Company News

Sub Branch: DARLING DOWNS (QLD)
Judge: LINDSAY MOXEY, Newington Holsteins, Whittingham, NSW
Numbers: 68 entries from 10 breeders

TWO YEAR OLD - 1st: Leader Damion Cretonne-ET, T and M Deans (Leader Holsteins, Oakey) - 2nd: Camlou Morty Sunflower, C and M Janke (Camlou Holsteins, Westbrook).

THREE YEAR OLD - 1st: Arabella Silky G Whisky, E and P and N Crank (Minash Holsteins, Kingsthorpe) - 2nd: Leader DD Satin, T and M Deans (Leader Holsteins, Oakey).

FOUR YEAR OLD - 1st: Leader Roy Satin, T and M Deans (Leader Holsteins, Oakey) - 2nd: Davindy Freelance Dora, D and C Janke, (Davindy Holsteins, Westbrook).

FIVE YEAR OLD - 1st: Arabella Gibson Wendy, D Holmes (Arabella Farming Co, Brookstead) - 2nd: Plana Modest Steph, A & S Barron, (Ardylbar Holsteins, Cambooya).

MATURE - 1st: Gayton Park Leader Bianca, T and M Deans (Leader Holsteins, Oakey) - 2nd: Leader Durham Satin, T and M Deans, (Leader Holsteins, Oakey).

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Mark E. Carson BSc. (Agr). MSc., Gencor Herd Reproduction Analyst
A difficult calving can effect a cow’s performance throughout the entire lactation. An examination of calving ease performance of first lactation cows from five dairy herds shows the impact it can have on first service conception. Dairy Comp 305 calving ease data provided by DHI was compared with first service conception on first lactation cows.


Calving Difficulty
1st Service Conception Rates
# of First Lactation Cows


Unattended or Easy
38%
195


Hard
22%
64


First lactation cows that had an Unattended or Easy Calving (U or E) were found to have a first service conception of 38%, while cows with a Hard Calving (H) had a conception rate of 22%. From these herds, having a trouble-free calving made the cows twice as likely to get pregnant on the first breeding!
To reduce calving troubles, work to manage body condition scores, age at first calving and appropriate sire selection. Also, make sure you are providing proper assistance to cows that need help at the time of calving. Managing all of these things will help to ensure your cows have a better start and make the most out of their lactations.
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A split-second decision made at auction almost two decades ago still impacts on one of the state’s highest performing dairy herds, Fairvale Holsteins. It was 1990 when Ted Dobson found himself bidding on a six-moth-old calf at International Dairy Week, two hours north of Melbourne. He hesitated when the priced reached $8000, fearing it was too much to spend on a baby calf. One of the country’s most progressive Jersey breeders, Reg Broad, was sitting behind Ted. Reg leaned forward and uttered what would become a life-changing sentence for the Bracknell breeder: “Go for it, boy. She’s a bloody good one.” Ted did go for it that day. He bought Paramount Inspiration Butter, and last week the EX-5E matriarch’s great grand daughter, Fairvale Morty Butter 120, became the latest family member to win the state’s Semex/Holstein Australia On-Farm Competition’s two-year-old title. The nationwide spectacle, in its ninth year, has a number of unique points of difference. All the cows are judged on-farm for their conformation in their working cobber by judges, who move between individual farms in a collective logistical marathon involving thousands of kilometres and an army of people throughout the country. Today Fairvale is run by Ted’s son, Ross, and his wife, Leanne. The couple milk 350-head. Morty Butter is the fourth member of the Butter family to win her age-group in the On-Farm Competition within the last two years and the fourth Semex-sired Stouder Morty daughter from the double Master Breeder Dobson herd to win in the last three years. Although the Dobsons have become famous on the mainland for being the birthplace of two International Dairy Week champions, Fairvale Jed Bonnie 94 (2005 and 2007) and Fairvale Leader Josie 5 (2006), Ross says the Butter family remains a personal favourite and one of their best. “The Butters are right up there with the Josies for me,” Ross said. “I believe it is one of this country’s elite cow families and they just ... Read More...

South Australia is punching out of its weight range when it comes to the quality of its dairy cattle, according to this year’s state judge for the Semex-Holstein Australia On-Farm Competition.

