STtalks

Balance is a term we hear a lot about in the dairy industry, but what does it truly mean? In this STtalks, Brian Behnke joins us to explore the concept of balanced breeding in modern dairy production. Brian shares how STgenetics® is pioneering the creation of bulls that blend size, conformation, production, and health traits to meet the evolving needs of dairy producers. Touching on standout sires like AIRDROP, BIGWIG, BEATBOX and more, Brian sheds light on their potential impact on the industry’s future. Tune in to learn how these balanced breeding sires are setting up dairymen to achieve remarkable production goals in the next decade.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:31 Defining Balanced Breeding

01:49 STgenetics®' Approach to Balanced Breeding

02:57 Customer Insights and Industry Trends

07:38 Highlighting Key Bulls

09:46 Spotlight on Proven Bulls

15:04 Additional Noteworthy Bulls

17:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Andrew Vander Meulen, the breeder of STgenetics® sire, CANADIAN CLUB, joins us to share about the impressive impact this STyle Genetics™ sire is making in the Jersey Breed. Andrew shares insight into the history and genetic strength of the Kitty family, the accolades and characteristics of CANADIAN CLUB’s dam, Chocolate Chip, and the long-term breeding strategies at Avonlea Genetics. Additionally, he shares the excitement building in the CANDIAN CLUB daughters that are maturing and the maternal influence on these progeny.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:38 Background on Avonlea Genetics

01:38 The Legacy of Chocolate Chip

03:04 CANADIAN CLUB's Family Traits

04:32 Breeding and Development Insights

07:30 CANADIAN CLUB's Impact on Breeders

11:49 Showcasing CANADIAN CLUB Daughters

14:06 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

STgenetics® Canada team members join us to reflect on the 2025 August Genetic Evaluations now that the dust has settled. Mike Barnum and Ryan Corrigan share what stood out to them, the power of proven maternal lines and the impact of indexes like Eco$ and RCI. Additionally, we hear about newly released sires like BEATBOX, BARITONE and more along with how Farmfit® has been received and improved for the market.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:33 Highlights of the August 2025 Genetic Evaluations

01:37 Importance of Proof Runs for Dairy Producers

03:03 Third Generation TPI Sire Achievement

04:16 Canadian Bulls and Their Impact

08:51 Newly Released Bulls

11:47 Understanding Balance in Dairy Breeding

12:51 Eco$ Index: Enhancing Dairy Profitability

15:15 Robotic Count Index: A Leading Selection Tool

17:52 Farmfit® and Other Technological Advancements

20:39 Future Breakthroughs in Dairy Genetics

22:55 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

STgenetics® STyle Genetics™ sire, JERRY LEWIS, has been siring class winners all summer, and as we get closer to the Fall show season, we have one of JERRY LEWIS’ breeders, Tom Cull of Budjon Farms, join us on this STtalks to share the story behind this outstanding bull! From how his dam, JM Valley Sidekick Lady-ET EX-95, was acquired to what the family is producing at Budjon Farms, Tom gives us a new insight into this exciting STyle™ Sire!

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:30 Tom Cull's Background and Farm Overview

01:16 Passion for the Holstein Breed

02:45 The Story of JERRY LEWIS

05:03 Lady's Impressive Production

07:30 JERRY LEWIS' Progeny and Traits

10:30 Preparing for World Dairy Expo

11:50 Conclusion and Farewell

The Genetic STandout Tour hosted by STgenetics® during the week of World Dairy Expo is coming up and joining us to give us some insight into what our visitors can expect from this experience is Kyle Demmer, the COO of GenoSource. Kyle shares how this year's tour is different from years past, why it’s important for the three farms, GenoSource, Mormann Dairy and Farnear Holsteins, to host an event of this size, the progeny and families that will be on display and what genetics he thinks will impact the STgenetics® lineup in the next 5 years. This STtalks gives a glimpse into the fantastic operations STgenetics® has the opportunity to tour on September 30th!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:51 Overview of GenoSource and Its Role

