Holstein World: Describe your position at Holstein World. When did you first begin working, what are your primary responsibilities, favorite tasks, etc.

Frank Putman: I joined the staff of Holstein World in April of 2004, with the primary responsibility of working with breeders on their ad programs in print or online. The geographic area that is my beat is the eastern region of the US. I also cover Holstein events in that area (and report on them), be it sales, shows or conventions. It is also my pleasure to visit breeding establishments in that area and share with our readers the news that these breeders are making. There is no favorite task. Actually there are no tasks. All is pure enjoyment. From helping in the creation of ads or seeing the pride and pleasure of breeders that win in the show ring, sales ring or at home with their breeding programs.

Holstein World: Share with our readers a little bit about your personal background. What you did before Holstein World, schooling, family members, pets, hobbies, etc.

Frank Putman: I was born on a dairy farm (so many years ago). I have bred, milked and shown Holsteins. I have worked as a fitter for sales and shows. I have spent 9 years as a salesperson for a major AI firm. I have had the pleasure of selecting for consignment sales as well as locating cattle for clients. I also served as a merchandising representative for NY Holstein for a brief period. Reflecting on this, I would say that I have been preparing for my employment with Holstein World for many years. I have either been in or seen all sides of the business.

Holstein World: What is one of your favorite memories working here? Most exciting accomplishment?

Frank Putman: My favorite memories continue to be the interaction with people and the pleasure of working with a selfless group of people who always want to produce a quality product that serves our industry. In many ways, our goal is the breeders’ goal. It is always exciting to see plans and promotion come to fruition and the desire for readers to “get their hands” on the latest issue, when attending an event.

Holstein World: Is there any additional information you’d like to share?

Frank Putman: The only other item I wish to share is that we are always just a phone call away when you have any questions on promoting your cattle. Remember that all other breeders have full schedules and can only learn of your product if you serve it up to them. You do not go through a fast food drive through without seeing the menu. How else would you know what they are serving?

Holstein World: Describe your position at Holstein World. When did you first begin working, what are your primary responsibilities, favorite tasks, etc.?

Julie Brown: I came to Holstein World five years ago in November 2001 as a Breeder Advertising Representative/Associate Editor. One year ago I became the Livestock Advertising Sales Manager/Associate Editor. My primary responsibilities have been and remain working together with breeders on print and internet advertising for maximum industry exposure and to expand their income opportunities through effective marketing and advertising. I truly enjoy the study of cow families, the bloodlines, compiling effective ads and entire advertising campaigns. I also am privileged to attend and provide coverage for sales and show events around the country.

Holstein World: Share with your readers a little bit about your personal background. What did you do before Holstein World, schooling, family members, pets, hobbies, etc.?

Julie Brown: I grew up on a registered Holstein farm at Marionville, MO. I had many responsibilities including milking, feeding, meeting the dairy sanitation and inspection requirements and registration of animals. My brother and our parents still dairy on the farm at Marionville. I graduated from Missouri State University, then worked for Missouri Holstein Association for five years part-time. When my husband Russell and I were married our business became Julie-B Holstein, a small elite herd of cows and replacement dairy heifer operation. We showed cattle extensively including the All-American Produce of Dam in 1999. Labor and industry infrastructure became difficult in southern Missouri, so I made a decision to sell my herd in small groups as they were fresh or springing beginning in spring 2001. That fall, I went to work for Holstein World. I love animals of all kinds and have many pets, both domestic and wild! The domestic ones include cows, horses, and cats. My hobbies include fishing, sewing, photography, reading, music, and cooking.

Holstein World: What is one of your favorite memories working here? Most exciting accomplishment?

Julie Brown: It is too difficult to pick one, because there are many. I enjoy working with everyone on staff very much, we strive to work hard and have fun doing so. I will always carry memories of the Century Celebration Sale at Holstein World. I enjoy industry camaraderie at events such as shows and sales, and I have enjoyed interacting with people I have met as I have been traveling to these events. One of my personal greatest accomplishments comes when a client is very pleased with the results of the work our staff has done, and our combined efforts pay off with tangible success in terms of merchandising income and recognition for them.

Holstein World: Is there any further information you would like to share?

Julie Brown: In any industry, there is no more effective means of raising income potential than a consistent, regular program of advertising. This component of the registered cattle business is every bit as important as your accountant, veterinarian, nutritionist, or banker. You can feel comfortable assigning the details of your advertising program to the professional staff at Holstein World. The most effective way to do this is to assign a budget to this area and see what options are available to maximize your efforts with this number. Day in and day out, over the long term, advertising does not cost, it pays. The key is making a plan and sticking to that plan just as you do in your work each day.

