Genetic Trends April 2012

APRIL 2012

Fueling PEOPLE Through Education

German Genetic Partner Masterrind

The official magazine of Accelerated Genetics

A-Elsbernd Mac Douglas-ET

Reproduction Drives Dairy Profitability

ON THE COVER Our beautiful cover shot, taken by Casey Langan of Madison, Wis. highlights a Jersey calf peeking out of its hutch. This photo of an inquisitive newborn received top honors in the ‘Calves’ entry category in our 2011 photo contest. Flip to page 15 to see the rest of our winners and the entry categories for this year’s photo contest!

FEATURES

Official Publication of Accelerated Genetics April 2012 Vol. 64 No. 1 Editor Kari A. Stanek Graphic Artist David Jones Kristin Olson Kari A. Stanek Genetic Trends is published by: Accelerated Genetics E10890 Penny Lane Baraboo, WI 53913 Postmaster Send Address Changes to: Genetic Trends, c/o Diana Shaffer, E10890 Penny Lane, Baraboo, WI 53913

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Sire news Sires to Ignite Your Genetic Program by: Ryan Weigel

If you are receiving multiple copies of Genetic Trends, are no longer in need of this publication or it is being sent to an incorrect address, please call us at 1-800-451-9275, ext.

5466, or cut out your mailing label and return it with a note of intent to the above address.

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Accelerated Genetics Board and Officers

REPRODUCTION MANAGMENT Reproduction Drives Dairy Profitability by: Dr. Humberto Rivera

Cow Comfort Summer is Just Around the Corner: Start Thinking About Heat Stress by: Jon Gelschus

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SIRE FEATURE 014HO05954 A-Elsbernd Mac Douglas-ET by: Kari A. Stanek

AG People A Training Experience Turns into a Rewarding Career by: Robin Kleine

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International Focus Accelerated Genetics Visits World-Wide Partner: Masterrind interview of: Stephanie Omtvedt by: Angie Lindloff

President & CEO Joel Groskreutz Board Chair, District 8 Brian Brown, Belleville, WI 1st Vice Chair, District 1 Dave Score, Boyceville, WI 2nd Vice Chair, District 3 Gary Eibergen, Granton, WI Secretary/Treasurer, District 5 Nick Butzler, Cashton, WI District 2 John Pronschinske, Arcadia, WI

Administrative Headquarters E10890 Penny Lane Baraboo, WI 53913 Phone: 1-800-451-9275 or 608-356-8357 Fax: 608-356-4387 Email: info@accelgen.com Website: www.accelgen.com Find us on Facebook: Accelerated Genetics or follow us on Twitter: AccelGen 2 > GENETIC TRENDS > April 2012

District 4 Andy Dejno III, Independence, WI District 6 Dennis Bell, Gays Mills, WI District 7 Rick Carlson, Hollandale, WI District 9 Jeff Styczynski, Pulaski, WI District 10 Doug Thesing, Winona, MN

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

Shift the Mindset...

Maximize Opportunity In my last message, I introduced our new cooperative brand promise: PEOPLE. PRODUCTS. PRIDE. We are certainly proud of what we’ve accomplished in the industry since 1941, but that’s nothing compared to what we’ve got in store for the future. Our brand promise is also our focus, we offer great products, and we’re proud to work in this great industry, but our main focus is and always has been our people.

Our world is evolving at a rate we’ve never experienced before.

This is why we are committed to offering innovative tools and more expertise to the people who interact with the cooperative, whether they are employees, customers or industry leaders.

A couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to participate in our Young Producer Leadership Conference, appropriately themed: “Fueling the Passion.”

Our Young Producer program is about more than developing the future leaders of our cooperative.

It’s about developing passionate leaders who can help sustain the agricultural lifestyle we love and help make it prosper. Whether it’s information on becoming a stronger voice for agriculture, technical knowledge or tips for improving your bottom line, our Young Producer program can offer you innovative tools and solutions for your business.

The success of the Young Producer program has fueled our Board of Directors to initiate the “Listen.Learn.Grow” approach for all our cooperative delegates. In March, we kicked off our very first Cooperative Leadership Day. Those in attendance were treated to a power-packed event. Highlights included world-renowned speaker, Dr. David Kohl, who

discussed current events and economic realities within the agriculture community, and a unique opportunity to socialize and network with individuals involved in “feeding the world.”

Our goal is to increase the availability of these events to producers worldwide as Accelerated Genetics’ way of living the brand PEOPLE. PRODUCTS. PRIDE. We have shifted our mindset to look for ways to maximize the opportunities available to our customers in order to become “the producer’s trusted first choice.” Our focus is on you, and our commitment is to properly equip you to succeed in this ever-evolving industry.

Thank you so much for choosing to be part of our team.

We couldn’t be happier to have you with us. If you are interested in becoming involved with the programs I mentioned, we’d love to include you. Please send an e-mail to info@accelgen.com, we’ll make sure it gets in the right hands.

A 70-year History is good.

JOEL GROSKREUTZ President & CEO

a 70-year future is better.

We’re certainly proud of what we’ve accomplished in the industry since 1941, but that’s nothing compared to what’s in store for the future. Why are we so confident?

