Our VISION - Accelerated Genetics

Our VISIONTO be The prOducer’S TruSTed fIrST chOIce

Taking PRIDE in What We Do

Overcome Winter Calf Care Challenges

Minn-Dell Baxter Massive-ET

Technician Performance Affects Your Profits

DECEMBER 2012 The official magazine of acceleraTed geneTics

2 > GENETIC TRENDS > DECEMBER 2012

ON THE COVER

PEOPLE.PRODUCTS.PRIDE. This issue of Genetic Trends, we’re focusing on PRIDE. We’ve got the right people, fantastic products—and we couldn’t be prouder of them all.

FEATURES

4REPRODUCTION MANAGEMENTPlanning For The Next Generation: GEM by: Joe Stanek

How much does your A.I. technician’s performance affect reproduction and profit?by: Dr. Glaucio Lopes

6JUDGING CONTESTAccelerated Genetics Hosts 19th Annual Intercollegiate Judging Contest

8SIRE NEWSDecember Adds High Profile Sires to the Proven Genetics Lineupby: Gregg Topp

10CALF CARECold Weather Calf Care: A Challenge for All Producersby: Minnie Ward and David Jones

12SIRE FEATUREA ‘Massive’ Day at Accelerated Geneticsby: Angie Lindloff

13PHOTO CONTEST Winners Announced

14 PEOPLEStriving to Raise the Bottom Lineby: Morgan Meisenheimer

Integrity is Always in Styleby: Mandy Brazil

Official Publication of Accelerated GeneticsDecember 2012 Vol. 64 No. 3

EDITORSKari A. StanekDavid Jones

GRAPHIC ARTISTSDavid JonesKristin OlsonKari A. Stanek

Administrative HeadquartersE10890 Penny Lane Baraboo, WI 53913Phone: 1-800-451-9275 or 608-356-8357Fax: 608-356-4387

Email: [email protected]: www.accelgen.comFind us on Facebook: Accelerated Genetics or follow us on Twitter: AccelGen

Genetic Trends is published by:Accelerated Genetics E10890 Penny Lane Baraboo, WI 53913

Postmaster Send Address Changes to:Genetic Trends, c/o Diana Shaffer, E10890 Penny Lane, Baraboo, WI 53913If you are receiving multiple copies of Genetic Trends, are no longer in need of this publication or it is being sent to an incorrect address, please call us at 1-800-451-9275, ext. 5466, or cut out your mailing label and return it with a note of intent to the above address.

ACCELERATED GENETICS BOARD AND OFFICERS

PRESIDENT & CEOJoel Groskreutz

BOARD CHAIR, DISTRICT 8Brian Brown, Belleville, WI

1ST VICE CHAIR, DISTRICT 1Dave Score, Boyceville, WI

2ND VICE CHAIR, DISTRICT 3Gary Eibergen, Granton, WI

SECRETARY/TREASURER, DISTRICT 2John Pronschinske, Arcadia, WI

DISTRICT 4Andy Dejno III, Independence, WI

DISTRICT 5Nick Butzler, Cashton, WI

DISTRICT 6Kenneth Levzow, Rio, WI

DISTRICT 7Rick Carlson, Hollandale, WI

DISTRICT 9Jeff Styczynski, Pulaski, WI

DISTRICT 10 Doug Thesing, Winona, MN

Taking PRIDE In All We DoDECEMBER TENDS TO BE THE MONTH WHEN EVERyONE REFLECTS ON THE PAST yEAR AND LOOKS WITH ANTICIPATION TO WHAT THE FuTuRE MAy HOLD. Accelerated Genetics is no different in this respect. The books are closed, and we are celebrating yet another successful year, thanks to you, our devoted customer. It becomes evident how hard this industry works when it’s dealt a difficult hand. Our goal is to match this passion and provide you the tools to help your business, allowing us to be your trusted first choice.

If you’ve been following my message in the last few issues of Genetic Trends, you will have noticed that I’ve been focusing on our new

company tagline, PEOPLE. PRODuCTS. PRIDE. How fitting it is to conclude this series by emphasizing the PRIDE of Accelerated Genetics.

First of all, we place great pride in those PEOPLE who have chosen to do business with us, yOu, our most valued customer. Second, we are very proud of the PRODuCTS we offer that enable your business to be its very best. Not only do we strive to provide a premium line of animal health care products, but we also have value-added services like our Genetic Evaluation and Mating program (GEM) and Risk Assessment Program (RAP) which you can read more about on page four.

