Issuu

FALL 2026

IN THIS EDITION: Message from the CEO...................................... 2 Enhanced Rewards Program............................ 3 NxGEN® Program............................................... 4 Member Feature: Godfrey Dairy Farm.............. 6 2026 Interns...................................................... 8

New Product: Galaxis™ Refaunation Bolus........ 10 Breathing Easier through the Fall: AccelAIRate.. 12 August Sire Evaluation Changes........................... 13 Q&A with Premier Beef Managers........................ 14 CowManager®........................................................16

Photo: Red Angus x Jersey crossbred cattle at Milky Way Farm in Starr, SC. The team at Milky Way says customers love the exceptional marbling and delectable flavor of the beef.

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO DNA is just the blueprint; you still must build the house. As a cooperative

that exists for the benefit of our dairy and beef producers, we are fortunate to live in an era of unprecedented genetic progress. Today’s sires offer levels of performance, efficiency, fertility, and health traits that previous generations could only imagine. Genetic advancement remains one of the most powerful tools available to improve profitability and long-term herd performance. However, genetics alone will not deliver their full potential. A useful analogy is buying a highperformance race car and then filling it with the cheapest fuel available. The engineering and capability are there, but the vehicle can never perform as designed. The same principle applies to livestock. When we invest in elite genetics, we are purchasing potential. Whether that potential is realized depends on nutrition, forage quality, cow comfort, reproduction programs, health protocols, and daily management decisions. Genetics alone aren’t enough

to overcome these challenges. Success depends on identifying challenges early

and equipping your team with consistent protocols to drive efficiency and capture full potential. In fact, as genetic potential increases, management becomes even more important. High-performing animals are

more responsive to their environments, and the gap between what they can potentially achieve and what they actually achieve widens when inputs fail to keep pace.

services, you strengthen the cooperative’s ability to deliver value back to fellow producers. Your support allows us to continue investing in local expertise, innovative solutions, and the resources needed to help farms remain profitable and sustainable for generations to come.

This philosophy is at the heart of our cooperative. Through the genetic programs of Premier Select Sires and the solutions offered through our key partners, we help producers connect superior genetics with the toolbox needed to unlock the genetics’ full value. From reproductive consulting and herd performance analysis, to calf health, nutrition, and operational support, our goal is to ensure your genetic investments translate into measurable on-farm results.

Over the next couple months, watch for special offers and opportunities designed to stretch your dollars further while introducing new ways to improve herd performance and return on investment (see page 3). We encourage you to reach out to your local representative, learn more about the full range of services available through your cooperative, and explore how we can help you capture more value from every genetic investment.

The greatest returns are realized when genetics, management, and animal health advance together. Genetics create the

Together, we can ensure that great genetics become great results and that your investments reach their potential.

As a member-owned cooperative, our success is tied directly to yours. Every time you choose to work with us, invest in our programs, or explore additional

Mark Carpenter, Chief Executive Officer

opportunity; management determines the performance.

FIND THE SEMEN STRAW for a chance to WIN a special Premier Select Sires prize! 1. Find this semen straw hidden somewhere in the newsletter (hidden straw may be smaller than the one shown here). 2. Go to www.premierselectsires.com and click the“Newsletter Contest” button on the home page. 3. Tell us where you found the straw to enter the drawing! You may also send your submission in the mail. Write us a note including the following information: your name, account #, address, and where you found the semen straw. Mail it to the following address for a chance to WIN!

Premier Newsletter Contest Attn. Communications Dept. 1 Stony Mountain Road Tunkhannock, PA 18657

Responses must be submitted by October 22, 2026

CONGRATS! Congratulations to Jacqueline Neville of KS, winner of the Spring 2026 semen straw contest! The semen straw was on page 6, on the desk beneath the computer.

® First Day Formula is a registered trademark of Select Sires Inc. ™CONVERT is a trademark of Select Sires Inc. and is manufactured by Agrarian Solutions®. FerAppease is a registered trademark of FERA Diagnostics and Biologicals. Cow Start™ Complete is a trademark and manufactured product of Anchor Life Sciences, Ltd. Buyer assumes all responsibility for use, storage and handling of these products. All claims, representations and warranties, expressed or implied, are made only by the company responsible for manufacturing and not by Premier Select Sires Inc., its agents or employees.

PROVEN PERFORMANCE. MEASURABLE PROFITABILITY. A successful genetic program should do more than create replacements, it should improve your bottom line. By increasing production, reducing days open and lowering somatic cell count, the NxGEN program is helping producers maximize herd performance while generating greater returns on every dollar invested in genetics. Create a more profitable future for your herd by leveraging NxGEN sires. Scan the QR code to learn more.

Improved production Increased genetic resistance to mastitis Reduced days open NxGEN / Non-NxGEN

Herd B

Herd C

Average Difference

Number of Cows

753 / 2,235

2,373 / 3,162

850 / 652

305ME Milk

32,987 / 32,787

33,247 / 30,701

29,406 / 28,928

+ 1,075 Milk

Somatic Cell Count

89,000 / 132,000

99,000 / 116,000

175,000 / 246,000

- 43,667 SCC

Days Open

97 / 111

94 / 102

99 / 106

- 9.7 Days

Herd A

NxGEN, Your Success Our Passion. and the Select Sires logo are registered trademarks of Select Sires Inc., Plain City, OH. Above: NxGEN-sired cows at Siemers Holstein Farms, Inc., Newton, WI. Not related to herd studies.

