the Pulsator - Winter 2022

Missouri Holstein Association

President Ryan Bilyeu Vice President Scott Wilson Secretary/Treasurer Jodi Wright Director at Large John Schoen Junior Advisors Shannon Kleiboeker Katie Haverkamp 417-743-2921 • jwright@missouriholstein.com missouriholstein.com

Missouri Jersey Association

President Doug Thomas Vice President Ryan Gettle Secretary/ Treasurer Karla Deaver 417-316-0191 • kdeaverk@missouri.edu

Missouri Guernsey

Association

President Mark Melander Vice President Kenlee Calvin Secretary/Treasurer Cindy Wilson 417-388-0185

Missouri Brown Swiss Association

President Adrian Buff Vice president Stephanie Miller Secretary/treasurer Karla Grimm 417-543-6809

Missouri Ayrshire Association

President Karen Coleman Vice President Brent Unnasch Secretary Chuck Scoon Treasurer Jeff Jensen 319-230-6002 • karayrayrshires@gmail.com

Missouri Shorthorn Association

President Sam Crawford Vice President Scott Gardner Secretary/Treasurer Sally Burd 417-839-7002 • sallyburd@yahoo.com

Missouri Dairy

Chairman Tom Oelrichs Vice Chairman Alfred Brandt Secretary Sean Cornelius Treasurer Mark Fellwock MO Dairy Education Director Reagan Bluel Board Members Norris Sloan, SE District Scott Maples, SW District Bernie Van Dalfsen, SW District Rick Scheer, Central District Sally Burd, Associate (417) 772-4231 • reagan@modairy.org modairy.org

6 18 24 1st Place winner, phone 18 & Older, Ryan Bilyeu. Photo Contest sponsored by the Pulsator. MIDWEST BREEDER RATES Ad Size Color Full 400 Half 225

Jenna Wilson 417-459-8794 mopulsator2@gmail.com We Welcome Subscribers and Advertisers From All States

Jodi Wright 417-840-3203 jwright@missouriholstein.com

As we approach the end of 2022, we hope everyone has had a great year. We know that this year has been a rollercoaster, from flooding to droughts, the year was filled with a variety of struggles across the state. Even with the obstacles, we hope that everyone is able to reflect upon the year and find the moments of happiness that ensued. We look forward to the holiday season and are counting our numerous blessings. We appreciate everyone’s support and feedback on this publication. It takes a lot of work and support for from our advertisers and breeders to make each issue possible. For those that continue to place ads and articles, we thank you for your participation each time. We hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and wish you all health and happiness for the new year!

“The Mi-Wil Story”

MO.

I could tell stories about our first trip to World Dairy Expo when we stopped to see the “Queen of the Holstein Breed— Roxy” as a side trip to Mil-R-Mor Farm or that time Mike and Tina rode to Canada with me to haul home some cattle I had bought. But, the 1970’s were a long time ago and 43 years of marriage have brought many more life experiences for this couple.

And as we sat down over coffee recently, we tried to recount some of their accomplishments from memory. There have been too many 90-92 point cows to remember and some Missouri production winners too. Three 94 point cows from three different breeds were bred at this farm. Three 95 point Jersey cows too. Even a 93 point Ho-Jo crossbred.

Then there is the homebred “Z” family of Jerseys: Remake Zoie went EX 93 and milked over 100 pounds. Zap, Zarita, Zapper, all EX 94, and Zoom, who recently went EX 95 for State Line Farm.

Oh, and there are Guernseys too. Daughter Kim wanted to show a Guernsey instead of Holsteins and Jerseys like her

siblings Shannon (Kleiboeker) and Scott.

On a trip to Lavon Farms in Texas, young Kim picked out a heifer to purchase who became the dam of “Malibu,” the EX 94 All American. She in turn is the dam of “Malt,” EX 96 and 3X Grand Champion at WDE as well as 2X Supreme Champion at Louisville for Kim and husband Brandon Grewe of Valley Gem Farm in Wisconsin. The Malt cow and this couple are perhaps the talk of the Guernsey breed these days.

Mi-Wil now consists of a downsized 160 acres of pleasing pastures with plenty of shade trees. The 1940’s flat stanchion parlor sits abandoned but young stock still live on the Neosho, Missouri farm. Much of the milking herd was dispersed some five years ago, after achieving a 108 % BAA on the Holsteins. What is left of the family’s milking cows are housed at Valley Gem Farm in Wisconsin with some of the show heifers kept in Missouri.

