Weaver Brothers (Continued from Pag* Al) Landis said. ““If they could find a can pick out-something that can way to factor in longevity, it would tell you what kind of breeding you be good- A lot of high index cows have and which bull will work well are gone after two or three years, in that cow family.” Some of the cows out of low index- The brothers do see some con- bulls milk well and last a long flict between breeding for cow time, but they have no value in the families and breeding for the index bull market, numbers assigned by the registered seems unfair, but right now, breed associations. if y° u are going to merchandise, “I wish they would alter their y° u are going to need to go with criteria for index numbers a little,” high index numbers.” Tower-Front Bell Elaine, VG 86, was recently honored by the Pennsylvania Holstein Association and the Lancaster County Holstein Association for her production topping record of 38,600 m 1250 f 1260 p. Bell Elaine had top produc tion of 141 lbs per day and milked over 100 lbs per day for eight months. Now, More Dairylea Dairylea Cooperative Than Ever... Membership in Cooperative Means More Ways to Increase Your Profitability ✓ Highly Competitive Premiums ✓ Quality and Production Incentive Programs ✓ Member Loan Program ✓ Energy Loan Program ✓ Milk Check Direct Deposit ✓ Top-Rated Insurance Coverages ✓ Flexible Benefits Program for Farmers and Farm Employees MMBBSMP Mans mu Build For The Future! Call Shirley at 1-800-722-0231 (New York) or 1-800-654-8838 (other states) Actually, the Weavers like to stress cow families with high index numbers. “We may sacrifice a little index at times,” Herb said. “But if you can keep the type up, in the long run, you’ll be ahead. Some guys breed a cow one time and they have a bull mother, but if you can look back several generations you will get a bull mother anyway, plus, you have some hope for longevity.” As for BST, “I don’t like it,” Herb said. And Landis agreed. “For the Holstein breed, I think it’s an unfair way, if you want to prove bulls. If a guy has an interest in a bull, he can give BST to all the bull’s daughters and not the herd mates,” Herb said. “Several pounds of milk per day doesn’t sound like much, but it can make a big difference on the bull’s proof. “Commercial dairymen may like to use it more because they are striving to just get milk out of the cow. The breeder is more inter ested in longivity. He wants the cow to last a long time.” The Weavers farm 200 acres, some of it rented alfalfa ground. Their 75 cows have a rolling herd average 0f21,000m 81 1f695f. The latest classification shows, 2 EX, 16 VG, 37 GP, and 10 G. They flush about five cows each year for embryo work. Last month one cow that was flushed gave them 16 Lancaster Fanning, Saturday, December 8, 1990-A23 li Linquenda recently flushed and 16 embryos were recovered for trans plant work. Wea-Land Chai 27,000 m, HOOf, 950 p. More Inc. good embryos. They consign ani mals to promotional sales, have an agreement with Stonehurst Farms at Strasburg and last April sold a red cow in New York for $6,600. The secret for high production is to do all the little things right. “You need to have genetics,” Landis said. “But then you need management too. It seems like everything together makes the cow milk.” The Wea-Land cows have a total mixed ration in front of them at all times and a top dressing is given three times per day. Forage sam ples are pulled several times each month to keep exact information available for feed ingredient needs. Heifer management is called “the most important step on the farm”. Because you save money and because the first-calf heifers seem to milk better, they are bred to freshen when they are 24 months (Turn to Pago A 27)