As we move into 2016, we do so with increasing optimism. Boviteq West came to the end of 2015 with growing donor numbers. The start of 2016 has shown a continued increase in donor recruitment. New and repeat customers are coming in equal numbers. As always, if anyone wishes to take a visit with us, you are more than welcome. Two [...]
The December 2015 Genetic Evaluation Release saw a large group of former Genomax bulls graduate into active service; and a couple of weeks later, they’re looking to be pretty popular commodities with western Canadian producers. If the Genomax bulls of the December 2012 list proved to be a remarkable group, which of the Genomax bulls of the December 2015 list [...]
Several years ago when Snowman first made his rise to the top of the proof charts, based on a MACE conversion from his European daughter evaluation, it was thought that his contribution to the breeding world would be small. After all, he was already dead, and with only a very small inventory of semen remaining, his chances would seemingly [...]
Gremlins got into our proof sheet process this round – with apologies, here are some corrections to take note of:
In July we became aware of a new genetic recessive trait with economic significance called HCD (Haplotype Cholesterol Deficiency) which in animals carrying both copies of the recessive gene means eventual death during calfhood. Since the discovery, the University of Liège in Belgium has identified the gene mutation responsible for the genetic defect. With knowledge about the haplotype and a list [...]
New exciting additions to our Genomax list at proof time is perhaps becoming more exciting than watching the early Genomax bulls graduating to the proven lineup. April proofs, even with a base change to make more moderate the top end numbers for all traits, delivered another wonderful bag of goodies. First Sons Over the past [...]
Terry Wagner and family of Evergraze Holsteins earned their second Master Breeder Shield in 2015, just 16 years after she and her late husband Bob were awarded this honor the first time. The Wagners recently welcomed the first two members of the 4th generation to join Evergraze Holsteins with the November births of Brooklyn to Marc & Kelsey, and Bryn [...]
And the winners are... Philipsen Dairies Ltd., Acme, Alberta Rachel Boonstoppel, Trilea Farm Grunthal, Manitoba Brandsma Farms Ltd., Salmon Arm, British Columbia Congratulations and thank you to everyone who participated in the contest! View the rules and contest details here.
WestGen Days 2016 As a member owned and directed organization, our Annual General Meeting is an important event on our calendar. With members spread across a vast geography, we recognize that attending the meeting isn’t convenient for many. For that reason, over the last decade we’ve worked to enhance the AGM by adding seminars and [...]