We walked around and explored the old buildings no longer being used and found an old hand painted farm sign which Mike’s parents bought him in the 70’s during the old county fair days. Good times and good memories, and a heck of a legacy.

And speaking of legacies, I should mention the six grandchildren coming along with the oldest ones also interested in showing dairy cattle. Mike supervises at a local fertilizer plant these days while Tina teaches school and both of them enjoy the flexibility and time off work to attend ballgames and travel to cattle shows. In closing, it’s good to see the heritage of Mi-Wil Farm carry on, with new chapters still to be written in the future.

—Paul Kruse, dairy cattle enthusiast—

Mike Wilson showing

Holstein Association STATE CONVENTIO N JANUARY 20-21

Oasis Hotel & Convention Center

Schedule

FRIDAY, JAN. 20

5:00 PM: MHA Commitee Meetings

5:30 PM: MO Holstein Princess/Miss Interviews

6:30 PM: Hors d’oeuvres and cash bar

6:00-9:00 PM: Silent Auction of donated items. Donate items to your breed of choice or youth.

7:00 PM: Missouri Dairy-All Breeds Award Banquet MHA Awards Presentations: All-MO Awards, Junior All-MO Awards, Futurity, Cow of the Year, Crowning of Princess/ Miss Spring Classic Scholarship and Distinguished Juniors

7:30 PM: Cornhole Tournament:teams can pre-enter for a reduced rate. Categories and prizes for adults, family (adults/youth), youth (2 youth)

Registration following page

SATURDAY, JAN 21

9:00 AM: MHA Board Meeting

9:00 AM: Missouri Junior Holstein Speech Contest

10:00 AM: MHA Annual Meeting

10:00 AM: Jr Holstein Annual Meeting

2023 District Officers

Northeast Central: James Penn, president; John Denbigh, vice-pres.; Judy Borman, sec./treas.; Alfred Brandt, director.

Northwest: Dallas Cornelius, president; Misty Langford, sec./treas / director. Southwest: Nelson Hostetler, president; Janice Perry, vice-pres.; Bailey Keltner, sec./treas.; Larry Wright, director.

South Central: Tommy Scrivner, president; Sandra Buff, vice-pres.; Andrea Scrivner, sec./treas.; Becky Durst, director.

Southeast: John Schoen, president; Melinda (Schoen) Morrison, vice-pres.; Cliff Strieker, sec./treas.; Corvin Schoen, director.

West Central: Mark Chamberlin, president; Michael Leinbach, vice-pres.; Marilyn Moreland, sec./treas.; Jay Moreland, director.

State At Large Directors (term expires): Jason Ewing (2022) & Scott Maples (2023)

2023 Committees

Juniors:

Katie Wantland & Shannon Kleiboeker, co-chm; Janice Perry, Monica Ling, Susan Brooks, Kate Geppert, Melody Moreland, Bailey Keltner

Sale:

Larry Wright, chm; Nelson Hostetler, Mike Wilson, Grant Groves, Jodi Wright, Corvin Schoen Show & Futurity:

Lora Wright, chm; Crystal Chamberlin, Leslie Parrigon, Ellie Wantland, Trent Miller, Crissy Durst Finance:

Alfred Brandt, chm; Rick King, Jay Moreland

Nominating:

Becky Durst, chm; Brad Groves, Mike Wilson, Kate Geppert, Scott Wilson

Resolutions:

Ed Wittorff, chm; Barry Steevens, Ted Probert, James Penn Awards: Barry Steevens , chm; Becky Durst, Ed Wittorff, John Schoen, Roy Parsons

Public Speaking Contest

Juniors interested in the Public Speaking contest at National Convention need to pre-qualify this year!

Qualifying contest will be held Saturday at State Convention. Sign-up with Katie or Shannon by Jan 2, 2023.

Auction Items Needed

NEEDING DONATIONS: Anyone interested in donating or contributing items to our annual silent auction held during the state convention would be greatly appreciated. The auction will run Friday evening. Please deliver your items to Jodi, Shannon, or Katie on Friday, January 20th by 3 pm. Thank You!

