A guide to Wisconsin Holstein Shows

Birth Year Inbreeding (%) Annual Increase (%)

2000 4.5

2001 4.6

2002 4.8

2003 4.9

2004 5.0

2005 5.1

2006 5.2

2007 5.3 +0.1

+0.2

+0.1

+0.1

+0.1

+0.1

+0.1 +.12%

2008 5.4

2009 5.5

2010 5.7

2011 5.8 +0.1

+0.1

+0.2

+0.1

2012 5.9 +0.1

2013 6.1

2014 6.3

2015 6.6

2016 6.9

2017 7.3

2018 7.7

2019 8.2

2020 8.7

2021 9.0 +0.2

+0.2

+0.3

+0.3

+0.39

+0.43

+0.46 +.25%

+.43%

+0.48 (first 80%) +0.33 (first 10%) Bull mated to own daughter has inbreeding of 25%. Inbreeding increases during a year. Source: Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding are 7-year-old cows in 2021) were the first to have average inbreeding that surpassed 6.25%. The average birth year of Holstein cows that are currently milking in herds is probably 2017 with average inbreeding of 7.3%, which is only 1% above 6.25%.

However, the annual increase of average inbreeding of Holsteins has increased from +0.12% (for birth years 2000 to 2012) to +0.25% (for 2013 to 2016) to +0.43% (for 2017 to 2019). This documents a major acceleration of annual increase of average inbreeding of Holsteins. It’s important to realize that average inbreeding goes up during a year. The first 80% of Holstein females entering the evaluation system for 2020 average 8.7% inbreeding (a +0.48% increase from 2019). The very first 10% of Holstein females entering the evaluation system for 2021 have average inbreeding of 9.0%. Almost certainly, average inbreeding of Holstein females born in 2021 will surpass 9.2% when the full year of females are included in the data. Some have argued that average inbreeding of Holsteins shouldn’t be a problem until it surpasses 10.0%. That should happen for Holstein heifer calves in about two years. Table 2.

Generally speaking, breeding companies seem unconcerned about the very high level of average inbreeding that Holstein cows will need to contend with as we move forward into the 2020s. Some believe the very strong selection being applied within the Holstein breed will eliminate most recessive genes that cause inbreeding depression. Also, there is hope that random mutation is continuously providing a large amount of new genetic diversity for the Holstein breed. Perhaps, these observations are correct – time will tell.

However, the loss of genetic diversity (narrowing of the gene pool) of Holsteins is probably a more important concern than the potential negative effects of inbreeding depression. The limited opportunity for alternative bloodlines in the breed beyond the five high-influence bulls in Table 1 could hinder longterm genetic improvement of Holsteins, because maintaining genetic (pedigree) diversity is essential for the long-term genetic improvement of a breed. At the moment, most selection emphasis is placed on shortterm genetic gain, especially for marketing purposes. Genetic theory tells us short-term genetic gain should always be balanced alongside the potential for longterm genetic gain when developing strategies for genetic improvement of a breed.

What recommendations can be offered to Registered Holstein breeders? Breeders could advocate that more attention be paid to genetic (pedigree) diversity by those responsible for Holstein breed improvement. Also, bulls that are somewhat less related to the breed (measured by lower GFI) but rank reasonably high for a selection index (Net Merit or TPI) could be chosen to breed heifers and cows to potentially improve long-term opportunities to market Holstein genetics by Registered Holstein breeders.

The Minnesota Holstein Association would like to announce our support of Ashley Swenson, candidate for Holstein USA At-Large Director.

Ashley Swenson resides in Nicollet, Minnesota. She grew up at Forest-Lawn Holsteins, where they milk 240 Registered Holsteins, with a rolling herd average of over 27,000 pounds of milk. Forest-Lawn Holsteins is the oldest, continuously Registered Holstein herd in the nation, and Ashley is now the 6th generation to own and operate the farm. She earned Animal Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from the University of Minnesota and purchased Midwest Embryo Transfer Service in 2016.

Currently, Ashley is serving as the 2022 National Holstein Convention Sponorship Committee Chair and the Finance Chair for the Minnesota Holstein Association. She is also a HAUSA International Marketing Committee member and the Nicollet County Registered Holstein Club President. Ashley is an adjunct professor for the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine advanced bovine reproduction course. She chairs the American Embryo Transfer Association Government Liaison Committee and serves on the International Embryo Technology Society Health and Safety Advisory Committee, Forms and Certificates Subcommittee. She is also a member of American Association of Bovine Practitioners and the Minnesota and Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Associations. In addition to her leadership roles in the dairy industry, Ashley and her husband, David Hanson, exhibit Holsteins, Brown Swiss, and Ayrshires at local, state, and national levels. She also is a church choir member, pianist, and snowmobiler.

At Forest-Lawn Holsteins, they utilize Holstein COMPLETE including whole herd classification, EASY ID, and Enlight programs. Since joining the family operation, Ashley and David have increasingly utilized genomics to help manage heifer replacements for both breeding and sale decisions. The farm goal through future projects is to improve labor efficiency and cow comfort to improve overall profitability.

What makes Ashley different from other candidates? • Ashley is a dairy producer and Registered Holstein

Breeder herself. She understands first-hand the importance of maintaining US genetic export markets. If elected, she will bring to the board, changes within the global market and will work to ensure HAUSA member have a voice in global policy. • As a veterinarian, Ashley is able to export embryos internationally, communicate with the USDA, and un-

derstands animal husbandry practices and biosecurity practices. She will be able to bring this knowledge to a role as At-Large Director. • Lastly, the domestic and international marketability and profitability of Registered Holsteins has provided for her family for six-generations – Ashley believes in ensuring the same opportunity remains available for future generations.

How does Ashley promote Registered Holsteins and their value?

• As an ET veterinarian, Ashley works with many farms not involved in the Holstein Association. She uses her work as an opportunity to ask: what could HAUSA incorporate to encourage your involvement. • Furthermore, she explains how verified data contributes to the sire summaries they use in their breeding decisions and how it is vital for the continued progress of the breed. • Additionally, her work often draws youth participation and interest, which allows her to promote youth Registered Holstein activities.

“There is enough information and data to allow each breeder to find a domestic or international market, regardless of their breeding goals. I believe Holstein Association USA should maintain the reliability of our data and the integrity of the markets to support any path, whether that be based on genomics, show ring or production performance.” -Ashley Swenson

Elections will be held June 24, 2021, at the 135th Annual Meeting of Holstein Association USA in Lancaster, PA.

Wisconsin Holstein Outstanding Boy & Girl

The Wisconsin Holstein Association is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2020 Outstanding Holstein Boy and Girl.

Ben Kronberg of Milton has been named this Outstanding Holstein Boy while Nicole Broege, Janesville, was awarded Outstanding Holstein Girl. The Rock County juniors were recognized at the Wisconsin Southeast Junior Holstein Activity Day on March 28.

Ben Kronberg, Outstanding Holstein Boy

I have been fortunate to grow up in the dairy industry and develop a passion for Registered Holsteins. My “happy place” has always been the farm where I spend countless hours each week. I am the fourth generation in my family to raise Holsteins. My love for the Holstein cow began at age four when my parents purchased a registered heifer for me that was a granddaughter of Morningview Converse Judy. With her offspring now spanning six generations, I have certainly seen the success that this foundation cow has provided. We may not milk cows each day like a traditional dairy farm, however we do own and care for Registered Holsteins daily. We house our animals at my grandma’s farm in Milton, which is located three miles from my home. The facilities have been a great asset for our diverse operation raising and caring for 20-plus Holstein heifers and a few other dairy breeds year-round, as well as housing our show pig operation and small Angus herd. The diversification of our farming operation is valuable to me. We enjoy the real hands-on experience offered from raising dairy heifers, farrowing pigs, growing crops and raising beef cows. I believe the multiple animal species and diversification allows me to experience different aspects of agriculture and learn valuable lessons from each of them. My dad and I are responsible for all the building and equipment upkeep and growing the crops for the 250-acre farm. In addition to the heifers I care for at our farm, I own several cows that are housed at Langer Dairy Farm and Mystic Valley Dairy.

