u.s. registered holsteins · wisconsin have planned a fun and educational program. don’t miss it!...

1The Pulse is proudly sponsored by

THE PULSESpring 2019 • Holstein Association USA, Inc.

U.S. REGISTERED HOLSTEINS®

T H E W O R L D ’ S P E R F E C T C O W

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PREPARATION LEADS TO OPPORTUNITIES

President’s Message

Boyd Schaufelberger, President, Holstein Association USA, Inc.

I played basketball in high school although some would say I mostly rode the pine bench. I did have

one notable game scoring 23 points coming off of the bench. Basketball taught me many life lessons such as the need for physical training and preparation in order to be successful. The first few weeks of practice were brutal with conditioning drills. My varsity coach had us run up and down bleachers because he felt it would prepare us better. It reinforced the idea that success does not come without pain and struggle.

Those same lessons apply to other areas in life. These past few years have proven that success in the dairy business does not come easy. We are in a time where every stone of opportunity must be overturned. The recent Illinois Holstein Association annual meeting was held in a newly opened milk processing plant owned by HAUSA member Michael Turley and family of Rolling Lawns Farm in Greenville. His vision for marketing his product by promoting the Registered Holstein® cow is inspiring. He is printing the complete pedigree of his most prominent cow family on the store wall to show the consumer the attention to detail that Registered Holstein dairymen exhibit. Michael is taking a big risk in his venture but sees building a farm to consumer business as the best way to secure his place in the dairy business.

Our Illinois Junior Holstein officers attended and reported on their activities. Their excitement for the dairy industry is indisputable and I found their optimism in making a career in the dairy business hopeful. Our Holstein youth are extremely talented. They exemplify the tremendous resources and treasure in our midst to discover and create opportunity for a bright future.

Your Holstein board is working to find new opportunities for the Association and its members. In January, Holstein Marketplace Sires was announced where semen is available from selected bulls. The program allows breeders to benefit by retaining ownership and control of the bulls. Holstein has recently partnered with the American Simmental Association to create the HOLSimTM Beef project to give Holstein breeders extra tools to add value to crossbred dairy beef.

Work continues on the IT upgrade and the latest edition of Holstein America demonstrated how our members realize the superior value of Registered Holsteins.

After much consideration, the Holstein Board voted to promote our Dairy Price Stabilization Program, which was developed in 2009, as a solution to the milk price problem. The DPSP is unique in allowing controlled growth while rewarding those that keep milk production stable. Copies of the

program are available from HAUSA. We welcome your input.

Spring sales around the country have shown strong interest in Registered Holsteins. Average prices seem to be improving. Ken Raney, General Manager of the Pennsylvania Holstein Association, reported that Registered Holsteins had a $90 per animal advantage over grades in their most

recent ‘Know What You Buy” sale. I firmly believe the expense to register Holsteins is one of the best investments a dairyman can make.

Remember the upcoming 2019 National Convention in Appleton, Wisconsin on June 23-27. Our friends in Wisconsin have planned a fun and educational program. Don’t miss it!

The University of Virginia men’s basketball team recently won the NCAA National Championship in an exciting, overtime game. Their journey through the tournament was challenging with overtime and come-from-behind victories where they “found a way to win.” What made their win remarkable was the fact that they overcame their first round loss last year after being the top overall seed in the tournament. Their success is an example for us to never give up in overcoming adversity.

I wish you a safe and prosperous spring and summer season. Be positive and grateful. As always, feel free to call with your thoughts. God Bless you all.

We are in a time where every stone of opportunity must be overturned.

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THE PULSE Spring 2019 • Holstein Association USA, Inc.

1 Holstein Place, PO Box 808Brattleboro, VT 05302-0808

800.952.5200 • [email protected] 802.254.8251

www.holsteinusa.com

Editor: Ashley [email protected]

Graphic Designer: Pat McDerby

BOARD & OFFICERS

PRESIDENTBoyd Schaufelberger ............................ 618.664.25761254 IL Route 127, Greenville, IL 62246

VICE PRESIDENTCorey Geiger ............................................. 920.650.0294W1938 County Road J, Mukwonago, WI 53149

CEO/EXECUTIVE SECRETARYJohn M. Meyer ......................................... 800.952.52001 Holstein Place, Brattleboro, VT 05302-0808

TREASURERBarbara McQueen Casna ................... 800.952.52001 Holstein Place, Brattleboro, VT 05302-0808

John A. Andersen .................................... 208.221.09041170 Packer Drive, Blackfoot, ID 83221

John S. Burket ......................................... 814.239.2260 1321 Polecat Road, East Freedom, PA 16637

Dale Drendel ............................................. 815.766.032615N057 Walker Road, Hampshire, IL 60140

Peter Dueppengiesser .......................... 585.704.4725896 Security Dr., Apt. J207, Fond du Lac, WI 54935

Bill Genasci ............................................... 209.765.71113600 Finney Road, Modesto, CA 95358

Steve Keene ............................................. 207.577.396965 Canton Point Road, Canton, ME 04221

Mark Kerndt ............................................... 563.568.17271318 W Main Street, Waukon IA 52172

John Marshman ....................................... 607.843.58813564 County Road 32, Oxford, NY 13830

Steve Moff .................................................. 614.205.717914200 New Buffalo Road, Columbiana, OH 44408

Benjamin Newberry ............................... 478.737.68975074 Newberry Road, Lizella, GA 31052

Dwight Rokey ............................................ 785.285.01422021 T Road, Sabetha, KS 66534

Robert Webb ............................................ 920.377.1079N5397 Hillcrest Drive, Plymouth, WI 53073

IN THIS ISSUE

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

2 Basketball taught Boyd many life lessons, including “preparation is needed to be successful.” President Schaufelberger explains how the Association is creating opportunities for you.

CEO’S MESSAGE

4CEO John Meyer highlights members, herds and cattle. He provides insight on an exciting new collaboration between your Association and the American Simmental Association, HOLSimTM. Read on for an update on what the Association is doing to increase member’s profit potential.

STAR OF THE BREED

6 T-Triple-T Platinum-ET owned by Triple-T Holsteins, Aaron Eaton and Bradley Murphy, is our 2018 Star of the Breed. Platinum is a true show girl in and out of the barn, read on for more.

2019 NATIONAL CONVENTION

8 The schedule for the 2019 National Holstein Convention, June 23-27, 2019 in Appleton, Wisconsin is packed with exciting events. Read on to help make plans to attend the “legendairy” event.

HERDS OF EXCELLENCE

10Holstein Association USA is pleased to honor 16 Registered Holstein® breeders. Read the profiles of these elite herds.

FOCUS ON GENETICS

20 Genomics and you are making the U.S Holstein cow the envy of the dairy world. Dr. Tom Lawlor examines how the genomic era promotes advantages within your Registered Holstein® herd.

Dam of MeritSM, Elite Performer™, Gold Medal DamSM, Holstein COMPLETE®, Official Holstein Pedigree™, Progressive Breeders RegistrySM, Progressive Genetics HerdSM, Red Book Plus/MultiMate™, Registered Holsteins®, TPI® and all variations, and TriStarSM are all servicemarks of Holstein Association USA, Inc.

Enlight® is a trademark of Holstein Association USA, Inc. and Zoetis LLC.

Nathan Thomas is at the halter of Ms Triple-T On The Prowl-ET, an offspring of this year’s Star of the Breed.

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This Spring issue of The Pulse is extra special for a number of reasons. For the last 12 years, the Holstein

Association USA Herds of Excellence winners have been featured. This year is no exception, as 16 herds who are predominately homebred and excel in both production and type are honored as the 2018 Herds of Excellence. We salute those breeders for their dairy cattle breeding, and management expertise on pages 10 through 18.

It’s a pleasure to have T-Triple-T Platinum-ET, 2018 Star of the Breed, grace the cover of The Pulse. Since 2007, we have been featuring the Star of the Breed in our Spring edition. The Thomas family, Aaron Eaton and Bradley Murphy should be extremely proud of Platinum as she is a cow for all seasons.

