Retained Patronage DistributedMore than $184,000 of retained patronage credits from

2005 was recently converted dollar for dollar to shares of Class A Preferred Stock and distributed to NorthStar Cooperative member-stockowners. This conversion and distribution is in accordance with the Cooperative’s Capital Plan which rewards member-stockowners for their investment in the Cooperative.

The Capital Plan allows for converting retained patronage to Class A Preferred Stock after eight years. Converting allocated patronage credits to Class A Preferred Stock means stockowners have the opportunity to receive annual dividends. While past returns do not guarantee future performance, NorthStar has paid dividends on class A preferred stock for the past 15 consecutive years.

Preferred Stock Value IncreaseThe NorthStar Cooperative board of directors recently

recommended increasing the value of Class A Preferred Stock from to $29.25 to $30.50 per share. This increase reflects the improved strength and value resulting from NorthStar’s financial performance over the past year. Since its inception at $10 per share in 1999, the increase in value represents an 8.3 percent compounded annual growth rate.

MemberStockownerNews

1999 2014

$30.50

$0

$10

$20

$30

$40

Class A Preferred Stock Value Growth

Reflects a 8.3 percent compounded annual growth rate.

Trierweiler Elected PresidentThe NorthStar

Cooperative board of directors conducted officer elections at the April 16 meeting, and elected District 2 Director, Paul Trierweiler as President.

Trierweiler replaces Mike Heckaman who has been serving on the NorthStar Board of Directors for 16 years, with 10 years as President. In consideration of succession planning, Heckaman declined to run for the position again as he announced his plans to retire from the board of directors at the end of his current term.

Elected in 2013 to the NorthStar Board of Directors, Trierweiler was a member of the Cooperative’s Political Action Committee, 401(k) Committee and Investment Committee. Trierweiler has extensive board and leadership experience including currently serving on the Union Bank Board of Directors. In 2005, Paul was recognized as the Jaycee National Outstanding Young Farmer. Trierweiler is a partner in Trierweiler Dairy, Inc., a 1,300-cow herd in Portland, Michigan.

The balance of officer election results include: Vice President, Lyle Ott, District 7; Second Vice President, Dick Piechowski, District 8; Treasurer, Jeff Horning, District 4; and Secretary, Dan Mielke, District 9.

College Scholarships AvailableNorthStar Cooperative offers scholarships

for post high school study in the field of agriculture for stockowners and their children. Up to three $500 scholarships will be awarded. Scholarship guidelines and an application can be obtained online at www.northstarcooperative.com.

2 Comprehensive solutions for producer profitability.

AntelBio’s commercial milk pregnancy test data since November 2012 shows that 3.4 percent of 4,500 cows tested just prior to dry off (180-210 DCC) had lost their pregnancies. Not surprisingly, this is similar to the figure (5 percent) used as a benchmark for abortion rates (pregnancy loss after 42 DCC) on U.S. dairy operations. Abortion rates below 5 percent are considered acceptable, while rates greater than 5 percent suggest problems in feed quality, nutrition and/or infectious disease.

What’s the abortion rate in your herd? If you know, is it higher than 5 percent... and if so, why? This final article in the Diagnostic Solutions for Reproductive Success series describes diagnostic procedures to effectively screen for three of the most common infectious causes of abortion in dairy cattle.

Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) is caused by a virus and, although routinely vaccinated for, a substantial reservoir of virus continues to exist in persistently infected cattle. Abortions resulting from BVD exposure and new cow infections occur primarily during the first and second trimester; and surviving calves are likely to be persistently infected (PI). These calves will generally be unthrifty, but some do make it into the milking herd serving to contaminate the environment and infect herd mates by continual shedding of the virus.

To eliminate BVD as a reproductive concern, screen to confirm the absence of PI animals. For animals currently milking, this is done conveniently by analysis of bulk tank or pooled DHI milk samples. Calves and non-milking animals should be sampled by ear notch or blood, and tested individually or in pools of up to 20. Starting with a subset (20) of the poorest looking calves could save testing the entire population of replacements, but it only takes one missed animal to maintain the reservoir.

Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria. The main reservoir for the bacteria is either chronically infected cattle despite vaccination or wildlife. Abortions caused by leptospirosis occur mainly in newly infected cows in their third

Infectious Causes of Pregnancy Loss – Part 4Dr. Todd Byrem, Director, AntelBio

trimester; chronic infection is generally unnoticeable, but reduces fertility and productivity in subsequent lactations.

