Company News

A cow the Australia dairy industry universally mourned in 2005 came back into sharp focus during the final of the South Eastern Semex-Holstein Australia On-Farm competition recently. Elmar Leader Jessica EX-3E was one of Australia’s most appreciated cows. Bred by the Hore family, at Leitchville, she was the 2003 Grand Champion Holstein at International Dairy Week (IDW) and she took Australia to the global stage when she won Reserve World Champion Holstein in 2003. She also won the mature class in the South Eastern Semex-Holstein Australia On-Farm in 2002 and 2004. She was All-Australian for her age from 2001 to 2003. Her owners resisted several compelling offers to sell her in 2004 – despite genuine interest and big numbers from North America. She died, aged seven, 12 months later. Efforts to clone her produced four calves, which didn’t survive. Recently two of her granddaughters, both by the world’s favourite sire, Braedale Goldwyn, won State Champion in the four-year-old and Mature age-groups. A great granddaughter was Reserve Champion in the three-year-old. It was a quiet nod to their world-famous matriarch and it meant that the Jessica family singlehandedly won 30% of the top-two places on offer this year, in the state that has 56% of the nation’s total competition numbers. Semex’s General manager Jim Conroy confirmed there were 3011 animals (from 429 breeders) judged across Australia between October and December. Of those numbers, 1616 animals from 225 breeders were entered in the South Eastern competition alone. The biggest sub-branch (Western Victoria) included 303 animals from 48 breeders and was judged by Marcus Young. The event culminated with a luncheon at the Witchmount Estate winery where finalists gathered to hear how the overjudge Patrick Nicholson, of Jugiong Jerseys saw the cows after he had travelled 3500km and visited 60 farms in a week. “Some winners’ names we hear every year, some names are ... Read More...

Three of the finalists, owned by two operations, in the Semex-Holstein Australia New South Wales On-Farm Competition were linked to a foundation cow that is still impacting the breed 26 years after she was imported live from Canada. Few of the on-farm competitions could boast such a strong and durable maternal impact that weaves its way through Canada, Australia and New Zealand and includes two important shots of the household sire, Braedale Goldwyn. Judge Graham McPhee, from Finley NSW, acknowledged the three by making two of them age Champions for their State and the third Honourable Mention. All three ultimately trace back to the Hanover-Hill Triple Threat daughter Murribrook Holsteins imported from Canada – Walkerbrae Triple T Toni-Imp-RDC EX1E. Murray Sowter, who started it all when he imported Walkerbrae Triple T Toni as an in-milk second calver in 1988, said it was exciting to see how investments in solid cow families keep delivering generation upon generation.  There were a lot of spurs from that old cow [Walkerbrae Triple T Toni] in this year’s competition and there are a lot of good progeny from the family,” Murray said. “And, they have been (for the most part) in good hands, so we are seeing them coming through. And it’s interesting to note how well the Goldwyn blood works on the family.” This year’s Champion two-year-old is owned and bred by Murray and his wife, Margaret, at Moss Vale, NSW. Murribrook Goldwyn Tango’s is out of Murribrook Durham Toffee VG86 x Murribrook Pre T. Toni-ET VG87 x Walkerbrae Triple T Toni-ET-Imp EX-1E. Tango’s three-quarter sister, sired by Crackholm Fever, was Honourable Mention in the three-year-old class. The Champion four-year-old is another Goldwyn, owned by Moxey Farms, at Gooloogong. Moxey Farms Goldwyn Tonio traces her heritage through the New Zealand branch of the family. She is from Southern Star Durham Tonio-ET VG88 x Southern Star Talent Tonio-Imp-ET ... Read More...

