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The stand-out entry in the Queensland final of the Semex-Holstein Australia On-Farm competition was everything and more judge Terry Tout could have hoped for.

Arabella Jasper Georgette VG89, sired by Wilcoxview Jasper, is one of four imported ET sisters residing at Arabella Holsteins’ Brookstead address in the Sunshine State.

Two of the sisters have jockeyed for pole position throughout their career, but in this competition, and in this moment, it was Georgette’s day.

Georgette was also Honourable Mention at the Brisbane Royal Show in August. She was shown six weeks fresh at the Ekka, milking 60 litres. The Grand Champion that day was her Arabella herdmate, Glenalbas Goldwyn Olivia.

By the time Terry visited Arabella, Georgette was well settled into lactation.

“She was the stand-out cow, for me,” Terry said. “Before I announced my winners I asked the audience who they would pick if they were judging for the overall Champion, and she was almost a unanimous choice with everyone else too.

“She should be seen at IDW where I’m sure she could be extremely competitive. She is big, long, and correct all the way through with a wide muzzle, chest and a super barrel. She had a tremendous fore and rear udder.”

Georgette’s fully imported ET sister (Arabella Jasper Georgiegirl), from their dam, Penlow Georgia Rubens, was the two-year-old State Champion three years ago, after winning Supreme Intermediate at Lismore. Their owner, Daniel Holmes, who has judged many on-farm competitions himself and who was fresh from a busy judging itinerary at Finley, Forbes, Lismore and Christchurch Show (in New Zealand) has reserved his opinion over who is the best cow.

“I’ll know in another couple of months,” he said, adding that GeorgieGirl had recently re-calved.

“I think Georgette may be the best because she has developed at a better rate. Georgiegirl, I think, may have peaked but ... Read More...

The December 2014 LPI & TPI proofs are now online on Semex's website at www.semex.com!       Semex is dedicated to our customers' success and profitability, whether they're seeking GLPI, GTPI, Type, Net Merit $, Calving Ease, Immunity+ or any of the other traits that drive profitability at the farm gate. We believe that this is Genetics for Life. Each genetic evaluation confirms this commitment and drives us towards future success. Holstein Highlights: 0200HO03753 Marbi Facebook is #1 LPI sire & #4 TPI sire Semex's #1 new release TPI bull 0200HO07450 Amighetti Numero Uno #6 TPI sire overall Jersey Highlights: 0200JE00470 Comestar JDF Beautifull #5 GLPI sire overall One of only two double digit bulls for conformation in the top 30  at +12 with +11 mammary and +13 feet and legs 0200JE00183 Sunset Canyon David   Semex's #1 new release Genomax™ graduate Will rank in the top 15 active sires in the USA for GJPI Three of the top six and five of the top 15 young bulls for Genomic Parent Average for LPI in Canada and three of the top four for Conformation 0200JE00912 Gabys Archer is a top 10 young sire in USA for GJPI with semen available Ayrshire Highlights: 0200AY00699 Kamouraska Decaf #2 LPI   To view daughter video footage of many of Semex's sires visit our Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/semexalliance Additional information on these bulls including complete LPI and TPI data is available at www.semex.com.au    
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The December 2014 LPI & TPI proofs are now online on Semex's website at www.semex.com!       Semex is dedicated to our customers’ success and profitability, whether they’re seeking GLPI, GTPI, Type, Net Merit $, Calving Ease, Immunity+ or any of the other traits that drive profitability at the farm gate. We believe that this is Genetics for Life. Each genetic evaluation confirms this commitment and drives us towards future success. Holstein Highlights: 0200HO03753 Marbi Facebook is #1 LPI sire & #4 TPI sire 0200HO02692 Gibbs-I Claynook Dude #2 Conf sire Semex’s #1 new release TPI bull 0200HO07450 Amighetti Numero Uno #6 TPI sire overall Semex’s #2 new release TPI bull 0200HO02698 Misty Springs Supersonic #13 TPI sire overall Jersey Highlights: 0200JE00470 Comestar JDF Beautifull #5 GLPI sire overall One of only two double digit bulls for conformation in the top 30  at +12 with +11 mammary and +13 feet and legs 0200JE00183 Sunset Canyon David   Semex’s #1 new release Genomax™ graduate Will rank in the top 15 active sires in the USA for GJPI Three of the top six and five of the top 15 young bulls for Genomic Parent Average for LPI in Canada and three of the top four for Conformation 0200JE00912 Gabys Archer is a top 10 young sire in USA for GJPI with semen available Ayrshire Highlights: Semex #1 new release LPI bull 0200AY00723 La Sapiniere Facykie #4 LPI sire overall #2 Fat % in Top 10 at 0.47 0200AY00699 Kamouraska Decaf #2 LPI 0200AY00680 Kamouraska Rockstar #3 LPI 16 of the top 20 LPI sires are 200AY bulls To view daughter video footage of many of Semex’s sires visit our Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/semexalliance Additional information on these bulls including complete LPI and TPI data is available at www.semex.com  
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South Australia’s outstanding cattle and superb hospitality was still resonating with the state’s Kiwi judge several weeks after the event. Duncan Pipe, from New Zealand, is well-versed in Australian Holsteins, he visits often and he avidly follows the breed’s news and developments. He owns cattle in partnership in NSW and in Victoria. While he has travelled to Australia five times this year – this was his first time in South Australia. “I didn’t know what to expect, but I was incredibly impressed,” Duncan said. “I’d say it was the most exciting judging assignment that I’ve ever had, simply because of the calibre of the cows and the amazing hospitality. I had an awesome time, and combining their presentation with their centenary lunch made the whole trip pretty special.” One of the stand-out exhibitors this year was the team from Blackwood Park – fresh off a great run at the Adelaide Royal Show. David and Karen Altmann, milk 500-head at Murray Bridge (including 100 registered Illawarras). They achieve an 11,000-litre average milking three times a day. The herd was averaging 36 litres at 190 days (average) fresh at the time of the competition. The breeding has always been there – the time to show and promote individuals has not. The likeable and modest couple have spent their career working hard to make their cows lives comfortable. They invested heavily in Heatime, reducing their herd’s average days open from 158 to 78 within three years. They recently upgraded to Heatime’s rumination collars. They have also installed 42 tonnes of Sure-foot rubber matting, which took 13,500 drill holes to bolt it down. They are about to start construction on a 168m x 25m wide shed (with no internal spans), which will be bedded in dried compost they will be handling on-farm. The shed will house 500 comfortably under an 11m high roof. The final piece of the Blackwood Park puzzle has ... Read More...

