For cattle photographer Christine Massfeller timing is everything. As a young child, the timing was right for visits with her mother to a nearby dairy farm. Next good timing provided her with the perfect mentor. The timing was also right when a creative idea blossomed and the right subjects and the right team came together at the right time. It shouldn’t be surprising then to learn that Christine Massfeller is the photographer behind the 2014 Masterrind Calendar. Any way you look at it that photo shoot has timeliness written all over it. (To view this keep sake Calendar click here)
Christine Massfeller holding Calori D Jasper Maribold
“From Behind the Scenes, Christine Moved to Behind the Camera.”
Many will tell you that the greatest thing about finding your true calling is the way it expands your talents and abilities. Christine Massfeller found this to be true when she was working in the Public Relations department of the German AI Rinder-Union West. For her what came next was a logical progression. “At RUW I was responsible for the magazine they produce for their local members. So I also started taking pictures for that magazine just learning by doing because I was not educated in photography at all. But at this time my interest grew and I bought my first semi professional camera, organized some photo shoots and bought and read literature about basic technical things.” A simple beginning that for Christine soon progressed to an important next step. “A few months later I was introduced to Han Hopman by my German colleague Steve Schneider and I started my career with Holstein International.”
JANUARY Sterntaler – The Star Talers Calf: WEU Pamela (Fanatic), Owner: Perk, Spanharrenstaette
“Looking Back it was Early Exposure that Inspired the Times of her Life”
Let’s rewind the story a bit to discover where a passion for cows started for a girl who wasn’t raised on a farm but learned to love cows anyway. Christine recalls the beginning. “I grew up in a small town and fell in love with cows when I was a child, when my mom and I picked up milk from a very small dairy farm close by. It was always difficult for my mom to get me out of the barn again. I could watch cows and spend time with them for hours.” Surprisingly, or maybe not, Christine made this the inspiration for her education. “After school I went to university and studied Agricultural Science with the focus on Animal Nutrition, Genetics and Breeding.” This was no passing fancy and it is a daily party of her life. “I love everything that has to do with cows. My boyfriend’s cows realize that every day. I absolutely love spoiling them.”
FEBRUARY Frau Holle Cow: WHC Schira (Golden Eye), Owner: Weseloh, Schneverdingen Model: Marion
“It is Invaluable to Have Timely Mentoring.”
The next timely occurrence for this budding photographer was getting employed by Holstein International. Christine describes it as, “The best thing that could ever happen to me. The people are wonderful and I had a perfect start there.” This also marked the timely entry of a very important mentor. “I got the best teacher you can imagine in Han Hopman.” Here was an opportunity that would make a big difference to Christine. “Han Hopman developed creative and natural cow photography. (Read more about Hans Hopman in Han Hopman: Shooting Straight at Holstein International) In the beginning of my HI career he spent a lot of time with me, teaching and showing me everything he knew: technical aspects, how to work with cows behavior, putting legs, composing images, communication with people and animals etc.” No doubt this input inspired Christine to delve deeper into photography and, with the generous support of Holstein International, Christine furthered her studies. “I did an official photography education at a renowned Dutch school.” And she continued to learn from her mentor. “The most important thing was that Han is such a good teacher and great and loyal boss. That saved so much time in making progress.” Indeed people are the main success factor for Christine. “Being a member of the editorial team of HI gives me the chance to learn so much about the dairy and breeding business from my colleagues and of course from the business itself and all the people I meet and work with.” (To see more great work from Holstein International photography team click here)
MARCH Kleine Meerjungfrau – Little Mermaid Cow: BcH Caroli (Stylist), Owner: Luenschen Model: Rabea
“It should be possible to take ordinary cows and make them Extraordinary”
It is obvious that Christine Massfeller is a true cow passionista. Who else would come up with an idea that basically meant sending out a casting call for cows? But that is just one part of the challenges that she enjoys when doing cattle photography which has so many facets to get right. She numbers them. “Bringing a cow into balance and getting out the best of every animal, scene and model. Making the best of every situation. Working with light.” Cows constantly influence Christine’s imagination and her work. “For my photography education exam, I developed my series “Cows Surreal”. The idea was to put cows in scenes they naturally never would appear. The idea behind that was that almost every human in our modern world has contact with dairy animals, but not in a direct way. People buy milk and milk products in supermarkets but almost never see a cow in real. So I tried bringing cows back to people in an abstract way. This series is not yet finished. I will continue working on it soon. But with starting this series I got some worthwhile experiences with real complicated and difficult photo shoots.”
APRIL Baron von Muenchhausen Cow: Kleopatra (Stempler), Owner: Bertram, Hunden Model: Gerhard
“They said ‘It Couldn’t Be Done!’”
Quite often it turns out that the best impetus for doing something exceptional happens when you’re told that it can’t be done. Cow art, cow science and cow photography are not immune to naysayers. In Christine Massfeller’s case she wanted to show the world a different perspective on cows. Not for her is the idea of “same old, same old.” She wants to take the whole experience for herself, her viewers … and even the settings the cattle are placed in to a whole new level. “I had the idea to go a step further and I developed that fairytale idea. That would involve even more story telling. In the beginning it was very difficult to convince people that this could work. Too much effort. Too expensive. Too Crazy. Too Kitschy.” So, of course, Christine didn’t give up. “The images were already finished in my head but most people I talked with first could not imagine how it would look like.” And then good timing entered the picture once again. I got support from Han and he promised me we would do it together and publish it with HI.”
MAY Schneeweisschen & Rosenrot Limousin bull and Charolais heifer owned by Ahrens GbR, Hespe Models: Sophia Sparkles and Eva Wermert.
“It was a BIG idea for BIG Calendar that had found it’s Time!”
When all the necessary parts of a project come together — you just know that something big is going to happen. “Han has done a calendar for Masterrind almost every year for the last 10 years. Their calendars always have a special theme. We brought the fairytale idea to the table and immediately got some supporters, who were very enthusiastic about the idea. Then we worked out a plan and Masterrind decided to do it with us. It was a win win situation. Masterrind was a great partner and they organized everything perfectly.”
JUNE Bremer Stadtmusikanten – The Bremen Town Musicians Cow: Schnicka (Donley), Owner: Hoeft, Bramstedt sheep (14 year old Erna) and cock (still alive!!) owned by Evers family, Syke; dog Winnie owned by Hermann Bischoff
“Making it Look Simple Requires A Lot of Work”
With approval for the project, it was time to put in the hard work. “We had quite a few meetings and developed everything, the scenes, how the cows should look like, the human models, the costumes and everything else.” Although cows were the stars, it took a lot of people to pull it off. |Christine gives credit to the large behind-the-scenes-team. “It took everyone pulling together. There was the Masterrind organization, their PR department, some of their classifiers who selected the cows (and also helped washing & clipping them, organized the transportation to the scenes), the human models (some of them Masterrind employees or their kids, some of them from my soccer team), the cow models, the breeders of the cows who prepared their animals, professional hairdressers and makeup artists.” Christine feels that having such an enthusiastic team was a key ingredient of the project’s success. “It was really wonderful to work with such great people (and cows) who did such a good job, even though they had no experience with such a project (me either)!”
JULY Rotkaeppchen – Little Red Riding Hood Bull: Smokin Joe (Observer), MASTERRIND Model: Carolin Wolf: Hermann Bischoff
AUGUST Froschkoenig – The Princess & the Frog Cow: FUX Sia (Alexander), owner: Hahn/Radtke GbR Model: Teresa Kempe.
“The Fairy Tale Ending is A Pleasant Surprise”
When you plan a fairytale photo shoot, it would be nice to assume that it would end happily ever after. Even with her passion for dairy cows, Christine has been pleasantly surprised at how the project has been received. “Honestly I did not expect such a big response. Masterrind gave the calendar to their members (in Germany the AIs are owned by their local breeders) and clients. It was out before 2014 started. We got many emails from people who wanted to buy one, also from people who are not in our business.” (To order your copy of the keep sake Calendar click here)
SEPTEMBER Dornroeschen – Sleeping Beauty Cow: Jolli (Jotan), owner: Agrargenossenschaft Bockendorf eG Model: Lori
OCTOBER Hans im Glueck – Lucky Hans Cow: Silva, owner: KÖG Kleinbardau Models: Thomas & Thomas
“Dreamscapes Inspire a Dream Job”
Loving what you do every day is a dream that many wish they could fulfill. Christine makes it look easy and inspiring, but she has eight steps that comprise her best advice to someone who would like to follow their photography dream: Work hard. Find a good teacher. Listen at the right moment. Don’t listen at the right moment. Be a better photographer then Photoshopper. Develop your own thing. Be open. Be always respectful to people and cows you are working with.” Christine is more than willing to take her own advice and adds a couple more action steps. “Staying healthy and open minded. Keep on working for HI. Keeping learning, because photography gets more and more difficult the deeper you get into it. It’s a big process.” Her dearest dream is to keep developing new ideas and producing the ideas that come up.” She sums it up enthusiastically. “There are so many pictures in my head that need to be taken!”
NOVEMBER Haensel & Gretel Cow: Litt Leo (Radenko), owner: Wortmann GbR, Morsum
DECEMBER Aschenputtel – Cinderella Cow: Jess (Starfire), owner: Pfaff, Gahlenz Model: Nicole Castle: Schloss Moritzburg, Sachsen
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Not only have dairy calendars been taken in a totally unprecedented direction but so have the cows that are our daily inspiration. With the turning of every page, there is a new dairy dimension to be celebrated. Congratulations to you Christine Massfeller for sharing your wonderful images and giving us insight and inspiration for every dairy day of the calendar year. (To order your copy of the keep sake Calendar click here)
Here is a quick science lesson for everyone. It isn’t going to be like those boring chemistry classes in high school, where you were more excited about getting to use the Bunsen burner than actually learning something. This is a political science lesson about international politics. When it comes to world trade, Oil is far greater and more important to most countries than milk production is.
Recently there has been a great deal of talk about the removal of supply management from markets around the world. Since most of Europe has either already removed supply management or is in the process of doing so, the writing is on the wall for remaining supply managed countries such as Canada. It’s no wonder that there has been significant backlash from Canadian producers about this issue.
Understandably Canadian dairy producers are very uneasy with this proposition. They have enjoyed a stable production environment where they could go to bed without having to worry about what the milk price would be the next day, next week or next month. But all this is about to change. As the Canadian government seeks to open world markets through international trade, Canada’s supply management is a constant sticking point. (Read more: Why the Future of the North American Dairy Industry Depends On Supply And Demand)
Interestingly, and probably funded by those who seek to benefit the most, recent reports from the Conference Board of Canada suggest that the cost of ending milk quota is far less than expected. (Read more: Cost of Ending Quota Much Smaller than Expected). According to the study, the Canadian Government could buy out producers who hold quota, about 12,500 dairy farms, for as little as $3.6 Billion to $4.7 Billion.
Armed with this study over the past month, there has been significant media hype in the major publications about how this is “Good for Farmers.” The news flash is that the Canadian economy would gain $1.2-billion a year and as many as 8,000 new dairy jobs, if the industry were freed to pursue rapidly expanding dairy markets in Asia and Africa. The story angle is that Canada is losing ground by doing nothing. The study estimates that Canadian dairy farmers are sacrificing $1-billion a year in lost revenue as milk is being displaced by cheaper imported dairy ingredients and substitutions by oil-based products in everything from ice cream to yogurt. (Read more: Canadian dairy producers can grow without monopoly and Dairy supply management costs consumers and farmers)
First let’s get real. Most Canadian dairy producers are not in the position to compete with world markets. This is e true if you remove quota and don’t replace it with the other forms of unacknowledged subsidies that other dairy producing countries maintain. As a result of operating under the safe and secure quota system, many Canadian producers have not been forced to become as efficient as those in other markets such as the Western US, Australia and New Zealand. In 1980, Canada produced 14 per cent more milk per capita than the U.S. In 2011, Canada produced 21 per cent less. The average Canadian dairy farm has about 76 cows while the average herd in the US is 187. (Read more: Where have all the dairy farmers gone? In Depth Analysis of the 2013 U.S. and Canadian National Dairy Herd Statistics). In order to compete, Canadian dairy farms would not only have to grow but they also would have to manage their operations differently.
But the real issue here is not about what effect this will have on dairy farmers. It is about what market it opens up for other industries, specifically Oil and Pulp and Paper. Due to the massive investments in the Oil/Tar Sands in Northern Alberta, Canada has become a significant player in the world oil market. The potential revenues from these developments make the cost of removing the Canadian Supply Management System look like a drop in the bucket.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
The amount of money, especially political funding and taxes, that this Oil movement has behind it is far greater that any backlash that would result from removing supply management from the Dairy industry. For the average producer, there is no question that the removal of Supply Management is a BAD thing. There is no question that it will force many 50+ year old producers into early retirement. Now that could be something that would cause strains on the Health Care system because a displaced dairy farmer does not do well mentally or physically. It will also force any new young producers to be very afraid to enter the market. You see, faced with a volatile sales price, milk production will become an uncertain career choice. So let’s not kid ourselves. The question of removing supply management from the Canadian dairy industry has nothing to do with what’s “best for the producers”. Removing supply management is totally about what’s best for the Canadian economy as a whole and significant industries such as Oil in particular. For all Canadian milk producers who have the deluded notion that their concerns are enough to stop the Canadian government, never forget that “Oil is thicker than Milk.”
Although she is neither a dairy breeder nor a show ring competitor, artist Valerie Miller nevertheless is completely hands on in her relationship with cows. This passionate painter not only paints her girls larger than life but she also aligns their bovine characteristics with dear family members and friends.
Creating from Nature and Nurture with Help from Cousins and Cows
It’s quite true that not all dairy lovers are born and raised on a dairy farm. Valerie explains her country connection and how it has been multi-faceted and rewarding over several generations. “I have a long history in my family of people making a living through working with animals. My mom’s side of my family founded (and still run) Impro Products, a leader in natural solutions to livestock production and dairying for over 50 years. I have uncles and cousins who are dairy farmers and two of my uncles and their families have W.W. Homestead Dairy – a local dairy in Waukon, Iowa (where we live) that locally produces and processes a full dairy product line. I also have an aunt, uncle, and first cousin who are Veterinarians. We live in Northeast Iowa, a rural area of the Midwest that has beautiful gently rolling hills, and we have quite a few dairy farms around here. Growing up I loved visiting and spending time on my uncles’ farms, as well as the farms of my friends – actually I still love spending time on their farms!”
Encouraged by Mom, Masters and Mentors
Valerie was creatively inspired by her rural heritage and happily points out how fortunate she was in the mentors in her life. “Growing up my mom was a huge influence on me and encouraged me artistically as much as she could. She would always buy me art supplies for my birthday and Christmas, and would help me learn how to use the art supplies together. She would frequently say that she wanted to be an artist but her parents wouldn’t let her, so I could be anything I wanted. She also loves telling people she taught me everything I know.” With that supportive start, Valerie was eager to meet other creative role models and she was fortunate there too. “Larsh Bristol was a professional photographer and a friend of my dad’s. After high school Larsh and I would have art shows together, and he would teach me things about making a living through art, among other things. Larsh was a big influence on me, and still is even though he passed on after a terrible car crash several years ago.” She is also an eager and avid student of famous painters. “From a historical painting perspective, I love the works of Mark Rothco, Winslow Homer, Andrew Wyeth, Georgia O’Keefe and Edward Hopper. I used to spend hours poring over their paintings in books that I had either checked out from the library or bought with birthday money. Their paintings were so beautiful to me and I hoped one day I would be able to create something as beautiful as their paintings.”
Valerie Adapts to Cows, Canvas and a Career
Homing in on a fulfilling career is something everyone strives for and Valerie reports that she got off to a quick start. “I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a painter. (I think in kindergarten I was telling people I was going to grow up to be an artist.) So, even though I have an art degree in studio art with a concentration in painting from Bradley University and a marketing degree from the University of Iowa, I was painting as much as I could from about 8th grade. I painted from photos I took myself, ones I found in books, and read and followed along to every type of painting book I could.” She looks back on how she started amassing her photo inspirations. “I first started messing around with my dad’s old SLR camera when I was in high school. I would take a lot of photos of friends, animals, and of course cows. As I went into college, I took some photography classes to learn more about cameras and how to use them to achieve what I wanted them to do.”
“Valerie, Valerie, How Does Your Gallery Grow?”
My husband and I met the first week in college, and about a week later we were pretty much inseparable. He was majoring in sculpture and I was majoring in painting. We used to talk about opening up a gallery/store together somewhere and so we came upon the name of Steel Cow as it was a combination of both of us – he was using a lot of steel in his sculptures and I was painting cows. After we got married in 2003, we spent a few months deciding where to locate. After countless hours on the internet looking at places and traveling around a bit, we couldn’t find “the perfect place,” so we decided to open a store in a family building in Waukon on a temporary basis.” For Valerie and Josh temporary is enjoying an extended stay in this rural town.
The Artists’ Journey Travels Down the Waukon Road
It might not be the first place to come to mind for establishing an arts based lifestyle but this town in rural Iowa is working well for Valerie and Josh. “Waukon is a great place to live and raise a family, but there are not a lot of stores around here, and there are quite a few empty buildings in our small rural town. Steel Cow opened our doors 10 years ago this month. I hung up my cow paintings (at the time I was also painting dog portraits), and Josh is a cabinetmaker, and he displayed his very cool handmade furniture and cabinets. As time went on, we adjusted and tweaked our businesses to make them work for where we were living.” It becomes apparent that, in a similar way to the multiple skills that dairy farmers must call on every day, Josh and Valerie have dug deeply to enhance and grow skills beyond their chosen arts. “The building we are in was built by my grandfather’s grandfather in the ’20’s as a furniture store, so it was really neat to have the building being used for something in the family again. About 5 years into it, we bought the building from my parents and completely renovated the whole space ourselves. Talk about exhausting! Josh wouldn’t say so, because he comes from a line of contractors and work to them is like food. But, I thought I was going to die when I had to sand the floors. Luckily I survived and have a much greater appreciation for what it takes to renovate an old building. I just wish the elevator still worked! I spent an entire winter one year cleaning and painting the third floor ceiling. The building is three floors plus a basement and has tin ceilings and original floors, so it has quite a bit of character.”
Out of the Barn and Into the Gallery
The young couple has really paid their dues to create the space that is just right for them to grow their family and their business says Valerie. “We live on the third floor, Josh and I have studios on the second floor, we have a retail space on first floor, and we have a bit of a catch all in the basement. A couple of years ago we were able to purchase a shed behind our store and we took the parking space in front of it and turned it into a garden complete with an 8 foot outdoor mural of Greta. We love it, and are so happy we stayed in Waukon and are continuing to grow Steel Cow.”
When Cows on Canvas Connect with Admirers
It is easy to imagine how surprised visitors are to see the Steel Cow gallery upon their first visit. It isn’t every day that dairy cows go from milking parlor moos to artist’s muse (Sorry! Couldn’t resist). Valerie too recognizes how unusual some might think that her career has been. “ I think my greatest accomplishment has been simply making a living at painting cows from a small town in Northeast Iowa. Although there are a lot of dairy cows around here, there are not a lot of people, so my husband and I have had to learn a lot of things along the way (and we are still learning!).” It takes persistence and dedication admits this entrepreneur. “So far, so good! Cow paintings aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, so I don’t think they are as popular as landscape paintings, or flower paintings, but it’s fun to hear people tell me why they like my paintings, or that one of my paintings reminds them of their cow, the cow they had as a kid, or simply reminds them of when they visited their grandparents farm as a kid.” Obviously connecting people, cows and memories are important to this artist who hopes that her future will include her husband Josh, their one and a half year old son Eddie, her sister and brother-in-law and their one and a half year old daughter because whatever the adventures ahead she say “I would want them with to join me because I would not want to live without them, and if we were together, it could be fun.”
“I Love All of My Gallery Girls”
Every painter feels a connection to the painted subject matter. Valerie is emphatic. “One thing I will always do is paint cows. As long as I am creating art in a way that is enjoyable, challenging, and rewarding and am able to share that with others …… I will be happy.” That happiness has brought her close to all of her cow girls. So much so, that choosing a favorite is difficult.
“Oh, that’s a tough one!” she admits. “It depends on the day. I like each painting to be better than the last, but that doesn’t always happen. As a cow, I like Queenie the best as she was the perfect matriarch of a local herd of dairy cows. I really like Virginia (she is chewing) and she reminds me of my great aunt who was always eating. I kept the original painting of Virginia and have her hanging in my kitchen. I am also fond of Dorothy as I first fell in love with cows when I met some Brown Swiss. Since I call the cow paintings “The Girls” and name most of them after family and friends it’s kind of like trying to pick my favorite relative (in which case I should say Greta because she is my sister.)” It’s obvious that Valerie’s heart is a large part of her artistry.
There’s A Cow in Waukon Library
“In my immediate future I am finishing a mural of Tippie the Cow at our local library.” Those who know Valerie are probably well aware of her project to raise funds for the Tippie Business School at the University of Iowa. “I owe so much to what they gave me, I simply want to give back something.” Expanding her artistic vision also includes another project. “I have been working on an A-Z kids book with the letters of the alphabet being the first name of “The Girls” and I hope to have it complete later this year. Hopefully my future holds lots of murals, new paintings, and more trips to meet cows across the globe. I also have plans on adding other farm animals including pigs, goats, sheep, donkeys, chickens, horses and, of course, “The Boys.” Oh to be that cow on the library wall and listen in to Valerie’s plans for the future. However, she is shy about sharing. “ I have a lot of goals for the future, but I don’t really like to share them as the details are always changing.” She also feels her art is evolving. “I would say my style is a contemporary representational depiction of cows. I like to strip the background away, take the cow out of context, and paint a solid color in the background. This way the painting focuses on the cow herself, and hopefully allows the viewer to connect with the animal up close and personal. I paint the cow representationally, but I do take “artistic license” and sometimes paint them a bit more whimsical. As I am going along in my artistic career, I am painting “The girls” more and more realistically and closer to how they actually look.”
The Bullvine Bottom Line
When you admire Valerie’s paintings it’s not about dairy conformation or bovine genetics. Valerie paints to capture the story. The story of the cow. The strength resulting from that connection is a celebration of hands on artistry. Steel Cows. The connection between cows and the people who love them.
For the past two years we here at the Bullvine have been warning breeders about changes that will come as a result of large A.I. companies and other genetic corporations owning top females. The comment that many breeders come back to us with is,”I will take a “master breeder” over some geneticist any day.” As well they say, “If it was up to the geneticists, we would never have had sires like Goldwyn.”. Well we here at the Bullvine decided to take a closer look to see who the true master breeder is. Is it the Geneticist or is it the Seed Stock Breeder?
What makes a true master breeder?
For years the Master Breeder award has been one of the most coveted awards given out by breed associations. This award is the pinnacle of success for any purebred breeder. In Canada there have been 924 Master Breeders shields awarded since its inception in 1929. While Holstein USA does not have a master breeder program, it does have the Elite Breeder Award, bestowed annually upon a living Holstein Association USA, Inc. member, family, partnership, or corporation who has bred outstanding animals and thereby has made a notable contribution to the advancement of the Holstein breed in the United States. As well it designates the Herd of Excellence award which recognizes registered Holstein breeders who have bred and developed excellent herds made up of cows with superior type and production.
