DairyBusiness

An (almost) daily recap of dairy information:

July 2, 2009

June federal order prices

The June federal order Class III milk price is $9.97/cwt., up 13¢ from May, but down $10.28/cwt. from June 2008. The 2009 year-to-date average is $10.19/cwt., down from $18.26/cwt. for the same period a year ago. The June Class IV price is $10.22/cwt., up 8¢ from May, but $5.70 less than a year ago.

CWT releases final retirement numbers

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) finished the farm audits of its seventh herd retirement round since the program was started in 2003, removing 101,040 cows that produced an estimated 1.96 billion lbs. of milk. For more information, visit http://dairywebmall.com/dbcpress/?p=3438.

CWT to blame for lower cull cow prices?

Are all those Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) cows headed to slaughter to blame for a decline in the cull cow price in June?

Psychologically, maybe, but all the numbers don’t add up, according to Dillon Feuz, livestock marketing specialist at Utah State University. In his June 30 market analysis report, Feuz said the three primary drivers affecting beef cull cow prices are: 1) weakness in beef demand; 2) increased dairy cow slaughter; and 3) the psychological impact of the CWT program.

Feuz points to total slaughter numbers: During the last weeks of June, about 111,000 cull cows and bulls were slaughtered per week, up only about 1,500 head from the March/April average weekly slaughter average, and below year-ago level of about 115,000 head per week. 

Dairy cow slaughter is up, from about 44,000 per week last year, to 50,000 per week this year. However, weekly beef cow slaughter has decreased from 71,000 head last year, to about 62,000 head. 

According to latest estimates from USDA’s Dairy Market News, dairy cow slaughter under federal inspection for the week ending June 6 totaled 60,800, compared to 45,100 head for the comparable week a year earlier. Total cow slaughter was 123,600 head, up less than 2,000 from the 121,900 head for the comparable week a year earlier.

Year-to-date dairy cull cow slaughter was 1.284 million, up 152,000 head from a year earlier. Total cow slaughter was 2.678 million head, up just 43,000 head from 2008. Dairy cows are making up a bigger proportion of total cow slaughter in 2009: 47.9% year-to-date, compared to 43.0% for the same period a year ago.

For more information, visit http://dairywebmall.com/dbcpress/?p=3443

To see the latest analysis and comment from Feuz, visit http://cattlemarketanalysis.org.

Regular, ‘rbST-free’ and organic milk prices compared

The American Farm Bureau Federation’s Marketbasket Survey took a quarterly look at retail prices for regular, “rbST-free” and organic milk. For the second quarter of 2009, U.S. shoppers in 33 states reported paying an average of:

• $1.92 for a half-gallon of regular whole milk, down 24¢ from the prior quarter. 

• $3.18 for a half-gallon of rBST-free milk, down 1¢ from the last quarter and about 65% higher than regular milk.

• $3.63 for a half-gallon of organic milk, down 8¢ compared to the first quarter and approximately 90% higher than regular milk.

Compared to a year ago (second quarter of 2008), the retail price for regular milk in half-gallon containers decreased 20%; “rBST-free” milk dropped about 5%; and organic milk went up and down slightly throughout the year, rising 1% in the second quarter of 2009 compared to a year ago.

—

• one half-gallon of milk = approximately 4.3 lbs. = 23.25 half-gallons per hundredweight (cwt.) of milk.

• “rbst-free” premium markup: $1.26/half-gallon X 23.25 = $29.30/cwt.

• $3.18/half-gallon (price per half-gallon “rbST-free” milk = $73.94/cwt. gross income from sale of “rbST-free” milk

• May U.S. average fluid milk price paid to farmers: $11.60/cwt.* (Source: USDA)

*Some dairy farmers received a small premium for producing “rbST-free” milk.

For more information, visit http://dairywebmall.com/dbcpress/?p=3445.

Thursday’s markets

CME cash cheese and butter prices were unchanged on July 2; July 2009-April 2010 Class III milk futures were lower. 

CBOT corn, soybean and soybean meal futures prices were all lower.

For today’s market activities on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and Chicago Board of Trade, visit http://www.dairybusiness.com/dairybusiness_markets.php. 

Reminder: No Dairy Profit Weekly this week

Dairy Profit Weekly takes its annual July 4 holiday this week, so there will be no issue dated July 6, 2009.

Continue to log on to www.dairybusiness.com for (almost) daily Dairy Profit Weekly updates.

For a sample copy of Dairy Profit Weekly, or subscription information, visit www.dairyprofit.com or phone: 800-334-1904, ext. 244.

