Summer 2021 Selections

SELECTIONS SUMMER 2021

IN THIS ISSUE

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COOPERATIVES UNITE

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SUSTAINABILITY IS PROFITABILITY

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NEW GENETIC TOOLS

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BxD: PROGRAM OVER PRODUCT

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A WINNING PARTNERSHIP

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GIVE YOUR CALVES THE BEST START

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WE ARE WRITING A NEW CHAPTER IN THE SELECT SIRES HISTORY BOOK AND WE ARE FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE.” - DOROTHY HARMS, SELECT SIRES INC. BOARD CHAIRMAN

FROM YOUR BOARD CHAIRMAN Dorothy Harms, Select Sires Inc. board chairman With our hearts and minds focused on the federation’s long-term vision and future, I am excited to share that member boards from five local Select Sires cooperatives have voted to support the unification of the Select Sires federation. The final decision must now be ratified by member-delegates or member-owners.

Grassroots governance As a former dairy farmer and current beef producer, I have served on Select Sires’ local and national boards for 19 years.

Farmer leadership is what sets Select Sires apart from other A.I. organizations and maintaining our grassroots governance was a priority as we set out to investigate uniting our cooperatives.

Should the unification proposal be ratified, the board of directors from each of the five member cooperatives will join to establish a representative assembly. This group of farmer-owners will oversee the organization and elect leadership to the board of directors.

The unified cooperative will continue to be governed by dairy and beef producers.

Sustainability and service My fellow board members and I understand the challenges facing the dairy and beef industries. As you evolve with the market, Select Sires must adapt to serve your business. For 20 months, your board and management worked with third-party experts to craft a unification proposal that will strengthen the cooperative.

You might be wondering how unification will affect your service and access to Select Sires genetics and programs. You can rest assured that your herd will continue to work with the same local Select Sires representatives and service professionals. You will not experience a change in service and will have the same access to Select Sires genetics and programs. You will continue to work with your local Select Sires team members to determine your genetic and reproductive strategies and meet your herd goals.

If you have questions about unification, please reach out to your local director or delegate to learn more. u

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FROM YOUR PRESIDENT AND CEO

THE SECRET OF CHANGE IS TO FOCUS ALL OF YOUR ENERGY, NOT ON FIGHTING THE OLD, BUT ON BUILDING THE NEW.

David C. Thorbahn, president and CEO Select Sires is no stranger to change.

In our 56-year history, we’ve experienced considerable change in the industry with improvements to technology and genetics that have bettered the livelihoods of dairy and beef farmers. For our A.I. cooperatives, mergers have often been a reason for change.

- SOCRATES

LINKING THE BENEFITS

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The unification investigation was a lengthy and thorough process. As the Select Sires board of directors, member boards and management began linking the benefits, it became clear that uniting our cooperatives is important for the future of Select Sires and our service to you, our farmer-owners. Each benefit is linked to the next and by joining our forces, Select Sires will be stronger.

COOPERATION

In fact, Select Sires’ timeline is dotted with mergers and the unification of many smaller A.I. groups. As these organizations were forming in small pockets throughout the United States, they joined forces to improve efficiencies, grow, thrive and even survive.

Socrates, the ancient Greek Philosopher, not to be confused with 7HO7712 SOCRATES, said, “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” As a team member at Select Sires, I am excited, proud and humbled to work for an organization that is focused on the future.

Select Sires’ farmer board of directors and the boards that represent each of our member cooperatives are passionate and proactive leaders for dairy and beef farmers. With forward-thinking intentions, these groups worked diligently to prepare strategic plans that ensure the long-term sustainability of our cooperative and continued service to you, our farmer-owners.

Voter support The next step in unification is for member-delegates and member-owners throughout the Select Sires federation to ratify this decision. Please connect with your local member cooperative to learn about the voting bylaws specific to your region. If you’re interested in learning more about the unification proposal, please visit www.selectsires.com/unify today!

Cooperative commitment There is no doubt that this is a substantial change for the Select Sires federation, but our team members from across the country and our farmer boards are looking forward to the benefits that this unification will bring to our cooperative and to you, our farmerowners. u

STEWARDSHIP

INVESTMENT

COORDINATION

SERVICE

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TOP 5

REASONS TO UNITE OUR COOPERATIVES

1. MAINTAIN COOPERATIVE STRUCTURE

2. RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP OF ASSETS

Select Sires will remain a grassroots, farmer-owned and -controlled cooperative with dairy and beef producers serving as local delegates and members of the governing Board of Directors. Unification will improve the governing process by reducing time and travel commitments and encourage more producers to be engaged with the cooperative’s business direction.

By taking advantage of economies of scale, centralizing inventories and reducing redundancies in structure and overhead costs, unifying Select Sires Inc. and the member cooperatives reflects responsible stewardship of customer-owner assets.

3. INVESTMENT WHERE IT MATTERS

4. MORE COORDINATED EFFORTS

Savings achieved through responsible stewardship of assets will allow for increased investment in research, information technology (IT) and product development.

This will boost Select Sires to a more sustainable and competitive space, and in turn, enhance the service and product offering to customer-owners.

By uniting personnel and resources, Select Sires will project more coordinated marketing, service and training strategies throughout the United States and around the globe. Customer communication will be more timely, streamlined and targeted – relaying the most valuable information to the right demographic.

5. ADDED SERVICE VALUE Unification produces a clear vision and concentrates more resources on service to customer-owners. With more access to advanced training, emphasis on onboarding and recruitment, Select Sires strengthens the team approach to offer greater opportunities for it’s employees and more specialized service to dairy and beef producers.

GOVERNANCE MATTERS - GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP Select Sires will remain a grassroots, farmer-owned and farmer-led cooperative. In the new governance model, there will be a representative assembly, which will be made up of your current, local member boards. Those members will represent the division in your current cooperative geography.

