click image to zoom The future of dairy cattle breeding will be among the key topics as eight breeders from coast to coast voice their perspectives at the workshop Advancing Dairy Cattle Genetics: Genomics and Beyond in Tempe, Ariz., from February 17 to 19.

For more workshop details, go to http://www.ans.iastate.edu/events/dairygenomics/ to complete your registration.

In the meantime, here is more insight on the two breeder panels that will hone in on the future of cattle breeding:

Traits of the Future:

Dana Allen Tully, Gar-Lin Dairy Farms, Eyota, Minn. Dana manages an 1,855 cow dairy of which two-thirds of the cows are Holsteins and one-third are crossbred. A Ph.D. nutritionist by training, Dana places a strong focus on health traits such somatic cell score, daughter pregnancy rate, and productive life when making mating decisions. She also is a member of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairys Cow of the Future Committee.

Alan Andersen, Seagull-Bay, American Falls, Idaho In recent years, the Andersens 600 cow Holstein herd has routinely placed bulls in the top 100 of the DNA or genomic-tested list. The most recognizable bull in that group is Seagull-Bay Supersire. Alan and his son, Greg, focus on high production and fitness traits. The family also has another 1,500 cow dairy at Declo, Idaho, managed by Alan's son Ben. This herd has utilized a 3-way crossbreeding system since 2005.

Alan Chittenden, Dutch Hollow Farm, Schodack Landing, N.Y. These Jersey breeders have been leaders in developing polled genetics that also rank high among all animals in the breed. Today, the herd consists of 600 Jersey cows. Their incredible track record of breeding top-notch cattle earned them the prestigious Master Breeder award from the American Jersey Cattle Association in 2012.

Jonathan Lamb, Oakfield Corners Dairy, Oakfield, N.Y. Lamb regularly uses embryo transplant and in-vitro fertilization on his 6,000 cow dairy to improve the genetics of his herds. Respected among his peers, Lamb serves as chairman of the genetic advancement committee for Holstein Association USA. Lamb was also named the Holstein USA Associations Distinguished Young Breeders in 2012.

On-farm Genomic Applications:

John Andersen, Double A Dairy, Jerome, Idaho Perhaps one of the largest users of genomic tests on a commercial scale, Andersen and his team routinely run genomic tests to sort out high-end and low-end genetic animals at their 13,000 cow dairy. Additionally, John stays involved of high-end genetics through breeding cattle under the Triple Crown Genetics prefix.

Read more here:
Rethinking dairy genetics: Eight breeders to share needs in cows

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