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We’re in it for you!
Considering today’s environment we feel fortunate for the solid financial position NorthStar Cooperative is in. The average price of products and services for this year is substantially lower when compared to previous years; decreasing operating profits. While some of the decline is a result of what’s happening due to the agriculture economy; much of it is the outcome of strategies the board of directors and staff implemented to increase your buying power.
Consistency key to 23% pregnancy rate
With interest in improving their herd’s production and reproduction, Brad and Vicki Krueger decided to use NothStar’s professional A.I. technician service to manage the reproduction program of the 620-cow herd. Read on to learn more about the team effort of NorthStar, the veterinarian and the Kruegers which is resulting in a 23% pregnancy rate.
Blood-based pregnancy detection test now available
Reproductive management is a challenge for dairies of all sizes. That’s why Select Sires and it’s member cooperatives have teamed up with BioTracking LLC to promote BioPRYN, a blood-based pregnancy detection tool. Click to learn more about this convenient, safe and accurate detection tool for reproductive programs.
Increase your ROI
Data shows Johne’s positive cows produce 10 percent less milk on similar intakes and have three times greater risk of being culled. Compared to test negative herd mates and replacements, feeding test positive cows can only result in lower profitability. In these economic times with unprecedented milk-to-feed ratios, consider culling all test positive cows.
Call for Candidates
Stockowners in districts 1, 2, 11 and 12 are needed to run for positions on the NorthStar Cooperative board of directors. In addition, candidates are needed from each district to serve on the resolutions and advisory committee. To be included in the election process, a candidate must submit a “letter of intent” form to the Cooperative by November 1, 2009. Click to submit your letter of intent.
Herdlife Builder improved
Improving longevity can lead to increased profitability. The Herdlife Builder designation was introduced in 2003 and has served as a useful indicator of sires with the combination of type traits that lead to improved longevity in large, commercial herds. As herds are steadily growing in size and with an expanding database of PL information, Select Sires has revised the criteria used to determine Herdlife Builder sires. Click to learn more.
FeedPRO – more income – less feed
Select Sires has developed FeedPRO, a new designation for lineup sires, that identifies bulls which will sire daughters that will maximize income over feed costs. Click to learn more about this new selection tool that is now available only at Select Sires.
Transition cow management checklist
Many farms struggle with the transition period and it is one of the most critical times in a cow’s lactation with long lasting carry-over effects that extend far beyond a high risk of culling in early lactation. Read on for best management practices that should lead to improved early lactation performance, decreased risk of early culling and improved reproductive success.
Ainsworth earns National Award
Julie Ainsworth, NorthStar Cooperative employee, is Select Sires’ 2009 Select Reproductive Solutions™ (SRS™) Specialist of the Year. This national award is presented to an SRS specialist that exemplifies the qualities that best accomplish the mission of SRS – to do whatever it takes to increase reproductive performance of dairy cattle.
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