In the future, members of the representative assembly will be elected by member-owners in their respective divisions throughout the U.S. Committees will be developed to monitor local service to mirror the current cooperative territories. The representative assembly will elect a board of directors, which is like the Select Sires Inc. board today. u

Representative Assembly DAIRY AND BEEF PRODUCER MEMBERS

Up to 3 Non-Employee Outside Directors Elected by Board of Directors

45-60 PRODUCER MEMBERS

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Board of Directors

11-16 PRODUCER MEMBER DIRECTORS

FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: WHAT STARTED THIS PROCESS? A: In 2016, the Select Sires Inc. board of directors met at Purdue University to engage in a strategic planning session. Following this meeting, the board began investigating ways to make the federation of cooperatives stronger, increase its value to customerowners and establish a sustainable future. In the last four years, the board of directors has taken actions to achieve these goals.

The merger with Accelerated Genetics was the result of this strategic planning initiative and led to full ownership of World Wide Sires, as well as growth in genetic power. The unification proposal is the next step in this strategic plan and reflects the best interest of Select Sires’ customer-owners while ensuring a sustainable future for the cooperative and its employees.

Q: WHEN WILL THIS HAPPEN? WHAT IS THE TIMELINE? A: Select Sires Inc. and member cooperative boards voted in support of unification. The decision must now be ratified by member-delegates and member-owners. If unification is approved, it is estimated that Select Sires will transition to a unified cooperative by July 2022.

Q: WHERE WILL I GET MY BILL FROM? A: On day one of unification, there will be no immediate changes to invoicing operations. Future improvement of billing systems will create efficiencies and generate additional value for customerowners, the cooperative and its employees. Changes will be communicated effectively, and adjustments will be seamless for customer-owners.

Q: WILL I LOSE MY PATRONAGE? A: No. All the patronage that is due will be transferred to the new Select Sires cooperative and paid by the new Select Sires cooperative. Additionally, customer-owners of the new Select Sires cooperative will continue to earn patronage when declared by the board of directors from the new organization.

Q: WHAT WILL THE MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE LOOK LIKE IN THE NEW COOPERATIVE? A: The new Select Sires cooperative will be a patron-based membership. All current membership from the member cooperatives will roll over to the new cooperative. To become a member and maintain membership, customer-owners must do at least $500 in semen-related business with the cooperative on an annual basis. Membership rights include election voting privileges, influence in cooperative matters and earned patronage dividends as outlined in the bylaws.

Q: I’VE HEARD THAT PREMIER SELECT SIRES IS NOT JOINING THE UNIFIED SELECT SIRES. WHAT ARE THEIR REASONS? A: While we can’t speak for them, it is important to remember that we are a federation of farmer-owned cooperatives and this decision was made by their board. This plan allows Premier Select Sires to continue as a Cooperative Member of the unified Select Sires and provides their members with exclusive access to genetics, programs and services.

We can tell you they will not be able to take advantage of some of the same benefits as those members joining the unified cooperative, including board representation. The Select Sires boards are preparing for the future to ensure long-term financial strength of the cooperative and opportunities for employees. Just like farmers are analyzing where dollars are spent on their farms, we are increasing efficiencies while generating more valuable service to our farmer-owners. This makes good business sense.

Q: WILL THE MEMBER COOPERATIVE NOT JOINING THE UNIFIED SELECT SIRES HAVE ACCESS TO THE SAME GENETICS AND PROGRAMS THEY DO NOW? A: Yes. They will still have access to the same genetics and programs they do now. At the time of unification, their cooperative will become a Cooperative Member of the unified Select Sires Cooperative Inc. Their cooperative can exclusively purchase from Select Sires Cooperative Inc. and will have access to Select Sires genetics and programs. The cooperative’s membership will need to support the investment in research and development through the price they pay for programs and services. Their cooperative will need to drive their savings independently. Their farmers will only be a member of their cooperative and not of the unified Select Sires Cooperative Inc. Q: I HAVE OPERATIONS IN MULTIPLE STATES AND ONE OF THE AREAS DID NOT JOIN THE UNIFIED SELECT SIRES. WILL THIS CHANGE MY SALES AND SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE? A: You will continue to work with your sales and service personnel that represent the territory in which each of your operations are located. The facility located in the territory that did not join the unified Select Sires will continue to be served by the Cooperative Member representing that area. Both organizations will work cooperatively together to meet your needs.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT UNIFICATION AND ACCESS MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS, VISIT WWW.SELECTSIRES.COM/UNIFY 5 u

SUSTAINABILITY IS PROFITABILITY.

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WHO WE ARE

WHAT WE DO

WHY WE DO IT

The McCarty family operates three dairies in Kansas and another in Nebraska.

In Celina, Ohio, McCarty’s co-own and operate a fifth dairy with partners Matt, Luke and Kyle VanTilburg. The McCartyVanTilburg Partnership, known as MVP Dairy, combines two fourth-generation farm families. With decades of farming experience, these families share an incredible passion for sustainable agriculture and consumer education.

McCarty Family Farms and MVP Dairy have an exclusive relationship with Danone North America. The McCartys and VanTilburgs also share many of the same values as Danone North America and often host executives and guests to tour the 4,500-cow dairy. Connected to the carousel parlor is a non-profit education center that shares “milk’s journey from soil to yogurt cup.”

MVP’s Dairy Learning Center is a two-story, interactive and educational experience open to all ages. From soil health to cow health, dairy cow nutrition to human nutrition, animal care and more, the center features a variety of displays to engage consumer minds and give them confidence in our food production system.

