May 2016 Wisconsin Holstein News

May 2016

Volume 88 No. 5

Technology issue District & Championship Show rules & entry form Junior Trip Report District 10 report

C Grasshill Katarina-ET EX-94 3E Nominated All-American 5 Year Old Grand Champion & Best Udder of Show, WI Championship Show 1991 Res. Grand Champion, WI Championship Show 1992 & 1993

25th Anniversary Katarina was a special cow to work with. She lived to be 13 years old but made a lot of bull calves.

Camerons Atwd Carolynn-ETS born 12-1-14

Robrook Goldwyn Cameron EX-95

Purchased as a calf from Budjon, Carolynn has developed into a special yearling. She’s the new foundation at Marsh-Vue.

2nd 4-Year-Old & HM Grand Champion, WDE 2013 Grand Champion, Royal Winter Fair 2013 Grand Champion, WI Championship Show 2013 Grand Champion, Midwest Spring National 2014 3x All-American & All-Canadian

Marsh-Vue Registered Holsteins Doug, Gina, Zach, Jordan & Brianna Lemke Chilton, WI • 920-371-7738 • dgzjlemke@aol.com

District 10 breeders Manitowoc Winnebago

Calumet

Fond du Lac

Sheboygan

Savana photo by Cybil Fisher; Esther by Kathy DeBruin

Jenniton M-O-M Savana-ET

Jenniton D-Tello Esther-ET

VG-88 DOM *TY

GP-82 +2444 GTPI

2-02 365 29,390 4.6 1345 3.7 1085

2-02 257 17,716 4.4 774 3.3 582 inc.

• Next dams: EX-90 DOM Bolton x EX-90 DOM, EX-90 2E, VG-88 GMD, EX-90 2E DOM, EX-90 2E GMD DOM, EX-90 3E GMD DOM

• Donatello x Savana • Yoder daughter sold in the 2015 World Classic

Don’t miss these two Savana granddaughters - heifers with a bright future!

Selling May 7 at the Vernon County Sale:

Selling June 26 in the National Convention Sale:

JENNITON K-BOY MELISSA-ET

JENNITON LEAF BRANDY-ET

b: 9-25-15

+2549 GTPI +83F +47P +4.0PL +672NM +2.27T +1.78UDC +1.48FLC Kingboy x Jenniton D-Tello Esther-ET GP-82

b: 4-4-15 #1 GTPI Leaf daughter +2671 GTPI +1258M +74F +59P +5.0PL +2.38T +2.01UDC +1.55FLC AltaLeaf x Jenniton D-Tello Becky-ET GP-80 +2410G 2-02 283 19,677 4.5 890 3.2 635 inc.

JENNITON REGISTERED HOLSTEINS, LLC Ted & Marcia: 608-574-7072 Kyle & Karlee: 608-574-9182

Ted & Marcia Thompson Kyle & Karlee Thompson 3861 Thompson Rd., Barneveld, WI 53507

jenniton@mhtc.net Located 30 miles west of Madison on Hwy. 18-151

Wisconsin Holstein Association 902 8th Ave., Baraboo, WI 53913 Phone (608) 356-2114 Fax (608) 356-6312

1-800-223-4269 www.wisholsteins.com Wisconsin Holstein News: Official Publication of the Wisconsin Holstein Association Published 11 months per year by Wisconsin Holstein Publications To Advertise: P.O. Box 49, Lancaster, WI 53813; Phone (608) 723-4933; Fax (608) 723-4973; e-mail: lauraw@wisholsteins.com

www.wisholsteins.com May 2016

VOLUME 87 No. 5

Features: 10 12 13 14 16 19 24 27 30 33

District 10 Breeder Profiles Nutrition Notes Apps for on the Dairy and in the Farm House Robotic Milker Roundtable Automatic Calf Feeder Roundtable District & Championship Show rules & entry form District Show information Focus on Reproduction: Semex USA’s Robot Ready sires Junior Trip Report WHA Barn Meeting Review

Departments: 6 28 32 34 35 36 37 38

From the President: Kevin Jorgensen District 10 report Sale reports Kati’s Calf-eine: WHA Princess Kati Kindschuh WHY Page Calendar of Events & Editor’s Comments Classified Advertising Index to Advertisers

On The Cover

This month’s cover features a photo by Kelsey Cramer, Juda.

Kelsey’s photo was the People’s Choice winner in the Senior Farm Animals category at the Junior Convention.

4–wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016

P.O. Box 49, Lancaster, WI 53813 Phone (608) 723-4933 Fax (608) 723-4973 e-mail: lauraw@wisholsteins.com

WISCONSIN HOLSTEIN ASSOCIATION STAFF: Larry Nelson, Executive Director Laura Wackershauser, Editor/Advertising Manager Sharon Maffei, Membership Coordinator Ashley Yager, Public Relations Associate

WISCONSIN HOLSTEIN ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBERS: Kevin Jorgensen, President (2018)* - 920-210-3992 801 Winter Ave., Waupun, WI 53963 Chad Ryan, Vice President (2017)* - 920-960-1449 N4067 Twin Oaks Dr., Fond du Lac, WI 54937 Kent Wendorf, Secretary (2017)* - 608-689-2201 E4210 Hwy. 56, Viroqua, WI 54665 Pam Selz-Pralle, Exec. Committee (2018) - 715-334-3434 N4621 US Hwy. 12, Humbird, WI 54746 Craig Carncross, Exec. Committee (2018) - 608-592-2560 W13157 Co. Hwy. J, Lodi, WI 53555 Bill Calvert (2018)* - 608-732-2080 6038 County Rd. J, Cuba City, WI 53807 Steve Endres (2019) - 608-279-5952 7191 Hyer Rd., Waunakee, WI 53597 Joseta Halbur (2019) - 715-821-9672 120 E. Main St., Eden, WI 53019 Heather Jauquet (2019) - 920-371-7511 W2285 County Rd. S, Pulaski, WI 54162 Tracy Mitchell (2017)* - 715-307-1804 W5364 410th Ave., Ellsworth, WI 54011 Bryan Stremcha (2019) - 608-790-1925 N4381 Prairie Rd., Bangor, WI 54614 Erica Ullom (2019) - 715-933-0477 5398 County Hwy. A, Bloomer, WI 54724 *WILL HAVE SERVED TWO THREE-YEAR TERMS, INELIGIBLE FOR RE-ELECTION

NATIONAL DIRECTORS:

Paul Buhr - 608-606-3480, Viroqua, WI Corey Geiger - 920-650-0294, Mukwonago, WI WISCONSIN HOLSTEIN NEWS: (ISSN 0194-4401) (USPS 688160) is published 11 times for $50 per year by the Wisconsin Holstein Association, 902 Eighth Ave., Baraboo, WI 53913. Periodical postage paid at Baraboo, WI and additional offices. Additional magazines may be purchased at $5.00 for the first copy and $2.00 for each additional copy. Price includes shipping and handling.

Due to the uncertainties of the mail, the NEWS cannot assume responsibility for prior delivery of issues carrying advertising of sales scheduled for less than 14 days after the issue date.

Advertising is due the 10th day of the month preceding publication.

Advertising cannot be accepted over the phone, except by fax. Ad information must include name, address, phone of advertiser, amount of space needed, color if desired, photos if any and where they are.

The Wisconsin Holstein News and its employees do not verify the records, classification scores or any other information that is used in advertising that appears in the Wisconsin Holstein News. The advertiser is solely responsible for the accuracy of all information used in their advertising. The News shall not be held responsible for any loss due to inaccurate information appearing in the News. The employees of the News shall be available to help any member acquire verification for any information appearing in the News.

Under federal law, photographer’s pictures are copyrighted and owned by the photographic company. Prints sold are with a “single use” license and, in the case of the News, for use only in current or future issues of the News. Original photos must remain on site and may not be shared as prints or electronically without written permission of the photographic company through which the photo is copyrighted.

POSTMASTER: Send address change to: Wisconsin Holstein News, 902 Eighth Ave., Baraboo, WI 53913 Phone: 1-800-223-4269 or 608-356-2114 • Fax: 608-356-6312.

wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016-5

Congratulations on your High School Graduation!

Allissa Frisle’s field of choice is Dairy Science at UW-Madison.

Kylie Hoff is off to new pastures... pursuing a business degree and playing volleyball for UW-Stout.

From your President Kevin Jorgensen Greetings fellow Holstein breeders!

I hope that spring has finally arrived as while I am writing this, winter seems to keep pestering us with our daily routines.

Thanks once again to our barn meeting hosts as the cattle we viewed were the highlight of the three meetings. Berryridge Holsteins, Sugar Creek Dairy and Voight Acres all showed that although facilities are changing, great breeders can get more from their genetics and they look good doing it.

I am happy to report that many of the Registered Holstein sales this spring have occurred by now and many of them have shown that there is still a value in Registered females. While we may not be experiencing the prices from two years ago, the market has been remarkably resilient and good ones are still worth good money. This may be truer than ever when the economy is not as rosy as we would like.

On the Junior front, Cow Camp is fast approaching and we hope that as many juniors as possible are able to attend.

On the adult front, after six years of dedicated service, Corey Geiger’s term as a National Board member is coming to an end. I want to personally thank Corey for representing Wisconsin breeders and giving so much of his time to the Holstein cow. I am pleased to announce that Jim Rickert from Rickland Holsteins in Eldorado is seeking candidacy for the At-Large seat that Corey is vacating. I can think of no one who we as a state can more easily extend our support to as Jim has a vast skill set that would make him an excellent representative to the board. He is a past President of WHA and also serves on several leadership positions in agriculture. As you talk to your Holstein friends from across the country that may be serving as delegates, be sure to mention Jim as we work as a state to help him get elected.

We will soon be entering the district show season and I want to wish everyone a successful and safe show season. Remember again as you get your entries ready that you will need to have all papers in order as we will be operating under the “no paper, no show” rules again.

In cows we trust!

Kevin

Upcoming Issues June

Frisle-Vue Goldsun Ipod VG-89 “I want to go to Madison too Allissa will you take me to Expo?”

July/August

We’re going to miss these girls. It’s been so much fun watching them grow & show cattle. We are so proud of you and all your accomplishments!

September

Dean & Leslie Frisle Allissa, Justyne & Gina 654 5 1/2 Ave., Prairie Farm, WI 54762 715-455-1212 • frislevu@chibardun.net

Mark & Kelly Hoff, Barron 6–wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016

October

Midwest Holsteins District 8 ads due May 9 Accelerated Genetics issue District 5 ads due June 10 Summer Show results District 7 ads due August 10 Midwest Holsteins Futurity & State Fair results ads due September 9

wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016-7

Accelerated Genetics Feature Issue - July/August 2016 All 1/2 page or larger ads participating in this issue will receive the following benefits:

• Free second color sponsored by Accelerated Genetics • Semen certificate for Accelerated Genetics semen • Special Accelerated Genetics logo’d hat for full page or full color ads • Discounted rates from the Wisconsin Holstein News

Ad rates will be as follows:

Page Size Special Rate Ad Savings 2nd Color Semen Cert. Total Savings Net Cost* Full Page $210.00 $30.00 $60.00 $160.00 $300.00 $50.00 2/3 Page $155.00 $25.00 $45.00 $75.00 $170.00 $80.00 1/2 Page $130.00 $20.00 $45.00 $50.00 $115.00 $80.00 Full color cost: additional $140 for full page, $55 for 1/2 page ad *after semen discount; **photo charges extra

Requirements for placing an ad in the Accelerated Genetics Issue:

• Acclerated Genetics logo to be placed on every ad to receive benefits • Must feature an Accelerated Genetics sired animal or sire family member • Ad must be no smaller than 1/2 page (there will be no discounts or semen credits for smaller ads) • Deadline for ads is Friday, June 10 Call Laura to reserve your ad in the Accelerated Genetics feature issue - 608-723-4933 or email lauraw@wisholsteins.com

To Define your Destiny - May 14

To the Dodgeramma - May 21

Budjon-JK Glchip Explain-ET

Four-of-a-Kind Atw Almond EX-91

Junior All-American Summer Yearling 2015 All-Wisconsin Summer Yearling 2015 2nd, International Junior Holstein Show 2015

2-02 320 28,214 4.0 1133 2.7 752 Backed by 8 VG and EX dams.

Dams: 2E-95 Dundee x 2E-92 2E DOM Storm x 3E-96 3E GMD DOM Linjet Eileen x 3E-96 Elegance

Selling her daughter - Four-of-a-Kind Chelios Cashew.

She’s due June 20 with a Diamondback heifer calf.

SHE SELLS! Due June 3 with a Diamondback heifer calf, she’s ready to anchor your show string in 2016!

Also selling - a EDG Clear-Cut-ET springer, from the Roxys with 9 generations VG or EX dams. She’s also due in June with a Diamondback heifer calf.

Marsh-Vue Registered Holsteins 8–wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016

Doug, Gina, Zach, Jordan & Brianna Lemke Chilton, WI • 920-371-7738 • dgzjlemke@aol.com

2016 Holstein Association USA Distinguished Junior Member Semifinalists Announced

Holstein Association USA has named six semifinalists for the 2016 Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) awards. The Distinguished Junior Member recognition is the highest honor given to members of the National Junior Association ages 17 to 21 who demonstrate a lifetime of commitment to the Holstein breed and involvement in a variety of activities.

This year's semifinalists are: Matthew Kramer, St. Cloud, Wis.; Lucas Plamann, Hutchinson, Minn.; Nicole Pralle, Humbird, Wis.; Elizabeth Sarbacker, Verona, Wis.; Jordan Siemers, Newton, Wis.; and Kayla Windecker, Frankfort, N.Y. Each of the semifinalists completed an entry book, detailing their Junior Holstein project work, involvement with their cattle, program participation, and school and community activities.

“Through perseverance, hard work, and calculated decisions I’ve been able to achieve many goals as a member of the Junior Holstein Association,” Jordan Siemers, of Newton, Wis., wrote in his story. “As I transition to an adult member of Holstein Association USA, I will use the skills I learned as a Junior Holstein member for the good of our farm and for my involvement in the Association.”

The six semifinalists will interview at the National Holstein Convention, June 27- July 1 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., where the finalists will be selected. Finalists receive annual renewed memberships to Holstein Association USA. All Junior members of Holstein Association USA ages 17 to 21 are eligible to apply for the Distinguished Junior Member recognition.

For more information about DJM or other Holstein youth programs, visit www.holsteinusa.com/juniors, or contact Kelli Dunklee at 800.952.5200, ext. 4124 or by email at kdunklee@holstein.com.

Holstein Association USA Recognizes 2016 Young Distinguished Junior Member Finalists

Holstein Association USA has announced the finalists in the 2016 Young Distinguished Junior Member (YDJM) competition.

The YDJM award is the highest honor a Holstein Association Junior member between the ages of 9 and 16 can achieve.

The eight finalists in the 2016 YDJM competition are: Todd Allen, Jefferson, Md.; Jordyn Griffin, Union Bridge, Md.; Kaianne Hodorff, Eden, Wis.; Kalista Hodorff, Eden, Wis.; Johnathan King, Schuylerville, N.Y.; Hannah Nelson, Ellsworth, Wis.; Kylie Nickels, Watertown, Wis.; and Madison Weaver, Ephrata, Pa. To qualify, a youth must compile a portfolio which demonstrates their involvement and leadership within the Holstein community, their school, and in other aspects of their life.

“My farm responsibilities are many and varied which is helping me prepare for my future by increasing my knowledge and understanding of the farm’s operations and allowed me to experience the complete life cycle of our animals,” said sixteenyear-old Kalista Hodorff in her story of Junior Holstein work.

Finalists in the YDJM contest will be recognized at the National Holstein Convention, which will be held June 27- July 1 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. For more information about YDJM or other Holstein youth programs, visit www.holsteinusa.com/ juniors, or contact Kelli Dunklee at 800.952.5200, ext. 4124, or by email at kdunklee@holstein.com.

Wisconsin Holstein Briefs L Congratulations to Phillip and Eliza Ruzic, Greenwood, on the birth of their daughter Lucy Helen on April 5. Lucy weighed 9 lbs. 8 oz. and was 21 inches long. She joins big brother Lucas and big sister Jane.

K Congratulations to Pine Knoll Farms, Bob and Shelly Hart, Galesville, who were the winners of our 2015 Junior calf raffle. A special thank you to Matt, Molly and Ben Dorshorst, Junction City for donating the calf.

I The WI Junior Holstein Association is proud of our four National DJM representatives who have been named National DJM semifinalists. Congrats to Matthew Kramer, Nicole Pralle, Elizabeth Sarbacker and Jordan Siemers. The four National YDJM representatives have also been named National YDJM award winners.

Congrats to Kalista Hodorff, Kaianne Hodorff, Hannah Nelson and Kylie Nickels.

The Wisconsin Holstein News encourages readers and members to submit information for the Wisconsin Holstein Briefs column. We are looking for news of a wedding, birth announcement, award winner or death that Wisconsin Holstein breeders should know about.

High quality, submitted photos will be printed if space is available. Please submit your information to the Wisconsin Holstein News by mail at PO Box 49, Lancaster, WI 53813; or email to lauraw@wisholsteins.com.

Obituaries Norman Meissner

Norman E. Meissner, 87, Chili, passed away on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at House of the Dove, Marshfield, with family by his side. Norman was born on April 25, 1928 in the Town of Fremont, Clark County, to Edwin and Bertha (Grobe) Meissner. He was united in marriage to Elaine C. Ott on June 24, 1946. She died on December 13, 2015. They began their life together through hard work and love, building a small dairy farm which grew into what is known today as Norm-E-Lane Farm. Norman spent his years with Elaine, the love of his life, raising a loving family, camping, fishing and traveling. They enjoyed many winters at their vacation home in Brownsville, Texas, surrounded by their second family.

Norman is lovingly survived by his children, Edwin (Sharon), Sandra, Jerrold (Diane), and David (Tammy). He is also survived by grandchildren, Jodi (Don), Jan (Doug), Trisha (Brad), Matthew, Josh (Sheri), Jennifer (Matt), Tiffany (Daniel), Ashley, Lindsay, Amanda (Josh), Zachary, Tyler, and Aiden and 19 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by a brother, Douglas (Jean) Meissner and a sister, Betty (Ken) Voss.

He was predeceased by his parents, Edwin and Bertha, his wife, Elaine, a daughter, Melody, a son, Steven, two grandsons, Travis and Jeremy and brothers, Harland and Chester Meissner.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be designated in his name to Grace Lutheran Church and Childcare Center. Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com

wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016-9

BREEDER PROFILES

District 10 Holstein Breeders

by Ashley Yager

Helmer Dairy William & Judy, John & Lynn Helmer Family, Plymouth onest, homebred, and proud – three words that best describe Helmer Dairy and the Helmer family, located just north of Plymouth, Wis., a hop, skip and a jump from Highway 23. The Helmers have been in business since 1853 and will welcome their seventh generation home to the farm when John and Lynn’s oldest son graduates from college.

