August 2012 Dairy Horizons

AUGUST 2012 Data: Turning Insight to Action | Working Smarter, Not Harder | Features from SD, MN and NY

Genex

Cooperative, Inc. A Subsidiary of Cooperative Resources International

these daughters spe

Pictured (left to right) are daughters of #5 Lifetime Net Merit (LNM) and #5 TPISM O-STYLE; #1 TPISM and #2 LNM MASSEY; #1 LNM and #4 TPISM FREDDIE. These working-girls show the power of elite genetics hard at work in the commercial environment.

Š2012 CRI

peak for themselves

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CONTENTS

Horizons

August 2012 Vol. 18/No. 2

Published three times a year for dairy producers around the globe. |

Address correspondence Cooperative Resources International P.O. Box 469, Shawano, WI 54166 info@crinet.com 888.333.1783 www.crinet.com

CANADA - Genex Cooperative, Inc. 291 Woodlawn Rd W Unit 4C, Guelph, Ontario N1H 7L6 genexcanada@crinet.com 888.354.4622

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Paul Greene, President Berlin, N.Y., 518.658.2419

Duane Nelson, 1st Vice President Winthrop, Minn., 507.647.2540

John Ruedinger, 2nd Vice President Van Dyne, Wis., 920.922.9899

Ronald Totten, Secretary Stafford, N.Y., 585.344.0758

Jacques Couture Westfield, Vt., 802.744.2733

Jim Crocker Valley City, Ohio, 330.483.3709

Jon Wayne Danielson Cadott, Wis., 715.289.3860

Patrick Dugan Casa Grande, Ariz., 520.251.6455

Harlin Hecht Paynesville, Minn., 320.243.4386

Harold House Nokesville, Va., 703.754.9534

Kay Olson-Martz Friendship, Wis., 608.564.7359

Bobby Robertson Tahlequah, Okla., 918.456.2357

Richard Vold

CONTENTS Perspective 5 | Employees Achieve Lifetime Sales

Records; Members Receive the Benefits

In The News 6 | Toystory Produces World Record

Alfred Wanner, Jr.

HORIZONS STAFF

Jenny L. Hanson, Editor, jlhanson@crinet.com Angie Kringle, Assistant Editor, akringle@crinet.com Andy Graf, Graphic Designer

REPRINTS

Material may not be reproduced in any fashion without Cooperative Resources International’s permission.

Cooperative Resources International, their member cooperatives, agents or employees, cannot and do not guarantee the conception rate, quality or productivity to be obtained in connection with the use of their products or recommended techniques. THEY MAKE NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WHICH EXTENDS BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCTS AND HEREBY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. In the unlikely event that any of the products shall be proven to be defective, damages resulting from their use shall be limited to their purchase price.

Bruce Potter, Genex Breeding Program Specialist, looks over a pen of heifers at Springwater Farms in Canastota, N.Y. Above, he visits with owner Jimmy Mason.

Read more about this herd on page 28.

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2 Millionth Unit of Semen

7 9

| Dates Set for Delegate Meetings

| CRI Announces Plans to Purchase Mexican A.I. Company

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Glenwood, Minn., 320.634.4665 Narvon, Pa., 717.768.8118

J On the Cover:

30 31

PROOF HIGHLIGHTS

Get The Inside Scoop!

10

| Dean Griswold: 100,000 First Services | Bill Jones: 100,000 First Services

Herd Management 14 | Where is My Profit?

16 | Genex and DeLaval Join

16

Forces for Better Breeding

18 | DG29™ Bovine Pregnancy Blood Test: A Management Tool to Reduce Days Open 20

| Genomic Testing of Females Provides Insight into Herds

Genetically Speaking 22 | Update on the Dairy Data Alliance 24 | Managing Inbreeding in the Genomic Age Herd Story 25 | Cooperative Effort 28 | Spotlight on New York

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Facebook.com/GenexCRI GenexCooperativeInc

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Mission Statement: Provide products and services as effectively as possible to maximize the profitability of members and customers worldwide while maintaining a strong cooperative. ©2012 CRI

p e r s p e c t i v e

Employees ACHIEVE Lifetime Sales RECORDS;

Members Receive the Benefits By: Tom Bjelland // Vice President-Strategic Market Development, Genex

G

enex employees who achieve high lifetime semen sales are committed to members and customers. To achieve high lifetime sales figures, employees must add value to the farms they serve while providing excellent service. They must also possess a strong knowledge of the cattle genetics industry and be willing to accept the changes associated with progress.

Doug Westenbroek of Ontario, Calif. Topping the list of award winners is Bill Ziese of Upland, Calif. In his career thus far, Bill has become the second person in NAAB history to have sold more than 3 million units of semen.

In addition to these five sales award winners, three Genex employees will receive service awards at the NAAB convention. Those earning 100,000 First Service awards are Dean Griswold (see page 30), Bill Jones (see page 31) and Mike Milizia (to be featured in the December 2012 Horizons).

At the 2012 National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) convention to be held this September, NAAB will recognize five Genex employees who demonstrate these characteristics and have achieved remarkable b “You don’t just achieve these high sales volumes levels of semen unit sales. Three The dedicated professionals who without a commitment to members.” individuals will be recognized constitute the list of elite NAAB for exceeding 1 million units of sales and service award winners –Tom Bjelland semen sales in their careers. have had a great impact on the Earning this distinction is Bob artificial insemination (A.I.) industry.

Diliberto of Hilmar, Calif., Tim Similarly, these new award winners Lynch of Eldorado, Wis., and John Underwood of Glendale, join the ranks of the more than 90 individuals from Genex and Ariz. Surpassing 2.5 million units in sales and becoming predecessors who have earned these awards throughout history only the fourth individual in NAAB history to achieve this by making a great impact on our members and customers. accomplishment is Genex Profit Development Specialist

1M Unit Lifetime Semen Sales

2.5M Unit Lifetime Semen Sales

Bob Diliberto Hilmar, California

Doug Westenbroek Ontario, California

A country boy at heart, Bob attended Cal Poly and began a career in agriculture. After working in the hay selling business, he joined Genex predecessor Eastern A.I. Cooperative nearly 30 years ago. Seeing the calf produced from the first unit of semen he sold and creating lasting relationships with Genex members throughout Nevada and parts of central and northern California have been the magic moments in Bob’s career.

Doug’s dairy industry enthusiasm stems from his childhood in Michigan, where he grew up next door to a dairy. With that influence, he has spent the past 22 years marketing semen, first for Excelsior Breeding Service and then for Genex. As Doug puts it, “I love what I do, and I am confident I’m where God wants me to be” – that is, working with Genex members throughout the southern San Joaquin Valley and southern California.

Tim Lynch Eldorado, Wisconsin While growing up, Tim's father was a cattle inseminator. Therefore, Tim naturally gravitated toward the A.I. industry. He began by serving as a relief technician for his father in 1978, then accepted a full time technician position and since 1983 has worked as a sales representative. He's always enjoyed working with dairy cattle and dairy producers – those he worked with previously and those he works with today in eastern and central Wisconsin.

John Underwood Glendale, Arizona John grew up on a dairy in upstate New York and transitioned his love of cows into a career. After 28.5 years, John is proud to have the longest track record of any Arizonan involved in the A.I. industry. He’s even more proud to share his enthusiasm about the dairy industry with young people through 4-H, FFA and judging dairy shows. ©2012 CRI

3M Unit Lifetime Semen Sales Bill Ziese Upland, California Bill began his A.I. industry career in 1966 with Excelsior Breeding Service. He worked for Excelsior until its closure in December 2001, and then joined Genex. In his 46 years in the A.I. industry, Bill has rightfully earned the respect of many. His co-worker, Doug Westenbroek, explains, “Bill is one of the best mentors anyone could have. He knows this industry better than anyone else. And, he is a true friend.” 

A Author Bio: Tom Bjelland is an Iowa State University graduate who has worked for Genex and predecessors for 39 years. He provided A.I. service in parts of Minnesota in the early 1970s and then served as a sales manager for parts of Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Since 2002, Tom has overseen Genex marketing initiatives throughout the United States and Canada.

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Marshland Toystory Barba, EX-92 EX-MS Marshland Farms Inc.

Hol-Star Toystory Tiera, EX-91 Portmann Dairy, Raymond, WA

Elm-Spring Tystry Saxton

April-Day TS Spumante-ET, VG-86; April-Day Holsteins

1HO07235 Jenny-Lou Mrshl TOYSTORY-ET, a Genex bull recognized by dairy producers around the globe, has reached a level of semen production never before seen in the cattle artificial insemination (A.I.) industry. On May 4, TOYSTORY produced his 2 millionth unit of semen.

Several factors contributed to TOYSTORY’s production success.

TOYSTORY has possessed a genetic package desired by dairy producers around the globe. His genetics were first released globally in November 2005. Two million units later, he remains a sellout bull with semen sold across nearly 50 countries.

“When you think about the 1000s upon 1000s of bulls that have entered the A.I. industry and the popularity of many of those bulls, you know TOYSTORY has achieved an incredible feat by producing more units than any bull in A.I.’s 70-year history,” explains Doug Wilson, Genex Chief Operating Officer.

TOYSTORY’s genetics and the high-quality care provided by Genex production division staff also enabled the 11-year-old bull to remain healthy and agile for optimal semen collection.

TOYSTORY, born at Mystic Valley Dairy near Sauk City, Wis., in May 2001, first entered record books in April 2009. At that time, TOYSTORY joined an elite group of bulls throughout the industry that have produced 1 million units of semen. In May 2011, he became the industry’s semen production leader by surpassing the previous world record of 1.767 million units held by the Dutch bull Sunny Boy. Now he has furthered the world record to a remarkable 2 million units.

“TOYSTORY has produced 2 million units, has always been above average in sire fertility and basically remains a sellout bull – even now, six and a half years after his initial debut. He is an incredible story,” remarks Wilson. 

Watch TOYSTORY’s Record-Breaking Achievement on YouTube!

Scan the QR code or visit: http://youtu.be/Lab2IBkmsVY

Vn

“This is an event that might never occur again in history,” observes Wilson. “With the genetic progress possible in the dairy cattle industry today, through new technologies such as bull evaluations based on genomics, it is very possible that no other bull will ever reach the 2 million unit mark.”

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CRI Signs Alliance Agreement with Portuguese National Cattle Improvement Organization

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Dates Set for GENEX Delegate Meetings

D

elegates and alternates are encouraged and expected to attend the Genex fall delegate meetings. Input gained from these meetings is important and highly valued by the board of directors and staff. Each meeting will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude by 2:30 p.m. More information will be mailed at a later date.