To learn more about the McCarty and VanTilburg families and MVP Dairy, please visit www.mvpdairyllc.com

The McCartys and VanTilburgs are steadfast in their mission to feed the world, sustainably. They believe that sustainability and profitability go handin-hand. Ken McCarty says, “I’m in the business of selling milk. My ultimate boss is the consumer.” Responsible animal care, land and environmental stewardship and water conservation are all important to consumers. The McCartys believe that sustainability plays a critical role in creating and securing a market for milk.

The families have a progressive approach to sustainability. Allison Ryan, director of marketing and communications for MVP Dairy, says, “The McCarty and VanTilburg families have a very holistic approach to sustainability and regenerative agriculture. Programs are in place to protect natural resources, promote biodiversity and manage manure and nutrients. But they are also very intent on breeding a sustainable cow that fits into their operation.”

Sustainability starts and stops with the dairy cow. Ken explains that the dairy cow is the ultimate recycler, converting feedstuffs that humans can’t consume into nutritious dairy products. In describing the dairy cow, McCarty says, “She is the linchpin of dairy farm sustainability.”

The families’ dedication and innovative spirit for agriculture has been passed down through many generations. The McCartys ventured into the dairy industry more than 100 years ago in northeast Pennsylvania.

Four generations later, Clay, David, Mike and Ken are raising their families in the industry. In Ohio, the VanTilburgs have been farming since 1902. Today, VanTilburg Farms is co-owned by brothers Matt, Luke and Kyle and they specialize in cover crops, custom fertilizer application and soil sampling.

Part of the McCarty’s drive is their love for great cows. Ken describes that genetic advancement has been a constant throughout their generations of growth and relocation. “It’s a collective effort to breed better cows and achieve a great cow family,” says Ken. “That’s why we rely on Select Sires.”

The VanTilburg’s focus has always been in the land and crop sector. The addition of the dairy afforded them more opportunities.

“We really focus on the whole, big picture and recycling nutrients,” says Kyle.

While the VanTilburgs and McCartys come from different agriculture backgrounds, their motivations can be summarized in two words: food and future. Together, they are inspired to feed their communities and secure future opportunities for their families.

HOW WE DO IT: FROM A GENETIC PERSPECTIVE With five locations in total, the McCarty’s own more than 14,000 lactating cows. Right now, their genetic goals include expanding the herd numbers. They are using genomic data very effectively to make genetic progress and fill open slots at the five dairies.

Customized selection index With the McCarty’s long-term goals in mind, Lyle Kruse, vice president of U.S. development, and Jeff Ziegler, vice president of dairy cattle breeding, work together to develop a customized index for the McCarty’s five operations. The index emphasizes protein production to complement their relationship with Danone. It also places heavy focus on health, wellness and fertility traits to breed a more sustainable dairy cow. Conformation is incorporated into the index as well and aligns closely with standards set forth by Holstein Association USA. Kruse and Ziegler tweak the index annually after reviewing the herd’s records and goals.

Brock Peters, general manager at MVP dairy, describes the relationship with Select Sires as a true partnership. Brock works closely with the team at Select Sires to mate cows and improve whole-herd genetics.

Strategic breeding plan McCarty’s strategic use of high-ranking conventional and sexed dairy semen is aggressive. As they grow their herd, they are using up to 36 percent sexed semen in their lactating population. Within heifer groups, they are mating 8 percent of their elite females to NxGEN® program sires.

At MVP Dairy, all cows are mated to beef semen and the herd has secured marketing through Select Sires’ ProfitSOURCETM program and partner, Power Genetics. With many dairies diversifying income potential, finding a complete beef x dairy program is key for longterm profit.

Herd metrics Attention to health and wellness traits has led to profitable shifts in the herd makeup in regard to lactation groups. With 40 percent of cows in their third lactation and beyond, the McCartys are earning a better return on their heifer raising investments.

The current herd turnover rate is 32 percent. Pregnancy rates for lactating cows at the five facilities range from 27 percent to 32 percent, well within industry benchmarks.

Genetics for a sustainable future Adapting to the industry is the only way to remain relevant and successful. With the knowledge that genetics play a part in farm sustainability, they set goals to meet tomorrow’s demands. u

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Sustainability to us is having a profitable business that allows us to stay in business and keep our communities prosperous.

- Ken McCarty

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Cover Photo: MVP Dairy’s General Manager Brock Peters walks through one of the freestall barns at MVP’s 4,500-cow dairy in Celina, Ohio.

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DELIVERING DOLLAR$ DWP$ STUDY VALIDATES INDEX CLAIMS Chuck Sattler, vice president of genetic programs Select Sires Inc.

Most herds use records from farm management systems to analyze and validate the predictive power of genetic evaluations for individual traits. As you know, your local Select Sires advisor can perform a genetic audit to show that animals with higher PTA values perform better in your herd. So what information can we glean from our selection indexes?

Many of today’s commonly used indexes are presented as dollar values. Do high ranking animals deliver the extra profit that is promised by these indexes? This is a much more complicated question that requires not just tracking eventual performance for multiple traits, but also some economic analysis. For this reason, validation of selection indexes is something that is rarely done.

Zoetis’ Dairy Wellness Profit Dollars® (DWP$®) is one example of a selection index that has gone through this rigorous validation process. Results of this validation were published in the November 2020 Journal of Dairy Science. The study tracked lifetime performance of 2,185 genomic-tested heifers in five herds located in Wisconsin, South Dakota and Idaho.

Reference: Fessenden, B., D. J. Weigel, J. Osterstock, D. T. Galligan, and F. Di Croce. 2020. Validation of genomic predictions for a lifetime merit selection index for the US dairy industry. J. Dairy Sci. 103:10414-10428.