Annual Meeting

Please make plans to attend our Junior Meeting Sat. morning at 10:00am during the state convention. This is where a lot of decisions are made regarding the junior association's actions throughout the year. There are numerous items to discuss and we need everyone's thoughts and ideas to help make it a wonderful year.

Junior Advisors: Katie Wantland 417-872-5543 Shannon Kleiboeker 417-737-2876

visit missouriholstein.com/juniors.htm for scholarship and internship deadlines

PROPOSED BY-LAW CHANGES TO MISSOURI HOLSTEIN ASSOCIATION

Below are the board approved changes to be voted upon by the membership at the 2023 Annual Meeting. Following is only the sections containing revisions. A complete copy can be found on the website or at the meeting. Strikethrough - language that is to be removed Bold, Italic and Underlined - language that is to be added

ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP

Section 3. There shall be two classes of members: Active and Junior.

a. Active members shall include those of legal age qualified under Article II, Section 1, who have paid the annual dues and are in good standing.

b. Junior members shall be those applicants qualifying for Junior membership in the Holstein-Friesian Association of America. A $5.00 fee will be charged for Junior membership. This fee is subject to change upon the approval of the Junior Committee. The junior fee will be transferred to the Junior account. Junior only members are encouraged to pay an additional $25.00 Pulsator Subscription fee to receive the magazine.

Section 6. The membership dues shall be paid on an annual basis with the rate being $50.00 per membership for members, partnerships, or corporations that own Holstein cattle. Those who do not own Holstein cattle, shall pay $25.00 $50.00 annually per membership.

that are relevant to you. Only want to vote for Cow of Year? Awesome, just fill out the form below. Have an awesome team for the Cornhole tournament? You only have to fill out the form on the back of this page. Make sure to come up with a spectacular name.

Membership Dues ALL @ $50: Additional Member/prefix $25: Junior Member Dues @ $5/junior: Pulsator Magazine Subscription @ $25: Mid-States Holstein News @ $5 :

LATE FEE / ADULT if paid April 15 or Later: Total Enclosed:

BaBy steps towards Federal Milk Market order reForM

by Reagan Bluel and Sean Cornelius

Milk pricing continues to be one of the most difficult topics to understand in all of agriculture. However, understanding the marketing of milk, a perishable commodity, helps all dairy producers better understand co-op’s challenging job of maximizing pay price as efficiently as possible to help their members.

A historical summary of milk marketing order reform is available – however for sake of brevity in this article, there were major changes made to the dairy pricing structure in 1937, 1960, 1995, 2000 to arrive to our current milk pricing scenario. Change has historically occurred every few decades. Here we sit 22 years since a significant shift, ripe for a strong discussion of milk pricing reform.

Much commentary has happened recently around Federal order reform, especially following pricing volatility through COVID-19. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has taken leadership in gathering a working group of individuals interested in the topic to make tangible policy change. One of these national gatherings occurred recently, in Kansas City Missouri. Missouri Dairy leaders were present to provide input in the discussion.

AFBF’s strategic planning ensured producers were paired with industry representatives from all sectors of the dairy industry. Producers, co-ops, national milk producers federation (NMPF) and allied industry, shared tables and conversation. For example, one table a Missouri dairy farmer sat with other producers from Wisconsin, Nevada, New Hampshire and Michiganthey were joined by representatives from Select Dairy cooperative, NMPF and AFBF.

Merging diversity of background, opinion, experience and focus in the industry brought the opportunity to share perspective and inform the conversation at each table. As a result, the meeting’s main goal was achieved: informed policy reform.

“It’s amazing how fast common ground was found on most of the issues discussed,” noted attendee Sean Cornelius, Missouri Dairy Board member. Easy agreement was achieved with discussion around returning to “higher of” Class 3 & 4 in figuring the Class 1 mover.

Also discussed, updating the class 1 differential. This discussion was a little more controversial. Processor input on make allowance, the mechanism processors have to cover increases in operational costs, was based on information from a study done with a narrow data set of surveyed processors voluntarily participating. The data suggested a need to increase make allowance in a way that would decrease milk checks by $0.80-1.20/CWT.

No dairy farmer in the room really liked that, of course, but the mood in the room to respectfully listen and understand prevailed. All understood that every facet of the dairy industry must work to be successful. The discussion yielded a compromise; for processors to recommend a change in make allowances in the FMMO’s, processors need to provide current, verifiable data on their true costs. Once this data is available, further discussion can be had to consider change.

