2307)
GILLETTE BLITZ 2ND WIND has set the bar so high as a mother of Class Extra sons that she is in a class all by herself. As the dam of no less than five Class Extra sons, she has done what has never been done before. Her Class Extra sons are Gillette Windbrook, Gillette Windhammer, Gillette Stanleycup, Gillette Wildthing, and Gillette Willrock. These five sires were in the top 30 in the North American LPI list in 2011.
2nd Wind is also able to achieve success on the female side with 49 daughters over +2000 GLPI. This six-time number one LPI cow has been able to pass the torch to her daughter Gillette Bolton 2nd Sleep and her granddaughter Gillette S Planet 2nd Snooze.
GILLETTE BOLTON 2ND SLEEP VG-89-4YR-CAN 5*
HOCANF8932144 Bolton x GILLETTE BLITZ 2ND WIND VG-88-3YR-CAN 43*
Sleep was #1 in August 2010 and her daughter Gillette S Planet 2nd Snooze(VG-86-2yr) was #2 GLPI in December 2011.
GILLETTE ZENITH 2ND STAR EX-90-CAN 3*
HOCANF7816472 Zenith x GILLETTE BLITZ 2ND WIND VG-88-3YR-CAN 43*
2nd Wind’s highest classifying daughter and has 3 VG daughters herself.
GILLETTE GVI SUPERSIRE DRIVE
HOCANF11692154
Supersire x Man-O-Man x BWM Leader x GILLETTE BLITZ 2ND WIND VG-88-3YR-CAN 43*
gLPI +3339 Conf +10 Next generation of contract bull mothers from the 2nd Wind family.
Farnear Atwood Milli
HOUSAF 70639229
Atwood x Shottle x GILLETTE BLITZ 2ND WIND VG-88-3YR-CAN 43*
gTPI +2058 / NM $ 396 / PTAT +4.28
HICKORYMEA BWOOD OSSIE P EX-91
When it comes to Polled, two herds have supplied the key bloodlines that have impacted polled breeding world-wide today. Both herds are from Pennsylvania. They are Burket-Falls and Hickorymea. Hickorymea owners Eddie Johnson and his sons Keel and Chip bred a polled Chairman son, named Hickorymea Lassiter, who became the foundation sire for Polled in their herd. A granddaughter of Lassiter by Elton scored VG-89 and became the dam of Hickorymea Bwood Ossie P EX-91. Sired by Bellwood Ossie P’s greatest impact came through her two sons Hickorymea Ottawa-P (by Hickorymea Tripod) and Hickorymea Oswald-P (by Coyne-Farms Prelude Bosco), two bulls that were the highest ranking polled sires available 8 years ago. This family is still providing some of the most exciting polled sires in the world today.
HICKORYMEA BWOOD OSSIE P EX-91
A Man-O-Man out of a Shottle from an EX Bosco (Full sister to Oswald P), now owned by Regancrest, Hickorymea MOM Opine-P VG-87 is one of the most popular non-Lawn Boy pedigrees in the world. Another exciting member of this family is Hickorymea Man Outfit-P at Lirr Farms in Wisconsin. Outfit-P is the dam of the sire Lirr Mogul Outfit-P (2335 gTPI) as well as the high homozygous sire Lirr Option-PP (1946 gTPI). Outfit-P is from a VG-86 Goldwyn and a then a VG-88 Paradox to the EX Bosco daughter of Ossie. A maternal sister to Outfit is Hickorymea Signif Ohio-PP, sired by Burket-Falls Significant-P, she is one of the highest homozygous females in the world.
Notable Progeny/Descendants:
Hickorymea Oswald-P-ET PO
HOUSAM000129008769
Was once a top 10 TPI proven sire. An amazing accomplishment for a polled bull.
Lirr Outline P-ET PO TY
HOUSAM000072026183
Mogul x Man-O-Man x Goldwyn x Hickorymea Bosco Oval P-ET EX-90
#7 gTPI Polled Sire in the world (+2249 gTPI)
Pine-Tree Overtime P
HOUSAM000071178789
Numero Uno x Signif-P x Goldwyn x Paradox x Hickorymea Bosco Oval P-ET EX-90
#13 polled gTPI sire in the world (+2186)
Pine-Tree Ohio Style P
HOUSA000071178738
O-Man x Signif-P x Goldwyn x Paradox x Hickorymea Bosco Oval P-ET EX-90
#14 polled gTPI sire in the world (+2184)
Lirr Outcome P
Mogul x Man-O-Man x Goldwyn x Paradox x Hickorymea Bosco Oval P-ET EX-90
#18 gTPI polled sire in the world (+2166)
Hickorymea Bosco Oval P-ET EX-90
HOUSAF000129993610
Grand dam of popular bull mother Hickorymea MOM Opine-P VG-87 and great grand dam of Hickorymea Man Outfit-P.
Hickorymea Manoman Opine-P VG-87
Man-O-Man x Shottle x Hickorymea Bosco Oval P-ET EX-90
Dam of high polled genomic sons Eastwood (by Epic +2307 gTPI), Linker (by Lithium +2287 gTPI) and Ocean PP (by Parker +2269 gTPI).
Dam of high polled genomic daughters Prismagen Epic Oregon (by Epic +2406 gTPI), Regancrest Opines 7479 (by AltaOak +2375 gTPI) and Regancrest Opines 7475 (by AltaOak +2345 gTPI).
Hickorymea Man Outfit-P VG-86
HOUSAF000141062053
Man-O-Man x Goldwyn x Paradox Hickorymea Bosco Oval P-ET EX-90
Dam of the sire Lirr Mogul Outfit-P (2335 gTPI) as well as the high homozygous sire Lirr Option-PP (1946 gTPI).
Hickorymea Signif Ohio-P VG-85
HOUSAF000140759222
Signif-P x Goldwyn x Paradox x Hickorymea Bosco Oval P-ET EX-90
Dam of the #13 gTPI Polled Sire in the World, Overtime P, and the #14 gTPI Ohio Style P.
Hickorymea Goldwyn Ought-P VG-86
HOUSAF000137995680
Goldwyn x Paradox-RED x Hickorymea Bosco Oval P-ET EX-90
Dam of high gTPI Sires Hickorymea Parker P (by Garrett +2034 gTPI) and Hickorymea Overturn P (by Man-O-Man +2013 gTPI) and daughters Hickorymea Man Outfit-P (by Man-O-Man +1981 gTPI), Hickorymea Signif Ohio-P VG-85 (by Significant +1909 gTPI) and Hickorymea Dolman Otter-P VG-85 (by Dolman +1687 gTPI).
KAMPS-HOLLOW ALTITUDE-ET RC CV TL EX-95 2E DOM
With high type and high index daughters and granddaughters showing up on top genomic lists, show results and sale catalogs, Altitude has certainly become one of the most influential cows of the modern era. Probably best known for her daughter KHW Regiment Apple Red – EX-96 3E DOM the “Million Dollar Cow.” Apple Red has also been able to prove herself as a brood cow. Her shining moment in the spotlight had to be at World Dairy Expo 2013 where she set new benchmarks at the top of the ladder of show ring success. While the crowd roared their approval of the final placings assigned by Judge Michael Heath, the record books took note that for the first time one special cow not only earned Reserve Grand Champion but also was flanked on each side by the Grand Champion, her clone, and, on the other side by her daughter, the Honorable Mention Grand Champion. (Read more: KHW Regiment Apple-Red – Beauty, performance, and even more record accomplishments).
KAMPS-HOLLOW ALTITUDE-ET RC CV TL EX-95 2E DOM
Also, impressive was Apple-Red’s brother, Advent-Red who was Premier Sire of the Red and White Show. Advent is the highly acclaimed Kite son of Altitude. Without hesitation, Advent is one of the all-time greatest showring sires of the red breed whose daughters have accumulated various accolades at national and international shows worldwide. Advent has taken home numerous premier sire banners at the most prestigious shows nationwide including the Royal Winter Fair National Red and White Show and the Grand International Red and White Show at World Dairy Expo. His stats speak to the magnitude of his impact with more than 400 Excellent daughters in the United States and Canada alone and 105 All-American Nominated daughters in just the past five years. Forty-one of the 105 received the prestigious title of All-American or Reserve All-American according to the Red and White Dairy Cattle Association. Other
Notable Progeny/Descendants:
JOTAN
HONLDM000393714184
Jordan Red x Altitude TPI +1856 PTAT +2.06 UDC +2.31 FLC +2.86
MR APPLES MCGUCCI-ET RC TY
HOUSAM000072353438
McCutchen x KHW Regiment Apple-Red EX-96 3E DOM
TPI +2277 PTAT +4.06 UDC +3.24 FLC +3.81
MR APPLES ARMANI-ET RC TY
HOUSAM000068571374 Goldwyn x KHW Regiment Apple-Red EX-96 3E DOM
TPI +2147 PTAT +3.37 UDC +3.07 FLC +3.18
MR APPLES AVATAR-ET RC TY
HOUSAM000068571318 Shottle x KHW Regiment Apple-Red EX-96 3E DOM
TPI +1956 PTAT +2.62 UDC +2.20 FLC +2.38
KHW REGIMENT APPLE 3-RED-ETN EX-95-2E-USA DOM 1*
HOUSAF000135511521 Durham x Altitude
Grand Champion World Dairy Expo 2013 RES. ALL-AMERICAN 4-YR 2013 ALL-AMERICAN R&W 4-YR 2013 INT.CHAMP MADISON R&W 2011 1ST JR.2-YR MADISON R&W 2011
KHW REGIMENT ARIEL-RED VG-89-4YR-CAN 1*
HOUSAF000135511512
Regiment X Altitude 3RD 4-YR ROYAL R&W 2008
KHW GOLDWYN AIKO-ET *RC EX-91 92-MS DOM
HOUSAF000137658044
Goldwyn x Altitude
15 Sons in AI.
MS CANDY APPLE-RED EX-94-2E-USA
HOUSAF139005833
Talent x KHW Regiment Apple-Red EX-96 3E DOM
HM Grand Champion World Dairy Expo Red & White Show 2013
MS APPLES ANNESA RC CV VG-85
HOUSAF000069822323
Goldwyn x KHW Regiment Apple-Red EX-96 3E DOM
TPI +2151 PTAT +3.49 UDC +3.77 FLC +3.22
MS APPLES ANGEL-ET *RC EX-92
HOUSAF000069561886
REGANCREST S CHASSITY EX-92 GMD DOM
Like many truly great cows Chassity puts it all together. Jeff Butler, a member of the Chassity Syndicate, describes her in winning terms,” She’s a big cow standing 63 inches, with a wide rump, hard top, a wide chest, and walks up hill. And of course she has a beautiful udder. “This comes naturally when you consider that Chassity is a sixth generation Excellent from the renowned Barbie family. (Read more: REGANCREST S CHASSITY – 2012 Golden Dam Finalist)
REGANCREST S CHASSITY EX-92 GMD DOM
Chassity’s list of offspring reads like a healthy bank statement. From Goldwyn, she produced Gold Chip and Goldwyn Cash. Cash went on to make Cashmoney, Cashcoin, Colt 45, Cash-O, and Casher! With these offspring, Chassity is definitely in the money and, while she`s unforgettable for her exceptional 1.5 million dollar selling price at Intrigue in August 2009, her financial story didn`t stop there. In the Destination Vegas Sale, in December of the same year, her daughter MS Chassity Goldwyn Cash was the world’s top-selling individual, being purchased for $205,000. At the World Classic Sale in Madison a Planet daughter, MS Courtlane UR-S Candy VG85, sold to Regancrest. Earlier in the summer a Domain granddaughter of Chassity, sold for a high price through the Skyline Holstein Sale in Germany. She sold to Koepon. Chassity’s name continues to be a guaranteed bank machine at sales worldwide.