The dates and locations for the meetings are:

Europe

C

RI has entered an agreement with Lusogenes, a subsidiary of Portugal’s national cattle improvement organization, in support of their efforts to further enhance genetic improvement in Portuguese dairy and beef cattle. CRI, together with French partner Amélis, will assist Lusogenes through delivery of genetics and technical consulting.

“CRI is excited to enter this partnership with Lusogenes,” explains Huub te Plate, CRI Vice President of International Marketing. “The introduction of genomics, and thus the ability to identify elite males and females at a young age, has changed the cattle improvement industry.

Lusogenes' leadership recognizes the significance of genomics. And, with the assistance of CRI and Amélis, they look forward to utilizing genomics and other genetic technologies to improve the efficiency of Portuguese dairy and beef cattle to maximize on-farm profitability.”

António Ferreira of Lusogenes, the newly formed subsidiary company of ANABLE, explains the dairy industry in Portugal moves several million euros and is characterized by enormous competitiveness.

“Recognizing the cattle industry is a globalized industry,” remarks Ferreira, “we want to create a winwin relationship in which all involved organizations benefit from shared knowledge and support the creation of economic value, along with sustainability of the Portuguese dairy herd. These are the reasons Lusogenes signed this cooperative agreement with CRI, one of the largest American cattle genetics organizations, and Amélis, one of the largest French providers of bovine genetics.” 

©2012 CRI

 Oct. 9 – Las Vegas, Nev.  Oct. 10 – Kansas City, Mo.  Oct. 12 – Appleton, Wis.  Oct. 22 – Alexandria, Minn.  Oct. 23 – Rochester, Minn.  Oct. 29 – Harrisburg, Pa.  Oct. 30 – Syracuse, N.Y.  Oct. 31 – Albany, N.Y.  Nov. 1 – Atlanta, Ga.  Nov. 2 – Cleveland, Ohio

Genex Interns Gain Cattle Genetics and Reproduction Experience

T

his summer, Genex provided more than 15 students the opportunity to gain practical experience in the cattle genetics and artificial insemination industry.

Marketing interns completed the cooperative’s heat detection and artificial insemination training and then provided reproductive service on members’ and customers’ herds. The students who served as marketing interns were Craig Betcher, Plainview, Minn.; Adam Brahmstadt, Menomonie, Wis.; Jennifer Fasching, Waverly, Minn.; Phillip Henrichs, Medford, Wis.; Shawn Jensen, Moville, Iowa; Stephanie Nagel, Valders, Wis.; Molly O’Reagan, Decorah, Iowa; Tyler Otte, Randolph, Minn.; Benjamin Thorpe, Richmond, Minn.; and Rebecca Timm, Plainview, Wis. Tyler Boyd of Parrottsville, Tenn., and Kelly Johnson of York, Pa., interned within the Genex Dairy Genetics and Global Alliance Development Department. They gained a better understanding of genomic technologies, assisted with breeding programs for the GENESIS Cooperative Herd, selected prospective cows to photograph, participated in data collection from QUANTUM™ sampling herds and contributed to CRI’s educational seminars for international guests.

Partaking in Genex Production Department responsibilities were Samantha Ainsworth of Shawano, Wis., Mariah Fjarlie of Tillamook, Ore., and Sarah Lentz of Evansville, Wis. Ainsworth assisted with bull care and semen collection at the cooperative’s Shawano, Wis., bull stud facility. Fjarlie and Lentz worked with the GENESIS Cooperative Herd.

They fed and cared for members of the GENESIS herd, performed reproduction-related tasks and assisted with calving and calf management. 

g Pictured are several of the summer 2012 interns including (L to R): Benjamin Thorpe, Tyler Otte, Craig Betcher, Adam Brahmstadt, Philip Henrichs, Rebecca Timm, Shawn Jensen, Mariah Fjarlie, Sarah Lentz and Stephanie Nagel.

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Paige Wolf, daughter of Katie Wolf, CRI Product Program Manager

Financing to Fit Your Style.

Rely on John Deere Financial for the financing you need.

Genex is pleased to offer John Deere Financial (formerly Farm Plan™) to provide you with unique finance options to meet the specific needs of your operation. Whether you’re thinking about the next day or the next generation, John Deere Financial is a name you can rely on.

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CRI Announces Plans to Purchase Mexican A.I. Company

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Genex Equity Redemption

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he board of directors has decided to distribute 35% of the 2011 allocatable earnings to qualified members. This cash payment totals $1,849,464 and is a clear sign of the board's desire to distribute cash to active members. Included with the cash mailing will be a 1099-MISC tax form for your 2012 tax reporting.

Tlalnepantla,

Mexico

C

RI and Reproducción Animal S.A. de C.V. (RASA) of Tlalnepantla, Mexico, have agreed in principal on the sale of RASA to CRI. Management staff from both organizations are finalizing business plans with an expected transition date of January 1, 2013.

RASA has had a long working relationship with CRI. The organization has been the exclusive distributor of CRI bovine genetics throughout Mexico for the past 40 years.

“RASA is a very successful organization. Year after year, they have been among our top distributors,” shares Huub te Plate, CRI Vice President of International Marketing. “We appreciate RASA’s commitment and cooperation over the past four decades and look forward to working alongside our RASA colleagues in this new business relationship.“ 

The cooperative equity capital plan allows for immediate retirement of all equity investments held by members upon notification to those who qualify (retired members, estates of deceased members, and disabled members).

These requests annually total well over $200,000. Thus, during 2012, with the equity distribution this spring, the board will have revolved in cash and credit over $2,750,000 to the membership!

Genex has a very logical and focused profit goal. This allows for equity retirement and investment in product development and equipment.

The cooperative is very appreciative of your business and proud of the important role our members play in feeding the world. If you have any questions about your equity, contact Controller-Genex Diane Patza at 715-526-7521 or dpatza@crinet.com. 

Genex Makes GENESIS Facility Improvements

T

his summer, a building addition was put on at the GENESIS Cooperative Herd facility located west of Shawano, Wis. A 38-by-70 foot maternity barn was added to the existing facility. The new addition includes eight calving pens, 200 square feet of nursery area for newborns and additional office space. The new space will be occupied in early September. 

©2012 CRI

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PROOF HIGHLIGHTS

Get The Inside Scoop!

Traits Included in Lifetime Net Merit

lvin

Fat 19%

4 8%

tion Traits 35%

its Tra

DPR 11%

Ca

-6%

p. 4% F L Com

uc Prod

lth SCS -10%

Protein 16%

Body Si ze

8 New Bulls Over +$700 LNM

ea

IceBreakers Know the New Names in the Lineup

H Productive Life 22%

gA

bil

ity

$5

Udder Comp.

7%

Conforma

ti o n

17

%

%

g Traits Included in Lifetime Net Merit

1HO10490 De-Su Freddie GALAXY-ET %-I Ranking #2 in the lineup for Lifetime Net Merit (LNM) at +$866 and #1 for TPI at +2478 is GALAXY. This bull is an all-rounder with +2225 PTA Milk, over 150 pounds combined Fat and Protein, +2.99 PTA Type and +2.28 Udder Composite. He’s got calving ease (6%) and longevity (+6.2) besides.

SM

1HO10497 Gil-Gar Domain SAJAC-ET Newcomer SAJAC is the lineup’s #1 PTAT bull at +3.70. He lays claim to outstanding udders (+3.12 Udder Composite) and feet and legs (+3.03 Foot & Leg Composite). With top-notch conformation evaluations, +7.2 Production Life and +$776 LNM, SAJAC is sought after as a sire of sons.

1HO10601 ZBW-SHD Domain DYMON-ET The +$770 LNM DYMON is the son of Ronelee Toystory Domain-ET and OCD Planet Diamond-ET VG-87, VG-MS, DOM. His genomic evaluation includes a profitable combination of Milk (+1716), conformation (+2.43 PTAT) and longevity (+6.7 Productive Life). According to Genex fertility data, DYMON also touts an excellent GenCheck™ fertility rating.

1HO10602 North-Echo Freddie ACTUAL %-I ACTUAL is accentuated by great conformation, producing daughters with adequate dairy strength and width. He stands over +2.20 for PTAT, Foot & Leg Composite and Udder Composite with several notable linear traits: +3.1 fore udder attachment and +2.8 rear udder height. Health traits are his forte as well, featuring +6.9 Productive Life and 6% Daughter and Sire Calving Ease. ACTUAL packs these excellent genetics into a +$758 LNM package.

1HO10617 Weigeline Bowser SERGIO %-I Backed by a Bowser x Nifty pedigree SERGIO offers outcross potential combined with super health traits. A +7.2 Productive Life leads to more than seven months of additional productivity out of SERGIO daughters. His +2.0 Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR) signifies his daughters are genetically adept at getting bred. His 6% Sire Calving Ease and 5% Daughter Calving Ease indicates he’s an excellent choice for heifer pens and daughters should calve easily as well.

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©2009 CRI

G0203-129

J Dam of LASZLO: Schultz Shottle Rene CRI-ET, VG-87, VG-MS

1HO10484 Co-op BSF Les LASZLO-ET LASZLO is a +$722 LNM sire out of GENESIS Cooperative Herd cow Schultz Shottle Rene CRI-ET, VG-87, VG-MS. He’s an overall udder improver with notably strong fore udder attachments and good udder height and width. LASZLO’s a health traits specialist featuring a low Somatic Cell Score, longevity (+6.0) and positive daughter fertility.

1HO10133 Co-op Seb RADISSON-ET RADISSON also adds to the list of GENESIS sires in the lineup. He’s one of the industry's first Sebastian sons and the daughter of GENESIS cow Deervue-Acres Robin CRI-ET, VG-85, VG-MS, DOM. He specializes in producing mediumsized cows and fertile daughters that possess great longevity.

The +$719 LNM RADISSON earns a place in heifer breeding with a 6% Sire Calving Ease.

1HO10485 Hurtgenlea MUSIC MAN-ET %-I The +$718 LNM bull, MUSIC MAN (Trigger x Ramos), offers exceptional health traits equating to daughters that both settle well (+2.3 DPR) and last. He’s also a Fat yield improver (+0.20%), making him a +$797 Cheese Merit bull. 

©2012 CRI

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It’s that time again … when new sire evaluations are released and the latest bulls appear in the Genex lineup. Staying up-to-date on the new information to maintain genetic progress in your herd isn’t impossible. You may just need … the inside scoop.

