SPRING 2023
Our Passion. YOUR SUCCESS ®
MINNESOTA
SELECT SIRES CO-OP, INC.
SELECTIONS
A NO-CEILING APPROACH TO GENETIC PROGRESS Shane Boettcher, key client specialist To create a viable and sustainable future, dairy producers are routinely confronted with the questions of where and how to invest or reinvest in their business. A popular strategy might be genetic acceleration. We know that genetic improvement isn’t immediate and there are generational intervals to consider. With that in mind, many producers wonder about the true impact of genetic acceleration on dairy profitability. I recently had an opportunity to find out for myself when I met with Kraig and Rachelle Krienke, owners of Prairie Dairy. The purpose and goal of our meeting was to construct a genetic plan which provides the greatest future performance potential for their herd. Continue reading on page B.
l-r: Shane Boettcher, McKinzie Neitzke, Blake Krienke, Rachelle Krienke, Kraig Krienke and Mark Bates
At Prairie Dairy, there’s no ceiling to stop genetic progress or development. According to Kraig and Rachelle Krienke, utilizing tools like genomic testing, inventory calculators and elite genetics from NxGEN® sires have been and will be critical to their genetic advancement. “Our Select Sires team provides us with the tools and data analysis that drives genetic progress and maintains our momentum for improvement,” said Kraig. With the help of Shane Boettcher, key client specialist for Minnesota Select Sires, the herd is emphasizing Cheese Merit (CM$) and health traits in their genetic strategy. “We’ve never had a higher bulk tank average of combined fat and protein. It’s been running at 8.2 pounds of solids for quite some time and that’s dollars in your pocket,” said Rachelle. For the Krienke family, genetic success is measured by the bulk tank. Creating cows that are healthy, productive, long-lasting, and don’t experience lameness or other health events will transmit the most genetic value in the future. Leveraging genetics to create more of these efficient, high-performing and trouble-free cows is a critical goal for Prairie Dairy. “We’re very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the Minnesota/Select Sires team. It’s not just one person showing up, it’s the whole team – all invested in our success,” said Kraig.
IN THIS ISSUE A
u
Genetic Acceleration at Prairie Dairy
B u Prairie Dairy, continued
C u National Dairy Challenge D u From the General Manager