The December 2013 proofs around the world have come and gone without much fanfare. Stability is the likely summation, but are we breeding too much to extreme we ask. Healthy and profitable cows are what all farmers want, but of the Top 20 type sires in USA that are genomically tested, none have a positive DPR (Daughter Pregnancy Rate). History will tell us whether this is a one-off!

The latest worldwide genomic releases now attract greater interest for many breeders than the proven sire listings. Those selecting lower TPI, LPI, JPI, APR etc..ranked genomic sires are restricting the genetic advancement of their herds. The key continues to be accessing the high ranked genomic sires at an accessible price.

Milk prices have at last showed some continuous upward movement. Whilst the recovery will be slow the future looks bright. Farms have begun to sell and quality dairy cows are once again getting some ‘real value’ to them.

NEWSLETTERDEC2013

Regards,

2013 at a glance..

• Leading Edge Genetics Sale 11 – on March 20th realised an average of $5514 across all lots.

This was one of the highest multi-vendor sale averages for 2013.

Our next sale is planned for March 2015!

• The International embryo market for Leading Edge Genetics through our association with Greaveston Genetics has long been a strong part of our business.

We are delighted for our clients who have progeny that now feature in the world genomics stage. A number of farmers have sold bulls to International A.I companies, whilst others have sold females for premium prices.

In 2014 the future looks bright for this exciting part of our industry.

Leading Edge Genetics had some real highlights during the course of 2013. These included:

The Leading Edge Genetics On-Farm Competition 2013

We would like to wish all our clients a great Christmas and a safe and prosperous 2014.

This competition is now one of the biggest of its kind in Australia.

We had an unprecedented number of new clients enter this year. The presentation of the awards saw 115 clients and industry people in attendance in what was a great day.

The Overall Champion for 2013 was the entry of Les, Diane, Russell and Amy White of Leongatha South with their 4 year old and over entry of 824 sired by Informer (pic above). Congratulations to the White Family! More on the Leading Edge Genetics On-Farm results later in the newsletter.

LEADING EDGEGENETICS ON-FARM COMPETITION 2013

The 2013 Leading Edge Genetics On-Farm Competition once again saw animals entered from all regions of Gippsland. Now in it’s 4th year, the competition continues to gain momentum with 49 farms entering close to 300 animals. The judge for this year’s competition was Mr. Luke Wallace from Wallacedale Jerseys, Poowong, Victoria.

The all-breeds competition features 4 different milking classes. They include two, three and four year old and over milk classes together with a sires progeny group of 3 females.

The two year old milk class (born in 2011 – 69 entries) is always considered one of the more intriguing classes as it often features the new wave of exciting new bulls coming through the system. The winner for 2013 was the Holstein entry of Les, Diane, Russell and Amy White of Leongatha South, with cow 433 sired by AltaEsquire from a Quidditch dam. This truly balanced young cow with a phenomenal udder was a standout in her class.

In 2nd place was the entry of Greenaway Brothers of Jack River with 4117 sired by AltaIota. The 3rd placegetter and first time entrant in the competition was Marty and Alex Jarvis of Yarragon with cow 4341 also sired by AltaEsquire.

The three year old class (born in 2010 – 68 entries) saw a number of new exhibitors feature strongly but it was the well known herd of Greenaway Brothers from Jack River take out 1st placing. Sired by the well known German bull OHGJose from an Informer dam, cow 4117 was a super dairy cow with a tremendous udder.

In 2nd place was well known Holstein breeders Ashley and Jane Harrison of Neerena with their entrant Melba. First time exhibitors to the competition Matt and Carlie Cropley of Nambrok placed 3rd with their cow 630, sired by the well known udder specialist in Probstland Ernesto.