For many years I have handled the daily care of my dairy cattle. This changed slightly during my first years of college when I was living on campus at UW-Madison. I came home as much as possible on the weekends and spent the summer working on the farm. For nearly a year now, I have been at home attending college virtually due to the pandemic. This afforded me the opportunity to spend hours on end at the farm to raise my heifers and attend the shows that were held in order to make 2020 a year I will remember forever.

I enjoy showing cattle at the Midwest National Spring Show, District 6 Show, Wisconsin Championship Show, Rock County 4-H Fair, Wisconsin State Fair, NAILE and World Dairy Expo. Showing at all levels has allowed me to compete in showmanship, see old friends while making new ones, and network with and learn from breeders across the country. My interest in preparing animals for the showring continually grows. Watching others fit animals has been an interest of mine since I started showing. Clipping heifers became a “watch, learn and do” exercise for me. During 2013, I practiced on heifers throughout the spring, summer and fall. By county fair in 2014, I was confident in my abilities and asked my dad to let me take care of everything to get animals ready by myself on the second show day for showmanship and I’ve handled all the clipping and fitting since. During county fairs and district shows I typically fit about 25 animals for the ring. At the Wisconsin State Fair the past three years, fitting animals has been almost a full-time job for me with dozens of animals to fit for other exhibitors in my county and from across the state. This has also been an opportunity to teach younger members and allow them to work with me getting animals ready. I also fit my own cattle at national shows and World Dairy Expo and have competed in the Fitting Contest twice. My advanced skill set has allowed me to be hired by different herds for classification preparation in Wisconsin. In recent years, my time is spent helping registered breeders at district, state and national level shows getting animals clipped and cows bagged.

In addition to showing, dairy judging is extremely important to me. I became a member of the Rock County 4-H Dairy Judging Team in third grade. Year after year, I faithfully attended practices with my teammates and learned from great coaches. In 2018, our county senior team placed second at the state 4-H judging contest. We then competed at the All-American Judging Contest in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. We won the contest and I was the 11th individual overall. In college during the fall of 2019, I was 9th individual at the Accelerated Genetics Collegiate Dairy Judging Contest and our team placed 4th.

My involvement in the Junior Holstein Association has consisted of county activities like fundraising events, quiz bowl and dairy judging practices, and helping at the county sale. I have held several officer positions over the years, including president. On the state level I have attended the Junior Holstein Convention since 2009 and participated in dairy bowl, dairy jeopardy and many other convention activities. While our Rock County team has not ended the day on top in quiz bowl during the years I have competed, the camaraderie between me and my teammates is unmatched. We learned to trust each other and developed friendships that will last forever. Rock County takes great pride in creating a clever song for the Bell-R-Ring contest each year. We have been crowd favorites nearly every year and won the contest in 2017. Being selected for the Trip Award was another sought after achievement.

I’m currently a junior at the University of Wisconsin–Madison majoring in Agricultural Business Management. I plan to pursue a career in agriculture

sales and business. Additionally, I would like to continue my dairy farming operation. My passion for production agriculture will continue with the ownership and development of Registered Holsteins. The opportunity to interact with breeders across the country is something I enjoy and will maintain in the years ahead. None of this would be possible without the Holstein Association leading me to so many great friends, mentors and the cows they enjoy. The skills, friendships and knowledge I have gained from being a part of the dairy industry will last a lifetime.

Nicole Broege, Outstanding Holstein Girl

Being named the 2020 Outstanding Holstein Girl was an honor that I will never forget. I’ve always admired the past recipients, and have had my sights on this prestigious award ever since I was a young member in the association. After such an unusual year, being selected was a tremendous accomplishment, and one that I will treasure forever. I grew up owning and showing RockEdge Holsteins with my two older sisters, Kristen and Jenna, in Janesville. My parents, Phyllis and the late Steve Broege, got me involved with cattle at a young age, and my love for the Holstein cow developed from there. I admit that when I first began showing, I was often distracted from my heifer chores by my dog or a friendly cat passing by (to be honest, these things still distract me to this day). Through the years, though, I became more involved with our heifers, and began to genuinely enjoy working with the cattle, both at home and at shows. After my sisters moved away to attend college, I took over breeding and feeding decisions, as well as working with the animals year round so preparations for show season went more smoothly. Currently, my sisters and I own about 25 Registered Holsteins, and I try to be involved in every way possible now that I’m a college student living 40 minutes from the herd.

I graduated from Janesville Craig High School in 2020, where I was active in several clubs and honor societies, as well as serving as President of our FFA chapter twice. I currently attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I just concluded my freshman year majoring in Dairy Science with a certificate in mathematics. On campus, I’ve really enjoyed being active in several clubs, and am excited to grow as a member in each next year, serving as treasurer for the Association of Women in Agriculture, secretary for the National Agri-Marketing Association, Treasurer for Collegiate Farm Bureau, and outreach chair for Badger Dairy Club. I remained involved with 4-H and Junior Holstein as I transitioned to college life, being elected to the Junior Activities Committee last winter and now serving as chair for 2021. This has been the best year yet of my Junior Holstein career, because, aside from being selected as this year’s Outstanding Holstein Girl, I was chosen as a National Distinguished Junior Member Semi-Finalist. While I’ll travel to the National Holstein Convention in Pennsylvania this summer to compete further for this award, even making it this far is truly an honor, and has been a lifelong dream of mine.

Everyone has that one cow that deepens their love for the Holstein cow in a way they never saw coming. I met my special cow in 2014. At a sale in the spring of 2014, my family purchased Lucky-Buttke Acme Rachel-Red for me to show. When I learned that my sisters and mom bought me a Red and White Holstein to show, I cried for hours. My sisters had never shown a Red and White Holstein, and I didn’t want to do anything different from what they had done. To make matters worse, Rachel was the most stubborn heifer I had ever worked with. But, she was the first heifer that felt truly mine, and because of that I fell in love with her. Rachel developed into a beautiful Excellent-90 cow and gave me offspring that I still show to this day. Rachel has been a constant in my life these past seven years, and I wish I could go back in time and tell 13-year-old Nicole that the ornery red heifer would change her life for the better. Showing a Red and White Holstein was the first thing I did that forced me out of my comfort zone, and it taught me that great things can come out of trying new things.

I truly cannot exaggerate the impact that my home county had on my Junior Holstein career. I was fortunate enough to grow up with older members that were more than willing to mentor me and help me grow as a member. I’m immensely grateful that I always had other Rock County members to compete in quiz bowl with and to sing Bell-R-Ring songs with. I was able to watch numerous Rock County junior members serve as JACs and be named DJMs, and their guidance in my process of becoming both was invaluable. Rock County always completely supports me in my Junior Holstein endeavors, and I’m proud to call the southern county home.

I would also like to thank my family. I would not have been able to accomplish even half of what I have without you. Mom, thank you for pushing me to be my best, giving me honest advice and feedback, and for consistently providing me with opportunities to be involved in the dairy industry. To my sisters Kristen and Jenna, you both are my biggest role models. There are truly not two people I would rather have grown up showing with, even if we bicker at each other on show mornings. You always encourage me to be involved and are always willing to read my award applications and help me prepare for interviews. Lastly, thank you Dad. At a young age you instilled in me a love for working with cattle that I will always hold as a connection to you. I know you are always watching over my sisters and I, and I’m constantly working to make you proud.

To the Wisconsin Junior members, I urge you to try new things to find your place in the Association. The Wisconsin Junior Holstein Association offers many opportunities and experiences to enable you to grow your involvement with the Holstein cow. Through determination, you too can accomplish dreams that may seem out of reach right now.

© Cybil Fisher

A year to remember!

