Cow Nation 2015

DAIRY AGENDA TODAY 2015 cOw NATION 1

Dallas Burton - Kansas 785.806.9774 [email protected]

David Jons - Kansas Manager 913.634.3526 [email protected]

Melissa Hart – Michigan Editor 517.398.1957 [email protected]

Mary Angelo – Missouri 417.880.5732 [email protected]

Ron Schaap – Wisconsin 608.334.2348 [email protected]

Chad Griffith - Ohio 513.543.2315 [email protected]

Larry Kleiner - Illinois 217.827.3468 [email protected]

Steve Crumley - Georgia 678.316.4518 [email protected]

Maria Bise – New York 315.879.3207 [email protected]

Mary A. Angelo – Missouri 417.880.5732 [email protected]

Kristy Roose – Iowa 712.229.9778 [email protected]

Kate Smith – Wisconsin 920.988.6528 [email protected]

Lynnette Wright – New York 614.561.3382 [email protected]

Jodi L. Wright – Missouri 417.840.3203 [email protected]

– Team Members –

The words of Dwight D. Eisenhower ring true to this day. The same can be said regarding breeding a great herd of cows. Across this great nation good herds of cows can be found in the strangest places, in all types of environments and each is unique and special in their own way. Dairy Agenda Today celebrates these great herds and proudly presents them to you in our own very special publication. Join us and travel with us as we take you for a ride through COW NATION.

“Farming looks easy when your plow is a pencil and you’re a thousand miles from the corn field.”

o u r o n ly p r i n t m e d i a p u b l i c at i o n o f 2015

Pr e s e n t s

2 2015 cOw NATION DAIRY AGENDA TODAY

Contents –

Advertising Directory –

Delivering the tOtAl pAckAge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4By Ashley Abbott

putting ObservAtiOns tO WOrk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6By Bev Berens

striving fOr success At hOme AnD in the ring . . . . . . . . . . . . .8By Ashley Abbott

brenhAven Jerseys: pretty AnD prODuctive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11By Melissa Hart

revive micrObiAls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14By Bev Berens

the Devil is in the DetAils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16By Ashley Abbott

filling the shOW cOW becOmes nAturAl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

A stOnes thrOW AWAy frOm bright lights AnD big city . . . . .20By Bev Bßerens

DAllAs burtOn tribute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

aAa weeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

A .I . Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Billings Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front cover

Brenhaven Holsteins & Jerseys, LLc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 12

conant Acres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Dairy Agenda Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Dairy Agenda Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Dairy Agenda Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Gold-N-Oaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Green Meadows Forage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Jenniton Holsteins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Jersey Marketing Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

K-Lane Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Ourway Holstein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Revive Microbials, LLc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Rho-Nic Holsteins/Pro-Hart Jerseys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Trans Ova . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Yarrabee Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back cover

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See, advertising does work!

Let your advertising work on Dairy Agenda Today.

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SALES STAFF

Ron Schaap | [email protected]

Marshall, WI

Chad Griffith | [email protected]

Bethel, OH

Mary Angelo | [email protected]

Fair Grove, MO

MANAGER

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Visit www.dairyagendatoday.com

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“D elivering the total package” is much more than just a tag line for A.I. Total, it truly depicts

their vision. The small stud owned and managed by Jan deVries of the Netherlands, may be the “new kid on the block” in the A.I. industry, but they are certainly holding their own against age-old industry giants by delivering exactly what Holstein breeders are looking for all over the world. Founded in 2010, they have built an impressive resume including marketing their bulls in over 30 different countries from the Netherlands to South Africa and the U.S.A, and they continue to grow at a remarkable rate! Striving to offer bulls that will appeal to the majority of dairymen is what sets A.I. Total apart from their competitors. They don’t chase numbers or try to keep up with the “hottest” bulls on the market, but instead focus on pedigrees that have stood the test of time and provide the reliability and lifetime profitability that dairymen crave. Their philosophy is simple and is proven to work as they turn out sire after sire that excels in breeding daughters that make farmers happy! They stress the use of daughter-proven sires as well as proven cow families to create bulls that will consistently carry on desirable traits to their offspring. It is a high priority at A.I. Total to source and market sires whose daughters will excel in all environments. They are passionate about marketing genetics that will increase

profitability generation after generation, and their passion shows in their lineup of bull after bull with desirable linear traits, outstanding health traits, and strong production traits.