1. L, D, R and A White, Leongatha South – 433 – Sire: AltaEsquire2. Greenaway Bros, Jack River – 4117 – AltaIota3. M and A Jarvis, Yarragon – 4341 – AltaEsquire4. G, T, C and L Lancey, Nyora – 348 – Farm Dealer5. M and R Wildes, Yannathan – 791 – Orana6. Homebush Dairy, Stony Creek – 3795 – Farm Dealer7. R and S Foote, Fish Creek – 1771 – Bolivia8. W,F,B and J Loughridge – 593 – Farm Dealer9. Kingham/Brereton – 295 – Resurrection10. R and D Grumley – 3930 – HoLadino

1. Greenaway Bros, Jack River – 4042 – sired by OHGJose2. A and J Harrison, Neerena – Melba – Baxter Son 3. M and C Cropley, Nambrok – 630 – Ernesto4. J and C Bermingham, Nambrok – 5388 – Sanchez5. R and D Grumley, Newry – 7011 – Knowledge6. Homebush Dairy, Stony Creek – 3487 – AltaIce7. C and D Armstrong, Bona Vista – 3641 – AltaIce8. P, C and E Castles, Yinnar – Sheryl – Terrason9. P and R Brady, Yinnar – 5422 – Larfalot10. Homebush Dairy, Stony Creek - 3473 – CBDictator

THE THREE YEAR OLD CLASS (BORN IN 2010 – 65 ENTRIES)

Winner – 2YO - L, D, R and A White, Leongatha South – cow ID 433 – sired by AltaEsquire

Winner – 3YO - Greenaway Bros, Jack River – cow ID 4042 – sired by OHGJose

THE TWO YEAR OLD MILK CLASS (BORN IN 2011 – 69 ENTRIES)

Judge Luke Wallace, Albert Greenaway (Greenaway Brothers) and Brad Aitken

Judge Luke Wallace, Les White and Brad Aitken

Leading Edge Genetics On-Farm Competition Premier ExhibitorIn a first for 2013 Leading Edge Genetics has announced a new class to the On-Farm Competition. Called the Premier Exhibitor it was awarded to the farmer who had the largest number of top 10 placings.

The inaugural winner for 2013 was Homebush Dairy (Peter and Catherine Hanrahan) at Stony Creek who had 5 of their 6 individual entrants place.

Thanks to our sponsors: ABS Australia, Agri-Gene, AltaGenetic, Beacon Marketing, Bass Valley Embryo Services, CRV, GA/WWS, Genervations Australia, P & L Mumford (Gelbeado Park Jerseys), Semex Australia, Notman Seeds

and West Gippsland Veterinary Clinic.

The biggest class in the Leading Edge Genetics On-Farm Competition for 2013 was the 4 year old and over class (born 2009 or earlier). This year there was 71 entries across 37 different herds. Some amazing cows were unlucky not to feature in the Top 10 placegetters. The winner of this year’s four year old and over class was the entry of Les, Diane, Russell and Amy White of Leongatha South. Sired by the immortal Informer, their entry cow ID 824 was a superbly balanced 7th calf cow featuring outstanding teat placement with an udder well attached above her hock. In 2nd place was entry 2328 a Jose daughter from the well known Perfection cow family owned by Rowan and Sally Foote of Fish Creek. The 3rd placegetter was an outstanding Roumare daughter cow ID 3399 owned by Brendan Bermingham, Nambrok.

1. L, D, R and A White, Leongatha South – 824 Sire: Informer2. R and S Foote, Fish Creek – 2328 - OHGJose3. B Berminghan, Nambrok – 3399 - Roumare4. W,F,B and J Loughridge, Nyora – 3956 – CBPatriot 5. Homebush Dairy, Stony Creek – 3107 – CBDictator6. R and L Johnston, Bundalaguah – 4100 – Roumare7. Homebush Dairy, Stony Creek – 3268 – Roumare8. C and D Armstrong, Bona Vista- 3373 – AltaIce9. R and D Grumley, Newry – 3639 – Olympic10. P, C and E Castles, Yinnar – Maid – HoLadino