Except for the AltaGen herd, run by Alta Genetics, which won a Master Breeder shield in 2001, all the winners have been seed stock producers or, in the early years, government herds. But now, with the large A.I. companies and genetic corporations entering into the ownership of top females, this could be about to change. (Read more: Should A.I. Companies Own Females? And Why Good Business for AI Companies Can Mean Bad Business for Dairy Breeders)
Who owns the top genetics?
If you look at the top genomic index lists over the past 2 years, you will see six names consistently producing the top index animals. The names include De-Su, S-S-I (Select Sires), EDG (Elite Dairy Genomics now managed by Sexing Technologies), Alta Genetics, ABS Global, and the Co-Op program at Genex. Over the past year, more than 50% of the top 100 females have been owned by one of these companies. The interesting fact is that all but one, De-Su, is either a large A.I. company or a genetic corporation. So it is clear to see that these companies have already entered and are starting to win the race.
Now I know you are probably saying that just owning the top females does not make them a master breeder. And I agree it doesn’t. But what it does do is give them control of the genetic advancement race. (Read more: The Genomic Advancement Race – The Battle for Genetic Supremacy and What the Experts Will Tell You about Who Is Winning the Genetic Improvement Race) Sure there are some who think “Breeders can still breed a better next generation than the corporations can with all their number crunching and statistics.” That is because many feel that the geneticists at these corporations lack one key element and that is cattle sense. The knowledge that comes from working day in and day out with cows. The cow sense that makes cattle breeding part art form and part science. In my opinion, that is correct! Unfortunately, correct or not, it doesn’t matter. What really gives the geneticists at the large corporations the edge is the resources that are at their disposal.
It’s a question of resources, not cattle smarts
Let’s take a look at the typical seed stock producer versus the geneticist and just see who will produce that next list topper. The seed stock producer can probably afford to flush each animal 3-4 times per year in order to produce the next generation of great ones. Given typical ratios that would mean about 10 females a year and let’s say 10 males a year. Therefore, that breeder would have 20 progeny to compete with against the large genetic corporations. Now let’s look at the case for the large genetics corporations. First of all they already own the majority of the top genomic index animals so that they are already starting ahead of the game. But, more importantly, they can afford to flush their animals 10+ plus times a year. This gives them at least 50 plus females and over 50 males (and possibly 100 of each) to submit to the ranks of the genomic test gods.
It’s not that they are better about making sire selections, it’s that they can afford to flush each donor cow to every possible sire thus making sure they have all their bases covered. So yes I would not be surprised to see that the resulting ratios and consistency numbers of the Seed Stock producers end up being as good or better than that of the geneticists at the large corporations. However, geneticists at the large corporations have much greater resources at their disposal and, therefore, can afford to keep shooting until they get it right.
Of course there are those of you who are more discerning and say, “Let’s see who produces the better proven sires. After all that is where you find the true measure of a master breeder,” To them I say, look at the semen sales in the world today. More than 50% is genomic test sires. A bull getting a good daughter proof is less and less important, when it comes to winning the genetics race. (Read more: The End of the Daughter Proven Sire Era)
The real question isn’t really about who are the better breeders. The real question comes down to who has the biggest pocketbook. Since the large A.I. companies have greater financial resources than those of the seed stock producer, they can afford to invest significantly more in order to win the genetic race. The time to have changed this situation isn’t today. The time to do something about it was two years ago when we told breeders that these corporations owning females would spell the end of the seed stock producers. It was a good business opportunity that was taken by the A.I. companies. They now have a relatively cost effective source for top genetics over which they have exclusive control. So, while the seed stock producers may be the better master breeders, unfortunately they may not be around long enough to enjoy their victory.
It’s hard to believe that it has already been two years since we launched the Bullvine. Sometimes it seems like just yesterday, other times it seems like it has been a long road. Nevertheless, here we are at 2 years and still kicking. Something many predicted would never happen.
Since we launched and said there would be twice the bull and half the fluff of the other publications we have held true to our word. (Read more: Twice the Bull – Half the S**T) Unlike others, we have expressed our opinion. No matter what the issue, no matter what the ramifications, we have said it as we see it. That has gotten us in trouble at times, but that was a risk we knew we had to take in order to focus the industry during these changing times.
Over the past two years we have certainly not been afraid to get into our share of dogfights. Instead of running away with our tails between our legs, we have backed up our bark with a strong bite. As we look forward to what is to come, I am sure there will be many more skirmishes. As we have done in the past we will continue to back up our bark with the bite of facts aimed at delivering the highest quality information to you the dairy breeder. Thanks to all of you who have contributed to us being the fastest growing dairy publication in the world after our first year and now having the largest daily dairy readership in the world in year 2. The Bullvine isn’t growing because important people endorse it. It is growing because passionate people do. We are very excited about dairy business success. One bite at a time.
Have you ever clicked on a link that a Facebook friend posted, not sure when you did it what you were going to see but figured it was worth trying? Then, 20 minutes and several clicks later, you find yourself engrossed in someone’s blog, reading post after post because you’re learning, inspired, or intrigued. That is exactly what happened to me when I clicked on a link marked Why I Farm. And this is what I found:
In this era where you see and hear so much that is negative about farming and agribusiness, it was special to watch this video of Michelle Stewart from Sheridan IL talking about how farming is the gift that she never saw coming. She tells how she has been blessed and, because of that, she feels giving back to the community has never been more important.
After watching that video, I just had to see more. So I watched the story of Loretta Lyons telling about losing her husband at age 36 in 1976 and then being faced with the difficult choice of selling the farm and going back to teaching or becoming a dairy farmer. Here is her story about how she let God lead the way.
Thinking that there was no way I could be touched any further, I then came across the story of Sonny Beck. Just like Sonny, one of my fondest memories is driving the Farm-All tractor at a very young age. Listening to Sonny talk reminded me of my grandfather, and the values he instilled in his family. Here was something I see in every farmer I have known.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
So the next time you find yourself questioning why you do what you do or even if you just need a quick pick me up after a bad-image-for-farming day in the media, take the time to check out “Why I Farm”.
Hard work, dedication passion, and faith….are just a few of the words that describe a farmer. Join Beck’s Hybrids in honoring the farmer. Watch more great videos here.
Please like and share to help spread the positive farming message!!!!
Now I am sure, when you think of the most romantic professions in the world, dairy farmers may not come to the top of the list. Over the years we have found many great love stories here at the Bullvine. From the engagement of Bryn Quick and Mark Hornbostel at World Dairy Expo 2013 (Read more: World Dairy Expo Proposal – First comes cows then comes vows!) to those that have fallen in love with the show ring (Read more: For Love of the Ring!) to those that love their cows so much (Read more: The Magic of Francesca). However, this Valentine’s Day we decided to share with you eight of the greatest dairy love stories we could find.
“Love Endures – Even Through Heart ache” – Jessica Valentine
I’ve thought and thought since I saw this contest about how I could possibly put into words my love story. It finally came to me tonight in the last hours possible on the night before Valentine’s Day while we are in the midst of a storm that has me snowed in at home taking care of animals and children and my husband snowed in at the farm taking care of cows, while fighting the flu.
I never really met my husband, you see we have just always known each other. I grew up showing beef and riding horses and Mark’s family is a dairy family several generations deep, from the same small town. I could tell you so many stories of how our love started. Like our first date going to a bingo for the Maryland judging team to go to Europe. I broke my femur getting into his truck and had to beg the EMT not to cut my jeans off– it was our first date for Pete’s sake! Or how he gave me a sweet little Ayrshire heifer for Christmas one year, or how his favorite old show cow who was battling cancer wouldn’t eat or drink or get up when he was out of town so I carried her feed and water to the farthest corner of the field hoping to keep her going till he got home to see her put down.
But the story that I want to share is how our love has endured. I always thought that the hard part of my life would be growing up with a bone disease that makes my legs break very easy, requiring numerous surgeries and hospital stays. I never imagined that would be a piece of cake compared to learning how to put my family’s lives back together. In 2011 we were living the dream. A wonderful strong marriage, three beautiful little boys and a job managing a dairy doing what we loved. Then the unthinkable happened and in a devastating accident we lost our youngest son Karsin the day before his 4th birthday.
It’s been said that 82% of marriages that lose a child do not last and there have been times when I thought we to would become a statistic. But love is not about giving up when things get hard. Love is a lot like being a dairy farmer. , It takes a lot of sweat tears and determination to keep it afloat. Our love is stronger now than ever because we have seen each other at a level that not many will see. We have seen each other completely torn down and I watch with pride as all of my “Valentines” rebuild.
But that’s not where this story ends. In our love story there was a bit of wonder that happened in our darkest hours and that was watching our dairy/ farming community surround our family with support. Being the center of that outpouring of Love was something that I can never explain and I believe that my other two sons have a sense of confidence today because of that love.
So my love story is a mix of love for my husband, my sons, and the camaraderie of dairy people and, of course, for our beautiful Ayrshire cows.
“Amanda’s First Calf” – Amanda Coulter
The seed of a life’s dream took root in the breast of a young girl on a cold November evening thirteen years ago. Like most children, the girl was loved well by her parents. In addition to this, the girl benefited from the circumstances of her family. She received the extra care and attention as an only child is afforded with the bonus of a father who took his little girl everywhere with him while working his dairy farm. Naturally, the resulting emotions of the girl were to emulate her “Daddy.” The girl wanted so badly to do and be as her father that she continually asked for a calf to start her “own” herd. Her father would always smile and tell her “When you are bigger and can take care of her on your own.” For years this was a daily conversation between the two as they went about their day. Father doing what needed done and daughter following behind his every step. The father was a good and decent man who cared for his only child greatly. While not telling the girl any of his thought, he wondered what calf would be the best for his little girl to start her own herd as she put it. The father was very careful in the breeding of his cattle and the results were a herd anyone would be proud of. One way the farmer was able to achieve this was to implant the embryos of the better cows into the not so productive ones. He also had the foresight to keep many embryos on hand in a liquid nitrogen tank that was serviced regularly.
For several years he had been watching, worried and anxious as the calves were born, looking for the perfect one to present to his girl. On a cold November evening the farmer made his way to the house looking for his little girl with a very determined look on his face. Since it was late and the girl was only five years old, she was fast asleep in bed. The father knew this as the mother never wavered on bedtime for their child. The mother believed that a regular schedule and chores kept a child healthy and knowing about responsibilities. Determination firmly planted, the farmer made his way to the child’s room. Father whispered in the girls ear to wake up until she was aware enough to hear and understand what her father was saying. “Come with me, I have something to show you”. The man quietly said as he gathered his girl up in his arms. So the mother got to see her husband carry their girl out into the night in her footed pajamas and wrapped in her blankie. Mother watched out the window as her little family disappeared into the barn. With hopes that this would indeed be a good night for her child, the mother went back to her duties.
In the barn, the father carried the girl to the farthest corner where the pens for the sick, injured, and soon to birth cows were housed. Seeing a new baby in one of the pens, the girl said excitedly, “Look daddy you have a new baby”! The father bent down right beside the box stall so his little girl could see closely and clearly the small calf lying on the straw inside. The girl stroked the newborns yet soft hair while enjoying this wonderful sight. The family believed every new birth was a wonderful thing. New animals were a continuation of their plans, hard work, and their family business. Also every new birth was a goal to achieve for an even better cow. While she was doing this, the father whispered very quietly in his daughters ear…………”I named her Amanda, would you like to have her”? The little girl’s brain could not keep up with all the emotions running through her. The first thing she could say was, Amanda? That is my name! The second thing was I could have her! Father very seriously told his child that “She is everything you need to have to start your own herd” The child could only beam and say that her calf was beautiful! The father very seriously said “yes she is” JOY JOY JOY ran through her body as she cried, I want to go in, I want to go in! I want to see all of her! Thankful that he had remembered to snatch up her little boots on the way out the door, the father helped Amanda kid into them and opened the box stall door for her. Keeping a close eye on the calf’s mother to make sure she didn’t get over excited and hurt his child, he settled his little girl by her very first calf lying on the straw, letting the two Amanda’s get to know each other. Amanda kid told her dad that she would be able to pick her calf out of the group when she was put there because Amanda calf had a backwards seven on her face and spots like saddles on both her sides! The father laughed and said that he believed that she would be able to pick her animal out anywhere at any time even after she grew into a cow and lived in the milking herd. After quite a while of Amanda kid enjoying her precious possession, the father figured it was time to let Amanda calf rest and get Amanda kid back to bed. The father told Amanda kid that it was time to go. Amanda kid was so upset that a tear actually slipped down her cheek. Very concerned now because Amanda kid NEVER cried, even when she was hurt quite seriously that spring and still carried the scars from her injury, this very miniature grown up just didn’t cry! The father conceded and said they could watch from outside the box stall for a little while longer. Happy with that, the girl sat on a bale of straw beside the stall to enjoy watching her new Amanda calf. Amanda kid asked her father who the father and mother of her new calf were, as she was already learning about bloodlines and genetics. When he told her about her calf’s parentage, she was very confused. Facing her father she said “That is impossible! Her dam is the very first cow YOU ever owned and was the start or YOUR herd! She died before I was ever born.” Still as serious as the little girl Amanda kid had ever seen him, the father replied, I have been saving her very last embryo for a very long time waiting for something special and I think you are pretty special….. The little girl knew instantly that she would remember her daddy telling her that and the feeling of love that went with it for the rest of her life. The little girl’s chest was hurting with all the wonderful feelings she was experiencing. She loved her daddy so much and she loved her Amanda calf too! “Wait until mom hears” she tells her father as he carried her to the house. “I get to take care of Amanda calf every morning and every night! She will grow up to be a great cow! I will be a farmer! I have my own calf!” The mother was very excited for her little girl and hugged her a lot! Amanda kid felt very important! This was the most wonderful night of her whole life… It was very late indeed when Amanda kid got back to her bed and finally fell asleep that night. However, she was up before dawn and headed down to the barn with her daddy to help him and start her life as a herd owner. There were so many things to do and so many plans to make.
“You Make Me Dairy Happy” – Monica Streff
I would have never guessed that a sunny Monday in June 2010 would be the beginning of my life as it is today. I had just finished visiting with a dairy farm that I do consulting work for and jumped back in my truck. As I started out the driveway, I began checking out my missed calls, voicemails, texts, and emails. I noticed a phone number I had not seen before had left a message so I figured I should check it out. I could barely make out the message other than “call me” and the phone number. I started dialing the number with some hesitation as I had no clue what it was in regards to or who I was calling. The gentleman on the other end answered on the first ring and started our conversation as though we had been long time friends. He explained his situation to me. They were looking for a different consultant to do their nutrition work and they had seen I had stopped several times before since I left my card each time. I indicated I was in the area that day and could visit with him briefly if he had the time. He proceeded by saying, “Sure do. Why don’t you come find me? I am cutting hay.” I thought to myself, sure, I have no clue where he may be cutting, but why not?” He continued, “Pull in the driveway by the house and follow it around the bends to the west. Don’t let the construction send you in the wrong direction. Just stay on the road and keep coming straight back. You will find me.” I started thinking, Lord, what did I get myself into. I arrived at the farm, pulled in the drive by the house and started my attempt at following the road. He wasn’t kidding when he said, “Don’t let the construction send you in the wrong direction.” I started driving towards an alfalfa field where I could see a BIG RED TRACTOR and a disc bine. As I was getting out of the truck, he jumped out of the tractor and headed my way. “Hi, I’m Jeremy, some people call me Bob, you can call me whatever you want, Jeremy, Bob, idiot, whatever.” All I could do was giggle and smile. And from that day forward our friendship began. Our friendship continued to grow over the months as I did consulting work for the dairy, and the Schwittay family started to feel like an extended family to me on my “up north” days. As October approached, he began poking and prodding me about if I was going to World Dairy Expo. I told him I was as I had Ayrshire cattle that were being shown there as well as I would be working in a booth there. He simply asked, “What day you taking your cattle down?” I answered and he asked if he could go along. If you ask him, he says that was our first “official” date, but that did not happen for a few more weeks. Every day since that day in June 2010, I have continued to grow and understand what unconditional love is. We have been through our struggles and achievements like anyone else and continue to be the best of friends. Our life is not easy. We have the dairy farm, we started a custom calf & heifer operation two years ago, we market our registered cattle, we have rental properties, and I continue to work full time as a dairy consultant. Others always ask us, “How do you guys make this work? You mix business and professional and all you do is work.” Our answer is simple…we love each other unconditionally, we are each other’s best friend, we make the best of every situation, and have trust in one another. Who wouldn’t love working with their best friend every day. As I sit in the house writing this I think about in the last two weeks how much I miss my dairy love. I had surgery on my foot and ankle and have been confined to the house until I can walk again. I have had time to really think about how much I take for granted the time we get together. If it is showing cattle, chopping corn silage, leveling off the silo, or moving heifers; I wouldn’t want to do it with anybody but him. He has a way to always put a smile on my face no matter how bad the situation is. He is my biggest cheerleader, my business partner, my best friend, and my rock. Jeremy Schwittay is my Dairy Love.
“Nobody is Perfect until You Fall in Love with them” – Jess Peter
As all great love stories start, I met him when I was drunk at a party. The school we attended was known as a “suitcase college,” so the great weekly party was held on a Wednesday night. These parties were known as the “John Deere Parties,” creatively enough, their namesake was derived from the gentlemen who held said parties. I know you are probably quite impressed by the creativity and uniqueness that is beaming from this story already! Being a small community college in Iowa, it was safe to say, the dairy and John Deere Tech students knew each other quite well. But, when I looked around, there was a new face. I was promptly introduced to him and told “he’s a fitter.” “Fitter, huh,” I scoffed. *It is important to note that, at this time in my life, I had only worked on commercial herds. I was much more interested in stall dimensions and whether or not the farm installed brisket boards. So he responded, “Yes!” and I spoke out very confidently, “Cows have numbers, not names.” We realized we did not have much in common, so our first meeting was brief and uneventful.
Fast-forward 2 years, I had transferred to Iowa State along with five friends from the community college. It was my 21st Birthday and ironically he was down visiting. Sadly, I was seeing a mutual friend at the time, but over the course of the years we did become closer friends. This could be greatly attributed to the fact that my interest had also changed. All of my friends were involved with registered cattle in some way, shape or form. I had made the collegiate judging team and slightly abandoned my “commercial roots.”
Again, we are fast-forwarding to that next spring semester. I was taking it off to do a Genetics Internship in Wisconsin. It dawned on me that he was the only person I knew in Wisconsin. We reunited again on my Birthday. This time it was at a dive bar in northern Wisconsin. After that night we talked and texted back and forth on a regular basis. *Did I mention I had a boyfriend at the time? Oh, I didn’t? Okay, well I had a boyfriend at the time. So, back to our love story…in the next few weeks the Bulterview Parade of Perfection was being held in Elkhorn, WI. I drove down for the sale the night before and we went to the sale the next day. After this weekend, I called it quits with the guy from back home.
We became what you would call “Facebook Official” the weekend of the Siemers Spring Showcase, for the rest of my internship I traveled on Fond du Lac to see him when he was working sales at the Great Northern and stayed a couple nights at the “Siemers Hotel.” Since then I have moved to Wisconsin the timeline of our relationship is traced by sales and shows along the way. With this, our herd and our hearts have continued to grow. I know he is a keeper when I tell him I want to buy Ayrshires, and he gets Jeff Stephens to sell a great one, right out from under his nose!
It’s not the type of story that blows you away with overdone notions or drama. We are perfect for each other, right down to the type of cattle we like. Sometimes I think he likes them a little too dairy and refined, and I know some days he thinks I like them a little too coarse with a little too much strength. It’s safe to say we balance each other out. It’s just as simple as that, two people, one love and one passion.
“True love lies on the other side of the alley” – Ken McEvoy
Everyone has a love story, a person or animal that touches you, changes your life, the way you think the way you feel. Can you feel the shivers down your spine the first time your eyes met? What’s your story? Every story has a beginning middle and an end. The only problem is our love story will never end , so we start in the middle, where we are today. We live in the house he lived in for 20 years, but until the last few years it wasn’t a home. It was a place where I ate and slept, now it’s filled with the sound of little feet running across the floor, the smell of brownies in the oven and the sight of my wife’s beautiful smile. Our little farm, our little house and our little family makes for a beautiful life and it all started, because she said hello, which brings us to the beginning. Like most farm couples we met at a fair, a place where our love for cows allowed us to meet. A place where my family has shown for nearly 70 years in a barn named for my father. A barn where for those years for us were tied only Holsteins. But that one summer in walked a girl with two Brown Swiss heifers. Little did I know that she and those two heifers would forever change my life and the color scheme in our barn. It was love at first sight. Not the kind of run around love. A one look and you know you were meant to be together forever. So whether your love be red black or brown there’s always the chance your true love lies on the other side of the alley. For me my love will always be the girl “from the other side of the alley”. My wife, my rock, mother of my children and the glue that holds my world together. That’s our love story.
“Grandpa’s Love” – Eileen Gress
My dairy love story starts around Christmas of 2005, when my Grandpa fulfilled a lifelong dream of mine – he purchased for me a pair of twin Ayrshire bull calves.
For most people in the dairy industry, a pair of twin bulls would be the furthest thing from a dream – particularly stocky bulls as these were. But for me, these calves – which I named Bob and Tom – weren’t going to be steers, or even breeding stock. They were going to be my oxen.
My mom had a team of oxen when she was my age that she raised and trained to wear a yoke and pull wagons in parades and at exhibitions. Some of my earliest memories were sitting on Mick or Mike’s backs as Mom led the complacent steers around the yard, and I very distinctly remember the day that, at a ripe old age, they were both buried in the front pasture. Their horns are now mounted on our living room wall, along with a photo of them in full parade gear.
The want for a team of oxen of my own started a few years after, when I was starting in 4-H. Every time we had bull calves born, I hoped that maybe they’d look identical enough that mom would let me keep them to train. But each bull inevitably left for market, and I went back to leading my show heifers around, wishing.
A friend of my grandpa’s told him about these twin bulls that he’d kept, that were intended to be a 4-H project for his nephew – but when the nephew lost interest, he was left with a pair of weaned bull calves without a purpose. I was more than happy to bring them back home, and I spent hours with the pair, teaching them to lead and marking down milestones in a scrapbook I kept.
We dug out the yokes that Mom had saved from her team of oxen, and started breaking them to yoke when they were around seven months old. Their horns were just beginning to grow up and out, and would eventually take the iconic Ayrshire shape without any training. I spent as much time working my oxen as I could, and was excited for their parade debut to take place.
Mom and I dressed up in prairie dresses (which my grandma and I had sewn, together) and yoked Bob and Tom up for the Memorial Day parade in our town. Bob was my nigh ox, and Mom walked alongside Tom. They pulled a white wooden sled, upon which my little brother rode and tossed candy out to parade-watchers.
Bob and Tom were a hit. They were tied with our show cattle at the fair every year, and drew people from all corners of Wayne County to come see the oxen. We took them in our Memorial Day parade, and a Holiday parade in a nearby county, and they loved the attention and excitement of people.