To eliminate leptospirosis as a reproductive concern, screen urine for the absence of the bacteria in a random selection of pregnant cows (> 15) or target a group of recently aborted cows. Depending on the bacterial strain, animals shedding bacteria in their urine are either reservoirs for further transmission (Hardjo) or represent incidental hosts from wildlife reservoirs (Pomona; Grippotyphosa). If present, blood samples from infected animals can be tested to determine the specific strain for future vaccination, treatment and control procedures.

Neosporosis is caused by a protozoa. The main reservoir for the protozoa is infected canines, most notably dogs. Abortions caused by neospora typically occur during the second and third trimester. Surviving heifers appear normal, but are chronically infected and more prone to abortion during their reproductive lifespan.

To eliminate neosporosis as a reproductive concern, screen blood or milk samples (from the bulk tank or DHI testing) for the absence of antibodies. While antibodies identified in samples cannot predict the likelihood of abortion, it does indicate infection status, and the prevalence of chronically infected cows represents the relative risk of infection. Furthermore, a higher prevalence of antibodies in cows with a recent history of abortion relative to non-aborting cows suggests neosporosis is actively responsible for current pregnancy losses.

Despite widespread use of vaccines for infectious diseases that affect reproduction, reservoirs of infected animals to transmit new infections continue to exist. If abortions

Diagnostic Solutions for

REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESSPreconception- Track progesterone levels to determine

if animals are physiologically ready

to breed.Transition Period- Monitor blood NEFA levels to determine

energy intake and balance.

- Check for Mycotoxins to control impact

of feed contamination.Throughout Gestation

- Detect open cows efficiently to

maximize reproductive performance.

Confront Pregnancy Loss

- Check for infectious disease when

too many cows are found open

at confirmation.

2 Comprehensive solutions for producer pro� tability.

AntelBio’s commercial milk pregnancy test data since November 2012 shows that 3.4 percent of 4,500 cows tested just prior to dry o� (180-210 DCC) had lost their pregnancies. Not surprisingly, this is similar to the � gure (5 percent) used as a benchmark for abortion rates (pregnancy loss a� er 42 DCC) on U.S. dairy operations. Abortion rates below 5 percent are considered acceptable, while rates greater than 5 percent suggest problems in feed quality, nutrition and/or infectious disease.

What’s the abortion rate in your herd? If you know, is it higher than 5 percent... and if so, why? � is � nal article in the Diagnostic Solutions for Reproductive Success series describes diagnostic procedures to e� ectively screen for three of the most common infectious causes of abortion in dairy cattle.

Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) is caused by a virus and, although routinely vaccinated for, a substantial reservoir of virus continues to exist in persistently infected cattle. Abortions resulting from BVD exposure and new cow infections occur primarily during the � rst and second trimester; and surviving calves are likely to be persistently infected (PI). � ese calves will generally be unthri� y, but some do make it into the milking herd serving to contaminate the environment and infect herd mates by continual shedding of the virus.

To eliminate BVD as a reproductive concern, screen to con� rm the absence of PI animals. For animals currently milking, this is done conveniently by analysis of bulk tank or pooled DHI milk samples. Calves and non-milking animals should be sampled by ear notch or blood, and tested individually or in pools of up to 20. Starting with a subset (20) of the poorest looking calves could save testing the entire population of replacements, but it only takes one missed animal to maintain the reservoir.

Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria. � e main reservoir for the bacteria is either chronically infected cattle despite vaccination or wildlife. Abortions caused by leptospirosis occur mainly in newly infected cows in their third

Infectious Causes of Pregnancy Loss – Part 4Dr. Todd Byrem, Director, AntelBio

trimester; chronic infection is generally unnoticeable, but reduces fertility and productivity in subsequent lactations.

To eliminate leptospirosis as a reproductive concern, screen urine for the absence of the bacteria in a random selection of pregnant cows (> 15) or target a group of recently aborted cows. Depending on the bacterial strain, animals shedding bacteria in their urine are either reservoirs for further transmission (Hardjo) or represent incidental hosts from wildlife reservoirs (Pomona; Grippotyphosa). If present, blood samples from infected animals can be tested to determine the speci� c strain for future vaccination, treatment and control procedures.

