The Big Book

BIG BOOK Ignore your bulk tank to protect your dairy Pack on the pounds to make more money Make mastitis monitoring your own Genetic strategies to maximize profitability

Who’s Who... 2018

DHI Top Production Results

DRIVEN BY PASSION

Behind that glass of milk on your table, the cheese on your pizza and the butter on your bread, are the very dedicated dairy farmer-owners of MMPA.

AMANDA CAREY GOODFELLOW OF CAREY FARMS, MORLEY, MICHIGAN

Founded in 1916, the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) is a farmer-owned milk 41310 BRIDGE ST., NOVI, MI 48375 PHONE (248) 474-6672

MIMILK.COM

marketing cooperative and dairy processor serving 1,600 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Do you ever get tired of “corporate speak”… people talking a lot but never really saying anything. Well, we are guilty of this at times, maybe even a little bit within the pages of The Big Book of NorthStar. But we are not going to fall into that trap here instead we will speak from our heart.

THANK YOU for opening the Big Book of NorthStar! We dreamt it up as a way to share NorthStar with you. We got our start in 1944, but what we do today is so much different than it used to be. It’s no wonder we hear, “I didn’t know you did that.” The Big Book of NorthStar is our attempt at scratching the surface for you, giving you a clearer idea of how we can help.

Like every other company NorthStar starts with products and services, but we believe our real value to you is the knowledge, experience and advice our team can offer. Lots of companies say their people make the difference, at NorthStar we know they do!

Surrounding these words are some of the faces (current and retired) that make up the NorthStar team. We are your neighbors, the parents of your kid’s friends, people you sit next to at auctions, church and 4-H meetings. We live and work where you do. Most of us grew up on farms like you, and many still own a farm or livestock. This industry is in our DNA and because of that, we are genuinely concerned and involved in helping your operation be a success.

Our goal (mission) is to help you be successful (enhance producer profitability), by making important products and services work together (integrated services) on your farm. Bottom line is we care about you, your families, and your farms. We are here to help. Look inside and see how.

On behalf of the NorthStar Team,

Kelly Bristle

Doug Moyer

The Big Book Dreamers

NorthStar Cooperative

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A member of DRMS, the LARGEST DAIRY RECORDS PROCESSING center in the United States, we are the FASTEST GROWING National DHI organization!

• Customized testing programs for any size herd with any set-up.

• Official herd test types for young sire programs to meet CDCB requirements.

• Over a dozen milk analysis options including: Butterfat, Protein, SCC, SNF, Lactose, MUN, Pregnancy, Johne’s, Mastitis, Leukosis, BVD. • Quick results – fastest in the industry.

• S CC Hotsheet reports SCC scores for all cows and ranks the top 20. Emailed FREE within 24 hours of sample processing.

• S eamless transfer of production data from records processing to breed associations.

• On-farm set-up and support for RFID. • User-friendly dairy management software with mobile App. • Affordable per cow pricing.

• Locally supported.

• Personalized training.

• FREE updates.

• Hundreds of preloaded reports or customize your own.

• Interfaces with major milking and electronic heat/health monitoring systems.

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Enhancing producer profitability through integrated services.

Enhancing producer profitability through integrated services.

PARTNERS with leading agriculture suppliers, NorthStar delivers QUALITY, TIME TESTED BRAND-NAME herd management products.

INNOVATIVE TESTING options that are EASIER and MORE ECONOMICAL than TRADITIONAL METHODS.

Direct-fed Microbials Select BioCycle™ • Select BioCycle Plus™ • Select DTX™ • BioFresh® Bolus • BioFresh® Plus Soluble

• Sample analyses on milk, blood, fecal and tissue samples.

Calf Care CONVERT™ ImmPower TBC Colostrum Replacer Woolover ® • BioCycle Showcase Formula CONVERT direct-fed microbials • Calf-Tel®

• Sample collection and shipping kits for all sample types.

• S ubmit milk samples direct to the lab or through routine DHI testing.

Udder Care 4XLA® • UDDERgold® 5-Star • EfferCept® • UDDERMINT® • T-Hexx® Dry™ • Thrifty Dipper EfferCept® SG

• Service and support for testing options and program implementation.

D ewormers & Pest Control Ivomec® Eprinex® • ULTRABoss® • Grenade® ER Premise Insecticide

• Perform multiple tests on one sample.

Heat Detection & Reproduction Aids EAZI-BREED™ CIDR® • DETECT-HER™ Tailpaint • KAMAR® • ESTROTECT™ Visual & RFID Ear Tags More than 50 tag styles including custom tags with farm name and management numbers.

• Customized diagnostic programs.

A member-owner of Select Sires, the WORLD’S LARGEST A.I. Federation, offering BREED-LEADING GENETICS and PROVEN REPRODUCTIVE MANAGEMENT SERVICES. • Breed-leading dairy and beef genetics from Select Sires, Accelerated Genetics, and GenerVations.

• Technician service manages daily reproductive needs including heat detection, breeding, synchronization, and more.

• Genetic consulting saves you time, manages inbreeding and develops cows to meet your goals. Individual animal mating (SMS®) or population genetics (StrataGEN®) programs available to meet your needs.

• Reproductive consulting service, combines on-site evaluation with dairy management program data. Identifies herd performance • Data imports into dairy management software. and compares to benchmarks, providing • Flexible report options. Email SCC Hotsheet, summary of areas of strengths and personalized online database, email and text opportunities. alerts for mastitis, reproduction and disease diagnostics.

• Volume and multi-test discounts may apply.

CowManager® Electronic Herd Monitoring 3-in-1 technology to monitor cows’ activity, eating time, rumination and temperature 24/7.

Revolutionary ear tag means no collars or batteries to change.

Your source for elite proven sire genetics!

Origin of sires of the Top 100® Proven Sires.

12/18 HA top 100 TPI Bull list, active or limited sires..

NorthStar Cooperative

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W riters C ontributing

Dr. Mark Fox is a dairy veterinarian practicing in the “thumb” of Michigan for the past 32 years. Thumb Veterinary Services is a 12 doctor practice located in Sandusky, Michigan. Dr. Fox received his B.S. in Biology from Central Michigan University and DVM from Michigan State University. He received post graduate certification in Dairy Production Medicine in 1994 and became a Certified Master Cow Signal educator in 2015. Dr. Fox is currently a contributing author to Cowside Practice in Hoard’s Dairyman.

Doug Moyer is the Director of DHI Services for NorthStar Cooperative.

Doug started his career at NorthStar as an A.I. Technician in central Michigan and has since held various roles including Team Leader, Reproduction Records Analyst and Electronic Herd Monitoring Systems Specialist. A graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Agribusiness Management, Doug has a passion for both developing employees and helping customers.

Doug is constantly challenging systems looking for more efficient and productive ways. He is committed to NorthStar’s mission of “enhancing producer profitability through integrated services.”

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Julie Ainsworth is the lead coordinator for dairy production and reproduction record analysis at NorthStar Cooperative. In this role she uses records analysis for trouble shooting and monitoring herd performance, bringing together producers and key farm personnel to better understand issues and opportunities the farm is facing. Julie has over 20 years of experience providing records analysis. She obtained a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls in 1980 and has continued her training by maintaining her Professional Animal Science (PAS) certification.

Kelly Sporer is a Research Scientist with NorthStar Cooperative; where she leads research field trials, coordinates custom diagnostic testing strategies, and provides support in the interpretation of diagnostic results. Kelly obtained her bachelor of science in Animal Science from Michigan State University (MSU) and her PhD from University College Dublin in Ireland, investigating the effects of transportation stress on cattle immune function. Prior to joining NorthStar, she managed two research laboratories at MSU for ten years, specializing in stress, bovine immunology, Johne’s Disease, and Bovine Leukemia Virus

Enhancing producer profitability through integrated services.

Enhancing your profitability through integrated services.

Features

10 Pack on the pounds to make more money 16-17 Productive Life... sustainability at its best 18 Genetic strategies to maximize profit 24-25 Ignore your bulk tank to protect your dairy 27 Make mastitis monitoring your own 36-37 Hey NorthStar... “Alexa doesn’t do dairy, but we do!”

39 Seven facts you need to know about the Milk Pregnancy Test

Metrics

8-9 Key Performance Indicators

The Fine Print Reports and Key Performance Indicators are based on the time period of 10/1/17 - 9/30/18. Minimums to appear include: • Number of processed tests = 9 or a DCR >90

Who’s Who 32-33 Ladine Dairy Farm, LLC, Progressive Dairy Producer Recipient DHI year-end production reports 11-14 Top 250 Dollar Value (DV) Herds 19-21 Top Herds by Size & DV 22-23 Low SCC Herds 28-29 Top Lifetime Milk - Cows 34-35 Top DV Protein Breed Herds

46 Six factors to maximize profit per 37 Top DV Holstein Cows stall 43-44 Top DV Protein Breed Cows

• Herd size: 25 cows • DV Herds: Mixed and Red & White: $3,500; Protein Breed: $3,000.

• DV Lactations: $4,000 • Dollar Value Calculation is calculated based on standardized prices for milk, fat and protein yields. The prices for fat pounds, protein pounds, and producer price differential (factor for milk pounds) were computed as the averages of monthly price information from the Mideast Federal Marketing Order 33 for October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. The formula used was: (pounds of milk x .0007) + (pounds of fat x 2.5352) + (pounds of protein x 1.8377).

• Herds with cows milked more than 2X per day are labeled as 3X herds.

“Did you know” fact source: DRMS Dairy Metrics: 2024 herds, MI/IN/OH/WI.

NorthStar Cooperative

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You know Key Performance Indicators (KPI) are necessary for evaluating progress in reaching your dairy’s targets.

Featured here is information regarding KPI’s that many dairies use. These illustrations show the range that exists in the data set, as well as the average and what it takes to be in the top 10 percent.

The data used to create these graphs, as well as all other reports in this publication, represents the 1,400+ dairy herds on DHI test with NorthStar. All herds are subject to the same parameters including having a minimum herd size of 25, a minimum of 9 processed tests or a dairy collection rating (DCR) of >9 and reaching a minimum dollar value. (See complete requirements on page 7.)

See where your herd falls in this data set! If you would like help establishing KPI’s or interpreting your data ask your NorthStar Specialist.

Top 10 %

SCC

Average

45,000

<96,000

809,000

Top 10 %

Combined Fat & Protein (CFP)

188,924

Average

(lbs)

1.88

4.51

>5.58

Top 10 %

Average

Dollar Value

6.99

($)

15

8

3,720

>4,546

Enhancing producer profitability through integrated services.

5,743

Top 10 %

Average

Milk (lbs)

9,646

24,021

>29,586

Top 10 %

Average

Fat

35,027

(lbs) 383

929

>1,130

Top 10 %

Average

Fat

1,523

(%)

1.80

3.89

Top 10 %

Average

Protein

5.61%

>4.30

(lbs)

301

750

Top 10 %

Average

Protein

>908 1,087

(%)

1.20

Herd Size

3.14 >3.30 3.93

Average

(Cows)

27 347

8,242 NorthStar Cooperative

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CFP

The Dai ryme Holy Gr n’s ail

Pack on the pounds to make more money Doug Moyer, Director, DHI Services, NorthStar Cooperative

A

chieving 100 pounds of milk per cow per day has long been the Holy Grail, but should it be?

A quest that is just as challenging but far less talked about is focusing on more comprehensive factors such as Combined Fat and Protein (CFP) and somatic cell counts (SCC) which can have a greater impact to your bottom line.

You know components are an important part of your milk check, but how do you balance its value with milk production? CFP is the best measure of production efficiency and the greatest driver of profitability on our Midwest farms. It represents over 90 percent of the net pay you receive, and is one area which you have some control over.

For that reason alone we have added CFP data to the Top 250 Dollar Value Report. In looking at the report, notice how closely CFP values correlate with the dollar value rankings. This correlation makes a strong argument that CFP is a metric to be used throughout the year to gauge success.

For the purposes of the report, which evaluates a 12 month period, we calculated average CFP by using Rolling Herd Average (RHA) Milk, Fat and Protein. However, you can easily calculate your herd’s CFP each month after test day by using the equation: (Pounds of Milk x % Butterfat) + (Pounds of Milk x % Protein) = CFP. So which Grail are you seeking? Higher milk and lower components or lower milk and higher components? Table 1 shows test day information from two dairies and their 10

3X * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Combined Fat & Protein (CFP)

Herd Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Darrell & Bonita Richard, Goshen, IN Synergy Dairy LLC, Pulaski, WI Wilson Family Farm, Carson City, MI Bruce & Brenda Long, New London, WI E. Kuyers & Sons, West Olive, MI Country Aire Farms, Greenleaf, WI Larry E. Haywood, Hastings, MI Moo-Ville Farm & Creamery, Nashville, MI Perkins Twin Creek Farm Inc., Wolcottville, IN Larry E. Haywood, Hastings, MI Brantmeier Hilrose Dairy, Sherwood, WI Curry Farms No.3, Tawas City, MI Sugar Creek Dairy, Elkhorn, WI Shiloh Dairy, Greenleaf, WI Rosy-Lane Holsteins LLC, Watertown, WI Dan & Tim Liner, Van Dyne, WI Crandall Farms LLC, Battle Creek, MI Fred & Pat Beer, Milford, IN Warren M Johnson, Osceola, WI Lew-Max LLC, Belding, MI Oesch Swisslane, Alto, MI Blaser Farms Inc., Gillett, WI

Size 109 39 110 430 896 53 166 3,386 44 216 481 828 116 209 649 2,390 1,110 438 331 975 351 633 541 597

Milk 30,328 28,313 32,093 32,462 30,795 34,102 35,027 32,453 34,235 33,387 29,968 34,472 32,314 30,953 30,592 31,105 30,309 31,666 31,560 32,427 33,550 32,397 31,356 30,982

Fat 1,485 1,523 1,457 1,342 1,338 1,303 1,260 1,328 1,222 1,245 1,348 1,201 1,241 1,262 1,248 1,220 1,245 1,196 1,218 1,203 1,156 1,233 1,197 1,207

F% 4.9 5.4 4.5 4.1 4.3 3.8 3.6 4.1 3.6 3.7 4.5 3.5 3.8 4.1 4.1 3.9 4.1 3.8 3.9 3.7 3.4 3.8 3.8 3.9

Prot.

1,065 1,010 1,018 1,057 1,030 1,070 1,087 978 1,066 1,014 871 1,054 987 955 972 985 949 1,009 974 987 1,048 940 987 973

P% 3.5 3.6 3.2 3.3 3.3 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.0 2.9 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.2 3.2 3.1 3.2 3.1 3.0 3.1 2.9 3.1 3.1

Value $5,743 $5,737 $5,587 $5,367 $5,306 $5,294 $5,216 $5,187 $5,081 $5,043 $5,039 $5,006 $4,983 $4,976 $4,972 $4,925 $4,922 $4,909 $4,900 $4,886 $4,880 $4,876 $4,870 $4,870

CFP 7.0 6.9 6.8 6.6 6.5 6.5 6.4 6.3 6.3 6.2 6.1 6.2 6.1 6.1 6.1 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0

For the purposes of the report, which evaluates a 12 month period, we calculated average CFP by using Rolling Herd Average (RHA) Milk, Fat and Protein. However, you can easily calculate your herd’s CFP each month after test day by using the equation: (Pounds of Milk x % Butterfat) + (Pounds of Milk x % Protein) = CFP.

resulting CFP calculations.

How to Calculate Your Herd’s Monthly CFP Herd B has higher 90 lbs. Milk x .038 (3.8% Butterfat) = 3.42 lbs. of Butterfat components and requires 16 pounds less milk per cow 90 lbs. Milk x .031 (3.1% Protein) = 2.79 lbs. of Protein to generate an equivalent

TOTAL = 6.21 lbs. CFP amount of CFP, proving there is no single path to success.

Changes in forages, feed costs and market conditions impact the approach you take to getting the most production from each cow. Calculating CFP throughout the year to monitor and adjust performance is a good step towards maximizing your dairy’s profitability.

Table 1 Dairy A

Lbs/Cow 101

% Fat 3.2

% Prot.

2.8

CFP 6.1

B

85

4.0

3.2

6.1

Enhancing producer profitability through integrated services.

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Herd Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Darrell & Bonita Richard, Goshen, IN Synergy Dairy LLC, Pulaski, WI Wilson Family Farm, Carson City, MI Bruce & Brenda Long, New London, WI E. Kuyers & Sons, West Olive, MI Country Aire Farms, Greenleaf, WI Larry E. Haywood, Hastings, MI Moo-Ville Farm & Creamery, Nashville, MI Perkins Twin Creek Farm Inc., Wolcottville, IN Larry E. Haywood, Hastings, MI Brantmeier Hilrose Dairy, Sherwood, WI Curry Farms No.3, Tawas City, MI Sugar Creek Dairy, Elkhorn, WI Shiloh Dairy, Greenleaf, WI Rosy-Lane Holsteins LLC, Watertown, WI Dan & Tim Liner, Van Dyne, WI Crandall Farms LLC, Battle Creek, MI Fred & Pat Beer, Milford, IN Warren M Johnson, Osceola, WI Lew-Max LLC, Belding, MI Oesch Swisslane, Alto, MI Blaser Farms Inc., Gillett, WI Tag Lane Farm, Ixonia, WI Zoromski Family Farms LLC, Custer, WI Dave & Stacy Jauquet, Luxemburg, WI Grass Ridge Farm LLC, Pittsville, WI Trappers Turn Dairy, Scandinavia, WI Meadow Muth Farms LLC, Frankenmuth, MI Gross Farm Inc., Weidman, MI Jeff Shriver & Max Carlson, Fremont, MI Floyd & Calvin Brandt, Bryant, WI Ladine Farms, Bellevue, MI Jeff & Alisha Bigler, Lakeview, MI Pebble Knolls Dairy, Brandon, WI Floyd & Calvin Brandt, Bryant, WI Ryan Litwiller, Middleton, MI Ledgerock Dairy LLC, Larsen, WI Choates Belly Acres, Cement City, MI River Ridge Dairy Co.,Inc., Coopersville, MI Quantum Dairy LLC., Weyauwega, WI United Pride Dairy LLC, Phillips, WI Seidl's Mtn View Dairy, Luxemburg, WI Rem-Jem Dairy, LLC, Unity, WI Tony Rosebrugh, West Branch, MI Brightside Dairy LLC, Greenleaf, WI Kurt Chase, Hastings, MI Charles & Christopher Weber, Elmwood, WI Dave & Jacki Meinert, Saint Cloud, WI Gary Protzman, Caseville, MI John & Mark Egan, New London, WI W-R-L Daniels Farm, Whittemore, MI Pasch MBM, Weidman, MI Harry & Gary Sanborn, Hubbardston, MI First Farms, Ionia, MI Badger Holsteins, Unity, WI Duane & Laurie Van Polen, Marion, MI Bollinger Farms LLC, Vestaburg, MI Heiman's Holsteins LLC Marshfeild, WI Schuh View Dairy LLC, Kaukauna, WI Hillebrand Farms, Cornell, WI United Pride Dairy LLC, Phillips, WI Nichols Hill Dairy, Krakow, WI Badger Holsteins, Unity, WI Meissner, Chili, WI Badger Holsteins, Unity, WI Wayside Dairy, Greenleaf, WI

Breed H B H H H H H H X H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H X H H H H H H H H X H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H X H H H H H

Size 109 39 110 430 896 53 166 3,386 44 216 481 828 116 209 649 2,390 1,110 438 331 975 351 633 541 597 1,967 493 697 534 375 383 139 1,542 76 177 93 762 40 265 409 474 1,870 2,674 2,148 1,109 513 612 766 649 177 88 740 860 549 321 654 321 280 347 196 552 1,379 101 195 385 265 270 2,035 2,140

Milk 30,328 28,313 32,093 32,462 30,795 34,102 35,027 32,453 34,235 33,387 29,968 34,472 32,314 30,953 30,592 31,105 30,309 31,666 31,560 32,427 33,550 32,397 31,356 30,982 29,449 30,395 33,310 31,032 32,386 31,843 31,607 31,319 30,858 33,813 29,960 31,218 28,760 32,282 30,334 32,080 28,856 30,417 29,046 30,828 29,414 30,659 32,487 29,244 28,840 31,435 29,357 29,927 31,455 31,405 29,687 30,860 30,690 29,282 30,005 30,854 26,680 29,459 25,204 30,896 29,586 30,046 30,170 29,229

Fat 1,485 1,523 1,457 1,342 1,338 1,303 1,260 1,328 1,222 1,245 1,348 1,201 1,241 1,262 1,248 1,220 1,245 1,196 1,218 1,203 1,156 1,233 1,197 1,207 1,212 1,212 1,171 1,180 1,177 1,192 1,192 1,192 1,207 1,129 1,208 1,151 1,205 1,174 1,186 1,146 1,221 1,177 1,165 1,167 1,233 1,166 1,130 1,198 1,178 1,135 1,210 1,172 1,128 1,174 1,192 1,169 1,131 1,193 1,169 1,130 1,251 1,140 1,170 1,145 1,125 1,141 1,125 1,167

F% 4.9 5.4 4.5 4.1 4.3 3.8 3.6 4.1 3.6 3.7 4.5 3.5 3.8 4.1 4.1 3.9 4.1 3.8 3.9 3.7 3.4 3.8 3.8 3.9 4.1 4.0 3.5 3.8 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.8 3.9 3.3 4.0 3.7 4.2 3.6 3.9 3.6 4.2 3.9 4.0 3.8 4.2 3.8 3.5 4.1 4.1 3.6 4.1 3.9 3.6 3.7 4.0 3.8 3.7 4.1 3.9 3.7 4.7 3.9 4.6 3.7 3.8 3.8 3.7 4.0

Prot.