The Helmer family has built a solid base of diverse, 100% homebred females, including high-type cows that milk and test well genomically. Their registered herd started with herdbuilder calves that John and his brother Jim purchased in the early 1970s, with a few more animals added along the way to grow their registered herd. Through William, Judy, John, Erica, Lynn & Andy Helmer a lot of flushing and great luck with heifer calves, the Helmers have been able to primarily grow and develop within. If they add from outside the herd, they try to stick to embryos for the highest genetic 30 GP cows, with a BAA of 106.4%. The Helmers have bred and gain at a reasonable price. developed eight Gold Medal Dams and four Dams of Merit.

Three generations of Helmers currently call Plymouth home.

John has been handling bull selection and breeding for the last 25 The farm is set up as a corporation, and Bill and Judy still help on years on the dairy. The breeding program includes high component the farm, milking and feeding calves. John’s wife Lynn works off the sires, but John will sacrifice some milk in a bull on a cow that is farm for Sargento, but helps on the farm before and after heading to producing 30,000 in a lactation. The Helmers are currently using work. John and Lynn have two children – Andy, a sophomore at UW- Abbott, Premium, Scenario, Gatedancer, Atwood and Exactly.

River Falls studying dairy science with a crop science minor, and One bull that has worked extremely well in the herd is Shottle; Erica, a senior at Plymouth High School. there are ten heifers yet to freshen, as the Helmers went back and The Helmers milk 80 cows, including a group of switch cows, in used him after years of success with daughters that milk and score their neatly kept tie-stall barn. Cows are kept inside the majority of well. In fact, their first five Shottle daughters went Very Good first the time, but the foam-filled Humane mats beneath them help keep lactation, with three of them eventually scoring Excellent. Another hock swelling to a minimum. Cows are bedded with shavings, and bull that performed at Helmer dairy was Celsius. Bill credits him for kept clean and comfortable that way year round. The Helmer herd giving cows the will to milk, and says he was a great building block runs an RHA on 2x milking of 27,513 milk with 3.5% 963F and 3.1% on the dairy.

852P. In fact, the cows averaged 101 pounds of milk, with 29 cows The Helmers have several females climbing the genomic ranks, having over 100 pounds in March this year. and many of their highest are descendants of Helmers Shottle Sheila, Forage quality is of utmost importance at Helmer Dairy, with feed EX-90 GMD. Sheila is from a Stormatic x Manat x EX-90 2E DOM stored in upright silos and bags. The cows’ diet is a TMR with a Prelude that had 329,000 pounds of milk lifetime. Sheila was not a protein supplement and dry hay. The Helmers grow soybeans to cash super high genomic testing cow, but her offspring continue to exceed crop as well. Nutritionist Steve Woodford of Nutrition Professionals parent average with each generation. is a key part of the knowledge team for the dairy, in addition to flush A daughter of Shottle Sheila is Helmers Super Shania, a VG-88 vet Steve Malin and the vets at St. Anna Vet Clinic. John and Bill DOM +2200G Super. Shania continues the trend as a great transmitter agree that trust and a great group of support help bring success to of type and numbers, as her offspring are all over parent average for the herd.

GTPI with the highest reaching the +2600G mark. The Helmers have With a high heifer rate and flushing success, the Helmer family a Yoder at +2600G that will be a year old this summer, and a pair of has been able to sell several cows in the most recent years for dairy. At this time they are not interested in increasing herd size, but would rather market more from their herd through sales of heifers and embryos first. They have sent five bulls to AI, including Mercer, an Observer son from a VG-88 Goldwyn, who has been marketed overseas.

The Helmers had four cows on the top 5,000 list in the December genetic run, and the herd has received the Progressive Genetic Award for 18 years. The herd also Helmers Massey Spark Helmers Mogul Sizzle VG-85 includes four EX, 24 VG and

H

10–wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016

ETS twins that are +2500G. Shania’s AltaJackman daughter also has a bull being tested for stud.

Helmers Sanchez Delightful, VG-87, stems from the “D” family and seven generations of VG or EX dams. Delightful has a Shottle and Braxton daughter, both unscored, and is backed by a VG-85 Shane and EX Talent. The Shane also has daughters by Bradnick (not scored) and Airlift (not fresh).

Two other females to watch for are Helmers Boxer Jet, EX-90 EX-93 MS, and a just-fresh Airlift two-year-old with a look made for the showring.

The Helmer family exhibits cattle at their very competitive Sheboygan County fair, in addition to the Wisconsin Junior State Fair.

Andy and Erica enjoy working with the cattle, and the family uses shows as vacation time from the farm. The kids have also been active FFA members, as Andy was a National FFA Dairy Production Placement Proficiency winner. Andy was also awarded a trip to Costa Rica to explore their agriculture industry for receiving this national award.

Erica is a 2016 recipient of the Dairy Production Placement Proficiency award, and will be competing at the national level this fall in the same category. Erica has also had success as a dairy judge, having competed at the national level for both FFA and 4-H, and hopes to judge on a collegiate judging team.

No matter where the future takes the crew at Helmer Dairy, their passion, hard work and honest herd of cows will ensure success for years to come.

Vandoske Dairy Farms LLC Robert & Tara Vandoske Family, Cleveland s dairy producers and children of dairy farmers, we learn to deal with loss at an early age, but nothing can fully prepare us for the loss of one of the most important members of the farm. Since the loss of his father last October, Bob Vandoske has rolled up his sleeves and dived in head first as the sole manager of Vandoske Dairy Farm. As manager of the operation, he’s overcoming the loss to pave the way for his kids and the generations that follow him and his wife, Tara.

Bob’s great-grandfather was the first to settle in the Clevelend area.

His grandpa was the first to bring cattle in, and started with just 18 cows. Since the Vandoskes arrived, the herd has grown to 500 cows, with the most recent expansion in 2014. Every barn is bedded with sand to maximize cow comfort. Cows are milked three times a day in the original barn that was retrofitted to hold a double-8 herringbone parlor with single exit, built in 2006. The herd now boasts an RHA of 30,983 milk with 1153 fat and 959 protein.

The farm has been under an LLC for 13 years, and Bob’s mom, Jane, is still involved. There are seven full-time hired hands at the dairy, providing an excellent support staff to Bob and his family where each and every person knows their role and performs to the best of their ability each and every day. Bob has stepped into more of a manager role, setting shot charts, doing bookwork, payroll and other tasks behind the scenes.

Bob’s wife, Tara, has her own dog-boarding kennel, Countyline Boarding Kennels, with a facility just a few feet away from the farmhouse.

A

Clockwise from left: Bob, Jane, Tara, Brianne, Reid and Brooklyn

Cavanaleck BG Scarlett-ET EX-94 Having her own business has allowed her to stay at home with their three children, Brianne (8), Reid (7), and Brooklyn (4). With a larger dairy, Bob and Tara wanted a way for the kids to be involved, so Bob put up a small barn to house a few show heifers for the kids to work with daily. Each morning and evening before and after school, Reid and Brianne are responsible for feeding the calves, cleaning pens and sweeping the feed alley. Bob is excited to see the enthusiasm the kids have for the show ring already, and he and Tara look forward to watching their success grow.

The first Registered Holsteins came to the farm when Bob started showing through 4-H, and the Vandoske family was hooked. Bob grew up showing, but the family took a 20-year hiatus while they focused on Mr. Vandoske’s health and growing the business. In 2013, Bob and Jason Miller invested in a heifer together, and Titletown Genetics was born. They now own about 25 head together, accumulated through the purchase of key donor dams, IVF work, and buying select females at sales.

In 2015, the Vandoske family made their re-entrance into the show ring with a bang. Titletown Fever Hero was fourth spring calf at the International Junior Holstein Show and Nominated Junior All-American. Titletown Fever Hannah was fifth spring calf in the junior show at World Dairy Expo. Both calves were the result of IVF to Fever from donor dam Siemers Dundee Haya 9652-ET, EX-92 GMD. Haya has been a tremendous addition to the Vandoske and Titletown herds, with daughters and pregnancies by Brokaw, Fever, Doorman, Goldsun, and Doors Open.

Other show ring success in 2015 came from Sayabec Nykon Nydja, Nominated Junior All-American Winter Yearling. Nydja was purchased from Canada, is recently fresh and is due to see the classifier as this issue of the News goes to print.

Two additional key donor dams acquired by Bob and Jason are Siemers Damion Glam 9633-ET, EX-92 GMD, and Werrcroft Goldwyn Tara, EX-94 2E. The Titletown team utilizes the Siemers’ remote IVF facility and has seen better results with IVF than traditional flushing. They have been able to utilize the cows on the dairy for recipients, saving a lot of cost outside the IVF procedure.

One female recently purchased by the Vandoske family is Cavanaleck BG Scarlett-ET, EX-94 and Nominated All-American Senior Three-Year-Old in 2011. Bob is excited to have her on the IVF program, and is hoping to have calves made by Novo, Doorman and Sid. With such a tremendous arsenal of show females started, Bob is still mindful that the end goal is to have cows that make milk and to keep showing as the ‘hobby.’ The Vandoske herd is bred primarily for production and type; cows that have wide frames, eat and make milk.

The higher type bulls are typically reserved for the show cows. Right now the semen tank includes Novo, Solomon, Endure, and High Octane.

Bob has quite a few Doormans milking, with at least 50 total born on the farm. He likes that they are no-fuss cows that calve in and take off milking – they are the cows that go unnoticed because they are relatively trouble-free with great udders under them. He also likes his wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016-11

Nutrition Notes...

by Jennifer Wackershauser

Sayabec Nykon Nydja Nominated Junior All-American Winter Yearling 2015 Sid and Fever daughters. In the past, the farm has been seen a lot of great Morty daughters. Bob and his dad appreciated their will to milk, in addition to cows sired by Baltimore.

When it comes to maintaining a successful dairy and herd of cows with a will to milk, Bob focuses on three things – management and the ability to get cows bred, cow comfort, and quality feed. Every barn the Vandoskes have built is better than the last. Bob and his team put up their own feed, grown on the farm’s 1,000 acres (300 rented). He is surrounded by a great support team of experts, and is fortunate to have friends with a breadth of industry knowledge as well. Bob is the producer that likes to pick everyone’s brains but also learns on the go.

It’s the vision of the future and success for the next generation that drives the crew at Vandoske Dairy. Bob and Tara are thinking of their kids with each and every move, and hope to instill the passion for cows and hard work for success through generations to come.

LOOKING TO ADVERTISE YOUR FARM FOR A SMALL PRICE? Breeder Business Cards can be run one time for $30/ad or every month for $25/ad.

Give Laura a call today to reserve your ad in our next issue - 608-723-4933.

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• Fetal sexing by ultrasound • EU Certified Collection Facility • Embryos available Matthew Dorshorst, MS, DVM Phone: 715-340-7271 matt.dorshorst@gmail.com Junction City, WI 54443 12–wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016

Cyclical milk prices are not new to the dairy industry in Wisconsin.

Neither are fluctuating feed prices. We are coming down off some of the highest priced feed in history. Traditionally dairy producers in Wisconsin are blessed with an abundance of co-product options.

Soybean meal and Distiller grains are the most commonly utilized as we have an abundance of plants geographically located nearby.

As we all work to watch the bottom line, sometimes looking at out of the box options for lowering the feed tag may bring new opportunities. Canola meal has a lower protein test at 36% protein, but will often lower your cost. Current savings over Soybean meal can be anywhere from $55-75/ton. Linseed Meal is also a tool that we can take advantage of in Wisconsin because of the SE Minnesota plant location.

With the abundant and high quality forage harvested in the upper Midwest this year, each operation has varying needs. Wet Brewers Grains is a great option to stretch fall silage until new crop begins, or to add some moisture back into the ration. Wisconsin is a hotbed of beer production, so we too have several geographical options for this co-product. Smaller producers may find that it works well for them because it can be delivered and emptied into a silage bag, for extended storage and feeding. At $35-65/ton this can be an economical feed option, but it is important to talk with your nutritionist to see if on a Dry Matter basis it is saving any money in your ration.

Important advice that I give to each of my clients in this kind of Milk Market, is to work closely with your management team. A feed co-product trader, like myself, can offer many options for you, but your nutritionist needs to approve it for use and to help you decide if it can decrease your cost per unit of DM in the diet.

If you’re using Soybean Meal/Bypass Soybean meal · Think about using: CanolaMeal Linseed Meal Flaxmeal Cottonseed Meal If you’re using Whole Cottonseed · Think about using: Beet Pulp Shreds paired with Distiller Grains – soluble fiber from Beet Pulp and Distiller Grains supplies the protein and fat!

If you’re using High Quality Silage · Think about using: Straw or Oat Hulls in your heifer diets. It is a lower cost fiber source to help keep the heifers growing but weight off – keeps your high quality forages available for the milking herd.

If you’re using Corn Gluten Feed · Think about using: Beet Pulp Shreds Soy Hull Pellets Soy Cake Malt Sprouts Wheat Midds Jennifer Wackershauser has worked for 10 years at LaBudde Group Inc. in Cedarburg, Wis., as an Ingrediant Specialist. She enjoys learning about new products and finding solutions for her customers. Jenny was born and raised on a dairy farm in Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a double degree in Ag Business and Animal Science with a dairy emphasis.

6 Apps to Utilize on the Dairy and in the Farm House For the Dairy…

1. PocketDairy – PCDART is one of the industry’s most user-friendly and affordable dairy management software options, and with the PocketDairy ap, breeders can enter and view data cowside. PCDART can be linked to DRMS for integration with the DHI system, or used independently, allowing producers to download data days earlier than through the mail system. Price: PCDART $10/month and $.10 cents/cow, with $50 maximum/month. PocketDairy ap $10/month and .03 cents/cow. $20 maximum/month.

2. DeLaval Farm Monitoring Camera – DeLaval offers two versions of a simple plug and play wireless camera that can be set up in minutes, and connect to an ap downloaded to an iPhone. Cameras can be linked to the internet and viewed remotely, or viewed from up to 1000 meters away. The latest release, the FMC-IP1 is an HD system with night vision and sound, motion detection and recording. Multiple cameras can be added to the system, and set up is easy. Price: starting at approx. $500.

3. Dairy Source – This ap provides real-time market reports, including milk futures, spot cheese, corn, crude oil, and soybean prices. It also has industry news, weather, product details and tools to help producers make business decisions on the dairy. Price: Free

For the home…

1. Google – Calendar and Translator: Manage calendars of multiple family members and share with each other. Google Calendar also allows color coding options and the ability to set reminders or repeat events. Need a quick way to communicate with employees? Put Google Translator to work! Price: Free, Google account required.

2. Evernote: The perfect ap for notes, to-do lists, setting reminders, and more. The basic version allows you to take a photo of receipts, take notes and tag them with topics, and manage lists.

Upgrade to the plus or premium version to save photos, clip articles from the web, organize documents and archive bills and receipts. Basic version: Free. Plus runs $24.99/year, the premium version $49.99/year.

3. Ibotta: What farm mom doesn’t want to save a few dollars on groceries? Download the Ibotta ap to earn rebates on everything from household cleaners to adult beverages. Rebates can be redeemed for gift cards to Best Buy, Amazon, Starbucks, iTunes, Walmart, and more, or cashed out through PayPal. Price: Free (no in-ap purchases).

Have an app or technology that you’re utilizing on the home front and would like to share with our WHA members? Send us an email at ashleyy@wisholsteins.com.

wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016-13

Robotic Milking Systems Roundtable

Dairy Producers are increasingly looking for ways to improve their facilities and capitalize on technological advancements.

Robotic milkers are becoming more popular as farmers look to decrease the need for labor and/or change their lifestyle. We spoke with a few Registered Holstein breeders who have made the move to robots and asked about their experiences with the technology. Thank you to those that participated in our roundtable.

Roundtable Participants Rich and Eric Olson, Sturgeon Bay, are fifth generation dairymen in Door County. Olson Farm began milking with their Lely robotic milking system in December 2013.

Dan and Sommer Peterson, Scandinavia, operate Millstream Dairy. Homesteaded in 1855, the farm is currently on its 6th and 7th generation of Petersons. They installed two DeLaval robots in 2014.

Matt and Mandy Nunes, Chippewa Falls, moved to Wisconsin in September 2003. Scientific Holsteins is currently home to 125 cows.

The Nunes family installed two Lely robots in the fall of 2015.

1. What is your current set-up and herd statistics?

Olson: We are currently milking 57 cows with a Lely Astronaut A4 robotic milking system. We are averaging 2.9 milkings per cow per day, with 94 pounds of milk per cow and our SCC is 116. Our RHA is 29,588M, 1105F and 915P. Peterson: A little over a year ago we built a new barn with two DeLaval VMS robots. The barn has slatted floors throughout the barn with rubber mattresses and shavings. We will soon be up to 120 animals and the herd is currently at 76 pounds per animal.

Nunes: We built a new 120-stall sand-bedded freestall barn.

Currently, we are milking 125 cows with two Lely Astronaut A4 robots. Startup date was December 14, 2015. The entire herd is being milked in the new system.

2. Why did you initially look into robots and what was the main reason for making the change?

Olson: I had been interested in robotic milking ever since seeing a Lely display at World Dairy Expo in 1990, my senior year at UWMadison. I had visited farms that had them, starting about ten years ago, but the current model is by far so improved, from what they used to be. We chose to go to robotic milking for three main reasons: to save wear and tear on our bodies from the rigors of tie-stall barn milking, to give more flexibility to our life’s schedule and provide an opportunity for the next generation. First, we realized the importance of not wearing out our knees, shoulders and back before we were ready to retire. Everyone knows the physical demand it puts on the body. Second, the ability to adjust chore time to improve quality of life. We always held a fairly strict 12 hour milking schedule, when it was milking time, it was milking time. Now, one person can easily handle all the chores of milking, feeding, cleaning and animal care.

Our fieldwork and family schedules are no longer dictated by milking time. There is also more availability for time off, as the labor requirement is reduced significantly. The combination of both is the third reason we switched. If our next generation sees dairying as less

Richard, Shelly, Julaine and Eric Olson in front of their Lely Astronaut A4 robotic milker.

14–wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016

A cow is milked by the Lely Astronaut A4 at Scientific Holsteins while another waits to enter. Below - the cows at Scientific enjoy the comfortable new freestall barn.

demanding, physically and with time commitment, they may have more interest in this life.

Peterson: Quite simply, we’d rather manage animals than people... and the robots allow you to do just that. Our existing tie-stall barn was exhausted and would have needed a considerable investment to renovate it.

Nunes: Labor was the main reason we started looking at robots. It was increasingly difficult to find and maintain good, reliable help. We are getting older and this system offers a bit of a lifestyle change.

Other considerations were improvements in cow comfort and herd management that go along with the technology and the new facility.

3. How was the transition for your herd? Did any cows not adjust to the robots?

Olson: We began milking in the robot on December 18, 2013. As with any new facility, cows are reluctant to go where they need to go.

The first three days are really tough, physically, mentally and emotionally. Little by little, cows become more familiar with the routine and they catch on to what they are supposed to do and why.

After about three weeks, the majority of the cows were milking on their own. We did have two cows that had very close (almost crossed) rear teats, that were too difficult to milk with the robot. They were sold to a neighbor who milks in a tie-stall barn.

