Issuu

the MISSOURI’S ALL-BREEDS MAGAZINE

Join Us Jan. 23-24:

Dairy Expo and Breed Meetings

Veterinarian Corner: Bovine Theileriosis

Wi n t e r 2 0 2 5

Heatwave-Red x Ranger-Red VG-89 x Doc 8784 EX-96 DAX-RED comes from one of DOC 8784’s best daughters, Duckett Ranger 1133-ET (VG-89). Mated to the popular Heatwave-Red to create the first Red & White member of this impressive family! DAX-RED will compliment many of the current Red & White bloodlines and offers index, type, and production.

DAX-RED photo Thomas

Introducing . . .

6MS00001/ 573MS00001 Lazy-M LIMITED Liam x Wildside

SSMC is excited to offer a Roan Milking Shorthorn sire, 6MS00001 LIMITED. Tracing to Innisfail-WO Mega Lady Luck-ET (E-90) the Intermediate and Reserve Grand Champion at the 2015 International Milking Shorthorn Show. LIMITED should sire fancy heifers that mature into high-producing cows. A small amount of gender selected semen will be available. All non-CSS semen will be produced at SSMC Sires Services in Hampshire, Ill. 6MS00001 Lazy-M LIMITED

Customer Satisfaction

7JE2022 Rowleys 80 Caliban OVERALLS-ET

PJA 100 A2A2 BB JH1F JNS-TF

CALIBAN x CHROME x Valson

OVERALLS hails from an exciting pedigree and delivers a reliable genetic profile to create profitable daughters. He offers appealing udder traits and improved milk solids without sacrificing daughter fertility.

OVERALLS daughter group, Dutch Hollow Farm, Schodack Landing, NY

Call your Select Sires Member Cooperative representative to add any of these exciting genetics to your herd today! (614) 878-5333  www.ssmcoop.com ™

Elite Sexed Fertility and gender SELECTED are trademarks of Select Sires Inc. All gender SELECTED semen is processed using Ultraplus™ technology. Ultraplus is a trademark of STGen LLC. = Elite Sexed Fertility™ = gender SELECTED™

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Vol. 57, No 1- 2026 Missouri Holstein Association President John Schoen Vice President Shannon Kleiboeker Secretary/Treasurer Jodi Wright Director at Large Ed Wittorff Junior Advisor Bailey Keltner (417) 399-3098 417-743-2921 • jwright@missouriholstein.com missouriholstein.com National Director, Alfred Brandt brandtdairy@gmail.com Missouri Jersey Association President Stacy Dohle Vice President Michelle Eilenstine Secretary/ Treasurer Karla Deaver 417-316-0191 • kdeaverk@missouri.edu Missouri Guernsey Association President Mark Melander Vice President Kenlee Calvin Secretary/Treasurer Cindy Wilson 417-388-0185 Missouri Brown Swiss Association President Peter Haverkamp Vice president Brittany Whitehill Secretary Stephanie Miller Treasurer Ashley Meyers 417-543-6809

6 8 10 11 12 15 18 21 23 24 26

MO Dairy MO Holstein Convention Cornhole Tournament All-Missouri Awards Policy Corner NAILE and WDE Missouri Results A Look at the Milk Market MO News Midwest Dairy Tailgate Promotions MO 4-H Judging Veterinarian Corner

Missouri Ayrshire Association President Karen Coleman Vice President Brent Unnasch Secretary Chuck Scoon Treasurer Jeff Jensen 319-230-6002 • karayrayrshires@gmail.com Missouri Shorthorn Association President Sam Crawford Vice President Scott Gardner Secretary/Treasurer Sally Burd 417-839-7002 • sallyburd@yahoo.com Missouri Dairy Chairman Mark Fellwock Vice Chairman John Schoen Secretary Sean Cornelius Treasurer Tom Oelrichs MO Dairy Executive Director Alfred Brandt Board Members: Norris Sloan, Davin Althoff, Clay Hemple, Grant Groves Brian Riegel (573) 680-9564 • Alfred Brandt modairy.org • alfred@modairy.org

ON THE COVER

Pictures from past State Conventions and MO Dairy Expos in Springfield, MO. Join us Jan. 23-24.

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Shannon Kleiboeker 417-737-2876 mopulsator@gmail.com

February 10 (Midwest Issue) May 20 August 20 (Midwest Issue) November 20 Jodi Wright 417-840-3203 jwright@missouriholstein.com

Jenna Wilson 417-459-8794 mopulsator2@gmail.com

ADVERTISER INDEX B Brown Swiss Assoc......19 College of the Ozarks...13 D Dairy Agenda Today......3 D bar J...........................25 DHI Coop......................14 E Edward Jones.................14 F Fastrack..........................14 FCS Financial.................22 H Hamby Dairy Supply......16 L Leon Martin.....................9 Luck-E-Charm...............12

M Midwest Dairy.................23 Miller Livestock............17 MO Dairy..........................6 O OMB Bank......................27 Ozark Ag.........................16 S Sancrest.............................5 Select Sires.......................2 Southern Natl...................20 Spfd. Livestock................24 Stockton...........................28 Summit Genetics...............9

CALENDAR JANUARY

3 Cow of the Year Ballots Postmarked (or online forms) 3 Junior Advior Resumes Due 23-24 State Holstein Convention & MO Dairy Expo; Oasis Hotel, Springfield, MO 30 MO Dairy Hall of Honors Awards Presentation, Columbia

FEBRUARY 1 10

2028 MO Holstein Futurity Entries Due Pulsator Deadline Spring – Midwest Holstein Issue

MARCH

Mid-March Southern National Entries Due Mid-March Accepting consignments MO All Breeds Heifer Tag Sale

APRIL 1 6-10 8 15

Dick Little Jr. Essay Contest Deadline Southern National Holstein & Jersey Show Oklahoma State Sale, Stillwater Cow Camp Registration Deadline

MAY

Pulsator for just $40

15 MO Holstein Assoc Dues are payable 20 Summer Pulsator Ad Deadline End of May MO 4-H Cow Camp MO All Breeds Heifer Tag Sale MO All Breeds Heifer Show

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MISSOURI DAIRY 2026 EXPO PRESENTS

Harnessing Preserving Technology Tradition FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2026

EXPO 2026

J A N U A R Y

2 3

Oasis Hotel & Convention Center Springfield, MO

Dairy producers and vendors alike are invited to the Oasis Convention Center in Springfield, MO on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 for an all-day event. The goal of this year’s expo is to gain knowledge about time saving, value added technology that maximizes effectiveness. JOIN US FOR THE EXPO AND EDUCATION EVENT OF THE YEAR! Missouri

Thank you to all Missouri Dairy Expo Sponsors. For a complete list or to become a sponsor, please visit modairy.org. 6

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EXPO 2026

HARNESSING TECHNOLOGY PRESERVING TRADITION We welcome dairymen from across Missouri to attend the largest dairy expo in the state and discover how innovation and tradition can work together for a stronger future. This year’s theme — “Harnessing Technology, Preserving Tradition” — brings together the tools of tomorrow with the practices that built our farms. Symposium topics will explore cutting-edge tools and long-proven practices that directly impact the profitability of your dairy.