1. S and L Berryman, Won Wron – Sire: AltaIce 2. A and J Harrison, Neerena – HoLadino3. W,F,B and J Loughridge, Nyora – Farm Dealer4. Greenaway Bros, Jack River – Augusta5. K,E,D and L Parker, Shady Creek – Farm Dealer6. P,C and E Castles, Yinnar – HoLadino7. C and D Armstrong, Bona Vista – AltaIce8. B Bermingham, Nambrok – Classic9. C and J Dowel, Korumburra – Eclipse10. G, T, C and L Lancey, Nyora - Steady

4 YEAR OLD AND OVER CLASS (BORN 2009 OR EARLIER)

S and L Berryman, Won Wron – sired by AltaIce

The group class this year had 30 different farms enter. Quality together with uniformity of the group was what the judge Mr.Wallace was looking for. It was this consistency that saw Stan and Lorraine Berryman of Won Wron take out 1st prize with their beautiful uddered daughters of the AltaGenetics sire, AltaIce. The 2nd placed award went to a group of mature Ladino Park Talent daughters owned by Ashley and Jane Harrison of Neerena. Manna Farm Dealer from Alta Genetics sired the 3rd placed with a group of freshly calved heifers owned by the Loughridge family of Nyora.

GROUP CLASS (3 COWS BY THE 1 SIRE)

Congratulations!

Judge Luke Wallace, Stan Berrymanand Brad Aitken

Judge Luke Wallace, Les White (Leongatha South) and Brad Aitken

The Overall Champion for 2013 was the 4yo entry ofL, R, D & A White, Leongatha South - cow ID 824 sired by Informer

OVERALL CHAMPION 2013:

INTERNATIONAL PROOFS

As a whole there was very little movement in the Canadian proofs. Man-O-Man held onto the mantle as number 1 whilst Atwood reaffirmed his confirmation excellence moving to a remarkable plus 19 on type.

The most interesting new addition was the Planet son from Semex in O-Bee Krusader with a GLPI of +2633. His super feet and legs, width of chest and tremendous udders could see him rank amongst Planet’s best type sons.

Left: O-Bee Krusader daughter

10

1 Long-Langs Oman Oman (WWS) 3247

2 Mel-Crest AltaRazor (Alta) 3006

3 De-Su Gillespy (ABS) 2982

4 Sildahl Jett Air-ET (Semex) 2963

5 Regancrest AltaIota (Alta) 2948

6 Badger-Bluff Fanny Freddie (CRI/Agri-Gene) 2930

7 Maple-Downs-I G W Atwood (WWS) 2913

8 UFM-Dubs AltaEsquire-ET (Alta) 2912

9 End-Road O-Man Bronco (WWS) 2902

De-Su Authority-ET (Semex) 2892

CANADA

December 2013 LPI Proof Results:

Above: De-Su 199 dam of MG Davinci

Name Sire Pathway LPI CONF SOURCEDe-Su MG Davinci 11288 Mogul x Watson 3513 12 WWS

Silverridge V Wickham Mogul x Snowman 3483 18 Semex

Silverridge Ascend Mogul x Man O Man 3440 17 Semex

Lookout Pesce Ponde Kooper Mixer x Man O Man 3414 12 WWS

De-Su 11236 Balisto Bookem x Watson 3409 10 ABS

Ste Odile Pure Mogul x Man O Man 3405 14 Semex

Seagull-Bay Supersire Robust x Planet 3395 9 WWS

Clear-Echo Lexor Racer Lexor x Observer 3394 13 WWS

De-Su Mucho 11209 Peoti x Watson 3393 9 WWS

Clear-Echo AltaPrimo Numero Uno x Man O Man 3389 12 Alta

Top 10 Holstein GPA-LPI Young Bulls in Canada(Dec 2013)

The impact of the heavy useage of high genomic bulls is never more evident than in the December 2013 proof run in the USA. Dorcy (ABS) has moved to number 1 position with now over 1200 daughters in his production proof.