It’s also become a tradition to highlight our Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) Semifinalists and Young Distinguished Member (YDJM) Finalists in the Spring issue of The Pulse. As you can see, one has to be optimistic about the future of the dairy industry, when you see the bright-eyed young people highlighted on page 22.

Your Holstein Association has been presenting the Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder Award since 1988, and the Distinguished Leadership and Elite Breeder Awards since 2007. Past practice has been to keep these award winners confidential until the annual Holstein Association USA convention banquet every summer.

This year, we’re presenting the honorees on page 22 of this issue. As you can see, it’s fitting and appropriate that David Bachmann, Sheri Regan-Danhof, and George Miller will be presented with the Elite Breeder, Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder, and Distinguished Leadership Awards respectively at the national Holstein Association gala banquet June 27, 2019 in Appleton, Wisconsin. Complete features on these three outstanding award recipients will be found in the Summer edition of The Pulse.

Changing gears, I want to update you on what

your Holstein Association is doing to try to enhance the profit potential for its members who have made the business decision to breed a percentage of their herds to beef. As background, according to a press release regarding 2018 business activity from the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB), “Domestic beef units sold in the U.S. increased by 1.5 million units, representing an increase of 59%. The domestic dairy units reported for the U.S. declined by 5.7% or 1.3 million units.”

The increase in beef semen sales and decrease in dairy semen sales are direct results of the high number of U.S. dairies that are breeding a percentage of their dairy to beef sires. While one can never predict how long this trend will last, more and more dairies seem to be implementing this strategy.

These phenomena present opportunities for HAUSA and its members. Currently, for most dairies who use beef bulls, they have two criteria for selection. The first is they have to be black, and the second is they need to be inexpensive. Most who are using beef on dairy give no thought to the mating, other than what I have mentioned.

THE POWER OF COLLABORATION

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CEO’s Message

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John M. Meyer, Chief Executive Officer, Holstein Association USA, Inc.

Now our breeder/members can capitalize on their Holstein genetics by using beef semen that is complementary to their Holstein genetics. Our and their interest should be to use the best possible beef mating on their Registered Holsteins® so the end product resulting from that mating (beef) will be of the highest quality possible.

The fine folks at the American Simmental Association (ASA) and International Genetic Solutions (IGS) have been studying which beef breeds are the best genetic complement to Holstein females to produce a terminal beef animal. What they have found is that the best beef mating on Holsteins is semen from SimAngusTM bulls.

For those who have made the strategic business decision on their dairies to breed a portion of their herd to beef, it behooves them to use a beef sire that will be the most complementary to their Registered Holstein® genetics. We now have a scientific method for those breeders to use through an index available to identify those top SimAngusTM bulls, which is the HOLSimTM Index. In theory, breeders should have the opportunity for greater profits by using bulls from the HOLSimTM Index rather than just a black beef bull.

Quite simply, the program’s objective is threefold: to provide additional revenue to Holstein Association members through the production of high quality beef calves; to offer new marketing avenues for progressive beef stock operations; and to develop a production system that results in consistent, year-round supplies of high quality beef for consumers.

According to Chip Kemp, ASA Director of Commercial and Industry Operations, “Holstein producers now have the opportunity to choose from a list of bulls that can be included in the HOLSimTM branded beef program. Through the International Genetic Solutions platform, we took a breed agnostic look at what type of beef bulls make the most sense to complement a Holstein female to add the most profitability to the terminal calf.”

Qualifying for the sire list is not easy, and bulls that do so represent an elite group of beef genetics. All bulls in the program will be required to include the HOLSimTM logo in all marketing and promotional material.

Kemp states, “The bulls must be homozygous black, homozygous polled, have a minimum birth weight accuracy of .4, and meet a minimum threshold in the HOLSimTM Index.”

While the primary calling card for Holstein cattle always has been, and always will be, the world’s leader in the high-quality production of milk, fat, and protein, the breed has also long been known for their superb

beef production abilities. Through matings with these identified SimAngusTM bulls, dairies can produce high quality, high value beef animals that possess growth, muscle, and marbling which will be coveted by both the feedlot and consumer.

The HOLSimTM program is underpinned by HAUSA’s industry-leading animal identification program, something that will add increasing value to the marketplace as consumers require more information about where their food comes from. Because dairy operations calve year-round, a continuous and steady supply of high quality beef will be available to distributors, retailers and restaurateurs that have struggled historically with seasonal fluctuations of supplies.

To qualify for the program, all animals must have a Registered Holstein® dam, and be bred to SimAngusTM bulls identified in the HOLSimTM program. ASA is working with approved feedlots and packers to finish and process HOLSimTM genetics.

Although this endeavor is in its infancy, it has exciting potential. To my knowledge, this is the first time that a dairy and beef breed association have collaborated to have a specific program to benefit both organizations and their respective members and industries. If you are interested in learning more about this program, feel free to contact Darin Johnson at 802.451.4048 ([email protected]), or me at your convenience. We will also have updates regularly on HAUSA’s website at holsteinusa.com.

This is the first time that a dairy and beef breed association have collaborated to have a specific program to benefit both organizations and their respective members and industries.

TM

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T-Triple-T Platinum-ET EX-94 2E

7-04 2X 365D 46,830M 6.5%F 3,049F 3.1%P 1,471P

1st Six-Year-Old & Older cow – 2018 Mid-East Summer National Holstein Show 5th 150,000 Lb. Lifetime Milk Production cow – 2018 International Holstein Show

Owned by: Triple-T Holsteins, North Lewisburg, Ohio; Aaron R. Eaton, Syracuse, N.Y.; Bradley R. Murphy, N.Y.

Platinum

2018

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2018 Star of the Breed2018 Star of the Breed

In the rolling hills of Champaign County, Ohio, sits Triple-T Holsteins, home to the 2018 Star of the Breed.

The highest honor presented to a Registered Holstein® cow, Star of the Breed recognizes outstanding performance in the showring and at home on the dairy. Holstein Association USA is delighted to recognize T-Triple-T Platinum-ET as the 2018 Star of the Breed.

Nathan Thomas, one of the Triple-T Holsteins owners, describes Platinum as a true show girl in and out of the barn.

“I’ve judged a lot of shows, and I truly believe that really good cows are good every day, not just at the show,” Nathan says. “Platinum is a real easy-going cow – a cow with a good personality. She’s a very balanced dairy cow with a tremendous udder and great feet and legs.”

T-Triple-T Platinum-ET is owned by Triple-T Holsteins in partnership with Aaron Eaton, Syracuse, N.Y., and Bradley Murphy, Parish, N.Y. Platinum is a mainstay in their show string, and she continually places well in her classes.

During her last lactation, calving in at seven years and four months of age, on twice-daily milking, Platinum produced 46,830 pounds of milk, with 3,049 pounds of fat and 1,471 pounds of protein.

Bred to perform

Platinum is from a sought-after family. The Thomases estimate that 80 percent of their Holstein herd goes back to the T-Triple-T Dundee Paige family. Paige has always been dependable and produced strong, powerful milk cows that consistently do great things. Including Platinum, the Thomas family has three Goldwyn daughters out of Paige, all scored EX-94.

“Paige formed our foundation family and has been such a strong maternal line for us,” says Jenny Thomas, Nathan’s wife and partner at Triple-T Holsteins. “She’s had numerous Excellent daughters while continuing to keep breeding, milking and being productive in our herd.”

From the beginning, Platinum has been special to the Thomas family. She was an ET with two full sisters born at the same time. Platinum had that showy look about her and stood out amongst the sisters, Nathan explains. It was the balance she had alongside her dairyness.

“It’s a pretty cool family that has generated a lot of excitement for us,” Jenny says. “It’s been the cornerstone of our breeding program, and they exemplify what we’re trying to do as a program.”

Balance is key

When it comes to making breeding decisions, Nathan explains that he generally mates cows in what offspring patterns a bull produces, and crosses that on Triple-T’s cow families.

“We stay pretty true to ourselves and what we want to do,” Jenny says. “We don’t really get caught up in fads or trends, but we try to be consistent and utilize bulls out of good cows and bulls that are proven.”

