Discover how Budjon-Vail Drm Sunshine-ET, the 2023 Star of the Breed, excels in type and production. What makes this Holstein cow a standout in the show ring?
The Holstein Association USA celebrates the pinnacle of dairy farming excellence with the ‘Star of the Breed’ award. This top honor goes to a Registered Holstein excelling in both type and production. In 2023, the award shines on Budjon-Vail Drm Sunshine-ET EX-95 2E, a beacon of grace and performance.
“Sunshine is a gem of a cow to work with. She’s a low maintenance cow that makes showing look easy. She has a tremendous amount of ‘ring presence’, her head is always high, and leads flawlessly and sets up beautifully.” – Chandler Bening
Bred by Tom and Kelli Cull of Budjon Farms and Peter Vail, and now owned by Chandler and Calvin Bening of Arlington, Minnesota, Sunshine’s achievements include:
- Grand Champion Bred and Owned at the Midwest Spring National in 2021.
- Grand Champion and Reserve Supreme of the Junior Holstein Show at the North American International Livestock Exposition in 2022.
- Senior and Grand Champion honors at the Mid-East Fall National Holstein Show in 2022.
- Second place in the Aged Cow Class at the Midwest Spring National Show in 2023.
Proudly awarded the highest accolade by Holstein Association USA, the ‘Star of the Breed’ recognizes cows that excel in type and production. In 2023, Budjon-Vail Drm Sunshine-ET EX-95 2E earns this prestigious honor. Bred by Tom and Kelli Cull and Peter Vail, and owned by Chandler and Calvin Bening, Sunshine exemplifies excellence. Her incredible fourth lactation production record and championship titles highlight her as a well-deserved winner.
“Sunshine is a gem of a cow to work with,” says Chandler Bening. “She’s a low-maintenance cow that makes showing look easy. She has a tremendous amount of ‘ring presence’; her head is always high, and she leads flawlessly and sets up beautifully.”
Sunshine’s fourth lactation is truly remarkable. She produced 42,130 pounds of milk, 2,244 pounds of fat (5.3%), and 1,508 pounds of protein (3.6%). Her classification score of Excellent 95 2E highlights her outstanding type. Sunshine’s blend of productivity and physical excellence showcases the best of Holsteins.
Sunshine’s showring achievements are truly exceptional. She was named Grand Champion Bred and Owned at the Midwest Spring National in 2021. In 2022, she claimed Grand Champion and Reserve Supreme at the Junior Holstein Show during the North American International Livestock Exposition. She added Senior and Grand Champion at the Mid-East Fall National Holstein Show before earning Reserve Supreme Champion. Sunshine’s consistent performanceis a testament to her quality.
“The day she was Champion Bred and Owned at Spring Show was a huge highlight for her and us,” says Kelli Cull. “Having a Champion Bred and Owned at a national show of that caliber is remarkable.”
To be eligible for the Star of the Breed award, a cow must meet three main criteria. She must place in the top five at a National Holstein Show, be part of a herd enrolled in the TriStarSM program, and have an official classification score.
The award recipient is then determined using this calculation:
- Combined Mature Equivalent (ME) Fat and Protein + Age Adjusted Classification Score
- Multiplied by
- Breed Average ME Combined Fat and Protein / Breed Average Age Adjusted Score
This formula evaluates both production and type traits, ensuring the award recognizes a truly exceptional cow.
Sunshine will be celebrated during Holstein Association USA’s 138th Annual Meeting at the 2024 National Holstein Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. For more details or to register, visit www.holsteinconvention.com.
SUMMARY: In this article, Holstein Association USA celebrates Budjon-Vail Drm Sunshine-ET EX-95 2E for achieving the prestigious 2023 Star of the Breed award. Bred by Tom and Kelli Cull of Budjon Farms and Peter Vail, and owned by their nephews Chandler and Calvin Bening, Sunshine has excelled in both type and production. With an impressive fourth lactation production and numerous accolades in the show ring, her journey reflects the dedication and excellence of her caretakers. Sunshine’s recognition will be highlighted at the 138th Annual Meeting during the 2024 National Holstein Convention.