As one of the dairy industry’s ‘must attend’ events, the 92nd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair was one for the record books for Semex. Very similar to 2013, a commanding 57% of all Holsteins shown by 27 different sires were 200HO sired! Impressively, even more Semex-sired daughters placed in the top 10 in their classes in 2014 than 2013, with 97 receiving a ribbon. Forty-six placed in the top five, 12 won their classes and Semex sired eight champions. Like no other sire ever, Braedale Goldwyn continued his show ring dominance, capturing both Premier Sire Banners, and sired nine class winners, 49 top 10 placers and the DHI Production Award Winner. And, for the fifth consecutive year a he sired the Grand & Senior Champion Female as 1st Mature Cow, RF Goldwyn Hailey, continued her winning streak, capturing the traditional blanket of roses at the end of the day.    Semex Genomax™ sires made their mark at the Royal as well. Making his Royal debut, Genomax™ and Immunity+™ sensation 0200HO06480 Val-Bisson Doorman sired the 1st Intermediate Calf & HM Junior Champion, Belfast Doorman Lovestruck. Placing 2nd in the same class was Repa Jenna Doorman, with seven other Doormans showing in the young heifer classes, gaining appreciation for Semex top seller. December 2014 proven sire prospect, 0200HO02770 Sully Hart Meridian’s daughter Val-Bisson Meridian Doriane (a sister to Doorman himself) attracted a lot of attention in her stall at the Semex Walk of Fame and placed 3rd in the highly competitive Milking Yearling Class. Once again the Canadian National Jersey show showcased 200JE sires, as Semex sires stamped their daughters with the show-winning look, including Bridon Comerica, sire of the 2014 Reserve Grand Champion & 2nd Mature Cow, Random Luck Ray Helen. Other winnings include: Select Scott Minister: HM Junior Champion & 1st Sr Calf: Shadowvale Minister Sharlene Bridon Comerica: 2nd Mature Cow, Res Senior Champ & Res Grand Champion: Random Luck Ray Helen 2nd ... Read More...