Because we’ve got the right people, fantastic products— and we couldn’t be prouder of them all.

April 2012 < GENETIC TRENDS < 3

People / products / pride

800-451-9275 / info@accelgen.com / www.accelgen.com

REPRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

Reproduction Drives Dairy Profitability by: Dr. Humberto Rivera Reproduction Services Manager

D

AIRY PRODUCERS CONTINUE TO FACE A RISKY FINANCIAL ENVIRONMENT. Expensive feed and stagnant-to-dipping milk prices mandate caution when deciding how money is to be spent. It’s important to focus attention on getting the most return from every investment, including your reproductive program.

Reproduction is the driving force behind the profitability of any dairy. After all, if cows don’t become pregnant they don’t produce replacement heifers or milk, and therefore provide little income for the dairy.

Profitability is also affected when cows do not become pregnant on time. In such cases, average days in milk (DIM) are delayed since few fresh cows are entering the milking herd.

Crunch some numbers and discover the financial impact of improving your herd’s reproduction.

It’s not unusual to see a reduction of 10 pounds of milk or more per cow per day when DIM are pushed to 250 versus milk production for a more “desirable” 170 DIM. Monitor these parameters There are many parameters to measure the effectiveness of your dairy’s reproductive program in addition to days open. But the three to monitor the closest are:

1. Pregnancy rate

2. Heat detection rate

3. Conception rate

Pregnancy rate is defined as the proportion of eligible cows that become pregnant each 21-day cycle. Pregnancy rate is a risk of success or failure per unit of time and is calculated by dividing the number of pregnancies within a 21-day cycle by the number of eligible cows present during that same 21-day period. Pregnancy rate is affected by heat detection rate and conception rate. An average rate is 12 to 16 percent; most dairies are very capable of 18 to 20 percent and higher.

Heat detection rate is the percentage of eligible cows that are inseminated within a given time frame, including animals inseminated following a detected heat or a timed A.I. This is the easiest of the parameters to influence with training and management attention. If this parameter is below 40 percent, you have huge opportunities to improve.

Conception rate is the total number of pregnant cows divided by the total number of inseminated cows with known outcomes (pregnancies). In general, this number doesn’t change quickly unless you have a problem with nutrition or people. According to researchers at the University of Wisconsin, 96 percent of the variation in conception rate comes from management factors like heat detection, nutrition and semen handling, and environmental factors like heat stress. The last 4 percent is related to the individual cow’s and service bull’s genetics.

Dollar impact of improvement Now that you’ve determined which areas to monitor and why, it’s time to put some figures to your efforts.

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Is she pregnant? What is the value of a pregnant cow on your farm?

The University of Wisconsin’s Repro Money program has developed a mathematical model to help put a value on improving pregnancy rates and theoretically the profitability of your dairy’s reproductive program. The biggest financial advantage is realized by those herds that improve poor performance, but this new tool enables you to discover what any level of reproductive improvement can yield.

For example, if you start with a 10 percent pregnancy rate and improve it to 15 percent (which is still only average), that gain is worth $141 per cow per year. A gain from 10 percent to 18 percent is worth $207 per cow per year. Multiply those results over 500 or 1,000 cows and the dollars add up quickly.

At that level of return, it’s easy to see how improving your reproductive performance pays off. You can also see the cost of poorer reproductive performance in these same numbers.

Let’s look at the financial impact of improved reproduction one more way. As noted earlier, heat detection is a key component of pregnancy rate and is one of the easiest parameters to influence, by training people on how to better find cows in estrus. One hour invested in training at $10 an hour will recover a 10-fold or higher return from improved reproductive performance.

Each dairy is a universe Important issues like overall goals, protocol compliance, facilities, heat abatement, and many other factors impact each dairy’s and individual herd’s reproductive performance. So, it’s important these be considered when evaluating the general effectiveness and profitability of your herd’s reproduction. These factors impact on the three key parameters just discussed.

Keep in mind, data accuracy is essential to ensure your management team is aware that you are working with reliable numbers. Computer programs and people may define these parameters differently. Make sure you know how these numbers are being gathered and interpreted so you can make the best possible decisions.

Optimal reproductive performance is essential in the best of times and downright critical when dairies feel financial pressure.

Reproductive success, while not able to counteract or reverse financial challenges like high feed prices, can help improve your overall herd performance and reduce the financial risks associated with poor reproduction.

NEED ReproDuction Help?

Contact an Accelerated Genetics ReproAdvisor™ to assist with all your herd’s reproductive needs. Call 1-800-451-9275 or email ReproAdvisor@accelgen.com with your questions or concerns.

April 2012 < GENETIC TRENDS < 5

COW COMFORT

Summer is Just Around the Corner: Start Thinking About Heat Stress by: Jon Gelschus President of Sci-Tech Premixes

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ummer is an exciting time. More daylight and warmer weather provide an endless assortment of activities to enjoy. When high temperatures make an appearance, however, many challenges occur in managing heat stress on our farms. Cow cooling is of utmost importance, but many other factors influence animal health and production during the upcoming hot season.

Heat stress affects animals in many different ways.

