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.

This episode dives deep into the latest round of genetic proofs, highlighting new graduates, proven sires and why reliability and real‑world daughter data continue to matter. The team breaks down lineup diversity, index performance (HHP$®, TPI®, JPI™, JUI™), and how current index formulas are shaping the future of the breed.

In this episode, Northern Ireland dairyman David Irwin, owner of Redhouse Holsteins, explains how he builds functional, profitable Holsteins through balanced genetics, strong cow families, and strategic use of Select Sires’ NxGEN® program. This episode is a great listen for anyone also chasing production, components, and longevity in their herd.

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.

Apply here: https://dairyshrine.org/youth/#tab-1769206554799-12-2

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 wisdom.

Marc Bolen and Herby Lutz showcase Select Sires’ elite Jersey sires that combine high production with fertility, longevity and wellness. The episode highlights leading sons of daughter-proven sires, Polled genetics, and sires excelling for JPI™, DPR, and mastitis resistance. A preview of upcoming releases rounds out this genetics-focused episode.