Peterson: As for the animals entering and using the robots, it went quite well. Two days prior to milking, we walked the animals straight through the robots without even stopping so they’d become familiar with it before they needed to be milked. Initially all the cows adjusted, but eventually some cows are culled due to poor teat placement. I recommend starting up under-capacity - it makes it much easier on everyone for that first couple of weeks.

Nunes: The cows adjusted better than Matt did!

We had run all the cows through the robot stalls at least four times without being milked during the 2-3 days prior to startup.

During those visits, they got a taste of the pellets and could hear the robot noises. That helped a lot during the first milking because the cows were more willing to walk in. The 2-year-olds caught on surprisingly well in the beginning. In the past several months, cows are coming more and more on their own. Cows that were near the end of their lactation when we started and have since calved again are coming to the robot much better.

We did have one cow whose udder was a bit too high for the robot to reach. She was a tall heifer with a shallow udder. She did have a bit of trouble and we dried her early with the expectation that next lactation her udder will be a bit lower.

4. Is your herd on official test and how is that accomplished?

Olson: We continue to be on official test. One day per month a device called a Lely Shuttle is connected to our robot. Throughout the day, as each cow milks, a milk sample is taken and placed in a sample bottle for each cow. A report is run at the end of the day that gives the cow’s seven day average milk weight and corresponding sample number. All other herd data such as calving, breeding and dry off are tracked by the robot in Lely’s T4C software. It is downloaded for DHI processing.

Peterson: Yes, we do DHI test. We rent a shuttle/sampler (made by DeLaval) from Ag Source which hooks to the robot for the milk sample. All weights and other data are pulled from the computer.

Testing is a relatively simple process with a slightly higher cost than in our old barn.

Nunes: Yes, it is easy. The tester hooks up a shuttle system which collects the samples, and the weights are taken from the computer 5. Is there anything you would have done differently?

Olson: We have made minor modifications to our barn and procedures, as we saw things that worked better for us. I think we should have started up with less cows. We were still milking in our existing tie-stall and it would have been less stressful with a smaller startup group. Also, have extra help those first few days. Sleep and rest are not replaceable by anything.

Peterson: Changes I would make... don’t wait too long before adding more cows, cash flow becomes more of a strain as milk price was dropping. Other considerations are to limit purchase of variable speed pumps (well water or milk), they can emit stray voltage back into the barn without very specific filters in them. Stray voltage from other outbuildings could also be hindering higher levels of production. Also pay attention to your feed - we didn’t realize we had high levels of vomitoxins which really affected animal health for a while.

Nunes: Yes. There are a few changes we would have made in the structure of the barn. And we have learned not to disrupt the “flow” of cows in the barn by adding too many additional cows at one time.

6. What has been the best surprise or biggest advantage to the robots?

Olson: Certainly, as good as a robot is for the owner, the cow may be the biggest benefactor. Our cows now are much more content, peaceful and yes, happy. They operate on their schedule; they milk, eat, drink and lie down when they feel the need to. Some of our twoyear-olds are milking four times a day. Being able to empty their udder, and fill it back up again more often, has really helped express the full potential of our cows. We also did not realize how much information the robot would give us to help manage our herd. The robot calls our attention to many things sooner, that we might have otherwise missed, because it is monitoring the cows 24 hours a day.

Peterson: One big advantage is, if needed, I can run this dairy operation by myself. I get to spend a lot more time managing the cows.

It doesn’t save me any time, but it is more flexible and I don’t have to rely on as much hired help.

Nunes: I’d say the biggest advantage (in addition to the round-theclock milkers) is the amount of information provided by the robot system. The best surprise is that our best resources for information have come from some of the top-producing robot herds who just happen to be registered breeders. Also, there is a Facebook page for Lely robot users where producers share tips and tricks and solutions for problems. One thing we are still learning is how crucial our feeding program is to the whole thing – it is a delicate balance to feed

Above - Dan and Sommer Peterson with children Owen, Lewis and Elaina in front of their DeLaval VMS. Right - sorting gates help sort cows to head to the robot or back to the feed area based on the time since the cow’s previous milking. enough for a desired production level, but not so much that the cow does not crave the energy she gets from the pellets in the robot. It is tricky.

7. Any tips for those considering a robotic milking system?

Olson: My best advice is to visit other robot farms and ask questions.

The more you see, the more you ask, the more you will know. Don’t get me wrong, a robot was right for us, but I don’t think a robot is right for everybody. There are no two farms that do everything the same way. Every farm finds what works best for them and that may, or may not, include a robot. To be a successful robot operation, you need to be good at both managing cows and utilizing the information the robot provides. One, without the other, will provide disappointing results.

Peterson: This is not for everyone. It really takes patience at times when things go wrong or break down. Fixing a breakdown is not always straight forward and can be expensive if hiring it done.

Troubleshooting can sometimes be simple and it can also be a process.

It sometimes takes days to figure out why the robot is acting differently.

As for myself, I love this set up. I spend more time in the barn than I did before, partly because I enjoy this more. Your helpers need to be a little more technical, not just anyone can step in to help out.

Nunes: The whole process can be overwhelming. And one must understand that the whole philosophy of the system is so different than a conventional system. Visit systems in operation and ask lots of questions of both the sales rep and the producers.

Considering a Robotic Milking System?

• Find several resource on the Iowa State Extension website: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/dairyteam/milking-systems • University of Minnesota Economics has also developed two spreadsheets, one for comparing the economics of robotic milking systems versus a parlor and another for AMS economic analysis. The spreadsheets are available for download here: http://wlazarus.cfans.umn.edu/william-f-lazarus-livestockeconomics/ • The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Dairyland Initiative is also a great resource for different types of housing and milking systems: https://thedairylandinitiative.vetmed.wisc.edu wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016-15

Automated Calf Feeder Roundtable

In recent years, automatic calf feeders have grown in popularity amongst dairy producers looking for benefits such as reduced and/or redistributed labor costs, labor flexibility, and improved ability to deliver nutrients to their young calves. We asked several WHA members with automatic calf feeders about their experiences and the advantages for their operation. Thank you to those that took the time to answer our questions.

Roundtable Participants Dutch Dairy LLC, Thorp, is owned and operated by Sander and Amy Penterman. They milk 850 cows. Heifers are raised until six months of age and then sent to a heifer grower until two months before calving.

Minglewood Inc., Deer Park, is owned and operated by Kevin and Roxann Solum, along with their children Kristin and Ryan. Currently the dairy milks 800 cows and runs 3,200 acres and employs 20 fulltime non-family employees.

Meadow Brook Dairy Farm, Manitowoc, is owned and operated by the Pete and Shellie Kappelman family. They currently milk 420 cows of which 95% are Registered Holstein and 5% Registered Brown Swiss, and raise 450 head of young stock.

1. What is your current set-up for calf raising?

Penterman: We use The Urban automated calf feeder with the Alma model. We have four group pens that are designed for 25 calves, we usually have 18-20 calves per pen. We have a warming room for newborn calves, after that they go to a single calf hutch for 8-10 days (depending upon room) where they are fed 2-times per day with milk and water. We move them out of the single hutches in groups of four or more. We use pasteurized milk from our cows that is piped underground to the pasteurizer then to a tank.

We bed our pens with shavings; in the winter the youngest calves are bedded with straw and all wear calf jackets. We also have added an igloo (for winter only) that can hold 15 calves inside their pen. This keeps them from laying by the walls and nestled inside for added warmth. At the peak calves are fed 18 liters of milk. They are slowly weaned off at 52 days.

Solum: Currently, our calves are fed using a DeLaval Quattro. Our barn has four group pens with one nipple per pen. Each pen holds up to 25 calves with 30 square feet per calf. We pasteurize milk three times per day to feed to our calves and after it leaves the pasteurizer it is transferred to one of two bulk tanks and is then taken through the feeder and out to the calf. Our calves are housed in hutches outside for four days where they are fed three times per day before they move into the auto-feeding barn. The calves then remain in the barn for the next 56 days, starting out at 5.5 liters of milk and peaking around 13 liters of milk per day. We are also using the 40FIT program which allows the calf to drink as much milk as they would like in the first 40 days and have seen calves drink up to 22 liters of milk in one day.

Kappelman: We have the Holm & Laue 100 programmable calf feeder accompanied by the Holm & Laue Milk Taxi to transport the pasteurized waste milk to the calf barn. Soon after birth, the calves are moved into individual Calf-tel stalls for 3-7 days. After they have shown that they are healthy and competitive, they are moved to the group pen with the autofeeder. Most of the calves have peak milk

One of four calf pens at Meadow Brook Dairy Farm. The farm’s calf facility is built in an “H” design with warming room in the middle.

16–wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016

The milk house in the calf barn at Dutch Dairy LLC where milk is pumped from the dairy underground into the pasteurizer; after that cycle is done it is pumped to the milk tank. From the milk tank it is fed into the calf feeder where there is instant heat to warm it and add additives to the milk.

There it is pumped to each of the 4 pens. intake at 12 liters of milk. All milk fed through the autofeeder is supplemented with Land O’ Lakes Pasteurized Milk Balancer to increase the protein level that is being fed.

We also have implemented the all-in/all-out method for raising our calves. We have two barns built next to each other in an “H” design with a warm room in the middle containing the autofeeder.

The two barns are divided in half, and thereby serve as four barns.

With this design, we are able to put a month’s worth of calves, or up to 20 per barn, and keep that group together through weaning. We are also able to end the disease cycle that can occur with constantly full barns.

2. What was your previous set-up and what was the main reason for making the change?

Penterman: We had outside calf hutches. We were happy with the set up. Our main reason for the change was to get better growth out of our calves. We had the space and wanted to upgrade our calf area.

We wanted to get our calves out of the weather elements. After a challenging winter of snow and wind and not being able to protect them like we wanted, we knew it was time to make a change.

Solum: Previously we were feeding calves in hutches three times per day. We knew that our calf program was not where it should be or where we wanted it to be so we had to make a decision of what to do in order to take it to the next level. It was very labor intensive and we needed to make an investment in what would be best for our calves and the people taking care of the calves.

Kappelman: Our previous setup was hutches. The primary reason for making the change was to increase growth and health of our heifer calves by being able to feed more milk in an efficient manner. Another reason that certainly didn’t hurt was being able to get out of the Wisconsin winter and into an enclosed building.

3. What has been the biggest advantage for your operation?

Penterman: Our calves are growing at much faster and bigger, they are healthier at weaning. Before when we would wean them off of milk you would hear them for a week or so, they are quiet and content unless there is a problem. We have had the feeders for one year; we are excited to see them in the future as cows.

Solum: The biggest advantage for our operation since transitioning to the auto-feeder three years ago has been the rate of growth and overall health of our calves. Our calves transition onto feed much better and faster now then they used to and it has also transitioned

Tips for Success with Automatic Calf Feeders Jim Salfer, University of Minnesota Extension and Marcia Endres, Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota did a study on Best Management Practices to optimize welfare and performance of automatic calf feeders. They studied 38 farms in MN, WI and IA with between 7-300 calves.

Calves at Minglewood Inc. enjoy clean, comfortable straw-bedded pens with access to calf starter. Since transitioning to the new barn and automatic feeder, their average daily gain has gone from an average of 1.70 to 2.15 over 60 days. into more milk in their first lactation.

Kappelman: The biggest advantage for switching to an autofeeder has been the calf growth and overall health. The data that the autofeeder provides, gives us a jump start on calves that might not be feeling 100%. It allows us to be proactive with treating and trying to reduce sickness time.

4. What was the biggest adjustment you had to make with your calf care system?

Penterman: Keeping a closer watch on the calves. You can’t put in automated calf feeders and walk away. You need to change your management practice to observing them more often throughout the day. If a calf gets sick you need to take care of her right away, don’t wait.

Solum: The biggest adjustment we had to make with our system was allowing the system to do its job. Going from hutches to an auto-feeder proved to have a large learning curve. We had originally planned to have our calves all-in all-out in the same pen, but with a herd size of 800 cows with room for 100 calves, that didn’t work out for us so our calves are rotated between the four pens, spending two weeks in each of the pens. Also learning calf behavior in a social setting proved to be a learning curve as well. They are not all going to drink at the same time anymore, and some of our employees struggled with that at first.

Kappelman: The biggest adjustment has been the type of labor involved. In hutches, it was a lot of manual labor that included carrying and filling buckets of water and grain, lugging bottles around, and following a strict procedure even if it wasn’t ideal for the calf. With the autofeeder, feeding calves has developed into more of a managerial role. You need to pay close attention to how the calves are acting and what they are telling you.

5. Has the growth and health of your calves improved?

Penterman: Yes, tremendously. They are larger at weaning, our heifer grower noticed the difference and couldn’t believe how much bigger they are.

Solum: The growth and health of our calves has improved dramatically. Our calves now average around a 2.15 average daily gain over the course of 60 days. We used to be around a 1.70 average daily gain.

It is not uncommon for us to have a handful of calves every year that have a 3.00 ADG with many around a 2.50 ADG. We now maybe treat one to two calves a month for scours and it is very rare that we have a case of pneumonia. We also have to give a lot of credit to our ventilation system that is installed in our calf barn because having good ventilation is what we feel is crucial to calf health. We have two positive pressure air tubes installed, as well as one fan per pen for warm summer days and three sets of curtains on both sides of the barn, with the middle and bottom curtain being controlled by a thermostat.

Kappelman: ABSOLUTELY! We now have several scales to weigh calves. They are weighed when they enter the calf barn, and we can weigh them up to six months old. This has allowed us to determine our average daily gain (ADG) for every group of calves that gets

1. Adequate Space and ventilation The study showed 30 to 35 square feet per calf is ideal. Farms had an average of 18 calves per group with 49 square feet per calf.

Most barns in the study had positive pressure air tubes with 4 exchanges in the winter and 40 in the summer.

2. Small groups Small groups of calves make it easier to get the calves started on calf starter. Salfer recommends putting some kind of free-choice starter feeder inside the pen. Another tip is, if you are able, to move groups of calves all-in/all-out for consistency. You can enlarge groups by combining smaller groups. The farmers in the study observed that if they had 20-22 calves per nipple, the calves did ok; however, it was ideal to have 18 per nipple. Some calves struggled when there were more than 25 calves per nipple.

3. Calf observation is vital While farmers are not directly feeding the calves each day, it is vital to look at calves every single day to observe calf behavior. Calf behavior – where they lie, if they “break off ” from drinking, etc. - is an indicator to catch sickness early. Farmers should also check individual milk intake data as drinking speed will decrease prior to clinical signs of disease.

4. Cleanliness of feeder While many auto feeders are self-cleaning, Salfer recommends manually cleaning the outside of the feeder, nipples and hoses daily. Nipples and hoses should also be switched frequently to avoid build-up. It is also important to use the correct type of soap as auto feeders don’t reach the same temperature as pipelines.

5. Dry, clean bedding As with any calf barn, lots of dry, clean bedding makes an ideal environment for calf health. Barns should be easy to clean and clean often. Also consider placing drains below the nipples of the feeder to avoid excess moisture in that area. Salfer noted that with higher feeding rates and more liquid intake, there is greater urine output and pens may need to be cleaned more often. moved out of the calf barn. The past two groups of calves have averaged 2.22 pounds ADG. I think we can do even better, and will strive to do so.

6. What one tip would you give someone considering an automated calf feeder?

Penterman: Be patient, someone told us it would take a year to get all the kinks worked out, and they were right! Work with a good calf specialist who knows about automated calf feeders. Do your research and talk to as many people as you can about automated feeders.

Everyone does it a little different, you need to figure out what works for your operation. Trial and error, it won’t be perfect at first but over time it gets a lot easier and solidifies the transition to automation.

Solum: One tip that we would give to someone considering an automated calf feeder would be to make sure your feeding station is designed correctly with drains in the correct places.

Kappelman: While autofeeders are great for offering more milk to calves and thereby promote more growth, to be successful it takes more skilled labor to deduct and monitor overall calf health than most calf raising systems.

wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016-17

Welcome to These New Members Adult members: Joseph Murphy, New London Ben & Ruth Shirk, Thorp Brian King, Edgar Cody Schaub, Tomah Junior members: Kelsi Steffenshagan, Cuba City Ethan Staudinger, Reedsville Alyssa & Kate Nuttleman, Bangor McKinley Verlust, Barron Aurora Sampair, Ellsworth Mariah & Nicholas Tasch, Chilton Preston Erickson, Edgar Kalyn Bobolz, Janesville Hailey Hendrickson, Cambria Delinda Olig, Brownsville Justice & Dayton Udelhofen, South Wayne

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Our magazine reaches over 2300 WI Holstein members each month. Call Laura today to reserve your ad space for the June issue. 608-723-4933

District 10 breeders Manitowoc Winnebago

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THE HELMERS John, Lynn, Bill, Judy, Erica & Andy N6325 State Hwy. 67, Plymouth, WI 53073 920-946-0929 BAA: 106.4% RHA: 27,513M 963F 852P

Thank You to the following businesses for their support of the 2016 Junior Holstein Convention.

ABS Global ABI Accelerated Genetics AgSource Cooperative Services AgStar Alta Genetics AJ Manufacturing Animart Barlow Insurance Buchner Embryo Transfer Cargill Feed & Nutrition Catalytic Combustion Chippewa County Registered Holstein Breeders Citizens State Bank Clover Leaf Farm Supply Cornell Vet Clinic Countryside Cooperative

18–wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016

Culver's Green Bay Packers J & D Manufacturing Jennie-O Turkey Store Inc Leinenkugel’s Mason Companies Inc Merial Ltd Milwaukee Brewers Northwestern Bank Peterson IBA River Country Cooperative Ruff Insurance Spotted Cow Stelter Feed Tippy Cow Value Implement Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board

Dairy Bar Sponsors: AMPI Carl Buddig & Company Carr Valley Cheese ConAgra Foods Grassland Dairy Products, Inc. Klondike Cheese Company Kwik Trip,Inc.

LaGrander Hillside Dairy Inc. Matthew Buescher Nasonville Dairy Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy LLC Ron’s Cheese Rubi-Reds Cranberries Yellowstone Cheese

RULES FOR 2016 WISCONSIN HOLSTEIN SHOWS ANIMAL HEALTH RULES AND REGULATIONS/DAIRY CATTLE ALL CATTLE - Health requirements for the Wisconsin District and Championship Shows are the same as the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture’s requirements for intrastate movement of cattle.

Please visit the DATCP website for the most recent rules - http://datcp.wi.gov/uploads/Animals/pdf/ FairRulesAnimalHealth2016.pdf It is highly recommended that all animals shown at the District and Championship Show be vaccinated for BVD according to your Veterinarian’s recommendations. It is also highly recommended that animals be tested for Persistently Infected (PI) BVD animals. This is a once in a lifetime test to insure that the animal is not a PI or shedder animal carrying the BVD Virus.

Cattle infected with ringworm, warts, or mange may not be exhibited unless the veterinarian in charge determines the ringworm lesions or warts are inactive and incapable of transmitting the disease. Any cattle found with ringworm, warts, mange or scab shall be removed from the premises of the show.

Show management is responsible for maintaining records of persons who have exhibited at the show and the identification of animals shown for 2 years. Acceptable forms of animal identification for breeding animals are (1) an official metal ear tag, (2) a breed registration number, or (3) a breed registration tattoo.