We see this in reduced feed consumption, acidosis, reduced milk production, lower components, hoof health problems, reproduction, and in severe cases, death. These can have both short and long-

Temperature levels that may be comfortable to people can be stressful on high-producing cattle. Ideal temperatures for a dairy cow are between 41˚F and 77˚F.

6 > GENETIC TRENDS > April 2012

term effects on the dairy and its profitability.

Some areas we can manage in order to curb the effects of heat stress include cow cooling, feed quality, ration formulation and water supply.

Cow cooling and comfort come first. There are a few places you need to look on your dairy to evaluate your current system. First off, let’s review the ventilation and sprinkling systems. Is there adequate air flow and water pressure in the holding areas, parlor, palpation areas and headlocks? These are critical points where animals can experience a considerable amount of heat stress. Other things to consider are the amount of time cows are away from water in the holding pen or parlor, stocking density (especially in transition pens) and bedding.

There are electrolyte treatments and feeding programs that have shown an improvement of animal performance during these times of added stress. Electrolytes play an important role in maintaining proper cell fluid levels. With its unique formulation, Bovine Accellyte II helps restore electrolyte functions and water retention. It also contains an osmolite, which helps pull fluids across the cell wall. Hydrated cows stay on feed.

Feed quality and consumption can dip during the summer months. This is why vigilant forage and bunk management are an absolute necessity.

Research shows inoculated forages (with highquality inoculants like Accel Ensile CS) can improve both face life and bunk life. Should the ration start heating up in the bunks, it might be time to consider adding a preservative. You also may need to adjust our feed delivery times and frequencies to supply greater volumes during the cooler times of the day. Let’s also not forget about transition cow feed management and maintaining adequate ration potassium levels and DCAD balance, especially during hot months.

An unseen consequence of heat is a decrease in the rumen microbial population. The number of these microbes decreases significantly once the rumen temperature reaches 40°C (104°F). Respiratory acidosis can also occur. This happens when the animal pants and releases CO2, and doesn’t produce enough saliva (natural buffer). We can reduce the instances of these problems by adding buffers for acidosis and hoof health, and adding direct-fed microbials (DFMs) like Tri Mic 1:50 to improve rumen digestion and reduce core body temperatures.

Bovin B Bovine Accellyte Bovin B Bovine Accellyte Bovin B Bovine Accellyte

Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) Impact on Dairy Cattle.

Table 1.

DFMs also play an important role in maintaining milk production and components during periods of heat stress.

With all the focus on lactating cows, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget the dry cows, heifers, calves, and other livestock on the farm. These animals can be easily neglected because the reduction in cash flow is not immediate. Calves, especially, should be monitored for dehydration, by tenting a fold of skin. Close-up cows are very susceptible to heat stress, and ensuring adequate cow cooling will pay big dividends in the reduction of metabolic disorders after calving.

To summarize, make sure to monitor the cows and their response to environmental conditions.

Take all necessary steps in cow comfort and shade, ventilation, water supply, evaporative cooling, ration balancing, and appropriate feed additives.

Consult your management team (nutritionist, veterinarian, geneticist, herd manager) to prioritize and plan before hot weather impacts your bottom line.

THI

Symptoms

72

Cattle start to feel heat stress. Reduced feed intake and increased respiration rate may occur.

77

Begin losing milk production. Symptoms become more apparent.

80

Rapid shallow breathing, profuse sweating and a 10% decrease in milk production.

90

Severe loss in milk yield (>25%), decreased feed intake, and panting. Risk of death if ill or calving.

Table 2.

Temperature Humidity Index (THI)1 for Dairy Cows. Modified from Dr. Frank Wierama (1990), Department of Agricultural Engineering, The University of Arizona. °F

Relative Humidity 40

45

50

55

60

75

65

70

75

80

85

90

95

100

72

72

73

73

74

74

75

75

80

73

73

74

74

75

76

76

77

78

78

79

79

80

85

76

77

78

78

79

80

81

81

82

83

84

84

85

90

79

80

81

82

83

84

85

86

86

87

88

89

90

95

83

84

85

86

87

88

89

90

91

92

93

94

95

100

86

87

88

90

91

92

93

94

95

97

98

99

105

89

91

92

93

95

96

97

Mild Stress

Medium Stress

Severe Stress

ne Accellyte II Bovine Accellyte II Bovine A Bovine Accellyte II Beat Bovine the Accellyte heat with II Bovi e II Bovine Accellyte II Bovine Accellyte Bovine Accellyte IIII ne Accellyte II Bovine Accellyte II Bovine A YOU AND YOURBovine COWS DESERVE LESS STRESS IN THE SUMMERTIME. Bovine Accellyte II Accellyte II Bovi Bovine Accellyte II is the product you need to keep your cows cool and intakes high through e II Bovine Accellyte IIThis Bovine Accellyte the extreme temperatures. unique formulation helps restore electrolyte functions and II water retention. Contact your Accelerated Genetics Representative, today! ne Accellyte II Bovine Accellyte II Bovine A Bovine Accellyte II Bovine Accellyte II Bovi e II Bovine Accellyte II Bovine Accellyte II 800-451-9275

