STtalks

Big changes are coming to female fertility traits this August! On this episode of STtalks, we break down the upcoming CDCB updates to fertility traits and what they mean for dairy producers and genetic selection. Today we’ll learn about the brand-new First Service to Conception trait, break down what's changing with Daughter Pregnancy Rate, explain the updates to Cow and Heifer Conception Rates, and discuss why younger genetics are expected to see noticeable improvements. Most importantly, we learn not only about the changes but how to use these traits to make better decisions. Fertility traits are valuable tools, but because they're heavily influenced by management, knowing where they fit into your breeding strategy can make all the difference.

This week, we're joined by our three U.S. Dairy Sales Interns, Evan Hathaway, Sara Reed, and Abby Thelen, to reflect on a summer spent learning, traveling, and working alongside dairy producers across the country. From their firsthand experiences on farms to their perspectives on modern dairy genetics, they discuss how today's producers are making genetic decisions centered on profitability, balance, and long-term success. They also share how this internship has shaped their career goals, the value of building relationships within the industry, and why they're optimistic about the future of dairy.

STtalks is wrapping up our June Dairy Month celebration with a very special guest, one of agriculture’s most recognizable ambassadors, Alice in Dairyland! Sarah Hagenow, the 78th Alice in Dairyland, shares the journey that led her to one of agriculture’s most prestigious ambassador roles. From her roots in 4-H and FFA to collegiate dairy judging, international travel, and countless leadership experiences, Sarah reflects on the moments that shaped her passion for agriculture and prepared her to represent Wisconsin’s farmers and agricultural community. She also takes us behind the scenes of her year as Alice, offering a candid look at the challenges, unforgettable experiences, and lessons she's learned while becoming an authentic and approachable voice for agriculture.

STgenetics®’ Matthew Gunst and Mandy Sell-Stanford discuss how youth programs have influenced their journey in the dairy industry, share some advice for youth and showcase the STgenetics® summer youth promotion currently going on here in the U.S.

Brian Behnke joins us to go over the history and the future of STgenetics® STructured™ STyle Red & White portfolio. In this STtalks we hear about the foundation that bulls like AWESOME-RED and JORDY-RED laid and how bulls like ALTITUDE-RED, ARCHITECT-RED and AUDACIOUS-RED are caring our next Red generation. The conversation also explores line breeding and how genomics helps manage faults, then breaks down the Shakira-family brothers SHARPSHOOTER*RC, SOLEADO-RED, and TIDALWAVE-RED, and closes with interest in CYBEX P *RC.

STgenetics® has an impressive mid-release group of bulls who are highlighted by 14 sires over +3400 GTPI, 11 bulls exceeding +1200 Eco$, 10 bulls over +200 CFP, 10 sires with more than +4.0 Productive Life, 5 bulls above +1.00 UDC, and two new Jersey sires. We're also seeing exciting additions to both our Polled and Legend™ programs, with plenty of standout new sires, this is an STtalks you won’t want to miss!

Today’s guest highlights the impact of storytelling as a key tool for building consumer trust and connection. Emily Elsing, an agricultural storyteller and influencer, shares how FFA and her time at UW–Madison led her into agriculture, and how she and her husband, Avery, began sharing their everyday rural life on YouTube through their page, New Age Custom Farming, as well as her Facebook, Prairie Raised Beef, and Instagram, @‌emilyelsing_. Emily explains how in-person feedback confirmed the impact of their content, how she handles criticism, and why farmers don’t need an “earth-shattering” story to be worth following. She discusses social media’s role in opening “farm gates” to consumers, the value of real human connection and community, simple content ideas for dairy producers, and opportunities their social presence has created for their farm.

This week, we're joined by STgenetics®' Kevin Ziemba to discuss his article, "The Story of Fat and the Future of Protein: How Genetics Influence Components." We explore how changing consumer preferences are shaping processor demands, influencing genetic selection decisions on dairies worldwide, and creating new opportunities for producers to capture more value through strategic breeding programs. Tune in to learn why protein may be the next frontier in dairy genetics.

A special June Dairy Month episode of STtalks is now live! In this STtalks taped during STgenetics®’ Elite Dairy Summit in Puerto Rico, Tim Doelman, former CEO of fairlife®, joins us to discuss building one of the fastest-growing beverages over the past 12 years by “unlocking” milk’s nutrition and creating products based on consumer needs rather than commodity thinking. With the belief that milk contains the building blocks of life, especially proteins, we dive into the great opportunities that lie before dairy producers and how we can meet consumers' needs and demands today.

In this episode of #STtalks, we visit with Jason Felling of Felling Dairy and Mitch Hockett from #STgenetics to discuss how #Farmfit is helping turn real-time temperature and activity data into smarter decisions on the farm.