Ribbons and Trophies: Ribbons for the District Shows are available from the Wisconsin Holstein office. Trophies are optional for District Shows and the responsibility of each District Show host. The Championship Show ribbons will be provided by the Wisconsin Holstein Association and the Wisconsin Junior Activities Committee.

Junior Ownership: Junior exhibitors shall be in competition with Open Class Cattle. To compete for junior awards the exhibitor shall not have passed his or her 21st birthday before January 1 of the year of the show.

Junior leased animals must follow Holstein USA rules to be eligible for junior awards. TO COMPETE FOR JUNIOR RIBBONS AND TROPHIES, ALL JUNIOR EXHIBITORS MUST HAVE THE ANIMAL’S OWNERSHIP REGISTERED OR TRANSFERRED BY THE HOLSTEIN ASSOCIATION INTO THE INDIVIDUAL NAME OF THE JUNIOR EXHIBITOR ON OR BEFORE JUNE 1st. NO JUNIOR TRANSFER APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE SHOWS. a. Partnerships between two or more juniors are allowed if both members are current WI Holstein Association Junior members. No other partnership qualifies for Junior Recognition. b. Junior exhibitors must be sole leadsperson for their animals in order to receive recognition. If a junior has more than one junior owned animal in one individual class, the junior exhibitor must designate which of the animals will be led by the exhibitor. The animal led by the junior exhibitor will be the animal eligible for Junior Recognition. c. Managerial projects may be exhibited in Open Class competition. However, they are not eligible for Junior awards. d. To be considered for Junior Awards, exhibitors must identify themselves as a qualified junior member on the entry form and upon check-in to show management. e. It is the responsibility of the Junior owner to prove ownership of animal by hard copy (on the registration paper). f. An out-of-state junior may compete in the Junior State Championship Show as a Junior member if the animal is housed in Wisconsin and owned in partnership with a junior member that resides in Wisconsin. The leadsperson must be the junior member residing in Wisconsin.

Bred and Owned: This award is to be given at the Wisconsin Championship Show and is optional at the District Shows. An award will be given in all the female classes for the highest placing animal bred and owned by exhibitor; partnership animals are eligible for Bred & Owned award as long as original breeder(s) and owner(s) maintains part ownership. Breeder is to be determined as the owner of the dam at the time of the service; where a herd is registered in the names of different members of a family residing on one farm, and everyone is using the same prefix, all entries may be considered as Bred and Owned by Exhibitor.

Junior Bred and Owned: To be eligible for Junior Bred & Owned, the name(s) listed as breeder and owner on the registration certificate must be the same. Adult-Junior partnerships are not acceptable. Junior partnership animals are eligible for Junior Bred & Owned award as long as original breeder(s) and owner(s) maintains part ownership and all partners are Wisconsin junior members.

Production Awards: This award is optional at the District Show. In all cow classes, except the Junior & Senior 2 Year Olds, the cow with the highest 305 day milk production will be recognized. The recognition will be based solely on total pounds of milk production without regard to the milking frequency or the testing program.

Records should be entered on the entry form and verified at the time of check-in with an official test sheet or an official pedigree.

Best Udder: This award is optional at the District Show. At the Championship Show a Best Udder ribbon will be awarded in all milking cow classes. The Best Udder cow in each of the milking classes will compete to select the Best Udder Cow of the Show.

Premier Breeder Award: The breeder winning the most points on four (4) animals, all exhibited in the single classes, shall be designated Premier Breeder. Premier Breeder form is to be filled out at time of checkin to be eligible for this award. No entry fee is required. The winner of this award need not be an exhibitor at the Show, or need not be the current owner of any of the point winning animals. In case of a tie, additional animals will be counted, one at a time, until the tie is broken.

Breeder Defined: The owner of the dam at the time of service shall be considered the breeder of the animals.

Where a herd is registered in the names of different members of a family, and where the herd is one unit, and everyone is using the same prefix, all entries may be considered as exhibits of one breeder. Otherwise, when animals are bred in partnership, each unique partnership is considered a unique breeder.

Premier Exhibitor Award: The exhibitor winning the most points on four (4) animals, all owned and exhibited by exhibitor in the open, single classes, shall be designated the Premier Exhibitor. Premier Exhibitor form is to be filled out at time of check-in to be eligible for this award. No entry fee is required. In case of a tie, additional animals will be counted, one at a time, until the tie is broken.

Exhibitor Defined: Exhibitor shall be named as the owner shown on the registration paper. In case a herd is registered or bred in the names of different members of a family, residing on one farm or breeding establishment, and where the herd is one unit, all entries may be considered as a single exhibitor for all group classes and Premier Exhibitor. However, members of one family, where cattle are not housed as one unit, will not be considered as a single exhibitor. When animals are owned in partnership, each unique partnership is considered a unique exhibitor.

Premier Breeder and Exhibitor points will be awarded to the top 10 animals in each class. In classes with 10 or less animals, no more than two head per breeder or exhibitor will be counted toward premier points.

If the class has more than 10 animals, then a single breeder or exhibitor may obtain points on more than two animals if the animals stand in the top 10 placings of the class.

The point system for determining Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor Awards:

Milking Females: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 Junior Females: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 GENERAL RULES 1. Owners of all animals exhibited at District and Championship Show must be state association members in good standing. Renewal memberships must be paid before June 1, 2016. If renewal of membership is not paid by June 1, 2016, a $50 late fee will be added.

2. Out of state partners must also be paid members of the Wisconsin Holstein Association in order to show a partnership animal(s) at any Wisconsin Holstein Association show. Along with the $50 membership fee, there is a $50 show fee that must be paid before any animal owned by the out of state member is shown at a District or State Show.

3. No Papers, No Show. All animals exhibited at the District and Championship Show must be accompanied by the registration certificate or emailed or faxed copy sent directly from Holstein Association USA to local and District chairs; no photocopies or verification letters will be accepted. All animals exhibited must be Holstein Registered or Qualified by the Holstein Association USA, Inc. or registered with the Holstein Association of Canada with 87% or greater purity.

4. Ownership shall be established by the name listed on the registration certificate; or the presentation of the certificate of registration along with a completed transfer & the appropriate fee, which will be retained by the Chairperson of the show & forwarded to the Holstein Association USA, Inc. 5. If an animal is Registered using the Tag ID system with Holstein Association USA, the animal must have a combination of two approved identifiers, one of which must be a Maxi or Large ID tag. The other identifier may be another ID tag (Maxi, Large, Junior or Mini-Round). A combination of one Maxi or Large with an ear tattoo or freeze brand may also be used.

6. Animals shown at the Wisconsin Holstein District Shows and the Wisconsin Championship Show are not to be shown at any other state’s District or State Show. Any animal may be shown in the District where it is owned or housed, but not in both.

7. The full entry fee must accompany any entry for District or Championship Show in order for that animal to be considered an entry; otherwise, late entry fee schedule applies.

8. Once cattle are checked into a class, there will be absolutely no switching of classes (such as 150,000 lb. to Aged Cow). Absolutely no additions or switching after the check-in deadline.

9. Substitutions with-in class by the same exhibitor may be made at check-in time; any other new entries will be considered a new or late entry and must pay the appropriate entry fees.

10. The WI Holstein Association Standard Agreement for Owners to Exhibit must be signed to be an eligible entry.

Championship Show Eligibility: (Also see General Rule #1) Any exhibitor showing at their District Show is eligible to show at the Wisconsin Championship Show. The exhibitor is allowed to exhibit in the Championship Show up to the actual number shown and placed at District Show. These animals may or may not be the same as shown at the District Show. Partnerships that did not exhibit an animal in that partnership at a District Show but wish to exhibit partnership animals may show at the State Championship show as a substitution animal for one of the animals shown and placed by one of the partners at a District Show. The spirit of these rules is to encourage exhibitors to show the best animals they have at the time of their District Show and at the Championship Show.

The Holstein Show Committee and the Wisconsin Holstein Association Board of Directors reserve the final and absolute right to interpret the rules and regulations of the Shows and will settle and determine all matter, questions, or differences in regard thereto or otherwise arising out of, or in connection with the Shows. In the event a question arises concerning an animal’s age, the Show Committee Chairperson may request that an individual registration certificate be checked at ringside.

DISTRICT SHOWS 1. The Wisconsin Holstein Show Ring Policy is in effect at all Wisconsin District Shows.

2. Starting time for individual District Shows shall be determined by the Districts.

3. Check-in deadline for the District Show is at the option of the District. Check-in deadline will be listed in the section listing location and starting time for each District. Exhibitors should check and be aware of the check-in deadlines at their respective District Show. It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to comply with the respective District Show check-in time.

4. The District Show committee will determine all fees pertaining to their show and submit these fees to the Wisconsin Holstein office for publication.

5. Optional classes for District Shows are Unfresh 2 Year Old and Dry Cow classes.

6. Production awards and Bred and Owned awards are optional at the District Show.

CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW Entry Fee Schedule - $30 per head if made at respective District Show; $40 per head for juniors wanting to exhibit in both the Junior and Open Championship Shows - $50 per head ($65 for juniors wanting to exhibit in both the junior and open shows) if entry made by mail, fax or email and received in the WHA office on or before 7/8/2016 - $100 per head if entry made at Championship Show or by mail, email or fax & received after 7/8/2016 1. A representative of the Wisconsin Holstein Association will be on hand for not less than one hour after the conclusion of the last class at each District Show. It is the responsibility of the exhibitor to make sure the entries are made in this time frame.

2. All cattle for the Championship Show shall be in place by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 27 in order for the registration certificates, health papers and production records to be checked. The grounds will not be open for cattle arrival before 6:00 am, Tuesday, July 26. Exhibitors in violation of this rule must pay a $1000 fine to the WI Holstein Assoc. prior to the first class entering the ring at the WI Championship Show. If the fine is unpaid, the violators will be disqualified from the 2016 WI Championship Show.

3. Starting time for the WI Junior Championship Show will be at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 28. The Open Championship Show will start at 5:00 p.m., Friday, July 29, with the Heifers and Junior Champion selection.

The show will resume at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, July 30 with the Milking Cows.

wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016-19

4. An exhibitor meeting will be held Thursday, July 28 at a time to be announced.

5. Awards: The first and second place animal in each class will receive a plaque and will be designated All-Wisconsin and Reserve All-Wisconsin animals of their respective class. Open Show ribbons will be awarded to the 3rd-10th place exhibitors in the Heifer and Milking Cow Classes. Ribbons will be awarded to the 3rd5th place exhibitors in the Group Classes. One rosette ribbon will be given for the Best Udder in each of the Milking Cow Classes. One rosette ribbon will be given to the Best Bred & Owned animal in each of the classes.

JUNIOR SHOW ribbons will be awarded to the 3rd–5th exhibitors in the Heifer and Milking Cow Classes. The first and second place Junior exhibitors in each class of the Junior Championship Show will be designated Junior All-Wisconsin and Reserve Junior All-Wisconsin. The top two animals in Class 1 of the Open Championship Show may choose to compete in Class 2 for All-Wisconsin Awards and return for Junior Champion honors.

It is recommended that all animals in the barn have identification signs for the convenience of visitors and to enhance marketing opportunities.

HOLSTEIN ASSOCIATION USA, INC. SHOW RING POLICY Showing cattle is an important part of promoting, merchandising and breeding Registered Holsteins for breeders and Holstein Association USA, Inc. It is also in the best interest of Registered Holstein breeders to maintain integrity & present a positive & progressive image of themselves & their cattle in the showring.

Holstein Association USA works cooperatively with the Purebred Dairy Cattle Association (PDCA), show management, exhibitors and judges to give encouragement, direction and uniformity to the National Holstein Show program.

I. ETHICS: At all times, Registered Holsteins shall be treated in a humane manner and in accordance with dairy quality assurance practices so as to protect the health, safety and welfare of the livestock and the consuming public. No person shall present for exhibition or exhibit an animal which he or she knows, or has reason to suspect, is affected with or has been exposed to a dangerously contagious or infectious disease, illness or illegal or non-approved use of drugs, medication and/or prohibited substance or residue. The position of Holstein Association USA is that all animals presented for exhibition shall be in their natural conformation and structure, free of any alteration or modification caused by unethical fitting.

In keeping with the basic philosophy of Holstein Association USA, ethics are an individual responsibility of the owner of each animal shown. Violations of these policies are subject to the disciplinary provisions of the Association Bylaws.

Please visit the Holstein Assoc. USA website at www.holsteinusa.com to read their complete Show Ring Policy.

WISCONSIN HOLSTEIN ASSOCIATION SHOW RING POLICY The following practices or procedures are unacceptable in the showing of registered dairy cattle: 1. criticizing or interfering with the judge, show management or other exhibitors, or other conduct detrimental to the breed or show, any unsportsmanship like conduct during the event.

2. misrepresenting the age or ownership of an animal or the number of calvings and/or stage of lactation; 3. filling an animal’s rumen unnaturally with liquid (tubing); 4. balancing the udder by any means other than by leaving naturally produced milk in any or all quarters; 5. treating the udder internally with an irritant, counter-irritant, or any other substance to temporarily improve conformation; 6. overfilling or over-bagging of udders; 7. treating the udder externally with an irritant, counterirritant, or any other substance to temporarily improve conformation (allowable practices/substances include sealing and setting teats, but not shrinking/ shortening of teats); 8. treating the animal, particularly the udder, internally or externally, with a an irritant or counter-irritant, or other substance to artificially improve the conformation (this is to include any external pressure applied to the udder crease to artificially enhance it, i.e. roping) icing of the udder will be allowed ONLY when the ice is placed in a plastic bag (such as a zip-lock bag), ice MAY NOT be placed in any other foreign objects; 9. administering epidural anesthesia (blocking tails) and/or applying any irritant either externally or internally to the perineal (rectum and vagina) area; 10. inserting foreign material/articles under the skin, into the topline or on the feet (Administration of acceptable medications is permitted.); 11. performing surgery of any kind to change the natural contour of appearance of the animal’s body, hide or hair. Not included is the removal of warts, teats and horns, clipping and dressing of hair and trimming of hooves; 12. draining fluid from hocks unless authorized by a veterinarian at the show; 13. Excessive manipulation of hair and/or the use of any hair not naturally attached to the animal or the use of any substance or material which is intended to resemble or imitate hair; 14. mistreatment of animals; 15. any unsportsmanlike conduct during the event.

MONITORING PROCEDURES 1. The Ethics Committee, as defined below, shall have the authority to inspect all animals to determine if violations of Wisconsin Holstein Association Show Ring Policy have occurred. To help in this regard, the Ethics Committee has the authority to perform and review results of the following: a. An ultrasound examination of the udder of selected animals immediately upon completion of each respective milking class competition. It shall be the exhibitor’s responsibility to deliver selected cow to the designated testing area. Following said testing, the ultrasound official shall submit a report to the show chairman if any violations have occurred. If an animal fails to show up for ultrasounding with a full udder at the Midwest National Spring Show &/or the WI Championship Show, show placings will be revoked and reported to Holstein USA and Holstein World. b. a milk out of any individual cow and/or c. the collection and testing of any of the animal’s body fluids and/or d. the use of any other technology that may be useful in determining if a violation in any animal based on placement, random selection, or suspect characteristics. e. the Ethics Committee or Show Chairman may, at any time, require the delivery to them of any hair samples or hypodermic syringe, needle, or other device, swabs, cloths, or other material, or samples or any medicine, preparation, or substance, whether in liquid or other form, in the possession or control of exhibitor, fitters, agents or person acting on behalf of the exhibitor for laboratory analysis.

ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES 1. The Wisconsin Holstein Association Board of Directors shall appoint an Ethics Committee to monitor violations at all state sponsored shows. The Ethics Committee shall consist of two WHA Board members and one non-board member; this committee will be anonymous.

2. Complaints of alleged violations must be to the Show Chairman of respective show immediately.

20–wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016

3. If it is suspected that a violation will occur if an animal is shown the exhibitor will be informed by the Show Chairman that the showing of that animal may result in a violation of the Wisconsin Holstein Association Show Ring Policy. If the exhibitor decides not to show that animal, no violation will have occurred.

4. All complaints of alleged violations (as is designated in Enforcement Procedure point #2) received by the Show Chairman must be to the Wisconsin Holstein Association for review by the Ethics Committee within five (5) days of receiving notice of alleged violations, with the Ethics Committee to make a decision on the violations within ten (10) days of receiving such notice.

5. The Wisconsin Holstein Association Director of Operations will notify the accused exhibitor immediately of the Ethics Committee decision that a violation has occurred and all the supportive evidence will be shared with the exhibitor.

Within thirty (30) days Wisconsin Holstein Association Show Committee shall review the findings from the Ethics committee and make a recommendation to the Wisconsin Holstein Association Board of Directors of the disciplinary action. The exhibitor will be able to participate in the Show Committee meeting. The Wisconsin Holstein Association Board of Directors shall meet on the same day to review the findings from the Ethics Committee, recommendations from the Show Committee and hear any presentation the exhibitor wishes to present.

6. The accused exhibitor must notify Wisconsin Holstein Association within seven (7) days of receiving the violation notice of their intent to participate in the Show Committee meeting and/or the Wisconsin Holstein Association Board of Directors meeting, which is set for reviewing the evidence of the alleged violation(s) and the disciplinary action to be taken.

7. If the alleged violator is found in violation of the Wisconsin Holstein Association Show Ring Policy, the Wisconsin Holstein Association Board of Directors, at its discretion may pass onto the violator(s) its costs associated with the violations, enforcement and review of violation(s).

Cost associated with the review and/or appeals process must be paid in full; if this assessment is not paid in full the violator(s) will not be in “good standing” with the Wisconsin Holstein Association and will therefore be denied any and all membership benefits of the association (voting, showing, etc.).

8. Wisconsin Holstein Association Board of Directors and/or the Show Committee may consider previous violations by an exhibitor in their decision of disciplinary action. (see * under Violations Penalties) 9. An animal found in violation of the Wisconsin Holstein Association Show Ring Policy will receive no premium monies or awards or placing(s).

10. Under the Rules of the Show, the exhibitor agrees to accept as final and abide by the decision of the WI Holstein Board of Directors. If the appeal of the exhibitor results in a modification of the position of the WI Holstein Board of Directors, the exhibitor will be notified of the change in writing at such time.

11. During this entire process the Directors of the Wisconsin Holstein Association Board, the Ethics Committee, the Show Committee, its staff and members will not be obligated to maintain confidentiality.

Violations Penalties (Penalties for violations at the Wisconsin Holstein Association sponsored shows.)

1. 1st Offense – a minimum of one year probation to a maximum of one year suspension for the animal(s), owner(s), and/or fitter(s) or their representatives either individually and/or a combination thereof from all Wisconsin Holstein Association state sponsored shows.

2. 2nd Offense – minimum one year suspension to a maximum of three years suspension for the animal(s), owner(s), and/or fitter(s) or their representatives either individually and/or combination there of from all Wisconsin Holstein Association state sponsored shows.