As they grew, my love for them did, too. It was my job to feed and care for them every day, and it was rewarding to see their personalities develop. As twins, they were closer than they might have been if they were simply herd mates, but these brothers loved each other and rarely left the other’s side. I could always count on Bob being on the left side of the bunk, and Tom on the right, and that was how they walked through the pasture and were yoked as well. Bob was more timid, while Tom was outgoing and friendly – and loved shoes.
My boys loved going on walks, and to fairs, and loved being petted and washed. They also loved breaking through the electric fence and gallivanting through the fields, tearing up alfalfa buds and decimating the new oats. Though I’d like to say my love for them was unconditional, I could have done without wild ox chases early in the mornings before school.
Sadly, Bob fell ill just after their sixth birthday, and no amount of sticking my poor Bob like a pincushion could reduce the swelling in his hocks. He lost weight rapidly, and we knew that if he went, Tom would follow quickly after – they were brothers, after all, and there was no way that one could live without the other. It was with a lot of tears and whispered goodbyes that I loaded my best friends onto the trailer one Wednesday morning in mid-October, and waved at them as they left, dust trailing behind them as the trailer went down our drive.
Not a single day goes by that I don’t think of my boys, and their horns will soon have a place of honor next to those of Mick and Mike’s on our living room wall. They were my best friends, and my confidants, and the greatest gift my Grandpa could ever have given me. I cherish each memory and photo that I have of me and my boys, and though I miss them, I know that I’ll get to see them again in the great green pastures, happy and healthy as they come to greet me.
“Who Got The Real Deal” – Beverly Donovan
My dairy love story begins with a youngster named Francis Wickland. At age 17, Francis went shopping for an Ayrshire show heifer at the very well-known, well-respected Alta Crest Farm in Spencer, Massachusetts. He picked out a beautiful fancy heifer and had an agreement with the owner that he would be back after he saved some more money from his job on the town road crew. After a couple of months had passed, he got a call from the owner saying that somebody else was interested in purchasing that same heifer, and did he still want to buy her? Francis told the owner that although he still wanted to buy her, he didn’t quite have enough money, so he should sell it to the other person and that he would buy a different heifer that he also liked which was more reasonably priced. The other person was Mildred Sanford, whose father was looking to buy a fancy show heifer to add to her herd of prize-winning Ayrshires. Mildred got the fancy heifer Francis originally picked out and Francis bought the other nice but much less expensive heifer.
Francis and Mildred ended up showing against each other all show season, and Mildred’s heifer won her class every time and won most, if not every Junior Champion, too. Francis’s heifer was always in a pretty close second place, and throughout the competitions, he got the chance to know Mildred better and to tell her that he was the one who had that beautiful heifer on hold when she went to buy it. At the Eastern States Exposition Youth Show in 1938, Mildred’s heifer was once again named Junior Champion and Francis’s heifer was Reserve Junior Champion.
So after competing all show season and getting to know each other better, they became friends and went out together…not as each other’s date, but with other dates in a group of friends. Over the winter, they ended up dating each other, and 3 years after they first became friends because of a beautiful Ayrshire heifer, they got married. Francis joked with two of his daughters and a granddaughter that he was the one who got the real deal when buying a heifer back in 1938: he bought a nice heifer without spending a lot, plus he got the fancy heifer he really wanted (along with the other prize-winning cows Mildred owned), and a great wife to boot, so he did pretty good, didn’t he??!! Francis and Mildred farmed together for 55 years and raised seven children who all showed Ayrshires. Five of their grandchildren joined 4-H and showed Ayrshires, and one of them still shows Ayrshires and sells milk to the same milk cooperative that her grandparents did for so many years. Francis and Mildred are my grandparents, and once upon a time, they fell in love with the same beautiful heifer, then fell in love with each other and always were in love with farming and their family at their Golden Sunset Farm in Chesterfield, Massachusetts.
My love for cows came naturally for me. My story begins when I started raising Holstein bull calves. I loved the baby calves, feeding them and caring for them. I started to raise a few heifers here and there, no registered calves or anything with real quality that I knew of. I started thinking about showing, and realized I needed to save up some money. I went to the first registered dairy sale I came across, which happened to be in April of 2012.
Not too long before this, Facebook suggested Beverly Donavon as a possible friend. I added her in February 2012 and then looked upon the magic or Francesca. I was transfixed on the beautiful story this woman and cow told. I reached out to Beverly, congratulating her on her gorgeous cows and great success. We struck an across US Facebook friendship, Washington to Maine.
I ended up seeking advice on how to find a beautiful show calf! I was ecstatic to be getting a few words of wisdom and encouragement from a seasoned show lady. I had the show bug and that first sale you could have knocked me over by blowing on me, after I bid and purchased my first little show lady a December 2011 Braxton daughter! Oh man I was on top of the world. The first person I told was Bev over a Facebook message. I continued to follow the Deer Hill powerhouse story and talked sparingly with Bev.
I added another dream to my list and that was to visit Ayrshire heaven on earth known as the Deer Hill Farm and meet that lovely, decorated cow Frannie and her wonderful owners.
All dreams can end at a moment’s notice and this day is one I will never forget. I was sitting in the movie theater. I happened to check my Facebook and read the impossible. Tears streamed down my face, just as they are now as I type. The great Francesca was gone! How could it be? She was not any part of me by any stretch of the word, but I had been touched by Francesca’s magic. One of my dreams was gone forever but the story or Beverly and her cow touched my heart and rocket launched my dream of becoming a show lady and breeding my own cows. I love my cows and wouldn’t have my life any other way.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
My own personal dairy love story is a little different. You see my one true love didn’t end up being some amazing farm girl. In reality she was about as far from being a farm girl as you can get. She grew up in downtown Toronto, and on her first visit to our farm, she asked if she could tip a cow. So you ask how this becomes a “Dairy Love Story”, well I will get to the part of the story. You see as my wife has been exposed to the dairy industry more and more since we met and she has grown to understand the passion that we all have and has started to develop her own passion for the show ring. She encourages our three children and works right alongside them during calf training, calf feeding and runaway calf catching. This past year she even exhibited at our local show and gets as excited on proof days as I do, She graciously accepts teasing about cow tipping but she has no idea how often she flips my heart as I watch her growing dairy love.
Special thanks to the amazing artist Gary Sauder (Read more: GARY SAUDER: The Muse in His Studio) and great team of Beverly Donavon (Read more: The Magic of Francesca) and Richard Caverly (Read more: Richard Caverly: A Passion for Perfection – Winner Gives All!) for all your assistance with this competition.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all you dairy lovebirds and congratulations to all the those who’s stories where chosen, you each will receive a print of Gary’s latest painting of Frannie.
Twitter image of Canadian coach Justin Wadsworth fixing Russian Anton Gafarovski.
As I was watching the Olympics today from Sochi Russia, I saw the Canadian cross-country ski coach, Justin Wadsworth, do something amazing. You see from all accounts Justin was having a terrible day. His team had not performed as well as they had hoped they would and he was depressed. As he was watching the final of a race he had hoped that one of his team members would have been competing in, he spotted Russian Anton Gafarov coming over a rise. Gafarov, an early medal favorite, was struggling miserably. He’d crashed on a quick downhill corner and broke a ski. Then he crashed again. A long, thin layer of P-Tex had been skinned off his ski. It was now wrapped around his foot like a snare. Gafarov was not ‘skiing’ to the finish. In a race typically decided by tenths-of-a-second, Gafarov was three minutes behind the pack. He was trying to make it the last couple of hundred metres down the 1.7 km course. Wadsworth grabbed a spare ski he’d brought for Canadian racer Alex Harvey and ran onto the track. Gafarov stopped. Wadsworth kneeled beside him. No words passed between them. Gafarov only nodded. Wadsworth pulled off the broken equipment and replaced it. Gafarov set off again. “I wanted him to have dignity as he crossed the finish line,” Wadsworth, a three-time Olympian, said. That unselfish act defines what the Olympics is all about.
This story also reminded me of an incident that occurred at the Royal this year.
During one of the most anticipated classes in history, one of the cows came into the ring very uncomfortably. She was not walking with her usual stroll because the teat glue, something that is legal in the North American show ring, had come partly unglued and was causing the cow discomfort and had her kicking at her teat. While many just watched the cow and the showman struggle, one person didn’t. The next showman behind this animal knew that the thrill and passion that drives us all to love the show ring is not about beating someone else, but rather demonstrating the passion for great cattle. No one wants to win on a technicality or because of the misfortune of others. They want to win because they showed the best cow on that day. So that showman took it upon himself to relieve the cow of the discomfort by adjusting and regluing the teat. A simple act of kindness but, in reality, a much larger gesture.
Like Justin Wadsworth at the Olympics, what drives the show ring, or a sport like cross country skiing is not only the prize money or the fame or fortune.
It’s passion for that higher level of training, commitment and dedication. Let’s face it, for the majority of the athletes who compete at the Olympics they do so not to get rich or famous, as there just is not that kind of money in the sports they compete in (outside of men’s Hockey). The same is true for the majority of the people who show cows. If you penciled it all out, the show ring for many is not a big money maker, it’s a passion. (Read more: RF Goldwyn Hailey: Cash Cow or Cash Hog?) A passion that typically costs them far more money than they will ever make. It’s that pure passion that drives them.
Sometimes we are accused here at the Bullvine of forecasting doom and gloom and not looking at the positive.
No matter how often we compete against each other, it’s the passion that joins together the men and woman who compete at all the local shows, regional shows, and even World Dairy Expo and The Royal. Not high paid or well-known except during those moments of intense competition. . I cannot tell you the number of times I have seen exhibitors help their fellow breeder, often their biggest competitor. However, they rise above the rivalry and share their mutual dedication to the craft they have spent countless hours working on. That is what makes the show ring great. For over 30 years I have had the pleasure of being moved by great moments inside and outside the show ring. The medals and ribbons add up to winning histories but moments of unselfishness show us the true winners. For me, those who do it for the passion last. Those who do it to get rich don’t.
Chipotle Mexican Grill is not new to pushing the edge with their advertising. This time they have plans to launch “Farmed and Dangerous,” a Chipotle original comedy series that satirically explores the world of industrial agriculture in America. (Read more: Chipotle to Launch “Farmed and Dangerous”) When I saw this, ad it brought to light again the constant battle farmers and especially dairy farmers face when dealing with public perception.
There is no question that consumers want their food to be fresh, cheap and 100% natural. With the emphasis being that, they want it cheap. All consumers would like to believe that the milk they drink comes from cows that roam lush green pastures and frolic with their friends all day long. The challenge of course is that it just doesn’t happen that way. In order to produce the volumes of milk that is needed at the lowest cost, the need for larger “agribusinesses” or the negatively perceived “factory” farms is not a choice but a necessity. The thing is any well run dairy operation knows the first requirement for maximum efficiency and production comes down to how well you treat your cows and how comfortable they are. Cow comfort is one of the biggest indicators of profitability on any dairy. If the cows are well fed and comfortable, the dairy is running at peak efficiency, even “factory farms.”
That is why this new “Farmed and Dangerous” video from Chipotle offends me as much as it does. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to walk among the cows on many large farms. The consistent management goal found on all of them is maximizing cow comfort. I recently watched an informative video by National Geographic – Megafactories about a 135,000 head dairy in Saudi Arabia owned by Almarai.
The problem is that messages like the one from National Geographic get lost. Instead consumers see repeated messages like the one by Chipotle and assume that they are seeing the way things really are. Since starting the Bullvine, we have tried to do our part to provide consumers with an accurate and positive perception of dairy farming… (Read more: Dairy Carrie – Diary of a City Kid Gone Country, Michele Payn-Knoper – Standing Up and Speaking Out for Agriculture!! and TOM HOOGENDOORN- Family man, Farmer & Our Face to the Consumer!). Unfortunately, the challenge is that the message is simply not making it through to the general consumer often enough or clearly enough. Yes large agribusinesses do try to put a positive spin on food production and I get it that it’s not always as sweet and rosie as the image they would have you believe. Having said that, they certainly don’t need companies like Chipotle undermining these efforts.
I have been fortunate over the years to be exposed to many different cultures and backgrounds. This has led to a very diverse group of friends on my Facebook feed. Since I post all the Bullvine featured articles on my Facebook wall, I often get interesting feedback from those who do not come from a dairy background. While most often questions about arise from them wanting to understand what this whole “Genomics” thing is about, the interaction gets me thinking about the effect our Facebook feeds have on the general consumer’s understanding of agriculture and milk production.
With this in mind, I started looking through my list of dairy friends’ Facebook posts. For the most part, it was just the same as any other groups, except there are a lot of pictures of cows. With #felfie’s and other pictures adding a nice touch. Then I started to see some things that most consumers would just not understand. One such piece of content was a trend that is going viral, #necknominations. Necknominations is a drinking game where participants film themselves “necking” liquor, then nominate a friend to do so as well. This was not the first time I had seen these. I have actually seen many. After one such time, a fellow dairy industry member wondered what effect this would have on the general consumer’s perception of dairy farmers. As I think about this, I find that, while it’s not a “positive” thing for dairy farmers, it certainly is not an isolated event for them either. It has become viral worldwide. Unfortunately it even lead to the death of a young man. This really has me thinking about the power of Facebook on consumer perception.
What I have come to realize is that Facebook does have great power and it can be in a very positive way. I have seen items like the poem (Just a cow) that highlights just how much dairy farmer’s love for their cows can go viral along with the stories that share the day-to-day challenges that all dairy farmers face in producing clean, wholesome milk.
One video that I think does a great job of showing exactly what it means to be a dairy farmer, is the recent video the Canadian Dairy Xpo produced called “So God Made a Dairy Farmer”. Working off the very viral Super Bowl commercial by Dodge Ram, this video is narrated by the unique voice and great dairy advocate and legendary auctioneer, David Carson.
It highlights the daily challenges dairy farmers face and it is messages like this one that I wish more consumers would see and relate to. Please like and share this in your Facebook feed, so that more consumers can understand exactly what it means to be a dairy farmer.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
There is no question that as the world’s population grows, there is going to be greater and greater demand for dairy products. With that comes the pressure on prices, which will lead to larger and larger dairy farms. While I understand we all don’t have the time to take up consumer education like Dairy Carrie or Michele Payn-Knoper, there are effective things that each of us can l do. On your Facebook feed, be sure to post as many positive images of dairy farming as you can. Whether that is a new born calf (yes Jerry Jorgenson, you do this well!) and be sure to let consumers know just how much you love what you are doing and the pride you have in taking great care of your dairy cattle. Real farmers actively sharing and communicating is definitely the most honest and effective way to give consumers a positive perception. While it may not seem like much, every little bit helps!?”
How would you react if you woke up tomorrow morning to find that an eviction sign had been posted on your farm and you and your family had a deadline to remove yourselves and your goods? What if the expropriation was being carried out by no less than the army and your legal rights amount to absolute zero?
Bad for anyone right? Well it gets worse.
For the Meyers family they have lived, loved and worked on this property since 1798 when the Crown land patent assigned the property to them “forever.” Ironically it was awarded for exemplary military service? But that’s not what counts here in the 21st Century. What the government wants the government gets.
That’s the situation facing octogenarian Frank Meyers and his wife Marjorie.
The simple facts are that the federal government has pushed them off their historic property near Canadian Forces base Trenton to construct a new headquarters for Joint Task Force 2, the Canadian military’s elite Special Forces squad. Frank Meyers did not ask for the fight. Neither did the armed forces. Traditionally farmers and forces have served in different ways but with the same end in sight. It appears that the only end in sight for this conflict is an embarrassing example of how immovable positions can hurt everyone.
It has been more than seven years since the feds first offered to buy Frank’s Ontario his farm.
Eighteen months ago it was expropriated despite his objections. After all if the state wants your land (for a highway, a hospital or a top-secret training facility), you can either sell now or be expropriated later. However, the law isn’t always just and Meyers’s lopsided battle with forces beyond his control has captured the attention and hearts of fellow Canadians and farmers around the world. As is often the case, the story was supposed to go away before attracting too much attention. But now complete strangers are spreading the word, phoning the farm and writing letters and blogs of support. An online petition is collecting signatures (18,833 at last check). And a Facebook campaign (“Save Frank & Marjorie Meyers Farm”) has amassed 42,895 supporters in a little more than a week.
Why didn’t this happen sooner?
Was there a chance this kind of outpouring could have made a difference, if it happened earlier in the confrontation? The cynic in me says no because whenever the government promises the juicy carrot of money at the end of the tunnel friends, neighbours and community leaders lose sight of any other reasonable alternative. How easily we forget that the money rarely pays for what is lost. Oh. Some will see the money. Perhaps the local Mayor with his lands and three local hotels will make a generous offer to one side or the other. Or perhaps the local Member of Parliament who is so accountable to his election promises will cease to insist on demonstrating that you have to be on his good “number” side to have his support …. After all, he is seeking re-election. He is counting real votes. History. Humanitarianism. Will they help him at the polls? If not, then he can’t really fight for you. A few barbecues, some photo-ops with the animals and a few smile-and-nod-off-and-run-off handshakes at farmer days – and his agricultural action list is complete.
The main players insist they are looking at the “big” picture. Unfortunately these artists have really only mastered paint-by-numbers and those will only hang in a hall of shame not fame.
Frank and Marjorie, like many of us, fall into the small rural citizenship demographic. They aren’t the first and won’t be the last to be rolled under by bigger interests.
Wait until the numbers suggest that there is a need for big box stores, superhighways and sprawling subdivisions to house the big city commuters. Hopefully, your personal pockets will have been lined by the “millions” accrued from this “absolutely necessary” expansion. We are all proud of the men and women who fight to defend our country. Sometimes we are not so proud of the decision-making that goes on behind the scenes. Every action is not noble. Sometimes the ones who are defeated are those who for generations have supported our fighting forces. I fear that this isn’t the only battle the JF2 will face. And lose!
Where is the “win” in this lost situation?
I personally think it would be a symbolic show of support, not only for this farmer and his family history, but for all the rural farms and families who are seen as expendable to government progress. The fact is you never know what unforeseen event could have a tremendous impact on your planning – five years .. ten years … tomorrow. Farming is not short term. You don’t start in with the plan that, at the first bump, you will move out. Farmers endure generations on the home farm and sometimes the enduring is the hardest fought battle. And it affects all of us who are in agriculture.
Is it a hard decision?
Yes! Is either side absolutely right? No! Is there no alternative but the “done deal”? We will never know. Is it necessary? Perhaps. However , it is hard not to be amazed that a group that can manage the defence of an entire country … cannot imagine, propose and carry out a plan that will leave one man and his family with their dignity and family history in tact?
We all know that life goes on and the Meyer’s family – has no choice but to take the next step.
Having said that, Frank stayed true to his vision. He has even complimented those he has dealt with “The military guys have been very nice and supportive,” says John Meyers, who understands that his family’s spat is with the government, not the members of JTF 2. “The bureaucrats are the ones running this show.”
“Fighting to keep his family farm, Frank Meyers has enjoyed precious little public support.”
That is the phrase that stood out for me and no doubt for many others when they first heard about the Meyer’s plight. Here at the Bullvine we know firsthand the passion of the agricultural community. As the momentum grows, Tom and Marjorie are learning that real support comes from unexpected places and in unexpected ways. If you have the time to encourage Frank Meyers and add to the “numbers” he couldn’t rally before he was turfed out, add your “like” to Facebook Page. Eighty-five year old Meyers does not have Internet but he is aware of the support and feels gratified by the response. “I can’t stop people from fighting for me. They’ll never know how much I appreciate what they’re doing. I could never repay them.”
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Frank doesn’t have the Internet but you can be absolutely assured that the number crunchers do. Will it make a difference? Yes. To Frank Meyers it will. And that’s the only number that counts! .
Please help spread the word by liking and sharing this article on Facebook and other social platforms
Change is inevitable. Anyone who denies that will be left behind! And even though the dairy industry is stereotyped as one that is “behind” other industries, in reality the dairy business has evolved significantly in recent years. Technological advancements such as smart phones, tablets, GPS systems and robots have radically affected our day to day lives and, inevitably, how we farm. Nevertheless, there are still those among us who refuse to evolve. They hide their heads in the sand and are missing the revolution that is modernizing agribusiness.
Since starting the Bullvine we have had the opportunity to meet many people from all facets of dairy life. From producers, to seed stock breeders to industry members, the dairy industry is certainly where you find amazing examples of people who are passionate about this incredible industry that we are all part of. While there are many characteristics that unite us, change is the one area where I see the greatest differences between us. On the one hand, there are those who prefer a slower more evolutionary approach to change. They are happy to take calculated incremental steps towards change. And, on the other hand, there are those who prefer a more revolutionary approach. These are the ones who are ready to run with the latest technology and be at the front of the line. Change for them is always moving forward. Making adjustments. Getting better all the time.
Genomics is another area that defines our different approaches and highlights the variation that can separate even those who have the same ultimate goal. (Read more: Dairy Cattle Genomics) While some producers have embraced genomics to a point where the majority of the semen used on their farms is from genomic young sires, others have not been so fast on the uptake. They have decided to take a wait-and-see approach on genomics until more substantiated proof is available. While there are merits to both methods, the strongly held opinions and significantly different approaches can only be settled by the results produced. And … that takes time!!!
Speaking of strong opinions, many more of those opinions have been pushed to the forefront as a result of articles we have written here at the Bullvine. While regular readers certainly recognize that we have taken a much more revolutionary approach to genomics, we have also taken a much more revolutionary approach to how we run our magazine as a whole. We don’t do a print edition. We provide all our content free online and we let passion drive what we write about not who pays us the most money. This is certainly a revolutionary approach compared to most of the options available to dairy breeders.
There is no question that our content has been revolutionary as well. As the year winds down and we take a look about at some of the most popular articles of the past year (Read more: Top 13 of 2013 – The Bullvine’s Most Popular Articles of the Year) and some of the top editorial choices (Read more: EDITOR`S CHOICE 2013 – The Top 12 Picks from The Bullvine) there is no question that revolutionary is the best word to describe the overall flavor of the content we produce. In fact I can confidently say that if you took these 25 articles and compared them to all the other articles our competitors produced, there is no question that they would stand out for their unique content and unbiased perspective.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Since starting the Bullvine we have always tried to take a revolutionary approach to change, as opposed to that of our competitors that are stuck in their evolutionary mindset. It’s with this aggressive approach to change that we have many new and exciting things planned for 2014. We will continue to drive change instead of simply trying to keep our heads above water. In the coming year we plan to bring our revolutionary perspective to all aspects of the dairy industry as we increase our coverage of the key issues that all producers face. We greatly appreciate everyone who joins us and cheers us on in the revolution. We look forward to sharing the insights, passions, frustrations and visions that will power the dairy industry throughout 2014.