A.I. Total provides a balanced lineup of dairy bulls for their customers to choose from, sourcing bulls from deep

cow families like the Cosmoploitans, Gold-N-Oaks Arbellas, and Outside Dabbles, and emphasizing reliable sire stacks. They focus on genetics that transmit profitable traits generation after generation. One bull in particular- Broeks Modious, a Mogul from the Outside Dabble family, has had great success due to his balance of high production at +1720 Milk, great udders at +2.73 UDC, outstanding health traits, and carrying A2/A2. It is bulls like Modious that are making farmers money and building a strong market for other A.I. Total bulls that fit the same mold.

The future looks bright for this young company. Founded just 5 years ago, and debuting in the U.S. less than 2 years ago, it is an exciting time for A.I. Total, as they are not standing still for a second! The company is growing and developing a following around the globe. The passionate staff at A.I. Total continue to work tirelessly toward their goal of improving the profitability of the Holstein breed and marketing genetics that will deliver the “total” package to farmers all over the world! y

Delivering the tOtAl pAckAgeBy Ashley Abbott

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W illiam A. Weeks classified dairy cattle for many years. Observing patterns of conformation in

cattle revealed trait and type patterns that perpetuated over multiple generations. He decided to put his observations to work on his own dairy farm, building a scorecard of six major traits that unite form to function. He used the scorecard as a basis for matings, selecting strengths in bulls that would best best complement a cow’s weaknesses.

Weeks’ system for mating quickly gained both national and international notoriety and momentum, leading him to develop it into a trademarked system in 1950, known as aAa® or Animal Analysis Associates. The trademark is recognized worldwide, but is known in Europe as Weeks®.

The company is still owned by the Weeks family, operated by daughter Mary Weeks Dransfield and her husband David Dransfield.

“What is interesting is that the system has not changed since 1950,” said Mary. “Characteristics that are popular have changed, but the system works regardless of what current trends are.”

Evaluation of an animal determines what the cow looks like. Mr. Weeks identified a fundamental concept that significantly affects breeding results: while a problem in several different cows may look the same, the problem may be caused by different reasons in different cows. Thus, the foundational point of aAa® analysis is that relationship of parts is the basis for understanding the different causes of a problem and selecting sires that will yield better daughters from each cow in the herd. Both evaluation and analysis are equally important components of

the breeding program.aAa® analysis is done by twenty-four

evaluators worldwide. Each evaluator completes continual training and evaluations to retain their evaluator status. Approximately 6000 breeders worldwide use aAa® evaluators each year.

While aAa® is not affiliated with any sire service, all bulls receive a six digit trait rating and is available for anyone to use on the aAa® website at http://aaaweeks.com/ . Look under the Bull Central Database tab. New updates to the website will be available soon.

While there is no typical farm that uses aAa® for matings, Weeks Dransfield said that the typical system user is someone who thinks outside of the box.

“It’s not just herds with deep pedigrees and generations of cow families who use the system,” Weeks Dransfield said. “There are commercial herds, Amish and Mennonite herds who want to analyze and use their own home bulls. None of the users want to be tied to an AI service that does all the work for them.”

“We’re not affiliated with any AI services so our analysis are honest and unbiased. Dairy farmers can use any bulls they want and don’t have to buy semen from one provider.”

The relationship between form and function effects every part of her body. In the end, cows which possess that right combination live longer, are healthier and more efficient, and produceoffspring with those same characteristics. “More profitable and efficient cows in the herd eventually lead to calves that survive longer and more replacements available to sell,” Weeks Dransfield said. y

putting ObservAtiOns tO WOrkBy Bev Berens

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C orey Lien of Ourway Holsteins is no stranger to success. He began breeding cattle under the “Our Way”

prefix in 2001, previously having used the “Tip-View” prefix. Ourway Holsteins is owned and operated by Corey, with the help from his 3 children, Dillon (13), Ashlyn (10) and Mason (6) as well as some part-time help from his father. The herd boasts an RHA of 20,000 lbs of milk and 800 lbs of fat on 40 cows, mostly Holsteins with some Brown Swiss and Milking Shorthorns as well. Corey harvests all of his own feed including hay, soybeans, and corn.

Corey’s interest in registered cattle began at a young age and was sparked by his father who bred registered cows as well. While growing up, Corey followed the breeding philosophies of greats like Pinehurst, Dun-Did, Westcrest Farms, and Henry Bartell. His goal is to breed long-lasting, big framed cows, with great udders that can excel both in the barn and in the show ring. Ourway has a current BAA of 110.8.

