From a 16-cow tie-stall to international glory: How Cord Hormann built Wilcor Holsteins into Germany’s elite breeding program through vision and patience.
From a modest tie-stall barn to international show ring glory, Wilcor Holsteins has become Germany’s premier address for Holstein excellence. Under Cord Hormann’s leadership, this operation has proven that quality trumps quantity, building a reputation for exceptional animals like Grand Champion O Katy through patient development, deep cow families, and meticulous attention to detail.
Do you know what’s fascinating about success stories in the dairy world? They rarely happen overnight. I’ve been following the story of Wilcor Holsteins for a while now, and honestly, their meteoric rise in the elite Holstein breeding scene is nothing short of impressive. I wasn’t surprised when O Katy captured Grand Champion at the prestigious 51st Schau der Besten earlier this year. If you’d been in that exhibition hall, you’d have felt the electric tension as the judge slapped her rump – that universal signal announcing her victory. But here’s the thing: that moment wasn’t just about a beautiful cow. It represented years of vision, patient breeding decisions, and the relentless dedication of one man – Cord Hormann.
Early Passion: Where the Holstein Journey Began
So, where did it all begin for Cord? Like many great breeders, his story starts with childhood fascination. “My father was and still is quite interested in the Holstein breed,” Cord told me. Growing up on a modest farm with just 16 cows in a tie-stall barn, he cut his teeth on breed magazines and showed his first 4-H calf at just 10 years old. Can you imagine the spark that must have ignited for that young boy?
The magic happened when he started accompanying his dad to the Schau der Besten Show each February. “It was magical when I could join my dad the afternoon before the show and see those great cows there sired by bulls like Blackstar, Chief Mark, Aerostar,” Cord recalls. “I guess that lit the fire.” Don’t you love how certain moments in our childhood can shape our entire future?
Golden-Oaks Black Ivy EX-92 (94 MS) displays the exceptional dairy strength, silky bone quality, and mammary excellence that exemplifies today’s ideal Holstein show cow. This impressive Diamondback daughter out of Pamprd-Acres AB Ivy Red EX-94 commands attention in the show ring with her balanced frame, deep body, and remarkable udder attachment. Her poised presentation before a captivated audience demonstrates the kind of quality that breeders like Cord Hormann of Wilcor Holsteins recognize and pursue in their breeding programs. With her impressive classification scores and show ring presence, Black Ivy represents the type of deep cow family genetics that Cord emphasizes as essential for building a successful herd: “Never underestimate the strength of great cow families.”
From Germany to North America: Developing the Breeder’s Eye
You might think Cord worked with show cattle during his high school exchange year in North America, but that’s a common misconception. He returned to Canada and the US afterward for several years, immersing himself in the fall show circuit at the World Dairy Expo and Royal Winter Fair. These experiences proved transformative. He witnessed legendary cows like Despointes James Sidney and Thrulane James Rose—animals that defined what we now consider the “modern kind” of Holstein.
Cord learned something crucial during this time that still shapes his approach today: “I realized that you don’t win anything on the pack but in the ring. And besides special appeal and cleanness of frame, the winners would have to be correct in their parts with great udders.” That distinction between flashy presence and functional conformation would become his breeding cornerstone.
Wilcor Atwood Nikita VG-86 2yr commands the spotlight in her new Austrian home, expertly presented amid dramatic fog and theatrical lighting at a prestigious European dairy showcase. This exemplary young Holstein displays the exceptional dairy character, balance, and udder quality that have become hallmarks of Cord Hormann’s breeding program. Her impressive VG-86 score as a two-year-old reflects Wilcor’s commitment to developing animals that combine show ring appeal with functional traits. Nikita represents another successful international ambassador for Wilcor Holsteins, demonstrating how German-bred genetics continue to make their mark across Europe’s competitive dairy landscape.
Building Wilcor: When Dreams Meet Reality
After finishing his education in 2009, Cord faced what every aspiring breeder does – the harsh reality of economics. “We hit a record-low milk price phase to start,” he explains. Talk about bad timing! They had to rent a barn nearby and focus on commercial viability before pursuing his genetic vision. Been there, right? Sometimes, our dreams have to take a backseat to practical realities.
What I find remarkable about Cord’s journey is how methodical he was about building excellence. After renting facilities from 2009 to 2020, he started making strategic genetic investments that would define Wilcor’s direction. The herd’s current statistics speak volumes: 12 Excellent, 14 Very Good, none scoring lower – impressive figures reflecting breeding choices and exceptional management. This strategic approach to genetics is a key lesson for aspiring breeders, highlighting the importance of planning and foresight in the breeding process.