With over 2 million visits to the Bullvine website so far, it has certainly been a busy year. The following are the 13 most read articles of 2013:
13. Fortune Favors the Bold – Four A.I. Companies that are Taking On the World
In an industry where a few major players dominate the world market it can be very intimidating for new participants to enter the marketplace. But that is exactly what AI Total, DairyBullsOnline, Jetstream and Trans America Genetics are doing. Read more – Fortune Favors the Bold – Four A.I. Companies that are Taking On the World
12. Top Sires North American Breeders Are Using
One question we are asked very often is “How much are genomic sires being used?” To help answer that question the Bullvine looked at daughter registrations to see what sires breeders are actually using. The following is what we found: Top Sires North American Breeders Are Using
11. No Cow Is Perfect – Not Even in Pictures
“If steroids are illegal for athletes, then shouldn’t Photoshop be illegal for models?” That is the question that inspired us to write our 11th most read article of 2013. Toplines that have had “hair” added, udder texture that has been enhanced and teat placement that has been corrected all seem to be more prevalent than ever. Check out just what is going on in the world of dairy cattle photography and photos – No Cow Is Perfect – Not Even in Pictures
10. 16 Sires Every Dairy Breeder Should Look At For Their Breeding Programs
If you are like most breeders, between the time spent sorting through the many different lists from around the world and listening to the propaganda the A.I. companies put out promoting their sires, the hype is enough to make a breeder’s head spin. In order to bring clarity to the confusion, the Bullvine filtered through the many lists, brought them into a common base and developed the following four categories of sires that you should take a look at for your specific breeding program. Check out the 16 Sires Every Dairy Breeder Should Look at for Their Breeding Programs
9. 30 Sires that will produce Feed Efficient Cows
Commercial milk producers want to breed cows that have high feed conversion efficiency, that avoid culling and that take the least extra care or staff time. The problem is where do you find a list of the bulls that will do all that? Well here at the Bullvine we developed that list for you. Check out – 30 Sires that will produce Feed Efficient Cows
8. The Winners of the 2012 Breeder’s Choice Awards Are…
In the age of American Idol, Dancing with the Stars and countless other franchises where the fans decide the outcome, it’s about time for Dairy Breeders to join the decision-making fun. That is why the Bullvine created the Breeder’s Choice Awards. The Breeder’s Choice Awards celebrates fan favorites in the show ring, index cows, sires and bovine celebrities. It stands alone as the only major award where real people – not industry insiders – determine the winners. With over 3000 dairy breeders casting almost 8000 votes in a one week period for their favorites in 21 different categories, the inaugural Breeder’s Choice Awards were certainly a big hit. Find out who won by reading The Winners of the 2012 Breeder’s Choice Awards Are…
7. August 2013 Holstein Sire Evaluation Highlights From Around the World
No one has the time to pour over all the different lists, from all the different countries….well no one but those of us here at The Bullvine. Maybe that’s why unbiased genetic evaluation reviews are so extremely popular. Check out August 2013 Holstein Sire Evaluation Highlights From Around the World, to see what everyone is reading.
6. 12 Sires to Use in Order to Reduce Inbreeding
When you look at the sires of the top 100 genomic young sires lists, you notice a variety of sires with 30 bulls siring the top 100 sires. However, a pedigree analysis on only the paternal side reveals that 90 percent of the bulls either have Oman, Planet or Shottle represented as the sire or grandsire. The remaining 10 bulls represent genetic diversity. However, the list needs further refining because 3 of the 10 remaining bulls have Oman’s sire or Shottle’s sire in their pedigree. That leaves seven bulls with unique sires among the Holstein breed’s elite. To help guide breeders in dealing with this inbreeding issue, we decided to look for outcross sires either proven or genomic tested sires that would offer breeders the near maximum genetic gain while providing the needed diversity. The following is what we found: 12 Sires to Use in Order to Reduce Inbreeding
5. Some Cows Just Want to Dance…
On an average day we get about 100-120 different comments on our website, Facebook page and other social media sites about how dairy cattle showing is inhumane and unethical. Now fortunately we do have filters and staff setup to handle this, but it still got me thinking about this issue. Is dairy cattle showing cruel and unusual treatment, or is it that the general public doesn’t understand that some cows just want to dance? Check out Some Cows Just Want to Dance… to find out.
4. I’m Sorry, But I’ve Had Just About Enough Of…
I like to believe that I am someone who sees the best in people. Even if someone might rub me the wrong way at first, I try my hardest to give that person the benefit of the doubt. That being said, if I’m being completely honest, there is one person out there that I’m really at my wits’ end with. I’d even go as far as to say this person sometimes has taken things too far. Read our 4th most read article of 2013 I’m Sorry, But I’ve Had Just About Enough Of…, to find out just who that person is.
3. RF Goldwyn Hailey Unbeatable?
Throughout her reign, Hailey has faced some stiff competition and still came out on top. From the likes of the living legend, Harvue Roy Frosty, to the fan favorite, Ebyholme Goldwyn Marcia, Hailey has faced the best. Each time Hailey rose to the challenge and came out victorious. Until this one time… Read more in RF Goldwyn Hailey Unbeatable?
2. Your Barn Is On Fire!
What would you do if you were awakened in the middle of the night to thumping and banging on your doors and windows, only to discover that 30 years of your hard work was burning to the ground? That is exactly what happened to two time Master Breeder Clarence Markus. Read more in our 2nd most read story of 2013 – Your Barn Is On Fire!
A lot has changed since 2012, (Read more: The Top 10 of 2012 – The most read articles of 2012) in both the dairy industry as well as here at the Bullvine. Looking ahead to 2014, I am sure things will continue to change. It certainly has been a very busy year and these 13 articles were among the most talked about in the industry. Thanks again for your continued readership and support.
As we close the year, we invite you to look back with us at the highlights from articles published in 2013. With almost two years logged in, we at The Bullvine are more enthusiastic than ever about the dairy industry people we meet. It is a privilege to share their enthusiasm and insights with our readers. With more than 250 articles to choose from, choosing the best is like trying to choose a favorite from the lineup in the milking parlor. There is something special about each one. The twelve articles that follow are the ones that we found the most timely, useful or relevant. Many of them struck an emotional chord as well in the areas of cows, people, cattle breeding and the dairy industry. These are the 12 that kept us clicking away day and night so that our readers can catch the enthusiasm. We hope you enjoyed them! We certainly did!
12. 30 Sires That Will Produce Feed Efficient Cows
You can’t come to the end of one year and the beginning of the next without making a list. Dairy breeders love lists. One of the most popular was “30 sires that will produce feed efficient cows.” With feed the biggest cost on farm, it stands to reason that even minor genetic gains in feed efficiency would resonate with dairy breeders. We couldn’t leave the list dealing with inbreeding out of our choices because with genomics there are rising concerns about inbreeding. So let’s make it a “Baker’s Dozen” and include the popular list “12 Sires to Reduce Inbreeding”.
11. Halter, Pen and Gavel. That’s Just the Norm
While keeping Bullvine readers updated on the industry events, marketing and science of the dairy industry, one of the highlights for us is getting to know the people working in each of these areas. Whether it’s behind the scenes, in the show ring or in a laboratory there are many fine people dedicated to improving our industry. We treasure the opportunity to share dialogue with the likes of Richard Caverly (Richard Caverly A Passion for Perfection) and Paul Ekstein (PAUL EKSTEIN – 2013 Recipient of the Prestigious McKown Master Breeder Award). It is one of the special perks of editing The Bullvine that our day to day experiences are touched people such as Norm Nabholz (HALTER, PEN and GAVEL. That’s Just the Norm)
10. Lies, Miss-Truths and False Publication
A true top 12 list from The Bullvine has to recognize that not everything or everyone we deal with in the dairy industry will come up smelling like roses. That’s why we have inaugurated “The Marketing Code of Conduct” and it was certainly the case when we reviewed concerns over accuracy of genomic indexes. “Lies, Miss-Truths and False Publications!”. The Bullvine doesn’t back away from the touchy subjects. These are but two examples of our desire to source, write and share facts that are honest, accurate and a reliable basis for breeder decision making.
9. Lessons from Andrea Crowe. What You Do Every Day Defines Your Life.
Sometimes sunshine and shadow come simultaneously into the human stories that weave their way into our hearts. Andrea Crowe is one of those stories that both lift our hearts up and breaks them. Here was a young woman who embodied the real meaning of dairy breeding passion. While her time here was far too short, her enthusiasm for dairying and focus on breeding the Canadian Kind set a shining example for all of us what can be achieved through day to day joyful dedication. (Lessons From Andrea Crowe: What You Do Every Day Defines Your Life!)
8. How Got Milk Became Got Lost
As much as it’s a lot more fun to share only the good news, sometimes at the Bullvine we are required to take the iconic image of milk the perfect food and provide a more realistic view of how the marketplace is evolving. We have to listen to the end user. We can’t continue to let narrow focus override finding the consumer and serving them the milk products they want. Laying blame won’t stem the downward trend of the dairy industry. At the end of the day, we are only sustainable if we have consumers who like — and consume — the product we produce. If we fail to meet their needs we might indeed find a reason to cry over spilled milk. (MILK MARKETING: How “Got Milk?” BECAME “Got Lost” and Got Milk” is becoming “Got More”)
7. Australia: Is Down Under Going Under?
A lot of news is channelled through The Bullvine. Sometimes as many as 12 articles and news items a day. At one point we picked up on news out of Australia and wrote “Is Down Under Going Under?” You might say this focus was more provoking than provocative for Australian dairy breeders Di and Dean Malcolm who took the time to provide their viewpoint on the situation. The bright side is that the resulting dialogue produced two articles “Gobsmacked in Australia” and “Forward in Five Gears”. The continuing correspondence between The Bullvine and the editor of Crazy Cow Magazine has been mutually enjoyable and a fine example of the international connections dairying opens up for us.
6. North Florida Holsteins. Aggressive, Progressive and Profitable
There are many different ways to find success in the dairy business and Don Bennink is clearly forging new paths at North Florida Holsteins. (NORTH FLORIDA HOLSTEINS. Aggressive, Progressive and Profitable!!) North Florida Holsteins is the single largest dairy in Florida and is home to roughly 4800 cows and 4400 heifers. Don is passionate about both the possibilities and the problems facing the dairy industry today. “We have tools available to fix the problem within our breed. The future is to be had by those that please the commercial producer and the consumer.” Bennink`s views on cattle longevity are a wake-up call to all dairy producers.
5. Dairy Farm Moms Are Unstoppable
It’s not every day that the dairy industry makes national headlines or is featured on “Live with Kelly and Michael”. When the popular television show featured Mary Lou King “Dairy Farm Moms are Unstoppable” and it was positive for everyone. Mary Lou was cast into the national spotlight and like “The Farmer” Super Bowl commercial her story has done wonders to portray the dairy industry in a positive light. The past year saw many shining moments for agriculture (Farming with the Stars) and Mary Lou King is a shining example of what makes Dairy Farm Moms are Unstoppable.
4. This Bullvine Son is Unstoppable Too
Speaking of unstoppable, there just had to be a place in my 2013 Editor’s Choice listing for our “unstoppable” son, Andrew. Little did we know twenty-two months ago that the Bullvine would become such a driving force in our day to day lives. Husband Murray and I love agriculture and our careers and home have revolved around dairying. When Andrew came up with the novel idea of an online magazine, we were excited to join in. The great ideas have kept on coming from contests, to controversy, including this year’s fabulously successful Fantasy Exhibitor Contests at World Dairy Expo and the Royal Winter Fair.
3. KHW Regiment Apple-Red: Beauty, Performance and Record Accomplishments
No matter how you slice it, dairy history was made in Madison Wisconsin in October 2013. Side by side – three Apples — had their shining moment in the spotlight at World Dairy Expo and set new benchmarks at the top of the ladder of show ring success. (KHW Regiment Apple-Red – Beauty, performance, and even more record accomplishments) Never before was the red carpet so gloriously Red and dominated by a single family! While the crowd roared their approval of the final placings assigned “Bing, Bang, Boom!” by Judge Michael Heath, the record books took note that for the first time ever one special cow not only earned Reserve Grand Champion but was flanked on each side by the Grand Champion, her clone, and, on the other side by her daughter, the Honorable Mention Grand Champion. Many people are putting the genes of this cherry red Apple into their herds and for good reason. The Apple family are an investor’s dream and – already proving that they are capable of bushels of success.
2. Cassy Krull – Success Without A Stopwatch
At the Bullvine, we are provided with a front row seat from some of the most special moments in the dairy industry. Being at ringside when Cassy Krull won the Merle Howard Award easily rises to the top of those experiences! We have shared the successes of many dairy industry icons and two things always stand out when we interview these award winners. They work hard and they are humble. We were inundated with people who wanted to know more about Cassy Krull and her journey to the winner’s circle. She found it exciting too! “Winning the Merle Howard Award is by far the most humbling achievement I have received. To receive such an honorable award helps put all the hard work into perspective. I like to watch the presentation every year to see who they recognize. Little did I know I would ever be able to stand next to the other amazing recipients of the Merle Howard Award. I am truly honored and blessed to have been selected for this milestone achievement in my life.” A shining example for all to emulate. (Cassy Krull – Success Without a Stopwatch)
1. World dairy Expo Proposal! First Comes Cows Than Comes Vows!
And so we come to the Editor’s Choice that stands out in a year of outstanding experiences. When it comes to connecting with people – and especially in the dairy industry – it is always comes down to the love story! This was never truer than in October 2013 when the cameras flashed capturing Mark Hornbostel’s proposal to Bryn Quick in the timeless dairy setting of World Dairy Expo. “First Come Cows. Then Comes Vows!” rocked the romantics, not only of the dairy world, but from coast to coast. For us, this story represents how dairy dreams can grow into personal fulfillment. It wasn’t the first time that we spoke to dairy breeders who along with their spouses put dairy cattle first on their list. For the Bullvine, it is completely natural that the #1 Editor’s Choice would be a heartfelt proposal based on lifelong dairy devotion. We wish all the best to Mark and Bryn and all the dairy romantics who love dairying with all their hearts.
THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE
And so, as 2013 rolls to a close, we thank you our readers for giving us the opportunity to do what we love. We are constantly inspired by your passion and commitment. We are grateful to each one of you who took the time from your very busy lives to interview with us. Your insight on the widely ranging facets of our industry inspires everyone! We thank our readers too! It is thrilling to hear your responses that encourage us to constantly strive to push the envelope in the hope of making a difference in dairying. Every day it is our fervent wish that you will pick “the best story ever!” off of The Bullvine.
The other day I listened to a well-known breeder vent about how his bull had been turned down by an AI unit because they had an equal quality sire of their own that cost them a lot less to procure. Can I say I was shocked? Nope. That’s because, since starting the Bullvine, we have been telling breeders who provide seed stock to AI units that those days are numbered.
It’s hard for me to look at this objectively. You see, when I look at it with my dairy breeder hat on, I am outraged at the whole scenario. But, when I look at this as a businessman, (something I am asked to do daily for many large corporations outside of agriculture), it just makes good financial and strategic sense.
I Hate To Say I Told You So…..
You see over a year ago in our article, How Genomics is Killing the Dairy Cattle Breeding Industry, we outlined exactly what was going to happen. We even put it in graphs to show clearly what and how and when it would occur. So now a year later, when exactly what we predicted is occurring, it is no surprise to us here at The Bullvine.
What Happened?
Now some would ask, ”If they are sampling 1/3 the number of bulls that they used to, why have sire procurement costs gone up? Well that’s simple. Even with the reduction in the number of sires, there has been a much larger increase in the price of each bull. Gone are the days when the average sire cost was between $5,000 and $10,000. Now the costs are currently approaching $100,000 for a top genomic sire. From the outside looking in, that looks like a big win for the seed stock producers. Of course things are not always as they appear.
What Does the Future Hold?
You see the AI companies cannot operate at a loss. Therefore, the AI units really only have three possibilities to combat the increased cost of sire procurement:
Increase semen price
Since they now have greater expenses, A.I. companies will be forced to increase price. As demonstrated in many other industries, the market will not respond favorably to this and ultimately will drive prices back down. You see the largest segment of the marketplace (commercial producers) have no desire to pay more than the $10-$15 blend price they have already been paying. While yes the elite seed stock producer is prepared to pay more to get early access to truly special sires, the marketplace as a whole is not. END RESULT: No change
Cap contracts
So, if A.I. companies cannot increase revenues they will have to try and cut their costs. The procurement of sires will become the major expense they will seek to control. One way to do this will be to cap bull contracts. However, as the NHL has shown us, even if they could introduce a cap, some members will break that rule and other breeders will not stand for it. Also, outside of pro sports, when organizations come together to create a false ceiling on prices, anti-trust laws tend to break that up pretty quickly. END RESULT: No change
Produce their own product line
If A.I. companies cannot buy the bulls at a cheaper price, then they will have to go out and buy females and produce their own product. This will lead to cheaper acquisition costs. A.I. companies can now buy the females for $50,000 to $250,000 and only need to have that female produce one son. That will still be cheaper than leasing the sire on an open lease. This also allows them to have greater control of their bloodlines, accelerate their genetic advancement and develop their own distinctive product. END RESULT: Cheaper product development costs and a distinctive product.
So it’s no surprise that large A.I. units are doing exactly that. Over the past year, the number of top 50 gTPI females owned or controlled by large genetic organizations has gone from 11 to 23. Give it another year and that number will probably reach 30 maybe even 40. “Why you ask?” There are two main reasons: First the larger A.I. studs and genetic corporations have the resources to IVF these females extensively, so they will have many more potential top progeny; Secondly, the breeders who do own the remaining 27 animals, will not have the revenue streams (bull and female sales) to support the continued IVF programs they are running, thus resulting in less potential list topping females.
What does this mean to Other AI Units?
Here at the Bullvine we took a lot of heat when we published Semex – The Rise and Fall of a Semen Empire. But even that article is proving to be accurate. You see, in this in-between period where A.I. units, especially those that used to sample massive numbers of bulls, are seeing insane cost savings, studs like Semex should be turning a much larger profit. Why is that you ask? Well it’s simple math. In this transition period the studs are paying next to nothing for the sires. That is because they don’t have to pay out the average $7,500 per sire that they used to, because most new sires are all on lease. This results in at least a $1,500,000 decrease in sire procurement costs alone for Semex, and that does not factor in the extra savings in operations, housing, marketing, genetic evaluation fees, etcetera. Add to that the increased revenue from higher young sire semen prices and you can see why Semex is having “Record Performance”. That record performance is more correctly the result of the transition caused by changes in the industry than it is better operations. The question now becomes, what happens to companies like Semex who refuse to own their own females, once this transition is complete and the cost savings period is over?
What does this mean for seed stock producers?
There are really only two options. Fight it or live with it? Recently I read a very interesting post on Facebook by dairybullsonline.com. In it they compared the current dairy industry with the 1960’s and 70’s NHL hockey scenario. That was when the players had not yet unionized and so they were receiving a small fraction of the profits. While this is certainly the same case in the Dairy Seed Stock world, there are some big differences between the two scenarios. The first and foremost difference is that, in the NHL’s case, when the players unionized they had control of the product. Yes the NHL owners could have gone out and gotten non-unionized players, but the product they put on the ice would have been far inferior. In the current seed stock world, that is not the case at all. As we highlighted earlier in this article, the large A.I. units and genetic corporations already own or control almost 50% of the top females, and that number is getting higher. That in itself is the greatest union breaker in the world.
So, when you factor in no bull sales and very limited female sales, the future does not look bright for the seed stock producers. You see if they start selling off their high-end females (the only females that are really worth anything), they you don’t have the next generation in their own program. But if they don’t sell, then they don’t have the revenue to support their own programs.
A little while back I had a great conversation with Ari Ekstein. It hit home. He was highlighting to me how there is still a good market for well bred, non-index cows. That is something their Quality herd has been able to produce generation after generation. (Read more: Quality Holsteins – Well-deserved Congratulations and Quality Cattle Look Good Every Day) Ari was highlighting several points. Today they don’t sell many bulls to the large studs. Also today they don’t see that many $300,000 calves being sold. However what they do have is a consistent market for selling high quality, young cattle to fellow breeders. As I look to the future, this may be the only true market that will survive in the near future. It’s already happening. If you look at the sale prices at the recent sales, genomic heifer prices are down almost 50%, while pedigree heifers have remained relatively unchanged. (Read more: An Insider’s Guide to What Sells at the Big Dairy Cattle Auctions 2013)
The Bullvine Bottom Line
As someone who loves the dairy industry more than anything (how many other people do you know that will lay in the piss just to take pictures at the cattle shows?), this is a hard message for me to share. When we first launched the Bullvine, it was my desire at that time, to also go out and buy many top females. My father had the exact same passion. The problem is that as we penciled out the numbers and did a five and ten year forecast, the numbers just didn’t work. So instead we have sunk our time and energy into producing the Bullvine, something we see as more viable over the long term. While yes we have purchased several animals over the past 2 years at some of the major sales, it was more from the passion mindset than because of the financial one. For other producers that are still investing heavily in top genomic females, I ask you to really look at the current marketplace and answer one question, “Where will my revenue be coming from in 10 years?” If you can’t answer that question specifically, maybe it’s time to rethink your whole business strategy. If you don’t, you could end up being a casualty of the genomic war.
Are you stymied about what to buy your father, wife, brother, sister, best friend or hired help? Sure they would all love to get a national show winning cow or early release genomic young sire semen, but we all know that is not possible. In order to help you with this most important holiday challenge, we have assembled a list of top 10 unique gift Ideas for the dairy enthusiast in your life.
2013 World Dairy Expo and 2013 Royal Winter Fair Holstein Show Photo Books
The response to our photos from this past year at World Dairy Expo and The Royal Winter Fair has been quite humbling. We have had over 50 different pictures used in ads and as special Christmas gifts. After a special request from one of our readers, we decided to release these pictures in two special commemorative photo books. These 90 page 10”x8” coffee table books each contain over 200 hi-resolution photos. You can relive all of the action and excitement of the 2013 World Dairy Expo Holstein Show and The Royal Winter Fair 2013 Holstein Show with these one-of- a- kind photo books. Check out these photo books here.
Legends of the Tanbark Trail by Tim Baumgartner
Dairy cattle have been on exhibit for nearly 200 years and taking home the coveted title of National Grand Champion has always been a compelling force. Tracing the first 100 years of U.S. national dairy cattle shows, Legends of the Tanbark Trail is a salient account of the people, the places, and the superb and unparalleled animals that have graced the show ring throughout its history. Be sure to get your show enthusiast their copy of this special book.
The Dairy Queen: A History of the Jersey Breed Worldwide
This 300-page book is a great Christmas present for anyone interested in the Jersey breed. It chronicles the origins and development of the Jersey breed through detailed text and photos. Be sure to check out our interview “THE DAIRY QUEEN” HAS ALL THE ANSWERS! with Co-Author Derrick Frigot. He tells how this book came to be and what makes it so unique. Supplies are limited, so be sure to check out their Facebook page and order your copy for the Jersey breeder in your life.
Prints by Emma Caldwell
Probably one of the most talented young artists I have ever come across, Emma Caldwell is well on her way to becoming a worldwide household name. Though just starting out in her career, she has already done some amazing paintings of Hailey, Smurf, and Francesca. Check out our feature interview with Emma, Emma Caldwell’s Art Stirs Mind and Heart, as well as her many great prints available from her web shop.
Millionaires in the Cornfield: The Glory Days of the National Dairy Cattle Congress by Norman Nabholz.
