Company News

Michelle Nelson, Semex USA West Coast Premier Consultant



Hilltop Holsteins in Oakdale, California is owned and operated by partners Michael and Carrie Dotinga and John and Susan Vander Schaaf. Michael takes care of the daily operations of the dairy and some of the farming.



Michael grew up and worked on his family dairy. In 1998, Hilltop Holsteins began. The Dotinga’s and Vander Scaaf’s purchased the current facility along with the dairy’s 800 cows. In addition, Hilltop Holsteins also purchased 600 bred heifers to help grow the herd to the current size of milking 1,350 Holsteins with a rolling herd average of 22,983 milk 3.7% 847 fat 3.3% 719 protein.



In 2003, the facility was completely remodeled; new freestall barns were built along with a brand new double 20 parallel milk barn. To help relieve heat stress in the summertime, fans are provided for the fresh cow pen, close-up dry cow pen, and far-off dry cow pen. Fans, misters, and soakers also were installed in the milk barn.



Hilltop Holsteins farms 220 acres of corn and oats. In addition, 220 acres are currently used for pasture. There are 8 employees working on the dairy: 5 milkers, 1 feeder, and 2 herdsmen who work closely with Michael. All heifer calves are sent to a nearby calf ranch at 1 day old; the calves return to the dairy at 5 months old. At a year old heifers are sent to another nearby heifer raising facility to be bred; heifers return to the dairy when they are approximately 5 months pregnant.



Hilltop Holsteins has been using Semex sires and participated in the Premier Young Sire Program since 1998. Recently, they have partnered with the Semex Premier™ Club Young Sire Program. Currently, the herd is using 70% Semex sires and is very pleased with their results.



“I am using ... Read More...

In a recent survey conducted by Holstein International, Semex sires were proven to be extremely popular worldwide.



Dairymen everywhere list Semex sires as tops in their choices as most used in the last 6 months, which sires they would like to use more heavily in retrospect and which sires make their best 2 Yr Olds. 



Semex sires showed their strength and popularity with dairymen when asked which proven bulls have Holstein International readers used in the past 6 months…  Dairymen answered that they’ve preferred a Semex sire 29% of the time.  Semex sires identified as those preferred by dairymen worldwide were Goldwyn (#3), Dolman (#8), Bolivia (#15), Talent *RC (#17), Ashlar (#18), Samuelo (#20), Jasper (#28) and #Spirte (#30).  Most interestingly it is only Semex that can claim to be truly international superstars with its 29% containing sires that are proven on three separate continents!  … Semex Works Everywhere in its truest sense!







Not surprisingly, breeders also chose Semex sires more than any other when answering which bulls they would have liked to have used more heavily in retrospect.  Four of the eight sires listed as most common responses are Semex sires.  Semex’s superstar Goldwyn ranked #2, with Semex greats Outside, Allen and Rudolph also listed.   This shows dairymen’s desire for reliable, well-proven sires.  These sires were all popular for multiple reasons, but certainly none more important than their high reliability.  Each of these bulls remain superstars of our industry, siring high producers, beautiful cows, sires of sons and most importantly the kind of real cows dairymen want more of in their herds.



Looking towards the future of the breed, dairymen also commented on which sires were making ... Read More...

The April 2009 proof release placed the stamp of approval on reliable second crop Semex sires, while ushering in new release sires that expand Semex’s line-up. This expanded product offering meets the needs of dairymen everywhere, with sires designed to positively impact the bottom line.



Semex has added sires that are well-positioned to make a positive impact to the dairy’s bottom line and add value to your herd, including a 5% CE, 2.55 SCS Oman son, high milk sons and sons by Semex greats Talent and Titanic. For more information on all new April releases click here or view each bull below.