3. 3rd Offense – minimum of five years suspension to a maximum of barred for life for the animal(s), owner(s), and/or fitter(s) or their representatives either individually and/or combination there of from all Wisconsin Holstein Association state sponsored shows. *Violations prior to 1/1/2004 shall not apply; any violations after 1/1/2004 shall be cumulative.

CLASSES

1. Spring Heifer Calf, Exhibitor 10 & Under - born after February 28, 2016. This class is limited to juniors 10 years of age and younger as of January 1 of the year of the show. Calves in Class 1 must be under control of the 10 & Under Exhibitor (the exhibitor must be the sole person on the halter). 1st & 2nd in class 1 at the Open Championship Show may compete in Class 2 for All-WI honors and may return for Junior Champion honors.

2. Spring Heifer Calf - born after February 29, 2016 (Open to exhibitors of any age) 3. Winter Heifer Calf - born December 1, 2015 - February 29, 2016 4. Fall Heifer Calf - born September 1 - November 30, 2015 5. Summer Yearling Heifer - born June 1 - August 31, 2015 6. Spring Yearling Heifer - born March 1 - May 31, 2015 7. Winter Yearling Heifer - born December 1, 2014 - February 28, 2015 8. Fall Yearling Heifer - born September 1 - November 30, 2014 9. Junior & Reserve Junior Champion (Junior Show) 10. Junior & Reserve Junior Champion (Open Show) 11. Junior Best Three - fall yearlings & under. (Animals must be shown in their individual classes. All must be bred by the exhibitor & at least 1 owned, solely or in partnership, by exhibitor. Limited to 1 entry per exhibitor) 12. Junior Two Year Old Cow – born March 1 - August 31, 2014 13. Senior Two Year Old Cow - born September 1, 2013 - February 28, 2014 14. Junior Three Year Old Cow - born March 1 - August 31, 2013 15. Senior Three Year Old Cow - born September 1, 2012 - February 28, 2013 16. Intermediate & Reserve Intermediate Champion Female (Junior Show) (Optional at District) 17. Intermediate & Reserve Intermediate Champion Female (Open Show) (Optional at District) 18. Four Year Old Cow - born September 1, 2011 - August 31, 2012 19. Five Year Old Cow - born September 1, 2010 - August 31, 2011 20. Six Year Old and Older Cow - born before September 1, 2010 21. 150,000 lb. Cow Class (Must bring proof of production to check-in; cows may only be switched from another milking cow class to the 150,000 lb. class with additional paid entry fee) 22. Champion Bred & Owned of the Junior Show 23. Senior & Reserve Senior Champion Female (Junior Show) 24. Grand & Reserve Grand Champion Female (Junior Show) 25. Senior & Reserve Senior Champion Female (Open Show) 26. Grand & Reserve Grand Champion Female (Open Show) 27. Best Udder of Show 28. Champion Bred & Owned of the Show 29. Best Three Females (Made up of 3 cows having at least 1 calf, all bred by the exhibitor with at least 1 owned by exhibitor. Each exhibitor is limited to 1 entry) 30. Produce of Dam (2 animals, any age, & the progeny of 1 cow; dam must be named) 31. Dam & Offspring (dam and one offspring, any age) 32. Premier Breeder 33. Premier Exhibitor

wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016-21

District Exhibiting In:

Parent or Guardian of Junior Member - Signature: _________________________________________

This Agreement must be signed by all junior members in order to participate in Wisconsin Holstein Association sponsored shows & activities.

Date: _____________________ Date: _____________________

Junior Member Signature: _________________________________________________________

Junior Member Name: (please Print) ____________________________________________

I have read and discussed the above rules and agree to accept and faithfully abide by them as a member of the Wisconsin Junior Holstein Association.

6. For the purposes of the observance of the rules of membership herein, there is established a Board which shall consist of the WHA Staff, WHA Board of Directors and the WHA Junior Activities Committee. The purpose of this Board shall be to oversee the fair application of the rules of membership and afford the right of due process. A member of this Board must be contacted while the violation is occurring. If they cannot be reached, concrete proof must be provided against the accused. Pictures help but are not concrete proof of violation. If applicable, the accuser must be willing to provide information in support of a claim that a member has violated this policy.

Due process shall be afforded by: Explaining the evidence against the member, giving the member an opportunity to explain his/her version of the facts, thereafter, it is a matter of discretion by the Board whether to have the accuser/observer summoned and whether to permit cross examination of said individuals. The following procedure is in place if it is determined that a member has violated the alcohol and controlled substance policy: 1. 1st warning, written and verbal, with privileges taken away. The severity of the privileges revoked will be decided by the Board mentioned above.

2. 2nd offense will be looked at by the WHA Board with membership revocation.

(Junior membership reinstatement may be requested after revocation of membership by meeting with the WHA Board of Directors)

Entry Fee Schedule for Championship Show: • $30 per head ($40 for a junior to enter in both junior & open shows) if entered at the respective District Show • $50 per head ($65 for a junior to enter in both junior & open shows) if entry made by mail, fax or email & received in the WHA office on or before 6/30/2016 • $100 per head if entry made at Championship show or by mail, fax or email & received after 6/30/2016

*Must be signed and dated for entry to be eligible

Cell:

Premise ID #:

CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW 2016 - July 28-30, Madison

Full Address:

E-mail:

Phone:

Name of Exhibitor/Owner

Date

SIGNATURE OF OWNER OR OWNER’S AGENT:

I HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO THE Standard Agreement for Owners to Exhibit at WHA sponsored shows.

animal at any future dairy show in North America; and 3. that he/she will not knowingly employ any fitters or agents to represent him/her or his/her animal(s) that may be barred from any dairy show in North America.

**A signed & dated Standard Agreement for Owners to Exhibit at Wisconsin Holstein Association Sponsored Show must accompany this entry blank.

The purpose of this organization is to encourage youth to promote the Registered Holstein industry. The Wisconsin Junior Holstein Association is open to membership for those persons under the age of 21 as of January 1st of the membership year. To be eligible for membership, all applicants must sign this agreement and agree to abide by the rules hereinafter set forth. Failure to honor any of these rules may subject the junior member to immediate revocation of membership status, including the opportunity of participation in WI Holstein Association sanctioned activities and events. For those members that turn 21 during their last year of junior membership, they may continue to receive junior recognition at Wisconsin Holstein Association shows through the duration of the WI Championship Show if their 21st birthday occurs before said show.

The following rules shall apply to all junior members: 1. Use or possession of any alcoholic beverage, whether or not in connection with an Association event, is strictly prohibited for anyone under the age of 21. Controlled substances are strictly prohibited by anyone.

2. No member shall engage in any behavior prohibited by state statute, local ordinance or Board Policy (which shall include, but is not limited to vandalism, theft, truancy, assault, threats to personal safety or property and flagrant misconduct).

3. Members, at all times, shall demonstrate good citizenship and recognize the value of setting and adhering to the highest standards of conduct and performance.

4. At all Association sponsored functions, activities and trips, the rules of conduct specified by adult chaperones and advisors shall be at all times observed by members.

5. All members shall recognize the right of the Wisconsin Holstein Association’s Junior Activities Committee, the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Holstein Association and its staff, adult advisors and chaperones to have the authority to enforce the rules as established and authorized herein.

Members and/or their parents/guardian shall accept any financial responsibility for the enforcement of the provisions herein.

Junior Member Agreement

Complete the entry blank (make sure the Show Agreement is signed) and mail, along with correct entry fees, to the designated person of your District Show. Online entries can be made through the link on the WHA website homepage at www.wisholsteins. com. Please see the District Show information in the MAY News starting on page 24 for the correct fees and entry info.

DISTRICT SHOWS 2016

Must be signed and accompany a WI Holstein Show Entry Form I agree I am personally responsible for the care, welfare, and condition of my animals during the period of the Show. I acknowledge that I am responsible for my own actions and failures to act and for the actions and failure to act of all of my employees and anyone else who assists me with the fitting, care, and show preparation of my animals.

I promise that I will abide by the Wisconsin Holstein Association Show Ring Rules and the Wisconsin Holstein Association Show Ring Policy and Enforcement Procedures for dairy cattle, and any other show rules and regulations. I will also ensure that all of my employees, agents, contractors and others who assist me with the fitting, care, and show preparation of the animals comply with the same requirements. I understand that a failure to adhere to such requirements could result in disciplinary measures including possible suspension or ban of me, my employees and helpers, the animal(s), the owner and/or the exhibitor of the animal(s) from the Show and future Shows and the public reporting of disciplinary action, including to any association registering purebred livestock.

I release and agree to hold the Show, the Show organizers and its officials, directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents, and volunteers (collectively the “Show organizers”) harmless from any action taken under this agreement, the Wisconsin Holstein Association Show Ring Rules and the Wisconsin Holstein Association Show Ring Policy and Enforcement Procedures and any other Show rules and regulations, and release the Show organizers from and against any injury, damage or loss suffered during or in connection with the Show, whether or not such injury, damage or loss resulted from or was contributed to, directly or indirectly, by the acts or omissions of the Show organizers.

The undersigned further certifies that: 1. any animal entered is not currently barred from showing at any future dairy show in North America; and 2. no owner of the entered animal, whether direct or indirect, is currently barred from showing any other

Standard Agreement for Owners to Exhibit at WHA sponsored Shows

2016 Wisconsin Holstein Shows Entry Form

22–wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016

Dam: ______________________________________________________________________________________ Please check if applicable: Owner (as appears on Registration paper): ______________________________________________ ❏ Bred & Owned ❏ Junior Owned ❏ Junior Bred & Owned ❏ Junior Leased

Sire: ________________________________________________________

Protein _______

Date of Birth ________________ Reg. # ___________________

Production Record of Animal 305 days or less: No. of Days: _____ Age ______ Milk ___________ Fat _______

Class # _______ Animal’s Name _____________________________________________________________________

Dam: ______________________________________________________________________________________ Please check if applicable: Owner (as appears on Registration paper): ______________________________________________ ❏ Bred & Owned ❏ Junior Owned ❏ Junior Bred & Owned ❏ Junior Leased

Sire: ________________________________________________________

Protein _______

Date of Birth ________________ Reg. # ___________________

Production Record of Animal 305 days or less: No. of Days: _____ Age ______ Milk ___________ Fat _______

Class # _______ Animal’s Name _____________________________________________________________________

Dam: ______________________________________________________________________________________ Please check if applicable: Owner (as appears on Registration paper): ______________________________________________ ❏ Bred & Owned ❏ Junior Owned ❏ Junior Bred & Owned ❏ Junior Leased

Sire: ________________________________________________________

Protein _______

Date of Birth ________________ Reg. # ___________________

Production Record of Animal 305 days or less: No. of Days: _____ Age ______ Milk ___________ Fat _______

Class # _______ Animal’s Name _____________________________________________________________________

Dam: ______________________________________________________________________________________ Please check if applicable: Owner (as appears on Registration paper): ______________________________________________ ❏ Bred & Owned ❏ Junior Owned ❏ Junior Bred & Owned ❏ Junior Leased

Sire: ________________________________________________________

Protein _______

Date of Birth ________________ Reg. # ___________________

Production Record of Animal 305 days or less: No. of Days: _____ Age ______ Milk ___________ Fat _______

Class # _______ Animal’s Name _____________________________________________________________________

Dam: ______________________________________________________________________________________ Please check if applicable: Owner (as appears on Registration paper): ______________________________________________ ❏ Bred & Owned ❏ Junior Owned ❏ Junior Bred & Owned ❏ Junior Leased

Sire: ________________________________________________________

Protein _______

Date of Birth ________________ Reg. # ___________________

Production Record of Animal 305 days or less: No. of Days: _____ Age ______ Milk ___________ Fat _______

Class # _______ Animal’s Name _____________________________________________________________________

Dam: ______________________________________________________________________________________ Please check if applicable: Owner (as appears on Registration paper): ______________________________________________ ❏ Bred & Owned ❏ Junior Owned ❏ Junior Bred & Owned ❏ Junior Leased

Sire: ________________________________________________________

Protein _______

Date of Birth ________________ Reg. # ___________________

Production Record of Animal 305 days or less: No. of Days: _____ Age ______ Milk ___________ Fat _______

Class # _______ Animal’s Name _____________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS ______________________________________________________ CITY, STATE, ZIP _____________________________________________ COUNTY _________________________

FARM NAME __________________________________________________ EXHIBITOR’S NAME _____________________________________________________________________________

wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016-23

2016 WHA District Show Information New Rule for 2016 -

An out-of-state Junior member may compete in the Junior State Championship Show as a Junior member if the animal is housed in Wisconsin and owned in partnership with another Junior member that resides in Wisconsin. The leadsperson must be the Junior member residing in Wisconsin.

District 1

Date: Monday, June 13 Barron County Fairgrounds, Rice Lake Entries Due: postmarked on or before Wednesday, May 25 Entry Fee: online fee - $15/head, mailed entry - $20/head (late fee $25/head) Mail Entries to: Steve Fronk, 203 W. Messenger St. #8, Rice Lake, WI 53868 (slfronk@hotmail.com) Checks Payable to: Barron County Holstein Association District Chair: Bonnie Van Dyk, 715-220-6612, bvandyk23@hotmail.com Local Chair: Steve Fronk, 715-205-1798 Check-In Deadline: 7:30 a.m., Monday, June 13 Starting Time: 9:00 a.m.

Judge: Brandon Ferry Veterinarian: Dr. David Stanley, 715-296-0135 Grounds Open: Saturday, June 11, 10:00 a.m.

Showmanship: Sunday, June 12, 5:00 p.m.

No feed or bedding supplied. Fairgrounds available Saturday, June 11 for bed down at 10 a.m. A letter will be mailed to all district members with hotel accommodations and other information.

District 4

Date: Monday, June 13 Monroe County Fairgrounds, Tomah Entries Due: May 30 Entry Fee: online fee - $15/head, mailed entry - $20/head (late fee $25/head) Mail Entries to: Aaron Schmitz, 17708 Incline Rd., Norwalk, WI 54648 Checks Payable to: Monroe County Holstein Breeders District Chair: Paul Trapp, 608-332-0079 Local Chair: Bryan Stremcha, 608-790-1925 Check-In Deadline: 8:00 a.m., Monday, June 13 Starting Time: 10:00 a.m.

Judge: Veterinarian: Tomah Vet Service Grounds Open: 8:00 a.m., Sunday, June 12 Showmanship: Monday, June 13, 9:00 a.m.

No hay, straw or shavings will be provided.

Date: Thursday, June 23 Clark County Fairgrounds, Neillsville Entries Due: Monday, June 6 Entry Fee: online fee - $15/head, mailed entry - $20/head (late fee $50/head) Mail Entries to: Scott Pralle, N4621 US Hwy. 12, Humbird, WI 54746 (spralle@centurylink.net) Checks Payable to: Clark County Holstein Breeders District Chair: Scott Pralle, 715-533-0901 Local Co-Chairs: Joe Meyer, 715-223-5918; Adam Luchterhand, 715-937-2352 (elmrocfarm@gmail.com) Check-In Deadline: 7:30 a.m., Thursday, June 23 Starting Time: 9:00 a.m.

Judge: James Siporski Veterinarian: Grassland Vet, 715-238-7686 Grounds Open: 7:00 a.m., June 22 Showmanship: Wednesday, June 22, 7:00 p.m.

No feed or bedding will be offered. There will be Intermediate Champions of the Junior Show. Neillsville FFA Foodstand day of show. Camping available on grounds for $25/night payable to Clark County Holstein Breeders.

District 3

District 5

District 2

Date: Monday, June 27 Grant County Fairgrounds, Lancaster Entries Due: postmarked by June 4 Entry Fee: online fee - $10/head, mailed entry - $15/head (late fee $25/head) Mail Entries to: Laura Wackershauser, 321 E. Linden St., Lancaster, WI 53813 (lauraw@wisholsteins.com) Checks Payable to: District 3 Holstein Breeders District Chair: Angela Davis Brown, 608-935-3814/608-574-7756 Local Chair: Ashley Yager, 608-574-3919, ashleyy@wisholsteins.com Check-In Deadline: 8:00 p.m., Sunday, June 26 Starting Time: 9:00 a.m.

Judge: Eddie Bue Veterinarian: Lancaster Vet clinic, 608-723-6366 Grounds Open: 12:00 noon, Friday, June 24 for bed down; Barns open 8:00 a.m., Saturday, June 25 for cattle arrival.

Showmanship: Sunday, June 26, 6:00 p.m.

Exhibitor Meeting, 8:00 p.m., Sunday, June 26. No feed or bedding supplied.

24–wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016

Date: Wednesday, June 22

Columbia County Fairgrounds, Portage

Entries Due: June 1 Entry Fee: $15/head (late fee $25/head) Mail Entries to: Marci Walker, N9178 Lewiston Station Rd., WI Dells, WI 53965 (walkerajm@gmail.com) Checks Payable to: District 5 Holstein Show District Chair: Chris Davis, 608-963-4377, chrisda_11@hotmail.com Local Co Chairs: Marci Walker, 608-432-3223 Check-In Deadline: 7:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 22 Starting Time: 10:00 a.m.

Judge: Molly Sloan Veterinarian: Dr. Jim Vandenlangenberg, 608-432-1631 Grounds Open: Open for bed down at 8:00 a.m. on June 20; move-in at 8:00 a.m. on June 21 Showmanship: Wednesday, June 22, 8:00 a.m.

District 6

Date: Friday, June 24 Alliant Energy Center, Madison Entries Due: June 6 Entry Fees: $20/head (late fee $40/head; day of show - $100) Mail Entries to: Gary Swain, 2810 Hwy. W, Deerfield, WI 53531 (swaindale@hotmail.com) Checks Payable to: Dane County Holstein Breeders District Chair: Joe Martin, 608-436-4590 Local Co-Chairs: Gary Swain, 608-444-0567; Steve Endres, 608-279-5952 (endresberryridgefarms@tds.net) Check-In Deadline: 7:00 a.m., June 24 Starting Time: 9:00 a.m.

Judge: Ryan Weigel Veterinarian: Lodi Veterinary Clinic, 608-592-7755 Grounds Open: Open for bed down at 8:00 a.m. on June 22; open for cattle at 8:00 a.m. on June 23 Showmanship: Thursday, June 23, 6:00 p.m.

Exhibitor’s meeting on Thursday, June 23 at 8:00 p.m. District 6 Futurity following Senior 2 year olds. No dry cow classes.

District 7

Date: Tuesday, June 14 Kewaunee Co. Fairgrounds, Luxemburg Entries Due: June 1 Entry Fee: $10/head-online, $12/head-paper (late fee $25/head) Mail Entries to: Shari Christoph, N4617 County Rd. V, Luxemburg, WI 54217 Checks Payable to: Kewaunee County Holstein Breeders District Chair: Shari Christoph, 920-609-6391; Willis Gunst, 920-858-9367 (wgunst@holstein.com) Local Chairs: Shari & Dennis Christoph, 920-609-6391 Check-In Deadline: 7:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 14 Starting Time: 9:30 a.m.

Judge: Jerome Meyer Veterinarian: Dairyland Vet, Casco, 920-837-7766 Grounds Open: 8:00 a.m., Sunday, June 12 Showmanship: Monday, June 13, 7:00 p.m.