Holstein World: Describe your position at Holstein World. When did you first begin working, what are your primary responsibilities, favorite tasks, etc.

Amos Vryhof: My position at Holstein World is an assistant web developer. I started working Part time in the fourth quarter of 2005, and continued on until being hired on Full time in February 2006. My primary responsibilities include, the All Breed Access website, Online Holstein World, Western DairyBusiness, and Midwest DairyBusiness magazines, website updates, Internal technical support for our employees, and filling in for Eric when he is not in the office.

Some of my favorite tasks are developing new technologies for use on our websites, and customer websites, as well as creating new websites for customers. It is rewarding to create a good looking website, and a happy customer. It can be a little frustrating at times because I”m more of a computer person than a dairy person, but in the end, it”s always a good feeling to make the best website I can build.

Holstein World: Share with our readers a little bit about your personal background. What you did before Holstein World, schooling, family members, pets, hobbies, etc.

Amos Vryhof: Prior to starting at Holstein World, I attended Clarkson University for Management Information Systems for a few years, and since then have worked in various industries, including Electroplating, Retail, Computer Technical Support, Trucking, and Contract work installing Point of Sale Systems, and various low-voltage electrical work. Currently, I live with my brother and his family in Nedrow, NY. I have two Nieces, a Nephew, and another on the way. My Hobbies are pretty much all DIY type of things; Home Brewing, Carpentry, some Auto repair, and Computers. I also have a small coin collection, including the complete collection of Mercury Dimes.

Holstein World: What is one of your favorite memories working here? Most exciting accomplishment?

Amos Vryhof: Working here has been a pretty good collection of memories. I would have to say it is a very fun place to work, and very rewarding most of the time. I would have to say the Christmas party at Turning Stone was a great memory, and winning my way up to $130 from the $10 I took was fun… even though I lost it all about 10 minutes later. I think the most exciting accomplishment has been working on the team that has taken our Internet services department from a few breeder sites, holsteinworld.com and dairybusiness.com to about 250 customer websites, with sites for a blog, All Breed Access, and two of our most popular DairyBusiness publications…. as well as a few big projects in the works that I think will make this year very exciting.

Holstein World: Is there any further information you”d like to share?

Amos Vryhof: I think 2007 will turn out to be our best year yet. With new team members coming on board to help keep up with the workload, and the new projects we have in store, I think we can safely say our customers will get more than ever out of our Internet Services Department to help integrate their print and electronic advertising packages. All of the major advertising players in just about every industry are using the combination of new media (Websites, Online Sales, Online Catalogs, etc) and old media (Print, radio) to hit on target with the whole customer base.

Holstein World: This week we will be visiting with the people who make Holstein World and AllBreed Access tick – the print & internet teams! Each day, two or three of us will be sharing information about our jobs and interests. First up is our Internet Services Manager, Eric Miller.

Holstein World: Describe your position at Holstein World. When did you first begin working, what are your primary responsibilities, favorite tasks, etc.

Eric Miller: I am the Internet Services Manager at Holstein World & DairyBusiness and have been in this position since August of 2000. My primary responsibility is to oversee and manage all aspects of the Internet Services department, including sales and production. My responsibilities also include website design and maintenance, customer service, sales and computer technical support for the entire company…..and much more. One of my favorite tasks is actually creating new websites. I really enjoy the artistic creativity involved in designing new and unique sites, trying to develop new looks and integrate new ideas and technologies. It gives me a strong feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day knowing I have worked hard to create a website, banner or advertisement that hopefully our customers will love.

Holstein World: Share with our readers a little bit about your personal background. What you did before Holstein World, schooling, family members, pets, hobbies, etc.

Eric Miller: I am very happily married, we have 2 kids aged 17 & 18. My wife, Cathi, is an Office Manager/ Graphic Designer for Bon Appetite Management Co. Our oldest child, Lauren is a Senior in high school and planning to attend an Art School. The youngest, Eric, is a Junior in high school and is very intrigued with the Armed Forces after he graduates. We also have two 65 lb. lap dogs, a cat and two leopard geckos for pets.