GVGOLDENVIEW LADYLIBERTY

Gold Chip x Solomon x EX-93 Atwood x EX-94 Jasper x EX-95 Rubens x EX-95 Broker All-American Fall Yearling 2020 Jr. All-American Fall Yearling 2020 1st Fall Yearling, North American Open Holstein Show 2020 All-Wisconsin Fall Yearling 2020 Ben was honored as the 2020 Outstanding Holstein Boy and named a National Distinguished Junior Member Semifinalist. Congratulations, Ben! You’ve experienced a year like no other of outstanding dairy accomplishments. We continue to be amazed by your determination and drive to succeed in all that you do. Your passion for dairy and agriculture is contagious - we’re excited to see what your future holds! -Mom, Dad and Sara

Todd, Becky, Ben and Sara Kronberg | Milton, Wis. Todd: 608-931-4331 | todd.kronberg@gmail.com Ben: 608-931-0918 | benjamin.kronberg@yahoo.com

2021 Iowa Holstein Convention Highlights

The 2021 Iowa Holstein Convention was held on Saturday, February 27 at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Manchester.

The annual meeting was attended by approxiamtely 26 memberswere present for the meeting. Officers elected for 2021 are Dan Moon, President; Walt Wessel, Vice President; and Kevin Fossum, Trent Henkes, Mark Knudtson, Heather Moore, Tom Simon, Sheri Danhof and Jason Volker as Directors-at-Large. New business included welcoming Jenna Chapman as the Editor of the Herald, Facebook and Website Coordinator and Shellie Volker as Secretary/Treasurer. Following the annual meeting, the standing committees met followed by the board reorganization meeting. Kevin Fossum, Paul Stempfle, Walt Wessel and Jeff Hammerand were elected to serve on the Executive Committee.

The Banquet was attended by approximately 90 people. The emcee for the evening was Mark Kerndt. Brooke Courtney was crowned the 2021 Iowa Holstein Princess. The 2021 Iowa Holstein Auxiliary Scholarship recipients were Megan Kueker and Brooke Courtney. Brylie Volker received the Iowa Holstein Association Linda Pagel Scholarship that was presented by Trent Henkes. Dennis Devore recognized the recipients of the Progressive Breeders Registry and Progressive Genetic Herd Awards. Dan and Lynn Bolin were the recipients of the Outstanding Young Holstein Breeder Award. Carl Mensen presented the Distinguished Service Award to Tom Simon. Linda Pagel presented the Master Breeder Award given in memory of Russel Pagel to Larry Landsgard. Finally, Kathy Demmer presented the Hall of Fame Award, which went to Jeff and Tammy Hammerand.

Next year’s State Convention will be hosted by the State Association with a date and location to be determined.

2020 Iowa Holstein Princess Amber Engelken, 2021 Iowa Holstein Princess Brooke Courtney

Left: Dan & Lynn Bolin were the recipients of the Outstanding Young Holstein Breeder Award. Below: Tom & Shirley Simon. Tom was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. Left: Linda Pagel and Brylie Volker - Brylie was the recipient of the Iowa Holstein Association Linda Pagel Scholarship.

Below: Megan Kueker-Recipient of the Iowa Holstein Auxiliary Scholarship

Below: Brooke CourtneyRecipient of the Iowa Holstein Auxiliary Scholarship

Tom and Shirley Simon- Tom received the Distinguished Service Award

Left: Jeff & Tammy Hammerand, Jeff was the recipient of the Iowa Holstein Auxiliary Hall of Fame Award.

Below Larry Landsgard Larry was the recipient of the Master Breeder Award. He was unable to attend, but was presented the award via Zoom. This award is given in honor of Russel Pagel.

© Han Hopman

© Andrew Hetke © Han Hopman

Wargo Acres Snow Machine Excellent-94

2-01 3x 325 31,920 89 4.3 1382 3.2 1035 3-01 3x 365 41,670 90 4.7 1957 3.4 1435 4-07 3x 326 40,760 89 4.6 1862 3.3 1331 5-08 3x 365 42,000 90 4.7 1987 3.4 1430 LIFE 1588 171,550 4.7 7980 3.4 5794 S: Velthuis Let it Snow-ETS D: Wargo-Acres Guth Mankato-ET EX-90 2D: Wargo-Acres Bolton Mopsie EX-93

After our April classification, Snow Machine was raised to EX-94. We had 12 new Excellent cows, with one cow raised to EX-93 and four up to EX-92.

Gordon & Emily Carncross Craig, Jen, Gavin & Nolan Carncross W13157 Co. Hwy. J, Lodi, WI 53555 wargoacres@gmail.com | 608-592-2560 Craig cell

By Corey Geiger

For only the 18th time in its 84-year history, the Klussendorf Association voted to extend honorary membership to an individual who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to improve the purebred dairy cattle industry. Considered the “Hall of Fame” for North America’s dairy cattle exhibitors, Klussendorf members cast a unanimous ballot this April to have Ken Elliott join the prestigious organization.

Like all those who have received the honor before Elliott, the Honorary Klussendorf Award came as a surprise announcement to Ken and his family. The recognition was publicly announced on Friday, April 30, during the Midwest Spring Jersey Show and the Midwest Spring Red and White Show held at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Jefferson, Wis. Good friend and fellow Klussendorf member Terry Lee continued the tradition of watching those shows with his good friend Ken, and hence the entire Elliott family was on hand when Abby Bauer began announcing the award recognition.

Once walked with living legends

Ken Elliott once worked with living legends and he has now become a living legend. Elliott served as the superintendent of the Holstein show at World Dairy Expo from 2000 to 2019. So expansive was his tenure, he served for four overall breed superintendents: W. Terry Howard, Bob Kaiser, Jim Crowley Jr., and Dave Bollig. In working with the latter two individuals, he not only served as Holstein breed superintendent but as assistant superintendent of the entire cattle show, as well. In fact, this Canadian farm boy has become the second-longest tenured person to serve in that assistant role next to Jim Crowley Jr., the son of legendary “Doc Jim” who was the show’s very first breed overall superintendent.

A 1978 graduate from the University of Guelph and its Ridgetown College, Elliott got his start working for Paperman Farm in nearby Woodstock, Ontario, Canada. From there, he went to Doug Wingrove’s Allangrove Farm in rural Guelph. Eventually, Wingrove sold his farm and a majority of the herd to Oscar Dupasquier in 1984. The Swiss immigrant, who purchased the Holsteins, went on to claim Premier Breeder seven straight years at World Dairy Expo from 1993 to 1999.

This young Canadian then headed stateside to California’s Pacific Coast where he went to work for Ocean View Farms, Windsor, Calif., and Marvin Nunes. One decade later, Elliott and his wife, Kathy, moved their young family to Wisconsin to get out on their own.

Connected to the founders

The Wisconsin farm purchased by this young couple had a number of ties to World Dairy Expo. Ray Kuehl was the realtor for the farm that was previously owned by R. Dale Jones. Kuehl and Jones were another pair of World Dairy Expo initiators. Kuehl was tending to the Crescent Beauty show string the very night Allen Hetts proclaimed to confidants at the Kit Kat Klub in Waterloo, Iowa, “We need a show!” He went on to lay the groundwork for what became World Dairy Expo.

Jones also was an early show organizer and helped convince Canadians to bring show strings to the fledging event. R. Dale would frequently go up to Canada where he’d meet with the likes of Doug Wingrove, Bert Stewart, and others.

As many know, Elliott has poured his heart into serving cattle exhibitors as the Holstein breed’s superintendent. While all those serving in the breed super roles do an outstanding job, Ken’s light shines just a bit brighter.

As World Dairy Expo exhibitors know, the hardest part is stalling the cattle. “Ken Elliott was a master at it,” said longtime Red and White superintendent Bill Langel. “He knows everyone from coast to coast.”

Carries the heart of an exhibitor

Elliott always took his job one step further because he was both a farmer and a breeder. He knew the time, investment, and passion found in the hearts of dairy cattle exhibitors.

