B 06346 13 dairy horizons by GENEX

DECEMBER 2013

YOUR HER

YEARS E O F

THE

A Subsidiary of Cooperative Resources International

THE

Cooperative, Inc.

F YOUR HERD EO A OU

Genex

DECEMBER PROOF REPORT | GENESIS 25-YE AR CELEBR ATION | NAVIGATING DAIRY PERFORMANCE FIGURES

Our Health Care Plan Works D A U G H T E R P R E G N A N C Y R AT E • P R O D U C T I V E L I F E Number of Holstein Bulls ≥ +5.0 Productive Life and ≥ +1.0 Daughter Pregnancy Rate

26 26

Genex

8282

24 24

Alta

Alta Accelerated

Accelerated

52 52

3737

Select

ABS

Semex Semex

Genex Provides Health Coverage for Your Herd WITH 82 ELITE PRODUCTIVE LIFE AND DAUGHTER PREGNANCY R ATE SIRES.

1HO10890 ADRIAN

1HO10883 CALICO

1HO11032 MY WAY

1HO11115 JAMBUL

1HO10245 ABRAHAM

+8.2 Productive Life

+7.6 Productive Life

+7.2 Productive Life

+7.9 Productive Life

+7.7 Productive Life

+3.0 DPR

+2.8 DPR

+3.3 DPR

+3.2 DPR

+3.0 DPR

USDA-CDCB/12-13, HA-USA/12-13, IB-M/USA/12-13, HA-M/USA/12-13. Based on December 2013 active Holstein lineups.

YEARS

ADDRESS CORRESPONDENCE

THE UR

F YOUR HERD EO A

With the new year comes a new celebration – 2014 marks the silver anniversary of the GENESIS Cooperative Herd. Read pages 18-21 for more information.

E O F

YOUR HER

k On the Cover:

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

C O N T E N T S

THE

HORIZONS

December 2013 Vol. 19/No. 3

O F

TA B L E

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

CANADA - Genex Cooperative, Inc.

291 Woodlawn Rd W Unit 4C, Guelph, Ontario N1H 7L6 genexcanada@crinet.com 888.354.4622

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

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

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

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

Jim Crocker Valley City, Ohio, 330.483.3709

Jon Wayne Danielson Cadott, Wis., 715.289.3860

Patrick Dugan Casa Grande, Ariz., 520.251.6455

Ted Foster Middlebury, Vt., 802.388.6515

Harlin Hecht Paynesville, Minn., 320.243.4386

Harold House Nokesville, Va., 703.754.9534

Kay Olson-Martz Friendship, Wis., 608.564.7359

Bobby Robertson Tahlequah, Okla., 918.822.0020

Richard Vold Glenwood, Minn., 320.634.4665

Alfred Wanner, Jr. Narvon, Pa., 717.768.8118

HORIZONS STAFF

Jenny L. Hanson, Editor, jlhanson@crinet.com Andy Graf, Graphic Designer

REPRINTS

Material may not be reproduced in any fashion without Cooperative Resources International’s permission. Cooperative Resources International, their member cooperatives, agents or employees, cannot and do not guarantee the conception rate, quality or productivity to be obtained in connection with the use of their products or recommended techniques. THEY MAKE NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WHICH EXTENDS BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCTS AND HEREBY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. In the unlikely event that any of the products shall be proven to be defective, damages resulting from their use shall be limited to their purchase price.

CONTENTS Membership Matters 4 | Membership Meeting Dates & Locations 5 | Genex Listens to Delegate Input

In The News 6 | CRI Hosts 130 Dairy Producers From Around the Globe

8 10 13

| 100,000 What?

14 15 23

| No Matter Herd Size, Focus or Goals …

| Employees Earn Mission Awards

| Wanner Provides Cooperative Insight in South Africa; Pay Ahead for 2014 | Announcing a Change in Liquid Nitrogen Delivery

| Introducing a Sire Fertility Ranking for GenChoice™ Bulls

PROOF HIGHLIGHTS

Get The Inside Scoop!

Genetically Speaking 19 | A Silver Anniversary Celebration

Herd Story 20 | GENESIS: River-Bridge Holsteins 30 | Competitive Dairy Cattle in Brazil Herd Management 24 | Monitor, Motivate and Manage with

Dairy Performance Navigator

28 | Rapid Growth Adding Value to Dairy with Beef Facebook.com/GenexCRI

GenexCooperativeInc

Mission Statement: Provide products and services as effectively as possible to maximize

the profitability of members and customers worldwide while maintaining a strong cooperative. H O R I Z O N S

M E M B E R S H I P

M AT T E R S

SAVE THE DATE!

enex has scheduled membership appreciation meetings throughout the U.S. for 2014. Check the map and the meeting listing (alphabetical by state) for the meeting nearest you. Additional information, including specific meeting location and time, will follow. 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

DATE

CITY

MAR 20 AUG 5 AUG 6 JAN 11 OCT 10 FEB 27 DEC 4 NOV 14 FEB 18 MAR 11 JAN 9 NOV 7 MAR 13 FEB 13 FEB 12 APR 10 FEB 3 FEB 19 FEB 20 FEB 25 FEB 6 MAR 11 MAR 5

CHANDLER MODESTO VISALIA WILLOWS LOVELAND STRATTON TRENTON MONTEZUMA CENTERVILLE DYERSVILLE PARMA TWIN FALLS ROSEVILLE MIDDLEBURY CLAY CENTER GREAT BEND OAKLEY SKOWHEGAN FRANKENMUTH ALBERT LEA BAGLEY FREEPORT PARKERS PRAIRIE

60 43

STATE AZ CA CA CA CO CO FL GA IA IA ID ID IL IN KS KS KS ME MI MN MN MN MN

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46

DATE

CITY

FEB 26 MAR 5 JULY 10 JUNE 5 NOV 8 DEC 5 JAN 21 JAN 20 JAN 23 FEB 5 JAN 30 FEB 4 SEP 30 MAR 11 JUNE 23 JUNE 27 MAR 12 FEB 25 JAN 8 MAR 13 JAN 22 MAR 4 MAR 27

ROCHESTER SLAYTON ST CHARLES ZUMBROTA STRAFFORD BOZEMAN CIRCLE LEWISTOWN SIDNEY ALMA ATKINSON GOTHENBURG CLOVIS ALBANY AUBURN BATAVIA LOWVILLE SMITHVILLE PENDLETON TILLAMOOK EAST EARL HUNTINGDON MEADVILLE

STATE

59 31

47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69

DATE

CITY

MAR 4 JAN 23 FEB 12 FEB 21 FEB 19 FEB 20 FEB 22 OCT 21 SEPT 9 NOV 14 FEB 17 FEB 18 JAN 7 MAR 11 FEB 13 FEB 11 FEB 3 FEB 5 FEB 4 FEB 12 FEB 12 FEB 10 FEB 10

PUNXSUTAWNEY SHIPPENSBURG DELL RAPIDS HIGHMORE KADOKA MITCHELL WATERTOWN COLUMBIA STEPHENVILLE HARRISONBURG BETHEL ENOSBURG FALLS MOSES LAKE SUNNYSIDE EAU CLAIRE BALDWIN FOND DU LAC GREEN BAY KELLY LAKE MARATHON CITY PLATTEVILLE SHIOCTON WAUNAKEE

STATE

22 23

50 12

5 17

9 15

65 64

63 26

66 68

20 49

61 62 25

PA PA SD SD SD SD SD TN TX VA VT VT WA WA WI WI WI WI WI WI WI WI WI

MN MN MN MN MO MT MT MT MT NE NE NE NM NY NY NY NY OH OR OR PA PA PA

67 14

13 56

54 1

36 8 55

j 2014 Genex Membership Meeting Locations

H O R I Z O N S

M E M B E R S H I P

M AT T E R S

GENEX LISTENS TO DELEGATE INPUT

enex member-elected delegates gathered at nine meetings throughout the U.S. to collaborate, gain insight and provide input on the future of the cooperative.

“These fall meetings have become the backbone of our decision-making process at the board level. Delegates represent a great cross section of member diversity. Delegates cross over all generational groups, geography, seedstock versus commercial and herd sizes,” commented Doug Wilson, Genex COO. The fall input meetings, led by Genex board members and senior management staff, inform delegates and alternates about updates within the cooperative, generate discussion on real issues and gather input that guides the board and staff in making decisions that impact the cooperative. Key discussions at this year’s meetings involved communication, cooperative law and genetic planning. Genex truly values the input and opinion of its delegates as this communication within the cooperative’s governance chain is essential to the future. History shows many ideas and concepts were first discussed at the Genex fall meetings before being implemented by the cooperative. “As Genex continues to grow,” notes Wilson, “the value of structured grassroots input continues to be an asset. The delegate system always was and always will be valuable in this cooperative.” 