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Results showed that heifers in the top quartile for DWP$ generated $811 more profit during their productive life. For every $1 increase in DWP$, heifers returned an additional $1.84 of lifetime profit. This is very close to the expected return of $2 (since DWP$ is expressed as a transmitting ability). Additional profit for high DWP$ heifers came from higher lifetime production, higher pregnancy rates, fewer health events and lower death loss.

Not only does DWP$ effectively rank heifers based on their future profitability, but the research demonstrates that extra emphasis on health traits in a selection index results in extra profit. The incidence of mastitis was reduced by 35 percent, lameness was reduced by 40 percent, metritis was reduced by 50 percent and displaced abomasum was reduced by 50 percent for high DWP$ animals. This resulted in fewer treatment expenses and less disruption of revenue streams, which resulted in additional profit opportunity.

Only a few indexes available around the world have been validated through peer-reviewed, published research. DWP$ is now one of three indexes that can make this claim. u Select Sires publishes a wealth of genetic information on the website bull pages and in sire directories. We want herd managers to be equipped with the genetic information available to make the best mating decisions. Review DWP$ values and other health and wellness traits and indexes on the go with our mobile app. Scan the QR code and download Select Sires Mobile today!

WHAT’S IN YOUR GENETIC

T O O L B O X ?

Selecting the tools that best match your genetic targets is key.

We know that a craftsman is only as good as his tools. Add the right genetic tools in your toolbox so you can achieve your herd goals.

In recent months, Select Sires has introduced two new tools, Mastitis ResistantPROTM and Herd Health Profit DollarsTM (HHP$TM). Both tools are science-based and Mastitis ResistantPRO incorporates health and wellness traits from the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) and Zoetis.

Health traits continue to prove their worth in our industry.

Not only can we see this in the recent validation study with Dairy Wellness Profit Dollars® (DWP$®) but herd managers see the influence of these traits and indexes with less problem cows, vacant sick pens and lower antibiotic use.

New designation The Mastitis ResistantPRO designation is the industry’s firstof-its-kind, complete genetic tool to combat mastitis. Select Sires professionals have analyzed the economic impact of mastitis resistance traits in dairy herds. Genetic audits of CDCB Mastitis Resistance and CDCB Somatic Cell Score (SCS) reveal significant savings for higher genetic merit animals, translating to more profit for farmers. The new designation identifies sires that excel in multiple indicators of mastitis resistance, including CDCB MAST, SCS and Zoetis Mastitis Resistance.

Mastitis is reported as the third most popular reason for culling in commercial dairy herds and a case of clinical mastitis in the first 30 days of lactation results in an economic loss of $444 1.

This cost includes treatment expenses and the subsequent effects of milk loss, premature culling, replacement loss and future reproductive challenges. Industry reports show the incidence rate for mastitis is 24.8 2 percent and most cows with a mastitis event are treated with antibiotics. Improving genetic merit for mastitis resistance will reduce the use of antimicrobials, which translates to both on-farm savings and consumer approval.

Holstein sires that carry the Mastitis ResistantPRO designation will reduce mastitis cases by 2.3 percent. In a 1,000-cow herd, the savings are greater than $10,000 per year.

Preventative Veterinary Medicine, Vol. 122, Issue 3, 12/2015, Pages 257-264.

National Animal Health Monitoring System, 2014.

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Herd Health Profit Dollars While Mastitis ResistantPRO hones in on the specific challenges of mastitis, HHP$ offers farmers a broader, yet robust index to build healthy herds. As dairies strategically use beef semen in growing numbers, they are raising fewer replacement heifers and experiencing lower herd turnover rates. With more older cows in the herd, treatment costs are an initial concern and the need for healthy cows pays off. HHP$ is engineered to create healthy, trouble-free, efficient and fertile cows that return more dollars for your rearing investment.

What sets HHP$ apart from other health-focused indexes?

There are several features that differentiate this index from others, including a balance of improvement in both fat and protein yields as well as emphasis on mastitis resistance, udder conformation traits and CDCB’s new evaluation for feed efficiency.

HHP$ can be used to rank heifers in herds that perform genomic testing but don’t test with Zoetis or don’t have CLARIFIED® Plus results. HHP$ can also be used for A.I. sire selection and provides a health-focused index that can be used across the industry to rank bulls on the future profitability of their daughters. u

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To avoid costly mastitis cases and save money, look for sires with the new Mastitis ResistantPRO designation.

This new genetic tool leverages genomic evaluations for CDCB Mastitis Resistance, CDCB Somatic Cell Score and Zoetis Mastitis Resistance to deliver genetic improvement.

Progeny Proven

CFP

%F

%P

Rel. %

14HO7823 CROWNE

162

-0.03

0.01

98

7HO12821 EVEREST

145

0.27

0.06

14HO7828 ODIN

138

0.26

14HO13666 DELROY

131

7HO13753 DEVINE

GForceTM

CFP

%F

%P

Rel. %

7HO15167 GAMEDAY*

166

0.22

0.05

77

99

7HO15344 MOWGLI

165

0.23

0.07

78

0.09

96

7HO15532 BIG ORBITZ

163

0.27

0.08

77

0.12

0.04

98

157

0.20

0.04

78

129

0.14

0.05

98

7HO15069 TOP DOG*

156

0.26

0.06

77

7HO13473 ASHTON

120

0.02

0.04

99

7HO15079 STELLAR

153

0.22

0.08

77

7HO11985 TETRIS

117

0.01

-0.02

99

7HO15242 ESPIONAGE*

151

0.11

0.03

77

7HO12974 COPYCAT

115

0.12

0.04

98

7HO15304 REDEEM

151

0.19

0.05

77

7HO12659 PASSAT

112

0.14

-0.01

99

14HO14964 FORBES

147

0.18

0.06

78

7HO13253 VERTEX

106

-0.02

-0.08

99

14HO15274 LINK

146

0.25

0.04

77

14HO14982 RASHAN

04/21 CDCB/HA Genomic Evaluation. *Identifies NxGEN sires. All sires listed on this page qualify for semen export to Canada.

