ReproStar Award Winners
This years ReproStar award winners represent excellent efficiency in getting cows pregnant as evidenced by their pregnancy rate. In addition, in this era of keeping older cows in the herd and getting them pregnant, these herds have good conception rates for third and greater lactation cows. High efficiency also means a high percent pregnant by three cycles and no cows more than 270 days in milk are open. These six herds are the kind we are proud to work with and are excited if we contributed in some small way to their success!
Marshland Acres Durand, Wis.
A custom heifer grower, Marshland Acres’ Wisconsin facility includes over 5,000 heifers from several different farms, with about 800-900 heifers in the breeding pens at all times. The program is focused on the final product… returning heifers back to dairies ready to calve at the proper age, in the right body condition so they can be a high producing, long-lasting member of their respective herds. The reproduction program includes daily walk and tail paint with breeding performed through a team of CentralStar A.I. Specialists. “Over the last three years, we have made efficiency improvements in getting animals bred,” said Darin Klevgard, CentralStar Team Leader. “Tim Trones and Darrin Stein (A.I. Specialists) lead the efforts, but it takes help from other team members to keep it covered and get these results.” Pregnancy is confirmed weekly by ultrasound and open animals are enrolled in a variety of synchronization programs based on the Veterinarian recommendation. The goal is to have 80% of all heifers pregnant within 30 days of their Voluntary Waiting Period (VWP). Reproductive performance is analyzed monthly by Cole Mark, CentralStar Genetic Consultant, and benchmarked against other herds of similar size in the Midwest. By doing this, the farm is proactive in making improvements to the overall program. “The main contributors to reaching 40% pregnancy rate includes having excellent technicians and a team that cares,” said Mary Weiss, co-owner of Marshland Acres. “You have to have good protocols in place – ones that the dairymen want; along with a balanced ration, and a good facility for everyone to work and operate in. It’s all about the people, protocols, rations, communication and facilities to get to this level and to keep improving.” Marshland Acres has been in operation since 1995. Along with the Durand location, the Weiss family operates a second facility in Hershey, Nebraska.
Heifers
Photo: Dave Loonstra, Tim Trones, Marty, Mary, Lousie, and Bronson Weiss, Darrin Stein, and David Franck. 14
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Pregnancy Rate
36%
Conception
54%
Submission Rates
67%
Numbers reflect an average of four herds managed by Marshland Acres. All herds utilize a high rate of sexed semen.