The Thomases will not use a bull in their breeding program

unless they have seen a daughter from that bull, preferably a milking daughter. They strive to make smart breeding decisions and breed for balanced cattle, ones that milk and test well.

Proven cow families that combine positive pounds of milk and high components are of extreme importance, Jenny says. The bull’s cow family must have milk in the pedigree to be considered. One of Platinum’s highlights is her tremendous fat components.

Paige’s daughters, including Platinum, are medium-sized cattle with a remarkable amount of balance and width, possessing great feet and legs — all desirable traits for Triple-T Holsteins.

“The Registered Holstein business — it’s a passion to breed and develop good cow families to be able to merchandise our offspring from that,” Nathan says. “I want to continue to breed excellent cows, like what the Paige family has done really well. Breed the kind of cows that other people want to own.”

Platinum’s Potential

The reach of Platinum’s outstanding genetics spans across the globe. She’s part of a conventional and IVF flush program. The Thomases exported a lot of Platinum’s embryos to Japan when she was a heifer and a two-year-old.

“There’s good demand for eggs out of Platinum,” Nathan says. “A wide variety of buyers are interested from multiple countries and they’re all very intrigued by getting into Platinum and that cow family.”

Platinum’s oldest daughter, MS T-Triple-T Pokerface-ET, scored VG-88 as a two-year-old. As Pokerface will calve in late spring, the Thomases are looking forward to seeing what she is going to bring to the table this year.

MS Triple-T On The Prowl-ET is another exciting Platinum daughter and recently sold at The Best of Triple-T and Heath Sale.

“On the Prowl is the epitome of what we try to breed for,” Nathan says. “She’s a balanced heifer with a hard top, yet has enough style to show the tremendous amount of width to go on to make a great cow.”

Nathan adds Platinum still has another showing run left in her. There are plans to conventionally breed Platinum at the end of May or early June to have her calve again next year.

About the AwardThe Star of the Breed recognition is given annually to one Registered Holstein cow that exemplifies outstanding production combined with exceptional type. To be eligible for the Star of the Breed award, a cow must place in the top five in her class at a National Holstein Show, be in a herd enrolled in the TriStarSM program and have an official classification score.

Once the eligible cows are determined, the following calculation is used to determine the award recipient: Combined Mature Equivalent (ME) Fat and Protein + Age Adjusted Classification Score x (Breed Average ME CFP/ Breed Average Age Adjusted Score).

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Tickets sales have opened for the 2019 National Holstein Convention headquartered at the Red Lion Hotel Paper Valley. There are a number of

exciting events to choose from but choose early, as a number of events have limited ticket sales.

Junior Welcome and Sundae Bar, Sunday, June 23

Iconic Culver’s frozen custard will anchor an evening filled with games. Topping the event off will be the annual state-by-state exchange.

Pre-Convention Farm Tours, Monday, June 24

You have two options for pre-convention tours. From a robot dairy to a conventional tiestall barn and a showplace, you will see legendary Holsteins at each stop.

Fox River Boat Cruise and Historic Home is the second option. This exclusive river cruise will explore natural shore lines, landscapes, and the historic homes along the Fox River.

Back at Convention headquarters, the action has started. Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) and National Holstein Women’s Scholarship organization (NHWSO) interviews will be ongoing in addition to Dairy Jeopardy and Prepared Public Speaking contests.

Junior Fun at the Badger Sports Park will provide opportunities galore to mix with youth from across the country. Attendees can choose from go-karts, 18-hole mini-golf, batting cages, laser tag, inflatables, a mini bowling alley, and so much more.

Host Day, Tuesday, June 25

The Host Day farm tours focus on modern breeding operations. Learn from four dairies that are using all the tools to breed and market world-class genetics. Capping it off, we will have lunch at the new $13-million Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center, which truly makes this a must attend event. Staggered start tour times will allow an enhanced viewing experience on the tours of MilkSource Genetics, Synergy Dairy, Siemers Holstein and Hilrose Dairy, LLC.

Other tour options are:

Goats and Glass Tour - Among the most modern goat dairies in the world, LaClare Farms milks goats in a double 24 parlor and housed in a freestall barn with outdoor access to paddocks of fresh grass. The Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass is revered among glass communities worldwide featuring over 3,500 objects.

MAKING LEGENDAIRY LEAPS at the 2019 National Holstein Convention

Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass

Little Wolf River

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Farm Wisconsin and NEW Zoo - Go beyond the barnyard at the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center. This interactive exhibit will entertain attendees about Wisconsin’s diverse agricultural industry. The Insider’s Encounter at the NEW Zoo will take us behind the scenes to see how animals’ nutrition needs are met and how veterinarians provide care for the wildlife.

Farm and Float Tour - Looking for a mix of farm and fun? Come enjoy the day at Brooks Farms and the beautiful Little Wolf River for an afternoon of tubing fun. Brooks Farms is a recently expanded 700-cow facility in a new double-16 herringbone parlor. From there, you will head to Little Wolf River to take in a fun and relaxing river trip.

With “Legendairy” Lambeau Field in full view, convention goers will enjoy a meal in true Wisconsin fashion at Family Night. Juniors and adults alike can play tailgate games or venture to the Titletown District. Lambeau Field Tours can be pre-purchased for an additional $12.

Wednesday, June 26

The first day of Holstein Association USA’s Annual Meeting begins with reports from President Boyd Schaufelberger, CEO John Meyer and Treasurer Barbara Casna. Join us as we celebrate the 16 Herds of Excellence honorees. The Dairy Bowl competition also runs all day.

Those not attending the Annual Business Meeting may embark on the Non-Delegate tour, Botanical Gardens and Shopping Extravaganza. While at the Green Bay Botanical Gardens, guests will enjoy an herbal adventure that includes tastes and treats, remedies and recipes. The tour will continue with several area shopping destinations.

New this year, Wisconsin will be hosting the National Genetics Conference for adults and juniors alike. Find out more on page 19.

Bonus Coverage: The 2019 National Genetics Conference wraps up at noon. We highly suggest that

everyone stay to hear Galen Emanuele speak at the DairyGirl Network luncheon open to both men and women. Galen drew rave reviews at this year’s Young Dairy Leaders Institute. Galen believes in giving back, being grateful, and contributing positively to the world.

The Convention theme, “Making Legendairy Leaps” will truly come to life when Holsteins and football come together at the National Convention Sale. The sale’s first-half will feature some of the highest genomic Registered Holsteins while the second half will feature high-type, deep-pedigreed Registered Holsteins. Wisconsin’s very own Chris Kroeze, “The Voice” runner-up, will sing his rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner.

Thursday, June 27

The final Convention day has lots of exciting events. Juniors will be quick with their buzzers during the Dairy Bowl Finals. Celebrate Juniors from across the country who are making their own “Legendairy Leaps.”

The Holstein Association USA Annual Business Meeting concludes on Thursday with officer and director elections. Join us as we gather to celebrate the “Legendairy” accomplishments of our industry. The Gala Banquet will bring this fantastic week in Wisconsin to a full climax as we will recognize the Elite Breeder, the Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder, the Distinguished Leadership Award, and the six Distinguished Junior Member Finalists.

Holstein Foundation’s YDLI has been inspiring the next generation of leaders for 25 years. Join us on Friday, June 28 for the 25th anniversary bash, more details on page 18.

We hope you will be able to join us in Appleton. Find a more detailed schedule

and place online ticket orders at www.2019holsteinconventionwi.com/register.

Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center

Forest Ridge Holsteins

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Holstein Association USA is proud to present our

2018 Herds of Excellence award recipients. These

sixteen herds have all achieved the rigorous criteria to

qualify for this honor.

The award is broken into three herd size divisions based on the number of cows included in production averages. The categories are as follows:

• Division 1: 500+ cows

• Division 2: 100-499 cows

• Division 3: 10-99 cows

Herds receiving the award must: • Have classified within the last year and have an age

adjusted classification score of 83 points or higher;• Have at least 70 percent of the herd homebred; • Be enrolled in the Association’s TriStarSM program

Additionally, qualifying herds must meet the following production criteria:• 500+ cows – 15 percent above breed average

Mature Equivalent for milk, fat and protein• 100 to 499 cows – 20 percent above breed average

Mature Equivalent for milk, fat and protein• 10 to 99 cows – 25 percent above breed average

Mature Equivalent for milk, fat and protein

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING HERDS!

