The Select Sires Podcast

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 Progr...

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.

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.

In this episode, we dive deep into elite cow families, next-generation genetics, and the sires shaping the future of the Holstein breed. These high-ranking genomic young sires cover performance, type, fertility, and real-world functionality in today’s herds.

Discover how technology is reshaping calf care from day one. In this episode, Host Ethan Haywood sits down with Lori Nagel, DVM of CowManager® to explore cutting-edge youngstock monitoring, early disease detection, and how real-time data can improve calf health, welfare and lifetime performance of mature, lactating cows. If you’re looking to protect your genetic investment and raise healthier, more efficient animals, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Are you looking at your show string and wondering which sires will make the best matings to put the next generation in the spotlight? Tim Abbott, co-owner of Showbox Sires, shares what he looks for in a great mating and how he builds on proven cow families. Host Ethan Haywood joins Tim to dive into the elite cows and heifers that have shaped the Showbox Sires program, spotlighting the powerhouse pedigrees behind these influential matriarchs. Stick around to hear about the newest additions to ...

In this episode of The Select Sires Podcast, Host Ethan Haywood passes the microphone to Jersey Development Manager Herby Lutz and Dairy Sire Marketing Coordinator Marc Bolen as they discuss the newest proven graduate in the Jersey lineup as well as some of the new values around Percent Jersey Ancestry. Then, Senior Holstein Sire Analyst Kevin Jorgensen and Rick VerBeek share great insight on recent daughter-proven sires, what they are seeing in milking daughters of these bulls, and what prod...

On this episode of The Select Sires Podcast, host Ethan Haywood is joined by Brenda Fessenden, precision animal health technical services lead at Zoetis, for a deep dive into the science and strategy behind wellness trait selection. From calf health to cow longevity, Brenda walks us through how Zoetis is leading the charge in precision animal health and how producers can use these tools to create healthier, more profitable herds.

In this episode of The Select Sires Podcast, host Ethan Haywood chats with Mark Kerndt, Aggressive Reproductive Technologies (ART) program manager, to explore the powerful potential of the Slick gene in Holstein cattle. Learn how this naturally occurring genetic trait improves heat tolerance, reproduction, and productivity, especially in hot, humid climates. Mark explains how the gene is being advanced through Select Sires' ART program and what it means for the future of dairy genetics. Wheth...

For over 50 years, dedicated Select Mating Service® (SMS) consultants have used research, computerized analysis and cow knowledge to build better herds around the world. In this episode, Brian Coyne takes a deep dive into the innovative technology backing the program and the people leveraging the tools. SMS is intuitive and built to work for dairies of all sizes and with differing herd information. Consultants around the world have the cow-side experience needed to ask the right questions and...

Greta Snider Halahan has a unique experience as the herdsman at Singing Brook Farms. Join Ethan Haywood as he and Greta talk about technology and communication protocols that help connect her team and make important genetic decisions on the farm. With Greta working remotely, she utilizes various apps to communicate with farm team members and has been successful with communicating with Spanish speaking team members. Also through these apps her team is able to share data and information that em...

Select Sires graduated 11 Holstein and five Jersey sires to the daughter-proven lineups following the April sire summary. Holstein Sire Analysts Kevin Jorgensen and Rick VerBeek recap the Holstein graduates. Tune in as they talk about health traits, critical calf wellness traits, pedigrees and chart-topping Red & White sires. Herby Lutz, Jersey Development Manager and Marc Bolen, Dairy Sire Marketing Coordinator join the podcast to talk about Jersey graduates, including daughter fertility...

Join host Ethan Haywood and Chuck Sattler, vice president and manager of genetic programs at Select Sires Inc., as they discuss the changes happening with the base change in April 2025. Learn which traits will be affected and how to continue selecting sires.