“I began to invest in embryos from great families and also in a couple of show cows from France,” he says. But the game-changer? “The biggest hit genetically was, of course, the purchase of embryos from the well-known O’Kalibra.”
Creating the Perfect Environment: The Wilcor Facility
2019 marked a watershed moment when Cord began building a purpose-designed facility at the home farm. I’ve seen plenty of dairy barns, but Wilcor’s setup is unique. Imagine spacious stalls with deep, soft bedding, an open-sided design for constant fresh air circulation, and large windows flooding the interior with natural light. It’s like a five-star hotel for cows!
“Around 2015, I started to think about building a new barn on the home farm and creating a better and more suitable environment for high-profile cows and heifers,” he explains. “I traveled to the US to look at similar operations, and after many hours on paper, we finally started to build the new barn in 2019 for 25-30 milking cows and about 25 heifers plus calf housing. This step helped us move forward.”
Why This Matters: The environment Cord created allows his genetics to express their potential fully on just 70 hectares (35 owned, 35 rented). Wilcor demonstrates that excellence doesn’t require a massive scale – it’s about creating optimal conditions where quality genetics can thrive.
Supreme Champion Les Ponts Chief Elina EX-94 demonstrates her practical side in Wilcor’s milking parlor, proving why Cord Hormann describes her as “the epitome of an everyday cow.” Discovered in Switzerland in 2021, this exceptional female has risen from unshown potential to Grand & Supreme Champion at the German National Dairy Show while maintaining flawless production in the barn. Her consistent excellence—“she NEVER has a bad day”—exemplifies the Wilcor philosophy that champions are created through meticulous daily management rather than just show preparation. Currently nine months fresh and due in October to sexed Delta-Lambda, Elina continues to validate Cord’s eye for identifying elite genetics and his commitment to developing cows that excel both in the show ring and in everyday production.
Balancing Multiple Roles: The Working Professional
Most people don’t realize that Cord maintains this elite breeding program while working part-time (50%) in the AI industry. Can you believe that? That dual focus gives him a unique perspective on the Holstein world’s breeding and commercial aspects. It’s a testament to his dedication and time management skills, and it’s truly impressive to see how he manages to wear multiple hats and excel in both roles.
This balance between his AI industry role and breeding program gives Cord valuable insights into market trends and sire selection that inform his breeding decisions at Wilcor. It’s a synergy that has contributed significantly to his operation’s success.
Vertdor Dempsey Madison VG-88 3yr displays the exceptional dairy strength, open rib structure, and remarkable mammary system that exemplifies Cord Hormann’s breeding philosophy. After spotting her dam—Vertdor Lauthority Matrix EX-95—during Expo week in Madison, Cord invested in embryos that resulted in this impressive second-lactation female. Madison’s pedigree reads like a Holstein breeder’s dream: seven generations of VG or EX dams tracing back to the legendary Sunnylodge Prelude Spottie family. This strategic acquisition perfectly illustrates Cord’s emphasis on deep cow families: “Never underestimate the strength of great cow families.” Her continued development at Wilcor Holsteins demonstrates how thoughtful mating decisions and proper management can perpetuate excellence across generations.
The Wilcor Breeding Philosophy: Quality Over Quantity
What sets Wilcor apart in the competitive world of elite Holstein breeding? It’s Cord’s refreshingly straightforward approach. “My breeding philosophy is quite simple,” he says. I want balanced cows with a correct frame. They need to be dairy, track well, and have fantastic udders. But I need them to have an excellent pedigree and phenotype to maximize their profitability.”
You’ve probably noticed how breeding trends come and go. Cord has too. “I’m paying a little more attention to production over the last years,” he admits. “I’m not a fan of the tall, narrow, and knock-kneed combination, which has become an issue in recent years.” Don’t you love how he’s not afraid to buck trends that don’t make practical sense?
The O’Kalibra Factor: Building on Deep Cow Families
The O’Kalibra family has been the cornerstone of Wilcor’s success. What’s fascinating is that Cord invested in this family before O’Kalibra achieved her major victories – talk about foresight! “We were fortunate to get into that family before O’Kalibra herself had her biggest victories,” he notes. “We sold many calves and embryos over the years from that investment and still have our best cows from that family.”
This strategic investment in the O’Kalibra line demonstrates Cord’s commitment to deep cow families with proven genetic potential. Chief Mark’s influence in this family, known for transmitting strength and dairy character, provided an ideal foundation he could build through careful sire selection.