“We are encouraged by the healthy discussion at this week’s Federal Milk Marketing Order Forum and look forward to continuing the discussion about promoting a healthy dairy industry through modernization of federal order pricing.” said representatives from AFBF.

They continued, “We support the FMMO system as key to fair market-based farmer milk pricing and recognize the importance of periodically updating the program to reflect changes in the dynamic U.S. dairy industry. With the last major update to the FMMO system occurring in 2000, we believe it is time to consider improvements that better reflect today’s milk markets.”

-sean

Missouri Dairy also supports the FMMO, and seeks to be involved in the discussion to ensure sustainability of our dairy industry.

To learn more about this topic, be sure to attend the FMMO Reform seminar at the Missouri Dairy Expo in Springfield on January 20th.

PO Box 45 • 100 E Main St. Bunceton, MO 65237

Phone: (660) 427-5521

Fax: (660) 427-5821 www.buncetonmutualinsurance.com

“it’s aMazing how Fast coMMon ground was Found on the issues discussed.”

cornelius, Mo dairy Board MeMBer

Voelkers Swiss Farm

by Shannon Kleiboeker

y dad was always looking towards improving the breed and breeding better cattle for other people, rather than just himself,” explains Chad Voelker. His late father Charles had the goal to have an impact on the Brown Swiss breed as a whole, and not just on their farm, described Chad. Bringing home the Premier Sire banner from the International Brown Swiss Show at World Dairy Expo might just be the proof that the Voelker Swiss Farm is doing exactly that.

“M

Voelkers TD Carter was selected as the Premier Sire at the show for the second year in a row. In previous years he has been awarded the title of Premier Sire of the heifer show a total of three times, another huge accomplishment for his resume. Chad credits his father’s breeding program in developing this winning sire and says, “It was a special moment for him, I just wish he would have been there to accept it. It was a goal for him, and a huge accomplishment.” Carter’s achievements don’t end there, in past years, he was named the number 1 type bull in the breed, and held the title for 3 years. No other bull has held that title for that long. Not to mention the list of numerous All-Americans he sired in past years. Carter also has a maternal sister that was ranked the number 1 genomic heifer in years past. She has close to 100 progeny throughout the US, Switzerland and even Peru.

and his wife Danielle, a social worker for developmentally disabled, have 2 children, Colson, 4, and Maecyn, 2. He looks forward to sharing farm experiences with them as they continue to grow. Brother, Dayne is a Dr at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. He loves the cattle and continues to stay involved with the operation, coming home 2-3 times a month. He manages a lot of the genetics on the farm, making decisions about matings. He also enjoys attending and showing at many of the cattle shows they exhibit at. Oldest sister Katie, while not on this farm, lives in New York with her husband, where they milk about 140 Brown Swiss cattle. Sister Suzanne, occupational therapist, and her husband both have off the farm jobs, but often help on the farm if assistance is needed. Suzanne still enjoys showing cattle and looks forward to involving her 3 young children to the farm and showing cattle as they get older. Brother Grant, used to be full time on the dairy, and still owns a few cattle, but has since moved away with his wife. He now works as a lab manager for Prairie Farms.

Numerous excellent cows have been bred by the Voelkers, including several 94-point cows. Their first cow to score 94 was Voelkers Miguel Candid. She served as an important cow to the family, the herd and was the All-American 5-Year-Old in 2009. Another notable 94-point cow for the family is Voelkers Durango Sasha. Sasha was named Reserve All-American Sr 3 in 2016. When it comes to breeding cattle, they often try to breed cattle that have Voelker on the top and bottom of the pedigree. “Cows that have been homebred, both top and bottom always seemed to do the best. Not sure how dad did it,” Chad explains. He takes a lot of pride in animals that are homebred and enjoy seeing them succeed for them and for others.

Voelker Swiss Farm LLC, located in Perryville, MO was begun by grandparents back in 1946, following World War II. It was in 1983, when son Charles and wife Nancy purchased the farm from them. It was after this purchase that they began showing and exhibiting cattle at fairs. Charles and Nancy had five children and were glad to involve them in the show ring and on the farm when they were old enough. Today, they milk 150 Registered Brown Swiss, and their world-class cattle and genetics continue to grace the showring. Nancy works full time but still helps when and where she can on the farm.

