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, combined with strong management and accurate data recording, can drive meaningful progress in dairy herd health and profitability.

Resources: https://uscdcb.com/august-2026-evaluations/

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 on breeding for daughters that excel in production, fertility, wellness and real‑world functionality.

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. Listeners will also learn how research, innovation, and the Program for Fertility Advancement™ (PFA™) help deliver dependable results to farmers around the world.