GENEX MEMBER DEFINITION TO CHANGE

fter reviewing delegate and alternate input received at fall delegate meetings in 2011, the Genex board and CRI governance committee supported changing the Genex member definition for 2015. Their recommendation increases the amount of annual allocatable expenditures required to be a Genex member from $200 to $500. The CRI board voted to change the Genex member definition as recommended. It goes into effect in 2015. 

2014 CRI ANNUAL MEETING SLATED FOR JAN. 28-29

IS SHE or ISN’T SHE? Know pregnancy status as early as 29 days post breeding with DG29™ blood pregnancy testing!

Genex

embers elected as delegates have the opportunity to attend the fifth annual national meeting for Genex and CRI in Bloomington, Minn., on January 28-29, 2014. The event features break-out sessions on current issues, the annual meetings of CRI and Genex and a banquet. Delegate expenses are paid to and from the meeting. 

Cooperative, Inc. A Subsidiary of Cooperative Resources International

Shawano, WI • Phone 888/333-1783 www.crinet.com

A Product of:

Testing conducted at Dairy One, Ithaca, N.Y. AgSource Laboratories, Menonomie, Wis. AgSource Laboratories, Jerome, Idaho DG29 is a product of Conception Animal Reproduction Technologies www.conception-animal.com. ©2013 CRI

H O R I Z O N S

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CRI HOSTS 130 DAIRY PRODUCERS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

J Martin Hahn of Genex shows GENESIS young stock housing to Profit Tour participants.

G The group from Pakistan with AVP of International Marketing, Bob Stratton at United Pride Dairy.

n early October, 130 visitors from 20 countries attended the annual CRI Profit Tour. This educational event presented participants with examples of profitable dairy genetics and commercial dairy operations. Participants began the tour in Madison, Wis., at the World Dairy Expo where they had the opportunity to witness over 2,500 head of exceptional cattle being exhibited on the famous colored shavings, and speak with agricultural companies about innovative research, technology, products and services at the trade show. The tour then continued to the CRI and Genex world headquarters, including viewing bulls such as 1HO07235 TOYSTORY, 1HO10824 TANGO, 1HO10837 FLYN,

1HO10490 GALAXY, 1HO10028 FLOYD and 1JE00794 ZAYD. The new, 28,000 sq. ft., CRI Distribution Center and Stony Hill production facility completed the Shawano, Wis., tours. The highlight of the event was visiting U.S. dairy herds, where participants gained insight into farming practices while visiting with Wisconsin dairy producers. The group toured Dallmann’s East River Dairy of Brillion, Wis.; Hall’s Calf Ranch of Kewaunee, Wis.; Pagel’s Ponderosa also of Kewaunee, Wis.; Ruedinger Farms, Inc. of Van Dyne, Wis.; and United Pride Dairy, LLC of Phillips, Wis. 

SMILE TO WIN AT WORLD DAIRY EXPO

uring the 2013 World Dairy Expo, the CRI and Genex booth was home to a popular social media contest. To enter, participants had to take a photo with a representative from CRI in the booth and then put it on Facebook or Twitter. Entries were compiled and winners were selected at random. Contest winners were: • Tim Zweber of Elko, Minn. – MVE semen tank • Jennifer Orchard of Colombus, Wis. – $500 Genex certificate • Dan Hinz of Pickett, Wis. – $500 Genex certificate 

H O R I Z O N S

Congratulations to our 1 st Place Coloring Contest Winner! Charlie, age 8, from Bonduel, Wisconsin. A special thanks to all who entered. We thoroughly enjoyed all of your hard work!

Let John Deere Financial Color Your World! Rely on us for all of your financing needs. Genex is pleased to offer John Deere Financial to provide you with finance options to meet the specific needs of your operation. Whether thinking about the next day or the next generation, John Deere Financial is a name you can rely on.

TA I NB LT EH EO FN E CW O N S T E N T S

100,000 WHAT? By: Brenda Brady // Public Relations Specialist, CRI

When you meet Landis Beyor, Genex Breeding Program Specialist (BPS), you are immediately drawn to his huge smile and infectious laugh. I instantly felt at ease traveling with him through some of the most beautiful countryside I had ever seen. The winding dirt roads around St. Albans, Vt., led us to farms nestled neatly in the valleys of the Green Mountains. The first snowfall of the season had just blanketed the upper elevations, and I realized the amount of dedication Landis needs to possess, especially during the winter months, to ensure cows are bred, even on snowy mornings when plows haven’t yet been through. And, he has traveled those roads 30,000 to 35,000 miles a year for the past 22 years with no hint of slowing down. Beginning his career with Eastern A.I., a Genex predecessor, Landis has witnessed many changes in the industry from genomics to larger farm sizes to working in a Genex service team. He has accepted these changes in stride.

RST FF IIRST

100,000

milestone

SEE

RRVVIICCEE

hat is 100,000 first services? That is a question I needed to fully understand before I could tackle writing this article. I discovered the following information online, “The National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) provides recognition to various persons in the A.I. industry who have reached significant milestones in their careers. One such award is given to insemination technicians with benchmarks of 35,000, 100,000, 150,000 and 200,000 first service cows inseminated.” I even did a little investigation to find that as of July 2013, only 235 individuals have reached the prestigious 100,000 first services level. But what I really wanted to know was, what does it take to achieve longevity and success in the A.I. business? What drives someone to allow them to get to the 100,000 first services level? Those were answers that could not be found on the Internet. So, I traveled to Vermont and New York to meet with two Genex representatives who recently reached this milestone to uncover their not-so-secret secrets.

ones that gave hints to their reproductive condition. However, it was the time he spent with producers that most caught my attention. In a time of automation and mechanization, people still want and need personal contact, and Landis is the perfect individual to help with their questions or concerns. Teammate Scott Sanderson notices this as well, “He is totally committed to the farmers, and they are thankful for it. Every time I go to one of his farms the farmers always want to talk about Landis and how great of a guy he is.” In his free time Landis enjoys spending time with his family Wendi, Libby and Collin. He also appreciates the Vermont weather for two of his other hobbies, snowmobiling and watching hockey.

Being a BPS is so much more than just breeding cows as I learned watching Landis expertly navigate several different computer systems on multiple farms and quietly scan through pens of hundreds of animals stopping briefly to double-check

J Landis is always observing, watching for signs of heat.

G After 100,000 first services, preparing a breeding gun may have become routine, but it still requires the utmost attention.

J Landis and Clement Gervais of Gervais Dairy Farm where Landis performed his 100,000th first service on August 19, 2013.

H O R I Z O N S

Story continued on next page…

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J Mark enters breeding data into the computer and uses several checks to be certain all data is correct.

I immediately recognized that my day with Team Leader Mark Hodge would be interesting when the first words out of his mouth turned the interview onto me, “So tell me about you,” he said.

That standard is now echoed by teammates as Mark is clearly a role model for all. “His perseverance is addictive and it continues to drive me to be better,” notes BPS Melanie Harper.

As my morning progressed, I discovered those first words were indicative of Mark’s personality. He is a fantastic listener and wants to know more about every situation, not just taking them at face value, but truly attempting to understand them. Team member Doug Haggerty says this of Mark, “He is very analytical and asks the tough questions of his clients and fellow teammates to get people thinking.” I witnessed this at several locations during my visit. If the producer had an issue, they shared it with Mark, even if it didn’t have anything to do with the A.I. industry. It was evident he is a problem solver and integral to the operation of the farms he services. Area Marketing Manager Jim Vitale says it best, “It’s because he cares.”

Mark achieved 100,000 first services on Tuesday, November 12, 2013. Time away from his career is spent building homes. Mark’s current project is a retreat on Grindstone Island for his family, wife, Janelle, and children Camron, age 6 and Morgan, age 7. He also enjoys racing boats and riding his motorcycle.

G After palpating a uterine horn, Mark explains the probable cause of reproductive issues to David Zehr at Brown Dairy.

J Striving to learn more, Mark discusses computer issues with Russ Brown of Brown Dairy.

Mark, a Genex Team Leader 1, has been caring for dairy producers in the Watertown, N.Y., area for the past 26 years. He, too, has seen his share of changes in the industry. One of the biggest was the shift from working as an individual to being a part of a breeding team. According to Mark, this has been a great change, allowing him to provide increased service to his members and customers. Over the years he has followed the exceptional service model trading quantity for quality and it shows according to teammate Kaitlyn Mahar, “To keep it simple, he sets the standard for service to our members.”

