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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).


... Read More...

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...

Submitted by: Orsolya Schummer, Operations Manager, Semex Hungary

Génbank-Semex Hungary Ltd. celebrated their 20th anniversary recently on October 8.
Beautiful weather welcomed over 300 guests to the facility. Aamong them were Paul Larmer, Semex Alliance CEO, Sam Mitra, Semex Director International Sales & Business Development (Asia, Middle East & Eastern Europe), Dr. Gordon A. Atkins from the Veterinary University of Calgary, Alberta as well as representatives from the Hungarian breeder associations and the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture.
The day featured a Walk of Fame daughter display with daughters of well-known Semex sires Braedale Goldwyn, R-E-W Buckeye, Gillette FBI, Covista Ty, Magor Bolivia Allen and others on display. These daughters depicted Semex's Balanced Breeding philosophy, and underlined the fact that Semex really does work everywhere!
Guests were also treated to a look into the future with genomics and Semex's Genomax™ lineup, highlighting Genomax™ sires and Semex's genomics program.

Following the sire presentation were numerous other presentations regarding the industry's role in the currect global economic situation. Zoltán Veres, CEO of Semex Hungary greeted the audience and briefly summarized the history and the philosophy of the company, described its present position in the market and future plans, underlining that, "Companies don’t make profit. People do."
Balázs Fekete, President of the Hungarian Animal Breeders Association, described the critical situation of the Hungarian dairy industry and drew the attention to the importance of effective cooperation not only of dairy farmers, but also with dairy processors. Paul Larmer gave a presentation on Semex’s position in the global genetic marketplace and summarized the latest results in the field of research and development. Additionally he noted that, "Semex is positioned to be the global choice for the dairyman, ... Read More...

Mark E. Carson BSc. (Agr). MSc., Gencor Herd Reproduction Analyst Here is some really simple math that can be useful in the barn for assessing herd performance. A good thumb rule is 10% of your herd should be calving out each month. That means (at minimum) 10% of your herd needs to be getting pregnant each month. A “hard count” is simply setting a targeted number of pregnancies. The math is really quick and easy to do. If you are milking 30 cows you should be targeting a minimum of 3 to 4 pregnancies per month. If you are milking 300 cows, the goal should be 30 to 40 pregnancies per month. If you are a herd growing in size, you will need to set a slightly higher goal. Keeping this flow of pregnancies rolling through your herd will help keep your milk production more consistent by ensuring a steady continuation of fresh cows entering your herd. During veterinary herd-health visits, check to see if your herd is reaching its goal of at least 10% of cows getting pregnant per month. If less then 10% of your cows are getting pregnant per month, it would be worth investigating your herd’s reproductive performance. As always, work with your veterinarian, nutritionist, Semex representative and other trusted advisors to make sure your herd is reaching its reproductive potential.
... Read More...

Submitted by: Harry Schuiling, General Manager Semex Holland, Belgium and Denmark Semex scored a huge success at the Danish National Holstein Association (SDM) annual meeting, held on Friday, September 25, 2009. During the morning meeting Chairman Peter Laudsen and General Manager Keld Christensen presented the association members with the annual figures and statistics, followed by an open discussion about the Danish Holstein breed.
Beginning at noon, four farms in the Ribe area opened their doors for every Holstein member and interested person to visit. One of those farms was the 250 head Stortoft Holsteins, owned by Torben Kragh and his family. Together with the Semex Team in Denmark, the Stortoft family presented their entire herd which averages 12,000 kg, their elite individuals and their interesting automatic feeding system.
The Stortoft dairy operation is in an old traditional Danish barn that was retrofitted into a nice, new tie-stall facility, that professionally shows off their cows. The Stortoft herd has been sourcing high quality Canadian genetics for many years, and at the SDM they showcased offspring of Comestar Laurie Sheik as well as other elite Canadian individuals. In all, over 50 animals were prepared for the open house by the Stortoft and Semex Teams, leaving visitors speechless as this sort of presentation was a first in Denmark. Never before had so many people visited a Danish farm with this kind of presentation at the Holstein meetings, and retired Danish AI manager Torben Muller commented that this presentation was “second to none.”
Special thanks to all of those that made this tremendous display possible, including the Semex Embryo Department for their tremendous efforts to so clearly connect the value of Semex and Canadian genetics to the increased quality in a herd. Additionally, we would like to express our great respect and thanks to Torben Kragh and his family, as well as the ... Read More...