Receiving the 3rd Master Breeder shield was never a goal at Seelby Holsteins, but it is certainly an honour to have achieved such success. The most influential cow that helped earn the Seelby Master Breeder Shield was Seelby Mattador Charlene VG-86 8*, she was sold as a 2 year old and was 3rd Sr 2 year old at the Royal in 1986 .
When looking for cattle to add to the Seelby herd the focus is a deep maternal side, high classification, star brood cows for at least three generations, good production with butterfat and top AI sires.
The Simpsons started flushing cows about the time that Mattador Charlene was sold, they flushed her dam and full sister and then her Starbuck daughter. The Simpson now flush only occasionally.
Sires that worked well & had the most impact in the herd: Sunnylodge Linjet, there were many EX and VG offspring, along with star brood cows that remained in the herd for a long time.
Bulls that are currently being used: Chelios, Atwood, Lauthority, Fever and Windbrook. When picking sires the Simpsons look for Dairy strength, great udders and strong feet and legs, strong loins and good rump width while being plus for milk and fat.
Over the years improvements have been made in the facilities; A Free stall solar barn for heifers and dry cows, a 20 calf nursery and also increased the milk barn size by 33 tie stalls.
Over the years the Simpsons breeding philosophy has change and are now focusing on greater emphasis on feet and legs along with higher LPI.
Achieving Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor at the Eastern Ontario Western Quebec Championship Show was a great a accomplishment for the Simpson Family. Farm succession planning in on the top of future goals at Seelby Farms.
Seelby Holsteins Facts:
Total # of animals:
90 milk cows, 250 head in total including heifers and calves
Herd Classification:
11EX, 48 VG, 45 GP
Herd Production:
10,525 KG milk, 3.9 fat, 3.3 protein, BCA 233, 242, 235
Acres – forage and grains grown:
540 acres total workland made up of 180 forage, 160 corn, 100 soybeans, 60 wheat, 40 barley
Type of feed fed:
Cows are fed corn silage, haylage, hay (second and third cut) three times daily, grain, dry corn and barley 3:1 three times daily, top dress custom protein pellet three times daily along with roasted beans to fresh and top milk cows
Feed bought:
Custom protein blend, calf starter and minerals
People involved:
Three full time – Dan Simpson, Devin Simpson, Randy Knapp
Three part time students (weekend and summer)
front row left to right – Parker (grandson), Dan