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2021 Press Releases
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Official information generated by Holstein Association USA that is released to industry publications
and media outlets.

For further information contact:
Communications, Holstein Association USA

2024 Releases 2023 Releases 2022 Releases 2021 Releases 2020 Releases 2019 Releases 2018 Releases

December 2021
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  red bullet Nominations Open for Holstein Association USA Annual Awards

 

November 2021
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  red bullet Pedigree Analysis of 2021 National Holstein Show Winners Now Online
  red bullet All-National Showcase Program Honorees Announced by Holstein Association USA
  red bullet Ear Tag Order Reminder
  red bullet Holstein Association USA Announces Virtual Interview Contest Winners

 

September 2021
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  red bullet Rush Shipping Price Change
  red bullet Holstein America Broadcasts September 27 on RFD-TV
  red bullet Order Tags by September 15

 

August 2021
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  red bullet Getting Low on Ear Tags?
  red bullet 2022 Holstein USA Delegate Election Underway

 

July 2021
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  red bullet Applications Open for Holstein Association USA?s Virtual Interview Contest
  red bullet Holstein Association USA Honors Outstanding Junior Breeders
  red bullet Holstein Association USA and Western Kentucky University Announce Formation of WKU SmartHolstein Lab
  red bullet Trent Dado Receives Robert H. Rumler MBA Scholarship from Holstein Association USA
  red bullet Youth Members Shine at National Junior Holstein Convention

 

June 2021
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  red bullet Distinguished Junior Members Recognized at National Junior Holstein Convention
  red bullet Reynolds Family Recognized with Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder Award
  red bullet Emerald Acres Chosen as Elite Breeder Award Recipient
  red bullet Dave Fischer Honored with Distinguished Leadership Award
  red bullet Holstein Association USA’s Research Grant Program Accepting Applications

 

May 2021
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  red bullet Holstein Association USA Recognizes 2020 Herds of Excellence
  red bullet Eastriver Goldwyn Deb 176 Named 2020 Star of the Breed
  red bullet Junior Holstein Transfer Deadline is July 15

 

April 2021
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  red bullet Holstein Marketplace Sires Adds New Bull to Line-Up
  red bullet Holstein Association USA Honors Junior Members
  red bullet Wisconsin Cow Sets New Record for Most Lifetime Milk Produced by a Holstein

 

March 2021
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  red bullet Holstein Marketplace Sires Seeks Potential New Bulls
  red bullet 2021 National Holstein Convention Plans Announced
  red bullet Holstein Association USA Announces April 2021 TPI® Formula Change 
  red bullet Holstein Marketplace Sires Launches Two New Bulls 

 

January 2021
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  red bullet Holstein America Broadcasts February 8 on RFD-TV
  red bullet Holstein Association USA Announces Virtual Interview Contest Winners
 

Nominations Open for Holstein Association USA Annual Awards

Brattleboro, Vt., December 20, 2021 — Holstein Association USA is seeking nominations for the 2022 Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder, Elite Breeder, and Distinguished Leadership awards.

The Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder Award recognizes significant accomplishments of young Registered Holstein® breeders ages 21 to 40. Submissions can be made for individuals, a couple, or business partners. The winning applicant will receive travel and lodging expenses (for up to two people) to National Holstein Convention, complimentary tickets to the Convention banquet, and a $2,000 cash award.

The Elite Breeder Award honors a living Holstein Association USA member, family, partnership, or corporation who has bred outstanding animals and thereby made a notable contribution to the advancement of U.S. Registered Holsteins. 

The Distinguished Leadership Award is given to an individual who has provided outstanding and unselfish leadership that has contributed to the improvement of Holstein Association USA and/or the dairy industry.

Applications for the Elite Breeder and Distinguished Leadership awards are considered for three years after submittal.

Download award applications on the Holstein Association USA website, www.holsteinusa.com/awards/individuals. Nomination applications must be postmarked by January 31, 2022. Honorees will receive their recognition during the 2021 National Holstein Convention, June 27 through July 1, 2022, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Additionally, a scholarship is available to students interested in agriculture who plan to pursue their master?s degree in business administration. The Robert H. Rumler MBA Scholarship awards $3,000 to a qualified individual pursuing their MBA at an accredited university. Applications for this scholarship must be received by April 15, 2022.

The previous award winners since 2007 are recognized below. Congratulations again to these well-deserving recipients.

Previous Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder Award Winners

2021 - Mackenzie, Andy, Tyler, and Kelly Reynolds, NY
2020 - Kurt and Sarah Loehr, WI
2019 - Sheri Regan-Danhof, IA
2018 - David Harvatine, NY
2017 - Craig Carncross, WI
2016 - Joe Loehr, WI
2015 - Joel Mills, PA
2014 - Greg Andersen, ID
2013 - Chad & Amy Ryan, WI
2012 - Jonathan & Alicia Lamb, NY
2011 - Brad Groves, MO
2010 - Timothy Baker, MI
2009 - Jan & Jeff King, NY
2008 - Mark & Angie Ulness, WI
2007 - Bruce & Brenda Long, WI

Previous Distinguished Leadership Award Winners

2021 - Dave Fischer, IL
2020 - Patricia Gifford, NY
2019 - George A. Miller, OH
2018 - William C. Nichol, PA
2017 - Jerry Strandlund, WA
2016 - Dick Witter, PA
2015 - M. Duane Green, MI
2014 - Marlowe Nelson, WI
2013 - Horace Backus, NY
2012 - Dr. Robert E. Walton, WI
2011 - Charles E. Iager, MD
2010 - Ida B. Ruby, OR
2009 - Dennis C. Wolff, PA
2008 - Richard T. Coyne, NY
2007 - William T. McKarns, OH

Previous Elite Breeder Award Winners

2021 - Emerald Acres, WI
2020 - James and Nina Burdette, PA
2019 - David Bachmann Sr., WI
2018 - Tom and Gin Kestel, WI
2017 - Olmar Farms, MN
2016 - Harvue Farms - David Hardesty, VA
2015 - Conant Acres, ME
2014 - Robthom Holsteins, MO
2013 - Robert Miller, IL
2012 - Regancrest, IA
2011 - Frank Raymond Ruby, OR
2010 - Doug Maddox, CA
2009 - Robert J. Schauf, WI
2008 - Max "Kip" Herzog, CA
2007 - Marvin Nunes, CA

Previous Robert H. Rumler MBA Scholarship Recipients

2021 - Trent Dado, WI
2018 - Tera Baker, MI
2017 - Kelly Driver, NY
2014 - Susie Chelesvig, IA
2010 - John Tauzel, NY
2008 - Kasey Osborn, NY
2007 - Nikolaus Sutter, WI

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Pedigree Analysis of 2021 National Holstein Show Winners Now Online

Brattleboro, Vt., November 30, 2021 — The annual Pedigree Analysis of National Holstein Show winners has been released by Holstein Association USA for the 2021 show season. These lists provide insight into the genetics of Holsteins who have seen show ring success at the highest levels of competition.

The Pedigree Analysis is updated each fall, following the last National Holstein Show of the year. Included are lists of Leading Sires, Leading Maternal Grandsires, and Leading Sire Stacks of National Show Winners. Each category features separate lists for heifers and cows, along with an overall list. In addition, viewers will find other interesting information, such as the average classification score for each class and historical data from previous years.

Holstein females who placed in the top three of their respective age class at a National Holstein Show in 2021 were included in the analysis. This year’s group of animals included 190 different Holstein heifers and 275 different Holstein cows.

For the fourth consecutive year, Val-Bisson Doorman-ET claimed the title of Overall Leading Sire for National Holstein Show winners. He sired 41 daughters who placed in the top three of their classes and was also number one on the cow list with a total of 24 cows and third on the heifer list.

Brenland Denver was second on the Overall Leading Sire list with 32 daughters and first on the Leading Sires of Heifers list with 31 daughters. The third ranking slot on the Overall Leading Sire list went to Mr D Apple Diamondback with 25 daughters sired.

Val-Bisson Doorman-ET also took the first-place position on the Overall Leading Maternal Grandsires list with 52 daughters and was first on both the heifers and cows lists. Braedale Goldwyn and Maple-Downs-I-G Atwood-ET were second and third on all three maternal grandsire lists, respectively.

Topping the Overall Leading Sire Stack in 2021 was the combination of Unix x Doorman with seven daughters placing in the top three of their classes at 2021 National Holstein Shows.

To view the complete Pedigree Analysis, check under the Popular Lists section on the Holstein Association USA homepage, or go directly to www.holsteinusa.com/shows/pedanalysis_show_winners.html.

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Holstein Association USA Announces All-National Showcase Program Honorees

Brattleboro, Vt., November 22, 2021 — Holstein Association USA is thrilled to present the 2021 All-National Showcase honorees. Launched in 2019, the All-National Showcase Program recognizes U.S. Registered Holstein® cows and their owners for outstanding performance at National Holstein Shows. Exhibitors from across the country earned points throughout the show season.

"After taking a break in 2020, we are excited to present the second group of All-National Showcase honorees" says Jodi Hoynoski, Executive Director, Holstein Identification & Member Services. "It has been extra special having Registered Holsteins parade around the ring this year, and we are honored to recognize these outstanding animals and exhibitors."

The top 10 animals in each class and full details on the All-National Showcase Program rules and point system can be found at http://www.holsteinusa.com/allnational.

Congratulations to the following All-National Holsteins!