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12/19 CDCB/HA Genomic Evaluation: All bulls, except YODER, qualify for semen export to Canada.

The only complete beef x dairy program!

SUPERIOR Genetics

RELIABLE Markets

ProfitSOURCE beef sires are specifically selected for use on dairy cows with a focus on the traits needed to earn top dollar for your beef x dairy calves.

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ProfitSOURCE is a trademark of Select Sires Inc.

Partners, TD Beef and Power Genetics, offer improved, secure pricing for qualifying calves.

ProfitSOURCE connects packer interest with improved uniformity and cutability along with age, sire and source traceability through RFID. Calf care guidelines ensure feeding and carcass performance, adding value along the supply chain.

Highly trained Select Sires consultants are ready to help you determine the best breeding plan to ensure the highest profitability for your herd. Call today to learn more!

AM PROGERR-OV

WHO IS TD BEEF? TD Beef is the cattle procurement company bridging the gap between the dairy and beef industries. They specialize in the use of elite beef x dairy genetics while creating a cloudbased passport of data that travels with the cattle from conception to consumption.

PROGRAM SPECIFICS: u

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Calves must be sired by TD Beef bulls that are sourced and developed specifically for today’s grid-based beef supply chain.

TD Beef provides age, sire and source traceability through RFID to ensure premiums.

Shared carcass data, as available, if ownership is retained Dairy producers must utilize Select Sires as the supplier for their beef and dairy genetics.

Follow ProfitSOURCETM calf care guidelines and reap the rewards of superior calf management.

PRODUCT

Mike De Groot, director, TD Beef You’re all familiar with the phrase, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” It simply means that we shouldn’t make any judgments on worth or value by looking at outward appearance alone. We already consider this metaphor when we’re gauging the quality of milk and alfalfa, next I will challenge you to apply this to beef.

We know that not all milk is created equal. Components and quality play a critical role in defining value, but you’d never know the difference between high-quality or poor-quality milk unless milk plants measured Fat, Protein and Somatic Cell Counts.

Milk is the product you’re marketing, but factors like management, nutrition and genetics make up the program that determines that product’s quality.

Take alfalfa as another example. Green, soft-stemmed hay is an indicator of quality, but most dairymen and farmers still use an NIR or wet chemistry analysis to take out the guess work. That analysis plays a key role in price discovery and marketability of the hay. Without it, the buyer and the seller are basically shooting in the dark. Ask any qualified nutritionist if they’d like to balance a lactating cow ration without a legitimate alfalfa analysis and see how they respond. My old nutritionist, the late Dick Koritansky, used to tell me, “Mike, I’m a nutritionist, not a magician, get me the analysis!” In other words, knowing what you are working with and how to determine quality beneath the surface are integral parts of a complete program.

Understanding dairy’s role in the beef industry As a third-generation dairy farmer, I compare this book cover metaphor to milk and forage quality. In addition to owning and managing dairies, I also spent five years working as a genetic consultant. It was during this time that I took notice of the increase in beef semen sales and the demand for black beef x dairy calves. I also identified a problem and an opportunity. With no one keying into any favorable genetic trait, there was an opportunity to create value for those selling and those owning these black calves.

The vision behind TD Beef was born with system and supply chain in mind. It wasn’t long before unknown genetics began to pollute the supply chain and the war was waged against large calf ranches, feed lots and packers as they had different expectations of product quality. From milk and alfalfa, we know that quality and consistency are key. But for the beef industry, it’s not until the hide is pulled back that we can truly know the quality of these black calves. TD Beef is the solution for unknown genetics. It solves the problem that products, masquerading as programs, have created.

MANAGEMENT Proper vaccinations and calf-care guidelines

GENETICS Elite, Fertility Verified, hand selected to meet grid-based marketing at a reasonable fixed price

TRACEABILITY

NUTRITION

MARKETING

High-quality colostrum or replacer at the dairy Balanced, high-performance diet at the calf ranch and through the feedlots

Connecting packer interest with age, sire and source verification

TD Beef tags serve as a one-of-a-kind passport that tell the story from conception to consumption

TD Beef is a step-by-step process that begins with genetics and extends to the production line.

TD Beef is a full-service program, not a commodity product.

Conception to consumption When you’re talking about beef x dairy calves, quality and traceability are leading questions from our industry and consumers. u

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What tools are available within the industry to judge the worth or value of a black calf beyond their outward appearance alone?

How do we distinguish elite beef x dairy calves from commodity beef x dairy calves?

Most genetic suppliers can offer you elite beef semen, but beef semen without a program is incomplete. The beef x dairy marketplace needs more than just high-quality genetics. While genetics play a key role, a pull-through program is the priority for TD Beef and Select Sires.

A CEO of a large feedlot told me the difference between carcass values of elite-sired cattle, as compared to unknown, commodity beef has been as high as $500. It’s easy to understand why feedlots and packers are no longer willing to pay premiums for black-hided beef x dairy cattle with unknown genetics and unknown origins. This testimony is proof that genetics, traceability and records are key to higher premiums.

Mike Tyson once famously said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” Albeit blunt, there’s certainly truth in that quote. The demand for elite, known and traceable program cattle reminds me of the demand we experienced years ago when our consumers wanted milk from cows not treated with rBST – this was like a punch in the face to the dairy industry! We knew this had to do more with marketability than with science. But these days, science doesn’t sell. Stories do. And while we are relying on science to develop programs like TD Beef, we know that we need to be ready to share a complete story.

Not only does TD Beef begin with elite genetics, it is designed to be sustainable, transparent and traceable. TD Beef is a program that raises the bar for everyone involved, from conception to consumption.

