Leading Programs – Leading Results

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Global Approach Works
Progressively, reinforced with each new global sire summary, Alta’s program approach to genetic leadership is reaping rewards for clients. The November proof update from around the world leaves little room for doubt, with a strengthened lineup of Alta-proven products that simply cannot be matched. Exciting new graduates from the US, Canada and the Netherlands, supported by numerous additional recent graduates or emerging second crop satisfaction stars tell the story. It’s all about creating trustworthy genetics and Alta’s programs are clearly getting it right. Since the first graduates of Alta’s Advantage® program emerged in 2005, it’s been a constant parade of top new additions. Product development initiatives in the Netherlands and Canada are keeping pace too. Together the three programs provide clients with a diversity of bloodlines and an overall genetic quality level that ensures profitable solutions can be offered no matter what goals individual clients have set.

Alta’s New Graduates lead the Field
Alta’s graduating class of bulls has put in a very strong performance once again. In fact, the three highest ranking new bulls for TPI each belongs to Alta and all three are Advantage sampled. Most notably among them is 011HO08031 AltaHATLEY (Norrielake Hatley) a BW MARSHALL son from AltaLUKE’s family who achieves an exceptional combination of extreme yields with an enviable Health trait profile. 011HO07856 AltaSPARTA (Paradise-DND Sparta) follows, with a similar pattern of high Production yields, solid Type and pleasing Health. Both bulls are solid Calving Ease sires too. Also new to the list is the highly reliable 011HO07823 AltaOLIVER (Kelstein Oliver), an AltaHERSHEL son who delivers extreme component yields and balanced overall Type.

An early graduating BLITZ son creates a great deal of excitement this time. Already sporting excellent Type scores, 011HO08195 AltaBAXTER (Emerald-ACR-SA T-Baxter) is expected to increase further by February. Advantage Consultants have seen nearly 100 daughters and they like what they see: strong, wide-bodied, wide-uddered cows. AltaBAXTER is a very exciting new addition perfectly suited for the breed’s many dairy bloodlines needing added strength.

Another new addition isintriguingly different: 011HO07930 AltaGLINT (Garjo-I Glint) is a rare MANAT son with a pleasing profile combining strong Production, excellent overall Type and pleasing Health. His consistent breeding pattern adds further appeal along with an excellent calving trait profile. And 011HO08285 AltaBEVY (Fustead Bevy), another unique pedigree combining ORION with MTOTO provides yet another opportunity for diversification. His high component, pleasing Health pattern and excellent F&L arsenal will yield him many fans.

These 6 new graduates average well over +1700 TPI, nearly +400 NM$, +1.50 on Type, +1.1 Productive Life and 4 of the 6 are Calving Ease sires. They also average over +1700 lbs milk with an impressive +107 lbs of combined Fat and Protein. These are the kinds of graduates that make a statement, adding immeasurably to Alta’s already competitive position.

Notable Improvement
Several recent Alta graduates with additional daughters have improved upon their standing. Most notably 011HO08342 MAC (Regancrest-HHF Mac) vaults to +1809 TPI. With nearly 200 milking daughters in his proof assessment, he will undoubtedly receive increased attention. MAC is a most complete sire with extreme Type and Udder ratings (he’s the breed’s #1 udder bull) to go along with pleasing production, positive component deviations and impressive Health ratings. He will almost certainly be used as a sire of sons.

Gaining 80 TPI points in August and another 54 points in November, 011HO07741 AltaJURYMAN (O-Bee Juryman) is also certain to gain increased attention as a sire of sons. Breaking through the +1800 TPI threshold he’s another Advantage Consultant favorite due to his exceptional production pattern delivered easily from strong, wide-bodied cows.

With an additional 66 TPI points 011HO08035 AltaGOLDPLATE (Comestar Goldplate) will receive increased attention as well. Now over +2.00 for Type combined with solid production and again pleasing health and longevity, this IGNITER son is ready for take-off. Further honorable mentions go to 011HO07816 AltaJUNEAU (Ronland Juneau) and 011HO07871 AltaRUFFIAN (Honeycrest Ruffian) who each made solid gains as well for both TPI and NM$.

Canada Too
Alta’s sampling efforts in Canada are paying dividends as well, providing additional diversity for clients. In August it was 011HO07797 AltaINTRUDER (Pennview Intruder) pushing his way to the #3 LPI position in his debut. This AltaHERSHEL son has since added more daughters and improves to #2 on the basis of slightly higher Type. These cows are impressive in their strength, especially when considering their extreme productiveness. But AltaINTRUDER must share the limelight this time, with 011HO07921 AltaLOUVRE also demanding attention as the top new Type graduate in Canada. An IGNITER son backed by RUDOLPH and LINDY dams and leading to Comestar Laurie Sheik, AltaLOUVRE combines moderate milk with extreme components and impressive longevity.

Rated +16 for Conformation his success was fore-shadowed by an impressive full sister who is achieving success in Alta’s nucleus herd. And AltaLOUVRE will soon need to share the limelight too with several additional Type specialists expected to graduate from the Canadian program in February.

Type leaders from the Netherlands
Over the past several years, first with 011HO07208 AltaLUCKY MIKE, then with 011HO07354 AltaLEMMER (Den Dogge Lemmer), Alta has established a Type leadership position in the Netherlands. Now 011HO08074 AltaRESTHA further supports this image. He is already vying for the top position while offering producers a chance to incorporate genes from the highly successful French sire JESTHER. Together this trio have much to offer dairy producers all around the world.

Second Crop’s the Key
Graduating high ranking new sires at the current pace is most rewarding and Alta accepts that at times luck plays a role. Still the real test is the eventual arrival of second crop daughters. On that score, when sires consistently hold their proof values luck has little to do with it. That’s where a strong program approach with proper quality controls has set Alta apart. Sires like 011HO05570 AltaFINLEY, 011HO05183 AltaADAM, 011HO05284 AltaTHRONE, 011HO05071 AltaBOSS, 011HO04400 AltaAARON, 011HO05929 AltaALLY, 011HO05086 AltaBLASTOFF, 011HO05486 AltaTOMAHAWK and others prove the point. And there are more success stories emerging with each sire summary and from each of Alta’s programs. In the US 011HO06116 AltaROLEX (Latuch Rolex) is generating excitement as early second crop daughters begin calving. In Canada his paternal brother 011HO06016 AltaSMARTY (Altagen Smarty) made strong gains as well. The German proven 011HO08046 RAMOS, marketed by Alta on behalf of OHG is yet another example, setting the pace on Health traits. Still, 011HO07208 AltaLUCKY MIKE may be the biggest story yet. In the Netherlands several hundred recently calved daughters are creating a frenzy among producers: they really like what they see. By February, many daughters calving in North America will reinforce that message.

Strong products are the outcome of rigorous planning and an attention to detail. Delivered on a consistent basis from multiple development initiatives requires that a program approach take precedence over individual mating decisions. Alta believes in programs - strong programs. And leading programs give rise to leading results; leading results like those currently being enjoyed by Alta.

Posted Nov 14th

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