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CO-VALE HOLSTEINS

Brad Cates was the official judge during the Fryeburg Fair.

DIVISION 1 • 500+ COWS

Bradley Cates • Preble, NYTwo-Year Honoree • 91.1% HomebredMilk: 31,164 Fat: 1,256 Protein: 970

Average Classification Score – 86.5

A focus on quality has allowed Co-Vale Holsteins to sustain their operation for generations. Theirs is a story of constant improvement.

In upstate New York, near the Finger Lakes region, fourth-generation farmer Brad Cates continues the family tradition. He and his wife, Sarah, own Co-Vale Farms along with his mother, Georgia.

Since taking the management reins, Brad would say the greatest improvement he’s made is toward cow comfort. Co-Vale’s commitment to cow comfort is obvious, from the sand bedding in stalls to the misters for heat abatement.

Ensuring cows are comfortable is the foundation for progress on the farm, and it’s allowed them to make great strides in a number of production goals, as well.

Sixteen years ago, Brad set a goal to increase the herd’s component values. Coupled with increased cow comfort, he started breeding and feeding to achieve higher components — and the results have been impactful.

Co-Vale Holsteins have increased pounds of components sold, which impacts overall cow performance and farm profitability.

“We used to breed for type and feed for milk,” Brad says. “We are breeding for a smaller cow that’s more efficient. Feed efficiency on our farm is really huge.”

Co-Vale is ranked third with their 108.3 BAA for the “Over 150” herd size category for 2018.

Efficiency through technology gives Brad a reason to remain optimistic about the progress that waits on the horizon for the family’s dairy operation.

“Technology is going to bring us closer to a cow that’s more efficient, maybe cheese wise or fluid milk wise,” he says. “I think that we’re going to find information that will make farmers more efficient and more successful with their farms than they are today.”

DINOMI HOLSTEINS

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CO-VALE HOLSTEINS

Dan and Paul Siemers holding Siemers Gsun Haya-Dream-ET


The Siemers Family • Newton, WIThree-Year Honoree • 97.5% HomebredMilk: 35,750 Fat: 1,389 Protein: 1,070


With passion and determination, Siemers Holsteins strives for excellence in the dairy industry. The family farm, located in northeastern Wisconsin, is situated only a stone’s throw from Lake Michigan.

Established more than a century ago, Siemers Holsteins is a team operation. Currently the family’s fourth, fifth and sixth generation are working alongside each other, contributing to the dairy.

Since 1908, Registered Holsteins® have been the cornerstone of the Siemers’ herd and key to their success, both in and out of the showring.

This third-time Herd of Excellence milks 2,595 cows. Aside from their main dairy, the family transformed a neighboring freestall barn to accommodate their elite genetic cattle. This allows them to provide more individualized care for their show cattle and other select animals.

At Siemers Holsteins, marketing “genetics for cow people” is big part of what they do. To achieve that goal, the Siemers breed for a wide spectrum of categories: high-index cattle, show cattle, outstanding registered commercial cows, and Red and White Holsteins.

They may focus on different avenues when making breeding decisions, but Dan says their best cows are also their best production cows. The Siemers look for strength in the cow’s conformation, so their herd will give more milk for longer periods of time.

Dan explains building a balanced cow will create problem-free cattle that will pay dairymen dividends for years to come. The family looks for cows that have a solid sire stack, family production and marketable genomic numbers.

Their mission is simple: to make every generation better than the last. The Siemers have bred more than 1,000 Very Good and Excellent cows; and have achieved 27 Progressive Genetic Herd honors.

SIEMERS HOLSTEIN FARMS INC.

The Migliazzo Family: Vincent, Dino, Loren and Dante


The Migliazzo Family • Atwater, CATwo-Year Honoree • 97.4% HomebredMilk: 35,344 Fat: 1,331 Protein: 1,129


For brothers Dino and Dante Migliazzo, profitability is black and white – just like their herd of Registered Holsteins®.

In 1967, their father bought a farm with 100 cows on 100 acres near Atwater, Calif. At the time, Registered Holsteins were part of their start-up herd, an investment they consider a bonus.

Dino says the value of the registered cows has only grown through the years.

Today, Migliazzo and Sons Dairy milks 800 Registered Holsteins in a rapid-exit herringbone parlor.

Holstein Association USA gives them the opportunity to select specific bulls from the Top 100 TPI® Bull List, Dino says, which allows them to choose genetics to enhance their herd’s milk production.

Using their Dinomi prefix, they strive to make each individual animal perform to its highest potential. Dino adds that breeding a good herd of cows has never been easier.

“We focus on net merit, but at the same time, we make sure the component side of it is addressed,” Dino says.

The Migliazzo family selects for high components because their fluid milk is sold for cheese production. They focus on health traits, daughter pregnancy rate and somatic cell count, without forfeiting production.

Dino and Dante believe in order to make progress, the breeding program should incorporate high genetic bulls — and they keep a laser-focus on the breeding goals they are trying to achieve in order to stay on track for the future.

The farm has been honored 13 years with the Progressive Genetic Herd award.

DINOMI HOLSTEINS

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Brooks, Jeff and Kate stand with Jeffrey-Way Crs To The Max

DIVISION 2 • 100-499 COWS

Jeffrey A. & Kate Hendrickson • Belleville, WIFour-Year Honoree • 92.1% HomebredMilk: 33,695 Fat: 1,256 Protein: 1,061


For Jeff Hendrickson of Jeffrey-Way Holsteins, developing Registered Holsteins® has been a lifelong commitment and passion. Seeing many positives working with the black and white beauties, he has spent more than 30 years expanding his herd.

Growing up on his family’s dairy, Hendrickson transitioned into a herdsman role for Inwood Farm near Argyle, Wisconsin. In 1986, he and his wife, Kate, started farming on their own and moved to their current location in 1991. Their son, Brooks, is also part of the operation.

Jeffrey-Way currently milks 101 cows. The Hendricksons have bred 237 Excellent animals.

It’s the attention to high type bulls that helps set their herd apart. Their perspective is to start with good genetics and stick with good genetics, he explains. They look for a cow with above average stature and place emphasis on TPI®.

He doesn’t focus on production traits, as he believes having quality feed will help the cows milk. He wants to see the herd’s offspring score Excellent as mature cows.

Jeff notes that Registered Holsteins offer added value with the opportunity to sell extra cows, bulls and market embryos.

Jeff made a groundbreaking decision when he purchased Inwood Taffy Apollo – the start of Hendrickson’s “T” family. Taffy made herself quite a respected brood cow, Hendrickson explains. Today, more than 90 percent of their herd traces back to her.

Most notably from Taffy’s family is Tina. Jeffrey-Way Mascot Tina-ET EX-91 3E GMD DOM had 22 sons sold into AI, with more than 100 embryos sold.

Jeff, Joe, Chris and Andy Brantmeier


Joseph A. Brantmeier • Sherwood, WIEight-Year Honoree • 97.2% HomebredMilk: 33,420 Fat: 1,254 Protein: 1,001


In the center of the small town of Sherwood, Wisconsin, Joe Brantmeier, Hilrose Dairy, walks through his family’s tiestall barn to the maternity pen. The sights and sounds of calving are taking place.

“To me, that’s still the most exciting part of the dairy, which is always to see new calves being born,” Joe says. “You have to be optimistic to be a farmer.”

He adds that you can see a new calf’s potential and think down the road that she’s going to turn into a future foundation cow.

Joe’s parents, Hilard and Rose Mary, established Hilrose Dairy. In 1956, the herd’s first Registered Holstein® calf was purchased.

Since then, the Brantmeier family has concentrated on high type animals with high components and longevity. Their perfect cow would be high scoring with greater than four percent fat and three percent protein in addition to great legs, excellent udders, and a strong ability to transmit.