Chad Voelker is one of five siblings that currently have some involvement on the farm. He is the only one that is currently involved in the full-time day to day operations on the dairy. Him

One thing Chad continues to look towards is the future. His father always served as a motivator and mentor to him by instilling the idea to always think of the next generation. He says, “my dad was always thinking about the future and expansion.” So, with every improvement or decision they make, Chad wishes to “make it enjoyable and easier for the next generation. “I want to keep it going as long as we can.” In 2006, they built a bedded pack barn for the cattle. To their knowledge, this was the first barn of this type in Missouri. Then they built a parlor that could be easily enlarge, and now they milk in a double 10. Expansion and industry trends, are motivators for them in design and production.

Goals for the future include, building an onsite creamery. They are still in the beginning stages of research and planning but are looking to market in a grocery chain. They also hope to market their own ice cream or cheese. Producing superior genetics is still a key goal for the Voelkers. They have done a lot of IVF this year and hope to market more animals and continue to make an impact on the Brown Swiss breed.

This family has a lot to be proud of, as they continue to honor the legacy their father Charles left them. It is easy to say that the breeding of Voelker Swiss is having a major impact on the Brown Swiss breed. The Voelkers look to be around for generations to come. But, at the end of the day for Chad, it is all about the cattle. He enjoys working with the cows every day, “the Swiss can sense when you have a bad day, and somehow make it all better.” Even the bad days keep him going, “like the other day I had a cow with a twisted uterus, came back from vet, and the cows were out. It keeps you on your toes. There are a lot of curveballs, but it does keep it fun. It keeps me going.”

WORLD DAIRY EXPO RESULTS

Brown Swiss

Top Acres Lega Wizee Bailey Groves, Spring Yearling, 2nd Junior, 10th Open

Voelkers Bush Aggie-ETV Grant Voelker, Senior 3-Year-Old, 5th Open

Premier Sire Voelkers TD Carter

Guernsey

Valley Gem Richard Mamacita-ETV Winter Calf, Colton Kleiboeker, 7th Junior

Springhill Kojack Uno-ETV Aged Cow, Ty & Ean Mader and Faith Ling, 2nd Open, Reserve Grand Champion

Jersey

Mi-Wil Gem Colton Cherokee Summer Junior 2-Year-Old, Shannon Kleiboeker & Valley Gem, 8th Open

Holstein

S&K-Vale Warrior Raisin Summer Junior 2-Year-Old, Samantha Justice 10th Junior

2025 Missouri Holstein Futurity:

Do you have a nice young calf that is out of one of your good cow families? Do you think she might turn out to be a good cow someday? The ShoMe Holstein Futurity is for YOU! The Missouri Holstein Futurity consists of a one-time entry fee of $25 when calves are nominated and the cattle will be shown as Three-Year-Olds.

Heifers that were born between September 1, 2021 and August 31, 2022, then go to www.missouriholstein.com to print off the form or contact Jodi Wright to request a paper entry form. Print form and submit all entries and monies by February 1, 2023.

Don’t

NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL LIVESTOCK EXPOSITION

Ayrshire

Kar-Ayr Roush Chocolate Chip Summer Junior 2-Year-Old, Emma Coleman, 4th Open

Maple Burn Aragorn Etta Senior 2-Year-Old, David Day, 5th Open

Guernsey

Whitney Yerina 2nd Place Senior Showmanship

Dix-Lee Lad Disco Inferno Winter Calf, Whitney Yerina, 6th Junior Springhill Kojack Uno-ETV Faith Ling & Ty & Ean Mader, Aged Cow, 1st Place, Grand Champion, Junior Show and Open

Dix-Lee Latimer Jokes on You Senior 3-Year-Old, Whitney Yerina, 3rd Junior, 5th Open, 5th Guernsey Gold Futurity

Valley Gem Richard Mamacita-ETV Winter Calf, Colton Kleiboeker, 3rd Junior

Holstein

Miss Chupps Paro Doc Brady Spring Yearling, Hunter Angelo, 6th Junior, 4th Open

Jersey

Vz Tequila Honey Boo Boo 1156 Summer Junior 2-Year-Old, Harper VanZyverden, 6th Junior

SLJ Colton Geneva Junior 2-Year-Old, Treasure Clark, 2nd Junior

Mi-Wil Vitality Zoom

Aged Cow, Maelee & Treasure Clark 5th Junior, 4th Lifetime Cheese Production Class

Milking Shorthorn

Aragorn Blazing Speed Senior 3-Year-Old, David Day, 2nd Open

Red and White Holstein Show

Argorn Maureen-Red Senior 2 Year Old, David Day, 4th Open

miss out on this great opportunity!