As one of the dairy industry's 'must attend' events, the 92nd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair was one for the record books for Semex. Very similar to 2013, a commanding 57% of all Holsteins shown by 27 different sires were 200HO sired! Impressively, even more Semex-sired daughters placed in the top 10 in their classes in 2014 than 2013, with 97 receiving a ribbon. Forty-six placed in the top five, 12 won their classes and Semex sired eight champions. Like no other sire ever, Braedale Goldwyn continued his show ring dominance, capturing both Premier Sire Banners, and sired nine class winners, 49 top 10 placers and the DHI Production Award Winner. And, for the fifth consecutive year a he sired the Grand & Senior Champion Female as 1st Mature Cow, RF Goldwyn Hailey, continued her winning streak, capturing the traditional blanket of roses at the end of the day.    Semex Genomax™ sires made their mark at the Royal as well. Making his Royal debut, Genomax™ and Immunity+™ sensation 0200HO06480 Val-Bisson Doorman sired the 1st Intermediate Calf & HM Junior Champion, Belfast Doorman Lovestruck. Placing 2nd in the same class was Repa Jenna Doorman, with seven other Doormans showing in the young heifer classes, gaining appreciation for Semex top seller. December 2014 proven sire prospect, 0200HO02770 Sully Hart Meridian's daughter Val-Bisson Meridian Doriane (a sister to Doorman himself) attracted a lot of attention in her stall at the Semex Walk of Fame and placed 3rd in the highly competitive Milking Yearling Class. Once again the Canadian National Jersey show showcased 200JE sires, as Semex sires stamped their daughters with the show-winning look, including Bridon Comerica, sire of the 2014 Reserve Grand Champion & 2nd Mature Cow, Random Luck Ray Helen. Other winnings include: Select Scott Minister: HM Junior Champion & 1st Sr Calf: Shadowvale Minister Sharlene Bridon Comerica: 2nd Mature Cow, Res Senior Champ & Res Grand Champion: Random Luck Ray ... Read More...

Semex is pleased to announce the opening of a new bull isolation facility in Brockville, Ontario.

With capacity of housing 230 young bulls and the goal of providing individual care to valuable young sires, this new facility will serve as an entry point for all bulls coming into stud.

“Traditional isolation facilities are generally at or very near production facilities. We chose to place this facility in a central location,” says Robert McRae, Semex Chief Operating Officer. “This ensures we have fulltime, dedicated staff that will ensure the best care and testing of these young bulls. And, we want to reduce any biosecurity risks at our production facilities, so having this facility at a separate location makes perfect sense.”

In the fast-paced genomic era, minimizing risk is just one goal of this new state-of-the-art facility. Semex is also working hard to get its valuable young sires into production sooner, impacting both Semex’s genetic suppliers and its clients.   

“We plan to be able to bring bulls into testing sooner and get them moving towards production even faster,” says Brad Sayles, Semex Vice President Global Marketing. “We’re doing everything to not only control this period in a bull’s life, but to also emphasize individualized care. Our end goal is to continue providing our clients worldwide with the best genomic young sires and proven sires in the world. This facility underscores our commitment to our clients, our genetic suppliers and our EastGen member owners in eastern Ontario that have been longtime partners in our success.”

“Our research and studies show that this is an extremely important part of a bull’s life,” says Sayles. “Working to supply our clients with young sire semen sooner is key to not only our success, but their success as well. Our facilities are the best in the business and this new facility certainly puts us ahead of ... Read More...

The International Friend in Dairy Cattle Breeding Award is a recognition that highlights the important contributions of a person outside of Canada in promoting Quebec dairy cattle breeding. During the first edition of the Supreme Dairy Show, the organizing committee presented this award to Semex’s Nelson Eduardo Ziehlsdorff.

Nelson is an accomplished businessman, leading five companies, including Semex Brazil where he has been President and CEO since 2007. Based in Blumenau/Santa Catarina, Semex Brazil specializes in the marketing of bovine, goat and sheep genetics. With over 90 representatives throughout Brazil, Nelson manages a team that not only offers genetics, but also technical advice on management, reproduction, nutrition and genetic solutions focusing on fertility, longevity, performance and long-lasting partnerships.

