As milk price continues to fluctuate across the United States profit driven goals become increasingly important. While some large herds focus on cutting expenses and increasing milk volume to improve their bottom line, Geno Source LLC. has taken the road to genetic success through genomics to become more efficient and profitable for their future in dairy.
GenoSource was formed in 2014 by a diverse group of individuals; Mark Butz (Butz-Hill), Tim and Jennifer Rauen (TJR Genetics), Steve and Joanne Rauen, Tom and Rick Simon (Farnear Holsteins) and investment broker Pat Carroll. Deep roots in the dairy industry, this group saw the opportunity to have a bigger recipient pool for genetics while build a milking herd of cows with a high genetic level that would
be most profitable for the long term.
The accumulation of three farms, a 2800 cow dairy in Blairstown, Iowa, a 600 cow dairy located in Quincy, Illinois, and their heifer raising facility in Fremont, Iowa, sitting on 2100 acres of grass and row crop, provide the basis for this successful operation.
The Blairstown facility houses the majority of the cows where they are milked 3X per day in a 60 cow rotary. Their donor quarantine location just up the road has and EEC certified laboratory and flushing facilities. The Quincy farm has a double 12 herringbone parlour and where the majority of all 2 year olds are calved out. Calves are housed here until 10 weeks of age then are moved to the facility at Fremont
where they are kept until they are right up to calving.
Believing that genetics are the driving force to success, this group’s goal is to produce elite genetics for the industry whether it’s through cows, heifers, embryos or semen has seen GenoSource bring their herd GTPI to 2900 with a Net Merit of over $1000. “I don’t think it is a secret, every dairyman wants to make money. Large dairies will pay a premium for good cows. They look at longevity, more milk per cow and how well they breed back. I think genomics are pretty spot on when it comes to these requirements,” said Mark.
To help establish their genetic baseline all animals were genomic tested. “I think the fact that we were early adapters to Genomics has provided us with the opportunity to track our genetic progress and will allow us to show large herd dairymen how profitable genomics really can be,” said Tim. Now 35% of the herd is registered, all first calvers are classified and DHIA comes in every 5 weeks. Dairy Comp is used along with a Sexing Technologies customer database that helps track all information.
“In 2017 and 2018 we will sell 500-600 fresh cows at 30 days post calving. Classification is a necessary evil and is definitely more challenging in a free-stall environment. We need it for marketing purposes for selling embryos and semen internationally, however most commercial dairyman are looking for functionality not just type numbers so it doesn’t really help us fill our biggest market,” said Tim.
Admittedly the same was said about picturing and advertising. Unquestionably a strong genetic base for building the dairyman’s “dream cow” developed from key families such as Miss OCD Robust Delicious VG-87 DOM, SSI Moonry Myesha 9071 VG-85, Sandy Valley Robust Ruby EX-90 and Wilra Supersire 608 GP-82.
A eleventh generation VG or EX from the Windsor Manor Z Delight EX-93 2E GMD DOM family, Delicious still ranks #3 for Net Merit and #13 GTPI in the USA. She has 5 daughters in the top 20 including the #1 Cow in the World MS Delicous Nightout VG-85.
Also the #1 Net Merit Cow, Nightout carries numbers of +2822 GTPI 927NM$ 2.6 Type and is followed by her clone Nightout 2. Nightout’s Jedi daughter MS Nightout 35140 was also the #8 GTPI heifer (+2892 GTPI 957NM$ PTAT 2.18). Her Genomic Young Sire, Mr Spring Noble ranks #8 GTPI with +2849 GTPI and 2.44 for type.
The #2 Net Merit heifer, MS 78141-ET at NM$1064 is Delicous’ Modesty granddaughter from the #11 GTPI cow, Shotglass Sunday. Delicious, Nominee daughter, MS Delicious Nom 60087-ET VG-87 is also the dam of the #4 Heifer in the Breed at +2966.