1,065 1,010 1,018 1,057 1,030 1,070 1,087 978 1,066 1,014 871 1,054 987 955 972 985 949 1,009 974 987 1,048 940 987 973 964 959 1,011 996 984 958 945 945 924 1,027 912 988 908 949 931 981 878 935 951 942 850 940 988 893 920 976 873 922 980 914 889 915 967 880 912 955 789 941 901 933 959 935 957 899

NorthStar Cooperative

P% 3.5 3.6 3.2 3.3 3.3 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.0 2.9 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.2 3.2 3.1 3.2 3.1 3.0 3.1 2.9 3.1 3.1 3.3 3.2 3.0 3.2 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.2 3.2 2.9 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.3 3.1 2.9 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.1 2.9 3.0 3.0 3.2 3.0 3.0 3.1 3.0 3.2 3.6 3.0 3.2 3.1 3.2 3.1

CFP 7.0 6.9 6.8 6.6 6.5 6.5 6.4 6.3 6.3 6.2 6.1 6.2 6.1 6.1 6.1 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 5.9 6.0 6.0 5.9 5.9 5.9 5.9 5.8 5.9 5.8 5.9 5.8 5.8 5.8 5.8 5.8 5.8 5.8 5.8 5.7 5.8 5.8 5.7 5.7 5.8 5.7 5.7 5.8 5.7 5.7 5.7 5.7 5.7 5.7 5.7 5.6 5.7 5.7 5.7 5.7 5.7 5.7 5.7

Value $5,743 $5,737 $5,587 $5,367 $5,306 $5,294 $5,216 $5,187 $5,081 $5,043 $5,039 $5,006 $4,983 $4,976 $4,972 $4,925 $4,922 $4,909 $4,900 $4,886 $4,880 $4,876 $4,870 $4,870 $4,865 $4,856 $4,850 $4,844 $4,815 $4,805 $4,781 $4,781 $4,780 $4,773 $4,759 $4,756 $4,744 $4,743 $4,739 $4,731 $4,729 $4,723 $4,721 $4,711 $4,709 $4,705 $4,703 $4,699 $4,697 $4,693 $4,692 $4,687 $4,683 $4,678 $4,676 $4,667 $4,666 $4,662 $4,661 $4,641 $4,640 $4,640 $4,640 $4,639 $4,635 $4,632 $4,632 $4,631

Top 250 Dollar Value Herds

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 T 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 T 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 T T 64 65 66 T 68

11

Top 250 Dollar Value Herds 12

69 70 T 72 73 74 75 T 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 T 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 T 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 T 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 T 115 116 117 118 119 T 121 122 123 124 125 T 127 128 129 130 T 132 133 134 135 T

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Herd New-Day Dairy, Athens, WI Twinkle-Hill Brown Swiss, Watertown, WI Breezy Hill Farms LLC, Weyauwega, WI Devon & Doreen Zimmerman, Claypool, IN John Wolf, Oconto Falls, WI Charles Maurer, Chilton, WI Stuart Farms, Lowell, MI Larry & Jennifer Meyer, Chilton, WI Wegnerlann Dairy LLC, Ettrick, WI Granitehill Dairy, Mosinee, WI David DeZeeuw, Falmouth, MI Jonas Zimmerman, Wakarusa, IN House Farms, Mt. Pleasant, MI James & Joseph Rieden, Mount Calvary, WI Dale Brinks, McBain, MI Pine Breeze Dairy LLC, Pine River, WI James & Brad Ritter, Byron, MI Jeff Brenner, Hopkins, MI Harold Dodde, Falmouth, MI David & Susan Granskog, Stephenson, MI Buning Dairy LLC, Falmouth, MI Duane & Janet Molhoek, Falmouth, MI River Crest Dairy LLC, Greenwood, WI Bill & Bob Gruppen, Zeeland, MI Five Star Dairy, Elk Mound, WI Galen Schalk, Hillman, MI Dutch Meadows LLC, Zeeland, MI Emerald-Acres, De Pere, WI Ken Zuiderveen, Falmouth, MI Dennis C Martin, Wakarusa, IN Badger Holsteins, Unity, WI Jamey Klaasen, Coopersville, MI Benthem Bros., McBain, MI Pickart Dairy LLC., Malone, WI Mark Anderson, Waupaca, WI Bosside Holsteins, Colby, WI Kent Inniger, Middleton, MI Foxland Farms LLC, Greenleaf, WI H & H Dairy, Bannister, MI Hopeless Dairy Inc., Sheldon, WI Allen Vande Hei, Seymour, WI Marvin Martin, Carson City, MI Mike Zagata, Sebewaing, MI John & Dee Winkelman, Watertown, WI Neil Christianson, Shiocton, WI Stutzman Family Farms LLC, Conrath, WI Steve Landis, Goshen, IN Silvershea Holsteins LLC, Omro, WI Mike Lyon, Eaton Rapids, MI Randy & Chris Holewinski, Seymour, WI Sparks Quaker Acres, Fremont, MI Allen Martin, Goshen, IN Wilstar Holsteins, Pine River, WI Steve Jankowski, Withee, WI Brad & Laura Friesen, Barron, WI Preston Farms, Quincy, MI Ed Walter Farm Inc, Oshkosh, WI Jim Oudman, McBain, MI Bob Baker, Hastings, MI Starward Farms, Sebewaing, MI Steve Olson, Boyceville, WI Newell Farms, Trufant, MI Riemer-Sawall, Clintonville, WI Rusk-Rose Holsteins, Ladysmith, WI Brickstead Dairy LLC, Greenleaf, WI Sugar Creek LLC, New London, WI Rich Byma, Grant, MI Cary Dairy Farm, Battle Creek, MI

Breed H B H H H H H H H H H H H X H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H X H H H X H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

Size 108 95 456 235 281 110 396 115 838 394 175 125 342 535 214 2,850 216 695 245 177 450 162 254 191 1,119 256 193 552 310 276 47 1,227 2,800 741 210 54 352 117 573 404 1,121 79 667 59 182 329 35 168 123 83 499 410 63 85 213 782 309 447 134 96 94 474 196 363 912 1,283 1,210 1,160

Milk 30,364 26,076 31,458 29,713 28,336 29,191 28,842 28,950 30,006 28,806 29,201 26,449 30,664 30,221 27,654 29,752 28,459 28,787 27,676 29,872 31,748 29,901 29,383 30,064 28,048 30,106 28,679 27,470 30,402 28,891 25,845 28,295 29,348 29,586 28,238 26,581 29,566 31,167 27,772 29,296 28,489 28,037 29,720 27,547 28,627 30,973 26,262 27,958 30,069 29,550 29,373 29,985 27,129 28,212 28,281 29,146 27,880 28,352 29,133 28,054 27,715 29,353 26,744 29,853 28,769 28,094 28,732 30,358

Fat 1,120 1,140 1,108 1,132 1,137 1,146 1,148 1,139 1,134 1,143 1,153 1,196 1,100 1,111 1,128 1,121 1,151 1,159 1,134 1,130 1,089 1,133 1,103 1,096 1,143 1,085 1,107 1,149 1,099 1,101 1,132 1,152 1,114 1,115 1,130 1,134 1,112 1,079 1,149 1,101 1,123 1,123 1,106 1,098 1,122 1,085 1,149 1,127 1,089 1,095 1,093 1,095 1,126 1,088 1,100 1,090 1,111 1,089 1,097 1,096 1,095 1,093 1,090 1,089 1,076 1,119 1,092 1,111

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F% 3.7 4.4 3.5 3.8 4.0 3.9 4.0 3.9 3.8 4.0 3.9 4.5 3.6 3.7 4.1 3.8 4.0 4.0 4.1 3.8 3.4 3.8 3.8 3.6 4.1 3.6 3.9 4.2 3.6 3.8 4.4 4.1 3.8 3.8 4.0 4.3 3.8 3.5 4.1 3.8 3.9 4.0 3.7 4.0 3.9 3.5 4.4 4.0 3.6 3.7 3.7 3.7 4.2 3.9 3.9 3.7 4.0 3.8 3.8 3.9 4.0 3.7 4.1 3.6 3.7 4.0 3.8 3.7

Prot.

961 933 975 940 930 916 907 919 923 903 887 826 951 931 908 916 875 860 894 896 951 889 930 938 873 952 922 863 929 925 881 852 902 898 875 870 899 942 840 904 871 871 893 903 867 917 826 855 906 896 898 895 853 902 885 897 868 898 886 887 880 882 887 883 897 836 872 845

P% 3.2 3.6 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.1 3.1 3.2 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.3 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.2 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.2 3.1 3.1 3.2 3.2 3.1 3.1 3.2 3.4 3.0 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.3 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.3 3.0 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.0 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.2 3.0 3.2 3.2 3.0 3.3 3.0 3.1 3.0 3.0 2.8

CFP 5.7 5.7 5.7 5.7 5.7 5.6 5.6 5.6 5.6 5.6 5.6 5.5 5.6 5.6 5.6 5.6 5.6 5.5 5.6 5.6 5.6 5.5 5.6 5.6 5.5 5.6 5.6 5.5 5.6 5.6 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.4 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.4 5.5 5.4 5.4 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.4 5.5 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4

Value $4,627 $4,623 $4,623 $4,618 $4,611 $4,609 $4,597 $4,597 $4,592 $4,577 $4,574 $4,569 $4,558 $4,549 $4,548 $4,546 $4,546 $4,539 $4,537 $4,532 $4,531 $4,527 $4,526 $4,523 $4,522 $4,521 $4,521 $4,518 $4,515 $4,511 $4,507 $4,506 $4,502 $4,498 $4,493 $4,492 $4,492 $4,488 $4,476 $4,473 $4,468 $4,467 $4,466 $4,462 $4,458 $4,458 $4,449 $4,448 $4,447 $4,443 $4,442 $4,442 $4,441 $4,436 $4,435 $4,432 $4,431 $4,431 $4,430 $4,428 $4,413 $4,412 $4,412 $4,404 $4,396 $4,393 $4,391 $4,391

137 138 139 140 T 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 T 153 154 155 156 T 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 T 167 T 169 170 171 172 173 174 T 176 T 178 179 180 T 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 T 192 T 194 195 T 197 198 199 200 201 202 T 204

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Herd Doug Seiler, Carson City, MI Grass Ridge Farm LLC, Pittsville, WI Oesch Swisslane, Alto, MI Petro Farms, Gobles, MI Carson Acres LLC, Hesperia, MI Heller Farm Inc., Alma Center, WI Houdek Farms, Bryant, WI Nobis Dairy Farms, St Johns, MI Jim & Greg Rickert, Eldorado, WI Norris Dairy Farm Inc., Hesperia, MI Burke Larsen, Scottville, MI Lake Breeze Dairy, Malone, WI Sunny Slope Dairy LLC, Reedsville, WI Johnson Farm LLC, Daggett, MI Jerangle Dairy, Wakarusa, IN Mario Vanderhulst, Strugis, MI Hardscrabble Farms, Jim Falls, WI Burnside Acres, Durand, WI Jeff & Jill Pinter, Curtiss, WI Tubergen Dairy Farm LLC, Ionia, MI Spartan Farm, Sparta, MI Steve Brye, Coleman, WI Norm & Derrick Hammond, Dowling, MI Rich-Ro Dairy, St Johns, MI Gordon Dick, McBain, MI Country Dairy, New Era, MI Palms Boys LLC, Palms, MI Henry & Mark Ziel, Port Austin, MI Robert & John Yenter, Wittenberg, WI Vande Hei Dairy Farms, De Pere, WI Bob, Mike & Matt Cnossen, Falmouth, MI Tim Baker, Byron Center, MI Bob & Nancy Johnson, Baldwin, WI Schmidt Farms, Birnamwood, WI Abel Dairy Farms, Fond Du Lac, WI D & P Dairy, Marlette, MI Max L Paul, Goshen, IN Jonathon Zimmerman, Goshen, IN Ken Meekhof, Cadillac, MI Robert Getzloff, Wilson, MI Charles & Jeff Wadell, Elsie, MI Mark Yeazel, Eaton, OH Keinath Elkhorn Farms, Millington, MI Gilde Farms LLC, Lake City, MI Andy Kortman, McBain, MI Robert Lee, Marion, MI Duane & Joan Lisowe, Chilton, WI Bruce Riffle, Custer, MI Dale Vandepol, Marion, MI Krzewina Farms, Crivitz, WI David & Jane Pescinski, Colby, WI Rick & Connie Schuessler, Antigo, WI Neighborhood Dairy, Kaukauna, WI Wardin Brothers, Hemlock, MI Dave & Rick Tacoma, Falmouth, MI Rick & Jim Surbrook, Rives Junction, MI Many Blessings Dairy Inc, McBain, MI Cole Apple Farm, Bancroft, MI Ron & Nicole Wussow, Cecil, WI Kinnard Farms Inc., Casco, WI Dennis Blazek, Oconto Falls, WI Lyle & Carla Weaver, Goshen, IN Jeff & Kevin Cole, Bancroft, MI Larry E. Haywood, Hastings, MI Dan & Bill Easterday, Camden, MI Todd Martin, Claypool, IN Jason Ard, Pulaski, WI Dairy Dreams, Casco, WI

Breed H J H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H J H H H H

Size 372 60 1,807 912 168 832 107 1,078 1,048 601 589 3,406 823 1,868 202 800 140 1,419 90 1,155 241 675 505 3,560 285 72 2,077 110 52 374 614 84 332 79 1,701 512 71 100 193 430 699 110 228 251 288 103 83 193 326 697 59 411 1,018 158 367 102 1,770 416 45 8,242 203 110 448 393 294 415 87 3,356

Milk 29,061 21,913 27,970 30,639 28,905 27,969 28,015 29,939 27,682 28,665 27,542 29,680 29,102 26,856 28,982 27,979 28,531 27,738 28,565 29,781 28,541 29,756 29,832 26,927 32,726 27,403 25,941 25,599 28,366 28,570 26,816 26,428 26,546 27,430 28,785 28,833 25,618 29,967 27,613 27,999 24,272 28,026 25,403 28,694 27,285 24,542 25,456 26,457 28,598 30,089 28,143 29,201 26,998 24,528 29,450 28,529 28,607 26,727 30,115 28,734 27,404 26,693 26,687 21,938 28,602 28,685 26,411 27,455

Fat 1,079 1,134 1,094 1,043 1,070 1,078 1,074 1,079 1,084 1,060 1,098 1,052 1,060 1,084 1,049 1,063 1,046 1,057 1,079 1,062 1,065 1,039 1,043 1,080 1,029 1,054 1,094 1,077 1,048 1,045 1,079 1,068 1,067 1,066 1,053 1,037 1,080 1,030 1,056 1,067 1,118 1,019 1,082 1,079 1,038 1,092 1,070 1,081 1,040 1,005 1,042 1,024 1,067 1,087 1,003 1,014 1,026 1,080 1,020 1,010 1,023 1,061 1,069 1,066 997 1,014 1,053 1,019

F% 3.7 5.2 3.9 3.4 3.7 3.9 3.8 3.6 3.9 3.7 4.0 3.5 3.6 4.0 3.6 3.8 3.7 3.8 3.8 3.6 3.7 3.5 3.5 4.0 3.1 3.8 4.2 4.2 3.7 3.7 4.0 4.0 4.0 3.9 3.7 3.6 4.2 3.4 3.8 3.8 4.6 3.6 4.3 3.8 3.8 4.4 4.2 4.1 3.6 3.3 3.7 3.5 4.0 4.4 3.4 3.6 3.6 4.0 3.4 3.5 3.7 4.0 4.0 4.9 3.5 3.5 4.0 3.7

Prot.

889 815 864 932 895 881 877 868 857 889 836 898 885 852 899 880 902 886 854 875 871 905 897 847 913 874 818 838 875 879 831 846 846 846 862 882 822 888 853 837 768 903 815 814 871 797 824 807 862 909 857 881 821 791 905 889 872 798 879 893 873 820 808 813 898 874 821 867

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P% 3.1 3.7 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.1 2.9 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.2 3.1 3.1 3.2 3.2 3.0 2.9 3.1 3.0 3.0 3.1 2.8 3.2 3.2 3.3 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.2 3.2 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.0 3.1 3.0 3.2 3.2 3.2 2.8 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.1 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.2 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.0 2.9 3.1 3.2 3.1 3.0 3.7 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.2

CFP 5.4 5.3 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.2 5.2 5.3 5.3 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.3 5.2 5.3 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.3 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.1 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.1 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.1 5.1 5.2 5.2 5.1 5.2

Value $4,390 $4,388 $4,381 $4,378 $4,378 $4,372 $4,354 $4,352 $4,342 $4,341 $4,339 $4,338 $4,334 $4,333 $4,332 $4,332 $4,329 $4,327 $4,325 $4,321 $4,321 $4,318 $4,314 $4,313 $4,309 $4,297 $4,295 $4,288 $4,285 $4,285 $4,281 $4,281 $4,278 $4,276 $4,274 $4,270 $4,267 $4,264 $4,264 $4,263 $4,263 $4,262 $4,259 $4,251 $4,251 $4,250 $4,245 $4,242 $4,241 $4,239 $4,236 $4,235 $4,233 $4,227 $4,227 $4,224 $4,224 $4,223 $4,222 $4,222 $4,217 $4,215 $4,214 $4,212 $4,198 $4,197 $4,197 $4,196

Did you know?

