August 2011 Dairy Horizons

Horizons AUGUST 2011

Genex

Cooperative, Inc. A Subsidiary of Cooperative Resources International

There comes a time when every generation must +2.93 UDC • +6.8 Prod. Life • +1.5 DPR

1HO08784 freddie

1HO10236 Lewis [ Freddie x mac ]

rise up and challenge those who came before.

Because of genomics,

+2.82 F&LC • +6.6 Prod. Life • +1.2 DPR

1HO08778 super

1HO09875 ALMOND [ SUPER x SHOTTLE ]

that time is now.

Welcome to the second generation of genomics.

+$746 LNM • +6.0 Prod. Life • +2.55 SCS

1HO02565 cassino

1HO10201 GALLOW [ CASSINO x O MAN ]

+0.08% Protein • +0.25% Fat • 6% SCE

1HO10227 Scramble [ Massey x Ally ]

GENOMIC

in the

1HO09527 Massey

HA-USA/08-11, USDA/08-11

T a b l e o f cont e nts

Horizons August 2011 Vol. 17/No. 2 Published three times a year for dairy producers around the globe.

Address correspondence Cooperative Resources International 117 E. Green Bay Street, 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

Jimmy Franks, 2nd Vice President Waynesboro, Ga., 706.437.0527

John Ruedinger, Secretary Van Dyne, Wis., 920.922.9899

Jacques Couture Westfield, Vt., 802.744.2733

Jim Crocker Valley City, Ohio, 330.483.3709

Jon Wayne Danielson Cadott, Wis., 715.289.3860

Harlin Hecht Paynesville, Minn., 320.243.4386

Kay Olson-Martz Friendship, Wis., 608.564.7359

Bobby Robertson Tahlequah, Okla., 918.456.2357

Ronald Totten Stafford, N.Y., 585.344.0758

Clarence Van Dyke Manhattan, Mont., 406.282.7579

Richard Vold Glenwood, Minn., 320.634.4665

Alfred Wanner, Jr. Narvon, Pa., 717.768.8118

HORIZONS EDITORIAL BOARD Members Pat Dugan, Casa Grande, Ariz.

PERSPECTIVE

4 Out-Pacing the Recovery

IN THE NEWS 5 Genex Farm Systems Expands into Michigan 6 Interns Gain Work Experience with Genex 7 Genex Brings International Flair to U.S. Cattle Industry 8 Toystory Earns World Record 28 Be Your Own Agvocate!

Proof Highlights 10 Lifetime Net Merit Leaders

CRI Feature 12 A Progressive Herd 20 Years in the Making

Genetically Speaking 14 Intensive Selection in Your Dairy Herd 20 Haplotypes Impacting Fertility

Reproductive Management 16 Take a Planned Approach to Re-Enrolling Open Females into Your Breeding Program

Herd Management 18 What Should My Herd Replacement Rate Be?

Herd Story 23 Believing in Genex for Strong Genetics 24 Making the Most of the Genex Advantage

Farm Safety 26 “Risk”-y Business

Harold Shaulis, Somerset, Pa. Employees James Arati, Support Programs Manager Angie Coburn, AVP-Dairy Genetics Sarah Thorson, Beef Education Manager Josh Davis, Regional Marketing Manager

HORIZONS STAFF Jenny L. Hanson, Editor, jlhanson@crinet.com Angie Kringle, Assistant Editor, akringle@crinet.com Amy Seefeldt, Graphic Designer

REPRINTS Material may not be reproduced in any fashion without Cooperative Resources International’s permission.

Cover: A GENESIS calf poses at the Stony Hill facility west of Shawano, Wis.

Mission Statement: Provide products and services as effectively as possible to maximize the profitability of members and customers worldwide while maintaining a strong cooperative. ©2011 CRI

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3

PERSPECTIVE

Out-Pacing the Recovery By: Sam Miller, Managing Director and Head of Agricultural Lending, BMO Harris Bank While there is volatility in the agriculture marketplace, the overall outlook is strong. Agriculture is out-pacing the economic recovery taking place in the United States, and there are many reasons to remain bullish.

Key Advantages

The United States and Canada continue to boast superior productivity when compared to many of their peers – a true competitive advantage. Infrastructure is strong, the laws of supply and demand are on our side, and the strength and spirit of the entrepreneurial North American farmer show no signs of waning.

Demographics drive demand. Quite simply, there are more people and their standard of living is improving. Global food demand continues to grow at exponential rates. We need to double food production by 2050 – that’s less than 40 years!

Prices

Behind today’s higher milk prices are greater levels of dairy product exports. Low interest rates, a weak U.S. dollar, increasing demand, and global weather events from Russia to New Zealand are all helping to drive exports.

Dairy margins will remain under pressure, even with higher milk prices. Feed prices, led by corn, have moved higher than milk prices on a relative basis. Global demand, weather impacts and ethanol production are several of the factors behind higher feed prices. The cost of growing corn has doubled in the last five years, so margins are tighter. Managing price risk for both sales of milk and input costs such as feed, fuel and fertilizer will be a requirement for successful dairy producers into the future.

Land Values

With commodity prices high and interest rates low, real estate values have increased for farmland. Debtto-equity levels are comparatively low. Conservative underwriting standards by agricultural bankers have contributed to long-term strength and stability.

Now this doesn’t mean a mild correction in farmland values isn’t in order. It likely is. When interest rates increase and commodity prices decline, there will likely be a modest correction. A strong 4

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©2011 CRI

balance sheet, good liquidity and a solid price risk management plan will cushion the blow of a correction in farmland prices in the future.

Outlook

The dairy sector has experienced improved economic fortunes following the difficult economy in 2009. Milk prices remain favorable for bottom line profits; however, over the past decade, below average prices have occurred every three years. This would mean 2012 could be a challenging year for dairy producers. Grain and feed prices are expected to remain elevated due to the tight domestic – and global – supply and demand situation.

Beef prices are also expected to remain high given both the export market and continued liquidation of the cow herd across the drought-stricken southwest. A rebuilding of the cow herd does not appear in the near future until pastures and feedstocks can get replenished.

Agriculture as a whole has a positive outlook, but volatility is expected to remain high, creating both opportunity and potential difficulty. Sharpen risk management skills, maintain productivity enhancements and monitor key operational and financial indicators to navigate this dynamic environment.

About BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris Bank was formed when BMO Financial Group acquired M&I and merged it with Harris Bank. Based in Chicago, the bank has approximately 700 branches and approximately 1,350 ATMs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Arizona and Florida. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a North American financial institution with 1,600 branches, a retail deposit base of approximately $180 billion, and combined U.S. businesses that rank as the 12th largest commercial bank, by assets, in the United States.

BMO Harris Bank recently committed to providing $5 billion in additional business lending over the next two years, and ag-lending is an important component of that commitment. BMO Harris’ team of ag-bankers, which represents the 6th largest ag-bank in the United States, is located close to their customers and have the tenure, experience and expertise to make local decisions and provide the right financial counsel to their ag-customers.

IN THE NEWS

Genex Farm Systems Expands into Michigan Genex Farm Systems is the new authorized dealer of CST Storage products – Harvestore® and Slurrystore® equipment – within the state of Michigan. The Great Lakes Division of Genex Farm Systems, located in Lake Odessa, Mich., opened in May. Genex Farm Systems, though new to Michigan producers, is actually the oldest Harvestore dealer in the country. In addition to the new office in Lake Odessa, Genex Farm Systems serves agricultural producers from offices in Melrose, Minn., New Prague, Minn., and Menomonie, Wis. In addition to sales, service and installation of Harvestore and Slurrystore products and related equipment, the Great Lakes Division of Genex Farm Systems also represents FAN Separator, Jamesway, Valmetal and Big Ass Fans equipment lines. For additional information, call the Lake Odessa office toll free at 855-517-6281.

Genex Equity Redemption The Genex and CRI boards of directors have authorized two separate equity revolvements to the membership to take place this fall. One revolvement will be the member equity for 1986 and 1987. For active Genex members, the equity retirement will appear as a credit on your billing. There are no tax implications on this retirement; the equity redemptions have been from qualified issuances with taxes paid at the time of their allocation.

There will also be a revolvement of 35 percent of the 2010 equity. The 2010 equity return will be paid in cash. Included in this equity check mailing will be a 1099-MISC Tax Form for your 2011 tax reporting.