Chassity has 154 progeny, from 37 different sires, setting new records and earning breed leading numbers of their own, especially for type. According to her current owners “the largest demand these days is driven by the progeny of Chassity’s Goldwyn daughter Cash and Chassity`s Snowman Daughters.” Courtlane UR Chassity, the 8th generation EX was Chassity’s first EX daughter! She is the dam of Chester (by AltaIoata +2236 gTPI) and Cameron (by Jeeves +2214 gTPI). MS Chassity PLN Chaching VG86 2yrs is Chassity’s Planet daughter and the dam of MR Chaching Centric (by Numero Uno +2362 gTPI). Her daughter MS Chassity Goldwyn Cash VG87 2yr gLPI +2816 has a record of 2-04 (305D) 15,491kg milk, 4.1F and 3.2P. She has two Observer sons – Cashcoin +2358 gTPI and Cashmoney +2299 gTPI.
MR Chassity Cadillac
HOUSAM000070476916
Bookem x REGANCREST S CHASSITY EX-92 GMD DOM gTPI +2218
PTAT+3.36 UDC +2.98 FLC +2.19
MR Chassity Moman Clarta
HOUSAM000141008235
Man-O-Man x REGANCREST S CHASSITY EX-92 GMD DOM
gTPI +2218 PTAT +2.81 UDC +2.11 FLC +2.22
MR Chassity Gold Chip
HOUSAM000140145553
Goldwyn x REGANCREST S CHASSITY EX-92 GMD DOM
Very popular genomic sire now with an official daughter evaluation (gTPI +1996 PTAT +3.70 UDC +3.31 FLC +3.16)
MR Chassity Colt 45-ET RC PC
HOUSAM000070476906
Colt P x REGANCREST S CHASSITY EX-92 GMD DOM
Red factor and polled spurred Colt 45’s rise to one of the most popular sires in the world gTPI +2020 PTAT +2.99 UDC +2.88 FLC +2.80
MS Chassitys Caroline VG-86
HOUSAF000070477005
Robust x REGANCREST S CHASSITY EX-92 GMD DOM
gTPI +2243 PTAT +2.54 UDC +2.05 FLC +2.30
MS Chassity Goldwyn Cash VG-87 2yr
HOUSAF000140175910
Goldwyn x REGANCREST S CHASSITY EX-92 GMD DOM
Top selling individual of 2009 for $205,000 Dam of Cashcoin and Cashmoney.
MS CHASSITY SNCHZ CARLY VG-89-4YR-CAN
HOUSAF140538603
Sanchez x REGANCREST S CHASSITY EX-92 GMD DOM
Res. Intermediate Champion Atlantic Spring Showcase 2013
MS CHASSITY DOMAIN CHAYA VG-88-2YR-CAN
HOUSAF141086211 Domain x REGANCREST S CHASSITY EX-92 GMD DOM
1ST 2-YR CALGARY SPRING 2013
MS Chassity Obs Claire VG-87
HOUSAF000141008075 Observer x REGANCREST S CHASSITY EX-92 GMD DOM
Dam of 30 progeny over 2000 gTPI. Including the high new release genomic full brothers by McCutchen, Capital Gain (+2517) gTPI and High Octane (+2512). (Read more: The 16 Sires from the April 2014 Genetic Evaluations That Stand Out)
WESSWOOD-HC RUDY MISSY EX-92 3E GMD DOM
For more than 10 years Rudy Missy has been producing elite genetics and leading the pack in reliability and health traits. Today, with names like Shauna, Supersire, Chart Topper, Mogul, Oak and Sid. It is hard to deny the impact of America’s favorite Rudolph daughter. Backed by an Excellent-90 GMD DOM Elton and three more “Very Good” generations, Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy quickly became a worldwide star. The family traits shine through in high production, superb protein pounds and simply being cattle that your average farmer likes. Good strength, wide rear udders, mobile feet and legs.
WESSWOOD-HC RUDY MISSY EX-92 3E GMD DOM
Thirty-nine direct daughters of Rudy Missy have scored Very Good or Excellent over the years, and her brood cow status has become undeniable. All seven females from the flush to O-Man scored Very Good and can be credited with developing the bloodlines for Shauna, Supersire, Chart Topper, Mogul and AltaOak. Pine-Tree Missy Martha VG-86-2YR DOM is probably the most notable daughter of this flush and is the dam of Shottle Martha Sheen Very Good-86 DOM. Ammon-Peachey Shauna Very Good-87 DOM is undoubtedly the best daughter to date from Martha Sheen, especially when you consider the large number of bulls she has put into A.I. Sired by Planet, Shauna exudes dairyness and strength similar to her Shottle dam. Shauna ranked #4 gTPI female in the August 2009 release and was quickly contracted for sons by Robust, which resulted in the high genomic sons Supersire and Headliner. Shauna’s Freddie sons, Sargent and Shaw, as well as Snowman sons, Diamond and Platinum, also rank high. (Read more: AMMON-PEACHEY SHAUNA – 2012 Golden Dam Finalist and Charting the Right Course at Seagull Bay Dairy)
Mountfield SSI Dcy Mogul debuted at No. 2 on Holstein Association USA’s Top 100 TPI Genomic Young Bulls list in December 2011. Mogul and full brother Mixer are the Dorcy grandsons of Pine-Tree Missy Miranda, Very Good-86 DOM, the full sister to Martha, and daughter of Missy. Miranda is also the dam of the former No. 1 GTPI daughter in the United States, De-Su 199 Chart Topper who was sired by De-Su Watson.
Notable Progeny/Descendants:
Seagull-Bay Supersire
HOUSAM000069981349
Robust x Planet x Shottle x Pine-Tree Missy Martha-ET VG-86 x Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy-ET EX-92
Extremely popular genomic sire of sons TPI +2420 PTAT +2.40 UDC +1.71 FLC +1.28
Mountfield SSI Dcy Mogul HO84M0003006972816 Dorcy x Marsh x Pine-Tree Missy Miranda-ET VG-86 DOM x Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy-ET EX92 Extremely popular sire of sons (TPI +2394 PTAT +2.81 UDC +2.99 FLC +2.78)
Pine-Tree Altaoak
HOUSAM000069169951 Niagra x Leif x Shottle x O Man x Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy-ET EX-92
Popular genomic sire (TPI +2333 PTAT +2.56 UDC +2.30 FLC +1.45)
Ammon-Peachey Shauna VG-87
HOUSAF000066228178
Planet x Shottle x Pine-Tree Missy Martha-ET VG-86 x Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy-ET EX-92
One of the most contracted and popular bull mothers in the world Dam of 30 progeny over 2200 gTPI
Seagull-Bay Shauna Saturn VG-85
HOUSAF000069981537
Man-O-Man x Ammon-Peachey Shauna VG-87
Dam of 28 progeny over 2200 gTPI
Seagull-Bay Miss America VG-85
HOUSAF000070640281
Robust x Ammon-Peachey Shauna VG-87
Dam of 23 progeny over 2400 gTPI, including sons MR America Pageant (by Cashmoney +2563 gTPI), MR America Daft Punk (by Day +2501 gTPI) and MR America Classic (by Cashcoin +2465 gTPI). As well as daughters MS America Dixie (by Day +2565 gTPI), Compass-Trt America Okay (by AltaOak +2529 gTPI) and Compass-Trt Amrica Jabra (by Jabir +2492 gTPI).
Carters-Corner Shot Melody Excellent-90
DOM HOUSAM000063033664
Shottle x O Man x Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy-ET EX-92
Dam of Brookview-E Moviestar Very Good-86 who is the dam of the popular Mogul son MR Moviestar Mardi Gras (+2470 gTPI).
De-Su 199 Chart Topper VG-85
HOUSAF000069490353
Watson x O Man x Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy-ET EX-92
1st Choice Numero Uno sold for $79,000 at World Classic Sale 2011
Dam of high genomic sons De-Su 11236 Balisto (by Bookem +2446 gTPI) and De-Su Mg Davinci 11288 (by Mogul +2442 gTPI).
Pine-Tree 2149Robst 4846-ET VG-85
HOUSAM000069804610
Robust x Zenith x Shottle x Pine-Tree Missy Martha-ET VG-86
Dam of 30 progeny over +2400 gTPI. Including high genomic sons View-Home Monterey (by McCutchen +2578 gTPI), View-Home Day Missouri (by Day +2522 gTPI) and View-Home Ernhdt Tenn aka Powerball-P (by Earnhardt P +2476 gTPI).
PINE-TREE FINLEY MINNIE EXCELLENT-91
CAN HOUSAF000061733050
AltaFinley x Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy-ET EX-92
Dam of the top type bull sire by MR Sam, Pine-Tree Sid (+14 Conformation)
The Bullvine Bottom Line
From Polled, Red & White, Type and Genomics, these 7 cows and their descendants are having the biggest impact on the Holstein breed. While there are certainly some bloodlines from the past, such as: Roxy; Dellia; and Laurie Sheik; that have had a huge impact; these seven are the bloodlines that are having the biggest influence in today’s modern dairy breeding era.
The horse race known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” delivers yet again! This time, the story of its improbable winner, California Chrome, provides inspiration for dairy breeders to believe that it’s possible to achieve lightning in a bottle. The story has hit every news outlet, but there’s a message for dairy breeders too.
Photo by NBC News
In an industry known for owners willing to pay millions to secure a potential winner of the Kentucky Derby, this year’s winner cost a mere $10,000 and, on top of that, came into the race as the favorite to win. This story gets more incredible all the time. This parallels the current dairy genetics industry where the top females are bringing outrages prices, and more and more the top animals are being controlled a select few, the large genetic companies. (Read more: Dairy Breeders vs. The Genetics Corporations)
In May 2008, at the Fasig-Tipton Horse Sale for 2 year olds in training, an ownership group from Northern California purchased an undersized chestnut-colored filly named Love the Chase for $30,000. (Side note, this is the same Horse Auction Company that held the recent Day at the Derby Sale that averaged $37,000 US). The new ownership group eager to assess their investment shipped her back across country and took her to the racetrack.
Love the Chase ran so poorly in her first three races that she was dropped into an $8,000 maiden claiming race, the lowest rung at Golden Gate Fields, a track outside of San Francisco. When she won that race, the group met with her trainer Greg Gilchrist, and asked what should they do with her? His response “”If you can find somebody who will give you $8,000 for her,” Gilchrist said, “I’d get rid of her right now.”
Steve and Carolyn Coburn; Denise and Perry Martin (Photo by Benoit Photo)
So the ownership group did that and two self-proclaimed “dumbasses” from the group, Steve Coburn, a press operator at a company that makes magnetic strips for credit cards and drivers’ licenses and Perry Martin, who owned a laboratory in Sacramento, Calif., that tests products such as air bags bought her for the sum of $8,000. Coburn bought her only because his wife nixed the idea of buying a plane—too expensive for a middle-class couple from Topaz Lake, Nevada and the other, Martin, was testing his luck in racing for the first time. The men had never met, but they were bound by their affection for the filly.With new trainer Monty Meier, they took the filly back to the track and matched her against $12,500 claimers. However, they got the same result. She finished last. They dropped her back down against the $8,000 claimers and returned to the track. She still finished dead last. Her future was in doubt.
Not to be dismayed by these poor results, the now registered “Dumb Ass Partners” shocked everyone when they announced that they planned to breed the undersized and underperforming mare. Like the show heifer that is at the bottom of every class.