In the coming year, the A.I. industry will experience new opportunities as genomic testing of animals is made public. We are proud to offer a means for accommodating those private testers through

our Genetic Visions testing lab in Middleton, Wis. To learn more about how Genetic Visions can partner with you on your testing needs, email us at [email protected].

We are a people-focused company, the products we offer continue to be second-to-none in the industry, and we are proud of where we’ve been and how far our roots have spread. But the success of Accelerated Genetics would not be possible without you, our valued customer. Thank you for placing your trust in us. Together, we will continue this legacy the next 70 years and beyond.

For today, however, my sincere hope is that you and your family enjoy a blessed holiday season and you experience continued success with Accelerated Genetics into the New year.

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

JOEL GROSKREUTZPresident & CEO

OVer 70 peOpLe-drIVeN, prOducT-fOcuSed, prIde-fILLed YeArS.AND WE’LL SEE YOU AROUND FOR ANOTHER 70.


WE HAVE ONE GOAL AT ACCELERATED GENETICS: TO BE yOuR TRuSTED FIRST CHOICE. This is why we

offer value-added services like our Genetic Evaluation and Mating program (GEM) and Risk Assessment Program (RAP) to assist you in managing your dairy herd’s genetic goals.

A short visit from a trained GEM Analyst will provide you with a customized sire index to fit your individual needs and requirements. GEM is designed to compile a custom list of sires in a ranked order from a database of over 300,000 available bulls around the world. This tool can monitor genetic gain from generation to generation,

assisting you in selecting sires that will complement your herd’s pedigrees, phenotype and genetics.

One exciting feature GEM offers is a report to rank your heifers or cows by genetic value to assist in making management decisions, such as which animals to breed with ACCESS Sexed Semen or culling decisions.

GEM helps create a more uniform group of animals with the traits you value most. This program is also designed to manage undesirable haplotypes and recessives. It provides three sire choices for each mating to accelerate your decisions at breeding time. using GEM takes the worry out of inbreeding, undesirable recessives, undesirable haplotypes, and phenotypic trait correction for the next generation. GEM is designed with tremendous flexibility to ensure matings can be calculated from visual inspection data, pedigrees, genomic test results or any combination of the three.

Inbreeding control for a population of animals with random sire usage is not impossible. The Risk Assessment Program (RAP) was developed over a decade ago at Accelerated Genetics for the purpose of finding bulls that are outcross to an individual population of animals on a particular dairy. The program will compile a list of bulls, that can be used at random, specific to your population of animals, without worries of high levels of inbreeding. RAP can be ran from the actual pedigree information of your population of animals when known, or from semen purchasing records, past semen usage records, herd sire records, or genomic test results.

For more information on GEM and RAP contact your local Accelerated Genetics representative.

REPRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

Planning For The Next Generation: GEM

by: Joe Stanek Dairy Sire Analyst and GEM Manager

GeMpc takes the worry out of selecting sires by controlling inbreeding, undesireable recessive traits and haplotypes.

rAp keeps a watchful eye on inbreeding in the herd. Visit your local representative for more information.

TO ANSWER THE quESTION ABOVE, RESEARCHERS AT THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERINARy

PREVENTIVE MEDICINE, AT THE OHIO STATE uNIVERSITy; AND THE DEPARTMENT OF LARGE ANIMAL CLINICAL SCIENCES, AT THE uNIVERSITy OF FLORIDA, GAINESVILLE; performed a stochastic dynamic model to assess the effect of different A.I. technicians Conception Rate (CR) on reproductive performance and economics, translating these results in profit/cow/year.

To run this model, they simulated fertility performance of three different A.I. technicians (with 38% CR (A), 32% CR (B), and 26% CR (C)), in a 1,000-

cow dairy using Presynch-Ovsynch with estrous detection for first A.I., and resynchronization of cows diagnosed non-pregnant at vet check 32 days after A.I. using the Ovsynch protocol. All parameters were included on this analysis (culling rate, heifer replacement cost, abortion rate, length of dry period, feeding cost, breeding cost, as well as daily income, as milk sales, cow sales and calf sales), and the CR of these three distinct A.I. technicians was compared. Estrous detection was set to 60%, and accuracy of estrus detection and compliance to protocols were also included.

The breeding costs/cow/year were $88 for technician A, $96 for technician B, and $106 for technician C. Following these results, the profit/cow/year for A.I.

technician A, B, and C were $179, $139, and $82, respectively.

Assuming the herd remains constant, each percent increase in CR (from 26% to 38%) represented $6 per cow/year or $6,000/year loss for a 1000-cow dairy. In other words, if your herd is running an average 30% CR but reaches 35% CR, this will result in a $30 per cow/year loss or $30,000 for a 1,000–cow dairy.