Holstein:

0200HO01937 West Port Bookman Red GP-CAN ST (Talent x Rubens)
0200HO05239 La Presentation Denzel VG-CAN Extra (Champion x Emerson)
0200HO09804 Crockett-Acres Eight EX-91-CAN SP (Oman x Mtoto)
0200HO00379 Morsan Frontrunner *RC GP-CAN ST (Talent x James)
0200HO09711 Regancrest Kingsley GP-CAN ST (Ramses x Convincer)
0200HO05340 Sicy Knowledge VG-CAN (Freelance x James)
0200HO05300 Comestar Lauvy VG-CAN (Titanic x Igniter)
0200HO05322 Gen-I-Beq Sahara *RC GP-CAN SP (Champion x Durham)
0200HO03404 Willsona Silas VG-CAN SP (Titanic x Convincer)


Jersey:



0200JE00944 Maackdairy Region (Legion x Lemvig)
0200JE00943 Wilsonview Shurbondy (Jace x Bold)
0200JE00015 Unique Belle’s Red Baron (Jace x Paramount)





Contact your Semex representative to put Semex to work in your herd today!
... Read More...

In August 2008 the United States Department of Agriculture released Sire Conception Rates (SCR) for the first time ever, replacing Estimated Relative Conception Rates (ERCR). The SCR evaluation has proven to be better than ERCR as it is a more accurate measure of a bull’s ability to actually get a cow in calf, as opposed to just measuring non-return rates. Repromax™, Semex’s lineup of high fertility sires, benefits from this new system, as the SCR evaluation is included, forming the world’s only international fertility information.



Semex sires rank well above average for SCR, adding to the confidence breeders can have in using our Repromax™ lineup. The Sire Conception Rate (SCR) rating is an important fertility figure, but should just be part of the decision making process when choosing a mating sire. Therefore, it’s important to keep in mind just what the SCR figure represents. With SCR, the average conception rate for the Holstein and Jersey breeds has been set at 0, therefore a bull that scores 1.0 SCR can be expected to have a 1% higher conception rate than the average bull. And, the opposite is true for a bull with a -1.0 SCR score.



Looking at the industry snapshot of numbers like 1.9… 2.0… 2.1… and 2.3… one wonders how much difference is there between these bulls?



There is a difference of less than half a percet separating the top four competitors in the Holstein breed, and an even smaller difference among the top four competitors in the Jersey breed. These small margins do not lend themselves for any one company to claim complete dominance in SCR rankings.



When is a Bull “Good” or “Bad”?

If only small differences separates so many bulls, technically it is difficult to label one bull better or worse than another for ... Read More...

Semex is pleased to announce that Kendra Bolen has been selected as Semex’s 2009 Summer Marketing Intern beginning May 18.  Kendra is a junior at Iowa State University majoring in dairy science with a minor in journalism and mass communications.  Kendra joins Semex with an extensive background in the dairy industry, being raised on her family’s Holstein dairy in northwest Illinois.  She has also been an active participant in her local 4-H and FFA clubs, as well as the Illinois Junior Holstein Association, Iowa State Dairy Judging Team and the Iowa State Dairy Science Club. While at Semex, Kendra will gain hands-on marketing experience and will assist with market research and database management, marketing collateral, supporting the execution of marketing campaigns and special projects.
... Read More...