Demand Daughters from the Best of the Best

1HO08784 FREDDIE %-I #4 TPI, #1 LNM +2.50 Foot & Leg Comp. +7.3 Prod. Life

1HO10218 DENIM %-I +$878 LNM +8.0 Prod. Life +3.5 DPR

1HO10085 YANO +$825 LNM +7.9 Prod. Life +1532 PTA Milk

LNM: #1 1HO08784 FREDDIE %-I, #2 1HO09527 MASSEY, #3 1HO08777 AWESOME, #5 1HO09167 O-STYLE TPI: #1 1HO09527 MASSEY, #4 1HO08784 FREDDIE %-I, #5 1HO09167 O-STYLE, #7 1HO08778 SUPER

GENESIS Bulls Top TPI List Y SM

our cooperative’s GENESIS herd is making headlines in the A.I. industry with the August sire summaries. 1HO09527 Co-op Bosside MASSEY-ET claimed the #1 position on the daughter-proven TPI list and 1HO09167 Co-op O-STYLE Oman Just-ET claimed the #5 spot. Both bulls hail from the GENESIS herd. MASSEY is the son of the GENESIS matriarch Coyne-Farms Yelena CRI-ET, VG-85, VG-MS, DOM. O-STYLE is the son of GENESIS cow Kings-Ransom TM Deva CRI-ET, VG-88, VG-MS, DOM. 

Use the Genex Fertility Advantage

To Your Advantage G

enex has led the industry for sire fertility for over a decade giving you the ability to choose high Sire Conception Rate (SCR) bulls that consistently create pregnancies. Remember, SCR is the difference of conception rate of sires expressed as a percent comparison. Evaluations are expressed as deviations from the overall mean; a SCR of 3.5, for example, means the bull is 3.5% above average. 

NAME

SCR

REL.

1HO02789 SASON

+5.1

98

NAME

SCR

REL.

1HO09659 ARMY %-I

+3.3

99

1HO09875 ALMOND

+4.0

97

1HO10225 BUD %-I

+3.2

98

1HO09390 PADLOCK

+3.9

75

1HO10174 ERSKINE

+3.2

91

1HO02740 SATCHEL-RED %-I

+3.9

96

1HO10001 ERGY

+3.2

97

1HO10420 DESIGN

+3.8

94

1HO09528 BUCKO %-I

+3.2

99

1HO10175 MARCELON

+3.7

92

1HO10238 ENSIGN %-I

+3.2

97

1HO10435 DIJON

+3.6

69

1HO02800 ACHIEVE-RED

+3.2

88

1HO10070 WILTON

+3.6

99

1HO10245 ABRAHAM %-I

+3.1

98

1HO02509 FLAWLESS

+3.6

96

1HO10235 SOUTHERN

+3.1

94

1HO02611 SEQUOIA %-I

+3.5

98

1HO02531 HEFTY

+3.1

99

1HO09997 KARIM %-I

+3.5

97

1HO02747 MAYHEM %-I

+3.0

96

1HO09728 CARCAJOU

+3.4

98

1HO02730 ICEMAN %-I

+3.0

98

1HO10028 FLOYD

+3.4

97

1HO08812 MARCELLUS

+3.0

99

26 Bulls > +3.0 SCR! ©2012 CRI

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HIGHLIGHTS

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Check Out This Bull Power!

Sons of popular sire Renegade

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Different sires represented in first generation

1JE00780 MAYER Dam: Sunset Canyon Futurity C Maid, 4-ET EX-90%

The sire making waves across the industry this sire summary is Renegade, and Genex is now home to three of his promising young sons. Joining 1JE00780 MAYER are 1JE00797 FANTOM (Renegade x Dale) and 1JE00788 RENT (Renegade x Action), two new releases with strong PTA Type and JUI™.

Both are free of Impuls and Artist bloodlines. FANTOM also brings with him +0.02% Protein and +0.06% Fat, ideal for producers receiving premiums for components. RENT offers improved fitness performance, evident by his +5.3 Productive Life and +0.8 Daughter Pregnancy Rate.

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Sires over +4.00 JUI™

1JE00700 LEXICON

1JE00798 BRAVEHEART Aspen Grove Braveheart Miracle

The Genex lineup continues to grow as a source of diverse pedigrees and maternal lines. With 22 different sires represented in the first generation, there's sure to be a pedigree to fit the needs of each farm. One sire to start with would be 1JE00798 BRAVEHEART (Duke x Mor) who just added daughters this proof.

BRAVEHEART’s unique pedigree makes him a sire that can be used on virtually any cow in the breed.

If improving udder conformation is a priority, look no further than the Genex Jersey lineup. 1JE00793 DIVINE, 1JE00791 DIVIDEND and 1JE00700 LEXICON return with +5.44, +4.90 and +4.79 JUI™ respectively and are joined by new sires 1JE00803 SCORE and 1JE00788 RENT who are both over +4.50 JUI™.

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Sires over +5.0 Productive Life The Genex lineup is full of Jersey sires destined to add productive life to your herd! New release 1JE00803 SCORE (Vibrant x Impuls) tops the list at +7.5 Productive Life and doesn’t stop there.

With +$682 Cheese Merit, SCORE debuts at #3 in the Genex lineup. His impressive +256 JPI™, extreme +1704 PTA Milk and impressive fitness traits make him a sire that can fit any herd’s breeding goals.

1JE00788 RENT Dam: TJF/LEE Action Mamme 838-ET

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Polled Sires

1JE00790 MICKEY-P (Lovabull-P x Legal) joins 1JE00750 CECIL-P as the second bull in the lineup to provide polled genetics. MICKEY-P is out of one of the best first crop Legal daughters, EX-90%, and sires profitability, yield and conformation in addition to the added bonus of naturally hornless offspring.

1JE00750 CECIL-P Dam: Riverbend Action Celia-P-ET, VG-88%

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Sires with GenChoice™

If heifer calves are on your mind, Genex has just what you are looking for. The GenChoice lineup for the Jersey breed offers 17 different options! The latest sires to join these ranks are new releases 501JE00796 CALVIN (Virgil x Gold Medal-P) and 501JE00794 ZAYD (Plus x Abe).

CALVIN is a sire who offers the optimum combination of yield (+1407 PTA Milk) and udder conformation (+3.88 JUI™). The industry has already been buzzing about ZAYD, the first son of popular, 1JE00711 PLUS, who offers total performance without Impuls in his pedigree.

1JE00654 ALLSTAR Trinity’s All Star Melody

©2012 CRI

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MANAGEMENT

WHERE IS MY PROFIT? By: Luke Boehnlein // Dairy Education Manager, CRI

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igh input costs for feed, fuel and maintenance can put a strain on a dairy operation. While there may be little a person can do to help control market prices, the way we manage our operation can make a difference. The ultimate goal as a manager is to be as profitable as possible. Therefore, to get the greatest return on investment, we need to produce a product that can excel in its market to generate as much income as possible. Genex has programs designed to help you achieve the results you are looking for and maximize your return on investment.

RESULTS™ Superior genetics contribute to return on investment. If you are not quite sure what superior genetics can do for a herd, look closer at your current genetic results. The RESULTS™ program takes your herd’s actual cow performance data and compares the difference between the cows in the top genetic level of your herd to those in the bottom genetic level. How does this work?

RESULTS takes sires used in the herd and groups them into quartile rankings within each category or trait (Milk, Fat, Protein, Somatic Cell Score, Daughter Pregnancy Rate and Lifetime Net Merit) according to their genetic evaluations. Then, the actual performance of the cows (daughters of those bulls) in each corresponding group is averaged. The report compares the top quartile to the bottom quartile and calculates the difference.

When you see the “real differences” in your herd, it is rather easy to calculate your return on investment in genetics. Figure 1 shows how selecting for milk, by choosing high PTA Milk sires, proves you will get more milk from your herd. The PTA is averaged for each quartile, and then the actual results of each quartile are averaged to give real herd data. In this example, the top 25% of sires average +1266 PTA Milk and the daughters of those bulls average 31,216 pounds of milk. The bottom 25% of sires used in the herd as ranked by their PTA Milk average -232 pounds. Their daughters average 30,364 pounds of milk.

By subtracting the bottom quartile from the top quartile, you can witness the results: a difference of 852 pounds milk.

Figure 1. Results Report Sire

Cow 305 Day ME

PTA Milk

Milk

Fat

Protein

Log Somatic Cell Score

Top 25% Milk

1266

31216

0

0

1.89

Average Milk

531

30557

Bottom 25% Milk

-232

30364

0

0

1.81

Difference between Top and Bottom quartiles

1498

852

Difference between Average and Bottom 25%

763

193

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As RESULTS indicates, genetics do matter. The next subject impacting return on investment is replacement animals. In addition to their genetic level, the number of replacement heifers produced also has a big impact on farm profits.

Calf Math™ can be used to determine the number of replacements needed to grow or maintain herd size. Calf Math can also be used to determine how to get the highest genetic replacements out of your herd. This program is a financial spreadsheet that can help you get more profit out of every calf. It is a tool to decide which semen product options achieve herd goals and maximize profits.

For instance if you are looking to expand, enter the percent growth you seek to achieve into the Calf Math spreadsheet.

Then there are several fields to fill in with your own herd data (conception, culling %, calving interval, % DNB and stillbirths).

The program calculates the number of heifer calf replacements produced with the current management practices. The number of replacements can then be adjusting by changing the percent of use of the different semen products (GenChoice 90™, GenChoice 75™, conventional dairy semen and beef semen).

For those looking to maintain herd size, Calf Math enables you to analyze different replacement heifer production options.

Perhaps you want to produce replacements from your top cows using sexed semen. Perhaps you want to adapt management to economic conditions and breed your lower genetic level cows to beef semen. Calf Math lets you try out these semen usage strategies on paper.

(Based upon 1693 cow records)

©2012 CRI

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MANAGEMENT

Service sires influence the genetic level of your herd and thereby the return on investment from good genetics. MPG is a program now available on the Genex website at http://genex.crinet.com/mpg. MPG allows you to sort, find and compare bulls industry-wide. It enables you to choose bulls for your breeding program based on the traits of importance to you, and it gives you the option to develop your own customized index. To help in your service sire decision-making, MPG also allows you to compare up to four bulls side by side.

A successful reproduction program positively impacts herd profits. To assist you in achieving that success, Genex consultants use RPM to provide a comprehensive herd analysis to help overcome barriers and improve reproductive performance. RPM uses herd management records to benchmark herd performance against a peer group in the areas of milk production, somatic cell count, reproduction, culling and animal health. Benchmarks are the averages of the herds in your chosen category (i.e. top herds in the U.S. based on pregnancy rate, herds within the same geographic region).