All-National Breeder
James & Nina Burdette, Mercersburg, PA

All-National Exhibitor
Jim Butler, Chebanse, IL

Summer Heifer Calf
All National: BUCKMEADOW US MADELYN, Colt & Luke Buckley, KY
Reserve All-National: EXPRESS-SMD VITTORIA, Express Holsteins & Stan-Mar-Dale Holsteins, OH

Spring Heifer Calf
All National: WINDY-KNOLL-VIEW PESKY, Jim Butler, IL
Reserve All-National: REYNCREST DLAMBDA LIT UP, Reyncrest Farms Inc., NY

Winter Heifer Calf
All National: GLEN-PAUL WARRIOR BACARDI, Audrey Sidle & Marissa & Logan Topp, OH
Reserve All-National: BUDWEISERS DNVR BROOKLYN-ET, Jim Butler, IL

Fall Heifer Calf
All National: MS REBAS RAVEN BEAUTY-ET, Glamourview - Iager & Walton, MD
Reserve All-National: BORDERVIEW DENVER CHLOE-ET, Brian & Becky McGee & Vickie Roudabush, PA

Summer Yearling Heifer
All National: TOPPGLEN GOLDCHIP WAKIKI, Colton Thomas & Caroline Egolf, OH
Reserve All-National: MERRILLEA BITTY BUG, Merrillea Holsteins, NY

Spring Yearling Heifer
All National: KIMBALL-WAY GDWYN MONDAY-ET, Glamourview - Iager & Walton, MD
Reserve All-National: CHEERS AVALANCHE CHARLEY-ET, Rocco Cunningham, CA

Winter Yearling Heifer
All National: MS LACES UPGRADE LACIE-ET, Jim Butler, IL
Reserve All-National: TAL-VIEW TATOO PISTOL, Michael & Julie Duckett & Matt L Hawbaker, WI

Fall Yearling Heifer
All National: MILKSOURCE UNIX CHASSUP-ET, Jacob & Logan Harbaugh & Erin R Viergutz, WI
Reserve All-National: BANOWETZ DIAMOND RING, Shawn & Levi Banowetz, IA

Milking Yearling
All National: ROSEMARY UNIX GOLDIE, Jim Butler, IL
Reserve All-National: DUCKETT UNIX LACY, Triple-T Holsteins, R Pierick & S McWilliams, OH

Summer Junior Two-Year-Old Cow
All National: B-J-GROVE UNIX CHEROKEE, Kasey E Clanton, IL
Reserve All-National: ESPERANZA-CC THUNDERSTRUCK, Jim Butler, IL

Junior Two-Year-Old Cow
All National: HOBBY-HILL DENVER ELIZABETH, Gracin & Chesney Speich, WI
Reserve All-National: LADYROSE CAUGHT YOUR EYE-ET, GenoSource, IA

Senior Two-Year-Old Cow
All National: TREE-HAYVEN TATOO LAST SONG, Michael & Julie Duckett, WI
Reserve All-National: PINELAND TATOO POUTINE, Jacalyn C. Bortner, PA

Junior Three-Year-Old Cow
All National: DINAS D DELORA-ET, Hogge, Dymentholm & Wadeland So Dairy LLC, UT
Reserve All-National: WRIGHTVALE DOORMAN LIVVY, MB Luckylady Farm, CA

Senior Three-Year-Old Cow
All National: OAK-RIDGE-K GCHIP TURBO, Milk Source LLC & Ransom Rail Farms Inc, WI
Reserve All-National: HERITAGEGRD HIOC CABARET-ET, Elmvue Farm, NY

Four-Year-Old Cow
All National: STONE-FRONT UNION IMELDA, The Imelda Group, WI
Reserve All-National: OAKFIELD SOLOM FOOTLOOSE-ET, M & J Duckett, Vierra Dairy & T & S Abbott, WI

Five-Year-Old Cow
All National: K-HURST ARMANI DAZED-ET, Jay R. Ackley, OH
Reserve All-National: RUANN DOORMAN JEAN-55162-ET, Stephen & Patrick Maddox, CA

Six-Year-Old & Older Cow
All National: GLEANN BRADY PRIVATEER, M & S Mitchell, B Engleking , J Eby & Rosay Farm, TN
Reserve All-National: ERBACRES SNAPPLE SHAKIRA-ET, Ferme Antelimarck 2001 Inc, Ferme Jacobs Inc, Ty-D Holsteins, Kilian Theraulaz, & C&F Jacobs, QC

150,000 Lb. Lifetime Milk Production Cow
All National: BLONDIN GOLDWYN SUBLIMINAL-ETS, Peter & Lyn Vail & Budjon Farms, WI
Reserve All-National: FARNEAR TBR ARIA ADLER-ET, A Simon, A Dougherty, M Rauen T & R Simon, IA

Contact Jodi Hoynoski at 800.952.5200, ext. 4261 or jhoynoski@holstein.com with questions about the All-National Showcase program. Congratulations to all the exhibitors!

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Ear Tag Order Reminder

Brattleboro, Vt., November 16, 2021 — Plan ahead, and order early! Due to several factors, including supply chain issues and temporary product shortages, the time from placing an ear tag order until it’s delivered to your door is running longer than you may have experienced in the past. Please allow 6-8 weeks for ear tags.

Suggestions for ordering ear tags to avoid running out before your next order arrives.

1. Plan ahead and order early, expect 6-8 weeks for your ear tag order to arrive.
2. Order more ear tags. Get at least a six month supply so you have plenty on hand.
3. Submit a second order. Be an order ahead so you have ear tags on hand to get you by while waiting for your next order to arrive.

To ensure your ear tag orders are processed and sent to Allflex as quickly as possible, call Holstein Association USA Customer Service (800) 952-5200 or submit your order online at www.holsteintags.com. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding.

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Holstein Association USA Announces
Virtual Interview Contest Winners

Brattleboro, Vt., November 10, 2021 — Holstein Association USA is delighted to announce the winners of the 2021 Virtual Interview Contest. The program is designed to prepare youth for real world opportunities and give them the chance to sharpen their resume writing and interview skills in a virtual setting.

“The Virtual Interview Contest is a great opportunity for any Junior member to compete in one of our programs at a national level,” says Kelli Dunklee, Holstein Association USA Youth Program Specialist. ”This year’s participants spanned from coast to coast and connected with industry professionals from different aspects of agriculture.”

Cash prizes of $250 for first place, $100 for second place, and $50 for third place will be awarded in the junior and intermediate divisions. In the senior division, youth will be given cash prizes of $500 for first place, $250 for second place, and $100 for third place. Following are the results from each division.

Junior Division (ages 12-14 as of January 1)
1st place: Elsie Donlick, New York
2nd place: Madison Wiese, Wisconsin
3rd place: Lauren Silveira, California

Intermediate Division (ages 15-17 as of January 1)
1st place: Jon Chapman, California
2nd place: Salem Sifford, Virginia
3rd place: Jenna Larson, Florida

Senior Division (ages 18-21 as of January 1)
1st place: Joseph Real, Vermont
2nd place: Madison Sifford, Virginia
3rd place: Katarina Emerich, New York

For more information about the Virtual Interview Contest and all of Holstein Association USA’s youth programs, visit www.holstein usa.com/juniors/.

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Rush Shipping Price Change

Brattleboro, Vt., September 14, 2021 —Effective October 1, 2021, Holstein Association USA, Inc. will have the following rush shipping fees when such service is requested for registrations and transfers:

2nd day: $35
Overnight: $48
Saturday delivery: $70

Holstein America Broadcasts September 27 on RFD-TV

Brattleboro, Vt., September 14, 2021 — Holstein America, a documentary series produced by Holstein Association USA, will air 7 p.m. CST Monday, September 27, on RFD-TV. The only television program of its kind, Holstein America pays tribute to the nation’s dairy farmers and families.

Coming up on the program’s eighth episode, Holstein America travels to a unique destination, where guests have a one-of-a-kind experience with a herd of Registered Holsteins®. They can stay overnight in a guest barn and watch the cows go about their daily routine, while learning all about dairy farming directly from the farmers.

Holstein America host Michelle Davidson explores the farm and gets to know the people and cows behind this creative effort to reach consumers.

“Genuine, everyday interactions are what make a difference when it comes to sharing the positive story of dairy farming,” says John Meyer, CEO of Holstein Association USA. “Holstein America is our way of providing these connections and highlighting the great work dairy farmers are doing to feed a growing world.”

The show will also feature how Registered Holstein breeders are bettering rural America — from a community-wide recycling project to the baseball diamond. Another Registered Holstein breeder will share how the dairy industry has shaped her career and livelihood, and a close-knit family reflects on what it means to work together every day.

The hour-long program, sponsored by Merck Animal Health, will also explore the programs and services offered by Holstein Association USA, including the all-new SmartHolstein Lab. A collaborative effort with Western Kentucky University, the research and development center will be the testing grounds for the latest in dairy innovation and technology.

Join us for Holstein America at 7 p.m. CST, Monday, Sept. 27, on RFD-TV.

RFD–TV is a leading independent cable channel available on DISH Network, DIRECTV®, AT&T U-Verse, Charter Spectrum, Cox, Comcast, Mediacom, Suddenlink and many other rural cable systems. Reference local listings for more information.

After the show, visit www.holsteinusa.com to find a complete collection of the Holstein America series. Also stay tuned to Holstein Association USA on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

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Order Ear Tags by September 15

Brattleboro, Vt., September 9, 2021 — With fall shows and fall harvest underway, we want to make sure you get your ear tags ordered early and delivered in a timely manner.

Please be aware that Allflex will be going through a system conversion in late September and early October. This will create a brief period of time when no new orders will be processed. Orders submitted by September 15th should be processed prior to the conversion and should experience normal turnaround time. Orders submitted after September 15th will be processed in the order they were received, but may experience a minor delay.

To ensure normal turnaround time on ear tag orders, call Holstein Association USA Customer Service (800) 952-5200 or submit your order online at www.holsteintags.com by September 15th.

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Getting Low on Ear Tags?

Brattleboro, Vt., August 19, 2021 — Getting low on ear tags? Order your next batch from Holstein Association USA today! Just like a lot of things today, Allflex is experiencing a shortage of some raw materials. A few different colors and options have been temporarily out of stock or delayed over the past month. Most tags are still being delivered in a 3-4 week window, but our suggestion is, place your next order sooner rather than later!

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2022 Holstein USA Delegate Election Underway

Brattleboro, Vt., August 2, 2021 — Holstein Association USA's 2022 delegate election process is currently underway. Each year, members have the opportunity to nominate members from their state to serve as voting delegates at the following year's Holstein Association USA Annual Meeting, held in conjunction with the National Holstein Convention. The 2022 Annual Meeting will be held in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, June 30 – July 1.