Bill Leggat, a former Holstein Australia head classifier, placed 162 animals from 22 breeders in three days. The national spectacle, which is in its ninth year, has a number of unique points of difference. The most obvious is that all the cows were judged for their conformation on-farm in their working cobber.

Bill moved between individual farms, covering more than 600km in his biggest day’s judging as he worked to place cows, in first the Central and Fleurieu sub-branches, before going on to name his state champions.

The competition has become renowned for allowing cows that may not have enjoyed a profile (because of the work, time and knowledge needed to show cattle) to have the chance to shine or be discovered, not unlike Network Ten’s Australian Idol mantra.

“I think this competitiion is the future,” Bill said. “IDW (International Dairy Week in Victoria) will always go ahead, but I really feel this competition is special. I saw cows of exceptional quality. Cows that had never been to a show and probably never will. That was the beauty of it.

“There were some awesome young cows, which really impressed me for their pheomonial rear udder width and height. This state is certainly punching out of its weight range when it comes to the exceptional depth and quality of its animals. I’d have to say judging this competition was one of the most enjoyable things I’ve ever done.”

One of the dominant forces in the competition was Jack Bramley, of Paravale Holsteins, at Yankalilla. Jack won four of the five classes in his sub-branch and two champion and two reserve championships in the state ... Read More...

South Australian State Judging

TWO YEAR OLD - 1st: Belmont Primus Pamela, N & G & G Kroehn (Belmont Proprietors, Springton) - 2nd: Belmont Lucky Paula, N & G & G Kroehn (Belmont Proprietors, Springton).

THREE YEAR OLD - 1st: Wirrabank Morty Regina, B & B & G Wilson (Wirrabank Holsteins, Mallala) - 2nd: Paravale Ladino Belle F (J Bramley, Paravale Holsteins, Yankalilla).

FOUR YEAR OLD - 1st: Jervois Mendel Pride 2nd, F & C Mason (Jervois Holsteins, Tailem Bend) - 2nd: Rockridge Ladino Sharp, J Bramley (Paravale Holsteins, Yankalilla).

FIVE YEAR OLD - 1st: Rockridge Ladino Shantell, J Bramley (Paravale Holsteins, Yankalilla) - 2nd: Balara Durham Ros, L Thorpe Pty Ltd (Balara Holsteins, Meningie).

MATURE - 1st: Sleepy Hollow Boss Magic, J Bramley (Paravale Holsteins, Yankalilla) - 2nd: Eclipse Zircon Lucky 2nd-ET, A & A Koch (Glenunga Proprietors, Moculta).


SUB-BRANCH RESULTS
(which were the qualifying rounds for the state over judging)

Sub Branch: Central (SA)

TWO YEAR OLD - 1st: Belmont Primus Pamela, N & G & G Kroehn (Belmont Proprietors, Springton) - 2nd: Belmont Lucky Paula, N & G & G Kroehn (Belmont Proprietors, Springton)

THREE YEAR OLD - 1st: Wirrabank Morty Regina, B. & B. & G. Wilson, Wirrabank Holsteins, Mallala - 2nd: Jervois Drake Concorde 1, F & C Mason (Jervois Holsteins, Tailem Bend).

FOUR YEAR OLD - 1st: Jervois Mendel Pride 2nd, F & C Mason (Jervois Holsteins, Tailem Bend) - 2nd: Belmont Talent Paula 2, N & G & G Kroehn (Belmont Proprietors, Springton).

FIVE YEAR OLD - 1st: Balara Durham Ros, L Thorpe Pty Ltd (Balara Holsteins, Meningie) - 2nd: Jervois Ladino Sue, F & C Mason (Jervois Holsteins, Tailem Bend).

MATURE - 1st: Eclipse Zircon Lucky 2nd-ET, ... Read More...

TASMANIA
State over-judging
State Over-Judging: TASMANIA
Judge: COLIN DALEY, Ourway Holsteins, Millaa Millaa, QLD
Numbers: 117 entries from 18 breeders

TWO YEAR OLD - 1st: Fairvale Morty Butter 120, R & L Dobson (Fairvale Holsteins, Bracknell) - 2nd: Silkydale Talent Sondra, M & S Armstrong (Silkydale Holsteins, Smithton).