So while I discovered there were many differences between these fantastic Genex employees, what I really uncovered is they are very much alike. They are both incredibly dedicated to their career, the members and customers they serve and the dairy industry as a whole. The only constant in their careers has been constant change, and they have embraced each new development as an opportunity. Mark and Landis’ producers receive honest, intelligent and relevant advice from two men that this author witnessed to be, not just their Genex representatives, but friends. 

H O R I Z O N S

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EMPLOYEES REWARDED FOR

EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE, RECOGNIZED WITH

MISSION AWARDS

Joel’s past work experience involves numerous roles within Genex. After two summers as a marketing intern, he became a full-time employee providing cattle reproductive service. He went on to work as a sales representative before accepting a position within the Genex employee training department. Joel’s leadership ability was truly visible as he taught and mentored J Joel Delzer Area Marketing Manager many classes of new employees. Today he dedicates his time to Shawano, Wisconsin developing the 30 employees who serve members and customers throughout northeast Wisconsin and the majority of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The Area Marketing Manager position enables Joel to apply skills learned from his master’s in business administration education program. “Joel does an outstanding job creating a positive work environment for his employees,” explains Greg Hoffman, Regional Marketing Manager. “He works hard to provide the support his staff needs to be successful. He hires tough, trains well and then sets challenging yet realistic goals with expectations his staff will attain.”  1 0

H O R I Z O N S

J Marcos Castillo Territory Sales Manager Roswell, New Mexico

In July 2007, Marcos joined Genex working as an Independent Contractor marketing dairy semen. In May 2012, he became a full-time employee operating a sales truck route that covers a large portion of the state of New Mexico – including the Albuquerque, Roswell and Las Cruces areas – as well as a portion of the Texas Panhandle. As a Territory Sales Manager, his sales area covers many miles, but includes several pockets of dairies with large numbers of cows.

According to Area Marketing Manager Devin Sumption, Marcos does an excellent job working with members and customers and relates to them on a personal level. “Marcos has a personal connection with a number of dairy producers. He understands the culture of the area and works very hard.” 

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THE FAB 5 Doug Comstock

Chris Lowe

David Rice

Rolland Sears

Howard Klein

York, New York

Pavilion, New York

Le Roy, New York

Perry, New York

Retsof, New York

A strong dedication to the Genex members they serve as well as their team members, makes the Fab 5 service team deserving of a Mission Award. The team works around New York’s Letchworth State Park, providing reproduction service to dairies from Avon, N.Y., south to Nunda, west to Pike and north to Pavilion. Demonstrating their effectiveness and commitment, the team also services several herds outside their area simply because they have been requested.

The Fab 5 makes daily stops at 20 dairies. Nineteen of these daily stops (totaling 15,000 cows and heifers) involve providing full service heat detection and artificial insemination programs. In total, the team serviced cows within 80 herds last year. Together, they average a 25.3% pregnancy rate. As noted by the team’s Area Marketing Manager, “Doug has been a true leader and has mentored the rest of the group to follow him in every way.” Symbolizing

that leadership attribute, Doug also recognizes several other Genex staff members who contributed to the team’s success. Tech Specialist Charles O’Donnell and Breeding Program Specialist Joe Elmore both joined the team within the past several months. In addition, Territory Sales Manager Jan Longacre and Dairy Regional Account Manager Dave Keller have both been integral support staff. 

CASEY HONORED WITH KEVIN BOYLE LEADERSHIP AWARD

J Bill Casey Territory Sales Manager River Falls, Wisconsin

Bill has dedicated more than 30 years to Genex members and customers. His experience began while a summer intern with Minnesota Valley Breeders. He furthered his tenure accepting a relief artificial insemination service position, followed by time as an Area Sales Manager. Currently, and for most of his career, Bill has been the provider of Genex genetics and products to producers in western Wisconsin and a portion of eastern Minnesota. This Area Sales Representative or Territory Sales Manager position is what he truly enjoys. “I enjoy the genetics part of the business, to see the herd improvements made through the selection of good genetics. The second part of what makes this job so great is the relationships formed with the members and customers I work with,” explains Bill. Having worked with Bill for most of his 30 years, Regional Marketing

Manager Greg Hoffman describes the characteristics that earned Bill the 2013 Kevin Boyle Leadership Award. “Bill has an immediate positive impact on everyone he comes in contact with. He is perceived by Genex staff, members and customers as a genuine, sincere individual with a high level of integrity. He works hard to set a high level of performance for both Genex and the A.I. industry.” Greg goes on to add, “Bill has always stayed the course with a very positive attitude. He’s a team influencer and just a good person.” Having known Kevin Boyle, whom the leadership award is named after, Bill is honored to be the award recipient. “Kevin and I never worked together directly, but we were area sales managers at the same time. From knowing Kevin and the kind of individual he was, I am honored to receive the award.” 

About the Kevin Boyle Leadership Award The Kevin Boyle Leadership Award is presented to one Genex employee annually. The award was established in honor of Kevin Boyle, a former Genex employee who demonstrated vision, devotion and pride for the cooperative. Recipients of the award exceed expectations in the following five categories: commitment to improving farm reproduction and genetics, willingness to help others, ability to provide superior support services, excellence in communication skills and positive attitude.

H O R I Z O N S

1 1

Put Your Mind and Her Mind…

at ease Profitability & Calving Ease

Number of Bulls ≥ +$750 Lifetime Net Merit and ≤ 6.0% Sire Calving Ease

12 10

SEMEX

ALTA

SELECT

ACCELERATED

ABS

Number of Bulls

GENEX

8 6 4 2 0

USDA-CDCB/12-13, HA-USA/12-13, IB-M/USA/12-13, HA-M/USA/12-13. Based on December 2013 active Holstein lineups.

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WANNER PROVIDES COOPERATIVE INSIGHT IN SOUTH AFRICA

n August, Genex and CRI board member Alfred Wanner, Jr. of Narvon, Pa., traveled to South Africa to speak at a cooperative foundations seminar. The seminar was a joint effort between CRI and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under a Cooperative Development Program (CDP) grant. The two-day seminar held in Jeffreys Bay, Queenstown and Kokstad, attracted 98 attendees from 14 South African agriculture cooperatives. Participants learned about cooperative principles, the roles and responsibilities of members and the board of directors, and strategic planning. As a speaker, Wanner shared the knowledge and experience he has gained while serving as a cooperative director for the past 17 years. “I see my role at these meetings as relating farmer-to-farmer,” explains Wanner. “When I share my experiences, they are surprised to see the similarities between U.S. and South African cooperatives. I share my experiences, and I relate how we have tried to solve comparable problems. It gives them encouragement to see how cooperative businesses in the U.S. started small and have grown. They have the same opportunity to grow and become successful.” CRI strives to cooperate with cooperatives by heading a USAID-funded CDP in Nicaragua and South Africa. This CDP grant is committed to developing cooperatives into successful enterprises through mentoring and training. 

PAY AHEAD FOR 2014

enex is offering a prepayment program for 2014 business. This enables you to pay ahead for some or all of your 2014 purchases during 2013. In return, you receive a credit on your account. Any prepayment amount for your service, semen and product purchases will be accepted; however please note all resulting credits must be used in 2014.

PAY AHEAD FOR 2014 PURCHASES,

EARN A 5% CREDIT!

If you take advantage of the pay ahead program, a 5% credit will be added to your January 2014 activity statement (which you receive in February), based upon the amount of credit remaining on your Genex open account as of December 31, 2013. For those using John Deere Financial for Genex purchases, the amount paid in the pay ahead program will be credited to your Genex account until all money has been used. To participate, contact your Genex representative for a pay ahead agreement. All agreements and monies must be dated no later than December 31, 2013 and be received at Genex headquarters by January 15, 2014. 

H O R I Z O N S

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NO MATTER HERD SIZE, FOCUS OR GOALS … GENEX HAS EMPLOYEES DEDICATED TO MEETING YOUR NEEDS

k Genex Dairy Regional Account Managers (left to right): Xavier Avila, Kurt Jochimsen, Bob Brahmstadt, Anthony Ling, Adam Koppes, Rachael Raddatz, David Keller, Allison Wood, Bill Krivanek, Derek Kolpack and Josh Keplar.