Important Deadlines
Here are the important deadlines to take into account:

July 30 - Nominating petitions mailed to members
September 24 - Nominating petitions must be received by Holstein Association USA
October 8 - Deadline for nominees to withdraw names from the ballot
October 29 - Ballots mailed to members
December 31 - Ballots must be received by Holstein Association USA
February 1, 2022 - 2022 delegate election finalized

Typically, members become ineligible to serve as a delegate after serving as a delegate at three consecutive Annual Meetings. With the cancellation of the 2020 Annual Meeting, that requirement was waived for the 2021 delegate election. With the clock re-set, all members are eligible to be nominated as a delegate for 2022.

With questions about Holstein Association USA’s delegate process, contact Jodi Hoynoski at 800.952.5200, ext. 4261 or by email.

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Applications Open for Holstein Association USA’s Virtual Interview Contest

Brattleboro, Vt., July 26, 2021 — Holstein Association USA is pleased to offer the second Virtual Interview Contest for Junior Holstein members. This program is designed to prepare youth for real world opportunities, giving them the chance to sharpen their resume writing and interview skills. The top three winners in each age division will be awarded cash prizes.

“Making a good first impression is more important than ever in the virtual world we live in today. This second-year contest will help youth members earn honors, scholarships, and career opportunities by enhancing their resume and interview skills,” says Kelli Dunklee, Holstein Association USA Youth Specialist.

“The contest was amazing and was one of my first true interviews,” said 2020 Virtual Interview Contest participant Jenna Larson of Florida. “The judges asked very thorough and realistic questions, which provoked a lot of thought towards my answers. I received good critiques that were very applicable and useful. I feel as though this contest has better prepared me for interviews in the future and is amongst the more realistic competitions that can be hosted virtually.”

The Virtual Interview Contest is open to youth ages 12 to 21 as of January 1, 2021. Individuals must be a Junior member of Holstein Association USA to be eligible.

Youth will be split into three categories based on age. Individuals in the junior division (ages 12 to 14 as of January 1) will apply for a mock scenario award trip to World Dairy Expo. In the intermediate division (ages 15 to 17) youth will be applying for a mock educational scholarship. Finally, youth in the senior division (ages 18 to 21) will be applying for their first job in their desired career path after completing a post-secondary education.

All applicants will be judged on their combined cover letter and resume score. Up to 15 applicants from each age division will be selected for a virtual interview with a panel of three judges. Every individual who participates will be given written feedback on their cover letter and resume and those that reach the interview phase will receive written feedback on their interview, too.

Cash prizes of $250 for first place, $100 for second place, and $50 for third place will be awarded in the junior and intermediate divisions. In the senior division, youth will be given cash prizes of $500 for first place, $250 for second place, and $100 for third place

“This contest was a great opportunity to practice making the most of the virtual interview environment. The meaningful feedback I received helped me hone my professional skills before beginning my search for a post-graduation position,” says Sarah Lehner of Ohio, who received first place in the senior division in 2020.

Entries are currently being accepted and interested youth should send a cover letter and resume corresponding to their appropriate age division to kdunklee@holstein.com by September 1, 2021. Youth who make it to the virtual interview round will be notified in September with interviews to follow in October.

To learn more about this exciting opportunity please visit the Junior Holstein website.

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Holstein Association USA Honors Outstanding Junior Breeders

Brattleboro, Vt., July 23, 2021 — Holstein Association USA recognized several Junior members who have bred and own exceptional Holstein cattle. The awards, based on both conformation and milk production, are designed to reward and encourage Junior members to continue their excellent Registered Holstein® breeding programs. All eligible cows are automatically screened for these awards on an annual basis.

National Junior Star Performer Award
The National Star Performer Award recognizes well-rounded Holstein cows with exceptional milk and component production, as well as admirable classification scores. The cow must be bred and still currently owned by their Junior Holstein breeder; have an RHA of at least 87 percent; be enrolled in Holstein Association USA's TriStar SM production records program; have a 305-day or less lactation completed in the last calendar year of at least 25,000 pounds milk; and be classified Very Good-85 or higher. Once the eligible cows are determined, they are ranked based on a formula: (Combined ME Fat and Protein + Age Adjusted Classification Score) x (Breed Average ME CFP/Breed Average Age Adjusted Score). Annually, ten cows are recognized with this honor, with the highest-ranking cow being designated as the National Junior Star Performer.

The 2020 National Junior Star Performer is SHOW-MAR ARMANI OLIVE-ET owned by Wesley Brantner of PA. Olive is classified Excellent-92, and calving in at 4-05, has a 291-day production record of 51,400 pounds of milk, with 2,619 pounds of fat and 1,590 pounds of protein.

Continuing, the top 10 winners of this esteemed award for 2020 are:

2nd place: SPOTLITE-J HOCTAN MAGDALINE, owned by Dyllan Klinger, PA
3rd place: FAIRMONT HELIX LACE, owned by Isabel Hall, VT
4th place: NOR-BERT MERIDIAN MAKALA, owned by Dalton, Dillon & Breanne Freeman, IN
5th place: LUCK-E AMMO ANACONDA, owned by Hope, Blake & Katelyn Engel, IL
6th place: SHOW-MAR ARMANI BABE-ET, owned by Dylan Brantner, PA
7th place: MIKELHOLM MCCUTCHEN ELSA, owned by Emily Mikel, NY
8th place: KINGS-RANSOM KBOY JUGS-ET, owned by Johnathan King, NY
9th place: KINGS-RANSOM BYWAY CLEAR-ET, owned by Johnathan King, NY
10th place: MELL-WOOD MCCUTCHEN 2155-N, owned by Sydni, Samuel & Blake Mell, WI

National Cream of the Crop Award
The National Cream of the Crop Award recognizes the top 75 Junior-owned Registered Holstein cows that have produced the highest combined pounds of fat and protein during a 305-day lactation. To be eligible for this award, cows must meet the following criteria: be owned by a current Holstein Association USA Junior member; have an RHA of at least 87%; be enrolled in the TriStar production records program; and have a 305-day or less record of over 30,000 pounds of milk completed during the calendar year. The entire lactation must be completed while the animal is under youth ownership. Once the pool of eligible cows is determined, cows are ranked on total pounds of fat and protein produced during the lactation.

First place in the 2020 Cream of the Crop award is SHOW-MAR ARMANI OLIVE-ET owned by Wesley Brantner of Pennsylvania. Olive was also the National Junior Star Performer Award winner.

Rounding out the top 10 Cream of the Crop winners for 2020 are:

2nd place: SHOW-MAR SCRAMBLED 1308, owned by Dylan Brantner, PA
3rd place: NOR-BERT SILVER CHELSEA, owned by Dalton, Dillon & Breanne Freeman, IN
4th place: SHOW-MAR LUCY 1405-RED-ET, owned by Dylan Brantner, PA
5th place: T-SPRUCE DESIRED 9015-ET, owned by Arnold, Ashley, & Andrew Gruenes, MN
6th place: SHOW-MAR KLONDIKE 1350, owned by Wesley Brantner, PA
7th place: SHOW-MAR ARMANI BABE-ET, owned by Dylan Brantner, PA
8th place: SHOW-MAR HONEY 1340, owned by Dylan Brantner, PA
9th place: NEW-DAY E MEGASIRE PRINCESS, owned by Evan Strack, WI
10th place: TRACKSTAR MTREY MAJESTY-ET owned by Katelynn Hancock, IN

National Junior 150,000 Pound Lifetime Production Award
Junior members who own a cow which has produced over 150,000 pounds of milk in her lifetime are eligible to earn the National 150,000 Pound Cow award. This year's honorees are Colton, Ashley, Justin, and Katie Brandel, WI; Hannah Dolloff, VT; Grant and Bailey Groves, MO; Bradley Hill, VT; Tabitha Mills, PA; Mackenzie Rademacher, MO; George Sebright, PA; and Charles Stoltzfus, PA.

Other recognition Holstein Association USA Junior members can achieve include the National Junior Breeder of an Excellent Cow Award, which was awarded to 174 cows owned by 169 different Junior members this year, and the National Junior Breeder of a Multiple "E" Cow Award, which recognized 30 cows owned by 34 different Junior members.

Congratulations to all the Junior members who received recognition for their outstanding Registered Holsteins. Find complete lists of all Junior award honorees at https://www.holsteinusa.com/juniors/index.jsp, under Junior Awards-Cows in the main menu.

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Holstein Association USA and Western Kentucky University Announce Formation of WKU SmartHolstein Lab

Brattleboro, Vt., July 19, 2021 — Holstein Association USA, in partnership with Western Kentucky University (WKU) and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund, is thrilled to announce the formation of the WKU SmartHolstein Lab. The lab, located at the WKU Agriculture Research and Education Center, is designed to be a research, development, and demonstration center for the dairy industry.

“We’re delighted to be able to work with Western Kentucky University on the WKU SmartHolstein Lab partnership. This creative initiative gives us the opportunity to work with new dairy technology and data and assess how it can be of value to Association members and the dairy community at large,” states Holstein Association USA Chief Executive Officer John M. Meyer.

The mission of the WKU SmartHolstein Lab is to lead Holstein and dairy advancements through research, development, and outreach in technologies, analytics, and genetics. This endeavor will also provide students with unique experiential learning opportunities.

“The WKU SmartHolstein Lab is a remarkable collaboration with Holstein Association USA, the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund, and a number of dairy industry partners. This collaboration will provide unique opportunities that will directly benefit our students, dairy producers, and the dairy industry in general,” says Dr. Fred DeGraves, Chair, Western Kentucky University Department of Agriculture & Food Science. “We are excited with the synergism this collaboration offers and look forward to the wide array of opportunities in teaching, research, and outreach that this project will generate. We would like to thank Holstein Association USA, the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, the Kentucky Dairy Development Council, our dairy industry collaborators, and dairy producers from across the Commonwealth of Kentucky for their support of this project.”

The WKU dairy farm is set up to milk 50 cows and raise associated replacement heifers. The long-term goal is to develop a 100% A2, polled herd of cows in the top 20% of the breed for TPI with additional emphasis on health, reproduction, and fitness traits.