Utilize MPG to choose your herd’s service sires or let Genex determine which sire best mates with each individual cow through MAP ™, the Genex mating program. The program allows you to breed for the cow that fits your operation while also controlling inbreeding and recessives. MAP restricts inbreeding to a maximum level of 6.25%, meaning no member of a three-generation pedigree is duplicated in the mating, or you can restrict inbreeding to even lower levels.

The RPM summary page, Figure 2, estimates the annual change in income for your herd if the benchmarks for the “big four” profit-related measures (reproduction, milk production, somatic cell count and culling) are met. Positive dollar values mean if your herd reaches the benchmark, you could generate that much more extra income in a year.

Negative dollar values (within brackets) indicate if the current management is not maintained, your herd stands to lose that much money in a year. Overall, RPM allows you to look at facts and trends to help diagnose problems and implement solutions that maximize herd profitability.

TM

There are four MAP options: Computer MAP, MAP Express, Pedigree Map and G-MAP ™. All four are geared towards maximizing genetic progress. So what is the difference between them?

1) In Computer MAP cows are compared to their contemporaries for each trait and the differences are weighted by the heritability of the specific trait. The cow is linear-scored with extra emphasis given to a cow’s worst fault (especially in the areas of feet, legs and udder). Pedigree data is also included. 2) For MAP Express, the evaluator only scores the extreme type traits of each animal.

All the other traits are considered average. This method considers sires that will correct the most obvious type problems. 3) Pedigree MAP is a genotypic approach to mating using sire and grandsire records. Pedigree MAP estimates a cow’s or heifer’s conformation based on her sire’s breeding pattern, and matings are made based on those estimates. 4) A new MAP option is G-MAP (or Genomic MAP) which determines the best mating option for a cow or heifer based on genomic PTAs rather than phenotypic scores, performance or predicted information. G-MAP is conducted on a DNA level and is available to dairies with genomic-tested animals (3K, 6K or 50K).

Figure 2. RPM Report Estimated Annual Change of Income for Reproduction

$59,388

Estimated Annual Change of Income for Milk Production

$641,495

Estimated Annual Change of Income for Somatic Cell Count

$62,255

Estimated Annual Change of Income for Culling

$30,150

So where are your profits? Check out the tools Genex offers to help you work smarter (not harder) and help your operation meet its profit potential. Let Genex help you maximize your return on investment.

Note: Some programs require a minimum herd size or have other requirements for accurate results. Some programs also have a small cost associated. For more information, contact your local Genex representative, or call customer service at 888-333-1783. 

A Author Bio: Luke Boehlein is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Platteville. He worked as an AgSource Cooperative Services DHI Field Technician for one year and as a Genex Breeding Program Specialist in eastern Wisconsin for six years before becoming the cooperative’s Dairy Education Manager. Luke is responsible for coordinating Genex employee training.

©2012 CRI

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Genex and DeLaval Join Forces for Better Breeding By: Elizabeth Gibson // Integrated Marketing Specialist, DeLaval

E

ssential to every dairy operation is a successful breeding program. Applying the right tools and systems to achieve better pregnancy rates can be the difference between an okay program and a profitable one. That’s why Genex and DeLaval are teaming up to help producers maximize the best in heat detection technology and semen consultation.

In June, the two companies announced their cooperation, and according to the agreement, Genex representatives will assist in marketing DeLaval Activity Systems, which can detect heat with up to 95 percent accuracy1 – the best on the market!

The neck-mounted DeLaval tags report activity data every hour, 24 hours a day, via wireless link to barn-located antennas – making the system completely independent to parlor ID. The data is then transmitted via system controller to a computer database where DeLaval herd management software analyzes each cow’s activity levels – high activity identifies heats and low activity may indicate health issues. The system’s ability to detect estrus early and accurately facilitates timely artificial insemination and helps lower reproduction costs by reducing days open and services per conception. The activity system even detects weak heat signs, the so-called “silent heats.”

A Natural Fit

The cooperation between Genex and DeLaval is a natural fit – both are known for providing innovative solutions to the dairy industry.

“DeLaval brings to the table an automated way to detect heat,” said Patrick Lecavalier, DeLaval East Region Director.

“Genex has good semen and is good at breeding cows. When you put everything together you end up with pregnant cows.

By working together, Genex and DeLaval can help customers improve the efficiency of their reproduction programs.”

In New York, the two companies have already experienced success working together. Lecavalier and his team trained

Genex representatives on how to use the activity system, boosting interest in automated heat detection in the region.

A dairy producer in Watertown, N.Y., is seeing benefits from combining genetic expertise with on-farm activity data. His Genex representative does all his breeding with the help of the DeLaval Activity System installed last summer.

“The Genex technician is breeding cows on the farm every day and using the activity system to make accurate and timely decisions,” said Jared Yousey, DeLaval Product Specialist, Herd Management & Calf Feeders. “The system is working so well that the farm recently purchased 400 more tags – up from the initial 200 tags at start-up. Scalability is another great benefit of the system.”

Turning Up the Heat

More than 150 Genex field personnel in Canada and the U.S. have been trained to use DeLaval Activity System since the joint marketing agreement was signed. In just a few months, DeLaval has heard from dozens of Genex customers interested in the system.

Genex Farm Systems, a division of Genex, has been a dealer of DeLaval products throughout South Dakota and central and southwest Minnesota for 24 years. Phil Wirth, Farm Systems Vice President, said he’s been connecting Genex personnel with other DeLaval dealerships in the region for years. Wirth anticipates an up-tick in the number of customers interested in the DeLaval system now that the Genex field staff has been equipped with training and informational material.

“The market for sophisticated breeding tools is definitely going in the right direction,” commented Wirth. “More and more people are interested in the DeLaval Activity System and how it can help them catch more heats, including silent ones; detect low activity, which can be a signal for health issues; and save on labor.” 

Advantages of DeLaval Activity System: • Facilitates timely A.I. by detecting up to 95% of heats1 • Helps lower reproduction costs by reducing days open and services per conception • Detects weak and virginal heats • Detects low activity – alerting possible health issues • System is independent to parlor ID • Barn antenna receives data within approx. 400 ft

• Neck-mounted meter equals better cow comfort • 10-year battery life is the longest on the market!

• Activity data syncs with breeding calendar • Smart breeding filters and reports assist decision-making • Integrates with other farm management tools (i.e. sort gates, milking point controllers)

1. Ref: Annegret Meyer, Auswirkungen der Nutzung der Aktivitätsmessung bei Milchkühen auf die Effektivität der Brunsterkennung, 2003 1 6

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is a registered trademark of Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A . and “DeLaval” is a registered trade/service mark of DeLaval Holding AB.

©2012 CRI

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Elmer Richards and Sons Skaneateles, New York

did extensive research to find a system that best fit their needs.

An activity system was a perfect fit at the satellite milking facility of Elmer Richards and Sons. Cows leave the pre-fresh pen at the main farm and return later as dry cows.

They spend the duration of their lactation at a satellite facility down the road. Employees milk and feed cows at the satellite facility, but are not present around the clock to effectively catch all cows in heat.

“This system had a lower per cow cost, more expansion flexibility (DeLaval controllers can also be interfaced with DeLaval meters and sort gates), an easy-to use management program and no monthly fees,” Marcus shared.

“This site serves as our test run to implementing a system at the main facility. Here we can learn the system with one-third the cost,” cited Marcus Richards. Prior to choosing and installing the system, Richards

Although the system had just been installed a few months prior, the herd was already noticing a difference.

“We are definitely catching more cows in heat and getting semen into a lot more cows.” An RPM™ report was generated just prior to installing the system and they plan to do a follow-up report after the system has been in place for a longer period.

Holtkamp Farms Kerkhoven, Minnesota

j Marcus Richards stands in the freestalls of the satellite facility.

Installing an activity system was an obvious solution to increase heat detection and pregnancy rate at the off-site location.

g Karl, Michael and Roger Holtkamp (L to R) stand in the parlor with Brad Fischer of Genex Farm Systems. The double-12 parlor, also installed by Farm Systems, began operation on Dec. 12, 2011.

Genex Farm Systems recently installed a DeLaval Activity System at Holtkamp Farms, owned by Roger Holtkamp and his sons Karl and Michael. The system includes 300 neck transponders – for cows and breeding age heifers – along with four antennas to collect activity information.

As Karl explained, the activity system compares each cow’s current activity level to that cow’s average activity level. Then, the system is set up to automatically print out a list of high activity cows at 3:30 every morning.

MANAGEMENT

Though the system had only been in use for about two months when Horizons staff visited in May, the system had already impacted Holtkamps’ breeding program. “We previously gave shots and Ovsynch.

Now we don’t give any shots. We just breed off of the activity level,” noted Karl. “I’ve been breeding four to five cows each day, which should spread out the due dates compared to breeding a group of cows off Ovsynch.”

How It Works:

Quick Facts:

1. The activity meter sends the last 24 hours of data to the antenna every hour 2. The system learns the cow’s activity pattern within 5 days 3. Based on the hourly recorded data of the individual cow, the system’s Kalman Filter – the mathematical method used to analyze measurements observed over time – predicts the activity level for the next recording 4. If the new value deviates from the Kalman’s predicted one, an alarm is given

• DeLaval Activity System was the first stand-alone solution – introduced in the mid-90s • Neck collars instead of leg bands were chosen because leg injuries occurred during initial testing • The activity meter uses the same motion sensor technology as a heart pacemaker • Many development hours went into the battery, which has the longest life on the market – 10 years!

©2012 CRI

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DG29 Bovine Pregnancy Blood Test: ™

A Management Tool to Reduce Days Open By: Louis Guilbault, PhD // Vice President of Business Development, Conception

uick identification of open cows is a priority, and there is a good reason for this; the cost per extra day open ranges from $3 to $5.50, according to researchers at the University of Florida, and is a heavy burden for producers.

The goal of a pregnancy diagnosis is to find open cows, not to make sure cows are pregnant. In that respect, the easyto-use DG29™ bovine blood pregnancy test is nearly 100% accurate for identification of open females as early as day 29 of gestation. DG29™ can be used as a complement to more traditional procedures of pregnancy diagnosis (i.e. rectal palpation or ultrasound) or as a stand-alone pregnancy diagnosis procedure. When used efficiently, DG29™ allows for significant reduction in the number of days open, shortening of the interbreeding interval and higher profitability on the farm.

Dairy producers want to maximize the number of animals pregnant during each 21-day period commencing at the first service (i.e. 21-day pregnancy rate). To reach that goal, quick identification of open cows within the next 21-day period (i.e. within 42 days after breeding) for resubmission to early rebreeding is critical. The objective is to reduce the interbreeding interval (the time between inseminations) to less than 42 days in as many cows as possible. Today, the average interbreeding interval is approximately 50 days on U.S. dairies.