Partnering with ProfitSOURCE TD Beef is part of Select Sires’ ProfitSOURCE program. This program connects calf ranches, feedlots and packers with sourceverified, high-quality calves. ProfitSOURCE provides dairy producers with a premium program for a premium product and is complete with genetic lineups, calf care guidelines, traceability measures and partnerships that secure demand and marketplace premiums.

As a ProfitSOURCE partner, TD Beef has a network of rearing and marketing opportunities for beef x dairy offspring. TD Beef sires are available exclusively from Select Sires and sourced and developed specifically for today’s grid-based beef supply chain.

There will eventually be four million beef x dairy calves. A black hide won’t mean a thing and definitely won’t indicate a high-quality product. The program will speak for the product. Just as dairy records and milk testing are critical to your operation, accurate records for beef x dairy calves will be paramount to the beef industry.

Find a program that provides you with the best genetics, traceability and marketability. u

Scan the QR code to learn more about TD Beef and Select Sires’ beef x dairy program, ProfitSOURCE!

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A WINNING PARTNERSHIP VICTORY FARMS AND SELECT SIRES: CREATING MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR JERSEY GENETICS “It’s all about people. I trust that the people I work with share the same goals,” says Kevin Souza. “I have an awesome team here at Victory and an awesome team at Select Sires.”

Victory Farms values people and relationships and with a good working environment and culture, they have many employees with a 10 to 15 year history. As Souza says, “It’s all about people,” and he excitedly attributes the herd’s winning performance to a great team of employees.

Souza is the managing partner at Victory Farms, a 5,000cow Jersey herd located in Milbank, South Dakota. With years of experience managing commercial dairies in California, Souza moved to South Dakota in 1998. In 2006, he began transitioning their Holstein herd to Jerseys to take advantage of a robust cheese market.

Since then, Victory has made genetic planning and record tracking a priority. Combined with genomic testing technologies, this game plan has led Victory to a winning reputation.

Genetic strategy Souza is data-driven with an aggressive genetic strategy. Zoetis performs twice yearly genetic audits to quartile cows and the herd works with Select Sires to prepare a genetic plan based on the herd breakdown. Souza often jokes that he “doesn’t want that fourth quartile,” showing his determination to improve herd performance at a quick pace. Sire selection prioritizes udder conformation traits and components with emphasis on health and fertility.

Victory Farms uses the industry’s top young sires with sexed semen going in about five percent of cows and the top 50 percent of heifers. The rest of the herd is designated as embryo recipients or to be bred with beef semen. To maintain herd numbers, Victory only needs 180-200 replacement females each month and Souza is capitalizing on beef x dairy opportunities with TD Beef.

Herd metrics, goals and awards Energy Corrected Milk averages 107 pounds shipped per day per stall. Souza is honing in on genetics, management and reproduction to lower his cull rate and increase the percentage of later lactation cows within the herd. “Second and third lactation Jerseys make more milk,” says Souza. The lactation makeup has decreased from 46 percent first lactation cows to 38 percent. His goal is 33-35 percent first lactation cows.

Kevin Souza and Herby Lutz work closely to select donors for the ART program.

In addition to stellar production records, Victory Farms has a phenomenal reproductive program. In 2018, they were awarded a platinum recognition by Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council (DCRC).

They often report a pregnancy rate of 40 percent, rarely dipping below 38 percent. This is especially impressive considering their use of embryos.

ART at Victory Farms Dairy Select Sires introduced the Aggressive Reproductive TechnologiesTM (ARTTM) program in 2009 to create new bloodlines for Holstein breeders. Since then, the program has steadily grown to add genetic variation to the sire offering and utilize genomic tools to slow inbreeding. The program has also expanded to include Jersey genetics.

Select Sires’ genetic pipeline of Jersey sires is divided equally among three main sources: Jerseyland Sires, farmer-owner breeders and the Jersey ART program. Herby Lutz, Jersey development manager at Select Sires, says, “To provide Jersey herds with genetic diversity while also meeting production and fertility goals, it’s important that our sire development and procurement include input from many top Jersey breeders.” Victory Farms is a valuable Jersey ART partner.

Souza manages the herd’s expansive IVF program while Select Sires implants 60-80 embryos each week. In 2020, Select Sires implanted more than 1,300 embryos at Victory Farms. Through this partnership, Souza and Lutz generate unique matings and focus on the specific genetic needs of the current Jersey genetics industry.

Victory S-S-I sires Top Cheese Merit (CM$) sires available today include: 507JE1820 HOLEINONE ($568), 14JE1850 JX RICKIE {4} ($554) and JX KENDRICK {5} ($537). Leading combined Fat and Protein (CFP) sires include 14JE1840 JX BIRDIE {4} (+125) and 14JE1851 JX KENDRICK {5} (+111). Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR) continues to hold great value to the Jersey breed and Select Sires offers eight Victory ART sires that are positive for DPR. Leading this rank is 250JE1852 LADSON (+1.2), 7JE1822 FRINGE (+1.1), 14JE1821 JX CHIP {4} (+1.0) and JX RICKIE {4} (+0.9). u 04/21 CDCB/AJCA Rel%. Yield: JX BIRDIE {4} 74; JX KENDRICK {5} 73; DPR: LADSON 70, FRINGE 66, JX CHIP {4} 62, JX RICKIE {4} 65.