Over the years, Ourway has had tremendous success in the show ring, which is clearly one of Corey’s passions. He has bred or owned National show winners in 5 breeds, including Holsteins, Red and Whites, Jerseys, Brown Swiss, and Milking Shorthorns. To accompany this outstanding feat he has also bred and owned about 25 All-American nominated cattle in various breeds. There is a great appreciation for deep-pedigreed cattle that

has helped Corey to realize these goals. There have been many great cows from influential cow families that have called Ourway home. Some families that they are currently working with include the Lana Rae’s, Continental Scarlett’s, and Red Rose families to name a few. When asked about his favorite cows in the barn, Corey admits that there are too many to name them all. He is particularly fond of 3 EX Goldwyns that all have bright futures ahead of them. He also has an EX Jasper daughter of Red Rose that he is currently flushing. And of course an all-time favorite of his would be Ourway SS Larissa, a two time All American September Storm daughter that he bred.

Another measure of achievement that Corey strives for is to win premier breeder and exhibitor banners at the shows that he attends, and over the last 15 years he has accumulated many of them. He is proud of these banners because they represent all of the hard work over many years, by choosing the right bulls to use, making the best matings possible, and getting cows bred back for show season year after year.

When asked about the future of Ourway Holsteins, Corey simply says that he plans to keep doing what he is doing.

With all of these credits to his breeding program, Corey enjoys selling animals and seeing them perform well for their new owners. He always has live females, embryos, and breeding-age bulls for sale. y

striving fOr success At hOme AnD in the ringBy Ashley Abbott

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Brenhaven Holsteins & Jerseys, LLCBrent Moyer

2647 E Caro Rd., Caro, MI 48723 | [email protected]

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Sire: Lester Sambo | Dam: Councillers Blackeyed Susan VG 872nd Dam: Blackies Bouquet EX 90 | 3rd Dam: Blacky Rose of Briarcliffs EX 96

• 2nd Aged Cow, Reserve Sr. Champion, & Reserve Grand - Michigan Dairy Expo 2015

• Watch for Black Gold at the All American Jersey Show in Louisville this fall

• Black Gold has 2 EX daughters at the farm, one sired by Cloverfield Edwin and the other sired by Bridon Comerica. The Edwin has a VG 2 year old sired by Konspiracy.

• We have an Apple Jack Son of Black Golds available

• Out of 89 appraised cows there are 23 EX and 54 VG cows



“W hen I go to the barn I don’t want to look at just a bunch of cows, I want to look at

good cows.” That statement sums up the breeding philosophy of owner and manager of BrenHaven Jerseys, Brent Moyer.

Growing up on a dairy in northeastern Indiana, in 2000, Brent took his passion for cows and left the home farm. After several experience-filled adventures with big dairies and small comfort stall barns, in 2008 he settled in the thumb of Michigan on a dairy in Caro.

Brent and his business partner started with “nothing special, just bunch of cows,” and have grown their dairy into 1500 milk cows, 1300 head of young stock, 2300 acres of crop ground with 19 employees. Brenhaven is predominantly registered Holsteins with approximately 100 registered Jerseys.

“In 2011, I had 35 Jerseys and I sold them all but two. And now we have built the herd back up to about 100 registered Jerseys focusing on good pedigreed cow families,” Brent commented.

The flush program at Brenhaven is centered around prominent cow families with type and longevity. The longterm goal is to have 90 percent of the cows trace back to a few good cow families. “I want pretty ones but they have to be able to milk too,” Brent said as he pointed to their 17,000 pound Jersey herd average and 28,000 pound Holstein herd average.

Recently Brenhaven had an exciting day when the classifier stopped in to evaluate the Jersey herd. It was a double whammy with two cows going EX-95. Peninsula Kaught Mallory was raised to EX-95 along with Miss Sambo Black Gold. Brent explained, “I really

wasn’t expecting that, I thought one of them might go EX-95 but not both of them in one day.”

Since arriving at the farm Brent says “Mallory” has gone up in score every time. The Avonlea All Kaught Up-ET daughter crossed the border from Canada as an EX-92 then was raise to EX-93, then EX-94 and finally EX-95.

“Mallory” took the tanbark trail by storm earlier this spring when she was Reserve Grand Champion at the Great Lakes Spring Jersey show in Michigan and was named Honorable Mention Senior Champion at the Wisconsin Spring Spectacular.

The recent spectacular classification day was after Brent swept the Michigan Jersey Show with these two gems where they were first and second in the aged cow class and then Peninsula Kaught Mallory went on to win Grand Champion and Supreme Champion honors. Miss Sambo Black Gold took her place as Reserve Grand Champion of the Michigan Dairy Expo. “We had a really good day, a really good day,” Brent admitted.

The Holstein herd is nearly all registered where longevity and productive life are the attributes they strive for. “We don’t necessarily breed for the two lactation wonder where they have big milk records in their first couple of lactations and then are gone from the herd. We want our cows to be able to stay in the herd a long time.” Because of this focus, Brent breeds for good feet and legs, good udders and components.