Now this is where the story gets interesting for dairy breeders. Without any expertise, Martin began studying Love the Chase’s pedigree and discovered she was two generations removed from Mr. Prospector, a classic sire and successful sprinter in the 1970s, three generations removed from Northern Dancer, another top-line sire and winner of the 1964 Kentucky Derby, and although tracing the pedigree any further back would have struck most seasoned breeders as pointless, he found a connection to Swaps, winner of the 1955 Kentucky Derby.
After a failed attempt to breed Love The Chase to a top stallion, the owners paired their horse with Lucky Pulpit, a 10-year-old who had won three times in 22 starts. They paid a modest stud fee of $2,000. This time it took. Their breeding investment was now $10,000.
Almost a year later, Love The Chase gave birth to a 137-pound, chestnut-colored colt that had four white feet and a white blaze down his nose. In racing, white is known as “chrome.” So California Chrome was one of the names Coburn, Martin and their wives wrote on scrap paper and threw into a hat when they gathered one day at a restaurant. , Their waitress picked the winning name.
About two years later, California Chrome was ready to race, and Coburn and Martin wanted to run him in Southern California, where he would be matched against better competition. However, they needed a trainer. Art Sherman, the Dumb Ass Partners, learned, had been the exercise rider on none other than Swaps, the 1955 Kentucky Derby winner six generations removed from California Chrome. Who better to care for their horse, they decided, than a trainer who at 18 rode a railway car with Swaps and slept in the same boxcar with the horse on a three-day trip from Los Angeles to Louisville.
California Chrome’s Jockey, Victor Espinoza , used to train Jack asses and his trainer, Art Sherman, is the oldest winner in history of the Kentucky Derby. (Photo by: Jamie Rhodes/USA Today Sports)
They told Sherman they wanted him to train “our Derby horse” and explained they had a typed-up plan to get their horse to the big race. Sherman, who once moonlighted at the betting windows to help pay the bills, chuckled at their naiveté. After all, he had won more than 3,000 times as a jockey and a trainer, yet had never raced on or trained a Kentucky Derby horse.
In December, California Chrome won the King Glorious Stakes, followed by another victory in the California Derby Cup. Next, in the San Felipe Stakes, he faced open company, top-caliber horses from outside of California. With the pressure ostensibly mounting as post time approached, Coburn jauntily handed out purple hats with the donkey insignia and invited fans into the paddock area as they saddled up their horse and lifted Espinoza, the one-time donkey-riding jockey, atop California Chrome. The horse blazed to victory, after which Coburn passed out more purple hats and invited fans into the winner’s circle.
Photo by: UPI/John Sommers
Soon after, Martin and Coburn reported, they got an offer of $6 million for 51 percent control of California Chrome. They were vague in public about the details, with Coburn saying only that the offer came from the Middle East. Nevertheless, they were clear about their answer: “Hell no.”
Photo by: APphoto_Santa Anita Horse Racing
In early April, when racing fans wondered if these first timers would match their horse against other Kentucky Derby hopefuls in the Santa Anita Derby, the answer was “Hell yes.” California Chrome romped to victory, giving him four consecutive victories by a combined 24 1/4 lengths, increased his earnings to $1,134,850 and stamped him as the favorite to win the Kentucky Derby.
This past week, while the blue-blood owners and their famous trainers stayed in $1,000-a-night rooms in downtown Louisville, Coburn, Martin and their wives stayed at the Hampton Inn in Frankfurt, an hour long drive from Churchill Downs racetrack. Coburn had announced to anyone who would listen that, on Saturday, they would collect $2 million and the red roses reserved for the Kentucky Derby winner. That is exactly what they did. It was redemption for a jockey who used to train “jack asses” (donkeys) it was redemption, for a slow-running filly-turned-mare and redemption for a couple of self-proclaimed dumb asses.
California Chrome owners Steven Coburn, right, and Perry Martin hold the trophy after Victor Espinoza rode California Chrome to victory in the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 3, 2014, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Today one of the significant differences between the thoroughbred horse industry and dairy cattle breeding is the use of genomics. Much of the breeding in the thoroughbred industry is still done by “gut feel” versus proven numbers. , That is why performance and track records for over 60 years have failed to improve. Where would horse racing be with a tool like genomics? Still, the heartwarming story of California Chrome, gives hope to dairy breeders, who are in it for the love more than money.
Not to sound like a Jane Austin novel, but the pride and prejudice of purebred dairy breeder’s are leading to their own downfall. It’s human nature for people to have pride but when that pride leads to prejudice against others that leads to trouble. Unfortunately, pride and prejudice are preventing many purebred dairy breeders from facing the truth in the current dairy genetics industry.
Recently I wrote an article, Dairy Breeders vs. Genetic Corporations: Who are the True Master Breeders? explaining how it is only good business sense that is leading to less and less genetic sales for many dairy breeders. Their future is not looking bright as larger genetic corporations are investing heavily in the very top 0.1% genomic animals and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Their significantly greater capital is giving these genetic corporations a distinct advantage over the average breeder. As expected, this article got diverse reactions. They covered the full range from those in A.I. organizations and on the industry side that quickly acknowledge that this is happening to those “traditional” breeders who bury their heads in the sand and deny that it could ever happen.
It is that latter head-burying reaction that has led us to today’s situation. You see it’s exactly because breeders have so much pride in what they do that they are not able to accept the truth. This has led to a severe bias for the capabilities of the great breeders from the past and prejudice against the new age geneticists who arm themselves with numbers, genomic tests and formulas. The resisters site situations from the past where breeder’s outperformed the A.I. companies with sires as Goldwyn, etc. that would have never been selected by A.I. geneticists. However, as we have said many times before here on the Bullvine, you can always find the odd case to prove your point but you have to look at the big picture across the whole industry to see what the true trends are. When you do that, the picture painted by the current situation, with the introduction of genomics and significant corporate dollars does not look so rosy for the breeders.
Now don’t get me wrong, pride is not a bad thing. There is such a thing as possessing positive pride, meaning to have self-respect, confidence, honor, and integrity. On the other hand, negative pride is defined as showing arrogant or disdainful conduct and haughtiness. Unfortunately, I have been seeing that pride from many pedigree breeders. They arrogantly think that the industry will survive because they are better than or smarter than someone else is. That arrogance has led us to this situation, where top end cattle prices went from record numbers just a year ago to a place now where many high-end genomic index heifers are not selling for much more than commercial cattle.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
We are all guilty of being quick to judge something. However, when we let that quick judgment affect our lives in a negative way, and are too proud to admit and change our prejudice, we are leading to our own downfall. Such was the case with many dairy breeders who were too quick to write off genomics as a fad or declared that it was not going to work. Yes, it is not a perfect science. It is a tool that, when used correctly, can greatly accelerate the genetic advancement in your herd. By letting prejudicial judgments and misunderstandings affect breeding programs, breeders have allowed the large A.I. companies and genetic corporations to get so far ahead that it is almost impossible to catch them or to prevent the inevitable. While many purebred breeders have sought the wealth and esteem that comes with producing the next great sire, the tragedy of it is that their pride and prejudice could completely derail such a happy ending. Pride and prejudice makes an enduringly successful novel because readers never lose hope that good sense will prevail in the end. Let’s hope that in 200 years, the purebred dairy industry will look back on commercial success that survived its own too quick rush to judgment.
At Oxford in the 1950s, there was a revolutionary doctor named Alice Stewart, who was very unusual for a number of reasons. First she was a woman, which was pretty rare in the 1950s and 2nd she was brilliant. And she was unusual because she was especially interested in a new science, the emerging field of epidemiology, the study of patterns in disease.
Like every scientist, Dr. Stewart appreciated that to make her mark, what she needed to do was to find a hard problem and solve it. The hard problem that Alice chose was the rising incidence of childhood cancers.
Alice had trouble getting funding for her research. In the end, she got just 1,000 pounds from the Lady Tata Memorial prize. She knew that because of that small amount it meant that she would have only one shot at collecting her data. On top of everything else, she had no idea what to look for.
This really was a needle in a haystack sort of search, so she asked everything she could think of. Had the children eaten boiled sweets? Had they consumed colored drinks? Did they eat fish and chips? Did they have indoor or outdoor plumbing? What time of life had they started school? And when her carbon copied questionnaire started to come back, one thing and one thing only jumped out with the statistical clarity of a kind that most scientists can only dream of. By a rate of two to one, the children who had died had had mothers who had been X-rayed when pregnant.
Here was a finding that flew in the face of conventional wisdom. Conventional wisdom held that everything was safe up to a point, a threshold. It flew in the face of conventional wisdom, which had huge enthusiasm for the cool new X-ray machine technology. And it flew in the face of doctors’ idea of themselves, which was that as people who helped patients, they didn’t harm them.
Despite the resistance, Dr. Alice Stewart rushed to publish her preliminary findings in The Lancet in 1956. People got very excited, there was talk of the Nobel Prize, and Alice really was in a big hurry to try to study all the cases of childhood cancer she could find before they disappeared.
In fact, she need not have hurried. It was fully 25 years before the British and American medical establishments abandoned the practice of X-raying pregnant women.
The data was out there, it was open, it was freely available, but nobody wanted to know. A child a week was dying, but nothing changed. Openness alone can’t drive change. So for 25 years Alice Stewart had a very big fight on her hands. How did she know that she was right? Well, she had a fantastic investigator to challenge or confirm her thinking.
Dr. Stewart worked with a statistician named George Kneale. George was pretty much everything that Alice wasn’t. Alice was very outgoing and sociableand George was a recluse. Alice was very warm and empathetic with her patients. George frankly preferred numbers to people. But he was driven by this unique perspective on their working relationship. His viewpoint was “My job is to prove Dr. Stewart wrong.”
Kneale actively sought disconfirmation. He sought different ways of looking at her models,at her statistics, different ways of crunching the datain order to disprove her results. He saw his job as creating conflict around her theories. It was only by not being able to provethat she was wrong,that George could give Alice the confidence she neededto know that she was right.
Stewart and Kneale thus had an outstanding model of collaboration. They were thinking partners who were not echo chambers.
That is exactly the same model of thinking that drives us here at the Bullvine.
We don’t offer up opposing opinions to those of the establishment because we seek the downfall of the industry. On the contrary, we are so passionately devoted to the dairy industry that we offer other ways of thinking about problems in order to use new perspectives to find new solutions to old problems.
You see the dairy industry suffers from the same problem many large groups and organizations suffer from. They have stopped thinking. This isn’t because they don’t want to, it’s really because they can’t. They can`t because the people who are charged with decision making are too afraid of conflict.
It’s interesting to see that since we have dared to disagree, we have found many members of the dairy industry expressing exactly the same questions and doubts. And if we don’t express our concerns or disagreements, there is no way that we can start to solve the problems.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
The fact is that most of the biggest catastrophes that we witness rarely come from information that is secret or hidden. It comes from information that is freely available and out there but that we are willfully blind to, because we can’t handle, or don’t want to handle, the conflict that it provokes.
Many of the biggest problems facing the dairy industry today are clearly in front of us. Unfortunately, we choose to ignore them. But when we dare to break that silence, or when we dare to see, and we create conflict, we enable ourselves and the people around us to do our very best thinking.
So we ask you dare to disagree. Dare to disagree with what you are told, with what you read, and with what people expect you to do. Dare to challenge assumptions. Feel free to disagree with what you read on the Bullvine. We encourage it. What we ask from you is that you don’t disagree in silence. Raise your voice, because you will most likely find that others disagree with things as well. Once the conversation is started, we can find solutions for even the biggest dairy industry problems that we face.
For cattle photographer Christine Massfeller timing is everything. As a young child, the timing was right for visits with her mother to a nearby dairy farm. Next good timing provided her with the perfect mentor. The timing was also right when a creative idea blossomed and the right subjects and the right team came together at the right time. It shouldn’t be surprising then to learn that Christine Massfeller is the photographer behind the 2014 Masterrind Calendar. Any way you look at it that photo shoot has timeliness written all over it. (To view this keep sake Calendar click here)
Christine Massfeller holding Calori D Jasper Maribold
“From Behind the Scenes, Christine Moved to Behind the Camera.”