By: Kurt Jochimsen // Dairy Sales Development Manager, Genex

hether you consider your herd to be large or small, whether you want to focus on production or efficiency, whether you want to be a top reproduction herd or one of the highest genetic merit herds, Genex staff are committed to helping you develop your herd into what you want it to be. Genex has more than 550 sales, service and consulting staff nationwide helping members and customers maximize their bottom line. Together, these individuals provide customized genetic and reproductive programs, including corrective mating, heat detection, artificial insemination, synchronization protocol management, data analysis, on-farm training, complete herd consulting and much more. Among those 550 Genex sales, service and consulting staff members are several teams of individuals dedicated to very specific roles. For instance, the U.S. Technical Services team is a very knowledgeable team of individuals who excel in herd management and reproductive consulting. They help producers and their farm management teams identify challenges and implement protocols for improvement. They are experienced in working alongside producers to develop genetic strategies. The Technical Services team also includes individuals who develop and operate innovative programs such as Dairy Performance Navigator™ and Calf Math™. With changes in numbers of herds and herd sizes over the years, Genex has looked for ways to better serve the needs of

herds with different demographics. Previously, National Account Managers were identified who work with large dairies to help meet their specific needs. These individuals are adept at scaling recommendations to the dairy’s size, are knowledgeable in coordinating logistics across a dairy’s multiple facilities, and focus on overcoming challenges and maintaining consistency when decisions can affect large numbers of cows. A newly introduced Dairy Regional Account Manager team operates in a similar manner. This 10-person team, working primarily with mid-sized dairies, focuses on being current on Genex and industry happenings and innovations. Their knowledge and availability to meet with producers makes them a powerful resource when considering a change in herd goals or a new management direction. These individuals work hard to build and sustain relationships between the cooperative and the cooperative’s member owners. Wherever you are located, whatever your goals are, whatever your herd size is, Genex has a whole network of experts available to assist. Genex representatives are devoted to providing reputable service, high fertility genetics, profitable genetics and much more. If you need assistance in any genetic, reproduction or herd management area, contact your local Genex representative. Your representative, or another member of the Genex network of experts, can assist you in developing your herd into what you want it to be.  G (Far left) Breeding Program Specialist Dean Griswold pulls a straw of semen before performing A.I. G U.S. Technical Services staff look over the cows at Dufek Dairy. G Genex Territory Sales Manager Jim Engle delivers semen to West Point Farms in Idaho.

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ANNOUNCING A CHANGE IN LIQUID NITROGEN DELIVERY

he delivery of liquid nitrogen (LN2) to Genex members and customers is a vital part of our service commitment. In reviewing our business model to gain efficiencies and with input from the board of directors, field marketing staff and management, Genex has decided to dedicate specific staff to deliver LN2 to members and customers.

Your local sales representative, called a Territory Sales Manager, will continue to provide semen, genetic consultation, reproductive consultation and information on our complete line of products. The implementation of the LN2 delivery team enables Territory Sales Managers to be more available to meet your needs.

The LN2 delivery team will also meet your artificial insemination supply needs, including products such as breeding gloves and sheathes. This delivery service began in select areas in late November 2013. It is anticipated the service will be expanded to members and customers in the upper Midwest and Northeast by January 1, 2014.

Additionally, your cooperative will benefit from new cost saving measures. The current fleet of trucks will be transitioned to more user-friendly vans that increase the comfort, health and safety of Genex staff and operate more fuel efficiently. With our commitment to customer service, the new vehicles have the space needed to have products readily available

Life Event Supplements by CRI Scours are common on days 5, 10 and 21 of a calf’s life.1 Use NuLife® Oral Electrolytes and NuLife ReBOUND™ to correct dehydration, acidosis and electrolyte loss and help supply healthy bacteria in the gut.

such as, Life Event Supplements featuring NuLife® ReBOUND™, a product that increases the health and welfare of calves and cattle. 

CRI CALF COATS hrough T l a i c e p S n o 1st! December 3

5 10 21

To order, contact your Genex rep.

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profitshop.crinet.com

Genex

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H O R I Z O N S

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P R O O F

H I G H L I G H T S

PROOF HIGHLIGHTS

Get The Inside Scoop! Traits Included in Lifetime Net Merit

GENESIS NEW GRADS WILL WOW YOU!

tion Traits 35%

uc Prod

4 8%

MORE SIRES TO WATCH

its Tra

With superb component yields (+61 lbs Protein, +101 lbs Fat), Massey grandson 1HO11022 SALVINO stands at +$915 Cheese Merit. His LNM (+$807) is also impressive. Appealing conformation (+2.46 Type) and outstanding udders (+2.26 Udder Composite) are also part of his repertoire. 

Fat 19%

p. 4%

An outcross sire, 1HO10895 PRAISE (Yano x Champ) also has an incredible ability to improve herd health and fitness with +7.7 Productive Life, +2.50 SCS and +2.4 DPR.

lvin

FL Com

J Dam of TAURINO: Ms Pride Plnt Tasket 788-ET, VG-85, VG-MS

A son of GENESIS cow Tasket (the 2012 number one LNM and TPI cow), 1HO11427 TAURINO (Day x Planet) debuts at +$812 LNM and possesses outstanding conformation figures: +2.58 PTA Type and +2.70 Udder Composite. Daughters should also exhibit longevity as indicated by his +7.7 Productive Life.

DPR 11%

e -6%

1HO11200 LOMBARDI (Yano x Man-OMan) transmits quality milk production. He leads the lineup with a very low +2.36 SCS combined with +1300 Milk. His excellent health traits (+6.4 Productive Life, 5.4% SCE) contribute to his respectable +$813 LNM.

SCS -10% Protein 16%

Body Siz

Our new daughter fertility leader at +3.5 Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR) is 1HO11018 QUAERO (Armitage x Ramos). QUAERO excels in the other health and fitness traits as well – +6.5 Productive Life, +2.59 Somatic Cell Score (SCS) – and is a great option for heifer pens at 4.8% Sire Calving Ease (SCE). This sire also sports a big +$821 LNM and increases Fat (+0.15%).

Productive Life 22%

lth

1HO10890 ADRIAN, with a Denim x Super x Zade profit-packed pedigree, is the highest new graduate at +$835 LNM. He’s a health and fitness leader adding a remarkable eight more months of productivity (+8.2 Productive Life) and creating daughters that conceive easily (+3.0 Daughter Pregnancy Rate). He rounds out his evaluations with +2375 TPI™.

enex introduced 24 new sires to the lineup. Six are above the elite +$800 Lifetime Net Merit (LNM) threshold. What’s even more impressive is all six are all tied to your own GENESIS Cooperative Herd!

bil

ity

Udder Comp. 7%

Conforma

ti o n

j Traits Included in Lifetime Net Merit

GENEX AGAIN

DOMINATES

THE LIFETIME NET MERIT LIST 1

HO09800 ERDMAN (Planet x Ramos) claimed the top of the daughterproven Lifetime Net Merit (LNM) list with +$803. 1HO08784 FREDDIE remained high again this proof run coming in at #4 with +$747 LNM. 1HO09527 MASSEY came in sixth (+$711 LNM) and 1HO09167 O-STYLE grabbed the #11 spot with a LNM of +$678. 

ince his release last December, 1HO10396 CABRIOLET has continued to amaze. He is an exciting outcross sire with +$874 LNM, +1585 lbs Milk and a whopping +158 lbs combined Fat and Protein! If you are looking for well put together sires that know how to put milk in the tank, look no further, 1HO10788 JACEY tops our TPI list with +2468. He adds +1716 lbs Milk and +134 lbs combined Fat and Protein. 1HO10824 TANGO is the complete conformation package with +2.99 Type, +3.11 Udder Composite and +2.24 Foot & Leg Composite. With an impressive +2238 lbs of Milk, you will notice his daughters in the herd! 

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H O R I Z O N S

J Co-op RB Erdman Alane-ET

P R O O F

H I G H L I G H T S

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

GENEX CONTINUES THE JERSEY EVOLUTION s Now offering nearly 40 Jersey sires s #1 JPI™ sire in the breed 1JE00711 PLUS s Breed-leading +$680 Cheese Merit (CM) from 1JE00792 MACHETE s 14 sires over +$540 CM s 14 sires over +3.50 Jersey Udder Index™ (JUI) s 12 sires over +200 JPI s 15 sires over +1.5 PTA Type

1JE00711 PLUS THE COMPLETE PACKAGE!

LUS leads the charge as the #1 JPI sire! This Iatola son is now at 98% reliability on his production proof and +222 JPI with over 600 daughters in his type proof. At +1.7 Type with a JUI of +2.78, he still maintains over 1700 pounds of Milk in his proof. PLUS daughters put milk in the tank and look good doing it! 