To increase the genetic potential of the herd at the WKU SmartHolstein Lab, Holstein Association USA members are invited to donate Registered Holstein® animals or embryos through the Send a Holstein to College program. If you do not currently own Holsteins but would like to contribute to the Send a Holstein to College effort, we will help you identify a breeder or an auction where you can buy a Holstein to donate. To nominate an animal for the program or learn more, visit www.smartholstein.com. Nomination forms are due December 1, 2021.

The SmartHolstein Lab has been established as an easy-to-access demonstration and development farm to explore new technologies designed to collect novel phenotypic traits including wearable or indwelling sensors and milk-based biomarkers. A major emphasis will be placed on practical use of data for on-farm decision making. This herd will also be a nucleus herd for genetic selection strategies and collection of novel phenotypic information.

“I want to congratulate Western Kentucky University and Holstein Association USA on this incredible ag tech partnership,” said Kentucky’s Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Ryan Quarles. “As Chair of the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, I speak for all our board members when I say we all believe strongly in the importance of cutting-edge research to the future of the agriculture industry. Projects such as the WKU SmartHolstein Lab will help us innovate our way to the next generation of Kentucky agriculture. The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board is proud to support this initiative.”

Collaborations and partnerships from established and startup dairy technology and data providers are welcomed and essential for the success of this project. Many industry partners have already donated technologies to this endeavor. The WKU SmartHolstein Lab is a place where partners can come to explore new opportunities with an experienced team of dairy analytics leaders. Industry partnerships may come in the form of donation of expertise, technologies, or graduate student stipends. Mutually beneficial collaborations with other university faculty members, international visitors and scientists, and non-profits are also welcome. Please contact us at wkudairy@smartholstein.com with questions or expressions of interest.

You can learn more about the WKU SmartHolstein Lab at www.smartholstein.com or by following SmartHolstein on Facebook or Instagram.

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Trent Dado Receives Robert H. Rumler MBA Scholarship from Holstein Association USA

Brattleboro, Vt., July 12, 2021 — Trent Dado, Fitchburg, Wisconsin, is the recipient of the 2021 Robert H. Rumler MBA Scholarship. Dado is a self-employed member of GPS Dairy Consulting and works as an independent nutrition and management consultant for dairy farms in the upper Midwest. He is currently pursuing his MBA from the University of Wisconsin - Parkside.

“I hope through my MBA program to develop a better understanding of business outside of agriculture and find ways for dairy to navigate the challenges ahead,” Dado says.

Dado has a bachelor?s degree in Animal Science and a master’s degree in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Minnesota. While in college he was involved in the Animal Science Graduate Student Club, FarmHouse Fraternity, Gopher Dairy Club, National Agri-Marketing Association, Gopher Crops and Soils Club, and Dairy Judging team.

Dado serves on the Dairy Strong Sustainability Alliance Committee for the Dairy Business Association and is a member of the Whole Cottonseed Advisory Council. He also enjoys staying involved on his family’s farm, Four Hands Holsteins.

“Another key work and life experience that has greatly impacted my career and character was growing up on my family’s dairy,” Dado said. “As for most with a similar upbringing, it provided the skills of hard work, teamwork, perseverance, and getting my hands dirty.”

About the Award

The $3,000 scholarship was established in 1984 by Holstein Association USA, Inc. to encourage deserving and qualified individuals with a bachelor?s degree in dairy production to obtain a master’s degree in business administration.

The scholarship program honors former Executive Secretary Rober H. Rumler. He led the Association for 25 years and believed U.S. agribusiness needs and deserves the best trained, most highly qualified leaders the nation’s educational system and practical experiences can provide. For more information about the Robert H. Rumler MBA Scholarship, visit www.holsteinusa.com and click on Awards.

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Youth Members Shine at National Junior Holstein Convention

Brattleboro, Vt., July 1, 2021 — Junior Holstein members were recognized for their participation in a variety of activities during the Junior Awards Banquet on June 23, 2021 at the National Junior Holstein Convention in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Youth showcase their talents while developing lifelong skills through the contests and activities during convention.

“We were excited to hold in-person contests for our Junior members this year,” said Kelli Dunklee, Holstein Association USA Youth Program Specialist. “It was evident with the attendance there continues to be a strong passion for the Holstein cow, youth contests, and networking among our Junior members.”

Prepared Public Speaking
Broken into three age divisions, 35 youth members participated in the prepared public speaking competition. Following are the results from each division.

Junior Division (ages 9-13 as of January 1)
1st place: Lily Marshman, New York
2nd place: Sophia Geppert, Missouri
3rd place: Drew Lueking, Illinois

Intermediate Division (ages 14-17 as of January 1)
1st place: Lila Sloan, Illinois
2nd place: Salem Sifford, Virginia
3rd place: Regan Jackson, Virginia

Senior Division (ages 18-21 as of January 1)
1st place: Blake Wright, Missouri
2nd place: Brianna Meyer, Wisconsin
3rd place: Miriam Cook, Michigan

NHWSO Awards Scholarships
Eight Junior Holstein members were awarded scholarships by the National Holstein Women’s Scholarship Organization (NHWSO) during the National Junior Holstein Convention. This year’s top recipient, receiving a $5,000 scholarship, was Hayley Fernandes of California. Receiving $2,500 scholarships were Bobby Marchy, California; Gregory Norris, Massachusetts; and Alexis Payne, New York. Recipients of $500 scholarships were Hannah Mancebo, California; Isaac Nelson, Minnesota; Carly Strauss, Wisconsin; and Madison Weaver, Pennsylvania.

New Representatives Elected to Junior Advisory Committee (JAC)
Five new youth area representatives were elected to the National Junior Advisory Committee during the National Junior Forum. The following youth members were appointed to the Junior Advisory Committee: Area I – Ryan Allen, Maryland; Area II – Miriam Cook, Michigan: Area III – Brianna Meyer, Wisconsin; Area IV – Blake Wright, Missouri; and At-Large – Abby Stoltzfus, Pennsylvania.

The JAC is the governing body of the Junior Association and oversees the organization’s activities. Youth committee members were elected by Junior members during the National Junior Forum in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and members serve two-year terms.

For more coverage on the 2021 National Holstein Convention, visit www.holsteinusa.com or look for the upcoming Summer 2021 edition of The Pulse.

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Distinguished Junior Members Recognized at National Junior Holstein Convention

Brattleboro, Vt., June 30, 2021 — Holstein Association USA named six National Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) finalists on June 23, 2021, during the National Junior Holstein Convention Awards Banquet in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The highest honor presented to a Junior Holstein Member, the recognition is based on the top-notch work recipients demonstrated throughout their dairy project career.

The contest began in 1922 and is the longest running Holstein youth program. Applicants must be between the ages of 17 to 21, demonstrate a lifetime of commitment to the Holstein breed, and showcase involvement in a variety of activities.

The 2021 DJM finalists are Hayley Fernandes, California; Josh Gerbitz, Wisconsin; Gregory Norris, Massachusetts; Benjamin Kronberg, Wisconsin; Laura Littrell, New York; and Rachel Rouland, New York.

DJM judging is a two-part process. Youth members competing put together a book highlighting their Junior Holstein work, activities and projects, breeding program, and personal views. The Junior’s entry book is worth 60 percent of the final score, and the top 12 individuals are named DJM Semifinalists based on their book score.

Phase two of the contest takes place at National Junior Holstein Convention, where the semifinalists are interviewed by a committee of judges. The interview is worth 40 percent of the final score, and the six individuals with the highest combined scores are named DJM finalists. The six finalists also receive an annual renewed Holstein Association USA membership.

“The judges shared that they were impressed by the talent of the contestants,” says Kelli Dunklee, Holstein Association USA Youth Program Specialist. “We are eager to see the career paths these young Holstein enthusiasts choose and the mentors they become in the future.”

Young Distinguished Junior Member Finalists

Eight individuals between the ages of 9 to 16 were selected as Young Distinguished Junior Member (YDJM) finalists. The YDJM finalists were also recognized during the Junior Awards Banquet in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. YDJM applicants create books similar to the DJM finalists, but do not compete in an interview phase.

The 2021 Young Distinguished Junior Member Semifinalists are Ashley Brandel, Wisconsin; Magen Busker, Illinois; Hayley Daubert, Virginia; Ava Endres, Wisconsin; Elizabeth Lentz, Pennsylvania; Austin Meyer, Wisconsin; Garrett Ulness, Wisconsin; and F. Hayden Weaver; Pennsylvania.

For more information about Holstein Association USA’s youth programs visit www.holsteinusa.com/juniors.

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Reynolds Family Recognized with Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder Award

Brattleboro, Vt., June 17, 2021 — Holstein Association USA, Inc. is pleased to honor Mackenzie, Andy, Tyler, and his wife Kelly Reynolds of Reyncrest Farm with the 2021 Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder Award.

The Reynolds are the third generation on the farm in Corfu, New York, which is owned by their parents John and Shelley. Their 1,400-cow herd is milked three times a day and has a rolling herd average of 27,533 pounds of milk with 1,042 (3.8%) pounds of fat and 855 (3.1%) pounds of protein.

The Reynolds siblings all attended Cornell University prior to returning home to farm. They started with whatever position was open at the time before transitioning to their current jobs. Tyler has a general farm and employee management role, Mackenzie is the herd manager, and Andy is responsible for calf feeding, heifer care, and crops. Kelly runs the farm’s social media pages and engages in community outreach. Tyler and Kelly have a tenth-month old daughter, Cannyn.

Reyncrest is also home to a show string, currently consisting of eight cows and 25 heifers. All four of the Reynolds, along with Andy’s fiancé Whitney Kugler, make decisions and care for the show herd. Over the years they have owned 35 All-American Nominations and won over 130 All-New York Awards. In 2019 they took home the Premier Breeder and Exhibitor of the heifer show at World Dairy Expo.

The Reynolds family has implemented many changes that have bettered their herd and improved their profitability. They have placed an emphasis on cow comfort and efficiency, especially when building new facilities and renovating existing ones.