This is the official public notice of this equity retirement. Former members must notify Genex headquarters for redemption of their equity. The board reserves the right to suspend redemption if cash flow needs of the cooperative are impaired. If there are any questions, contact Genex Controller Diane Patza at 715-526-7520.

Dates for Delegate Meetings Romuald Named President Delegates and alternates are encouraged and expected of Accountants’ Group to attend the fall delegate meetings. Input gained from these meetings is important and highly valued by the board of directors and staff. Each meeting will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude by 2:30 p.m. More information will be mailed at a later date.

The following are dates and locations for the meetings: Oct. 11 - Atlanta, Ga. Oct. 12 - Cleveland, Ohio Oct. 13 - Kansas City, Mo. Oct. 17 - Alexandria, Minn.

Oct. 18 - Rochester, Minn.

Oct. 25 - Harrisburg, Pa. Oct. 26 - Syracuse, N.Y. Oct. 27 - Albany, N.Y. Oct. 28 - Las Vegas, Nev. Nov. 7. - Appleton, Wis.

The National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives has announced CRI’s Larry Romuald as President for 2011-2012. The National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives is comprised of professionals actively involved with the financial management and planning of cooperative business. Romuald serves as the Vice President of Finance for CRI. Since 1993, he has overseen all financial and human resources areas within the cooperative and its subsidiaries. In all, he has devoted 38 years to the finance segments of agricultural cooperatives.

©2011 CRI

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5

IN THE NEWS

Interns Gain Work Experience with Genex This summer, 17 student interns from across the United States filled positions within the cooperative’s dairy genetics, production and domestic marketing divisions.

The interns, representing 9 colleges and universities, accepted responsibilities such as collecting data and verifying the DNA parentage of Genex-sired dairy cattle and assisting with photographing dairy cows; feeding and caring for Holstein calves as well as multiple ovulation embryo transfer donor females and recipients; providing on-farm cattle heat detection and artificial insemination (A.I.) service; and caring for dairy and beef sires and assisting with semen collection.

“Over the years, Genex has employed hundreds of interns,” notes Doug Wilson, Genex Chief Operating Officer. “The interns learn a great deal about the grassroots of the A.I. industry and observe firsthand the diversity within the dairy industry. For many, the knowledge and experience gained through the internship has been a stepping stone to a full-time career at Genex.”

The 2011 summer students are (listed by internship, name, university and hometown):

Dairy Genetics Intern

Ben Kinnard – University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UW-RF), Sturgeon Bay, Wis.

GENESIS Intern

L auren Pitman – SUNY Cobleskill, West Charlton, N.Y.

Marketing Interns

Benjamin Voelz – UW-RF, Tilleda, Wis. Alden West – University of Maine, Liberty, Maine B. Duncan Black – Saint Francis University, Hillsboro, Va. Justine Ahrens – UW-RF, Marathon, Wis. Anna Reynders – UW-RF, Greenleaf, Wis. Spenser Penrod – Purdue University, North Manchester, Ind. Nathan Brandt – UW-RF, Lakefield, Minn.

Michelle Reitsma – University of Minnesota, Sauk Centre, Minn.

David Albers – Iowa State University, Bakersfield, Ca. Nick Chamberlain – UW-RF, Pine Island, Minn.

Brandon Tisthammer – UW-RF, Spring Grove, Minn.

Jen Fasching – South Dakota State University, Waverly, Minn.

Isaac Salfer – University of Minnesota, Dassel, Minn.

Ben Bentley – Iowa State University, Medina, N.Y.

Sire Production Intern

Austin Black – College of the Ozarks, Deepwater, Mo 6

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©2011 CRI

IN THE NEWS

Genex Brings International Flair to U.S. Cattle Industry The spring and summer months have brought a variety of international visitors through the doors of CRI and onto the farms and ranches of Genex members. Guests have learned about the products, programs and services offered and have seen firsthand the strengths of the cooperative and what makes its structure unique.

April: CRI’s International Division hosted more than 20 German dairy producers. The group discovered CRI leads the industry through programs and products like GENESIS, GenChoice 75™ and Calf Math™. Farm tours allowed the Germans to observe how high management skills accompanied by Genex reproductive services help maximize herd profitability. They also witnessed the impact high Lifetime Net Merit bulls have on profitability even in the short term. Additionally, the group learned about reproductive programs and transition management at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

June: Over 60 international guests from Argentina and Brazil participated in a CRI tour of U.S. beef ranches.

The guests – beef producers and beef semen sales representatives – took part to better understand the U.S. beef industry and gain insight on the cattle genetics available from CRI.

CRI hosted 17 delegates from the Chinese dairy industry as part of a USDA Foreign Agriculture Service Emerging Markets Program (EMP), a program focused on innovative export market development initiatives to promote U.S. agricultural goods and services in emerging markets. The group included individuals from four large dairy farms and leading dairy food processors, provincial ministry of agriculture officials, and university dairy research and extension teams.

July: CRI facilitated a tour of Wisconsin agricultural entities for the board of directors and management staff of an India-based milk marketing cooperative. The group, which sells milk under the AMUL brand and generates over US$2 billion in sales, visited the cooperative’s Shawano, Wis., bull stud facility and local dairy farms.

Among the farms toured was CRI board president John Ruedinger’s Van Dyne, Wis., dairy where guests observed the operations of a commercial dairy and spoke with Ruedinger about CRI’s cooperative structure. Other tour stops allowed the AMUL board of directors to further explore the cooperative business model within agriculture.

Thirteen staff members from CRI’s Italian distributor paid a visit to the cooperative headquarters to expand their knowledge about CRI programs and the U.S. dairy industry. Their visit included tours of three local dairies.

©2011 CRI

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7

IN THE NEWS

1HO07235 TOYSTORY has reached another pinnacle in his illustrious career. His latest crowning achievement earned him the honorary title of world leader for semen produced and sold, as he surpassed the official record of 1.767 million units.

Because of his success, Holstein International has deemed TOYSTORY an ‘absolute world master in the field of semen production.’ But what has likely influenced this record more than his ability to produce semen is the large demand for TOYSTORY genetics from producers in the United States and across the globe.

“TOYSTORY has become a household name on dairies all across the world,” notes Huub te Plate, Vice President, International Marketing. “Today, more than five years after his debut in the lineup, there is still enormous demand for his semen. From Mid and Latin America as well as southern Europe, demand remains invariably high.”

Lindenright Toystory Destiny, VG-86-CAN

TOYSTORY semen remains popular and, at the same time, his sons are earning their rightful place within dairy breeding programs. They are this family’s next generation promoting genetic progress.

Thank you to all who contributed to TOYSTORY’s success and the growing popularity of his sons. Thank you to the Genex production staff for putting forth great effort to care for Genex sires. Thank you to the Genex laboratory staff for meticulously processing semen.

Thanks to the Genex distribution staff for organizing the semen for shipment across the United States, Canada and around the globe. Thanks to the Genex field staff for promoting on-farm profitability through high genetic merit sires. Most of all, thank you dairy producers for incorporating this outstanding bull into your herds, and congratulations on being able to milk these amazing daughters!

8

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©2011 CRI

Savage-Leigh Lavisha-ET, VG-89, EX-MS

A Five-Star Favorite

IN THE NEWS

An International Sensation

Regancrest TS Benissa-ET, EX-91, EX-MS Daggett-Brook Toy Dyery, EX-91

Caresse, VG-85-FRA

Morningview Tstry Ashley-ET, VG-86

Good Fathers Make Good Sons

1HO02468 BINAS ISY Toystory x O Man

@

Also

Gen

1HO02571 COLE Toystory x O Man

1HO09928 CORY Toystory x Shottle

1HO02509 FLAWLESS Toystory x Boliver

ex 1HO10293 PAIR: A +$712 LNM Cassino son out of a Toystory daughter.

1HO10203 KENSTON: A +$570 LNM Burt son out of a Toystory daughter. Š2011 CRI

HORIZONS

9

PROOF HIGHLIGHTS

Proof Highlights

GET THE INSIDE SCOOP!

LIFETIME NET MERIT LEADERS

15

Sourcing high genetic merit sires to incorporate into breeding programs is going to be simpler following the August 2011 sire summary, because now the Genex lineup contains 45 sires that top the +$650 Lifetime Net Merit (LNM) level. Fifteen of those 45 are new debuts; these sires are diverse in their pedigrees, but alike in their ability to promote progress.

