Rachelle’s legacy dazzles at Japan’s 50th Central Holstein Show! Discover how global genetics shaped the Grand Champion under Mt. Fuji’s gaze.
The 50th Central Japan Holstein Show unfolded with spectacular fanfare last weekend against the majestic backdrop of Mt. Fuji, showcasing Japan’s elite Holstein breeding. The show’s Grand Champion, Kobama-Farm Xmas Delta-Lambda, stole the spotlight with her exceptional conformation and deep pedigree tracing back to the legendary Startmore Rachelle bloodline. This milestone event featured international judging talent and highlighted Japan’s growing influence in global dairy genetics, demonstrating how historic North American bloodlines continue to shape breeding programs across the Pacific.
Historic Show Celebrates Half-Century Milestone
The Central Japan Holstein Show celebrated its 50th anniversary with a prestigious event that attracted top breeders and world-class cattle from across Japan. This historic show has been graced by numerous North American judges over the decades, including David Buckman (1979, 1989), Gregg Bobley (1983), and most recently Paul Trapp (2024)[3]. This year’s event featured Japan’s legendary judge, Mr. Tommy Araki, who previously judged at the International Dairy Week in 2006, selecting the Grand Champion from the Junior 3-Year-Old class.
The show’s location near Mt. Fuji provided a stunning backdrop for what has become one of Asia’s premier dairy events. Over its 50-year history, this show has evolved into a crucial platform for showcasing Japanese breeding progress and international genetics integration.
Judging Excellence and International Perspective
The judging panel represented a blend of international expertise and local knowledge. Mr. Tommy Araki’s selection demonstrated the sophisticated eye Japanese judges have developed for Holstein conformation. Associate Judge Mr. Makoto Yamauchi, a former trainee at Wisconsin’s Indianhead Farm, brought additional North American influence to the evaluation process.
This continued exchange between North American and Japanese dairy expertise has been instrumental in advancing Holstein breeding in Japan, with judges from the United States and Canada regularly contributing their expertise to Japanese shows since the 1970s.
Grand Champion Showcases Rachelle’s Enduring Legacy
Kobama-Farm Xmas Delta-Lambda captivated judge Tommy Araki, who described her as “nearly ideal and so correct” with “a great set of legs and desirable mammary system.” Born December 18, 2021, this Junior 3-Year-Old combines modern genetics through her sire Delta-Lambda with the storied Rachelle cow family[1][2].
The Grand Champion was exhibited by Mr. Yasushi Komaba of Tochigi Prefecture, with Mr. Shinsuke Nakayama handling her in the ring. Her victory represents both excellent contemporary breeding decisions and the long-term impact of foundation genetics from decades past.
Tracing the Rachelle Influence
The pedigree of Kobama-Farm Xmas Delta-Lambda reads like a who’s who of Holstein breeding, stretching back nine generations to Startmore Rachelle ET (HOCAN000004324253). Born December 30, 1985, Startmore Rachelle was sired by A Butlerview Mattador TL out of Startmore Chanel-ET[1][2].
This impressive lineage includes:
- Lambda x King-Doc x Atwood x Jerrick
- Roy x Gibson x Esperanza Lebron Lazy First Durham EX-95
- Formation x Jed x Startmore Rachelle VG-85-3YR-CAN
What makes this connection particularly notable is that Esperanza Lebron Lazy First Durham EX-95 was the first Durham daughter to achieve EX-95 classification in Honshu, Japan, and was named Grand Champion at the 2007 Hokkaido Black & White Show. This demonstrates how the Rachelle family has consistently produced show champions across generations and continents.
Show Champions Highlight Genetic Diversity
The competition featured several outstanding animals beyond the Grand Champion. The Junior Champion title went to Steria PO-Elise HI-All Epolta, a February 2024 heifer sired by Has It All. Her pedigree includes Hi-Octane, WindHammer, Goldwyn, and Outside – representing a blend of modern and proven genetics. She was exhibited by Manamu Nakayama from Tochigi.
Regent Lambda Francy captured Reserve Grand Champion honors. Born September 22, 2010, this Delta-Lambda daughter was exhibited by Yasushi Wada of Tochigi Prefecture. Her maternal line through Unix, Goldchip, and Outside connects to Quality B C Francisco-ET (EX-96-3E-CAN), showing another impressive bloodline.
Senior Champion Demonstrates Longevity
The Senior Champion title went to Lovely-Farm Quinbrook, a remarkable 10-year-old cow in her 8th lactation. Exhibited by Nagasaka Farm of Gunma Prefecture, this Windbrook daughter exemplifies the longevity and production potential of well-bred Holsteins. Her dam, Lovely-Farm Quingis Goldwyn, had previously earned championship honors at several major Japanese shows, including being named Grand Champion at the 2017 Higashi-Nihon Dairy Show.
Startmore Rachelle: Foundation Female With Global Impact
Startmore Rachelle ET represents a significant piece of Holstein breeding history. Born in 1985, this VG-85 3-year-old established herself as an influential dam of sons and daughters. The genetic data available for Rachelle shows she was a TL carrier (Thyroxine-binding globulin Deficiency) and had a TPI of +1438[1][2].
Her dam, Startmore Chanel-ET, was an impressive producer, with records showing 5-01 2x 365d 31306m 3.7% 1157f 3.4% 1067p. This production capacity has clearly been passed down through generations.
Global Genetic Connection
The connection between North American and Japanese breeding programs highlights the increasingly global nature of Holstein genetics. While cattle breeding was once highly regionalized, today’s top animals often share common ancestors regardless of continent. The Rachelle family exemplifies how influential Canadian genetics from the 1980s continue to impact championship shows in Japan four decades later.
The Bottom Line
The 50th Central Japan Holstein Show represents a landmark achievement in Asian dairy breeding. The Grand Champion, Kobama-Farm Xmas Delta-Lambda, embodies the successful fusion of modern breeding with legendary foundation females like Startmore Rachelle. This genetic continuity across generations and continents demonstrates how thoughtful breeding decisions create lasting impact.
As Japanese breeders continue to integrate international genetics with their own breeding goals, shows like this serve as valuable benchmarks of progress. The success of the Rachelle lineage in Japan proves that great cow families transcend borders and decades, leaving their mark on dairy cattle around the world.
Executive Summary:
The 50th Central Japan Holstein Show celebrated half a century of excellence in dairy breeding, with Kobama-Farm Xmas Delta-Lambda crowned Grand Champion. This Junior 3-Year-Old, sired by Delta-Lambda and tracing back to the legendary Startmore Rachelle cow family, impressed with her flawless conformation and mammary system. Judges, including Japan’s Tommy Araki and international experts, highlighted the show’s blend of modern genetics and historic bloodlines. Other champions included Regent Lambda Francy as Reserve Grand Champion and Lovely-Farm Quinbrook as Senior Champion, showcasing genetic diversity and longevity. The event underscored Japan’s growing influence in global Holstein breeding while honoring the enduring impact of North American foundation genetics.