They are also passionate about breeding, exhibiting, and marketing quality Registered Holsteins. They aim to blend both type and production into their herd and enjoy classifying several times a year. They have bred and developed 35 Excellent cows, including three 95-point cows. On their main dairy, they place an emphasis on milk, combined fat and protein, daughter pregnancy rate, and somatic cell count, while striving to breed functional type cows with good feet and legs.

Tyler, Kelly, Mackenzie, and Andy were all involved in Junior Holstein activities growing up and say working with Registered Holsteins keeps them excited about the dairy industry. Now they share their talents by serving on their local Holstein club board, hosting judging team practices, and serving as official judges at shows.

About the Award

The Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder award recognizes significant accomplishments of young Registered Holstein® breeders for their commitment to preserving the dairy industry and for achieving excellence in their daily lives. The Reynolds will be recognized during the 2021 National Holstein Convention on June 24th in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

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Emerald Acres Chosen as Elite Breeder Award Recipient

Brattleboro, Vt., June 16, 2021 — The positive impact the 2021 Elite Breeder Award recipient has had on the Holstein breed reaches across the United States to Japan to Germany and back again. Holstein Association USA is pleased to give the 2021 Elite Breeder Award to Emerald Acres: Paul and Debbie, Ted and Lana, and Don and Joyce Ossmann, and Dr. Scott Armbrust.

Located in DePere, Wisconsin Emerald Acres was established by the Ossmann brothers’ parents, Emerald and Luella, in 1942. Paul and Debbie, Ted and Lana, and Don and Joyce became partners in the farm in 1973. In 2006, they built a free stall barn and parlor for their 400 cows and continue to milk 70 cows in a separate tie-stall barn.

Everyone has their own area of expertise, with Ted and Lana managing the books, Don and Joyce working with the heifers, and Paul and Debbie focusing on the cows. All three brothers work together on land and crop management, concentrating on growing high quality feed. Dr. Armbrust’s international connections, ET work, and friendship has also been an invaluable part of Emerald Acres.

The Ossmanns breed high type cows with strong production and an emphasis on components. More than 300 of their cows have produced over 100,000 pounds of Lifetime Milk. Over the years they have bred 90 Excellent females, 10 Excellent males, 54 Gold Medal Dams, and 49 Dams of Merit. Emerald Acres’ genetics have influenced Holsteins worldwide through superior cows and sires alike.

The lives of the Ossmann family and Dr. Armbrust were forever changed by one cow, purchased at the 1986 National Holstein Convention sale in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The friends walked away from the sale with a partnership on Ripvalley NA Bell Tammy EX-94 2E, GMD, DOM. Tammy would go on to become Bell’s highest scoring daughter, produce 160 embryos, and have over 30 bulls in A.I. nationally and internationally.

They have had several special cows over the years, including Paul?s first Registered Holstein purchase, Milkmaid Clover Monica-TW. Paul continued to use his keen eye to find heifers to add to the herd and develop into exceptional cows. Other farm favorites that have impacted their herd include Fischer-Heights Elton Crown VG-88, GMD, DOM, Mayerlane-SA BWM Misty-ET EX-94 3E, GMD, DOM, and Kuipercrest Valiant Ann-ET EX-91, DOM.

Whether on a local or global scale, the Ossmanns have been known to demonstrate top-notch hospitality while showcasing the best in Holstein genetics. Emerald Acres has been committed to Registered Holsteins for more than 40 years. The Ossmann family and Dr. Armbrust are tremendous stewards and spokespeople of the Holstein breed.

About the Award

The award is bestowed annually upon a living Holstein Association USA, Inc. member, family, partnership, or corporation who has bred outstanding animals and thereby made a notable contribution to the advancement of the Holstein breed in the United States. Emerald Acres will be recognized during the 2021 National Holstein Convention on June 24th in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

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Dave Fischer Honored with Distinguished Leadership Award

Brattleboro, Vt., June 15, 2021 — David Fischer is the deserving recipient of Holstein Association USA’s 2021 Distinguished Leadership Award. He spent his career helping dairy farmers while working in extension for the University of Illinois. Dave’s passion for the people, the dairy industry, and the Holstein cow shines through in everything he does.

Dave’s career as an Agricultural Advisor and State-wide Dairy Educator with the University of Illinois Extension spanned four decades. His work has touched the lives of many dairy enthusiasts, young and old, in Illinois and across the nation. Speaking at Dairy Day workshops, serving as a consultant for farmers, and developing educational programs were all part of his role.

Working with 4-H youth programs has always been important to Dave. He coached highly successful dairy quiz bowl and dairy judging teams for over 30 years and served as a judge for many shows. He also spearheaded youth development programs such as the Superior Young Producer Award and Illinois 4-H Quality Assurance and Ethics program.

Dave was raised on a farm in the heart of dairy country in southern Illinois, where participation in the 4-H dairy program sparked his interest in dairy. He received his bachelor’s degree in animal and dairy science from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale in 1971. Ten years later, he earned his master’s degree in Environmental Studies with an emphasis on livestock waste management from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville.

He stayed true to his early interest in Holsteins, remaining active in the Clinton County Holstein Club and Illinois Junior Holstein Association. Dave was recently named to the Holstein Foundation board of trustees and 2021 will mark his tenth year serving as the moderator of the dairy bowl contest at National Holstein Convention.

Dave is a member of the American Dairy Science Association and has served on the board and committees for the Midwest Section. Over the years, Dave’s selfless leadership has been recognized with numerous dairy, agricultural, and extension awards.

Just as influential as the incredible service Dave has given during his career, is his character. Dave brings joy to every situation, is known as a confidant and friend, and is a spokesperson for dairy youth. Dave’s impact on the dairy community has been seen for many years and will continue through his service and cultivation of future dairy leaders.

About the Award

The Distinguished Leadership Award recognizes an individual who has made a career of providing outstanding and unselfish leadership for the betterment of the dairy industry. Dave Fischer will be recognized during the 2021 National Holstein Convention in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

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Holstein Association USA’s Research Grant Program Accepting Applications

Brattleboro, Vt., June 9, 2021 — Holstein Association USA’s Research Grant Program provides funding to universities and non-profits in the United States performing research studies that benefit the profitability of Holstein cows. Principal investigators with eligible projects are invited to apply until the August 16, 2021, deadline.

The program has a special focus on improving the health and profitability of Holsteins through genetics. However, research proposals can address a variety of areas including nutrition, reproduction, dairy foods, and economics. Research proposals of all sizes will be considered, but grants are expected to be funded with in the range of $10,000 to $80,000 per year. Grant durations are expected to be one to three years.

“Life is ever changing and research is one way to evaluate potential change. U.S. Holstein dairy producers are among the best in the world and the research grant program seeks to complement their expertise by selecting research projects for funding that look to the future,“ says Dr. Roger Shanks, Holstein Association USA genetics consultant. ”What new idea can make a difference? Can an old concept be improved? Holstein Association USA seeks to fund innovative research grant proposals.”

Four research projects have been funded since the program began in 2017. These include a project from North Carolina State University focusing on using genomic information to manage inbreeding, a three-year project from the University of California, Davis which examines breeding Holstein cows for the slick hair gene to improve heat tolerance, and a two-year study on double ovulation and twinning in lactating Holstein cows from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 2020, a project from The Pennsylvania State University focusing on the genomic evaluation of diet digestibility was selected.

More information about the grant guidelines and process, current projects, and applications can be found at www.holsteinusa.com/programs_services/research_grant.html. With questions or for more information contact Dr. Roger Shanks at researchgrants@holstein.com.

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Holstein Association USA Recognizes 2020 Herds of Excellence

Brattleboro, Vt., May 21, 2021 — Holstein Association USA is honored to present nine outstanding herds with the 2020 Herds of Excellence award. Started in 2008, this sought-after distinction is given to Registered Holstein® breeders who have developed herds excelling in both milk production and conformation at the most elite levels.  

The award is divided into three herd size divisions, based on the number of cows included in the herds’ milk production averages. The divisions are: 10 to 99 cows; 100 to 499 cows; and 500+ cows. To be recognized as a Herd of Excellence, a herd must have classified within the last year, and have an age-adjusted average classification score (AACS) of 83 points or higher; have at least 70 percent of the herd homebred; and be enrolled in the Association's TriStarSM production records program. Additionally, qualifying herds must meet the following production criteria:

  • 10 to 99 cows - 25 percent above breed average ME for milk, fat and protein
  • 100 to 499 cows - 20 percent above breed average ME for milk, fat and protein
  • 500+ cows - 15 percent above breed average ME for milk, fat and protein

This year’s honorees are:

Small Herd Size Division (10-99 Cows)

B-Long Holsteins — Bruce, Brenda & Bret Long, New London, Wis.
100% homebred; AACS — 87.3 points
ME Production Averages — 34,936M 1,364F 1,093P

Ever-Green-View Holsteins, LLC — The Kestell Family, Waldo, Wis.
95.7% homebred; AACS — 89.1 points
ME Production Averages — 41,171M  1,673F 1,264P

Hill-Ton Holsteins — The Hamilton Family, Cuba City, Wis.
95% homebred; AACS —86.8 points
ME Production Averages — 37,164M 1,386F 1,135P

Show-Mar Holsteins — The Brantner Family, Evans City, Pa.
100% homebred; AACS — 89.4 points
ME Production Averages — 36,453M 1,404F 1,100P


Medium Herd Size Division (100-499 Cows)

Hilrose Holsteins — Joseph A. Brantmeier, Sherwood, Wis.
100% homebred; AACS — 89.1 points
ME Production Averages — 34,384M 1,376F 1,039P

Koepke Farms Inc. — The Koepke Family, Oconomowoc, Wis.
100% homebred; AACS — 85.3 points
ME Production Averages — 34,501M 1,386F 1,016P

Koester Dairy Inc. — The Koester Family, Dakota, Ill.
98.3% homebred; AACS — 85.1 points
ME Production Averages —33,685M 1,351F 1,061P


Large Herd Size Division (500+ Cows)

Dinomi Holsteins — The Migliazzo Family, Atwater, Calif.
97.2% homebred; AACS — 83.0 points
ME Production Averages — 33,302M 1,267F 1,071P

Siemers Holstein Farms Inc. — The Siemers Family, Newton, Wis.
98.7% homebred; AACS — 85.0 points
ME Production Averages — 36,882M 1,472F 1,120P


Profiles of these impressive herds can be found in the Spring 2021 issue of The Pulse. Select pages are now available online at www.holsteinusa.com under the Latest News tab.