THREE YEAR OLD - 1st: Jamala Talent Mist, J Hortle (Jamala Holsteins, Sassafras) - 2nd: Fairvale Iron Butter 96, R & L Dobson, (Fairvale Holsteins, Bracknell).

FOUR YEAR OLD - 1st: Garerley Gibson Jamie 2nd-ET, G & B Carpenter & Family (Garerley Holsteins, South Riana) - 2nd: Silkydale Lancelot Ebony, M & S Armstrong (Silkydale Holsteins, Smithton).

FIVE YEAR OLD - 1st: Rengaw Luckystrike Manne, G Wagner (Rengaw Holsteins, Winnaleah) - 2nd: Tarkine Ladino Rosebud, S Maxwell, (Tarkine Holsteins, Smithton).

MATURE - 1st: Gowerville Derry Carmine-ET, P & E Geard (Green Glory Holsteins, Broadmarsh) - 2nd: Panatana MS Dixie, I & M Hortle (Panatana Holsteins, Moriarty).


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VICTORIA
The Victorian overjudging will be judged by Daniel Holmes, of Arabella Holsteins, Brookstead in Queensland between November 8 and November 14. Results will be announced at a luncheon at Witchmount winery, at Rockbank on Friday, December 4 from 11am.

Sub Branch: WEST GIPPSLAND
Judge: WAYNE KUHNE (Bushlea Farms) Leongatha VIC
Number: 82 entries from 13 breeders

TWO YEAR OLD - 1st: Starcrest Ladino Marty, H & D Dodd (Starcrest Holsteins, Westbury) - 2nd: Thornhill Creek Bossiron Fiona, D & C Armstrong (Thornhill Holsteins, Bonavista).

THREE YEAR OLD - 1st: Creswick Kendall Peace 2nd, G & M Male (Creswick Holsteins, Caldermeade) - 2nd: Starcrest Talent Marty, H & D Dodd (Starcrest Holsteins, Westbury).

FOUR YEAR OLD - 1st: Orchard Vale Redsilk Tiffany-R, D & M Orchard (Orchard Vale Holsteins, Yarragon) - 2nd: Jacob Park Allen Toffee, C & F Bills (Hearts Ridge Holsteins, Athlone).

FIVE YEAR OLD - 1st: Starcrest Talent Maryme-ET, H & D Dodd (Starcrest Holsteins, Westbury) - 2nd: Creswick Grandprix Baby, G & M Male (Creswick Holsteins, Caldermeade).

MATURE - 1st: Jacob Park Stormatic Polkadot-ET, C & F Bills (Hearts Ridge Holsteins, Athlone) - 2nd: Creswick Bosside Susan, G & M Male (Creswick Holsteins, Caldermeade).

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Sub Branch: SOUTH WEST RIVERINA (VIC)
Judge: SCOTT SOMERVILLE (Somerelle Holsteins, Rochester VIC)
Number: 102 entries from 15 breeders

TWO YEAR OLD - 1st: Eagle Ridge Progress 2857, R & K Eagle (Eagle Ridge Holsteins, Finley) - 2nd: Eclipse Rouki Queen, R Hull, (Eclipse Holsteins, Finley).

THREE YEAR OLD - 1st: Coolongolook Valley Champion Dove-Twin, Hay Family Trust (Coolongolook Holsteins, Finley) - 2nd: Wood ... Read More...

QUEENSLAND
Queensland's state overjudging will be held on November 22 and 23. It will be judged by Jenny Grey, of The Pines Holsteins (Kiama, New South Wales).

Sub Branch: ATHERTON AND NORTH QUEENLAND
Judge: BRIAN WILSON (Bow Hill Holsteins) Tamworth NSW
Number: 66 entries from 7 breeders

TWO YEAR OLD - 1st: Barron Bella Finalcut Hero, F & D Cuda (Barron Bella Holsteins, Malanda) - 2nd: Foothills Morton Buttercup, P & M Newland (Foothills Holsteins, Malanda).

THREE YEAR OLD - 1st: Broker Angel, R & S Daley (Scottdale Holsteins, Upper Barron) - 2nd: Bevandale Ribbons Shama, J & C Bevan (Bevandale Holsteins, Ravenshoe).