No early bed down.

District 8

Date: Wednesday, June 22

Washington County Fairgrounds, Jackson

Entries Due: June 1 Entry Fees: $15/head (late fee $25/head) Mail Entries to: Dwight Mayer, 4965 Hwy. E, Slinger, WI 53086 Checks Payable to: Washington County Holstein Association District Chair: Mandy Sell, 920-253-8773 Local Chair: Dwight Mayer, 262-224-6838 Check-In Deadline: 8:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 22 Starting Time: 10:00 a.m.

Judge: Brandon Ferry Veterinarian: Kettle Hills Vet Clinic, 262-670-1620 Grounds Open: 12:00 noon on June 20 Showmanship: Tuesday, June 21, 6:00 p.m.

No early bed down.

District 10

Date: Friday, June 24

Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds, Fond du Lac Entries Due: postmarked by June 1 Entry Fees: $15/head online, $20/head mailed (late fee $25/head) Mail Entries to: Paula Bovre, W4226 St. Rd. 23 E, Fond du Lac, WI 54937 (grnorth81@gmail.com) Checks Payable to: Fond du Lac County Holstein Association District Chair: Sara Feldmann, 920-980-9704 Local Chair: Sarah Loehr, 608-792-7013 (sarahloehr24@hotmail.com) Check-In Deadline: 7:00 a.m., June 24 Starting Time: 9:00 a.m.

Judge: Jerome Meyer Veterinarian: Dr. Chris Booth, 920-980-9659 Grounds Open: June 22 from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. for bed down ONLY; open at 6 a.m. on June 23 for cattle arrival Showmanship: Thursday, June 23, time TBD Food stand available day of show. No feed or bedding available.

B REEDER B USINESS C ARDS Dwight & Shelly Mayer 4965 County Rd. E, Slinger, WI

REGISTERED HOLSTEINS & BROWN SWISS Breeding age bulls, heifers, calves and young cows available - we sell only from our best lines.

Call Dwight’s cell: 262-224-6838

Rickert Bros. LLC Home of Rickland Holsteins

Doug, Linda, Corey & Tammy Hodorff N3832 Hwy. W, Eden, WI 53019

Jim & Kelly, Greg & Laura, Andrew & Shannon, Don & Lila Rickert Eldorado, WI 54932

Tel: (920) 477-6800 • Fax: (920) 477-2520 E-mail: mail@secondlookholsteins.com

rickertkel@gmail.com • 920-960-9640

Stop in anytime for a second look!

RHA: 1044 cows 30,322 3.8 1159 3.0 916 21 Year Progressive Genetics Herd wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016-25

UW-Madison Dairy Science Students win National Management Contest

By Kaine Korzekwa Students from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Dairy Science won top honors at the National North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge Contest, which was held April 7-9 in Syracuse, N.Y. Four-person teams from 32 universities competed at the event.

The team from UW-Madison included Elizabeth Endres, of Waunakee, Wis., Cody Getschel, of Osceola, Wis., Megan Opperman, of Rockford, Ill., and Olivia Peter, of Lake Mills, Wis. They were coached by Ted Halbach, faculty associate in dairy management, and David Combs, professor of dairy nutrition and management.

“The members of this team put themselves in a position for success with their preparation and willingness to accept coaching leading up to the competition,” says Halbach. “As the students’ presentation went on, it was clear they had nailed it. I know I can speak for David as well, what a privilege it is to work closely with students that have passion and a desire to learn like these four. We couldn’t be prouder of their performance.”

Dairy Challenge is an applied dairy management competition that involves students analyzing a commercial farm and presenting their observations and management recommendations to a panel of industry professionals. Judges include dairy producers, veterinarians, farm finance specialists and agribusiness personnel.

The team made recommendations to a 770-cow dairy farm in New York to help lower their rate of pneumonia and scours, relieve overcrowding, and increase pregnancy rates. Seeing how different farms operate is the best part of the competition for some team members.

“I was able to find opportunities to help this farm improve, when on the surface it looked very good,” Peter says. “I also really enjoy solving the problems of the farm to help the farmer better take care of their cows while maximizing profit. The real world practice we got leading up to the competition was invaluable.”

For students like Getschel, the competition was an affirmation that he’s found a career he enjoys.

“This competition made clear to me that I would like to pursue a career in reproductive consulting,” he explains. “It has given me confidence in my skills to critically analyze records and relate them to what I see on the farm. In addition, it has afforded me numerous opportunities to interact with industry professionals, making connections that I can refer to in the future.”

Elizabeth Endres says that coursework in dairy science, such as dairy herd management and reproductive management, provided the team with knowledge about various industry benchmarks, management strategies, and potential solutions. Most of the team also competed in the Badger Dairy Challenge, as well as the Midwest Regional Dairy Challenge competition, where they also performed well.

“I feel that I am prepared with the proper knowledge and tools to walk onto any dairy and I would be able to evaluate it and provide recommendations in a thoughtful, professional manner,” Endres says. “We have one of the best dairy science departments in the country with some of the most cutting-edge research and worldrenowned faculty, so there is no excuse for UW-Madison to not be a front-runner in the Dairy Challenge contest every year.”

In addition to UW-Madison, first place team awards went to California Polytechnic State University, Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Each member of the winning teams received $200 scholarships.

“We are very proud of our Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge team for their fine performance in New York,” says Kent Weigel, chair of the Department of Dairy Science. “On behalf of the department, I would like to thank the event sponsors and planning committee for providing such an excellent, hands-on learning experience for our students.”

26–wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016

DYSCI Dairy Challenge Team 2016 From left to right: Ted Halbach, coach, Olivia Peter, Megan Opperman, Elizabeth Endres, Cody Getschel and Dr. David Combs, coach.

World Dairy Expo® Welcomes New Board and Committee Members

The World Dairy Expo Board of Directors and committee meetings were held March 7 and 8 in Madison, Wisconsin, at the Alliant Energy Center and Sheraton Madison Hotel. Industry representatives and dairy producers from across North America met to provide input for the planning of the annual event.

The Board of Directors welcomed two new industry representatives during their Tuesday meeting. Julie Luedkte, Middleton, Wisconsin, will represent Cooperative Resources International, and Tim Griswold, Black Earth, Wisconsin, will represent Dane County Holstein Breeders.

“It is my privilege to work with such a dedicated group of volunteers who are really invested in the improvement of the show,” said Al Deming, World Dairy Expo Board of Directors president.

“Thanks to their leadership and commitment, Expo continues to grow as the world’s premier dairy event.”

Two new members have also been elected to the Commercial Exhibitor Committee. Melanie Burgi, Comfort Hoof Care, and Bellana Putz, Lely, were elected to a three-year term. Committee members are nominated and elected by active commercial exhibitors after each year’s show.

During the Monday meeting, Dean Hermsdorf, ABS Global, and Jane Griswold, Hoard’s Dairyman, were re-elected as committee chair and vice chair respectively.

Recently elected Dairy Cattle Exhibitor Committee members include Angela Brown, Dodgeville, Wisconsin; Jennifer Hill, Thurmont, Maryland; Katie Agnew, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin; Julie Hemp, Beaverville, Illinois; Mark Rueth, Oxford, Wisconsin; Randy Knapp, Epworth, Iowa; and Phillip Topp, Botkins, Ohio.

Bonnie Van Dyk, New Richmond, Wisconsin, joined the committee as a representative of the Red & White Dairy Cattle Association.

Annual elections were also held during the Dairy Cattle Exhibitor Committee meeting. Tom Morris, Amery, Wisconsin, and Bryan Voegeli, Monticello, Wisconsin, were re-elected as committee chair and vice chair respectively.

Recognized as the meeting place for the global dairy industry, World Dairy Expo attracts more than 70,000 attendees from over 90 countries to Madison, Wisconsin, each year. The annual event will take place Oct. 4–8, 2016, with the theme of “Celebrate 50!” to commemorate its golden anniversary. Visit worlddairyexpo.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@WDExpo or #Celebrate50) for more information.

Focus on

Reproduction

With the increasing popularity of robotic milking facilities, dairy producers are looking to breed cows that work well in a robotic environment. This month, we asked Jay Shannon, Director Genetic Solutions for Semex, about their Robot Ready program and what traits are best for robotic milkers.

Q: Do robot dairy farms use different bulls then farmers with a milking parlor?

Robot producers must adapt their level of management and their choice of bulls in order to achieve maximum success with robots.

Saying that, the robot technology has advanced so much that there’s less critical differences when selecting bulls for robots versus bulls for milking parlors. Dairy producers look for the highest merit bulls for overall indexes such as TPI or Net Merit or LPI or Pro$. Robot producers simply put some additional attention on a few traits in an effort to avoid extreme bulls that may be problematic for the robot.

Q: What are the differences?

Robot farms look more for bulls with average/fast milking speed and good milking temperament. These characteristics make for cows that work proficiently in the robot environment. All producers look for sires with good teat placement however it is more critically emphasized on robot farms. Robot producers look to avoid bulls siring close rear teats, wide front teats or short teats; all of which can be a little difficult for the robot. Reverse tilt udders can also cause a few problems for the robot. Bulls with low SCS and greater resistance to mastitis are important on all dairy farms and probably no more so than on robot farms.

Robots require free moving and mobile cows with a good foot and rear legs that are wide and straight tracking causing no inward pressure on the rear udder so not to interfere with milker attachment.

Q: What are the traits sires should have to score high on robot ready?

Robot Ready sires have high total genetic merit combined with the traits which are most conducive to a cow that works best in the robotic environment. There are four major components for a Robot Ready bull; 1. Udders & Teat Alignment, 2. Workability, 3. Mobility and 4. Mastitis Resistance. Under 1. Udders and Teat Alignment, bulls must have center-to-inside Front Teat Placement, inside-center-to-outside-center Rear Teat Placement and mid-range Teat Length. They must have intermediate-to-shallow Udder Depth and above average overall Udder Conformation. Under 2. Workability, they must be average-to-fast in Milking Speed and average-to-above-average Milking Temperament. Under 3. Mobility, Robot Ready bulls must be above average in Rear Legs – Rear View for easier locomotion and above average for overall Feet & Legs Conformation. Under 4. Mastitis Resistance, these bull must have lower than average SCS and be above average for Mastitis Resistance.

Q: Does Semex have specially made robot breeding values?

Semex applies a criteria of minimum/maximum thresholds on many traits which are critical for a cow to work best with robots. The bulls that meet all the requirements for all of the traits are branded as “Robot Ready” sires. To derive the list of traits and their criteria Semex used several research papers and then consulted a number of robot farmers to make sure the criteria met their needs for sires that leave great daughters for the robot.

Q: Do you have a special breeding program for ‘Robot Ready’?

The most important component of a breeding program is to select the best sires that meet the individual needs of the client. Semex has an incredible tool called SemexWorks which puts the producer in the drivers’ seat to meet their specific genetic goals. In this case, it enables the producer to fit the bulls to the needs of their robots. The second step to a breeding program is mating the sires for maximum benefit towards your goals. Semex’s mating program is being built with individualized breeding strategies that include an option to optimize for robots. A third step sometimes used on farms is to cull the less robot friendly cows or problem robot cows and/or accentuate the impact of cows or bloodlines with the greatest robot characteristics. Genetics/genomics can also be used to predict which heifers are more likely to be good with robots.

Top Robot Ready sires available in the U.S. from Semex

• Dymentholm S Sympatico 200HO02828 GTPI +2473 Snowman x Planet • Cangen Pinkman 200HO06320 GTPI +2256 Super x Baxter • Sandy-Valley Afterburner 200HO10442 GTPI +2657 Flame x Mogul • Westcoast Kerrigan 200HO10577 GTPI +2634 Kingboy x Numero Uno

wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016-27

District 10 Report District 10 breeders Watch for your chance to advertise & promote your county association in future issues. The June issue will feature District 8 - Dodge, Jefferson, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington & Waukesha counties.

Manitowoc Winnebago

Calumet

Fond du Lac

Calumet County

Sheboygan

2015 Adult Membership: 32; Jr. Membership: 10 Adult Association officers - President: Jeff Brantmeier; Vice President: Larry Meyer; Secretary: Sue Schultz; Treasurer: Adam Schnell.

The Calumet County Holstein Breeders have implemented several new activities in the last year including the inaugural CP Feeds 3-Year-Old Futurity. The CP Feeds Futurity was held on Sunday, September 6 in conjunction with the Calumet County Fair. Nineteen 3-years-olds were paraded in front of an audience of 500+ attendees.

Calumet County invites Holstein enthusiasts to attend the 2016 CP Feeds Futurity which will be held on Sunday, September 4.

Activities in 2016 thus far have been our annual meeting held in January. Larry Nelson, Wisconsin Holstein Association Executive Director was our guest speaker. Calumet County Junior Holstein Association members attended the Wisconsin Junior Holstein Association Convention. Our organization is thrilled with the tremendous success our juniors achieved at the Convention including members of Calumet and Manitowoc counties partnering together to win the Junior Dairy Bowl Contest. The Calumet/Manitowoc team will represent Wisconsin in the National Junior Holstein Convention Junior Dairy Bowl Contest in New York in June. Calumet County Junior Holstein Association member Brianna Meyer won the Junior Division of the Speaking contest and moved on to national competition. We wish all of our Calumet County Juniors the best in the many opportunities they choose to participate in within the dairy industry.

The Calumet County Rural-Urban Mardi-Gras Banquet and Recognition Night was held on February 9. Junior Holstein member Zach Lemke, son of Doug and Gina Lemke of Chilton was awarded the Holstein Youth of the Year. Don Steege from Fremont was given the “Friend of the Farmer” award. The Calumet County Holstein Breeders hosted a live auction at the Mardi-Gras with a portion of the proceeds given to our Calumet County Fair for improvements and other awards.

The annual June Dairy Month “Sundae on the Farm” promotion will be held at Dallmann Easy River Dairy LLC on Sunday, June 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Brillion, Wis. The Holstein Breeders are one of the main sponsors. We are looking forward to our members exhibiting at District Show, the Wisconsin State Championship Show and World Dairy Expo. In August, we will provide the transportation for the dairy animals representing Calumet County at the Wisconsin Junior State Fair. The Calumet County Fair is held Labor Day weekend. The Holstein Breeders coordinate the trophy sponsors for dairy classes and provide financial assistance. In 2016, the Calumet County Holstein Breeders will donate over $4000 in donations to dairy related activities on the county and state level.

The Calumet County Holstein Breeders kicked off the 2017 celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Calumet County Holstein Breeders on Sunday, March 6. A Dairy History Day was held focusing on the first 75 years of the organization’s history. Longtime Holstein Breeder Don Steege and freelance feature writer Ray Mueller led the lively discussion. Over forty Holstein enthusiasts gathered to hear the storied history of the Calumet County Holstein Breeders who were chartered in 1917. The 100th Anniversary celebration will continue throughout 2016/17. The Calumet County Holstein Breeders are honored to be hosting the 2017 Wisconsin Holstein Association Convention in Appleton at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel, February 24-25, 2017 in conjunction with their 100th Anniversary. The convention theme is “Shining Legacy... Bright Future”. We invite Wisconsin Holstein Association members and friends to attend the 2017 convention where we will be dedicated to focusing on legacy and the future.

28–wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016

Fond du Lac County

2015 Adult Membership: 87; Jr. Membership: 42 Adult Association officers - President: Kurt Loehr; Vice President: Sarah Loehr; Secretary: Joseta Halbur; Treasurer: Lorna Bock.

Junior Association officers - President: Darren Kamphuis; Vice President: Matthew Kramer; Secretary: Kati Kindschuh; Treasurer: Derrek Kamphuis; Director: Rachel Bock; Junior Advisor: Joseta Halbur.

The Fond du Lac County Holstein Association kicked off 2015 with their annual meeting on January 24 at Northwinds in Eden, Wisconsin. The Wisconsin State Holstein Association was celebrating 125 years of Holstein history and Fond du Lac County was also celebrating a 100-year milestone achievement as well. Jim Blienick was awarded with the county service award and Kurt and Sarah Loehr were awarded the county junior service award. Kati Kindschuh and Darren Kamphuis were awarded scholarships on behalf of the adult organization and Darren Kamphuis was also awarded the outstanding junior member award.

In March, we held a county tour and headed east to Sheboygan County. Stops were planned at the farms of Tom and Gin Kestell’s Ever-Green-View Holsteins as well as a stop at the Lyn-Vale and Scenic Edge herd. Our last stop was to visit the Mauk-E-Way Farm.

All three stops boasted beautiful displays of cows and certainly appreciated Sheboygan County’s hospitality.

The Cow Palace at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds was the location for the 2015 Agromatic Holstein Futurity. Six 5-year-olds were shown. First place went to Wilstar Lion K 7409-Red-ET owned

by Second-Look Holsteins. Lion K 7409 also took home Best Udder and was the first Junior Owned animal in the class. Bred and Owned honors went to Kyle Natzke and Dylan Ryan with Ryan-Crest Sanz Extacy-ET and the Production winner was Bay-Absolute Snchz Paradise owned by Chris-Le-Acres, Leo Kramer Family.

First place in the 2-year-old class went to Elmlo Defiant Kamikaze. Kamikaze also won Best Udder and first Bred and Owned. Top Junior Owned honors went to Derrek and Darren Kamphuis with Kampy Braxton Spirit Rae. 21 2-year-olds showed.

Best Dressed female was Katie Vossekuil and Best Dressed male was Darren Kamphuis.

Jason Danhof of Waukon, Iowa was the judge. Major sponsor is Agromatic Inc of Fond du Lac. Other sponsors include FDL County Holstein Association, FDL Co. Ag Society, Wood’s Floral and Gifts, Frey Livestock Trucking, Badgerland Financial, Summit Automotive Chrysler, Dodge Jeep, IBA Distributor, Tari Costello, Immel Insurance & Financial Services and East Central Select Sires.

The 70th edition of the Fond du Lac County Holstein Classic was held September 22, 2015 at the Great Northern Sales Arena. A tremendous line-up of cows awaited the potential buyers along with a few select bred heifers and show-age calves. Many comments were heard as to the beautiful udders and dairy quality displayed in the milking barn! A nice crowd filled the sales arena to support this sale sponsored by the Fond du Lac County Holstein Breeders Association.

At night’s end the 65 head averaged $2,849 with the high price of $8,100 coming on an impressive Gold Chip junior 3-year-old consigned by Mike & Megan Moede, Algoma, Wis. Mead-Manor GC Jubiliee-ET, VG-87, sold fresh in July and milking 120 pounds after making 27,400 4.4 1204 3.1 840 at 2-00. This 10th generation Excellent or Very Good was a real eye catcher and attracted many bidders with Andrew Greenfield, Waupun, Wis. placing the final bid.

2016 is already off to a great start. On January 16 we held our annual meeting at the Holiday Inn in Fond du Lac. In March we participated in a multi-county tour with Manitowoc County to the northeast part of the state.

Join us on Friday July 22 for the Agromatic Holstein Futurity at the Fond du Lac County Fair. Festivities kick off at 6:45 p.m. with the 5-year-old show followed by a packed show ring of 2-year-olds from all over the county. On Thursday, August 25, Fond du Lac County Holstein Association will be holding a twilight meeting hosted by Kamphuis Farms in Brandon, Wis. Hope to see you there!