Dave Natzke, Editor

editor News and Events

The American Farm Bureau Federation’s Marketbasket Survey took a quarterly look at retail prices for regular, “rbST-free” and organic milk. The survey involves consumers in 33 states. 

For the second quarter of 2009, U.S. shoppers reported the average price for a half-gallon of regular whole milk was $1.92, down 24¢ from the prior quarter. The average price for one gallon of regular whole milk was $3.01, down 14¢. Comparing per-quart prices, the retail price for whole milk sold in gallon containers was about 25% lower compared to half-gallon containers, a typical volume discount long employed by retailers.

The average price for a half-gallon of rBST-free milk was $3.18, down 1¢ from the last quarter and about 65% higher than the reported retail price for a half-gallon of regular milk ($1.92).

The average price for a half-gallon of organic milk was $3.63, down 8¢ compared to the first quarter and approximately 90% higher than the reported retail price for a half-gallon of regular milk ($1.92).

Compared to a year ago (second quarter of 2008), the retail price for regular milk in gallon containers decreased by 22%, while regular milk in half-gallon containers decreased 20%. The average retail price for rBST-free milk dropped about 5% in a year’s time. The average retail price for organic milk in half-gallon containers went up and down slightly throughout the year, rising 1% in the second quarter of 2009 compared to a year ago.

—

• one half-gallon of milk = approximately 4.3 lbs. = 23.25 half-gallons per hundredweight (cwt.) of milk.

• “rbst-free” premium markup: $1.26/half-gallon X 23.25 = $29.30/cwt.

• $3.18/half-gallon (price per half-gallon “rbST-free” milk = $73.94/cwt. gross income from sale of “rbST-free” milk

• May U.S. average fluid milk price paid to farmers: $11.60/cwt.* (Source: USDA)

* Some dairy farmers received a small premium for producing “rbST-free” milk.

editor News and Events

Are all those Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) cows headed to slaughter to blame for a decline in the cull cow price in June?

Psychologically, maybe, but all the numbers don’t add up, according to Dillon Feuz, livestock marketing specialist at Utah State University. In his June 30 market analysis report, Feuz said the three primary drivers affecting beef cull cow prices are: 1) weakness in beef demand; 2) increased dairy cow slaughter; and 3) the psychological impact of the CWT program.

Feuz points to total slaughter numbers: During the last weeks of June, about 111,000 cull cows and bulls were slaughtered per week, up only about 1,500 head from the March/April average weekly slaughter average, and below year-ago level of about 115,000 head per week. 

Dairy cow slaughter is up, from about 44,000 per week last year, to 50,000 per week this year. However, weekly beef cow slaughter has decreased from 71,000 head last year, to about 62,000 head this year. 

According to latest estimates from USDA’s Dairy Market News, dairy cow slaughter under federal inspection for the week ending June 6 totaled 60,800, compared to 45,100 head for the comparable week a year earlier. Total cow slaughter for the week was 123,600 head, up less than 2,000 from the 121,900 head for the comparable week a year earlier.

Year-to-date dairy cull cow slaughter was 1.284 million, up 152,000 head from a year earlier. Year-to-date total cow slaughter was 2.678 million head, up just 43,000 head from 2008. Dairy cows are making up a bigger proportion of total cow slaughter in 2009: 47.9% year-to-date, compared to 43.0% for the same period a year ago.

editor News and Events

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) finished the farm audits of its seventh herd retirement round since the program was started in 2003, removing 101,040 cows that produced an estimated 1.96 billion lbs. of milk. 

At the completion of the on-farm auditing process at the end of June, CWT removed 367 herds in 41 states (see Table 1).  These figures reflect the final number of dairies that successfully were audited in the herd retirement process in May and June. CWT had received 538 bids from 41 states during the bidding process in April.  As has been the case with its previous herd retirement rounds, most of the cows removed were in the western regions of the country.  This round also removed 818 bred heifers. 

 “Even though this was by far the largest of CWT’s seven herd retirement efforts, we were able to move quickly in May and June to audit the participating farms,” said Jim Tillison, CWT chief operating officer.  “The national dairy herd will be noticeably smaller this summer as a result of CWT.”

 CWT auditors were sent to each of the farms whose bids were accepted.  Once the information submitted by the farmers with their bid was verified, each of the cows had a special CWT ear tag applied, and the farmers were given a brief amount of time to sell their cows for processing.  Once the sales receipts for the animals are verified and ear tags are returned to CWT by the processing plants, farmers are issued payment. Tillison said some farmers’ names have yet to be posted online (www.cwt.coop) from this seventh round, but will be in coming weeks as they are sent their payments.