With these results, researchers concluded that compliance with A.I. procedure (semen handling, accuracy of estrus detection, hygiene, and site of semen deposition) strongly affects the bottom line of dairy herds and should not be jeopardized for convenience. The paper mentioned that “investing in educational training for professional A.I. technicians should be a top priority.”

The ReproConnections Program from Accelerated Genetics can help you to set your reproduction goals, conduct A.I. training, and track results to ensure your herd can achieve the best and profitable reproductive performance possible.

refereNce:“Effect of A.I. technicians on reproductive performance and economics of lactating dairy cows.” Schuenemann et al. Journal of Dairy Science, Vol. 95, Suppl. 2.

DECEMBER 2012 < GENETIC TRENDS < 5

REPRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

How Much Does Your A.I. Technician’s Performance Affect the Reproduction and Profit of Your Herd? by: Dr. Glaucio Lopes, DVM, M.S. Reproduction Specialist

SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED Accelerated Genetics is excited to present scholarships to its customer’s families to ensure a bright future in agriculture!

To apply, go to the Accelerated Genetics website at www.accelgen.com and click on ‘company’ and then ‘Scholarships,’ call 800.451.9275 or email [email protected]. Application deadline is february 15, 2013.


JUDGING CONTEST

Accelerated Genetics Hosts 19th Annual Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest

Focusing on the theme of People, Products and Pride, Accelerated Genetics will be unveiling a new website that will offer advanced technology to help producers make informed reproductive and health decisions based on their herd’s goals.

This website will reflect the needs and demands of producers around the world including ways to make efficient use of time and money.

“The need for instant information about dairy, beef and animal health products is

what our producers are asking for all over the world,” Director of Communications, Angie Lindloff said. “We’ve listened, and we are developing a bigger and better website focused on our core products.”

Some of the enhanced sections of the website will be the dairy, beef and animal health product sections. More progeny photos and videos of each sire will be made available to view online, and advanced search options ensure producers will find the products and services to fit individual needs. A wealth of information on our value-

added programs and will also be available. The best-kept secrets of Accelerated Genetics, including: the GEM dairy mating program, PACE dairy young sire program and ReproConnections reproduction consulting program, will be featured on the website.

Accelerated Genetics’ new website will be focused on obtaining information fast with easy navigation. Visit www.accelgen.com today, and join in the buzz.

THE TOOLS AND INFORMATION YOU NEED FROM THE NEW ACCELERATED GENETICS WEBSITE

The 19th Annual Accelerated Genetics Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest was held September 16, 2012 in Viroqua,

Wis., with the university of Minnesota taking top honors in both reasons and overall.

A total of 17 teams participated in this year’s contest representing the states of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. They judged dairy breeds including: Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey and Milking Shorthorn with each participant placing 10 classes and giving five sets of oral reasons.

A key part of the judging contest are the youth that serve as leadspeople. Each year, Vernon County youth assist with the contest by leading the cattle. This year 22 youth participated. Showmanship awards are then given to the youth based on their skills exhibiting the cattle and sportsmanship.

university of Minnesota took top honors at this year’s contest. Names from Left to right: back row: Tyler Otte, Jon Schmitt, coach Les hansen. front: Laura rosenhammer, doug petzel. Not pictured:

coaches Scott ellinghuysen and Alicia Thurk.


JUDGING CONTEST SPONSORS

The annual Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest would not be possible without the tremendous support of the numerous contest and award sponsors. They include: American Guernsey Association, American Jersey Cattle Association, American Milking Shorthorn Society, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Chart Industries, Inc., Church of Christ, Connie Schmelzer, Hampel Corporation, Holstein Associaiton uSA, James W. Crowley Fund, Merial, Ltd., Milk Products, Inc., Pfizer Animal Health, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Sci-Tech Premixes, Star Blends, Supreme Awards, Swiss Valley Farms, Taylor-Wharton Cryogenics, The Baraboo National Bank, The Bank of Viroqua, Vernon County Agricultural Society, Vernon County Junior and Open Show Exhibitors, and Wisconsin Brown Swiss Canton III – Jane of Vernon.

In the Junior Showmanship Division, Brianna Hall placed first, Mikayla Lepke placed second and Courtney Moser placed third. Placing first in the Senior Showmanship Division was Logan Guttenberger, second place Arlisa Landis and third was Ryan Guttenberger. And the Overall Showmanship Winner was Jacob Leum who received the David Larson Memorial Showmanship Award – a special award in memory of David Larson, who worked very closely with the Vernon County youth and the judging contest.