Neosporosis is caused by a protozoa. � e main reservoir for the protozoa is infected canines, most notably dogs. Abortions caused by neospora typically occur during the second and third trimester. Surviving heifers appear normal, but are chronically infected and more prone to abortion during their reproductive lifespan.

To eliminate neosporosis as a reproductive concern, screen blood or milk samples (from the bulk tank or DHI testing) for the absence of antibodies. While antibodies identi� ed in samples cannot predict the likelihood of abortion, it does indicate infection status, and the prevalence of chronically infected cows represents the relative risk of infection. Furthermore, a higher prevalence of antibodies in cows with a recent history of abortion relative to non-aborting cows suggests neosporosis is actively responsible for current pregnancy losses.

Despite widespread use of vaccines for infectious diseases that a� ect reproduction, reservoirs of infected animals to transmit new infections continue to exist. If abortions

Diagnostic Solutions for

REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS

3northstarcooperative.com

in your herd exceed commonly accepted rates, consider diagnostic screening programs to eliminate concerns that common causes, like BVD, Leptospora and Neospora, are contributing to pregnancy losses. If your abortion rates are currently acceptable, these screening programs are also suitable for potential or recent purchases, or as a preventative tool to reduce the risk and significant costs of abortion outbreaks.

Whatever reproductive or animal health goals have been established for your operation, AntelBio provides diagnostic solutions that can work in conjunction with your herd health professional to keep you on track for success. Contact AntelBio or your NorthStar field specialist for additional information on any diagnostic services.

Green Meadow Farms, Inc., Elsie, MI

4/14 USDA-CDCB/HAUSA Genomic Evaluation Rel.%: 7HO10606 99, 99; 7HO10297 97, 94; 7HO10679 96, 93.

7HO10606

Observer+$646 NM +1,476 Milk +6.2 PL +2.70 Type +3.02 UDC +2168 GTPISM

7HO10297

McNuggets+$661 NM +1,162 Milk +6.0 PL +2.03 FLC +1.92 UDC +2117 GTPISM

7HO10679

Kid+$651 NM +1,456 Milk +6.2 PL +1.88 Type +1.83 UDC +2139 GTPISM

John & Tineke Boschma, Colby, WI

Net Merit & Type Specialists14

≥+600 NM$ with ≥+1.50 Type Active Holstein Proven Sires

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

Select Sires

14

8

65

32

A B C D E

Source: April 2014 Holstein Active A.I. Listing, Domestic and Foreign Bulls.

1.800.631.3510northstarcooperative.com

4 Comprehensive solutions for producer profitability.

Improvements in conception and pregnancy rates, along with the ability to better manage their time, are among the benefits Doug and Sam Chapin cite since installing the SCR Heatime® HR-Tag System for their Remus, Michigan herd in January 2013. “We planned on using the system mostly for the activity and heat detection,” remembered Sam. “But we thought the rumination could be helpful with herd health.”

The SCR Heatime® HR-Tag system monitors activity and rumination levels, allowing the Chapins to see which cows are displaying high activity associated with estrus, as well as decreased activity and rumination from potentially sick animals. The system installed at Chapin Family Farms, LLC requires the cows to pass through a reader to collect the information stored in each collar. Cows go through the reader every eight hours, or three times a day, upon leaving the milking parlor. A newer version of the system sends the information every 20 minutes, something Sam is eager to change to.

“That would make it easier to determine actual timing for breeding,” Sam said. The ‘Hours to Breed’ report in the software shows Sam the estimated number of hours until the cow ovulates according to her activity levels. By getting more frequent information, Sam figures he’d have even more accurate timing on when each cow should be bred.

Eliminating the need to walk pens for heat detection has allowed the Chapins to better manage their days. “The time management has been huge,” said Sam. “It gives you more freedom. We’ve always bred twice a day, and it clearly says you’ve got this window to breed.” Checking the software at night via a Team Viewer app on his smart phone lets Sam know exactly what to expect the following morning.

Just over half of the 700-cow herd has collars on, and the Chapins have adjusted when they are putting collars on. “We were putting collars on fresh cows, but they are already off their feed from calving,” noted Sam. Now, collaring cows

Chapin Family Farms: Heat Detection and More with SCR Heatime® Jennica Vander Boon

moving to the close-up pen two weeks prior to calving allows better monitoring of potential problems that may follow calving and has already led to some protocol changes. “You still have to investigate the reasons for the changes you’re seeing,” said Sam. They began noticing a drop in rumination that correlated with certain vaccines and made the decision to back those particular vaccines off by two weeks to avoid impacting peak milk.