Topics

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23 n

Keynote: Dr. Jeffrey Bewley, WKY SmartHolsteinLab

Data Driven Decisions

No Cost for dairy farm families thanks to our generous sponsors!

Determining the Best Technology for my operation

Virtual Fencing

Industry supporters may register for either or both events: Morning Educational Expo (lunch $35) Evening Awards Celebration (hors d’oeuvres $15)

Tech Improvements to Advance Nutrition

Prescriptive Spraying with Drones to Control Weed Pressure in Pastures

Maximize with Mapping

OR CALL: 417-772-4231 EXPO HOTEL: Oasis Hotel & Convention Center 2546 North Glenstone Ave. Springfield, MO 65803 (417) 866-5253 | (888) 532-4338 Block Room rates are $114 until 1/9/26.

INDUSTRY

Meetings THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 n

4 p.m. – State Milk Board

6 p.m. – Missouri Dairy Growth Council

SATURDAY MORNING, JANUARY 24 n

MO Brown Swiss Association*

MO Holstein and Junior Holstein Association*

MO Jersey Cattle Club*

*Check with leadership for more details.

FRIDAY

JANUARY 23 Following the Awards Banquet Have fun playing cornhole while supporting youth! All team registration and silent auction proceeds go to the breed associations.

Missouri Dairy wants YOU as a member. We value your input and interest in educational programs and legislative action. We hope you’ll JOIN US for $20.00/month.

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Holstein Association

S TAT E

C O N V E N T I O N

January 23-24, 2026

Oasis Hotel & Convention Center

2546 North Glenstone Ave. Springfield, MO 65803 (419) 866-5253 • (888) 532-4338

Block Room rates $114 until 1/9/26

James Penn, president; John Denbigh, vice-pres.; Kate Geppert, sec./treas.; Alfred Brandt, director.

Northwest: Southwest:

Nelson Hostetler, president; Janice Perry, vice-pres.; Bailey Keltner, sec./treas.; Larry Wright, director.

South Central:

FRIDAY, JAN. 23 Noon Speaker: “Technology in Dairy” Dr. Jeff Bewley, Holstein USA Smart Lab 4:30 PM: MHA Committee Meetings 5:00 PM:MO Holstein Princess/Miss Interviews 5:00 PM: Happy Hour and Cash Bar 5:00-9:00 PM: Silent Auction of donated items. Donate items to your breed of choice or youth. 6:00 PM: Hors d’oeuvres and cash bar No cost for dairy farm families, Industry supporters $15 6:30 PM: Missouri Dairy-All Breeds Award Banquet MHA Awards Presentations: All-MO Awards, Junior

All-MO Awards, Futurity,Cow of the Year, Crowning of Princess/Miss Spring Classic Scholarship and Distinguished Juniors

7:00 PM: Cornhole Tournament: Teams can enter Friday, 23rd for $40/team. Categories and prizes for adults, family (adults/youth), youth (2 youth) SATURDAY, JAN 24 9:00 AM: MHA Board Meeting 9:00 AM: Missouri Junior Holstein Speech Contest 10:00 AM: Jr Holstein Annual Meeting 10:30 AM: MHA Annual Meeting

{

Northeast Central:

Dallas Cornelius, president; Misty Langford, sec./treas / director.

Schedule

2026 District Officers

Tommy Scrivner, president; Sandra Buff, vice-pres.; Andrea Scrivner, sec./treas.; Becky Durst, director.

Southeast:

John Schoen, president; Melinda (Schoen) Morrison, vice-pres.; Cliff Strieker, sec./treas.; Corvin Schoen, director.

West Central:

Mark Chamberlin, president; Michael Leinbach, vice-pres.; Marilyn Moreland, sec./treas.; Jay Moreland, director.

State At Large Directors (term expires): Janine Staiger (Pirtle) (2025); Becky Durst (2026))

2026 Committees Junior:

Bailey Keltner, chm; Janice Perry, Monica Ling, Susan Brooks, Kate Geppert, Melody Moreland, Jenna Wilson, Shannon Kleiboeker

Sale:

Larry Wright, chm; Nelson Hostetler, Grant Groves, Jodi Wright, Corvin Schoen, Ryan Bilyeu

Show & Futurity:

Lora Wright, chm; Crystal Chamberlin, Leslie Parrigon, Trent Miller, Crissy Durst, Ryan Bilyeu

Finance:

Alfred Brandt, chm; Rick King, Jay Moreland

NO COST FOR DAIRY FARM FAMILIES Industry supporters may register for either or both Friday events @ modairy.org/expo26 Morning Educational Expo (lunch $35) Evening Awards Celebration (hors d’oeuvres $15)

}

Nominating:

Becky Durst, chm; Brad Groves, Kate Geppert, Scott Wilson

Resolutions:

Ed Wittorff, chm; Barry Steevens, Ted Probert, James Penn Awards: Karla Deaver, chm; Becky Durst, Ed Wittorff, John Schoen, Roy Parsons, Barry Steevens, Rick King

Juniors

Can’t wait to see you at the State Convention!

Public Speaking Contest

Juniors interested in the Public Speaking contest at National Convention need to pre-qualify this year! Qualifying contest will be held Saturday at State Convention. Sign-up with Bailey byJan 09, 2026.

Annual Meeting

Auction Items Needed

NEEDING DONATIONS: Anyone interested in donating or contributing items to our annual silent auction held during the state convention would be greatly appreciated. The auction will run Friday evening. Please deliver your items to Jodi or Bailey Friday, January 23, by 3 pm. Thank You!

Please make plans to attend our Junior Meeting Sat. morning at 10:00am during the state convention. This is where a lot of decisions are made regarding the junior association's actions throughout the year. There are numerous items to discuss and we need everyone's thoughts and ideas to help make it a wonderful year.

the Pulsator

Holstein Association 2 0 2 5

AWA R D S

2025 progressive genetics winners

Herd Name James L. & Novalee Coats Lamar Oberholtzer Leslie Parrigon Lohmann Farms LLC Marilyn Calvin Purina Animal Nut. Center Schoen Farms Inc University of Missouri

Yrs Qualified 19 4 2 1 1 12 2 7

Avg. CTPI 2606 2653 2477 2415 2411 2719 2521 2685

40-Year Holstein USA Members Northwest MO State, Maryville (NW)

50-Year Holstein USA Members Janice Perry, Republic (SW)

2024 Missouri Cow of the Year: Wrightvale BG Elvis Brooke, Blake Wright, Verona

2025 progressive breeders registry winners

Herd Name Anthony L. Musser Clifford M Oberholtzer John & Jane Staiger Michael Leinbach Todd & Brad Groves University of Missouri

