Educational Blog

Breeding for the future

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%...

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Your milk check tells a story

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...

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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...

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90% at 150 days

90% at 150 days

You may do a good job getting heifers bred “in a timely manner” but are 90% of them pregnant within 150 days of your voluntary waiting period (VWP)?...

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WHY NxGEN?

WHY NxGEN?

Jordan Siemers, Select Sires Dairy Sire Analyst The better question is why not? Take a look at the Top 100 GTPI Proven Bulls: 7HO15167 GAMEDAY,...

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Gut Check on Gut Health

Gut Check on Gut Health

Cows thrive on consistency, preferring the same reliable meal daily. However, adjusting to this steady diet can be challenging for the gut health of...

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Don’t overlook the label

Author: Adam Wood, CentralStar A.I. Specialist When it comes to protecting a newborn calf, every decision matters. That’s why checking the labels of...

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Maximize Herd Longevity

Maximize Herd Longevity

A smaller heifer inventory means reduced culling and turnover rates in the milking herd. This gives you the opportunity to milk more mature cows that produce at higher levels. Unfortunately, high-production mature cows come with a higher risk for mastitis and elevated Somatic Cell Count (SCS). So, how do you ensure you are selecting genetics for the right traits and indexes to facilitate healthier, longer-living cows?

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