The Brenhaven show string will conclude their 2015 show season with a trip to the All-American Jersey Show at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky in November. y

Brenhaven Jerseys: pretty AnD prODuctiveBy Melissa Hart

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Brenhaven Holsteins & Jerseys, LLCBrent Moyer

2647 E Caro Rd., Caro, MI 48723 | [email protected]

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Sire: Avonlea All Kaught Up-ET (Amedeo x Avonlea Katch Me If You Kan-ET VG 87) (Kan is a First Prize x Valiant Kitty)Dam: Enniskillen SC of JT Mame2-ET (never scored, lost as a young cow)

Mallory’s Show Record• 1st Aged Cow, Sr. Champion, & Reserve Grand Champion - Great Lakes Spring Show 2015• 1st Aged Cow, HM Sr. Champion - Wisconsin Spring Spectacular 2015• 1st Aged Cow, Sr. Champion, Grand Champion, & Supreme Champion - Michigan Dairy Expo 2015

Watch for Mallory this fall at World Dairy Expo• Mallory has a Rapid Bay Grayson daughter here at the farm and is due back with a Valentino heifer in January 2016.• Mallory since arriving at the farm has went up in score each time, she came to us scored EX-92 in Canada, then raised a point to

EX-93, next time around she went EX-94, then after our summer show this year she went EX-95• Out of 89 appraised cows there are 23 EX and 54 VG cows


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s ix and a half years ago, Jamie Troxel took a risk, leaving behind a familiar position as a herdsman to market a

product entirely new to the dairy industry. Troxel had nearly twenty years of herdsman experience on dairy farms.

He took the step away from daily dairy farm life into the world of marketing to the dairy industry after seeing the results for himself on his employer’s farm. The risk was a success and today, Revive probiotics are making a huge difference in health and profitability of herds all over the country. According to Troxel, business is exploding.

Revive Extra is a unique blend of beneficial bacteria, enzymes and a specific concentrated yeast culture designed to establish and rapidly expand a superior rumen population heavily weighted toward fiber digestion and to produce high levels of B- vitamins, mainly B-12. The product was developed over twenty years, beginning with Indiana farmer, Jay Powlen. Through on farm testing and the combined efforts of a practicing dairy nutritionist and one of the top microbiologists in this field, the Revive product has become what it is today. In 2005 Jamie Troxel got dairy veterinarian, Dr. G.W. Snider to join him in doing further research to find a way to be able to prove the product to the dairyman. Through combined efforts, they have built what is truly one of the most unique microbials available to the dairy industry today.

“The rumen is the most important part of the cow. Without an efficiently functioning rumen, the rest of the cow won’t function at its peak,” Troxel said.

A strong immune system, efficient feed conversion into milk, a fertile reproductive system, low cull rates and

higher profitability are the end results of a healthier rumen. In the end, a more efficient animal will live longer and provide more output with less input. “We go by what the cows say; the cows never lie,” Troxel said.

Through on farm research and controlled groups the Revive research team has designed a way to prove the product to dairymen. “We don’t believe in university research,” Troxel said. “Your farm and a university research farm are two totally different things, every farm is different. We need to do the research on your farm, with your cows and in front of your eyes. You as a dairyman have to see the difference in your cows.”

Troxel helps dairymen improve their bottom lines by monitoring dry matter intake, cow numbers, milk production, butter fat, protein, feed costs, income, 3.5% fat corrected milk, and income over feed cost.

“Not all farms are the same, however on an average we have seen about a $0.60/cow/day improvement in income over feed cost within two weeks,” Troxell said. “Overall reproductive and general herd health improvements are benefits that show up over time. It’s not about how much milk you make, it’s about how much money you make. Improving your bottom line is what counts.”

Word of mouth has helped Revive Microbials achieve an ever-growing market share. “Farmers talk, especially in the pedigree and show cattle circles,” Troxel said. However there is no typical farm that is a regular Revive user. Commercial, pedigree and show herd users alike are discovering the benefits of Revive Extra and are incorporating the product into their feed mix. y

revive micrObiAlsBy Bev Berens

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REVIVE EXTRA is a patent pending product developed over a 20 year period that was originally started by a farmer from Indiana. Through on farm testi ng and the combined eff orts of a practi cing dairy nutriti onist, one of the top microbiologists and one of the top dairy veterinarians in this fi eld, the Revive product has become what it is today. It is a unique combinati on of various strains of benefi cial bacteria, enzymes, and a specifi c type of concentrated yeast culture. It was designed to establish and rapidly expand a superior rumen populati on heavily weighted toward fi ber digesti on and to produce high levels of B-vitamins mainly B-12. Not all probioti cs are the same. There are hundreds of various strains and combinati ons.