NEW ADDITIONS G

enex added 10 new Jersey sires to our lineup including three above +$600 CM! 1JE00843 FLASHBACK is an exciting DOMINICAN son with +$667 CM and an elite JPI of +229. FLASHBACK leads the charge on health traits with an impressive +1.0 Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR) and huge +6.4 Productive Life. He is +1.2 on Type and +2.96 JUI. 1JE00846 CHUCK is another new DOMINICAN son added to the lineup. He ranks third in our list for CM at +$633, with over 110 pounds combined Fat and Protein and an impressive +1.2 Type. He also boasts a +3.36 JUI and +213 JPI. 1JE00838 AJAX is a DOMINICAN x Renegade that goes back to the great Anthem family from Sunset Canyon. Ranking fourth in our lineup for CM at +$607, AJAX is also +204 and in our top 10 for JPI. In addition, he is a big health trait leader with +1.3 DPR and +5.6 Productive Life. 1JE00849 UPBEAT is our leader for JUI with an impressive +6.52. This Visionary son also ranks in well in JPI at +206 and is our Type leader at +2.5. 1JE00847 EVOLUTION also has a huge JUI at +6.22. Right at +200 JPI this Paul x Valentino is a nice combination of Milk (+1238) and Type (+1.8). 1JE00848 ILLUSION is another Visionary son out of a Tbone with an impressive +215 JPI. He also comes in with a +3.85 JUI. 1JE00829 ACCURACY is a different pedigree being an Arrow x CSCNavara. ACCURACY is +194 JPI with an impressive +133 pounds of combined Fat and Protein. 

MORE UPWARD TRENDS

J Grazeland Plus Krystaleen, VG-87%

NEW ‘P’OLLED SIRES

hree new additions are polled sires. 1JE00845 DOMINIC-P is a breed leader for polled genetics at +296 JPI, +$519 CM and +3.90 JUI. 1JE00842 LANCELOT-P is a power house on JUI at +6.06! This Critic-P son out of Celebrity is +1.7 on Type with a +0.4 DPR and +3.4 Productive Life. 1JE00840 MALIBU-P comes in at +$500 CM and an impressive +4.74 JUI. This Critic-P x Legion is a great Fat sire at +0.18% with +161 JPI. 

JE00792 MACHETE dominates the Jersey CM list taking a huge jump to +$680 with +137 pounds combined Fat and Protein and still maintaining over 1500 pounds of Milk. In addition he has a +236 JPI making him our leader for JPI as well. 1JE00654 ALLSTAR increased in both JPI (+160) as well as CM (+$575). With an exceptional pedigree this Maximus son out of the legendary Sunset Canyon MBSB Anthem-ET, EX-95% has earned great customer satisfaction. With over 700 daughters in his type proof, ALLSTAR maintains +1.0 on Type and +3.98 JUI, complemented by great fertility (+3.6 Sire Conception Rate, 103 PregCheck™). 1JE00803 SCORE jumped in JPI to +212 and CM to +$536. This Vibrant son adds exceptional milk yield and elite longevity. 1JE00700 LEXICON took a leap in JPI now at +179 earning him the #17 position on the JPI list of daughter-proven sires. Rising to +4.26 JUI, this Lexington son is +$523 CM with positive Fat and Protein percentages. This “no holes” sire also increased his Sire Conception Rate (SCR) to +1.4. 1JE00801 MADDEN crossed the 200 JPI threshold. He is an extremely well balanced sire with a +3.0 SCR. 

J Dam of MACHETE: Sunset Canyon Impuls L Maid 4-ET, VG-87%

H O R I Z O N S

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GENESIS T

AN E O F YOUR HERD

YEARS

THE UR

F YOUR HERD EO A OU

THE

IN THE BEGINNING …

25 YEARS LATER: CELEBRATING OUR SILVER ANNIVERSARY

G E N E T I C A L LY

S P E A K I N G

A SILVER ANNIVERSARY

CELEBRATION

ith the new year comes a new celebration – 2014 marks the silver anniversary of the GENESIS Cooperative Herd. The GENESIS herd idea was conceived and developed back in 1989. Twenty-five years later, the positive impact is undeniable. Angie Coburn, Associate Vice President-Dairy Genetics, explains the what, how and why of GENESIS.

Q: WHAT IS GENESIS? WHY HAS IT LASTED 25 YEARS? A: The GENESIS Cooperative Herd is a herd of Holstein and

Q: WHAT MAKES GENESIS GENETICS ACCURATE? A: The facts prove GENESIS has powerful precision. In addition

GENESIS was built on a foundation of rapid genetic progress and accurate female genetic evaluations. In other words, we have focused on management of elite commercial females in a real-world setting. These founding principles enable us to celebrate this silver anniversary and claim the longest running nucleus breeding program in North America.

Q: WHY HAS GENESIS EXPANDED INTO JERSEYS IN 2013? A: The growth of the Jersey breed is far beyond a fad and

F YOUR HERD EO A

YEARS

THE

herd was genomic tested in 2008. The results immediately validated past efforts to breed for elite and accurate genetics. Now with genomic selection of males and females at a very young age, we are able to better accomplish GENESIS goals of faster genetic progress with shorter generation intervals. The pure speed of genomics is almost fantastic. In only a threeyear period the number of GENESIS females ranking in the top 5% of the industry increased by tenfold.

Following Yoyo as the number one cow in 2012 was MS Pride Plnt Tasket 788ET, VG-85. With her spectacular udder, Tasket is a medium-sized cow standing on a correct set of feet and legs. Thus she is the balance of profitable conformation from which to breed. Her 38 offspring already genomic tested average an outstanding +$736 LNM, including six bulls over +$800 LNM. 

Q: HOW HAS GENOMICS AFFECTED THE GENESIS HERD? A: As part of the early research, nearly the entire GENESIS

A maternal sister to MASSEY is Co-op Boliver Yoyo-ET, VG-85, VG-MS, DOM, the former number one LNM and GTPI cow of 2011. When genomic breeding values were first released, Yoyo was a young heifer and one of the first flushes where we utilized a genomic-proven mating sire. The result was 1HO10097 YUENGLING – the first bull in the U.S. to be marketed as the result of using two yearling animals as parents.

To effectively accomplish this objective, we have to “draw water from a deep well.” In other words, we select the best females from more than 45,000 milking cows and breeding age heifers housed among the 19 sites. These donor females provide not only elite genetics, but unequaled genetic diversity. The final result is sires that provide you the opportunity to easily improve the genetics of your herd and a no fuss means to manage inbreeding.

O-STYLE’s dam, Kings-Ransom TM Deva CRI-ET, VG-88, VGMS, DOM was a prolific embryo donor and was flushed up until 12 years of age. Unlike most bull mothers, Deva’s genetic ranking made her relevant late in life with the ability to transmit the magic combination of high yield while improving DPR and Udder Composite. Until her death earlier this year, it was thought Deva was among the seven oldest living cows in the U.S. over +$550 Lifetime Net Merit (LNM).

“to make available higher genetic merit bulls that will return more profit to the cooperative and its members.” My definition of today’s breeding goals are quite similar: we select for profitable genetics as defined by our members’ needs.

recognized GENESIS sires today.

AN E O F YOUR HERD

H O R I Z O N S

Q: WHAT ARE THE BREEDING GOALS OF GENESIS? A: The goal stated back in that newsletter article from 1989 was

Q: WHO HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL GENESIS ANIMALS? A: 1HO09527 MASSEY and 1HO09167 O-STYLE are two well-

directors, dairy genetics staff obtained more than 50 heifers to begin a trial. As stated in an article in the cooperative’s Visions newsletter from November 1989, the trial was to evaluate use of an embryo program to “supply healthy, young bulls for the young sire sampling program that can meet the increasingly strict health requirements of the future.” Obviously that trial was successful and the GENESIS herd has since been greatly expanded.

arguably the most noticeable trend in the U.S. dairy industry. In August, we announced the inclusion of Jerseys, an initiative endorsed by the Genex board of directors. Through the inclusion of Jerseys, we plan to increase the availability of Jersey semen globally and develop genetics that provide maximum profit potential and adequate diversity for our members and customers. Like other GENESIS initiatives, this program complements the sire acquisitions we conduct with many valued producers. Together we can develop Jersey genetics that carry this breed to new heights.

Q: HOW WAS THE GENESIS HERD INITIATED? A: In 1989, with support from the 21st Century Genetics board of

to the unbiased herd environments, the extensive genomic testing of GENESIS cow families and their herdmates improves the accuracy and stability of genomic predictions of Co-op prefix bulls. Genex members and customers can have confidence in the genetics they use in their herds.

THE

Jersey cattle owned by the Genex membership. Co-op prefix females reside at 12 cooperator herds and five production facilities. GENESIS females are managed to develop the next generation of bulls that transmit genetic characteristics of high profitability for today’s dairy operations.