PROVEN POWER

Select Sires’ Jersey lineup delivers reliable, consistent and athletic cows that enhance efficiency and drive profitability.

DRIVE GENETIC PROGRESS WITH ECONOMICALLY IMPORTANT TRAITS: DELIVERING JPI™ LEADERS

10 SIRES AT OR ABOVE +130 JPI

Our proven lineup is sired by 11 unique sires, and 11 unique maternal grandsires!

BOOSTING TOTAL SOLIDS

8 SIRES

AT OR ABOVE +45 CFP

PROVEN LINEUP AVERAGES: +139 +376 +454

Scan for more info on the Jersey lineup!

JPI

HHP$®

MILK

+50

+2.0

2.94

104

CFP

DPR

SCS

Z MAST TYPE

+0.4 +15.6 96% JUI™

Y REL.

GET TO KNOW YOUR BOARD MEMBERS! JONATHAN LAMB District: 1 Farm: Oakfield Corners Dairy Location: Oakfield, NY Photo: The OCD team receiving Reserve Supreme Champion honors at World Dairy Expo in 2025. Jonathan is holding the Grand Champion banner. Board Director Jonathan Lamb hails from Oakfield Corners Dairy (OCD), which has 8500 cows between its three locations in Premier territory. OCD is run by 12th generation farmers and brothers, Jonathan and Matt Lamb, alongside a non-family partner, Jim Veazey. OCD’s first priority is to run a successful commercial dairy. They also proudly partner with Select Sires to breed high-ranking bulls for A.I. Their ET and IVF program has two divisions—show cattle breeding (about 10% of the program), and index breeding (90% of the program). “My wife, Alicia, and I have always had a passion for genetics,” said Jonathan. “Working with great cows makes us excited to put our boots on in the morning and work in the barn.” Jonathan served as a delegate for Select Sire Power for several years. He rejoined as a delegate for Premier Select Sires in 2020 and now sits on the board of directors. Jonathan says he chose to become involved in governance because he admired the people involved with the cooperative.

“The teams at Select Sires and Premier are an asset to our members. The board and delegates are salt of the earth people who I enjoy learning from. The sire team has had great knowledge and foresight, and OCD has specifically appreciated working with Senior Sire Analyst Rick VerBeek to improve our own program. I wanted to contribute to Premier and Select Sires, and it is exciting to be a very small part of the organization.” Alongside his fellow directors, Jonathan strives to set goals and find solutions that meet the needs of member owners head on—both now and for the future. He has an enthusiasm for encouraging young people to get involved with cooperative governance in order to develop their skillsets to become future leaders for Premier. “We can’t be complacent. We must embrace change and understand the need to evolve, continuing to develop a strong culture that enables young people to join and grow with Premier,” said Jonathan.

reach out any time if they have questions regarding the board’s processes, or if they have suggestions for how the cooperative can improve. “I want farmers to know we take our roles seriously and keep the members in mind because we want the cooperative to be the best it can be for them. I feel confident about the future with the organization’s governance, financial standing, skilled employees, and positive culture. We have not only been successful; we have also thrived. I am excited for the future.”

The team at Oakfield Corners Dairy has been named the World Dairy Expo 2026 Dairy Producers of the Year for their excellence in genetics, innovation, sustainability, community engagement, and commitment to developing the next generation of the dairy industry. Please join us in congratulating them!

Jonathan emphasizes that members can

Jersey ad: Averages do not include Showcase™ sires. 08/26 CDCB-S/AJCA Genomic Evaluations. Evaluations in this advertisement are Powered by CDCB™. ™JUI and JPI are trademarks of the American Jersey Cattle Association. Showcase is a trademark of Select Sires Inc. ®HHP$, Your Success Our Passion. and the Select Sires logo are registered trademarks of Select Sires Inc., Plain City, Ohio.

MEMBER FEATURE: GODFREY DAIRY FARM “You can’t manage what you don’t measure.” This popular business motto shows up in both the barn and the office at Godfrey Dairy Farm in Madison, Georgia. Management, employees, consultants, and others pay close attention to all aspects of the farm to ensure that growth and success are shared across the operation and the larger community. From cow care, genetics, and reproduction to employee experience, community outreach, and industry investment, no area is overlooked.

Cuyler Johnson, Herd Manager for Godfrey Dairy Farm in Madison, GA

Godfrey Dairy Farm is a 1250-cow

Holstein operation farming 2100 acres. Fourth generation owners and sisters Megan Clark and Ashley Burt inherited the farm from their father, Dave Clark. Megan serves as the CEO, and longtime employee Cuyler Johnson serves as the herd manager. “I started here part time after school helping in the fields. Early on, my quest for knowledge began and I wanted to know more about cows,” said Cuyler. “I learned to A.I., to trim feet, to handle the hospital herd, to manage employees…and now, after 32 years, I serve as the herd manager.” Godfrey Dairy was purchased from the previous owner in 1990. The farm consisted of 200 cows in one freestall and a herringbone parlor. Since then, the parlor has been redone (double-22 parallel) and three freestall barns have been added. The farm is currently building another freestall barn and working on a new barn for dry cow and maternity pens. The farm employs 28 individuals. “We want to produce the highest quality of milk in a clean, organized workspace, leaving a small to nonexistent carbon footprint,” said Cuyler. “We want to be profitable, and it is about more than just money—we want to

create an environment for cows and employees to thrive in every sense.”