Joining the already established 1HO10218 DENIM, 1HO09800 ERDMANN and 1HO10085 YANO at the head of the lineup are newcomers 1HO03070 ECOYNE ISY and 1HO10226 PERRY. ECOYNE ISY is a Planet x Bret son with +1798 PTA Milk, +2.47 PTA Type, +2.15 Udder Composite and +6.9 Productive Life. PERRY’s solid production, +2.47 PTAT, +2.19 Udder Composite, +2.45 Foot & Leg Composite, +6.8 Productive Life and +1.8 Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR) have propelled this GENESIS grad to a lofty position at +$812 LNM.

Dam of PERRY: Co-op UPD Sharky 2712 10

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©2011 CRI

1HO10296 BOYOBOY evokes excitement as he established himself as the complete genetic package.

Choose BOYOBOY for elite LNM (+$789) and TPI (+2372), overall conformation improvement (+2.78 PTAT, +2.21 Udder Comp., +2.66 Foot & Leg Comp.), and fitness finesse (+5.9 Prod. Life, +1.5 DPR, +2.69 Somatic Cell Score, 5% Sire Calving Ease).

The 1HO02565 CASSINO son, 1HO10294 LIQUOR, is an intoxicating new sire with over a ton of milk (+2058).

long-lasting cows and trouble-free legs and udders without the influence of O Man, Goldwyn or Planet! Like GENTRY, fellow CASSINO son 1HO10293 PAIR offers high components and low SCS. He’s also got style (+2.75 PTAT), inspired by his 1HO07235 TOYSTORY dam.

1HO10080 DUSK, 1HO03079 FORHO ISY, and 1HO10410 PEACAN are Planet sons all from different maternal grandsires. DUSK (Planet x Wizard) creates daughters that last, breed back and carry healthy udders. FORHO ISY (Planet x O Man) is a big-time milk improver (+1937) producing strong and dairy daughters. PEACAN (Planet x Boss Iron) is attributed with impressive production, hardy daughters and extreme dairy strength 1HO10260 ZIGGY (Jeeves x Shottle) is a lineup MVP for Foot & Leg Composite at +3.12. He remarkably combines that attribute with stellar health traits (+8.2 Productive Life and +1.8 DPR), +0.16% Fat and +2.45 PTAT.

LEWIS

Readily available in both GenChoice™ and conventional semen is elite 1HO08784 FREDDIE son, 1HO10236 LEWIS. This highly sought-after mating sire possesses profit-making traits across the board. There are clearly “no holes” in his proof: +$726 LNM, +1190 PTAM, +2.71 PTAT, +2.93 Udder Comp., +2.92 Foot & Leg Comp., +6.8 Prod. Life, +1.5 DPR, and 7% Sire Calving Ease.

A CASSINO x Nifty son, the +$723 LNM 1HO10242 GENTRY offers quality milk,

The industry’s first sons of the fabulous 1HO08778 SUPER have joined the lineup at +$671 and +$662 LNM. 1HO10297 CHAP demands attention for his +3.84 PTAT and +2.99 Udder Composite. 1HO09875 ALMOND is an “everything” bull with production (+1539), conformation (+2.39) and health traits (+6.6 Productive Life, +1.2 DPR).

Following suit as sons of Genex sires are 1HO10217 MASTER *BY and 1HO10227 SCRAMBLE; both are sired by 1HO09527 MASSEY. MASTER has udder appeal, style and enhances Fat and Protein.

SCRAMBLE stands as a +$656 LNM bull that optimizes components with a +0.08% Protein and +0.25% Fat.

PROOF HIGHLIGHTS

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.

6 of Top 10

LNM

A Lineup Like No Other

Genex sires make up six of the top 10 progeny-proven bulls as ranked by Lifetime Net Merit (LNM). 1HO08784 FREDDIE is the industry’s top LNM bull with daughters, followed by 1HO09167 O-STYLE. The awe-inspiring 1HO08777 AWESOME ranks number five; 1HO08778 SUPER ranks number six; 1HO08658 LOGAN ranks eight; and 1HO08642 GARNETT earned the number 10 spot.

Stars of the Jersey Breed There’s an exciting new Jersey bull in the Genex lineup – one of the most standout bulls of recent years. 1JE00770 DOMINICAN is a Headline son from the renowned Pearlmont Impuls Daffy. He debuts at +$696 Cheese Merit (CM) and +251 JPI™. Free of flaws, he will be the most highly sought after bull in the breed this fall. DOMINICAN will work well on Tbones, Blackstones and daughters of any Maid sons.

Two other new genomic-proven bulls joined DOMINICAN in the lineup.

1JE00773 JOSHUA is a yield and fitness specialist with a unique sire stack (a Bungy from an Excellent Fredrico). 1JE00774 DOC-P is a polled bull with exceptional type numbers.

Genex Claims 5 of Top 10 TPISM No other artificial insemination stud can compare to Genex. Genex has more bulls in the top 10 of the official TPI list (and more in the top 25!) than any other.

Among the cooperative’s list-topping sires are GENESIS graduate 1HO09167 O-STYLE ranking number three; the popular, crowd-pleasing 1HO08778 SUPER ranking fifth; genomic to progenyproven poster child, 1HO08784 FREDDIE, ranking number seven; GENESIS graduate 1HO08658 LOGAN at number nine; and 1HO09321 SUDAN at number 10.

SUDAN joined the Genex lineup in April 2011 and is known as a major foot and leg improver with exceptional components and an outcross pedigree. The well-known 1HO09192 HILL is positioned just outside the top 10, ranking 11 at +2096 TPI.

These three bulls add depth to a Jersey lineup that already features some of the breed’s most popular sires including 1JE00768 HENDRIX. This sire has an eye-popping +$672 CM and is being widely used as a sire of sons. The lineup’s progeny-proven Jerseys are lead by the type, udder and components standout 1JE00654 ALLSTAR. 1JE00648 SF continues to impress and is now the breed’s second highest progeny-proven bull for CM at +$601.

Sire Summary Report Card

Holstein Proofs

Discipline

Subject

Sires Above +$800 LNM Sires Above +$700 LNM Sires Above +$650 LNM Sires Above +2200 TPISM Sires Above +6.5 Productive Life Sires Above +2.5 DPR TPI is a servicemark of Holstein Association USA, Inc.

Name

December 2010

0 4 9 3 4 9

Genex April 2011

3 19 33 19 9 16

August 2011

5 26 45 24 20 11

Schmidt's Century O-Style Y238

A Guernsey Great Excitement spreads to the Guernsey breed with 1GU00434 GEO (Les x Royal Oak), a sire with potential to improve traits across the board. With stellar +1.6 Sire Conception Rate, GEO creates pregnancies for the next generation of profitability. His +165 PTI, combines with high +3.7 Productive Life, and improved production and components make him a sire that can fit in any herd. ©2011 CRI

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S p e ci a l FEA T U R E

A Progressive Herd 20 Years in the Making GENESIS began as a pilot project in 1989 with the goal of producing pathogen-free bull calves to enter the cooperative’s bull facilities. Today’s program has progressed into a herd of some of the industry’s most elite genetics.

“GENESIS has truly evolved. Today, we are not just raising bull calves but working with and developing genetically superior females to produce the next generation of A.I. bulls and bull dams.” ~ Steve DeWall, GENESIS Program Specialist

Co-op Boliver Yoyo-ET, VG-86, VG-MS Dam of: 1HO10097 Co-op Cassino YUENGLING-ET

The program’s elite females are identified through genomics and proven through performance testing in large, unbiased commercial herds known as nucleus herds. GENESIS females perform alongside nucleus herds’ cows, receiving no special treatment. The owners of the 12 nucleus herds located across the United States and Canada work diligently with Genex staff to genomic test, mate and flush GENESIS females. In return, these producers utilize GENESIS genetics to broaden the genetic base of their herds.

Today, the Co-op prefix is included in the name of many high genetic merit bulls, cows and heifers. Currently, the most notable GENESIS female is Co-op Boliver Yoyo-ET, VG-85, VG-MS. She has ranked atop the industry’s GTPISM and Lifetime Net Merit (LNM) lists, and has been strategically mated to produce an elite calf crop including 1HO10097 Co-op Cassino YUENGLING-ET.