From Potential to Champion: The O Katy Story
Let me tell you about O Katy – she’s the perfect example of Wilcor’s development approach. From birth, she stood out with her exceptional length, clean bone quality, and that indefinable something special that makes great cows great. “O Katy was a stand-out heifer right from her birth,” Cord remembers. “When she was out on pasture as a bred heifer, you could spot her from far away and just tell that she is a special one.”
You know what I find fascinating? Cord doesn’t just focus on physical traits – he also pays close attention to temperament. “You can only be successful with cows with strong personalities,” he explains. “Both O’Katy and O’Kalotta are aggressive eaters and rather dominant cows in the barn. And they need to be relaxed when you work with them.” Isn’t that interesting? It’s like elite athletes – they need both physical talent AND the right mindset.
What Breeders Can Learn: Cord’s deliberate approach with O Katy shows the value of strategic patience. He decided not to flush her as a heifer, instead breeding her to calve in time for the German show season. Her development was carefully managed, and after her second calving, he implemented a specialized feeding regimen that still prioritized health. “I never completely leave the silage out of the show cow diet; they still get a small amount twice a day. They need to stay healthy.” This balanced approach to show preparation perfectly captures the Wilcor philosophy.
Beyond Breeding: Judging Excellence Worldwide
Did you know Cord joined the German Judging Panel at just 24 years old? Pretty impressive, right? Since then, he’s judged prestigious events internationally, establishing himself as a respected evaluator of Holstein cattle.
His judging philosophy mirrors his breeding approach: “For me, it is a combination of dairy strength, silkiness, style, the correctness of frame, and, of course, the mammary system. If you have a great cow with a phenomenal udder full of veins, is feminine and dairy yet shows enough strength, and tracks well, you know it is great.”
This consistent vision between his breeding program and judging standards has helped shape Wilcor’s development and Cord’s contributions to the broader Holstein community.
This extraordinary cow, sold as an embryo by Wilcor Holsteins to Panda Holsteins, continues to make waves in the dairy world. Fresh into her fifth lactation, she’s already produced over 60,000 kgs of milk and bred 8 VG-2Yr daughters, including 4 All-Britain Nominees. A Reserve All-Britain R&W Champion herself, she hails from the legendary Decrusaz Iron O’Kalibra EX-97, a two-time Swiss Expo Grand Champion and European Supreme Champion. Truly a legacy of excellence!
The Welcome to Wilcor Sale: Building a Market Legacy
And then there’s the “Welcome to Wilcor Sale” –a success story! Launched in 2022 with 60 lots, it’s grown to feature over 90 lots by 2024, attracting buyers from all over. What makes it unique isn’t just Wilcor’s genetics but Cord’s collaborations with breeders across Europe.
I love how he describes building this network: “It is just a network that built itself mainly by working at shows and sales throughout Europe over the last 20+ years. You have to make sure to attend those events to keep the personal contact.” That old-school approach to relationships is disappearing in our digital age.
Speaking of digital, Cord hasn’t shied away from embracing technology in marketing. “Sales through social media contact are common today,” he notes. “Online coverage at sales is a must; you can’t be competitive without those tools.” Adaptability – it’s what keeps the best breeders relevant.
The evolution of the sale reflects Cord’s strategic approach to market differentiation. “Many calves are offered during the year through different elite sales. You have to make sure that the offering is unique. Last year, I focused on offering a group of milking cows that was hard to find at another public sale.” Looking ahead, he’s already planning the next edition, which he promises will be “pretty special.”
The Man Behind the Breeding: Life Beyond the Barn
When he’s not in the barn or at cattle shows, what does Cord enjoy? I love this part of his story because it shows there’s more to life than cattle (hard to believe, I know!). He’s played soccer since he was 4 years old and still does today, though now in what he humorously calls “the Senior League… no practice anymore, only Friday night games followed by beer and German Bratwurst.” It sounds like my kind of team!
Cord loves his family. As a husband and father of two young boys, he takes pride in creating “an environment for the whole family, where everyone is happy. Our kids have to walk one minute to their grandparents and one minute to the milking parlor. We live on a beautiful farm in a great community.”
Isn’t it amazing how farm life and family life intertwine at Wilcor? His children grew up surrounded by elite dairy cattle and absorbed the work ethic needed for success. Whether they’ll develop the same passion for Holsteins as their dad remains to be seen, but they’re certainly learning valuable life lessons about dedication and consistent effort.
Current Status and Future Horizons for Wilcor Holsteins
Today, Wilcor Holsteins is one of Germany’s premier Holstein breeding operations. Their 30-cow milking herd continues to produce exceptional animals that compete successfully on national and international stages. The 12 Excellent and 14 Very Good classifications in their current herd reflect the consistent quality Cord has achieved through his focused breeding program.