Get with the show, Get Revive Extra!!!

For more informati onContact

Revive Microbials, LLCJamie Troxel

330-601-2142www.revivemicrobials.com

PROUD FEEDERS OF REVIVE EXTRA

Triple T Holsteins & Jerseys Brook Hollow Farm Deer Hill Ayrshires Keightly & Core Jerseys Topp Acres Kueff ner Holsteins Butler View Farms Denn-Marr Farms Seacord Jerseys River Valley Farms Golden Oaks Holsteins Rob-Land Farms Kuehnert Dairy Farm Ratliff Jerseys Boer Jersey Dairy Nor-Bert Farms Lindale Holsteins Whitehead Holsteins Maple Branch Farms Team Holsteins Stephan Jerseys Leann Acres Holbric Holsteins GS Dairy White Jersey Farm Kara-Kech Holsteins South Mountain Jerseys Elite Dairy Neil Deam Kentuckiana Jerseys

Revive Research TeamJamie Troxel & Dr. G. W. Snider

and cows

Revive Research TeamRevive Research Team


t hen one and only goal of Jersey Marketing Service ( JMS) is your success with Jerseys! Because of this

single-facet goal, the team at JMS goes above and beyond what is “expected” in the world of buying and selling genetics and raises the bar to new levels. Whether you are buying or selling Jersey genetics, JMS can help you do it, and assure that you will be satisfied with their hassle-free services.

As the Jersey genetics marketing arm of National All-Jersey (NAJ), JMS works with both NAJ and the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) to collect official pedigree information on the Jerseys that they market. They also use both traditional and unique avenues to connect buyers and sellers of Jersey cattle, such as personal connections, social media, and public sale venues. JMS strives to provide the most updated pedigree information, as well as proper identification, and all important management information on the Jersey cattle that they market. As they well know, “the devil is in the details” and they do the very best job possible to make sure that no details slip under the radar.

The JMS staff work tirelessly to make the process of buying and selling cattle and embryos as simple as possible for the breeders. If you want to buy a herd of Jerseys, JMS will take your order, find you what you are looking for, arrange the trucking, make sure that all animals are properly identified and health-tested, and assure that registrations are all transferred in a timely manner. The quality of their

services are second to none!JMS has also taken advantage of advances

in technology to create fresh marketing ideas for their customers. Utilizing online sites like www.jerseybid.com, where they hold monthly consignment auctions as well as some annual state sales, has saved consigners a lot of money by allowing a high-quality sale without the expenses of a traditional on-site sale. They also offer an online broadcast and bidding service at live sales, at www.jerseyauctionlive.com, allowing busy breeders who cannot make the sale to actually see the animals they are interested in as they go through the ring, and bid LIVE! JMS also uses their Facebook and Twitter accounts as well as their blog website, www.jerseymarketingservice.com, to connect with their customers and spread the word about sales and their special consignments. The JMS blog “From Inside the Sale Ring” is a popular method of mass communication that they use to let interested Jersey enthusiasts know what JMS currently has for sales and offerings. The JMS homepage can also be found online at http://jms.usjersey.com.

As the world begins to realize that owning Jerseys increases profitability, the demand for Jerseys is increasing, and JMS is there to help farmers market their cattle worldwide. They deal with live sales, online auctions, private treaty sales, and work with other countries on exporting embryos and live cattle. When it comes to marketing Jersey genetics, there is no task too big or small for the great team at JMS. y

The Devil is in The DeTailsBy Ashley AbbottJM

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t he secret to elite dairy show cattle success comes down to one word, preparation. The show season is a 365 day process.

Whether it is optimum growth, weight management, hair growth, or physical fill, the process is filled with peaks and valleys. All dairy show stock experiences these changes throughout the year as well as from show to show. “Growth spurts”, heat cycles, weight changes, and genetic predisposition all impact the show season.

The art of “filling” your show cow or calf is truly one of the most difficult aspects of showing cattle. Each animal will have certain needs and will fill differently. Traditionally, the industry has relied on three key ingredients to accomplish this task. Water, hay, and beet pulp have been the staples of naturally creating depth and spring of rib. All of these options are beneficial, but each has their limitation.