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info@accelgen.com

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www.accelgen.com

April 2012 < GENETIC TRENDS < 7

SIRE FEATURE

014HO05954 A-Elsbernd Mac Douglas-ET by: Kari A. Stanek Industry Relations Coordinator

Top: Uppena Douglas Marsha 384, Uppena Farms, Wis.; Bottom left: Latham Douglas 2278, Latham Dairy, Wis.; Bottom right: Herricks Douglas 773, Herricks Dairy Farm, Inc., Wis. 8 > GENETIC TRENDS >April 2012

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dders, health traits, and the Dellia cow family are all in the mix with this newer, chart-topping TPI™ sire. The December 2011 sire summary brought 014HO05954 A-Elsbernd Mac DOUGLAS-ET into Accelerated Genetics’ proven lineup. And now with his April numbers he is a highly sought after bull.

The Mating: According to Sire Analyst, Dave Erf, it all began with a contract mating of O Man daughter, J-Elsbernd Miss OctoberET (VG-85 DOM). “October was one of the first, second crop O Man daughters I contracted. She fit the mold of O Man, average size and good frame, but had better udders that carried through from the maternal line,” shares Erf. Erf continues talking about the impression October left on him, “She is one powerfully built cow, with that ‘indestructible’ look about her (meaning she will last a long time).”

The mating with Mac was made because he also sires good udders. Erf thought that would further protect this family’s udders. Plus, he thought a great combination of genetics was made with the sire stack of Mac x O Man x Patron.

The resulted mating of Douglas was more than Erf could ask for, as the outcome included: good udders, calving ease traits, great health traits, and solid feet and legs.

The Family: In 1995, Arlyn Elsbernd and his brother, Joey, were looking to buy into the Snow-N Denises Dellia (EX-95 GMD DOM) cow family. At that time, Dellia was a popular donor dam at nearby Regancrest Farm, but had not yet become world-famous for her successful sons and grandsons.

The Elsbernd brothers purchased a Gen-Ace Petrum LD Elvin heifer out of Dellia’s 014HO01160 Winken daughter, Snow-N Dellias Del-EE (EX-94 GMD DOM). Purchased over the phone, the

Elvin daughter, Sully Elvin DeliciousET, was their first Registered Holstein purchase, and would prove to be a bargain as she went on to score VG-87, earned Dam of Merit status and spawned a unique and profitable branch of the Dellia family.

The best cross on Elvin Delicious was to Brabant Star Patron-ET, one of the top udder sires in the second half of the 1990’s. Delicious’ most prolific daughter came from a flush to Patron: J-Elsbernd Pat PromiseET (VG-88 EX-MS). Elsbernd says of Promise, “You couldn’t ask for a better udder,” continuing to describe her as a balanced cow, more dairy than strong. He also says Promise was one of the most consistent milkers he has seen, stating she wasn’t an extreme milk cow, but gave more than 100 pounds for 10 consecutive months in her third lactation.

Patron Promise was flushed extensively and produced 11 Very Good daughters and one Excellent, sired by several different bulls, most of which were not known as elite type sires: Emerson, Lantz, Trent, Garter, O Man, Murphy and Encino. All four of Promise’s Encino daughters scored at least 85 points, including her only Excellent daughter, A-Elsbernd Encino Email-ET (EX-90 EX-MS).

Promise’s most well-known daughter is arguably A-Elsbernd Miss OctoberET (VG-85 DOM), the dam of Douglas. She made great production records, which started with as a twoyear-old, 2-04 2X 365 29,790M 3.7% 1104F 3.3% 970P. Patron Promise complemented O Man well and transmitted her shallow udder and good teat placement to October.

The Brothers: Elsbernd estimates that he and his brother have sent 12 bulls into A.I. from this cow family. Accelerated

Genetics boasts the following three GeneFORCE® brothers to Douglas: • 014HO06941 Snickers

(a Domain son) • 014HO06777 Ash

(a Bowser son) • 014HO06121 Breeze

(a Boliver son)

Douglas’ pedigree holds a strong foundation.

A-Elsbernd Mac Douglas-ET Born: 10/07/2007

sire: regancrest-hhf mac-et

(marshall x rudolph)

o-bee manfred justice-ET

DAM: j-elsbernd miss october-et VG-85 2-04 2x 365 29790 3.7 1104 3.3 920

The Numbers: With the April 2012 sire summary, Douglas added 88 daughters to his production proof and 54 to his type proof solidifying his reliabilites at 92% and 89%, respectively.

Further, he improved on his milk, udders, feet and legs, and health traits, which brings his GTPI to +2004 (good for 36th in the breed) and Net Merit $+555.

His overall proof is as follows: +1049M, +23P, -.03%P, +33F, -.02%F, 92%R, +1.67 PTAT, +1.70 UDC, +2.01 FLC, 89%R, $+555 NM, + 2004 TPI, 6% SSCE, 6% DCE, +4.9 PL, +2.53 SCS, +1.2 DPR. The Daughters: Douglas excels in health and calving traits. His daughters have good udders with solid feet and legs. He is a moderate stature bull that allows his daughters the ability to fit any type of facility.