Today, Hilrose Dairy is a partnership between Joe and his wife, Chris, alongside their sons, Andy and Jeff. There is one other full-time employee, Tim Bornemann, who manages the machinery and crops.

With demand for the best genetics the highest it’s ever been, Jeff says, “You need to focus on the best, work with the best, and market from the best.”

Because opportunities to expand are limited, Jeff explains they must focus on niche markets to support three families.

“Besides selling high-quality milk, we focus on the niche markets such as selling embryos, shows calves or fresh two-year-olds throughout the year,” Jeff says.

Joe states, “For us quality outweighs quantity and that is how we built our herd.”

HILROSE HOLSTEINS JEFFREY-WAY HOLSTEINS

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The Koepke Family: Kim, John, Dave, and James


The Koepke Family • Oconomowoc, WITwo-Year Honoree • 100% Homebred

Milk: 34,719 Fat: 1,430 Protein: 1,042Average Classification Score – 84.4

Established in 1875, Koepke Farms Inc. is a family operation where a love for Registered Holsteins® and agriculture run deep.

Today, the 100 percent homebred herd and farm is a partnership between brothers Alan, Dave, James and James’ son, John. Their herd of 312 cows is milked three times a day in a double-10 herringbone parlor.

The family team relies on Holstein Association USA’s programs and services to improve their herd’s genetics and increase milk production. And through their history, they’ve achieved these goals.

The ideal cow is one that you don’t know she’s there, Dave says. She’s invisible until something bad happens, but she’s paying her way.

The number one priority for Dave is cheese-merit dollars (CM$). Ten percent of their milk is bottled, while the rest is used for cheese or other dairy products.

He then shifts his attention to health traits — low somatic cell, daughter pregnancy rate, and calving stillbirth percentage.

Dave says the key to the farm’s longevity is having new generations interested in carrying on the dairy tradition. The Koepke family has been farming since emigrating more than 140 years ago.

In the ‘50s, Waukesha County in Wisconsin was known as “Cow County USA” because there were more cows than people, Dave says. Since that time, their surrounding area has become much more metropolitan.

Skirting the edge of Milwaukee, urban growth has been increasing.

For Dave, it’s all about telling their story. He knows that even though their dairy won’t grow in size, it is important that urban consumers connect with where their food comes from.

KOEPKE FARMS INC.

13

KOESTER DAIRY INC.

The Koester Family: Cindy, Kyle, Brent, Bria, Lance, Cynthia; seated: Dan and Amber


The Koester Family • Dakota, IL Three-Year Honoree • 96.1% HomebredMilk: 33,856 Fat: 1,343 Protein: 1,059


“We stress cow comfort, good care of our cows and watch nutrition really closely,” says Dan Koester, owner of Koester Dairy. “And, of course, genetics. We’re pretty aggressive about improving genetics.”

Dan’s parents, LaVerne and Clarice Koester, established the family dairy in 1956. Starting as a herd of 28 grade Holsteins, the steady expansion and consistent improvement has allowed their herd to grow to 343 Registered Holstein® cows.

The Koesters hold true to the idea that when you take care of your cows, they will take care of you. Koester Dairy facilities feature large stalls, rubber matting and fans – all to improve cow comfort.

Through forward thinking and steady decisions, the Koester family maintains a tradition of top-notch milk production.

The Koesters strive to improve their herd with each mating. They use genetic data to make regular improvements, and all heifer calves are genomically tested.

Dan says Registered Holsteins provide them the advantage to increase and accelerate their herd’s genetics by knowing pedigrees. Having data instantly accessible allows them to build on the herd’s overall production and functionality.

The Koester family pays attention to high net merit bulls with high type and a strong pedigree when making breeding decisions. They especially watch DPR, somatic cell count and components.

Being able to work alongside family is something Dan doesn’t take for granted. Each of his family members has their sweet spot for making Koester Dairy run smoothly.

Today, Koester Dairy is owned by Dan and his wife, Amber, together with their family: son, Lance, and his wife, Cynthia; sons, Kyle and Brent; and daughter, Bria.

JEFFREY-WAY HOLSTEINS

1414

Front row: Khaleesi, Dan, Alan, Nancy & Phillip PagenkopfBack row: Jared Gruetzmacher, Andrea, Scott, Haylee, Craig & Ela


Daniel J. and Nancy Pagenkopf • Lancaster, WITwo-Year Honoree • 96.4% HomebredMilk: 32,694 Fat: 1,359 Protein: 1,003


As the sunset creates a masterpiece in the sky, the Pagenkopf family, Paradise-D Holsteins, reflects on a day’s work.

Living by “surrounding yourself with positive friends and family and always keeping the faith,” the family continues their passion for the dairy industry. It’s a tradition more than 50 years in the making.

Dan and Nancy Pagenkopf married in 1985 and purchased half of the farm from Dan’s parents. In 2016, their oldest son, Craig, and his wife, Ela, bought into the family business. Dan and Nancy’s other children, Scott and Andrea, own cattle and assist with farm activities, as well.

A brood cow that left a mark on their herd is Plackes-Svf Luke Gail-ET EX-92 4E. She made sound cows that transmitted longevity, strong genetics and high type, an essence of their breeding strategy.

Starting with quality genetics and a key focus on management practices, Paradise-D Holsteins ensures when a calf hits the ground it gets a healthy start. This includes proper nutrition and excellent housing.

Along with marketing high quality milk, Paradise-D Holsteins have also sold Registered Holstein® bulls and embryos, both in the United States and internationally, since 1995.

“We strive to make a cow with high milk components and strong health traits, while not sacrificing anything,” Dan says. “The health of our herd and the cow’s longevity are at the forefront of every mating. We believe the health of our herd is tied to the longevity of the farm.”

Their main breeding goal, Dan explains, is to continue to breed and develop strong cow families with profitable genetics including production, type and longevity that interest both the local dairyman in addition to dairymen around the world.

PARADISE-D HOLSTEINSMAURER FARM

Front Row: Charles & Gloria Maurer; Back Row: Angela Hoefler, C.W. Maurer, Emily Groneng & Grant Maurer


Charles M. Maurer • Chilton, WIFirst-Year Honoree • 94.5% HomebredMilk: 32,734 Fat: 1,251 Protein: 998


For Charles (Chuck) Maurer, Maurer Farm, it’s the people and the quality of Registered Holsteins® that mean the most to their operation.

Established 160 years ago, the herd transitioned to Registered Holsteins in the 1970’s by Chuck’s parents, a decision he remains grateful for today.

In 1992, Chuck and his wife, Gloria, purchased the farm from his parents and continued the family legacy into the next generation.

At Maurer Farm, cow comfort is the number-one focus. The milking stalls and mattresses have been replaced to support larger-framed cows. Building a new dry cow and heifer barn allowed them to improve ventilation and labor efficiency.

Chuck utilizes aAa animal analysis to breed a more balanced cow and increase longevity. He selects bulls from proven cow families and would like cows to produce 100,000 pounds of milk within their first three lactations.

He says the perfect cow is one with a big frame, high and wide rear udder and that is pleasing to the eye. Advancing genetics, feed, health traits and technology helps support those goals, Chuck says.

Registered Holsteins are improving at a fast rate; a reflection of the people involved in the business, he says.

Maurer Farm is rooted in family. Their children, Angela, C.W., Emily and Grant help in many aspects of the dairy. They also have six grandchildren who bring even more love and excitement to the farm.

“Fulfilling a lifelong dream to be on the farm, I am grateful to have raised a family on a farm,” Chuck says. “I enjoyed watching my children develop work ethic and responsibility and seeing the excitement of the youngest generation.”

15

Max, April, Scott holding Appealing Active Holly-ET, and Grant Cooper


S. Scott & April D. Cooper • Delta, PAThree-Year Honoree • 98.6% HomebredMilk: 37,484 Fat: 1,395 Protein: 1,127


Appealing Holsteins is situated in the rolling hills of York County, Pennsylvania. Close to the Maryland border, Scott Cooper built the herd on strong cow families.