GENETICS As a commercial dairy, Godfrey Dairy aims to breed a moderate-sized cow with high yield, strong components, a good udder, sound feet and legs, and minimal health issues. They prefer A2A2 sires as well. Godfrey Dairy uses Zoetis genomic testing to measure and track genetic progress. Since they began testing about six years ago, Cuyler says it has been neat seeing the numbers change with improvements. For example, DWP$® in calves has risen from 481 to 822. Cuyler notes improvements in cow efficiency, including higher milk and fat yields. He added that through genetics and work with Premier, the farm has been able to go from 5 percent mastitis in cows down to 1 percent, which he says “puts the dairy in a very stable financial place as far as treating cows for mastitis.” Justin Edwards, Premier Area Sales Manager serving the farm, adds, “Over the past few years, we’ve really been focusing on fertility. Growth has been reflected in the Zoetis report through a whole point gained in Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR). I appreciate Godfrey Dairy’s diligence and willingness to improve, and we’ve seen genetic advancement firsthand.”

Genomic data also allows the herd to strategically select which genetics to continue and which to terminate. Females ranking in the top 15-30 percent of the herd are bred using sexed semen for herd replacements. The remainder are bred using beef semen. “Justin knows what I want in my cows, and he is an asset to the dairy. He helps us with matings through the Select Mating Service® (SMS®), and helps manage our heifer inventory,” said Cuyler. “We appreciate Lindsey Redish helping out with cow evaluations too.” Godfrey Dairy has been using many of Select Sires’ programs since their inception, and Cuyler likes being on the forefront of opportunities for advancement and profitability. The farm has relied on SMS for over 20 years to prevent inbreeding and achieve intentional genetic progress. They were also early members of NxGEN®, Select Sires’ membership program providing participants with early access to elite young sires, which Godfrey Dairy uses on their highest-ranking females. For the genetics they wish to terminate, the ProfitSOURCE® program identifies ideal beef sires to generate cash flow from beef on dairy calf sales.

REPRODUCTION Godfrey Dairy has also been using Select Reproductive Solutions® (SRS®) for as long as Cuyler can remember. Monthly, Justin reviews reproductive reports. Annually, Justin, Vice

President of Select Dairy Solutions King Smith, Cuyler, and other members of the farm team sit down to review progress and set goals. “I remember when I was young and 15 percent was a good pregnancy rate,” said Cuyler. “Our goal has been to achieve a 30 percent pregnancy rate, and recently it’s been 31-32 percent. We’re going to continue working on it and improving. We’re trying to maximize it with genetics, environment, and nutrition. You never settle in this industry.” About three years ago, Cuyler said the farm was encountering challenges with heat detection in virgin heifers. With the help of Justin and Premier CowManager® Specialist Kevin Lincomfelt, Godfrey Dairy decided to implement the CowManager herd monitoring system on heifers, and they have been pleased with the results. Cuyler and the herdsmen can see fertility alerts, as well as information on body temperature, rumination, and more, on the farm’s desktop computers and their phones. “We are pleased with how CowManager helps us know the ideal time to breed. We don’t breed at the first sign of heat, but at the right time for maximum performance. With our a.m. and p.m. breedings, heifer conception rate has been higher.”

PRODUCTION With the consistent attention to genetics, reproduction, nutrition, cow comfort, etc., the proof is in the pudding, or rather, the milk

production. Godfrey Dairy currently milks 1100 cows three times per day. Cuyler acknowledges the strides they’ve made over the farm’s history— “In 1994 we were at 17,000 pounds of milk, and we’re up to 32,000 pounds now. We’ve doubled in the past 30 years, and we credit that to genetics, nutrition, and management.” Cuyler’s next goal is to reach a rolling herd average of 34,000 pounds of milk and achieve a 4.5 percent butterfat. “It’s exciting to see how we can change things in cattle through genetics. I’m excited to see, can we take the Holstein breed to 5 percent or higher in fat? What’s the intake, how can we produce more milk genetically with the higher feed efficiencies of cows? I just think it’s pretty cool to see these new genes and new genetic areas we can improve in to make us more efficient.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE ON THE FARM & BEYOND CEO Megan Clark holds employee care in high regard. She manages human resources for the farm, and she prioritizes making the farm a safe, enjoyable place to work. In addition to providing employees what they need day to day, she organizes employee celebrations and events, striving for a culture of connection. “We not only value what is right for the cows and the business, but also what is right for the personnel involved,” said Cuyler. “By building

a team of hardworking, loyal, trustworthy employees, we’ve been able to thrive in all kinds of areas. At the end of the day, we want to know that we took the best possible care of the cows and that we worked to help our people be happy. The long-term goal would be to hand the farm over to the next generation of dairy farmers with a nice environment where they can thrive.” Beyond employees, the farm team invests in youth and the community by offering farm tours to FFA chapters, summer camps, and other groups. They host 4-H and FFA dairy judging practice classes, bring cattle to state dairy judging competitions, and have served as a host farm for Dairy Challenge. Cuyler donates his time clipping toplines for the county 4-H dairy show team and serves on the board of the Georgia Dairy Youth Foundation. He says it’s been exciting to see full circle how youth get involved and then enter the industry as adults. Zooming out even further, Godfrey Dairy serves as a leader in understanding and developing methods for the dairy industry to achieve new levels of sustainability. “In today’s society, many people want to know where their food comes from, and that its production is not negatively impacting the environment,” said Cuyler. “As a farm, we wanted to know, ‘How sustainable are we? What is our carbon footprint?’ We completed the Dairy Alliance’s voluntary environmental assessment, also known as a roadmap assessment.”

