The Select Sires Podcast

Learn how the Genetic Data Partner (GDP) Program from Select Sires helps drive dairy genetic progress through real-world data collection and young sire sampling. In this episode, Preston Sheets, Dairy Development Programs Advisor, explains how partner herds contribute fertility, production and type data to develop more reliable, proven sires. Discover how the program benefits producers with early access to genetics while shaping th...

In this episode of The Select Sires Podcast, experts from the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding break down major updates to female fertility evaluations, including improvements to DPR, CCR, HCR, and EFC, as well as the introduction of a new trait, First Service to Conception (FSC). They explain how modern dairy management and data collection are shaping more accurate genetic predictions. Tune in to learn how these changes can help p...

In this episode of the Select Sires podcast, Kristen Gaddis, Ph.D., of Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding joins Host Ethan Haywood to discuss new calf health traits focused on Resistance to Diarrhea (DIA) and Resistance to Respiratory Problems (RSP). Built from extensive on-farm data insights, these evaluations offer producers a new tool to improve calf survival and long-term herd performance. The conversation highlights how genetics...

In this episode, Kevin Jorgensen and Rick VerBeek unpack the momentum behind Select Sires’ NxGEN® and GForce™ lineups, highlighting the sires, cow families and genetic strategies driving today’s highest‑ranking TPI®, HHP$® and fitness‑focused Holstein genetics. From fast‑rising NxGEN sires like 14HO17486 COBOT and 7HO18078 BENTHEHM, to GForce leaders like 7HO16644 RIMBOT and 7HO17413 FOONBURTON, the conversation centers...

Get an inside look at semen collection and processing at Select Sires, with Vice President of Semen Processing and Quality Control, Lucas Helser. Lucas walks through his 16‑year journey with the cooperative and explains the science, technology, and precision behind semen processing for the dairy and beef industries. He breaks down how semen quality is measured, what drives fertility success, and why strict lab protocols matter. Lis...

Join Host Ethan Haywood and guest Jeff Ziegler, Senior Executive Director of Global Genetic Integrations, as they explore the legacy of longtime Select Sires leader Richard H.L. Chichester. Known by many as Dick, the impact he made on the dairy genetics industry is tremendous. Learn how his commitment to people and progress continues through the new Dairy Shrine scholarship supporting the next generation of dairy professionals.

Appl...

In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan and Alicia Lamb of Oakfield Corners Dairy to explore the influential cow families and breeding strategies behind leading sires including top-TPI® sire 7HO16276 SHEEPSTER. They share their 12‑generation dairy legacy, insights on genomics and show-type success, and what traits define the cow of the future. A must‑listen for anyone interested in elite Holstein genetics and practical breeding ...

In this episode of The Select Sires Podcast, Host Ethan Haywood is joined by Herby Lutz and Tyler Boyd for an in-depth conversation on Jersey genetic development and the powerful partnership between Select Sires Inc. and Jerseyland Sires. Tune in to hear how Jerseyland’s member-driven sire development, transparency between organizations, and real-world sire performance data from partner herds continues to shape the next gener...

Discover how technology is reshaping calf care from day one. In this episode, Host Ethan Haywood sits down with Lori Nagel, DVM of CowManager® to explore cutting-edge youngstock monitoring, early disease detection, and how real-time data can improve calf health, welfare and lifetime performance of mature, lactating cows. If you’re looking to protect your genetic investment and raise healthier, more efficient animals, this is ...

Are you looking at your show string and wondering which sires will make the best matings to put the next generation in the spotlight? Tim Abbott, co-owner of Showbox Sires, shares what he looks for in a great mating and how he builds on proven cow families. Host Ethan Haywood joins Tim to dive into the elite cows and heifers that have shaped the Showbox Sires program, spotlighting the powerhouse pedigrees behind these influential m...

Everyone’s buzzing about the Maryland cow that’s redefining crossover success — and Kevin Jorgensen is calling her a true Cinderella story. In this episode, Host Ethan Haywood teams up with Kevin to spotlight MD-Locustcrest P Zuriniah (VG-89) and a lineup of standout heifers and cows that put their mark on the map at World Dairy Expo.

They dive into the daughters of Showcase™ sires, highlight elite animals featured...

In this episode of The Select Sires Podcast, Host Ethan Haywood passes the microphone to Jersey Development Manager Herby Lutz and Dairy Sire Marketing Coordinator Marc Bolen as they discuss the newest proven graduate in the Jersey lineup as well as some of the new values around Percent Jersey Ancestry. Then, Senior Holstein Sire Analyst Kevin Jorgensen and Rick VerBeek share great insight on recent daughter-proven sires, what they...

In this episode of The Select Sires Podcast, host Ethan Haywood sits down with Patrick Maier and Max Shenkenberg of Maier Farms, and Susie Martin from CentralStar Cooperative to take a deep dive into how strategic genetics, disciplined reproductive protocols, and a strong team culture have positioned Maier Farms as a leader in reproductive performance, earning them a CentralStar ReproStar Award in 2025. With insights on fertility m...