STtalks

As STgenetics® Farmfit® health monitoring system continues to prove itself in dairy barns across a multitude of markets, we sit down with two key individuals who support this team within their respective countries. Brian Behnke representing the U.S. and Ryan Corrigan representing Canada share with us what they have learned since the launch of Farmfit® and where they have seen this system really shine. They bring their immense experience to this discussion and share insights into the successful application of the program in today’s dairy herds.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:40 Initial Perception of Farmfit®
02:07 Utilization Across Different Herds
04:40 Feedback from Early Adopters
07:11 Latest Updates and Features
11:35 Future of Farmfit®
13:31 Conclusion and Farewell

As we round out May Beef Month we sit down with Brandon Beavers of Dairyland Cattle of Oklahoma to learn how they added value to the terminal Jersey bull calf by intentionally selecting high genetic beef bulls. Brandon shares insights into their breeding strategies, the importance of colostrum, and the impact genetics and nutrition in producing high-quality beef. In 2013 they started finishing these calves out and now have a database of several thousand carcass data points that they use to make the beef eating experience the best possible when coming from Dairyland Cattle.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:29 Overview of Dairyland Cattle Operations
01:35 Expansion and Acquisition Details
02:17 Genetic Selection and Breeding Strategies
05:02 Finishing Operations and Market Challenges
06:34 Carcass Data and Value Improvement
09:51 Care Protocols and Animal Welfare
11:45 Marketing and Consumer Engagement
12:59 Technology and Traceability in Beef Production
13:48 Conclusion and Closing Remarks

As we celebrate May Beef Month, we have Jesse Randall of AJ Beef join us to share his experience in raising and finishing out Beef on Dairy animals. In this discussion, Jesse explains the logistics of raising 70,000 Beef on Dairy crossbred calves annually to enter the supply chain and emphasizes the importance of good genetics and the care of the crossbred animal from birth. Additionally, the conversation explores how genomic data can enhance beef production and where Jesse sees data fitting into the supply chain.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:29 Overview of AJ Beef Operations

01:34 Calf Procurement and Dairy Relationships

06:05 Importance of Genetics and Data

14:10 Future of Beef on Dairy Sector

16:00 Final Thoughts and Advice

17:11 Conclusion 

Becoming a valued partner with the herds you serve is what Lavon Bontrager, STgenetics® National Account Manager talks about in this STtalks. The discussion focuses on the significant changes in dairy production, the role of genetics, and the importance of technology. Lavon also offers his unique perspective on building lasting relationships with dairy producers and provides invaluable advice for those looking to enhance their herds!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:40 Lavon's Journey in the Dairy Industry
02:33 Challenges and Adaptations in Dairy Farming
04:50 Evolution of Dairy Production
10:44 Building Relationships with Dairy Producers
13:55 The Role of Genetics and Technology
22:39 Advice for Dairy Producers
29:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Farm owner, banker, marketer, entrepreneur, mom and more…just some of the titles Moriah Brey of Brey Cycle Farm LLC has held and in this STtalks we learn how her family has created a working dynamic that encourages and uplifts not only their farm but them as individuals as well. Brey Cycle Farm LLC has grown tremendously over the years, from herd size to establishing a beef marketing business with Brey Family Beef, Moriah reflects on her career path that led her back to the farm where she plays a key role to ensure the success of her farm and family.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:33 The Journey of Brey Cycle Farm LLC

03:23 Unique Location and Sustainability Efforts

05:47 Moriah's Career Transition

10:14 Brey Family Beef: A Niche Market

12:32 Family Dynamics and Roles

17:29 Balancing Farm Life and Motherhood

31:57 Advice for Young Moms on the Farm

35:45 Conclusion and Farewell

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, Amanda Buschor, the Dairy Herd Manager of Majestic View Dairy and a mom to three boys herself joins us to share her journey of growing her family while coming back to take on a managerial role on her family’s farm. Amanda shares the unique challenges and rewards of balancing motherhood with farm management, highlighting her experience, adaptability, and the significant role of family and teamwork in her life and career. Don't miss this inspiring discussion about agriculture, teamwork, and the rewarding journey of motherhood.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:32 History and Scope of Majestic View Dairy
02:35 Amanda's Role and Responsibilities
03:59 Amanda's Journey Back to the Farm
08:26 Balancing Motherhood and Farm Management
11:51 Building a Strong Farm Team
17:04 Women Leading in Dairy Farming
23:33 Advice for Young Moms in Farming
26:50 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

We sit down with a new STgenetics® team member, Scott Courtney, to learn about his extensive background in the industry and how this experience benefits the customers he serves. He shares how genetics is playing a role in his customers success and where the STgenetics® toolbox of technology and programs can fill to provide a valuable solution to them as well. Scott also emphasizes the importance of how relationships within the dairy industry can also enhance the efficiency and profitability of his customers dairy farms.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:38 Scott Courtney's Background and Experience
02:10 Current Role and Responsibilities
03:16 Genetic Trends and Customer Needs
08:10 Tools and Programs at STgenetics®
11:45 Beef on Dairy Strategy
14:47 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Following the April 2025 Base Change, the industry saw some major swings in linear traits, making bull pages look quite a bit different. And with this new view comes a shift in mindset which we dive into in this STtalks with Kevin Ziemba and Tim Rauen. Together they share with us why these base changes occurred, how genetic progress has impacted the dairy industry, and the importance of focusing on linear traits. Tune in for the great insights and in-depth discussions as we explore an area important to all dairy breeders, linear traits.

00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:39 Understanding Linear Traits Post-Base Change
04:25 Genetic Progress and Population Changes
06:32 Breaking Down Changes in Linear Traits
07:11 Focus on Udder Composite Traits
14:06 Stature and Dairy Form Adjustments
18:54 Body Weight Composite Index Explained
26:36 Reliability of Linear Traits
33:45 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Novo STtalks no ar! Neste episódio, recebemos Reinaldo Figueiredo, proprietário da Fazenda Figueiredo, localizada no município de Cristalina, Goiás e Rodrigo Zenha, Gerente Comercial da STgenetics® Brasil. Com foco em produção, saúde e sustentabilidade, vamos conhecer a história de sucesso da Fazenda Figueiredo, e como as tecnologias atuais garantem precisão e dados estratégicos para chegar aos melhores resultados nesse rebanho leiteiro que é destaque no Brasil.

00:00 Introdução e Apresentação dos Convidados

00:45 História da Fazenda Figueiredo

02:04 Tecnologia e Melhoramento Genético

07:31 Parceria com a STgenetics®

12:04 Produção e Manejo na Fazenda Figueiredo

16:21 Sustentabilidade na Fazenda Figueiredo

23:37 Importância da Raça Holandesa e Controle Leiteiro

27:34 Motivação Pessoal e Conclusão

In this STtalks, we sit down with Adelyn Allen, STgenetics® Beef Operations Manager and Francine Campagnari, STgenetics® Senior Research and Development Manager, to learn more about STgenetics® Brahman division and the success they have recently experienced. In this discussion we learn about the American Brahman Breeders Association Performance Breeder of the Year award that STgenetics® received along with the role Vision+™ genomic testing will play within breeding strategies and the next generation of Brahman cattle. Tune in for insights into how these advancements are setting new standards in genetic excellence and sustainability.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions
00:41 STgenetics®' Brahman Division Award
03:13 Genetic Offerings and Data Collection
04:48 Brahman Spring Production Sale
07:37 Vision+™ Genomic Testing
09:37 Impact of Genomic Testing
14:39 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up