Farms that shine in reproductive performance have been recognized each year since 2009 by the Dairy Cattle Reproductive Council. This year's award winners were announced last week at the 8th annual Dairy Cattle Reproductive Council meeting in Indianapolis, Ind.
To be considered for the award, farms are nominated by veterinarians, genetic and pharmaceutical company representatives, DHIA field personnel, extension specialists or others who work closely with the operation. The judges review each application independently, and the top herds move on to the finalist round.
Awards are then presented at four levels – Platinum, Gold, Silver and Honorable Mention. Separate awards are given for Holstein and non-Holstein herds to more effectively recognize the accomplishments of all dairies, keeping in mind breed fertility differences. The DCRC reproduction awards competition is sponsored by Merck Animal Health. Additional coverage of the winners in the November issue of Hoard's Dairyman, along with online coverage, is sponsored Zoetis.
The 2013 Platinum award winners include:
- Curtin Dairy, Cassville, New York
- Dunlea Dairy, Coudersport, Pennsylvania
- New Dawn Dairy, Huntington, Indiana
- Schilling Farms, Darlington, Wisconsin
- University of Missouri Southwest Dairy Center, Mount Vernon, Missouri
When it comes to these five Platinum dairies, they focus on the reproduction basics to get the job done. And obviously, they do it very well. In our November issue, you will find a three-page Round Table detailing how these herds approach reproduction. To download the Round Table now, click this link.