Many will tell you that the greatest thing about finding your true calling is the way it expands your talents and abilities. Christine Massfeller found this to be true when she was working in the Public Relations department of the German AI Rinder-Union West. For her what came next was a logical progression. “At RUW I was responsible for the magazine they produce for their local members. So I also started taking pictures for that magazine just learning by doing because I was not educated in photography at all. But at this time my interest grew and I bought my first semi professional camera, organized some photo shoots and bought and read literature about basic technical things.” A simple beginning that for Christine soon progressed to an important next step. “A few months later I was introduced to Han Hopman by my German colleague Steve Schneider and I started my career with Holstein International.”
JANUARY Sterntaler – The Star Talers Calf: WEU Pamela (Fanatic), Owner: Perk, Spanharrenstaette
“Looking Back it was Early Exposure that Inspired the Times of her Life”
Let’s rewind the story a bit to discover where a passion for cows started for a girl who wasn’t raised on a farm but learned to love cows anyway. Christine recalls the beginning. “I grew up in a small town and fell in love with cows when I was a child, when my mom and I picked up milk from a very small dairy farm close by. It was always difficult for my mom to get me out of the barn again. I could watch cows and spend time with them for hours.” Surprisingly, or maybe not, Christine made this the inspiration for her education. “After school I went to university and studied Agricultural Science with the focus on Animal Nutrition, Genetics and Breeding.” This was no passing fancy and it is a daily party of her life. “I love everything that has to do with cows. My boyfriend’s cows realize that every day. I absolutely love spoiling them.”
FEBRUARY Frau Holle Cow: WHC Schira (Golden Eye), Owner: Weseloh, Schneverdingen Model: Marion
“It is Invaluable to Have Timely Mentoring.”
The next timely occurrence for this budding photographer was getting employed by Holstein International. Christine describes it as, “The best thing that could ever happen to me. The people are wonderful and I had a perfect start there.” This also marked the timely entry of a very important mentor. “I got the best teacher you can imagine in Han Hopman.” Here was an opportunity that would make a big difference to Christine. “Han Hopman developed creative and natural cow photography. (Read more about Hans Hopman in Han Hopman: Shooting Straight at Holstein International) In the beginning of my HI career he spent a lot of time with me, teaching and showing me everything he knew: technical aspects, how to work with cows behavior, putting legs, composing images, communication with people and animals etc.” No doubt this input inspired Christine to delve deeper into photography and, with the generous support of Holstein International, Christine furthered her studies. “I did an official photography education at a renowned Dutch school.” And she continued to learn from her mentor. “The most important thing was that Han is such a good teacher and great and loyal boss. That saved so much time in making progress.” Indeed people are the main success factor for Christine. “Being a member of the editorial team of HI gives me the chance to learn so much about the dairy and breeding business from my colleagues and of course from the business itself and all the people I meet and work with.” (To see more great work from Holstein International photography team click here)
MARCH Kleine Meerjungfrau – Little Mermaid Cow: BcH Caroli (Stylist), Owner: Luenschen Model: Rabea
“It should be possible to take ordinary cows and make them Extraordinary”
It is obvious that Christine Massfeller is a true cow passionista. Who else would come up with an idea that basically meant sending out a casting call for cows? But that is just one part of the challenges that she enjoys when doing cattle photography which has so many facets to get right. She numbers them. “Bringing a cow into balance and getting out the best of every animal, scene and model. Making the best of every situation. Working with light.” Cows constantly influence Christine’s imagination and her work. “For my photography education exam, I developed my series “Cows Surreal”. The idea was to put cows in scenes they naturally never would appear. The idea behind that was that almost every human in our modern world has contact with dairy animals, but not in a direct way. People buy milk and milk products in supermarkets but almost never see a cow in real. So I tried bringing cows back to people in an abstract way. This series is not yet finished. I will continue working on it soon. But with starting this series I got some worthwhile experiences with real complicated and difficult photo shoots.”
APRIL Baron von Muenchhausen Cow: Kleopatra (Stempler), Owner: Bertram, Hunden Model: Gerhard
“They said ‘It Couldn’t Be Done!’”
Quite often it turns out that the best impetus for doing something exceptional happens when you’re told that it can’t be done. Cow art, cow science and cow photography are not immune to naysayers. In Christine Massfeller’s case she wanted to show the world a different perspective on cows. Not for her is the idea of “same old, same old.” She wants to take the whole experience for herself, her viewers … and even the settings the cattle are placed in to a whole new level. “I had the idea to go a step further and I developed that fairytale idea. That would involve even more story telling. In the beginning it was very difficult to convince people that this could work. Too much effort. Too expensive. Too Crazy. Too Kitschy.” So, of course, Christine didn’t give up. “The images were already finished in my head but most people I talked with first could not imagine how it would look like.” And then good timing entered the picture once again. I got support from Han and he promised me we would do it together and publish it with HI.”
MAY Schneeweisschen & Rosenrot Limousin bull and Charolais heifer owned by Ahrens GbR, Hespe Models: Sophia Sparkles and Eva Wermert.
“It was a BIG idea for BIG Calendar that had found it’s Time!”
When all the necessary parts of a project come together — you just know that something big is going to happen. “Han has done a calendar for Masterrind almost every year for the last 10 years. Their calendars always have a special theme. We brought the fairytale idea to the table and immediately got some supporters, who were very enthusiastic about the idea. Then we worked out a plan and Masterrind decided to do it with us. It was a win win situation. Masterrind was a great partner and they organized everything perfectly.”
JUNE Bremer Stadtmusikanten – The Bremen Town Musicians Cow: Schnicka (Donley), Owner: Hoeft, Bramstedt sheep (14 year old Erna) and cock (still alive!!) owned by Evers family, Syke; dog Winnie owned by Hermann Bischoff
“Making it Look Simple Requires A Lot of Work”
With approval for the project, it was time to put in the hard work. “We had quite a few meetings and developed everything, the scenes, how the cows should look like, the human models, the costumes and everything else.” Although cows were the stars, it took a lot of people to pull it off. |Christine gives credit to the large behind-the-scenes-team. “It took everyone pulling together. There was the Masterrind organization, their PR department, some of their classifiers who selected the cows (and also helped washing & clipping them, organized the transportation to the scenes), the human models (some of them Masterrind employees or their kids, some of them from my soccer team), the cow models, the breeders of the cows who prepared their animals, professional hairdressers and makeup artists.” Christine feels that having such an enthusiastic team was a key ingredient of the project’s success. “It was really wonderful to work with such great people (and cows) who did such a good job, even though they had no experience with such a project (me either)!”
JULY Rotkaeppchen – Little Red Riding Hood Bull: Smokin Joe (Observer), MASTERRIND Model: Carolin Wolf: Hermann Bischoff
AUGUST Froschkoenig – The Princess & the Frog Cow: FUX Sia (Alexander), owner: Hahn/Radtke GbR Model: Teresa Kempe.
“The Fairy Tale Ending is A Pleasant Surprise”
When you plan a fairytale photo shoot, it would be nice to assume that it would end happily ever after. Even with her passion for dairy cows, Christine has been pleasantly surprised at how the project has been received. “Honestly I did not expect such a big response. Masterrind gave the calendar to their members (in Germany the AIs are owned by their local breeders) and clients. It was out before 2014 started. We got many emails from people who wanted to buy one, also from people who are not in our business.” (To order your copy of the keep sake Calendar click here)
SEPTEMBER Dornroeschen – Sleeping Beauty Cow: Jolli (Jotan), owner: Agrargenossenschaft Bockendorf eG Model: Lori
OCTOBER Hans im Glueck – Lucky Hans Cow: Silva, owner: KÖG Kleinbardau Models: Thomas & Thomas
“Dreamscapes Inspire a Dream Job”
Loving what you do every day is a dream that many wish they could fulfill. Christine makes it look easy and inspiring, but she has eight steps that comprise her best advice to someone who would like to follow their photography dream: Work hard. Find a good teacher. Listen at the right moment. Don’t listen at the right moment. Be a better photographer then Photoshopper. Develop your own thing. Be open. Be always respectful to people and cows you are working with.” Christine is more than willing to take her own advice and adds a couple more action steps. “Staying healthy and open minded. Keep on working for HI. Keeping learning, because photography gets more and more difficult the deeper you get into it. It’s a big process.” Her dearest dream is to keep developing new ideas and producing the ideas that come up.” She sums it up enthusiastically. “There are so many pictures in my head that need to be taken!”
NOVEMBER Haensel & Gretel Cow: Litt Leo (Radenko), owner: Wortmann GbR, Morsum
DECEMBER Aschenputtel – Cinderella Cow: Jess (Starfire), owner: Pfaff, Gahlenz Model: Nicole Castle: Schloss Moritzburg, Sachsen
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Not only have dairy calendars been taken in a totally unprecedented direction but so have the cows that are our daily inspiration. With the turning of every page, there is a new dairy dimension to be celebrated. Congratulations to you Christine Massfeller for sharing your wonderful images and giving us insight and inspiration for every dairy day of the calendar year. (To order your copy of the keep sake Calendar click here)
Here is a quick science lesson for everyone. It isn’t going to be like those boring chemistry classes in high school, where you were more excited about getting to use the Bunsen burner than actually learning something. This is a political science lesson about international politics. When it comes to world trade, Oil is far greater and more important to most countries than milk production is.
Recently there has been a great deal of talk about the removal of supply management from markets around the world. Since most of Europe has either already removed supply management or is in the process of doing so, the writing is on the wall for remaining supply managed countries such as Canada. It’s no wonder that there has been significant backlash from Canadian producers about this issue.
Understandably Canadian dairy producers are very uneasy with this proposition. They have enjoyed a stable production environment where they could go to bed without having to worry about what the milk price would be the next day, next week or next month. But all this is about to change. As the Canadian government seeks to open world markets through international trade, Canada’s supply management is a constant sticking point. (Read more: Why the Future of the North American Dairy Industry Depends On Supply And Demand)
Interestingly, and probably funded by those who seek to benefit the most, recent reports from the Conference Board of Canada suggest that the cost of ending milk quota is far less than expected. (Read more: Cost of Ending Quota Much Smaller than Expected). According to the study, the Canadian Government could buy out producers who hold quota, about 12,500 dairy farms, for as little as $3.6 Billion to $4.7 Billion.
Armed with this study over the past month, there has been significant media hype in the major publications about how this is “Good for Farmers.” The news flash is that the Canadian economy would gain $1.2-billion a year and as many as 8,000 new dairy jobs, if the industry were freed to pursue rapidly expanding dairy markets in Asia and Africa. The story angle is that Canada is losing ground by doing nothing. The study estimates that Canadian dairy farmers are sacrificing $1-billion a year in lost revenue as milk is being displaced by cheaper imported dairy ingredients and substitutions by oil-based products in everything from ice cream to yogurt. (Read more: Canadian dairy producers can grow without monopoly and Dairy supply management costs consumers and farmers)
First let’s get real. Most Canadian dairy producers are not in the position to compete with world markets. This is e true if you remove quota and don’t replace it with the other forms of unacknowledged subsidies that other dairy producing countries maintain. As a result of operating under the safe and secure quota system, many Canadian producers have not been forced to become as efficient as those in other markets such as the Western US, Australia and New Zealand. In 1980, Canada produced 14 per cent more milk per capita than the U.S. In 2011, Canada produced 21 per cent less. The average Canadian dairy farm has about 76 cows while the average herd in the US is 187. (Read more: Where have all the dairy farmers gone? In Depth Analysis of the 2013 U.S. and Canadian National Dairy Herd Statistics). In order to compete, Canadian dairy farms would not only have to grow but they also would have to manage their operations differently.