Little separates the top 10 sires, with an interesting addition being the widely used Planet son in Shamrock from WWS debuting in 8th position. De-Su Gulf (WWS-Bolton) from the same family as Observer is now the number 1 udder bull in the top 100 at 3.62.

Left: Ladys-Manor Shamrock Design ET

AMERICA

December 2013 USA TPI Proofs:

1 Coyne-Farms Dorcy (ABS) 2267

2 De-Su 521 Bookem (WWS) 2257

3 Co-Op Bosside Massey-ET (CRI/Agri-Gene) 2253

4 Badger-Bluff Fanny Freddie (CRI/Agri-Gene) 2249

5 Roylane Socra Robust-ET (WWS) 2248

6 Lotta-Hill Shottle 41-ET (CRI/Agri-Gene) 2228

7 Sully AltaMeteor-ET (Alta) 2228

8 Ladys-Manor PL Shamrock (WWS) 2227

9 De-Su Gulf-ET (WWS) 2214

Regancrest AltaIota-ET (Alta) 221410.

Whilst the improvement in Bookem and AltaMeteor was also pleasing, AltaIota’s profile continues to strengthen with many daughters milking around the world. His strength of cow family may lay claim to him now becoming the most balanced and complete Oman son in the world.

Name Sire Pathway TPI PTAT UDC SOURCEMain Event Mogul x Super 2543 3.07 2.89 Genervations

Troy Mogul x Freddie 2511 2.37 2.40 CRI/Agri-Gene

Halogen Petrone x Man-O-Man 2507 2.81 3.11 WWS

Racer Lexor x Observer 2482 2.86 2.89 WWS

Jacey AltaIota x Massey 2468 2.58 2.14 CRI/Agri-Gene

Mardi Gras Mogul x Planet 2467 2.81 2.96 Jetstream/CRV

Lawman Mogul x Man-O-Man 2467 2.88 2.69 CRI/Agri-Gene

President Numero Uno x Million 2465 3.02 2.71 Semex

Alright Shamrock x Freddie 2459 3.07 2.56 ABS

Reflector Mogul x Super 2459 2.76 2.13 WWS

Above: Halogen

Top 10 HolsteinGTPI Young Bulls In America(Dec 2013)

Valentino profile continues to rise.

He now has over 1580 daughters in 230 herds. This outcross option with power and frame looks destined to impact the Jersey breed. His JPI of 215 together with an impressive 2.4 on overall type makes him a must use bull for 2014.

Maack Dairy Eclipes P has added plenty of 2nd crop daughters and has settled nicely at 2.1 on type. Whilst daughters numbers are limited GR Oomsdale Tbone Golda is an early Tbone son to watch out for.

USA American Jersey Proofs

Cairnbrae Valentino Estelle 2

Top Type siresTop 5 JPI siresName JPI Source

Sweetie Plus Iatolas Bold 222 Agri/Gene

Wilsonview Jevon Magnum-ET 221 Agri/Gene

Sunrise/Hackline Bungy Zipper 221 WWS

All Lynns Louie Valentino-ET 215 WWS

GR Oomsdale Tbone Golda-ET 211 WWS

Name Type Source

Tower Vue Prime Tequila-ET 2.4 Agri/Gene

Lencrest On Time-ET 2.4 Semex

All Lynns Louie Valentino-ET 2.4 WWS

Maack Dairy Eclipes-P-ET 2.1 WWS

Galaxies Celebrity-ET 2.1 Alta

Top GJPI Dec 2013

NAME GJPI Type JUI Source

DP Marvel Isaac-ET 249 1.3 3.74 Alta

Buttercrest Galvanise 248 2.2 3.94 WWS

All Lynns Valentino Marvel 246 2.2 5.66 Alta

Sugar Grove Valentino Axis 246 1.9 4.52 WWS

Faria Brothers Gus Fring 244 2.2 5.63 WWS

Wilsonview Marvel Schorch - ET 242 2.0 3.09 WWS

Rowleys 11 Visionary Chili - ET 241 2.1 3.98 ABS

Wilsonview M/Z Stormy - ET 241 2.2 4.61 CRV

Sunset Canyon Machete - ET 236 0.7 1.39 WWS

Schultz Volcano Harris 232 1.6 3.42 ABS

• Calf Dehorning• Freeze Branding• Ln2 Delivery

SOME OF OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:• A.I Service• Extensive Merchandise range plus more...