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H E R D

S TO R Y

COOPERATOR HERD:

RIVER-BRIDGE

HOLSTEINS BRILLION, WISCONSIN

Cory Ott of River-Bridge Holsteins H

ike many dairy farm families, the Ott family at River-Bridge Holsteins has a long history in dairy farming. Today the dairy is owned and operated by a husband and wife team – Lyle and Sharon – and three sons Ryan, Cory and Shay. Lyle’s father purchased the site of the current farm and milked cows there beginning back in the 1940s. Lyle’s grandfather had farmed at another nearby location. Lyle has now owned cows for nearly 50 years. Lyle and Sharon bought the farm from Lyle’s father in 1973. However, Lyle had owned cattle long before that. As he explained, he purchased his first cow in 1964. It was a registered cow for his FFA project. The dairy originally consisted of a 60-cow tiestall barn, but in fall 2006 Lyle, Sharon and their three sons made the decision to expand. They put together plans and built a new freestall barn along with a double-10 herringbone parlor. The new freestall enabled the family to grow their herd from its then size of 80 milking cows. With an eye on genetics, son Cory explained their decision was to expand the herd, primarily from within, over time. Presently they are milking about 225 cows. Around 99% of the herd is registered Holsteins.

Family Roles

Each family member has their role on the dairy. Lyle is active on all fronts assisting in herd management and conducting artificial insemination (A.I.). Sharon completes all of the accounting and bookwork for the dairy. Son Ryan enjoys fieldwork and handles feeding the herd. Cory has the role of herd manager. In Cory’s words, brother Shay does a little of everything. He takes care of the calves and heifers, but fulfills numerous other roles too.

Herd Genetics

In the role of herd manager, Cory makes the majority of the farm’s genetic decisions, and he seems fit for the responsibility. Cory was involved in his family’s farm growing up and throughout high school. In the fall of 1996, he enrolled in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Farm and Industry Short Course. From 2000 until 2004, he was employed full-time at Genex breeding cows, assisting with the picturing of cows, 2 0

H O R I Z O N S

mating cows through MAP™ (Mating Appraisal for Profit) and fulfilling several other duties. In 2005, he decided to go back to the farm full time. Cory’s employment with Genex had given him a glimpse into the GENESIS Cooperative Herd. He explained how he had assisted several times with the picturing of GENESIS females at cooperator herds like Harmony-Ho Holsteins and United Pride Dairy, LLC. It was that experience that led Cory to incorporate some GENESIS genetics into the River-Bridge Holsteins herd starting in 2003. In 2009, River-Bridge Holsteins was designated a GENESIS cooperator herd. Cory obviously enjoys good genetics. One could hear the excitement in his voice upon mention of 1HO11056 River-Bridge Co-op TROY-ET, the industry’s number one Lifetime Net Merit (LNM) bull 12 months old or older according to the December 2013 sire summaries, who was born at River-Bridge Holsteins. TROY is a Mogul from Co-op RB Freddie Tinley-ET, VG-85. The next dam is A-Elsbernd Tinker CRI-ET by Mascol, followed by a VG-87 Trent. The maternal granddam, Tinker, is the result of an embryo purchased for GENESIS back in 2005. Like Cory, many throughout the industry are excited about 14-month-old TROY. This family should impact the industry for years to come as TROY has several maternal siblings coming by Tango, Primus *RC, Skyline, Morgan, Predestine, Willpower, Yowza and Stoic.

G Co-op RB Freddie Tinley, VG-85, a cow from RiverBridge Holsteins and dam of the industry’s number one Lifetime Net Merit (LNM) bull 12 months old or older – 1HO11056 TROY.

H E R D Co-op Boliver Yoyo-ET, VG-85 (the industry’s top LNM and GTPI cow of 2011) also called River-Bridge Holsteins home during her first lactation and while being actively flushed. Currently Genex and CRI are marketing two Yoyo sons developed by River-Bridge: 1HO10696 Co-op RB RBT YOVANI-ET (+$781 LNM) and 1HO10853 Co-op RB SMRK YATES-ET (+$751 LNM). Yoyo’s female highlights at River-Bridge Holsteins include Co-op RB Robust Yonder-ET (+$741 LNM) and Coop RB Robust Yonkers-ET (+$739 LNM). A Yoyo granddaughter (Mogul x Clark) with a +$762 LNM and +3.56 Udder Composite also resides on the farm.

S TO R Y

GENESIS COOPERATOR HERDS T

he more than 45,000 milking and breeding age females within the GENESIS Cooperative Herd are housed at five production sites and 14 cooperator herds. The cooperator herds are located throughout the U.S. and Canada. The dairies’ owners and staff contribute their expertise and time to raising calves, performing embryo transfer and milking GENESIS females. It is within these cooperator herds that GENESIS females put their performance to the test. Cows are intensely managed to optimize production and must compete against herdmates sired by bulls of equally high genetic merit. These cooperator herds are the unbiased real-world setting that contributes to the credibility and stability of GENESIS animals’ genetic evaluations.

J 1HO10696 YOVANI

J 1HO10853 YATES

The Otts have done a great job developing the River-Bridge Planet Bow cow family too. This family traces back to one of the original GENESIS females incorporated into the River-Bridge herd in 2003. Bow currently has a +$868 LNM Numero Uno daughter being flushed for creation of future GENESIS generations. While producing cows and bulls of great genetics is something to be proud of, we all know it also takes hard work. Cory and his father are the ones out there each day conducting A.I., and their local veterinarian completes the embryo work flushing three to four cows each month. Cory must believe the work is worth it because he and his family are prepared to care for future generations of elite genetics; they are just completing construction of a brand new calf barn. In the end, it all comes down to the fact Cory likes “cows that look nice and milk well.”  ©2013 CRI

s Aardema Dairies, Jerome, Idaho s Brandvale Dairy Farm, Ellsworth, Wis. s Brown-Star Farms, Gillett, Wis. s Double A Dairy, Jerome, Idaho s Dryhouse Farm, Belleville, Pa. s Dykstra Dairy, Maurice, Iowa s Fairmont Farm Inc., East Montpelier, Vt. s Harmony-Ho Holsteins, Stratford, Wis. s Heidi Farms Inc., Bainsville, Ontario, Can. s Hyde-Park Holsteins, Zumbro Falls, Minn. s River-Bridge Holsteins, Brillion, Wis. s Schmidt’s Ponderosa, Bonduel, Wis. s Spring Prairie Dairy, Hawley, Minn. s United Pride Dairy, LLC, Phillips, Wis. 

This is the first in a series of stories on the GENESIS cooperator herds. Follow the GENESIS 25-year celebration and cooperator herd features throughout the year.

GENESIS H O R I Z O N S

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Your Fertility Leader Has Taken the Next Step. LONG-TIME SCR LEADER

! Released in April 2013

PregCheck ™ sire fertility ranking

13! Released in August 20

SynchCheck ™

for use with sire fertility ranking rams synchronization prog

The Next Step … 2013! Released in December

PregCheck+ sire fertility ranking

™

for sexed semen

Now It’s Time to Take Yours: Use high fertility sires from your fertility leader!

I N

T H E

N E W S

INTRODUCING

A SIRE FERTILITY

RANKING FOR GENCHOICE ™ BULLS E

arlier in 2013, Genex unveiled two new internal fertility rankings, PregCheck™ and SynchCheck™. Today, the cooperative publicly announces the unveiling of a third internal fertility ranking, PregCheck+™. Referred to as PregCheck Plus, the new fertility ranking is specifically designed for the cooperative’s GenChoice 90™ sexed semen product.

PregCheck+ is easy to use. The ranking uses the same 100‑base scale as both PregCheck and SynchCheck. In this scale, 100 is average. Every point difference is equivalent to a 1% difference in conception rate. For example, if bull A has a PregCheck+ of 108 and bull B has a PregCheck+ of 100, bull A is predicted to be 8% higher in conception rate than bull B.

The PregCheck+ system utilizes pregnancy check data, rather than non-return information, enabling your cooperative to make quicker and more accurate fertility estimates on bulls.

PregCheck+ results are available through your Genex representative. We are excited to introduce PregCheck+ and believe our unique data collection and evaluation system will continue to position Genex as the undisputed fertility leader! 

FERTILITY DOMINATION COMMITMENT CONTINUES PregCheck

SynchCheck

Advantages: • Based on pregnancy check data (rather than nonreturn data) • Speed of data collection and processing provides fertility rankings sooner than past systems • Available on Holsteins and Jerseys • Easy to use!

Advantages: • The only fertility ranking specifically for use with synch programs • Available on Holsteins • Easy to use!

A sire fertility ranking

A ranking indicating sire fertility when used in a synchronization program.

PregCheck+ A fertility ranking on sires available in GenChoice 90.

Advantages: • Based on pregnancy check data (rather than nonreturn data) • Available on Holsteins and Jerseys • Easy to use!