For over 30 years, Accelerated Genetics has delivered premium animal health products to dairy and beef producers. A brand new directory of our products is hot off the press and filled with innovative health solutions for your herd. Inside this brand new directory, you will find a listing of our time-tested products as well as some new additions to the line. We believe in providing the tools

necessary to get the most out of your herd’s genetics and maximize your bottom line. For this reason we offer animal health solutions for all stages of life to optimize feed utilization and nutrient conversion, reproductive health, milk quality and more. Your local Accelerated Genetics representative is ready to field any questions you may have about these products and how to order.

NEW ANIMAL HEALTH PRODUCT DIRECTORY AVAILABLE

ANIMAL HEALTH PRODUCT DIRECTORY

800-451-9275 | [email protected] | WWW.ACCELGEN.COM

AS WE ENTER THE NEW yEAR, WE’RE MAINTAINING OPTIMISM AND HOPING A

HIGHER MILK PRICE IS ON THE HORIzON. Now is a great opportunity to look over your herd with a renewed focus on profit-maximizing genetics. Accelerated Genetics had a bountiful fall harvest of 13 new sires from 8 different sires and 9 different maternal grandsires. Each has the ability to add profitability, longevity, type, ease of mating and excitement to your herd in coming years. Here they are listed in TPI® order.

014HO06098 WHITELIGHTNING is the highest TPI® PACE graduate at +2046, ranking him in the top 50 TPI. He has a powerful genetic package

for high production (+1641M) with super feet and legs (+2.72FLC) along with superb productive life (+5.5) and daughter pregnancy rating (+.5) giving him a rare blend of high productivity and reproductive health. His maternal line is full of high-producing, high component lactations with high classification scores. With a pedigree of AltaBaxter X Oman he makes a great outcross combination with Planet, Goldwyn, Shottle, Massey and Toystory bloodlines. 014HO06107 KIEFFER is another top 100 TPI graduate that adds a great health trait option from a unique sire stack. He specializes in productive life (+5.1), somatic cell score (+2.56) and daughter pregnancy rating (+1.9) making him a

great option for those looking to add long-lasting and trouble-free cows. His outcross pedigree makes him a logical mating on daughters of Jake, Dotson, Airraid, Marion, Potter, Micah and Trump daughters.

014HO06074 DRYDEN was bred to be a health trait, high Net Merit sire and he has not disappointed. As a 014HO04148 NIFTy son from a high component Outside daughter, your expectation of the long-lived, healthy and profitable offspring resulted in GPTA’s of +$583NM, +5.8PL, +2.69SCS, +1.9DPR while still exceeding a point on Type. Great mating combinations for Dryden include, Marion, Planet, Dotson and Man-O-Man.

014HO06104 DUNKIT will impress you with his high milk production and elite health traits. Along with that unique combination, he adds a pedigree that will mate well with the popular breed-leading sires of Planet, Shottle, Goldwyn, Palermo, Contact, Kolton, Observer, Shamrock. If you’re searching for a sire that exceeds +1600 PTAM, +3.5 PL, +1.5 DPR, +1.00 PTAT and has lower scores for SCS and SCE, Dunkit is a perfect option.

014HO06058 TEST PILOT is the ultimate choice for extreme health traits with a total outcross. His pedigree is void of any of the popular bloodlines and he adds high production (+1286M), long productive life (+3.6PL) and great daughter pregnancy rating (+3.0DPR) with a balanced type evaluation. He adds the perfect combination of trouble-free, long-lasting cows that will out-produce the herd. Mating programs will use him on your Palermo, Atwood, Digger and Hvezda*RC daughters to improve the next generation.

014HO06060 FABIO brings the style and show type many are looking for from an impressive pedigree. His lineage is loaded with Excellent 92, 93 and 94 classified dams that have produced large volumes of milk. Fabio daughters are tall, dairy and have wide rumps with great feet and legs, as you would expect with a PTA


SIRE NEWS

December Adds High Profile Sires to the Proven Genetics Lineupby: Gregg ToppDairy Sire Analyst

expect high health traits, snug udders and great feet and legs from bowser. pictured here: Welcome bowser pamela-eT.


Type of +2.68. Matings to daughters of Potter, Million, Trigger, Oman and Shottle bloodlines are very complimentary.

014HO06090 BOWSER is a former GeneForce sire that graduates to the proven lineup and is bred to be a health trait specialist with an outcross pedigree and tremendous conception rate. you will be attracted to his service sire calving ease (7%) and his productive life (+5.4) as well as +2.94 somatic cell score and +1.8 daughter pregnancy rating. He sires outstanding feet and legs and snug udders making him a super mating on daughters of Marion, Durham, Atwood, Toystory and Goldwyn bloodlines.

