No two dairy herds are the same, so why should every breeding plan be?

At JMC Genetics, we believe the best breeding decisions start with understanding the individual farm. Every herd has its own strengths, challenges and long-term ambitions, which is why we work closely with our customers to develop breeding strategies tailored to their specific goals—not simply selecting the highest-ranking bulls on paper.

A great example of this approach is our work with dairy farmer Markus Hohl, whose mixed herd demonstrates how the right genetics can support both productivity and future profitability.

Understanding the Herd

Markus currently milks 160 cows, managing a mixed herd of Fleckvieh, Norwegian Red and Holstein genetics.

Today, the herd is achieving impressive performance figures, averaging:

32.5 litres of milk per cow per day
7,800 litres per cow per lactation
4,750 litres produced from forage

These results reflect not only good management but also a breeding strategy designed around the farm's production system and long-term objectives.

Starting With the Farm's Goals

When Markus approached JMC Genetics, the aim wasn't simply to identify bulls with the highest genetic indexes.
Instead, we focused on selecting sires that would complement his herd and help deliver sustainable improvements over future generations.
Together, we identified several key breeding priorities:
Easy calving to support healthier cows and calves while reducing calving complications.
Positive fat and protein percentages to maximise milk quality and processing value.
Strong feet and legs to promote longevity, mobility and lifetime performance.
**A2A2 BB genetics**, ensuring every calf inherits both the A2 beta-casein and B kappa-casein milk protein genes. Particularly beneficial for producing high-quality milk suited to cheese production.
By concentrating on these objectives, every breeding decision became part of a wider strategy rather than focusing on a single performance figure.

Selecting the Right Genetics

Following detailed discussions about Markus' herd and breeding objectives, three sires were selected:

Hickory – Fleckvieh GGI-SPERMEX Holstein/Red Holstein
Marlborough PP – Fleckvieh
Tangvollen – Norwegian Red

Each bull was chosen because its genetic strengths aligned with the herd's breeding goals, helping to build cows that are productive, functional and profitable for years to come.

Rather than chasing the latest genetic trend, the emphasis remained on selecting genetics that would deliver long-term value within Markus' farming system.

Why a Tailored Breeding Plan Matters

Breeding isn't about finding the "best" bull - it's about finding the right bull for your herd.

Every farm has different priorities. Some producers may focus on milk solids, while others prioritise fertility, longevity, feed efficiency, calving ease or specific milk protein genetics. The most successful breeding programmes balance these traits according to the needs of the business.

That's why every breeding plan at JMC Genetics begins with listening.

We take the time to understand:

Your herd's current strengths and weaknesses.
Your production system.
Your business goals.
The traits that matter most to you.
Where you want your herd to be in five or ten years.

Only then do we recommend genetics that support those ambitions.

Genetics That Support Long-Term Profitability

A successful breeding programme isn't built overnight. It's the result of consistent, informed decisions that improve each generation.
By selecting genetics that align with the goals of the farm, producers can develop healthier, more efficient cows that contribute to improved profitability over their lifetime.
The results achieved by Markus Hohl's herd demonstrate the value of taking a strategic, tailored approach to breeding rather than relying solely on genetic rankings.
Working Together for Better Breeding Decisions
We're grateful to Markus for trusting JMC Genetics to be part of his breeding journey and look forward to supporting the continued development of his herd.
If you're looking to build a breeding plan that's tailored to your herd - we'd love to help.

Whether your priorities are improving fertility, increasing milk solids, enhancing longevity or introducing specific genetic traits, our team can work with you to develop a breeding strategy that supports your farm's long-term success.

Visit www.jmcgenetics.co.uk to learn more or get in touch with the JMC Genetics team to discuss your breeding goals.

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