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Eastriver Goldwyn Deb 176 Named 2020 Star of the Breed

Brattleboro, Vt., May 17, 2021 — The highest honor presented to a Registered Holstein®, the Star of the Breed, recognizes a cow who excels at the show and on the farm. Holstein Association USA is thrilled to recognize Eastriver Goldwyn Deb 176 as the 2020 Star of the Breed.

Eastriver Goldwyn Deb 176 is owned in a partnership by Andy Stuewe and Corey Feltmann in Norwood Young America, Minnesota and was bred at Eastriver Farms in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Deb’s owners describe her as “a cow you would take a hundred of.”

“She can hold her own in the showring, and I would put her up against anyone in the milking parlor,” Corey said. “She produces really easy it seems and is low maintenance,” Andy added. The friends bought Deb at the Best of Triple-T and Heath Sale in 2017.

Deb is scored EX-94 2E and has over 175,000 pounds of lifetime milk. She qualified for the award with her 296-day lactation, calving in at five years and nine months of age and producing 39,060 pounds of milk, 1,353 pounds of fat, and 1,241 pounds of protein. In 2020 she was named the second place 150,000-pound Lifetime Milk Production cow at the Midwest Fall National Holstein Show.

In addition to her showring success, Deb is a trouble-free cow in the barn. Eastriver Goldwyn Deb 176 is a Homestead Astronomical Deb EX-95 3E daughter and has several full sisters. Corey and Andy say they have been impressed with Deb’s offspring so far, and plan to continue to IVF her. Two of her three oldest daughters are scored VG-86 as two-year-olds.

Eastriver Goldwyn Deb 176 will be recognized during the Annual Meeting on June 24, 2021 at the National Holstein Convention in Lancaster, PA. To view more details or register for the convention visit www.2021nationalholsteinconvention.com.

Read more about this elite cow?s story in the Spring 2021 issue of The Pulse. Select pages are now available online at www.holsteinusa.com under the Latest News tab.

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Junior Holstein Transfer Deadline is July 15

Brattleboro, Vt., May 7, 2021 — Holstein Association USA extended the Junior transfer “received by” deadline to July 15 for both heifers and cows in 2020. This new deadline for juniors will remain in place for the 2021 show season and beyond. To be eligible to participate in sanctioned Junior Holstein Shows, the July 15 deadline must be met.

A transfer deadline of July 15 aligns more closely with most of the other dairy breed associations. The extended deadline also allows Juniors an extra month and a half to purchase their show calves, providing additional marketing opportunities.

“We wanted to remind people that the Junior transfer deadline changed last year,” said Kelli Dunklee, youth programs specialist. “It is important to remember the change only impacts Junior Holstein Shows – 4-H and other youth shows may have different deadlines.”

This is a "received by" deadline – any ownership transfer not received by the Holstein Association USA office on or before July 15 will not be eligible for Junior Holstein Shows. Adding or dropping any owner after the deadline will disqualify an animal for Junior recognition. If there is a question as to whether a Junior ownership transfer has been completed, be sure to contact the Holstein Association USA customer service or visit www.holsteinusa.com to check the ownership status and ensure the transfer was received before the deadline.

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Holstein Marketplace Sires Adds New Bull to Line-Up

Brattleboro, Vt., April 30, 2021 — Holstein Marketplace Sires is thrilled to welcome 712HO01014 PINE-TREE DANTE SHERLOCK-ET to the line-up. SHERLOCK is bred and owned by Matthew J. Steiner in Marshallville, Ohio. He brings a combination of elite GTPI, extreme components and solid conformation values, backed by strong proven sires and time-tested bloodlines.

SHERLOCK is a Dante son, out of a VG-85 Achiever, then a VG-86 Profit. He is backed by an all-proven sire stack and 12 generations of Very Good and Excellent dams. His elite GTPI of +2938 is complimented with extreme components (180 pounds combined Fat & Protein; 0.17%F & +0.08%P) and solid conformation (+1.61 PTAT & +1.33 UDC) To top it off, SHERLOCK is also Beta Casein A2/A2 and free of all undesirable conditions and fertility haplotypes.

SHERLOCK currently has conventional CSS-certified semen available, with female sex-sorted semen to be made available in the coming months.

Visit www.holsteinusa.com/marketplacesires to view complete pedigree and genetic information on SHERLOCK, and the other Marketplace Sires currently available. The site features many generations of photos from their maternal lines, and commentary from the bull owners.

Holstein Marketplace Sires is also offering free shipping in the U.S. on orders of 50+ units total. Orders can include a mix and match of bulls.

Purchase semen from Holstein Marketplace Sires online or over the phone with your credit card and have semen shipped directly to your doorstep. Buy online by visiting www.holsteinusa.com/marketplacesires, click the red “Buy Now” button, fill in number of units you would like to purchase, and check out using our secure online system. Orders may also be placed by calling customer service 800.952.5200 or contacting a Holstein Association USA regional sales representative.

Other bulls currently available through Holstein Marketplace Sires:

  • 712HO01012 COOKIECUTTER D HELMSMAN-ET *RC: Discjockey x VG-85 Avalanche x EX-94 2E Mack. In total, HELMSMAN has 10 generations of Very Good and Excellent dams behind him. He is a strong type improver at +3.51 PTAT and +2.86 UDC, with positive components and production. HELMSMAN is also a red carrier. Bred and owned by Cookiecutter Holsteins LLC, Hudson Falls, N.Y. 

  • 712HO01013 AOT HOOSICK-ET: Spartacus x VG-89 Delta x VG-88 DOM Day, HOOSICK is backed by a total of 10 generations of Very Good and Excellent dams. At +2911 GTPI®, HOOSICK provides a unique combination of high fertility (+2.6 Fertility Index) and conformation (+2.50 PTAT & +2.42 UDC). Adding to his well-balanced genetic profile, he also brings to the table strong components, desirable SCS and PL, and easy calving. Bred and owned by AOT Genetics, Valley Falls, N.Y.

  • 712HO01011 C-HAVEN POSITIVE DELUXE-ET: Positive x VG-87 Slamdunk x VG-87 Josuper, DELUXE ranks amongst the most elite available bulls in the breed at +2986 GTPI®, +1038 DWP$®, and +833 NM$. He is backed by 15 generations of Very Good and Excellent dams with strong production records, going back to Coldsprings Dur Chan 109-ET EX-95 2E DOM. DELUXE is also A2/A2. Bred and owned by Thomas Priest & Thomas T. Mercuro, Greencastle, Pa. DELUXE is available in both sexed and conventional semen.
  • 712HO01010 KINGS-RANSOM C CRUISIN-ET: Crushabull x EX-94 Monterey x EX-95 2E Mogul, in total, CRUISIN is backed by 11 generations of high-scoring Excellent dams, going back to "Queen of the Breed" C Glenridge Citation Roxy, and his 10 closest dams average 93.1 points. His genomic conformation values back up the pedigree, at +2.97 PTA Type, +2.58 UDC and +1.20 FLC. CRUISIN is also A2/A2. Bred and owned by Kings-Ransom Farm LLC, Schuylerville, N.Y.
  • 712HO01009 TRAMILDA STUNNING BLAZER: Doctor x VG-87 Delta x VG-85 Chevrolet, BLAZER has a well-balanced, modern genomic profile, being over +1,300 pounds Milk, with 112 pounds combined Fat and Protein, with positive fertility traits and desirable conformation values (+1.58 PTAT, +1.62 UDC and +1.12 FLC). Bred and owned by Troy & Austin Yoder, Montezuma, Ga.

  • 712HO01006 RASBERRY CRSBL RIP CITY-ET: Crushabull x VG-85 Monterey x EX-91 Epic, then 17 more generations of Excellent dams behind her, tracing back to Audrey Posch EX-93 2E GMD. RIP CITY boasts impressive conformation values at +3.15 PTAT, +2.55 UDC and +1.39 FLC, complemented by positive component percentages and Fertility Index values. Owned by Karl & Donna Hale, Cloverdale, Ore.
  • 712HO01006 RASBERRY CRSBL RIP CITY-ET: Crushabull x VG-85 Monterey x EX-91 Epic, then 17 more generations of Excellent dams behind her, tracing back to Audrey Posch EX-93 2E GMD. RIP CITY boasts impressive conformation values at +3.15 PTAT, +2.55 UDC and +1.39 FLC, complemented by positive component percentages and Fertility Index values. Owned by Karl & Donna Hale, Cloverdale, Ore.
  • 712HO01005 OUR-FAVORITE CHARISMA-ET: King Doc x VG-88 Hang Time x EX-94 2E Atwood from one of Our-Favorite Holsteins? foundational cow families; 10 generations of Very Good and Excellent dams with an average classification of 91.2 points. +2629 GTPI with very strong conformation at +3.24 PTAT, +2.23 UDC, and +1.78 FLC; also, A2/A2 and Kappa Casein BB. Bred and owned by Our-Favorite Holsteins, Fall Creek, Wis.

Introduced in January 2019, Holstein Marketplace Sires provides a unique avenue for Holstein breeders to market their genetics. Under the program, bull owners retain ownership of the bulls, and Holstein Marketplace Sires coordinates marketing and sales.

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Holstein Association USA Honors Junior Members

Brattleboro, Vt., April 23, 2021 — Holstein Association USA is thrilled to announce the 2021 Distinguished Junior Member Semifinalists and 2021 Young Distinguished Junior Member Finalists. The National Junior Holstein Association is a dynamic organization for youth under the age of 21, with over 8,000 active members in 48 states.

Established in 1922, the Distinguished Junior Member contest is the longest running Holstein youth program. The Distinguished Junior Member award is the highest honor given to members of the National Junior Holstein Association, ages 17 to 21, in recognition of a commitment to the Holstein breed and involvement in a variety of agriculture related activities.

