Could you share some insights about your role and the mission of Hybrid Genetics?
It all began around the year 2000, specifically in 2001. I wanted to pursue my studies at university. During a visit to a class, a professor gave a talk about the advanced breeding levels in Holsteins and how rapidly they were progressing. She mentioned that within 10 years, we would face significant issues with overly high inbreeding levels in Holsteins, and the breeding stations or associations would need to address this. That one sentence changed my life.
At the time, my father and I were both dairy farmers. After a few years, I decided to shift my focus as I became more interested in talking to other farmers about dairy crossbreeding. I joined a genetics company to learn more about dairy cattle genetics, but quickly realized they were only focused on selling Holsteins.
This led my wife, Sabrina, and I to start our own company, Hybrid Genetics, dedicated to crossbreeding. We now see a growing demand for Norwegian Red semen, especially as more farmers become interested, though there is still a need to educate them on why Norwegian Red is preferable to other Scandinavian breeds.
We operate in German-speaking countries, excluding Switzerland, serving farmers in southern Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, and Germany itself. Currently, we have eight full-time employees and expect to add a new salesperson by autumn.
What are the challenges and trends for the dairy industry in Germany?
That’s a tough question, as it's quite different from Norway. In Germany, we have multiple breeding stations, almost one in every state, while southern Germany’s stations, particularly in Bavaria, are private companies. This means farmers are customers, not members. In most other areas, breeding stations are cooperatives.
A major trend is an increasing focus on crossbreeding, particularly with Norwegian Red genetics. Germany and other German-speaking countries are among the most interested in this. While there are other companies offering crossbreeding solutions, we consider ourselves market leaders. The popularity of crossbreeding is growing because many farmers realize that their Holstein cows have become too large for their barns. There’s also a focus on improving animal welfare and sustainability, making crossbreeding a viable solution for healthier, more efficient cows. Crossbreeding cows tend to live longer, produce more milk, and have fewer health issues compared to pure breeds.
What type of dairy cows will be needed to meet the future trends in Germany's dairy industry?
Currently, most farmers are content with the size of their cows, though the focus is shifting toward smaller, more manageable animals.
However, the desire for larger cows still exists, particularly in southern Germany. But as barns become less suitable for large cows, there may be a slow shift toward smaller, more efficient animals. Farmers are starting to recognize the challenges of managing oversized cows, especially when balancing productivity with animal welfare.
What drives dairy farmers to choose Norwegian Red genetics for their herds?
Dairy farmers select Norwegian Red genetics primarily due to the need to manage unpredictable working hours and tasks. Routine activities like feeding and milking can be planned, but unexpected issues, such as a sick cow, can disrupt these plans and require additional time. This unpredictability, combined with high veterinary costs and the fact that many farmers manage much of the work themselves, can be frustrating. Farmers often find themselves disappointed with the substantial expenses associated with veterinary care.
Crossbred cows, particularly those with Norwegian Red genetics, are more productive and have longer lifespans in the herd. They also require fewer replacements, which improves milk yield and simplifies herd management. Norwegian Red genetics are known for their robustness and resilience, which helps manage high inbreeding levels and reduces health problems. By introducing these genetics through crossbreeding, farmers can benefit from improved herd health and efficiency.
What key traits should be prioritized when selecting bulls for the market?
When selecting bulls for the market, the key traits to prioritize are teat placement, udder quality, polled genetics, longevity, and milk production. Proper teat placement is essential to avoid milking issues, which are common in Holsteins. Good udder quality helps prevent cows from being culled due to udder health problems.
Polled genetics are becoming more popular as they eliminate the need for dehorning, improving animal welfare. Norwegian Red is leading the Scandinavian Red breeds in polled gene prevalence, making it a top choice for our farmers.
Longevity is another key factor, as bulls that produce long-living offspring are highly valued. Bulls with high milk yields, solid stature, and A2A2 genetics are also in demand, especially for crossbreeding. Maintaining breed purity is important, so pure Norwegian Red bulls are often preferred over those with a strong influence from other breeds like Brown Swiss, Jersey, or Holstein.
Additionally, traits such as disease resistance, particularly against conditions like Mortellaro disease that affect hooves, are gaining more attention. These health traits contribute to cows that are easier to manage and healthier overall.
What’s the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is the passion that drives me every day as we build Hybrid Genetics. It’s more than just a business – it’s a true labor of love that we’ve carefully nurtured with commitment and dedication. Seeing it grow, even through the challenges, brings immense satisfaction. What makes it even more rewarding is helping farmers through educational efforts like our YouTube videos and outreach programs, which highlight the benefits of crossbreeding and encourage its adoption.
While we still have a lot to do, the long-term vision keeps me motivated, and I look forward to eventually having more balance and spending more time with my family as we continue to expand.