Yrs Hombred % 6 89.9 2 80.9 9 100.0 1 89.3 16 91.3 7 100.0

Baa 108.1 107.1 105.4 106.5 109.7 105.0

Milk 30673 32323 28143 26637 29955 33002

Fat 1252 1289 1058 1199 1231 1291

Protein 996 1025 882 906 962 1065

2025 National Jr. Holstein Convention Awards

Folding Display- Amanda Brooks, Mountain Grove, MO and Hope McClellan, Willow Springs, MO Digital Scrapbook- 2nd place, Kason Wilson, Miller, MO Banner- Kimber Wilson, Miller, MO Dairy Jeopardy- Case Melzer, Harrisonville, MO Prepared Public Speaking – Sophia Geppert, Kingdom City Extemporaneous Speaking -1st Place: Case Melzer, Harrisonville, MO

2025 Missouri State Junior Awards

Holstein Princess- Hope McClellan, Willow Springs, MO Jr. Distinguished Sr Division- Hope McClellan, Willow Springs, MO Spring Classic Scholarship- Sophia Geppert, Kingdom City, MO Kay Bacon Memorial Award (24th): Wrightvale Master Elsie, Emma Parrigon, Winter Calf Mark Highfill Memorial Award (21st): Parrdari Mogul 2013, Emma Parrigon, 5-Year Old

Self Propelled Models 45 to 110 cu. ft. • Fast Mixing and Cleanout of all types of feed • Twin Augers for amazing action • Stainless Steel mixing chamber! • Also available in Stationary Models, 130-500 cu. ft.

Dairy and beef Semen Sales

Don Ely

Summit Genetics is here to help you your herd’s thetake Pulsator genetics to the summit of success and profitability.

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2 0 2 5 A L L - M I S S O U R I AWA R D S Junior 2-Year-Old Cow Spring Heifer Calf AM Char-Land Captivating Arial Adeline Dickerson AM Kurthhaven JLewis Lotto Crystal Chamberlin JAM Char-Land Captivating Arial Adeline Dickerson RAM HVZ Hulu Ariana Harper VanZyverden JAM HVZ Hulu Ariana Harper VanZyverden Senior 2-Year-Old 2-Year-Old CowCow SpringRJAM Heifer Calf MS Tstrck Adalida Brantley & Addilyn Keltner JuniorAM C-of-O Annabelle College Of The Ozarks AM Char-LandAltitude Captivating Arial Adeline Dickerson AM Kurthhaven JLewis Lotto Crystal Chamberlin RAM ST-Mil Lonnie Auggie Trent Miller Winter Heifer Calf JAM Char-Land Captivating Arial Adeline Dickerson RAM HVZ Hulu Ariana Harper VanZyverden JAM Schoen Handshake Adel 3559 Harper VanZyverden Smrfst Roulette BlakeVanZyverden Wright JAMAM HVZWrightvale Hulu Ariana Harper SeniorRJAM 2-Year-Old CowAlt Tabitha Ann C-of-O Brantley Keltner RAM MSWrightvale Master Elsie Emma&Parrigon RJAM Tstrck Adalida Brantley Addilyn Keltner AM C-of-O Altitude Annabelle College Of The Ozarks JAM Wrightvale Master Elsie Emma Parrigon Senior 3-Year-Old CowAuggie ST-Mil Lonnie Trent Miller WinterRJAM Heifer Calf ST-MIL Triple Ivory Darla Nolan Miller/ Raygan DoughertyRAM AM C-of-O Warrior Archie College Of The Ozarks JAM Schoen Handshake Adel 3559 Harper VanZyverden AM Wrightvale Smrfst Roulette Blake Wright RAM C-of-O Parrdari Hancock JaredKeltner Parrigon Fall Heifer Calf RJAM Alt Tabitha Ann61 Brantley RAM Wrightvale Master Elsie Emma Parrigon AM Ms Wrightvale Grvs Ladybeth Larry Wright & Groves-Vu JAM Wrightvale Master Elsie Emma Parrigon 4-Year Old CowCow Senior 3-Year-Old RAM ST-MIL C-of-O Master College The Ozarks RJAM Triple IvoryAnthem-ET Darla Nolan Miller/OfRaygan Dougherty AMAM C-of-O Wrightvale Lora Of Wright WarriorDmndbck Archie Rosa-RedCollege The Ozarks JAM Char-Land Denver Lubbock Calvin Culpepper RAM Groves-Vu Altitude Blush Robert & Janice Perry RAM Parrdari Hancock 61 Jared Parrigon Fall Heifer RJAMCalfChar-Land Denver Sham Case Melzer JAM Willows-Edge Kdoc Mannix Lila Wantland AM Wrightvale Grvs Ladybeth Larry Wright & Groves-Vu 4-Year Old Cow SummerMs Yearling RAM C-of-O Master Anthem-ET College The Ozarks 5-Year-Old Cow Dmndbck Rosa-Red Lora Wright AM Wrightvale AM Mead-Manor Arc Adlyn-Red-ET LarryOf Wright & Rick King JAMRAM Char-Land Denver Lubbock Culpepper AM Groves-Vu Wrightvale LooksBlush Like Luck Robert Blake Wright Perry RAM Altitude & Janice Tattoo Calvin Kimber Wilson Mi-Wil Gem RJAM Char-Land Denver Sham Case Melzer RAM Parrdari Mogul 2013 Emma Parrigon JAM Willows-Edge Kdoc Mannix Lila Wantland JAM Mi-Wil Tattoo Desperado Colton Kleiboeker Summer Yearling JAM Parrdari Mogul 2013 Emma Parrigon RJAM Luck-E-Charm DLambda Lambie Case Melzer 5-Year-Old Cow AM Mead-Manor Arc Adlyn-Red-ET Larry Wright & Rick King Spring Yearling Aged Cow AM Wrightvale Looks Like Luck Blake Wright Tattoo Kimber RAM GemMax Lust-Red-ET AM Mi-Wil Betley LoraWilson Wright AM Parrdari Wrightvale Doorman Pony-ET Emma LarryParrigon & Jodi Wright RAM Mogul 2013 JAMRAM Mi-Wil Tattoo Colton Kleiboeker Wilson; B Grewe; C&C KleiboekerJAMRAM Parrdari Mi-Wil GemDesperado Warrior Lainey K,K,E JL-KEL-Land MC Fergalicious Lila Wantland Mogul 2013 Emma Parrigon RJAM Lambie K,K,E CaseWilson; MelzerB Grewe; C&C Kleiboeker JAM Luck-E-Charm Mi-Wil GemDLambda Warrior Lainey JAM JL-KEL-Land MC Fergalicious Lila Wantland SpringRJAM YearlingKeltner-Farm Cad Delilah Aged Cow Brantley Keltner Produce of Dam AM Betley Max Lust-Red-ET Lora Wright AMAM Wrightvale Doorman Pony-ET Larry & Jodi CWright Winter Yearling C-of-O Tatoo Areona(Annabelle/Adventure) of O K,K,E Wilson; B Grewe; C&C Kleiboeker RAM Mi-Wil Gem Warrior Lainey RAM JL-KEL-Land MC Fergalicious Lila Wantland AM MB-Luckylady Lovely-Red-ET Larry & Jodi Wright DaughterJL-KEL-Land - Dam JAMRAM Mi-Wil Gem WarriorSabrina-Red-ET Lainey K,K,E Wilson; Grewe; &C&C Kleiboeker JAM MC Fergalicious Lila Wantland Kara-Kesh-RK K & KBWilson B Grewe AM Dmndbck Rosa/AR RumRummer Lora Wright RJAM Keltner-Farm Cad Delilah Brantley Keltner JAM Kara-Kesh-RK Sabrina-Red-ET K & K Wilson & B Grewe Produce of Dam RAM FC Blimp/Altitude Bobby Sue College OfOThe Ozarks Winter Yearling AM C-of-O Tatoo Areona(Annabelle/Adventure) C of Fall Yearling AM MB-Luckylady Lovely-Red-ET Larry & Jodi Wright Best 3 Females AM Kara-Kesh-RK V-Lane Warrior Freya-Red-ET K &Larry Wright Rick King Daughter - Dam RAM Sabrina-Red-ET K Wilson & B& Grewe Looks Like Luck RumRummer / Pony / Rosa LoraWrightvale AMAM Dmndbck Rosa/AR Wright Wrightvale AR RumRunner-RedK &Lora Wright& B Grewe JAMRAM Kara-Kesh-RK Sabrina-Red-ET K Wilson RAM Anabelle / Archie / Blueberry College Of The Ozarks RAM FC Blimp/Altitude Bobby Sue College Of The Ozarks JAM Penn-Dream Twilight 59 Nora Penn Fall Yearling Herd RJAM McClellan Rambo Olympian Hope McClellan BestDairy 3 Females AM V-Lane Warrior Freya-Red-ET Larry Wright & Rick King Anabelle/Archie/Blueberry/Blimp College Of The Ozarks AMAM Looks Like Luck / Pony / Rosa Wrightvale Junior Best 3 RAM Wrightvale AR RumRunner-Red Lora Wright RAM RAM Anabelle / Archie / Blueberry College Of The Ozarks Roulette/Ladybeth/Elsie Wrightvale JAMAM Penn-Dream Twilight 59 Nora Penn Breeder’s Herd FC Blimp/Anthem/ Adventure Hope College of the Ozarks RAM McClellan Dairy Herd RJAM Rambo Olympian McClellan Luck/Pony/Rosa/Roulette/Ladybeth AMAM Anabelle/Archie/Blueberry/Blimp CollegeWrightvale Of The Ozarks PaulBest Selken Junior 3 Memorial Herdsmanship Award: Nora Penn & Family RAM Annabelle/Archie/Blueberry/Adventure/Anthem C of O RAM AM Roulette/Ladybeth/Elsie AM: All-Missouri Award RAM: ReserveWrightvale All-Missouri Award JAM: Junior All-Missouri Award RJAM: Reserve Junior All-Missouri Award Breeder’s Herd the OzarksFriday, January RAM FC Blimp/Anthem/ Adventure AwardsCollege will beofpresented 23rd at 6:30pm Awards Ceremony AM Luck/Pony/Rosa/Roulette/Ladybeth Wrightvale Paul Selken stMemorial Herdsmanship Award: Nora Penn & Family st RAM Annabelle/Archie/Blueberry/Adventure/Anthem of OLookout 1 Place, 1 Prod. C-of-O Hanans Blueberry-ET VG-88 College of the Ozarks,CPt.