Co-op Lynch Sugar, VG-85, VG-MS Dam of: 1HO09853 Co-op Freddie SOBIESKI

Co-op Encino Yancie Maternal sister to: 1HO09527 Co-op Bosside MASSEY-ET, 1HO03070 ECOYNE ISY and 1HO10085 Co-op UPD Planet YANO-ET

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With over 30 bulls in the Genex lineup possessing the Co-op prefix, GENESIS is an important avenue for producing A.I. sires. To enable the production of these progressive sires, the herd serves as a population of elite females accessible for mating and flushing at a young age. The sooner an elite animal is identified and adapted into the mating program, the shorter the generation interval and the faster genetic progress is made. Genomics shortened the generation interval too. All GENESIS calves are genomic tested. Then males and females of known genetic abilities are mated at puberty and their embryos are implanted exclusively into nucleus herds.

Over 20 years of calculated matings in the GENESIS program have resulted in a progressive program deeply rooted in generations of elite genetics and years ahead of the rest of the industry. Genex staff and member directors recognize the significance of the program and are committed to its continued success and increased genetic advantage.

Who’s that Co-op prefix?

YOU ARE!

+ LN$81 M2

+ LN$73 M3

“Co-op” adorns the name of many high genetic merit bulls, cows and heifers signifying the animals are part of the Genex GENESIS program and, therefore, are proudly owned by Genex members.

1HO10226 PERRY

1HO09167 O-STYLE

+2380 TPISM Leader

Industry Elite LNM and TPISM Co-op O-STYLE Oman Just-ET

+ LN$66 M6

+ LN$77 M0

Co-op UPD Al PERRY 410

1HO10225 BUD

1HO10097 YUENGLING

Stellar Fitness

Elite Fitness Bull

Co-op Cassino YUENGLING-ET

+ LN$69 M8

+ LN$72 M2

Co-op BUDdy-ET

1HO10221 EVERGLAD

1HO02848 PARKER

Lengthens Herd Life

Profit Potential at 94 lbs Fat

Co-op Auden PARKER-ET

+ LN$64 M7

+ LN$66 M2

Co-op Fred EVERGLAD-ET

1HO09875 ALMOND

1HO08658 LOGAN

All-Round SUPER Son

Production + Longevity = Profit!

Co-op ALMOND CRI-ET

Co-op Oman LOGAN-ET

A Sampling of the More Than 30 GENESIS Sires in the Genex Lineup!

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Intensive Selection in Your Dairy Herd By: Dustin Hollermann, National Account Specialist, Genex The “Genomic Era” could also be called the “Age of Information.” Never before has such a bombardment of genetic information been thrown onto the laps of dairy producers and their trusted advisors. It’s exciting to have access to all of this information. However, it can be anything but exciting to sift through it and determine how to apply the information to genetically improve one’s dairy herd.

Intensive Selection

The genetic tools available consist of sire proofs, pedigree information, genomic testing, genetic ranking systems, etc.

Even embryo transfer and sexed semen are genetic tools, as they influence which females or groups of females are passing their genetics on to the next generation. Things like sire summaries have been around for many years and most of the genetic progress made in dairy herds that utilize artificial insemination (A.I.) has been derived from using better service sires. Now, in this new age of information, we can also use tools like genetic rankings and genomic results in conjunction with gender sorted semen and/or embryo transfer to add a significant amount of genetic progress from the females in a dairy herd.

Intensive selection on the female side is a new concept for the majority of commercial producers. This practice has traditionally been left to seedstock producers and A.I. studs trying to identify the females used to create 14

HORIZONS

©2011 CRI

the next generation of A.I. sires. The difference is the commercial dairyman’s goal is not to produce a sire for potential use in A.I., but to produce high-quality females to be used as the next generation of the milking herd.

In the past, dairymen have utilized sires that meet their selection criteria and every female in the herd was bred to create a potential replacement. Now, through use of the tools mentioned previously, every dairy producer can select females or groups of females to use as replacement generators. On the flip-side, lower end females can be bred for purposes other than creating a female replacement or can be used as recipient animals for embryos.

One of the first questions that must be answered when considering implementation of an intensive genetic program is how much genetic improvement can be made and does it outweigh the costs of attaining it. To answer this question, producers must determine the genetic levels of the herd’s top animals and bottom animals. The industry standard for determining the genetic value of an animal is Lifetime Net Merit dollars (LNM). Once the genetic levels for the top and bottom animals are determined, calculate the difference. This number is the added value of creating a heifer from the top end of the herd. It is the same concept as using a better service sire to create a superior heifer versus using a lower value service sire.

G E N E T I C A L LY S P E A K I N G In every herd, the first extra replacement generated from the herd’s top animal in exchange for one less from the bottom animal is going to have the largest return on investment. As per the law of diminishing returns, as the animal used ranks more towards the middle of the herd the less the return will be. This is important to keep in mind when contemplating how deep into the herd to go with intensive selection.

Determining a Herd’s Top and Bottom

As stated previously, the first step in intensively selecting a female population is to benchmark their genetics.

Generally, producers look to their heifers for the best genetics, although there can be high-ranking individuals in the milking string as well. One very inexpensive method to rank heifers is to simply use parent average. Most herds utilizing a DHI service would have this information available to them. If parent averages aren’t available, any known pedigree information such as sire and maternal grandsire can be a starting point for ranking animals.

The drawback of using only parent averages or pedigree information is the low reliability of the ranking. These methods are fairly adequate in determining if an animal is among the top half of animals in the herd; however, in order to determine the specific animals that possess the most elite genetics, higher reliabilities are desirable.

of the most elite animals would get missed entirely.

Using this pre-selection process will significantly keep costs down without greatly affecting the outcome.

When determining the process by which to rank animals, it is important to keep the end goal in mind; if the goal is to simply use gender-sorted semen on the best one-half or three-quarters of the heifers and conventional semen on the remainder, then genomic testing might not be necessary at all. Even with less accuracy, parent averages can be a fairly good determinant of which half or even which quartile a heifer will be in. This can be easy to implement, is more practical on many commercial dairies and is still effective at ramping up genetic improvement in a herd.

In conclusion, having the ability to accurately choose the females which your future herd will be derived from is a new and exciting practice. There are many new technologies available to enable this. Adopting these technologies to intensively select females will result in quicker genetic progress and a better herd of cows entering the milking parlor each day. Ultimately, building a better herd of cows today equates to even more superior genetics to improve upon in the generation beyond that - it’s a never ending, cumulative process, but one that doesn’t come without reward.

To rank animals based on a more reliable evaluation, one can turn to genomic testing. This relatively new technology can identify what genetics a particular animal likely received from her parents. The average genomic test results are very comparable to parent average LNM, but when looking for the highest or the lowest the range could be quite dramatic. Genomic test results provide a ranking at nearly twice the reliability of parent average only.

Improve Profits through Intensive Selection of Dams for the Next Generation “Adopt new technologies to intensively select females for quicker genetic progress and a better herd of cows entering the milking Even if genomic testing is the parlor each day.” preferred method for ranking animals, the process still usually begins by analyzing parent averages. This is because it is often not practical (or even necessary) to test every heifer if only trying to find the top five percent or fewer to serve as flush candidates. For instance, one could rank all available animals using parent average and then genomic test only the top quarter. Even though parent averages are not as reliable, it is unlikely one ©2011 CRI

HORIZONS

15

REPRODUCTIVE MANAGEMENT

Take a Planned Approach to Re-Enrolling Open Females into Your Breeding Program By: James Arati, Support Programs Manager, and Sarah Thorson, Beef Education Manager, CRI Even after putting forth great effort into following synchronization and timed artificial insemination (A.I.) protocols, one must realize not all cows will conceive from their first or subsequent inseminations. Research indicates 40 percent or less of all females will be pregnant following their first A.I. (Pursley et al., 1998). The most important question then becomes how to handle the large percentage of females that did not conceive.

One approach is to enroll females that have been diagnosed as open into a resynchronization program.

Resynchronization is a strategy by which non-pregnant cows are quickly re-enrolled for a second or subsequent A.I. service. Resynchronization occurs immediately after pregnancy diagnosis (or may even start before) using an Ovsynch®-type protocol. Since the inception of timed synchronization protocols about 15 years ago, resynchronizing of non-pregnant cows has become a component of management plans allowing dairy producers to significantly improve cattle reproductive efficiency.