But the real issue here is not about what effect this will have on dairy farmers. It is about what market it opens up for other industries, specifically Oil and Pulp and Paper. Due to the massive investments in the Oil/Tar Sands in Northern Alberta, Canada has become a significant player in the world oil market. The potential revenues from these developments make the cost of removing the Canadian Supply Management System look like a drop in the bucket.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
The amount of money, especially political funding and taxes, that this Oil movement has behind it is far greater that any backlash that would result from removing supply management from the Dairy industry. For the average producer, there is no question that the removal of Supply Management is a BAD thing. There is no question that it will force many 50+ year old producers into early retirement. Now that could be something that would cause strains on the Health Care system because a displaced dairy farmer does not do well mentally or physically. It will also force any new young producers to be very afraid to enter the market. You see, faced with a volatile sales price, milk production will become an uncertain career choice. So let’s not kid ourselves. The question of removing supply management from the Canadian dairy industry has nothing to do with what’s “best for the producers”. Removing supply management is totally about what’s best for the Canadian economy as a whole and significant industries such as Oil in particular. For all Canadian milk producers who have the deluded notion that their concerns are enough to stop the Canadian government, never forget that “Oil is thicker than Milk.”
Although she is neither a dairy breeder nor a show ring competitor, artist Valerie Miller nevertheless is completely hands on in her relationship with cows. This passionate painter not only paints her girls larger than life but she also aligns their bovine characteristics with dear family members and friends.
Creating from Nature and Nurture with Help from Cousins and Cows
It’s quite true that not all dairy lovers are born and raised on a dairy farm. Valerie explains her country connection and how it has been multi-faceted and rewarding over several generations. “I have a long history in my family of people making a living through working with animals. My mom’s side of my family founded (and still run) Impro Products, a leader in natural solutions to livestock production and dairying for over 50 years. I have uncles and cousins who are dairy farmers and two of my uncles and their families have W.W. Homestead Dairy – a local dairy in Waukon, Iowa (where we live) that locally produces and processes a full dairy product line. I also have an aunt, uncle, and first cousin who are Veterinarians. We live in Northeast Iowa, a rural area of the Midwest that has beautiful gently rolling hills, and we have quite a few dairy farms around here. Growing up I loved visiting and spending time on my uncles’ farms, as well as the farms of my friends – actually I still love spending time on their farms!”
Encouraged by Mom, Masters and Mentors
Valerie was creatively inspired by her rural heritage and happily points out how fortunate she was in the mentors in her life. “Growing up my mom was a huge influence on me and encouraged me artistically as much as she could. She would always buy me art supplies for my birthday and Christmas, and would help me learn how to use the art supplies together. She would frequently say that she wanted to be an artist but her parents wouldn’t let her, so I could be anything I wanted. She also loves telling people she taught me everything I know.” With that supportive start, Valerie was eager to meet other creative role models and she was fortunate there too. “Larsh Bristol was a professional photographer and a friend of my dad’s. After high school Larsh and I would have art shows together, and he would teach me things about making a living through art, among other things. Larsh was a big influence on me, and still is even though he passed on after a terrible car crash several years ago.” She is also an eager and avid student of famous painters. “From a historical painting perspective, I love the works of Mark Rothco, Winslow Homer, Andrew Wyeth, Georgia O’Keefe and Edward Hopper. I used to spend hours poring over their paintings in books that I had either checked out from the library or bought with birthday money. Their paintings were so beautiful to me and I hoped one day I would be able to create something as beautiful as their paintings.”
Valerie Adapts to Cows, Canvas and a Career
Homing in on a fulfilling career is something everyone strives for and Valerie reports that she got off to a quick start. “I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a painter. (I think in kindergarten I was telling people I was going to grow up to be an artist.) So, even though I have an art degree in studio art with a concentration in painting from Bradley University and a marketing degree from the University of Iowa, I was painting as much as I could from about 8th grade. I painted from photos I took myself, ones I found in books, and read and followed along to every type of painting book I could.” She looks back on how she started amassing her photo inspirations. “I first started messing around with my dad’s old SLR camera when I was in high school. I would take a lot of photos of friends, animals, and of course cows. As I went into college, I took some photography classes to learn more about cameras and how to use them to achieve what I wanted them to do.”
“Valerie, Valerie, How Does Your Gallery Grow?”
My husband and I met the first week in college, and about a week later we were pretty much inseparable. He was majoring in sculpture and I was majoring in painting. We used to talk about opening up a gallery/store together somewhere and so we came upon the name of Steel Cow as it was a combination of both of us – he was using a lot of steel in his sculptures and I was painting cows. After we got married in 2003, we spent a few months deciding where to locate. After countless hours on the internet looking at places and traveling around a bit, we couldn’t find “the perfect place,” so we decided to open a store in a family building in Waukon on a temporary basis.” For Valerie and Josh temporary is enjoying an extended stay in this rural town.
The Artists’ Journey Travels Down the Waukon Road
It might not be the first place to come to mind for establishing an arts based lifestyle but this town in rural Iowa is working well for Valerie and Josh. “Waukon is a great place to live and raise a family, but there are not a lot of stores around here, and there are quite a few empty buildings in our small rural town. Steel Cow opened our doors 10 years ago this month. I hung up my cow paintings (at the time I was also painting dog portraits), and Josh is a cabinetmaker, and he displayed his very cool handmade furniture and cabinets. As time went on, we adjusted and tweaked our businesses to make them work for where we were living.” It becomes apparent that, in a similar way to the multiple skills that dairy farmers must call on every day, Josh and Valerie have dug deeply to enhance and grow skills beyond their chosen arts. “The building we are in was built by my grandfather’s grandfather in the ’20’s as a furniture store, so it was really neat to have the building being used for something in the family again. About 5 years into it, we bought the building from my parents and completely renovated the whole space ourselves. Talk about exhausting! Josh wouldn’t say so, because he comes from a line of contractors and work to them is like food. But, I thought I was going to die when I had to sand the floors. Luckily I survived and have a much greater appreciation for what it takes to renovate an old building. I just wish the elevator still worked! I spent an entire winter one year cleaning and painting the third floor ceiling. The building is three floors plus a basement and has tin ceilings and original floors, so it has quite a bit of character.”
Out of the Barn and Into the Gallery
The young couple has really paid their dues to create the space that is just right for them to grow their family and their business says Valerie. “We live on the third floor, Josh and I have studios on the second floor, we have a retail space on first floor, and we have a bit of a catch all in the basement. A couple of years ago we were able to purchase a shed behind our store and we took the parking space in front of it and turned it into a garden complete with an 8 foot outdoor mural of Greta. We love it, and are so happy we stayed in Waukon and are continuing to grow Steel Cow.”
When Cows on Canvas Connect with Admirers
It is easy to imagine how surprised visitors are to see the Steel Cow gallery upon their first visit. It isn’t every day that dairy cows go from milking parlor moos to artist’s muse (Sorry! Couldn’t resist). Valerie too recognizes how unusual some might think that her career has been. “ I think my greatest accomplishment has been simply making a living at painting cows from a small town in Northeast Iowa. Although there are a lot of dairy cows around here, there are not a lot of people, so my husband and I have had to learn a lot of things along the way (and we are still learning!).” It takes persistence and dedication admits this entrepreneur. “So far, so good! Cow paintings aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, so I don’t think they are as popular as landscape paintings, or flower paintings, but it’s fun to hear people tell me why they like my paintings, or that one of my paintings reminds them of their cow, the cow they had as a kid, or simply reminds them of when they visited their grandparents farm as a kid.” Obviously connecting people, cows and memories are important to this artist who hopes that her future will include her husband Josh, their one and a half year old son Eddie, her sister and brother-in-law and their one and a half year old daughter because whatever the adventures ahead she say “I would want them with to join me because I would not want to live without them, and if we were together, it could be fun.”
“I Love All of My Gallery Girls”
Every painter feels a connection to the painted subject matter. Valerie is emphatic. “One thing I will always do is paint cows. As long as I am creating art in a way that is enjoyable, challenging, and rewarding and am able to share that with others …… I will be happy.” That happiness has brought her close to all of her cow girls. So much so, that choosing a favorite is difficult.
“Oh, that’s a tough one!” she admits. “It depends on the day. I like each painting to be better than the last, but that doesn’t always happen. As a cow, I like Queenie the best as she was the perfect matriarch of a local herd of dairy cows. I really like Virginia (she is chewing) and she reminds me of my great aunt who was always eating. I kept the original painting of Virginia and have her hanging in my kitchen. I am also fond of Dorothy as I first fell in love with cows when I met some Brown Swiss. Since I call the cow paintings “The Girls” and name most of them after family and friends it’s kind of like trying to pick my favorite relative (in which case I should say Greta because she is my sister.)” It’s obvious that Valerie’s heart is a large part of her artistry.
There’s A Cow in Waukon Library
“In my immediate future I am finishing a mural of Tippie the Cow at our local library.” Those who know Valerie are probably well aware of her project to raise funds for the Tippie Business School at the University of Iowa. “I owe so much to what they gave me, I simply want to give back something.” Expanding her artistic vision also includes another project. “I have been working on an A-Z kids book with the letters of the alphabet being the first name of “The Girls” and I hope to have it complete later this year. Hopefully my future holds lots of murals, new paintings, and more trips to meet cows across the globe. I also have plans on adding other farm animals including pigs, goats, sheep, donkeys, chickens, horses and, of course, “The Boys.” Oh to be that cow on the library wall and listen in to Valerie’s plans for the future. However, she is shy about sharing. “ I have a lot of goals for the future, but I don’t really like to share them as the details are always changing.” She also feels her art is evolving. “I would say my style is a contemporary representational depiction of cows. I like to strip the background away, take the cow out of context, and paint a solid color in the background. This way the painting focuses on the cow herself, and hopefully allows the viewer to connect with the animal up close and personal. I paint the cow representationally, but I do take “artistic license” and sometimes paint them a bit more whimsical. As I am going along in my artistic career, I am painting “The girls” more and more realistically and closer to how they actually look.”
The Bullvine Bottom Line
When you admire Valerie’s paintings it’s not about dairy conformation or bovine genetics. Valerie paints to capture the story. The story of the cow. The strength resulting from that connection is a celebration of hands on artistry. Steel Cows. The connection between cows and the people who love them.
For the past two years we here at the Bullvine have been warning breeders about changes that will come as a result of large A.I. companies and other genetic corporations owning top females. The comment that many breeders come back to us with is,”I will take a “master breeder” over some geneticist any day.” As well they say, “If it was up to the geneticists, we would never have had sires like Goldwyn.”. Well we here at the Bullvine decided to take a closer look to see who the true master breeder is. Is it the Geneticist or is it the Seed Stock Breeder?
What makes a true master breeder?
For years the Master Breeder award has been one of the most coveted awards given out by breed associations. This award is the pinnacle of success for any purebred breeder. In Canada there have been 924 Master Breeders shields awarded since its inception in 1929. While Holstein USA does not have a master breeder program, it does have the Elite Breeder Award, bestowed annually upon a living Holstein Association USA, Inc. member, family, partnership, or corporation who has bred outstanding animals and thereby has made a notable contribution to the advancement of the Holstein breed in the United States. As well it designates the Herd of Excellence award which recognizes registered Holstein breeders who have bred and developed excellent herds made up of cows with superior type and production.
