This program is an opportunity for members of the Wisconsin Junior Holstein Association to build their current herd, or those without Registered Holsteins to start building. The purpose of the program is to promote the development of Registered Holsteins and allow Junior members the opportunity to work with established genetics.

 

The Embryo Share Program will include a contract between Kestell, the embryo supplier, and the Wisconsin Holstein Junior member, or shareholder. Kestell and his wife farm with their sons in Waldo, WI, and their cow, Ever-Green-View My 1326-ET, EX-92, set the single-lactation production record this year. The Kestell’s herd has a BAA of 109.7% on 121 cows, including 25 Excellent scored cows.

 

Interested Junior members can select from a long list of donor dams, and submit an application form to the Wisconsin Holstein Office that includes their list of preferred dams. Youth that would like to participate will have several guidelines with their contract to be sure the resulting calves receive the best care possible. The participating youth’s recipients must also adhere to strict health qualifications.

 

The resulting calves from the Embryo Share Program will be owned on a 50/50 basis when born. At six weeks of age, youth will have the opportunity to divide the resulting calves via private sale, or work out an agreement equitable for both parties.

 

Wisconsin Holstein will serve only as the liaison between the Embryo Supplier and the Shareholder, and holds no liability in all matters of the agreement.

 

For more information on the Embryo Share Program or to submit an application, contact the WHA office at 1-800-223-4269 or visit the web at www.wisholsteins.com.