Those who have exhibited at World Dairy Expo also know this . . . once cattle are stalled and checked in, Elliott continually goes through the pavilions, talking to exhibitors and listening to the issues that they bring up. It’s at this time that he helps out his fellow superintendents with other breeds, too. Elliott is truly a man who enjoys working behind the scenes to provide the best possible experience for all involved.

The spring activity days for Wisconsin Junior Holstein members wrapped up on Sunday, April 25 with the State Finals contests for Dairy Bowl and Dairy Jeopardy. The top dairy bowl teams from the four District Activity Days competed for a chance to represent Wisconsin at the National Convention in June.

The juniors from Wood County repeated as champions in the junior division, remaining undefeated during the competition. Team members include Sara and Wyatt Dorshorst and Maddy & Grace Hensel. Runnerup in the junior division was the Grant County team. The Polk County team also remained undefeated and was crowned champions in the senior division. Team members were Courtney Glenna, Katherine Elwood and Marie and Grace Haase. Placing second in the senior division was Manitowoc/Calumet County.

The top two scoring dairy bowl individuals in each age division from the district contests qualified for the state finals in Dairy Jeopardy. Winners in the junior contest were Dylan Ryan of Fond du Lac County, Logan Harbaugh of Shawano County and Isaac Loehr of Fond du Lac County. Topping the intermediate division were Lily Jenson of Iowa County, Maddy Hensel of Wood County and Madison Wiese of Brown County. Courtney Glenna, Polk County, won the senior division with Marie Haase of Polk County and Nicole Broege of Rock County placing second and third, respectively.

Wood County Junior Dairy Bowl team: Front - Grace Hensel and Wyatt Dorshorst; back - Maddy Hensel, coach Matt Dorshorst and Sara Dorshorst.

2nd Place Juniors - Grant County: Kayla Buttles, Wesley and Matthew Winch, and Christina Buttles. Polk County Senior Dairy Bowl team: Front - Grace Haase and Katherine Elwood; back - Marie Haase, coach Patti Hurtgen and Courtney Glenna.

2nd Place Seniors - Manitowoc/Calumet County Senior Dairy Bowl team: Clarissa and Garrett Ulness, Lauren Siemers and Brianna Meyer.

3rd Place Juniors - Brown County: Tristen Ostrom, Matthew Ossmann and Kevin Biese 4th Place Juniors - Rock County: Ellie Larson, Kayla Trustem, Madison Sarbacker and Natalie Abey 3rd Place Seniors - Rock County: Evan Martin, Emma McNally, Nicole Broege and Josh Gerbitz 4th Place Seniors - Richland County: Kaelyn Weigel, Logan Turgasen, Rachel Durst and Calli Storms

Want to exhibit at District Show?

Make sure your membership is paid! You can pay online, call the office or mail a check. UW student profile_2020.qxp_Layout 1 5/19/21 10:22 AM Page 1 Visit www.wisholsteins.com for additional information.

Dairy Jeopardy winners: Front - Isaac Loehr, Logan Harbaugh and Dylan Ryan; back - Nicole Broege, Marie Haase, Courtney Glenna, Madison Wiese, Maddy Hensel and Lily Jenson.

Thank you to our 2nd year JAC members - Matthew Gunst, Hannah Nelson and Nathan Daniels. Missing was McKenna Coffeen.

The University of WISCONSIN

MADISON Animal & Dairy Sciences SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

Name: Jenna Broege Hometown: Janesville, WI School: Janesville Craig Class Size: 450 Farm: Rock Edge Holsteins Major: Dairy Science & Life Sciences Communication

Why did you decide to attend UW-

Madison? I decided to go to UW-Madison because I had been on campus a couple times and saw first-hand that it was the right fit for me. I had friends and family that attended UW and knew from their experiences I would meet new people with similar interests as me.

What has been your most memorable

college experience? Some of my most memorable experiences have been traveling with Badger Dairy Club to the Midwest ADSA-SAD conferences where I have been able to meet up and learn with people in other dairy clubs from across the Midwest. In my time in college, we have traveled to the Minnesota, North Dakota and Iowa campuses. What has been your favorite course? My favorite course in college within Dairy Science has been the Dairy Science capstone class (DY SCI 535). To me, it was an all-encompassing course to wrap up what I have learned in the past four years that gave us an applied real-world situation. What are your future career goals? After graduation, I hope to have a career within the dairy industry in marketing and design.

UW-Madison Dept. of Animal & Dairy Sciences

1675 Observatory Drive Madison, WI 53706 Ph. 608-263-3308 Fax 608-263-9412 www.wisc.edu/dysci/ Contact: Ted Halbach Dairy Starts Here!

Wisconsin Holstein Youth

WI Holstein National DJM and YDJM Spotlight

Below are the candidates that submitted materials for Holstein USA’s National youth contests in 2021, along with an excerpt from their response to one personal view question they were asked on the application. Congratulations to our National YDJMs and National DJM Semi-Finalists.

Ashley Brandel - National YDJM Ashley, 14, is the daughter of Matthew and Tracy Brandel of Lake Mills. Ashley is a freshman at Lake Mills High School and is active in Junior Holstein, Wisconsin Milking Shorthorn Association and South Side Eagles 4-H Club. What dairy product do you think has the most potential to have the greatest growth of any in the future and why? “A delicious waffle cone of your favorite ice cream on a warm summer day hits the spot. Thanks to new and emerging innovations, we now can have our ice cream treats packed with extra protein. Protein ice cream is seeing an increase for demand because it is like standard ice cream, but with extra protein to up the nutrition content.

Some protein ice creams also use sugar substitutes to reduce the sugar content, which is high in traditional ice cream. While a protein ice cream is no replacement for a high-quality protein supplement, it is still a great way to make even your treats and desserts more beneficial for your health and performance gains. Adding protein to ice cream enhances the concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids, which improves the antioxidant perspectives of ice cream and is a good way to make your ice cream healthier. By adding protein, you are also giving your body additional tools to increase its metabolism and recover from workouts quicker.

People who are trying to lose weight will benefit from this ice cream as it will help reduce cravings. Protein ice cream is also good for individuals trying to maintain their weight. The high protein content can help manage your calories and provide an easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth.” Ava Endres - National YDJM Ava is the 16-year-old daughter of Randy and Karen Endres of Waunakee. She is completing her sophomore year at Waunakee High School and is involved in Track & Field, student council, 4-H and dance. What dairy product do you think has the most potential to have the greatest growth of any in the future and why? “Lactose free yogurt is the product I believe will have the greatest growth in the future. It is a portable product with important health benefits, and it allows anyone, including people who are lactose intolerant, to enjoy these advantages.

The lactose free dairy category is projected to register a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 7% and almost 30% of the people in the United States are currently purchasing and consuming lactose free dairy products. To satisfy this consumer need, we should focus on creating and marketing a lactose free yogurt. Consumers love the product because it is portable and offers digestive health benefits with probiotics which are important to our gut health. In addition, it can be flavored, and it can have added items like nuts, chocolate and fruit. Also, after researching why yogurt is on the rise, I have learned that yogurt is one of the most competitive products within the dairy market, because it has low price, health benefits, widespread availability and versatility.

Nearly 45% of yogurt is consumed for breakfast, so there is potential to increase consumption at other meals and for snacks. In 2021, consumers are wanting healthy products to eat on the go. This yogurt product not only provides health benefits, but also offers consumers the convenience and portability they are looking for, making it a product with a lot of potential for growth for the dairy industry.” Austin Meyer - National YDJM Austin is the 14-year-old son of Larry and Jennifer Meyer of Chilton. He is a freshman at Brillion High School and can always be found caring for his cattle and working on the farm. In addition, he enjoys his swine project, hockey, baseball, choir and reading. Based on your participation in Holstein dairy activities listed in your entry, pick one and explain why it is the most meaningful to you. “The most meaningful Holstein dairy activity for me is Dairy Bowl. I’ve learned so much about the dairy industry, information I can use every day on the farm. I’ve used Dairy Bowl facts to help maximize our forage quality. The Dairy Bowl knowledge I’ve gained has also helped in the classroom. It helps me understand areas of science and nutrition. I’ve also been able to use Dairy Bowl facts to educate friends and classmates about the realities of dairy farms and dairy products. In fact, using my Dairy Bowl knowledge helped me convert a classmate who only drank almond beverage, to begin drinking A2 milk instead. She said she had never heard of that, and didn’t realize lactose intolerant people could drink something other than nondairy beverages. She loved the taste of the A2 milk and said she was sticking with it!