Flying Cow Genetics

by Shannon Kleiboeker

In 1930 Artificial insemination (AI) was developed and by 1938 it was being used across the US. After AI came embryo transfer (ET). The first “ET” calf to be born in the US was in 1951 in Wisconsin. The next step was IVF, in 1981. Since these advancements, the amount of embryo work in cattle has exploded. Today’s advancements in animal reproductive health and the ability to alter our herd’s genetics is simply put, amazing. Using reproductive procedures like ET and IVF is becoming more and more of a common practice for cattle producers, and other species of animals. In order to have the best results possible, it takes skill, knowledge, and the proper equipment to be able to complete these processes.

Flying Cow Genetics was opened in 1991 by Dr. Tony Small and his wife Kristi near Welch, Oklahoma. They began by doing mostly conventional flushing and served as an affiliate for Trans Ova Genetics. During the first few years, they completed around 600-700 conventional flushes a year. In the years to follow, they expanded their operation to include an in vitro fertilization lab and began operating at their current facility. Here they can conduct every step of the IVF process. Small says, “like any business we made mistakes, but worked to correct them.” Tony estimates this past year they completed 1500-1800 IVFs, and maybe only 100 conventional flushes. In 2018, they expanded further and began offering an artificial insemination class that allows students to learn not only how to AI but teaches many aspects of reproductive health in cattle.

They continue to work on expanding the business. Small says, “when we first built, the thought was to build bigger

than you would ever need, well, we still didn’t build big enough!” Keeping up with demand and the changes and new advances in embryo work, they are looking to add a small ruminant facility. They hope to expand into working with sheep, goats, and deer. In addition to the added species, they are beginning to collect and store bull and sheep semen, and would like to expand to include a cool room for freezing the semen. Flying Cow just continues to grow, Small describes, as they now have satellite operations in Oklahoma and Texas. At these satellite facilities, they pull oocytes off of cows and ship them to Oklahoma where they grow the oocytes and then freeze or ship fresh embryos back to the satellite. Having these satellites helps to decrease the cost of embryos for the customer.

Tony Small, owner and primary embryologist for Flying Cow began AI on cattle when he was in the 9th grade. He began by taking a reproduction class at Northeast Oklahoma College one night a week. Small says, “I can still remember the first time I stuck my hand in a cow.” Since then, around 1988, he estimates he has worked in 1.8 million head of cattle. Small attended vet school at After attending at Oklahoma State University, and then went to work with Granada Genetics in Texas. Small says every time he goes to palpate an animal, he “still learns something new every time.” Tony currently completes most of the embryo transfers himself, and he relies on additional employees to aspirate and perform lab work.

So why embryo work rather than just AI or breed naturally? Small says the answer is, “producers use it to improve their genetics the quickest way possible.” Embryo transfer

can improve a herd’s genetics a lot quicker than AI. “For example, if you flushed 1 cow for a year, you could have 72 babies out of 1 cow in one year.” When you are looking for superior genetics, one can very quickly get a whole herd of the particular genetics they need. IVF is generally easier on the cow. It offers less of a chance of creating reproductive problems than compared to a conventional flush. You can also have up to 10 egg donors with one straw of semen, whereas a conventional flush will take 3-4 straws. “With some semen worth in upwards of $25,000 a straw, IVF becomes a much better choice.” Also, you can aspirate a cow every 2 weeks and up to 120 days bred when you IVF. Things a conventional flush just does not offer. “We hear more good stories than bad when people IVF their cattle, but like everything, it sometimes doesn’t work out. But, as we learn and evolve, there are less and less problems,” Small says. Results may vary from breed to breed, but overall IVF has more overall consistency and better volumes, so in turn it is cheaper.

“Everyone has their own goal, and they want the genetics to meet their goal,” explains Small. Dairy farmers may want to improve their milking ability or type, whereas beef producers look at marbling, carcass characteristics, and ribeye size. Choosing cattle that produce these results for you, then use IVF to quickly produce a number of offspring

can quickly change a herd’s genetics. Also, you can choose whether you want bulls or heifers.