2 0 2 5 A L L - M I S S O U R I AWA R D S

2 0 2 5 3 - Y r- O l d S h o - M e F u t u r i t y

C-of-O Warrior Archie VG-86 College of the Ozarks, Pt. Lookout 2 0 2 5 3 -Total Y rO l d S h o M e F uturity Original Entries: 36 head, 5 breeders; Total Pot $900.00

2nd Place, 2nd Prod.

1st Place, 1st Prod. 2nd Place, 2nd Prod.

C-of-O Hanans Blueberry-ET VG-88 C-of-O Warrior Archie VG-86

College of the Ozarks, Pt. Lookout College of the Ozarks, Pt. Lookout

Total Original Entries: 36 head, 5 breeders; Total Pot $900.00

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FFA MEMBERS AT NATIONAL CONVENTION

POLICY CORNER

he Senate recently passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act in a significant win for dairy producers across the country. For over a decade, federal school nutrition guidelines limited cafeterias to only skim and 1% milk, which led to declining fluid-milk consumption among children. The new bill reverses that trend by allowing schools to once again offer whole, 2%, 1%, skim, and lactose-free milk, including flavored or unflavored.

The Neosho FFA Milk Quality and Products Career Development Team (Dairy Foods) received a Gold Rating and placed 8th place! Addi Wiest was recognized as 5th place individually. Congratulations to this group! Photo left to right: Mason Berner, Adalyn Wiest, Nancy Vargas Gonzalez, Conner Gray, Advisor Cole Jackson

The bill passed the Senate unanimously on November 20th, with bipartisan co-lead sponsors of the Senate version in Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Senator Peter Welch (D-VT). With the bill now heading to the House, the outlook is positive. There is a high likelihood that the bill will pass the House and be signed into law by President Trump. However, the timeline of the bill in question being passed by the House is a whole other story. One recurring trend here in Washington, D.C., as of late, is that agriculture policy reforms get put in competition with other high-ticket legislative items, which often gets them pushed to the side. Simply put, even with unanimous Senate support, there is no telling when it will be brought on the House floor for debate and final passage. The House Speaker, Mike Johnson, could either put it up for a vote fairly soon because it has bipartisan support or let it sit because it is of lower comparative importance than other policy areas. The bill previously passed the House in December 2023 by a sweeping 330-91 vote but was blocked by then–Senate Ag Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) for the rest of the 118th Congress. Each new two-year Congress starts fresh, so the bill restarted in the 119th (2025–26) with the Senate acting first, so House approval is needed to move it to the President. Restoring higher-fat milk options is integral to the dairy industry on both the supply and demand side of the equation. If schools offer better-tasting milk options, the industry will regain new generations of milk drinkers, increase enthusiasm, and, hopefully, drive higher demand for fluid milk and be a good first step in correcting the fluid milk oversupply today. While the Senate’s passage of the bill is commendable, the bill is not over the finish line yet. Call your Member of Congress and urge them to support the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. You can find the contact information for your representative at: house.gov/representatives/ find-your-representative -Blake Wright, Account Executive Pyle & Associates, Washington, D.C.