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H E R D

M A N A G E M E N T

MONITOR, MOTIVATE AND MANAGE

WITH DAIRY PERFORMANCE NAVIGATOR By: Anne Davison // Regional Account Specialist, Genex

Figure 1

onitor, motivate and manage are three words that come to mind when I think about Dairy Performance Navigator (DPN) and important aspects of dairy farms in the 21st century. I am a member of the Genex U.S. Technical Services team working as a Regional Account Specialist in the northeast U.S., and DPN is a powerful Web-based program that allows me to take herd information and translate it into powerful profit metrics and trends. SM

Figure 2

Those metrics and trends allow producers to monitor their dairy’s performance over time as well as compare to a benchmark of herds similar in size or in the same region. Seeing where the dairy excels and where there is opportunity for improvement can be very motivating. In turn, this understanding can enable you get a better handle on the management of important aspects of herd profitability such as: herd inventory, reproduction, production, culling, milk quality, etc. I want to show you how I use DPN to bring knowledge and power to producers. DPN is a program meant to collect data over time. Just like most everything in life, the more you put into it, the more you can get out of it. From an accuracy point of view, I like to have a download or back up of herd management information to put into DPN at least once a month for every herd using the program.

Figure 3

Before meeting with a producer and/or the herd management team, I analyze the dairy’s data within DPN. The DPN dashboard provides a quick overview of herd trends on easy-to read graphs. Figures 1 through 4 are example of graphs from the dashboard. Figure 1. Herd Inventory: Cow and heifer numbers have stayed fairly consistent. There was a slight decrease in replacements starting in August. That decrease opens up a question as to why. Figure 4 2 4

H O R I Z O N S

H E R D Figure 2. Pregnancy Rate by Lactation: All lactations had a decrease in pregnancy rate from August through October. They are now back on the rise in November. The pregnancy rate decline was most likely due to summer heat. Figure 3. Average Production: Milk production averages increased from April to July. Averages then decreased from 99 lbs per cow to 85 lbs per cow in October. The average is now back to 90 lbs. This leads to further investigation and discussion on what changed within that time period. Figure 4. Heifer Pregnancy Rate and Conception Rate by Month: The heifer pregnancy rate and conception rate increased in July. For the past several months they have leveled out, decreasing only slightly from peak rates. As you can see, the dashboard provides a quick glimpse into what has changed in a herd over time. It obviously also brings up a lot of questions. To help find some of those answers, one has to dig deeper into the program and the data it provides. Each topic area – herd inventory, cow reproduction, culling, production, milk quality and so on – includes much more indepth data points. In this example, I will provide a further look into the cow reproduction and production information.

M A N A G E M E N T

Cow Reproduction

One of my favorite features of DPN is that information is provided in both graphic and table form. Table 1 includes just a very small portion of the cow reproduction information covered within the program. The table provides a benchmark, the herd’s rolling 12-month average for each data point and month by month figures. The particular herd in this example is in the top 10% of herds for average milk by herd size. As you can see, their pregnancy rate is slightly lower than the benchmark, but appears to be increasing following the “summer slump.” The percent of cows pregnant in the herd by 150 days in milk (DIM) is well above the benchmark. The percent of herd pregnant is slightly above the benchmark, having risen again following the hot months of the year. The herd’s 12-month rolling average service rate is fantastic at 6.8 points above the benchmark. Another section of DPN within the cow reproduction area breaks down conception rate by lactation (1st, 2nd, 3rd and greater). Table 2 shows conception rate information for first lactation animals. As you can see, the herd does a good job of getting animals pregnant on the first service. They have a 12-month rolling first service conception rate of 53%.

Slight decrease in overall conception

Pregnancy rate is slightly lower than the benchmark.

Benchmark

Percent of pregnant cows by 150 DIM is well above the benchmark. Percent of herd pregnant is right where it should be. Service rate is fantastic at 61.3% . o Table 1

This herd does a good job getting animals pregnant on the first service with a rolling 12-month conception rate of 53%.

H O R I Z O N S

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H E R D

M A N A G E M E N T

Milk peaked at 99 lbs in June.

Their rolling 12 average peak milk is 111 lbs, only a few pounds shy of the benchmark.

Last year in December production peaked on average at 111 DIM. Gradually the cows have started to peak earlier. With the most recent back up on 11/13/12, they are peaking at 74 DIM.

At benchmark for average DIM.

o Table 3

Production

Now, let’s move on to the herd’s production information. Table 3 is an example of some of the more in-depth production data within DPN. The data is displayed similarly to the reproduction section in that columns name the data point and show the benchmark, rolling 12-month herd average and month-by-month numbers. In this particular herd, you can see that milk production peaked at 99 lbs during June. The herd is also at the benchmark for average DIM. The herd’s rolling 12-month average for average peak milk is at 111 lbs, just short of the 113 lb benchmark. Average days to peak production has improved. The December 2012 data shows peak production at 111 DIM. In the most recent month, November 2013, milk production is peaking at 74 DIM.

Consulting

When I bring DPN to the farm, I develop a report summarizing the key events that have occurred over a given time period (Figure 5). A printed version of the report allows farm management team members to look over all important graphs and tables. DPN is a great program to help the farm management team monitor, motivate and manage. The knowledge it can provide is vast. With the ability to watch trends develop over weeks, months and eventually years, it can give producers a huge advantage in developing and monitoring management strategies.

Remember that DPN is not meant to replace good management practices but enhance what is already there. And, I understand that not all answers can be found on the computer. You also have to look at the cows out in the barn. In the end, those cows are the absolute vital organs of a dairy farm. But, if something seems awry, DPN is a good place to start. It can help farm management teams figure out when the problem may have started and thereby help to determine steps to remedy the issue.

Highlights 1

Production is on an increase

Slight decrease in pregnancy rate for lactations 1 and 3

Excellent % of Herd Pregnant

Overall Conception rate has had a slight decrease but is now back on the rise

Figure 5

For more information on DPN please feel free to contact your local Genex representative. 

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H O R I Z O N S

SIZING-UP YOUR FUTURE

Cory Ott of River-Bridge Holsteins, a GENESIS Cooperator Herd, sizes up two GENESIS cows. From left to right, Co-op Boliver Alexis-ET, dam of 1HO10471 ADIDAS and Co-op Ramos Megan-ET, dam of 1HO10647 MEANDER.

An A.I. industry geneticist was recently quoted saying, “Body size is a very heritable trait, and the current selection practices are leading to bigger and bigger cows." While this is true at some studs, Genex leads the way in creating more medium-sized cows.

Read the article: http://bit.ly/IOOEuX

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We believe the future centers around the medium-sized cow. We want to be your partner in reducing inputs and retaining yields to maximize margins. Let us help you breed the most healthy, cost-effective cow possible.

Pick the size that fits your herd goals. USDA-CDCB/12-13, HA-USA/12-13, IB-M/USA/12-13, HA-M/USA/12-13. Based on December 2013 active Holstein lineups.

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RAPID GROWTH ADDING VALUE TO

DAIRY WITH BEEF By: Steve Esch // Beef Product Support Specialist, Genex

Wulf Cattle and Genex have teamed together to add value to dairy bull calves. The state of today’s beef industry, tight supplies and record low beef cattle numbers, gives dairy producers an opportunity to capture more revenue by utilizing low genetic merit dairy animals to produce a consistent supply of superior beef x dairy calves. Here’s how it works: 1. Develop a breeding strategy including Wulf Limousin semen on Jersey or Lim-Flex® on Holsteins. 2. Genex-produced semen is delivered, and designated dairy cows are inseminated. 3. Calves are born on the dairy and routinely transported to participating calf ranches. 4. The resulting crossbred bull and heifer calves are purchased by Wulf Cattle. 5. The dairy receives a premium based on current Holstein bull calf market prices.

BREEDING FEEDING WULF x GENEX CONNECTING SUPPLY AND DEMAND

The end of the year is fast approaching and along with it, over a year of Breeding to Feeding™ success. If you haven’t heard about this program, it is a new and innovative breeding program designed to incorporate beef genetics into dairy herds to add value to the lower genetic merit animals.

This summer the first calves – from dairies that adopted Breeding to Feeding early on – were born and transported to participating calf ranches. At about 400 pounds, those crossbred calves will then enter feedlots with a targeted finished weight of 1350 to 1450 pounds.

Herds produce a beef x dairy crossbred calf from their lower genetic merit animals and, in turn, stay focused on maximizing genetic progress by utilizing only superior dairy female progeny for replacement heifer production. The resulting crossbreds add more value by being more efficient feed converters and by having more muscle. The process transforms dairy carcasses into beef carcasses, which helps dairy producers capture premiums in the beef market.

Breeding to Feeding operates as an alliance program between Genex and Wulf Cattle. Adam Zeltwanger of Wulf Cattle had the opportunity to visit with many Genex members and customers. “In my travels over the past year, I have seen dairymen ‘warm up’ to the program. We are now seeing Breeding to Feeding being embraced by a large number of dairies and that number is increasing steadily.”