Dry hay has been the most popular way to achieve fill, but the animal will eventually “stall” on the same hay. Water will tend to “make or break” your fill as it takes time to settle and can either make the animal look “balloon-like” or “break” in the chine, if overdone. Beet pulp has been an option used for many years. From a feeding standpoint, beet pulp is limited to the correct moisture content for proper filling and the proper feeding time to let the feed settle, so that the animal does not look “pot-gutted”. Also, the high sugar content, and the recent surge in commodity pricing makes beet pulp a high calorie, expensive fiber option.

Enter Natural Fill: A product that will bridge the gap between these options. This well-tested, all-natural fiber product is designed for optimum fill of your dairy calf, heifer, and cow. Natural Fill was reformulated with the dairy show animal in mind. This low energy, high fiber alternative is made from a specific combination of chopped hay, digestible fiber, minerals, molasses, and yeast. Natural fill

is stored in a plastic bag that will “ferment” slightly and will have a stable shelf life. During this process, the feed becomes a perfect fit for the calf, heifer, and cow.

One of the greatest strengths of Natural Fill is its palatability, which is second to none. The smell, taste and texture of the feed are the key to its success. During the testing phase in 2010 and 2011, many exhibitors have mentioned the “tunneling” into the straw pack to get every bite of Natural Fill.

The latest trend for Natural Fill is its use as a TMR replacement for the lactating show cow. Natural fill is fermented, so it is very similar to the TMR that many dairy cows receive at home. The main difference is that it is lower starch, thus lowering the water retention that high starch total mixed rations are known for. This will equate to increased dairy character and more natural texture to the udder. Also, the low protein, high fiber, and low grain content make it very flexible to any base grain or top dress.

Natural Fill can be used in combination with beet pulp for yet a bigger upper rib fill than beet pulp alone and keeping stools firmer. If using Natural Fill as total fill source it should be used three to five days prior to show.

For calves and heifers, Natural Fill should be introduced slowly at home or prior to the show and can be used as a compliment to your current program or a replacement for hay and beet pulp in this tight forage market.

Natural Fill is a great value for the combination feed that it is. You will get the balanced spring and depth of fore and rear rib that is the goal in top end show cattle. The cattle will attack the feed and will not stall or alter the rumen population like heavy beet pulp feeding will. Natural Fill will have the greatest results when it is used to build a steady fill throughout the show season. Look for us at the fall shows. We are changing the way you fill with Natural Fill. y

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t he clamor, lights and traffic of Chicago are almost close enough to be heard at K-Lane Farms. A six mile drive ends

at a train depot that will take a traveler directly to the downtown district.

But only thirty-six miles south of the Windy City near Peotone, Illinois, Roger Koehn and his family aren’t distracted by the big city nearby. Rather, they are focusing on developing high quality cows with deep pedigrees in a state where dairy producers are few and far between.

Roger and wife, Rhonda, took over the farm in 1982. Roger’s father first began registering cows in 1953 and the family has been regularly classifying cattle since 1959. A total of 110 registered Holsteins stand in the barn today, of which nearly twenty-five percent are classified Excellent. Fourteen of the Excellent cows are homebred while another twelve are purchased. Forty-three additional cows are classified as VG.

In the most recent DHI report, 107 cows had an RHA of 25,826 with 1134 pounds or 3% butter fat and 813 pounds or 4.1% protein.

One of Koehn’s proudest accomplishments is that the farm truly remains a family farm and utilizes very little outside help. His son Rick graduated from Purdue and is now the farm’s herdsman. Daughter Rachel is attending college and another son, Riley, is still in high school.

While the dairy industry usually provides a wild roller coaster ride of circumstances, K-Lane Farms quietly strives to have an exceptional herd of cows from top to bottom.

“There are only 800 herds in Illinois,

but there is probably not another herd in the state with twenty-six Excellent cows,” Koehn said. “We are working for a good, functional group of cows. On a lot of farms, you see a few top end cows that are really good and a bunch of commercial cows.”

The breeding program strives for a show cut in their animals, but all cows are members of the milking herd and are not pampered as flush animals. Cows are housed in free stalls and milked in a stanchion barn.

“I believe you get a better feel for the cow by standing behind her every night,” Koehn said. “You know what’s going on with the cow by looking at her versus running them through a parlor with maybe hired help looking at them.” Those daily observations have contributed to long productive lives throughout much of the herd.

MadAbout Pontiac Sunfire is a special cow contributing to the herd’s genetic superiority these days. She is an Excellent 94 with an Excellent 97 mammary system. Thus far she has delivered two Excellent daughters into the herd with another Atwood heifer calf on the ground. K-Lane Rudy Kami, EX 93, K-Lane Durham Melissa, EX 92 and K-Lane Davinci Calley, EX 93 are three additional cows that Koehn believes hold promise for future great cow families.