Except for the AltaGen herd, run by Alta Genetics, which won a Master Breeder shield in 2001, all the winners have been seed stock producers or, in the early years, government herds. But now, with the large A.I. companies and genetic corporations entering into the ownership of top females, this could be about to change. (Read more: Should A.I. Companies Own Females? And Why Good Business for AI Companies Can Mean Bad Business for Dairy Breeders)
Who owns the top genetics?
If you look at the top genomic index lists over the past 2 years, you will see six names consistently producing the top index animals. The names include De-Su, S-S-I (Select Sires), EDG (Elite Dairy Genomics now managed by Sexing Technologies), Alta Genetics, ABS Global, and the Co-Op program at Genex. Over the past year, more than 50% of the top 100 females have been owned by one of these companies. The interesting fact is that all but one, De-Su, is either a large A.I. company or a genetic corporation. So it is clear to see that these companies have already entered and are starting to win the race.
Now I know you are probably saying that just owning the top females does not make them a master breeder. And I agree it doesn’t. But what it does do is give them control of the genetic advancement race. (Read more: The Genomic Advancement Race – The Battle for Genetic Supremacy and What the Experts Will Tell You about Who Is Winning the Genetic Improvement Race) Sure there are some who think “Breeders can still breed a better next generation than the corporations can with all their number crunching and statistics.” That is because many feel that the geneticists at these corporations lack one key element and that is cattle sense. The knowledge that comes from working day in and day out with cows. The cow sense that makes cattle breeding part art form and part science. In my opinion, that is correct! Unfortunately, correct or not, it doesn’t matter. What really gives the geneticists at the large corporations the edge is the resources that are at their disposal.
It’s a question of resources, not cattle smarts
Let’s take a look at the typical seed stock producer versus the geneticist and just see who will produce that next list topper. The seed stock producer can probably afford to flush each animal 3-4 times per year in order to produce the next generation of great ones. Given typical ratios that would mean about 10 females a year and let’s say 10 males a year. Therefore, that breeder would have 20 progeny to compete with against the large genetic corporations. Now let’s look at the case for the large genetics corporations. First of all they already own the majority of the top genomic index animals so that they are already starting ahead of the game. But, more importantly, they can afford to flush their animals 10+ plus times a year. This gives them at least 50 plus females and over 50 males (and possibly 100 of each) to submit to the ranks of the genomic test gods.
It’s not that they are better about making sire selections, it’s that they can afford to flush each donor cow to every possible sire thus making sure they have all their bases covered. So yes I would not be surprised to see that the resulting ratios and consistency numbers of the Seed Stock producers end up being as good or better than that of the geneticists at the large corporations. However, geneticists at the large corporations have much greater resources at their disposal and, therefore, can afford to keep shooting until they get it right.
Of course there are those of you who are more discerning and say, “Let’s see who produces the better proven sires. After all that is where you find the true measure of a master breeder,” To them I say, look at the semen sales in the world today. More than 50% is genomic test sires. A bull getting a good daughter proof is less and less important, when it comes to winning the genetics race. (Read more: The End of the Daughter Proven Sire Era)
The real question isn’t really about who are the better breeders. The real question comes down to who has the biggest pocketbook. Since the large A.I. companies have greater financial resources than those of the seed stock producer, they can afford to invest significantly more in order to win the genetic race. The time to have changed this situation isn’t today. The time to do something about it was two years ago when we told breeders that these corporations owning females would spell the end of the seed stock producers. It was a good business opportunity that was taken by the A.I. companies. They now have a relatively cost effective source for top genetics over which they have exclusive control. So, while the seed stock producers may be the better master breeders, unfortunately they may not be around long enough to enjoy their victory.
It’s hard to believe that it has already been two years since we launched the Bullvine. Sometimes it seems like just yesterday, other times it seems like it has been a long road. Nevertheless, here we are at 2 years and still kicking. Something many predicted would never happen.
Since we launched and said there would be twice the bull and half the fluff of the other publications we have held true to our word. (Read more: Twice the Bull – Half the S**T) Unlike others, we have expressed our opinion. No matter what the issue, no matter what the ramifications, we have said it as we see it. That has gotten us in trouble at times, but that was a risk we knew we had to take in order to focus the industry during these changing times.
Over the past two years we have certainly not been afraid to get into our share of dogfights. Instead of running away with our tails between our legs, we have backed up our bark with a strong bite. As we look forward to what is to come, I am sure there will be many more skirmishes. As we have done in the past we will continue to back up our bark with the bite of facts aimed at delivering the highest quality information to you the dairy breeder. Thanks to all of you who have contributed to us being the fastest growing dairy publication in the world after our first year and now having the largest daily dairy readership in the world in year 2. The Bullvine isn’t growing because important people endorse it. It is growing because passionate people do. We are very excited about dairy business success. One bite at a time.
Have you ever clicked on a link that a Facebook friend posted, not sure when you did it what you were going to see but figured it was worth trying? Then, 20 minutes and several clicks later, you find yourself engrossed in someone’s blog, reading post after post because you’re learning, inspired, or intrigued. That is exactly what happened to me when I clicked on a link marked Why I Farm. And this is what I found:
In this era where you see and hear so much that is negative about farming and agribusiness, it was special to watch this video of Michelle Stewart from Sheridan IL talking about how farming is the gift that she never saw coming. She tells how she has been blessed and, because of that, she feels giving back to the community has never been more important.
After watching that video, I just had to see more. So I watched the story of Loretta Lyons telling about losing her husband at age 36 in 1976 and then being faced with the difficult choice of selling the farm and going back to teaching or becoming a dairy farmer. Here is her story about how she let God lead the way.
Thinking that there was no way I could be touched any further, I then came across the story of Sonny Beck. Just like Sonny, one of my fondest memories is driving the Farm-All tractor at a very young age. Listening to Sonny talk reminded me of my grandfather, and the values he instilled in his family. Here was something I see in every farmer I have known.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
So the next time you find yourself questioning why you do what you do or even if you just need a quick pick me up after a bad-image-for-farming day in the media, take the time to check out “Why I Farm”.
Hard work, dedication passion, and faith….are just a few of the words that describe a farmer. Join Beck’s Hybrids in honoring the farmer. Watch more great videos here.
Please like and share to help spread the positive farming message!!!!
Now I am sure, when you think of the most romantic professions in the world, dairy farmers may not come to the top of the list. Over the years we have found many great love stories here at the Bullvine. From the engagement of Bryn Quick and Mark Hornbostel at World Dairy Expo 2013 (Read more: World Dairy Expo Proposal – First comes cows then comes vows!) to those that have fallen in love with the show ring (Read more: For Love of the Ring!) to those that love their cows so much (Read more: The Magic of Francesca). However, this Valentine’s Day we decided to share with you eight of the greatest dairy love stories we could find.
“Love Endures – Even Through Heart ache” – Jessica Valentine
I’ve thought and thought since I saw this contest about how I could possibly put into words my love story. It finally came to me tonight in the last hours possible on the night before Valentine’s Day while we are in the midst of a storm that has me snowed in at home taking care of animals and children and my husband snowed in at the farm taking care of cows, while fighting the flu.
I never really met my husband, you see we have just always known each other. I grew up showing beef and riding horses and Mark’s family is a dairy family several generations deep, from the same small town. I could tell you so many stories of how our love started. Like our first date going to a bingo for the Maryland judging team to go to Europe. I broke my femur getting into his truck and had to beg the EMT not to cut my jeans off– it was our first date for Pete’s sake! Or how he gave me a sweet little Ayrshire heifer for Christmas one year, or how his favorite old show cow who was battling cancer wouldn’t eat or drink or get up when he was out of town so I carried her feed and water to the farthest corner of the field hoping to keep her going till he got home to see her put down.
But the story that I want to share is how our love has endured. I always thought that the hard part of my life would be growing up with a bone disease that makes my legs break very easy, requiring numerous surgeries and hospital stays. I never imagined that would be a piece of cake compared to learning how to put my family’s lives back together. In 2011 we were living the dream. A wonderful strong marriage, three beautiful little boys and a job managing a dairy doing what we loved. Then the unthinkable happened and in a devastating accident we lost our youngest son Karsin the day before his 4th birthday.
It’s been said that 82% of marriages that lose a child do not last and there have been times when I thought we to would become a statistic. But love is not about giving up when things get hard. Love is a lot like being a dairy farmer. , It takes a lot of sweat tears and determination to keep it afloat. Our love is stronger now than ever because we have seen each other at a level that not many will see. We have seen each other completely torn down and I watch with pride as all of my “Valentines” rebuild.
But that’s not where this story ends. In our love story there was a bit of wonder that happened in our darkest hours and that was watching our dairy/ farming community surround our family with support. Being the center of that outpouring of Love was something that I can never explain and I believe that my other two sons have a sense of confidence today because of that love.
So my love story is a mix of love for my husband, my sons, and the camaraderie of dairy people and, of course, for our beautiful Ayrshire cows.
“Amanda’s First Calf” – Amanda Coulter
The seed of a life’s dream took root in the breast of a young girl on a cold November evening thirteen years ago. Like most children, the girl was loved well by her parents. In addition to this, the girl benefited from the circumstances of her family. She received the extra care and attention as an only child is afforded with the bonus of a father who took his little girl everywhere with him while working his dairy farm. Naturally, the resulting emotions of the girl were to emulate her “Daddy.” The girl wanted so badly to do and be as her father that she continually asked for a calf to start her “own” herd. Her father would always smile and tell her “When you are bigger and can take care of her on your own.” For years this was a daily conversation between the two as they went about their day. Father doing what needed done and daughter following behind his every step. The father was a good and decent man who cared for his only child greatly. While not telling the girl any of his thought, he wondered what calf would be the best for his little girl to start her own herd as she put it. The father was very careful in the breeding of his cattle and the results were a herd anyone would be proud of. One way the farmer was able to achieve this was to implant the embryos of the better cows into the not so productive ones. He also had the foresight to keep many embryos on hand in a liquid nitrogen tank that was serviced regularly.
For several years he had been watching, worried and anxious as the calves were born, looking for the perfect one to present to his girl. On a cold November evening the farmer made his way to the house looking for his little girl with a very determined look on his face. Since it was late and the girl was only five years old, she was fast asleep in bed. The father knew this as the mother never wavered on bedtime for their child. The mother believed that a regular schedule and chores kept a child healthy and knowing about responsibilities. Determination firmly planted, the farmer made his way to the child’s room. Father whispered in the girls ear to wake up until she was aware enough to hear and understand what her father was saying. “Come with me, I have something to show you”. The man quietly said as he gathered his girl up in his arms. So the mother got to see her husband carry their girl out into the night in her footed pajamas and wrapped in her blankie. Mother watched out the window as her little family disappeared into the barn. With hopes that this would indeed be a good night for her child, the mother went back to her duties.