He added that additional CWT herd reduction activities are likely in 2009, given the depressed state of milk prices and the continuing imbalance between supply and demand.

editor News and Events

An (almost) daily recap of dairy information:

July 1, 2009

DFWT hosts teleconference

Dairy Farmers Working Together (DFWT) capped Dairy Month with a teleconference promoting the Dairy Price Stabilization Plan.  This program offers a growth management mechanism that balances supply to the demands of the market with financial incentives to stay within an allowable growth percentage, as well as market access fees for those producers who go over base production levels.    

DFWT has plans to continue their efforts and will look to use technology (webinar, internet chats, and conference calls) as much as possible as they set up meetings around the country with various dairy groups.  Members of DFWT, Milk Producers Council, and Holstein Association USA will present their thoughts to the Cooperatives Working Together task force meeting, July 20, In Chicago.

More information on this call can be found at www.dfwt.org or by calling 1-802-848-7446.

California class prices

California’s June 4b cheese milk price is $9.52/cwt., down 2¢ from May and $9.60 less than June 2008. The 4a butter powder milk price is $10.06/cwt., up 3¢ from May and $5.55 less than a year ago.

Federal order Class II, III and IV milk prices for June prices will be announced July 3.

Tuesday’s markets

CME cash cheese and butter prices were unchanged on July 1; Class III milk futures were mostly lower. 

CBOT corn futures prices settled slightly higher; soybean and soybean meal futures prices rallied.

For today’s market activities on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and Chicago Board of Trade, visit http://www.dairybusiness.com/dairybusiness_markets.php. 

Wednesday on DairyLine Radio

National Milk Producers Federation has called on USDA to raise the purchase prices for cheese and nonfat dry milk under the Dairy Product Price Support program for about 90 days. NMPF’s Chris Galen said the action would enhance the safety net program in last year’s farm bill by boosting the purchase price of cheese by 6¢/lb. and nonfat dry milk by 4¢/lb. and would allow more product to clear to the government, thereby boosting producer milk income by about $235 million, according to NMPF calculations. 

Read more details or listen to the conversation with DairyLine’s Lee Mielke at www.dairyline.com.

editor News and Events

Milk yield, reproduction performance of first lactation Holstein cows closely related to age, weight at first calving.

By Joseph Dalton, Ricardo Chebel and J.L. Stevenson 

CALDWELL, Idaho – Milk yield and reproductive performance of first lactation Holstein cows is closely related to age at first calving and weight after calving. 

According to records processed at DHI Provo, the average age at first calving is greater than 25 months for Holstein herds in the western United States. In fact, less than 3% of U.S. dairy producers achieve the recommended target of ≤ 24 months of age at first calving and ≥ 1,230 lb (live weight) after calving. Increased age at first calving results in increased costs due to additional rearing expense, and lost income opportunity from not having milk in the tank earlier in the animal’s life.

 The most common reproductive protocol for dairy heifers is insemination following detection of spontaneous heat. The proportion of heifers pregnant (formerly known as conception rate) following insemination after detection of heat usually ranges from 50 to 76%. Artificial insemination following detection of heat, however, requires daily observation for signs of heat and may result in an extended interval from puberty to pregnancy depending on heat detection efficiency and accuracy.

 Other reproductive protocols used in heifers include the use of: 1) prostaglandin (PG), 2) an intravaginal progesterone insert (CIDR) and PG, and 3) timed AI (TAI). With good management, treatment of heifers with PG ensures greater heat detection and AI labor efficiency with no detriment to fertility when compared with heifers inseminated upon detection of spontaneous heat. The use of a CIDR and PG generally results in tighter heat synchrony compared with heifers synchronized with 1 injection of PG alone. Fertility of heifers synchronized with a CIDR and PG (and receiving AI after heat detection) is comparable to heifers that receive AI after PG-induced or spontaneous heat.

 Unfortunately, heifers inseminated at a fixed time after the completion of Ovsynch have reduced fertility compared with those inseminated after heat detection. The disappointing results following TAI in heifers may be related to the increased number of follicular waves in heifers as compared to cows, leading to difficulty in achieving ovulation following the first GnRH injection of Ovsynch. In lactating cows, for example, it is clear that the proportion of cows that become pregnant after Ovsynch is dependent on the proportion of cows that ovulate in response to the first GnRH injection.