You’ve probably noticed how Holstein breeding has evolved over the years. Cord has keen insights on current trends: “When marketing type genetics, you must realize that pedigrees with high PTAT, low production, and bad health traits are no longer marketable today. Extreme stature is also a problem.”
I find his observation about industry direction spot-on: “Size doesn’t matter anymore; quality and balance do. Frail, knock-kneed cows cannot succeed in the show ring or the commercial setup.” This perfectly aligns with Wilcor’s breeding philosophy, suggesting they’re well-positioned for the future.
Looking ahead, Cord has ambitious goals for Wilcor Holsteins, including more memorable sales and bringing “a string of mostly homebred cows to a major European Show.” The operation continues to develop new generations from its established cow families while strategically incorporating outside genetics that complements its breeding goals.
Wilcor is positioned to remain influential in European Holstein breeding for years by maintaining its moderate size and focus on quality. Its continued investment in facility improvement and genetic development ensures it will stay at the forefront of the industry.
Cord Hormann’s son stands proudly with his Jersey calf on a sunny day at Wilcor Holsteins. Just as Cord’s own passion for dairy cattle was kindled in childhood while growing up around his father’s herd, we now see history repeating itself in the next generation. With a natural confidence in handling the young animal, this moment captures the essence of family dairy farming—where knowledge, skills, and passion are passed down through generations. As Cord mentioned, “Our kids have to walk 1 minute to their grandparents and 1 minute to the milking parlor,” creating the perfect environment for nurturing the future stewards of this exceptional Holstein breeding program.
Words from the Wise: Lessons for Aspiring Breeders
If you’re considering getting into Holstein breeding, Cord offers some golden advice: “If you have the chance, go and work for successful breeders to learn from them. Learn to speak different languages and travel to different countries. Listen to and take advice from experienced breeders.” Solid wisdom, right?
Perhaps the most illuminating thing Cord shared: “Success only comes through hard work and attention to detail! Patience is essential. Development takes time!” In our world of instant gratification, this reminder about the value of patience and persistence is refreshing.
The Bottom Line: Wilcor’s Enduring Impact
What strikes me most about Wilcor’s story is how it proves you don’t need a massive scale to achieve excellence. From modest beginnings in a rented barn to international recognition, Cord has shown that focused passion and unwavering commitment to quality can lead to extraordinary results.
The distinctive Wilcor approach—emphasizing balanced breeding goals, deep cow families, and optimal management—has produced not just champion show cows but a lasting contribution to Holstein breeding philosophy. Whether you’re developing your herd or refining your breeding program, Cord’s methodical approach to building genetic excellence offers valuable lessons.
As O Katy’s Grand Champion banner and the growing success of the Welcome to Wilcor Sale demonstrate, Wilcor Holsteins has carved out its place among the elite breeding operations globally. However, perhaps their most significant achievement is showing that with the right vision and approach, excellence in Holstein breeding remains accessible to those committed to quality over quantity.
Isn’t that something worth raising a glass to? Here’s to Cord Hormann and the continuing Wilcor legacy!
Key Takeaways
- Excellence doesn’t require massive scale – Wilcor’s success with just 30 cows demonstrates that focused quality and optimal environments can yield greater results than larger operations
- Strategic patience pays dividends – Cord’s early investment in the O’Kalibra family before its prominence and his careful development approach with champions like O Katy illustrate the value of long-term vision
- Balanced breeding goals matter more than trends – Wilcor’s emphasis on correct frames, dairy strength, and exceptional udders rather than extreme traits has proven more sustainable and profitable
- Success requires both physical facilities and temperament – Cord’s purpose-built barn and attention to cow personality (selecting aggressive eaters with calm dispositions) demonstrates the multifaceted approach to developing champions
- Hard work and attention to detail remain essential – Despite technological advances, Cord emphasizes that “success only comes through hard work and attention to detail” and that “development takes time” – fundamentals that transcend changing industry trends
Executive Summary
In this captivating profile, Cord Hormann’s journey from a modest family farm to creating one of Germany’s premier Holstein breeding operations demonstrates how passion combined with strategy can yield extraordinary results. Beginning with childhood experiences attending shows with his father, Cord developed a discerning eye for quality that was refined through North American experiences and eventually applied to building Wilcor Holsteins. Rather than pursuing scale, he deliberately maintains a focused 30-cow operation that produces exceptional animals like Grand Champion O Katy through his philosophy of balanced breeding, deep cow families, and optimal management. His dual roles as breeder and AI industry professional provide unique insights that have positioned Wilcor at the forefront of European Holstein breeding, proving that quality consistently triumphs over quantity when paired with patience and meticulous attention to detail.
Read more:
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