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In comparing the first three months of Breeding to Feeding to the most recent three, program utilization has doubled. Currently participating calf ranches are located in eight different major cow pockets around the U.S. to help facilitate program growth.

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The Beef Supply Situation

The beef production system is hungry for a consistent, uniform and efficient supply of high quality cattle to fill consumers’ needs. Breeding to Feeding is the proven program to get the job done. The beef market faces a number of challenges as they deal with the smallest number of beef cows in the U.S. in over 60 years along with a current and projected short supply of feeder cattle. High feed costs are the reality, so feed conversion and efficiency become that much more important. Dairy cattle calve year round, compared to beef cattle which calve seasonally, so this is a welcome opportunity for feedlot owners. Today’s high feed input costs require the need for better feed efficiencies. Limousin and Lim-Flex crosses are proven, to be just what the packing industry needs: a consistent quality supply of feeders in an economically challenged beef cow/calf climate.

Based on Real-World Data

The Breeding to Feeding concept was proven in real world situations before being introduced. Genex and Wulf Cattle screen over 400 Limousin and Lim-Flex bulls for fertility and calving ease annually. Only bulls meeting specific requirements enter the testing stage. Those bulls then participate in field trials at Riverview Dairy, a partner of Wulf Cattle, before they can officially become Breeding to Feeding sires. Another example of being driven by real-world data is the successful results from harvesting the initial Breeding to Feeding crossbred animals. Those positive results enabled Wulf Cattle to recently increase premiums paid for calves entering the buyback program. Wulf Cattle’s commitment to research, resources and predictable genetics is what truly makes this program unique. Jerry Wulf, president of Wulf Cattle, states, “We as producers are faced with the daily challenge of producing more to help feed our growing population, and to do as much as possible while being aware of the environmental footprint.” He goes on to say, “We have proven that through this program we can produce both milk and beef from the same animal, and do it efficiently with the use of Limousin genetics.”

Advantages to the Dairy • Less young stock on feed reducing overall feed costs

• Breeding to Feeding bulls chosen for proven fertility and good calving ease

• Raising only high quality dairy replacements

• Buyback assurance for all healthy calves at a market premium (both males and females)

• Producing desired amount of dairy females to meet current needs and thereby improving overall efficiencies

I challenge you to think about the opportunity and the current, as well as projected, short supply of beef on the market. Dairy cull cows influence the beef market today, but now through Breeding to Feeding, dairymen can have an even bigger role in the fed cattle market. The short supply of beef feeder cattle and record low beef cow numbers in the U.S. are not going to change anytime soon. Therefore, the impact this program can have on the beef supply is exciting and will continue for years to come.

M A N A G E M E N T

Step-by-Step Maximizing the Value of Calves • Establish dairy goals for genetic quality and number of calves born per year based on economics, barriers and opportunities. • Determine number of heifer replacement calves needed per year to meet future herd goals. • Use Calf Math™ to compare potential breeding strategy outcomes. • Determine the most effective combination of semen products to create your ideal profit opportunity. • Rank females genetically using tools such as the AgSource Genetic Selection Guide, genomic testing, parent average or other custom genetic sorts. • Utilize GenChoice™ on the herd’s high-quality heifers to increase genetic progress. • Make lower genetic merit calves more marketable and increase profits. Create beef x dairy crosses through Breeding to Feeding™ with semen tested in dairy herds for fertility and calving ease. Use Wulf Limousin on Jerseys and Lim-Flex® (Limousin x Angus) on Holsteins. • Determine and communicate protocols for mating and breeding to get the preferred semen product into individual cows and heifers.

An Award-Winning Program Breeding to Feeding earned a Dairy Herd Management Innovation Award at the 2013 World Dairy Expo. The award was based on program originality, usefulness and value to dairy producers.

The joint effort between Genex and Wulf Cattle brings the support and attention to detail that assures long-term success working with dairy herds. This truly is a cooperative effort to provide a long-term solution facing the beef industry while improving profits and efficiencies on your dairy. For more details on Breeding to Feeding, contact your local Genex representative or Steve Esch at 888.333.1783 or sesch@crinet.com. 

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COMPETITIVE DAIRY CATTLE IN BRAZIL

THE SANTOS’ HERD SHOWS BRAZILIAN POTENTIAL TO PRODUCE GOOD MILK IN THE TROPICS By: Melina Paixão // Public Relations, CRI Brazil

r. Carlos Raimundo dos Santos used to think milking cows would be a great way to enjoy his retirement. The activities at Santo Antonio dos Dois Córregos Farm started in 2001, as a hobby. In the beginning, 20 cows were milked, producing around 240 liters per day. The job has grown, and nowadays the dairy is a progressive example within the region south of Minas Gerais, Paraíba Valley region, with a focus on environmentally friendly production and management. Lucas dos Santos, Carlos’ son, joined his father in this initiative. They work hard to see their Holstein cattle always improving. The Santos’ farm is located in Jesuânia, South of Minas Gerais – Brazil. It has 200 hectares (494 acres) and 820 cows have been raised there. They milk 410 cows, three times daily and a total of 12,500 liters are sent to the processors each day. The herd average is 30 liters per day, and it is milked in a double-8 herringbone parlor. With a focus on milk quality, the final product showcases high quality levels of fat, protein and SCC compared to the large herds in the world. Fat and protein percentages are high, around 3.0% fat and 3.12% protein. Because of these characteristics, processors pay well for the Santo Antonio’s milk, making milking cows an economically sustainable activity.

Well Done Management

The Santos’ herd operates in a freestall system. The more productive cows are fed six times a day and the others twice a day. The cattle have a diet based on corn, soy beans, corn meal, citrus pulp, cottonseed, hay, baled hay and mineral. At Santo Antonio Farm, corn, oat and Tifton grass are cultivated, all used to produce feed. This is a positive as it helps to reduce feed costs. The sand bedding, within the freestall barn where the herd is housed, is handled constantly so cows are comfortable at all the times. Temperature inside the freestall is another priority; therefore, ventilators and sprinklers are used to make the environment pleasant for the animals.

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J Carlos Raimundo dos Santos and his son, Lucas dos Santos, utilize CRI genetics to produce cattle that deliver good milk quantity and quality.

Besides Carlos and Lucas, 23 other employees help at Santo Antonio dos Dois Córregos Farm. These individuals milk cows or work as managers.

Genetics as an Ally

Since the herd was formed, semen from CRI Holstein bulls has been used in the Santos’ business. “Today, almost all the herd is CRI,” said Lucas. In the past, they have utilized genetics from 1HO07235 TOYSTORY, 1HO08784 FREDDIE, 1HO08778 SUPER and 1HO10220 PAX-RED. Their last purchase included genetics from 1HO09527 MASSEY, 1HO10490 GALAXY, 1HO10219 JUNIOR, 1HO10369 LOYAL and 1HO10860 HURK-RED. Presently, first lactation daughters of TOYSTORY, SUPER and PAX-RED are producing an average of 38 liters daily while in varied stages of lactation, explained Lucas. The responses to the investments in genetics from CRI can be noticed in the high rates of fertility. “We have 86% of the cows in lactation,” Lucas said. Besides this, the satisfactory rate of conception is 30%. GenChoice™ sexed semen is used in heifers for the first insemination. Conventional semen is used for other inseminations. The Santos execute fixed time artificial insemination protocols. If a cow does not get pregnant by this technique, bulls are used. The voluntary waiting period is 45 days. If a cow has some reproductive problems, they induce estrus and if not pregnant, she is culled. This procedure helps in the selection of the dairy cattle.

What can be Expected from a Milking Cow?

Production, health and “True Type” are the most important characteristics the Santos expect in their dairy cattle. Mr. Santos and Lucas rely on the CRI Holstein bulls’ ability to transmit these characteristics to their calves. The results achieved in the Santo Antonio dos Dois Córregos Farm are: cattle with solid genetics, good production and high milk quality. And these attributes are recognized when they sell their product.  ©2013 CRI

SIZING-UP YOUR FUTURE

An A.I. industry geneticist was recently quoted, saying “… slowing the trend of increasing body size clearly will improve producer profitability.” It appears some studs are trying harder than others to help you improve your profits. Genex leads the way in creating more medium-sized cows.

Read the article: http://bit.ly/IOOEuX

N U M B E R O F S I R E S ≤ +1. 0 S TAT U R E GENEX

ABS

ACCELERATED

ALTA

SELECT

SEMEX

Pick the size that fits your herd goals. USDA-CDCB/12-13, HA-USA/12-13, IB-M/USA/12-13, HA-M/USA/12-13. Based on December 2013 active Holstein lineups.

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• GenChoice ™ • Fertility • Breeding to Feeding

• Genetics • People

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