The future holds a lot of interesting things in genetics. Brazil currently does more IVF work than anyone in the world. It seems the current economy is having no effect on this industry, Small says. It continues to grow. Small says, “there is still a steep learning curve with in vitro, we will continue to see new technology and advancements in the field of reproduction.”

The embryo work that Flying Cow offers is just a part of the services they offer. Small takes great pride in the bovine AI school they have available. He takes exceptional pride in how hands-on they have designed this class to be. It teaches students how to artificially inseminate and palpate a cow as well as how to manage your animals for good reproductive health. There are no pre prerequisites to attend, you just need, “interest and desire.” He says, “what you take from here is all the tools and knowledge to do it. “

The AI class offered by Flying Cow is a class for anybody and everybody. This 4-day AI class has been offered for three years now and during these three years, over 300 students have attended. Students come from all over the country and world, including Denmark, South America, and Australia. Small describes, “one class had students from nine different states.” This course caters to all backgrounds of skills, from novices, to those that just want to brush up and expand their skills. It has seen a variety of ages and types of people, from farmers and ranchers to nuclear scientist, CIA, vet students and new graduates.

Each class is 4 days long and consists of 20 students. Flying Cow offers the course about eight times a year. Four sponsors help to put on the class, each sending speakers to come and tach. ADM, Zoeitis, Multimin, and ABS are active sponsors. It is a goal of Smalls to, “make sure sponsors do more than sell products.” All the things they offer, nutrition and vaccinations are keys to good reproductive health. “It is not just passing a straw through a cervix.” He aims to make sure all aspects of reproduction are covered, because in the end it all plays a roll. During the class, students learn to AI, do ultrasound work, and pregnancy check. There is hands-on training with everything, even with calving.

The thing Small believes sets this class apart from others in the country is the hands-on opportunities that students have during their short four days attending. Students have the opportunity to palpate a large number of cattle. In four days, one girl palpated 75 cows. “There is not another school that is this hands-on.” Flying Cow keeps a large number of cattle on hand, just to make this class possible. They have found Longhorn crosses make the best breed to run as they are cheaper to maintain and also docile. In order to allow students to palpate at all stages of gestation they run a bull with the cattle year round. At almost any given time, they can have 75 open cows and 75 bred, and up to 450 total to maintain these numbers.

“It is so much more than an AI school.” This class also allows people from varying industries. We have had a lot of connections made over the years, and some continue to work with each other. There are so many factors that set this class apart from others you may find. From the hands-on aspect, to the overview of reproductive health, to the number of opportunities we provide for students to palpate and practice. “We try to evolve the class each time.” Small says, “we have always had positive feedback in surveys. If it is not the top, it is now one of the top AI schools in the country.”

If you are looking to quickly improve your herd’s genetics through IVF or ET or learn to artificially inseminate cattle, Flying Cow Genetics is the resource you need. They work with cattle producers and dairymen from all across the central plains. They believe, “their state-of-the-art facility, affiliates and their satellite locations sets them at the forefront for IVF in cattle in the US.” To learn more about the embryo work Flying Cow offers, the AI school or to contact them please visit their website: www.flyingcowgenetics.com Herd Name

Leslie High – Z-High Holsteins

Leslie S. High, 39 of rural Cantril, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly Thursday October 20, 2022 from a farm incident.

He was born December 7 1982, in Keosauqua, Iowa, the eighth son of Mervin and Martha High.

Leslie married Charlene Zimmerman on August 28, 2004, and they were blessed with four children. He was a member of North View Mennonite church. A loving husband and a devoted daddy. He was a dairy farmer since 2007 and took an active interest in people. Leslie High of Z-High Holsteins always was a consigner and supporter of the NEMO Production sale every fall in Memphis, MO.

Tim Ewing - U-Wing Holsteins

Tim Ewing, Holstein USA Field Representative for Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, and parts of Kansas and Oklahoma, passed away September 30, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Tim worked tirelessly promoting the dairy industry and most especially the registered Holstein cow, for which he had a profound love. He traveled thousands of miles breeding cattle for clients, visiting herds, helping with matings, giving advice, providing a listening ear to bounce ideas off of, registering cattle, helping at shows and sales, helping with sale catalogs and selecting animals for sales, and just being a wonderful friend and colleague!

Timothy Ivan Ewing, 63, Rogersville, passed away Friday, September 30, 2022 at his home.