Continued on page 8 >>>

Repro Snapshot:

PROTOCOLS, GOALS, BENCHMARKS, & RESULTS

R Voluntary Waiting Period (VWP) on 2-year-olds is 85 days. R VWP on 2nd lactation or greater cows is 70 days if below 130 lbs of milk; 85 days if over 130 lbs of milk.

R Anything not in heat by 100 Days in Milk (DIM) goes to OvSynch (less than 1%). Cuyler– “We want to ensure cows are in a positive energy state so they settle better.”

R OvSynch is used in open cows and resynchs. R Heifers are bred at 12 months of age or 800 lbs. R Current strategy: all semen is either sexed or beef (no conventional dairy semen is used).

R 85% of virgin heifers are bred to sexed semen, and 15% are bred to beef.

R The top 30% of all cows are bred to sexed semen, and the bottom 70% are bred to ProfitSOURCE BxD semen.

R First service conception rate is 49% with sexed semen. R Target Preg Rate (PR) is 30%. Recently, PR has been 31-32%.

Cuyler and Justin Edwards, Premier Area Sales Manager

Select Mating Service, SMS, NxGEN, ProfitSOURCE, Select Reproductive Solutions, and SRS are registered trademarks of Select Sires, Inc. CowManager is a registered trademark of Agis Automatisering B.V. Dairy Wellness Profit Index and DWP$ are registered trademarks of Zoetis Inc., its affiliates and/or licensors. ®

Godfrey Dairy, continued from page 7

Cuyler reflects on the relationship Godfrey Dairy has built with Premier Select Sires over the years: “As an industry leader, Select Sires and Premier Select Sires have been able to bring together key people from the classroom and the farm. By doing so, they’ve been able to give farmers the kind of bulls that fit anyone’s breeding program. They have individuals who are experts in the many aspects of operations. They can answer or help you find the answer to what you’re looking for or need. From the sales rep to the evaluator or the repro expert who specializes in CowManager®, there is always someone to fulfill your everyday needs, or to help in critical crisis situations. As a cooperative, they are knowledgeable and realistic, and they collaborate with the farmer.” Premier values the relationships we’ve been able to form with Godfrey Dairy and other herds across our 23-state territory, and as a cooperative, we look forward to setting and exceeding goals with those producers to propel the industry forward!

Scan this QR code for a video featuring Cuyler Johnson!

PARTNERING TO REACH GOALS

He shares about Godfrey Dairy and how the farm works with Premier Select Sires to accomplish operational goals.

Cuyler said that through the assessment, Godfrey Dairy learned they have a neutral to negative carbon footprint, essentially making more milk with fewer cows when compared to other herds. Contributing factors include water recycling, using byproducts in feed, effectively using fans, and more. The farm’s participation will help other farms in the state of Georgia understand and implement practices to improve sustainability, reduce environmental impact, and remain economically viable.

GROWING THE FUTURE: INTERNS REFLECT ON THEIR SUMMER EXPERIENCE At Premier Select Sires, investing in the next generation is

part of who we are. Our internship program gives students real-world experience, hands-on projects, and the opportunity to learn from industry leaders. This summer, we welcomed three incredible interns to the Premier team. Each brought fresh ideas, strong work ethic, and a passion for the industry.

“This summer has been nothing short of incredible and full of invaluable lessons and knowledge that I will carry with me for the entirety of my career.” - Lauren Ross

“Being hands on at farms has allowed me to put into practice what I had learned in the classroom in regards to the anatomy of the cows and gain a better understanding overall.” - Madison Bomgardner

“I appreciated being able to ride along with a lot of different employees and see their roles and responsibilities to gain a better understanding of what Premier Select Sires is really about.” - Kylie Dehoff

Kylie Dehoff and Madison Bomgardner getting their hands dirty at an A.I. School

MEET THE INTERNS Three students. Three perspectives. One summer with Premier.

Kylie Dehoff

Lauren Ross

Madison Bomgardner

School: SUNY Cobleskill

School: Delaware Valley University

School: Penn State University

Major: Associates degree in animal

Major: Dairy science with a minor in

Major: Animal science

science with a dairy concentration

“

I had the opportunity to ride with many different people and experience what they do on a daily basis. From shadowing a technician, running sales routes, helping count inventories, going to many different A.I. schools, learning about matings and how the cows are scored on a linear scale, spending a few days at the main office in Tunkhannock...it was a lot of fun! This internship has given me the full picture of what Premier is and what they have to offer. I loved every moment of it and I am grateful for all of the opportunities that I was given.”

animal science

“

Between all of the farms I have visited, all the people I have worked with or met, all of the connections I have made, and all the cattle I have worked with, my internship was filled with experiences that will benefit me in my future career and beyond. I cannot be more grateful for this opportunity to spend the summer doing what I love and learning things about the industry. I look forward to using this new knowledge and experience to the best of my abilities and continue to improve the industry in NY State and beyond!”

“

This summer provided me with lots of opportunities and challenges. After traveling hundreds of miles, I am very grateful for the experience and connections made across Premier’s central region territory. Being hands on at farms has allowed me to put into practice what I had learned in the classroom in regards to the anatomy of the cows and gain a better understanding overall.”