the Pulsator

L to R: Mi-Wil Analyst Destiny-Red-2nd Jr & Reserve Sr Champion, HM Grand, 1st Open & Reserve Sr Champion, HM Grand, Best Bred and Owned, Colton Kleiboeker Valley-Gem PC JP Drum Roll-ET-2nd Jr, Reserve Jr Champion Jr Show, Colton Kleiboeker Dix-Lee Method Journey-1st Jr, 3rd Open, Senior & Grand Champion Jr Show, Whitney Yerina Aragorn Badass-2nd Jr, 2nd Open, Daniel Day

Missouri Holstein Juniors Tickets 1/$5 6/$20

Paypal: @BaileyKeltner

KEVIN PHILLIPS | FINANCIAL ADVISOR | EDWARD JONES

3202 W Republic Rd Suite 300 Springfield, Mo 65807 phone: (417) 413-2490 email: kevin.phillips2@edwardjones.com

QUILT RAFFLE FOR MO HOLSTEIN JUNIORS

Created and donated by Raygan Dougherty! Winner will be drawn at State Holstein Convention: Winner does not need to be present

JOB OPENING

MISSOURI HOLSTEIN STATE JUNIOR ADVISOR POSITION OPEN Currently taking applications for 2026 Watch website for Job Description To apply, please send resume by Jan 3, 2026 to: Missouri Holstein 11449 Lawrence 2220, Verona, MO 65769 or John Schoen schoenfarms1@hughes.net A fun and engaging way to support Missouri youth in dairy!

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Junior advisor

WORLD DAIRY EXPO RESULTS Brown Swiss

SCF Voelkers DK Jonmar Vera-Sr 2 Year Old 19th, Dayne Voelker and Kayla Kiley Groves View FC Tessla-ETV-Sr 3 Year Old 8th, Bailey Groves

Guernsey

Valley Gem Rocket Easygoin-Spring Calf 13th Open, 6th Jr, Cobie Kleiboeker Coulee Crest Vernon Savanah-ETV-Spring Calf 25th Open, 11th Jr, Nora Penn Dix-Lee Torpedo Jokes Aside-Winter Heifer Calf 10th Open, 7th Jr, Whitney Yerina Coulee Crest Sparta Camila-ETV-P-Fall Heifer Calf 31st Open 18th Jr, Nora Penn DND VG Corona Jump Around-Summer Yearling Heifer 14th Open, 8th Junior, Colton Kleiboeker Dix-Lee Kojack Janis Joplin-ETV-Spring Yearling Heifer 8th Open, 5th Jr, Whitney Yerina

Red & White Holstein

Mi-Wil Analyst Destiny-Red-Four-Year Old Cow 10th Open, 2nd Jr, Jr Best Bred/Owned, Colton Kleiboeker

NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL LIVESTOCK EXPOSITION Ayrshire

Stil Dreamn Torpedo Ballistic-Fall Heifer 12th Jr, 9th Open, Diesel Dixon Dix-Lee Torpedo Jackyl-Fall Heifer 15th Jr, 16th Open, Whitney Yerina Dix-Lee Kojack Janis Joplin-ETV-Spring Yearling 2nd Jr, 2nd Open, Whitney Yerina, Dix-Lee Method Journey-Aged Cow, 1st Jr, 3rd Open, Senior & Grand Champion Jr Show, Whitney Yerina Whitney Yerina- 3rd Best 3 Females, 6th Produce of Dam

Holstein

Wrightvale Master Elsie-Winter Heifer 2nd Jr, 3rd Open, Emma Parrigon Wrightvale Smrfst Roulette- Winter Heifer 26th Open, Larry Wright Ms Wrightvale Grvs Ladybeth-Fall Heifer 6th Open, Larry Wright Larry Wright-2nd Jr Best 3 Females Robthom Martina Pety-Five Year Old Cow 2nd Jr, 1st Open, Best Bred and Owned, Sr. & Grand Champion Open Show, Ling and Streets

Jersey

Victorious Cinn-Star Bentley-Sr 2 Year Old Cow 1st Jr, 5th Open, Brielle Helmer Barnabas Elsa of SLJ- Aged Cow, 2nd Jr, 4th Jr Premier Performance Cow, 4th Open, 4th Open Lifetime Cheese Production, Treasure Clark

Milking Shorthorn

Aragorn Barn Barry- Spring Heifer Calf 5th Jr, 16th Open, Madison Day Halpins Winston Attic-Sr 2 Year Old Cow 4th Jr, 8th Open, Lila Wantland Aragorn Fancy Exp- Jr 2 Year Old Cow 4th Open, Madison Day Aragorn Barnstomper-Sr 2 Year Old Cow 5th Jr, 6th Open, Lucille Day

Kar-Ayr Charisma Dorito-Summer Calf 4th Jr,Emma Coleman Red and White Holsteins Stil-Dreamn GB Chastise-Spring Heifer Mead-Manor Arc Adlyn-Red-ET-Summer Yearling 7th Jr, 9th Open, Whitney Yerina & Diesel Dixon 4th Open, Larry Wright Aragorn Babylac-Fall Heifer Mi-Wil Analyst Destiny-Red-4 Year Old Cow, 2nd Jr 11th Jr, 12th Open, Lucille Day, & Reserve Sr Champion, HM Grand, 1st Open & Reserve Family-AF-AYR Jpot Detonator-Summer Yearling Sr Champion, HM Grand, Best Bred and Owned, 7th Jr, 9th Open, Diesel Dixon Colton Kleiboeker Wincrest Ringer Revamp-Spring Yearling 8th Jr, 11th Open, Lucille Day Stil-Dreamn Reynolds Jellyroll-Winter Yearling 5th Jr, Emma Coleman Aragorn Cherrie-Milking Yearling 1st Jr, 2nd Open, Lucille Day Grand-View Reynolds Dope-Jr 2 Year Old Cow 5th Jr, 5th Open, Emma Coleman Kar-Ayr Reynolds Chocolate Chip-Sr 2 Year Old Cow 1st Jr, 5th Open, Emma Coleman Aragorn Badass-Sr 2 Year Old Cow 2nd Jr, 2nd Open, Daniel Day Stil-Dreamn Tuxedo CandyCookie-Sr 3 Year Old Cow Robthom Martina Pety-2nd Jr, 1st Open, Best Bred and Owned, Sr. & Grand Champion Open Show, Ling and Streets 3rd Jr, 3rd Open, Diesel Dixon Kar-Ayr Roush Chocolate Chip-5 Year Old Cow 3rd Jr, 3rd Open , Emma Coleman

Brown Swiss

Pit-Crew Phantom Taylor- Spring Heifer Calf 15th Open, Molly Archer

Guernsey

Valley Gem Rocket Easygoin-Spring Heifer 7th Jr, Cobie Kleiboeker Dix-Lee Torpedo Jokes Aside-Winter Heifer 10th Jr, 10th Open, Whitney Yerina Valley Gem EH MC Elusive-ETV-Winter Heifer Wrightvale Master Elsie-2nd Jr, 3rd Open, Emma Parrigon 3rd Jr,Kason Wilson Kar-Ayr Reynolds Chocolate Chip-1st Jr, 5th Open, Emma Coleman Valley-Gem PC JP Drum Roll-ET-Fall Heifer 2nd Jr, Reserve Jr Champion Jr Show, Colton Kleiboeker

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A LOOK AT THE MILK MARKET Hailey Schepers

Specialist, DFA Risk Management

ilk prices have fallen nearly $2 per hundredweight in the past month due primarily to strong supply and mixed demand, with Class IV leading the declines.