014HO06018 HAZELNUT has a balanced genetic profile specializing in components from a powerful cow family. His pedigree is loaded with high component dams and elite classification scores. Bred for extreme components at +.18% and +63F and +.07% +31P along with +$462NM and +1.87PTAT he makes a great combination with Marion, Potter, Man-O-Man, Garrett, Kramer and Beacon daughters.

14HO06097 LIGHTNING, a full brother to 014HO06098 WHITELIGHTNING, is another high production sire bred as an outcross to many popular bloodlines. His PTAM of +2386 ranks him at the top of the list. High milk production with a 6%

SSCE and 5% DCE makes him a great addition to your herd’s genetic profile. His daughters are tall and dairy with outstanding feet and legs making him a great choice on daughters of Potter, Freddie, Million, Time and Oman bloodlines.

14HO06040 MY SPACE is another type specialist bred to compliment your smaller and more average-uddered cows. His pedigree, Shottle X Goldwyn X Blitz X Rudolph, spells balance for production and type. My Space daughters are tall and dairy with deep bodies. His specialty is rear udders being well over 3 points on height and width. A rare combination with these frame traits, he is also very sound in the all-important health traits being +2.2PL +2.86SCS +1.5DPR and 7% SCE. He is an easy choice to combine with Potter, Man-O-Man, Jake, Dotson and other O Man bloodlines.

14HO06080 BUILDING is a 014HO04099 Billion son from the PACE program and stems from a well-known maternal line. His dam is a Very Good Shottle daughter from Mayerlane Rud Bubble who is a popular brood cow around the world. High butterfat, improved milk production and improved foot angle make Building an attractive option. He will also add height and width to rear udders and is great mating on daughters of Potter, Super, Freddie, Planet and Bowser.

14HO06054 RAE is your choice when looking to add elite type from an elite pedigree along with exceptional health traits. His maternal line is filled with Excellent cows that trace back to the famed Roxy cow family bred in northern Illinois. use Rae to add angularity, deep bodies, dairyness, style and super rear udders. Rae is an ideal mating for daughters of Potter, Bowser, Jake, Dotson and Trump.

14HO05996 RAMOX brings another unique pedigree bred for high production. His pedigree is free of Oman, Shottle, Goldwyn and Planet. Along with elite production, he adds longevity of +4.6 productive life. He is a rear udder booster being over +3.00 on height and +2.75 on width. He is best for Trump, Super, Freddie, Man-O-Man, Explode and Bowser daughters. The combination of this group of new PACE graduates along with the upward movement in the current genetic evaluations of former PACE graduates 014HO06047 FAVRE (now +3.26 PTAT), 014HO06033 MASSIVE (+2091 TPI) and 014HO04924 KRAMER (+2009 TPI) promises to bring excitement in the New year.

Sildahl Myspace piano will pair well with your smaller, average-uddered animals.hillcrest fabio 29204 sires style and type.


NO MATTER WHERE yOu LIVE, WINTER CAN BE A CHALLENGING TIME WHEN

IT COMES TO CALF MANAGEMENT. From the extremely low temperatures in the upper part of the country, to the sometimes-volatile temperature swings of lower latitudes, weather affects the health and overall well-being of young stock.

Cold weather management is not easy, and it can be labor intensive, but your calves will thrive if managed correctly. When cooler weather hits, it’s important to recall

the Five Cs of calf care: colostrum, calories, comfort, consistency and cleanliness.

COLOSTRUMThe importance of colostrum cannot be understated. Calves are born without antibodies to protect themselves from disease. Colostrum is the vehicle by which the newborn calf absorbs these antibodies in the form of immunoglobulins. After the calf is born, its ability to absorb immunoglobulins steadily decreases and ceases after 24 hours. It is recommended that calves be fed as soon as possible after birth, ideally within four hours of birth. If

fresh colostrum quality is an issue, consider a supplement or replacer like First Day Formula.

Wondering how to measure the success of your colostrum program? The best way to measure is to check the level of immunoglobulins in the blood. Ask your veterinarian for assistance with procedure protocols and the appropriate facilities to get your samples tested.

CALORIESThe amount of energy a calf requires depends on more than just size. For every degree the temperature drops below 50°F, calves require 1% more energy. A 100-pound calf requires 1.1 pounds of dry matter just for maintenance at 50°F. If the calf is below three weeks of age, liquid calories become even more important as they are not likely to be consuming enough grain to support their energy requirements.