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NM$

% Rel

7HO15473 BOLETO

LEGACY x HELIX x MONTROSS

+835

75

+743 +2983

+1,119 +3043

7HO15482 ROMELU New

+823

75

+903 +2956

75

+1,039 +2903

7HO15464 LUNAR

LEGACY x MOONGLOW x Josuper

+820

75

+852 +2917

+871

75

+853 +2980

7HO15396 HUCK New

+818

75

+832 +2975

7HO15196 VENUS

+868

75

+934 +2958

14HO15250 HELIOGEN

+814

75

+993 +2988

7HO15394 DRIVE

+865

75

+826 +3005

7HO15465 CRUSHER

+811

75

+815 +2947

7HO15242 ESPIONAGE

LEGACY x Apprentice*RC x YODER

+864

75

+1,083 +2937

14HO15223 CONWAY

+788

76

+939 +2952

14HO15519 APOLLO New

+855

75

+1,011 +2955

7HO15479 ENTICE-P

+787

75

+841 +2877

7HO15195 LAZER

+852

75

+786 +2969

7HO15370 REGAL

+777

75

+965 +2926

7HO15337 SUPERCHARGE LEGACY x Rubicon x MORGAN

+849

76

+929 +2994

7HO15085 PARFECT

RENEGADE x Delta-Lambda x Denver

+754

76

+802 +2973

7HO15606 EVERYHOUR New

+838

75

+1,074 +2926

14HO15289 BEDROCK-PP New

+684

75

+860 +2821

7HO15069 TOP DOG

+837

75

+842 +2962

NM$

% Rel

14HO15453 EXOTIC*CD

+912

75

+1,114 +2954

7HO15167 GAMEDAY

+889

75

14HO15478 STINGRAY

+873

14HO15334 SHINE

LEGACY x Burley x Rubicon BIG AL x Blowtorch x YODER LEGACY x Achiever x Josuper LEGACY x Achiever x Josuper LEGACY x Achiever x Delta LEGACY x FREEBORN x MODESTY

LEGACY x Medley x JEDI

LEGACY x Superhero x YODER

Heroic x REASON x Rubicon ROME x OUTSIDERS x Delta

DWP$

®

GTPI

®

Lukaku x ROLAN x DUKE

LEGACY x Yoda x HURRICANE LEGACY x REASON x Rubicon CALVARY x LEGENDARY x Josuper RENEGADE x Granite x Draco LEGACY x Windfall x Powerball-P RENEGADE x FRAZZLED x Delta

LIMELIGHT-P x FRAZZLED x MONTROSS

DWP$

GTPI

4/21 CDCB/HA and 6/21 Zoetis Genomic data. All bulls qualify for semen export to Canada.

Thomas Photo: 14HO15223 CONWAY calf, Hilmar Holsteins, Hilmar, CA.

Contact your representative to learn how to join NxGEN and begin capturing breed-leading genetic trends today!

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GIVE YOUR CALVES THE BEST START CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE YOUR CALF REARING PROGRAM Jill Strangstalien, director of herd management solutions, Select Sires Inc.

We often preach that “calves are the future of the herd.” Do you practice what you preach?

We know successful passive transfer is important, but are your calves achieving it?

We know nutrient intake and growth rates before weaning play a significant role later in life, but are you maximizing these metrics in the pre-wean stage?

We know the importance of supporting a calf’s digestive and immune development with supplements, but what does the latest research demonstrate as having a significant impact?

Using the information we know and the calf care goals we have in place, let’s take a more in-depth look at these open ended questions.

Passive transfer You know that successful passive transfer is critical. Provide a newborn calf four quarts or one gallon of good-quality colostrum or two quarts of colostrum replacer within four hours of birth by bottle feeding as a first option, or by esophageal feeder if the calf will not voluntarily drink this volume. The latest research defines adequate passive transfer of 25 gram/liter of IgG (serum protein greater than 6.2 grams/deciliter in greater than 40 percent of calves in a herd). To achieve this level of serum immunoglobulin (IgG) when feeding maternal colostrum, a simple and effective protocol using a Brix Refractometer can be: 1. Refractometer reading 25 Brix or higher a. Feed four quarts.

2. Refractometer reading 18-24 Brix a. Supplement by adding 50 grams of IgG of First Day Formula® CR. Use 1/3 of a 500g packet or one scoop of the provided scoop in a 20 lb. pail.

3. Refractometer reading below 18 Brix a. Discard or use as transitional milk. b. Feed calf two quarts of First Day Formula® CR colostrum replacer.

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Nutrients and growth Now that we’ve reviewed passive transfer, let’s discuss growth metrics. Your calves should be doubling their birth weight within 60 days and increasing their height by at least four inches within the same 60-day period.

These are targeted goals to achieve maximum young-calf performance and long-term productive and reproductive performance.

Don’t be hesitant to implement an accelerated feeding program for fear of higher costs. The long-term, whole herd benefits of a robust calf program outweigh these short-term concerns.

When determining a liquid diet, don’t get caught up selecting a formulation based on the per bag price of milk replacer powder.

Accelerated feeding programs capitalize on higher protein:fat ratios. These powders are fed at higher volumes or more frequently and will undoubtedly reflect higher costs per bag when compared to lower protein:fat formulations. It is key that you review the performance results of the formulation you select, as well as the cost per pound of gain. In reality, your cost per pound of gain to raise elite performing calves with a higher protein:fat product, and higher price per bag powder, will be substantially lower in the long run. It’s a challenging concept to understand and accept, but you’ll see the proof on your balance sheet and in your barn.

Supporting development Supporting the development of the immune and digestive system of your calves is tremendously important. Calves are born with great vulnerability to infections and the first weeks of life are critical for that newborn calf’s survival. Health challenges at this phase have a detrimental effect on nutrient absorption and calf growth, and ultimately their performance as lactating cows in your future herd.

Mortality rates, weight gain and growth during the pre-weaned stage are the most important matters to address when analyzing calf-rearing performance. If your calves are surviving, but not thriving, make sure to investigate asymptomatic diseases that might be pulling their energy away from growth and re-routing it to fight pathogen invasions.