Producing moderate framed cows with tremendous udders and feet and legs, Delicous son Mr Mogul Delta continues to peak interest. Delta fell one daughter short of having a proof in April which would have allowed him the chance to claim top spot on the bull list. Delta is high ranking in both the USA (+2780 GTPI 939$NM +2.10 PTAT) and Canada (+3370 GPA LPI +2968 Pro$). Delicious is also the dam to
Mega-Duke, Denver, Draco and Delco.
Robust Ruby is the dam of the popular bull EDG Rubicon and grand dam to Seagull-Bay Charismatic and Seagull-Bay Comanche both by Catalyst. Myesha, a Moonray from Roylane Shot Mindy VG-86 family, has 13 heifers over +2700 GTPI including
her Modesty daughter, GenoSource Mint at +2839 GTPI 1003NM$ and 1015CM$. Sold in the Genetic Fiesta sale for $140,000, Mint is now owned by ST Genetics. Mint’s full brother Marly sits at +2703 GTPI and 894NM making him Myesha’s highest son.
Making her ideal for the commercial dairyman, Wilra Supersire 608 consistently transmits components, great udders and the ability to convert feed to milk. Ranked at #7 on the Net Merit list with her sister 603 owned by ST Genetics ranking #14, both are over +2600 for GTPI. Wilra’s top bulls with strong numbers in both the USA and Canada; Delta Worth (GTPI+2818 NM$1017 PTAT 2.04 GLPI+3305 Pro$2855 Conf+7) and Silver Wings (GTPI+2789 PTAT 2.38 GLPI+3343 Conf+10) provide top type and profitability numbers.
| Delicous Topping the Charts | ||||||
| GTPI Rank | NM Rank | Name | Sire Stack | GTPI | NM | TYPE |
| 1 | 1 | MS DELICOUS NIGHTOUT-ET VG-85 | Numero Uno x Robust x Planet | 2822 | 927 | 2.6 |
| 1 | 1 | MS DELICOUS NIGHTOUT 2-ETN GP-82 | Numero Uno x Robust x Planet | 2822 | 927 | 2.6 |
| 6 | 5 | MS NIGHTOUT DELIGHT-ET VG-86 | Montross x Numero Uno x Robust | 2765 | 905 | 2.14 |
| 11 | 8 | MS DELICIOUS SUNDAY-ET GP-82 | Shotglass x Robust x Planet | 2735 | 887 | 1.99 |
| 13 | 3 | MISS OCD ROBST DELICIOUS-ET VG-87 | Robust x Planet x Elegant | 2728 | 926 | 1.73 |
| 18 | 28 | MS DELICIOUS NOM 60087-ET VG-87 | Nominee x Robust x Planet | 2720 | 840 | 2.12 |
Note: Official information provided by Holstein USA 06/01/17 rankings amongst all Holsteins cows registered in the U.S. with a required classification score.
Animals that have diversified their portfolio include Val-Bisson Shottle Imelda EX-94 7* the dam of the #3 GLPI Bull, Val-Bisson Doorman. Purchased as a heifer, OCD Supersire 9882 VG-86 is a granddaughter of Ammon-Peachey Shana VG-86. With well over 100 pregnancies made 9882 sold in the Genetic Fiesta sale for $90,000 to Faria Brothers of Texas. Also the maternal sister to Monteray, Powerball-P and
Cashflow, View-Home Silv Nashville-ET was added to their collection. Nashville a Silver daughter and is the highest daughter of Pine-Tree 2149 Robust 4846 with numbers of GTPI+2657 NM$762 PTAT +2.62.
Adding to the Red portfolio, Farnear TBR Aria Adler-ET *RC VG-87- 2YR the McCutchen granddaughter of Apple EX-96 3E, recently fresh with her second calf and is 3.22 for Type and 3.08 UDC. Her Red Arvis son at +3.72 for type with UDC of +3.54 and FLC +3.29 makes him the #1 R&W Type bull of the breed!
While type or show genetics are not a large focus at GenoSource, families like KHW Regiment Apple Red EX-96 3E DOM, Silvermaple Damion Camomile EX-95, Eastside Lewisdale Gold Missy EX-95 2E 21*, RockyMountain Talent Licorice, Butz-Butler Gold Barbara EX-95, Rainyridge Talent Barbara EX-95 2E and Robrook Goldwyn Cameron EX-95 have provided opportunities in the international marketing arena for type sales.
