NORTHUMBERLAND, N.Y. >> Nearly 200 people from 26 countries toured Saratoga County recently as part of a high-tech conference that has nothing to do with computer chip manufacturing or the semiconductor industry.

The group was comprised of dairy genetic consultants who visited local dairies to get a first-hand look at some of the industrys best animals.

The four-day event was hosted by Ohio-based Select Sires Inc., North Americas largest artificial insemination firm, and included stops at more than a dozen Capital Region farms including four in Saratoga County, recognized internationally as a hotbed for dairy genetics.

The goal of such efforts is healthier, higher producing, more profitable animals.

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We work at having extremely elite genetics, said Jeff King, co-owner of Kings Ransom Farm in Northumberland. Less than 1 percent of dairy farms are as in tune as we are with their genetics. Its become part of our business model.

The group also visited Welcome Stock and Clear Echo farms in Bacon Hill, and Eildon Tweed Farm in Charlton.

We are all good friends, but theres also friendly competition, which makes us more successful, King said. Because were so concentrated here, it makes it easier for tour groups to visit, which is a big benefit for us.

Genetics has really been a passion of mine since I was a young kid, he said. Its a challenge to try to improve these animals with each successive generation. Its a joy for me to have a hand in making these decisions and producing a higher quality.

Each calf thats born has a genomic makeup, which identifies various traits. One animal might be a better milk producer, while another is more disease resistant or perhaps extra fertile.

The goal, when breeding, is studying the genomic traits of each animal, and pairing bulls and cows that are most apt to produce high-quality offspring, King said.

Visitors were on hand from places such as Mexico, Brazil, China, Australia, New Zealand and several European nations including Italy, Germany and France.

We sent them back home with information that can be used to improve cattle and dairy programs in their countries, said Rick Ver Beek, Select Sires dairy sire analyst.

His company buys high-quality bulls from farms and sells their semen to dairies around the world.

The industrys number one proven sire, based on milk production from its offspring, is a bull named Montross that came from Welcome Stock Farm. It now lives in Plain City, Ohio, where Select Sires is headquartered.

The breeding power of this bull is across all breeds, Ver Beek said. Its offspring have extremely high milk production and improved protein content; just really efficient, profitable, trouble-free animals.

In the face of domestic and global political turmoil, Ver Beek said it was refreshing to see people from so many countries come together, working for a common goal.

I think with agriculture in general theres tremendous camaraderie, he said. That common goal of feeding the world just kind of rings true.

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Local dairy farms find success using genetics - The Saratogian