There are a few options to consider in order to bring the calorie count to an appropriate level when the temperature dips. Think about increasing the amount of milk replacer powder from 10-12 oz. per calf to 12-14 oz. Another option might be to incorporate a third feeding, with the feeding time being as close to late evening as possible. A late feeding will ensure the calf is armed with extra calories to be comfortable when the temperature drops at night. The third option is to add a fat supplement, like Accel Energy, to boost fat content and calories.

COMFORTDeep straw bedding is the best option for the winter months. Although straw is not always the easiest solution, it will act as an insulated layer as long as it is kept fresh and dry. A quick tip for bedding: kneel in the calf pen for 15-20 seconds. If your knee is wet when you stand, it’s time to change the bedding. An easier tip: if you wouldn’t want to sleep on the bedding, your calf probably doesn’t either. Direct contact with wet straw or other bedding will cause a calf to lose

CALF CARE

Cold Weather Calf Care: A Challenge for All Producersby: Minnie Ward, Calf and Heifer Consultant and David Jones, Communications Coordinator

clean, dry bedding, extra energy and calf coats could save your calves this winter.

heat much faster. When bedding down pens, there should be enough straw that you do not see the calf ’s feet when it is lying down.

Calf coats are another must when it comes to the coldest months. This becomes especially true if there is a draft in the calf environment and if you have very small or young calves. The greater the difference between the temperature of the calf and the air temperature, the greater the potential benefits from a calf coat. These could include a higher rate of gain, less sickness and overall less stress. Calf coats, like Accel Coat, are most cost effective when used over short periods of time. When dealing with a limited number of coats, give priority to the younger and smaller animals when temperatures drop.

CONSISTENCYAs a species, cows are creatures of habit. Because of this, a standardized routine is important when it comes to calves. Feeding a consistent calf ration at the same time each day will reduce stress and result in fewer digestive upsets.

In theory, establishing a routine seems simple, but even changes in something as seemingly insignificant as the free-choice water can impact calf health. As for water, the best results have been observed when utilizing warm, fresh and clean water to calves. To determine other standard operating procedures and protocols, meet with your calf team to determine what works best in your calf care program.

Calf management can be one of the most difficult, volatile, time-consuming and rewarding tasks on the farm. This can be especially true during the coldest months of the year. By following some simple procedures, your calves will make it to spring with satisfactory health and an appropriate weight. For more information on First Day Formula, Accel Energy, Accel Coat and other calf products offered by Accelerated Genetics, please view the Animal Health Product Directory included with this issue of Genetic Trends.


FIRSTDAYFORMULA®

COLOSTRUM REPLACER AND SUPPLEMENT800-451-9275 | [email protected] | WWW.ACCELGEN.COM

Dried, natural bovine colostrum

Free of major disease-causing pathogens, including Johne’s

Superior mixability for added convenience and nutrient absorption

Fortified with essential vitamins and chelated minerals

Contains high levels of antibodies and protein

The future of your herd depends on the replacements. Give them head start with First Day.


SIRE FEATURE

A ‘Massive’ Day at Accelerated Geneticsby: Angie LindloffCommunications Director

DECEMBER DAIRy SIRE SuMMARy PROVED TO BE AN EXCITING DAy WITH A GREAT LINEuP OF PROVEN

AND ELITE GENOMIC SIRES. Specifically, 014HO06033 Minn-Dell Baxter Massive-ET had an impressive day headlining Accelerated Genetics as one of the highest proven Net Merit sires. He also has the highest productive life (+7.1) among the top 100 TPI® bulls.

Massive is producing daughters that have an exceptional type pattern with plenty of strength, width and depth of rib. California Regional Services Specialist, Brian Nelson, remarks: “Producers should use this sire if they want a cow in their herds that is going to make a

difference in the bulk tank. Massive produces cows that are going to work hard and last longer than their fellow herd mates.”

Recently, Dave Erf, Sire Analyst, gave his comments on Massive and the contribution he brings to the Accelerated Genetics sire line up.

Q: Tell us about Massive and what he has to offer to producers.Erf: Massive has many traits that attract producers from around the globe. He has a high longevity rating of +7.1, low SCS of 2.60, along with a positive DPR of +1.0. Massive also has a uDC of +1.45 and FLC of +2.03 to add to his attractive profile. For the production minded breeders, his high fat (+.04%, +53F) draws their attention. Overall, Massive has a variety of traits that draw people to him as they make their semen buying decisions.

Q: Why should producers choose Massive over other sires?Erf: Breeders looking to add highly profitable genetics (+647 NM$) along with moderate frames, great udders and feet and legs, find Massive very attractive. In addition, his production and health traits, added to his linears, make him a unique sire. His pedigree (Baxter X Outside X Amel X Luke) also makes him easy to use on a wide variety of bloodlines.