It has been six years since the Angi brothers have found enough time to enter the Western Australian Semex-Holstein Australia On-Farm Competition. And they stormed home with the results and peer acknowledgement that has reminded them why they get up early every morning to milk registered Holsteins. Their results also speak to the soul of the competition – finding registered cows that are getting the job done for dairymen that have little time or energy to promote one of their biggest assets. The Angi’s won the five-year-old class and they finished third, fourth and fifth with other entries in different classes. It was a consistent and balanced return for the busy Yaloop operation, who operate under the prefix, Angelis Holsteins. They milk 340 cows, including 50 Red and White Holsteins. Brothers Joe and Tony are supported by their mother, Angelina, and Tony’s wife Chontelle. Tony and Chontelle’s son, Frank, also joined the operation three years ago. They recently built a 50-stand rotary dairy in a definitive nod to their ongoing commitment to dairy farming. And 46-year-old Tony said the season had been kind to them so far. “It wasn’t an easy decision to invest in a new dairy and we had been thinking about it for years,” Tony said. “But until now the industry has never given us the fuel for it. Now, the industry’s confidence seems stronger and this gives us incentive and courage to keep going. “I’m still young enough to enjoy it.” The competition’s results were announced within a 100-year Holstein Australia celebratory lunch that included 71 former and current Holstein Australia members. It was held at The Ferguson Valley Farm Stay. It was a golden chance to get off-farm, and to hear how well-travelled and respected judge Lindsay Marshall, of Yurunga Farms, Queensland, saw the West’s best. Angelis Holsteins Champion was found in the five-year-old class. Angelis Ray Raybe 882 ... Read More...

  Tasmania’s mature Champion in the Semex-Holstein Australia (HA) On-Farm Competition is arguably in a class of her own when it comes to longevity, consistency and performance Jamala Talent Mist EX92-3E has won three State Champion titles under three judges in the last six years. This year’s competition included 159 entries from 17 farms on the Apple Isle. Mist’s class and the four-year-old had the biggest numbers of the competition. The eight-year-old Semex-sired Ladino Park Talent daughter recently classified 92 points (with a 94-point mammary) after calving for the sixth time. She is owned by James and Alison Hortle, from Sassafras. She was bred, and is still milked and managed by James’ parents, Ian and MaryAnn, in a 220-cow herd, supplying Lion year-round. Mist’s on-farm honour board now includes winning the three-year-old (2009), the five-year-old (2011) and the mature class (2014). “Well, it was quite exciting for us when we heard she had won,” Ian Hortle said. “We’ve always had great comments about this cow. Whenever you put her in the yard, even though she’s not broken to halter, she’ll go and stand up likes she’s standing in the show ring. She’s just that kind of cow and she’s so easy to work with.” For judge Murray Polson (Mario Park Holsteins and Jerseys) from Oxley Island in New South Wales, Mist demanded his attention, within a competition that impressed one of the country’s most sought after up and coming judges. “She was a typical Talent daughter,” Murray said. “She had a big, open frame, a nice wide rump and she walked really well on her legs and feet and finished off with a beautiful rear udder. “It was her rear udder and the way she tracked on her rear legs that got her over the Igniter cow in Reserve (Datumvale Igniter Butterdawn owned by Marcus and Jacqui Young) in the end. The Igniter was also typical of her sire ... Read More...

The stand-out entry in the Queensland final of the Semex-Holstein Australia On-Farm competition was everything and more judge Terry Tout could have hoped for.

Arabella Jasper Georgette VG89, sired by Wilcoxview Jasper, is one of four imported ET sisters residing at Arabella Holsteins’ Brookstead address in the Sunshine State.

Two of the sisters have jockeyed for pole position throughout their career, but in this competition, and in this moment, it was Georgette’s day.

Georgette was also Honourable Mention at the Brisbane Royal Show in August. She was shown six weeks fresh at the Ekka, milking 60 litres. The Grand Champion that day was her Arabella herdmate, Glenalbas Goldwyn Olivia.

By the time Terry visited Arabella, Georgette was well settled into lactation.

“She was the stand-out cow, for me,” Terry said. “Before I announced my winners I asked the audience who they would pick if they were judging for the overall Champion, and she was almost a unanimous choice with everyone else too.

“She should be seen at IDW where I’m sure she could be extremely competitive. She is big, long, and correct all the way through with a wide muzzle, chest and a super barrel. She had a tremendous fore and rear udder.”

Georgette’s fully imported ET sister (Arabella Jasper Georgiegirl), from their dam, Penlow Georgia Rubens, was the two-year-old State Champion three years ago, after winning Supreme Intermediate at Lismore. Their owner, Daniel Holmes, who has judged many on-farm competitions himself and who was fresh from a busy judging itinerary at Finley, Forbes, Lismore and Christchurch Show (in New Zealand) has reserved his opinion over who is the best cow.

“I’ll know in another couple of months,” he said, adding that GeorgieGirl had recently re-calved.

“I think Georgette may be the best because she has developed at a better rate. Georgiegirl, I think, may have peaked but ... Read More...