In the barn, the father carried the girl to the farthest corner where the pens for the sick, injured, and soon to birth cows were housed. Seeing a new baby in one of the pens, the girl said excitedly, “Look daddy you have a new baby”! The father bent down right beside the box stall so his little girl could see closely and clearly the small calf lying on the straw inside. The girl stroked the newborns yet soft hair while enjoying this wonderful sight. The family believed every new birth was a wonderful thing. New animals were a continuation of their plans, hard work, and their family business. Also every new birth was a goal to achieve for an even better cow. While she was doing this, the father whispered very quietly in his daughters ear…………”I named her Amanda, would you like to have her”? The little girl’s brain could not keep up with all the emotions running through her. The first thing she could say was, Amanda? That is my name! The second thing was I could have her! Father very seriously told his child that “She is everything you need to have to start your own herd” The child could only beam and say that her calf was beautiful! The father very seriously said “yes she is” JOY JOY JOY ran through her body as she cried, I want to go in, I want to go in! I want to see all of her! Thankful that he had remembered to snatch up her little boots on the way out the door, the father helped Amanda kid into them and opened the box stall door for her. Keeping a close eye on the calf’s mother to make sure she didn’t get over excited and hurt his child, he settled his little girl by her very first calf lying on the straw, letting the two Amanda’s get to know each other. Amanda kid told her dad that she would be able to pick her calf out of the group when she was put there because Amanda calf had a backwards seven on her face and spots like saddles on both her sides! The father laughed and said that he believed that she would be able to pick her animal out anywhere at any time even after she grew into a cow and lived in the milking herd. After quite a while of Amanda kid enjoying her precious possession, the father figured it was time to let Amanda calf rest and get Amanda kid back to bed. The father told Amanda kid that it was time to go. Amanda kid was so upset that a tear actually slipped down her cheek. Very concerned now because Amanda kid NEVER cried, even when she was hurt quite seriously that spring and still carried the scars from her injury, this very miniature grown up just didn’t cry! The father conceded and said they could watch from outside the box stall for a little while longer. Happy with that, the girl sat on a bale of straw beside the stall to enjoy watching her new Amanda calf. Amanda kid asked her father who the father and mother of her new calf were, as she was already learning about bloodlines and genetics. When he told her about her calf’s parentage, she was very confused. Facing her father she said “That is impossible! Her dam is the very first cow YOU ever owned and was the start or YOUR herd! She died before I was ever born.” Still as serious as the little girl Amanda kid had ever seen him, the father replied, I have been saving her very last embryo for a very long time waiting for something special and I think you are pretty special….. The little girl knew instantly that she would remember her daddy telling her that and the feeling of love that went with it for the rest of her life. The little girl’s chest was hurting with all the wonderful feelings she was experiencing. She loved her daddy so much and she loved her Amanda calf too! “Wait until mom hears” she tells her father as he carried her to the house. “I get to take care of Amanda calf every morning and every night! She will grow up to be a great cow! I will be a farmer! I have my own calf!” The mother was very excited for her little girl and hugged her a lot! Amanda kid felt very important! This was the most wonderful night of her whole life… It was very late indeed when Amanda kid got back to her bed and finally fell asleep that night. However, she was up before dawn and headed down to the barn with her daddy to help him and start her life as a herd owner. There were so many things to do and so many plans to make.
“You Make Me Dairy Happy” – Monica Streff
I would have never guessed that a sunny Monday in June 2010 would be the beginning of my life as it is today. I had just finished visiting with a dairy farm that I do consulting work for and jumped back in my truck. As I started out the driveway, I began checking out my missed calls, voicemails, texts, and emails. I noticed a phone number I had not seen before had left a message so I figured I should check it out. I could barely make out the message other than “call me” and the phone number. I started dialing the number with some hesitation as I had no clue what it was in regards to or who I was calling. The gentleman on the other end answered on the first ring and started our conversation as though we had been long time friends. He explained his situation to me. They were looking for a different consultant to do their nutrition work and they had seen I had stopped several times before since I left my card each time. I indicated I was in the area that day and could visit with him briefly if he had the time. He proceeded by saying, “Sure do. Why don’t you come find me? I am cutting hay.” I thought to myself, sure, I have no clue where he may be cutting, but why not?” He continued, “Pull in the driveway by the house and follow it around the bends to the west. Don’t let the construction send you in the wrong direction. Just stay on the road and keep coming straight back. You will find me.” I started thinking, Lord, what did I get myself into. I arrived at the farm, pulled in the drive by the house and started my attempt at following the road. He wasn’t kidding when he said, “Don’t let the construction send you in the wrong direction.” I started driving towards an alfalfa field where I could see a BIG RED TRACTOR and a disc bine. As I was getting out of the truck, he jumped out of the tractor and headed my way. “Hi, I’m Jeremy, some people call me Bob, you can call me whatever you want, Jeremy, Bob, idiot, whatever.” All I could do was giggle and smile. And from that day forward our friendship began. Our friendship continued to grow over the months as I did consulting work for the dairy, and the Schwittay family started to feel like an extended family to me on my “up north” days. As October approached, he began poking and prodding me about if I was going to World Dairy Expo. I told him I was as I had Ayrshire cattle that were being shown there as well as I would be working in a booth there. He simply asked, “What day you taking your cattle down?” I answered and he asked if he could go along. If you ask him, he says that was our first “official” date, but that did not happen for a few more weeks. Every day since that day in June 2010, I have continued to grow and understand what unconditional love is. We have been through our struggles and achievements like anyone else and continue to be the best of friends. Our life is not easy. We have the dairy farm, we started a custom calf & heifer operation two years ago, we market our registered cattle, we have rental properties, and I continue to work full time as a dairy consultant. Others always ask us, “How do you guys make this work? You mix business and professional and all you do is work.” Our answer is simple…we love each other unconditionally, we are each other’s best friend, we make the best of every situation, and have trust in one another. Who wouldn’t love working with their best friend every day. As I sit in the house writing this I think about in the last two weeks how much I miss my dairy love. I had surgery on my foot and ankle and have been confined to the house until I can walk again. I have had time to really think about how much I take for granted the time we get together. If it is showing cattle, chopping corn silage, leveling off the silo, or moving heifers; I wouldn’t want to do it with anybody but him. He has a way to always put a smile on my face no matter how bad the situation is. He is my biggest cheerleader, my business partner, my best friend, and my rock. Jeremy Schwittay is my Dairy Love.
“Nobody is Perfect until You Fall in Love with them” – Jess Peter
As all great love stories start, I met him when I was drunk at a party. The school we attended was known as a “suitcase college,” so the great weekly party was held on a Wednesday night. These parties were known as the “John Deere Parties,” creatively enough, their namesake was derived from the gentlemen who held said parties. I know you are probably quite impressed by the creativity and uniqueness that is beaming from this story already! Being a small community college in Iowa, it was safe to say, the dairy and John Deere Tech students knew each other quite well. But, when I looked around, there was a new face. I was promptly introduced to him and told “he’s a fitter.” “Fitter, huh,” I scoffed. *It is important to note that, at this time in my life, I had only worked on commercial herds. I was much more interested in stall dimensions and whether or not the farm installed brisket boards. So he responded, “Yes!” and I spoke out very confidently, “Cows have numbers, not names.” We realized we did not have much in common, so our first meeting was brief and uneventful.
Fast-forward 2 years, I had transferred to Iowa State along with five friends from the community college. It was my 21st Birthday and ironically he was down visiting. Sadly, I was seeing a mutual friend at the time, but over the course of the years we did become closer friends. This could be greatly attributed to the fact that my interest had also changed. All of my friends were involved with registered cattle in some way, shape or form. I had made the collegiate judging team and slightly abandoned my “commercial roots.”
Again, we are fast-forwarding to that next spring semester. I was taking it off to do a Genetics Internship in Wisconsin. It dawned on me that he was the only person I knew in Wisconsin. We reunited again on my Birthday. This time it was at a dive bar in northern Wisconsin. After that night we talked and texted back and forth on a regular basis. *Did I mention I had a boyfriend at the time? Oh, I didn’t? Okay, well I had a boyfriend at the time. So, back to our love story…in the next few weeks the Bulterview Parade of Perfection was being held in Elkhorn, WI. I drove down for the sale the night before and we went to the sale the next day. After this weekend, I called it quits with the guy from back home.
We became what you would call “Facebook Official” the weekend of the Siemers Spring Showcase, for the rest of my internship I traveled on Fond du Lac to see him when he was working sales at the Great Northern and stayed a couple nights at the “Siemers Hotel.” Since then I have moved to Wisconsin the timeline of our relationship is traced by sales and shows along the way. With this, our herd and our hearts have continued to grow. I know he is a keeper when I tell him I want to buy Ayrshires, and he gets Jeff Stephens to sell a great one, right out from under his nose!
It’s not the type of story that blows you away with overdone notions or drama. We are perfect for each other, right down to the type of cattle we like. Sometimes I think he likes them a little too dairy and refined, and I know some days he thinks I like them a little too coarse with a little too much strength. It’s safe to say we balance each other out. It’s just as simple as that, two people, one love and one passion.
“True love lies on the other side of the alley” – Ken McEvoy
Everyone has a love story, a person or animal that touches you, changes your life, the way you think the way you feel. Can you feel the shivers down your spine the first time your eyes met? What’s your story? Every story has a beginning middle and an end. The only problem is our love story will never end , so we start in the middle, where we are today. We live in the house he lived in for 20 years, but until the last few years it wasn’t a home. It was a place where I ate and slept, now it’s filled with the sound of little feet running across the floor, the smell of brownies in the oven and the sight of my wife’s beautiful smile. Our little farm, our little house and our little family makes for a beautiful life and it all started, because she said hello, which brings us to the beginning. Like most farm couples we met at a fair, a place where our love for cows allowed us to meet. A place where my family has shown for nearly 70 years in a barn named for my father. A barn where for those years for us were tied only Holsteins. But that one summer in walked a girl with two Brown Swiss heifers. Little did I know that she and those two heifers would forever change my life and the color scheme in our barn. It was love at first sight. Not the kind of run around love. A one look and you know you were meant to be together forever. So whether your love be red black or brown there’s always the chance your true love lies on the other side of the alley. For me my love will always be the girl “from the other side of the alley”. My wife, my rock, mother of my children and the glue that holds my world together. That’s our love story.
“Grandpa’s Love” – Eileen Gress
My dairy love story starts around Christmas of 2005, when my Grandpa fulfilled a lifelong dream of mine – he purchased for me a pair of twin Ayrshire bull calves.
For most people in the dairy industry, a pair of twin bulls would be the furthest thing from a dream – particularly stocky bulls as these were. But for me, these calves – which I named Bob and Tom – weren’t going to be steers, or even breeding stock. They were going to be my oxen.
My mom had a team of oxen when she was my age that she raised and trained to wear a yoke and pull wagons in parades and at exhibitions. Some of my earliest memories were sitting on Mick or Mike’s backs as Mom led the complacent steers around the yard, and I very distinctly remember the day that, at a ripe old age, they were both buried in the front pasture. Their horns are now mounted on our living room wall, along with a photo of them in full parade gear.
The want for a team of oxen of my own started a few years after, when I was starting in 4-H. Every time we had bull calves born, I hoped that maybe they’d look identical enough that mom would let me keep them to train. But each bull inevitably left for market, and I went back to leading my show heifers around, wishing.
A friend of my grandpa’s told him about these twin bulls that he’d kept, that were intended to be a 4-H project for his nephew – but when the nephew lost interest, he was left with a pair of weaned bull calves without a purpose. I was more than happy to bring them back home, and I spent hours with the pair, teaching them to lead and marking down milestones in a scrapbook I kept.
We dug out the yokes that Mom had saved from her team of oxen, and started breaking them to yoke when they were around seven months old. Their horns were just beginning to grow up and out, and would eventually take the iconic Ayrshire shape without any training. I spent as much time working my oxen as I could, and was excited for their parade debut to take place.
Mom and I dressed up in prairie dresses (which my grandma and I had sewn, together) and yoked Bob and Tom up for the Memorial Day parade in our town. Bob was my nigh ox, and Mom walked alongside Tom. They pulled a white wooden sled, upon which my little brother rode and tossed candy out to parade-watchers.
Bob and Tom were a hit. They were tied with our show cattle at the fair every year, and drew people from all corners of Wayne County to come see the oxen. We took them in our Memorial Day parade, and a Holiday parade in a nearby county, and they loved the attention and excitement of people.