The average 21-day pregnancy rate has increased from 17.3% to 21.2% over the past five years.

13

Top 250 Dollar Value Herds

205 206 207 T 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 T 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 T T 243 244 245 246 247 248 T 250

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Herd Roth Farms, Lowell, MI Petro Farms, Gobles, MI Sperry Dairy Farm LLC, Coldwater, MI Maly Farms, Bryant, WI Hardy Spring Lake Farms, Stanton, MI Scott Ferry, Litchfield, MI Curt Kohls, Gillett, WI Stockwell Farms, Inc., Hudson, IN Rod Fowler, Chesaning, MI Dan Madden, New London, WI Frank & Mitch Thompson, Ellsworth, WI Matthew & Susan Smith, Hudson, MI Brown-Star Farm LLC, Gillett, WI Herrema Dairy, Fair Oaks, IN Dave Klamer, Conklin, MI Steve Maier, Jim Falls, WI Loren Hanson, Elk Mound, WI Micke Dairy LLC, Reedsville, WI Leo & Barb Liddy, Gladwin, MI Eric Schoenfuss, Edgar, WI Ron Brinks, McBain, MI Jesse & Rachel Thoma, Manawa, WI Bruce Martin, Whittemore, MI Raymond Dairy Inc., New Richmond, WI Kenealy Dairy Farms, Cadott, WI Brian Brunink, McBain, MI Vil-Edge Farms, Fond Du Lac, WI Lagesse Dairy Farms, Bloomer, WI Brecht Farm, Shepherd, MI Greg Illig & Sons, West Branch, MI Kohn Dairy LLC, Cecil, WI Glenn M Weaver, Goshen, IN Pete & Brenda Bricco, Marion, WI Alfred Stuever, Lynn, MI Verl A Weaver, Goshen, IN Duane & Joan Lisowe, Chilton, WI Dan Weil, Goodrich, MI Wirth Farms, Evart, MI Roth Farms, Lowell, MI T-N-K Dairy LLC, Stanley, WI Greg Pluger, McBain, MI Blue Royal Dairy Inc, Reedsville, WI Da-Ran Dairy LLC, Luxemburg, WI Walnutdale Farms, Wayland, MI David & Dawn Windle, Withee, WI Michael Heckaman, Argos, IN

Breed H X H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H X H H H H H H H H H H H G H H H H H H H H H H H

Size 350 67 169 523 216 571 259 624 259 400 64 145 523 4,768 54 27 311 477 84 34 263 75 144 99 632 1,081 86 471 189 349 258 81 51 150 31 138 178 1,102 41 268 180 2,124 1,839 1,795 51 634

Milk 26,329 27,658 27,450 27,514 26,167 29,177 27,874 27,383 28,979 27,644 25,670 26,153 26,817 29,148 27,396 27,385 26,954 28,324 26,639 27,478 26,913 25,679 26,450 26,976 27,610 27,984 27,878 25,867 25,592 27,455 27,147 26,501 26,356 25,926 21,110 25,350 26,507 27,955 26,579 27,128 27,610 26,996 26,697 27,191 24,968 28,554

Fat 1,049 1,008 1,031 1,044 1,054 1,010 1,039 1,027 982 1,029 1,020 1,040 1,054 1,015 1,014 1,008 1,048 1,020 1,023 1,014 1,006 1,013 1,020 1,015 1,018 1,000 987 1,057 1,040 1,000 1,039 1,042 1,026 1,031 1,108 1,039 1,029 1,022 1,013 1,029 997 1,026 1,007 991 1,008 998

F% 4.0 3.6 3.8 3.8 4.0 3.5 3.7 3.8 3.4 3.7 4.0 4.0 3.9 3.5 3.7 3.7 3.9 3.6 3.8 3.7 3.7 3.9 3.9 3.8 3.7 3.6 3.5 4.1 4.1 3.6 3.8 3.9 3.9 4.0 5.2 4.1 3.9 3.7 3.8 3.8 3.6 3.8 3.8 3.6 4.0 3.5

Prot.

825 880 848 830 816 873 832 847 908 843 855 826 805 855 856 864 807 841 837 846 855 845 835 841 836 859 876 780 801 855 801 796 817 810 705 797 810 819 831 808 851 811 836 857 834 840

P% 3.1 3.2 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.0 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.3 3.2 3.0 2.9 3.1 3.2 3.0 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.2 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.3 3.1 3.1 2.9 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 2.9

CFP 5.1 5.2 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.2 5.1 5.1 5.2 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.1 5.0 5.0 5.1 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.1 5.0 5.1 5.0 5.0 5.1 5.0 5.0

Value $4,194 $4,192 $4,191 $4,191 $4,190 $4,185 $4,183 $4,179 $4,178 $4,177 $4,175 $4,173 $4,170 $4,165 $4,163 $4,162 $4,159 $4,151 $4,150 $4,145 $4,140 $4,139 $4,139 $4,138 $4,136 $4,133 $4,132 $4,131 $4,127 $4,126 $4,125 $4,123 $4,121 $4,120 $4,119 $4,116 $4,116 $4,116 $4,114 $4,113 $4,111 $4,110 $4,108 $4,106 $4,106 $4,094

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15

Productive herd life… sustainability at its best.

Dr. Mark Fox, DVM Thumb Veterinary Services, Sandusky, MI

O

ften times, we are so actively engaged with our current situation in life, i.e. families, farms, schedules, etc., that we lose some remembrance of the past. I thought it might be interesting to recall our DHIA past, see how we compare today, and ponder what’s next in the dairy life. As this publication celebrates 2018 achievements, let’s take a look back at the early days.

Cow Testing Association was comprised of 31 herds, no doubt some of the most progressive West Michigan farmers of that time, owning excellent dairy cows. Table 1 details the specific metrics of that first year, 113 years ago! As you may observe, most of the production numbers (milk/fat) can roughly be increased 5x to what we see in great herds today (27,000+ lbs milk, 1,000 lbs fat).

Where it all began I am proud of the fact that the National DHIA began in my hometown of Fremont, Michigan in 1905. In its first year of existence, the Newaygo

Test day for farmers of that era involved “weighing milk”, measuring butterfat, and comparing feeding programs, including recording the type and amount of the forage/ grains being fed to the cows. The fact that production and herd records were being recorded, provided great value to measuring and managing data. These metrics of the day established a yardstick for improvement of the dairy industry. Butter ruled at that time and many cows in the Upper Midwest lived much of their lives, spring until fall, outside on pasture, and then returned to the stable life in the winter months. Some of you, I am sure, can recall your older generations discussing “test day”, and what progress was made on their farms.

1906 Newaygo Cow Testing Assoc.

Fremont, Michigan 31 Herds 5,336 Milk

4.04% Fat

215 Fat

$50.27 Value of Butterfat $29.28 Total Feed Cost $20.99 Income Over Feed Cost 13.6 Cents to Produce 1 Lb of Butterfat Ted Ferris, MSU Dept. of Animal Science

16

Our more recent history We in the dairy industry today have seen DHI yearly summary data that has provided us with a wide array of metrics that are nothing short of amazing! In the last decade, our focus has shifted to dollar value/cow, which places current values for fat/protein yield. Today, butter rules again. Thanks, in part, to the renewed human health benefits highlighted with current research. Not to mention that it’s a creamy delicious spread used almost daily in our homes.

At our yearly dairy award banquets, we recognize top herds and top dairy cows, based on age and parity. I remember 30+ years ago giving recognition to our county “Lifetime Cow”, which produced over 200,000 lbs of milk. Today, high lifetime cows are recognized to yield over 350,000 lbs of milk!

Should we additionally recognize those farms who have consistently raised the bar as it relates to productive herd life? These farm teams have developed the management needed to lengthen productive herd life well above the U.S. average of 2.2 lactations. As we all recognize,

Enhancing producer profitability through integrated services.

replacement cost/culling is the number two or three expense on our financial ledger. Large heifer inventories are costly in today’s dairy economy.

Table 2 provides a snapshot, depicting how herd demographics have changed over the last several decades. As we see, the proportion of mature cows (3+ lactation) has steadily declined. Today, we find many (even-nonexpanding) herds to consist of 40 percent or more first lactation animals. This shift, no doubt, has been fueled by “five star” baby calf and heifer success, along with huge gains in herd pregnancy rates.

What is there to gain in extending productive herd life to one more lactation? Are two more lactations possible? I think so! There are great returns well within our reach. I personally have a growing number of dairy producers who will consistently carry over 50 percent lactation 3 and above in their herds. Mature cows rock! Not only are they paid for, but they milk more as well.

Biologically, the third lactation cow is finally an adult!

The only thing Table 2 - Average herd composition by lactation constant is Lactation 1966-1983 1990 - 1997 2018 Your Farm change 1 30.6 33.09 Today, as in the 2 23.5 25.88 past, innovative 3 17.2 17.71 and progressive dairy producers 4 12 10.98 are providing the 5 7.9 6.26 management and Nieuwhof, Norman and Dickinson; JDS 1989 72:726. dairy stewardship Ferris, Norman, Wiggans-2000. MSU & USDA-AIPL in order to lengthen productive herd life. The dairy industry We all see the benefits of a well-rested, quiet continues to enrich the “Six Freedoms of Pasture”, herd! Keep a sharp eye on the top two or three which are air, light, water, feed, rest, and space reasons cows leave your farm. Challenge your (see CowSignals™) that our modern confinement team to seek input from the cows, individually cow requires. She responds in a very tangible or collectively, watching their behaviors. Are way to those who provide needed housing/ there any notable observations? What is she management changes. or they telling you? And… are you listening? I In my opinion, due diligence in providing cows occasionally quiz my great dairy clients… and myself. Do our cows age us? Or, do we age our deep, cushy, well-sized sand beds for longer cows? I always enjoy the responses! periods of rest time (min 13hr/day) is a key worth turning. Those farms who strive to reduce standing (at risk) cows are typically rewarded with less lameness and improved herd life.

Wishing you the very best in 2019. May we continue in prayer for price recovery and our Lord’s favor on our great farmers.

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17

Genetic strategies to maximize profit Lyle Kruse, vice president of U.S. market development and Lorna Marshall, vice president of beef genetic programs, Select Sires

P

rofitMAX™ is a program that helps you better achieve long-term profitability from future herd replacements and improve short-term cash flow by increasing the value of extra calves to be sold to the beef market.

Using your herd management software program, NorthStar can prepare reproductive and genetic audits to learn more about your current cow and heifer benchmarks for reproductive efficiency and genetic levels of the herd. The audits also provide a better understanding of the performance impact from previous genetic inputs in the herd.

Based on your dairy operations’ future goals for the milking herd inventory, NorthStar can provide an audit of current cow and heifer inventory levels providing projections for the number of replacement heifers needed to meet future herd size goals.

Together you will develop a genetic strategy utilizing the best combination of semen from elite sires with conventional, sex-sorted semen or embryos to generate more profitable replacements and reach your desired size. If producing offspring for the beef market is also part of your operation’s future plans, we can prioritize which cows and heifers should be serviced to beef semen to create 18

high-value feed calves, increasing short-term cash flow.

revenues from calves who hit or exceed market targets.

Beef sires in the ProfitMAX program are specifically selected for use on Holstein and Jersey cows and heifers to provide resulting crossbred calves that excel in daily gain and carcass merit, while providing calving ease. The ProfitMAX beef sires are also elite fertility sires to maximize reproductive performance.

• Angus - Beef Value ($B): an index value expressed in dollars per head, is the expected average difference in future progeny performance for post weaning and carcass value compared to progeny of other sires.

A ProfitMAX sire’s semen has been produced by Select Sires and has met the rigorous health and quality standards we demand for you. Subsequent field testing will earn a sire a Fertility Verified designation, which combines semen quality evaluations with conception data.

ProfitMAX Sires rank in the top half of their respective breed for both Calving Ease and Terminal Index. Using above-average Calving Ease bulls helps to reduce dystocia, results in more live calves and ultimately improves future reproductive performance for both cows and heifers.

The Terminal Index combines traits for growth, gain and end-product merit into one index. Using above-average sires for Terminal Index means your resulting calves will perform well on feed and earn premiums at harvest. Using ProfitMAX sires gives you the best opportunity to realize additional

• Simmental - Terminal Index (TI): evaluates sires for use on mature Angus cows with all offspring put on feed and sold grade and yield.

• Charolais - Terminal Sire Index (TSI): represents a dollar index per terminal progeny produced from a bull in the Charolais database, ranking them for profit potential.

• Limousin - Mainstream Terminal Index ($MTI): measures differences in expected profit per carcass produced on a mainstream grid (yield grade 1 or 2, Select to low-Choice quality grade, and no over- or under-weights or dark cutters).

The goal of ProfitMAX is to increase your profitability by determining the proper herd inventory and creating replacements from your best genetics. To learn more talk with your NorthStar team.

Enhancing producer profitability through integrated services.

3X

Herd

Breed

Fat

F%

Prot.

P%

Value

39 53 44 40 47 54 59 35 63 60 52 71 59 45 67 64 54 27 34 51 31 41 51 53 64

28,313 34,102 34,235 28,760 25,845 26,581 27,547 26,262 27,129 21,913 28,366 25,618 28,143 30,115 27,658 25,670 27,396 27,385 27,478 26,356 21,110 26,579 24,968 26,353 26,739

1,523 1,303 1,222 1,205 1,132 1,134 1,098 1,149 1,126 1,134 1,048 1,080 1,042 1,020 1,008 1,020 1,014 1,008 1,014 1,026 1,108 1,013 1,008 996 993

5.4 3.8 3.6 4.2 4.4 4.3 4.0 4.4 4.2 5.2 3.7 4.2 3.7 3.4 3.6 4.0 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.9 5.2 3.8 4.0 3.8 3.7

1,010 1,070 1,066 908 881 870 903 826 853 815 875 822 857 879 880 855 856 864 846 817 705 831 834 834 817

3.6 3.1 3.1 3.2 3.4 3.3 3.3 3.1 3.1 3.7 3.1 3.2 3.0 2.9 3.2 3.3 3.1 3.2 3.1 3.1 3.3 3.1 3.3 3.2 3.1

$5,737 $5,294 $5,081 $4,744 $4,507 $4,492 $4,462 $4,449 $4,441 $4,388 $4,285 $4,267 $4,236 $4,222 $4,192 $4,175 $4,163 $4,162 $4,145 $4,121 $4,119 $4,114 $4,106 $4,076 $4,038

H H H H H H H H H B H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

109 110 116 139 76 93 88 101 108 95 110 115 125 117 79 123 83 85 134 96 94 107 140 90 75

30,328 32,093 32,314 31,607 30,858 29,960 31,435 29,459 30,364 26,076 29,191 28,950 26,449 31,167 28,037 30,069 29,550 28,212 29,133 28,054 27,715 28,015 28,531 28,565 27,403

1,485 1,457 1,241 1,192 1,207 1,208 1,135 1,140 1,120 1,140 1,146 1,139 1,196 1,079 1,123 1,089 1,095 1,088 1,097 1,096 1,095 1,074 1,046 1,079 1,054

4.9 4.5 3.8 3.8 3.9 4.0 3.6 3.9 3.7 4.4 3.9 3.9 4.5 3.5 4.0 3.6 3.7 3.9 3.8 3.9 4.0 3.8 3.7 3.8 3.8

1,065 1,018 987 945 924 912 976 941 961 933 916 919 826 942 871 906 896 902 886 887 880 877 902 854 874

3.5 3.2 3.1 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.2 3.6 3.1 3.2 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.0 3.0 3.2 3.0 3.2 3.2 3.1 3.2 3.0 3.2

$5,743 $5,587 $4,983 $4,781 $4,780 $4,759 $4,693 $4,640 $4,627 $4,623 $4,609 $4,597 $4,569 $4,488 $4,467 $4,447 $4,443 $4,436 $4,430 $4,428 $4,413 $4,354 $4,329 $4,325 $4,297

H H H H H H H H X H H H H H H

166 216 209 177 265 177 280 196 195 265 270 235 281 175 214

35,027 33,387 30,953 33,813 32,282 28,840 30,690 30,005 25,204 29,586 30,046 29,713 28,336 29,201 27,654

1,260 1,245 1,262 1,129 1,174 1,178 1,131 1,169 1,170 1,125 1,141 1,132 1,137 1,153 1,128

3.6 3.7 4.1 3.3 3.6 4.1 3.7 3.9 4.6 3.8 3.8 3.8 4.0 3.9 4.1

1,087 1,014 955 1,027 949 920 967 912 901 959 935 940 930 887 908

3.1 3.0 3.1 3.0 2.9 3.2 3.2 3.0 3.6 3.2 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.0 3.3

$5,216 $5,043 $4,976 $4,773 $4,743 $4,697 $4,666 $4,661 $4,640 $4,635 $4,632 $4,618 $4,611 $4,574 $4,548

B H X X X H H H H J H H H H X H H H H H G H H H H

75-149 Cows 1 * Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN 2 Darrell & Bonita Richard, Goshen, IN 3 Brantmeier Hilrose Dairy, Sherwood, WI 4 * Gross Farm Inc., Weidman, MI 5 * Floyd & Calvin Brandt, Bryant, WI 6 Jeff & Alisha Bigler, Lakeview, MI 7 * Dave & Jackie Meinert, Saint Cloud, WI 8 Hillebrand Farms, Cornell, WI 9 New-Day Dairy Robert Strack, Athens, WI 10 Twinkle-Hill Brown Swiss, Watertown, WI 11 Charles Maurer, Chilton, WI 12 * Larry & Jennifer Meyer, Chilton, WI 13 Jonas Zimmerman, Wakarusa, IN 14 * Foxland Farms LLC, Greenleaf, WI 15 Marvin Martin, Carson City, MI 16 Mike Lyon, Eaton Rapids, MI 17 Randy & Chris Holewinski, Seymour, WI 18 Steve Jankowski, Withee, WI 19 * Bob Baker, Hastings, MI 20 Starward Farms, Sebewaing, MI 21 Steve Olson, Boyceville, WI 22 Houdek Farms, Bryant, WI 23 * Hardscrabble Farms, Jim Falls, WI 24 Jeff & Jill Pinter, Curtiss, WI 25 * Country Dairy, New Era, MI 150 - 299 Cows 1 * E. Kuyers & Sons, West Olive, MI 2 * Moo-Ville Farm & Creamery, Nashville, MI 3 * Curry Farms No.3, Tawas City, MI 4 * Ladine Farms, Bellevue, MI 5 * Ryan Litwiller, Middleton, MI 6 Charles & Christopher Weber, Elmwood, WI 7 * Badger Holsteins, Unity, WI 8 Bollinger Farms LLC, Vestaburg, MI 9 * United Pride Dairy LLC, Phillips, WI 10 * Badger Holsteins, Unity, WI 11 * Meissner, Chili, WI 12 Devon & Doreen Zimmerman, Claypool, IN 13 John Wolf, Oconto Falls, WI 14 David DeZeeuw, Falmouth, MI 15 Dale Brinks, McBain, MI