DG29™ can assist in reaching reduced interbreeding intervals.

While considering implementation of DG29™, don’t become overwhelmed by the challenge of introducing a new pregnancy testing strategy. Instead, consider how it can fit within already-established reproduction management practices. To be a true asset, DG29™ must only imply small managerial changes in the farm setting.

Here is an example from a Canadian dairy farm that stands to make significant gains through DG29™. The farm is comprised of 480 cows in lactation and has excellent reproduction management. Cows are bred via artificial insemination (A.I.) on natural heats and following Ovsynch. Pregnancy checks are by rectal palpation at two-week intervals for animals 35+ days postbreeding. With this regimen, cows 29 to 34 days post-breeding are not checked until the next scheduled palpation session two weeks later; these animals are well over 42 days post-breeding by the time they are initially identified as open or pregnant. Over time, a large proportion of the herd (~50%) will not be preg checked until after the second 21-day period (i.e. after day 42) which impacts farm profits considering costs per extra day open.

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Without changing the routine of preg checking cows at twoweek intervals, DG29™ improves reproductive performance and decreases the breeding interval in this herd. Here's how: At the same time cows 35+ days post-breeding are palpated, the producer can take blood samples from cows 29 to 34 days postbreeding (Figure 1A). As a result, there will be a minimum gain of two weeks to identify open cows that otherwise would not have been preg checked until much later (day 43+). This can be accomplished with only small managerial changes.

Figure 1. Canadian Dairy Farm

Day of gestation

Q

D-28 D-29 D-30 D-31 D-32 D-33 D-34 D-35+

DG29

Rectal Palpation

Week-1

Frequency of pregnancy diagnosis

Week-3 +14 days

Once the producer sees the benefits of DG29™, a more radical application is to preg check all cows at weekly intervals using DG29™. This method translates to additional gains through fewer days open; all cows are preg checked before the second 21-day period and average days open on the farm decrease even more significantly as compared to current practices. The higher the frequency of pregnancy diagnosis through use of DG29™, the greater the economical impact on the farm.

Now look at a Wisconsin dairy farm with 1,025 cows with an annual average pregnancy and conception rates of 26% and 43%, respectively. Breeding is done on natural heat or at a fixed-time following a Cosynch + EAZI-BREED™ CIDR® synchronization program. The farm manager ultrasounds animals 31 and 45-50 days post-breeding on a weekly basis and the veterinarian palpates animals at 80 days post-breeding.

The first opportunity for DG29™ is to take blood samples from cows at days 29 and 30 post-breeding at the same time the farm manager ultrasounds animals that are at day 31+. By continuing to DG29™ test those animals 29 and 30 days post-

©2012 CRI

HER D breeding week after week, a significant proportion (~22%) of cows are preg checked a week earlier (Figure 2) than under the previous practices. This improvement in reproductive performance required only small operational changes.

With DG29™, improvements in reproductive performance can be achieved with minimal managerial changes, but most importantly, it translates into additional farm profits. Take the Texas dairy, in this scenario saving seven days open per cow on two-thirds of the herd turns a potential profit of $42,000 to $71,000, given a cost per day open of $3 to $5.50.

Day of gestation

Figure 2. Wisconsin Dairy Farm D-21 D-22 D-23 D-24 D-25 D-26 D-27 D-28 D-29 D-30 D-31+

Today, DG29™ is used by thousands of satisfied customers in North America, Europe and the Middle East. Its practical and economical advantages make it a very convenient tool to maximize profitability at the farm. 

DG29

Ultrasound

DG29

Every Day Counts

Ultrasound

Week-1

Frequency of pregnancy diagnosis

Week-2

when it comes to finding open cows.

With DG29™, blood samples are drawn from cattle on the farm, forwarded to a certified laboratory, and pregnancy diagnosis results are returned to the farm quickly and accurately.

The herd manager could switch from ultrasound to DG29™ preg checking all animals at day 29 or later. The switch would free up time for the farm manager because an employee could collect blood samples. Of course, the veterinarian would continue to check cows that are 80 days post-breeding on a weekly basis, but with a greater focus on open and problem cows.

Chad Davis of Green Glade Dairy in Eatonton, Ga., is “thrilled with DG29™ and would highly recommend it to anyone.” Chad pulls blood samples on Monday or Tuesday. Mails the samples on Tuesday and has results back by Friday so open animals can be reenrolled into a synch program the next Monday. Compared to other preg check methods, “I feel drawing blood samples is much faster, less stressful on the cow and less invasive.”

Here’s one more real-life scenario. There is a dairy in Texas with approximately 2,800 cows and a 27% pregnancy rate.

The dairy’s reproduction protocol, illustrated in Figure 3, includes the herd manager preg checking cows at days 36-42 post-breeding. However this herd has an aggressive breeding strategy and A.I. can occur quite early after calving. Therefore, days in milk (DIM) is sometimes less than 90 when cows would be preg checked using DG29™. To avoid the possibility of false positive results (only 2-3% between 80-90 DIM), it is recommended all cows are at least 90 DIM when blood samples are collected for DG29™.

Still, use of DG29™ can improve profits and reproductive performance. Here’s how: The herd manager continues the routine of preg checking cows following their first A.I. (i.e. palpation or ultrasound at days 36-42 at weekly interval), but then uses DG29™ to preg check cows following their second or greater service (A.I.-2 and A.I.-3) as early as 29 days after A.I. (indicated in red in Figure 3). As a result, a large proportion of cows (up to two-thirds) at their second and greater services are preg checked at least seven days earlier (days 29-35) than with the previous practice (days 36-42). This represents a fair number of cows since the conception rate at first service would average 35 to 37% in such early bred cows, according to university researchers.

Since November 2011 when Chad began using DG29™ more frequently, more cows are pregnant and days open have decreased by 29 days. While Chad attributes this to several factors, he believes DG29™ had the largest impact. “We’ve seen success, and with continued use I think we can shorten our breeding and calving intervals even further.”

In the Dairy Today article, Palpate No More, Genex member Jonathon Odell indicates he has used blood pregnancy tests for more than a year on the 520-cow Panama, N.Y., dairy he operates with his son Bill. Jonathon explains, “We’ll pull blood on Monday or Tuesday, get the final results back on Friday and resynch open cows the next Tuesday.” The process involves collecting blood samples in the parlor after milking. “I really like the convenience; one man can do it easily,” he says.

To purchase DG29 in Ontario, western Canada and the Maritimes, contact your local Genex representative or call 888-354-4622.

In Quebec, call Conception at 418-838-0772.

d

Figure 3. Texas Dairy Farm

MANAGEMENT

To purchase DG29 in the U.S., contact your local Genex representative, call Genex customer service at 888-333-1783 or visit the Profit Shop at http://profitshop.crinet.com.

DG29™ results are compatible with Dairy Comp 305 and DHI Plus.

DG29™ is a product of Conception, www.conception-animal.com.

PG

PG 14 days

A.I.-1 on ED

PG

+ A.I.-2 on ED

GnRH

PG A.I.-3 GnRH

DG29 Preg test on all cows bred at A.I.-2 and A.I.-3

Ovsynch® 29+ days

PG: Prostaglandin ED: Estrous Detection

©2012 CRI

29+ days

A Author Bio: Dr. Louis Guilbault holds a PhD in reproductive physiology from the University of Florida. He worked for more than 20 years as a research scientist at the Agriculture and Agri-food Canada and at Université Laval in Québec City (Canada), focusing primarily on ovarian function and development of estrous synchronization programs in cattle. He then joined an investment firm in Québec as Vice-President of Scientific Affairs and Investments in the agbiotech sector.

Dr. Guilbault started his own consulting firm in 2007.

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Genomic Testing of Females

Provides Insight into Herds By: Jenny Hanson // Communications Manager, CRI

W

hen genomic proofs were officially published in January 2009, stories of its use focused on genetic improvement for males and the gains that could be made through use of genomic sires. Few articles mentioned the benefits in using genomics to identify elite females on the farm. Today, however, producers are taking genomic action to enhance female selection. This is the entry into the era of full genomic integration.

In 2010, males comprised a high percentage, 61%, of all the animals receiving genomic evaluations. Then the introduction of lower cost genomic tests caused a shift in the animals being tested. Mid-year 2012 data shows females now represent 83% of the cattle genomic tested. This totals nearly 10,000 new female genomic results each month. A large fraction of these females are being evaluated with the low density test while the remainder are genomic tested with the 50k or high density test.

These female genomic test results can be used to drive more rapid genetic improvement on the farm. Dairy producers are finding the more they know about young stock at an earlier age is helpful in identifying genetic outliers – this being genetically superior calves or those well below average.

“Genomic testing is being used to identify the best animals to breed to generate the future replacements,” explains Kristi Fiedler, Genex National Account Specialist Manager, who works with herds across the United States.

At the same time, producers are also using genomics to identify the less genetically gifted animals. “Due to excellent reproduction programs and use of sexed semen many farms have an adequate number replacements. Therefore genomic testing is a tool to identify the bottom percentile of calves for culling, thus reducing raising costs and accelerating the better genetics in the herd.”

Genomic testing of females at a young age is growing as part of many herd’s total breeding strategy. Genomic testing provides producers with more data – more insight into their herds.

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Vander Woude Farms

Vander Woude Farms, in Merced, Calif., has grown over the past 17 years. Today, the commercial dairy is at capacity with 3,200 heifers and 3,200 cows in lactation.

Simon Vander Woude explains his vision for the dairy and how genomic testing is being used to achieve that vision. “Moving into the future I don’t want to feed more than 2,200-2,400 heifers. Yet I want to maintain our good reproductive program and maintain milk flow. Therefore, we decided to genomic test so we could breed our best animals with sexed semen, the second tier to conventional semen and the balance to Angus.”

As Simon explains, the dairy previously used a heifer’s parent average Lifetime Net Merit (LNM) to determine which semen product was used, “But we wanted to be more specific.”

Vander Woude Farms stands to continue at a high rate of genetic progress with this aggressive breeding program. They had already used genomic sires almost exclusively since 2009 and also utilize very high genetic merit sires for both GenChoice™ and conventional semen. In the last 90 days Holstein service sires averaged +$768 LNM, weighted by usage.

So far about 1,800-head of Vander Woude Farms’ young heifers have been genomic tested when they return to the dairy from the calf ranch. The genomic information, in addition to being used for genetic advancement through the selective breeding program, is also used for targeted culling – to cull any heifers they don’t want to put more money into.