The Dellia family is truly transmitted by Douglas especially through the perseverance of his dam, October. Erf adds,“Douglas daughters have the aggressive long-life genetics with the will to live attitude carried through from the maternal line.”

Contact your Accelerated Genetics representative to bring Douglas and the Dellia family spirit into your herd.

j-Elsbernd pat promise-ET VG-88 DOM 5-05 2x 305 31400 3.2 1002 3.1 988

Sully Elvin Delicious-ET VG-87 DOM

4-09 2x 305 29180 3.2 933 3.0 872

Snow-N Dellias Del-EE EX-94 2E GMD DOM

9-08 3x 365 34690 3.9 1353 3.0 1037

Snow-N Denises Dellia EX-95 GMD DOM 7-06 2x 365 35610 4.0 1431 3.1 1103

Brian Nelson, Western Region Genetic Specialist, comments on Douglas:

“Douglas daughters have a great combination of dairyness and strength, and track well on their feet and legs. They are the type of cows you want in your herd because they will last.

They have udders that are youthful and held higher above the hocks, with fore udders tightly attached. In addition, they have very strong clefts. These traits are important for an udder to last for numerous lactations.

Overall the Douglas daughters are very balanced and transmit well. Douglas will complement any herd.”

- Brian Nelson Western Region Genetic Specialist April 2012 < GENETIC TRENDS < 9

SIRE NEWS

Sires to Ignite Your Genetic Program by: Ryan Weigel Sire Analyst / Regional Services Specialist

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pring has definitely sprung at Accelerated Genetics. As things begin to “green up” across the country, excitement continues to grow with our sparkling bull lineup. Following the April Sire Summary, we are excited to have ten new active sires graduating from the PACE program. We also have an elite group of proven sires that continue to improve, and some impressive new releases added to our GeneFORCE® sire lineup.

New Proven Sires Graduate Our top new PACE release for TPI™ is 014HO05936 DOM. Dom is a Bolton son and has an exciting +2061 GTPI that ranks him 20th on the top 100 TPI list. At

+2.97 PTAT and +1270 milk, he will sire high-type cows that will crank out the milk. Dom daughters have high, wide rear udders with smooth, snug fore udders.

They stand at a decent height and exhibit correct feet and legs. The best part is, Dom has no Shottle, Goldwyn or O Man blood in his pedigree. This makes Dom an attractive option for your breeding program.

014HO05927 HADRAIN is another top TPI PACE release. He’s a Shottle son from a Champion dam. His impressive +2037 GTPI places him 25th in the breed.

If you’re looking for net merit, type, milk production or health traits; Hadrain does all of them very well. He’s also a calving ease bull at 7%.

Top left: Blondin Man O Man Camille, Maifield Holsteins and Sjendi, Ont., Canada; Top right: Vierra Dairy Emerald 3486 VG-87, Anthony Vierra Dairy, Calif.; Bottom left: Latham Dom 2831 GP-83, Latham Dairy, Wis.; Bottom right: Milk Train CM 9697 GP-82, Milk Train, Inc. - Colleen Pank, N.Y. 10 > GENETIC TRENDS > April 2012

014HO05889 ROSS is another top 100 TPI PACE graduate. Ross is a Bolton son out of an Excellent Boss Iron. Like Dom, he owns an outcross pedigree. Ross has extreme milk at +1942 with an impressive PTAT of +2.40. His daughters are admired for their exceptional dairy frames and outstanding udders.

Component boosters 014HO05774 McKINLEY and 014HO05924 DYNAMITE are both Toystory sons that are also calving ease. McKinley sires good components from outstanding udders.

His daughters show plenty of strength and width throughout. Dynamite is a high fat bull (+45 PTAF) with a low SCS (+2.72).

The son of 014HO04026 Airraid, 014HO05882 MONARK comes from the same family as the milk king, 014HO03831 Marion. Monark’s Addison dam is Marion’s full sister. As expected from this family, Monark is a high milk bull (+1395) siring outstanding udders (+2.33 UDC). In addition to bringing more milk to your herd, Monark is calving ease at 6%.

014HO05896 ATTRACTION, sired by 014HO04099 Billion, is a maternal brother to the active bull 014HO05777 Upward. Attraction has solid health traits and is a calving ease bull at 7%. Look for Attraction daughters to produce well above average udders (+2.23 UDC).

014HO05917 JETTASON is an Elegant son from a Champion dam. He’s an udder specialist and at +3.39 UDC, he’s our highest proven udder bull and one of the breed’s best! He’ll improve components and at 5% calving ease, is an outstanding bull to add to your heifer matings.

014HO05962 ROYCE is a Baxter son out of an Excellent Ito. Royce is a nice health trait bull that sires above average production. His Daughter Still Birth of 4.3% makes him one of the lowest in the Holstein breed.

We’re very excited about a new release in the Jersey breed, 014JE00517 JEBB. He is a Iatola son out of an excellent Hallmark.

This bull excels in overall type, and at +4.82 JUI, his daughters have outstanding udders.

Jebb also has favorable health traits.