As they grew, my love for them did, too. It was my job to feed and care for them every day, and it was rewarding to see their personalities develop. As twins, they were closer than they might have been if they were simply herd mates, but these brothers loved each other and rarely left the other’s side. I could always count on Bob being on the left side of the bunk, and Tom on the right, and that was how they walked through the pasture and were yoked as well. Bob was more timid, while Tom was outgoing and friendly – and loved shoes.
My boys loved going on walks, and to fairs, and loved being petted and washed. They also loved breaking through the electric fence and gallivanting through the fields, tearing up alfalfa buds and decimating the new oats. Though I’d like to say my love for them was unconditional, I could have done without wild ox chases early in the mornings before school.
Sadly, Bob fell ill just after their sixth birthday, and no amount of sticking my poor Bob like a pincushion could reduce the swelling in his hocks. He lost weight rapidly, and we knew that if he went, Tom would follow quickly after – they were brothers, after all, and there was no way that one could live without the other. It was with a lot of tears and whispered goodbyes that I loaded my best friends onto the trailer one Wednesday morning in mid-October, and waved at them as they left, dust trailing behind them as the trailer went down our drive.
Not a single day goes by that I don’t think of my boys, and their horns will soon have a place of honor next to those of Mick and Mike’s on our living room wall. They were my best friends, and my confidants, and the greatest gift my Grandpa could ever have given me. I cherish each memory and photo that I have of me and my boys, and though I miss them, I know that I’ll get to see them again in the great green pastures, happy and healthy as they come to greet me.
“Who Got The Real Deal” – Beverly Donovan
My dairy love story begins with a youngster named Francis Wickland. At age 17, Francis went shopping for an Ayrshire show heifer at the very well-known, well-respected Alta Crest Farm in Spencer, Massachusetts. He picked out a beautiful fancy heifer and had an agreement with the owner that he would be back after he saved some more money from his job on the town road crew. After a couple of months had passed, he got a call from the owner saying that somebody else was interested in purchasing that same heifer, and did he still want to buy her? Francis told the owner that although he still wanted to buy her, he didn’t quite have enough money, so he should sell it to the other person and that he would buy a different heifer that he also liked which was more reasonably priced. The other person was Mildred Sanford, whose father was looking to buy a fancy show heifer to add to her herd of prize-winning Ayrshires. Mildred got the fancy heifer Francis originally picked out and Francis bought the other nice but much less expensive heifer.
Francis and Mildred ended up showing against each other all show season, and Mildred’s heifer won her class every time and won most, if not every Junior Champion, too. Francis’s heifer was always in a pretty close second place, and throughout the competitions, he got the chance to know Mildred better and to tell her that he was the one who had that beautiful heifer on hold when she went to buy it. At the Eastern States Exposition Youth Show in 1938, Mildred’s heifer was once again named Junior Champion and Francis’s heifer was Reserve Junior Champion.
So after competing all show season and getting to know each other better, they became friends and went out together…not as each other’s date, but with other dates in a group of friends. Over the winter, they ended up dating each other, and 3 years after they first became friends because of a beautiful Ayrshire heifer, they got married. Francis joked with two of his daughters and a granddaughter that he was the one who got the real deal when buying a heifer back in 1938: he bought a nice heifer without spending a lot, plus he got the fancy heifer he really wanted (along with the other prize-winning cows Mildred owned), and a great wife to boot, so he did pretty good, didn’t he??!! Francis and Mildred farmed together for 55 years and raised seven children who all showed Ayrshires. Five of their grandchildren joined 4-H and showed Ayrshires, and one of them still shows Ayrshires and sells milk to the same milk cooperative that her grandparents did for so many years. Francis and Mildred are my grandparents, and once upon a time, they fell in love with the same beautiful heifer, then fell in love with each other and always were in love with farming and their family at their Golden Sunset Farm in Chesterfield, Massachusetts.
My love for cows came naturally for me. My story begins when I started raising Holstein bull calves. I loved the baby calves, feeding them and caring for them. I started to raise a few heifers here and there, no registered calves or anything with real quality that I knew of. I started thinking about showing, and realized I needed to save up some money. I went to the first registered dairy sale I came across, which happened to be in April of 2012.
Not too long before this, Facebook suggested Beverly Donavon as a possible friend. I added her in February 2012 and then looked upon the magic or Francesca. I was transfixed on the beautiful story this woman and cow told. I reached out to Beverly, congratulating her on her gorgeous cows and great success. We struck an across US Facebook friendship, Washington to Maine.
I ended up seeking advice on how to find a beautiful show calf! I was ecstatic to be getting a few words of wisdom and encouragement from a seasoned show lady. I had the show bug and that first sale you could have knocked me over by blowing on me, after I bid and purchased my first little show lady a December 2011 Braxton daughter! Oh man I was on top of the world. The first person I told was Bev over a Facebook message. I continued to follow the Deer Hill powerhouse story and talked sparingly with Bev.
I added another dream to my list and that was to visit Ayrshire heaven on earth known as the Deer Hill Farm and meet that lovely, decorated cow Frannie and her wonderful owners.
All dreams can end at a moment’s notice and this day is one I will never forget. I was sitting in the movie theater. I happened to check my Facebook and read the impossible. Tears streamed down my face, just as they are now as I type. The great Francesca was gone! How could it be? She was not any part of me by any stretch of the word, but I had been touched by Francesca’s magic. One of my dreams was gone forever but the story or Beverly and her cow touched my heart and rocket launched my dream of becoming a show lady and breeding my own cows. I love my cows and wouldn’t have my life any other way.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
My own personal dairy love story is a little different. You see my one true love didn’t end up being some amazing farm girl. In reality she was about as far from being a farm girl as you can get. She grew up in downtown Toronto, and on her first visit to our farm, she asked if she could tip a cow. So you ask how this becomes a “Dairy Love Story”, well I will get to the part of the story. You see as my wife has been exposed to the dairy industry more and more since we met and she has grown to understand the passion that we all have and has started to develop her own passion for the show ring. She encourages our three children and works right alongside them during calf training, calf feeding and runaway calf catching. This past year she even exhibited at our local show and gets as excited on proof days as I do, She graciously accepts teasing about cow tipping but she has no idea how often she flips my heart as I watch her growing dairy love.
Special thanks to the amazing artist Gary Sauder (Read more: GARY SAUDER: The Muse in His Studio) and great team of Beverly Donavon (Read more: The Magic of Francesca) and Richard Caverly (Read more: Richard Caverly: A Passion for Perfection – Winner Gives All!) for all your assistance with this competition.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all you dairy lovebirds and congratulations to all the those who’s stories where chosen, you each will receive a print of Gary’s latest painting of Frannie.
Twitter image of Canadian coach Justin Wadsworth fixing Russian Anton Gafarovski.
As I was watching the Olympics today from Sochi Russia, I saw the Canadian cross-country ski coach, Justin Wadsworth, do something amazing. You see from all accounts Justin was having a terrible day. His team had not performed as well as they had hoped they would and he was depressed. As he was watching the final of a race he had hoped that one of his team members would have been competing in, he spotted Russian Anton Gafarov coming over a rise. Gafarov, an early medal favorite, was struggling miserably. He’d crashed on a quick downhill corner and broke a ski. Then he crashed again. A long, thin layer of P-Tex had been skinned off his ski. It was now wrapped around his foot like a snare. Gafarov was not ‘skiing’ to the finish. In a race typically decided by tenths-of-a-second, Gafarov was three minutes behind the pack. He was trying to make it the last couple of hundred metres down the 1.7 km course. Wadsworth grabbed a spare ski he’d brought for Canadian racer Alex Harvey and ran onto the track. Gafarov stopped. Wadsworth kneeled beside him. No words passed between them. Gafarov only nodded. Wadsworth pulled off the broken equipment and replaced it. Gafarov set off again. “I wanted him to have dignity as he crossed the finish line,” Wadsworth, a three-time Olympian, said. That unselfish act defines what the Olympics is all about.
This story also reminded me of an incident that occurred at the Royal this year.
During one of the most anticipated classes in history, one of the cows came into the ring very uncomfortably. She was not walking with her usual stroll because the teat glue, something that is legal in the North American show ring, had come partly unglued and was causing the cow discomfort and had her kicking at her teat. While many just watched the cow and the showman struggle, one person didn’t. The next showman behind this animal knew that the thrill and passion that drives us all to love the show ring is not about beating someone else, but rather demonstrating the passion for great cattle. No one wants to win on a technicality or because of the misfortune of others. They want to win because they showed the best cow on that day. So that showman took it upon himself to relieve the cow of the discomfort by adjusting and regluing the teat. A simple act of kindness but, in reality, a much larger gesture.
Like Justin Wadsworth at the Olympics, what drives the show ring, or a sport like cross country skiing is not only the prize money or the fame or fortune.
It’s passion for that higher level of training, commitment and dedication. Let’s face it, for the majority of the athletes who compete at the Olympics they do so not to get rich or famous, as there just is not that kind of money in the sports they compete in (outside of men’s Hockey). The same is true for the majority of the people who show cows. If you penciled it all out, the show ring for many is not a big money maker, it’s a passion. (Read more: RF Goldwyn Hailey: Cash Cow or Cash Hog?) A passion that typically costs them far more money than they will ever make. It’s that pure passion that drives them.
Sometimes we are accused here at the Bullvine of forecasting doom and gloom and not looking at the positive.
No matter how often we compete against each other, it’s the passion that joins together the men and woman who compete at all the local shows, regional shows, and even World Dairy Expo and The Royal. Not high paid or well-known except during those moments of intense competition. . I cannot tell you the number of times I have seen exhibitors help their fellow breeder, often their biggest competitor. However, they rise above the rivalry and share their mutual dedication to the craft they have spent countless hours working on. That is what makes the show ring great. For over 30 years I have had the pleasure of being moved by great moments inside and outside the show ring. The medals and ribbons add up to winning histories but moments of unselfishness show us the true winners. For me, those who do it for the passion last. Those who do it to get rich don’t.
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The reason for this has nothing to do with the merits of genomic sires versus proven sires. Rather it has to do with the historical patterns of adoption of new technologies. The theory behind this is called the Diffusion of Innovations. According to this theory, consumers differ in their readiness and willingness to adopt new technology. There are the innovators (2.5 percent of the population), the early adopters (13.5 percent), the early majority (34 percent), the late majority (34 percent), and the laggards (16 percent), who are also the people who still don’t have cell phones or who are not on Facebook.
The Total Merit Index RZG guarantees a balanced breeding considering milk production, functional herd life, conformation, reproduction, udder health and calving traits according to their economic importance. The Total Merit Index combines a number of individual trait indexes and makes it easy for the breeders to choose a bull according to all relevant traits. Today, the Total Merit Index (RZG) includes production (RZM 45%), functional herd life (RZN 20%), conformation (Udders, Feet & Legs 15%), reproduction (RZZ 10%), somatic cell count (RZS 7%) and maternal calving traits (RZKm 3%). To date the RZG is one of the world´s most popular total merit indexes for the Holstein breed.![nastygirl[1]](https://www.thebullvine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/nastygirl1.jpg)
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Nineteen days ago, Patricia and Mike Stiles woke up to a nightmare. One that they and their families are still going through today. It’s a nightmare that is going to continue for some time to come. Since that time the dairy industry from around the world has rallied to their support. Sending out prayers, love, support and giving generously to aid them. Thanks to the support of many of our community members, for the past two weeks ww.thebullvine.com ran a fundraiser to help these families deal with the costs associated with these many surgeries. (Read more: 
Imagine this….you wake up in the wee hours of the night to smell smoke, you discover that your house is on fire, and your grandchild is trapped in her bedroom, with no way to escape. What would you do?
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Out of the Barn and Into the Gallery![1797347_10152101531354232_270432191_n[1]](https://www.thebullvine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/1797347_10152101531354232_270432191_n1.jpg)
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