Extremely active in the dairy cattle industry, Nelson is also the director of the Association of Jersey Breeders of Brazil, President of the Association of Cattle Breeders of Santa Catarina and the director of the Brazilian Association of Artificial Insemination. He is also Board President of the Tairana Central Insemination Center and is also a partner of Cenatte Embryos, a company specialized in embryo transfer and in vitro fertilization.

Additionally, Nelson is a well-recognized dairy cattle breeder owning SCR Farms, a herd of approximately 120 cattle with an additional 60 Holstein and Jersey donor cows housed in Canada and the United States.

Nelson has been key in the organization and accompaniment of numerous Brazilian breeder trips to Canada. He came to Quebec for the first time in 2005 with a group of Jersey breeders, these visits focus on the success of elite and progressive herds. These visits have helped increase the knowledge and appreciation of dairy cattle breeding.  

Nelson and his wife Tatiana are the proud parents of two young boys, Vicente (13) and Arthur (9).
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As one of the dairy industry’s ‘must attend’ events each November, the 92nd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair will play host to hundreds of Semex’s international guests next week in Toronto, Ontario.

Semex plans to introduce and feature key products and services designed to increase dairy profitability and build lifelong partnerships with guests from Canada, the US and dozens of countries worldwide. Visitors can expect the ‘Royal’ treatment while with Semex including:


Immunity+™: A 2013 Dairy Herd Management Innovation Award Winner, Semex's patented Immunity+ sires have a naturally high immune response and will improve the health of the next generation 
SemexWorks™: Visitors are invited to use Semex’s interactive tablets to define their own genetic strategy 
Semex Dairy Celebration: Thursday, November 13 from 3-5:00 pm gather at the Semex display for dairy refreshments as Semex salutes the world’s hard-working dairymen! 
Semex Daughter Display: A highlight of the fair, Semex is highlighting daughters by some of the industry’s most in-demand proven sires, offering the genetics that result in healthier, more profitable and longer-lasting herds:

0200HO05929 GEN-I-BEQ BRAWLER: HealthSmart™ & Robot Ready™
0200HO06156 LARCREST CONTRAST: Repromax™ & Robot Ready
0200HO03753 MARBRI FACEBOOK: Immunity+™, Repromax, HealthSmart & Calving Ease™
0200HO00560 MONUMENT IMPRESSION: Immunity+, Repromax, HealthSmart & Robot Ready
0200HO05575 GILLETTE JORDAN: HealthSmart & Calving Ease
0200HO06267 GEN-I-BEQ LAVAMAN: Repromax, HealthSmart & Calving Ease
0200HO02770 SULLY HART MERIDIAN: GenomaxPlus™, Repromax, HealthSmart & Calving Ease
0200HO05549 REGANCREST REGINALD: Repromax & Show Time™
0200HO05567 R-E-W SEAVER: Immunity+ & Show Time
0200HO02644 MISTY SPRINGS SMOKIN: Repromax ... Read More...

Australia’s biggest annual dairy livestock competition, involving close to 3000 cows and 500 farms, is once again poised to bring commercial and registered dairymen together like no other event in this country. The Semex/Holstein Australia On-Farm Competition enters its 14th year this month, and the nationwide spectacle is widely accepted as offering producers key marketing and profile from the associated exposure of winning regional and state championships. Each of Holstein Australia’s 29 sub-branches involved have or are now kicking off their local competitions (which involves one judge per sub-branch). Entries peak at more than 250 animals in some of the sub-branch strongholds. All the cows are judged for their conformation on-farm without preparation. The first and second placegetters in each class at the sub-branch level then move forward to the state finals where they will be re-assessed by a fresh over-judge in early November to find the state champions. Semex initiated the competition to acknowledge quality, functional dairy cows – often the unsung heroes of Australia’s dairy industry. It now includes a special application because cows that may not have enjoyed a profile before have a chance to shine and/or be discovered in the farmer-friendly time-efficient format. “This competition has a lot of momentum and is held in high regard – very high regard – both here in Australia and overseas,” Semex’s Jim Conroy said. “Semex in 2014 is about offering Genetics for Life to our dairy farmers – everyone wants cows that produce, re-produce and live long healthy lives.” He said the On-Farm Competition’s role was well accepted. “The breeding industry is alive and well,” Jim said. “There is always good money to be made in selling high-end livestock. “This competition is all about helping our producers gain exposure and marketability for their animals without ... Read More...