Elite Proven Bulls Exhibit Continued Success 014HO04929 MAN-O-MAN and his clone 014HO06429 MAN-O-MAN2 continue to be the TPI leaders at Accelerated Genetics. At +2247 GTPI Man-O-Man is the highest 100% RHA proven bull in the breed. The highly anticipated addition of early second crop daughters has added to the legacy of this great bull. Although semen on Man-OMan continues to be limited, his clone presents a great opportunity for every producer to use his elite genetics.

014HO05639 CM holds the 12th spot in the breed for TPI (+2117) and continues to be a high Net Merit bull at +645.

014HO05560 EMERALD increased his GTPI +18 points and now ranks 18th on the top 100 TPI list (+2078). Another one of Emerald’s marketable traits is he continues to be one of the breed’s highest fat bulls at +93 pounds.

014HO05954 DOUGLAS made some nice strides with his April proof adding daughters, which increased his reliability, and excelled in nearly every trait. He’s solidly over 1000 pounds of milk with a +555 NM$ and +2004 GTPI. Douglas has a very low SCS of +2.53. Additionally, he’s a 6% calving ease sire. Turn to page 8 for a feature story on Douglas.

Previously released bulls 014HO05682 CALVARY, 014HO05434 TRUMP, 014HO05617 MYSTIC , 014HO05411 PALERMO, 014HO05552 GRENADE, 014HO05723 MANPOWER, and 014HO04924 KRAMER continue to be amongst the breed’s best as they all hold spots in the top 100 TPI listing.

The popular conformation bull, 250HO00914 WINDHAMMER, gained +55 GTPI points with additional daughters and is over +2.70 on all 3 major type traits. 014HO04916 JAKE and 014HO04956 DOTSON increased their reliability with more daughters added to their proofs. Your confidence should be high on these two second crop successes.

Proven Jersey bulls, 014JE00473 LOUIE and 014JE00460 EPIC have both added second crop daughters and benefited from

double digit increases in their JPI. There’s additional excitement from the Brown Swiss breed as 014BS00314 DRIVER adds 40 second crop daughters to his proof. With +25 point PPR increase to +202,he becomes the highest U.S. proven bull in the breed!

014JE00574 DENNIS comes to us from a different branch of the same cow family.

He’s a Plus son from a Restore, a full sister to Decoy’s dam. Dennis has an impressive JPI at +232 and sits at +644 CM$.

Full brothers, 014JE00581 HEBO and 014JE00582 HARDWOOD, are sired by Renegade from an Excellent-91% Impuls dam then the well-known Excellent-94% Scotch View Fair Halo. They carry JPI’s of +210 and +204 respectively. At +1.40 PTAT, +4.00 JUI they are a nice mix of production and type.

As you can see, we had another successful proof run at Accelerated Genetics. We hope you will make us your trusted first choice to improve your herd’s genetics and bottom line. With warmer weather on the way, we wish you a favorable forecast, a safe planting and a bountiful harvest.

Impressive New GeneFORCE® Sires A complementary group of GeneFORCE® bulls has been added to an already exciting lineup. Some highlights include: 014HO06854 LOREN comes in at +2396 GTPI. He’s an Observer out of a Shottle.

Loren’s a high yield, high type bull with outstanding health traits. His +7.2 PL, shouldn’t go unnoticed.

250HO00993 BOULDER has an impressive +2324 GTPI. He’s a bull with extreme components having +93 pounds of fat. Boulder is a Man-O-Man son out of an Excellent Shottle. 202HO06809 MANCAVE carries a GTPI of +2332. He’s over +3.00 points for both PTAT and UDC and is +1782 PTAM with good components. Mancave is an Observer out of a Bolton.

Upcoming breed conventions 014HO06809 AIRLIFT is American Milking Shorthorn Society Convention a bull with extreme type. At Rogers, Arizona +4.53 PTAT, he’s the second June 20-23, 2012 highest type bull in the breed. He holds the breed’s National Guernsey Convention top spot for feet and legs at Portland, Oregon +4.42 FLC. At +1402 PTAM, June 20-25, 2012 his daughters will milk too.

National Ayrshire Convention Airlift is an Atwood son out Appleton, Wisconsin of a Shottle.

June 26-30, 2012 These four sires, along with the previously released National Holstein Convention 250HO01002 EPIC, at +2436 Springfield, Missouri GTPI, offer an exciting June 27-30, 2012 opportunity to utilize some of American Jersey Cattle Association Annual Meeting the highest genomic TPI bulls North Conway, New Hampshire available.

June 27-30, 2012 014JE00600 DECOY is an extreme bull for milk and Brown Swiss Association National Convention protein pounds. As his linear Shelburne, Vermont shows, he does this with July 4-6, 2012 extremely high and wide National Red & White Convention rear udders and strong fore Listowel, Ontario, Canada udder attachments. Decoy is August 13-16, 2012 a Valentino from a Restore.

April 2012 < GENETIC TRENDS < 11

AG PEOPLE

A Training Experience Turns into a Rewarding Career by: Robin Kleine Marketing Communications Intern

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fter attending an A.I. training school in Brodhead, Wis., Bob Wolfe, Jr. had one day to decide if he wanted to start working as a summer Relief A.I. Technician for Accelerated Genetics. That was 34 years ago.