For me Norm is probably one of the greatest cattle minds of the past 50 years. It only takes a few moments of chatting with Norm to recognize his passion for this business we all love. His book is easy to pick up but hard to put down. Not only does it recount the achievements of legendary breeders and showmen with words and countless pictures, the background information and behind the scenes look are most entertaining and interesting. The Bullvine had a chance to sit down and interview this multi-talented man in our feature article – HALTER, PEN and GAVEL. That’s Just the Norm.
Facebook Page for Their Farm
Instead of wasting hundreds of dollars on a web page that no one will ever read, give the dairy breeder in your life a Facebook page that will reach the world. The best part about it, it’s free. That’s correct, it will cost you nothing. All you need to do is download this simple guide, The Dairy Breeders Guide to Facebook and you will be well on the way to helping the dairy breeder in your life market to the world.
Paintings by Gary Sauder
Since the first time I saw Gary’s work on Facebook, I was amazed by the super-realism of his paintings. His passion and understanding of what great dairy animals look like comes through in each and every one. We had the chance to interview Gary in our feature article – GARY SAUDER: The Muse in His Studio. To order some of Gary’s fine art work visit Cow Art and More.
The Chosen Breed and The Holstein History by Edward Young Morwick
Anyone who likes history, even in the slightest, will greatly appreciate either the US history (The Holstein History) or the Canadian History (The Chosen Breed) by Edward. Each of these books is so packed with information that they are each printed in two separate volumes. We had a chance to interview Edward – Edward Young Morwick – Country Roads to Law Office and you get a true sense of his passion and quick wit and they also come shining through in his books. Be sure to get your copies of amazing compilation of Holstein history in these books.
BULLVINE T-Shirts
That is correct! The shirts that have had the Holstein world buzzing are now available for sale! After thousands of requests, The Bullvine has finally decided to put some of our amazing shirts up for sale. Here is your chance to get that dairy breeder in your life exactly what they have been asking for. New shirts are being added all the time, check them out.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Instead of buying the tie that they might only wear for weddings or funerals, or the work gloves that could get lost the first time they are worn, consider these 10 great gift ideas. Not only do they connect them to their dairy passion, but also the thoughtfulness will touch dairy breeder’s hearts and make lasting memories this Christmas!
Be sure to LIKE and SHARE this post on Facebook to let your friends and family know just what you are wanting for Christmas.
During the Royal there was certainly a lot of talk about Toronto Mayor Rob Ford. He was the butt of many jokes and, to be frank, the guy is messed up. If it was not for fact that he has money and family supporting him he would probably have been committed. He is one-step away from being the sideshow headliner between The Elephant Man and The Bearded Lady. But instead he is the mayor of the fourth largest city in North America and has become an international sensation. The same can be said about the Bullvine. Over the past 2 years we have become the talk of the dairy world and not always in a positive light.
You see, just like Mayor Ford, we strive to make things more interesting. We have done and said things that no others in our profession would ever touch. (Legal note: We have never smoked crack, we don’t have an excessive drinking habit and have not been seen with a prostitute). However, those things aside we do share some similarities with Mayor Ford. One of which being that to those from the outside looking in we appear to have gone from being a car crash, to a ten car pile-up, to a scene in a disaster movie where space junk flies out of the sky, crashes into an overpass, it tumbles over, crushes a bus. Well at least that is what some of our competitors and detractors would like you to think. (Read more: Supermodels, Show Cows and the Future of Dairy Cattle Breeding, Genomics – Lies, Miss-Truths and False Publications!, Why I Don’t Care If You Like Me and The Bullvine: Wanted Dead or Alive)
Of course there is more than just reading, there are pictures. Our competitors like to make fun of me laying down in the “piss,” and are not willing to get down in order to get the best picture possible. They love to make fun of us, but as the viral nature of our pictures on Facebook show, breeders around the world appreciate the effort. There’s a fine line between laughing stock and picture perfect. Besides I ask you “Don’t real dairy farmers get piss on them every day?” (Check out more pictures in our gallery, The Royal Flue – Did you catch it? and World Dairy Expo 2013 – Memories to last a Lifetime)
The Bullvine Bottom Line
While many have seen my tactics since launching the Bullvine to be somewhat of a circus act, our readership, the community we have built around the Bullvine is very real. In the beginning many of our competitors were quick to write us off saying there was no chance we could survive let alone thrive. They laughed and scoffed at us. Then slowly but steadily we have gone from the rebel upstart to the source for unique coverage of all things that matter to milk producers around the world. The key thought for all to remember is “what matters.” Whether you’re Rob Ford, The Bullvine or a 24-7 dairy producer, you need to keep a clear head about where your priorities are. Success is built on knowing where you’re going rather than having to defend where you’ve been. Therefore the Bullvine will continue to provide insight, analysis and perspective on what matters most to people who are passionate about the dairy industry. That is why we have and will continue to have the largest daily dairy media readership!
Iman, Giselle, Claudia, Hailey, Frosty, and Charity….What do they all have in common? Besides that they are all so famous that they are recognizable by just one name, they are also famous for something else …their exceptional beauty. In the same way that supermodels are perceived to be the “perfect” woman, great show cows are often perceived to be the “ideal” cow. The problem is that, in the real world that may not be the case and, in fact, might be doing some breeders more harm than good.
You see, when we talk about ideal conformation of a cow, we look for many of the same things that we do in a supermodel. We want them to be long and skinny, unblemished and perfectly proportioned. The problem is, when you are looking for the perfect production cow, many of those traits may be detrimental to their ability to be a low maintenance, high performance animal.
The image of an ideal cow was one that was developed for a milk production system that was geared around one on one care of each animal, typically in tie stall. In that environment, you have the ability to work extensively with each animal and the time to do whatever it takes. The reality is that 85% of the milk that is produced these days happens in environments that are not able to give that level of individualized care.
The Bullvine Holstein Mature Model Cow
Tall, long, skinny works great on the runway, but not in a commercial milk production facility. These girls are high maintenance. They require lots of extra attention in order to look this great. That is something that milk producers cannot afford when, in reality, they are looking for the exact opposite. (Read more: FACT VS. FANTASY: A Realistic Approach to Sire Selection and The Perfect Holstein Cow)
The Bullvine Total Performance 2 Yr Old Cow
You see each milk producer’s ideal cow will be different. That is because their production facilities are different and, as a result, the cows that excel in those facilities will be different. (Read more: Are Today’s Holstein Cows Too Tall?) A great example of this is a robotic system versus a tie stall. While a breeder in a tie stall environment strives for taller, longer and wider, these traits may actually cause problems for some robotic systems. Sure you can always make the robots bigger, but what happens for those breeders who cannot afford to be continually upgrading? Instead these producers are more concerned about teat placement, calving ease and temperament. These traits typically do not find their way onto the radar of breeders who are looking to breed the next World Dairy Expo or Royal Grand Champion. (Read more: Robotic Milking: More than just automation it’s a new style of herd management)
Significant differences in production environments are the biggest reason that the gap is widening between what the typical seed stock producer considers the ideal cow and what the commercial producer’s ideal cow looks like. . This is occurring despite breed associations’ attempts to narrow the gap. The reality is there are so many different requirements with each different production environment that one breeder’s definition of the ideal cow can be very different from another’s. It also begs the question “Is there really such a thing as an ideal cow anymore?”
In fact there are many mindset differences among breeders who derive their revenue from different sources. You see it’s understandable that producers who make a significant portion of their income from selling seed stock would be more concerned about how the animal looks. These producers usually have qualifiers like, she has to be over 2 points for type (+10 Conformation in Canada), while many commercial producers could care less about using type as a qualifier for sire selection. A great example of this is Don Bennink from North Florida Holsteins. (Read more: NORTH FLORIDA HOLSTEINS. Aggressive, Progressive and Profitable!! ) Don points out that “Bulls with + 3 and + 4 type proofs have daughters that are too big and too sharp for commercial dairymen. For this reason gTPI or TPI are essentially ignored in bull or female selection. Net Merit $ has some value.” The latest correlation of final type score with stature is .77. Worse yet, the correlation of udder composite with stature is .57. That means if you breed 100% for udder composite, you will increase stature at more than half the rate that you would if you bred for stature alone. That is one of the reasons that Don does not even look at conformation when he is making sire selection. Instead he chooses the following qualifiers: 60 pounds or more of protein; 5 or above for P.L.; 1 or above for DPR; 2.9 or less for SCC; 5. 8 or below for Calving Ease. Interestingly enough when you apply these requirements you will find that the top 30 sires that meet them are between +1.50 and +4.00 for PTAT, have strong udders, positive feet and leg scores, and, probably, are not as tall or as wide chested and deep bodied as some of your typical high type sires, but they possess functional type.
Just like super skinny supermodels, when a cow is extremely underweight, it can cause many reproductive issues. First a cow’s menstrual cycle often stops or becomes irregular when she is too skinny. While that typically does not cause as many problems in yearlings and 2 year olds, as a cow gets older this can make it harder and harder to get them back in calf. Not only is it harder for underweight cows to conceive, it’s also harder for them to sustain the pregnancy, as menstrual irregularities affect the uterine lining that supports a fetus.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Great show cows are like having a supermodel on your arm. They are eye candy pure and simple. Don’t get me wrong, I love to look at and take photos of a great show cow. And guess what? Showing a great show cow makes you look good as well. It’s not just self-aggrandizement either. There’s no shame in feeling proud of breeding or exhibiting the greatest looking cow at the show. It takes significant effort to exhibit a great show cow, so when it pays off, more power to you. The pitfall is that these great cows are also typically high maintenance. While that may not be an issue for your business, for most commercial producers it simply does not work!
Every dairy farmer wants to run a carefree dairy operation that has the greatest cows that produce the most milk. Of course, in addition to that they must also have a great family, lots of money, look perfect and live the good life. Everybody wants that, but it’s doing it that’s hard! It’s easier to lower our sights to a more ordinary level and do what everyone else is doing.
Recently I read an article on Huffington Post about how it is easy to want things, but asks, “What pain are you willing to go through in order to achieve these things?” Now there is no question that if you have chosen dairy farming as your career path you are unafraid to work. Otherwise, you would have taken a 9-5 job somewhere else. But in order to get all these other wants typically means that you are going to have to go through at least an equal amount of pain in order to achieve them.
People want to be rich without the risk and without the delayed gratification necessary to accumulate wealth. Everyone wants to have a herd that turns visitors green with envy upon visiting your immaculate facilities. But what level of extra work or pain are you willing to go through in order to achieve this level of success? Everybody wants to have great sex and an awesome relationship — but not everyone is willing to go through the tough communication, the awkward silences, the hurt feelings and the emotional psychodrama to get there.
It’s only natural human behavior, the good feelings we all want are more or less the same. Therefore what we get out of life is not determined by our wants but by rather by the amount what pain we’re willing to sustain. Now we all know that “Nothing good in life comes easily,”
Personally, I have always wanted to have six pack abs. But I have not been willing to suffer the pain of hour upon hour in the gym, calculating and calibrating the food I eat, planning my life out in tiny plate-sized portions, so as a result I don’t have the much wanted six pack.
We are all guilty of it. We see other dairy breeders winning all these awards at the cow shows, or for their outstanding operations, and we think, “Man I could do that.” But we don’t schedule in the hours of work and attention to details that it takes. In reality, the devil is in the details. The details include long hours. Fewer non-cow related hobbies, sports or holidays. It means reducing every potential activity down to the effect it will have on your cow focused priorities. It means hours in the barn. Hours in the field. Dedication to computer, finances and planning. Otherwise, as the years go by, it starts to turn into “What if?” and What for?” and then before you know it is 20 years later and it’s too late.
Probably the biggest lesson I have learned is that to achieve exceptional dairy success, our passion must raise our pain (and work) threshold up to a point where we don’t even notice the sacrifices anymore.
Every day you have to be willing to go that extra mile that is too hard for many.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Everyone wants something. We all would love to have the Royal or World Dairy Expo Grand Champion, or the top awards for our dairy operations, but the question is, “What is your plan? How hard will you work to achieve it? What sacrifices are worth what you will give up?” At the end of the day you must be so focused on the gain, that you don’t feel the pain.
There is no question that dairymen are some of the toughest in the world. Like many tough men, they can often overlook their own health. Cancer is not something you can afford to overlook. This November many men a growing mustaches in support of cancer research. The best time to have started to grow a Movember moustache was at the beginning of the month. The second best time is right now! There is no such thing as a bad hair day when it comes to spreading the word about preventing prostate cancer.
Buford, the mascot at Jaylor, even grew a mustache for Movember Dairy.
Changing the Face of Dairy Men’s Health
With the high potential of all men being challenged with prostate cancer, the North American dairy farmer is not spared from these statistics. Perhaps because of the 24/7 nature of dairying, dairy farmers tend to be less aware of the signs and symptoms. Added to that they may have less frequent medical examinations and are often more focused on the care of their cows and crops than they are on their own health. The good news is that, if prostate cancer is detected early, the cure rate nears 100%.
Movember Dairy
To encourage routine health exams for men in the dairy industry, a small-but-dedicated coalition within the dairy industry developed Movember Dairy, a subset of the national organization called Movember. With a campaign centered on the mustache, the coalition is joining forces to start the conversation on men’s health through: industry mustache parties, a Facebook page, radio public service announcements – and much more.
A time for Hair Raising Togetherness
Would you be willing to dedicate a blog post to an important dairy industry initiative this month? The initiative is called “Movember Dairy” and the goal of the movement is to raise awareness of men’s health in the dairy industry. Movember Dairy builds on the tradition of November being recognized as the men’s health awareness month, specifically focused on health challenges facing a high proportion of males – including cancer, and specifically prostate cancer. It is a statistical fact that one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
From Grass Roots Idea to Global Campaign
Movember founder Garone urges those who may feel that the effort may not be significant enough to “never underestimate a room full of people. That is how Movember started, there were four of us and we inspired 30 people in 2003. That 30 people grew to 450 and then 10,000 the next year. We created this movement from a very very grassroots level and grew to the state, then Australia and now it is a global campaign”. Globally, three million participants have raised more than $446 million to date. You may have missed your moustache growing opportunity but you can donate to the Movember campaign which funds prostate cancer research by visiting the online chapter near you such as http://us.movember.com/donate/ or ca.movember.com.
This is Where You Blog In!
The Movember Dairy group is asking bloggers in the agricultural community to dedicate at least one blog post to Movember Dairy in November to help raise awareness within the agriculture industry. There are many ways to show your interest in caring for the health to dairymen, starting with social media.
Share how cancer has impacted a family member and your farm Post photos of your family and farm team with fake mustaches – either homemade or digitally added.
Find photos of your favorite celebrity mustaches online and create a Pinterest board to share them.
Take a picture of your mustache (fake or real) and post it to the Movember Dairy Facebook page. As part of the Movember Dairy photo contest, you could win a Bonnie Mohr print!
Notes to the Topline Challenged and Moustache Fitters
With less than a month remaining you may not challenge Tom Selleck but, with patience, you can raise awareness and money for dairymen’s health causes. You won’t need major equipment or “black” but a moustache comb may encourage both you and your new ‘stache. Back away from the cow clippers or any other electric razor. They could cause a slip above the lip that might leave you with no growing time at all in November! Better to be untamed than skinned off!
What if You Have BULD – Bare Upper Lip Disorder?
Not everyone can be successful at growing a moustache and for the female side of the farm they probably would prefer not to. Having said that, everyone loves a party and where two or three gather together to celebrate Movember there is the possibility of improving the negative statistics that prostate cancer is stacking up.
You may not be able to grow a moustache but you can definitely bake one.
You could offer tasteful support to the cause with November moustache cookies on sticks. One online blogger provides a recipe, pictures and comments. “These moustache cookies are a lot easier to make than they look, and just take a batch of sugar cookie dough and some chocolate. You can have a fully grown and groomed ‘stache in an hour – way, way less time than it takes to grow one. And you can actually eat these ones.” There are other options as well. You can always wear a fake moustache, pin, hair ornament or t-shirt. After all, the goal is to start a conversation. The end result is to have all those men we love and cherish, fully informed and ready to take care of their health. Whichever option you choose, you will be helping our dairy industry raise awareness of men’s health and the importance of early detection of prostate cancer. With your help, we can build support throughout the agriculture industry to help dairy farmers protect themselves against health risks.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Take action. Contact your local doctor for an annual health screening for yourself or a loved one! Also please like and share this article on Facebook to help get the word out. This cause is worthy of your support. Be a survivor not a statistic!
Every year the week after the Royal Winter Fair, it seems like everyone ends up with “The Royal Flu.” Now doctors might try to explain it away as the result of being in and out of cold environments, or poor diet combined with lack of sleep, lots of drinking and poor air quality, but I think there is something else to it. I think the Royal Flu is more likely the result of our bodies mourning the end of what was another amazing show season.
There is no question that for those passionate breeders who love to take cattle out to all the spring, summer and fall shows the grind that it puts on their bodies is insane. And that does not even factor in the amount of work it takes back home at the farm to have these amazing cattle in show shape. However, for those of us who appreciate and have been fortunate to attend most of these major shows this year, I want to say thanks to all the breeders and exhibitors who have made this year’s show season so exciting.
Spring show fever
Every year starts with the excitement and promise of what could be. And while in the heifer and young cow classes this is true, this year we saw RF Goldwyn Hailey, last year’s Supreme Champion at World Dairy Expo and The Royal looking probably the best she has ever looked. This was especially true at the NY Spring Carousel, the “Expo” of the spring shows. Hailey looked absolutely amazing! (Read more: RF Goldwyn Hailey Rides to the Top Spot at NY Spring Carousel).
RF Goldwyn Hailey Swept grand champion honors at all 3 major spring shows and looked the best I have ever seen her at NY Spring Carousel.
It was also at NY Spring show that we started to see Charwill Attic Marcy start to step out of the shadow of R-E-W Happy Go Lucky and show her dominance in the Senior 2 year old class. Every time I had the opportunity to see Marcy she looked better and better culminating in her dominating wins at both Expo and The Royal. (Read more: Canadian National Holstein Show Results) I certainly am excited at the prospect of the two great young cows calving again and going head to head to see just who has the potential to be the next great one.
Charwill Attic Marcy Winner of both Expo and The Royal – Marcy dominated every show she went to in 2013
Then of course there is always the excitement that builds around which heifers will ring the bell. And while early winners like Ontario Spring Show Junior Champion Winright Sid Elegance managed to contend all year long, others seemed to peak early and fall off the radar as the year went along. (Read more: Ontario Spring Discovery – Nothing Slipped Past Judge “Crack” and Quebec Spring Holstein Show Results)
Things start to get hotter in the summer
It was in the summer that we started to see things really start to heat up. At the Quebec provincial championship we saw Roquet Jasmine Sanchez upset RF Goldwyn Hailey, though Hailey had been milking over a year at that point (Read more: Expo Provinciale Montmagny – Holstein Show 2013 and RF Goldwyn Hailey Unbeatable?). It was also at that show that I saw two fairly fresh cows – Bonaccueil Maya Goldwyn and Belfast Goldwyn Lasenza. Here were two cows that I pegged for success at that point and who would certainly make a lot of noise in the fall.
Expo Provincial Montmagny marked the first time in over a year that Hailey had been beat in any form (never in class). It was also where I first discovered that Maya would be a force this year.
Things were also starting to get interesting in Ontario as well. Calbrett Goldwyn Layla had recently freshened and won grand at Ontario Summer Show and was followed closely behind by the very popular Valleyville Rae Lynn, who had won one of the greatest senior three-year-old classes I have ever seen in my life. (Read more: Ontario Summer Show Holstein Results). Layla would sell just a few days later for $125,000 to Comestar Holsteins and Ponderosa Holsteins at the Cormdale Summer Sale. (Read more: Cormdale Summer Sale 2013 Results)
Valleyville Rae Lynn Dominant early in the year, Rae Lynn is due to calve in time for World Dairy Expo next year!!!!
It was also at the Summer Show that we got our first glimpses of Futurecrest Aftershock Tahlia the very impressive Aftershock daughter from the All Canadian Salem Goldwyn Theresa EX-94, who would go on to win at the Autumn Opportunity Show (Read more: Autumn Opportunity 2013 Holstein Show) as well as become the 2nd highest seller at the Sale of Stars. (Read more: Sale of Stars Averages $19,344).
Futurecrest Aftershock Tahlia Undefeated in 2013 this Aftershock daughter from the All Canadian Salem Goldwyn Theresa EX-94 sold for $150,000 in the Sale of Stars.
It was also late summer/early fall that we saw another great senior three year old class, with Cowtown Durham Grasshopper upsetting the 2012 All-American and All-Canadian Butz-Butler Gold Barbara at Harrisburg (Read more: 2013 All American Black and White Holstein Show).
If three is one thing we where reminded again and again is that on any given day, even some of the greatest show cows in the world can be beet.
It was also at Harrisburg that Cameron Ridge Atwood Beauty earned her second of what would be three top show Junior Champion awards for her new owners Chris & Jennifer Hill & Gene Iager, who purchased Beauty in that International Intrigue sale for $62,000. Beauty would go on to be named Junior Champion at Expo. (Read more: International Intrigue at Ferme Blondin Sale Results 2013).
Cameron Ridge Atwood Beauty Was junior champion at three major shows, including Expo, and was purchased mid season for $62,000 at the International Intrigue Sale.
KHW Regiment Apple-Red In combination with her clone (Grand) and her daughter (HM Grand) Apple set a new record of achievement that will probably never be duplicated, by sweeping the top honors at the World Dairy Expo Red & White Show.
Bonaccueil Maya Goldwyn After winning Grand Champion at WDE, Maya has pretty much become an overnight sensation. We here at the Bullvine would like to think that we where fans before all this happened.
The stars start to fall
MS Goldwyn Alana After being 2nd at WDE, Alana went on to be Grand at the Quebec International Show and HM Grand at The Royal.
As we started to enter the home stretch, with only two major shows left, you could certainly start to feel the flu bug starting to set in. Maybe it was the thousands of miles travelled and the hours of hard work, but the winds of change where blowing. In what would be a foreshadowing of the Royal, Judge Adam Little made MS Goldwyn Alana his Grand Champion followed by Robrook Goldwyn Cameron and Maya having to settle for HM Grand Champion honors (Read more: Expo Internationale Holstein Québec Results).
Aingers Advent Bambi In what was expected to be a two horse race (Rae Lynn and Barbara), Bambi surprised many by winning Intermediate Champion at both Quebec International Show and The Royal.
Also foreshadowing the Royal were the Intermediate Champion Aingers Advent Bambi, the impressive 3rd calf senior 3 year old and HM Intermediate Champion Charwill Attic Marcy as well as the Junior Champion Fanico Reginald Marty and Reserve Junior Champion Comestar Larion Goldwyn.
Calbrett Goldwyn Layla Layla has a way of surprising people. She did at Ontario Summer Show and then again at The Royal. Guess it’s genetic, as her dam the great Lila Z was also great at surprising people.
With change being the major theme, Judge John Crowley certain kept the momentum going at The Royal. While the Royal results were not that different than those of Quebec, there was certainly one major change, in that Maya did not only not win Grand, she was also defeated in her own class by Calbrett Goldwyn Layla. That meant two major upsets this year (Rae Lynn at Summer Show, and Maya at the Royal) by this Goldwyn daughter of the great Lylehaven Lila Z, a cow who in her own right stirred much discussion when she sold for $1.15 million. (Read more: Lylehaven Lila Z: Was She Really Worth $1.15 Million?).