He was born January 5, 1959 in Springfield, Missouri, the son of the late Phillip Julian and Jo Etta Mae (Collison) Ewing. He was united in marriage May 18, 1979 in Rogersville to Mary Jean Knight. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Mike Ewing, a sister, Phyllis Mooney, an infant son, Travis Jon, and an infant daughter, Tamara Jane.

Tim was a life-long dairy farmer growing up on the family farm west of Fordland. He was a 1977 graduate of Logan-Rogersville High School where he was a five-sport letterman and president of the FFA. He attended the University of Missouri earning his degree in Animal Science with a minor in English. At MU he was a member of the Farmhouse Fraternity and president of the MU Block and Bridle. He served on the Logan-Rogersville School Board during the building of the current high school. He was a lifetime member of the Holstein Association whom he had worked for as a representative since 2012. He enjoyed writing however, Holstein and Hereford cattle were his life. He was especially proud of the fact that his sons Jason and Thomas are still living on the family’s original Century Farms. He was the father-sir-master of the universe and will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

Memorial donations given to help youth obtain a scholarship for a calf may be given to the Missouri Junior Holstein Association, 11449 Lawrence 2220, Verona, MO 65769

If you have an announcement you would like to share with our dairy family contact:

Jodi: (417) 743-2921 • jwright@missouriholstein.com

Shannon:mopulsator@gmail.com

Ron Shaver - Shaverside Farm

Ronald Arch Shaver was born March 16, 1933 in St. Joseph Missouri to AB and Gladys (Wright) Shaver. Ron passed away September 25, 2022 while visiting Yellowstone National Park. After graduating from Plattsburg High School, he was drafted into the US Army.

Returning to the Plattsburg area, over the next 34 years Ron developed one of the premier Registered Holstein dairy operations in the country. He won numerous production and show awards across the state and country, eventually receiving the Distinguished Dairy Breeder Award for his achievements. During his dairy days, Ron was an official classifier and area manager for the National Holstein Association traveling and seeing many beautiful areas throughout the United States.

-Dairy Cattle Enthusiast

After dispersal of the dairy, Ron was employed by MFA Inc. as a feed sales specialist for South Central Missouri. He felt great satisfaction in sharing his experience to help guide other farmers to improve their operations. Ron enjoyed the sight of a well planted field of corn, and helped introduce many farmers to the production of corn silage. In 2004, Ron started raising Registered Angus cattle. He loved each calving season, black cows on green grass, and visiting with the many people from the marketing of bulls.

Ron dearly loved his family. He enjoyed spending time with his loved ones and shared many fishing outings. He enjoyed various sporting events with family, often cheering in celebration with his enthusiastic “way to go!”. With his gentle nature, he was a man that never met a stranger, often striking up conversations with people he did not know. Ron was well known for his encouraging words, strong work ethic and selfless approach to all things in his life. Ron was caring & compassionate, a true gentleman, who was known to tip his hat with a smile.

Linda Cochard - Guernsey Judge and Breeder

Linda Lou Pullin Halbert Cochard, 81, was the youngest of 3 daughters was born in Cleburne, TX on January 23, 1941. She went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 10, 2022.

After her marriage to Dave Cochard in July of 1983, she and Dave were nearly inseparable. Both had a strong interest in the Registered Guernsey dairy cattle business and as a result gained popularity with and the respect of Guernsey breeders around the world. Linda was an official judge of dairy cattle and did so at many state fairs in the U.S. and also Australia. She was a coach for the 1964 Texas State 4-H judging team. A cow Linda was especially fond of was a 2-time National Grand Champion that was bred and shown by Linda.

Linda and Dave moved from Greenfield, Indiana to Union, MO in 1985. They traveled extensively. Linda was a member of the National Dairy Shrine, American Guernsey Association, Missouri Guernsey Breeders’ Association, Indiana Guernsey Breeders’ Association, the Texas Guernsey Association, the Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors and The First Baptist Church of St. Clair Missouri. Linda and Dave were honored by College of the Ozarks with “Friends of the Agriculture School” recognition, the Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors recognized them with the Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder Award and the Missouri Guernsey Breeders’ Association presented them with a service award. Linda was the co-chair of the National Guernsey Convention in 1991 in St. Louis, MO and the 2005 National Convention in Branson, MO.