Now, as a result of years of good service to his customers, Wolfe has reached a unique milestone within the A.I. business – the 100,000 Cow Club. This fall, Wolfe will be honored at the Annual National Association of Animal Breeders Convention for joining a prestigious group of industry professionals who have all artificially inseminated 100,000 qualifying cows.

Wolfe’s Stats:

Bob Wolfe, Jr. Professional A.I. Technician Responsibilities: Conducts sales of semen and animal health products and provides reproductive services to customers in southeastern Wisconsin in the counties of Green and Rock.

Tenure: 34 years with Accelerated Genetics.

Honors: Top Achiever five times and recognized at Accelerated Genetics’ Elite Sales banquet.

Milestone: To date he has bred 103,417 qualifying cows.

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Dave Calvert, Wolfe’s Regional Sales Manager, says, “[Bob] is a very loyal employee who pays great attention to detail.

He works very closely with his customers and really enjoys his job and life. And, he truly is a team player.”

Pride in Customer Success In his area, Wolfe works with herds of all sizes including a few around 2,500 cows.

Additionally, he services about two-dozen beef herds. “I have customers who’ve been with me since day one. These are loyal customers and I spend a little extra time just trying to help them out,” Wolfe says.

Wolfe utilizes all the resources at his fingertips to help his customers be more successful, whether it’s sharing information about products and sires or bringing in a ReproAdvisor™ to assist with a herd’s reproduction program. Wolfe adds, “Accelerated Genetics has so many assets that help my customers; like our great animal health products, high quality semen, and the knowledgeable reproduction team.”

Wolfe is proud to be assisting his friends in the business. From births to marriages, and later kids coming back to the family farm, he has had a lot of fun. “We joke around, tease each other. I have so many good relationships, it’s like I am part of the family,” states Wolfe.

He went on to say, “Even those who have quit milking, they don’t forget me – people remember my mustache!”

Advancements, Transitions and Experiences In three decades of employment [and nine vehicles] at Accelerated Genetics, Wolfe

Wolfe will be honored at the 2012 Annual NAAB Convention for his 100,000 Cow Club Achievement. has seen many changes and huge progress in the industry. He notes the semen freezing machine, sexed semen, and genomics have been most significant.

Additionally he said, “Beef business has grown tremendoulsy in my region. It started with farmers using beef semen on their dairy heifers and now has developed its own niche in this area.”

“The back seat came out and instead of two passengers, I have two semen tanks, a breeding kit and sire directories. My cars have been through pastures, hay fields, corn fields … anything for my customers,” says Wolfe.

Through the years, Wolfe has been very active with the Brodhead FFA Alumni, Holstein Association USA, and National and Wisconsin Angus Associations. He and his father, Bob Wolfe, Sr., also have small herds of beef and dairy cattle. In addition, to spending time with his cattle, Wolfe enjoys hunting, playing on a local pool league and working with his horses.

Wolfe and his wife, Laurie, have four children, Jessica, Justin, Stephanie and Carissa along with five grandchildren.

INTERNATIONAL FOCUS

Accelerated Genetics Visits World-Wide Partner: Masterrind Ten Minutes with Stephani Omtvedt by: Angie Lindloff, Communications Manager One of the many freestall facilities toured while in Germany.

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his past February, nine Accelerated Genetics personnel had the opportunity to experience Germany first-hand. Accelerated Genetics and genetics partner Masterrind, offered individuals a trip to Germany where they toured the country and attended the Schau der Besten cattle show. Stephani Omtvedt, Regional Services Specialist from New Auburn, Wis. attended this tour and offered her perspective: What did you see while in Germany?

We had the chance to do some sight-seeing, taste-test some authentic German food, and tour some magnificent dairy operations.

The main event was the Schau der Besten (The show of the Best), which we attended with genetics partner, Masterrind.

What was your favorite part about visiting Germany?

There are too many wonderful things about the trip! I really enjoyed our sight-seeing of the city of Dresden the first day we arrived.

The numerous farm tours were exceptional as well as the Schau der Besten. I wish I could tell you one event that was my favorite, but that is absolutely impossible as I enjoyed everything!

What moments stood out for you while on farm tours?

Oh, did we tour farms! I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how many farms are still family oriented. There were quite a few places we toured that were father/son or

father/daughter operated. They were so welcoming to our group, inviting us into their farms to see their animals and into their homes to share coffee or tea, as well as unique sausages and cakes. All of the farms we visited were so generous and gracious to us; it was a wonderful experience.

What type of Genetics Does Masterrind supply?

Masterrind is able to supply Accelerated Genetics with the same quality genetics we are used to seeing here in the United States.

They also offer some unique pedigrees that we haven’t yet seen in our country.

What is Unique about German farming compared to the U.S.?

From the farms we toured, the major difference I determined was the amount of ‘smaller’ operations that were using robotic milkers. The majority of farms we toured were around the 100-cow size, and were setup with robots to do the milking.

This allowed the farmer to focus his time elsewhere. Also noteworthy, we toured some freestall setups with different parlor systems.

Why do you think it’s important for Accelerated Genetics to utilize genetic partners world-wide?

By utilizing other genetic partners, it offers Accelerated Genetics the opportunity to become world-renown in the dairy industry. As the people of Accelerated Genetics know, we are a vital player in the U.S. dairy industry.