(Figure 1) Holstein heifers approximately 13 months old were assigned to one of four protocols.

 Recent research at the University of Idaho investigated four different reproductive protocols at a large Idaho dairy.  Holstein heifers approximately 13 months old were assigned to one of four protocols (Figure 1). Heifers in the control group received daily tail paint and AI on detection of spontaneous heat. Heifers in the PG group received one injection of PG at enrollment and AI on detected heat, whereas those not inseminated received a second PG injection 14 days later and AI on detected heat. Heifers in the CIDR group received a CIDR insert for 7 days, a PG injection at CIDR removal, and AI on detection of heat during 3 days after CIDR removal. Heifers not inseminated by 72 hours after CIDR removal received TAI + GnRH injection. The last group was the TAI group and the protocol was as follows: GnRH injection, 6 days later insertion of CIDR and injections of PG and GnRH, 7 days later CIDR removal and PG injection, and TAI + GnRH injection 48 hours after CIDR removal. 

The first GnRH injection was intended to presynchronize heifers so that maximum ovulation to the GnRH given 6 days later would be achieved. The PG injection given at the time of CIDR insertion was intended to cause regression of CL, reduce the progesterone concentration, and improve synchronization of ovulation at the time of TAI. 

Table 1.

Results are shown in Table 1. Proportion of heifers pregnant 32 ± 3 days after AI was greater for control and PG heifers compared with CIDR and TAI heifers. The interval from enrollment to pregnancy among heifers that became pregnant was also affected by treatment (Table 1). Heifers in the PG and CIDR groups had the shortest interval, whereas TAI heifers had the longest. The 28-day pregnancy rate (the proportion of heifers pregnant at the end of the 28-day breeding program, as determined by the formula: number pregnant/total number of eligible heifers) was smallest for the heifers in the TAI group as compared to heifers in the PG and control groups.

Data used for evaluation of economic outcomes were based on actual data from the dairy. The reproductive protocol costs were calculated based on costs of drugs, labor costs for treatment of animals, and labor costs for heat detection. The rearing cost was calculated based on daily maintenance cost per heifer multiplied by the number of days from enrollment in the study to pregnancy or to the end of the study period for heifers that did not become pregnant. The breeding program costs (Table 2) were calculated by adding the reproductive protocol cost and the rearing cost. Breeding program cost was lowest for control and PG groups, whereas heifers in the CIDR group had an intermediate breeding program cost, and TAI heifers had the highest breeding program cost (Table 2).

(Table 2)

The mean cost per pregnancy generated (Table 2) for each treatment was also calculated.  (More detailed information on the economic analyses can be found at: Stevenson et al., 2008. J. Dairy Sci. 91:3124-3438). Heifers in the PG and control treatments had the lowest cost per pregnancy followed by heifers in the CIDR and TAI treatments, respectively (Table 2).

The TAI protocol used in this study resulted in an extended interval from enrollment to AI and conception, lower pregnancy per AI, and a smaller proportion of heifers pregnant at the end of the 28-day breeding program. Consequently, heifers in the TAI group had a greater cost per pregnancy generated. In contrast, the control and PG protocols, which were based on detection of spontaneous or PG-induced heat and subsequent AI, resulted in reduced reproductive protocol costs and rearing costs, respectively. Consequently, heifers in the control and PG groups had the lowest breeding program cost and cost per pregnancy generated. Ultimately, treatment of heifers with PG every 14 days until insemination and pregnancy resulted in the best economic outcomes.

Efficient and accurate heat detection is necessary for successful reproductive management in non-TAI protocols. Consequently, in a situation where AI technicians struggle with heat detection efficiency and accuracy, the control and PG protocols could result in decreased pregnancy rates, which could affect the economic outcomes. Nevertheless, the results shown here provide evidence that simple reproductive protocols, based on detection of spontaneous or PG-induced heat, can result in high reproductive efficiency and be economically viable. 

FYI

■  To contact Dr. Joseph Dalton, e-mail him at: jdalton@uidaho.edu. 

editor Western DairyBusiness

Chicago Board of Trade corn futures trade sharply lower

Estimates in USDA’s June 1 Grain Stocks and Acreage reports were generally very negative for corn price prospects, with stocks and acreage both exceeding expectations, according to Darrel Good, University of Illinois Extension economist.  Acreage of wheat also exceeded expectations.  Estimates were closer to expectations for soybeans, but point to ample supplies during the year ahead.