*

Size

NorthStar Cooperative

Top Dollar Value Herds by Size

Milk

25 - 74 Cows 1 * Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN 2 Bruce & Brenda Long, New London, WI 3 * Larry E. Haywood, Hastings, MI 4 * Floyd & Calvin Brandt, Bryant, WI 5 * Badger Holsteins, Unity, WI 6 Bosside Holsteins, Colby, WI 7 John & Dee Winkelman, Watertown, WI 8 Steve Landis, Goshen, IN 9 Wilstar Holsteins, Pine River, WI 10 * Grass Ridge Farm LLC, Pittsville, WI 11 * Robert & John Yenter, Wittenberg, WI 12 Max L Paul, Goshen, IN 13 David & Jane Pescinski, Colby, WI 14 * Ron & Nicole Wussow, Cecil, WI 15 * Petro Farms, Gobles, MI 16 Frank & Mitch Thompson, Ellsworth, WI 17 Dave Klamer, Conklin, MI Steve Maier, Jim Falls, WI 18 19 Eric Schoenfuss, Edgar, WI 20 Pete & Brenda Bricco, Marion, WI 21 Verl A Weaver, Goshen, IN 22 Roth Farms, Lowell, MI 23 David & Dawn Windle, Withee, WI 24 * Sue-Dan Farms, Inc, Bloomer, WI 25 Don & Barb Micke, Kaukauna, WI

19

Top Dollar Value Herds by Size 20

3X Herd 16 * James & Brad Ritter, Byron, MI 17 Harold Dodde, Falmouth, MI 18 * David & Susan Granskog, Stephenson, MI 19 * Duane & Janet Molhoek, Falmouth, MI 20 River Crest Dairy LLC, Greenwood, WI 21 Bill & Bob Gruppen, Zeeland, MI 22 * Galen Schalk, Hillman, MI 23 Dutch Meadows LLC, Zeeland, MI 24 Dennis C Martin, Wakarusa, IN 25 Mark Anderson, Waupaca, WI 300 - 499 Cows 1 * Synergy Dairy LLC, Pulaski, WI 2 * Perkins Twin Creek Farm Inc., Wolcottville, IN 3 * Dan & Tim Liner, Van Dyne, WI 4 * Crandall Farms LLC, Battle Creek, MI 5 * Warren M Johnson, Osceola, WI 6 * Zoromski Family Farms LLC, Custer, WI 7 * Trappers Turn Dairy, Scandinavia, WI 8 * Meadow Muth Farms LLC, Frankenmuth, MI 9 Ledgerock Dairy LLC, Larsen, WI 10 * Choates Belly Acres, Cement City, MI 11 * Pasch MBM, Weidman, MI 12 * First Farms, Ionia, MI 13 Duane & Laurie Van Polen, Marion, MI 14 * Nichols Hill Dairy, Krakow, WI 15 * Breezy Hill Farms LLC, Weyauwega, WI 16 Stuart Farms, Lowell, MI 17 * Granitehill Dairy, Mosinee, WI 18 House Farms, Mt. Pleasant, MI 19 * Buning Dairy LLC, Falmouth, MI 20 * Ken Zuiderveen, Falmouth, MI 21 * Kent Inniger, Middleton, MI 22 * Hopeless Dairy Inc., Sheldon, WI 23 * Stutzman Family Farms LLC, Conrath, WI 24 * Sparks Quaker Acres, Fremont, MI 25 * Allen Martin, Goshen, IN 500 - 999 Cows 1 * Wilson Family Farm, Carson City, MI 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

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Larry E. Haywood, Hastings, MI Sugar Creek Dairy, Elkhorn, WI Fred & Pat Beer, Milford, IN Lew-Max LLC, Belding, MI Oesch Swisslane, Alto, MI Blaser Farms Inc., Gillett, WI Dave & Stacy Jauquet, Luxemburg, WI Grass Ridge Farm LLC, Pittsville, WI Pebble Knolls Dairy, Brandon, WI Rem-Jem Dairy, LLC, Unity, WI Tony Rosebrugh, West Branch, MI Brightside Dairy LLC, Greenleaf, WI Kurt Chase, Hastings, MI Gary Protzman, Caseville, MI John & Mark Egan, New London, WI W-R-L Daniels Farm, Whittemore, MI Harry & Gary Sanborn, Hubbardston, MI Heimans Holsteins of Marshfeild, Auburndale, WI Wegnerlann Dairy LLC, Ettrick, WI James & Joseph Rieden, Mount Calvary, WI Jeff Brenner, Hopkins, MI Emerald-Acres, De Pere, WI Pickart Dairy LLC., Malone, WI H & H Dairy, Bannister, MI

Breed H H H H H H H H H X

Size 216 245 177 162 254 191 256 193 276 210

Milk 28,459 27,676 29,872 29,901 29,383 30,064 30,106 28,679 28,891 28,238

Fat 1,151 1,134 1,130 1,133 1,103 1,096 1,085 1,107 1,101 1,130

F% 4.0 4.1 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.6 3.6 3.9 3.8 4.0

Prot.

875 894 896 889 930 938 952 922 925 875

P% 3.1 3.2 3.0 3.0 3.2 3.1 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.1

Value $4,546 $4,537 $4,532 $4,527 $4,526 $4,523 $4,521 $4,521 $4,511 $4,493

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

430 481 438 331 351 493 375 383 409 474 321 321 347 385 456 396 394 342 450 310 352 404 329 499 410

32,462 29,968 31,666 31,560 33,550 30,395 32,386 31,843 30,334 32,080 31,405 30,860 29,282 30,896 31,458 28,842 28,806 30,664 31,748 30,402 29,566 29,296 30,973 29,373 29,985

1,342 1,348 1,196 1,218 1,156 1,212 1,177 1,192 1,186 1,146 1,174 1,169 1,193 1,145 1,108 1,148 1,143 1,100 1,089 1,099 1,112 1,101 1,085 1,093 1,095

4.1 4.5 3.8 3.9 3.4 4.0 3.6 3.7 3.9 3.6 3.7 3.8 4.1 3.7 3.5 4.0 4.0 3.6 3.4 3.6 3.8 3.8 3.5 3.7 3.7

1,057 871 1,009 974 1,048 959 984 958 931 981 914 915 880 933 975 907 903 951 951 929 899 904 917 898 895

3.3 2.9 3.2 3.1 3.1 3.2 3.0 3.0 3.1 3.1 2.9 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.0

$5,367 $5,039 $4,909 $4,900 $4,880 $4,856 $4,815 $4,805 $4,739 $4,731 $4,678 $4,667 $4,662 $4,639 $4,623 $4,597 $4,577 $4,558 $4,531 $4,515 $4,492 $4,473 $4,458 $4,442 $4,442

H

896

30,795

1,338

4.3

1,030

3.3

$5,306

H H H H H H H H H H X H H H H H H H H X H H H H

828 649 975 633 541 597 697 534 762 513 612 766 649 740 860 549 654 552 838 535 695 552 741 573

34,472 30,592 32,427 32,397 31,356 30,982 33,310 31,032 31,218 29,414 30,659 32,487 29,244 29,357 29,927 31,455 29,687 30,854 30,006 30,221 28,787 27,470 29,586 27,772

1,201 1,248 1,203 1,233 1,197 1,207 1,171 1,180 1,151 1,233 1,166 1,130 1,198 1,210 1,172 1,128 1,192 1,130 1,134 1,111 1,159 1,149 1,115 1,149

3.5 4.1 3.7 3.8 3.8 3.9 3.5 3.8 3.7 4.2 3.8 3.5 4.1 4.1 3.9 3.6 4.0 3.7 3.8 3.7 4.0 4.2 3.8 4.1

1,054 972 987 940 987 973 1,011 996 988 850 940 988 893 873 922 980 889 955 923 931 860 863 898 840

3.1 3.2 3.0 2.9 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.2 3.2 2.9 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.0 3.0

$5,006 $4,972 $4,886 $4,876 $4,870 $4,870 $4,850 $4,844 $4,756 $4,709 $4,705 $4,703 $4,699 $4,692 $4,687 $4,683 $4,676 $4,641 $4,592 $4,549 $4,539 $4,518 $4,498 $4,476

Enhancing producer profitability through integrated services.

3X

Herd

1,000+ Cows 1 * Country Aire Farms, Greenleaf, WI 2 * Shiloh Dairy, Greenleaf, WI 3 * Rosy-Lane Holsteins LLC, Watertown, WI 4 * Tag Lane Farm, Ixonia, WI 5 * Jeff Shriver & Max Carlson, Fremont, MI 6 * River Ridge Dairy Co. Inc., Coopersville, MI 7 * Quantum Dairy LLC., Weyauwega, WI 8 * United Pride Dairy LLC, Phillips, WI 9 * Seidls Mtn View Dairy, Luxemburg, WI 10 Schuh View Dairy LLC, Kaukauna, WI 11 * Badger Holsteins, Unity, WI 12 * Wayside Dairy, Greenleaf, WI 13 * Pine Breeze Dairy LLC, Pine River, WI 14 * Five Star Dairy, Elk Mound, WI 15 * Jamey Klaasen, Coopersville, MI 16 * Benthem Bros., McBain, MI 17 * Allen Vande Hei, Seymour, WI 18 * Sugar Creek LLC, New London, WI 19 * Rich Byma, Grant, MI 20 * Cary Dairy Farm, Battle Creek, MI 21 * Oesch Swisslane, Alto, MI 22 * Nobis Dairy Farms, St Johns, MI 23 * Jim & Greg Rickert, Eldorado, WI 24 * Lake Breeze Dairy, Malone, WI 25 * Johnson Farm LLC, Daggett, MI

Breed

Size

Milk

Fat

F%

Prot.

P%

Value

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

3,386 2,390 1,110 1,967 1,542 1,870 2,674 2,148 1,109 1,379 2,035 2,140 2,850 1,119 1,227 2,800 1,121 1,283 1,210 1,160 1,807 1,078 1,048 3,406 1,868

32,453 31,105 30,309 29,449 31,319 28,856 30,417 29,046 30,828 26,680 30,170 29,229 29,752 28,048 28,295 29,348 28,489 28,094 28,732 30,358 27,970 29,939 27,682 29,680 26,856

1,328 1,220 1,245 1,212 1,192 1,221 1,177 1,165 1,167 1,251 1,125 1,167 1,121 1,143 1,152 1,114 1,123 1,119 1,092 1,111 1,094 1,079 1,084 1,052 1,084

4.1 3.9 4.1 4.1 3.8 4.2 3.9 4.0 3.8 4.7 3.7 4.0 3.8 4.1 4.1 3.8 3.9 4.0 3.8 3.7 3.9 3.6 3.9 3.5 4.0

978 985 949 964 945 878 935 951 942 789 957 899 916 873 852 902 871 836 872 845 864 868 857 898 852

3.0 3.2 3.1 3.3 3.0 3.0 3.1 3.3 3.1 3.0 3.2 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.0 2.8 3.1 2.9 3.1 3.0 3.2

$5,187 $4,925 $4,922 $4,865 $4,781 $4,729 $4,723 $4,721 $4,711 $4,640 $4,632 $4,631 $4,546 $4,522 $4,506 $4,502 $4,468 $4,393 $4,391 $4,391 $4,381 $4,352 $4,342 $4,338 $4,333

Did you know?

Age at first calving has steadily declined over the past six years from 25.7 to 25 months.

DEADLY EFFECTIVE

99.9% EFFECTIVE PARASITE CONTROL.

1

Important Safety Information: No meat or milk withdrawal is required when used according to label. Do not use in calves intended for veal or unapproved animal species, as severe adverse reactions, including fatalities in dogs, may result.

1 Based on FOI summaries and label claims.

Merial is now part of Boehringer Ingelheim. Eprinex and the Cattle Head Logo are registered trademarks of Merial. ©2018 Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. BOV-1446-ANTH0718

NorthStar Cooperative

21

3X * *

< 100,000 SCC & â&#x2030;¥ 3,000 Dollar Value

Low Somatic Cell Count Herds

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Herd Leroy Zimmerman, Carson City, MI Meadow Muth Farms LLC, Frankenmuth, MI Jesse & Rachel Thoma, Manawa, WI Nichols Hill Dairy, Krakow, WI Paige Mier, Prescott, MI W-R-L Daniels Farm, Whittemore, MI Mike Bosscher, McBain, MI Wilson Family Farm, Carson City, MI Raymond Dairy Inc., New Richmond, WI Gordon Dick, McBain, MI Wolf Farms LLC, Bonduel, WI Dick Van Rijn, Deford, MI Jonathan Burkholder, Sheridan, MI Loren Hanson, Elk Mound, WI Wirth Farms, Evart, MI Allen & Louann Fox, Stanley, WI Nienhuis Dairy Farm, Zeeland, MI Crandall Farms LLC, Battle Creek, MI Ladine Farms, Bellevue, MI Darren Rusch, Pound, WI Dave & Rick Tacoma, Falmouth, MI Ken Meekhof, Cadillac, MI Greg Illig & Sons, West Branch, MI Nathan & Arlene Nolt, Boyd WI Gilde Farms LLC, Lake City, MI Fritz Dairy Farm, Inc., West Branch, MI Beattie Dairy Farm, Holton, MI Don Grezeszak, Whittemore, MI Pinecreek Farms, Medford, WI Stuart Farms, Lowell, MI Chris & Daniell Osentoski, Cass City, MI Gross Farm Inc., Weidman, MI Todd Mark, Elmwood, WI Sperry Dairy Farm LLC, Coldwater, MI Rusk-Rose Holsteins, Ladysmith, WI Norm & Derrick Hammond, Dowling, MI Ryan Litwiller, Middleton, MI Duane & Laurie Van Polen, Marion, MI Dale Brinks, McBain, MI First Farms, Ionia, MI Duane & Janet Molhoek, Falmouth, MI Silvershea Holsteins LLC, Omro, WI Blaser Farms Inc., Gillett, WI Benthem Bros., McBain, MI Lyle & Carla Weaver, Goshen, IN Marvin Martin, Carson City, MI Hillebrand Farms, Cornell, WI Kurt Chase, Hastings, MI Stony Creek Dairy LLC, Westphalia, MI William Fabry, Oconto Falls, WI Michelle Popp, Unity, WI Curt Kohls, Gillett, WI Roth Farms, Lowell, MI Brightside Dairy LLC, Greenleaf, WI Vande Hei Dairy Farms, De Pere, WI Jonas Zimmerman, Wakarusa, IN Anschuetz Dairy, Tawas City, MI

Breed H H H H H H H H H H H X H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H J H H H H H H

Size 77 383 75 385 66 549 265 896 108 285 252 706 76 311 1,102 63 312 331 177 341 367 193 349 86 251 311 315 499 360 396 299 139 113 169 363 505 265 347 214 321 162 168 597 2,800 110 79 101 649 289 132 34 259 391 766 374 125 172

Milk 25,186 31,843 25,679 30,896 21,333 31,455 26,714 30,795 26,622 32,726 25,730 28,175 22,728 26,954 27,955 22,694 27,032 31,560 33,813 26,872 29,450 27,613 27,455 22,988 28,694 25,540 24,285 25,538 28,134 28,842 26,930 31,607 27,340 27,450 29,853 29,832 32,282 29,282 27,654 30,860 29,901 27,958 30,982 29,348 26,693 28,037 29,459 29,244 23,173 26,606 15,374 27,874 26,352 32,487 28,570 26,449 23,375

Fat 958 1,192 1,013 1,145 855 1,128 1,010 1,338 1,010 1,029 989 1,075 877 1,048 1,022 869 952 1,218 1,129 961 1,003 1,056 1,000 880 1,079 954 977 859 992 1,148 945 1,192 959 1,031 1,089 1,043 1,174 1,193 1,128 1,169 1,133 1,127 1,207 1,114 1,061 1,123 1,140 1,198 905 1,015 776 1,039 1,046 1,130 1,045 1,196 859

Enhancing producer profitability through integrated services.

F% 3.8 3.7 3.9 3.7 4.0 3.6 3.8 4.3 3.8 3.1 3.8 3.8 3.9 3.9 3.7 3.8 3.5 3.9 3.3 3.6 3.4 3.8 3.6 3.8 3.8 3.7 4.0 3.4 3.5 4.0 3.5 3.8 3.5 3.8 3.6 3.5 3.6 4.1 4.1 3.8 3.8 4.0 3.9 3.8 4.0 4.0 3.9 4.1 3.9 3.8 5.0 3.7 4.0 3.5 3.7 4.5 3.7

Prot.

764 958 845 933 700 980 791 1,030 833 913 765 868 725 807 819 724 813 974 1,027 823 905 853 855 741 814 798 783 789 819 907 795 945 815 848 883 897 949 880 908 915 889 855 973 902 820 871 941 893 716 808 576 832 826 988 879 826 692

P% 3.0 3.0 3.3 3.0 3.3 3.1 3.0 3.3 3.1 2.8 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.0 2.9 3.2 3.0 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.2 2.8 3.1 3.2 3.1 2.9 3.1 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.1 3.0 3.0 2.9 3.0 3.3 3.0 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.2 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.7 3.0 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.0

Value $3,850 $4,805 $4,139 $4,639 $3,469 $4,683 $4,033 $5,306 $4,110 $4,309 $3,931 $4,340 $3,572 $4,159 $4,116 $3,549 $3,926 $4,900 $4,773 $3,968 $4,227 $4,264 $4,126 $3,609 $4,251 $3,903 $3,933 $3,646 $4,040 $4,597 $3,876 $4,781 $3,948 $4,191 $4,404 $4,314 $4,743 $4,662 $4,548 $4,667 $4,527 $4,448 $4,870 $4,502 $4,215 $4,467 $4,640 $4,699 $3,626 $4,077 $3,037 $4,183 $4,188 $4,703 $4,285 $4,569 $3,466

SCC 45,000 47,000 54,000 55,000 57,000 58,000 61,000 61,000 61,000 62,000 63,000 65,000 66,000 66,000 66,000 67,000 68,000 68,000 69,000 69,000 71,000 71,000 72,000 72,000 73,000 73,000 73,000 73,000 74,000 75,000 75,000 76,000 77,000 78,000 78,000 79,000 80,000 81,000 81,000 82,000 82,000 82,000 82,000 82,000 83,000 83,000 83,000 84,000 84,000 84,000 84,000 84,000 84,000 85,000 86,000 86,000 86,000

3X *

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*

*

Herd Ephraim & Esther Martin, Sheridan, MI Mike Zagata, Sebewaing, MI Bob & John Bennett, Prescott, MI Dale & Becky Voelz, Leopolis, WI Neil Christianson, Shiocton, WI Jeff Borchardt, Greenleaf, WI Eric Schoenfuss, Edgar, WI Lyle Borkholder, Nappanee, IN Raterink Dairy Farm, Zeeland, MI Eric Clemens, West Branch, MI Hardy Spring Lake Farms, Stanton, MI Grass Ridge Farm LLC, Pittsville, WI Houska Farms, Elsie, MI Cal & Barb Marshall, Lupton, MI Brooks Dairy Farms, Waupaca, WI Reba Zimmerman & Sons, Decker, MI Arlyn Walt, Coopersville, MI Pete & Brenda Bricco, Marion, WI Foxland Farms LLC, Greenleaf, WI Paul & Lisa Mueller, Allenton, WI Randy & Cindy Dragt, Howard City, MI Russell Tolan, Ossineke, MI Chad Beck, West Branch, MI Hilger Farms Inc., Bloomer, WI Leon Henneman, Ellsworth, WI Bo-Te Farms Inc., West Branch, MI Jeremy Beebe, Whittemore, MI Bob, Mike & Matt Cnossen, Falmouth, MI Buning Dairy LLC, Falmouth, MI

Breed H H H H H H H J H H H H H X H H H H H H H H H H H X H H H

Size 122 667 201 59 182 84 34 89 91 179 216 594 185 410 441 182 562 51 117 54 218 288 791 427 56 436 247 614 450

Milk 25,302 29,720 24,346 24,184 28,627 24,434 27,478 18,097 25,543 26,556 26,167 30,129 21,418 21,694 24,930 24,101 27,234 26,356 31,167 21,311 24,803 24,380 24,823 26,661 26,278 20,567 22,397 26,816 31,748

Fat 987 1,106 968 966 1,122 890 1,014 910 976 975 1,054 1,176 822 727 990 1,081 904 1,026 1,079 824 975 934 873 1,000 971 790 787 1,079 1,089

F% 3.9 3.7 4.0 4.0 3.9 3.6 3.7 5.0 3.8 3.7 4.0 3.9 3.8 3.4 4.0 4.5 3.3 3.9 3.5 3.9 3.9 3.8 3.5 3.8 3.7 3.8 3.5 4.0 3.4

Prot.