The December 2014 LPI & TPI proofs are now online on Semex's website at www.semex.com!       Semex is dedicated to our customers' success and profitability, whether they're seeking GLPI, GTPI, Type, Net Merit $, Calving Ease, Immunity+ or any of the other traits that drive profitability at the farm gate. We believe that this is Genetics for Life. Each genetic evaluation confirms this commitment and drives us towards future success. Holstein Highlights: 0200HO03753 Marbi Facebook is #1 LPI sire & #4 TPI sire Semex's #1 new release TPI bull 0200HO07450 Amighetti Numero Uno #6 TPI sire overall Jersey Highlights: 0200JE00470 Comestar JDF Beautifull #5 GLPI sire overall One of only two double digit bulls for conformation in the top 30  at +12 with +11 mammary and +13 feet and legs 0200JE00183 Sunset Canyon David   Semex's #1 new release Genomax™ graduate Will rank in the top 15 active sires in the USA for GJPI Three of the top six and five of the top 15 young bulls for Genomic Parent Average for LPI in Canada and three of the top four for Conformation 0200JE00912 Gabys Archer is a top 10 young sire in USA for GJPI with semen available Ayrshire Highlights: 0200AY00699 Kamouraska Decaf #2 LPI   To view daughter video footage of many of Semex's sires visit our Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/semexalliance Additional information on these bulls including complete LPI and TPI data is available at www.semex.com.au    
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The December 2014 LPI & TPI proofs are now online on Semex's website at www.semex.com!       Semex is dedicated to our customers’ success and profitability, whether they’re seeking GLPI, GTPI, Type, Net Merit $, Calving Ease, Immunity+ or any of the other traits that drive profitability at the farm gate. We believe that this is Genetics for Life. Each genetic evaluation confirms this commitment and drives us towards future success. Holstein Highlights: 0200HO03753 Marbi Facebook is #1 LPI sire & #4 TPI sire 0200HO02692 Gibbs-I Claynook Dude #2 Conf sire Semex’s #1 new release TPI bull 0200HO07450 Amighetti Numero Uno #6 TPI sire overall Semex’s #2 new release TPI bull 0200HO02698 Misty Springs Supersonic #13 TPI sire overall Jersey Highlights: 0200JE00470 Comestar JDF Beautifull #5 GLPI sire overall One of only two double digit bulls for conformation in the top 30  at +12 with +11 mammary and +13 feet and legs 0200JE00183 Sunset Canyon David   Semex’s #1 new release Genomax™ graduate Will rank in the top 15 active sires in the USA for GJPI Three of the top six and five of the top 15 young bulls for Genomic Parent Average for LPI in Canada and three of the top four for Conformation 0200JE00912 Gabys Archer is a top 10 young sire in USA for GJPI with semen available Ayrshire Highlights: Semex #1 new release LPI bull 0200AY00723 La Sapiniere Facykie #4 LPI sire overall #2 Fat % in Top 10 at 0.47 0200AY00699 Kamouraska Decaf #2 LPI 0200AY00680 Kamouraska Rockstar #3 LPI 16 of the top 20 LPI sires are 200AY bulls To view daughter video footage of many of Semex’s sires visit our Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/semexalliance Additional information on these bulls including complete LPI and TPI data is available at www.semex.com  
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South Australia’s outstanding cattle and superb hospitality was still resonating with the state’s Kiwi judge several weeks after the event. Duncan Pipe, from New Zealand, is well-versed in Australian Holsteins, he visits often and he avidly follows the breed’s news and developments. He owns cattle in partnership in NSW and in Victoria. While he has travelled to Australia five times this year – this was his first time in South Australia. “I didn’t know what to expect, but I was incredibly impressed,” Duncan said. “I’d say it was the most exciting judging assignment that I’ve ever had, simply because of the calibre of the cows and the amazing hospitality. I had an awesome time, and combining their presentation with their centenary lunch made the whole trip pretty special.” One of the stand-out exhibitors this year was the team from Blackwood Park – fresh off a great run at the Adelaide Royal Show. David and Karen Altmann, milk 500-head at Murray Bridge (including 100 registered Illawarras). They achieve an 11,000-litre average milking three times a day. The herd was averaging 36 litres at 190 days (average) fresh at the time of the competition. The breeding has always been there – the time to show and promote individuals has not. The likeable and modest couple have spent their career working hard to make their cows lives comfortable. They invested heavily in Heatime, reducing their herd’s average days open from 158 to 78 within three years. They recently upgraded to Heatime’s rumination collars. They have also installed 42 tonnes of Sure-foot rubber matting, which took 13,500 drill holes to bolt it down. They are about to start construction on a 168m x 25m wide shed (with no internal spans), which will be bedded in dried compost they will be handling on-farm. The shed will house 500 comfortably under an 11m high roof. The final piece of the Blackwood Park puzzle has ... Read More...