FOUR YEAR OLD - 1st: Ourway Talent Jackie 109, C & S Daley (Ourway Holsteins, Millaa Millaa) - 2nd: Ourway LS Posch 55, C & S Daley (Ourway Holsteins, Millaa Millaa).

FIVE YEAR OLD - 1st: Barron Bella Ladino Rose, F & D Cuda (Barron Bella Holsteins, Malanda) - 2nd: Igniter Claudia, R & S Daley (Scottdale Holsteins, Upper Barron).

MATURE - 1st: Lothlorien Gibson Rentia 2-ET-RC, K & K Cash & P & M Newland (Millaa Millaa) - 2nd: Bevandale Aspen Prima, J & C Bevan (Bevandale Holsteins, Ravenshoe).

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Sub Branch: FAR NORTH COAST, NSW ( QLD Branch)
Judge: ANDREW GREEN, Kandes Holsteins - Tamworth NSW
Number: 42 entries from 7 breeders

TWO YEAR OLD - 1st: Instyle Talent Raven 2, R Thomas (Instyle Holsteins, Kyogle) - 2nd: Cosy Bank Derek Queen 1573, J & N Gould, (Cosy Bank Holsteins, Casino).

THREE YEAR OLD - 1st: Kaloola Redman Liz 2nd, T & L Northfield (Kaloola Holsteins, Tatham) - 2nd: Instyle Talent Raven, R Thomas (Instyle Holsteins, Kyogle).

FOUR YEAR OLD - 1st: Kaloola Talent Elizabeth, T & L ... Read More...

2009 SEMEX-HOLSTEIN AUSTRALIA ON FARM COMPETITION
Approximately 2500 dairy cows from 500 Australian farmers are being judged throughout the country in the country’s biggest livestock competition – the Semex-Holstein Australia On-Farm Competition. The spectacle, in its ninth year, has a number of unique points of difference. All the cows are judged on-farm for their conformation in their working cobber by judges, who move between individual farms in a collective logistical marathon involving thousands of kilometres and an army of people. - updated Wednesday, October 28, 2009
It also means cows that may not have enjoyed a profile (because of the work, time and knowledge needed to show cattle) now have the chance to shine or to be discovered, not unlike Network Ten's Australian Idol mantra.

“This is the second most recognised award dairy cows can win outside a first place at International Dairy Week,” Semex’s general manager Jim Conroy said. “But for many it is the No.1 event.”

“Early numbers suggest we have equal entries to last year in the south and we may be even stronger in the north.”

Each of Holstein Australia’s 29 sub-branches involved are currently running their own in-house competitions. Entries peak at close to 300-head in some of the strongholds of the breed.

The first and second placegetters in each class at the sub-branch level then move forward to the state finals where they will be re-assessed by a fresh over-judge in early November to find the state champions.

The state lines are divided into Northern Queensland, Southern Queensland, New South Wales, South-Eastern Australia (incorporating Victoria, New South Wales Riverina and South East South Australia), Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia.

“There are many hundreds of cows and people involved now and it is also now an ... Read More...

Guelph, Ontario – The Semex Alliance, a leading global genetics company, is announcing that effective January 1, 2010, Semex Alliance will take full responsibility of the Italian market through a new company, Semex Italia, as part of its strategy which concentrates on the main markets in Europe.

Semex has enjoyed a long, successful history with the Italian dairy producers. For decades Italian dairymen have supported and endorsed Semex’s Balanced Breeding philosophy and have enjoyed many successes resulting from its use. Bulls such as Rudolph, James, Lee, Leader, Rubens *RC, September Storm *RC and Buckeye have had a major, positive influence on the Italian dairy population. This newly formed company will allow Semex to continue providing Italian dairymen access to top quality genetics and industry leading services and programs.

For the past five years Canadian Semex, (a subsidiary of Ente Lombardo Potenziamento Zootecnico S.p.A.), and its employees have worked hard in the Italian market. Their dedication and efforts have resulted in strong and mutually beneficial relationships. Semex is extremely thankful for their dedication and efforts, as they have provided outstanding service and high quality products to Semex’s customers.

Semex Italia will continue these positive efforts, further developing business partnerships with Italian dairy producers during a very challenging time in the industry.

... Read More...