LOOKING AHEAD As they return to school this fall, we know these interns will continue to do great things! We are proud to have been a part of their journey and can’t wait to see where their futures take them.

ADVICE TO FUTURE INTERNS “Be willing to try new things. Be confident in yourself and what you are capable of doing. Have a positive attitude and ask questions when needed.” - Kylie “Ask questions and learn from the employees at Premier, as this education and knowledge will take you much farther in your career and make you a stronger candidate for employers down the road.” - Lauren “Communication is very important in this internship to stay on top of things. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn from those around you.” - Madison

Sales Support Specialst, Hannah Matthew and Kylie Dehoff at an AI School in Martinsburg, PA

One of the most famous of

The Goose that Laid the Golden Eggs

Aesop’s Fables warns against destroying a valuable long-term resource for an immediate, shortterm gain. But what if we could understand the source of those golden eggs inside the goose, and multiply that source over and over again?

by Jeff Hostetter, Product Manager

In this analogy, the rumen of the dairy cow is like the goose, and Galaxis FrontierTM is the golden eggs. Native Microbials has mapped the DNA of thousands of healthy, high-producing cows. They have isolated the four most influential rumen microbes, grown them in large quantities, and protected them so dairy producers can optimize the genetics of their cows’ rumens on a daily basis through the feed. Premier Select has partnered with Native Microbials to bring this technology called Galaxis Frontier to our member owners.

As we learn more about the application of Galaxis Frontier, there are two unique protocols that have stood out:

• Galaxis Fresh • Galaxis Refaunation Bolus Galaxis Fresh is simply a

program of feeding a double dose of Galaxis Frontier (10 grams/day) to pre-fresh and postfresh cows in a herd. The results have been amazing: Across commercial dairies (Holstein & Jersey) completing a four month Galaxis Fresh Program Demo, peak fatcorrected milk increased by:

+4.5 lbs. in 1st lacts +8.3 lbs. in 2nd lacts +6.9 lbs. in 3rd+ lacts Contact a Premier representative if you are interested in a Galaxis Fresh Demo in your herd!

GET TO KNOW YOUR BOARD MEMBERS! “I was interested in seeing how the board would function, and how I could be a benefit,” said Kelvin. “I can say that the board works hard with management to keep products and services coming onto each farm every day.”

KELVIN HATCH District: 2 Farm: Brubaker Farms

Kelvin and the team at Brubaker Farms has partnered with Premier Select Sires in various capacities. They have served as a host site for artificial insemination training courses, partnered with Premier employees to provide educational opportunities for youth in the dairy industry, and more.

Location: Mount Joy, PA Board Director Kelvin Hatch is the Reproductive and Genetics Manager at Brubaker Farms in Mount Joy, PA. The farm began in 1936 with just 16 cows. Today, Brubaker Farms has 2100 cows over the farm’s three locations, and the fourth generation is now actively involved in the dairy. Brubaker Farms is invested in the farming industry and their local community. The management team strives to be a good neighbor, ensure a safe and enjoyable work environment, provide top-notch care for every animal every day, and protect the environment and conserve natural resources. They also embrace opportunities to educate consumers and future generations of agriculturists.

Kelvin reaches ten years of service to the Premier Select Sires board this year. He joined as a delegate in 2016 and currently serves as a director on the board.

Photo: Kelvin providing a farm tour for students participating in the 2021 Center for Dairy Excellence’s Exploration Experience, which was held in partnership with Brubaker Farms and Premier Select Sires.

Rebuilding the Rumen: Introducing the Galaxis Refaunation Bolus for Low Rumination Cows Since we introduced Galaxis Frontier through our partnership with Native Microbials, many of you have seen firsthand what a healthy, well-populated rumen microbiome can do for cow health and performance. We’re building on that success with the Galaxis Refaunation Bolus—a first-of-its-kind solution designed to support any cow working to recover normal rumen function during a period of physiological stress—and it is expected to be available through Premier this fall.

Why Rumination Recovery Matters

Fresh cows are a big piece of this picture. The transition period is one of the most common times a cow’s rumen function gets knocked off track... but fresh cows are far from the only ones. Any cow flagged as low-rumination or off-feed, for whatever reason, is a cow whose rumen needs help getting back to normal function. The Galaxis Refaunation Bolus was developed with that biology in mind. Whether given routinely at freshening or targeted to any cow already flagged as low-rumination or off-feed, it’s designed to help cows recover normal rumen function faster—supporting the recovery, not just flagging the problem.

Rumen Fluid Transfer, Reinvented

Figure A

Many of you are already familiar with the old-school approach to this problem: drenching a sluggish cow

with rumen fluid collected from a healthy donor. While effective, it’s labor-intensive, inconsistent, and difficult to scale across today’s dairies. Think of the Galaxis Refaunation Bolus as rumen fluid transfer, reinvented—the same live, rumen-native microbes that make transfaunation effective, identified, cultured, and stabilized into a consistent, biosecure bolus you can reach for on any cow, any time, without needing a donor cow on hand.

What We’re Seeing on Commercial Dairies We don’t ask you to take a new product on faith. Here’s what the data shows so far, including one case study built specifically around fresh cow use, since that’s where a lot of low-rumination cows first show up:

Faster rumination recovery (see Figure A): At a

South Dakota Holstein dairy, cows flagged for low rumination and treated with the Galaxis bolus returned to 50% of their baseline rumination approximately 40% faster than cows treated with a generic rumen bolus (28 hours vs. 49 hours).

