The World's source for Bovine Genetics
SELECTIONS - Summer 2004
Continued Training for Evaluators


For more than 30 years, Select Sires customers have known that when they invite a Select Mating Service™ (SMS™ ) evaluator onto their farm to develop a breeding program, they get consistent results. SMS professionals not only have the training to consistently evaluate cows and recommend corrective matings, but are also dedicated to customer goals, knowledgeable of current trends and communicate effectively. How do they stay on top of their game? With the annual SMS conference, hosted each year at a different location around the country.

This year’s meeting was held in Stephensville, Texas, and the surrounding areas. The conference began with a full day of educational presentations on current and upcoming bulls, Select’s various programs and hands-on training on dairy software, including PC Dart, DHI Plus and DairyComp 305. The next order of business were two linear workout sessions on local dairies. These sessions focused on discussing specific traits as well as unity within traits. Evaluators were also exposed to new classification changes soon to be implemented to Holstein Association USA’s classification services. These workouts also give participants a look at second-crop daughters of current bulls, as well as daughters of potential graduates. Above all, though, evaluators learn from each other as they share ideas and discuss trends from across the country.

Cows in Pasture
A picturesque herd in Texas was one of the SMS stops.

Men With Cows
Instructed by Lon Peters, dairy sire product services manager, far left, participants at the 2004 SMS Evaluator Conference got hands-on training in evaluating cattle, as well as updates on current industry trends.

Evaluator Chuck Harmon, NorthStar Cooperative, Lansing, Mich., was honored with the Evaluator of the Year Award. This award is given to an individual who has proven him or herself by providing years of superior service, maintaining successful relationships with dairy producers and providing a history of high-quality evaluations. Interested in seeing what SMS can do for you? Visit our Web site at www.selectsires.com, then click on Programs, or contact your member cooperative.



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Select Sires Inc., 11740 U.S. 42 North, Plain City, Ohio 43064 / Phone: (614) 873-4683 Fax: (614) 873-5751