Recognizing the vital role of reproductive success in dairy farm profitability and sustainability, the Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council (DCRC) honored 24 outstanding dairies during its annual meeting, held November 12-14 in Arlington, Texas. These farms were celebrated for achieving exceptional reproductive efficiency, fertility, and management practices as part of the DCRC Excellence in Dairy Cattle Reproduction Awards program.
Award levels included Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze, with the prestigious Platinum recognition awarded to six farms:
- Crosswind Jerseys (Stefan Temperli), Elkton, S.D.
- Diamond J Dairy (Wiebren Jonkman), Merced, Calif.
- Felling Dairy LLC (Jason Felling), Sauk Centre, Minn.
- Nustar Farms (Anthony and Lori Nunes), Sibley, Iowa.
- Ryzebol Dairy (Brant Ryzebol), Mantorville, Minn.
- Windulan Holsteins (Mike Portena), Monkton, Ont., Canada.
The program received 75 nominations from eight countries, 14 U.S. states, and one Canadian province, with nominees submitted by dairy industry professionals such as veterinarians, extension specialists, and representatives from artificial insemination and pharmaceutical companies.
Gold Winners:
- Davis Family Farm (Brad and Jayme Davis), Darlington, Wis.
- Pleasant View Farm (Rodney Metzler), Martinsburg, Pa.
- Ripps Dairy Valley (Chuck and Troy Ripp), Waunakee, Wis.
- Ruedinger Farms (John Ruedinger and Dave Zappa), Van Dyne, Wis.
- Scheps Dairy (Ken and Dan Scheps), Almena, Wis.
- Verhoef Dairy Farm Inc. (Reinoud and Klaartje Verhoef), Belmont, Ont., Canada.
Silver Winners:
- Az. Agr. Cervi Ciboldi (Giovanni and Cecilia Ciboldi), Luignano, Cremona, Italy.
- Johnson Hill Dairy (Johnson Family), Valders, Wis.
- Maple Ridge Dairy (Brian Forrest), Stratford, Wis.
- Rock River Jerseys (Brett Kirkley), Doon, Iowa.
- Stewardson Dairy Farms (Dylan Stewardson), Thedford, Ont., Canada.
- Victory Farm (Kevin Souza), Milbank, S.D.
Bronze Winners:
- Brian Ryzebol Dairy (Ryan and Marique Buchanan), Bailey, Mich.
- Ferme Dessaint Inc. (Nicholas Dessaint), Sarsfield, Ont., Canada.
- Hammink Dairy (Wim Hammink), Bruce, S.D.
- LDT Keller (Luke and Dan Keller), Fort Recovery, Ohio.
- Marks Farms (Lindsey Peck), Lowville, N.Y.
- Newmont Dairy (Walt and Will Galdstone), Fairlee, Vt.
Judges evaluated finalists on criteria including pregnancy rates, voluntary waiting periods, heat detection, conception rates, and overall reproductive management practices. The awards aim to promote excellence in dairy reproduction.