Q: How should Massive be used in a breeding program?Erf: First of all, Massive’s outcross pedigree (no O Man, Shottle, Goldwyn, Planet or Bolton) makes him an easy choice. He provides a good cross on all the major bloodlines prevalent today. Massive also crosses well with Potter,

Marion and Man-O-Man daughters. His moderate frames with great udders and feet and legs along with great health traits and impressive production make him an easy bull to add to any breeding program.

Q: How did Accelerated Genetics acquire Massive?Erf: Massive was acquired from Vangsness Brothers in Kenyon, Minn. They operate a 60-cow tie-stall dairy. The herd is a very impressive group of cows. While visiting their farm, I mated the Outside dam of Massive to Baxter. She was probably the most impressive young cow in their herd at that time. The cow family presented a different bloodline to try and source for Accelerated Genetics. Massive proved that the Vangsness Brothers can provide some great genetics.

Q: What cow families are related to Massive?Erf: The Massive cow family has not been tapped for A.I. prior to this sire being released. The strength of the cow family is the depth and quality throughout. The three closest dams to Massive are all scored Very Good at 86 points. They are all quality animals behind Massive. With the limited exposure to A.I., there are not any well known family members to cite. But, this can be construed as a strength, as it offers genetics that are high quality and unique.

Q: What impressions do you see with Massive daughters?Erf: The most impressive part of Massive’s profile is the moderate size he transmits, along with good quality udders and outstanding feet and legs. This type profile is ideal for transmitting the exceptional longevity Massive is now known for. High fat production and low SCS combined with a positive DPR make Massive an impressive sire. When you add in the different pedigree he possesses, Massive becomes a coveted addition to any breeding program.

014hO06033 Massive

Stoner prairie Massive 10020 Gp-82, VG-MS Owner: O’brien bros, fitchburg, WI


Photo Contest Winners Announced

ACCELERATED GENETICS HAS A LOT TO BE PROuD OF: a seventy-year legacy, outstanding products and the best customers around, to name

a few. Judging by the photos displayed below from our annual photo contest, our customers are not only great people, they are exceptionally talented. This past year’s photo contest allowed participants to enter photos in one of two categories: Showing Pride for Agriculture or Caring for your Animals. Three top photos were selected from each category, here are our favorites:

1

3 1

Get your cameras ready! The 2013 photo contest is here! This year, there are two categories:

CATEGORY ONE: “Accelerated Genetics in Action”Capture your favorite Accelerated Genetics cattle, products, services, representatives, etc. as they’re showcased around the farm focusing on people, products and pride in the agriculture industry.

CATEGORY TWO: “Breeds of the Seasons” Snap photos of your favorite breeds while showcasing your favorite seasons!

DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 1, 2013PRIZES: First Place - $100 Gift CardSecond Place - $75 Gift CardThird Place - $50 Gift Card

SUBMIT ENTRIES TO:Kristin Olson - [email protected], ext. 5426

For full contest rules and photography tips, visit the Accelerated Genetics website: www.accelgen.com.

READY, SET, SHOOT!

caring for Your Animals: first place: danae bauer, Scandanavia, Wis.; Second place: Josie Alexander, hoxie, Kans.; Third place: connie eibergen, Madison, Wis.

PHOTO CONTEST

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22 3 Showing Your pride for Agriculture: first place: danae bauer, Scandanavia, Wis.; Second

place: Nargiza Kanybek Kyzy, harmony, Minn.; Third place: robin Kleine, Lowell, Ind.


SuCCESS. THE CONCEPT MAy BE EASy TO GRASP. BuT, ACTuALLy ACHIEVING

SuCCESS TAKES MORE THAN MERE uNDERSTANDING. According to A.I. technician Gary Hansen, it takes unwavering passion, persistence and positivity. In fact, Hansen recently joined the 100,000 Cow Club after working for Accelerated Genetics for 20 years.

In September, Hansen was honored at the Annual National Association of Animal Breeders Convention in Milwaukee, Wis. for joining the prestigious group

of industry professionals who have bred over 100,000 cows first service. For Hansen, the job is more than breeding cows. It is about customer satisfaction, developing new business, and promoting what Accelerated Genetics has to offer.

“I enjoy the satisfaction I get out of helping producers be more successful,” said Hansen. “But in my opinion, it’s programs that create loyalty, so I make sure to promote our GEM and ReproConnections® programs.”

These programs hold value to his customers, but what makes them stick with Accelerated Genetics is Hansen’s incredibly

personable, efficient and organized work style. His atypical breeding vehicle, a blue Subaru, adds to his efficiency and charm.