Jersey breeders all over the US have demanded a high JPI Legion son with type, components and health traits and Semex delivered in the April 2009 proof round with new release 0200JE00944 Maackdary Region.  Coming in at +2.6 PTAT, +2.3 RUH and +1.5 RUW he is a bull Jersey breeders will consider in their mating programs.  Region shows balance with a +1.7 Strength and +1.6 Dairy Form.  Behind Legion is an EX-91% Lemvig followed by a Bluemarker that goes back to Bettydon Lester Ritzy.  Legion’s daughters are long-bodied, flat boned cows with depth of rib.  They are hard over the top line and very correct in the rear ends. The udder is well in attached in every facet, making him an ideal mating on Jace daughters, as well as the Duncan Belle and Maid bloodlines. 0200JE00943 Wilsonview Shurbondy is a Jace son out of a Bold Daniel with longevity and milk, breaking into the top 50 on the JPI list on his first proof.  From the heart of the “S” family of Wilsonview, located in Tillamook, Oregon, Shurbondy delivers high milk at over 1200 pounds, a combined fat and protein of just shy of 100 pounds and +1.4 PTAT.  What balance!  Shurbondy is an udder improver with great udder quality, walking on sound feet & legs that track straight.  His daughters are head-turning, trouble-free 2 year olds.  Shurbondy will cross well on Abe, Militia, Impuls, Perimiter and Jevon. Semex delivers a unique Jace son in 0200JE00015 Unique Belles Red Baron.  With so many Jace sons how can Red Baron sets himself apart, coming from Duncan Belle’s infamous maternal line.  His dam is Lencrest Par For Belle, a VG-85-2YR-CAN Paramount from the EX 94-CAN Piedmont Declo Belle.  Red Baron daughters are high component cows that average around 5% fat and 3.7% protein.  He already has daughters that are scoring in the high 80’s.  With four other Jace sons actively marketed in the Semex lineup, Red ... Read More...

The April 2009 proof release placed the stamp of approval on reliable second crop Semex sires such as 0200HO04779 R-E-W Buckeye and 0200HO03218 Gillette Brilea FBI, while ushering in sires designed to meet the needs of dairymen everywhere. Entering the Semex lineup are sires designed to positively impact bottom lines such as 0200HO09804 Crockett-Acres Eight, sires that meet the needs of Red & White clients, and newly proven sires for those looking for the best proven sons of Semex greats Talent and Titanic.



Buckeye daughters are known for their calving ease, high production, ideal feet & legs and exceptional rear udders, making him one of the most popular BW Marshall sons available today.  The April proof round echoed these same comments dairymen have been making since his release in 2005, and has solidified his place as a Second Crop Success.  Buckeye’s credentials put him in elite ranks for those looking to up their profitability, with +1914M, over 2.52 PTAT, +2.48 for both FLC and UDC, and +2.10 PL and a 6% Calving Ease.  Showing the Power of Balanced Breeding™ and the strength of Semex’s proving program in the USA, Buckeye’s proof has only increased since his initial release, gaining over 140 TPI points overall and adding over 2500 daughters since January 2009.   



Similar to Buckeye, FBI ticks all the boxes for most dairymen, with equivalent figures of +1908M, +2.67 PTAT, +2.05 UDC and +1.90 FLC with +463 NM$ and low 2.76 SCS.  FBI also answers the quest for high fertility, scoring above average on the Sire Conception Rating (SCR) rankings and is a Semex Repromax™ sire.  With over 4000 daughters in his production proof and over 2200 in his type proof, FBI can easily be considered a highly reliable sire. 



Semex’s 0200HO05049 Morningview Ashlar is still one of the breed’s ... Read More...

With each genetic evaluation Holstein Canada recognizes sires who reach elite standards in production, conformation and also genetic indexes through their Superior Production (SP), Superior Type (ST) and Class Extra (EXTRA) programs.



Superior Production

Nine Semex sires have been recognized in April 2009 as Superior Production sires having combined genetic indexes for Fat and Protein in the top 5% of the Canadian sire population. Sires must have a reliability of at least 85%.



USAM135556243

CROCKETT-ACRES EIGHT-ET (Oman x Mtoto)



CANM102437918

GEN-I-BEQ SAHARA (Champion x Durham)



CANM101431904

LA PRESENTATION DAMAFRO (Forbidden x Supersire)



CANM101432000

LA PRESENTATION DISCOUNT (Goodluck x Lantz)



USAM135218857

MARKWELL AARON-ET (Champion x Convincer)



USAM130588960

R-E-W BUCKEYE-ET (BW Marshall x Rudolph)



CANM9501468

STANTONS SPONSOR (Finley x Rudolph)



CANM8875264

VYECROFT VITTORIO (Champion x Durham)



CANM7419933

WILLSONA SILAS (Titanic x Convincer)



Superior Type

Six Semex sires have been recognized as Superior Type in April 2009. Sires winning this award are within the top 5% of the sire population for their type proof (Conformation, Mammary System, Feet & Legs, Dairy Strength, Rump) and with a reliability of at least 85%.