The 2021 Distinguished Junior Members Semifinalists are:

  • Nicole Broege, Janesville, Wisconsin
  • Hayley Fernandes, Tulare, California
  • Josh Gerbitz, Milton, Wisconsin
  • Kendal Jenkins, Columbia Crossroads, Pennsylvania
  • Benjamin Kronberg, Milton, Wisconsin
  • Laura Littrell, St. Johnsville, New York
  • Isaac Nelson, Sleepy Eye, Minnesota
  • Gregory Norris, Westhampton, Massachusetts
  • Chelsey Patch, Walpole, New Hampshire
  • Rachel Rouland, Clifton Springs, New York
  • Elizabeth Stoltzfus, Berlin, Pennsylvania
  • Madison Weaver, Ephrata, Pennsylvania

The twelve semifinalists will interview at the National Holstein Convention, June 21 - 24, 2021 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Six finalists are announced during the Junior Awards Banquet on Wednesday, June 23, 2021.

Eight finalists have been named in Holstein Association USA’s annual Young Distinguished Junior Member (YDJM) competition.

The YDJM recognition is designed to reward youth, ages 9 to 16, who demonstrate a firsthand working knowledge of the dairy industry. Applicants must participate in Registered Holstein®, dairy and other activities, be role models for other youth and good spokespeople for the dairy industry.

The 2021 Young Distinguished Junior Member Finalists are:

  • Ashley Brandel, Lake Mills, Wisconsin
  • Magen Busker, Ridott, Illinois
  • Hayley Daubert, Dayton, Virginia
  • Ava Endres, Waunakee, Wisconsin
  • Elizabeth Lentz, New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania
  • Austin Meyer, Chilton, Wisconsin
  • Garrett Ulness, Valders, Wisconsin
  • F. Hayden Weaver, Ephrata, Pennsylvania

The 2021 Young Distinguished Junior Members Finalists will also be recognized during the 2021 Junior Awards Banquet in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

2021 National Holstein Convention tickets are available by registering online at https://www.2021nationalholsteinconvention.com/.

For more information about DJM and YDJM contests or other Holstein youth programs, visit www.holsteinusa.com/juniors, or contact Kelli Dunklee at 800.952.5200, ext. 4124 or email.

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Wisconsin Cow Sets New Record for Most Lifetime Milk Produced by a Holstein

Brattleboro, Vt., April 6, 2021 —STONE-FRONT LEADER HILDA, a 15-year-old Registered Holstein® cow, owned by Andrew Jay and Lynette E. Buttles of Lancaster, Wisconsin, has set the new record for the most Lifetime Milk produced by a Holstein. Hilda completed 2020 with a lifetime total of 460,720 pounds of milk.

With this new record, Hilda has surpassed the total of the previous Holstein record holder that was set in 2003 by KOEPKE K0017229-1660.  Known as the “Granny” cow, her lifetime milk total was 458,616.  Twenty-five years prior to that, the record was established in 1978 by Breezewood Patsy Bar Pontiac. Her final lifetime total was 425,769.

When asked what the keys were that enabled Hilda to produce more pounds of milk than any other cow in the history of the breed, Andy Buttles says part of it was Hilda’s good blend of production and type.

“She was a moderate sized cow with a great udder.” Andy said about Hilda. “She would just make big record after big record and do it easily.”

Hilda was classified EX-90 4E and her best record was set during her nine-year old lactation, where she completed 48,200 pounds of milk with three times a day milking. She also had 8 natural daughters during her lifetime.

The herd at Stone-Front Farm has an RHA of 30,058 pounds of milk with 1291 pounds of fat (4.30%) and 914 pounds of protein (3.04%). The Buttles have been milking Registered Holsteins since 1913, and concentrate on breeding well-balanced cows, providing exceptional cow comfort, and working as a team.

For many years, the Registered Holstein cow has been known as the most efficient producer of high-quality milk. Today, there’s no better example of tremendous longevity, productive life, and reproductive efficiency in a cow, of any breed, any place in the world than the Buttles’ Hilda cow!

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Holstein Marketplace Sires Seeking Potential New Bulls

Brattleboro, Vt., March 18, 2021 — Holstein Marketplace Sires, which provides a unique avenue for Holstein breeders to market their own genetics, is seeking potential new bulls for their line-up. Under the program, bull owners retain ownership of the bulls, and Holstein Marketplace Sires coordinates marketing and sales.

Ideal candidates are genomic tested bulls with strong genetic merit and deep maternal pedigrees. Desired age is around six months. Holstein breeders with interest in submitting a bull for consideration should email  marketplacesires@holstein.com with the bull’s name and registration number by April 16.

To see the strong line-up of Holstein Marketplace Sires available today, visit www.holsteinusa.com/marketplacesires. The site features complete pedigree and genetic information with many generations of photos from their maternal lines, and commentary from the bull owners.

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2021 National Holstein Convention Plans Announced

Brattleboro, Vt., March 17, 2021 — The 2021 National Holstein Convention is planned for June 20 – 24, 2021 in Lancaster, Penn. The in-person event will follow all site, local, state, and federal health and safety guidelines.

Convention activities will take place at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square and Lancaster County Convention Center. The Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, June 24 at the Lancaster County Convention Center. During the meeting, the Holstein Association USA’s prestigious Elite Breeder, Distinguished Leader, and Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder awards will be presented.

For junior members, the speech contest and Distinguished Junior Member interviews will take place on Monday, June 21. The Dairy Bowl competition will be held on Tuesday, June 22 followed by the Dairy Jeopardy contest on Wednesday, June 23. Spectators at all junior events will be restricted to ensure health and safety guidelines are followed. The folding display, state banner, and state scrapbook contests will not be held in 2021.

Both adult and junior members will be able to attend a variety of fun tours throughout convention ranging from the Pennsylvania Breeders' Tour to Hershey Park. Visit www.2021nationalholsteinconvention.com for more details about the convention schedule, tours, and accommodations.

All site, local, state, and federal health and safety guidelines will be followed during the 2021 National Holstein Convention. Guidelines will be closely monitored, and the schedule and events are subject to change. We look forward to gathering safely in Pennsylvania for the 2021 National Holstein Convention.

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Holstein Association USA Announces April 2021 TPI® Formula Change

Brattleboro, Vt., March 4, 2021 — Holstein Association USA will implement an adjustment to the Total Performance Index® (TPI®) formula in conjunction with the official genetic evaluation run taking place in April 2021.

The Holstein Association USA Genetic Advancement Committee met in February 2021 to review current research and new traits that have been made available to the industry. Opportunities to enhance the TPI formula were identified, and recommendations were made to the Holstein Association USA board of directors, who recently voted to approve those recommendations.

The April 2021 change enhances HAUSA’s existing Feed Efficiency (FE$) formula by incorporating the new Feed Saved trait that was released in December 2020. The economic assumptions used in the formula have been updated to match the most current research done by USDA-AGIL.

Feed costs can make up over half of the total costs on a dairy farm and selecting for more feed-efficient cows can improve a farm’s bottom line. Genetic selection for feed efficiency supports our industry goals to reduce the overall environmental footprint associated with producing a gallon of milk.

The formula for FE$ starting in April 2021 will be:
($0.0008 x Milk) + ($1.55 x Fat) + ($1.73 x Protein) + ($0.11 x Feed Saved)

The first three components of this formula reflect the extra profit coming from cows producing more pounds of milk, fat, and protein. The additional feed costs required to produce an extra pound of milk, fat, and protein, have been subtracted from the income that farmers receive for their milk. Component prices, reflecting primarily a cheese market, have been updated. The trait Feed Saved includes information based upon HAUSA’s Body Weight Composite and new data on dry matter intake from CDCB. Every pound of feed saved returns a net profit of eleven cents per cow per lactation.

Dr. Tom Lawlor, Holstein Association USA Executive Director, Research & Development, points out that “a higher dollar value for the Feed Efficiency index reflects good feed utilization. It includes better utilization of the feed to produce extra pounds of milk, fat, and protein; feed saved from cows with a lower body weight and less maintenance costs; and feed saved from better feed conversion. This last part is known as residual feed intake (RFI), i.e., the difference in efficiency that we see between cows after accounting for the feed that goes into the maintenance of the cow and the production of milk.”

The improved Feed Efficiency Dollar index now includes three important contributors to net profit: improved production, controlling maintenance costs, and better feed conversion. As more information has been added to FE$, the difference between the lowest and the highest FE$ animals has expanded. The new TPI formula uses a slightly larger standard deviation for FE$, i.e., 52 versus 45.

The new April 2021 TPI formula:

Breeders should focus upon the overall selection indices, such as TPI, to select their top breeding animals and to cull the lower end animals. FE$ is like other sub-indices such as Body Weight Composite, Feed Saved, Fertility Index, and Health Index, in that, they help us to better understand how we are genetically changing our cows and which parts of the dairy enterprise have the largest impact on your bottom line.

Incorporating feed intake data into the feed efficiency equation provides a valuable piece of information. Of all the sub-indexes, FE$ has the highest correlation with overall total profit. Good feed utilization is the most important component of profitability on your farm.

For more information about the genetic evaluations, visit www.holsteinusa.com.

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Holstein Marketplace Sires Launches Two New Bulls

Brattleboro, Vt., March 3, 2021 — Two new bulls have recently been released through the Holstein Marketplace Sires program, managed by Holstein Services, Inc. Introduced in January 2019, Holstein Marketplace Sires provides a unique avenue for Holstein breeders to market their genetics. Under the program, bull owners retain ownership of the bulls, and Holstein Marketplace Sires coordinates marketing and sales of the bull’s semen.

New Releases

Holstein Marketplace Sires is pleased to make two bulls available hailing from the popular Cookiecutter MOM Halo-ET VG-88 DOM family. Halo traces back through six generations of Very Good and Excellent dams to the prominent Snow-N Denises Dellia EX-95 2E GMD DOM.