814 893 766 779 867 782 846 648 797 798 816 978 651 685 777 721 836 817 942 637 790 751 758 795 843 652 704 831 951

P% 3.2 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.0 3.2 3.1 3.6 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.0 3.2 3.1 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.0 3.2 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.2 3.2 3.1 3.1 3.0

Value $4,016 $4,466 $3,879 $3,898 $4,458 $3,711 $4,145 $3,511 $3,957 $3,957 $4,190 $4,800 $3,295 $3,117 $3,955 $4,082 $3,847 $4,121 $4,488 $3,275 $3,941 $3,765 $3,624 $4,015 $4,029 $3,215 $3,305 $4,281 $4,531

SCC 86,000 87,000 88,000 89,000 90,000 91,000 91,000 92,000 92,000 92,000 92,000 92,000 94,000 94,000 94,000 95,000 95,000 96,000 96,000 97,000 98,000 98,000 98,000 98,000 99,000 99,000 100,000 100,000 100,000

Did you know?

3.69% of cows are culled due to mastitis.

THIS IS OUR MARK. It matters to us because it fuels our farms and our families. It brings our dairy to tables around the world. Our mark stands for all the things that bring us together and make us stronger.

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USI Insurance Services 333 Bridge Street, NW, Suite 400 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 800.456.7153 | www.usi.com Matt Keilen | K & K Dairy Farms | Westphalia, Mich.

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Employee Benefits | Property & Casualty | Personal Risk ©2018 USI Insurance Services. All rights reserved.

NorthStar Cooperative

23

Ignore your bulk tank to protect your dairy Doug Moyer, Director, DHI Services, NorthStar Cooperative

Ignore might be a strong word, but if all youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re using to monitor your herds SCC is bulk tank average, keep reading. The interconnectedness of reproduction, production and udder health make it absolutely necessary to go beyond the traditional bulk tank average.

SCC View is designed to take you that step further. It gives you insights into how to more completely control SCC on your operation, impacting reproduction and production in a more comprehensive approach to managing challenges on your dairy.

34-00-0000

Below is a breakdown of the SCC View which highlights information, including what the numbers mean, along with suggestions on how to dig deeper and solve the problem. The SCC View is a tool recently developed by NorthStar, which can be delivered to your email inbox after every test day simply by asking your NorthStar Specialist to sign you up.

Test Dairy One

A raw SCC over 200,000 or a 4.0 linear score.

Cows that had a raw SCC UNDER 200,000 or a 4.0 linear last test but were over 200,000 or 4.0 this test.

Cows that had a raw SCC OVER 200,000 or 4.0 linear last test and OVER 200,000 or 4.0 again this test.

A cow whose first test has a raw SCC over 200,000 or a 4.0 linear.

Linear or Raw average for lactation and DIM groups with comparison to goal.

New Infections are cows with SCC under 200,000 or 4.0 at the last test of the previous lactation and a test over 200,000 or 4.0 for the first test of the current lactation. Cures are cows that were OVER 200,000 or 4.0 the last test of the previous lactation but are UNDER 200,000 or 4.0 the first test of the current lactation.

24

Enhancing producer profitability through integrated services.

“While bulk tank SCC are important measures of the quality of milk that is marketed, they don’t give us the total mastitis picture of a herd. In fact, with herds that actively cull or dry off high SCC cows, treat clinical cases, or milk cows with three quarters, the extent of mastitis can be underestimated.”

Ronald Erskine, DVM, PhD, Professior & Dairy Extension Veterinarian, Michigan State Univeristy Learn more at: qualitymilkalliance.com/2015/01/17/is-cell-count-a-good-measure/

Watching new infections month to month can help you quickly respond to changes on the dairy that might be impacting SCC.

Cows are either carrying an infection through the dry period and into a new lactation or are picking up new infections along the way.

If new infections are on the rise, first evalutate any recent changes in management or housing. Ask questions like: Has my parlor routine changed? When was the last time the parlor was serviced? Are stalls being adequately cleaned and bedded? Evaluating your records further could shed light on where these new infections are coming from as well. Consider running a Mastitis PCR on newly infected cows to identify the organisms involved.

For second and greater lactation animals, check the Dry Period analysis of SCC View to ascertain if these fresh infections are new or chronic. For first lactation, evaluate bedding and pen moves around calving. Elevated stress levels can contribute to depressed immune function, opening cows up to infections they might otherwise be able to fend off. New infections could be stemming from maternity pen bedding, parlor procedure and overall transition cow management.

This table can show areas where cows are contributing to elevated bulk tank SCC without being high enough to show clincial signs. Look for groups that are above goal or don’t fit the typical herd trends.

Use this table to start the drill down process and identify where the largest contribution to your bulk tank SCC is coming from. Elevated SCC can be lactation specific or bunched into definite DIM groups. This table can intuitively lead you to key opportunities to investigate.

This graph is designed to show you changes in cure and new infection rates over time. Look for trends here especially after adjustments to management practices, overcrowding maternity pens or changes to the Dry Cow treatment protocol.

If new infections tend to run or have recently trended above goal for the last few test dates, re-evaluate your transition cow management. From Dry Off to Maternity, bedding and parlor procedure... something is contributing to cows picking up an infection between lactations. Cure rates help evaluate the quality of your Dry Cow treatment program. A consistently above goal cure rate would indicate an effective strategy while a downward trend might suggest it is time to change things up.

NorthStar Cooperative

25

We all need a little space every once in awhile, but your livestock should never be bothered by flies and other external parasites. When maintaining your livelihood, leave external parasite management to Merck Animal Health, a trusted name with a variety of solutions that fit your operation’s distinct premise, ear tag or pour-on needs.

See labels for complete instructions merck-animal-health-usa.com • 800-521-5767 Copyright © 2018 Intervet Inc., d/b/a Merck Animal Health, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

1/18 BV-56105

Make mastitis monitoring your own Kelly Sporer, PhD, Research Scientist, NorthStar Cooperative

M

aintaining good udder health and keeping somatic cell counts (SCC) low requires you to have a big tool box full of options. One tool you may not be as familiar with, that offers a lot of utility is the Mastitis PCR test.

The Mastitis PCR test is extremely sensitive in identifying mastitis-causing organisms, and provides results within 48 hours of sample receipt – offering utility unlike any other method. Testing can be performed on routine DHI samples, or hand-stripped samples. The sensitivity of the test allows samples to be pooled, reducing testing costs, with positive pools tested further to identify positive individuals.

With two options available, Contagious 3 and Complete 16, PCR testing provides an easy opportunity to create a custom testing strategy to screen for and rapidly identify mastitis-causing pathogens in your herd. So many choices can be daunting, so here are four easy, tried and true ways to implement Mastitis PCR testing to improve your herd’s milk quality.

1

3

2

4

Hospital Pen/Treated Cows Analyze samples from cows in the hospital pen to identify culprit organisms to assist in developing a treatment plan. A bonus of PCR testing is it can be used on treated cows to determine if the infection has cleared.

High/Chronic SCC Cows Three easy ways to monitor high SCC depending on your herd’s goals. 1) Establish a protocol with the Lab to test all high SCC cows (you set the threshold) once the samples are processed and then conduct a PCR test for further investigation. 2) Identify chronically infected cows using DHI records.

If you are unsure how to generate this report, ask your DHI Specialist. 3) Establish a protocol with the Lab where samples are saved until you review the SCC Hotsheet and then communicate which animals to test.

Bulk Tank/Pen Samples Not sure what the problem might be?

Submit a sample from your bulk tank or specific pens to screen for problem organisms. Bulk tank/pen samples can be monitored month to month to provide baseline levels and identify spikes in pathogens.

Fresh Cows Test cows that have recently freshened, as they are at greatest risk for infection as a result of their immunosuppression during calving. Ask your DHI Specialist to identify all samples from cows fresh since last test day or hand-strip and submit your own samples.

NorthStar Cooperative

The versatility of PCR is so great, the ways to use it are countless. Here are a few examples from producers on how they use PCR testing to monitor SCC and improve milk quality.

• DHI samples from cows fresh since last test day are marked for Contagious 3 testing.

Samples pooled 5:1; with Staph aureus positive pools having individual samples run to identify positive cows. Positive cows are removed from the herd.

• Samples from multiple bulk tanks on one farm are analyzed with the Complete 16.

Monthly results are compiled to identify spikes in mastitis causing pathogens.

• DHI samples with an SCC of over 1 million are identified by the lab, and analyzed using the Complete 16. Positive individuals are identified from positive pools, and management is directed toward the infecting pathogen.

• The top 15 SCC cows from multiple pens within one herd are tested individually each month using the Contagious 3. Testing strategy was implemented as the herd had previous Staph aureus and Mycoplasma bovis issues. With the issues resolved, herd routinely screens with the Contagious 3 test to identify positive animals, and remove them from the herd.

• Whole herd is saved until owner reviews SCC Hotsheet, and provides the Lab a list of cows to test. Samples are pooled 5:1 and analyzed using the Complete 16. Positive individual animals are identified from positive pools and treated or removed from the herd.

For more information on the Contagious 3 and Complete 16 Mastitis PCR tests see page 40.

27

Top Lifetime Milk Production Cows 28

Herd Holstein H & H Dairy, Bannister, MI Kohlman Dairy LLC, Chilton, WI Ron Brinks, McBain, MI Country Aire Farms, Greenleaf, WI Dan & Tim Liner, Van Dyne, WI Rich-Ro Dairy, St Johns, MI Phillip Martin, Akron, IN Crandall Farms LLC, Battle Creek, MI Fred & Pat Beer, Milford, IN Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Benthem Bros., McBain, MI Mario Vanderhulst, Strugis, MI Floyd & Calvin Brandt, Bryant, WI Buning Dairy LLC, Falmouth, MI Tom Byl-Rose Vanderzwan, Brownsville, WI Brecht Farm, Shepherd, MI Badger Holsteins, Unity, WI Jeff & Alisha Bigler, Lakeview, MI Preston Farms, Quincy, MI Jeff & Jill Pinter, Curtiss, WI Gordon Dick, McBain, MI Tidy View Dairy LLC, Kaukauna, WI Perkins Twin Creek Farm Inc., Wolcottville, IN W-R-L Daniels Farm, Whittemore, MI Cary Dairy Farm, Battle Creek, MI Kinnard Farms Inc., Casco, WI Landstad Dairy LLC, Bonduel, WI Buning Dairy LLC, Falmouth, MI Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Perkins Twin Creek Farm Inc., Wolcottville, IN Country Aire Farms, Greenleaf, WI Dick Van Rijn, Deford, MI Larry & Jennifer Meyer, Chilton, WI Kinnard Farms Inc., Casco, WI Synergy Dairy LLC, Pulaski, WI Lew-Max LLC, Belding, MI Tidy View Dairy LLC, Kaukauna, WI Brantmeier Hilrose Dairy, Sherwood, WI Oesch Swisslane, Alto, MI H & H Dairy, Bannister, MI Pasch MBM, Weidman, MI Quantum Dairy LLC., Weyauwega, WI Kinnard Farms Inc., Casco, WI Jeff Shriver & Max Carlson, Fremont, MI Tag Lane Farm, Ixonia, WI Cary Dairy Farm, Battle Creek, MI Kinnard Farms Inc., Casco, WI Tom Zenz, Grass Lake, MI Bob,Mike & Matt Cnossen, Falmouth, MI Sparks Quaker Acres, Fremont, MI Synergy Dairy LLC, Pulaski, WI Country Aire Farms, Greenleaf, WI Sam Yonkman, McBain, MI Jeff Brenner, Hopkins, MI Ken Zuiderveen, Falmouth, MI First Farms, Ionia, MI Cole Apple Farm, Bancroft, MI C & J Farms Inc., Bear Creek, WI Tag Lane Farm, Ixonia, WI Seidls Mtn View Dairy, Luxemburg, WI John L Newland, Belding, MI United Pride Dairy LLC, Phillips, WI Kinnard Farms Inc., Casco, WI Kinnard Farms Inc., Casco, WI Quantum Dairy LLC., Weyauwega, WI Tidy View Dairy LLC., Kaukauna, WI Cary Dairy Farm, Battle Creek, MI

Cow 1280 639 COOKIE 7021 1062 376 45 1618 2083 SELITA 2536 2361 153 2538 269 DIANE 10124 661 2282 SARA-BE 1326 15674 763 2698 4953 4253 2081 2366 CONNIE 422 5303 1620 MALORIE 7316 EDEN 2988 6287 JOSIE 5340 1340 DESIGN 8135 7508 254 6663 5686 7285 1473 2720 874 DAFFY 6123 78 32 330 904 932 1283 4953 2066 2220 2772 6335 6449 3822 31175 5049

Sire

WIZARD WIZARD O MAN ALTATMAC O MAN DANE AIRRAID O MAN BRET COAL BRIGHT DUTCH BOY MARATHON BOLIVER MODEST MOSCOW CHAMPION DESIGN

WIZARD CLASSIC BLUE RIBBON LE-O JOKER COLBY MOZER ITO FORBIDDEN JET STREAM LANCELOT PONTIAC DURHAM DANE DESIGN BINKY DETECTIVE TRES TOUCHDOWN CASHMERE BRIGHT BOONE TOUCH BOLIVER ALTAALLY ALTADENBY BOND SEAN O MAN DRAMATIC REGAN CARSON LETHAL MANGO DYSON O MAN LOTTO STEAMROLLER

Lac #

Milk

Fat

%

Prot

%

10 13 11 9 10 12 8 9 9 8 9 11 10 9 10 9 8 8 9 10 10 10 8 11 10 10 9 10 6 12 11 7 10 8 9 9 10 9 8 10 7 6 8 8 8 9 7 9 11 10 9 9 9 10 8 11 7 9 9 9 9 6 8 8 10 10 10

410,095 402,414 393,502 378,917 375,889 373,025 366,672 362,351 361,773 361,715 359,853 353,586 349,631 349,212 347,281 346,993 346,989 345,697 344,180 341,726 340,872 339,924 339,075 336,746 336,058 335,125 332,587 331,981 331,808 331,446 331,397 331,019 328,277 327,939 327,462 326,402 326,283 325,036 324,191 322,455 320,916 320,906 320,581 319,967 319,961 319,944 319,642 319,047 319,017 318,714 318,560 318,197 318,067 316,957 315,415 314,715 313,949 312,279 311,754 311,455 311,100 309,914 309,660 309,166 308,660 308,620 308,612

14,376 13,517 11,148 13,161 13,022 11,626 12,446 12,370 11,351 15,531 11,604 11,199 10,232 9,062 13,170 11,010 11,072 11,949 10,555 13,011 12,800 11,494 7,171 11,827 12,254 11,243 8,606 12,163 17,115 10,483 8,844 12,040 12,738 10,724 12,766 10,197 12,297 11,187 10,966 9,671 12,319 12,318 8,376 8,796 10,658 10,734 8,184 9,877 12,016 10,695 11,582 9,098 12,979 9,223 11,727 8,655 9,482 9,631 9,711 9,411 6,432 10,104 8,527 10,167 12,225 11,567 11,679

3.5 3.4 2.8 3.5 3.5 3.1 3.4 3.4 3.1 4.3 3.2 3.2 2.9 2.6 3.8 3.2 3.2 3.5 3.1 3.8 3.8 3.4 2.1 3.5 3.6 3.4 2.6 3.7 5.2 3.2 2.7 3.6 3.9 3.3 3.9 3.1 3.8 3.4 3.4 3.0 3.8 3.8 2.6 2.7 3.3 3.4 2.6 3.1 3.8 3.4 3.6 2.9 4.1 2.9 3.7 2.8 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.0 2.1 3.3 2.8 3.3 4.0 3.7 3.8

11,817 11,691 10,242 10,243 11,913 10,208 9,602 10,924 10,208 11,727 9,792 9,546 8,845 9,347 10,813 9,498 9,926 10,407 8,190 10,062 9,393 10,684 6,989 9,501 9,069 9,301 9,171 9,435 11,682 7,845 8,896 9,416 10,047 9,244 10,184 8,288 10,118 9,690 9,453 8,849 9,287 9,619 8,918 8,899 9,928 8,592 8,652 8,380 9,430 8,922 9,823 9,158 9,733 9,203 9,683 9,624 8,369 8,407 8,883 8,802 4,496 9,738 8,908 9,080 9,880 9,190 8,684

2.9 2.9 2.6 2.7 3.2 2.7 2.6 3.0 2.8 3.2 2.7 2.7 2.5 2.7 3.1 2.7 2.9 3.0 2.4 2.9 2.8 3.1 2.1 2.8 2.7 2.8 2.8 2.8 3.5 2.4 2.7 2.8 3.1 2.8 3.1 2.5 3.1 3.0 2.9 2.7 2.9 3.0 2.8 2.8 3.1 2.7 2.7 2.6 3.0 2.8 3.1 2.9 3.1 2.9 3.1 3.1 2.7 2.7 2.8 2.8 1.4 3.1 2.9 2.9 3.2 3.0 2.8

Enhancing producer profitability through integrated services.