Cookview Goldwyn Monique Maybe Monique should be named “The Brides Maid” as she was Reserve Grand Champion at both World Dairy Expo and The Royal.
Also generating a lot of discussion at the Royal was the naming of Cookview Goldwyn Monique Reserve Grand Champion. While she certainly did not start the show looking her best, she did come on strong and looked impressive by the time Grand Champion was named. Her rear udder looked fuller and she moved with great ease. While some would not have even had her in their final parade, by the time it came to name Grand Champion, most at ringside felt that there was no doubt that it would be the two 4 year olds. Monique earned Reserve and the class winner Robrook Goldwyn Cameron was named Grand Champion.
Robrook Goldwyn Cameron Stepping out from Monique’s shaddow, Cameron certainly shown bright at The Royal wining Grand Champion honors.
Seeing Tom and Kelli Cull embrace after Cameron was named grand champion certainly epitomizes what is great about the show ring. Tom and Kelli are great examples of passionate dairy enthusiasts, they show, board and sell great cattle. They so love the show ring and their passion and dedication is 2nd to none. Their success is truly a result of having the show “bug” and it was wonderful for them to achieve this amazing honor.
Congratulations to Tom and Kelli Cull. Your passion and dedication to the show ring is second to none.
The Bottom Line
Yes, there remains the excitement of the All-Canadian and All-American Awards. And don’t forget the Breeders Choice Awards which is the only major award where you the dairy enthusiast get to decide who was the best from the past year. However, the actual shows for the 2013 season are over.
The memories are great and, of course, we will always have the pictures. There is no question that we feel the letdown as we put away the show halters, boxes and whites for another year. There is a part of me that once again is suffering from the “Royal Flu” at the end of another exciting show year. Thanks to all the Breeders, Exhibitors and to you our readers for helping to make this year so exceptional. . Of course spring shows are just around the corner.
Rumors, slander and outright lies have been flying around our industry lately. What large genetic operation has had “changes” in their make-up? What A.I. company is about to hit the news? It’s shocking the number of rumors that come across my desk hoping we will fuel the fires that they are afraid to face. Everyone loves to hear gossip (especially about someone else), but few are willing to take a public stand. That is why I commend those that do put their money where their mouth is. There is no question that “The Spineless Will Be Forgotten.”
Since starting the Bullvine, we have been accused of many things and have had rumors about us run rampant through the dairy industry. Sometimes I laugh. Sometimes I snap. Sometimes I “rip someone a new one.” (Read more: Genomics – Lies, Miss-Truths and False Publications! and The Weak Never Forgive) One thing is certain. , We have never been afraid to take a stand. Of course that means that we have taken heat for some of our tactics. But you know what? No one can accuse us of ducking for cover and being spineless.
If You Can’t Take the Heat Get Out of the Kitchen
Everyone wants to be everyone’s friend or, at least publically, appear that way. However, when the chips are down and it’s time to be counted, where are they? I find it disappointing that some of the individuals who have the most to say and proclaim their dairy industry wisdom to anyone listening on the sidelines run for the hills when it comes time to support what is right and perhaps take some heat for it.
“As an industry the only way we are going to move forward is by taking bold positions.” Many want to become “legends” but are unwilling to put their butts on the line in order to do so. The truth is that boldness is the very trait that made great industry leaders like Peter Heffering. (Read more: Hanover Hill Holsteins: Peter Heffering 1931-2012) The fact was that they were willing to take the risk and stand up for and act upon what they believed in.
When I first started the Bullvine, I said that within one year we would be the largest digital dairy magazine in the world. The strange thing is that by choosing to take the harder road, that is exactly what happened. I look at some other publications that started over 10 years ago and see that they have become stagnant. Sure they party with the show guys and they kiss the right butts, but obviously that isn’t what it takes to be truly successful in today’s information age. For us, we decided to talk about issues that others fear to address (Read more: Dairy Marketing Code of Conduct, Ethics and Drugs ) We risk trying new things that others won`t even attempt (Read more: Fantasy Exhibitor and Breeder’s Choice Awards). By taking the hard road we have achieved exactly what others can only dream of.
The Higher they Rise the Harder the Fall
They say “The road to the top is easy, it’s the fall that will kill you.” That thought probably scares the crap out of most people. Our road to becoming the largest daily digital dairy readership has not been what you would call smooth, so I can only imagine what the fall could be like. But you know what? Bring it on! “Attitude determines altitude!” That motto has been successful for us so far. It will help us continue to be successful in the future. We are not willing to sit back and rest on our laurels. Instead we always push the envelope. We will always look for new and different ways to bring you insights into the dairy genetics world.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
There are always two choices. Two paths to take. One is easy. And the only reward is that it’s easy. The other is hard. You must know who you are and what you stand for. You must know where you want to go and why you want to get there. Great dairy industry leaders did this and that is why we remember them. When you have to make a choice and don’t make it, that is also a choice. Be courageous because “The Spineless Will Be Forgotten.”
Every year we wonder if this year`s Expo will be able to surpass benchmarks set in the past.. This year was no different. Coming into Expo, there was perhaps a little less optimism. No one could foresee that a former Expo Champion would add to her already great legacy or that a new legend was set to begin. Unexpected. Yes. But that is exactly what happened.
A Living Legend Makes and Appearance
We arrived late to the show, after trying to juggle multiple companies in very different industries. This meant that the first show that I got to see was the Brown Swiss Show. Looking back, this show set the tone for the rest of my week as I witnessed and recorded one the greatest colored breed show cows of all time, OLD MILL E SNICKERDOODLE OCS EX-4E-94-USA, who made an appearance. (Read more: The 12 Greatest North American Colored Breed Show Cattle of All-Time). While Snickerdoodle did not add to her record 7 Grand Champion awards at Expo, as she was showing in the dry cow class, she did win her class and the hearts of all in the building who raised the roof with their applause. (Read more: Elite Dairy Has Banner Day at International Brown Swiss Show).
The living legend, OLD MILL E SNICKERDOODLE OCS EX-4E-94-USA
Apple Takes Things to Whole New Heights
If Snickerdoodle gave us a glimpse into the past, KHW Regiment Apple-Red gave us a look into the past, present and the future. Sure she looked amazing and was named Reserve Grand Champion. She showed off her trademark depth, angularity and balance but that was not enough for the living legend. Apple-Red was able to take things to a level that might never be able to be repeated ever again. Her clone, KHW Regiment Apple 3-Red-ETN who is the spitting image of a younger Apple-Red was the only cow that was able to beat her on this day. Yes you could say she was beaten by herself. And to add to the growing legend, her daughter MS Candy Apple-Red-ET was named Honorable Mention Grand Champion. (Read more: KHW Regiment Apple-Red – Beauty, performance, and even more record accomplishments and History Made At the 2013 International Red & White Show). Watching Apple, Apple clone and her daughter sweep the Red & White Show will be a memory I will never forget. Having the honor to be right there and taking the pictures to preserve that memory was priceless.
KHW Regiment Apple-Red Adding to her legacy
Paul Ekstein – Grumpy Old Man? I think NOT!
There is no shortage of awards given out during World Dairy Expo. Two of the biggest are the Robert “Whitey” McKown Master Breeder Award and the Klussendorf-Mackenzie Award. Coming into the show, I was well aware that Paul Ekstein would be receiving the much deserved McKown Master Breeder Award. (Read more: Ekstein Named Fifth Robert “Whitey” McKown Master Breeder Award Winner and PAUL EKSTEIN – 2013 Recipient of the Prestigious McKown Master Award). I have had the pleasure of knowing Paul my whole life. First it was by a reputation that might have you thinking of Walter Matthau from Grumpy Old Men. However, since starting the Bullvine, I have had the pleasure to get to know Paul on a whole new level. The biggest thing that touches me is just how much he cares. When I suffered my heart attack or have had to deal with the challenges that come with running the Bullvine, Paul and his son Ari have been amazing supporters and good friends. So when Bert Stewart, lifelong friend of Paul’s and university classmate presented him with his award, my heart was overflowing and my trigger finger was snapping pictures as fast as I could. I knew family and friends would want as many pictures as possible to preserve this moment of well-deserved recognition.
Paul Ekstein receiving the Robert “Whitey” McKown Master Breeder Award from life long friend Bert Stewart
Grumpier old men?
Speaking of someone who appears grumpy on the outside but is golden on the inside, Richard Caverly winning the Klussendorf-Mackenzie Award surprised me. (Read more: Maine Native Wins Klussendorf-Mackenzie Award) Not because he was not a very deserving winner. He is. In fact Richard’s list of accomplishments and the cattle he has worked with reads like a Who’s Who of the show ring greats – Gold Prize, Nadine, Melanie, Delilah, Ashlyn, Victoria, Veronica and Frannie. It’s the cow on the end of that list that stands out for me. Sweet-Pepper Black Francesca was last year’s Grand Champion of the Ayrshire show for the 2nd time. In wanting to learn more about this cow, I started chatting with Richard more and more and found that the story behind this cow is truly amazing. (Read more: The Magic of Francesca) What I learned was that, not only was this cow an amazing show cow, but she did something even more magical. Francesca changed the lives of Richard and his wife Beverly, in a way that no other cow possibly could. United by their passion for great cattle, Richard and Beverly are two of the most amazing people I know. That is why when I learned of Frannie’s passing the tears started to fall. Watching the Ayrshire show this year was tough for me, as I knew that, for those in the ring, there would be moments of extreme happiness, but for Richard and Beverly, the memories of “Frannie” would come back again.
Richard Caverly winning the Klussendorf-Mackenzie Award
A Picture is Worth Twenty-Thousand Words
Over the years I have had the opportunity to attend Expo many times. But this year would be a first for me. This year I would be in the ring taking pictures. I think I must have annoyed the heck out of the Expo staff prior to the show. I was repeatedly checking to make sure that I would be able to take pictures in the ring. For me it meant that I would be experiencing a dream come true.
You see I have been able to experience the show as a fitter, as a showman, but never have I been able to sit right there and get the same exact view the judge gets and see who is the best of the best. Last year at Expo I sat in the stands and took pictures from there. This year I wanted to take things to a completely new level. Since last year’s show I took the opportunity to take pictures at as many shows as I could. I pretty much forced my father to go to every show with me, 19 in all. Many required that we drive all night to get to the show, spend the whole day taking pictures, and then drive all night to make it back in time to attend meetings for my main company the next day.
In preparation for this amazing opportunity I also took more than 60 hours of training on the technical side of photography. You see I am not a photographer by trade. I learned graphic design as a must when I started Elite Breeders back in University. When I started that company I didn’t even own a computer of my own and then I was presented with the opportunity to market Calbrett-I H H Champion, the #1 LPI sire in the world, for GenerVations. I had to get a loan from my grandfather, buy a Mac, and Photoshop and do a catalogue and ads for them, all while even learning the basics of how to use the programs. This time I was going to be prepared. Sure none of the video companies could even imagine shooting under these conditions. The show ring combines two of the most challenging circumstances a photographer can encounter, low light and action. In order to be able to get the pictures that would preserve the memories I have had to invest over $20,000 in camera equipment alone. No small investment for a digital magazine that until this point has had no revenue sources at all and is driven by the passion of our team.
Armed with this insight and the camera equipment to get the pictures, I was ready to get to work. Since last year’s World Dairy Expo our readership has grown to over 10,000 readers on a daily basis, the largest in the industry. So I knew that people would be watching. But man I could have never expected the results that we have had. Pictures such as the naming of the Junior Champion and Grand Champion went viral. In the past week since the show, the pictures that we shared have been seen by over 1,000,000 people and liked or shared by over 10,000 people. That is more than all the other Dairy publications combined. Scary to think for a magazine that is just over 18 months old.
Junior Champion Female honours went to the 1st place Spring Yearling Calf, Cameron Ridge Atwood Beauty exhibited by Gene Iager and Chris & Jennifer Hill, Thurmont, Md.
For me it’s a humbling experience to have our hard work be rewarded the way has been. The team here at The Bullvine has put in many long hours to put out four unique articles a week. That is 16 articles a month. When you consider that the average magazine does about four a month you understand the amount of work that goes into producing The Bullvine. On a daily basis we are always looking for new and different ways to add engagement to what we do. This was highlighted by our recent Fantasy Exhibitor contest which received over 5,000 entries and was seen by over 50,000 people on our website alone. (Read more: Fantasy Exhibitor – World Dairy Expo 2013 Edition – The Results!). For the Bullvine team being at Expo was amazing. Having so many people from all walks of the dairy industry come up to us and tell us just how much they appreciate what we do was inspiring. It’s moments like these that drive us on a daily basis to do better.
Bonaccueil Maya Goldwyn, exhibited and owned by Ty-D Holsteins, Drolet & Fils, Ferme Jacobs, A. & R. Boulet, Inc, who was crowned Grand and Senior Champion of the 2013 International Holstein Show.
Here are some of the over 4,000 pictures I took during my 3 days at World Dairy Expo 2013.
World Dairy Expo 2013 - Holstein - Milking Yearling
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The Bullvine Bottom Line
Just like each of my children (who are my first love) every World Dairy Expo is different and unique in its own way. The 2013 Edition will certainly be an extremely memorable one for me. Expo is where legends are made. This year we saw two great legends add to their story and new legends, Bonaccueil Maya Goldwyn and the amazing team at Ferme Jacobs emerge. From all of us here at The Bullvine, we want to say thanks to you the exhibitors and breeders who, with commitment and passion, make these awesome memories turn from dreams to reality!
What’s next for us here at the Bullvine? Well today we will all be at the Rockton World’s fairy where my children, Drew (6), Ethan (4) and Zabrina (3) will be showing for the first time.
While attending a local monthly dairy cow sale this week I was approached by a young dairyman who said to me You need to write (in the Bullvine) about our dairy cows getting too tall and too narrow. This dairyman in explaining his position, that today’s cows are too extreme in stature and width, shared with me that he sees all the cows going through this monthly sale as he helps receive, pen, number and milk the cows as they are received the morning of the sale or a day or two previous to the sale. As I drove home from the sale I pondered his question.
My first recollection of thinking about the width of cows goes back to my 4H training. My three dedicated 4H leaders were three very different people. One was an educator, one a very successful farmer-milk producer and one a prominent show judge who had judged national shows in a number of breeds. The educator did not care about what a cow looked like, but did care about preparing me for life. The milk producer wanted his cows to be good converts of his high quality feed into large volumes of 4% fat milk. And the show judge wanted Holstein cows to be taller but was satisfied with the stature of the cows in the other dairy breeds. Each leader helped me in different ways and I think back now to the trend, that started half a century ago, to taller and taller Holsteins. That trend may not have had much science associated with it.
As I drove on Tuesday, my mind fast forwarded to my early days in managing Holstein Canada’s Type Classification program. (Read more: Murray Hunt: Perspective from Both Sides of the Fence) There was a requirement that a cow had to be 56 inches tall to be eligible for Excellent. By the way she also had to have calved at least three times and have an Excellent mammary system. Annually the classifiers and breeder advisory board meet and the first meeting I attended of that group discussed why Excellent cows needed to be 56 inches (140 cm) tall. The discussion came around to a well known show cow that was excellent in every way but she only stood 55 inches at the hip. You can well imagine the points put forward. “Holsteins need to be taller so their udders clear the ground more so you can get a milking machine under her properly”. All the way to ”if she’s good enough then stature should not matter”. In the end those saying Holstein cows needed to be taller won out.
Over the past forty years I have watched the Holstein breed as heifers and cows increased in stature to the point where first lactation cows in the show ring need to be over 62 inches in stature to place at the top of the class. But with that added 8 to 10 inches in stature comes calves that are larger at birth, animals that are narrower between their front legs and first lactation cows that appear to have less width to their rump and birth channel. Oh, yes today’s first lactation cows are capable of producing much more milk out of much wider and more tightly attached udders. The question is has the pendulum swung too far to the side of Holsteins being too tall and lacking width of body and width of rump?
Judge Michael Heath (Right) and associate David Dyment (Left) at the 2012 World Dairy Expo
The matter of width and stature in Holsteins was on my mind, last year, as I watched Michael Heath judge the Holsteins at World Dairy Expo (Read more: World Dairy Expo 2012 Holstein Show – A Battle for the Ages) and Callum McKinven judge the Holsteins at the Royal. Both judges (Read more: The 2012 Royal Winter Fair Holstein Show – One of the greatest stories ever told), in my opinion, placed less emphasis on stature than judges in the past have done. Both emphasised the cows that were closest to the ideal cow. Finding the tallest animals and placing them first was not their guiding force. Interesting to me is the fact that both Michael and Callum also breed and judge Jerseys that are a foot shorter in height than Holsteins but the milking machines easily attach and milk Jerseys. Which may beg the question “if Holsteins were the same size as Jerseys would that be okay?”.
Judge Callum McKinven and associate Bruce Mode discuss a tough placing at the 2012 Royal Winter Fair
This brought my mind to thinking about Don Bennink’s (Read more: North Florida Holsteins: Aggressive, Progressive and Profitable) comment that show Jerseys can go to shows and go home to frees stall barns and do just fine yet today’s show Holsteins cannot. Is Don right? Do we need to get off the tall Holsteins bandwagon and have cows that have body mass and an ability to function in large group housing?
The Bullvine Bottom Line
The conformation scorecard for dairy cows placed 70% of the points on udders and feet and legs. With less than approximately 12-15% of the emphasis on body size why do we need mature Holstein cows that are over 60 inches at the hips? Too tall or too narrow, why don’t we let form follow function and let the cow that returns the most lifetime profit be our ideal?
As I was watching the Morsan 300 Sale this week (Full results here), a recurring question kept bouncing around in my head, “Where did all the money go?”
Eastside Lewisdale Gold Missy – Grand Champion WDE and Royal ’11
What I mean is that here you have a family that pretty much funded the high-end dairy genetics marketplace since the turn of the century. For at least the last 10 years, you would not run a sale without making sure that Morris Thalen was coming. Morris would buy at pretty much all levels and all types of cattle. Morsan invested in top pedigree cattle, index cattle and even unique special offer animals such as variant red and polled. He was everyone’s dream buyer. On top of that Morris is a great person to deal with: very pleasant, modest and appreciative of everyone in the industry. Therefore, that is why watching the Morsan 300 Sale raised my concerns. Here is a family that has invested heavily and was presenting many animals with outstanding pedigrees. Nevertheless, most of them were selling for under $4,000 and the sale averaged just over $6,023. This is but a fraction of what the sale results would have been in the past. Not for a minute am I suggesting any error on the part of Morsan Farms. I actually am very impressed with the work they have done over the years (Read more: Morsan Farms – Money Well Spent). They have had a World Dairy Expo Grand and Supreme Champion, as well as a Red & White Champion. They have also managed to breed high index into these cow families. Great work by a great family.
What I do think has happened is that the industry has changed, Furthermore, Morsan themselves are great examples of this very change. Before Morsan was a household name for winning shows and buying top cattle, they were a well-run commercial operation. In 1998 they milked 200 commercial grade cows and today they have grown to milk 1600 to 1800 cows (80% purebred).
You see it was not the genetics market that Morris started out in. As said previously, he actually started out in the commercial market and grew into the high-end genetics market. I think that is something many people forget but it is key to what has happened to the industry as a whole over the past 14 years. You see, while we watched all this money flying around at the high-end genetics sales, it was actually the evolving commercial market that was funding it.
Commercial Producers – The backbone of the high end genetics marketplace
This same phenomenon is happening in barns all around the world every day. Commercial producers have been looking to accelerate the improvement of the cattle they milk and using high-end bulls was not doing it quickly enough. So, with a strong US dollar and high milk price, even commercial producers were out buying better cattle. Sure they were not buying your $100,000 show cow, but they were buying your $3,000+ fresh heifer with a nice pedigree. In turn the breeder of that heifer was then buying your $20,000 to $30,000 dollar nice pedigree potential EX cow from some of your higher end seed stock producers. Seed stock producers would, in turn, buy your $100,000 big time show winner or high index animal. And hence you have what I like to call the “Dairy Genetics Circle of Life.”
The problem is that this lucrative model fell apart and now the circle of life is on life support. This isn’t because the high-end genetics market is not as good as it once was. Genetic advancement is faster and the prices for very top animals are actually better than ever. Genomics has brought a completely new level of breeder confidence, and bull sale prices have gone through the roof (Read more: How Much Can You Trust Genomic Young Sires?)
The problem comes at the other end of the equation. Milk prices around the world (except in supply-managed countries like Canada) have plummeted and so has the US dollar. This has caused the commercial market for fresh heifers to all but dry up. Hence the rivers of cash that used to flow into the system are gone. Commercial producer actions have caused two major changed in the marketplace. First, years of buying these better quality cattle has greatly accelerated the genetics in their herds. Secondly, they have become better herd managers, particularly for longevity. No longer are their cows seen as a 1-2 year investment. They are looking to get multiple lactations out of these animals and, as a result, this has decreased the demand for replacement animals.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
With the funding model broken, we now find those breeders that dealt in the high-end genetics marketplace having to find new business models. Some are getting out of the high-end genetics marketplace altogether saying “It was a great ride while it lasted.” Others are finding new markets and services aiming at commercial producers or to supply AI studs with recipients for their new genetic programs. Then there are those who are left in limbo. They love working with these high end cattle and want to keep pushing the envelope on genetic advancement but, more and more. they are finding it hard to fund this passion. They are not sure what to do now that the money is gone.
To these seed stock producers I say look for new ways to fund your model. Is it through bull sales since female sales are a lot less than they used to be? (Read more: Investing in Dairy Cattle Genetics – Think Outside the Box, Stop the Sale! Genomics, Chocolate and the Future of the Dairy Breeding Industry and How Genomics is Killing the Dairy Cattle Breeding Industry) Or is it through developing a product (bloodline) that you can sell directly to the commercial producer? Any way you look at it commercial producer dollars are what fund the high-end genetics marketplace. When the river runs dry always look at the source. For the high end genetics marketplace the source is the commercial producer. As the commercial producer goes so goes the rest of the industry. Are you ready to go with the flow?
Recently the Bullvine posted a judging contest on Facebook to see how breeders would place these six animals based on their pictures alone (Read more: Facebook image, entry form). The results were very interesting and raised the question “How well can you judge an animal from their picture?”
Of course we all know that No Cow is Perfect – Not Even in Pictures. What we are trying to figure out, is if these animals would place differently with pictures as compared to how they would place if they were judged side by side. The results were very interesting. Most people placed the class C-F-A-D-B-E and our official placing was F-C-D-A-E-B. F and C were a very very close placing, with only a slight split between them. They were followed closely by A, and then there was a decent split to D. The bottom pair of B and E could go either way.