“It’s been a positive experience throughout,” said Sam. “It’s really enjoyable on herd health day now!” The herd’s pregnancy rates have remained consistent around 24 percent the last 12 months, an increase from their previous average of 18 percent. Conception rates have also improved, averaging 37 percent over the last 12 months. Eighty-five percent of all services and 88 percent of first services over the last year have been triggered by the Heatime activity monitoring.

Installing the Heatime system has changed the way the Chapin’s look at their cows. “We’re just beginning to feel the flood of calvings,” noted Sam. “We’re getting more cows pregnant. We’ve got to find a different bottom ten percent of the herd – it used to be the cows that weren’t getting pregnant were easy candidates for culling. Now, we have to figure out who is best for our herd based on other factors.” With more information on each cow, Sam says they are able to make better decisions overall.

As for the cost of the system, Sam just shrugged. “With all the positive things that have happened, I know it’s working for us. It’s helping us, it’ll pay for itself.”

Sam Chapin shares his experience with the Heatime System at a recent Open House.

The Jersey Revolution™ is stronger than ever with four of the top five Jersey Performance Index™ (JPI™) sires calling Select Sires home, including the new No. 1 sire, 7JE1067 GOLDA-ET (+257). He is followed by 523JE927 MAGNUM-ET (+236), 7JE1046 ZIPPER (+214) and 7JE1038 VALENTINO (+212) in the top five.

MAGNUM, GOLDA, 236JE146 ZUMA and ZIPPER also rank among the top 10 Net Merit (NM$) sires. MAGNUM, 236JE136 HULK, ZIPPER and 7JE1073 HENDRIX are top 10 active and foreign A.I. sires for Cheese Merit (CM$).

VALENTINO remains the top active and foreign A.I. sire for Type at +2.4 PTAT while GOLDA (+2.3) is tied for No. 2. 7JE1000 TBONE and 7JE860 ECLIPES-P-ET also rank in the top 10 at +2.0 PTAT. Jersey lineup grows with two graduates

7JE1082 GR HEARTland Gan Ted-1736-ET debuts in the top 20 of the breed for JPI at +182. HEART daughters are

exceptional producers (+1,327 Milk) with high component yields (+116 CFP). This Gannon son comes from five generations of Very Good dams with consistent and impressive lifetime production. A HealthMark™ sire, HEART transmits low SCS (2.83), positive DPR (+0.3) and longevity (+2.0 PL).

7JE1068 Den-Kel Louie JAMISON-ET is a 7JE738 LOUIE-ET son from seven generations of Excellent and Very Good dams. His daughters are solid Type cows (+1.1) with excellent mobility and very good udders (+2.54 JUI). He transmits an outstanding combination of Milk (+776) and components (+.10% Fat, +.07% Protein). This Superior Settler™ is ideal for the upcoming summer breeding season.

Learn more by visiting the Select Sires Jersey Revolution Facebook page.

Select Sires’ Jersey Lineup Leads the Industry

Buttercrest Golda Frill-P (VG-85%) Dutch Hollow Valentino Cheryl –ET (E-90%)

7JE1067 GOLDA No. 1 JPI™ Sire

7JE1038 VALENTINO No. 1 Type Sire

USING 21ST CENTURY TOOLS

Test to know.

MASTITIS DETECTION

• Speed

• Versatility

• Flexibility

• Convenience

• Cost Savings

Unlike culture, DNA TESTING provides:

800.631.3510northstarcooperative.com

6 Comprehensive solutions for producer profitability.

Managing Inbreeding

Developing a herd of cows with the type and production you demand is the goal of Select Mating Service™ (SMS™). But equally as important is the programs ability to protect your herd from the negative effects and economic losses associated with Haplotypes and inbreeding.

Why should you be concerned? The inbreeding level of the Holstein population increased more in one year (2012 to 2013), than any other year since 1997. While inbreeding stood at 4.55 percent in 2000, in December 2013 it reached 6.05 percent.

The likelihood that this trend will continue is huge, especially when you consider that 100 percent of the Top 100 Genomic Young Sires in December 2013 were all related to Oman, Shottle, Goldwyn or Planet. Additionally, 83 of the Top 100 Active Proven TPI sires were descendants of Planet, O Man, Shottle and Goldwyn.