Herd Gordon Dick, McBain, MI Brand Dairy Farm, Waterloo, IN Lake Breeze Dairy, Malone, WI Cary Dairy Farm, Battle Creek, MI Lew-Max LLC, Belding, MI Tag Lane Farm, Ixonia, WI James & Brad Ritter, Byron, MI Dale Vandepol, Marion, MI Wilson Family Farm, Carson City, MI Mike Zagata, Sebewaing, MI Herrema Dairy, Fair Oaks, IN Pine Breeze Dairy LLC, Pine River, WI Lew-Max LLC, Belding, MI Tag Lane Farm, Ixonia, WI Blue Royal Dairy Inc., Reedsville, WI Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI United Pride Dairy LLC, Phillips, WI Tidy View Dairy LLC, Kaukauna, WI Kinnard Farms Inc., Casco, WI United Pride Dairy LLC, Phillips, WI Tidy View Dairy LLC, Kaukauna, WI Franklin Heatwole, Decker, MI First Farms, Ionia, MI

Cow 1458 KIM 5968 5437 4145 3190 1063 1179 220 968 11790 59 2908 3219 2967 7023 2744 32135 7574 3005 7884 8107 874

Sire COLDSPRING MARSH VIDAL SARGENT MOSCOW WIZARD REDWOOD RC O MAN ALTAJURYMAN ALTABAXTER TOUCH SPY TRES WIZARD DETECTIVE TRES WARRIOR O MAN

Lac # 7 9 10 8 8 9 9 9 9 10 6 9 8 9 9 8 7 7 8 9 8 9 10

Milk 306,176 306,031 305,900 305,793 305,145 304,863 304,566 304,518 304,187 304,021 303,834 303,184 303,176 302,989 302,655 302,491 302,138 302,043 301,806 301,578 300,585 300,484 300,408

Fat 9,767 10,772 11,587 9,401 7,569 11,760 10,164 11,511 11,595 6,915 7,873 8,387 11,189 12,077 12,034 11,965 10,253 9,682 7,892 12,063 10,482 7,827 11,521

% 3.2 3.5 3.8 3.1 2.5 3.9 3.3 3.8 3.8 2.3 2.6 2.8 3.7 4.0 4.0 4.0 3.4 3.2 2.6 4.0 3.5 2.6 3.8

Prot 8,331 8,685 9,807 7,732 7,541 9,870 9,376 9,040 10,420 7,810 7,820 8,440 8,799 8,987 9,522 8,749 9,653 8,582 7,860 9,227 9,005 8,819 9,545

% 2.7 2.8 3.2 2.5 2.5 3.2 3.1 3.0 3.4 2.6 2.6 2.8 2.9 3.0 3.1 2.9 3.2 2.8 2.6 3.1 3.0 2.9 3.2

Ayrshire Landstad Dairy LLC, Bonduel, WI

PEPERMI

POKER

10

249,133

8,097

3.3

6,979

2.8

Brown Swiss Lewis Century Stock Farms Inc., Lagrange, IN Larry & Jennifer Meyer, Chilton, WI Lewis Century Stock Farms Inc., Lagrange, IN Auburnvale Swiss, Fremont, WI Joe Ensz, Middleton, MI River Crest Dairy LLC, Greenwood, WI Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Blue Royal Dairy Inc., Reedsville, WI Shuler & Sons, Baroda, MI Lewis Century Stock Farms Inc., Lagrange, IN Larry & Jennifer Meyer, Chilton, WI Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Twinkle-Hill Brown Swiss, Watertown, WI

DARIA TREAT ANDREA PANSY 4016 485 LANG 7073 FAYLENE PIXIE TRILIUM STYLE 720

ALTAPRONTO DYNASTY POLLYDEN

7 8 8 11 7 6 5 6 6 8 6 6 6

299,291 276,053 266,140 244,045 230,193 219,268 218,253 213,937 213,924 210,309 209,814 207,134 204,725

11,169 12,393 9,499 9,843 8,195 8,891 11,547 6,229 8,450 8,010 10,315 10,648 8,304

3.7 4.5 3.6 4.0 3.6 4.1 5.3 2.9 4.0 3.8 4.9 5.1 4.1

9,861 9,444 8,059 7,461 7,270 6,509 7,816 6,120 6,630 7,450 7,469 7,846 6,981

3.3 3.4 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.0 3.6 2.9 3.1 3.5 3.6 3.8 3.4

10 7 5 8 11

265,948 239,166 238,171 220,915 216,152

11,982 8,570 6,968 6,561 8,536

4.5 3.6 2.9 3.0 3.9

9,224 7,443 5,154 4,602 6,902

3.5 3.1 2.2 2.1 3.2

9 8 7 8 8 10 7 7

302,596 279,211 238,691 237,233 217,133 216,726 206,418 202,400

9,292 9,604 8,301 8,349 7,673 5,729 7,346 7,374

3.1 3.4 3.5 3.5 3.5 2.6 3.6 3.6

8,550 7,866 7,261 7,287 6,257 5,788 6,357 5,750

2.8 2.8 3.0 3.1 2.9 2.7 3.1 2.8

Jersey Michael Heckaman, Argos, IN Blue Royal Dairy Inc., Reedsville, WI Brent Moyer, Caro, MI Brent Moyer, Caro, MI Gord Dick, McBain, MI

BELLE 5321 189 186 2138

Red & White Arden & Nicholas Eadie, Conklin, MI Arden & Nicholas Eadie, Conklin, MI James & Joseph Rieden, Mount Calvary, WI Arden & Nicholas Eadie, Conklin, MI River Ridge Dairy Co Inc., Coopersville, MI Hinz Farm LLC, Pickett, WI James & Joseph Rieden, Mount Calvary, WI Joel Schultz, Hammond, WI

3337 3387 561 3644 8528 5280 685 MARY

DRIVER SECRET WARREN DURHAM ZEUS AGENDA LEGACY

SAMBO SENIOR SULTAN EXCITATION

LIFE ELAYO-RC LAWN BOY P-RED

LOGAN-RED ELMO-RED

NorthStar Cooperative

Did you know?

The 2018 Heifer Net Merit average was $265.

29

Allflex “One Source” has you covered with visual tags, electronic tags and tissue sampling genomic identification.

We’re leading the industry with solutions for today’s demanding information needs. ID Matters and we’re committed to providing producers with the tools needed to efficiently produce today and in the future!

800.989.8247 • allflexusa.com

30

Enhancing producer profitability through integrated services.

Learn in hands-on dairy production and management courses.

Scholarship. Leadership.

Service.

JOIN OUR TEAM: MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Complement your program with courses in business management, communications, education, crop and soil sciences, food science and biosystems engineering.

Intern with leading dairy farms and agricultural businesses.

Gain experience with dairy research.

ANIMAL SCIENCE - DAIRY

Develop lasting relationships in the industry as part of the MSU Dairy Club.

Participate in Dairy Challenge and dairy judging.

Michigan State University Department of Animal Science www.ans.msu.edu Miriam Weber Nielsen Undergraduate and graduate degree programs msw@msu.edu or 517-432-5443

Joe Domecq Two-year dairy management certificate program domecqjo@msu.edu or 517-353-7855

Automated Milk Component and Somatic Cell Testing Engineered for dairy laboratories and dairy processing facilities that require highly reliable and accurate instrumentation.

• Fat, protein, lactose, solids, MUN, ++ by FTIR spectroscopy • Up to 600 samples per hour • Somatic cell count by flow cytometry • Extensive remote diagnostic capabilities • Serving the dairy industry’s needs for over 30 years CALL: 952.448.7600 (USA) EMAIL: info@bentleyinstruments.com VISIT: www.bentleyinstruments.com Also available: IBC-M: Rapid enumeration of individual bacteria and somatic cells BactoCount Series: Real-time analysis of total Flora NorthStar Cooperative

31

Progressive Dairy Producer Recipient The Progressive Dairy Producer Award originated in 1975 and recognizes herds that have shown the greatest dollar value increase over a five year period. This year LaDine Dairy Farm, LLC earned the award with an increase of 5,149 pounds of milk and $532 Dollar Value, all while reducing SCC by 14,000 points and improving Days in Milk (DIM) by 30. The 177-cow Holstein herd has a 3x rolling herd average 33,813M, 1,129F, 1,027P, $4,773 and 69,000 SCC. Faith, family and farming unite Lynn Bivens and his sons Parker and Clint. Together they are making plans for the future to continue their legacy.

L to R: Parker, Lynn & Clint Bivens

2018

LaDine Dairy Farm, LLC, Bellevue, MI

2003 Crandall Dairy Farms, Battle Creek, MI

1988

Videto Vista Farm, Spring Arbor, MI

2017

Gross Farm, Inc. Weidman, MI

2002

Jason Shinn & Sons, Croswell, MI

1987

Watercrest Farms, Northville, MI

2016

Heiman’s Holsteins, Marshfield, WI

2001

Perry Cisco, Hudson, MI

1986

Boge Dairy, Shepherd, MI

2015

Zoromski Family Farms, Custer, WI

2000

Gilde Farms, Lake City, MI

1985

Butler Farms, Fowlerville, MI

2014

Feltz Family Farm, Steven’s Point, WI

1999 Tim & Sandy VerHage, Allegan, MI

1984

Stanley Fay, Stockbridge, MI

2013

J & D Brenner Farms, Hopkins, MI

1998

Gross Farms, Weidman, MI

1983

Edwin Bretschneider Jr., Ludington, MI

2012

Kent Inniger, Middleton, MI

1997

E. Kuyers & Sons, West Olive, MI

1982

John Wykes, Litchfield, MI

2011

Rosebrugh Dairy, West Branch, MI

1996

Frank Vanderwal, Lake City, MI

1981

Mel & Rod Stofer, Leslie, MI

2010

Larsen Farms, Scottville, MI

1995

Jim Hardy, Saranac, MI

1980

Louis McNeilly, Barryton, MI

2009

Reid Dairy Farm, Jeddo, MI

1994

Stamp-Dale Farms, Marlette, MI

1979

Ken McBroom, Vulcan, MI

2008 Touchdown Dairy, Marion, MI

1993

Larry & Wayne Webster, Elsie, MI

1978

Terry & Jean Nugent, Lowell, MI

2007

Randy & Carol Erickson, Bear Creek, WI

1992

Earl & Jeff Horning, Manchester, MI

1977

Dr. Clint Meadows, Hickory Corners, MI

2006

River Ridge Dairy, Coopersville, MI

1991

Bush Farms, Swartz Creek, MI

1976

Dorman Stout, Clayton, MI

2005 Mibelloon Dairy, St. Louis, MI

1990

Nobis Dairy, St. Johns, MI

1975

Richard Wright, Corunna, MI

2004 John & Andy Sweet, Stockbridge, MI

1989

Arndt Farms, Deckerville, MI

LaDine Dairy Farm, LLC Clint, Lynn & Parker Bivens

We’re a third generation dairy farm that does our best to put family first despite the busy farm life. We believe we are all called by God to use our talents for his glory and this is ours. Our Grandpa started the farm in 1962, and then Uncle David & Aunt Sally took over with Dad (Lynn) going back to the farm for a while.

Of course all the kids were involved in the farm at some point throughout the years. About five years ago we (Clint and Parker) came back to the dairy and the management of it slowly transitioned to us and our dad, with Uncle David encouraging and supporting our decisions. In June this year we bought the dairy business, and Uncle David and his son Paul continue to manage the crops and we are grateful for all they do to put up the best feed possible, which is a key part to good milk production.

With a transition in ownership, it could be really easy to focus on just the dollars and cents – but it has to work for everyone because this is our legacy. Our transition has gone very well and we feel it is because of our Uncle David’s leniency and understanding heart to keep the family farm going. We feel it’s a privilege to get to work together every day.

In the future we will continue to look for ways to make the farm more efficient. We want to streamline processes, which may include adding robotic milkers so that we can be more flexible, allowing us more family time. We are also looking to create more value in the milk we market by providing A2 milk.

The perfect condition for increasing milk production and components doesn’t exist, we simply approach each day believing we can always do better. We strive to take the best care of our animals as possible and believe if the animals are doing well, so will the farm. In the past five years, we’ve made several changes that all contribute to improving production including: • Eliminating overcrowding dry cows by moving them to a different barn.

• Switching from feeding two rations to one.

We were holding back some of the cows with different rations and weren’t maxing out first lactation animals.

• Changing from breeding cows off of visual heat, to using a synchronization program.

More cows are getting pregnant earlier, which has reduced our Days in Milk by 30.

• Improving all the transition periods on the dairy from calves to cows.

• Sample feed and manage dry matter intake more closely. Higher quality forages help improve cow health and immune response and lead to more milk production.

Improvements in SCC, herd health and immune system go hand in hand from consistent parlor procedures to bedding. A couple years back we participated in a mastitis research project with MSU and through it received lots of ideas on ways we could improve.

Areas we’ve changed that have made a big difference include: • Adjusting automatic take-off settings because we were over milking.

• Changing pre-dips to a peroxide based product with greater kill time.

• Began using an external teat sealant.

• Implementing more consistent milking prep procedures for all of us.

Our breeding program is changing. Over the years we’ve focused on high production and components.

Now we believe there could be a future opportunity to market A2 milk. We’ve been choosing A2 bulls

for the past three years, using a combination of proven and genomic bulls, as well as sexed semen on heifers. We’ve Beta Casein tested about 160 cows and about 50 percent are A2A2.

Until we secure a market for our milk, we will continue to milk cows regardless of their Beta Casein status, but in time the goal is to have an entire herd of A2 animals.

We use the milk pregnancy test because it is easier on the cows. It causes fewer disruptions to the cows and requires less time and effort on our part. We use the milk test for all of our checks. We submit samples twice a month for cows that are 28 and 40 days bred.

Once a month we submit samples direct to the lab, and the other time Cindy (Milligan, DHI Specialist) marks the samples to be pregnancy checked when we DHI test. We find the cows are much more relaxed with less human intervention.

We need accurate information to make good decisions and PocketDairy helps us with that. It lets us record information right away and gives us a precise time stamp on standing heats and other events. We like entering information when we see it so we don’t have to try to remember to do it later. It’s helpful to look up information as well.

Communication is key and it’s important to use your experts. Be open minded to change, but don’t be sold. It’s important to work with people who want to be a partner with you.

Sally, David, Parker, Clint

& Lynn Bivens

Top Dollar Value Protein Breed Herds

3X

34

Herd

Brown Swiss 1 * Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN 2 Twinkle-Hill Brown Swiss, Watertown, WI 3 * Lewis Century Stock Farms Inc., Lagrange, IN 4 Thad Coning, Goshen, IN 5 James Hauschildt, Ellsworth, WI 6 Thad Coning, Goshen, IN 7 Brad Dietsche & Family, Colfax, WI 8 Mark Dietsche, Bloomer, WI 9 Jason Weihrouch, Melrose, WI 10 John S Calder, Carleton, MI Guernsey 1 Verl A Weaver, Goshen, IN 2 Dean Kronk, Elkhart, IN Jersey 1 * 2 * 3 * 4 5 6 7 * 8 9 * 10 * 11 * 12 13 14 15 16 * 17 18 19 20

Grass Ridge Farm LLC, Pittsville, WI Larry E. Haywood, Hastings, MI Petro Farms, Gobles, MI Jenks Jersey Farm, Marathon City, WI D & P Dairy, Marlette, MI Walnutdale Farms, Wayland, MI United Pride Dairy LLC, Phillips, WI Gary Sulzer, Marathon, WI Susan Green, Eslie, MI Ron & Nicole Wussow, Cecil, WI Michael Heckaman, Argos, IN Lyle Borkholder, Nappanee, IN Andy Dums, Rib Lake, WI Spring Creek Farms Inc., Hixton, WI Steinhauers Jerseys, Mattoon, WI Nick Clark, Prescott, MI Marshland Dairy LLC, Spencer, WI Brent Moyer, Caro, MI Wendy Bok, Defiance, OH Michelle Popp, Unity, WI

Mixed Breeds 1 * Larry E. Haywood, Hastings, MI 2 * Floyd & Calvin Brandt, Bryant, WI 3 * Tony Rosebrugh, West Branch, MI 4 * United Pride Dairy LLC, Phillips, WI 5 James & Joseph Rieden, Mount Calvary, WI 6 * Badger Holsteins, Unity, WI 7 Mark Anderson, Waupaca, WI 8 * Dick Van Rijn, Deford, MI 9 * Petro Farms, Gobles, MI 10 Bruce Martin, Whittemore, MI 11 * Messing Dairy, Bad Axe, MI 12 Auburnvale Swiss, Fremont, WI 13 Hallet Dairy Farm LLC, Casco, WI 14 Fisk Farms, Sand Lake, MI 15 Twin River Dairy Inc, Freeport, MI 16 Dan Mauer, Scottville, MI 17 * Ron & Nicole Wussow, Cecil, WI 18 Bill Seyller, Fond Du Lac, WI 19 Doug Ekkel, Fremont, MI 20 Gary Nielsen, Coral, MI 21 Tracy & Theresa Sohn, North Branch, MI 22 Ramer Brothers LLC, Nappanee, IN 23 Ted & Jonathan Keenan, Osseo, MI 24 Stanley Ferris, Cement City, MI 25 * Arden & Nicholas Eadie, Conklin, MI T Auburnvale Swiss, Fremont, WI 27 Dave & Laurie Kyle, Elkhorn, WI 28 Robert Knynenburg, Custer, MI 29 Bill Seyller, Fond Du Lac, WI 30 Charles & Anna Ruth Nolt, Boyd, WI 31 * Daane Dairy LLC, Brandon, WI 32 Lelah Vansplinter, Hesperia, MI

Size

Milk

Fat

%

Prot.

%

Value

39 95 137 125 34 145 50 129 42 33

28,313 26,076 21,898 20,784 20,355 20,657 18,896 18,947 18,680 18,104

1,523 1,140 883 844 865 841 802 763 768 748

5.4 4.4 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.1 4.2 4.0 4.1 4.1

1,010 933 739 714 675 706 668 658 634 620

3.6 3.6 3.4 3.4 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.5 3.4 3.4

$5,737 $4,623 $3,612 $3,466 $3,448 $3,444 $3,274 $3,157 $3,125 $3,048

31 40

21,110 17,629

1,108 789

5.2 4.5

705 602

3.3 3.4

$4,119 $3,119

60 393 43 730 30 594 66 46 55 94 195 89 53 90 165 38 155 161 374 34

21,913 21,938 22,291 18,635 21,976 20,222 19,781 18,440 20,630 19,616 17,784 18,097 17,899 17,920 17,449 17,060 16,678 15,378 15,584 15,374

1,134 1,066 1,001 1,046 1,014 1,009 999 992 937 940 932 910 864 863 832 825 802 830 789 776

5.2 4.9 4.5 5.6 4.6 5.0 5.1 5.4 4.5 4.8 5.2 5.0 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 5.4 5.1 5.0

815 813 793 732 772 764 757 727 751 674 655 648 649 640 647 608 633 579 577 576

3.7 3.7 3.6 3.9 3.5 3.8 3.8 3.9 3.6 3.4 3.7 3.6 3.6 3.6 3.7 3.6 3.8 3.8 3.7 3.7

$4,388 $4,212 $4,011 $4,010 $4,005 $3,976 $3,938 $3,864 $3,770 $3,635 $3,579 $3,511 $3,396 $3,377 $3,310 $3,221 $3,208 $3,179 $3,072 $3,037

44 40 612 195 535 47 210 706 67 144 266 174 81 244 443 53 139 221 56 53 90 62 106 150 477 88 140 224 229 66 802 172

34,235 28,760 30,659 25,204 30,221 25,845 28,238 28,175 27,658 26,450 25,781 25,440 20,254 25,712 21,852 24,847 23,109 25,812 23,590 25,099 24,753 23,803 27,606 25,130 25,627 21,865 20,353 24,037 24,383 24,004 22,315 23,638

1,222 1,205 1,166 1,170 1,111 1,132 1,130 1,075 1,008 1,020 978 1,012 1,063 988 1,013 927 967 939 937 937 931 932 902 925 919 933 967 899 918 914 932 904

3.6 4.2 3.8 4.6 3.7 4.4 4.0 3.8 3.6 3.9 3.8 4.0 5.2 3.8 4.6 3.7 4.2 3.6 4.0 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.3 3.7 3.6 4.3 4.8 3.7 3.8 3.8 4.2 3.8

1,066 908 940 901 931 881 875 868 880 835 856 802 704 805 760 806 742 778 774 767 773 767 806 772 770 752 702 782 750 749 709 744

3.1 3.2 3.1 3.6 3.1 3.4 3.1 3.1 3.2 3.2 3.3 3.2 3.5 3.1 3.5 3.2 3.2 3.0 3.3 3.1 3.1 3.2 2.9 3.1 3.0 3.4 3.4 3.3 3.1 3.1 3.2 3.1

$5,081 $4,744 $4,705 $4,640 $4,549 $4,507 $4,493 $4,340 $4,192 $4,139 $4,071 $4,057 $4,003 $4,002 $3,980 $3,849 $3,831 $3,828 $3,814 $3,803 $3,798 $3,789 $3,787 $3,781 $3,763 $3,763 $3,756 $3,733 $3,723 $3,710 $3,681 $3,676

Enhancing producer profitability through integrated services.