Fewer repeat treatments (see Figure B): Lower early culling. Across 294 treated cows at a California Jersey dairy, cows receiving the Galaxis bolus were less likely to need a follow-up treatment (12% vs. 17.5%) and more than 50% less likely

to be culled following illness (8.8% vs. 19.1%) compared to cows receiving a generic bolus.

Building on the Data Since the transition period is one of the biggest sources of low-rumination cows on any dairy, we’re currently running an on-farm trial where every fresh cow is bolused at freshening—half receive the Galaxis bolus, half serve as controls—and health is tracked through an activity system’s health and distress alerts. A few weeks in, Galaxis-treated cows are already showing markedly fewer system health alerts than controls, and when an alert does happen, it tends to be less severe. This trial is ongoing and the numbers will sharpen as more cows move through it, but the early trend lines up with what we’re seeing in the case studies above.

Looking Ahead We’ll have more to share as the Galaxis Refaunation Bolus becomes available this fall. In the meantime, if you’re interested in learning more or want to talk through whether a routine-at-freshening approach, a targeted low-rumination protocol, or both makes sense for your herd, reach out to your Premier representative. We’re happy to walk through the data and the biology behind it.

Figure B

A drop in rumination is one of the earliest indicators that a cow’s rumen function has been disrupted. Published research from Cornell University, tracking over 1,000 Holstein cows, has shown that changes in rumination can be detected days before a cow is clinically diagnosed with a metabolic or digestive disorder—in some cases up to three days earlier. Just as importantly, the deeper and longer that decline persists, the greater the impact on cow health and performance: lower milk production, more metabolic dysfunction, and a higher risk of leaving the herd early.

Galaxis Frontier is a trademark of Native Microbials, Inc. Buyer assumes all responsibility for use, storage and handling of this product. All claims, representations and warranties, expressed or implied, are made only by the company responsible for manufacturing and not by Premier Select Sires Inc., its agents or employees.

Breathing Easier through the Fall: Managing Respiratory Challenges in Calves with AccelAIRate by Ben Williamson, Product Manager As temperatures begin to swing between warm

afternoons and cool nights, respiratory health becomes a top concern for livestock, especially calves under high stress circumstances. Autumn is a season of transition, and for young calves, weaned calves, and receiving cattle, the stress of environmental or management changes can create the perfect conditions for respiratory disease to take hold. In fact, USDA data illustrates that 33.8% of calves have at least one morbidity event, while 6% have multiple. Of those cases, 50.9% are result of a digestive issue, and 28.1% are respiratory challenges.

Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) remains one of the most costly health challenges in the cattle industry, with estimates as high as over $2 billion annual cost and half of the disease related deaths in cattle operations. While pathogens such as viruses and bacteria play a role, respiratory issues are rarely caused by infectious agents alone. Instead, disease often develops when environmental pressures and stress compromise an animal’s natural defenses.

Why Respiratory Problems Increase in the Fall Fall weather creates several challenges for calves. Wide temperature swings, increased humidity, wet conditions, and reduced ventilation as facilities are closed up for colder weather can all contribute to respiratory stress. When calves experience sudden temperature fluctuations, their immune systems must work harder to maintain normal body function. Cool mornings followed by warm afternoons can increase susceptibility to respiratory pathogens. At the same time, damp bedding and poor air quality expose calves to dust, ammonia, and airborne microorganisms that irritate the respiratory tract. Stress is another major contributor. Dairy calves may undergo weaning, grouping, transportation, or vaccination during this period. Beef calves often experience weaning, marketing, transportation, and commingling—often all at once, elevating the possibility of a health wreck. Receiving cattle face multiple stressors simultaneously, including transport, dietary changes, and exposure to unfamiliar pathogens. These events elevate stress hormones (namely cortisol) that can suppress immune function, creating an opportunity for respiratory disease to develop.

Common Causes of Respiratory Disease Respiratory disease typically occurs when three factors intersect:

1. Pathogen exposure from viruses or bacteria. 2. Environmental challenges such as poor ventilation, dust, mud, or rapid weather changes.

3. Animal stress resulting from weaning, transportation, handling, or nutritional transitions.

Buyer assumes all responsibility for use, storage and handling of this product. All claims, representations and warranties, expressed or implied, are made only by the company responsible for manufacturing and not by Select Sires Inc., its member cooperatives, its agents or employees. AccelAIRate is manufactured for Select Sires Inc, 11740 US 42N, Plain City, OH 43064

Once the respiratory tract becomes irritated or immune defenses are weakened, pathogens can more easily establish infections in the upper or lower respiratory system. Early signs may include coughing, nasal discharge, drooped ears, elevated respiratory rates, decreased feed intake, lethargy, and fever.

Management Strategies to Reduce Risk Successful respiratory programs focus on prevention rather than treatment. Strong colostrum programs remain the foundation of calf health, providing immunity during the critical first weeks of life. As most of us know, if we can keep them eating, we can mitigate a lot of problems. Adequate nutrition and consistent feed intake support immune function throughout the growing period.

Facility management also plays a significant role. Proper ventilation helps remove moisture, dust, and ammonia while supplying fresh air without creating drafts. Clean, dry bedding reduces pathogen pressure and helps calves maintain body temperature during cool weather.