In 2009, K-Lane Farms bred the Illinois State Fair Grand Champion and in 2006 bred the Junior Grand Champion.

“You just don’t see hundred cow herds with seven, eight and nine year-old cows still in the herd and in good health,” Koehn said. y

A stOnes thrOW AWAy frOm bright lights AnD big cityBy Bev Berens

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Jenniton M-O-M Savana VG-88 VG-MS @2Y2-03 3X 365 29,390 4.6 1345 3.7 1085

Jenniton Bolton Rowena-ET EX-90 DOM5-01 2x 365 31,770 4.0 1276 3.1 997

4th & 5th Dams both EX cows with over 30,000 lbs. of milk.

Sells in the World Classic Sale October 2nd World Dairy EXPO Madison, Wisconsin

ESTHER’S DAUGHTER SIRED BY YODER

REGISTERED HOLSTEINS Ted & Marcia Thompson 608-574-7072 | Kyle & Karlee Thompson 608-574-9182 | [email protected]

Fresh July 16th!

Jenniton D Tello

Kathy DeBruin photo

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3861 Thompson Road, Barneveld, WI 53507

Located just 30 miles west of Madison on Hwy 18-151!

Esther’s Dam Esther’s 2nd Dam


SALES STAFFRon Schaap | 608.334.2348 | [email protected] | Marshall, WI Chad Griffith | 513.543.2315 | [email protected] | Bethel, OHMary Angelo | 417.880.5732 | [email protected] | Fair Grove, MO

MANAGER David Jons | 913-634-3526 | [email protected] | Bonner Springs, KS

Visit www.dairyagendatoday.com

How many times do YOU look at an ad in a monthly print publication, maybe ONCE?

How many times do YOU think people look at Dairy Agenda Today and would see that same ad

in a month, TEN, TWENTY, THIRTY TIMES?

With over 2.6 Million visits to to DAIRY AGENDA TODAY in 2014, it is EASY to see where YOUR advertisement gets

the most exposure!


3211 Co. Rd. F, Barneveld, Wisconsin 53507 USA608-516-3882 | [email protected]/gold-n-oaks

Inquiries welcome

Heifers from the Marbellas Gold-N-Oaks Harlo2938 (Montross x Shotglass x Bookem) GTPI+2587 +1368M +729NM$ +2.50T

Gold-N-Oaks Jo Elli2879 (Josuper x Freddie x Ramos)GTPI+2563 +91F +728NM$ +2.13T

Gold-N-Oaks S Sidd2940 (Silver x Freddie x Shottle)GTPI+2553 +101F +763NM$ +1.88T

Gold-N-Oaks MVP Aero2814 (MVP x Epic x Ramos)GTPI+2528 +696NM$ +2.21T / Pregnancies by Modesty Full sister to Aria2815 / GTPI+2741 / sold to Westcoast

Proven from the MarbellasGold-N-Oaks ALTHEA 29H016333 (Freddie x Ramos x Marbella)GTPI+2329 +1060M + 483NM$ +1.44T

Mr GoldNOaks MAGNUS 7H011103(Man-O-Man x Marbella)GTPI+2253 +481M +389NM$ +1.57T

Mr GoldNOaks Messiah 29H016200(Freddi x Marbella)GTPI+2291 +1266M +449NM$ +1.23T

Gold-N-Oaks S Marbella VG89 GMD DOM

Shottle x 7 generations VG/EX2-00 2x 365d 31,580lbM 4.2% 1321F 3.2% 1008P

Lea McCullough photoKri

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Fall 2015 | 9

SCORING & SHOW HIGHLIGHTSSWF Braxton Fran Frankie, scored 87 as SR 2 YR Old, Grand Champion Jersey cow and

Junior Supreme Champion cow at the Michigan State Fair

GR Wanaship Storm Stella, raised to 90 as a SR 3 YR Old & Reserve Champion Jersey at State Fair

Butlerview Gold Angel-ET was Grand Champion Holstein cow at State Fair as a milking yearling

Pro-Hart Fire Summer was Grand Champion Jersey heifer at State Fair

Rho-Nic Malone Ellie-Red was Grand Champion Holstein heifer at State Fair

Rho-Nic Holsteins Pro-Hart JerseysNick and Rhoda Clark

Tad and Jessica Provoast, Melanie & Cole • Frank and Brielle Hartner & BriceHome 989-873-4300 • Fax 989-873-4429 • Cell 989-305-0143

[email protected] • Prescott, Michigan

BAA 105.4Herd Average 24,607 912 752

“Chatter”ChatterChatterWHATʼS ALL THE

ABOUT?Pro-Hart Prince Chatter-ET

014JE00695Pro-Hart Prince Chatter-ET Prince x Plus x LouieBorn: 04/12/2014Reg No: JE840003124771865aAa: 243 DMS: 126,246 JH1F JH2FBreeder: Melanie Provoast, Prescott, MIBeta-casein: A2A2 Kappa-casein: AB

Accelerated Genetics Lists Chatter on Top 10 Bull List for TPI, Protein & Type!

