Berks County (PA) Holstein Picnic
Holstein breeders gathtered at S-Pine-Lawn Farms of Fleetwood, PA, for the Berks County Holstein Picnic on evening of July 27th. A large crowd was on hand to enjoy a night of food, fellowship and great cattle.
Truly deep in family pride, the S-Pine-Lawn prefix was started in 1965 by George and Harold Schuler. In 1986 after all graduating from Penn State, David, James and Samuel Schuler purchased the herd and farm from George and Harold. Since then, the operation has grown to one hundred Registered Holsteins and a seven hundred acre crop farm. This year marked another chapter of progress when a sixth generation joined the farm. Schuler Farms LLC was formed in April to bring David’s son, Brent into the operation.
The milking herd is housed in a tie-stall barn and has daily, year-round pasture access. With twice-a-day milking, the herd maintains a rolling herd average of 25,000 lbs. milk, 3.7% fat and 3.1% protein. The breeding program at S-Pine-Lawn is a complete balance of type, production, and longevity. A strong productive life and good health is appreciated in their cows, with most cows remaining in the herd for at least 5 to 6 lactations. Since the brothers took over the herd in 1986, they have bred and developed over 60 Excellent cows and over 270 Very-Good cows. The breeding program has produced 10 Gold Medal Dams, 6 Dams of Merit, and 3 cows with records of over 300,000lbs lifetime.
The current BAA is 107.5 and the herd has received the Progressive Breeder’s Registry award for 18 years. While the majority of the herd is home-bred, several recent additions include members of elite families such as the Windy Knoll View Pala and “C” families, Rainyridge Tony Beauty, Theirsant Lili Starbuck, and Lylehaven Chrissy. The Schuler’s are also very active in the show ring, having bred and exhibited numerous All Pennsylvania and All Junior Pennsylvania winners and one Junior All American Nomination.
Part of the milking herd
This is a VG-87 Atlantic daughter from a VG-88 Roy.
Windy Knoll View Chapter EX-90@ 3-4, the first 11th generation EX from the Windy Knoll View “C” family.
An EX-91 Talent
A VG-88 Lou x 93 Durham x 2 more EX Dams
An Atwood daughter fresh at 1-10 from a VG-88 Damion
People enjoyed looking at the great herd of cows and participating in the judging contest.
Dave Schuler welcoming the crowd and giving a little background about their operation.
John Frey, the Executive Director of the PA Center for Dairy Excellence was the evening’s speaker.
