Dürr described the redefined CDCB strategy, as detailed in the new Activity Report and 2024-26 CDCB Strategic Plan. The strategy centers around five priorities: collaborative communication, data quality and integrity, technology and infrastructure, training and resources, and portfolio diversification.
“Together, we are not only preparing for the future,” Dürr concluded. “We are shaping it.”
Understanding the Integrated Value of CDCB and Its Collaborators
Amy te Plate-Church, CDCB Communications
Increasing visibility of the U.S. genetic evaluation system and highlighting the value delivered to dairy herds is a key priority for 2025 and beyond. This presentation outlined CDCB’s leadership to develop outreach and materials about the integrated system, with communications ramping up in early 2025. Read more below, in “Data Fuels Genetic Evaluations.”
Producer Panel: Using Cow Data for Progress On and Off the Farm
Three innovative dairy producers describe how they leverage a variety of on-farm data sources that collectively improve the performance of individual cows and their dairy herds overall. Moderated by Katie Schmitt, CDCB Outreach Specialist, the panelists included:
- Skylar Gericke, Triple G Dairy, Buckeye, Ariz.
- Matt Hendel, Hendel Farms, Caledonia, Minn.
- Jordan Matthews, Rosy-Lane Holsteins LLC, Watertown, Wis.
USDA AGIL Research Updates
Asha Miles, Ph.D., Research Geneticist, USDA AGIL
Miles updated the audience on research conducted by USDA Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, highlighting these studies:
- Validation study: Evaluating predictive ability of genetic and genomic evaluations for heifers
- Milking speed: Genetic and genomic evaluations, data flow, and next steps
- Calf health: Available data, trait exploration, and development of national evaluations
- Lactation projection factors: Updating milk, fat, and protein yield predictions
CDCB Research Updates
John Cole, Ph.D., CDCB Chief Research and Development Officer
Cole described the early findings and next steps for research underway by CDCB geneticists and through partnerships with USDA AGIL and university researchers.
- Female fertility (Daughter Pregnancy Rate, Cow Conception Rate and Heifer Conception Rate) trait review
- Single-step genomic evaluations
- Lameness and foot and claw health
- 2025 base change
- Selective breeding to reduce enteric methane emissions
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