CANM8852019

FREUREHAVEN TALON (Talent x Aeroline)



CANM8798386

GLENHAVEN CHANT (Champion x Lee)



CANM101965634 ... Read More...

Madison, Wisconsin – With the dairy industry facing one of its most challenging periods in decades, Semex is introducing a series of services and solutions designed to help deal with tough economic times. Value pricing, new genetics for all environments and the ai24™ package are aimed at helping producers deal with the current dairy crisis and directly reduce semen and labor costs and increase breeding accuracy. Superior Genetics at Value Pricing Semex has been long recognized as a supplier of genetics based on longevity and profitability. “Starting in January 2009, we lowered prices on our conventional and sexed semen to address the producers’ challenges while continuing to offer a superior quality product. We understand the difficulties in today’s marketplace and will partner with producers to add value to their herds and secure their future,” says Paul Krueger, Semex Director, Sales & Business Development (USA). “We’ve continued to expand our product lineup to meet the needs of all dairy producers, proving yet again that Semex works everywhere,” states Krueger. “At Semex we are excited to launch a group of newly proven sires with exciting first-crop evaluations and intriguing pedigrees.” Crockett-Acres Eight is the new Semex health & fitness headliner debuting at 567 NM$, 2.55 Somatic Cell Score, 3.3 Productive Life and 5% Calving Ease. Recently proven red and red carrier sires are already gaining lots of interest. Morsan Frontrunner*RC and Westport Bookman-Red are two of Talent’s first sons to receive proofs and Gen-I-Beq Sahara*RC is an new outcross Red Carrier sire from September Storm’s family. Also, the addition of two early Titanic sons, Comestar Lauvy and Willsona Silas, bring high ranking evaluations that will meet the goals for a wide range of herds. ai24™ – The 24 hour heat detection system Producers can now partner with Semex for access to its 24-hour heat detection system, ai24™. Powered by the Heatime™ system, this new technology ... Read More...

January 3, 2000 – November 24, 2008.   Semex regrets to announce that the international breeding sensation 0200HO03205 Braedale Goldwyn has passed away. 



Widely believed to be one of the greatest sires of his time, Goldwyn’s popularity has continually been on the rise, adding numerous accolades to his already impressive resume each and every day.



“Rarely a day goes by that we do not hear from someone about their individual success with their Goldywn daughters,” says Paul Larmer, Semex Alliance Chief Executive Officer.  “It is truly remarkable to hear comments from dairymen worldwide about how Goldwyn has left his mark on their herd.  Never before have we seen a sire with such impressive results in production, index, type and the show ring like we have from Goldwyn.  Being named the first-ever top 10 TPI Premier Sire at World Dairy Expo this fall is certainly a testament to his breeding power and popularity.  We owe a great deal of gratitude to the staff at Eastern Breeders Inc. for their care and assistance in his success.  Although his passing closes one chapter, we are confident that there are many chapters yet to be written in the Goldwyn story.” 



Goldwyn, a Shoremar James son of Braedale Baler Twine VG-86-2YR-CAN 23* followed by the famous Gypsy Grand, arrived on the scene in November 2004 with a moderate proof, ranking #82 LPI.  In February 2005 Goldwyn jumped to #5 LPI, adding 28 daughters and nearly 700 LPI points.  Since then, his performance in Canada and around the world has surpassed all expectations.



“Goldwyn’s career has been fascinating,” says Julien Chabot, Semex Sire Analyst.  “From the first time I went to see his original daughter group in November 2004, I have been a fan.  With each genetic ... Read More...