The pictured placings were not too different, until you compare how these animals would place if you actually had them side by side. In that case, you would see a very different result F-D-C-A-E-B. F would take the class handily. You see F is Valleyville Rae Lynn, and C is Desnette Alexia Roseplex. These two cows have faced each other several times with the most recent time being at Ontario Summer Show (Read more: Ontario Summer Show Holstein Results and The Shocking Speed of Social Media and the Dairy Industry) where Rae Lynn won the class and went on to be Intermediate and Reserve Grand Champion and Roseplex was 3rd in that class. In the picture, Roseplex looks much deeper and more open of the rib. In real life she may be pretty close, but there are two things that you greatly miss in the picture that you can only see in real life. First is that Rae Lynn is just as deep and long. Since the leadsman of Roseplex is standing beside the cow instead of in front of her during this shot, we were able to crop in and so the cow appears that much larger. The other factor that you cannot see in just a side shot compared to being able to have the cows side by side is that Rae Lynn possesses much more width throughout. She is a much longer cow (another reason the pictures look different) and has a higher and wider rear udder.
Valleyville Rae Lynn It’s interesting to see just how cropping of a picture can change the way the animal looks.
The placing of D over C is where many may start to wonder what happened. We admit that in the pictures this is an easy placing of C over D, but if you had these in animals in the same ring at the same time, two factors would come into play. First that D, Eastriver Gold Deb 850, is again wider of the chest, higher of the rear udder and cleaner throughout. The second is that D would type in better with F (the class winner) and then would naturally follow her in the class. Similar to how Raivue Sanchez Pamela did at Ontario Summer Show and hence Roseplex (C) was placed 3rd at Summer Show (Read more: Ontario Summer Show Holstein Results). Something that you are not able to tell when judging pictures is also the stage of lactation. In this picture Deb 850 is fairly fresh where Roseplex is in mid lactation.
The other thing you would not realize in pictures, that you do when you see these cows, is that there is a size difference. This comes to play in our next placing of C over A. A, originally identified as Crater Indiana Goldwyn is actually Debeau Jasper December, she is a very balanced dairy cow but, with a live view, you would realize that she is not as much overall cow as the three above her. Also her rump, slope to hooks to pins, as well as width of rear udder would limit her from placing higher in this class.
Huntshaven Deb Narobi Red It’s amazing how much getting a lower perspective can change the appearance in a photograph.
The last two cows (E and B) also bring some interest to the class and not just because they are red. In this case, the difference is actually the quality of the picture. In both pictures the cows are not set up perfectly or looking their best. That was by design for this class. You see we have better pictures of E, Huntshaven Deb Narobi Red, and B Deslacs Ritzy Greedy Red. But what we wanted to point out here is just how animals can look very different depending on who is taking their photo. Both these cows are much better than their pictures would indicate. However, for me it is an easy placing putting E over B on the dairyness throughout and the quality of her fore udder. Yes Rizty Greedy Red is a very deep opened ribbed cow, but Narobi, is cleaner of the leg, smoother of the fore udder and longer throughout. The challenge you have with Narobi’s picture is that it is slightly over exposed here and so you cannot see her ribs as well as in Rizty Greedy Red’s picture. We intentionally used a slightly darker picture of Rizty Greedy Red and a slightly over exposed picture of Narobi to prove our point about what over exposing pictures does (Read more: Dairy Cattle Photography – Over Exposed).
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Let’s sit back and think about how often we don’t get to see many of the great cows in the world in person. Unless you are someone like Han Hopman (Read more: Han Hopman: Shooting Straight at Holstein International) or a select few that get the opportunity to get to the major shows around the world, you would never really be able to pick out exactly how all these great cows compare to each other. For example take Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibra *RC EX-96-SW (Read more: DECRAUSAZ IRON O’KALIBRA: Simply the Best). Many who have seen her as well as the top cows in North America admit that she is an extremely balanced cow and that her udder is amazing, though they wonder would she be enough cow to contend with the likes of Hailey on the North American show circuit. For those looking at both of them in pictures you could certainly go either way. O’Kalibra takes amazing photos and it can sometimes be hard to get as good a picture of Hailey as she looks in real life. And so the bottom line tells us it takes more than a picture to judge a cow.
It’s that time of year again. Time for you to show us your judging chops. This time we are running a contest with some great prizes. The first class this year is 2nd calvers.
After attending the Ontario Red and White Show (Read more: 2013 Ontario Red & White Holstein Show Results) and watching the events unfold at the US Red & White Convention Sale, I find myself asking if red is still relevant in the marketplace? To answer that question I thought I would look at both sides of the argument.
The Case for Red
For years there has been growing demand around the world for Red and White Holsteins. In the US last year the largest total number of Red Holsteins were registered in history. The top selling animal for $184,000 at the Parade of Perfection Sale, OCD McCutchen Duchess-ET *RC, was a red carrier from Curr-Vale Obsrvr Delta and the second highest seller at the World Classic sale for $122,000 MS M-P Dak 4777 Pie-Red the #1 gTPI Red Animal in the USA at the time. In Europe, at the recent All-European Show in Switzerland, the top sellers were all red & white or red carrier animals.
Blondin Redman Seisme EX-96 2E Reserve Supreme Champion Royal 2011 & 2012 Grand Champion R&W Royal 2010, 2011 & 2012 Grand Champion Red & White Madison, 2010, 2011 & 2012
Red Holsteins are also seeing their greatest success and popularity ever. Cows like Blondin Redman Seisme EX-96 2E and KHW Regiment Apple-Red-ET EX-95 2E are two of the most popular cows in the world today. Many descendants of Apple are winning in both the show ring and on the red index charts.
KHW Regiment Apple-Red-ET EX-95 2E Unanimous All-American Red & White 1st 4-year-old & HM Senior Champion 2012 International Red & White Show
Then there are red sires like Kulp-Dale Golden PP-Red. Golden PP-Red’s first five units of semen sold for $50,000 (Read more: $10,000 a dose Polled Semen). With that came a 90-day exclusive guarantee, a unique deal struck between some very progressive thinkers. While there is no question being the highest homozygous polled bull at the time-helped drive the demand, the fact that he is red also added another desirable element to his market appeal.
The Case against Red
First let’s look at it from a milk production standpoint. While some will make the comment that their red coat helps them in the heat, in reality red coat actually has relatively low relevance to efficient milk production. Even polled that is more a consumer/animal welfare issue than it is a herd management issue, has more relevance to efficient milk production than red cattle.
Then there is the issue of genetic potency. The top R&W proven sires are almost 18% lower for genetic merit than the top black genetics available, and the top *RC are 17% lower. When it comes to young sires, the top Red or Red Carrier bulls are 9% lower than their black contemporaries are. While it does show that Red genetics are advancing at a fast rate they are still a significant distance behind. This means that red breeders have to take a substantial genetic loss in order to obtain the red gene.
Part of the reason for red’s relevance issue may be the popularity of polled (Read more: From The Sidelines To The Headlines, Polled Is Going Mainline!, Why Is Everyone So Horny For Polled?, Polled Genetics: Way Of The Future Or Passing Fad?). For years red has been one way for breeders to breed for something unique. Something that makes the animal special. Both in the barn and in the sales ring polled has gained significantly in industry popularity. While proven polled bulls are almost 23% lower in genetic merit than their horned contemporaries, genomic polled sires are 13% behind. This shows that polled genetics are actually advancing at a faster rate than red genetics.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
While it is hard to predict the future, there is no question that the demand for polled is both a good thing and a bad thing for the red and white breed. With polled being far more prevalent in red and red carrier cattle, the Red and White breed has seen significant increase in demand as a result of the increased demand for polled. That blessing can also be a curse. Since polled has now gone mainstream, many of the top polled sires are no longer red or red carriers. Contrary to polled, Red and White cattle will always have a challenge gaining traction in large commercial herds. For that reason it is destined to be a niche market.
However, after attending recent red and white events and seeing the demand for red in Europe, there is no question that while small in number, red and white breeders are some of the most passionate in the industry today.
Just like Alex Rodriguez and Major League Baseball, the dairy genetics industry has a drug problem.
You cannot go very far without reading something about the latest drug scandal involving a pro athlete. This week it`s 13 major league baseball players headlined by Alex Rodriguez the league’s highest paid player. Experts in sports doping believe that the problems in baseball — and cycling, track and field and other sports — remain widespread and that policing sports is proving to be nearly impossible. With recent events at a few of the dairy cattle shows, has me asking whether the dairy industry also has a drug problem.
According to major league baseball, the point of the testing is to keep the sports-entertainment industry functioning, to maintain its loyal public and to stay in business. For these very same reasons, wouldn`t it be a good idea to set up some form of rules around the use of performance enhancing drugs in the dairy industry?
Yes I am well aware that there is the use of ultrasounds at the Royal and World Dairy Expo. However, they can only catch so much and it means that some exhibitors just switch to a different drug of choice. For some that means the use of dextrose to get that cow alert and veins popping while she is in the show ring. Though many have admitted that dextrose is not that effective, it still could be viewed as a performance-enhancing drug. The big issue is that, whenever there is testing, there will always be those who are one-step ahead of the tests.
However, as I said earlier, the bigger issue is not with the show ring but rather with the fact that some of the genetic index stars are getting that extra edge on classification day, or on the day they are pictured or they are even getting the day-to-day production boost they need in order to get ahead of the rest. These animals have absolutely no testing to prove whether they are simply living up to their genetic potential or why they are far exceeding it.
In talking with many average producers, and especially in talking with many commercial producers – both groups who represent the largest purchasers of semen, I have heard a consistent theme, about how they have lost trust in the seed stock industry, especially certain high index cattle. They feel that generation after generation have shown that they are unable to cut it in the working day-to-day environments.
Do we really want to clean it up?
The dairy industry is guilty of ignoring the drug issue, just like the NFL. Just because you don’t have positive tests, does not mean there is not an issue.
Even with all the talk about what needs to change, there has been very little done over the years to actually bring about change. It’s kind of like the way the NFL does not want to admit it has an issue with drugs. Do you really believe a 300-pound lineman can run 40 yards in 4.4 seconds? The National Football League generates millions and millions in revenue, clobbers everything in the television ratings and is a national obsession. The NFL brags about its drug-testing program and, while they catch a few players from time to time, the inference is that the majority of the players are clean. Yep, that’s probably true. Those offensive linemen are bulking up to 335 pounds on good diet and weight lifting. Sure they are. Instead of dealing with the issue, they would rather look the other way.
The same is true in the dairy genetics marketplace. Instead of addressing this issue, many in the industry would rather sweep it under the carpet and not discuss it. Here at The Bullvine we have written many articles on marketing ethics (Read more: Dairy Cattle Marketing Ethics – Do they exist? and Business Ethics and Marketing Dairy Cattle Genetics), and for the most part the A.I. companies, those who make the most money from these practices, have decided to bury their heads in the sand, not wanting to buck the system. That is because they are the ones making the most money from this and yet not the ones actually committing the crime. Similar to how the owners of the baseball, hockey, soccer, and football teams are trying to pin the issue of drugs in professional sports solely on the athletes. If they really wanted to clean up the game, they could do so, since they are the ones controlling the most important part in this equation. The money.
Are we doing enough?
One of the big knocks on sports like Hockey and Football is that you never hear about any players actually being caught for the use of illegal drugs. The same is true for the show ring. You never hear about a cow failing a test, as we recently did in the beef industry (Read more: Stampede steer champion disqualified after drug test). While some would tell you that is because there are none, those in the ring and the barns know that is not the case. At least the shows are doing something. What are the photography and seed stock industries doing?
The Bullvine Bottom Line
While certainly everyone loves to talk about what show cows are fixed and which ones are not, the bigger issue for me is that of the seed stock industry. Yes genomics has helped eliminate some of the hothouse cattle but it certainly has not changed the way many of these top cattle are cared for (Read more: Preferential Treatment – The Bull Proof Killer) and how they are marketed. So the answer to the drug question boils down to this. Until changes are made in these areas the dairy genetics industry will continue to have a problem!!!
Looking for a way to stand out from your classmates? Want to pad your resume and learn the inside story of the dairy industry? The Bullvine is now accepting applications for students interested in Ag communications to cover dairy cattle shows, sales and learn how to blog, write articles and provide social media coverage throughout the fall.
The Bullvine has taken the dairy publishing world by storm. In under a year we have grown to the largest engaged audience in the world. Leveraging the power of the digital world, this internship opportunity will give you the opportunity to get the head start in the competitive job market.
Selected applicants will attend and cover industry events in their region and will assist in taking photos, writing captions, stories, blogs, and providing social media coverage of those events. Applicants who exceed expectations will have the opportunity to earn an all-expense paid trip to one or more national shows.
Students are required to have some foundation knowledge of a camera, video camera, audio recorder, and need to be willing to learn basic photo, blog, and website software. Writing and social media experience is preferred. Some pre-event training will be provided (9 classes in such areas as social media marketing, web page development and optimization, Smarketing, Email Marketing and content development), but most intern experience will be gained on the job – cause hands on is the best way to learn. The ideal candidate will excel working independently and have great communication skills. PLEASE NOTE: This opportunity is open to anyone in the world. Do not need to be located in Ontario.
Do you have what it takes to be the best? Here is your chance to join the team that is on the cutting edge of all things dairy. Click here to submit your application
Now there is a question that you will get many different answers to. From your die hard show supporters that believe the earth revolves around the show ring, to your commercial producers that would tell you there could be nothing further from what really matters. Everyone has an opinion. The question becomes, ”Who is right?” For me personally this question comes up as I prepare to head out to the Ontario Summer Show and then on to the International Intrigue Sale at Ferme Blondin on Saturday. On the one hand, I am questioning if this is really that important to 99% of the breeders out there? And beyond that, how much will the results of this show and the sale affect the dairy industry?
I wonder will the Grand Champion of the show really have any genetic effect on the rest of the industry?
Probably not. For example, take a look at last year’s World Dairy Expo and Royal Winter Fair Grand Champion, RF Goldwyn Hailey. Are her genetics setting the breed on fire? NO.
RF GOLDWYN HAILEY EX-97-2E-CAN GRAND ROYAL 2012 GRAND MADISON 2012
So then if it’s not from the genetic advancement standpoint, what is it that’s important about dairy cattle shows?
Will the standard from the show ring become the new standard for type classification? No. In many cases type classification and show ring evaluation could not be farther apart (Read more: Over-Scored and Over-Rated). Therefore, it’s not the show ring that is setting the standard for which all other cows will be measured.
So then what is it that has so many breeders excited about showing?
Could it be the thrill of competition? There is no doubt that as a society we put our great athletes on pedestals and maybe the show cows are just like the great athletes, whom we idolize so much. Just as in every day society, the vast majority of us could not name the top executives at the world’s Fortune 100 companies, many breeders could not tell you the top ten gTPI or gLPI females in the breed. HOWEVER … we all can tell you our favorite show cow. And just like we have Green Bay Packer, Montreal Canadians or Toronto Blue Jays fans who would die for their team, there are fans of the many great show cows that would scorn anyone who says anything negative about them.
I think another great thing about shows is the way they bring everyone together. Whether you love showing cows or not, pretty much all breeders are passionate about dairy cattle. Anytime you can get this number of people together who are passionate about the same thing, you are sure to have a good time. There is no question that dairy breeders are very passionate about what they do. You certainly cannot say you got into dairy farming for the money, because there are much greater opportunities to make money in other industries. However, you certainly will be hard pressed to find a greater community where everyone shares the same passion as they do in the dairy industry.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Is the show ring the center of the dairy world? Probably not. But is it the perfect opportunity to see amazing cattle and talk with fellow breeders about what is great about this industry? Yes. I love to show…I love going to shows…..I love looking at great show cows…..most importantly I love talking with dairy breeders about cows. All of these things happen at a show. So for me, the answer is “Yes!” For that day, that show is definitely the center of the dairy industry!
“Warning: Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13. Article intended for readers ages 14 and older. May contain strong violence and strong profanity, and depictions of sexual activity as long as they are within the context of the story.”
Were you one of those guys who wouldn’t shower after gym class because of embarrassment? Pretty much since birth, most men are engrained with an infatuation with size. For many their very manhood is measured by size. Most men live in constant fear that their manhood is not big enough. Well I have great news for you Women don’t care.
The same is true for your dairy cattle breeding program. For years, many dairy breeders put excessive emphasis on size. Maybe it was because of the show ring and it is the easiest comparison to judge. Fortunately, the show ring now places less emphasis on size (although not totally gone). More importantly, I have had many conversations with forward thinking breeders who are actually starting to put a negative emphasis on size.
Quality over Quantity
Having a bigger organ doesn’t hurt. Having a bigger cow can actually cause you and your cow pain. Many cows are getting too big for their environments. Cows are not fitting comfortably into their stalls and this is causing both free stall and tie stall breeders to have to modify their environments. The old theory that a bigger cow produces more milk is actually incorrect. When looking at the top 10 gTPI sires in the world, we see that their average estimated breeding value for stature is 1.80 and 1580 lbs. of milk. The top 10 proven production sires average 1.45 for stature and 2757 for lbs. of milk. Yet the top 10 proven PTAT sires have an average stature score of 3.78 and 112 lbs. of milk. This clearly demonstrates that bigger is not always better when it comes to milk production.
With that in mind, the Bullvine decided to look at the top overall production sires in the world and put an actual negative weight on size. We developed the Bullvine Efficiency Index (BEI). (Read more: 30 Sires that will produce Feed Efficient Cows) The formula is as follows:
BEI = Production (45%) + Durability (35%) + Health & Fertility (25%)
Production = 30 Fat Yield + 50 Protein Yield + 10 Fat% + 10 Protein%
Durability = 17 Herd Life + 42 Mammary System + 25 Feet & Legs – 8 Body Depth – 8 Stature
Milk Yield is not included, as it contributes to more udder strain and added milk haulage or on-farm water removal costs.
The negative weightings on Body Depth and Stature reflect that larger cows require extra feed to grow to that size and to maintain that larger size each day compared to cows of more moderate size.
Also for the purpose of this article the sires could not be higher than a 5 for combined Stature and Body Depth.
The following is what we found.
Proven Sires:
Name
Milk
Fat
Prot
SCS
Conf
Stature
Body Depth
DE-SU OBSERVER-ET
2336
91
83
2.71
12
-2
-4
BADGER-BLUFF FANNY FREDDIE
1717
66
59
2.74
5
-3
-6
DE-SU CIMARRON-ET
2895
99
88
2.69
10
0
0
LONG-LANGS OMAN OMAN
1490
83
82
3.11
12
6
-2
DE-SU HISTORY-ET
2083
101
81
2.72
8
0
2
MORNINGVIEW LEVI
1321
86
74
2.57
3
0
-3
DE-SU ALTAGOALMAN-ET
2856
107
89
2.77
3
-2
-3
CO-OP BOSSIDE MASSEY-ET
1151
75
66
2.52
6
0
0
ENSENADA TABOO PLANET
2497
89
82
2.88
8
-6
1
WELCOME BOL LATHAM-ET
1797
78
81
2.94
7
2
2
KINGS-RANSOM B RUBLE
3078
87
92
2.98
7
-2
-2
Genomic Sires:
Name
Milk
Fat
Prot
SCS
Conf
Stature
Body Depth
DE-SU MUCHO 11209-ET
1319
102
85
2.63
9
2
0
MR CHARTROI ELOQUENT-ET
1740
106
86
2.79
12
3
1
PARILE LOCARNO
1774
86
84
2.67
12
2
-3
SANDY-VALLEY PANAMA-ET
1841
108
74
2.49
11
-1
-2
BUTZ-HILL LETTERS-ET
1999
86
85
2.71
10
-2
-1
DE-SU THUNDER-ET
1339
100
60
2.63
16
4
-2
WELCOME ARMITAGE PESKY-ET
1088
101
71
2.72
9
4
-5
DE-SU PHOENIX 588-ET
2659
113
95
2.76
8
-1
-3
DE-SU SKYMONT 11195-ET
1631
94
74
2.74
12
-1
-3
CHAMPION ALTABOOKEL
1963
94
79
2.81
15
-1
-1
The Bullvine Bottom Line
In a world of supersize cars, jobs, meals, and just about everything else, it’s hard to stop thinking that bigger is actually better for everything. Unfortunately, after years of locker-room comparisons, the go-to source of pride or shame seems to put the emphasis on size. The same has been true in many breeding programs. It’s time to stop thinking about size and start thinking about efficiency. As they say, “It’s not the size that matters, it’s how you use it”.
The dairy industry is not a large one. It’s also an industry that loves gossip, controversy, and the latest rumor. So when you do something stupid it does not take long for word to get around. And that was before there was social media. That is why I find it so surprising that some breeders don’t realize that the dairy industry is a pretty small pond and that the ripples reach from edge to edge.
I have had the pleasure of knowing many different characters in the industry. Some of them carried a reputation that was much larger than life yet, when you got to know them, they were actually pretty good people. Then there are others who would tell you to your face how good they are or how “honest” they are and then turn and stab you in the back the second you weren`t looking. The challenge is that sometimes it’s hard to tell which one is which.
Whether it’s someone who loves to party hard and be the life and soul of the party, or how you conduct yourself in business, the number one thing you have is your name. Once tarnished, it takes years to rebuild. In the dairy industry there really is no difference between your personal and professional brand. Many young people try to think that they can do crazy things and it will not affect them later in life. The thing is, the industry is too small for that. There are many very talented young people that have kissed away potentially great careers in the dairy industry by the stupid things they did in college or university. There are also those that have taken years to regain the trust of others.
Social media has taken word of mouth and put it on steroids. What used to take weeks or even months to spread through the dairy industry, now takes just minutes online. There is a new reality in the dairy industry. It’s no longer what you say and do to manage your brand or good name that matters. It’s what others are saying about you online. From our smartphones to our tablets and computers, to interacting with family, friends, colleagues and customers, our lives – and thus our reputations – exist online.
It may sound funny but it’s true. Since starting the Bullvine I have seen it many times. Breeders getting ripped apart by other members of the community on Facebook and other places and they don’t even realize that it’s happening. But thanks to things like Facebook news feeds and Twitter streams, thousands of other members of the dairy industry do see it. It may be as simple as someone being very critical of a cow or bull. Other times it can be a blatant attack on someone’s character. However, since the victims are not on these different social media platforms, they are not there to defend themselves. Moreover, others that are reading these comments assume they`re the truth.
Another area where I have seen an extreme effect is dairy cattle livestock photography. No group as a whole has been more ripped apart in social media. While many of them have avoided Facebook as much as possible, it has not stopped breeders from expressing their opinions. It was the barrage on photographers that led us to develop the Dairy Marketing Code of Conduct, in order to help rebuild their reputations.(Read more: Introducing the Dairy Cattle Marketing Code of Conduct and Dairy Cattle Marketing Code of Conduct)
Now we have all been there, where someone misrepresented what they were selling or we felt that we got the raw deal in a purchase agreement. There have been some very legendary breeders that have been able to keep things like this under wraps. But in today’s social world, things like this can go from known by one or two people to known by thousands in a moment’s notice. That is why in today’s industry you have to conduct yourself above board 100% of the time. Otherwise all it takes is a few comments on places like Facebook, before the whole world knows your true character.