“The greatest benefit is the information available to us to make decisions about our animals,” notes Simon. “When feeding heifers costs $2.00-plus a day we need to focus our resources where they will be the most beneficial to us in the future.”

The impact of this plan is key for Simon, “It will be very interesting in about a year when the genomic-tested animals start coming into the milking herd, when we can validate whether or not this was a good move.”

©2012 CRI

Spring Hope Holsteins

Barb Nedrow of Clifton Springs, N.Y., makes decisions based on genomic test results in her 350-cow registered Holstein herd. As Barb explains, they merchandise so some of the herd’s high index cows and their offspring were among the first in the herd to be genomic tested. Since she decided to begin genomic testing all heifers, 200 have been tested.

Barb turns genomic insight into action by basing breeding decisions off the test results. “Basically,” explains Barb, “we want to know where we are starting with all of our animals so our breeding program can be targeted to the high-end ones.”

Females with higher genomic test results become the focus of the breeding program. They build off the high genetic merit heifers through embryo transfer and A.I. Then, animals with “middle of the road” genomic results are bred via A.I., though not worked with as extensively as the high-end heifers. The lower end of the herd is used as embryo recipients.

While a few of the herd’s genomic-tested heifers are just entering their first lactation, some of those cows tested early on have both genomic and performance results. “It’s pretty close,” remarks Barb. “There is variation [between the genomic test results and the actual performance], but the averages come out pretty close to the genomic prediction.”

As Barb mentions, the more information, the better decisions one can make. “Genomic data is one more piece of information to help figure out what’s best for you. As time goes by, I think it will be more beneficial for the average dairyman to incorporate genomic data into his decisions – which to keep and which to sell. Target your dollars where you get the most return.”

Schmidt’s Ponderosa

Paul Schmidt of Schmidt’s Ponderosa near Bonduel, Wis., has incorporated female genomic testing into his 1,100-cow herd too.

“We decided to begin genomic testing so that we would know which animals to raise and which to sell,” describes Paul. “The top animals are kept and bred with high LNM sires. At this point, we sell our low-end calves to reduce raising costs.”

Maintain Appetite & Digestion NuLife® ReBOUND™ helps to maintain normal appetite and digestion during times of stress.

Feed during ration changes, shipping, birth, weaning, weather changes and following antibiotic treatment.

Available in capsules, paste and powder.

Combat Dehydration NuLife® Oral Electrolyte™ is specially formulated for calves to help combat dehydration due to scours.

Basically, by genomic testing Paul is able to target his breeding program to those heifers that will provide the largest return. The strategy includes genomic testing all newborn heifer calves. To date, approximately 240 animals have been genomic tested. 

To order NuLife® ReBOUND™ or NuLife® Oral Electrolyte™, contact your Genex representative.

Or, visit http://profitshop.crinet.com and shop under Herd Management Products.

©2012 CRI

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NuLife ® is a registered trademark of VPI. ReBOUND™ is a trademark of VPI.

GENETICA L L Y

S P EAKING

Update on the Dairy Data Alliance By: Keith Heikes // Vice President-Dairy Genetics & Global Alliance Development, Genex

A

s reported in the December 2011 Horizons, the U.S. dairy genetics industry has been examining the structure for delivering genetic evaluations and considering how the industry should be best positioned for the years to come. Consequently, a proposal has been put forward to create a new business structure to be owned by the U.S. cattle genetics industry. At this time, the name for the business structure is the Dairy Data Alliance. This new business will be owned by the members of the Council of Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB). The CDCB is comprised of members of the National Association of Animal Breeders, National Dairy Herd Information Association and Purebred Dairy Cattle Association. In addition, dairy records processing centers would be added to the CDCB board.

Currently two parts of the process are underway. First, a cooperative agreement has been developed between the USDA and CDCB. The agreement will allow USDA to continue to access data, which in turn allows them to conduct research on genetic evaluation programs. The Dairy Data Alliance will be responsible

for the service work involved in processing and distributing the genetic evaluations. In May, this cooperative agreement was released for public comment and input by the industry.

Second, a business plan has been developed which will serve as a guideline for the formation of the new structure. This business plan was developed by a group that included CRI CEO Doug Wilson. The plan outlines an operating structure as well as the financing. From mid-June until mid-July the business plan was open for comment and input.

The board of directors for both Genex and AgSource Cooperative Services provided letters of support for the formation of the Dairy Data Alliance and believe its formation is a necessary step forward for the industry. This fall, the CDCB board will meet and act on the cooperative agreement, business plan and the comments received on both. Assuming a positive vote takes place, the next step will be to formalize the new organization and put staff in place to make the organization operational. ď Ž

Positioning the industry for the years to come.

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Š2012 CRI

You know how many stalls you need to fill…

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GENETICA L L Y

S P EAKING

Managing Inbreeding

in the Genomic Age By: Angie Kringle // Communications Specialist, CRI

Bennet Cassell put it best when he said, “The goal is to increase the frequency of genes that improve profitability and minimize those that don’t.” Genex has taken this perspective when producing and procuring the sires of the next generation. By providing a genetically diverse lineup and tools that make cow-side decision making easy, Genex is focused on improved profitability.

Which Measure of Inbreeding Should I Use on the Farm?

Former inbreeding values based on pedigrees were limited to mostly 1960 records documentation, and the animal’s individual known pedigree history. In the genomic age, we can more precisely estimate the number of genes in common among animals, and it’s not surprising to find that the founder animals of 1960 were at least a little related to one another.

b “It’s our responsibility to develop and acquire bulls that are genetically diverse and that contribute genetics to improve farm profitability.”

Two values of inbreeding are calculated for animals that have been genomic tested. First is the animal’s own genomic inbreeding percent (GIB%), a reflection of the common genes inherited from its parents. The more useful value in making mating decisions and in bull selection is the genomic future inbreeding percent (GFI%), indicating how likely the resulting offspring of a bull is to inherit common genes due to general use as a service sire.

– Angie Coburn, Associate Vice President Dairy Genetics

But wait… the phrase “don’t throw the baby out with the bath water” comes to mind.

PTAs for all animals are already adjusted to account for any current and future losses due to inbreeding depression. Identifying bulls that meet your breeding goals is and always should be the first criteria. Use of GFI as a secondary selection serves as a risk management tool. Steps taken to maintain genetic diversity provide insurance for the future – to preserve genes that are favorable for traits we don’t yet measure and to minimize the impact of future undesirable traits or genes as they are discovered.

Product Development Bomaz Ramos 5877-CRI-ET (Ramos x Garter x Rubytom x Finale) is an example of the focus and attention to genetic diversity taking place within the GENESIS Cooperative Herd. Her son 1HO10225 BUD has a low 6.3% GFI combined with a high +$677 Lifetime Net Merit. In addition to pedigree diversity, BUD stands at +3.2 Sire Conception Rate, +1252 PTA Milk, +2.02 PTA Type and +7.4 Productive Life making him a perfect fit in many breeding programs.

G Bomaz Ramos 5877 CRI-ET Code

1HO1 me 0245 1HO0 AB RA 2800 HAM 1HO1 ACHI 0602 EV 1HO0 ACTU E-R ED %-I 9315 AL 1HO0 ALAB 9875  AMA 1HO1 ALMO %-I 0434 1HO1 AN DY ND  025 1 A553 1HO1 154   P 1JE00798 BRAVE 0022 HEART 1HO0 APPL   965 E  487 BOY 9 AR 173 1HO0 1JE00759 BRUN MY 8777 O 1HO1 AWES  006 477   OM 1 BA 171  1HO1 1JE00796 CALVIN E  %-I NN 0296  1HO0 BOYO ING 490 9528 BOY 193 1JE00750 CECIL1HO1 BUCK   0225 P 1HO1 BU D O %-I 343 0447 101   1JE00791 DIVIDE 1HO0 BU ILD  %-I ND 9103  1HO0 CABH ER %-I 691 253 2480 1JE00793 DIVINE  1HO0 CAMA I %-I  9728 RY ISY 1H CA 591 O1029 RCAJ 238 *RC 1JE00770 DOMIN   7 CH OU 1HO1  %-I ICAN AP 0421 574 1HO1 CH IP 208 1JE00797 FANTO 0059 1HO0  M CLAR  2571 K 577 1HO0 COLE *B /R 211   1JE00604 GANN 9928   ON-PR 1HO0 CORY  9821  267 145 1HO1 CRAN  1JE00672 GOOSE  0458  -PR 1HO1 DAY DALL   043 445 176 3 DA 1HO1 1JE00768 HENDR YTON  0460  IX 1HO1 DE PR A 583 0442  188  1JE00773 JOSHU 1HO1 DE LM INCE-R ED 0499 A  1HO1 DE LU AR *RC 608 0422 192 XE 1JE00775 KINGS 1HO1 DE MP  LEY 0218  1HO1 DE NI SEY  458 158 0420 M   1JE00786 LAN 1HO0 DESIG  %-I 2827 1HO1 DEWE N 518  %-I 160 0435 1JE00763 LANCE Y 1HO0 DIJON   -GR 9225 384 1HO1 DON  162 1JE00700 LEXICO 0275 JU    1HO1 DR EW AN N  0080 383 1HO1 DUSK 142 1JE00787 LOUIS 0601  1HO0 DYMO 2729 501 N 173 1H ED  1JE00792 MACH O0307 EN A colored mark  ETE 3 EL 1HO1 denotes the IN ISY 0286 734 Sires prese cow 255 nt family in  1H 1JE00780 MAYER the bull's five  O1046 orEL RO sire   generation 5 EM Yis colo are liste 1HO1pedig   Maid PIR 597 re d 0238 ree:   169  1JE00790 MICKE 1HO0 ENSIG E are in d dot in in alphab 9800 Y-P  TENN HAUG di clud 1HO1 ER DM N E MAID 464 0001 167 ed in cating whetical or

1JE00766 MONT reg# 37755 1HO1 ERGY AN %-I de 03  their EREY ic 0174  1HO0 ERSK pedi h popu r  %-I O  Viole 518

160 305 Man IN 1JE00785 PERCI gree lar 7 ES t E 1HO1 VALE CABO :  0405 D&E PARAMOUN Shot 1HO0 ISY FILKE 651

 221 T 1JE00711 PLUS 250 VIOLE  tle reg# 67007 T 9 FLAW 1HO1    %-I 718 0028 Gold LESS

521 1HO1 FLO  %-I 208  Grat wyn 1JE00788 RENT YD 0467  itude 1HO0 FORE  Plan

3079 CAST OOM SDAL 567 et 181  E GORDO 1H O0878 FORH 1JE00777 SABIN  reg# 11122 4 GRATO ISY O 1HGOLD Fred 

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In addition to providing genetically diverse sires, Genex has a variety of tools to help make breeding decisions easy. Mating your herd through MAP™ or G-MAP™ is the first step to managing inbreeding. This program takes into account past pedigrees when suggesting mating options for the next generation. To learn more about using MAP in your herd, turn to page 15.