Stress management is equally important. Producers should minimize abrupt changes whenever possible by planning gradual weaning programs, maintaining consistent feeding schedules, reducing overcrowding, and handling animals quietly. Strategic vaccination programs developed with a herd veterinarian, coupled with products (such as aid in bolstering antibodies), increase consumption and digestive tract health and reduce cortisol levels.

AccelAIRate: A Tool to Support Respiratory Health In addition to sound management practices, AccelAIRate can provide another layer of defense during periods of elevated respiratory risk.

AccelAIRate is a nutraceutical designed to support the respiratory system of young cattle. It contains a combination of essential oils, herbal extracts, antioxidants, and immune-supporting ingredients

formulated to help maintain respiratory health and support recovery during periods of respiratory challenge. Ingredients include Thyme Oil, Anise Oil, and Marshmallow Extract. Thyme and Anise have antimicrobial properties that inhibit growth of Pasteurella and other bacteria that cause BRD, while Marshmallow Extract is an expectorant to suppress coughing. Other ingredients such as mannanoligosaccharides (MOS), beta-glucans, nucleotides, and vitamins are included to bolster immune function, promote appetite, and help calves maintain performance during stressful events. Success has been found in both the dairy and beef segments, reducing needs for antibiotics, lowering mortality, and improving average daily gains. While there are long lists of successes, some highlights include a South Dakota dairy that reduced pneumonia treatments in calves for the first 90 days of life by 83%, and continued with lower pneumonia treatment by 71% from 91 to 200 days of age. In the beef sector, a large TN operator who purchases 2 weight calves from sale barns (knowing nothing about their history) used AccelAIRate on 700 calves for 21 days at receiving. Treatment and mortality were cut in half, ZERO coughing was witnessed, and ADG was boosted by 0.6 lbs to sale time at 850 lbs.

The Bottom Line Respiratory disease is rarely caused by a single factor. Rather, it is the result of pathogens taking advantage of animals that are stressed and exposed to challenging environmental conditions. As fall weather arrives, producers who focus on ventilation, nutrition, sanitation, stress reduction, and proactive health management can significantly reduce respiratory risk. Combining these management fundamentals with tools such as AccelAIRate may help calves and receiving cattle navigate seasonal challenges more successfully, resulting in healthier animals, improved performance, and a stronger bottom line. Ask your rep about stacking products at weaning and other high stress events to compound advantages and ensure success!

In the world of dairy genetics, the drive to breed a better cow, combined with evolving

data analysis, leads to many new and updated genetic tools. August 2026 sire evaluations brought the following changes: • The Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) introduced changes to their fertility traits. • The CDCB introduced a new trait, First Service to Conception (FSC). • The Holstein Association published a new type index, Holstein Conformation Composite (HCC). • The CDCB published new calf health traits for Holsteins and Jerseys— Calf Diarrhea (DIA) and Calf Respiratory Disease (RSP).

SCAN TO LEARN MORE!

Let’s break down what these traits are and how you can implement them on your farm >>>

BEEF BRIEFS

Q&A

WITH

PREMIER BEEF MANAGERS Premier Select Sires has three full-time regional beef managers on staff. These experts work hard to equip our employees and member customers to create and maintain successful beef breeding programs. Read on to learn more!

Why did you choose a career in the beef industry? Matt: I was raised on a small farm in northeastern Missouri. A neighbor had a small herd of registered Angus cows and that is really where my interest in the beef industry was piqued. I was consuming artificial insemination sire directories in high school. Our local Kentucky Artificial Breeding Association (KABA) representative taught me how to A.I., and I continued to have a huge interest in genetics and technology to make cattle better.

Mark: To be honest, the beef industry chose me. I was working in the

agricultural lending industry and was approached by an A.I. company to work for them. I had been breeding some cattle on the weekends locally and had developed a reputation, I guess. They came with an offer and I accepted; eleven years later here I am.

Jim: I grew up on my family’s diversified farming operation, which

included row crops, a farrow-to-finish hog operation, hay, and a commercial cow/calf herd. I always gravitated towards the cattle, and through high school my interest in the beef industry grew. This led me into the place I am today.

How has the use of A.I. evolved within the beef industry? Matt: A.I. in beef cattle started to gain traction in the 1950s, but not

until breakthroughs with synchronization drugs and protocols in the 1990s did it become feasible for more widespread use. Labor remains the largest barrier to commercial beef A.I. use, but we are seeing great payoffs for those willing to adopt A.I. For several herds that I help A.I. their entire cowherd, the technology has become a routine management practice to get 85 percent of the herd to calve in the first 30 days of the calving season. Additionally,

when herd bulls are averaging $12,000 and we can A.I. 100 head for roughly $6,000, saving the need for two or three bulls, the math becomes simple.

One exciting tool that Premier offers that can actually replace the need for herd bulls is the CowManager® herd monitoring system. CowManager is an activity monitor ear tag that provides data and alerts for estrus, health events, calving, and rumination.