33 34 35 36 37 38

3X

*

Herd Ramer Brothers LLC, Nappanee, IN Chris & Mike Rasmussen, Edmore, MI Andrew Rupprecht, Vassar, MI Dwight Zimmerman, Decker, MI Roger Markey, Sandusky, MI Nick Clark, Prescott, MI

Size 223 645 48 61 38 143

Milk 23,798 23,263 19,548 19,849 24,573 22,749

Fat 895 889 895 947 847 859

% 3.8 3.8 4.6 4.8 3.4 3.8

Prot.

750 740 721 606 733 716

% 3.2 3.2 3.7 3.1 3.0 3.1

Value $3,664 $3,630 $3,608 $3,528 $3,512 $3,509

Did you know?

In 2018, herds bred 43% of cows & heifers to genomic young sires.

Monitoring the health, fertility and nutritional status of your cows 24/7 with impressive accuracy.

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Our preg checks are awesome! We are more efficient with our labor and the heifers get more opportunities for an A.I. breeding instead of a one and done with MGA. CowManager definitely paid for itself in the first year.â&#x20AC;?

~Connor Lewis Pleasant View Dairy, Jonesville, MI

Call 800.631.3510 to learn more about CowManager.

NorthStar Cooperative

35

..

r. a t S orth

Hey N

Alexa, Google, Siri... nope, ask NorthStar. Our team is experienced and equipped to help you with various aspects of your dairy. Here are just a few of the most frequently asked questions we receive.

Do I have enough heifers?

It depends on how many cows you want to be milking, your reproduction records, and how long animals stay in the herd. Once we gather this information, we complete an analysis with the Optimal Genetic Pathways program to show how many heifers are needded to maintain herd size or any growth you are shooting for. From there we can pinpoint a plan to maximize your replacement strategy, potentially using sexed semen on your best animals and beef semen on your low end.

Karmen Loney, Records Analyst Cows have dropped in milk production and are not showing heats as well... any ideas what could be going on?

There could be lots of factors contributing to this, but one of the first questions I ask is about feed quality and if feed has been tested for mycotoxins. I suggest taking a feed sample and having it analyzed so we can begin to identify if mycotoxins are present and potentially contributing to your problem. We provide free mycotoxin testing through our partner Agrarian Solutions, so it’s a cost effective first step to know what may or may not be causing the drop in production and signs of cows showing heats.

When the test results come back we can develop a plan to address the herd’s problems. If the herd is already feeding a clay or binder product I encourage a discussion between everyone involved in the nutrition of the herd to share the results and help determine what course of action should be taken next.

Amy Gunderson, Reproductive Specialist 36

When should I cull heifers for repro issues?

It’s important to recognize and cull animals who are not profitable to your operation. We tend to quit breeding heifers once they are 500 days of age or have had five services. The industry average for services per heifer is less than two. It’s not just about the animal though - be sure to assess the situation each animal is in... environment can affect reproduction results.

Charley McAlvey, Reproductive Specialist Should I use beef semen or stop using sexed semen?

There’s no quick answer without first asking about your plans for the future. For instance do you want to maintain herd size, expand, keep beef calves to sell, etc? Looking at your goals and coming up with a genetic plan is very pertinent and allows us to better help you. We have a variety of tools to help but we first need to understand your goals.

Brent Beeker, Sales Representative How do I get a list quickly of all open, bred or pregnant animals from PCDART? In PCDART, go to “Overview” on your screen and move the cursor over to far right over your statistics for today. As your cursor passes over the number it will turn to a finger. Click on the number and bring up the list under the criteria you wish to see.

A list of animals will pop up. There are other ways to do this - just ask.

Enos Zimmerman, DHI Specialist

Should I use A2A2 bulls?

Lots of talk about A2A2 lately. Several herds I work with are using this in their criteria when we select bulls. While we haven’t seen a large shift in focus in the industry to A2A2, it is on the horizon and could be considered part of your long term strategy. I don’t suggest giving up other more highly heritable traits over A2A2 when selecting bulls, but with our extensive lineup we can easily add it as one of the selection criteria.

Stephani North, Genetic Consultant How can you help my dairy be more profitable?

There are lots of ways NorthStar can help, but based on DHI testing I suggest studying your records and test day data more closely. Look at Income over Feed Costs or Money Corrected Milk (MCM). I think you will find that some high producing cows are not making as much money as lower milk production cows because of fat and protein. Also consider if there are cows not breeding back as quickly as herd mates - maybe it’s time for a career change. Open cows cost money to feed.

We can provide assistance digging into your records and identifying these possible profit opportunities.

Pam Thom, Team Leader & DHI Specialist How can I test my herd for mastitis without doing individual tests?

There are several options. If you are unsure if you have a specific bug like staph or strep, test a bulk tank sample before further testing.

If you know there is a form of mastitis, there

Enhancing producer profitability through integrated services.

Cow ID

Sire ID

Fat

F%

Prot.

P%

Value

CATLYNN DENALI 10419 10417 VISTA

DELTA RUBICON CALIBER YODER DENVER

37,914 33,573 35,366 36,486 32,099

2,167 1,888 1,829 1,773 1,816

5.7 5.6 5.2 4.9 5.7

1,445 1,241 1,235 1,214 1,140

3.8 3.7 3.5 3.3 3.6

$8,176 $7,091 $6,931 $6,751 $6,721

Sr. Two-Year-Olds Country Aire Farms, Greenleaf, WI Moo-Ville Farm & Creamery, Nashville, MI Tag Lane Farm, Ixonia, WI Homestead Dairy, Plymouth, IN Quantum Dairy LLC., Weyauwega, WI

16885 2079 9683 24157 2496

RACER MONTROSS CABRIOLET HEADLINER MCNUGGETS

39,483 47,248 45,107 32,049 40,512

2,294 1,843 1,814 1,955 1,835

5.8 3.9 4.0 6.1 4.5

1,196 1,469 1,507 1,221 1,365

3.0 3.1 3.3 3.8 3.4

$8,041 $7,405 $7,400 $7,223 $7,189

Jr. Three-Year-Olds Tag Lane Farm, Ixonia, WI Tag Lane Farm, Ixonia, WI Tag Lane Farm, Ixonia, WI Jamey Klaasen, Coopersville, MI Country Aire Farms, Greenleaf, WI

9390 9248 9302 1898 15852

MORDEN MOVIERUSH BRONO ODEN

50,144 41,376 43,085 39,606 45,244

2,278 2,253 2,051 2,324 2,120

4.5 5.4 4.8 5.9 4.7

1,591 1,498 1,484 1,069 1,321

3.2 3.6 3.4 2.7 2.9

$8,734 $8,494 $7,957 $7,884 $7,834

Sr. Three-Year-Olds Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Country Aire Farms, Greenleaf, WI Country Aire Farms, Greenleaf, WI Country Aire Farms, Greenleaf, WI Tag Lane Farm, Ixonia, WI

SELILIS 15060 196 14237 9131

MERIDIAN CARPENTER GUTHRIE SUPERSIRE BRONO

40,249 43,076 40,692 39,293 49,181

2,121 2,216 2,202 2,137 1,847

5.3 5.1 5.4 5.4 3.8

1,466 1,253 1,238 1,129 1,521

3.6 2.9 3.0 2.9 3.1

$8,099 $7,951 $7,886 $7,520 $7,512

Four-Year-Olds Tag Lane Farm, Ixonia, WI Country Aire Farms, Greenleaf, WI Country Aire Farms, Greenleaf, WI Gary Protzman, Caseville, MI Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN

8601 12512 12322 2568 MCCUT

ARGON LEO SEVEN-P MCCUTCHEN

45,053 43,297 42,604 42,838 39,879

2,342 2,322 2,305 2,399 2,189

5.2 5.4 5.4 5.6 5.5

1,522 1,276 1,291 1,149 1,408

3.4 2.9 3.0 2.7 3.5

$8,766 $8,262 $8,246 $8,223 $8,165

Five-Year-Olds Country Aire Farms, Greenleaf, WI Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Country Aire Farms, Greenleaf, WI United Pride Dairy LLC, Phillips, WI Perkins Twin Creek Farm Inc., Wolcottville, IN

11269 STARLA 10981 5037 11135

PALERMO CONTRAST MICAH FRANK GABOR

46,120 41,959 47,226 44,364 45,759

2,298 2,165 2,238 2,120 2,187

5.0 5.2 4.7 4.8 4.8

1,370 1,521 1,231 1,371 1,182

3.0 3.6 2.6 3.1 2.6

$8,376 $8,313 $7,969 $7,925 $7,749

Aged Cows Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Tag Lane Farm, Ixonia, WI Bruce Riffle, Custer, MI Charles & Jeff Wadell, Elsie, MI

CONNIE DASHA 7267 412 2797

COLBY MASSEY JUNCTION LUCKY STAR CHRYSLER

52,462 43,422 43,434 47,703 39,459

3,502 2,728 2,109 2,042 2,162

6.7 6.3 4.9 4.3 5.5

1,960 1,478 1,422 1,345 1,141

3.7 3.4 3.3 2.8 2.9

$12,517 $9,663 $7,990 $7,682 $7,606

are several options you can take including; 1) test pen/group samples; 2) pool the whole herd 5:1 with follow up testing done on any positive pools; or 3) establish an SCC threshold (for instance 500,000) for individual animals and perform testing on those individuals.

Bottom line is there are lots of ways to cost effectively test the herd.

Macala Ellis, Lab Technician How can I test a large number of animals for BVDV in a cost effective way?

A good approach is to submit ear notch

samples to be tested using a pooling strategy of 20:1. Our BVDV PCR assay is sensitive enough to detect pathogens present in individual animals when tested in pools of that volume.

Samples from pools that result in a positive value can then be tested individually. Using this strategy, it is possible to detect individual animals infected with BVDV while running fewer tests overall â&#x20AC;&#x201C; effectively reducing costs.

305 Day Lactations

Milk

Top Dollar Value Holstein Cows

Herd Jr. Two-Year-Olds Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Tag Lane Farm, Ixonia, WI Tag Lane Farm, Ixonia, WI Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN

Our 300+ member team has the experience and training to assist your dairy with genetic strategies, reproduction, herd health, milk quality, data analysis and more. When you have questions, be sure to ask your NorthStar team for help!

Kelsey Snay, Lab Technician

NorthStar Cooperative

37

38

Enhancing producer profitability through integrated services.

7

Facts you need to know about the Milk Pregnancy Test

Kelly Sporer, PhD, Research Scientist, NorthStar Cooperative

In 2012 the dairy industry was introduced to Milk Pregnancy testing, as a result of the collaboration of AntelBio, a subsidiary of NorthStar Cooperative, and IDEXX Laboratories.

Since that time, more than 12 million milk pregnancy tests have been used in North America,with NorthStar laboratories alone performing over 415,000 pregnancy checks. Highly accurate (98%), the Milk Pregnancy Test is a cost effective, non-invasive, and convenient way to determine pregnancy status. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder its use is wide-spread.

When to Test NorthStar’s milk pregnancy test is accurate anytime between 28 days post-breeding and dry-off. Key time points are: • First test (P1: 28-60 DCC): Early pregnancy diagnosis as soon as 28 days post-breeding. Open cows can quickly be identified and rebred. These cows must be >60 days post-calving for accurate results.

but residual PAGs (Pregnancy Associated Glycoproteins that are produced by the placenta) are still in her circulation. If a “Recheck” cow is confirmed pregnant by the veterinarian, we recommend submitting another sample after two weeks as the placenta may be functioning poorly, ultimately leading to loss of the pregnancy.

“Rechecks” should comprise less than 10 percent of results.

• Second test (P2: 60 - 120 DCC): Confirm pregnancy at midlactation after the time of highest risk of pregnancy loss is over.

Rebreed or make decisions on any cows that have aborted after the first check.

Why Conflicting Results Occur PAG levels still circulate in the cow’s blood and milk even after she has aborted. In these instances the Milk Pregnancy Test detected those residual PAGs, which resulted in a pregnant result. If a cow is palpated open by a vet but received a pregnant result via blood or milk, this is telling you that this animal had conceived and recently lost her pregnancy.

• Third test (P3: >150 DCC): Confirm pregnancy before dryoff. Rebreed or make decisions on any cows that have had late pregnancy losses.

• Whenever you want!

Results Receipt Results are available within 24 hours of sample receipt at the laboratory by text, e-mail, WebReports, phone or fax.

Results Interpretation Results are reported as: Pregnant, Open, or Recheck. The numeric values reported will generally increase as the pregnancy progresses (as the placenta grows) but are not necessarily an indication of “how pregnant” the cow is. Pregnant: >0.25, Open: <0.1, Recheck: 0.1-0.25.

What “Recheck” Means The “Recheck” result indicates a value that is too high to diagnose the cow as open, but not high enough to confirm the pregnancy. These cows can be retested with a milk or blood sample after two weeks or verified by the veterinarian. If the cow is truly open, a “Recheck” result is likely because of loss of the pregnancy

NorthStar Cooperative

Result is “Recheck” Again While this is uncommon, a cow being reported as “Recheck” multiple times may be due to individual cow variation or insufficient time between the first sample and the retest. Please call us or consult your veterinarian. You can submit a follow-up blood sample to be tested at no charge, at least two weeks after the first “Recheck” result.

What To Do With Repro Problems If you’re having trouble generating pregnancies NorthStar has the tools to help you through it. The first step would be a comprehensive records analysis to begin uncovering the cause of your issues. Based on findings we can assist with implementing a variety of solutions from collaboration with your dairy’s support staff, training and education, to providing a host of help for mating and breeding services.

39

Diagnostic & Lab Services NorthStar Laboratories provide sample analyses on milk, blood, fecal and tissue samples for a variety of production, disease and health related traits. More than 5 million samples are analyzed annually using state of the art equipment and techniques including infrared spectroscopy, flow cytometry, ELISA, PCR and more.

28-Day Early Pregnancy Test The blood-based pregnancy test detects pregnancy in cattle, sheep, goats, and buffalo as early as 28 days post-insemination without invasive palpation.

• Accurate results 28 days post-breeding.

• Convenient and versatile, allowing you to schedule pregnancy testing when it fits your schedule.

• Cost-effective and efficient way to identify open animals to re-breed during next cycle.

• Non-invasive and embryo safe, reducing risk of damaging a pregnancy and causing embryonic loss.

Easy Milk Pregnancy Testing Accurate milk pregnancy test confirms or detects pregnancy in cattle or goats as early as 28 days post-insemination without blood sampling or palpation.

Combine testing with Johne’s or BLV milk tests to confirm pregnancy prior to dry off and to know if colostrum can be used safely.

Convenience and Efficiency • Collect samples during routine milking.

• No needles or special training required.

• Test when convenient for you and animals.

• No additional labor when added to DHI testing.

• Milk samples can be shipped fresh, frozen or preserved.

Less Stress on Cows • Eliminates extra lock-up and disruption to the cows’ routine.

• No additional animal handling or physical contact that could result in injury or spread disease.

Mastitis Testing - Complete 16 & Contagious 3 PCR DNA technology provides the solution for mastitis problems with high accuracy and quick results. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used to test for Mastitis. The Contagious 3 PCR tests for the most common contagious organisims (Staph. aureus, Mycoplasma bovis, and Strep. ag). The Complete 16 PCR test detects both environmental and contagious organisms that cause over 90% of mastitis cases.

In approximately 20-50% of bovine milk samples from animals with clinical mastitis, no bacterial growth can be detected using conventional culturing.

40

PCR tests identifiy an organism’s DNA and requires only a small amount of pathogen DNA, dead or alive, for identification. Individual, Pooled or Bulk Tank samples can be submitted for testing.

Johne’s Disease Johne’s Disease is an incurable wasting disease that primarily affects the intestinal tract. It is spread from one animal to another through contact with colostrum and manure tainted feed or water. The microbe can live in manure and water for over a year.

Prevalence: • One in 10 animals moving through livestock auction facilities is carrying Johne’s.

• 68.1% of U.S. dairy operations are infected with Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP), the bacteria known for causing Johne’s Disease.

• Eight out of 100 U.S. beef herds are estimated to be infected.

Testing Methods: • ELISA is the USDA-approved enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay used for the detection of MAP specific antibodies in serum.

• PCR directly detects the infectious bacteria in the cow to determine her level of shedding to herdmates.

Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) BVD is a common viral disease of cattle that results in significant economic losses. Individually a producer can experience major loss per cow in a herd where a persistently infected (PI) animal is present. Eradication is difficult as PI calves can survive while appearing to be healthy. PI calves that enter production shed enormous numbers of virus particles (up to 10 million particles daily), infecting otherwise healthy cattle.

Testing Methods: PCR screening is used to search for BVD PI animals. PCR is exquisitely sensitive and specific for rapid detection of the BVD virus, allowing pooling samples of up to 20 animals into one test, which makes it very cost effective. Proper controls are included with each run ensuring high confidence in the performance of the assay so no BVD PI positive animals are missed. If a PCR pool comes back positive, an ELISA or PCR test is used for confirmation. To avoid interference from the Dam’s colostral antibodies it is recommened to test calves before feeding colostrum.

Enhancing producer profitability through integrated services.

Bovine Leukosis Virus (BLV) BLV is a virus that integrates its genome into the white blood cells, causing excessive cell division, immune dysfunction and inflammation of lymph nodes. Once infected, an animal will be a lifetime carrier and eventually a highly infectious shedder of the virus, perpetuating herd-wide infection and decreasing milk production and cow longevity.

NorthStar is an industry partner with Michigan State University (MSU) conducting field trials to develop evidence-based BLV eradication strategies through novel diagnostic testing.

Progesterone The hormone progesterone is a key regulator of reproduction and its concentration in blood and milk can indicate the state of female reproductive soundness.

Cyclicity: 70% of cows in estrous cycles have high progesterone levels in blood and milk. Less than 70% indicates an insufficient voluntary waiting period or delays in return to estrous. Blood is the best sample for progesterone evaluation. For a representative and effective evaluation, sample 15-20 animals at each timepoint.

Synchronization Compliance: 90% of cows in a well-managed AI synchronization program should have high progesterone levels at their last prostaglandin treatment and low progesterone levels at the time of breeding. Less than 90% indicates failure of cows to respond to synchronization (cyclicity) or failure in the administration of synchronization treatments.

Conceptus Development: Progesterone levels influence the development of the conceptus after fertilization. Low progesterone levels 7-10 days after breeding may explain poor pregnancy rates.

Neospora Neospora is spread by dogs, capable of shedding oocysts in feces after eating infected tissue. Oocysts are able to survive in soil and water beyond the decomposition of feces. Cattle then become infected by ingesting oocysts.

Abortions associated with Neospora can occur mid-gestation. Test groups of aborting and non-aborting cows to associate Neospora with abortions.

Non-Esterified Fatty Acids (NEFA) Healthy animals typically have low NEFA concentrations in the blood. Animals in the transition period may experience high NEFA concentrations due to increased energy requirements. Metabolism of blood NEFA can result in fatty liver, ketosis and inflammation. Animals at high concentrations are also at a greater risk for displaced abomasum, metritis, retained fetal membranes, lameness and even prolonged return to estrus.