Dairy Bowl has given me the chance to meet great role models in the dairy world. I like working as a team, spending time with my friends, building stronger bonds and making lifelong memories. I love the competitiveness of Dairy Bowl. The hard work and hours practicing are very rewarding when I participate in a contest and am able to buzz in to help my team do well. I am so honored to have been part of a state winning team, and represent my home state at National Convention, where we placed third.” Garrett Ulness - National YDJM Garrett is the 15-year-old son of Mark and Angie Ulness. Garrett calls Ragnar Holsteins home, an 80-cow Registered Holstein farm in Valders. Garrett enjoys dairy judging, clipping, Dairy Bowl and most of all, showing. If you could own any young cow of any breed, who would it be and why would you be excited to develop her? “Since I started 4-H my parents have taken me to World Dairy Expo. I get to the International Holstein Show early on Saturday and my dad and I secure our spot along the ring . The young cow classes are our favorite as we can compare newly calved popular sired cows. This is where I first saw Jacobs Doorman Victoire in the ring.

Victoire ended up being first Senior 3-Year-Old at World Dairy Expo and Reserve Intermediate Champion, and later that fall she placed first at the Royal Winter Fair. She exhibits an abundance of dairy strength and style. Not

Wisconsin Holstein Youth

to mention she is very balanced throughout with an extremely well attached udder that is very high and wide in the rear udder. She is a very long cow that is complimented with enough depth of heart and sweep of rib. Combined with her type, she also has a great pedigree.

Victoire is out of the popular Val-Bisson Doorman and is backed by an 89-point Goldwyn, 89-point Dundee, and a 92-point Spirit. She herself is scored EX-92 and I feel has more points to gain in her lifetime. Some of the bulls I would use would be Delta-Lambda, King Doc and Unstopabull. I would want to keep breeding for quality udders and feet and legs. She is a beautiful cow that caught my eye and I am excited to see what the future holds for her.”

Elise Bleck - National DJM Representative Elise is the 19-year-old daughter of Jeff and Lea Ann Bleck and resides on a small farm, Bleckview Holsteins and Brown Swiss, Glenbulah. Elise is a freshman at UW-Madison majoring in Dairy Science with hopes to go to medical school to become a pediatrician. Your farm has been awarded a grant from your state department of agriculture to improve your dairy. Explain how you would use the grant money and why? “Red Brae Dairy is a 350-cow herd of Holstein and Brown Swiss owned and operated by my uncles: Steve, David and Eric Armbruster. If my family’s farm, Red Brae Dairy, was awarded a grant to improve the dairy, I would build a heifer barn for 150 heifers ranging from five to 14 months old.

Red Brae Dairy has a relatively new calf barn with individual calf pens for housing calves up to eight weeks old. However, the farm’s housing for older calves and heifers is not ideal. The current facilities do not have headlocks, which creates problems when breeding, vaccinating, feeding and pregnancy checking. The facilities are also not easy to clean out and bed with a skid loader, so they require a lot of manual labor and time to maintain.

My uncles also are currently housing heifers on other farms, which costs yardage fees every month, along with the extra labor cost of supplying the feed, feeding at multiple locations, maintaining the pens, and moving cattle.

The new heifer barn would contain headlocks, a front alley and freestalls. The barn would be easy to clean, bed and maintain with a skid loader. Additionally, vaccinating, breeding and pregnancy checking would be much easier and less time consuming due to the headlocks. A new heifer facility would decrease time, cost and labor on the dairy.” Ben Kronberg - National DJM Semi-Finalist Benjamin Kronberg is the 20-year-old son of Todd and Becky Kronberg of Milton. A junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Ben is an Agriculture Business Management major. He is coowner of Kronberg Genetics, his family’s registered dairy, show pig, and Angus operation. Your farm has been awarded a grant from your state department of agriculture to improve your dairy. Explain how you would use the grant money and why? “My plan would be to invest for long-term success in my operation. My goal would be to develop an enterprise that includes a small dairy that is labor efficient, markets locally, and includes ag tourism. Most importantly, it should be a sustainable operation with our current land base. I would make an initial investment in a robotic milking system and freestall barn for 60 cows. This would be my ideal milking set up managing a smaller herd. Our current heifer facility is designed for a 60-cow dairy, which would be an important asset to be used. Dairying with a robot would also enable time to care for elite females at the same time. This size operation also aligns with our current land base to feed the cows and manure to be applied.

To make this operation profitable, I would have to invest in equipment to process my own milk and sell it locally. Direct marketing to consumers would be a way to operate the dairy on a higher profit margin. The final aspect of the operation would be to add ag tourism to the operation. This would be an additional extension of bringing consumers closer to where their food is produced. This additional stream of income could seasonally be generated from families, school groups and the general public touring the farm.

Obviously, proper business planning would be required to fully understand the risks and rewards of making this sort of investment and understand the long-term profit potential.” Nicole Broege - National DJM Semi-Finalist Nicole is the 19-year-old daughter of Phyllis and the late Steve Broege, Janesville. She owns and shows Rock-Edge Holsteins with her two older sisters. She is a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison majoring in Dairy Science and Chemistry. What sets you apart from the other youth applying for the Distinguished Junior Member contest and why? “What makes me different from the other qualified youth applying for the Distinguished Junior Member contest is simple: my drive. While many applicants have been fortunate enough to grow up on their family farm, I instead have gone through several stages of proximity to my animals. I’ve had to transition from living with both my heifers and cows to housing both elsewhere, to now having the opportunity to raise my heifers at my house and housing my cows nearby. Trying to manage my herd from a distance was a struggle, and I easily identify this as one of the toughest parts of my Junior Holstein career. .

My sisters and I truly built our herd from the ground up, purchasing about one Registered Holstein each year to grow our herd. With our small herd size, we showed the same animals, and their offspring, year after year. This allowed me to know each animal in depth, while also teaching me patience about heifer development. My commitment to developing animals became apparent and is something I have grown very proud of.

Even without owning a large herd of Registered Holsteins, I’ve been able to find a home in the Junior Holstein Association. I grew up idolizing the DJMs, Princesses, and JACs, admiring them at the annual Convention. I participated in quiz bowl and busted some dance moves each year, and before I knew it, I was one of the older members at convention, running for JAC and filling out DJM forms. I strive to be a positive example for members who are not fortunate enough to live on large farms. I’ve been able to accomplish and learn as much as I have because of my dedication to the Registered Holstein cow.” Josh Gerbitz - National DJM Semi-Finalist Josh is the 20-year-old son of John and Christine Gerbitz of Milton. Although he did not grow up on a farm, Josh has stayed active by working on various farms and showing managerially. He is a junior at UWMadison studying Dairy Science with an Agricultural Business Management certificate.

Wisconsin Holstein Youth

Josh Gerbitz, continued from page 21 What sets you apart from the other youth applying for the Distinguished Junior Member contest and why? “One thing that sets me apart from other applicants would be my practical experiences. How many 20-year-old college students can write on their resumé that they are an assistant herdsman? Of those that could, how many of them did not grow up on a farm? I didn’t let the fact that my family didn’t farm stop me from gaining every experience I possibly could. I had fantastic mentors that gave me opportunities to try new things and be patient as I learned from my mistakes.

