The Holstein industry’s hottest, newest contest looking for the complete cow didn’t disappoint.  With over 2000 votes cast, there was certainly a lot of interest in this inaugural competition.

First we would like to thank the  judges: Roger Turner, Brian Leslie, Larry Schirm, and Alessandro Ravanelli.  Their analysis of the 2012 Golden Dam Finalists combined with your votes  determined the 2012  winner. As Judge Alessandro Ravanelli explains “We are in the genomic era and when we have to do a ranking of the  great cows that Bullvine has nominated as GOLDEN DAM, we have to look at not only what the cows did  but, also, at what they could do in the  future.”  No easy task and we thank these gentlemen for the much needed assistance.

Without further ado, here are the top 5:

#5. AMMON-PEACHEY SHAUNA

AMMON-PEACHEY SHAUNA VG-87-2YR-USA

When it comes to consistently putting out top genomic animals that have DGV’s that are higher than their parent averages, you cannot beat AMMON-PEACHEY SHAUNA.  As Judge Ravanelli says, “I think that SHAUNA is only just started to show us what she is able to transmit to her progeny!”  Judge Turner points out Shauna’s outstanding track record of high Genomic results that includes the ability to produce progeny that top the GPA TPI lists but they also do well on the Canadian lists with 13 of her progeny over +3000 GPA LPI.  The future is very bright for this budding superstar. As one voter, Greg Tiller, comments “As breeders we are always looking for the next generation. Shauna ticks the box.”

#4. LYLEHAVEN LILA Z

LYLEHAVEN LILA Z EX-94-CAN 13*

The “million dollar cow” Lila Z got lots of attention from both breeders and our judges.   Judge Schirm describes  Lila Z as  “A true model of what the Holstein Breed can offer”.  Judge Turner highlights her outstanding performance of type, genetics, pedigree and genomics. Lila Z daughters include Goldwyn Lilac VG-89, Comestar Goldwyn Lala VG-87, the dams of Genervations Lexor and Gen-I-Beq Lavaman, former #1 and #2 genomic sires in Canada.  Judge Leslie adds “I have always been a fan of this cow. I had the pleasure of judging her at the Canadian Convention Show in 07 where I made her Reserve Grand.” Of course he is not alone as Lila Z was All-Canadian Jr Yearling, Jr. 2 YR, and HM Int. Champion at the 2004 Royal.  As well she was Int. Champion at Quebec Spring show in 2005. She was Reserve Grand three times:  at the Atlantic Spring Show in 2007, Ontario Summer Show 2007, and Autumn Opportunity Show in 2008.  One reader, Brian Waldner, comments “She is a genetic powerhouse! The family of Lila Z is adding great males and females to the breed that will have positive impact for years to come.”

#3. MD-DELIGHT DURHAM ATLEE

MD-DELIGHT DURHAM ATLEE EX-92-4YR-USA DOM GMD 2*

Atlee’s sons, with their super-high genomic numbers for type, the bulls Atwood (by Goldwyn), AltaAmazing (by Goldwyn), and Aftershock (by Shottle) are now as well known in the Holstein industry as any daughter-proven sires.  For Judge Leslie “At this point with sons like Atwood & Aftershock her influence is there, but for me those I have above her have even more proof at this stage.”  Judge Schirm adds that in Atlee and her progeny “Type and Quality comes together into the Modern True Type Model Holstein Cow.” That is well proven in Atlee winning Reserve Int. Champion at Madison in 2005.  She comes by it naturally with her grand dam being MS Kingstead Chief Adeen EX-94 (the full sister to World Champion Shoremar S Alicia EX-97).  Atlee is also able to pass it on with daughters that include Madison Junior Champion MS Atlees Roy Autumn VG-89, MS Atlees Gold Abigal VG-89, MS Atlees Goldwyn Ariel VG-89, who sold for $1.5 million, and the outstanding MS Atlees Shottle Aubry. As one reader, Spike Lamoreaux, points out that Atlee was a “trend setter not a trend follower. Though she passed away fairly young her impact on the Holstein breed is legendary.”

#2. REGANCREST-PR BARBIE

REGANCREST-PR BARBIE EX-92-7YR-USA DOM GMD 3*

We think Judge Schirm sums it up the best “Barbie is time proven and an Icon for type in the breed.”As Judge Turner points out Barbie transmitted great genetics on to her daughters, sons and granddaughters. With her own granddaughter being on the list Regancrest S Chassity EX 92 tells you the level of impact Barbie has had. Judge Leslie adds “With 14 Ex daughters & a son like Braxton how can you deny her?”  By 2010 she had an unheard of 8 EX and 19 VG daughters. Three of her daughters have held the number one Cow PTAT position and at least eleven have made it to the top twenty-five PTAT Cow ranking. One reader, Ian Crosbie comments “If Brood Cow was defined in the dictionary, Regancrest PR Barbie would be located just below.” Of special note is that Barbie is the only cow that all the judges had in their top 5

#1. GILLETTE BLITZ 2ND WIND

GILLETTE BLITZ 2ND WIND VG-88-3YR-CAN 35*

It’s unanimous GILLETTE BLITZ 2ND WIND VG-88-3YR-CAN 35* is our 2012 Golden Dam.  As judge Schirm points out “few cows have ever had such success for high ranking sons.” Being the dam of five class extra sons is no small accomplishment.  Nevertheless it is not a surprise for GILLETTE BLITZ 2ND WIND who is from the Braedale Gypsy Grand family that seems to do it with ease.  Judge Turner adds “tremendous results in proven sires ranked in Canada in combination with outstanding females.”  2nd Wind has 10 daughters over +2000 GLPI in her native Canada.  This six times number one LPI cow has been able to pass the torch to her daughter Gillette Bolton 2nd Sleep and her granddaughter Gillette S Planet 2nd Snooze. One voter, Justin Crowley, comments that she is “by far the most influential cow in the past 3 years! “ Judge Leslie points out “simply a wonderful line of the breed’s very best cows. For me the 2nd Wind cow is a standout, her own performance as a producer, then the performance of her daughters, but more importantly her incredible sons! They are among the best bulls in the breed. They leave the kind of cows dairy farmers all over the world like – powerful, productive cows. It is the fact that she has so many top sons that puts her on top for me.”  Well Brian, we could have not said it better ourselves.

Ferme Gillette, as well as François Vermette who nominated 2^nd Wind, will receive a 10 x 14 digital portrait of 2nd Wind. As well Ferme Gillette will receive a jacket commemorating the achievement.

A Breakdown of the Scoring, Voting and Final Results

The Bullvine Bottom Line

We would like to give special thanks to all those who helped us pull this inaugural competition together.  Thanks to the breeders and owners of all of these final animals who helped us compile the articles. Thanks to the discerning judges who helped us evaluate these fine animals. Last but not least, thanks to you, the dairy breeders, who in commanding form got out and voted for your favorites.