HI’s youth panel about indexes, HI and more
Laurens Rutten Which index system? The current index system of Belgium and our northerly neighbors, “the Dutch”, is based on NVI. When I try to explain it abroad, everybody wonders what it is exactly. But when I ask about the TPI system of the United States, every Holstein fan knows what I mean. I always use it myself as a standard to compare between the bulls. I find the TPI easy to use because everything is very accurately described. It doesn’t matter if you look at the area of production/type or at the secondary traits (fitness), it will always be accurate. Another question I sometimes ask is the following. Had Numero Uno been tested on the Belgian basis, would his impact and fame have been the same? I personally don’t think so, hardly anybody is interested in our Belgian/Dutch genomic numbers. There are only few people who don’t have their animals tested on the American or Canadian base. That’s why I’d choose the American system as standard rather than ours.
Emma Behan Hi everybody! I’d like to start off by introducing myself. My name is Emma Behan and I’m 18 years of age. I’m currently in my first year of studies, studying Business and IT Management. I have grown up on my dad’s dairy farm and as a young person the country lifestyle is just the way I like things. I started competing in YMA (Young Members Association) over ten years ago and I love every minute of it. I have a huge interest in the dairy breed and I hope to take over my Dad’s farm in the distant future. Without doubt the highlight to my year is the National YMA finals that take place annually. The show continues to grow and standards do be at an all-time high. This Holstein event creates an atmosphere that every show needs. After weeks of preparation, every young member takes to the ring hoping all their hard work pays off. The year 2011 was possibly the best year I’ll have in competing in YMA. After winning the National Champion finals, representing Ireland in the EYBS in Belgium was the peak to my showing career, resulting in taking home the title European Champion Young Showmanship person. I look forward to writing for you all again in the next edition.
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Jordan Siemers What is my favorite in HI? It’s so hard to select one Holstein International article because there is always so much to learn in each issue. I always like the proof issue because there is a lot to learn after proofs come out. The “BullTalk” page offers a glimpse at new proven bulls, as well as bulls in Europe. It’s always nice to hear about someone else’s prospective on new bulls to learn more, or to see if we are missing anything. In addition, I enjoy the inside looks at other dairies domestically as well as worldwide. I like seeing different management styles and what new technologies these dairies are utilizing. The Worldwide Grand Champion chart is nice because I like knowing what show cows are on the rise, and not all the shows are covered by the other Holstein magazines or websites. Finally, the sale page is nice because all of the high sellers are on one page, so I don’t need to search around in order to see what are the hot bulls whose daughters are selling well.
My name is Annemiek Hogendoorn and I am 17 years old. I was born in the Netherlands, but three years ago my family emigrated to Sweden. This year I was selected to come out for Sweden at the first Junior Open Show in Cremona, Italy. About ten more countries were participating and we were divided in a Junior and a Senior group. During this contest we competed in the areas of showmanship, clipping, judging, type, and in a knowledge quiz. This contest was linked to the National Show in Italy. In my opinion the youth from Great Britain is very good and I was not surprised when the winner, Andy Smith, came from that country. It was great fun to meet other young people with the same passion, the listen to their stories, exchange experiences, and go out for dinner together. For me this experience was very valuable, especially since I want to continue in this direction in the future. All participants in Cremona’s show ring. HOLSTEIN INTERNATIONAL 81 01/2013
jan bierma
Cremona, Italy 2012
rigtje post
This month a new member of HI’s youth panel makes her debut: Emma Behan from Ireland succeeds Nicky Bishop. Laurens tells us about the index system in his home country, and Jordan describes which article in HI he thought was the best. In addition, Annemiek Hogendoorn tells us about her experiences at the Junior Open Show in Italy.