MATT CALDWELL Parker, KS

MARK WILBURN Asheboro, NC

JIM YANCE Dothan, AL

What are some tips to enhance or maximize an A.I. program? Jim: First and foremost, a producer must have a solid foundation in place to ensure success while executing an A.I. project:

• Cows must have been on an up-to-date herd health program (working with a veterinarian). That will allow a greater rate of success from start to finish. • A body condition score of 5-6 leading up to breeding day is a must. • Cattle need to be on a year-round mineral program that provides the correct levels of vitamins and minerals for their region of the country, preferably with a percentage of the sources being chelated. There are other things that can help increase success rates, such as: • Following the instructions of the synchronization protocol being used from the first to last step. This is very important! • Always using an 18-20 gauge 1½ inch needle to administer GnRh. This ensures that the GnRh is delivered deep into the muscle tissue rather than the subcutaneous fat. • Using FerAppease® on breeding day to help increase conception rate. FerAppease is a synthetic analogue of the Maternal Bovine Appeasing Substance (MBAS) for suppression of threat perception; it can and should be used when animals are exposed to management and physiological stressors.

If you’re a beef producer and would like to review your A.I. program, discuss your management plan for supporting cattle throughout their life stages, or stock up your toolbox with products to improve results, contact your local Premier rep today!

CowManager is a registered trademark of Agis Automatisering. FerAppease is a registered trademark of FERA Diagnostics & Biologicals. BioCycle is a registered trademark of Agrarian Solutions LLC. First Day Formula and BioFresh are registered trademarks of Select Sires Inc. ™DTX and Convert are trademarks of Select Sires Inc. ®

What are some resources local beef staff can offer? Mark: Premier Select Sires team members stay in tune with the beef

markets and demands of the industry. Our Beef Managers, Area Sales Managers, Independent Beef Sales Representatives, etc. can be a very reliable real-time resource for information as you make decisions about your operation. Many of us are producers as well and can provide a firsthand account of bulls and products, and how they may be best applied to your herd. I think it is safe to say that our team is invested in the customer success as well as, if not better than, anyone else in the industry. Afterall, most of us are customers as well.

How can beef producers make sure they are getting the most out of their genetic investments? Mark: At Premier, we offer a full line of tools that carry cattle from

conception to consumption. A.I. requires work and it does consume resources; that said, there are many things you can do along the way to capture value. Here are some examples of customer satisfaction products and processes:

How have beef genetics evolved and improved over the years? Jim: In 2009, the bovine genome sequencing project was completed.

Since then, there has been much advancement in beef cattle. We now have the ability to identify the most complete matings using DNA markers…something that was once only a dream. Breeders can now select for numerous traits that best fit their environment, goals, and objectives. From hair shedding to ribeye and marbling, the mating options are endless. It can be a bit overwhelming when you open a bull sale catalog. My suggestion is to use percentile rankings to more easily make selections for EPDs and index rankings. Your local Premier Select Sires representatives are also happy to discuss goals and options with you!

• During pre-breeding, supplementation with Select DTX™ or Biocycle® Plus helps ensure proper health and capitalizes on getting as many cows bred as possible. • It takes a team approach to land on the correct sires that will fulfill the goals of the operation. The producer and Premier staff should work together to make the best possible decisions. • Tools like CowManager can assist with getting cows bred and ensuring they stay bred through environmental or nutritional challenges. At calving time, CowManager can also provide alerts that allow us to be at the ready to assist if needed, or simply be timely with the processing of newborns. • A must at calving are Convert Gel™ and First Day Formula® Colostrum Replacer. All calves benefit from the Convert to set them up for a lifetime of health and increased performance. First Day CR should be in everyone’s barn or side-by-side for those calves that need a little extra boost. • At weaning we can use FerAppease and BioFresh® Microbial Gel to help with the stress and transition to eating on their own. • We can identify vaccines that will ensure cattle health for the long haul. • We can’t forget fly management. We offer fly tags and pour-on. We can also fight parasites with a full line of dewormers. • As the cattle progress, we can always booster them with Convert or BioFresh if they encounter a health event. • It is imperative to keep CowManager in the cattle we retain to ensure we catch any health event before it comes a major problem. These are just some of the ways we can help you protect your genetic investments!

How does Select Sires add new bulls to the program, and how does Select Sires ensure the highest quality semen and fertility? Matt: Select Sires has committees to review member and customer input, and then those

committees decide the organization’s sire needs for each breed. After these goals are established, a great team of sire analysts identify the best bulls to meet those needs. Bulls are either purchased or leased. Select Sires is thankful to have strong relationships with breeders who help create and identify bulls with strong, desirable genetics, and we are proud to partner with these breeders to offer semen to our member customers. Select Sires has the highest standards in the industry to ensure customer success. In 2016, I had a regression analysis done on customer breeding data. Select Sires semen consistently resulted in 6-10 percent higher conception rate over other A.I. studs. When I inquired why our results were so much better, the answer was, “because we throw a lot away.” Our semen goes through a strict quality control process, and product that is not up to standard will not be put in the marketplace. That commitment to customer success continues.

Buyer assumes all responsibility for use, storage and handling of the listed products. All claims, representations and warranties, expressed or implied, are made only by the company responsible for manufacturing and not by Premier Select Sires Inc., its agents or employees.

PREMIER SELECT SIRES, INC. 1 Stony Mountain Road Tunkhannock, PA 18657

Our Mission

TO SERVE AS A TRUSTED PARTNER WITH BEEF AND DAIRY PRODUCERS, BUILDING THEIR SUCCESS THROUGH INDUSTRY-LEADING GENETICS, EFFECTIVE HERD MANAGEMENT PRODUCTS, VALUABLE SERVICES, AND EXPERIENCE-BASED INSIGHTS FROM KNOWLEDGEABLE, PASSIONATE EMPLOYEES.

CowManager is a registered trademark of Agis Automatisering B.V.