Just released with the August sire summary is the Genex Inbreeding Guide.

This one-page flyer, available for both Holstein and Jersey breeds, lists the lineup in alphabetical order and then indicates which popular sires or families are present in each sire’s pedigree. You can access this flyer online at: http://genex.crinet.com/inbreeding or ask your Genex representative for a copy. 

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©2012 CRI

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A Cooperative Effort Building Productive Herds Through Forward Thinking, Genetic Sense and Dairy Passion By: Angie Kringle // Communications Specialist, CRI //// Jenny Hanson // Communications Manager, CRI

MoDak Dairy

Genex employees Ron Visser and Elizabeth Radil take care of the MoDak herd and their hard work doesn’t go unrecognized.

“To remain profitable in this industry, you need to set your standards high and hold those you work with to the same standards. Genex goes beyond that and helps bring our standards up. Their team knows what we need and provides more than just semen and service. They are another set of eyes looking at the cows and offering suggestions,” provided Greg Moes. “We don’t go very many days without talking to Ron,” offered Scott Moes.

Goodwin, South Dakota

Build for the Next Generation

Ever since 1884, the families behind MoDak Dairy have been progressive thinkers. Greg Moes, along with his brother Jim operate the business that includes a 2,200 cow dairy herd and 3,000 acres of corn and alfalfa. Greg, with sons Jake and Scott, oversees the dairy while Jim is in charge of crops.

After spending just a few moments with these gentlemen, it was evident this enterprise will continue into many more generations to come. A good relationship with Genex, combined with a positive outlook and a heart for the industry makes their story one worth telling.

Genex Partners

Genex and predecessors have played small parts along the way at MoDak dairy. The dairy began using artificial insemination (A.I.) after Minnesota Valley Breeders taught a member of the third generation how to breed their own cows. Later, a voice from MoDak was heard as a delegate when CRI was formed as the nation’s first agricultural holding cooperative back in 1993. Today, the Genex team plays a vital role in the daily activities of the farm, and are even included on the bulletin board picturing the farm’s employees.

g Scott Moes, Ron Visser and Greg Moes stop for a picture in the double-30 parlor which was just expanded in February.

©2012 CRI

“If we didn’t take risks like my dad and his dad did, there wouldn’t be five generations here today. You can’t play it safe and have to risk something in order to build for the next generation,” said Greg. Recently, MoDak has built for the future by adding physical structures such as the carefully researched, designed and constructed cross-ventilated barn and in genetic plans such as full adoption of genomics within the breeding program.

With FREDDIE, HILL, MASSEY, SUPER and O-STYLE daughters in the two-year-old pen, it’s evident that this herd didn’t wait to see how the industry would react to genomic sires, they dove right in. As strong believers in the importance of Lifetime Net Merit (LNM), it was an obvious choice to include genomic sires. The breeding program also includes a heifer rating program to determine GenChoice™ usage and genomic testing to develop a baseline to keep moving forward.

Since the herd has been mated through MAP™ (Mating Appraisal for Profit) since 1981, it’s easy for Greg to say, “I feel confident that we’re on the right track, genetically.”

Heart for the Industry

When you walk into the office of MoDak Dairy, one of the first things you notice is the flat-screen TV on the wall which features 11 cameras placed around the farm. These cameras serve multiple purposes, ranging from traditional training and biosecurity monitoring to providing an avenue for education outside the industry. The live feed from the cameras can be viewed online in real-time to supplement presentations and show people how well cows are treated and the kind of facilities they live in.

Being good spokespeople for the dairy industry is an area the Moes are passionate about. They have welcomed numerous groups to their farm such as: 50 first graders; a bus from the local nursing home; interns from Ireland, France and the Netherlands; and local technical college students who do hands-on training with the MoDak cows.

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Krogstad Dairy Baltic, South Dakota

Since 2008, the cows have been mated through the Genex MAP program. Those first cows mapped, meaning mated through MAP, have entered the milking herd. The benefit, according to Craig, is that “you don’t have to worry about inbreeding.” In addition, MAP has helped to create “really solid heifers.”

Overall, Craig sees the Genex team as another set of eyes on farm. “They are doing more than just breeding cows even though that’s the intent.” Whether it is Genex Breeding Program Specialist Derek Hjelm assisting with the PresynchOvsynch program and breeding cows or Ron mating the herd and running Reproductive Profit Manager™ reports, both deliver additional value to the operation.

Located in the I-29 corridor, just east of the interstate and north of Sioux Falls, S.D., is Krogstad Dairy owned by brothers Craig and Ron Krogstad. Craig manages the cows, while Ron oversees aspects of the operation outside the barn. Today the dairy includes about 400 Holstein cows.

Historically, Craig has been responsible for the dairy’s reproductive program. As he explains, he did everything; he conducted the estrous synchronization program and bred cows.

At that time, he was breeding most cows off timed A.I. with very little heat detection.

Pater Dairy Inc.

In 2008, the Genex team earned a spot in the reproductive program. Today, Genex representatives assist with the synchronization program and “walk and chalk” the herd on a daily basis. Craig openly acknowledges one advantage of Genex service – “It freed up my time significantly so I could focus on other things.” Still, since he has the experience and doesn’t mind the job, Craig does fill in on occasion. “If it’s a holiday or there’s a bad snowstorm, I’ll breed the cows.”

On the very western edge of Minnesota, is Randy Pater and his farm, Pater Dairy Inc. Randy built this farm with a strong passion for dairy cattle. He truly enjoys many of the tasks associated with dairying, especially those involving reproduction and the calving pen. As he explains, “The maternity pen is where I see the fruits of my labor. Being in there is the most enjoyable part of my day.”

Craig has always stressed the use of good genetics. Before Genex provided breeding and mating services, Craig mated the animals himself. Then and now, his focus has remained on developing cows with solid feet and legs and solid udders. He wants cows that will calve, breed back and calve again.

He wants cows that last.

To meet those demands, bulls are chosen based on LNM with added emphasis on feet and legs, udders, Daughter Pregnancy Rate and Productive Life. Sire Conception Rate is considered too.

Today’s process of choosing service sires involves Ron Visser of Genex and Craig meeting together after each new bull genetic evaluation release. They generate a list of about 15 bulls that meet their selection criteria. They then pick six to eight of those bulls for the milking herd and a couple for the heifers. They change the bulls used based on the bull’s proof and use within the herd. For instance, if the bull already has daughters on the ground, they may switch to a new bull.

With a good understanding of genetics, Craig knows he benefits by utilizing genomic-proven sires in his breeding program. He also knows it’s important to use multiple genomic sires and spread the risk. “By using five or six genomic bulls, I’m not stuck with 100 heifers out of a bull that may slide.”

Today the dairy has about 15 FREDDIE daughters, 12 O-STYLE daughters and eight MASSEY daughters in the milking herd.

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Pipestone, Minnesota

Randy got started farming in 1988 with 16 cows. In 1991, he married Priscilla. They gradually grew the herd from within to 40 cows, then to 60 cows. Then they added on to the facilities and grew to 150 cows. In 2006, Randy and Priscilla carefully considered their options. If they wanted to continue farming in the future, they would have to build a whole new facility. In 2007, they moved into that new facility. It was built to house up to 600 cows and was one of the first of many cross-ventilated barns built in the area. In 2012, j Randy Pater the dairy is at the 600-cow mark of Pater Dairy with 1,000 acres of crop land.

Internal herd expansion played a part in building Randy’s dairy to what it is today. That’s where Randy’s interest and enthusiasm in his dairy’s reproductive program comes in.

Several years ago, Randy was trained in artificial insemination

by Genex representative, Lloyd Friske. As Randy explains, he really enjoyed breeding his cows and participating in the reproductive program from beginning to end – from insemination to the maternity pen.

©2012 CRI

HER D While he possesses the skills, knowledge and desire to coordinate his herd’s breeding program, Randy has come to rely on his local Genex representatives during times of transition.

“When we expanded,” describes Randy. “Genex did the breeding until I got a good grasp on things.” Similarly, the dairy recently underwent some staffing changes, so Genex Breeding Program Specialist Derek Hjelm provides daily A.I. service.

Arm service from Genex does not eliminate Randy’s involvement in the breeding program. He still has a large role in conducting pregnancy checks. As Randy explains it, ultrasounding is another reproduction-related task he enjoys.

“A veterinarian helped train me, and now I’ve been doing it on my own for a year and a half.” He ultrasounds animals at 29-30 days post-breeding and rechecks them at 65 days.

As for genetics, Randy has worked with Genex for most of his career. In fact, his genetic strategy draws him to Genex; he concentrates on LNM because the index factors in many traits, and as he puts it “Genex has a lot of high LNM bulls.” His cattle have also been mated through MAP for about 15 years.

STOR Y

“I jumped on the genomic bandwagon right from the start too,” notes Randy, who has freshened daughters of FREDDIE, MASSEY and O-STYLE. “Genomic bulls are far superior to a lot of daughter-proven bulls.”

In addition to this selection intensity on the sire side, Randy applies some selection intensity on the females in his herd.

Heifers are ranked by LNM on the farm’s DHI reports. In the ranking system, the LNM number is associated with a letter A-F. Those heifers ranked A, B or C are bred with GenChoice™ on their early services. Those heifers with Ds and Fs are bred with conventional semen. In the future, Randy wants to take that strategy further by genomic testing his heifers and using sexed semen on the genetically superior ones to make even more genetic progress.

As it is, he already has a lot of fun looking through the heifer pens to see the progress he’s made. That brings to mind the reason Randy farms in the first place, “If it weren’t for doing some of it myself, I wouldn’t be having much fun. I enjoy what I do.” 

Meet the Team Serving the Dairy Farms of the I-29 Corridor Zach Lutz joined Genex in June 2008.

He first earned a master’s degree in student development with a desire to work in a university setting.

Not long after, he followed a second passion, to work outside with livestock. He’s never turned back as he enjoys the constant learning curve presented by the ever-changing cattle genetics industry.

Elizabeth Radil grew up on a dairy farm near Alexandria, Minn. She attended the University of Minnesota where she received a degree in animal science with a dairy production emphasis. Her career as a Genex Breeding Program Specialist is driven by her desire to work with animals and the ability to work independently and be responsible for her own decisions.