To realize the full benefits of resynchronization, a producer must have a systematic plan in place to identify and then resynchronize the non-pregnant cows thus reducing the interval between A.I. services, increasing A.I. service rate and improving profitability.

Pregnancy diagnosis – whether by blood testing, rectal palpation or ultrasound – is the first critical step to initiation of a resynchronization protocol. Striving for early pregnancy diagnosis makes sense, but caution should be exercised to minimize early embryonic mortality. A study (Fricke et al., 2003) has shown embryonic mortality

contributes to reproductive inefficiency because fertility assessed at any point during pregnancy is a function of both conception rate and mortality.

The research conducted by Fricke et al., at the University Wisconsin (2003) has further shown pregnancy loss is higher during early gestation and then decreases as gestation proceeds. In assessing the most suitable resynchronization strategy, the study compared three time intervals between timed A.I. and the initiation of resynchronization. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed at 19, 26 and 32 days after timed A.I. The study showed that pregnancy diagnosis at day 19 after timed A.I. yielded the lowest pregnancy rate following resynchronization.

Pregnancy diagnosis on day 26 and 32 yielded similar fertility post resynchronization but showed increased early embryonic death at day 26 compared to day 32.

Pregnancy diagnosis 32 days post timed A.I. yielded the highest overall pregnancy rate. Overall, there was a $15 per cow advantage for initiating pregnancy diagnosis and resynchronization at 32 days post timed A.I. over 26.

The second critical step to realizing the full benefits of resynchronization is to have a proper resynchronization protocol plan in place. Different resynchronization strategies have been researched and shown to produce varying results. The biggest challenge for producers is to pick the best program that fits their dairy’s routine, gets more cows pregnant and provides higher economic returns. Review and consider the application of these resynchronization program approaches:

Resynch

The resynch program simply involves repeating Ovsynch once a female is diagnosed as open. With this protocol, pregnancy diagnosis should occur approximately 32 days after the first timed A.I. As a cow is diagnosed open, she receives an injection of GnRH. Seven days after the first timed A.I., Prostaglandin (PGF2∝) is injected. Then 48 to 56 hours later the second injection of GnRH is administered and timed A.I. occurs 12 to 24 hours later.

Resynch Preg Check Open PGF2∝

GnRH 7 Days 16

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©2011 CRI

GnRH

48-56 hrs

A.I.

12-24 hrs

REPRODUCTIVE MANAGEMENT Presynch Resynch

This is a more aggressive resynchronization strategy than the previously explained resynch program. In presynch resynch, GnRH is administered to all females seven days prior to pregnancy diagnosis. This GnRH shot does not harm the fetus of a pregnant cow; instead, it only serves as a jump start for resynchronizing open females. At the time of pregnancy diagnosis, cows deemed open are injected with PGF2∝ immediately. GnRH is administered 48 to 56 hours after the PGF2∝ injection. Insemination occurs 12 to 24 hours after GnRH is administered.

Presynch Resynch Preg Check Open PGF2∝

GnRH 7 Days

GnRH

48-56 hrs

A.I.

12-24 hrs

In the GGPG resynch program, the first GnRH shot is given 14 days prior to pregnancy check day. A second injection of GnRH is given seven days later. On pregnancy check day, all open cows are injected with PGF2∝. GnRH is administered again 56 hours after the PGF2∝ injection.

Insemination is performed 16 hours later.

GGPG

Preg Check Open PGF2∝

GnRH 7 Days

Double Ovsynch Resynch Preg Check Open PGF2∝ GnRH

GnRH 7 Days

3 Days

7 Days

Double Ovsynch Resynch

GnRH 56 hrs

A.I.

16 hrs

Double Ovsynch resynch also includes giving GnRH seven days prior to pregnancy check day. On the day of pregnancy diagnosis, all open cows receive PGF2∝ followed by GnRH three days later. A second round of Ovsynch is started seven days later by injecting cows with GnRH. After another seven days, a PGF2∝ injection is

PGF2∝ GnRH

GnRH 7 Days

A.I.

2 Days 12-24 hrs

7 Days

CIDR® Synch

As indicated by Chenault et al. (2003), in this program the EAZI-BREED™ CIDR is inserted into open cows on the day of the pregnancy check. It is removed seven days later. At the same time, PGF2∝ is injected. GnRH is administered days later and timed A.I. is performed. ® Synch CIDRthree Preg Check Open

GGPG Resynch

GnRH

given followed by a GnRH injection two days later. Finally A.I. is performed 12 to®24 hours later.

GnRH

PGF2∝

A.I.

CIDR® 7 Days

3 Days

The success or failure of any of these resynchronization protocols depends on how well they are implemented.

The choice of which protocol to utilize varies based on total program cost, availability of labor, and facilities at the farm. Remember the outcome is cumulative, every step of the protocol counts.

References Chenault, J.R., J.F. Boucher, K.J. Dame, J.A. Meyer and S.L. Wood-Follis.

2003. Intravaginal progesterone insert to synchronize return to estrus of previously inseminated dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 86:2039-2049.

Fricke, P.M., D.Z. Caraviello, K.A. Weigel, and M.L. Welle. 2003.

Fertility of dairy cows after resynchronization of ovulation and three intervals following first timed insemination. J. Dairy Sci. 86:3941-3950.

Pursley, J.R., R.W. Silcox and M.C. Wiltbank. 1998. Effect of time of artificial insemination on pregnancy rates, calving rates, pregnancy loss, and gender ratio after synchronization of ovulation in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci.81:2139-2144.

DG29™ Bovine Blood Pregnancy Test Test as early as 29 days post breeding for quick identification of open females Simply draw blood samples on the farm, forward sample to a certified laboratory, and pregnancy diagnoses are returned quickly and accurately via mail, fax or e-mail.

To purchase DG29 test kits in the U.S., contact your local Genex representative, call 888-333-1783 or go to profitshop.crinet.com.

DG29 is a production of Conception Animal Reproduction Technologies www.conception-animal.com. ©2011 CRI

HORIZONS

17

HERD MANAGEMENT

What Should My Herd Replacement Rate Be? By: Steve Bodart, Senior AgriBusiness Dairy Industry Expert, Lookout Ridge Consulting The largest three expenses of producing milk on most dairies are feed cost, replacement cost and labor cost. Dairy producers historically have done well at evaluating and making adjustments to control their feed expense and their labor expense. Replacement cost has historically not been closely evaluated. Instead of looking at replacement cost, dairies tended to focus on cull rate and death rate as a percentage of the rolling herd size.

Replacement cost is the cost of maintaining your herd size and structure. The formula for calculating replacement cost is: Number of cows leaving the herd (culls + deaths) * balance sheet value Minus value of cows removed Divided by cwt milk sold By focusing on the replacement cost instead of a percentage cull and death, the dairy has the ability to see how its management practices can influence the impact replacement cost has on the overall cost of production. The goal of a successful herd replacement program is having a replacement cost of less than $1.50/cwt.

The following factors will have an impact on your herd’s replacement cost: › The balance sheet value of the dairy herd should be standardized from year-to-year and should represent on average what it costs to raise heifers. The value would include all raising costs plus the value of a newborn calf. › The cow value at removal can change significantly from herd to herd. The value can be influenced by the type of animals being culled and will include cows sold for dairy purposes. Typically as the percentage of voluntary culls increases, the average cull cow value will increase as these culls are of higher quality. The average cow value at removal will be reduced as the percentage death loss in the herd increases. › Since milk is the primary source of income on a dairy, the cost of herd replacements should be evaluated relative to the amount of milk sold.

To illustrate the impact management systems have on herd replacement cost, we will start with a typical 1000-cow herd which has a 28 percent cull rate, seven percent death loss, $650 cull cow value, 24,000 pounds milk sold per cow and a $1,700 balance sheet value for the cows. This herd has a replacement cost of $1.72/cwt.

Cows leaving the herd * balance sheet value = (280 + 70) * $1700

Value of cows leaving herd = 280 * $650 Annual milk sales in cwts = 1,000 * 24,000/100

$595,000 - $182,000 / $240,000 $1.72/cwt

Management Change 4% death loss 7% dairy sales at $1,500/head Cull value increased by $100/head Average production 25,500 pounds 5% death loss and 1200 pound milk increase

Herd Replacement Cost $1.51/cwt $1.47/cwt $1.60/cwt $1.62/cwt $1.50/cwt

The results of management changes can have a significant impact on the herd replacement cost and a corresponding effect on the cost of production. To remain competitive in today’s dairy environment your dairy must understand this impact and know the steps it will take to maintain its replacement cost at $1.50/cwt.