Having world-wide partnerships can only strengthen the base that already exists while enabling us to climb towards greater successes.

Tell me about Accelerated Genetics’ partnership with Masterrind?

We have a unique relationship with Masterrind. First off, they are our friends.

It’s refreshing to see businesses that operate the same way we do [Accelerated Genetics and Masterrind].

Business is business; of course, you have to have your meetings in order to accomplish great things, but as soon as that meeting is done, the friendship emerges.

That is the People of Accelerated Genetics, and I see it in Masterrind employees, as well.

A group of 202HO00163 Jobess daughters at the Schau der Besten.

April 2012 < GENETIC TRENDS < 13

COOPERATIVE CORNER

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Participants from the two Leadership events take frame in the word PEOPLE. They are: P – Ron Snodgrass, Oregon, Ill.; E – David Yost, Morris, Minn.; O – David Olson, Black River Falls, Wis.; P – Kimberlee Yost, Morris, Minn. L – Dan Bolin, Clarksville, Iowa and E – Jolene Brown, West Branch, Iowa. [Jolene is a long-time presenter for Accelerated Genetics’ Young Producer Program.]

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ecently, two events were held that re-enforced the ‘people’ portion of the Accelerated Genetics brand promise – PEOPLE. PRODUCTS. PRIDE. Those events were the Cooperative Leadership Day and Young Producer Leadership Conference.

Accelerated Genetics firmly believes it is important to reinvest in its customers, so they can continue to generate success. That is the reason behind the Young Producer program, which was established just over 29 years ago.

The objective of the program is to develop future leadership for both the cooperative and agricultural industry. This is achieved by listening

You Are invited To:

to the needs of the next generation, encouraging involvement as an agricultural advocate, providing educational events, and by allowing those involved the opportunity to share ideas with others.

The Young Producer program has generated years of success and now Accelerated Genetics is reinvigorating the program as a way of living the brand, PEOPLE. PRODUCTS. PRIDE. You will want to stay tuned to Accelerated Genetics’ media outlets or your local sales representative to learn more about the upcoming Young Producer educational events: • Summer Meltdown Celebration

(June 2012 - more details below) • Winter Get-Away (January 2013) • Producer Summit (March 2013) • Leadership Conference (March 2013)

WHAT:

Summer Meltdown Celebration

WHEN:

Saturday, June 9, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Knigge Dairy Omro, Wis. DETAILS:

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Join us for the Young Producer program’s summer outing tour hosted by Knigge Dairy, a state-of-the-art robotic dairy operation. Following an on-farm picnic lunch, the Omro-Rushford Fire Department will be conducting farm and fire safety demonstrations. For more information about this event, email kstanek@accelgen.com or go to www.accelgen.com.

AG NEWS

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CCELERATED GENETICS HAS MUCH TO BE PROUD OF. A seventy-year legacy, outstanding products and the best customers around. Judging by these photos from our annual photo contest, our customers are not only great people, they are exceptionally talented. This past year’s photo contest allowed participants to enter photos in one of two categories: Calves or In Their Environment. Three top photos were selected from each category, here are our favorites:

Photo Contest Winners Announced

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In Their Environment: First Place: Harlen Persinger, Milwaukee, Wis.; Second Place: Ginny Klemm, Monroe, Wis.; Third Place: Claire Tousley, St. Anthony, Idaho.

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Calves: First Place: Casey Langan, Madison, Wis.; Second Place: Heather Angle-Gardner, Ottumwa, Iowa; Third Place: Courtney Moser, Westby, Wis.

Ready, Set, Shoot!

Get your cameras ready! The 2012 photo contest is here! This year, there are two categories: “Caring For Your Animals” and “Showing Your Pride For Agriculture.”

Category one: “Caring For Your Animals” • Photos could include any number of beef or dairy calves and/or cows.

• Photos should display how you provide care and comfort for your animals.

• Animals must be relatively clean.

• Action shots are preferred.

Category TwO: “Showing Your Pride For Agriculture” • Photos of people with beef or dairy animals OR within an agricultural setting that displays the passion and pride you have for the industry.

• Action shots are preferred.

• Animals must be relatively clean.

• Clothing on people should be clean, free of logos and appropriate for the setting.

Deadline: September 1, 2012

Prizes: First Place - $100 Gift Card Second Place - $75 Gift Card Third Place - $50 Gift Card Submit Entries to: Kristin Olson - kolson@accelgen.com 800-451-9275, ext. 5423 For full contest rules and photography tips go to Accelerated Genetics’ website: www.accelgen.com.

April 2012 < GENETIC TRENDS < 15

2012 Accelerated Genetics. Source: 4/12. HA/USDA Genomic. IB/MACE-USA. Photos L-R: CKR Palermo 863, Damin-Acres Palermo 2828 ©Lea McCullough. Glenn-Ann Palermo Cheetos, ©Cybil Fisher.

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Strong, StyliSh cowS with fantaStic udderS! +2.59 UDC • +2.96 PTAT • +.10% F, +.05% P

800-451-9275 | info@accelgen.com | www.accelgen.com