Charla’s Production Record1-11 365d 23,862m 4.8 1140 f 3.7 886 p 5th Pot of Gold Production Contest 2014

Charla’s Production Record

Dutch Hollow Plus Charla-ET EX-90%


v v v v

Steve CrumleyI had my world crushed on Friday Sept 18 , when I got the tragic news . I had a great friend taken from me. Good Ole Dally, Big D, Dallas my friend!! I’m sure time will help us heal our broken hearts, but I’ll always have countless memories to treasure. Dallas was the most upbeat, generous, thoughtful friend a person could ever have. I always loved to joke with Dallas. His humorous side was always there. AND he could take just as good as he dished it out. My prayers go out to Linda, Shawn, Kevin and the entire Burton family. The Hol-stein world has lost the Best Ambassador it could EVER have!!

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John Hager What a privilege it was to spend precious moments in time with Dallas. The list of his enduring qualities was endless but kind, considerate, generous, humorous and so compassion-ate come to the forefront. Multi-talented and so willing to share his talents with whomever he could. His genuine love of family and friends was evident to all who knew him. His compositions in the foreword to many of his sale catalogs and other articles were so insightful and always told a heartwarm-ing, uplifting message. Whenever the name Dallas comes to mind, I will thank God for the good that was Dallas and for all the good Dallas did for so many, including myself. Our sympathies and prayers go out to Linda and the entire Burton Family. He will be greatly missed but so fondly remembered.

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David Rama It is impossible to encapsulate the life of our friend Dallas Burton, an icon in the dairy industry, in a few sentences. Perhaps the most gregarious, friendly and warm person you could ever expect to meet for the first time or to have known forever. He was extremely knowledgeable with a strong pas-sion for the people and great cattle in our industry. Dallas was at all times, generous, entertaining and worked his hard-est to please everyone. A fierce competitor in my early years of business, we became close friends over the years and the Rama family extends its deepest sympathy to Linda and the entire Burton family. We find solace in the fact that we knew and worked with Dallas for close to 30 years and he will be with us forever. Rest in Peace old friend.

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Gary Estes The dairy world has lost a great cow man , also a man of integ-rity. He was also a dear friend, brother and mentor to many. I will miss him greatly, we worked together over 30 years. My prayers and thoughts are with his wife Linda, boys and fam-ily, may God be with you all.

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Larry Kleiner Dallas loved the purebred business and did his very best to make it special. He was one of the most generous, caring peo-ple one could hope to call a friend. Things didn’t always turn out the way he wanted but he gave it his very best.

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Bobby Griggs Shocked!!! That is exactly how I felt after I heard of Dallas’s unfortunate death. I guess nothing has both-ered me more except 9-11. I just got a phone call from him about 2 weeks ago inviting Glenda and me to his birthday party. Told him Happy Birthday, but I would not be there. I sure wish I would have made that drive to Kansas. I personally will always remember Dallas every morning when I turn my computer on and go to Dairy Agenda. “Rest In Peace My Friend”.

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Ed Fellers The Dairy Industry has lost one of the most innovative, dedicated, and genuinely kind men of our generation. His talents were enormous and he touched and posi-tively influenced so many people’s lives. Dallas had an engagingly friendly, outgoing, and humorous personal-ity that was truly second to none. He anxiously greeted people with a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye, and jokes that brought laughter to friends and business as-sociates around the World. More importantly, was Dal-las’s incredible generosity to others and his tremendous love for his family. He loved kids of all ages and they loved him, and our hearts go out to his family in this time of sadness. He will be missed!!!

t his year’s edition of Cow Nation is dedicated to the man who created it. The man who created Dairy Agenda Today. The man who gave his life to the

dairy industry: Dallas Burton. When news of his unfor-tunate death on Friday, September 18th spread through-out the industry the reaction was the same, everyone was

shocked to lose their good friend. Dallas had an impact on everyone he met. His sense of humor, genuine love for people and concern for the dairy farmer made him unique and unforgettable. Dallas left his friends behind but he will never be forgotten. Here are a few comments from a few of his closest friends:


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Cow Nation 2015

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