Scott grew up with his parent’s Ayrshire herd. He was eight years old when he made an impactful decision to purchase his first Registered Holstein® calf as a 4-H project.

From there, Scott began developing his own herd of Registered Holsteins. He believed that consistency in Registered Holsteins allowed for more marketability.

The value of owning Registered Holsteins eventually led Scott to purchase the farm from his parents. Today, Appealing Holsteins is a 53-cow herd. Their milk is shipped to Land O’Lakes.

Appealing Holsteins’ breeding program foundation includes Appealing Shottle Hannah-ET VG-86 GMD DOM, Windsor-Manor Outside Mink VG-85 GMD, and Ladys-Manor Ruby D-ET EX-90 GMD DOM. These black and white beauties had solid cow families, combined with longevity and several generations of high production and components.

The Coopers are 14-year recipients of the Progressive Genetics Herd Award. Scott enjoys offering show-age heifers to local sales as a way to jumpstart youth in their 4-H careers.

Breeding from families with deep pedigrees is a priority, Scott says. He chooses sires from the Top TPI® Proven Bulls list for udder composite with emphasis on high and wide rear udders, and a strong udder cleft.

For Scott, it’s about focusing on components – a belief that has never wavered. Concentrating on feeding for components has allowed them to make the most out of their breeding program, he says.

APPEALING HOLSTEINS

George Malkemus and Anthony Yurgaitis


George Malkemus & Anthony Yurgaitis • Litchfield, CTTwo-Year Honoree • 82.9% HomebredMilk: 37,110 Fat: 1,349 Protein: 1,158


The dynamic duo of George Malkemus and Anthony Yurgaitis built a fashion empire through two high-profile businesses, and today they are striving to do the same with Arethusa Farm.

A little more than 20 years ago, George and Anthony purchased farmland in Litchfield, Conn., to restore Arethusa Farm to a working dairy farm. They purchased five Registered Holsteins® in 2001, establishing their own dairy herd.

The team at Arethusa strives to breed cows that are high-scoring and will hopefully stand at the top in the showring. They look for great pedigreed cattle, with high production and longevity.

Along the way, they have had many accomplishments both in and out of the showring.

In true fashion, it’s all about balance. While George and Anthony work in New York City, they spend extended weekends at their historic farm.

The Webster family began Arethusa Farm in 1869, which was named for the small pink orchid that grew in the swamp on the land. Originally a dairy, the farm delivered milk and dairy products to their local neighbors.

Today they continue that great tradition by offering several farm-to-table dairy products for their retail stores and restaurant, Arethusa al tavolo. They bottle their own milk and make butter, cheese, yogurt, sour cream, cream cheese and ice cream. Arethusa Farm sells products from their herd at their two store fronts in Bantam and New Haven, Conn.

In 2018, they started a seed-to-table greenhouse, supplying fresh food to Arethusa al tavolo. The restaurant features fresh produce and flowers year-round.

The revitalized Arethusa Farm really creates an impact on the local economy and surrounding communities.

ARETHUSA FARM LLC

15

PARADISE-D HOLSTEINS

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Robert, Bonita and Darrell Richard


Darrell & Bonita Richard • Goshen, INFirst-Year Honoree • 89.7% Homebred

Average Classification Score – 84.1Milk: 34,402 Fat: 1,565 Protein: 1,067

The Richard family – a family grounded in faith – is driven by their herd of Registered Holsteins®.

“The challenge to do better pushes us each day. There is no other breed that compares to Registered Holsteins,” Darrell Richard says.

Excelling in the Registered Holstein business was an opportunity we found enticing, Darrell adds.

Growing up on his family’s Ohio dairy, Darrell knew from an early age he wanted to be a farmer. He met his wife, Bonita, and started a farming career in Ohio before settling in Indiana for the past 25 years.

Together, they set goals to market their Holstein genetics, embryos, bulls and cows.

The Richard’s most recent accomplishment was sending Darita Meridian Saturn-ET to an AI organization. Saturn is the epitome of their breeding goals.

The Richard’s don’t ignore type, but they breed mainly for production, focusing on fat percent. Darrell likes large-framed cows that produce high volumes of milk.

His criteria also include no bulls under two points on udder and low on calving ease. Darrell says there is merit in watching the somatic cell number, as he chooses bulls under three points.

Darita Holsteins has received Progressive Genetics Herd honors for 28 years. Darrell says it’s not just one thing, it’s the little things that add up over time that are impactful. Keep piling good genetics on top of good genetics, he says.

The Richard family recently installed two robots. From a labor standpoint, this decision allows freedom and efficiency to be gained.

The Richard’s believe if you surround yourself with the best people and pay attention to detail, your goals will be easy to accomplish. Darrell and Bonita have five children. The youngest, Robert, is on the farm full-time.

DARITA HOLSTEINS

Bret, Brenda and Bruce Long


Bruce, Brenda & Bret Long • New London, WIEight-Year Honoree • 100% HomebredMilk: 35,341 Fat: 1,332 Protein: 1,092


For Bruce, Brenda and Bret Long at B-Long Holsteins, building on cow family pedigrees is not only a passion, but also a strategy for constant improvement with each generation.

Bruce and Brenda have been dairying for more than 25 years. Their son, Bret, joined the operation after graduating from the Farm and Industry Short Course at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The Longs have been effective at achieving both type and production. When they first started, their rolling herd average (RHA) was 18,000 pounds of milk and they had a BAA of 102.

They focus on cows with longevity, high-volume production and the ability to transmit those qualities to their offspring. The Longs’ ultimate goal is to breed large, powerful cows with big frames, plenty of strength and width, and good components.

This 100 percent homebred herd’s secret to their accomplishments lies in what Bruce calls “the 3 C’s” — cows, crops and comfort. When B-Long Holsteins makes changes on the farm, Bruce says, “It is almost always in the name of better cow comfort. That leads to greater feed consumption and overall herd health.”

They believe year-round access to pastures helps with the herd’s soundness and longevity.

Many of the herd’s foundation animals originated from Bruce’s childhood herd. Their current herd can be traced back to two calves Bruce purchased when he was 14 years old – Belleview L-H Mars Happy VG-82 GMD and Belleview Barrett Ibis VG-82.

Bruce and Brenda have passed their drive for breeding black-and-white beauties to Bret, who plays an important role at the dairy.

B-LONG HOLSTEINS

17

Ben White and Grafco 848 Frazzled Vanessa


North Haverhill, NHTwo-Year Honoree • 97.4% Homebred

Milk: 33,970 Fat: 1,347 Protein: 1,051Average Classification Score – 84.4

Grafton County Farm traces its roots back to over two centuries.

Governments all over New England were looking to reduce the economic and social costs of caring for inmates. Today, Grafton County Farm is the only government-operated farm in New England.

The dairy crew, overseen by herdsman Ben White, rely on Registered Holsteins® to achieve progress to improve the herd. They’ve used their accomplishments to help contribute to the local community.

While inmates are not paid, the long-running program gives inmates an opportunity to earn time off their sentences.

At the farm, the inmates are treated as equals, something they are thankful for. White hopes they carry their experience forward with them.

“I like working with the inmates because I don’t want to see them leave here and get into their old way,” White says.

The Grafton County Farm consists of more than a dairy operation – a small piggery, a tree farm and farm stand are also included in the daily chores.

The farm produces vegetables for the County Nursing Home, Department of Corrections and to sell at its farm stand. The farm also raises potatoes for local food pantries and pumpkins for a local school district.

White explains that when making breeding decisions, he looks for proven bulls and picks sires that are at least 2.5 for type, while adding strength to feet and legs.

Grafton County Farm’s attention to detail has paid off. The farm is a first-year recipient of both the Progressive Breeder Award and the Progressive Genetics Herd Award.

GRAFTON COUNTY FARM

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The Kestell Family: Chris, Gin, Jennifer, and Tom


Thomas J. Kestell • Waldo, WINine-Year Honoree • 93.8% HomebredMilk: 40,015 Fat: 1,592 Protein: 1,219


Acknowledged internationally for their superior Registered Holstein® genetics, this nine-year Herd of Excellence honoree has dedicated more than 45 years to breeding excellent dairy cattle.