I have college degrees in Liberal Arts and in Business Administration with a minor in Computer Science. Most of my practical computer training and knowledge came in the form of “Do it and learn” along with many seminars and educational programs. Before I began working for DairyBusiness, I worked for a local Internet Service Provider in a technical/customer support role. My responsibilities included computer setup for customers and web page design instruction. Prior to that I was Senior Production Manager for a computerized screen print and embroidery company.

I don’t have a lot of free time for many hobbies, except for one. I really enjoy the art and craft of brewing my own beer. It’s lots of fun to reap the benefits when it’s ready to drink, but the most rewarding aspect for me is actually brewing the beer and trying to make it better each time. There are so many variables and so many different styles and techniques…it’s a constant learning process.

Holstein World: What is one of your favorite memories working here? Most exciting accomplishment?

Eric Miller: I don’t have any specific favorite memories, but the part of my job that I love the most is meeting and talking to so many wonderful people. Not only from across the country, but from Canada and across the world as well. I have had the privilege of meeting and working with many, many fine individuals and families. And assisting our customers and clients in marketing their cattle or genetics with a website, banner or online advertisement makes my job a very rewarding experience.

The most exciting accomplishment for me is more of a “team” effort that not only I, but our team members at Holstein World and our customers and friends have played a role in. HolsteinWorld.com has become more and more popular for Holstein news, breeder news and resources as each year passes. The foundation was already set when I began in 2000, and with the help of the Holstein World team, our great customers as well as many friends and supporters, we have continued to build and develop the website into what it is today. HolsteinWorld.com currently receives over 5,000 visitors per day and that number continues to grow as each year passes. Thank you’s are due to our visitors, supporters and everyone who contributes to the website. It wouldn’t be what it is today without each of you.

Holstein World: What is the one trait that you feel the Holstein breed needs to improve today? Do you have any advice for young dairymen and women?

Willow’s Edge: We do not know what is the trait that needs the most improvement, but we are always concerned about the reproductive capabilities of an animal.

Our advice for young breeders is stay open minded. Find a mentor breeder whom you can count on to bounce ideas off of. Study the pedigrees and develop your own style. Then remember to find a way to advertise and market those cattle.

Holstein World: Remember, for a closer look at the cows of Willow’s Edge, you can visit their website at www.holsteinworld.com/willowsedge. Thanks, Henk & Bonnie, for being a part of our blog this week!

Holstein World: This year Willows-Edge has been recognized with 3 All-American Nominations (Jr. 3-Year-Old, Sr. 2-Year-Old & Best 3 Females) and 1 Jr. All-American Nomination (Sr. 3-Year-Old). Share with our readers how you plan successful matings that result in such a stellar group of national caliber cow families and show cows. Are there some exciting animals for next year’s show season on the horizon?

Willow’s Edge: Our breeding program has been very consistent over the years. We use a small battery of very high type bulls so that we can develop a breeding pattern. We do corrective matings…which we evaluate each cow and their pedigree completely. We believe we have a skill in this area that has been developed over time. A very correct animal is our ultimate goal. We do not look for extremisms, the extreme animal only comes once in awhile. We want consistency so that the benefit lasts over time. We benefit, our buyers benefit and then we have left a more productive animal in the industry.

Our show string in 2006 again, allowed us to be Premier Breeder at the Midwest Fall National, WI Championship Show and District 1 Show. This group of cattle is bred back and with a little luck we hope they will be ready in 2007. Our Jr 3 yr old Brianna appears to be getting better every year. She was All-WI Jr 2yr old, then came back to be 1st and Intermediate Champion at
the Midwest Fall National and then ultimately stood 6th at Madison. Our Jr 2 yr old Lee Velcro is from one of best homebred pedigrees. We are optimistic about her future.

We are most proud when visitors comment that our show cows look as good in the barn as they do in the ring.

Holstein World: Willow’s Edge has hosted many successful sales in the past years. What is it about your breeding and merchandising program that allows you to market so many animals every few years?

Willow’s Edge: Willow’s Edge has hosted a sale every 2 years since 1996 simply because we had to….we were over stocked and had too many cattle to sell private treaty. We have healthy cows which live a long time and have consistent calving intervals. We believe this is the result of the careful calf care, which we mentioned earlier this week. Our female ratio is about national average at 46%. And can be lower when we are using our own heifers for recipients since the ET’s tend to be bulls. We have regular advertising “to tell” customers about our cattle and we show cattle so that customers “can see” our cattle. And, most importantly, we have repeat buyers that do the marketing for us.