CSCAmbition daughter owned by P and L Mumford, Yarram.

SEMEN TANKS:We regularly have MVE/XC 20 Farmer

Tanks available for sale.If your tank is showing some wear

perhaps is the time now to replace it before it’s too late!

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Mating ProgramLeading Edge Genetics offers a free on-farm herd evaluation service. Do you want to avoid any recessive gene or inbreeding issues? Our independent program does a phenotypic analysis of your herd mating them them to a cross-section of the industry best bulls’ #Conditions Apply

ABS: CSCAmbition (Navara/Berretta) – Jersey

Gonzo (Planet/Oman)

Lazzaro (Roumare/Laudan)

Niels (Planet/Shottle) will be low reliability.

Rustarga (Roumare/Lancelot)

Agri-Gene:Jacko (Shottle/Donor).

Roadi (Roumare/Exchange)

Vasilis (Parade/Passive) - Jersey

CRV Australia:Aries (Parade/Flowerpower)

BosGregstar (Valerian/AMBKonui)

Vipor (Valerian/Flowerpower)

GA: Cargold (Goldwyn/Shottle)

Christmas (Roumare/Goldbullion)

Deljardin (Jardin/Ninefold)

Dolby (Roumare/Informer)

Goldcrest (Goldwyn/Donor)

Jetfinn (Informer/Roumare)

Navarian (Valerian/Navara) Jersey

Quartermile (Roumare/Ladino)

Rollbar (Roumare/Bullbar)

Sovann (Spiritual/Flowerpower) Jersey

April 2014 ABV’S

Watch out for the

Leading Edge Genetics Summer/

Autumn Pack 2014 –

to be released soon

GENETICS AUSTRALIA:

Genetics Australia will be promoting their Moo Moniter heat detection

system. Tom Cochrane from NSW will speak about his experience with ‘Moo Monitor’ om Tuesday the 21st January

at 12:10pm in the presentation marquee.

ABS:They are again hosting

their very succesful daughter showcase. Located on the

grounds of IDW daughters of many of their leading sires will

once again be on display.

SEMEX: Semex will be hosting a bus

tour on the morning of Wednesday 22nd. This will include taking in the well

known Coomboona Holsteins herd, featuring early milking daughters of Brawler and Artie-Red. Graeme and Bev Joiner will also have on display

Stanton Steady daughers.

Semex will also be profiling it’s iHeatime technology with Cedric Geffen from SCR at 2pm on the Wednesday at the presentation marquee.

‘Genomics Going Forward’ will be the theme for

speakers Dave Eastman, Len Vis and Sean O’Connor on Wednesday 22nd at the Wilson

Hall from 12-.30pm.

GENERVATIONS AUSTRALIA:

INTERNATIONAL DAIRY WEEK 2014Sunday 19th toThursday 23rd January

Leading Edge Genetics together with Paul Greaves (Greaveston Genetics) will be at IDW again in 2014. Our innovative interactive display will highlight the great range of embryos that we have on offer. Whether it is A2A2, high genomic, breeder or sexed semen embryos we will have something to cater for all markets. We are delighted to also have Louis Patenaude from Gillette Holsteins with us again at IDW 2014.

For further information please contactBrad Aitken on 0438 031 361Mal Sayers on 0428 443 549Mick Nottage on 0499 444 955or email brad@leadingedgegenetics.com.au

Paul Greaves