Stocks of corn on June 1 were estimated at 4.266 billion bushels, 238 million larger than stocks of a year ago and about 75 million larger than the average trade guess.  Stocks were about 185 million larger than if third quarter domestic consumption had been at the rate projected by USDA.  The July update of projected marketing year consumption and year ending stocks will likely contain a larger projection of year-ending inventories.

Inventories of soybeans on June 1 were estimated at 597 million bushels, 79 million smaller than the inventory of a year ago, but about 10 million above the average trade guess.  Seed, feed and residual use of soybeans during the third quarter of the year was below the average of the past 5 years.  The report does not alter the outlook for extremely tight supplies of soybeans at the end of the 2008-09 marketing year.  Both exports and the domestic crush are progressing at a slightly faster pace than projected by USDA.

Planted acreage of corn in 2009 is now estimated at 87.035 million, 1.053 million more than planted in 2008 and 2.049 million more than reported in USDA’s March Prospective Plantings report.  Acreage exceeded intentions in most states.  The largest increases were in Nebraska (600,000) and Iowa (500,000).  Acreage exceeded intentions by 100,000 in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania and South Dakota.  Acreage is 400,000 less than intentions in North Dakota.

Corn acreage harvested for grain in 2009 is projected at 80.107 million, 1.467 million more than harvested last year.  If the U.S. average yield is near the adjusted trend of 153.4 bushels projected by USDA earlier this month, the 2009 crop would total 12.288 billion bushels, 353 million larger than the early month projection.  A larger crop, along with larger stocks at the beginning of the 2009-10 marketing year and the now confirmed slowing pace of domestic consumption, suggest that stocks at the end of the 2009-10 marketing year will now be projected well above the 1.09 billion bushels previously projected by the USDA.

Planted acreage of soybeans in 2009 is estimated at 77.483 million acres, 936,000 more than acreage of a year ago and 1.459 million more than intentions reported in March.  The largest increases relative to intentions were in South Dakota (400,000) and Missouri (350,000).  Acreage exceeds intentions by 100,000 in Illinois, Kansas, and Mississippi; 140,000 in Tennessee; 150,000 in North Dakota; and 200,000 in Minnesota.  Acreage is 500,000 less than intentions in Nebraska.  Soybean acreage estimates may include more than the usual portion of intentions due to late planting in the eastern corn belt.

Harvested acreage of soybeans in 2009 is projected at 76.547 million, 1.906 million more than harvested last year.  If the 2009 yield is at the trend value of 42.6 bushels projected by USDA earlier this month, the 2009 crop would total 3.261 billion bushels, 66 million above the early month projection.  A crop of that size will generate expectations of fully adequate supplies for the 2009-10 marketing year, particularly if South American production rebounds in 2010.

Planted acreage of wheat for harvest in 2009 is now estimated at 59.775 million, 3.372 million less than planted for harvest in 2008, but 1.137 million more than estimated in March.  Winter wheat acreage was 559,000 more than previously estimated, while durum acreage exceeded intentions by 100,000 and acreage of other spring wheat exceeded intentions by 468,000 acres.  Harvested acreage of all classes of wheat is projected at 50.445 million, 5.24 million fewer than harvested last year, but about 1.5 million more than projected earlier this month.

Area planted to principal crops in 2009 is estimated at 320.879 million, 3.94 million less than planted in 2008.  This is a much smaller decline than reported in March.  Intentions for the crops reported in March were 7.8 million acres less than planted in 2008.

The June USDA reports point to a more comfortable supply of corn, soybeans and wheat for the 2009-10 marketing year.  The focus in the corn and soybean markets will now turn to summer weather and yield prospects.

Farm Bureau: More corn for ethanol?

The big jump in both planted acreage and stocks for corn could encourage the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to increase its ethanol blend rate, according to Terry Francl, senior economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation.

“For the 2009/2010, the greater availability of corn supplies makes it more likely that the EPA will increase the ethanol blend rate from the current 10% to 12%-15%, effective Jan. 1, 2010,” Francl said. “That will in turn utilize some 400 to 500 million more bushels of corn in the 2009/2010 crop year and reduce corn ending stocks by 300 to 400 million bushels. It is also important to remember that about one-third of the corn that is utilized as ethanol comes back as distillers dried grain, which replaces corn and some protein meal.”

editor News and Events

Do you want to conserve the use of commonplace technologies in agriculture such as antibiotic use or biotech crops?  Make plans to join the American Farmers for the Advancement and Conservation of Technology (AFACT) at the 2^nd Annual Summit, July 22-23, 2009, at the Doubletree Hotel in Minneapolis, MN.  The theme, “Working Together to Create Solutions,” will involve all attendees in discussions of the food chain; from producer, to retailer, to consumer and the technologies that influence them.   

