More than 180 Select Mating Service® (SMS®) genetic consultants from Select Sires’ member organizations, international distributors as well as other Select Sires staff and guests met at the 42nd annual SMS Genetic Consultant Conference, hosted by Select Sire Power May 7 through May 10 in New York.
To start the conference, genetic consultants participated in a day of continuing education. The group discussed exciting developments in the Holstein and Jersey sire programs, inbreeding management and the strategic use of beef semen in dairy herds. They learned about future enhancements to the SMS program, innovative technologies and recent trends. Additionally, Jonathan Lamb of Oakfield Corners Dairy shared information about his family’s operation, their focus on genetic advancement and showcased their sires in the Select Sires program.
“Select Sires is excited to offer new tools for our SMS genetic consultants around the world to better serve our customers and make a genetic impact on their individual herds,” explained Lon Peters, vice president of dairy sire product services, Select Sires Inc.
Now in its 44th year, SMS added more animals (nearly 3 million) to the program than any year in its history. SMS genetic consultants continue to help dairy producers control genetic recessives, haplotypes, inbreeding levels and provide a means to create custom selection indexes based on customer goals. The conference allows genetic consultants to view hundreds of Select-sired daughters and see the pattern each sire transmits to his offspring.Over the course of three days, consultants viewed progeny of Select Sires’ current lineup and potential graduates in New York and Connecticut. Select Sires thanks the following herds for their hospitality: Arethusa Farm, Litchfield, Conn.; Dutch Hollow Farm, Schodack Landing, N.Y.; Toll Gate Farm, Ancramdale, N.Y.; Elite Dairy, Copake, N.Y.; Ideal Dairy and Cookiecutter Holsteins, Hudson Falls, N.Y.; Kings Ransom Farm, Schuylerville, N.Y.; Welcome Stock Farm, Schuylerville, N.Y.; Clear Echo Farm, Schuylerville, N.Y.; Eildon Tweed Farm, West Charlton, N.Y.; Kenyon Hill Farm, Cambridge, N.Y.; Lincoln Hill Farm, Eagle Bridge, N.Y. and Elm-Spring Farm, Eagle Bridge, N.Y.