“Small but mighty” is often a phrase used among members of the Fond du Lac County Junior Holstein Association. Although the membership in the county isn’t as large as others, the comradery and

enthusiasm held within the group exceeds all expectations. Each year members are invited to fill out applications for the Wisconsin Junior Holstein Convention to be awarded for all of their hard work and leadership. This summer, Fond du Lac County will be represented by three junior members at the National Holstein Convention in New York. Kalista and Kaianne Hodorff along with Matthew Kramer are finalists for the Younger Distinguished Junior Member (YDJM) and Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) respectively. Additionally at the 2016 junior convention, members participated in contest room exhibits, dairy bowl and speaking contest. Among the group in Fond du Lac County, there is now royalty as Kati Kindschuh was crowned the 2016 Wisconsin Holstein Princess. Also serving the junior association is Andrew Greenfield as the Northeast Junior Activities Committee member. Andrew is currently serving his second year as a JAC and is looking forward to another great year with the team!

Members of Fond du Lac County keep very busy throughout the year. Each year they hold their annual fundraiser foodstand during the Fond du Lac County Classic Sale at the Great Northern. This fundraiser helps to send juniors to Cow Camp in the spring, cover some of the cost of National Holstein Convention trips and the state Junior Convention each winter. In addition to fundraising events, the juniors stay active in educating the general public about the Holstein cow. A new event they participated in was the 2016 Fond du Lac County Agriculture Showcase held at the county fairgrounds. This event was open to all members of the community to learn about various avenues of agriculture in our county. Members brought out our favorite wooden framed cow, Scarlet, as children are able to come up to the cow and learn how to milk a cow! Scarlet is also a fan favorite as she travels to West Allis to be on exhibit at the Junior State Fair.

Throughout the summer members are busy hosting fitting and showing clinics for dairy project members throughout the county and more. Additionally, at the Fond du Lac County Fair, members have been given the opportunity to sell a dairy products basket at the Market Livestock Auction to benefit the Junior Holstein Association as well as those who exhibit at the Wisconsin Junior State Fair. The county fair is a busy time for members as they have recruitment and fun activities planned to help grow their youth group.

The juniors in Fond du Lac County are a busy group as they promote the Holstein cow to others throughout the year and they are excited for another busy summer with their beloved bovines!

Manitowoc County

2015 Adult Membership: 82; Jr. Membership: 39 Adult Association officers - President: Matt Cracraft; Vice President: Mitch Kappelman; Secretary: Amanda Knoener; Treasurer: James Lepich; Directors: Josh Krahn, Amy Vos, Jason Miller and Angie Ulness.

Junior Association officers - President: Jacob Siemers; Vice President: Clarissa Ulness; Secretary: Maddie Zutz; Treasurer: Brandon Biese; Reporter: Brianna Meyer; Junior Advisor: Amanda Smith.

The Manitowoc County Holstein association would like to congratulate the juniors for their accomplishments at the Junior Holstein Convention this year. Their hard work has paid off and we are extremely proud of them.

The Manitowoc juniors have been very active at the state level this year. In the speaking contest Brianna Meyer took second. In the essay contest, Clarissa Ulness and Maddie Zutz were top finishers. Jordan Siemers represented us by taking National DJM honors. In Dairy Jeopardy, the juniors were on the podium with third place going to Clarissa Ulness, and first place going to Lauren Siemers. In the intermediate division, Jake Siemers took second. To cap off a very successful weekend, the junior dairy bowl team won the contest! Team members include Garrett Ulness, Lauren Siemers, Clarissa Ulness and Brianna Meyer. The coaches include Jordan Butturini, Angie Ulness, and Jennifer Meyer.

At the local level the kids are also busy with monthly meetings. At these meetings, the members discuss old business, new business, and the general information pertaining to the youth organization. Over the upcoming months, the kids will start preparing to compete at area judging contests.

Locally, our association has started off with a busy season. Our county recently took part in a Spring Holstein Tour where roughly 45

Holstein enthusiasts enjoyed quality cattle and fellowship. We toured Teemar Holsteins, Delstar Holsteins, Jeff Jauquet and Dave Jauquet.

All in attendance had an excellent time and we are looking forward to next year’s tour.

The county Holstein breeders are also very excited for the new Ag Education Center being constructed in southern Manitowoc County. This will help promote the dairy industry as well as agriculture in Manitowoc County.

Looking ahead we are also planning a late summer twilight meeting and ending the year with our annual banquet in October.

Our county is gearing up for summer show season with many breeders eager to hit the shavings.

Sheboygan County

2015 Adult Membership: 73; Jr. Membership: 44 Junior Association officers - President: Cole Booth; Vice President: Elise Bleck; Secretary: Ava Booth; Treasurer: Jared Abraham; Historian: Dallas Kreisa; Directors: Ella Bindl & Brady Bleck.

The Sheboygan County Junior Holstein Association has had another fun and successful year learning more about the beautiful Registered Holstein and building friendships across the state.

This past January we had over 40 Sheboygan County Juniors, parents and relatives attend the Junior Holstein Convention in Wisconsin Dells. The activities we participated in included: Dairy Jeopardy where Jared Abraham finished 2nd junior overall and advanced to the National Contest this summer. We had one Rookie Dairy Bowl team, two Junior teams, one Wisconsin Junio Dairy Bowl team and one Senior Dairy Bowl team. Highlights also include participation by many members in almost all contests/awards including: Young Distinguished Junior Members, 12 & Under Recognition, Speaking Contest, Farm Trip Award, Junior Progressive Breeder, Long Range Production, Folding Display, Photography Contests, Advertising Contest, Top Dairy Bowl Seating Exam award and Raffle ticket recognition.

Last spring some junior members traveled to Arlington, Wis., for the District 5 Junior Holstein Dairy Day where we participated in many hands-on workshops, had a great time with JAC’s Charlie and Logan and enjoyed getting to know our District 5 friends.

This past show season several of our Sheboygan County Juniors exhibited animals in the District 10 Holstein Show in Manitowoc and attended Cow Camp.

At the Wisconsin State Championship show the Sheboygan County Junior Dairy judging team place first and included: Elise Bleck, Ava and Campbell Booth & Savanna Ridge. Also at the State Championship Show Brady Bleck received second place in the 10 & under showmanship contest and Cole Booth received second place and Ava Booth third place in the junior showmanship contest.

Several Juniors and their families also attended the National Holstein Convention in July.

World Dairy Expo brought Sheboygan County Juniors to the colored shavings and the Showmanship Contest. Ashton Haack placed 8th and Jared Abraham 9th in the finals of the junior division.

Lastly we would like to thank each of you who have purchased raffle tickets from the Sheboygan County Juniors. $1 from every ticket sold comes back to our Junior Association and we use those funds to help send members to the Junior Holstein Convention in January.

We would all like to thank our advisors: Chris & Courtney Booth, Jeff and LeaAnn Bleck and Kent and Kelly Bindl for all of their quiz bowl coaching, organizing and support of our Junior Holstein Association and we thank all of you for your continued support and look forward to another successful year.

Winnebago County

2015 Adult Membership: 28; Jr. Membership: 12 Adult Association officers - President: Joe Hughes; Vice President: Josh Silverthorn; Secretary: Michael Bradley; Treasurer: Cathy Silverthorn; Junior Advisor: Mary Bradley.

Junior Association officers - President: Mitchell Crowley; Secretary: Hunter Crowley; Treasurer: Grace Peapenburg.

wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016-29

r i T p m r F a r o i n u J 2016 Wargo Acres The 2016 Junior Farm Trip started on a high note with the first stop being Wargo Acres of Lodi. Wargo Acres, owned and operated by the Carncross family, is home to 425 cows and 500 head of young stock on 500 acres of land. The farm name “Wargo” is derived from Warren and Gordon Carncross, the father and son duo who started the family owned operation. Originally the farm was a 50-cow Registered Holstein herd, but in 2007 the farm expanded to its current size. The cows are milked in a double-8 herringbone parlor three times a day, averaging 96-98 pounds/day with an SCC of 100125,000. The herd’s RHA is right at 31,000 pounds milk.

There are 47 Excellent, 160 Very Good and 130 Good Plus cows on the farm, with a BAA of 108.1%. The herd’s genetics trace back to the Melrose, Dazzle, Barbie and Roxy families, all EX-93 or EX-94 with multiple generations of Excellent daughters. Currently, the Carncross family is using 75% genomic bulls and a few proven sons. Their breeding philosophy focuses on production, although they do enjoy nice type cows. All heifers are genomically tested because they feel there is added value in the future for that. Wargo Acres was a high quality start to the Junior Trip.

Ballweg Hickory Hills Dairy Ballweg Hickory Hills Dairy was our second stop on the trip. We visited both their heifer and calf facility, and their milking facility. At the heifer and calf farm, we saw their new calf barn, which was remodeled last winter. However, they have been raising calves there for about 15 years. Ballwegs use all their heifers as recipients, and all heifers that are pregnant are moved to the home farm where they calve in and enter the milking herd.

When we visited their milking facility, we saw Luck-E Braxton Maeve, who is one of their foundation cows. Maeve was the first Braxton to score VG-89 as a two-year-old. Some bulls they used and 30–wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016

currently use are Shottle, Goldwyn, Aftershock, Monterey and Bolton.

Allan and Vicki’s children, Brett and Nicole, are very active in the farm and hope to one day install three DeLeval robots. They also have made changes like adding LED cameras a year ago to their maternity pen. We’re very thankful Ballwegs allowed us to visit their beautiful operation.

Langer Dairy To start off the afternoon, we toured Langer Dairy Farm, where they milk 500-600 cows twice a day. They recently expanded to a newly built freestall barn. Langers are 60% registered, and about 40% of the heifers receive embryos. We had the chance to see their show animal facility, where they milk in a single-6 parlor. Cows are housed in 10 box stalls and a freestall barn with 52 inch stalls. The farm tries to buy into a new cow family every year. We would like to thank the Langer family for giving us a tour of their farm.

Blue Star Dairy Our fourth stop on Saturday was Blue Star Dairy, a family run operation headed by Art Meinholz and his nephews. Blue Star Dairy has three farm locations; Middleton, Arlington and DeForest.

Together, they have 2,600 cows. The herd is 80% Registered Holsteins. They keep a handful of their bulls to sell to AI. The Meinholz family breeds and flushes for genetics and milk rather than type or show cows. Select Sires does their breeding, using a little bit of everything and bulls that are current. Blue Star milks three times a day in Germania herringbone style parlors, and the herd has a 31,0000 pound rolling herd average.

As for calves, they are fed pasteurized milk twice a day for 6-7 weeks and are introduced to hay at 9 weeks. Blue Star Dairy raises all of their own crops, operating 4,000 acres and using another 1,500 acres of feed purchased to meet their needs. Blue Star Dairy has a beautiful operation, and it was a great learning experience.

Fischerdale Holsteins Fischerdale Holsteins is owned and operated by Tom and Vicki Sarbacker and family. They milk about 60 cows and have a BAA of 109.6%. There are 160 acres all used for cows. Sire selection includes mostly proven bulls and some include Fever, Atwood, Gold Chip, Dempsey, Sid and Aftershock. The Sarbackers mostly breed for the show ring and type. For feeding cows, they feed TMR and show cows get more hay to be more ready for the show. Some of their favorite cow families on the farm are the Reality family and the Explicit family.

The Sarbackers have used IVF on these families to continue them in the herd. They have a great herd with many All-Americans and Junior All-Americans.

The Kellers always look for new ways to improve their facilities. In the new calf barn they have focused on ventilation by installing a positive pressure tube to bring in fresh air. At Kellercrest, improving buildings and tactics is key for healthier cows and increased production. Thanks to Kellercrst for the tour and the chance to learn more about the farm’s past and plans for the future.

Opsal’s Ridge On our last stop of the weekend we visited Opsal’s Ridge Holsteins. They are currently milking 80 cows with an average of 70 pounds of milk per cow per day. They feed a one group TMR ration with heavy forages, and push for a high feed intake. Opsal’s current BAA is 109.8%, which is 10th in the nation for 100-125 cow herds.

Calves are fed three times a day, and this has helped grow heifers better.

Opsal Finley is a bull that has had a huge impact on the herd, as they still have a few milking daughters. The same family produced two of O Man’s highest scored daughters, as they were both scored EX-93. The Sadie cow family has also left a large impact; she was an EX-92 Rudolph with several high scoring daughters in the herd today.

A few of Opsal’s current stars in the herd are Ryan-Vu Goldchip Claudette, the Junior All-American Fall Yearling from 2015. Also, a Petti daughter who is +2711 GTPI and has no Robust or Supersire in her pedigree, is owned with Wilstar Dairy. Opsals are currently using many bulls with high type, but also bulls with good overall components. We would like to thank the Opsal family for inviting us to their farm.

Kellercrest Registered Holsteins, Inc. Our second to last stop on the trip was at Kellercrest Registered Holsteins, Inc. Here they own 300 registered cows. The Kellers focus on production and cow comfort. The cows are milked three times a day in a double-12 parallel parlor that was built 16 years ago. The calves at Kellercrest are housed in a new building, just five years old. wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016-31

SALE REPORTS Purple Ribbon Classic - March 5

The 2016 Purple Ribbon Classic was held Saturday, March 5 in Marshfield. Sponsored by the Wood Area Holstein Breeders, this year’s sale averaged $2781 on 41 live lots. The sale committee would like to thanks all the juniors who helped wash, keep watch on, and present the heifers. The fitters once again had them all looking spot on. The ringmen and sale crew took more phone bids and buyers from more states than ever in the past. Heifers sold to Wisconsin, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Kansas.

Pure Pride Show Cattle consigned the top selling animal, DJPurepride Aftershock Paris. She topped the sale at $7,400 and sold to Ty-Brueggen Holsteins, Marshfield. Second high seller was Lyn-Vale Contender Mae-Red consigned by Bill Schultz. She’s making a little further trip and heading to Adam Fraley of Pennsylvania after commanding $6,750.

Green-Rock Sale - March 19

The Green-Rock Sale was held on Saturday, March 19 at the WFA Auction Facility in Brooklyn, Wis. The sale averaged $2,117 on 68 live lots.

“Coming into this sale, this is one of the best groups of deeppedigreed, good cow family lineups we’ve ever cataloged,” said Trent Hendrickson, sale chair.

Topping the sale, selling for $5,700, was Gundys Brendal Audra, consigned by Rob Gunderson of Shannon, Ill. Audra was purchased

by Leane Dammen of South Wayne, Wis. Second high seller at $3,800 was Heritage-E Daytime-ET consigned by Sarbacker & Evangelo of Whitewater, Wis. Daytime was purchased by Todd Kronberg of Milton, Wis. The third high seller sold for $3,600, Stranshome GenevieveRed, consigned by Douglas Lemke of Chilton, Wis. She was purchased by Myron Turk of Brooklyn, Wis. Selling for $3,300 was Kamps-Hollow Acrazyone-ET. She was consigned by Richard Kamps of Belmont, Wis., and purchased by Aaron Breunig of Juda, Wis. Fifth high seller sold for $3,300. She was Hoesly Rdbrst Kiana-Red-ET, consigned by Sarbacker Cattle Co. of Belleville, Wis. Kiana was purchased by John Hulbert of Monticello, Wis. “When the animals came in, they looked the part and sold well considering market conditions,” said Hendrickson. “We are very

32–wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016

pleased for both the buyers and the sellers of the sale. We’re looking forward to seeing the quality of pedigrees and animals next year’s sale brings.”

The sale was hosted by the Green and Rock County Holstein Breeder Associations. Sale committee chairs included Trent Hendrickson and Todd Hoesly of Green County and Nicole Miller-Speich of Rock County. Creighton Barker served as the auctioneer and Brian Behnke read pedigrees.

Next year’s sale will be on Saturday, March 18.

Spring Fashions at the Northern - March 25

A large crowd assembled at the Great Northern Sales Arena, Fond du Lac, Wis., on March 25 for the Spring Fashions at the Northern sale. The sale featured over 100 head of high producing young cows, deep pedigreed bred heifers, show-age heifers of all ages and a select group of genomic heifers. At day’s end the 101 whole lots averaged $3,302 with cattle going to buyers throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Maryland, Washington and Canada.

Lot 1 topped the sale at $10,300. This Goldwyn sister to PineTree Sid recently scored VG-87 as a 2-year-old and sold milking over 90 pounds. Consigned by Quality Holsteins, Vaughan, Ont., this promising young from the Rudy Missys was selected by Bell-Air II, Belleville, Wis. A hard topped, well balanced fall calf from KHW Regiment Apple-Red-ET, EX-96 3E sold for $10,100. Sired by Archrival, this consignment of Apple Partners, Durango, Iowa, is +3.11 PTAT and is headed to Michael Oliver in Zillah, Wash.

A feature in the genomic line-up was the Damaris daughter from Larson Acres, Inc., Evansville, Wis. This flush-age heifer is +2605 GTPI +1892M +42F +50P +8.8PL +2.3DPR +2.40T and is backed by a VG-86 DOM Meridian with 32,190 4.1 1321 at 2-02. Lars-Acres Damaris Taffy-ET was the choice of Select Sires, Plain City, OH at $9,700. Among the impressive line-up of fall calves was the big, deep ribbed DJ-Purepride Infra-Red-ET who sold for $9,000 to Hill & Umbel, Thurmont, Maryland. This Defiant daughter from Pure Pride Holsteins, Menomonie, Wis., is backed by four Excellent dams with her EX-94 granddam a two-time All-American nominee. Hill & Umbel showed Infra-Red to Junior Champion honors at the Maryland Spring Show one week later!

One of the favorites among the winter calves offered was the Doorman daughter of Milksource Goldwn Africa-ET EX-95 2E, 2x Midwest Spring National Grand Champion. Offered by Budjon Farms & Peter Vail, Lomira, Wis., she sold for $7,800 to Dan & Mary Ziegler, Belleville, Wis. The +2561 GTPI +2478M +71F +69P Yoder daughter from Larson Acres Inc. sold for $7,500 to Jerry Jorgensen, Webberville, Mich. Another flush age heifer with contract interest, her GP-83 Supersire dam just finished with 34,660 at 2-02 and is backed by eight Excellent and Very Good dams.

Among the lovely uddered second lactation cows selling was Curr-Vale Epic Dreamer-ET *RC VG-86. Just fresh with 136 pounds on her first test, this 27,610 pound producer is by Epic from the former #1 Excellent, Red-Factor cow of the breed, Curr-Vale Goldwyn Delicious *RC EX-94 2E. Consigned by Lynn Harbaugh, Skyler Buman & Chad Ryan, Marion, Wis., this potential Excellent sold to Olivia & Kaden Horn, Loyal, Wis., for $6,700. Selling for $6,100 was the eye-catching winter yearling consigned by Bella-View Holsteins, Marion, Wis. OCD Atwood Lady Gaga-ET is backed by six Excellent dams at 92-94-95-91-93 & 90 and now calls Brown Star Farm LLC, Gillett, Wis., home.