There is no doubt that there are many other applicants that have been in the center of the ring at bigger shows than I have and that there are other applicants that have had more opportunities to own and breed their own Holsteins, but I feel like I learned many of the same lessons showing managerial projects. I still had the long humid days in the summer halter breaking calves, knowing that no one else would do it for me, and on top of that I have many herd management experiences.

Beyond that, I have made the most of all of the Junior Holstein activities that I have participated in. I learned a lot about cows through dairy quiz bowl and that was really something that helped me become more interested in dairy. I grew in my communication skills during my time as a Junior Activities Committee member and chair. I am confident that these experiences combined with the practical knowledge I have gained at the farms I have worked on have set me up very well for a successful future and career in this great industry.”

Junior Calf Raffle Winners

Thank you to all who supported the 2020 Junior Calf Raffle by donating prizes or purchasing tickets. A special thank you to Walk-Era Farms, Wisconsin Dells, for donating a great calf as our grand prize. Prize winners for this year’s raffle: Calf donated by Walk-Era Farms - Dennis Christoph, Luxemburg “Celebration of Cows” print donated by Bonnie Mohr - Elena Jarvey, Sobieski Game basket donated by Hannah Ullom - Hannah Nelson, Ellsworth Ellsworth Creamery basket - Ben Sherry, Viroqua Cooking basket donated by Nicole Broege - Cy Letter, Seymour Armor Animal Health basket - Courtney Glenna, Amery Gardening basket donated by Elise Bleck - Jasenko Gavranovic Culver’s gift card donated by Hannah Hockerman - Chase Heeg, Colby Hoard’s Dairyman basket - Selz Farm Inc., Humbird GenOvations basket including an IVF aspiration - Tom Bleck Merial/BI basket - Selz Farm Inc., Humbird Sartori Cheese variety basket - John Wackershauser, Platteville Genex basket - Hannah Nelson, Ellsworth Nasco grooming basket - Virgil Haag, Mt. Horeb Zoetis basket - Brandel kids, Lake Mills Subway gift card donated by Emma Dorshorst - Tom Bleck Buffalo Wild Wings gift card donated by Nathan Daniels - Sam Mess, Rosendale Origin Reproduction Services basket - Austin Mess, Rosendale Cabela’s gift card donated by Matthew Gunst - Selz Farm Inc., Humbird WI Holstein News advertising certificate - Mike Duckett, Rudolph WHA free membership or News subscription - Hannah Nelson, Ellsworth Cattle Connection advertising certificate - John Harbaugh, Viroqua World Dairy Expo season passes - Nathan Daniels, Cobb SWTC gift package - Samantha Giese, Edgar Target gift card donated by Hannah Nelson - Hannah Ullom, Bloomer

Ready, Set, Judge! Clinics

Following the success of the Ready, Set, Show! Clinics in the summer of 2020, the Junior Activities Committee is planning a series of judging clinics in each of the four JAC Districts in July. Assisting with the clinics will be Dr. Katharine Knowlton of Virginia Tech.

Some dates and locations are being finalized and will be posted on the WHA website and social media outlets, but we are planning to hold all four July 17 & 18 and July 24 & 25. Clinics will be open to all youth interested in dairy judging .

Southeast District - Budjon Farms, Lomira, on Saturday, July 24

Southwest District - Nobland Farms, Lancaster, date TBD

Northwest District - Tree-Hayven Holsteins, Auburndale, date TBD

Northeast District - date and location TBD

Junior Judging Contest

The Junior Holstein Judging Contest is scheduled to be held during the Wisconsin Championship Show Series. We are working on the schedule for the week, but are tentatively planning for Wed., August 25 at the Alliant Energy Center, Madison.

This contest is open to all dairy judging enthusiasts. Registration will start at 12:30 p.m., with the contest starting at 1 p.m. There will be two divisions - junior (14 & under) and senior (15 & over). Cost is $12 per team or $4 for an individual. Contact a member of the JAC or WHA office with any questions.

New JAC members

Hello Holstein enthusiasts! I’m Ainsley Noble and will be serving as your first year JAC from the Southwest District. I reside on my family’s dairy and beef farm outside of Lancaster, where we milk 400 Registered Holsteins. I am currently a junior at Platteville High School and am actively involved in National Honor Society, Student Council, and FFA. I am beyond excited to get to know all of you this year and be able to get everyone involved! If you have any questions or are looking for a JAC to attend one of your activities, please contact either me or another JAC and we would be more than happy to work something out for you and your county! Hello, I am Hannah Hensel. I am the first year JAC from the northwest district. I recently graduated from Pittsville High School and this fall I will be attending the UW-Madison Farm & Industry Short Course. I am excited to be serving as a JAC from the northwest district! Hello! My name is Clarissa Ulness and I am the first year JAC from the Northeast District. I live on my family’s dairy farm, Ragnar Holsteins, and am a junior at Valders High School. I have grown up in this industry and have had amazing older youth in the association to look up to. I can remember going to some of my very first conventions to watch my uncle Jake compete and support him as a JAC and Holstein Boy. Since then I have worked and strived to grow as a person and leader in order to be ready to serve in this position. I am looking forward to passing the knowledge I have to the younger youth, being someone that they trust, like talking to, and have fun with, and hopefully being someone who makes a positive impact on their Junior Holstein experience. I am excited to learn more about the association and make new friends and memories over the next two years!

Midwest Holsteins

INDEXTO ADVERTISERS

Golpher Dairy Club................................................25 Green Meadow Farms..............................................9 Hil-Ton......................................................................7 Kronberg Genetics..................................................30 Marathon County..............................................20-22 Rock-Edge Holsteins..............................................22 Mat-Ar-Dor............................................................16 Melarry....................................................................31 Michigan State University......................................17 Minnesota Directory of Services............................34 Olmar Farms............................................................2 Opsal’s Ridge..........................................................26 Photography by Berglane..........................................5 Pinnacle Genetics..............................................18-19 Rho-Nic/Pro-Hart Jerseys......................................33 Rock County Holstein Breeders..............................10 Rod-Er-Dic Farms..................................................27 Smith-Crest............................................................16 Star Summit Farms................................................23 Starlight Acres........................................................35 Starward Farms........................................................6 Sunkist Acres............................................................8 University of Minnesota........................................15 University of Wisconsin-Madison............................3 Vitality Crew..........................................................11 Wargo Acres............................................................36

CALENDAROF EVENTS

June

9 WI District 5 Holstein Show, Portage, WI 10-12 Indiana State Holstein & Jersey Show, LaPort, IN 14 WI District 1 Holstein Show, Glenwood City, WI 15 WI District 7 Holstein Show, Luxemburg, WI 16 WI District 8 Holstein Show, Beaver Dam, WI 17 WI District 2 Holstein Show, Tomah, WI 20-24 National Holstein Convention, Lancaster, PA 26 WI District 10 Holstein Show, Chilton, WI 29 WI District 6 Holstein Show, Monroe, WI

July

2 WI District 3 Holstein Show, Lancaster, WI 8-10 Minnesota State Holstein Show, Worthington, MN 7 WI District 4 Holstein Show, Wausau, WI 15-16 Michigan All-Breeds Summer Show, Hillsdale, WI

August

3-4 Iowa State Holstein Show/District 1, West Union, IA 5-7 Wisconsin State Fair Junior Dairy Show, WI State Fair Park, West Allis, WI 14 WHA All-Breeds Futurity, WI State Fair Park, West Allis, WI 14-15 Wisconsin State Fair Open Dairy Show, WI State Fair Park, West Allis, WI 26 Wisconsin Summer Championship Red & White and Jersey Shows, Madison, WI 27 Wisconsin Summer Championship Holstein Show, Madison, WI

September

1 Midwest Fall National Holstein Show, St. Paul, MN

Herds of Excellence

Holstein USA’s Herds of Excellence award is broken into three herd size divisions based on the number of cows included in production averages. The categories are as follows: Division 1: 500+ cows Division 2: 100-499 cows Division 3: 10-99 cows Herds receiving the award must: • Have classified within the last year and have an age adjusted classification score of 83 points or higher; • Have at least 70 percent of the herd homebred; • Be enrolled in the Association’s TriStarSM program Additionally, qualifying herds must meet the following production criteria: • 500+ cows – 15 percent above breed average Mature Equivalent for milk, fat and protein • 100 to 499 cows – 20 percent above breed average Mature Equivalent for milk, fat and protein • 10 to 99 cows – 25 percent above breed average Mature Equivalent for milk, fat and protein

Now in the farm’s fifth and sixth generations, the Siemers family strives for excellence with an unwavering focus on being good cow people. Their mission is simple: to make every generation better than the last.