With the recent government shutdown that ended on November 13, key USDA reports, such as Milk Production and Cold Storage, were delayed. The last Cold Storage report showed both butter and cheese production higher than the previous year’s levels. Butter demand has been steady, but the increase in milk supply combined with an increase in butterfat content in milk has further pressured prices. Export demand supported U.S. cheese prices earlier in the year, but with global milk production stronger, particularly in the European Union, the U.S. could lose some price advantage in the global markets. Dry whey prices are stronger, driven by demand for high protein whey products. As a reminder, cheese and whey drive the Class III portion of your milk check, while butter and nonfat dry milk make up the Class IV portion.

Recent declines in milk prices, coupled with rising projected feed costs, have pressured the milk-feed margin outlook as we look into 2026. High beef prices support beef-on-dairy revenue, which is contributing additional value to the bottom line for many farmers we work with. These high prices won’t last forever, and the outlook for revenue from beef-on-dairy calves is uncertain. As a result of lower cattle inventories and high beef prices, Tyson announced the closure of their Nebraska beef plant, which accounts for 5% of total U.S. slaughtering. Ongoing U.S. policy decisions, including the lift of the 40% Brazil beef import tariffs, discussions around an increase of beef imports from Argentina, and the timeline for reopening the U.S./Mexico border for beef imports amid the New World Screwworm outbreak, could put further pressure on cattle markets. To protect your beef-on-dairy calf and cull cow revenue, call DFA Risk Management to discuss setting a price floor with Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) insurance. The October Milk Production report showed milk production up 3.7% from a year ago – continuing the trend of strong growth, which is expected to continue. The U.S. milking herd is at the highest level since 1993, supporting production growth, though the last report was the first of this year to not show a herd increase. Strong beef-on-dairy calf revenue may slow herd reductions typically seen during periods of lower milk prices, though some regional conditions may result in higher cull rates. If dairy cow slaughter picks up in the next few months, we could see a decrease in milk production, supporting milk prices. Looking ahead, the delayed release of USDA reports, future culling patterns, rising global milk production, and policies affecting beef and dairy prices could all impact milk prices and profitability. Current CME Class III and Class IV milk price futures for 2026 are around $17 and $14 per hundredweight, respectively. In the current climate of lower milk prices, protecting a profitable margin has become increasingly important. Using risk management programs can help reduce the volatility in your milk check and ensure profitability for your operation. One common program is Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), a national program that protects the All-Milk price minus a national feed price margin. For 2025, there haven’t yet been any payments from this program, but price pressure could trigger payouts for November and December. DMC enrollment for 2026 has not opened yet, but the passing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has increased the pounds you can enroll in Tier 1 coverage to 6 million pounds annually, up from 5 million. No matter your dairy’s size, and no matter what payout projections look like right now, the $9.50 coverage option should be your go-to, always in, risk management program. For most of the years this program has been around, DMC has paid out more than the 15 cents per hundredweight cost. Once enrollment for 2026 opens, you can get signed up through your local FSA office. Another risk management tool is Dairy Revenue Protection (Dairy-RP), which is a government subsidized crop insurance program that allows you to place a floor on your milk revenue. If actual milk revenue falls below your guaranteed level, you will receive an indemnity, but if prices rally above your guaranteed level, you will still benefit from the higher price, net of your premium. Coverage can be obtained quarterly up to 15 days in advance of the selected time frame. DFA Risk Management offers a full suite of tools you can customize to fit your operation’s needs. Call DFA Risk Management at 1-877424-3343 or email us at dfadrp@dfamilk. com to discuss what current opportunities are available to protect your operation.

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MISSOURI NEWS John H. Hanafin, of Clever, MO, passed away peacefully at his home on October 22, 2025. John was born on October 14, 1946, in Springfield, MO, to Kenneth and Exie (Roy) Hanafin and was one of three children in the home. John graduated from Clever High School with the class of 1964, and went on to attend the University of Missouri with an Educational Specialist degree and went on to teach Agriculture at both the middle and high school levels in Clever, Hurley and Galena for over twenty years. On August 14, 1971, he married Kim Kemp, and together they shared 52 amazing years before her passing in 2023. John and Kim were blessed with three children, Johnna, Sarah and Jason. John’s love for agriculture carried on to his own farm, which he enjoyed overseeing till the day he passed. John was very active in the Holstein Association and enjoyed going to all the area dairy cattle shows. John was the kind of person who took care of everyone ahead of himself. He was a loving Papa who loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He also enjoyed traveling, having gone to Ireland, yearly family trips to Florida to see the ocean he loved dearly, as well as trips to various locations that his son, who was in the Air Force, was stationed, Washington D.C, Wyoming and Guam just to name a few. He is preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife of 52 years, Kim. John is survived by his children; Johnna Connors, Sarah (Jason) Justice and Jason (Stacy) Hanafin, grandchildren Jacob Hanafin, Bailee Justice, Alex Connors, Cristian Connors, Jaden Hanafin, Samantha Justice, Jarod Hanafin, Jayme Hanafin and Amelia Justice, brother Jim (Donna) Hanafin, sister Judy (Doug) Forgey, a very special cousin, Larry (Jodi) Wright as well as other extended family and countless friends. Billy Lee Clouse, of Mansfield, was born at home, in Douglas County, Missouri, on June 20, 1941, to George and Laurel (Wallace) Clouse. He departed this life November 15, 2025, from injuries sustained in a traffic accident near his home at the age of 84 years. Billy grew up on the family dairy farm, near the Bryant community in Douglas County, where, together with his siblings and mother, they were responsible for keeping the farm going while George was often gone preaching as he was in full-time evangelistic work. As a young boy, Billy attended Oak Grove School near the current Roadside Park in Douglas County. While attending Mt. Zion, Billy met and fell in love with Dorothy Jean Jackson. They were high school sweethearts who graduated together in 1959. In 1961, after high school graduation, Billy had purchased land near Mansfield, Missouri, with plans to take his twenty Holstein cows there to start a dairy farm. It took from May until August for the farmhouse to become available to move into, so sometime around 9:00 PM on August 3, 1961, after Billy milked the cows, the couple met at Brush Arbor Church for a simple wedding ceremony. Their honeymoon was spent back on the farm, where they lived together for over 60 years until Dorothy’s passing from an extended battle with cancer. To this union, four children were born Running a dairy farm does not leave a lot of time for family vacations, but there were some memorable trips to the Great Smokey Mountains and Yellowstone. Later, after things slowed down some, Billy and Dorothy enjoyed vacations with their dear cousins Roy and Sue Clouse.