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HORIZONS

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High Demand and High Prices for Heifers

Makes Your Strategic Semen Option

Produce High Genetic Merit Replacements From:

1HO08784 FREDDIE

+$755 LNM

1HO02771

JOCK

+$751 LNM +7.3 Prod. Life +2.6 DPR 0.08% Protein, 0.16% Fat

Schmidts Ponderosa Freddie 4660

1HO10201

1HO10236

+$746 LNM +6.0 Prod. Life +2.55 SCS +2.08 Foot & Leg Comp.

+$726 LNM +6.8 Prod. Life +2.71 PTA Type +2.93 Udder Comp.

GALLOW

LEWIS

1HO10221

EVERGLAD

+$722 LNM +6.8 Prod. Life +1.6 DPR 0.06% Protein, 0.14% Fat

1HO10070

WILTON

+$657 LNM +4.2 DPR +5.9 Prod. Life +1.73 PTA Type HA-USA/08-11, USDA/08-11

G E N E T I C ALL Y S P EA K I N G

Haplotypes Impacting Fertility By: Angie Coburn, Associate Vice President-Dairy Genetics, Genex For the past two years, we have described genomic technology as a powerful tool; it has provided dairy producers avenues to greater genetic progress through use of young bulls with higher genetic levels and the ability to optimize semen choices on genomic-tested heifers. As our ability to analyze the cattle genome has grown, so has our curiosity and understanding. In addition to deriving genomic PTAs, research is ongoing to describe and explain the function of specific genes or chromosome segments, also referred to as haplotypes.

By better understanding how haplotypes function, there is greater opportunity to utilize this information in breeding decisions.

Through research, animal scientists at USDA-AIPL have identified five haplotypes that are inhibitors of fertility when occurring in a homozygous state, or in other words, a specific DNA sequence is inherited from both parents. Three of these haplotypes are found in the Holstein breed, with one haplotype occurring in each Jersey and Brown Swiss breeds. Research is on-going to further describe this genetic condition, confirm its mode of inheritance and determine the overall economic impact. Since the exact genetic or biological cause is yet unknown, the haplotypes have been given the simple names of Holstein Haplotypes 1 through 3 (HH1, HH2, HH3), Jersey Haplotype 1 (JH1) and Brown Swiss Haplotype 1 (BH1).

The discovery of haplotypes impacting fertility is not cause for alarm; rather it is advancement in information.

In today’s world of genomic research, it is expected that cattle follow a pattern much like humans, where each individual possesses a gene or haplotype that could

result in an undesirable genetic condition if mated to another with the same haplotype. Now armed with more information, we can use it to our advantage to assess the risk of potential matings.

Table 1, below, lists the known source ancestors for each haplotype and provides the frequency of occurrence within the genotyped population. Furthermore, the table indicates the overall reduction on conception rates (CR) and 60-day non-return (NR) rates for carrier x carrier matings at the current frequency level.

While these haplotypes impacting fertility appear to be inherited in a recessive nature - similar to selecting for red coat color and polled condition or against defects like mulefoot and CVM - they should be treated differently in breeding programs than these other conditions. To a large degree, the economic impact of this genetic condition is already accounted for in traits like Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR) and Sire Conception Rate (SCR).

Excluding bulls or females that possess one or more of the haplotypes from your breeding programs may have minimal impact on improving overall herd conception rate and also result in reduced net genetic gain.

As stated by Dr. Kent Weigel, in a recent article detailing the haplotypes impacting fertility and their impact on breeding programs, “…The Lifetime Net Merit (LNM) index weights every trait according to its economic value; (therefore) bulls that carry BH1, HH1, HH2, HH3 or JH1 have already been penalized in LNM. The magnitude of this penalty depends on the frequency of the haplotype within the breed.” Table 2, explaining the potential economic impact, is adapted from this article.

Table 1. Analysis of Five Haplotypes Affecting Fertility

Haplotype Chromosome Frequency

Earliest Known Ancestor(s)

Impact on CR Impact on 60-day NR

BH1

7

14.0%

West Lawn Stretch Improver

-3.4%

-2.5%

HH1

5

4.5%

Pawnee Farm Arlinda Chief

-3.1%

-1.1%

HH2

1

4.6%

Willowholme Mark Anthony

-3.0%

-1.7%

HH3

8

4.7%

Gray View Skyliner Glendell Arlinda Chief

-3.2%

-3.1%

JH1

15

23.4%

Observer Chocolate Soldier

-3.7%

-3.7%

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G E N E T I C ALL Y S P EA K I N G Table 2. Scenario for Economic Loss from Haplotypes Impacting Fertility

If 20% of cows in herd carry the haplotypes For every 100 matings, 20 cows carry haplotype ½ or 10 of their eggs carry haplotype ½ or 5 of the resulting embryos mated to a carrier bull and are homozygous for haplotype Homozygous embryos lost at 5-10 days of gestation Each of 5 cows will have an increase of approximately 30 days open Cost per extra day open is $2 Total economic loss per 100 matings: 5 cows x 30 days per cow x $2 per day = $300, or about $3 per mating

Summary Points:

• Haplotypes are sections of chromosomes and can be traced across generations with DNA genotyping.

• Five haplotypes impacting fertility have been identified with additional research on-going to describe biological function and assess economic impact.

• In Holsteins, frequency of random mating of two carrier animals is seven in every 1000 breedings.

• Expected losses are already accounted for with selection on DPR and SCR, and LNM is a good measure of net economic gain.

• For a list of haplotype status of Genex bulls, visit http://genex.crinet.com/haplotype.

Weigel continues, “Now assume this bull’s LNM evaluation is +$600, and we decided to buy semen from another bull that was +$500 instead – we just gave up $97 in our attempt to save $3. Plus, that $3 was already included in the first bull’s LNM evaluation.” To read the complete article visit http://genex.crinet.com/haplotype.

Here’s another way of assessing risk. With approximately 1,400 Holstein bulls available in the industry, 14-15 percent carry one or more haplotypes. With the current frequency, the likelihood of mating two carrier animals together is seven times in every 1,000 breedings. A herd with an average of 31 percent CR, would only improve by 0.36 percent by eliminating a bull that possesses a haplotype.

Again, this information is already reflected in DPR and SCR, and if we avoid purchasing semen of bulls that carry these haplotypes, we double-count their effects.

In conclusion, we are only at the cusp of learning about the cattle genome and how we can incorporate the information into breeding programs and precision management. As we learn more, the goal should be to identify the corresponding economic impact. From there, good common sense should always prevail.

To a large degree, the economic impact of this genetic condition is already accounted for in traits like Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR) and Sire Conception Rate (SCR).

©2011 CRI

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21

H E R D STORY

Believing in Genex for Strong Genetics By: Angie Kringle, Communications Specialist, CRI There couldn’t be a more picturesque setting for a dairy farm than the rolling hills of Minot, Maine. With a view of New Hampshire’s Mount Washington, third generation Hemond Hill Dairy holds a rich history and deeply rooted family values.

John and Irene Hemond have been members of Genex and its predecessors since 1974. In that same year, tragedy struck the dairy when they lost the barn and all the animals in a fire. With an unwavering spirit, the buildings were rebuilt and a new herd began. What was once a mixed herd of registered and grade animals is today a completely registered 67-cow herd.

Relying on Genex

“I’m not a believer in keeping a live bull, I feel there are better places to find quality genetics,” stated John Hemond. Firm believers in the benefits of artificial insemination (A.I.), the Hemonds rely on Amy Jasmine, Genex Profit Development Specialist to provide Mating Appraisal for Profit™ (MAP™) services and 100 percent of the herd’s genetics. Hemond explained, “I believe in utilizing people like Amy and Genex. You have to use the people who are available. I tell Amy what I’m looking for in the herd and she makes the match.”

Once early participants in the former Genex QUEST program, Hemond still believes the best genetics are in the youngest animals. Today their herd utilizes outstanding genomic sires such as 1HO10000 FRANK, 1HO10085 YANO, 1HO10059 CLARK B/R and 1HO02848 PARKER. To maximize their quality of heifer crop, the Hemonds utilize GenChoice™ sexed semen on all their heifers.