The Siemers family says they feel blessed to have worked with several of the industry’s best cow families including Roz, Hanker, Bombi and Paris. They say these families make their best conformation and performance cows and are responsible for placing more than 50 bulls in AI per year.

“My advice to other breeders is to find the type of cow that you like, and make sure she can be profitable and sustainable for several generations,” Dan Siemers says. “Figure out what niche you want to shoot for, and make sure it’s going to make the right kind of cows that will accomplish your long-term goals.”

When making breeding decisions they look for strength in the cow’s conformation, so their herd will produce more pounds of combined fat and protein for longer periods of time. They have bred thousands of Excellent cows over the years, and annually breed more than a hundred new Excellent and a few hundred new Very Good two-year-olds. They have achieved 29 Progressive Genetic Herd honors.

Division 1: 500+ Cows

Division 2: 100-499 Cows

Siemers Holstein Farm | The Siemers Family, Newton | 5 Year Honoree

98.7% Homebred Milk: 36,882 Fat: 1,472 Protein: 1,120 Average Classification Score – 85.0

Hilrose Holsteins | The Brantmeiers, Sherwood | 10 Year Honoree

100% Homebred Milk: 34,384 Fat: 1,376 Protein: 1,039 Average Classification Score – 89.1

At Hilrose Holsteins, the recipe for raising an accomplished herd begins with the fundamentals. Joe Brantmeier manages the dairy alongside his sons, Andy and Jeff. They aim to breed high type, profitable cows that milk well and look good doing it.

“Hard work does pay off,” Jeff says. “But it is not something that happens overnight, as my dad has been at this a long time. He set the foundation and we are trying to build on that.”

Hilrose Advent Anna-Red is a cow they feel proud to have bred and developed. Recently classified EX-95 and named the 2018 Wisconsin Cow of the Year, she has had a tremendous impact on their herd.

“She really put us on the map,” Jeff says. “A once-in-a- lifetime cow. We’ve been very fortunate to market her daughters in sales across the country.”

The family’s patience, hard work and sustained effort through the years have allowed them to get to where they are today, to earn a place among herds of excellence.

“We are very fortunate,” he says. “It’s been rewarding to see that our goals are being reached and that our herd continues to improve on both type and production.”

100% Homebred Milk: 34,501 Fat: 1,386 Protein: 1,016 Average Classification Score – 85.3

Just to the west of busy Milwaukee, the Koepke family has been farming for nearly 150 years. Dave Koepke, who recently retired, looks forward to what the future brings for the multi-generation dairy.

The key to a productive herd, he says, is a balanced approach. Focusing on strong feet and legs, good udders and moderately framed animals to meet the needs of their operation.

“It’s all about avoiding extremes,” Dave says. “Just keep slowly inching forward, and don’t try to breed all in one leap.”

They pay close attention to cow health, productive life and daughter pregnancy rates when making breeding decisions. Achieving high components is also a priority. The Koepke family introduced the LaBelle cheese brand a decade ago and continue to supply an aged Gouda-style cheese using the fresh, premium milk from their herd.

Over the years, Koepke Farms has had five cows with more than 300,000 pounds of lifetime milk and 16 Excellent cows, 110 Very Good cows and 140 Good Plus cows.

“It’s a lot of hard work, and doing a good job managing,” Dave says. “Keeping the cows healthy and getting the transitions.”

Division 3: 10-99 Cows

B-Long Holsteins | Bruce, Brenda and Bret Long, New London | 10 Year Honoree

100% Homebred Milk: 34,936 Fat: 1,364 Protein: 1,093 Average Classification Score – 87.3

Ask Bruce Long and he will tell you, it is all the little things that go into building and sustaining a high- performing cow herd.

Together with his wife, Brenda and son, Bret, the family operates B-Long Holsteins, a longstanding winner of the Herd of Excellence award.

“To receive the Herd of Excellence for numerous years, it takes a lot of things,” Bruce says. “Having high-quality genetics from both a production and type standpoint is important, and we put in a lot of hard work keeping cows comfortable, healthy and well fed.”

He adds that getting cows bred back in a timely manner and working with the cows in early lactation both make a tremendous difference in an animal’s ability to reach its genetic potential. When making selection decisions, they look for deep, wide, open cows with good legs and udders, along with positive production and components.

The family’s passion for the Registered Holstein cow drives them forward each day.

“It is an honor to be recognized by Holstein USA and included in this elite group of breeders,” Bruce says. “We work together to care for the cows and get the work done.”

Ever-Green-View Holsteins, LLC | The Kestell Family, Waldo | 11 Year Honoree

95.7% Homebred Milk: 41,171 Fat: 1,673 Protein: 1,264 Average Classification Score – 89.1

Ever-Green-View Farms was established almost 50 years ago by Tom and Gin Kestell, who now farm with their son Chris and his wife Jennifer. Since then, they have developed one of the world’s highest producing herds and a commitment to giving back to others.

“I think one of the most important things that has allowed us to be successful is a steady focus on where we want to go,” Tom said. The Kestell family strives to breed cows with outstanding production and type and provide top-notch care to their herd. “Treating our animals as individuals from calf on up really has helped achieve a lot of our goals,” Tom added.

Ever-Green-View Holsteins have also made a genetic impact on the global scale. Last year, they marketed over 4,000 embryos to various countries. Beyond marketing embryos, the Kestells help farms in foreign countries with their herd management, enabling the genetics they sell to reach their full potential. Tom says his advice to herds in other countries is often to “seek out people who are better than you at what you are doing.”

Herds of Excellence Division 3: 10-99 Cows (cont.)

Hill-Ton Holsteins | The Hamilton Family, Cuba City | 4 Year Honoree

95.0% Homebred Milk: 37,164 Fat: 1,386 Protein: 1,135 Average Classification Score – 86.8

2020 brought exciting progress for the Hamilton family. “One of our highlights last year was being selected for the Holstein class for the Hoard’s dairy judging contest,” John said. Four of their homebred Excellent cows were highlighted on the cover of the January 25th, 2021 edition of the Hoard’s Dairyman, as one of the classes of the 2021 contest.

With John and Evie’s son Charlie back on the farm, the Hamiltons recently built a new freestall hoop barn to house their expanded herd. “We have incorporated a couple of employees since we added the extra cows,” John shared. “We strive to teach them that the small details are what enable us to be able to get this award.”

Going the extra mile on the small details, staying true to their breeding philosophy, and honoring their motto “Live to Dream - Work to succeed” has enabled them to sustain success over many years. Hill-Ton Holsteins has received the Progressive Breeder’s Registry award for 27 consecutive years and has been home to 89 homebred Excellent cows. They have also bred 27 Gold Medal Dam recipients and developed two additional GMD honorees. Their current BAA is 109.1. John says their goal for the future is “to continue to do what we are doing, and to strive to get better.”

Young Dairy Leaders Institute Accepting Applications for Class 12

The Holstein Foundation is delighted to reintroduce the Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI) after a year hiatus with a new location and refreshed agenda. Applications for YDLI Class 12 are due August 1, 2021 and can be found at www.holsteinfoundation.org.

YDLI is the cornerstone program of the Holstein Foundation. The nationally recognized leadership and communication skills development program is open to young adults ages 22 to 45 working in the dairy industry.