In later years, Billy would say that farming was the only job he had ever had, when in fact he often had several jobs at one time to supplement the farm. He ran a milk route, hauled hay and fertilizer, and was a distributor for Pro-Lix liquid feed. He sold hundreds of Holstein herd bulls in various areas, including Webster, Wright, and Douglas counties. Our lives were forever changed when Billy and Gina were involved in an unexpected traffic accident, where one second Billy was with us, and the next he was in the very presence of Jesus. It is a miracle that Gina survived, and we are forever thankful for all the details that God worked out that day. Memorial contributions can be made on behalf of the family to The Gideons International or Mount Zion Bible School. Our beloved parents Dale L. Spencer, 88, and Betty J. Spencer, 88, passed on from this life on November 30, 2025. Their love story spanned seven decades, so it is only fitting they left this world together. Dale was born October 1, 1937 in Reeds, Missouri to Basil Lewis and Christine May Spencer. Betty was born November 11, 1937 in Reeds, Missouri to Cecil Harley and Violet Belle Henry. Dale and Betty attended Sarcoxie High School where they became high school sweethearts, graduating in 1955. Dale liked to say that Betty graduated at the top of the class and he brought up the bottom. After high school, Betty worked at Chapman and Folmers in Avilla for a year before she and Dale married on June 30, 1956. Dale served in the National Guard for several years until their children came along. They moved to the Stotts City farm in 1958 where they lived for the rest of their lives. Dale and Betty owned a family dairy operation and built a grade A dairy barn on the farm in 1966. They maintained a 100% registered Holstein herd. Dale milked and took care of the hay and crops while Betty handled the bookkeeping, registrations, and all the other paperwork for the farm. To their union four children were born: Kelly Dale in 1958, Kristi Belle in 1960, Karla Jo in 1963 and Kyle Lewis in 1966. After Kyle went off to college, Betty began working at Wal- Mart in Monett in the sporting goods and automotive department, working there for more than 20 years. Upon retiring from the dairy, Dale and Kelly began doing custom farm work together. Having a bit more free time, they began getting involved in tractor pulling, a hobby they both enjoyed. Dale was a member of the Spring River Tractor Pulling Association for many years. Betty enjoyed attending the tractor pulls and videoing as many as she could for Dale and others to watch during the off season. Dale and Betty also enjoyed RV traveling for many years, often taking their grandchildren. They visited many state and national parks across the United States. Spending time with their grandchildren, and more recently their great-grandchildren, was one of their great joys in life. Dale was preceded in death by his parents; son Kelly Spencer; and brothers Parker and Russell Spencer. Betty was preceded in death by her parents; son Kelly Spencer; brother Leon Henry; and sister Charlotte Jones. They are dearly missed by daughters Kristi Blevins (Roger) and Karla Deaver (Ken), both of Stotts City; and son Kyle (Lisa) of Kansas City; seven grandchildren: Heather (Hiep) Nguyen; Lacy (Randy) Walters; Morgan (Tyler) Sekula; Casey Blevins, Cory Blevins, Westin Spencer and Addison Spencer; and five greatgrandchildren; Brooks and Brecken Wonder, Maddux and Maverick Walters and Poppy Nguyen. Betty is also survived by brother Ray Henry; sisters Kay Dunn and Donna Parker. Dale and Betty are also survived by many special nieces and nephews and were very fond of their extended family. Dale and Betty spent their entire adult lives together and have left an incredible legacy of enduring love, guidance and quiet wisdom, and their example lives on in the hearts of their loved ones.

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Midwest Dairy Tailgate Promotions are a Touchdown for Dairy

idwest Dairy focuses on key moments to promote dairy to consumers, layering multiple approaches to drive sales and build trust in the marketplace. One highlight in 2025 has been the “Back to Sports” season, which focuses on bringing dairy to tailgates across our 10-state region. By working with retail partners to deliver messages on multiple channels, we ensure that dairy’s story is seen and heard wherever people shop. We know that consumers have a strong interest in the dairy category, with almost 97% of households purchasing cheese, making it a natural fit for game-day favorites. Must-have dairy products for a tailgate include classics like chips and queso dip, cheese for burgers, wings with buttermilk ranch dip, and of course, meat, cheese, and cracker trays. To encourage shoppers to add these products to their game-day grocery lists, Midwest Dairy is partnering with retailers to deliver inspiration through multiple touchpoints. In-store signage and videos, shoppable digital ads, themed promotions, social media campaigns, and recipe content are all designed to help families and fans create the ultimate tailgate spread. Throughout the fall, Midwest Dairy is teaming up with top grocery partners across our 10-state region, including Hy-Vee, Cub Foods, Fareway, and Price Chopper, to make dairy the star of tailgating displays and weekly specials. Online activations extend that reach even further through platforms like Chicory and Instacart, where digital banners, recipe integrations, and “Add to Cart” ads help shoppers bring dairy home with just one click. These checkoff efforts emphasize flexibility and reach, ensuring that dairy remains present both digitally and in stores and is seasonally relevant. Each partnership features strong, consistent creative designed to connect with consumers’ passion for football, food, and community. Dairy-forward messages like “Get in the Game with Dairy,” “Team Up with Dairy,” “Create the Ultimate Game Day Spread,” and “Long Live Fall” remind shoppers that dairy belongs at every gathering, from the tailgate lot to the living-room couch. These themes not only drive purchase intent but also position dairy as fresh, local, and nutritious, qualities that resonate with today’s consumers seeking both flavor and function. Beyond the eye-catching creative, Midwest Dairy’s retail team helps stores stay ahead of consumer trends by sharing category insights and seasonal data on shopper behavior. This collaboration helps retailers plan displays and digital content that maximize sales while keeping dairy front and center in meal planning conversations. It’s a win-win! Consumers find relevant meal ideas, retailers see increased traffic and basket size, and farmers benefit from stronger category growth.

increase consumer demand. Midwest Dairy capitalizes on key moments of the year, such as tailgating, to showcase dairy products in unique and exciting ways to connect with consumers and drive incremental sales. As fans fire up their grills and gather for game days, Midwest Dairy is ensuring dairy is in every cooler, cart, and conversation. These efforts demonstrate the power of checkoff dollars at work. Driving consideration, awareness, and ultimately conversion to sales during these key time periods is a touchdown for dairy! As a result of these promotions, we aim to see dairy in every in-store and digital cart and in the hands of loyal fans at every tailgate. Highlighting dairy as a fresh, local, and nutritious choice fuels fans and builds long-term demand that supports farm families across the Midwest. As you shop this fall, look for “Team Up with Dairy” signage at your local grocery store, explore tailgate recipes online, and share the excitement with family and friends. Every block of cheese, carton of milk, and tub of sour cream helps support the hardworking dairy farmers across the Midwest. To learn more about how Midwest Dairy drives trust and sales through programs like these, visit MidwestDairy. com—and make dairy the MVP of your next tailgate.