The cattle were expertly prepared for the sale by Travis Krohlow, Ryan Lauber, Luke Lensmire, Andy Sell, Tyler Endres, Shawon Vande Zande, Brad Warmka, Megan Opperman and Paul Grulke.

Presenting the cattle in the ring were Christy Oehmichen, John Erbsen and Brandon Ferry. Great Northern Land & Cattle Co., Inc. managed the sale with Chris Hill selling the sale.

Kevin Jorgensen provided pedigree commentary while Rick Bovre, Bob Sabo, Lynn Harbaugh, Chad Ryan and CowBuyer.Com fielded the bids.

Wisconsin Holstein Spring Barn Meetings a Success The Wisconsin Holstein Association held three spring barn meetings in March, hosted by Endres Berryridge Farms, Waunakee, Sugar Creek Dairy, Elkhorn and Voight Acres, Shiocton. Thank you to our host farms for opening up your herds.

Here is a summary of the genetics discussion from the barn meetings.

Genetics: Has the game changed?

Presented by Kevin Jorgensen A question that applies worldwide, the genetic world is moving fast and can be scary for any dairy producer. When we go back to the basics, though, the concept of ‘plant potatoes, get potatoes’ still applies. Breeders that have been in the business for decades will still reap what they sow. The idea that if you go after something, you’re going to get it is still relevant. If a producer selects for a trait, they’ll get it, and if they don’t, they are playing their odds.

Four basic questions brought forward during the presentation drove the discussion as it pertained to herds and their breeding identity: 1 – What do you as a breeder want to select for?

2 – Why do you want to select for it?

3 – What are you willing to give up to get what you want?

4 – What technology is out there to help achieve your goals?

One thing has proven true, in that people with success in the industry have a clear vision of what they want, including a core philosophy. Breeders should know who they are and what they want to do – it can be different from one herd to the next, but should still exist to be successful When it comes to technology, the same opportunities are available no matter what people breed for. With genomic testing, we have the ability to know more about a calf before its weaned than every before. In other technology, sexed semen, IVF, and the use of beef semen on the lower genetic prospects in the herd are all options to help the bottom line or build the type of herd a producer is looking for.

Zoetis rep and dairy farmer Cara Biely also spoke to barn meeting attendees about the the opportunity available for trait selection and evaluation on the female side. The latest testing services offer health trait evaluations for females, including metritis, mastitis, DA’s, ketosis and lameness. Producers can also utilize herd record software to monitor the herd and make more informed decisions across the board, specifically Dairy Comp, PC Dart and Enlight.

wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016-33

Kati's Calf-eine Welcome back!

Spring is upon us, and with that comes a very busy time of year! But amid all of the chaos in our own schedules, sometimes it’s important to take a step back and help others whose busy schedules are far greater than our own.

Just a few short weeks ago, I had the opportunity to spend some time with families who were staying at a Ronald McDonald House in Madison. For those of you who have never been to one, it is a place where families with someone being cared for at a nearby hospital are able to stay and create a home away from home.

These families are going through hard times and the volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House are there to help prepare food and take one worry off their mind. But that evening, I had the chance to prepare some special dairy treats for the guests in the house. From cheese trays, lasagna and milk, these families were treated to Wisconsin’s finest dairy products!

The thing that struck me most was the fact that these families were all smiling ear to ear when they saw us in the kitchen. They were so grateful for the simple fact that we had made a meal for them. Moms, dads, brothers and sisters walked through the kitchen with smiles on their faces and optimism in their eyes even though they may have a million things to be frowning about.

As I walked away from the house for the evening, it struck me; I take the simple pleasures of life for granted. The ability to work with great cattle in the fresh air, stay in my own home, go to school full-time and embrace the gifts that I’ve been given are all things that I am incredibly lucky to take part in. These families taught me more about how to live a life with the glass half full than I could have ever asked for.

So as you go about the rest of your day, appreciate the things you have, the ones you love and the opportunity to make an impact on others through your registered Holstein cattle.

Until next time, Kati Kindschuh

Mark Your Calendar now for the 2016 Dairy Science Golf Classic Money Raised Supports Undergraduate Programs

Good news for Wisconsin golfers is that after a long winter the grass is finally starting to green. No doubt this sign of spring and warming temperatures has you anxious to get out and play. Why not get the rust off your clubs and kick-off your season at the UW-Madison Dairy Science’s Dave Dickson Memorial Golf Classic? This year’s outing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 18 at the award winning University Ridge Golf Course in Madison.

University Ridge will be hosting the PGA Tour’s Champions Tour, American Family Insurance Championship in late June and your participation goes towards a good cause.

The golf outing is the department’s primary fund raiser event. All proceeds support the dairy science department’s undergraduate student scholarship program and high impact learning activities such as student travel, hands-on learning laboratories, and undergraduate research. Last year’s outing raised nearly $30,000 for those programs.

The Golf Classic uses a scramble format, where each team member plays the ball closest to the hole after each shot. The event is open to the public. A registration fee of $125 per golfer pays for 18 holes of golf, cart rental, free lunch and lots of prizes. The registration fee after April 20 will be $150.

Individuals or companies can support the event through a sponsorship or donation.

One option is to sponsor a hole for $300 or $750 (the latter includes a team registration for four golfers). Beverage, lunch, breakfast and brat cookout sponsorships for $600 or $1,000 are also available and come with special event signage.

There will be both a silent and live auction, featuring a variety of dairy-related items 34–wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016

and sports memorabilia. Donations of auction items are welcome and will be accepted until May 11.

“It’s a great way to socialize and have fun, but more importantly, the event benefits our students. This is an opportunity to invest in the future of the dairy industry,” says Kent Weigel, chairman of the UW-Madison Department of Dairy Science.

Additional information and the event brochure can be found at dysci.wisc.edu. To register or to learn more about donations or sponsorships contact Cathy Rook by email at rook@wisc.edu or phone at 608-2633308. Don’t delay!

The University of

WISCONSIN MADISON Dairy Science

STUDENT PROFILE Name: Collin Wimmler Hometown: Waldo, WI School: Sheboygan Falls High School Class Size: 125 Farm: I got my start milking cows at Gary Lee Farms LLC Major: Dairy Science Why did you decide to attend UW-Madison? I chose UW-Madison because I felt that it would be give me the opportunities I needed to prepare for vet school.

What has been your most memorable college experience? My most memorable experience would be working as a student coordinator at the Dairy Cattle Center. From managing student employees and dealing with breakdowns, to calving cows in the middle of the night, I learned what all goes in to keeping the cows on campus.

What has been your favorite course? Reproductive Physiology. I enjoyed learning in depth about reproduction, as well as working hands on with cows and sows to learn A.I. and ultrasound techniques. I was also very interested in this course because I hope to do embryo work in the future.

What are your future career goals? I will be joining the class of 2020 at The UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine and my career goal is to become a food animal veterinarian with the hopes of one day buying into a practice.

Where are you studying abroad and what will you be focusing on during your time away?

I am studying at Wageningen University in the Netherlands. I am following courses on animal nutrition, the sustainability of animal production and genomics.

What is your best memory so far of your time abroad? My best memory is from my trip to Riga.

It was a fun filled weekend in a beautiful city. The highlight of the trip was going bobsledding. We had a Latvian Olympic bobsledder as the driver and experienced 4G’s hitting speeds over 100km/hr!

UW-Madison Inquiry Lives Here Dept. of Dairy Science 1675 Observatory Drive Madison, WI 53706 Ph. 608-263-3308 Fax 608-263-9412 www.wisc.edu/dysci/ Contact: Ted Halbach

TM

Steger hired as 2016 Summer Intern

The Wisconsin Holstein Association is pleased to announce Jessica Steger of Prairie du Chien, Wis., as the 2016 summer intern. Jessica will be based out of the office in Baraboo, Wis. During the summer, Jessica will serve in a public relations role. She will work with the Wisconsin Holstein News in order to gather articles, testimonials, roundtable leads and writing breeder profiles. She will also play a vital part in creating content for the Wisconsin Holstein website, monthly e-newsletters and blog. Jessica will plan and coordinate the 2016 WHA Futurity in West Allis. In addition to these duties, Jessica will attend district shows and daylight and twilight meetings to represent the association, and provide various supporting roles through the summer to benefit the association.

Jessica grew up on her family’s dairy, Steger Acres, and has been involved in the Crawford County Junior Holstein Association, where she currently serves as president. She has also been active in FFA, and served as the Crawford County Dairy Princess in 2013.

Jessica is currently in her first year at UW-River Falls studying dairy science with a management option. On campus, she is involved in the UW-River Falls Dairy Club, the Collegiate Honor Society, and Collegiate Farm Bureau. Jessica has been very active within the Wisconsin Junior Holstein programs as well, participating as a speaking contestant for Wisconsin on the national level in 2014.

The Wisconsin Holstein staff is excited to welcome Jessica and her talents to the team beginning May 23.

Junior Ownership Reminder

As we enter the summer show season, please remember that junior exhibitors must have the animal’s ownership registered or transferred by Holstein Association USA into the individual(s) name of the junior exhibitor(s) on or before June 1 for calves, yearlings, and milking age animals. No transfer applications will be accepted at the shows. Partnerships between two juniors are allowed if both members are current Wisconsin Junior Holstein Association members.

An out-of-state Junior member may compete in the Junior State Championship Show as a Junior member if the animal is housed in Wisconsin and owned in partnership with another Junior member that resides in Wisconsin. The leadsperson must be the Junior member residing in Wisconsin.

Youth Showmanship Contests

The WHA District Shows will be holding the Youth Showmanship contests again this year. The contests will have 10 and under, junior and senior age divisions. The top three in each age division will be eligible to compete at the state contest, to be held July 28th at 1:00 p.m. at the WI Championship Show in Madison, Wis. Ages are as of January 1 of the year of competition, with juniors ages 11 to 15 and seniors ages 16 to 20.

Youth may sign up for the contest at check-in time and up until a half hour before the showmanship contest at each district show. All youth participating must be a Wisconsin Holstein member. Youth can only participate in one district contest.

Dates and times of each District showmanship contest are below.

District 1 - Sunday, June 12 at 5:00 p.m.

District 2 - Monday, June 13 at 9:00 a.m.

District 3 - Sunday, June 26 at 6:00 p.m.

District 4 - Wednesday, June 22 at 7:00 p.m.

District 5 - Wednesday, June 22 at 8:00 a.m.

District 6 - Thursday, June 23 at 6:00 p.m.

District 7 - Monday, June 13 at 7:00 p.m.

District 8 - Tuesday, June 21 at 6:00 p.m.

District 10 - Thursday, June 23 at TBD

JAC Contact Information Southeast Kristen Broege, Chair – broege@wisc.edu Joseph Opsal - opsal.j@gmail.com Southwest Logan Voigts, Vice Chair – voigtslogan51@gmail.com Zach Tolzman – zach.tolzman21@gmail.com Northwest Rachel Coyne, Finance – coyner55@gmail.com Nicole Pralle, Secretary – npralle@outlook.com Northeast Andrew Greenfield – andrew.greenfield20@hotmail.com Katie Bauer – katiebau199@gmail.com

Visit the WHA website for more information & Holsti-Bucks opportunities -

www.wisholsteins.com

A Note from your JACs Hello Junior Members, I hope that you are all getting anxious for this year’s upcoming events as your school year comes to an end! May is an exciting month for you younger members, as it is time for Cow Camp!

Cow Camp will be held in Fall Creek at the Beaver Creek Reserve on May 14th & 15th. We have some extremely fun and educational activities planned for you including: Farm Safety, Nutrition, Photography (feel free to bring a picture of your own!), Advocating for Dairy, Showmanship, and so much more!

In other exciting news, the Jauquet family of Synergy Dairy has donated this year’s Junior Raffle calf, with the winner to be chosen at the 2017 Junior Convention. The JACs and generous businesses have donated many other exciting raffle items.

With the summer show season fast approaching, remember to fill out a JAC Request Form for your local Fitting & Showing Clinics, which can be found on the website. District Show season will be here before we know it!

I hope that you will take advantage of all of these opportunities that are coming up, whether at cow camp or a district show; I look forward to seeing all of you soon!

Rachel Coyne Northwest District JAC

wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016-35

A

WACKY

Point of View Editor’s Comments

It looks to be a great weekend for the first Wisconsin Dairy Showcase featuring the Midwest Spring National Show, Spring Jersey Show and Midwest Spring Red & White Show.

The weather has warmed up and cattle entries are up from last year. Let’s hope this trend continues for the summer shows!

The rules and entry form for the District and Championship Shows are included in this issue. Please take advantage of the online entry system it really is very easy to use and, in most Districts, will save you some money on your entry fees. If you have any questions about your District Show, please contact your local or district chairs. All of the contact and entry information can be found starting on page 24.

We’ve dubbed this our “Technology” issue. We’ve included roundtable discussions with some of our members that have robotic milking systems as well as some with automatic calf feeders. If you’ve given any thought to installing this technology, I hope you’ll take something away from these roundtables. One of the best tips I’ve heard from almost everyone is to visit as many herds as possible with new set-ups so you can find out what works and what can be improved.

Next month is a Midwest Holsteins issue and extra copies will also be sent to the National Convention in New York. Ads are due May 9. Please give me a call if you’d like to take advantage of the extra coverage for a great price.

Don’t miss the July/August issue featuring Accelerated Genetics. We are offering some great rates and discounts to make your ad VERY affordable.

Details are printed on page 8 of this issue. If you need to get photos taken I’d encourge you to get them scheduled soon - ads will be due June 10.

If you are hosting a summer picnic or twilight meeting - don’t forget to give us a call to get it on our calendar of events.

Until next time...

36–wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016

CALENDAR

OF

EVENTS

May 2016 Classifying in Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Florence, Forest, Iron, Lincoln, Marinette, Oneida, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor, Vilas & Washburn counties 7 Vernon County Sale, Vernon County Fairgrounds, Viroqua, 7:30 p.m.

14-15 Cow Camp, Beaver Creek Reserve, Fall Creek 14 Define Your Destiny, hosted by Budjon Farms, Lomira 21 71st Dodgeramma, Beaver Dam June 2016 Classifying in Brown, Calumet, Door, Kenosha, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington & Waukesha counties 13 District 1 Show, Rice Lake 13 District 2 Show, Tomah 14 District 7 Show, Luxemburg 22 District 5 Show, Portage 22 District 8 Show, West Bend 23 District 4 Show, Neillsville 24 District 6 Show, Alliant Energy Center, Madison 24 District 10 Show, Fond du Lac 26 Calumet County Sundae on the Farm, hosted by Dallmann Farms 27 District 3 Show, Lancaster 28-July 1 National Holstein Convention, Saratoga Springs, NY July 2016 Classifying in Dane, Grant, Green, Iowa & Lafayette counties 22 Fond du Lac County Futurity, 6:45 p.m.

28 WI Champions Show - Junior Day State Junior Holstein Show, 8:00 a.m., Madison State Junior Showmanship Contest 1:00 p.m., Madison Junior Judging Contest, 4:00 p.m., Madison 29 WI State Red & White Holstein Show, 8:30 a.m., Madison 29-30 WI Championship Show, Madison, heifers show at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, cows show at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday August 2016 Classifying in Columbia, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Jefferson, Marquette, Rock & Walworth counties 25 Fond du Lac County Twilight Meeting, Kamphuis Farms LLC, Brandon, 7:00 p.m.

27 WHA State Picnic, hosted by Fustead Holsteins, Wausau Future Dates Junior Convention Jan. 6-8, 2017 Glacier Canyon Lodge, Wis. Dells, hosted by Dane County Junior Holstein Association Adult Convention Feb. 24-25, 2017 Radisson Paper Valley Hotel, Appleton, hosted by Calumet Co. Midwest National Spring Show April 29, 2017 Alliant Energy Center, Madison WI Championship Show July 10-11, 2017 Alliant Energy Center, Madison

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING PETE’S AUCTION & PHOTO Normen Peterson Auctioneer & Photographer RR1 Box 129 Wykoff, MN 55990 Ph: (507) 352-4162 Fax: (507) 352-5981 Pam Zeigler

Associate Photographer Prairie du Sac, WI Tel. (608) 643-4553 Donna Swiecichowski Pulaski, WI (920) 822-8330

• Embroidery • Awards • • Caps • Jackets • Shirts • Halter Bags/Saddle Bags • Director Chairs • Blankets/Hoods/Sheets Stock Designs Available “Personalizing One or More”

Pat Gauthier

W4987 County Rd. B, Fond du Lac, WI 54937 Ph: (920) 477-5062 • Fax: (920) 477-5061 e-mail: pat@initial-design.com • www.initial-design.com

STgenetics Representatives Serving Wisconsin Dairymen

North Central & Northwest: Jeremy Totzke, 715-316-8529

Office: 920.465.3880

Eastern: Al White, 920-296-1482 Western & Southeast: Chris Richards, 608-341-7472

Cybil:

920.737.3050

David Kendall, Director of Genetic Development, 608-346-1605

E-mail: cybilfisher@hotmail.com Associate Photographer: Lea McCullough Phone: 608-214-1845 E-mail: leamccullough@gmail.com

Kim Voigts

Reproductive Ultrasound and Fetal Sexing Sandy Curran, DVM 608/469-6100 ultrascn@charter.net

Hedge Specialist Phone 815-777-1129 Fax 815-777-3308 Toll Free 800-884-8290

Your resource for milk marketing solutions.

kvoigts@attenbabler.com

11380 Dandar St. PO Box 6622 Galena, IL 61036

www.ruralins.com A Farm Bureau ® Service Rural Mutual Insurance Company Statewide Services, Inc. 343 N. Peters Ave., Fond du Lac, WI 54935 Office: 920-322-1194 Fax: 920-921-5834 Cell: 920-410-4533 bgreenman@ruralins.com

Brian Greenman Agent Commercial, Farm & Personal Insurance

wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016-37

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS Accelerated Genetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC Agri-Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Alpha Genetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 AttenBabler/Kim Voigts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Chippewa County Junior Holstein . . . . . . 18 Cybil Fisher Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Frisle-Vu Holsteins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Great Northern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Helmer Dairy Farm Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Initial Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 International Protein Sires/Our Help . . . . IBC Jenniton Holsteins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Koepke Farms, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Marsh-Vue Holsteins . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC & 8 Mayer Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 NorthStar Cooperative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Origin Reproduction Services . . . . . . . . . 12 Pete’s Auction & Photo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Rickert Bros. LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Rural Mutual Ins./Brian Greenman . 23 & 37 Second-Look Holsteins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Select Sires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Taurus Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 & 37 Ultrascan, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 UW-Madison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Holstein Association Representatives Sarah Trapp W16080 Merlin Road, Taylor, WI 54659 608-525-2901 cell: 608-628-1978 e-mail: strapp@holstein.com Chris Lyons W 5979 Lee Dr., Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 920-563-1082 cell 920-723-2406 e-mail: clyons@holstein.com Mandi Ramsburg 1510 Silverstone Trail #2, De Pere, WI 54115 cell: 920-530-5023 e-mail: mramsburg@holstein.com 38–wisconsin HOLSTEIN news/May 2016