Calves are born with a naive gastrointestinal tract (GIT or gut) that is free of pathogens; however, right after birth, calves face an environment full of infectious agents. Although the calf’s gut starts as a clean slate, it will eventually be populated with pathogens from its surrounding environment if we do nothing to interfere with that onslaught.

We can choose to inoculate and populate the calf’s GIT with beneficial microorganisms, known as direct-fed microbials (DFMs), and dictate the microbial population profile of its gut, taking on an earlier life-promoting

gut integrity mission on behalf of our young animals. Direct-fed microbials protect the calf against bad pathogens by producing natural antibiotic-like bacteriocins, stimulating the immune system, and enhancing nutrient absorption, while providing a solid start and rapid growth for the newborn calf. The GI tract is the most extensive interface between the external environment and the largest residence of immune cells in the body. It also acts as a physical and immune barrier to pathogens. Inoculating the calf’s gut with beneficial stable microbial populations will translate to better immune status, digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Cutting-edge technology to boost your calves’ potential and your herd’s profitability Coated short-chain fatty acids (CSCF), egg yolk antibodies (IgY - ImmunoGlobulins in yolk), and mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) are all innovative technologies with sufficient scientific evidence of enhancing calf health performance, reducing antibiotic use and successfully improving calf rearing programs.

The latest cutting-edge technology is coated short-chain fatty acids (CSCF). CSCF are guaranteed to reach the lower GIT and stimulate cell activation and proliferation for better nutrient absorption. They activate the gut cells’ first line of defense, providing mucous-hindering barriers which block

pathogens and help prevent invasive infections while stimulating anti-inflammatory responses.

IgYs are specific antibodies that can be used to avoid infectious agents coming from certain viral, bacterial or parasitic infestations.

They help to reduce diarrhea in calves by neutralizing pathogens. Pathogen-binding and deactivation are also the main modes of action of MOS. Mannan-oligosaccharides occupy the binding sites on the intestinal pathogens.

Key takeaways and solutions Stress factors for pre-weaned calves can be physical or environmental. Calves experience stress with antibiotic treatments, specifically needle injections, as well as diet changes, dehorning, castrating, transporting, pen changes and animal interactions, inclement weather conditions and fluctuations, and so much more. Give your calves the best start and prepare them to be the future profit generators in your herd by adding Tri-Start Jr+ paste to your rearing program.

Tri-Start Jr+ paste offers all of the aforementioned components to support your developing young calf. Each individual dose of Tri-Start Jr+ paste has a guaranteed viable live count of 20 billion colony forming units (CFU) of naturally occurring microorganisms selected specifically for young calves. Tri-Start Jr+ paste delivers cutting-edge technology in the form of coated short-chain fatty acids

PERFORMANCE PROVEN

+

LATEST RESEARCH

+

EASY APPLICATION

that reach the lower GI tract to stimulate cell activation, optimize absorption and thicken the mucous in the hind-gut making it difficult for pathogens to adhere. The IgY and MOS technology built into Tri-Start Jr+ promote specific pathogen binding and exclusion to more than seven highly infectious microorganisms removing them from the GI tract, reducing infection pressure and stimulating the calf’s immune system. In addition, Tri-Start Jr+ is formulated with an additional vitamin pack and selenium yeast.

Talk with your local Select Sires representative today to learn more about Tri-Start Jr+ paste or scan the QR code for an all access pass to this herd management product. u

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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Minster, Ohio 45865 Permit No. 2

SELECTIONS MISSION

11740 US 42 NORTH • PLAIN CITY • OHIO • 43064-0143

To enhance the productivity and profitability of dairy and beef producers, Select Sires is committed to be the premier provider of highly fertile, superior genetics accompanied by effective reproductive- and herdmanagement products and services.

For more information, visit www.selectsires.com or call (614) 873-4683.

Product of the USA.

TM gender SELECTED, Herd Health Profit Dollars, HHP$, Mastitis ResistantPRO, Aggressive Reproductive Technologies, ART and ProfitSOURCE are trademarks of Select Sires Inc. JUI and JPI are trademarks of the American Jersey Cattle Association. ®NxGEN, ProfitMAX, Your Success Our Passion., are registered trademarks of Select Sires Inc. Dairy Wellness Profit Index, DWP$ and CLARIFIDE are registered trademarks of Zoetis Inc., its affiliates and/or its licensors. Total Performance Index (TPI) is a registered trademark of Holstein Association USA. The Apple logo is a trademark of Apple Inc. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC. Limitations and Conditions of Sale: gender SELECTED semen shall be used only for the single insemination of one female bovine during natural ovulation with the intent to produce single offspring unless specifically approved on an individual customer basis by Sexing Technologies in writing. As a condition of purchasing gender SELECTED semen, the purchaser agrees that gender SELECTED semen will not be reverse sorted or re-sorted unless specifically permitted, in advance, on a case-by-case basis by Select Sires in writing. Select Sires intends to monitor the use of the gender SELECTED semen and vigorously enforce these restrictions on use. Please see http://www.selectsires.com/designations/genderselected.html for additional details. Buyer assumes all responsibility for use, storage and handling of herd management products. All claims, representations, and warranties, expressed or implied, are made only by the company responsible for manufacturing and not by Select Sires Inc., its member cooperatives, its agents or employees.

“

Unifying the Select Sires federation of cooperatives is without a doubt the best, if not the only way, to be assured of three key things: for Select Sires to be progressive and maintain our position as a global leader, for our farmer-owners to continue to receive high-quality products and services at a fair price, and for future generations of Select Sires farmer-owners to harvest the benefits of a true cooperative.

- Mark Henry, Henry Farms

”

Mark Henry, West Liberty, Ohio COBA/Select Sires District 1 Directo r Select Sires Inc. Board Member

For more information, visit: www.selectsires.com/unify