Gary Landman attended South Dakota State University where he studied dairy science. He then worked on a dairy in California for a year before returning to his family’s dairy in White, S.D. Gary has worked part time for Genex for one year.

©2012 CRI

Originally from Glenwood, Minn., Derek Hjelm attended South Dakota State University earning a bachelor’s degree in dairy science. During college, Derek served as a Genex Sire Production Intern assisting with bull care and semen collection at the cooperative's Shawano, Wis., bull stud facility. He joined this Genex service team in May 2010.

Katie Kubacki is a student at South Dakota State University. She has worked part time at Genex for the past three years, also spending some time at the Genex custom semen collection facility in Mitchell, S.D. As Katie explains, “Breeding cows is definitely what I want to do,” but on the bucking bull/rodeo side.

“We don’t own the animals, but treat them with the ‘what would you do if they were yours?’ mentality with breeding decisions.”

– Zach Lutz

“We have a really good team environment and that’s only going to benefit these producers.”

Al Schoenfeld Al is a Genex Independent Contractor who assists the team with dairy breeding projects. Al's background is in beef cattle; he raises cattle and does extensive embryo transfer work.

– Elizabeth Radil

Ron Visser joined Genex in 2001. He has a variety of experience with the organization having served as a consultant and having worked within the Dairy Genetics Department procuring sires and managing the genetic program within the GENESIS Cooperative Herd. Today, he enjoys working with producers throughout the I-29 corridor on a daily basis.  HORI Z ONS

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Spotlight on

By: Angie Kringle // Communications Specialist, CRI

Springwater Farms

Jim and Jimmy Mason, Canastota, New York Jimmy Mason learned the hard way that you can’t do it all yourself. He knew early on that he wanted to be involved in dairying and when he was in the 9th grade began taking a more active role alongside his dad, Jim. Responsibilities evolved as the farm grew and Jimmy's initial herdsman duties started to involve more and more management of different areas of the farm, ranging from the 450 milking cows to the 300 steers as well as the grain operation.

“When you put too much on your plate, you end up not able to go a good job on everything. We started to focus on putting certain people in certain places to do what they’re good at,” Jimmy explained. In November 2011, Genex was asked to step in and take care of heat detection and breeding responsibilities.

Since then, the pregnancy rate has risen to 25% and the heat detection rate to 70%. At the same time Genex stepped in, a new herd consultant came on board and the herd has also raised production to over 90 pounds per day.

The Genex “Big Guns” team of Breeding Program Specialists Bruce Potter, Angie Eichorst, Rich Petrie, Kelly Lavancha, Jimmy Golub and Profit Development Specialist Jason Gauss provide service at Springwater Farm. Bruce is the daily contact at the dairy and is always willing to offer his thoughts or suggestions to make the breeding program work better.

Jimmy was not afraid to credit Genex for their role on the farm, “Going with Genex was a good decision. When we asked them to come on board, I thought they were going to help us out, but they have taken over. It’s been great! Genex is getting the

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j Genex Breeding Program Specialist, Bruce Potter, is pictured with Jimmy Mason of Springwater Farms. Trouble-shooting and collaboration has lead to improved reproductive performance.

breeding done right. That allowed us to focus on other things like growing the operation and spending more time with the family.”

Adding Genex to the team was just one piece in the puzzle on this dairy. Jimmy cited his father as ‘the people finder’ who uses his industry networking to bring in the right consultants and put them into place. In the last year, Genex has helped to improve the reproduction numbers and the nutrition program has helped to improve the production. With two young boys who are already involved with the dairy, Jimmy hopes to capitalize on internal herd growth and one day milk a herd of 1,000 cows.

©2012 CRI

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Hourigan’s Dairy Farm

John, Nancy and Matthew Hourigan, Elbridge, New York With a rich farm history dating back to 1804, John and Nancy Hourigan say they are fortunate to have the opportunity to be dairy farmers. Shortly after the couple married, they began working on his parents’ dairy farm while raising cash crops.

With seven cows of their own, they rented neighboring farms until their current farm came up for sale in 1977. Since then, they have expanded and modernized to a current farm of 800 cows and grow close to 8,000 acres of crops including corn, hay, wheat, soybeans and green beans.

The first calf John purchased was created by artificial insemination (A.I.) and his father relied on A.I. and the New York Artificial Breeders Cooperative (a predecessor of Genex) as early as 1950. Today, service is provided by the Genex “Big Guns” team with Kelly Lavancha as the daily contact.

“We’ve stayed with Genex through the years because it all comes down to genetics and service. Genex has a knack for hiring people dedicated to their job and doing it right.” John appreciates the expertise of these employees and relies on Genex to make all breeding decisions.

The herd has a longstanding tradition of using high Lifetime Net Merit sires with good Productive Life and Daughter Pregnancy Rate. “I leave it all up to the technicians, they’re the experts! They’re doing well and my herd is where it needs to be.” j John and Nancy Hourigan with Kelly Lavancha of Genex.

John is not afraid to look to Genex for help beyond the daily breeding. A few months ago John and his herdsman, Woody, realized the night crew was having a hard time catching and reporting heats. They approached Genex and together developed and presented a training program for the Hispanic workers on the dairy. The program was well received and heat detection has since improved.

Reflecting on their humble beginnings and their passion for the industry, the Hourigans are involved in activities and organizations that support the local economy while also securing a future for dairying. After conserving their farmland through New York State’s Farmland Protection Grant, Nancy became a strong advocate for farmland preservation. Together with other passionate agriculturalists, Nancy was a founding board member of the New York Agricultural Land Trust. This group’s sole purpose is to conserve New York farmland for the purpose of agricultural use, a philosophy many farmers agree with. Today the group has staff on board and is working on conserving 10,000 acres of farmland. In perpetuity, the land will not be able to be developed so generations may continue to grow the rich New York farming heritage.  A Author Bio: Angie Kringle grew up on a dairy farm in northwest Wisconsin.

She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a degree in dairy science. Angie served as a GENESIS Cooperative Herd Intern before becoming the CRI Communications Specialist.

©2012 CRI

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DEAN GRISWOLD: 100,000 First Services

By: Angie Kringle // Communications Specialist, CRI

F

or Dean Griswold, Breeding Program Specialist from Cambridge, N.Y., a career in the dairy industry has been a perfect fit. In an industry that has undergone monumental changes over the years, Dean has found his place.

“I love watching how farming has changed. The progression through the years is just amazing. From new barn types to new machinery to animals with improved efficiencies, I get to watch it all without having to write the check!” This good-natured approach has allowed Dean to flourish in his career.

Growing up on a family farm, Dean was exposed to all the good and the bad of the industry. When health problems forced his dad out of the profession, Dean wasn’t quite ready to take over.

He found the perfect alternative to farming when he started his career with Eastern A.I., a predecessor of Genex, on May 8, 1978. Since then, he spent 25 years training new employees and today is part of a six person breeding team.

To keep with his jovial nature, Dean sought out a creative license plate for his vehicle. “When I was breeding cows in Delaware County, one of the vets suggested HEATMAN. It’s a unique plate that the farmers enjoy.” Although those outside the industry don’t always understand the meaning behind the plate, Dean enjoys the fun conversations it brings.

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j The love and support of Dean’s wife, Marsha, and their two grown children has allowed him to reach this milestone.

An average day for Dean includes three full-service stops in addition to call-in herds that can vary from day-to-day. This is one area where Dean has noticed a change from when he first began, “I used to have 15 calls each day and I’d breed a total of 18 cows. Now, I visit three farms and will breed at least 30 cows from those stops alone.”

Chamber’s Valley Farms, Inc. was the location of Dean’s 100,000th first service. It’s only fitting that this herd is where his milestone breeding occurred as it was one of the first herds he provided service to 25 years ago when he began working in the area. Home to 1,000 cows, the dairy is operated by brothers Jim and Bob Chambers with Bob’s daughter, Lissa, stepping up as the next generation. Dean has been able to watch this herd prepare for county fairs, go through expansions and now enjoys seeing the progress as they welcome the next generation.

“I do this for fun,” Dean comments. With each stop he makes, it’s apparent he loves what he does and that interacting with Dean is a positive experience for the producers he visits.  ©2012 CRI

i n

Bill Jones:

100,000 First Services

By: Angie Kringle // Communications Specialist, CRI

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ill Jones, Breeding Program Specialist from Canajoharie, N.Y., traces his passion for agriculture and the dairy industry back to his high school agriculture classes and FFA program. To this day he is still a firm supporter of local and state FFA programs.

It was his FFA involvement and previous farm work experience that led Genex predecessor Eastern A.I. to hire him as a relief technician in July 1968. After providing relief service for nine technicians for three and a half years, Bill was offered a career-changing opportunity. At 22 years old, Bill was offered the position of full-time technician in his current area. The circumstances were unique, and he needed to make a decision by the end of the day. While he enjoyed the relief technician role, he took advantage of this opportunity and hasn’t looked back.

“It’s been a great career, I couldn’t ask to work for better farm folks,” Bill provided. He went on to say, “One of my favorite parts is seeing farm people be able to enjoy the finer things in life such as their kids going to college, all because of some minute things I might have done to help them have better farm lives.”

Those minute things Bill refers to vary from farm to farm. One thing is certain; he goes above and beyond to ‘spoil his farmers’ as he puts it.

From providing customized eartags at some dairies, to naming all the new calves at another or simply letting the farmer know if a cow looks sick, he provides more than just breeding service to the dairies he stops at.

When Bill achieved his 100,000th first service, he was at Nare Farms, a 200-cow farm located in Fonda, N.Y. This milestone breeding occurred on heifer 671, housed in the pen pictured below. The heifer herself wasn’t available to be pictured on that day as she had been moved to a pregnant group pen.

Today, Bill has between 20-25 herds that he provides service for in addition to some direct sale herds. It is evident he is a trusted resource on the farms he visits and those farmers enjoy the perspectives and expertise he brings to the table. Bill chooses top Lifetime Net Merit sires to utilize on his farms as one step further in improving their livelihood.

h With breeding gun in hand, Bill looks over a pen of heifers at Nare Farms.

©2012 CRI

In addition to his career with Genex, Bill is a family man and has found his niche within the community. Together with his wife, Carol, Bill has three grown children and 13 grandchildren. His church plays a big role in his life, he has been involved in the coin club and is a collector of toy tractors.

While 100,000 first services is a major milestone, Bill doesn’t plan to hang up his breeding gun anytime soon. His dairy producers can expect him to continue spoiling them for years to come. 

HORI Z ONS

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©2012 CRI

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