­The summit will focus on group discussions to create solutions to consumer concerns, litigation and current issues facing agriculture.  It will also provide a forum about consumers and retailers to discuss perspectives on current food production processes. Alex Avery from the Center for Global Food Issues will present on the global demands for food, fiber and fuel, and their impact on sustainability.  Michele Payn-Knoper will be on hand to teach about the use of social media in shifting public opinion.  Also, case studies of Proposition 2 in California, along with the crop and swine industries will be discussed. 

For more information or to register for the 2^nd Annual AFACT Summit, visit www.itisafact.org.  Registration cost is $150 for AFACT members, $175 for non-members.

AFACT is a team-driven organization by producer volunteers across the Unites States.  As the organization’s name implies, AFACT is dedicated to conserving existing safe management practices and supporting the advancement of new technologies utilized in agriculture.  AFACT strives to provide the consumer safe and wholesome food at a good value, as well as distributing factual information regarding advances in modern agriculture.

editor News and Events

Alpharma Inc. Animal Health announced the launch of Reach Teach Learn, a grassroots educational program, at the 2009 Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in St. Louis, Mo. The program supports local school districts and colleges through initiatives that encourage students to learn more about agriculture and how their food is produced, and to share their insights and knowledge about what they learned.

“There has never been a better time to familiarize students with current agricultural trends and how their decisions affect society,” says Jeff Mellinger, Global Leader, Sales & Marketing for Alpharma Inc., Animal Health. “These initiatives are small steps towards better, more informed and educated students.”

Reach Teach Learn consists of two main initiatives: a student video contest and an essay contest. The video contest gives college students enrolled in agriculture coursework the opportunity to display their passion for agriculture by creating a video depicting current, ethical agriculture practices.  The essay contest, which will be launched for the first time this fall, was created in collaboration with “Ag in the Classroom,” a grassroots program coordinated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In this initiative high school students are asked to provide their perspective writing of an essay on agriculture based on a lesson plan based on a selected book.

The contests begins in September and runs through mid December. To learn more about Reach Teach Learn, specific initiatives and official contest rules, visit www.ReachTeachLearn.com.  

About Alpharma

Alpharma Inc. is a global animal health company with a leadership position in the registration, manufacture, and marketing of a broad range of pharmaceutical and nutritional products for food-producing animals. Alpharma is presently active in more than 60 countries. Alpharma is a wholly owned subsidiary of King Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE:KG). For more information, visit http://www.alpharma.com/.

editor Industry News

ABS Global and St. Jacobs ABC sire 94HO10276 Regancrest DUNDEE was euthanized in mid June due to declining mobility.

DUNDEE leaves an indelible impact on the breed by garnering phenomenal show results around the world with hundreds of first-place finishes to his credit. He has already sired dozens of All-American and All-Canadian daughters. He also recently generated excitement being named the Premier Sire of the 2008 Royal Agriculture Winter Fair.  Along with his show ring success, DUNDEE currently has 19,489 daughters in his proof giving him a PTAT of +3.04.  His daughters work well in all environments and improve with age.

 “DUNDEE quickly became a global and North American favorite as he provided dairy producers with high quality, high type daughters that dominated in the show ring,” stated Keith Wideman, President of St. Jacobs ABC, Inc. board of directors.  “With the success we had with DUNDEE, selling over a half million units, we have been able to grow and expand both the scope and genetics our St. Jacobs ABC programs including Judge’s Choice™ and Red & White Genetics.”

Warren Trask, treasurer of St. Jacobs ABC board of directors added, “DUNDEE has helped strengthen and grow the relationship between St. Jacobs ABC and our marketing partner, ABS, since acquiring the bull nine years ago.  We also recognize Regancrest Farms for breeding this great bull and giving us the opportunity to work with him.”

Adequate inventory of DUNDEE conventional and ABS Sexation sex-sorted semen remains so uninterrupted customer access to this dominant show ring sire is assured.

St. Jacobs Artificial Breeding Corporation was founded in 1958 and is headquartered in Elmira, Ontario (Canada). St. Jacobs ABC is a farmer-owned artificial insemination cooperative that focuses on developing elite dairy cattle genetics for sale through ABS Global, Inc.

editor Industry News