Dave Calvert, Regional Sales Manager, would agree and thinks highly of Hansen as a person and co-worker.

“Gary is an All-American guy and family man, who takes great pride in his work,” Calvert said. “Gary works extremely hard for his customers and provides them with the best products and services.He goes above and beyond to ensure his customers’ herds are successful. And it’s not just about business, Gary’s customers consider him to be part of their families.”

Hansen makes sure that his non-traditional “families” are generally in line with his positivity.

“I’m a people-person who works with progressive operations that also have positive attitudes,” Hansen said.

For Hansen, Accelerated Genetics directly ties to family because of the unmistakable bond he has formed with his customers. And it is the bond that has served as a vessel for his profound success.

Hansen lives in Richland Center, Wis., with his wife, Sherry of 37 years. Together they have a son, Kyle, and daughter Karla in addition to four grandchildren. He is highly active in his church and community and when he isn’t working, he enjoys golfing, traveling, and camping.

PEOPLE

Striving to Raise the Bottom Line by: Morgan Meisenheimer Marketing Communications Intern

hansen believes in establishing loyalty and working hard to make producers more successful.


INDuSTRy TRENDS ARE CONTINuOuSLy CHANGING. SOME FADS FADE AWAy, SOME

CONTINuE TO EVOLVE. ONE THING DOES NOT CHANGE, HOWEVER, IS THE CHARACTERISTIC OF INTEGRITy WHICH CONTINuES TO BE APPRECIATED ACROSS INDuSTRIES. Ivan Smith is the dictionary definition of integrity as an Accelerated Genetics District Sales Manager.

“Ivan is notorious in the industry for his work ethic and honesty,” says Lex Carter, Regional Sales Manager. “He provides tremendous customer service and is respected by his customers and by his competitors. When Ivan tells you he will do something you can take it to the bank.”

Smith’s customers agree. “[Ivan] is honest, moral, and possesses great integrity,” says Jackie van Es. She and her husband, Dale, own a 5,000-cow dairy in Marsing, Idaho, and have sincerely appreciated having Smith as their representative for over seven years. “He knows exactly what we want and is great to work with.”

This year, Smith is not only celebrated for his tremendous character in providing top service to customers, but also for reaching an elite industry milestone. The National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) has recognized Smith for reaching

1,000,000 in Direct unit Sales. Fellow top achievers in the A.I. industry from throughout out North America were honored for their accomplishments at the annual banquet held in Milwaukee, Wis. He is among only five Accelerated Genetics employees to reach this impressive status.

Based in Idaho, Smith has been assisting Accelerated Genetics customers for nearly thirteen years. He covers a vast area, encompassing large regions of Idaho and portions of Montana and Oregon. Customers are primarily large-scale commercial dairies.

Representing large operations is the perfect fit for Smith with his background in commercial dairying. Prior to entering the A.I. industry, he was a dairyman for thirty-three years. “This gives him great insights into the business, which his customers really appreciate,” confirms Carter.

Smith strives to be a problem solver. In his words, Smith will “go fishing” to determine what kind of dairy it is and how he can help them be more successful. “I look to see what their needs are and what kind of service they require,” he says.

During his years spent on the farm, Smith appreciated salesmen who were courteous and valued his time. He applies a standing philosophy to each of his sales.

“Do not over promise, but over deliver. [Customers] always remember promises, but will be surprised by over delivery.”

The desire for excellent customer satisfaction is deeper than maintaining sales. To Smith, it is a personal matter. He regards the service he provides as more of a consulting position and truly concerns himself with solving problems at the dairy. At the end of the day, he wants to “feel good about what he did.”

“I love working for Accelerated Genetics,” says Smith. “They let you get out and use your talents. Working for them is a real blessing and privilege.”

Smith values family above all else in his life and has been married to his wife, Jay, for forty-five years. The couple has eight children and twenty-five grandchildren, with another on the way. Smith proudly served his country and promotes patriotism with fellow veterans as a Chaplain in the American Legion Society.

Integrity is Always in Style by: Mandy BrazilMarketing Communications Intern

PEOPLE

Smith was honored at the NAAb convention for reaching 1,000,000 direct unit sales.

800-451-9275 | www.accelgen.com

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Dam: Canyon-Breeze S Auburn-ET EX-90, Dam of Merit

•Elite Type! (+4.70 PTAT)

•Outstanding Feet & Legs! (+4.57 FLC)

•From the well-known Canyon-Breeze Abigail family!

Atwood x EX-90 Shottle x VG-85 Morty

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