With over 200 bulls in stud, GenoSource claims 15-20% of the market share when it comes to bulls being collected in AI in the United States. A partnership formed with Sexing Technologies for all male offspring on a lease basis has allowed them to have more control over their genetics moving forward with assurance they will have the proper marketing channels in place for their top bulls.
“I think this agreement with ST Genetics was a win – win situation. We had a diverse portfolio and ST Genetics has the sexed semen technology and the marketing platform,” said Mark.
Diversification of the genetic pool remains important with traits taken into consideration for both commercial and foreign markets. Using 80% of their own bulls and 20% outside bulls with 90% Genomic Young Sires. “The traits we take into consideration when choosing mating sires focuses on production, Net Merit, DPR, calving ease, stature and components. The end game is to be make more productive,
profitable and efficient cows by including health and fertility,” says Tim. Flushing approximately 200 donors per year between TransOva and their own facility, there are approximately 5000 embryos implanted yearly and close to 1200 embryos sold to Japan, China, Europe and the United States. Their recent Genetic Fiesta sale was a resounding success with an average of $17,883 on 133 live lots.
Both Tim and Mark admit it takes a lot of work and a good team to achieve success in a large herd environment. As General Manager, Mark’s background in animal nutrition for over 30 years and his on farm experience has provided him with a significant role at the farm and he is seen most days by 5:30am at the main office at the Blairstown location.
components, great udders and the ability to convert feed to milk. Ranked at #7 on the Net Merit list
Tim has a high level of expertise in genomics and his time spent at Farnear over the years has provided him with some incredible experience and contacts. Working primarily from home Tim focuses his attention on creating the best possible mating’s for all markets.
Pat’s background in dairy farming in Ireland, passion for the business and understanding of finance and commodities with his investment broker business has added great value to the team. Tom and Rick’s ongoing vision for top genetics along with their practical experience in dairying has brought another aspect to the company.
Four employees that play key roles at GenoSource include Kyle Demmer, Amanda Hauck, Fabio Castro and Keegan Wertz. Kyle’s primary role as recipient herd manager also includes organizing sales like the Genetic Fiesta. Working closely with both Tim and Amanda on mating sire choices, identifying potential donors within the herd and buying genetics to add to the program rounds out Kyle’s responsibilities. His experience with Alta Genetics as a sire analyst, sales experience and growing up on his family farm in Iowa has made him an integral part of the team.
Amanda’s main focus lies with embryo sales, marketing, advertising, organizing genetic testing and calf registrations. Her Holstein background along with her experience at AMS Genetics for 3 years in export has allowed her to step up to the challenge of keeping everyone organized. Fabio is responsible for all of the conventional flushing and implanting at Blairstown, while Keegan Wertz manages the donors on a day-to- day basis.
Already impacting genetics worldwide this team has achieved some outstanding accolades including holding the top spots for cows on both the GTPI and Net Merit lists in the April proof run. Past achievements include the #1 GTPI Heifer, #1NM Heifer, #1 Type heifer, #1 GYS, and #1 Type bull with high hopes Delta may pull into the #1 spot in August for proven bulls. GenoSource’s strong genetic base, along with the great team of individuals, will continue to provide chart toppers as they work towards their goal of supplying the world with genetics while achieving their ultimate goal of milking the most profitable cows possible.
Top Mating Sires at GenoSource Currently
- High Noon – High GTPI, High NM$ – Unique being an early Detour x Nominee with crazy health traits
- Delta-Worth – Delta's highest son GTPI and NM$ Son! +1017NM$ and +2818 GTPI ranks him among the highest bulls for his age group
- Nightcap – Spring x Nightout – This spring son offers something a little different to the breeding program
- Delta – Mogul Son from Delicious who has proven to make great milking daughters and will have a huge impact on the breed!
- Jolt – Delta son who is +913 NM$ with great health traits – Jolt goes back to the Coyne-Farms Freddie Jeven family!
- Dynamo – Rubicon x Delicious – +2061 Milk with 6.1 SCE