As we develop questions for the panelists, we'd like to know what you would ask them if you could attend the meeting. You may send your questions to editors@hoards.com; we will go through them prior to the panel discussions and add them to our list. Be sure to email questions before February 14 if you want them to be considered. Future coverage of the panels will be reported in Hoard's Dairyman Intel and on the printed pages of the Hoard's Dairyman Magazine.
To facilitate your thoughtful questions, brief bios of the eight panelists are as follows:
Traits for the Future:
Dana Allen Tully, Gar-Lin Dairy Farms, Eyota, Minn. - Dana manages a 1,855-cow dairy of which two-thirds of the cows are Holsteins and one-third are crossbred. A Ph.D. nutritionist by training, Dana places a strong focus on health traits such somatic cell score, daughter pregnancy rate and productive life when making mating decisions. She also is a member of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy's Cow of the Future Committee.
Alan Andersen, Seagull-Bay, American Falls, Idaho - In recent years, the Andersen's 600-cow Holstein herd has routinely placed bulls in the top 100 of the DNA or genomic-tested list. The most recognizable bull in that group is Seagull-Bay Supersire. Alan and his son, Greg, focus on high production and fitness traits. The family also has another 1,500-cow dairy in Declo, Idaho, managed by Alan's son, Ben. This herd has utilized a three-way crossbreeding system since 2005.
Alan Chittenden, Dutch Hollow Farm, Schodack Landing, N.Y. - These Jersey breeders have been leaders in developing polled genetics that also rank high among all animals in the breed. Today, the herd consists of 600 Jersey cows. Their incredible track record of breeding top-notch cattle earned them the prestigious Master Breeder award from the American Jersey Cattle Association in 2012.
Jonathan Lamb, Oakfield Corners Dairy, Oakfield, N.Y. - Lamb regularly uses embryo transplant and in vitro fertilization on his 6,000-cow dairy to improve the genetics of his herd. Respected among his peers, Lamb serves as chairman of the genetic advancement committee for Holstein Association USA. Lamb was also named the Holstein USA Association's Distinguished Young Breeder in 2012.
On-farm Genomic Applications:
John Andersen, Double A Dairy, Jerome, Idaho - Perhaps one of the largest users of genomic tests on a commercial scale, Andersen and his team routinely run genomic tests to sort out high-end and low-end genetic animals at their 13,000-cow dairy. Additionally, John stays involved with high-end genetics through breeding cattle under the Triple Crown Genetics prefix.
Brett Barlass, Yosemite Jersey Dairy, Hilmar, Calif. - Barlass serves as manager of the Yosemite Jersey herd and sits on the Jerseyland Sires board which is affiliated with Alta Genetics. An early adapter of genomic testing, the Yosemite Jersey herd ranks among the nation's elite and has run nearly 2,000 genomic tests to date.
Tom Schmitt, Morningview Holsteins, Durango, Iowa - Schmidt, a long-time breeder of high-end genetics, now uses genomics as one more tool in his arsenal to make decisions, still preferring to incorporate time-tested tools, as well. In working with genomics, Schmidt places emphasis on somatic cell score and type evaluations in his registered Holstein herd which maintains a 25,000-pound herd average.
Dan Siemers, Siemers Holsteins, Newton, Wis. - Dan and his extended family operate a Holstein herd that milks nearly 2,400 cows and achieves an incredible 34,000-pound herd average. That includes a daily tank average of 140 pounds per day in the high group and 109 pounds across the entire herd. The farm uses genomics to test high-end herd members to grow the herd's genetic potential and market both female and male breeding stock.
