CDCB Producer Exchange Connects the Industry

On the eve of the April 2025 triannual evaluations, CDCB held its first Producer Exchange in Reno, Nev., in conjunction with the Western Dairy Management Conference. The event brought together dairy farmers, scientists, and industry collaborators to discuss the role genetics plays in a profitable farm operation — plus how new traits and research will continue to benefit producers.

From the stage…

“For us, components and somatic cell values give us a true snapshot of that cow’s profitability…If I’m making culling decisions based on milk weights alone, I believe that I’ve got a pretty good chance of making the wrong decision.” Idaho dairy farmer Greg Andersen explained the value his farms see from milk testing. Based on his on-farm comparisons, one-third of cows move out of the percentile they rank in when milk alone is considered versus when individual fat and protein values are incorporated.

“That’s higher than any other trait we’re currently selecting for.” In discussing the progress made on introducing a new trait for milking speed, Asha Miles of USDA’s Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory highlighted that the research conducted so far has shown a trait heritability of 37%.

“Milk is worth something, but probably the uterus is worth even more.” During the producer panel “Genetic strategies for profitability,” Luis Davalos of Corrales Dairy in New Mexico emphasized the value he places on cows that get pregnant with a profitable calf and do their job without interference.

“The base is a reference point for measuring genetic progress. It has been changed every five years since 1980 because we want to maintain genetic progress but also some stability.” CDCB geneticist Taylor McWhorter discussed the four major changes made in the April 2025 evaluations, including how the routine base change impacts new Predicted Transmitting Ability (PTA) values.

“We wouldn’t be able to be making the kind of production that we do today without the genetics that we have. Genetics serves a lot of things when it comes to profitability.” Wisconsin dairy farmer Dan Siemers outlined how genetic selection improves their herd at Siemers Holsteins during the producer panel.

“Milk samples have tremendous potential to put more tools in your toolbelt.” CDCB associate research scientist Malia Caputo shared that there are many more possible uses for the milk spectra data captured in the milk testing process, from identifying health biomarkers to monitoring nutrition through fatty acid production.

“At the end of the day, you have to pick a number based on you and benchmark against yourself.” Brett Barlass of California Dairy Farms recognized during the producer panel that the success of any voluntary waiting period (VWP) depends on how a dairy operates in its unique environment and with its management practices.

“Our industry is made up of several factors, but the two most important pieces are people and data.” CDCB CEO João Dürr concluded the event by recognizing the collaborative effort that makes the National Cooperator Database — the source of genetic evaluation information — possible.

CDCB Producer Exchange speakers. Back (left to right): João Dürr, Dan Siemers, Greg Andersen, Brett Barlass, Katie Schmitt. Front: Luis Davalos, Malia Caputo, Taylor McWhorter, Asha Miles