DairyVoice Podcast

Connie Kuber of Sealpro Silage Barriers talks with Dr. Anna Catharina Berge, a Swedish veterinarian based in Belgium. Dr. Berge speaks on MSD Animal Health’s continuing study of ongoing bovine coronavirus and its prevalence in the UK and European Union. The study looks at how much virus and antibodies are present, measuring 130 farms with over 200 risk factors. Preliminary results of the study do not look good and Dr. Berge spoke of actions that are needed right now.

In this episode of DairyVoice, Tim Abbott of Showbox Sires with his series, The Evolution of the Great Cow, spends time with two of Horace Backus’ closest friends, Joel Hastings and Dave Rama, to talk about his contributions to the industry.

Horace Backus of Mexico, New York, the “Dean of Holstein Pedigrees”, passed peacefully in his sleep early on October 22, 2024. He spent his long career working with Registered Holsteins as a breeder, auction sale manager, author and organizational leader and is widely recognized by thousands of dairy breeders and industry leaders nationally and internationally. He was truly one of the Greatest Of All Time in the holstein world.

Tim, Dave, and Joel talk about their memories of Horace throughout the years and what they felt he brought to the table. There is a Horace Backus fund with Holstein Foundation, which is discussed in the podcast. If you would like more information on the Horace Backus Fund and how to help, contact the Holstein Foundation here.

A commitment to cow health and wellbeing is the focus of this episode. At Collins Dairy near Green Bay, Wisconsin, the latest technology, solid management and a focus on cow care makes for a high producing, healthy herd. In DairyVoice episode 37, Herd Manager and partner Luke Hopkins and consulting Veterinarian Dr. Richard Wallace of Zoetis tell host Joel Hastings how they get the job done.

Luke Hopkins oversees a 1300 milking cow and heifer-raising program, using the latest technologies, as well as his lifetime of experience caring for dairy cattle. Dr. Richard Wallace, dairy technical service team manager for Zoetis, has assisted here, applying his background in private practice as well as his academic training. Together, they insure a healthy, high producing herd.

As head of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, former USDA secretary Tom Vilsack leads the effort to increase the volume and value of American dairy products sold offshore. In spite of the headwinds for international trade, he has seen sales grow and is optimistic for continued success. In episode 6 of DairyVoice podcast, here's why Vilsack thinks his "Next Five Percent" plan is on the right track.

James & Steph Doherty now run Firstlook Genetics from Ivy House Farm in Shropshire, UK. Their focus is a commercially sound herd blending type, production and health traits built upon a strong foundation of the worlds finest cow families.

In this episode of DairyVoice, Tim Abbott of Showbox Sires talks with James and Steph about their business, history, and why they have such passion for breeding and marketing great cows.

James & Steph have an upcoming global sale on June 15 beginning 1-1:30pm UK time, with some impressive pedigrees. For more information about the event, go to Firstlook Genetics Facebook page.