Becoming a Master Breeder was never set out to be the Molenaars number one goal. When they started out the goal was always to improve what they had and eventually that lead them to achieving a Master Breeder Shield!
L-R : Rhea , Wendy , Lydia
Bert and Wendy started out as Milk Testers with DHI and from there went on to
farm with Wendys Family. A fire destroyed a heifer barn in 1991 and at that
time they decided to start out on their own. A new Tie Stall Barn was built and
Bert and Wendy started their own herd with milking just 13 cows. Since then
silos have been built, along with a heifer barn and coverall buildings for hay
storage and calf housing.
The most influential cow in achieving points to earn the Master Breeder Shield
was Alidale Horizon Lena VG-87 9*. Two favorites over the years have been Berwen Inquirer Eclipse EX-91 3E 7* and Granduc Intensifier Lily VG-87 9*.
Top animals are flushed and eggs are exported and implanted for herd
improvement. The Berwen herd is 90% Red or red carrier, with the milking herd at the moment being 100% Red or Red carrier
Sires that worked well for Berwen: Rubens and Storm
Current Bulls being used: Uno, Meridian, Sympatico, Gillette Jordan, Armony and
Colt 45
Bert and Wendys breeding philosophy has always been breed for Type and Production
and always aim for double digits in Type and Components
The Molenaars feel that one of their greatest achievements has been being able to raise their children on the farm. All the Molenaar children always had 4-H calves with the Berwen prefix. Another great achievement is that the Berwen herd started with the bare necessities and Bert and Wendy have continuously worked hard to improve and grow over the years.
Berwen Facts:
Total # of animals : 35 Milking
Herd Classification: 1EX, 29 VG, 10 GP
Acres – forage and grains grown: 200
Acres owned, 400 Acres rented. Corn, Soya beans, Wheat is grown. Hay is used
for their own farm as well as sold
Type of feed fed: BMR Cornsilage and Haylage TMR
People involved: Both Bert and Wendy are on the farm fulltime. Their children
Jordan, Lydia and Rhea all helped growing up and help when they are home