Tom and Gin Kestell are in partnership with their youngest son, Chris, and his wife, Jennifer. Together, they manage one of the world’s highest producing herds. In 2018, Tom and Gin were honored as Holstein Association’s Elite Breeder.

The Ever-Green-View Farm motto is “Where Dreams Come True.” The Kestells started farming with little more than a dream. Like many in the business, cash flow was tight during those early years. Tom says he did not invest deeply in genetics.

“If I could do my life over, I would buy Holsteins that had more genetic potential much sooner,” he explains.

Since their farm’s inception, Tom and Gin have exported more than 8,900 embryos to countries including Russia, China, Germany, Brazil, Japan, India and the Netherlands.

Many of their cows have been recognized with state and national records for milk, fat, and protein. Ever-Green-View Farms is home to the first dam and daughter duo to receive national milk production record status — Ever-Green-View My 1326-ET EX-92 2E GMD and Ever-Green-View My Gold-ET EX-93.

The herd not only maintains high production, but also exceptional classification scores. Their BAA of 111.7 is the fifth highest in the country for herds of their size. That includes 64 Excellent and 55 Very Good cows. They have achieved 27 Progressive Genetic Herd honors and were presented the Progressive Breeders Registry award for 17 years.

Staying in tune with the world market and using genomic young sires allows them to be successful internationally. Tom lives by the phrase, “Never promise more than you can deliver, and always deliver more than you promise.”

EVER-GREEN-VIEW HOLSTEINS, LLCDARITA HOLSTEINS

1818

In celebration of the Young Dairy

Leaders Institute (YDLI) 25th anniversary,

a high-powered speaker line-up has been

assembled, featuring:

• Ty Bennett: Partnership is the New Leadership

• Industry leaders making bold decisions: Cargill, Milksource, Zoetis

• Companies responding to consumer demands: Dannon & Dominos

and much more!

Friday night takes us to the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center for dinner and dancing to the “Modern Day Drifters” country band.

REGISTER ONLINE AT: www.2019holsteinconventionwi.com

YDLI ALUMNI $150 GUESTS $250

The ticket includes an all-day program, all meals and breaks. If you can’t make the full day, the dinner party only ticket is $50.

www.holsteinfoundation.org

Reg

iste

r To

da

y!

YDLI Dairy Leadership

Summit

Red Lion Hotel Paper Valley

Appleton, Wisconsin

June 28, 20197:00 am – 11:00 pm

“Developing Future Leaders for a Vibrant Dairy Community”

Evelyn, Charlie and John Hamilton


John W. & Evelyn A. Hamilton • Cuba City, WITwo-Year Honoree • 96.9% HomebredMilk: 35,181 Fat: 1,322 Protein: 1,082


Live to dream, work to succeed. That’s the motto of Hill-Ton Holsteins in Wisconsin.

John Hamilton says he has always been a big dreamer, and his family finds value in the endless possibilities available when raising Registered Holsteins®.

“Just a passion for the Holstein cow and developing pedigrees. Seeing when calves are born and having them develop into a beautiful cow are things we enjoy,” says Evie, John’s wife.

For the Hamiltons, one of the most important aspects of Registered Holsteins is the database where they can pull up information on an animal and trace the pedigree.

When making breeding decisions, John pays close attention to all the fine details.

They use classification data and the linear breakdown of the cows to make sire selections. Low somatic cell count is a priority, John says, while choosing for type first and production second. They also look at keeping the components on the plus side when picking for the next generation.

This commitment to detail has brought them much success. Hill-Ton Holsteins have received the Progressive Breeders’ Registry award for 25 consecutive years.

Now John and Evie are pleased to work alongside their son, Charlie. He returned back to the family farm in May 2018, after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

With his parents’ example to guide him, Hill-Ton Holsteins will continue into the next generation.

“The dairy economy right now is not the greatest to be looking to advance, but we can’t always pick the situations,” John says. “The Registered Holstein is going to be a big plus on this place.”

HILL-TON HOLSTEINS

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Join the Genetics Conversation at the 2019 National Holstein Convention!

Additionally, breeders in attendance will get the opportunity to hear from their fellow dairy producers during a panel discussion. We hope you will be able to join us for this exciting, unique event this summer!

proudly sponsored by

An exciting addition to the program of this year’s National Holstein Convention in Appleton, Wis. will be a Genetics Conference. Co-sponsored by Holstein Association USA and Zoetis, the conference will feature a slate of renowned speakers giving talks geared towards dairy producers who milk any breed of cattle, covering the themes, “What we need to know about genetics today,” and “what we need to know about genetics in the future.” The conference will begin Wednesday, June 26 at 1 p.m., and conclude at noon Thursday, June 27. There is no cost to attend, but attendees are requested to register in advance (by May 25) at www.2019holsteinconventionwi.com/register. Following is an overview of some of the speakers and topics that will be featured.

“THE 10-YEAR REPORT CARD ON GENOMICS” Mike Lohuis, Semex

Lohuis will evaluate the 10-year journey since genomics first became commercially available to the dairy industry in April 2009.

“THE STATE OF DAIRY GENETIC PROGRAMS TODAY”

Dan Weigel, Zoetis

Weigel will delve into the wealth of predictions available with genomic testing today and examine the value of the information, and provide some insight into how forward-thinking producers are leveraging genetic improvement to enhance the profitability of their farms.

“PROS & CONS OF HITCHHIKING – THE TRUTH ABOUT INBREEDING”

John Cole, USDA Animal Genetic Improvement Laboratory (AGIL)

Cole will lead a discussion knowing that genomics has stepped up genetic progress and inbreeding by answering the question: how can we manage inbreeding moving forward?

“WHERE IS MILK GOING IN THE FUTURE” Bruce German, University of California-Davis

German will engage the audience on milk’s bright future and its important role in programming the immune system in this rapidly evolving area of science.

“HOW PRECISION DAIRY WILL INFLUENCE ANIMAL BREEDING”

Jeffrey Bewley, Alltech

Robots, sensors, and the data these new technologies generate will transform animal breeding; Bewley will share his perspective on how this is already happening on the farm, and how it might evolve further in the future.

“EPIGENETICS: DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS, DIFFERENT REACTIONS”

Jack Britt, EarthCast Technologies

Britt will dig deeper into the world of epigenetics and turning genes on and off, bringing unique perspective as to how cows might evolve in the future.

“WE LIVE IN THE GENETICS ERA”Jim Rohl, Choice

We live in the data and information age, and dairy cattle genetics and the genotypes obtained through genomic testing is the largest data set in the animal kingdom. Rohl will share who we can harness this information for innovative projects in the future.

“THE EVOLVING ROLE OF BREEDERS IN THE GENOMICS ERA”

Tom Lawlor, Holstein Association USA

Lawlor will lead a discussion on the value of genetics, reminding the audience why they got excited about breeding dairy cattle in the first place.

“FEED EFFICIENCY: HAY BURNERS VERSUS HAY CONVERTERS”

Kent Weigel, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Weigel will lead a discussion on the latest on feed intake and feed efficiency and how it translates into efficient milk and milk component production.

“THE GENETIC SUPER COW ISN’T IN SIGHT” Chad Dechow, Pennsylvania State University

Dechow will share what a cow might look like if she possessed the very best genes from the population, along with his thoughts on balancing the biological optimum and considering economic reality.

20

It’s an understatement to say that the dairy industry is changing. And there are many things that are

contributing to it. But we, as registered breeders, are in the best position to understand and grasp one of the key drivers behind this change – i.e., genetics.

What makes the genomic era so unique is that individual herds now have much more of an opportunity to separate themselves from others. Usage of genomic testing, elite young animals, sexed semen and advanced reproduction tools vary across herds. And these differences translate into larger differences in the average genetics of the cows within these herds.

