Breeding for the future
Located in Waunakee, Wis., Maier Farms is a multi-generational dairy committed to cow longevity and team-driven success. Honored as one of CentralStar’s ReproStar Award winners in 2025, the farm has achieved impressive statistics, including a 42% pregnancy rate, 73%...
Your milk check tells a story
Your milk check isn’t just a number, it reflects cow health, herd management, and genetics. Producers often point to above-average components, low SCC, and residue-free milk as hallmarks of quality.¹ These traits are more than “nice to have,” they drive milk quality...
Keeping rations on point
Your DHI records are more than just numbers, they’re a roadmap for ration and herd management. Butterfat, protein, and the fat-to-protein ratio give early warnings when things aren’t balanced, letting you act before production or cow health suffers. By regularly...
Postpartum research: FerAppease reduces pain, improves health, and production
In a recent University of Florida postpartum study by Santos et al. (2025)*, researchers evaluated the effects of applying a single dose of FerAppease® – a unique analogue of the naturally occurring Maternal Bovine Appeasing Substance (mBAS) – on health, pain and milk...
Pedigree diversity is your best defense to rising inbreeding rates
In a world where genetic-selection intensity is at an all-time high to meet growing consumer demands with fewer resources, maintaining genetic diversity remains a key focus. At CentralStar, we offer a diverse lineup of sires that deliver industry-leading performance...
The cutting-edge of transition health management
The transition period from three weeks pre-calving through three weeks post-calving has been researched and discussed greatly. Rightly so, as this phase accounts for significant health costs and determines production and reproductive success for the current lactation...
Track, analyze, and improve your repro program
Reproductive efficiency is a key component of profitability. A well-managed program increases milk production by extending lactations and maximizing genetic gain. It also supports timely culling, maintains herd-size consistency, and ensures a steady supply of...