After postponing YDLI for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Holstein Foundation created a task force to evaluate all aspects the program as if they were starting with a blank state. The minor but relevant changes made to YDLI ensure it will remain a top-notch dairy leadership program long into the future. Several core components that have made YDLI a success for the past 25 years will remain.

“This next class of YDLI could be the best one yet. If you’re even thinking about applying for this class, you should,” said Josh Hushon, Holstein Foundation board of trustees chairman. “Over the past year, we’ve revamped the curriculum to better prepare the future leaders of the dairy industry. This next group will be the first to benefit from that work and I am confident they will.”

YDLI’s three-phase approach will reflect updates to the course content and schedule. Phase I is the first face to face meeting February 15-18, 2022. Phase II is a series of self-driven projects completed in the participants’ home communities. Phase III is a second in-person meeting one year later, February 14-17, 2023. YDLI Class 12 will also have a new location in Fort Worth, Texas, meeting at a hotel in the heart of the famed Stockyards area.

The Phase I and III will focus heavily on interpersonal communication skills, and topics like team culture, influence, enabling change, and embracing diversity. Phase II will be individually customized with projects and timeline to achieve personal goals and include virtual meetings and reports. Phase III builds on the skills learned over the first two phases and is planned to include a hard-hitting hot industry topics session.

YDLI seeks to attract the brightest and most engaged young adults in the industry and boasts over 600 alumni since the program’s inception in 1993. By October 1, top tier applicants will be selected for the class from across North America, diverse in their backgrounds and roles within the industry. English-speaking international applicants are considered.

If selected as a YDLI class member, participants will need to invest the time required to complete projects. Class members pay a registration fee, and their travel and hotel costs. Some scholarships are available for fulltime dairy producers that apply. The majority of the program is funded by the Holstein Foundation, thanks to several generous sponsors. To learn more about costs or sponsorship opportunities, as well as find the YDLI application, visit www.holsteinfoundation.org. With questions, contact Jodi Hoynoski at jhoynoski@holstein.com

As we start show season, new members (and existing members) might have questions about rules, registrations and just general show info. Here are a few topics we get questions on a lot as show season comes around.

Do I need to be a WHA member to exhibit at a District Show?

Yes. Anyone exhibiting an animal at a WHA District Show and/or the Summer Championship Show needs to be a current member of the Wisconsin Holstein Association. This includes any owner of an animal, even if another individual is showing that animal for the owner. If a junior is exhibiting a managerial project they do not need to be a member unless they are participating in the showmanship contest – but the owner of the animal does need to be a member.

Do I need a registration paper to be able to show?

Yes. All animals exhibited at Wisconsin Holstein Shows (District Shows and the Wisconsin Summer Championship Shows) require papers in order to be checked in. We understand that there may be a delay in receiving papers from Holstein USA. If you have questions about the status of your registration, you can reach out to info@holstein.com and a customer service rep will help you out. They can email you a copy of the registration paper if you have not received it in the mail. BUT DON’T DELAY– we will make our best effort to allow everyone to show, but we also expect exhibitors to do their best to get registration papers or a copy of the paper ahead of time.

Can my animal show with just a button tag?

If your heifer or cow is identified with photos on the registration paper, then they do not need eartags. If an animal is identified with Holstein USA eartags, two official eartags must be in the animal’s ears for entry to be accepted and allowed in the showring. In addition, all animals exhibited at WHA shows must be Holstein Registered or Qualified by Holstein USA or registered with Holstein Canada with 87% or greater purity.

Which District Show should I show at? When do I need to enter?

You may show in either the district where you live or where your animals are housed (if housed elsewhere). We have 9 districts in the state of Wisconsin, shown on the map here. If you have any questions about which district you should show in, please contact us at the office. Each District Show has a local and district chair and most are hosted in different locations each year. All of the information for show location, entry fees and deadlines is printed in the Wisconsin Holstein News and on our website.

Do I have to show at a District Show to be eligible for the Summer Championship Show?

Yes, any exhibitor showing at their District Show is eligible to show at the Wisconsin Summer Championship Holstein Show (there are no requirements for the Red & White Show). The exhibitor is allowed to exhibit in the Championship Show up to the actual number shown and placed at District Shows. These animals may or may not be the same as shown at the District Show. Partnerships that did not exhibit an animal in that partnership at a District Show but wish to exhibit partnership animals may show at the Championship Show as a substitution animal for one of the animals shown and placed by one of the partners at a District Show. The spirit of these rules is to encourage exhibitors to show the best animals they have at the time of their District Show and at the Championship Show.

My child is just starting to show. Can they just walk with me and the animal in the showring?

For the safety of all exhibitors and to limit liability, no additional leadspeople will be allowed on any animal that enters the ring for all classes. If a youth is leading an animal, they must be able to control the animal on their own and without an adult or older youth’s assistance. For young exhibitors, we offer a Spring Calf class for only exhibitors that are age 10 and under. However, each child needs to be able to handle the animal on their own.

When do I need to have my junior animals transferred?

Holstein USA changed the transfer deadline in 2021 to July 15 for junior owned animals. Transfers will be accepted at any District Show held before July 15 and submitted to Holstein USA representatives for submission.

Can a junior show an animal not registered in their name?

Yes, they can, however these juniors will not be eligible for junior awards. All animals (open and junior show) are shown together at WHA shows, but junior members are eligible for additional recognition as junior owners. We recommend that if your junior wants to show in the junior show, the animal must be transferred into their name. If the junior is just showing a managerial animal, this animal will be eligible for open show recognition and the animal’s owner will be listed in any show catalogs. No animals owned by adult/junior partnerships will be eligible for junior recognition.

What happens if a junior isn’t around to show their animal?

As stated in the Wisconsin Holstein show rules, the junior listed on the registration paper must exhibit the animal to earn junior recognition. If another junior (not listed on the paper in partnership with the junior) or adult shows the animal, they no longer qualify for junior awards. Junior animals may be shown in the open show at District Show and still be eligible to be shown by the junior at the Wisconsin Championship Show.

For those juniors starting to show, the Holstein Foundation has excellent resources regarding fitting, showmanship and show animal care. These include downloadable resources and videos. http://www.holsteinfoundation.org

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Sarah Trapp 608-628-1978 strapp@holstein.com

Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Crawford, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Iron, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Price, Richland, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Vernon, Washburn

Holstein Association USA Area Representatives

Chris Lyons 920-723-2406 clyons@holstein.com

Adams, Calumet, Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Grant, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, Lafayette, Manitowoc, Marquette, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, Sauk, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha, Waushara, Winnebago Brown, Door, Florence, Forest, Kewanee, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Oneida, Outagamie, Portage, Shawano, Villas, Waupaca, Wood

Mandi Kipp 920-530-5023 mkipp@holstein.com

Alpha Genetics............................................ 25 American Foods Group ..................................2 Cattle Traxx.................................................. 24 Cybil Fisher Photography ........................... 25 Go-Sho Cattle Co......................................... 24 Initial Design.............................................. 25 International Protein Sires......................... IBC Koepke Farms, Inc....................................... 24 Lodi Veterinary Clinic.....................................6 Origin Reproduction Services..................... 24 Rickert Bros., LLC......................................... 24 Rural Mutual/Brian Greenman..........3, 24, 25 Second Look Holsteins, LLC ........................ 24 Sunshine Genetics...................................... 25 Trans Ova Genetics...................................... BC Ultrascan, Inc. ............................................. 25 Useful Farm Products.................................. 30 UW-Madison............................................... 19 VetCheck International............................... 25

Midwest Holsteins

Hill-Ton ..........................................................7 Kronberg Genetics...................................... 30 Marathon County................................... 20-22 Rock-Edge Holsteins................................... 22 Opsal’s Ridge.............................................. 26 Photography by Berglane..............................5 Opsals Ridge .................................................9 Rock County Holstein Breeders .................. 10 Smith-Crest................................................. 16 UW-Madison..................................................3

Wargo Acres................................................ 36