Holstein World: Share with our readers a little bit about your personal backgrounds. What led to both of you being Registered Holstein breeders? What keeps you active in the business today? What does the breed need to do to maintain its success and ensure the livelihood of fellow Holstein breeders?

Willow’s Edge: Henk”s family immigrated from Holland when he was 10 so that they would be able to farm. Henk and his brother John bought the current farm in 1976 as a “hobby farm” which consisted of Registered Milking Shorthorns. The Shorthorns were gradually replaced by Registered Holsteins. Bonnie came from a grade Holstein farm in Marathon County, WI. A Doboy FFA calf project got her started with registered Holsteins when she was 16 years old.

Currently, Henk is still practicing law in New Richmond and Bonnie is a Sr Business loan officer at a local credit union. We have both served on the WI Holstein Board and are past Presidents. We currently serve on committees and are on the Executive Committee for the 2008 National Holstein Convention to be held in Wisconsin.

You asked what the Holstein Breed needs to do to maintain success and ensure the livelihood of the breed. Our response is to maintain its relationship with the grade breeder. The investor clientele come and go but the farmer who wants to own their first Excellent cow has aspirations and dreams. If you develop relationships and earn their respect, this is your growth market.

Holstein World: What are the current stats at Willows-Edge? Number of animals, acres farmed, type of facilities? Sires being used? Major cow families that are being developed?

Willows Edge: The farm is 975 acres located in St Croix County, WI which is one of the metro counties of Minneapolis and St Paul. We have 600 tillable acres which all of the land is utilized for feed for the cattle. In 2006 we discounted our rental agreement on the St Croix County Farm barn which we have had for 15 years. This reduced our work load by half but also reduced our milk cow numbers by almost half. Currently we have 100 milk cows housed in a traditional tie stall barn. We raise all of our heifers at our own facilities. Quite frankly we would not trust anyone else to take care of them. We really believe in feeding the highest quality feed to our heifers and maintaining a dry and clean bedding area when they are young.

The current BAA is 110.9 with 55% of the herd in their first lactation. The herd average is 24,730 with a 4.1% Butterfat. We have always been strong promoters of high BF. Economics justify it and it allows the cattle to mature and develop instead of requiring high pounds of milk of young cows.

The current sires being used are Durham, Advent, Lheros, Carisma, Talent, Boss Iron and Primetime.

Due to the number of sales which we have had a several of the cow families have been marketed. But the families which are prominent are Star Maiden, she is the EX-93 Stardust which was nominated Jr All American twice for our daughter Jordan, then the Christine family, she is the VG-88 Leduc from Don-A-Dale Jet Crystal EX-CAN 4E *3 Star that was All Canandian or Res All American as a 4 yr old, 5 yr old, Aged and Mature Cow; her Rubens daughter sold for $17,000 at our 2006 sale and then our “I” Family which started with Willows Edge Banner Ione EX 2E DOM whom was a tremendous transmitting cow that has 12 daughters that are high VG or EX.

Holstein World: For a deeper look at Willows Edge as we begin this week of guest blogging, visit their website at www.holsteinworld.com/willowsedge!

Holstein World: What is new for Spring Dairy Expo in 2007?

Seth Johnson: We are again happy to present three National Spring Shows – Ayrshire, Holstein and Brown Swiss in addition to the other breed shows. We also have a tremendous slate of breed sales scheduled, including Jersey, Brown Swiss, Ayrshire, Guernsey and two Holstein sales. I always think it is exciting to watch the students from the Buckeye Dairy Club at Ohio State work together to manage their three-breed sale. It is a great learning experience for them.

Holstein World: Share your thoughts on the advantages or benefits of bringing exhibitors and breeders from all breeds together at one location? What events seem to attract the most interest?

Seth Johnson: So many shows, meetings and events are segregated by breed that it is always exciting when you can bring everyone together “under one roof” for an event like Spring Dairy Expo. This is particularly important in Ohio where not all breeds are even together for the state fair at the same time. We have a couple free meal events – those always attract a large crowd!

I think our youth events are great. We get over 400 kids from several states involved in the youth judging contests on Saturday morning and well over 100 youth participating in the all-breed showmanship contest. Having all breeds together is certainly a benefit to the sales held there. Each breed is able to showcase their best to dairymen from all over the nation. Good cow people will appreciate a great cow or heifer regardless of her color; they just might not go out of their way to look for one. At Spring Dairy Expo we bring them all together so they don”t have to.