Test Pregnancy

Sample Type

Turnaround Time

Milk

1 Day

Blood

1 Day

Mastitis*

Milk

2 Days

Johneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s*

Milk

5-10 Days

Blood

5 Days

Fecal

10 Days

Milk

5-10 Days

Blood

5-10 Days

Tissue

5-10 Days

Milk

5 Days

Blood

5 Days

Milk

5 Days

Blood

5 Days

Milk

5 Days

Blood

5 Days

NEFA

Serum

3 Days

MUN

Milk

3 Days

SCC/Components

Milk

1 Day

Milk

1-3 Days

BVD*

Leukosis* Progesterone Neospora

MUN/SCC/Components *Pooling strategies available

Submitting Samples Any sample type can be sent direct to the Laboratories, or milk samples can be submitted through routine DHI testing. For convenience, shippers and sampling supplies can be purchased through NorthStar.

NorthStar Michigan Lab 1163 Comet Lane, Grand Ledge, MI 48837 NorthStar Wisconsin Lab Complex 200 East Kelso Road, Kaukauna, WI 54130 Results Diagnostic testing results are available online, email and text messaging. Component, SCC and MUN results are reported by email or mail.

NorthStar Cooperative

Test Result

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text ale rts and vie w test r e s ults anytim e, anyw h ere with on line rep o r ts manag er.

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To place an order or learn more: 800.631.3510 northstarcooperative.com ™gender SELECTed is a trademark of Select Sires Inc. gender SELECTed™ semen processed by Sexing Technologies for Select Sires shall be used only for the single insemination of one female bovine during natural ovulation with the intent to produce single offspring unless specifically approved on an individual customer basis by Sexing Technologies in writing. This semen is produced using the proprietary technology of XY LLC and Inguran LLC, as partially represented by U.S. Patents: 6372422, 7094527, 7208265, 7371517, 6357307, 7723116, 7758811and 7799569. Patents pending in US and foreign markets. XY® is a trademark of XY LLC. ™SexedULTRA is a trademark of Inguran LLC.

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Enhancing producer profitability through integrated services.

Sire ID

Age

Milk

Fat

%

Prot.

%

Value

VENICE SASAFRA 8858 397

BURDETTE ROCKSTAR DEMOCRAT BURDETTE

Jr 2 Jr 2 Sr 2 Sr 2

21,683 22,011 25,894 27,196

1,221 1,197 1,054 974

5.6 5.4 4.1 3.6

796 783 907 900

3.7 3.6 3.5 3.3

$4,573 $4,489 $4,357 $4,142

Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Johnson Farm LLC, Daggett, MI Johnson Farm LLC, Daggett, MI Garrett & Kelly Holewinski, Pulaski, WI Petro Farms, Gobles, MI Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Cole Apple Farm, Bancroft, MI Raymond Dairy Inc., New Richmond, WI Tim Busch, Cecil, WI

ANNEKA VELVET 2416 3334 DEANN 2947 TETRA 27 JILL RAIN

BURDETTE BURDETTE

CONN

Jr 3 Jr 3 Sr 3 Sr 3 4 yr 4 yr 5 yr 5 yr Aged Aged

31,992 33,512 24,654 20,651 28,296 28,128 29,871 27,098 28,644 22,424

1,927 1,876 820 843 1,556 993 1,639 1,276 1,175 934

6.0 5.6 3.3 4.1 5.5 3.5 5.5 4.7 4.1 4.2

1,239 1,143 735 674 847 938 1,044 803 918 722

3.9 3.4 3.0 3.3 3.0 3.3 3.5 3.0 3.2 3.2

$7,185 $6,880 $3,447 $3,390 $5,521 $4,261 $6,095 $4,730 $4,686 $3,710

Brown Swiss Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Twinkle-Hill Brown Swiss, Watertown, WI Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN River Crest Dairy LLC, Greenwood, WI

SALSA PIE PARADE LADY SUNSHIN MAXWELL HELENA DELIGHT TWILIGH CHEYENE FRAN 780 STYLE 485

SEAMAN JAVA TWILIGHT SEAMAN DOUBLE DARE CARTER CHACAL AGENDA WONDERMENT RED BRAE VIGOR DODGE LEGACY DRIVER

Jr 2 Jr 2 Sr 2 Sr 2 Jr 3 Jr 3 Sr 3 Sr 3 4 yr 4 yr 5 yr 5 yr Aged Aged

28,580 28,854 31,728 24,606 32,903 32,080 31,490 30,604 34,266 32,296 33,751 36,153 41,825 39,720

1,584 1,425 1,686 1,746 1,747 1,742 1,728 1,627 1,812 1,835 2,036 1,730 2,403 1,502

5.5 4.9 5.3 7.1 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.3 5.3 5.7 6.0 4.8 5.7 3.8

1,046 945 1,139 943 1,199 1,168 1,140 1,128 1,368 1,148 1,264 1,189 1,814 1,228

3.7 3.3 3.6 3.8 3.6 3.6 3.6 3.7 4.0 3.6 3.7 3.3 4.3 3.1

$5,958 $5,369 $6,390 $6,177 $6,655 $6,585 $6,498 $6,219 $7,132 $6,784 $7,508 $6,596 $9,455 $6,092

Guernsey Verl A Weaver, Goshen, IN Verl A Weaver, Goshen, IN Verl A Weaver, Goshen, IN Dean Kronk, Elkhart, IN Sparks Quaker Acres, Fremont, MI Dean Kronk, Elkhart, IN Valley Gem Farms Inc., Cumberland, WI Verl A Weaver, Goshen, IN Verl A Weaver, Goshen, IN Dean Kronk, Elkhart, IN Verl A Weaver, Goshen, IN Dean Kronk, Elkhart, IN Verl A Weaver, Goshen, IN Lyle & Carla Weaver, Goshen, IN

MAXIE IMPORT AYLA EVE 1312 RASBERR 1277 MOLLY MARISSA ROSEALE HAZEL FLAME JADE DASH

VILLA CREST LOYALTY YOGIBEAR AARON-PIRATE

Jr 2 Jr 2 Sr 2 Sr 2 Jr 3 Jr 3 Sr 3 Sr 3 4 yr 4 yr 5 yr 5 yr Aged Aged

21,093 20,960 20,856 17,875 34,128 25,552 23,034 17,441 30,683 26,448 27,523 26,236 24,158 19,539

1,137 1,051 1,322 924 1,268 1,329 779 859 2,062 1,488 1,779 1,296 1,395 990

5.4 5.0 6.3 5.2 3.7 5.2 3.4 4.9 6.7 5.6 6.5 4.9 5.8 5.1

656 729 733 628 1,003 825 726 553 942 927 876 901 803 764

3.1 3.5 3.5 3.5 2.9 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.1 3.5 3.2 3.4 3.3 3.9

$4,103 $4,019 $4,713 $3,509 $5,082 $4,903 $3,325 $3,206 $6,980 $5,494 $6,139 $4,960 $5,029 $3,928

Jersey Omro Dairy, Kaukauna, WI Omro Dairy, Kaukauna, WI Johnson Farm LLC, Daggett, MI Wayne Woods, Iola, WI Walnutdale Farms, Wayland, MI

69990 13358 4495 1556 1472

ALLSTAR

Jr 2 Jr 2 Jr 2 Jr 2 Sr 2

23,697 21,087 29,549 23,107 31,242

1,448 1,456 1,287 1,349 1,687

6.1 6.9 4.4 5.8 5.4

796 776 950 825 1,146

3.4 3.7 3.2 3.6 3.7

$5,150 $5,132 $5,029 $4,952 $6,405

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FOSKE MEGATRON

Top Dollar Value Protein Breed Cows

Cow ID

305 Day Lactations

Herd Ayrshire Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, IN Petro Farms, Gobles, MI Rick & Jim Surbrook, Rives Junction, MI

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43

Dollar Value Top DollarTop Value Protein Breed Cows Protein Breed Cows

Herd Omro Dairy, Kaukauna, WI Omro Dairy, Kaukauna, WI Omro Dairy, Kaukauna, WI Country Aire Farms, Greenleaf, WI Wayne Woods, Iola, WI Ron & Nicole Wussow, Cecil, WI Johnson Farm LLC, Daggett, MI Jenks Jersey Farm, Marathon City, WI Omro Dairy, Kaukauna, WI Petro Farms, Gobles, MI Johnson Farm LLC, Daggett, MI Omro Dairy, Kaukauna, WI United Pride Dairy LLC, Phillips, WI Omro Dairy, Kaukauna, WI Omro Dairy, Kaukauna, WI United Pride Dairy LLC, Phillips, WI Wayne Woods, Iola, WI Country Aire Farms, Greenleaf, WI Wayne Woods, Iola, WI Ron & Nicole Wussow, Cecil, WI Walnutdale Farms, Wayland, MI Omro Dairy, Kaukauna, WI Omro Dairy, Kaukauna, WI

Cow ID 16957 7414 41611 16484 1538 FUTURE 2936 3224 12144 8074 2981 12104 6335 47473 11999 3027J 1323 11927 TBMAID NORA 6843 12773 11739

Sire ID PERCIVALE VISIONARY ZAYD {5} MARKSMAN MEGATRON VISIONARY NARR VINNY

Milking Shorthorn Richard Thomas, Middlebury, IN Petro Farms, Gobles, MI Johnson Farm LLC, Daggett, MI Ryan Brock, Gillett, WI Auburnvale Swiss, Fremont, WI Thad Coning, Goshen, IN Petro Farms, Gobles, MI

CRISSY 510 4009 929 620 1226 1

REDWOOD JEKYLL BRAUT

Thad Coning, Goshen, IN Pete & Doug Bontekoe, Marion, MI Thad Coning, Goshen, IN Paul Rodes, Deford, MI D & P Dairy, Marlette, MI Auburnvale Swiss, Fremont, WI

1215 JILL 1211 33 2263 SEQUIN

Red & White Holstein James & Joseph Rieden, Mount Calvary, WI James & Joseph Rieden, Mount Calvary, WI James & Joseph Rieden, Mount Calvary, WI James & Joseph Rieden, Mount Calvary, WI River Ridge Dairy Co. Inc., Coopersville, MI Country Aire Farms, Greenleaf, WI James & Joseph Rieden, Mount Calvary, WI James & Joseph Rieden, Mount Calvary, WI Jim & Greg Rickert, Eldorado, WI River Ridge Dairy Co. Inc., Coopersville, MI River Ridge Dairy Co. Inc., Coopersville, MI River Ridge Dairy Co. Inc., Coopersville, MI Charles, Anna & Ruth Nolt, Boyd, WI James & Joseph Rieden, Mount Calvary, WI

2114 2161 2025 1782 3417 234 1603 1677 4159 2680 1607 1807 1049 561

2018

44

VALERO NARR PERCIVALE PLUS {5} LEGAL MERCHANT VITO TBONE VINDICATION CELEBRITY

RR ZEUS CANCUN ADAM-P

CLAY KOURT

MALONE-RED AARON-RED ITALIA JACK DIZZY-RED BRIE-RED VODKA-RED SHAMROCK TUCK ARUDOLF-RED ITALIA

Age Sr 2 Sr 2 Sr 2 Jr 3 Jr 3 Jr 3 Jr 3 Sr 3 Sr 3 Sr 3 Sr 3 4 yr 4 yr 4 yr 4 yr 5 yr 5 yr 5 yr 5 yr Aged Aged Aged Aged

Milk 33,081 29,801 34,057 38,702 27,780 28,487 34,872 26560 27,231 28,873 33,557 30,808 28,135 29,127 26,731 36,772 29,818 33,559 26,237 30,243 32,494 29,610 26,263

Fat 1,528 1,443 1,443 2,142 1,561 1,411 1,397 1726 1,669 1,552 1,389 1,622 1,610 1,603 1,534 1,638 1,643 1,600 1,541 1,716 1,583 1,720 1,501

% 4.6 4.8 4.2 5.5 5.6 5.0 4.0 6.5 6.1 5.4 4.1 5.3 5.7 5.5 5.7 4.5 5.5 4.8 5.9 5.7 4.9 5.8 5.7

Prot.

1,065 1,049 1,037 1,144 1,060 1,096 1,081 1055 1,014 1,025 1,135 1,118 1,078 1,086 1,031 1,253 1,057 1,087 992 1,163 1,238 960 935

% 3.2 3.5 3.0 3.0 3.8 3.8 3.1 4.0 3.7 3.6 3.4 3.6 3.8 3.7 3.9 3.4 3.5 3.2 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.2 3.6

Value $5,854 $5,607 $5,588 $7,560 $5,925 $5,611 $5,553 $6,333 $6,114 $5,838 $5,631 $6,188 $6,082 $6,080 $5,802 $6,481 $6,129 $6,077 $5,748 $6,509 $6,311 $6,145 $5,542

Jr 2 Jr 2 Sr 2 Jr 3 Jr 3 Sr 3 Sr 3

22,946 24,485 30,509 30,444 20,949 21,013 24,697

896 888 1,348 1,010 780 1,076 934

3.9 3.6 4.4 3.3 3.7 5.1 3.8

747 737 1,025 826 659 752 805

3.3 3.0 3.4 2.7 3.1 3.6 3.3

$3,660 $3,623 $5,322 $4,100 $3,203 $4,125 $3,865

4 yr 4 yr 5 yr 5 yr Aged Aged

23,935 25,592 22,444 23,328 24,279 21,646

917 862 1,048 921 1,000 754

3.8 3.4 4.7 3.9 4.1 3.5

762 814 744 826 740 673

3.2 3.2 3.3 3.5 3.0 3.1

$3,742 $3,699 $4,040 $3,869 $3,912 $3,163

Jr 2 Jr 2 Sr 2 Sr 2 Jr 3 Jr 3 Sr 3 Sr 3 4 yr 4 yr 5 yr 5 yr Aged Aged

31,571 31,946 39,162 34,364 30,168 33,933 33,467 41,420 40,266 32,037 45,171 26,246 28,327 32,441

1,219 1,146 1,306 1,302 1,661 1,486 1,408 1,301 1,550 1,623 1,761 1,715 1,221 1,147

3.9 3.6 3.3 3.8 5.5 4.4 4.2 3.1 3.8 5.1 3.9 6.5 4.3 3.5

1,000 959 1,168 1,135 1,006 987 1,133 1,211 1,168 1,037 1,154 893 912 977

3.2 3.0 3.0 3.3 3.3 2.9 3.4 2.9 2.9 3.2 2.6 3.4 3.2 3.0

$4,950 $4,690 $5,485 $5,411 $6,081 $5,605 $5,675 $5,553 $6,104 $6,043 $6,617 $6,007 $4,791 $4,726

BY THE NUMBERS NorthStar DHI Services 5,136,326 Cows Tested 4,585,077 Total Samples Analyzed 1,414 Herds on Test

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6

factors to maximize profit per stall Julie Ainsworth, Coordinator Dairy Production & Reproduction Records Analysis, NorthStar Cooperative

H

erds that are best able to manage through tough economic times have six factors in common. These six factors are not just my opinion - they are the result of an ongoing study conducted by Zoetis and Compeer Financial Services that has spanned 11+ years and includes 489 year-end financial and production records from across the Midwest. The vastness of this study gives the data and results a lot of power – so let’s take a look and consider if there are opportunities for your dairy.

Somatic Cell Counts 1 Somatic cell impacts the herd in several ways including health, production, reproduction and culling. Said another way, you get more milk with lower cell counts because your cows can stay in the herd longer and older cows make more milk. Death rates are usually higher and reproductive performance lower in high cell count herds as well. It is important to know that for every 100,000 cells per/mL increase in bulk tank SCC, milk yield declines 5.5 pounds.

Tip: Knowing the type of mastitis you are dealing with allows you to set a direction to fight it. No need to wait for culture results, mastitis PCR testing provides accurate answers in a fraction of the time.

Energy-Corrected Milk (ECM) It of course makes sense that 2 more milk makes more profit, and in the Midwest the energycorrected component of this equation is important. This number is driven higher by healthy cows that are genetically capable and in the prime of their productive years. Replacing a third or fourth lactation cow with a first lactation heifer is highly inefficient considering

46

they produce much less and it takes them 1.5 lactations to pay for the cost of raising them.

Tip: Older cows are often culled to make room for the first lactation animals. If you don’t raise more heifers than you need, it won’t become an issue.

Death Losses We all know that cows die but 3 their risk of dying varies greatly from farm to farm. In this study, the top one-third herds with the lowest death rates were 86¢/cwt more profitable than the lowest one-third. Good transition care with an engaged, qualified workforce is critical to keeping this number low. In the United States we have been comfortable turning cows over fast. However, if you lose a cow in the first 60 days in milk you don’t even cover her dry cow costs, not to mention you lose the salvage value.

Tip: Bunk space, bunk space, bunk space!

Thirty inches per cow in the transition period (three weeks pre-fresh to three weeks postfresh). If you have headlocks, aim for 85 percent capacity so cows don’t have to fight to eat at this delicate stage.

Net Herd Replacement Costs 4 Net herd replacement cost is defined as the number of cows removed from the herd, times their replacement value, minus the salvage value of culled cows (including dead cows), divided by the amount of milk shipped during this time period. High cull and death rates have a very negative impact in this area. Every time you cull an aged cow it takes a long time to get her first lactation replacement to the same point of production. In addition, feed for replacements accounts for one-fourth of the feed costs on

dairies. Reduce the number of heifers needed by one-third and you reduce feed costs by that much as well.

Tip: A herd with an 80 lb/cow/day average with a 41 percent turnover almost automatically becomes an 85 lb/cow/day herd with a 27 percent turnover rate.

Pregnancy Rates 5 Pregnancy rate is the key performance indicator for reproductive performance on dairy farms.

Good numbers here (at least 25-30 percent) mean lower average days in milk, less turnover and more milk per cow per day.

Tip: Good pregnancy rates and conception rates allow the use of higher-value genetically superior bulls that can be targeted to genetically superior cows. That, in turn, perpetuates their productive value in future generations of the herd.

Heifer Survival 6 Once you have decided to raise a heifer, you don’t want to incur the costs with no return. A strong focus on heifer husbandry practices can affect profitability from many angles. Healthy, wellgrown heifers calved at the right age and not lost part way to maturity add significantly to the bottom line.

Tip: Heifers grown in good facilities with strong daily gains that don’t get too fat have the potential to become very profitable cows at a younger age, saving a lot on feed costs.

When your herd performs well in these areas you have healthier, longer-living cows providing higher profits and greater staying power. If you would like more information or help with these key areas ask your NorthStar team.

Enhancing producer profitability through integrated services.

Feed, nutrition and management expertise Employee-Owned

Contact your local Vita Plus consultant to learn more Mark Case 616.638.4820

Ken Casebere 989.329.1510

Sarah Fraley 810.837.1605

Steve Good 989.550.4663

Nathan Hrnicek 219.207.0911

Charlie Kunisch 810.300.8640

PJ Neff 574.202.1000

Stacy Nichols 574.595.0901

Garrett Slavik 989.620.0022

Laura Zagorski 989.912.9331

Visit dairyperformance.vitaplus.com for timely dairy management topics. Subscribe to receive updates straight to your inbox.

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800.631.3510 4200 Forest Road, Bldg. A, Lansing, Michigan 48910 www.northstarcooperative.com

NorthStar Laboratories Grand Ledge, Michigan: 800.836.8114 Kaukauna, Wisconsin: 800.436.9344

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