Differences amongst herds, when comparing the average genetic merit of the cows within a herd, has doubled in the last eight years. Prior to genomics, in the years from 2002 to 2010, the average TPI® value for a cow within a Registered herd improved by 300 TPI points (from 1071 to 1371). With the introduction of genomics, during the years 2010 to 2018, the average

TPI value of cows increased by 478 points. But, even more importantly, the difference between the high and low herds grew from a difference of 184 to 360 TPI points. Separation between herds has widened. The better herds are making faster genetic progress and they are pulling away.

The difference in the genetic level between herds partially explains who’s staying in business and who’s leaving. While, there are many factors associated with which herds continue to remain in the dairy industry, it’s clear from the graph below that herds with better genetics, i.e., higher TPI values, are more likely to continue to dairy.

GENOMIC ERAIn no other time has the influence of genetics been so important

Focus on Genetics

21

Dr. Tom Lawlor, Executive Director, Research and Development, Holstein Association USA, Inc.

Today’s dairy economy requires good management and highly productive cows. While genomics has increased the genetic progress of the entire Holstein breed, the genomic era has also provided more opportunities for individual herds to differentiate themselves. Better genetics provides these herds with higher producing, healthier, and more efficient cows. The graph below, categorizes herds by TPI values, and then lists the average PTA NM$ for the cows within those herds. Each herd has at least 35 cows with an RHA of 87 percent or higher. The Net Merit $ difference between high and low herds is $439. Remember PTA is one half of the cow’s actual genetic merit. This means that the cows, in the better genetic herds, will return to their owner $878 more net profit over their lifetime than the cows in the lower herds. Although that sounds like a lot of money what does it actually mean?

Perhaps, an easier way to see the relationship between the genetic merit of the cows within a herd and a herd’s likelihood of staying in business is to convert these NM$ differences into a net cost of production. If one assumes the net cost of production is $18.00 per cwt. The difference of $439 NM converts to a reduction in cost of production of $1.08 per cwt. The better genetic herds can produce milk more cheaply! In these times of low milk prices, they can hang in there longer.

If we were to create similar graphs of the average genetic merit between herds, for any of the earlier time periods, we would see smaller differences. Genetic differences between herds have grown during the genomic era. While some farmers are making use of genomic information to select better bulls; determine if a cow should be used as a donor animal; bred with conventional, sexed or beef semen; or culled. Other farmers are choosing not to use the available genomic information. Utilizing a progressive breeding program, or lagging behind genetically, can directly affect a farm’s prospect of long-term survival.

So, what are other breeders doing? And can I do the same thing in a cost-effective manner? Following is a summary of the usage of some of the available technologies by different herds.

Percent usage (%)

Genomic Young Sires

Genomic Tested

Embryo Transfer

All Registered cows born in 2018 43 25 9

Herds with greatest gains in last 8 years 74 61 22

Highest TPI Herds for 2018 91 86 61

While few of us have the available resources (time, money, recipients, etc.) to duplicate the efforts of the highest TPI herds, these herds represent what a high-end breeding program looks like in the genomics era. These herds have fully embraced the genomic information and we all should be thankful to them as collectively they are making the U.S. Holstein cow the envy of the dairy world.

The herds with the greatest gains in the last eight years increased their average TPI value from 1384 to 2217. It’s these herds that provide the best insight into what may be a realistic usage rate of the available technology for herd improvement. All these herds are making wide usage of genomic young sires. Indicating that this is the most cost-effective way to improve the genetic progress in your herd. They are also genomic testing more of their cows than an average breeder. Of the 10 herds summarized, eight were genomic testing over 50 percent of the heifer calves born in 2018, while two herds did very little genomic testing. Embryo transfer is a tool where its usage varied greatly. Ranging from very little (1 percent) to a high of 79 percent.

The variation in usage rates indicates that individual breeders are continuing to evaluate these technologies to see which ones, and which combinations, best fit their own operation. And, of course, herd size is an important factor. Larger herds are utilizing more genomic information and making higher genetic gains.

The genomic era has brought us more opportunities and challenges. Having a herd full of good cows won’t guarantee long term security, but, it does give you more options. At times, it feels that there is very little that one can control. Breeding good cows is one thing that we, as Registered breeders, know and understand. We’re passionate about it.

The genomic era started a decade ago. The landscape for many owners of Registered Holsteins® has been permanently altered. While the goal of putting a bull into AI or having a reliable heifer market seems like a distant past, the goal of breeding a good herd of cows is now more important than ever. It’s not simply a matter of pride, it’s a matter of survival in this ever-changing industry. Striving to improve the genetics in one’s herd is what we do. And no one does it better than a breeder of Registered Holsteins.

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Nathan Arthur Madeline Beaudry Allison Breunig Kalista Hodorff Iowa New Hampshire Wisconsin Wisconsin

Caroline Arrowsmith Delana Erbsen Austin Holcomb Pennsylvania Illinois Florida

Brock Irwin Cady McGehee Courtney Moser Sierra Swanson Illinois Florida Wisconsin Minnesota

Kylie Konyn Brianna Meyer California Wisconsin

Sarah Thomas Zachariah Tolzman Taylor Wolfe Lora Wright North Carolina Wisconsin Pennsylvania Missouri

Ainsley Noble Addison Raber Clarissa Ulness Wisconsin Illinois Wisconsin

Congratulations to our 2019 Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) semifinalists and Young Distinguished Junior Member (YDJM) finalists. The DJM award is the highest honor given to members of the National Junior Holstein Association, ages 17 to 21. The YDJM program recognizes the future of the dairy industry, youth ages 9 to 16.

Applicants must participate in Registered Holstein®, dairy and other activities, be role models for other youth and good spokespeople for the dairy industry. For more information about the DJM, YDJM or other Holstein youth contests visit www.holsteinusa.com/juniors.

These Holstein leaders will be recognized at the 2019 National Holstein Convention Gala Banquet, June 27, in Appleton, Wisconsin. Banquet tickets are available by registering online at

www.2019holsteinconventionwi.com/register.

Elite Breeder Distinguished Distinguished Young Award Leadership Award Holstein Breeder Award

David Bachmann, Sr. George A. Miller Sheri L. Regan-Danhof Pinehurst Farms Columbus, Ohio Regancrest Holsteins Sheboygan, Wisconsin Waukon, Iowa

2019 HOLSTEIN ASSOCIATION USA WALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

BEST OF THE BEST: OUR FUTURE LEADERS!

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ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION & INTELLIGENCE

With over 60 years in the animal identification business, we’ve been involved in some of the most important technology advances in our industry. From laser-ink marking, to electronic ID, to tissue collection, to our venture with SCR animal health monitoring.

We provide the tools, to manage cows in more ways than ever before.

For more Information: SCR: 608.237.3170 • www.scrdairy.comAllflex: 800.989.8247 • www.allflexusa.com

World Leader in Animal Intelligence, for Life™

Holstein - TSU Matched Pair Set

Why Classify YourRegistered Holsteins®?

HOLSTEIN ASSOCIATION USA, INC.1 Holstein Place, PO Box 808, Brattleboro, VT 05302-0808

“For us, the main value in classifying is the depth of pedigrees – we like the deep cow families. And it’s a check for our breeding program compared to others. Thirty percent of our income comes from merchandising pedigreed animals so this is a huge part of that.”

Adam Liddle of Liddle Holme Farm, Argyle, New YorkClassifying for 19 years

Call Holstein Association USA

to find out how you can benefit from scoring your

Registered Holstein herd. Our professional classifiers

will evaluate the 17 individual traits in five major dairy

scorecard breakdowns. Choose from four different

programs, including two scheduling options, for

maximum flexibility in how many cows to evaluate and

when to classify.

Or save 10% by contracting to classify at least

three times a year. Enroll by November 1 for

contract classifications in the next calendar year.

(Holstein COMPLETE herds are eligible. There are three options for COMPLETE herds with contract classification.)

800.952.5200Holstein Association USA, Inc. • www.holsteinusa.com

• Unbiased, Professional Information to Make Breeding Decisions

• More Value for Individual Animals

• More Profit from Your Dairy Herd

• More Money in Your PocketPlease contact the Classification department at ext. 4263 with questions and inquiries.

u.s. registered holsteins · wisconsin have planned a fun and educational program. don’t miss it!...

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