As one of the dairy industry’s ‘must attend’ events, the 92nd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair was one for the record books for Semex. Very similar to 2013, a commanding 57% of all Holsteins shown by 27 different sires were 200HO sired! Impressively, even more Semex-sired daughters placed in the top 10 in their classes in 2014 than 2013, with 97 receiving a ribbon. Forty-six placed in the top five, 12 won their classes and Semex sired eight champions. Like no other sire ever, Braedale Goldwyn continued his show ring dominance, capturing both Premier Sire Banners, and sired nine class winners, 49 top 10 placers and the DHI Production Award Winner. And, for the fifth consecutive year a he sired the Grand & Senior Champion Female as 1st Mature Cow, RF Goldwyn Hailey, continued her winning streak, capturing the traditional blanket of roses at the end of the day.    Semex Genomax™ sires made their mark at the Royal as well. Making his Royal debut, Genomax™ and Immunity+™ sensation 0200HO06480 Val-Bisson Doorman sired the 1st Intermediate Calf & HM Junior Champion, Belfast Doorman Lovestruck. Placing 2nd in the same class was Repa Jenna Doorman, with seven other Doormans showing in the young heifer classes, gaining appreciation for Semex top seller. December 2014 proven sire prospect, 0200HO02770 Sully Hart Meridian’s daughter Val-Bisson Meridian Doriane (a sister to Doorman himself) attracted a lot of attention in her stall at the Semex Walk of Fame and placed 3rd in the highly competitive Milking Yearling Class. Once again the Canadian National Jersey show showcased 200JE sires, as Semex sires stamped their daughters with the show-winning look, including Bridon Comerica, sire of the 2014 Reserve Grand Champion & 2nd Mature Cow, Random Luck Ray Helen. Other winnings include: Select Scott Minister: HM Junior Champion & 1st Sr Calf: Shadowvale Minister Sharlene Bridon Comerica: 2nd Mature Cow, Res Senior Champ & Res Grand Champion: Random Luck Ray Helen 2nd ... Read More...

As one of the dairy industry's 'must attend' events, the 92nd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair was one for the record books for Semex. Very similar to 2013, a commanding 57% of all Holsteins shown by 27 different sires were 200HO sired! Impressively, even more Semex-sired daughters placed in the top 10 in their classes in 2014 than 2013, with 97 receiving a ribbon. Forty-six placed in the top five, 12 won their classes and Semex sired eight champions. Like no other sire ever, Braedale Goldwyn continued his show ring dominance, capturing both Premier Sire Banners, and sired nine class winners, 49 top 10 placers and the DHI Production Award Winner. And, for the fifth consecutive year a he sired the Grand & Senior Champion Female as 1st Mature Cow, RF Goldwyn Hailey, continued her winning streak, capturing the traditional blanket of roses at the end of the day.    Semex Genomax™ sires made their mark at the Royal as well. Making his Royal debut, Genomax™ and Immunity+™ sensation 0200HO06480 Val-Bisson Doorman sired the 1st Intermediate Calf & HM Junior Champion, Belfast Doorman Lovestruck. Placing 2nd in the same class was Repa Jenna Doorman, with seven other Doormans showing in the young heifer classes, gaining appreciation for Semex top seller. December 2014 proven sire prospect, 0200HO02770 Sully Hart Meridian's daughter Val-Bisson Meridian Doriane (a sister to Doorman himself) attracted a lot of attention in her stall at the Semex Walk of Fame and placed 3rd in the highly competitive Milking Yearling Class. Once again the Canadian National Jersey show showcased 200JE sires, as Semex sires stamped their daughters with the show-winning look, including Bridon Comerica, sire of the 2014 Reserve Grand Champion & 2nd Mature Cow, Random Luck Ray Helen. Other winnings include: Select Scott Minister: HM Junior Champion & 1st Sr Calf: Shadowvale Minister Sharlene Bridon Comerica: 2nd Mature Cow, Res Senior Champ & Res Grand Champion: Random Luck Ray ... Read More...