Remember the risk of inbreeding doesn’t come from the just the sire side, it comes from the maternal side as well. With genomic-based selection, fewer and fewer maternal lines are influencing bull selection. In fact in December 2013, there were 19 dams with multiple sons on the on the Top 100 Genomic Young Sire List, and five of those had more than two sons. The cost of inbreeding is high

Inbreeding occurs when closely related animals are mated to each other. In today’s genomic world it is increasingly difficult to avoid inbreeding without a program like SMS.

Managing inbreeding is multi-faceted. At the herd level it is very important to keep accurate parentage identification to manage inbreeding and genetic defects. Not knowing the parentage does not make an animal less inbred; it simply means we are less able to manage inbreeding, as well as haplotypes that affect fertility.

Table 1 shows that the economic impact of inbreeding is substantial. Along with these economic losses, inbreeding also leads to: decreased cow health and vigor; lower lactation production; reduced reproductive performance; lower embryo survival rates and increased calf mortality.

Julie Ainsworth, Dairy Production Analyst, PAS

How SMS can helpThe SMS program emphasizes a balance of type and

production, while also allowing in-depth pedigree information to be incorporated to help manage inbreeding levels and prevent the losses they cause. SMS also allows you to benefit from the genetics of sires that carry genetic recessives, known as haplotypes, without the consequences.

Getting started with SMS is easy. First an SMS evaluator conducts a genetic consultation to understand the goals of your herd. The SMS program sequence emphasizes the traits that have a high correlation to longevity. In addition, SMS evaluators can use genetic rankings, prioritize cows and tie breaker options such as TPI or udder composite to further control the results.

Mating recommendations can be accomplished through cow-side linear evaluation or pedigree mate. With cow-side linear evaluation, animals are evaluated and scored on a scale of 1-9 for 17 different traits. Pedigree information for each animal is also entered into the program. Sire selection is based on your criteria for your herd. From this, the matings are created, focusing on correcting faults, avoiding inbreeding and recessive management.

Pedigree mating, also known as SMS II, is performed by evaluating only the pedigree information of animals.

Trait

Lifetime NM$

Age at first freshening

Productive Life

Lifetime Milk

Lifetime Protein

First Calving Interval

Inbreeding Depression per 1% increase in inbreeding

-24$

+.36 days

-.13 days

-790 lbs

-25 lbs

+.26 MonthDr. Bennet Cassell, Virginia Tech

Economic impact of inbreeding

Table 1

7northstarcooperative.com

With this process, inbreeding and recessive management is still achieved, and breed type values are used to create recommend matings. Special file formats are provided to allow complete automation. The Select Sires SMS program is the only program where the person that scores the cows and/or gathers the pedigree data is the same person that mates the cows!

Mating recommendations are provided via paper or email. Electronic files are also provided, allowing mating recommendations to be imported into on-farm management programs such as PCDART or Dairy Comp.

SMS is a complete program that helps manage your farm’s breeding goals in the ever-changing genetic world. NorthStar’s professional SMS evaluators combine good old-fashioned cow sense with the most advanced computerized analysis to help you achieve your goals. Talk to your area NorthStar Specialist to learn more about SMS or to schedule an appointment.

SMS has contributed to creating the type of cows and herd we want.

–Jim Winkel, McBain, Michigan, 750-cows

Call Today!

800.631.3510northstarcooperative.com

• Customized testing programs• Results within days• Over a dozen milk analysis options including pregnancy,

mastitis, Johne's, leukosis, BVD and more

NORTHSTAR DHI SERVICESREVEALING PROFITABILITY IN EVERY

DR P

PresortedFirst Class

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Lansing, MI Permit #505

P.O. Box 23157, Lansing, MI 48909-31571.800.631.3510

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NorthStar Cooperative, its agents or employees cannot and do not guarantee the conception rate, gender, quality or productivity to be obtained in connection with the use of its products, recommended techniques or services. WE MAKE NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, WHICH EXTEND BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION OF ITS PRODUCTS OR SERVICES AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. In the unlikely event that any of our products or services shall be proven to be defective, damages resulting from their use shall exclude consequential damages and be limited to their purchase price.

MILKTESTPREGNANCY

MILKTESTPREGNANCY

�Confirm�pregnancy�with�milk�samples�from�35-days�post�breeding.

Pregnancy�Confirmation�Made�Easy!