01:24 The Genetics STandout Tour

02:34 GenoSource Farm Developments

05:50 New Maternity Barn and IVF Center

07:48 Genetic Highlights at GenoSource

10:22 Insights on Mormann Dairy and Farnear Holstein

12:00 Conclusion and Invitation to the Tour

Making informed and profitable decisions is at the forefront of all that Jerry Wilwerding of Wilwerding Dairy in Freeport, MN strives for! Nine years ago, Wilwerding Dairy started their journey with STgenetics® through the use of Ultraplus™ gender-sorted semen. With the success in this technology, Jerry decided to explore the benefits of genomic testing and with the data and information he received, he hasn’t looked back. In this STtalks, Jerry shares with us how the technologies and programs like gender-sorted semen, genomic testing, higher bull selection, indexes like Eco$ and an accurate mating program has raised his bottom line and has created a long lasting and profitable herd of cows.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:26 History of Wilwerding Dairy

03:03 Introduction to STgenetics®

05:55 Adopting Genomic Testing

10:03 Bull Selection and Feed Efficiency

18:29 Future Goals and Family Involvement

19:47 Conclusion and Farewell

Sexing Technologies® in Europe is experiencing a lot of growth and with us to share more about the market and the business is Vice President of Sexing Technologies® Europe, Andrew Cromie and European Operations Manager, Oscar Moreno. Together they delve into the history, current impact and offerings of Sexing Technologies® in Europe. They go on to share their insights on the challenges and opportunities within the European market and offer a glimpse into the future of gender-sorted semen technology.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:38 History of Sexing Technologies® in Europe

01:56 Current Cattle Market in Europe

03:51 Drivers of Growth in Sexing Technologies®

06:22 Acceptance of Gender Sorted Semen

12:55 Mobile Lab Innovations

17:53 Challenges and Opportunities in Europe

20:31 Future of Sexing Technologies® in Europe

23:45 Conclusion and Farewell

Calving Traits were adjusted following the August 2025 Genetic Evaluations and STgenetics® team members, Kevin Ziemba and David Kendall are back with us to share about these changes. Together they explain the reasons behind the timing of the base change, the specific trait adjustments, and the data collection process. The discussion also covers the contributing factors behind the genetic improvements, including the impact of gestation length, gender-sorted semen and how breeders can now look at these traits moving forward.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:35 Reason for August Base Change

01:11 Adjustments in Calving Traits

01:23 New Base for Calving Traits

03:33 Data Collection Process

06:07 Impact of Genetic Progress

11:05 Advice for Breeders

16:16 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

20:01 Podcast Outro

The large group of New Holstein Sires was released following the August 2025 Genetic Evaluations, and in this STtalks we sit down with Logan Voigts and Alan Kruse to learn all about it! With 40 new Holstein sires being added to the STgenetics® genetic offering, averaging +3290 GTPI, 22 of them being over +140 CFP, sired from 19 different bulls, 3 new Legend™ sires, 4 new Slick sires and a group of Polled and Red, who are all available in Ultraplus High Purity™! Truly an impressive group that has something for everyone!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:17 Overview of New Holstein Sires

00:45 New Legend™ Bulls

02:42 High Net Merit Bulls

05:33 Diverse & Balanced Bulls

07:33 Eco$ Group for Effficency

09:13 High Productive Life Bulls

12:05 High Type and Udder Composite Bulls

14:07 Red and Polled Bulls

15:58 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

More proof news is here! STgenetics® Colored Breed portfolio had a successful day following the August 2025 Genetic Evaluations. In this STtalks, we focus in on the Jersey and Brown Swiss Portfolios, highlighting bulls like GARLAND and GORMAN as well as exciting Guernsey bulls who are coming through the pipeline. We also explore the advancements and new releases in the STamina™ program and the commitment of STgenetics® to improve genetic diversity throughout the entire Colored Breed portfolio.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:39 Impact of Fertility Trait Changes on Color Breeds

01:56 Jersey Portfolio Highlights

04:23 Exciting Developments in Jersey Lineup

09:32 Brown Swiss Lineup Overview

11:20 Guernsey and Ayrshire Updates

14:24 STamina™ Program Updates

18:28 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

22:40 Conclusion and Farewell