712HO01012 COOKIECUTTER D HELMSMAN-ET *RC, bred and owned by Cookiecutter Holsteins LLC, Hudson Falls, N.Y. HELMSMAN is sired by Claynook Discjockey-ET, out of VG-85 Cookiecutter Avlnc Hayva-ET. His next dam, EX-94 2E Cookiecutter Mac Halmaci-ET, boasts a lifetime production record of almost 174,000 pounds of milk with 4.5% fat and 3.3% protein tests. In total, HELMSMAN is backed by 10 generations of Very Good and Excellent dams. He is a strong type improver at +3.58 PTAT and +2.93 UDC, with positive components and production. HELMSMAN is also a red carrier.

712HO01013 AOT HOOSICK-ET, bred and owned by AOT Genetics, Valley Falls, N.Y. HOOSICK is a K-Style Tarino Spartacus-ET son out of VG-89 DOM Cookiecutter Dta Habitan-ET, then a VG-88 DOM Minnigan-Hills Day-ET, for a total of 10 generations of Very Good and Excellent dams behind him. Coming in at +2925 GTPI®, HOOSICK provides a unique combination of high fertility (+2.6 Fertility Index) and type (+2.42 PTAT & +2.38 UDC). Adding to his well-balanced genetic profile, he also brings to the table strong components (108 CFP, +0.17% F, +0.05% P), desirable SCS (2.81) and PL (+5.4), and easy calving (1.6% SCE).

Holstein Marketplace Sires is offering an Introductory Online Special for HELMSMAN and HOOSICK. Free domestic US shipping included with 20+ unit order minimum of either HOOSICK or HELMSMAN.

Other bulls currently available through Holstein Marketplace Sires

  • 712HO01011 C-HAVEN POSITIVE DELUXE-ET: Positive x VG-87 Slamdunk x VG-87 Josuper, DELUXE ranks amongst the most elite available bulls in the breed at +2986 GTPI®, +1026 DWP$®, +829 NM$ and +849 CM$. He is backed by 15 generations of Very Good and Excellent dams with strong production records, going back to Coldsprings Dur Chan 109-ET EX-95 2E DOM. DELUXE is also A2/A2. Bred and owned by Thomas Priest & Thomas T. Mercuro, Greencastle, Pa. Conventional and a limited amount of sexed DELUXE semen is currently available.
  • 712HO01010 KINGS-RANSOM C CRUISIN-ET: Crushabull x EX-94 Monterey x EX-95 2E Mogul, in total, CRUISIN is backed by 11 generations of high-scoring Excellent dams, going back to "Queen of the Breed" C Glenridge Citation Roxy, and his 10 closest dams average 93.1 points. His genomic conformation values back up the pedigree, at +2.93 PTA Type, +2.58 UDC and +1.19 FLC. CRUISIN is also A2/A2. Bred and owned by Kings-Ransom Farm LLC, Schuylerville, N.Y.
  • 12HO01009 TRAMILDA STUNNING BLAZER: Doctor x VG-87 Delta x VG-85 Chevrolet, BLAZER has a well-balanced, modern genomic profile, being over +1,300 pounds Milk, with 113 pounds combined Fat and Protein, with positive health and fertility traits and desirable conformation values (+1.62 PTAT, +1.68 UDC and +1.08 FLC). Bred and owned by Troy & Austin Yoder, Montezuma, Ga.
  • 712HO01008 OCD KENOBI FOGHAT-ET: Kenobi x VG-87 Burley x EX-90 Delta, FOGHAT is backed by a total of 11 generations of Very Good and Excellent dams, going back through the Markwell Bstar E Raven-ET EX-95 3E GMD DOM cow family. With a +2802 GTPI, he brings a package of high component percentages with a combined 113 pounds of Fat and Protein, along with desirable health traits; +4.8 PL, +2.0 LIV, and +2.7 DPR. Bred and owned by Oakfield Corners Dairy, Oakfield, N.Y.
  • 712HO01007 TERRA-LINDA RYNO-ET: Tahiti x VG-86 Modesty x EX-90 Montross, RYNO hails from the Robthom Georgia Integrity EX-92 2E GMD DOM cow family through a strong maternal line. He is a well-balanced bull, coming in at +2726 GTPI, with strong production numbers of +1,146 Milk and a combined 119 pounds of Fat and Protein, also being A2/A2. RYNO is positive in his fertility traits, is +1.36 PTAT and +1.46 UDC. Bred and owned by Terra Linda Dairy, Tulare, Calif.
  • 712HO01006 RASBERRY CRSBL RIP CITY-ET: Crushabull x VG-85 Monterey x EX-91 Epic, then 17 more generations of Excellent dams behind her, tracing back to Audrey Posch EX-93 2E GMD. RIP CITY boasts impressive conformation values at +3.19 PTAT, +2.63 UDC and +1.40 FLC, complemented by positive component percentages and Fertility Index values. Owned by Karl & Donna Hale, Cloverdale, Ore.
  • 712HO01005 OUR-FAVORITE CHARISMA-ET: King Doc x VG-88 Hang Time x EX-94 2E Atwood from one of Our-Favorite Holsteins’ foundational cow families; 10 generations of Very Good and Excellent dams with an average classification of 91.2 points. +2608 GTPI with very strong conformation at +3.29 PTAT, +2.28 UDC, and +1.84 FLC; also, A2/A2 and Kappa Casein BB. Bred and owned by Our-Favorite Holsteins, Fall Creek, Wis.
All bulls offered through Holstein Marketplace Sires are free of any haplotypes impacting fertility.

Visit www.holsteinusa.com/marketplacesires to view complete pedigree and genetic information on HELMSMAN, HOOSICK, and the other Marketplace Sires currently available. The site features many generations of photos from their maternal lines, and commentary from the bull owners.

Purchasing semen from Holstein Marketplace Sires is simple. Order online or over the phone with your credit card and have semen shipped directly to your doorstep. Buy online by visiting www.holsteinusa.com/marketplacesires, click the red “Buy Now” button, fill in number of units you would like to purchase, and check out using our secure online system. Orders may also be placed by calling customer service 800.952.5200 or contacting a Holstein Association USA regional sales representative.

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Holstein America Broadcasts February 8 on RFD-TV

Brattleboro, Vt., January 26, 2021 — Each day, dairy farmers across America rise to the challenge of feeding a growing world.

Consumers today have more choices than ever before when it comes to high quality milk, delicious cheese, and other dairy products. None of this would be possible without U.S. Registered Holsteins®, and the people who raise them.

Holstein Association USA shares stories of the nation's dairy producers through its documentary series Holstein America. Now in the program's fourth year, the next episode broadcasts at 7 p.m. CST Monday, Feb. 8 on RFD-TV. Mark the calendar or set the DVR to record this exciting television broadcast celebrating the dairy community.

"Holstein America is our tribute to dairy farmers and families who are committed to producing the best milk and dairy products possible for consumers," says John Meyer, CEO of Holstein Association USA. "We know you'll enjoy the remarkable stories of the people behind the cows.

In the upcoming episode, Holstein America explores the versatility of milk and U.S. Registered Holsteins.

On farms from Colorado to Massachusetts, individuals, and families from all walks of life share their passion for Registered Holsteins — and providing an abundance of dairy products, sustainably. South Dakota State University students showcase their first-hand experience with dairy production and manufacturing. In Wisconsin, Widmer's Cheese Cellars gives a behind-the-scenes look at how artisan cheeses are handled and made with care.

The hour-long program, sponsored by Merck Animal Health, will also explore the programs and services offered by Holstein Association USA. Members explain the value of registration, classification and new technology offered by the world's largest dairy breed organization.

Join us for Holstein America at 7 p.m. CST, Monday, Feb. 8 on RFD-TV.

RFD-TV is a leading independent cable channel available on DISH Network, DIRECTV®, AT&T U-Verse, Charter Spectrum, Cox, Comcast, Mediacom, Suddenlink and many other rural cable systems. Reference local listings for more information.

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Holstein Association USA Announces
Virtual Interview Contest Winners

Brattleboro, Vt., January 13, 2021 — Holstein Association USA is thrilled to announce the winners of the inaugural Virtual Interview Contest. This program is designed to prepare youth for real world opportunities, giving them the chance to sharpen their resume writing and interview skills.

“The events of the past several months have forced almost everything to be virtual and demonstrated the increasing need to be proficient in virtual event and interview formats,” says Kelli Dunklee, Holstein Association USA Youth Specialist. “We thought this would be a great opportunity to equip our youth members with experience and skills they can put to work right away.”

Applicants submitted cover letters and resumes based on a mock interview scenario and were selected to move on to the second phase of the contest based on their combined cover letter and resume scores. Youth members completed a virtual interview with a panel of three judges during the second phase. Final scores were calculated based on each applicant’s cover letter, resume, and interview. All youth received feedback from the judges to help further prepare them for future interviews.

Cash prizes of $250 for first place, $100 for second place, and $50 for third place will be awarded in the junior and intermediate divisions. In the senior division, youth will be given cash prizes of $500 for first place, $250 for second place, and $100 for third place. Following are the results from each division.

Jenna Larson Jon Chapman Elsie Donlick
Jenna Larson Jon Chapman Elsie Donlick

Junior Division (ages 12-14 as of January 1)
1st place: Jenna Larson, Florida
2nd place: Jon Chapman, California
3rd place: Elsie Donlick, New York

Brianna Meyer Courtney Glenna Shelby Sumner
Brianna Meyer Courtney Glenna Shelby Sumner

Intermediate Division (ages 15-17 as of January 1)
1st place: Brianna Meyer, Wisconsin
2nd place: Courtney Glenna, Wisconsin
3rd place: Shelby Sumner, Florida

Sarah Lehner Miriam Cook
Sarah Lehner Zach Jasmin Miriam Cook

Senior Division (ages 18-21 as of January 1)
1st place: Sarah Lehner, Ohio
2nd place: Zach Jasmin, New York
3rd place: Miriam Cook, Michigan

For more information about the Virtual Interview Contest and all of Holstein Association USA’s youth programs, visit www.holstein usa.com/juniors/.

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Holstein Association USA, Inc., www.holsteinusa.com, provides products and services to dairy producers to enhance genetics and improve profitability-ranging from registry processing to identification programs to consulting services.

The Association, headquartered in Brattleboro, Vt., maintains the records for Registered Holsteins
® and represents approximately 30,000 members throughout the United States.