Every day more and more breeders are getting on Facebook. Breeders of all ages are enjoying the many benefits of connecting with breeders from around the world. If you want to market your cattle to the world, there is no greater more cost effective platform than Facebook. It’s no longer optional. It’s mandatory. But that is just the first step. You also need to become an active member of the conversation. Not just promoting only what you want to sell, (which kills your reputation), but also joining the conversation and developing friendships and a strong online reputation. It’s funny how some breeder’s true colors come out online. The ones that care about building community and helping others find that their posts get promoted like wildfire. While others, who are just in it to suck money out of others, find that they get very little response to their posts. Inevitably, t building a credible reputation online and forming real and lasting relationships with people, pays off in substantial ways, when you find yourself the center of negative online attention.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
In the dairy industry many breeders talk a lot about their name and their reputation. The thing is sometimes they don’t understand the difference between how they perceive themselves and how others perceive them. It’s not what you say that builds your reputation. It’s what you do. The key thing is to understand that when you make good decisions and stand behind what you say, especially when it’s difficult, your name, who you are, and what you stand for becomes something everyone can trust. Because, when we leave this earth, your good name is all you really have.
Success isn’t sexy. It’s all about doing the basics the best you can with passion and consistency. Not one of the uber-successful people I have ever worked with got there without outworking everyone around them. The old line remains true “The harder you work, the luckier you get.” The dairy industry is no different from that of any other. Yes there is a lot of work involved in farming, but to be a successful dairy breeder you need to work hard and be persistent.
Too often we see herds that seem to capture all the headlines and own all the super star cattle and think, “Man, life must be easy for them!” The thing that many don’t realize is that behind all the flash and cash there is a lot of hard work.
Dairy Cattle Breeding Is Not a Popularity Contest
The herds that I have seen that have the greatest consistency from animal to animal, and generation to generation, don’t always use the most popular sires, or only the bulls from the top of the lists. They take the time to really look for what their breeding program needs and more accurately, exactly what that particular animal needs in order to be improved for the next generation. Does that mean they have to be great evaluators of cattle? No. Sure it helps. But you can also use tools such as type classification and genomics to assist with this. (Read more: Dairy Cattle Genomics and Dairy Cattle Breeding Recommendations) What it really means is that you take the time to figure out what your definition of success is and then work at achieving it.
Sweat the details
Dairy cattle breeding is not rocket science. While I am not saying it is easy to breed the next great one, what I am saying is that it is as much about hard work as anything else. The reason you see many of these herds consistently breeding great cattle, is because the take the time to sweat the small stuff. They take the time to think about each matting and consider just what sire will provide the greatest result. From how they run their close-up program to every one of their transition programs, uber successful breeders take the time to sweat the details.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Sure we would all love to be rock stars in the dairy industry. But it isn’t going to happen overnight. It takes time and effort to achieve success. There is no doubt in the dairy industry that the harder you work the luckier you get. There is no instant gratification in the dairy breeding industry, it takes hard work and persistence in order to achieve success. The sexy part comes at the end of the road not at the beginning.
Here is an idea that I am sure will shock many of the people who read The Bullvine. I don’t care if you like me. I really don’t. I actually think it’s better if you don’t like me. That tells me that I am achieving my ultimate goal. You see. We didn’t start The Bullvine to become liked by everyone, or to be the most popular people in the dairy industry. We started The Bullvine to provide some leadership in a time of uncertainty. Besides being a leader isn’t about being liked. It’s about doing what’s right.
So many leaders in the dairy industry are afraid of conflict. They hide from it. They have this deep-seated need to be popular and admired. They hate ruffling feathers and making waves. In reality they are insecure and not comfortable living in their own skin. Great leaders are different than that. They fearlessly make tough calls. They speak the truth as they see it. They run their own race, making the right decisions and worrying little about public opinion. They are courage in action.
It wasn’t easy. The right thing to do is generally the hardest thing to do. Sure we could have taken the easy route. But isn’t that what led us to these issues in the first place. Cattle photographers doing what is easy instead of what is right? Sure we can add topline hair and tails back in Photoshop. But where do you draw the line. When does that become no longer respecting the craft that you love so much? I often see photographers these days not making sure that they get the lighting correct. “We can just touch it up in Photoshop later”. Being a leader is not about doing what is easy. It’s about doing what is hard, when you know it is the right thing to do.
The same can be said about breeding ethics. Sure you can cheat the age of a calf or sneak a few extra pounds in on a milk test. But where is your integrity? Integrity is what you do when no one is watching. It’s doing the right thing all the time. Not because it’s the easy thing to do. Not because it’s the most popular thing to do. It’s because it’s the right thing to do.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
When you lead from a position of truth, justice and fairness you’ll have your critics. I once heard this quote and it rings true for us here at The Bullvine, “Great people build monuments from the stones that their critics throw at them”. If we listened to all the critics that say what we’re am doing is wrong, we would never bring about change in the industry. And that is not the reason we started The Bullvine. We started The Bullvine to lead from the front. We won’t hide behind the lines.
All roads lead to Webberville, Michigan, or at least they did yesterday. The Ri-Val-Re Select Sale achieved an outstanding average of $25,910 on 68 lots. Starting on Friday night the Jorgensen family, led by Jerry, had great food and live music to entertain the many friends and breeders in attendance. All agreed that the Jorgensen’s hosted an outstanding event.
The Jorgensen Family
Topping the sale was Ri-Val-Re Num Uno Nady, the #6 GTPI Heifer in the breed. With a gTPI of +2645, gLPI of +3438 and an outstanding NM$ of 978, Nady numbers well on both sides of the border. This correct, dairy black calf sold for $280,000.
Ri-Val-Re Num Uno Nady – Sold for $280,000 (Lot 13)
The 2nd highest seller was Bomaz Numero Uno 5904 *PC *TL *TD. With an outstanding polled pedigree 5904 will make future polled progeny that are over +2500 gTPI. No wonder she commanded an outstanding price of $215,000.
Lot 63 Swampy-Hollow Hope gTPI +2537, sold for $75,000
Lot 14 RI-VAL-RE NUM UNO BEE Elite NM$ and GTPI!! Sold for $60,000
In Jerry’s typical outside the box thinking, the Jorgensen’s also offered some great opportunities. Not only could you get in on some top polled, gTPI and R&W animals, but they also sold two packages (animals and their embryos) that would give their purchasers a great chance to hit the ground running. The top package was Lot 1 RI-VAL-RE BOOKEM ROSEY P!ET *RC *PO who sold with 30 guaranteed pregnancies for $315,000 . The 2nd package was Mapelwood Epic Giggle-Red the high index Epic from the variant red daughter from MORSAN MANOMAN FOOLS GOLD RED-VG-2yr and 8th Jr 2Yr Old R&W Royal Winter Fair 2012. Selling with Giggle was a guaranteed 40 pregnancies from eight different sires. This package sold for $270,000.
The rest of the story:
Lot 34 $22,000 first choice of Cashcoin or Long-P female out of Ri-Val Re Bookem Hero-ET
Lot 20 $5,000 Ri-Val-Re Super Nike-ET VG-85 Superstition with several sons in AI and a daughter that sold last fall for $150,000. Open and ready to flush.
Lot 19 $5,300 Ri-Val-Re MOM Elegance-ET, a VG-85 Man-O-Man with a +2217 GTPI. With several generations of VG and EX she goes back to Peckenstein Elton Nikki
Lot 49 $4,100 Triplecrown SS Ada-ET RC goes back to the Apple Family.
Lot 7 $25,000 Josey-LLC Latimer Star-ET RC TL TD +2396 GTPI Number 1 GTPI Lattimer in the breed
Lot 8 $35,000 Choice of 2 Parker heifers from Stamp Farms
Lot 9 $31,500 MS Koenen Ladd P5715-RED-ET top GTPI for her age group from the Roxy Family, homozygous Polled.
Lot 6 $13,000 Ri-Val Re Ehrt Diamond-P-ET PO TL TD a March Earnhardt ranks in the top 15 GTPI of polled females.
Lot 3 $38,000 Ri-Val-Re The Best P Red-ET PO TL TD number 1 GTPI and NM$ R &W polled female in the breed.
Lot 4 $215,000 Bomaz Numero Uno 5904-ET PC TL TD Number 3 PO GTPI heifer in the breed +2365 GTPI
Lot 2 $270,000 A package of 40 pregs out of Mapel Wood Epic Giggle-Red ETS by Cashcoin, Tango, Jackman, Morgan, Willpower, Jacey, Skyline, and Doorman.
Lot 10 $43,000 Eldon Tweed SAJ Tano-ET +2491 GTPI number 1 Sajac
Lot 24 $2,600 a Mogul out of Goldwyn Nadine
Lot 22 $3,200 A January McCutchen out of Nadine
Lot 26 $2,200 a polled March Dolo out of Nadine
Lot 25 $3,600 a polled Earnhardt out of Nadine
Lot 29 $3,000 a Lithium out of Observer Nikki
Lot 30 $2,700 a Lithium out of Nikki
Lot 31$2,000 A Lithium out of Nikki
Lot 16 $30,000 Ri-Val-Re Super Nadine herself!
Lot 17 $31,000 a Supersire out of Nikki +2448 GTPI
Lot 54 $16,000 Ri-Val-Re Respect PP-ET RC an April Earnhardt
Lot 18 $13,000
Lot 28 $15,500 +2275 GTPI the only Snowman from Nikki to sell
Lot 12 $35,000 Sonray-Acres MC DI-ET TL TD a +2506 GTPI McCutchen out of Sonray Acres Soc Observer VI
Lot 11 $30,000 +2494 GTPI McCutchen out of Sonray Acres Soc Observer VI
There have been many great dairy breeding partnerships in the history of the dairy breed. On the top of that list many would place Pete Heffering and Ken Trevena (Read more: Hanover Hill Holsteins). However, one partnership I think many forget about is the one they have with their wife or husband. On most dairy farms and in every marriage the most important partnership in the world is the one with the spouse.
When was the last time you thought of your wife or husband as your “partner”? Dictionary.com defines partnership as, “the state or condition of being a partner (Partner: a person who shares or is associated with another in some action or endeavor; sharer; associate.); participation; association; joint interest. Most often we think of partnership when we think of business or law. But the idea of a partnership is also applicable to our marriages. Today I celebrate my seventh wedding anniversary and it very much has me thinking deeply about how much my wife, Zosia, is the perfect partner for me.
I know a lot of people don’t bother to mark every anniversary and holidays such as Valentine’s day sometimes get bad press with the cynics protesting that if couples are truly in love then this should be reflected in their daily lives rather than requiring a special holiday to remind them to tell each other how much they mean to each other. But for me, since my wife deals with my BS every other day of the year, the least I can do is express how I feel about her on this special day.
While I try to show my wife how much I appreciate her every day, let’s face it, with the pressures of modern life, it is difficult to maintain the initial flush of romance on an ongoing, long term basis. After 7 years of being with the same person a much of the mystery is gone, you have fewer “firsts” to look forward to and you will have had to deal with times of difficulty and hardship together as this is a part of life.
In many ways my wife and I could not be more opposite. We kid that if we had met in high school we would have hated each other. I was the jock who skipped class and loved to party. She was the nerd who even asked the teachers for permission to skip school on national skip day. However, as we matured (mostly me, Zosia was already pretty mature) we changed and now have become the perfect complement for each other and ready to take on life’s challenges.
Over the past week I have had the amazing opportunity to go back to where we got married and take some time off to spend with my wife. Awesome. It re-energized me to take on the world. But I must admit, as I watch our extremely energetic and defiant kids run around, I sometime tease my wife that she must have falsely advertised her genetics, After all, I chose her partly due to her ability to corrective mate those faults out of our children. That’s the joking part. (Read more: How I Used Everything I Know About Animal Breeding to Choose My Wife). Seriously, I could not be more proud of her and the family that we have started.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
I can tell you all, that without a very supportive and understanding wife, The Bullvine would have never existed. A fully supportive, loving, trusting wife who will be honest and speak her mind but who will also stand with her husband to the very end frees a man up to do with all his heart that which he desires to achieve. Zosia does just that for me. While she may not be a cattle breeding expert, or even from a dairy farm, nevertheless she loves me and supports me in all the weird and wacky things that I do. For that I can only quote Elvis and say to Zosia, “Love me tender, Love me true, all my dreams fulfilled. For my darlin’ I love you, And I always will.”
I get it! Change freaks some people out. Even though “Change” is a broad term it affects our lives in many specific ways. Our brains expect certain things to stay the same. The old saying might be right, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks!” But we are not talking about dogs, we are talking about the dairy industry and things are changing – rapidly! As Winston Churchill said “To improve is to change. To be perfect is to change often.” In order to excel in the dairy industry, you cannot be afraid of change, but rather must embrace change.
The dairy breeding industry is going through the most tumultuous time in its history. Between genomics and IVF the industry has been turned on its head, flipped over and slapped on its butt. As if that wasn’t enough, all of these changes have started a chain reaction of even more changes. However, as Niebuhr once said “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Many breeders would rather fight than switch. . They are unwilling to accept the fact that even if they refuse to change, the industry around them has changed and is moving on.
Genomics is a game changer
Now I am not saying you have to run out and use all the hottest genomic sires, and start IVF’ing all your top cattle. What I am saying is that you need to take the time to look at what is going on around you and plan how that is going to affect your dairy breeding program. This all starts by knowing your goals. If your goal is to have a Master Breeder herd, or make money selling young stock then yes you best start to embrace these changes.
I know there are many that would tell me that becoming a Master Breeder herd has nothing to do with the use of genomics. However, I would beg to differ. You see many are still confused about exactly what genomics is. Genomics is the technology that allows you to accurately predict what a sire’s (or heifer’s) breeding ability will be (Read more: How much can you trust Genomic Young Sires? and The Truth About Genomics Indexes – Show me they work! ). IT IS NOT AN INDEX. It is a TOOL and that is the message that I wish more would understand. You can use genomics to breed a great show cow. It’s not just for top index animals (Read more: Does Genomics Belong in The Show Ring?). I think if more people took the time to understand this single difference, they would start to use genomics effectively. You can use it to do type mattings all the time, and in fact, it can be very good at helping you do it.
IVF is a game breaker
The technology that I really think is changing the game for those who are looking to make money selling genetics is IVF (Read more: IVF: Boom or Bust for the Dairy Industry). IVF has given breeders the ability to cross their top animals to a greater number of sires and produce many more progeny. The problem this causes is that now there is an abundance of supply in the marketplace. With greater supply at the top end and not having an equally greater demand, the prices for all sectors in the marketplace are forced downward. In the past, when embryo exporters were looking to fill orders, they were held to a threshold of +2500 LPI or +1,900 TPI. Now since there is so much more supply at the top end, their threshold has risen to +3,200 LPI or +2,500 TPI. Have a look at our recent analysis of the public auction of live cattle. You will see that the very top cattle draw the high prices and then the prices drop significantly. (Read more: Who Killed the Market for Good Dairy Cattle?) This produces mixed emotions for me. The breeder in me that sees the potential to get so many more progeny from different sires from my top animals. But then there is the business man in me that sees that due to the massive influx of animals from the top few animals, there is less market for the rest. Recently I have also become concerned that it is making breeders lazy. They don’t work as hard to decide what sires to cross cows on since the only people who are really making money at this are the companies selling the service, as opposed to the breeders that are using the service.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
The key lesson here is that if you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. Instead of being afraid of genomics and fearing the change it’s making, take the time to see how it can actually help you achieve your personal breeding goals. I am definitely not saying change your breeding goals. I am saying that you should consider how this new tool can actually help you achieve them. If you don’t like something, change it. If you cannot change it, change your attitude.
Not sure what all this hype about genomics is all about?
Want to learn what it is and what it means to your breeding program?
Recently we have come under attack for opinions expressed on our different social media platforms. Some readers have felt that other reader’s opinions should not be expressed. For us that is completely OPPOSITE to what we believe in. We believe that everyone should have the right to express their own opinion. We not only believe in it, we encourage it!
Then there are the daily conversations that we have on the different social media platforms. Instead of locking down what is being said, or worrying about the legal ramifications of comments made by breeders, we have actually encouraged dairy breeders to express their opinion. Our number #1 goal here at The Bullvine is not to control the industry like some other publications try to do. Our goal is to make breeders think and to get breeders talking. Yes we want to know your opinion. Yes we want you to feel you have the right to express it … Even if we don’t agree with it.
Bring It On!
An interesting thing has happened over the past few months. The Bullvine has gone from the hunter to the hunted. When we first started The Bullvine we were the hunter. We were the ones gunning for the bigger publications with the larger readerships. But now that has all changed. We are now the ones with the largest daily digital dairy readership and we find ourselves in the cross hairs. We listen. We learn. We share. Now everybody is shooting for The Bullvine and that’s just the way we like it.
Our very first post on The Bullvine clearly laid out how we were going to be different and how we thought others were missing the boat (Read more: Twice The Bull – Half the S**T). But we didn’t stop there. We continued to highlight things we felt relevant along the way. Including how other dairy magazines are old school (Read more: How Social Media Is Changing the Holstein World) and how our readership is more engaged and larger than the others (Read more: The Fakebook – Our Secret Is Exposed). So it’s only fair that when the others start gunning for us that we accept and deal with it.
Gandhi once said “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win!” A pattern we have seen perfectly since starting The Bullvine. When we first started many ignored us. After a little while they started to laugh at us. And now more recently they have started to fight us. We surmise that we are starting to take the next step. (Read more: I’m Sorry But I’ve Had Just About Enough Of….)
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Who are we to be very opinionated and then not let others express their opinion? If we tried to control what others say, it would make us hypocrites. What makes the dairy industry so amazing is that everyone is so passionate about what we do, and we all have our own opinion. So please share your opinion. What issues would YOU like to target? Take aim. It’s good for all of us.
Sometimes life is going to hit you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith. You have to find what you love to do because, whatever you do, your work is going to fill a large part of your life. Dairy farming is not the most lucrative work. You have to love it in order to excel at it. The only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the way to do great work is to do what you love. Dairy farming for many is great work, and that is why so many dairy farmers love what they do.
Dancing Among the Stars
This past week the dairy industry suddenly lost a great member. Mike Rakes had worked in the A.I. industry for 33 years with World Wide Sires (Read more: Mike Rakes of World Wide Sires Passes). On Monday of this week Mike suffered a massive heart attack and died on the operating table. Although, during the last 12 years, he battled one kind of cancer after another he never let that slow him down. Just 3 weeks ago Mike’s daughter Brilynn, who is legally blind, had been featured on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. She’s an award-winning classical ballerina and contemporary dancer from Visalia. She was just accepted at Fordham University in New York City.
It was Mike who has been one of the greatest supporters of Brilynn in overcoming her challenge. “When I was six, my dad told me I could do that,” she said during an interview with Access Hollywood. He spoke to each of his four daughters before he went into surgery at Kaweah Delta Medical Center. “He was joking up until the end,” she said. “He loved his girls,” she said. “He wanted to make sure Brilynn went to college. He was just concerned for everyone else.”
All of us who have had similar health challenges can very much relate to Mike’s situation. Mike loved what he did and loved his family very much. His work took him on 19 overseas trips last year alone. In his interview with the producers of Dancing with the Stars Mike said “I’m a very high output guy. Small issues or concerns of health never worry me,” he said. “Doctors shake their heads at me and say keep doing what you’re doing.” “I’m fine, but I am a miracle,” he said. “I don’t worry about anything. I defy the odds.” The producers wanted to include some of the above interview in their story about Brilynn being featured on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, but he would have none of that. It was Brilynn’s time to shine, he said.
Mike loved what he did. In an interview with his father Jerry, Jerry said “his goal was to feed the world.” “India used to depend on us for food, but now they produce their own milk because of people like Mike.”
Lessons from Steve Jobs
In his 2005 commencement speech at Stanford Steve Job’s said, “If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you will most certainly be right. Each day you need to look in the mirror and ask yourself if today where the last day of your life, would you want to do what you are about to do today? If the answer comes back no with any regularity, something needs to change. Remembering that we are all going to die at some point, means that you need to live life to the fullest.
All of life’s toughest decisions are that much easier when you remember only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the only way to avoid the trap of thinking that you have something to lose. So follow your heart and these decisions will become much easier.
Job’s went on to say that no one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven, don’t want to die in order to get there. And yet death is the destination that we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is the way it should be. Because death is very likely the very best invention of life. It’s life’s change agent. It clears out the old to make room for the new.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Your time is limited. So don’t waste it living someone else’s life. If dairy farming is not your dream don’t do it. But if it is, do so with all the passion in the world. Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. While there are always people who want to tell you what you should do or give you “advice”, remember to listen to your own inner voice. Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition, they somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.
There are those in this industry that would have someone crucified for the littlest mistake. They seem to never forget the wrongs people have done and yet can’t remember the good things they have done as well. While I totally understand the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a good first impression,” I also think of what Mahatma Gandhi said, “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
Since starting the Bullvine we have always tried to profile breeders who were “doing it right.” By that we mean breeders who were trying to do the best they could. Breeders who were trying new things such as using social media to market their cows, or individuals who have faced great adversity to achieve outstanding success. More recently some of our selections for whom to profile has come under attack by profiling some individuals with a colored past. To answer that I come back to being strong enough to forgive. People do make mistakes and I think they should be punished. But they should be forgiven and given the opportunity for a second chance. There’s nothing as exciting as a comeback – seeing someone with dreams, watching them fail, and then getting a second chance. We are human beings. When you forgive, you in no way change the past – but rather you work at changing the future.
Sex, Religion and Politics – Three of our favorite things
Now it may seem I have gone all religious on you here, which is something the Bullvine may have stayed clear of in the past. I do understand those three things they tell you never to write about: Sex, Religion and Politics. Well since starting the Bullvine we have already talked about Sex and Politics, so why leave religion out of it?
Today marks Good Friday, the religious holiday celebrated by Christians around the world commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In this holy week, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the forgiveness of our sins. That is correct. It’s at this time God gave his only Son to forgive or sins.
Now before I offend those who are not Christian, remember that, most world religions include the teaching of forgiveness. Buddhism teaches that forgiveness is a practice for removing unhealthy emotions that would otherwise cause harm to our mental well-being. Judaism teaches that ideally a person who has caused harm, needs to sincerely apologize, then the wronged person is religiously bound to forgive. However, even without an apology, forgiveness is considered a pious act. In Islam the word Islam itself is derived from the Semitic word slm meaning “peace” and forgiveness is a prerequisite for genuine peace. No matter what religion you practice there is no question that forgiveness is a key part.
Let He Who Is Without Sin Cast the First Stone
Over the course of the past year there is no question we here at the Bullvine have tried to push the limits of traditional thinking. We have tried to bring awareness to issues and conversations that most would not touch with a ten-foot pole. Several times our tactics have come under fire by some as being to risqué or even stepping over that line. And I totally understand that.
What I ask for is forgiveness and understanding. Understanding that our intentions are good even if our execution sometimes lacks. Moreover, forgive us for those times when we do cross that line. Because sometimes when you walk that line, it’s hard to know when you have crossed over it.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
The weak never forgive. Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong. On this Good Friday it could be the perfect time to offer forgiveness to those who have done wrong?
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2013 World Dairy Expo and 2013 Royal Winter Fair Holstein Show Photo Books
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The Dairy Queen: A History of the Jersey Breed Worldwide
Prints by Emma Caldwell
Millionaires in the Cornfield: The Glory Days of the National Dairy Cattle Congress by Norman Nabholz.
Facebook Page for Their Farm
Prints by Bonnie Mohr
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Notes to the Topline Challenged and Moustache Fitters