Built on a Strong Foundation

Their strong genetics have opened the door to opportunities for the future. By building up their herd on solid genetics, the Hemonds have marketed animals across the United States and throughout the world in countries such as Cuba and Saudi Arabia. They have also opened their operation for learning, hosting interns from France as well as from across the United States.

The fifth generation is currently becoming active in operations at Hemond Hill. The oldest of the Hemond grandchildren currently work part time on the dairy while the younger ones got their first taste of fieldwork this year.

Built on a rich history of dairying, Hemond Hill farm has utilized strong genetics to position themselves for a profitable future.

The Hemonds put a strong emphasis on sturdy, durable feet and legs combined with high, tight, workable udders to make milking in the parlor easy. As the top herd in the county for butterfat, it’s also important for sires to improve production and milk quality traits. Today, the rolling herd average is 26,641 pounds milk, 1038 fat and 821 protein.

©2011 CRI

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H E R D STORY

Making the Most of

the Genex Advantage “There are a lot of things going right for us now,” shares Jim Obrecht of Jiman Farms in Shreve, Ohio. Jim and his wife Ann have relied on Genex for breeding service on their dairy for over 10 years. In that time, Genex Tech Specialist Josh Keplar has helped this dairy to accomplish multiple herd goals. As a progressive dairyman, Obrecht has remained open-minded, welcoming new technologies.

Numerous Advantages

With an initial herd size of 45 cows, Obrechts have expanded to top out at 270 cows, milking in a double-six parlor and farming 1,300 acres.

Obrecht. On the flip side, Keplar enjoys his visits to the Obrecht herd - “It’s fun to come to a herd like this!”

Trusting Genomics

When asked about his breeding philosophy, Obrecht is firm in his beliefs regarding genetic level, “You gain the most by using the very best genetics, so we tend to be pretty aggressive. Over half of the breedings are to genomic sires and we had FREDDIE calves on the ground as soon as we could!”

“We use GenChoice™ sexed semen for first service on all heifers. The biggest benefit of anything with sexed semen has been the calving ease advantage on the heifers,” explains Obrecht.

To make the most of their breeding program, the Obrechts use an assortment of sires and change the group every few months. Today, top sires like 1HO10085 YANO, 1HO09800 ERDMAN, 1HO02848 PARKER, 1HO08658 LOGAN and 1HO08784 FREDDIE are in the herd’s mating program.

About half of the breedings occur through Ovsynch® and Presynch® protocols. “It’s very economical to have Josh breed for us. He takes care of everything,” confirms

Relying on Genex service and genetics on their dairy helps Obrechts to remain competitive and profitable in an ever-changing industry.

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HORIZONS

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Today’s Investment, Tomorrow’s Return

10 New Sires Over +$700 LNM LNM

PTA Milk

Prod.

Life

DPR

1HO03070 ECOYNE ISY

$816

1798

6.9

0.9

Planet x Bret

1HO10226 PERRY

$812

1134

6.8

1.8

Al x Sharky

1HO10296 BOYOBOY

$789

1263

5.9

1.5

Man-O-Man x Ramos

1HO10294 LIQUOR

$755

2058

6.1

0.2

Cassino x Boliver

1HO10236 LEWIS

$726

1190

6.8

1.5

Freddie x Mac

1HO10242 GENTRY

$723

540

6.2

1.0

Cassino x Nifty

1HO10293 PAIR

$712

387

4.8

1.8

Cassino x Toystory

1HO10080 DUSK

$706

1660

6.8

0.8

Planet x Wizard

1HO03079 FORHO ISY

$703

1937

5.5

-0.8

Planet x O Man

1HO10217 MASTER *BY

$703

1003

4.9

-0.4

Massey x Pippen

Code Name

Pedigree

“Quality genetics are never wasted,” an article in the United Kingdom’s Farmers Guardian agricultural newspaper (July 15, 2011), reported on a study about the financial impact of quality genetics. The article explains that both high input and low input herds have better margins when the herd consists of high genetic merit cattle. As the genetic level of a herd increases, so does margin per cow.

Invest in the best to generate a more profitable future for your herd.

Dam of 1HO03070 ECOYNE ISY

Coyne-Farms Yelena CRI-ET, VG-85, VG-MS

Dam of 1HO10293 PAIR

Clear-Echo Toystory 1703, VG-88, VG-MS

USDA 08/11, *BY Brachspina Carrier

FA R M S AFE T Y

Every tractor on your farm should have a factory ROPS installed on it.

“Risk”-y Business By: LaMar Grafft, Safety Specialist, Iowa’s Center for Agricultural Safety and Health How much risk is too much? As you go about your daily tasks, how much do you think about the risks of your job and the consequences of those risks?

When I was a kid, we had a neighbor who helped us fill silo each year. At that time, we had a 40-foot concrete stave silo without a roof. The neighbor would go up the chute and walk around on the edge of the staves to where the blower pipe needed to be and secured it in place. That’s risk. Would you be willing to take that risk? I hope not.

As a farmer, you are exposed to risks daily. After all, agriculture is the most hazardous occupation in the United States. How you perceive and respond to those risks helps to determine whether you go home safe and sound at the end of the day.

One of the biggest causes of injuries at any work site is slips and falls. Dairy farms are no different. Wearing boots specifically designed for those surfaces reduces 26

HORIZONS

©2011 CRI

the risk of slipping and is a must. Whether it is manure in the shed or water on the parlor floor, the results can be just as deadly. While most of us have fallen dozens of times through our lives, it only takes an instant to land wrong and suffer a broken bone or head injury that may incapacitate you for an extended period of time.

If you have worked around livestock for very long, you likely have been injured to one degree or another.

Animals can be unpredictable and are not capable of thinking as humans do. They can be fine one minute and alarmed the next. Because of their relative size, cows can do harm to you just by bumping into, or stepping on you.

Do what you have to in order to avoid being cornered.

Remember that an alleyway gate, while seldom used, may be just the thing to keep you safe the one time you need it. Avoid sudden movements and loud noises which can startle an animal and cause it to act differently.

Look for ways to avoid risk as you walk among the cows. Teach your employees how to avoid the common risks associated with being around large animals.

FA R M S AFE T Y quickly equipment moves. For example, a PTO turning at 540 revolutions per minute revolves nine times each second. It takes approximately ¾ of a second for the human brain to even realize there is a problem, which means the shaft has already turned six or seven times.

Whether you have to be around unshielded equipment or not on a regular basis, it is important to keep it shielded. All it takes is an instant of exposure from a new employee, a visitor, or just a different set of circumstances that brought you close enough to it today to get caught. That is a risk that you should not take.

As a parent, I would step in front of my child to keep them from danger. In new mother cows, this instinct is even stronger and causes many injuries and deaths each year.

While we don’t keep dairy calves with their mothers long, mama doesn’t understand or consider her role in providing milk for the nation. Watch for any sign of aggressive behavior that may put you, a family member or employee in danger. If there is any such behavior, even if she is one of your best cows, it may be time to send her down the road.

The most important way to make the decision is to think about safety first and production second.

When treating sick or injured animals, it is always safer to put them in a sick pen where you can gently move them into a head gate. Just because they are in a head gate does not mean you cannot be injured. I have reviewed many needle stick injuries and broken arms from farmers who have kept their hands in the way or placed their arms through the side rails. Make sure you reduce all risk, not just the obvious one of the animal running over you.

Throughout the course of a day on a dairy, you are exposed to chemicals in feed, treatments and cleaners.

It is fairly common to read only the directions on the label without paying much attention to the full list of precautions. That can be a big mistake. All of the information on the label is there to provide you with the knowledge to safely use the product. From the way the product needs to be stored, to the personal protective equipment you wear when you use it, follow the full directions on the label.

Feeding equipment can be especially risky to be around, particularly if the last time you worked on it you failed to put the shields back in place. Any exposed belt, chain or gear-driven equipment needs to be shielded. Rotating shafts need to be smooth and covered, with no protrusions to catch loose clothing or hair. With some of the equipment I have witnessed, I am surprised we don’t have even higher injury and fatality rates than we do. Keep in mind how

Nearly every farm in the United States uses tractors at one time or another. The single biggest killer on farms is tractor overturns. The single biggest prevention of this risk is a rollover protective structure. Every tractor on your farm should have a factory ROPS installed on it. Along with that protection should be a seatbelt that you USE every time you get on the tractor. By taking this simple precaution, you reduce the risk of a fatality from rolling a tractor to almost zero.

