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% submission rate, and 57% first-service conception rate.
This Q&A is adapted from the Select Sires Podcast interview with Select Sires Genetic Specialist Ethan Haywood; Patrick Maier, Maier Farms; Herd Manager Max Shenkenberg; and CentralStar Regional Consulting Manager Susie Martin.
What are your goals as a dairy?
Patrick: We like to do it all in-house. We really hang our hats heavy on our team. We’ve got a really good team of people here. We do our own cropping, raise our heifers in-state, and really focus on longevity. We want to keep animals around as long as possible, making a healthy, profitable cow.
What is your reproduction program for heifers?
Max: We set calves up for success right away, dipping navels and getting a gallon of colostrum in them. Most of our young stock are raised off-site, but when they return, we get aggressive with breeding. Last year, our voluntary waiting period (VWP) was 13 months. At 393 days, they receive prostaglandin, and 70 to 75% of our first services are off that. Recently, we shortened the VWP to allow more growth before breeding, and both service and conception rates have improved.
What is your reproduction program for cows?
Max: First-lactation cows have an 84-day VWP, while second-lactation and older cows have a 70-day VWP. All cows are enrolled in a double-Ovsynch protocol for first service, with a resync at 25 days. If cows are open at 32 days, she remains enrolled. Aggressiveness and submission rate are key drivers of our success.
How does CentralStar support your program?
Susie: I’ve worked with Maier Farms for about three years, using tools like genetic audits, repro audits, and the OGP (Optimal Genetics Pathways) calculator to monitor data and provide monthly herd performance reviews. This helps the team track progress, stay proactive, and stay ahead of challenges.
Patrick: Repro results are always down the road. Having reports in your inbox regularly helps us be proactive instead of reactive. What does sire selection look like for your herd?
Max: We were early adopters of the NxGEN® program. Since our milk goes to cheese production, components are a priority. We start with Net Merit, then look at combined fat and protein, milk, and Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR) as a tiebreaker. Longevity is essential. If a cow only produces one lactation, she doesn’t pay for the investment.
Susie: It’s exciting to see those choices paying off. GAMEDAY (7HO15167) daughters are now in their second-lactation and performing well, while HAYK (7HO15977) and LETCHWORTH (250HO16110) daughters are excellent two-year-olds.
What factors contribute most to your success?
Patrick: Facilities and people. We’ve invested in ventilation, both cross-vent and tunnel vent barns. We really try to let the animals be animals. We really want that genetic expression to come through. The other thing is our team. Consistency, no shortcuts, just doing the right things every day.
Max: Attention to detail. We’re still a tail-paint herd, and I enjoy that time in the barn. Training the team and giving them confidence is critical.
Susie: Communication. The Maier team asks questions, stays engaged, and maintains phenomenal compliance. Their noncompletion rate is only 6%, which is excellent.
What advice would you share with other producers?
Max: Be patient. Genetics and repro don’t show instant results. Stick with it, be resilient, and results will come.
Patrick: Build a strong team. Give people responsibility and let them rise to the occasion.
Susie: Ask for help. We have tools and expertise at CentralStar that can support producers in improving both performance and profitability.
Listen to the full conversation on the Select Sires Podcast.