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Midwest Dairy is dedicated to listening to consumers and bringing dairy to life at the retail level to increase usage of dairy for the benefit of dairy farmers. Our objective is to grow the dairy category and support retail initiatives to

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Missouri 4-H

Missouri’s 4-H dairy judging team had a successful first contest, participating in the Dr. George Heersche Jr NAILE Invitational Dairy Judging Contest in Louisville, KY. Team members Lexi Angelo, Carissa Simagna, and Colton Kleiboeker judged in the contest, while future teammate Jesse Davis judged ringside. The team is coached by Karla Deaver. Results from the contest are as follows: * 4th place overall team out of 20 (tied for 3rd but lost to Wisconsin on a tiebreaker) * 2nd high team Jerseys * 3rd high team Brown Swiss * 5th High team Holsteins * 5th High team Oral Reasons Individually: * Lexi Angelo 4th high individual overall * Colton Kleiboeker 7th high individual overall * Lexi 6th in Ayrshires and 9th in oral reasons * Colton 8th in Brown Swiss and 10th in Holsteins * Carissa Simagna 5th in Jerseys

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Veterinarian Corner Bovine Theileriosis By this point, many of you have probably heard of “that new tick disease” affecting cattle in Missouri. Some of you may have even experienced its harmful effects. For those that have experienced it, you have my sympathies. To those that haven’t, the next few paragraphs may be a bit terrifying, but hopefully you can gain some knowledge on how to control its spread and maybe even save a cow in the event your herd is unfortunate enough to contract this disease. Theileria orientalis, specifically the Ikeda genotype, is a protozoal organism that is relatively new to the United States. The first reported case was discovered on the east coast in the mid-2000’s and has since spread westward. The first reported case in Missouri was in 2023, and all regions of the state have reported cases. The organism is transmitted by ticks feeding on infected animals then feeding on naïve cattle. Once infected the ticks will transmit the organism vertically to their offspring and thus repeating the life cycle. The primary carrier of the organism is the Asian Longhorned Tick, however other insect vectors such as lice, mosquitos, flies and other tick species have been, at least loosely, linked to the organism’s spread. Theileria can also be spread via blood contaminated needles and other tools routinely used in cattle processing. The efficiency of mechanical Theileria transmission does not appear to be as effective as that of anaplasmosis. Vertical transmission, from dam to calf in utero, is possible, however the impact is unknown at this time. Theileria is an intracellular parasite infecting the red blood cells of cattle. The immune system then recognizes the infected cells and attempts to eliminate them, leading to anemia. Severity of disease is related to severity of anemia. Clinically affected animals may exhibit depression with pale mucus membranes in mild cases to severe depression, jaundice and weakness or the inability to stand in severe cases. Literature reports only an average of a 5% death loss in affected animals. In my clinical experience death loss is often greater than 5%, 25% of clinically affected animals seems more in line. Additionally, cows may fail to conceive during the breeding season and pregnant animals may abort after pregnancy diagnosis. I personally have heard of abortion rates as high as 90% in groups of heifers that became infected after pregnancy diagnosis. I have personally seen beef herds with as low as 30% conception rate following natural service over a 90-day breeding season. Litle is reported about the effects of Theileria infection on bulls, but it can be assumed that infection can lead to infertility as well as the unwillingness to breed due to weakness from anemia. Clinical signs in cattle are very similar to those of anaplasmosis. There may be a few differentiating factors between the two diseases, however. Cattle of any age can show clinical signs when infected with Theileria. Anaplasmosis tends to affect middle aged to older animals. Abortion is also more commonly reported with Theileria. Additionally, animals tend not to be as aggressive as with anaplasmosis infections. Post-mortem exam will appear very similar, but splenic enlargement does not tend to be as severe in cases of Theileria. Co-infections with both organisms has been common in my experience though, which makes sense as transmission routes are similar. Diagnosis cannot be made on clinical signs or post-mortem examination alone. Veterinarians may be able to visualize the organism on blood smears under a microscope, but these findings are not specific. Laboratory testing via PCR on unclotted blood or spleen tissue is the gold standard of diagnosis.

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Now that we have gone through a lot of clinical signs and transmission routes it’s time to get down what everyone wants to know. How do we treat sick animals? And how do we prevent infection to begin with? Unfortunately, I don’t have great news on the treatment front. There are no approved treatments for Theileria in the United States. Other countries do have approved treatments, but it does not appear that the FDA will allow emergency use approval for these compounds at this time. At this point, supportive care is our only option. Many veterinarians have recommended treatment with oxytetracycline (OTC) like LA200 or LA 300. Success has been variable at best as OTC is an antibiotic with limited activity against protozoal organisms. As mentioned above, co-infection with anaplasmosis has been common and treatment success with OTC is likely due to improved health from treating those infections. Other ancillary treatments aimed at reducing anemia and inflammation have been variably successful as well. It seems that my most successful outcomes have used a combination of OTC, iron dextran and b vitamins to combat anemia, dexamethasone if not pregnant or in short enough gestation to (if not pregnant) to reduce immune response and Ferrappease to reduce stress as much as possible. Reduction of stress is of the utmost concern. Infected animals are under a tremendous amount of stress. Limit handling to only essential tasks and if you must handle them, use low stress handling procedures as much as possible. Don’t forget about nutritional stress. When animals are sick, they will often go off feed. But, the body must be able to take those essential nutrients in to appropriately respond to infections and the increased needs of the immune system. Provide clean, fresh water as well. Not all cases I treated have survived, but this has worked for several animals in my practice. The best resource will always be your local veterinarian when it comes to treatments that work best for your area and any potential extra-label use of medications to treat disease. Prevention of infection is the cornerstone of controlling this disease. Since ticks and other biting insects are the primary vectors for spreading Theileria, using appropriate insecticides is invaluable in reducing the chances of infection. Use products with an acaricidal activity, while also paying attention to labels for the class of cattle you are treating. Do not accidentally get a hot tank by not properly reading the label. Although there are no vaccines currently available against Theileria, Medgene, a prescription platform vaccine company, does have a vaccine that purportedly helps reduce tick populations over time. This vaccine essentially works to destroy the gut lining of the tick when it encounters antibodies in the host’s blood stream post vaccination. Medgene launched the vaccine in the spring of 2025, so long term results are not known at this time. The vaccine does appear to be safe and can be used in all stages of pregnancy. As a prescription platform vaccine, your veterinarian must sign off on its use, and they will be a wealth of knowledge when it comes to whether the vaccine will be a good fit for your operation or not. If you have made it this far, I want to thank you for sticking it out with me. This is a ton of information, and it only scratches the surface of what seems to be an ever-changing disease we know precious little about. Hopefully 2026 will bring some new treatment regimen or control measures we can implement that will eliminate this scourge. Thanks for reading. John D. Tyra, DVM

“The farmer has to be an optimist or he wouldn’t still be a farmer.”—Will Rogers

John D. Tyra, DVM

Mississippi State University CVM 2010 Animal Clinic of Monett • Monett, MO

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