Bullseye May 2014

2013 Master Breeder Willswikk Holsteins

At the 2013 National Holstein Convention, Willswikk Holsteins was one of 2 herds to receive a Master Breeder Award that had earned their first in 1999. 14 years must pass between shields, so earning a subsequent shield on the first possible opportunity is a sign of a successful breeding and management program that continually achieves breed leading results for production, conformation and longevity.

The herd at Willswikk Holsteins is owned and managed by Bill & Gert Wikkerink along with three of their 5 children: William, Cindy and Jason (Michelle). They farm 300 acres in a scenic spot on temperate Vancouver Island where Bill’s family began in 1956 and use the Willswikk prefix that Bill started in 1967. Since their shield in 1999 they’ve almost doubled the herd to 150 milking cows, while not diluting any of the quality, as evidenced by the current classification of 37 EX, 104 VG and 31 GP. The current herd average is 10,833kg of 4.0%F and 3.2%P, achieved through a partial mixed ration of local hay, grass silage, corn silage and purchased grain.

Their breeding goals are in line with the Canadian Kind that our Holsteins are world renowned for; aiming to develop brood cows that have longevity and are capable of reaching 100,000kg. A herd of long living cows in a supply managed dairy system results in the opportunity to sell half of their fresh heifers to other dairymen who appreciate the reputation for quality they can trust the Willswikk brand to deliver. The Wikkerinks make good use of ET to propagate their best cow families, and 95% of heifers and GP first lactation cows serve as recipients for embryos from proven brood cows or elite young cows. Strict adherence to protocols makes this program very successful with 70% conception achieved on embryo implants, with 1 out of every 2 calves born on the farm resulting from embryo transfer.

Sires are selected primarily on conformation with minimums of 16 Conf or 4 PTAT, and their use of 80% Canadian proven bulls demonstrates their appreciation for the reliability that status brings. Prominent sires of cows that contributed to this shield include Rudolph, Outside, Lee, Progress, Milan, Storm, Leadership, Cousteau, Gibson, Integrity, Lheros, September, Talent, Dundee, Blitz, Goldwyn and Jasper. Notable cow families include Willswikk Charles Dream EX-90-3E 15*, Willswikk Charles Muffin EX 8*, Willswikk Mara Jackie VG-88 2* and Wikkerink Rudolph Sophia EX 12*. While the elite cows in the herd are far too numerous to mention here, a recent herd favourite that descends from Dream is Outside Della EX-95-3E 4*, their first 95 point cow that’s produced over 80,000 kg and was recently named BC Cow of the Year. The Dream family has achieved the rare feat of 6 generations of homebred Excellent cows and is awaiting the 7th.

A tight-knit family, the Wikkerinks enjoy “the fun and challenge of breeding and showing great cows that motivates them every day to work hard and take pride in what they do.” This passion fuels their active participation in the industry, serving on local Holstein Club and provincial boards, exhibiting at shows across BC and Washington, and in their community and church. With the future of the operation in the capable hands of his children, Bill reflects, “We are thankful for our many blessings; God gave us the ability, talent and willingness to work hard and do well with our cows, I’m thankful that our kids were all so interested in the cows; it’s been a big benefit and now I can ease off and enjoy more of it.” It appears they’ve figured out the recipe to a successful family dairy operation and we at WestGen congratulate them on their achievements!