Farmers take risks every day because of who they are, how they were raised, and the things to which they are exposed. You can reduce your risks with some common sense and taking the time to think about the safe way to approach the hazards. I sincerely hope you do so.

Now That’s A Scary Thought: A PTO turning at 540 revolutions per minute revolves 9 times each second. It takes approximately ¾ of a second for the human brain to even realize there is a problem, which means the shaft has already turned 6-7 times.

Unshielded PTO

Shielded PTO

Author LaMar Grafft grew up and farmed in Jones County, Iowa. He is a safety specialist with Iowa’s Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (I-CASH), a joint venture of the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, Iowa Department of Public Health, and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. ©2011 CRI

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IN THE NEWS

Be Your Own Agvocate!

“One of the nation’s leading food and farm advocates, Michele Payn-Knoper, says that farmers in America today are actually a minority group that represents about 1.5% of the U.S. population. The majority of Americans haven’t been on a farm in more than five years and most people are living and eating each and every day without knowing where their food really comes from.” (Payn-Knoper) Payn-Knoper’s statement alludes to your task – accept it if you will – of sharing your passion for agriculture, finding common ground on which to connect with consumers and other agriculturalists, and creating an ongoing open dialogue of enlightenment. Today, there are many avenues to alter the separation between producer and consumer; many exist right there in your community while other prominent avenues exist in the virtual world.

Community Ag Advocate

Being an active agriculture advocate or agvocate does take effort but the reward may well be worth it. Take a moment to step out of your comfort zone and teach, listen and learn – the outcome may surprise you.

One of the simplest ways to be an agvocate is to share your thoughts, experiences and stories with others.

Agriculture-related events or festivals, such as breakfasts on the farm, strawberry festivals, apple festivals, farmers’ markets, county fairs, Ag in the Classroom, etc., provide excellent opportunities for producers and consumers to interact. Whether hosting the event or merely attending, be an agvocate by conversing with others to ensure they better understand the agriculture industry.

There’s no need to reserve agvocacy for agriculturebased events. Instead, incorporate it into your daily life.

For instance, when volunteering with youth weave your agriculture experiences into your discussions; share farm stories with your grandchildren; or allow a 4-H club to put a June dairy month display in your yard.

A Very Virtual World

Agriculturalists all around the world have and are realizing the benefits of social media as it relates to agvocacy.

“Social media allows farmers to create meaningful connections, share information and have constructive dialogue. It provides them more immediate access to advocacy information and professional data from many of the farm organizations and agribusinesses that serve them. Social media also 28

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helps agriculturists learn from each other, build a sense of community and share best practices (farm, advocacy or otherwise). These relationships help agriculture more effectively connect with people in and out of our business.” (“Benefiting Agriculture”) Before any further discussion, it’s important to note social media has no age limit. It’s not developed just for those in their 20s or younger. In fact, more than one-third of the fans of the Genex Facebook page are over 35 and nearly 20 percent are over 45!

What are social media? Social media are Internet-based programs that allow individuals to share and discuss information. Interactions or conversations between people or between individuals and organizations occur through posting words, pictures and/or videos to the Web. How can social media be used for agvocacy?

Agriculture enthusiasts have incorporated creativity into using social media for agvocacy. They have begun virtual discussions or interactions about agriculture that: • Share simple stories and explanations about farm life and their daily farm chores • Dispel myths, rumors or public doubt that exist surrounding agriculture by providing facts and sharing personal experiences • Promote farm products and the ag industry as a whole • Create personal ongoing relationships with consumers and other agriculturalists When serving as a credible agvocate it is important to speak about real-life experiences and topics you are knowledgeable in. If someone asks a question which you cannot answer, direct them to another person or organization that can answer the question. Also, since social media is an ongoing conversation, the most benefit comes from regularly posting information and checking for and responding to post feedback.

IN THE NEWS Now, to focus on four popular social media platforms: Facebook is a networking site that allows individuals to connect with friends, families and organizations by sharing messages, pictures and more. Users determine how much of their personal information and interactions are visible to others and who they want to connect (become Facebook “friends”) with.

Genex has its own Facebook page which contains the latest cooperative news, special interest features and much more. Anyone can view the Genex Facebook page regardless of whether or not they have a Facebook account. To access the page, open the Internet and type the web address www.facebook.com/GenexCRI. Facebook account holders can become fans of the Genex Facebook page and receive notices when new information is added.

Similarly, many dairy producers have personal pages and/or farm pages where they share information about the dairy industry, post pictures of their farm and cows, and converse with their Facebook friends.

(letters, numbers, symbols, spaces). These messages are referred to as tweets. Twitter users post their own tweets and follow other users’ tweets. Twitter users also utilize special abbreviations or symbols in their messages. For instance, “RT” signifies a message is a retweet or that the user has reposted a message from another Twitter user.

An “@” sign followed by a Twitter user’s name is used when mentioning or replying to that other user. A hashtag or “#” symbol is used to group posts by a topic.

Central Livestock Association, a company of Genex, has a Twitter page at twitter.com/CLATeam.

Go ahead and check out Central Livestock’s latest tweets about livestock and agriculture.

Dairy producers and industry professionals have found unique things to tweet about and unique ways to tweet. The Penn State Extension Dairy Team tweets about programs, news, and general dairy discussions at twitter.com/PSUDairy. Producers tweet throughout their day about agriculture news, the weather, their responsibilities and the cows. Several cows even have their own Twitter page where they tweet about their day!

It’s Genex Rep Appreciation Month!

A blog is a website where a writer or a group of writers share their own experiences, observations and opinions. Blogs are like an online journal that often reflects the personality of the author.

*Only valid for Genex members and customers within the U.S. or Canada.

The Michigan Ag Council authors an ag-related blog called The Farm Fresh Food Blog. Their blog provides a fresh perspective on food from farmers. Read their latest blog postings at http://blog.mlive.com/freshfood/index.html.

Earn a prize by sharing how your current Genex rep has helped improve profitability on your dairy. Post your story on the Genex Facebook page by October 1.

Twitter is an online social network service in which users post and read short text-based messages consisting of up to 140 characters

blog

Similar to other forms of social media, dairy producers and industry professionals use blogs to write about their day, responsibilities, efforts to provide quality animal care and dedication to producing a high-quality product.

Continued on page 30… ©2011 CRI

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IN THE NEWS

Stacking Up

…continued from page 29.

YouTube is a video-sharing website allowing users to upload their own video clips.

Dairy producers have applied agvocacy to YouTube videos. The descriptions of such videos explain how they meet the agvocacy purpose: “see how we ensure the comfort of our cows,” learn about “a ‘typical’ day on our farm,” or observe “how local producers make your milk.”

Yet other dairy producers’ videos explain how large farms can still be family farms and detail farms’ dedication to environmental stewardship. Use the search bar at www. youtube.com to discover the array of dairy-related videos.

In other examples of agvocacy, the depth and breadth of agriculture is exposed in the YouTube video “One Hungry Planet.” To view the video, search the YouTube website for “One Hungry Planet.” Genex sister subsidiary, AgSource Cooperative Services, also utilizes YouTube; search for “AgSource” to find videos detailing the processes behind soil testing, forage testing and milk sampling.

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Ready to Become an Agvocate?

Now, it’s your turn. Take the initiative to be an agvocate in your community and, if willing to accept the adventure, become an agvocate in the virtual world. The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation has an excellent website with additional social media advocacy examples and easy-to-follow directions on setting up accounts and profiles for each of the different social media platforms at http://ofbf.org/media-and-publications/social-media.

Good luck!

References “Benefiting Agriculture.” AgChat Foundation. n.d. Web. 27 July 2011. <http://agchat.org/ about/benefit-ag>.

Hillcrest Hill 3980, Daughter of 1HO09192 HILL, +3.0 SCR, 99%Rep 30

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USDA/08-11

Payn-Knoper, Michele. “The Best Food in America Comes from Good People.” Cause Matters Corp. n.d. Web. 27 July 2011. <http://www.causematters.com/best-food-from-good-people>.

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