A new award is gracing the colored shavings for the International Holstein Shows: Genomic Merit. Sponsored by Siemers Holsteins, a neck ribbon and medallion are presented to the highest-ranking GTPI animal placing in the top two-thirds of each Holstein heifer and cow class.
Genomics Finds a Place in the Showring
When it comes to genomic testing, Kevin Jorgensen says knowledge is power.
Jorgensen is the senior Holstein sire analyst for Select Sires Inc., a World Dairy Expo board member and tabulator of genomic entries at the 2025 show.
“This kind of focus on genomics solidifies to me that the commercial and show worlds are not so far apart in that we all want trouble-free cows that can do it all,” he says.
Many of the 2025 Genomic Merit winners were right near the top of their classes, both for heifers and cows. To Jorgensen, the results show how data is becoming part of the breeding conversation across the industry, including in the showring.
“Genomics has assisted with that, and it’s interesting how the widespread adaptation of genomics is even evident in the type arena as well,” Jorgensen adds.
In the showring, genomic selection still largely centers around producing cattle with the type traits needed to compete. But genomic evaluations also provide information on traits tied to how cattle perform in a commercial herd.
“In the showring, genomics is still mainly focused on creating the kind that can win, but traits like livability and DPR certainly make producers think differently about sires and their daughters and how they perhaps mate them moving forward,” Jorgensen says.
Siemers Brings Genomics to the Colored Shavings
The Siemers family has a long history of exhibiting and breeding class-winning Holsteins at World Dairy Expo. The family also has used genomics to breed some of the influential high-type sires of the past decade, making the Genomic Merit award a natural fit.
“While we were watching the show together a couple years ago, we discussed the award and that it was perhaps the right fit for them to sponsor it,” Jorgensen recalls.
For Dan Siemers, the cattle receiving the award represent the kind of animals his family wants to breed.
“The cattle that win the award are the type of cattle that we like to breed,” Siemers says. “Genomics has helped today’s cow be a better cow. She produces higher component milk, stays in the herd longer, and needs fewer treatments and antibiotics. She’s also more efficient, producing more with less feed.”
Those traits extend beyond the showring, Siemers says. Livability, mastitis resistance and production are all part of building cattle capable of performing in commercial dairy herds.
“Rewarding cattle who possess the ability to have livability, mastitis resistance, and production are just a few of the many things that are important to all milk producers,” he says.
Building a More Complete Cow
For a breeder known for high-type cattle, Siemers says there is more to a cow’s value than how she looks on the colored shavings.
Whether selecting for type or genomic numbers, the Siemers family aims to bring multiple pieces together, including a strong sire stack, family production and marketable genomic numbers.
“We should all be looking for cows that put everything together,” he says.
Genomics has changed how dairy producers make those decisions over the past two decades. Siemers points out the proven bulls being used today began their lives as genomic bulls, giving the industry more selection information before those bulls had daughters in milk.
“Almost all dairy producers are using genomics to their advantage today, whether they know it or not,” Siemers says. “Today’s proven bulls all started out as genomic bulls, and the added selection pressure has made today’s genetics better.”
The value extends to identifying which females should become bull dams and which bulls fit those females.
“Genomic testing has elevated everything in dairy genetics,” Siemers says. “It helps the industry know which dams should be focused on to be bull dams, and to help identify which bulls to use on these genetically superior females. This is truly a situation in which a rising tide lifts all the boats.”
For Jorgensen, the Genomic Merit award is another way to show how genomic information can complement traditional cattle breeding rather than compete with it.
“Any time that you can learn more about creating the trouble-free cow that can thrive in your operation, there is value in knowing more about your animals,” Jorgensen says. “The traits and breeding philosophies between producers can vary, but having the data helps make better mating decisions.”
