The Select Sires Podcast

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.

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.

In this episode of The Select Sires Podcast, Host Ethan Haywood is joined by Herby Lutz and Tyler Boyd for an in-depth conversation on Jersey genetic development and the powerful partnership between Select Sires Inc. and Jerseyland Sires. Tune in to hear how Jerseyland’s member-driven sire development, transparency between organizations, and real-world sire performance data from partner herds continues to shape the next generation of Jersey genetics. The discussion also explores the renewed importance of daughter-proven sires and what the “modern Jersey cow of the future” truly looks like.

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.

December sire summaries brought exciting news for Holstein and Jersey breeders as Select Sires introduced a powerful lineup of new proven graduates. With eleven new Holstein graduates and several standout Jersey additions, the additions featured exceptional diversity in pedigrees, strong performance traits, and several high-impact sires poised to influence herds worldwide.

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 the Showbox Sires lineup.

Everyone’s buzzing about the Maryland cow that’s redefining crossover success — and Kevin Jorgensen is calling her a true Cinderella story. In this episode, Host Ethan Haywood teams up with Kevin to spotlight MD-Locustcrest P Zuriniah (VG-89) and a lineup of standout heifers and cows that put their mark on the map at World Dairy Expo. They dive into the daughters of Showcase™ sires, highlight elite animals featured on regional farm tours, and explore the intersection of show ring glory and free stall profitability. Whether you're a pedigree enthusiast or a performance-driven producer, this episode delivers insights, inspiration, and a celebration of genetic excellence.

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 producers have to say about the impacts that these proven genetics are having in their herds.

In this episode of The Select Sires Podcast, host Ethan Haywood sits down with Patrick Maier and Max Shenkenberg of Maier Farms, and Susie Martin from CentralStar Cooperative to take a deep dive into how strategic genetics, disciplined reproductive protocols, and a strong team culture have positioned Maier Farms as a leader in reproductive performance, earning them a CentralStar ReproStar Award in 2025. With insights on fertility management, bull selection, data-driven decisions, and the importance of patience in genetic progress, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for any producer looking to improve cow longevity and herd performance.

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 is joined by Asha Miles, director of dairy records management systems and chair of the milking speed evaluation task force for the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB). Asha gives us an inside look at the development of the new milking speed genetic trait set to launch during the August 2025 sire summary. Learn how this trait was defined, the immense data behind it, and what its release means for herd efficiency especially in a time when every second in the parlor counts.

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. Whether you're breeding for performance, resilience, or both, this conversation is full of insights for producers everywhere.

Holstein Sire Analyst Kevin Jorgensen updates listeners on the Showcase™ and Red & White sire lineups following the April 2025 sire summaries. He discusses the impact of the Showcase program and the importance of maternal lines. In the second half of the episode, learn which Red & White sire is the No. 1 GTPI® young sire in the breed.

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 create a customized plan to exceed set herd goals.

Herby Lutz, jersey development manager, and Marc Bolen, dairy sire marketing coordinator, discuss some of the top ranking young sires of the Jersey breed from the April 2025 sire summaries. Listen as they highlight high-interest (GForce™) sires and give a preview of new and exciting sires that will be added to the lineup in coming months.

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 empowers them to dig in and discover solutions. CowManager® has been a helpful tool to help Greta and her team leverage health traits and maximize management efforts to get the most out of their cows.