Scorching temperatures hit 30°C, but one exceptional cow still dominated the ring at Japan’s premier dairy show

Picture this: blazing early summer heat, sweat dripping, and temperatures of 30°C that would make most of us want to hide indoors. But not at the 32nd Yamagata Prefecture Dairy Cooperative Holstein Show. On June 28, dairy enthusiasts braved the scorching conditions to witness something truly special.

The Star of the Show

When Center Black HM Final Denver Whis Rina stepped into that ring, heads turned. This wasn’t just another cow—this was a six-year-old masterpiece carrying an EX-91 classification—a near-perfect score for her physical traits—who had just claimed the Grand Champion title for owner Ryosuke Nakajima from Shirataka Town.

Judge Ryan Weigel—the renowned breeder behind legendary genetics like KHW Kite Advent-Red and KHW Regiment Apple-Red—couldn’t contain his excitement. “She was the most eye-catching cow the moment she entered the ring,” he declared. And coming from Weigel, that means something.

What Makes a Champion?

Here’s what caught the judge’s eye: even in her fourth lactation at six years old, this cow’s conformation remains absolutely flawless. We’re talking exceptionally correct feet and legs—the foundation that keeps a cow productive for years. Her udder? Outstanding doesn’t even begin to cover it.

But it’s the complete package that sealed the deal. From her refined face through her strong neck, she radiates that elusive “dairy character”—the ideal combination of strength and refinement that separates great cows from good ones. You can see years of excellent care in her glossy coat, her bright, alert eyes, and the calm confidence with which she carried herself in the ring.

A Pedigree That Tells a Story

Let’s dive into those genetics because this bloodline is pure gold. Center Black HM Final Denver Whis Rina traces back through a powerhouse pedigree: Denver x Impression x Finalcut x Durham Rudy x Stormatic x Hakko Midland Supersire Whis Rina (EX-93).

That foundation female? She’s legendary. Hakko Midland Sire Whis Rina earned first prize in the mature cow class at the 2003 Hokkaido National Show—over 20 years ago and still influencing herds today.

The Midland Magic

Here’s where it gets really interesting. The Midland family isn’t just any bloodline—it’s one of three signature cow families representing HOKKO Gakuen College in Hokkaido. This isn’t about pretty pictures either. We’re talking about functional conformation—physical traits that translate to real-world performance—delivering long, productive lifespans and consistent show ring success.

How productive? Try cows achieving a lifetime milk production of 100,000 kg. That’s the kind of genetic power that pays the bills and then some.

Smart Breeding Decisions Pay Off

It was this “Midland Magic” that Nakajima sought to harness. After graduating from HOKKO Gakuen College, he made a strategic decision to introduce this proven bloodline into his operation. The results speak for themselves—today, approximately 60% of the Nakajima Farm herd descends from this exceptional family.

That’s not an accident. That’s deliberate, thoughtful breeding focused on functional traits that matter in the real world of dairy farming.

The Bigger Picture

This show proves what many of us already know—great genetics combined with excellent management creates magic. Despite brutal heat that would stress most animals, proper care and superior genetics allowed this cow to shine when it mattered most.

For dairy farmers worldwide watching from afar, there’s a lesson here. Japanese breeders continue pushing the envelope, combining time-tested bloodlines with modern management practices. The result? Cows that perform under pressure and deliver results that matter.

The 32nd Yamagata Prefecture show might have wrapped up, but the impact of genetics like these will ripple through herds for generations to come.

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