WEBVTT 00:00:10.429 --> 00:00:13.349 Welcome to the Bullvine Podcast, the show where 00:00:13.349 --> 00:00:15.710 we explore the stories behind the world's most 00:00:15.710 --> 00:00:19.530 successful dairy operations. Today, we're diving 00:00:19.530 --> 00:00:22.370 into the remarkable journey of Cord Horman and 00:00:22.370 --> 00:00:25.429 Wilcor Holsteins, a German breeding program that 00:00:25.429 --> 00:00:27.910 has captured international attention with its 00:00:27.910 --> 00:00:31.399 commitment to quality over quantity. From humble 00:00:31.399 --> 00:00:34.159 beginnings to grand champion titles, Cord shares 00:00:34.159 --> 00:00:37.179 his insights on breeding philosophy, facility 00:00:37.179 --> 00:00:40.020 design, and the importance of deep cow families. 00:00:40.219 --> 00:00:42.920 Let's get started. All right, folks, picture 00:00:42.920 --> 00:00:46.179 this, the packed hall, the murmur of anticipation, 00:00:46.259 --> 00:00:50.200 and then the hush as the judge points. Oh, Katie, 00:00:50.479 --> 00:00:53.380 grand champion at the 51st, shout her best in. 00:00:53.479 --> 00:00:56.409 The place must have just, well. Yeah, electric 00:00:56.409 --> 00:00:58.490 atmosphere, I bet. But you know us here at the 00:00:58.490 --> 00:01:00.189 Deep Dive. We're not just about the snapshot 00:01:00.189 --> 00:01:02.409 of victory, are we? We want to know the whole 00:01:02.409 --> 00:01:05.650 story. Exactly. Today, we're pulling back the 00:01:05.650 --> 00:01:08.489 curtain on that champion moment to explore the 00:01:08.489 --> 00:01:11.269 remarkable journey of Cord Horman and Wilker 00:01:11.269 --> 00:01:13.569 Holsteins. That's right. And for you listening 00:01:13.569 --> 00:01:15.650 in, whether you're managing a large herd or a 00:01:15.650 --> 00:01:18.370 family -sized operation or involved in the dairy 00:01:18.370 --> 00:01:21.109 sector in any capacity, this isn't just a, you 00:01:21.109 --> 00:01:23.170 know, pat on the back story. Think of it more 00:01:23.170 --> 00:01:25.560 as a blueprint for building excellence. one careful 00:01:25.560 --> 00:01:27.900 decision at a time. We're talking about a vision 00:01:27.900 --> 00:01:31.620 that started small, a level of patience that's 00:01:31.620 --> 00:01:34.939 honestly, well, a rarity these days, and an attention 00:01:34.939 --> 00:01:38.049 to detail that's truly something to admire. Absolutely. 00:01:38.209 --> 00:01:40.909 We're taking you backstage to see how a 16 -cow 00:01:40.909 --> 00:01:44.109 tie stall setup evolved into a breeding program 00:01:44.109 --> 00:01:46.769 that commands respect on the global Holstein 00:01:46.769 --> 00:01:50.209 stage. We'll be digging into Cord's early passion 00:01:50.209 --> 00:01:53.450 for Holsteins, those eye -opening experiences 00:01:53.450 --> 00:01:55.950 he had in North America. Those trips were key. 00:01:56.189 --> 00:01:58.250 The well -thought -out steps he took to build 00:01:58.250 --> 00:02:00.930 Wilcor and his unique insights gained from working 00:02:00.930 --> 00:02:03.469 in the AI industry. That's a fascinating angle. 00:02:03.590 --> 00:02:06.250 It really is. We'll also be unraveling his breeding 00:02:06.250 --> 00:02:08.770 philosophy, like what drives his decisions. Then, 00:02:08.830 --> 00:02:11.009 of course, the fascinating story of the Eucalyptus 00:02:11.009 --> 00:02:13.580 family. the meticulous journey of developing 00:02:13.580 --> 00:02:16.300 O 'Kady into a champion, the perspective he's 00:02:16.300 --> 00:02:18.379 gained from judging internationally, the success 00:02:18.379 --> 00:02:22.120 of the Welcome to Wilcor sale, a glimpse into 00:02:22.120 --> 00:02:24.180 his life beyond the farm where Wilcor stands 00:02:24.180 --> 00:02:27.360 today, and some really valuable advice for anyone 00:02:27.360 --> 00:02:29.580 looking to breed top -tier Holsteins. We're going 00:02:29.580 --> 00:02:31.780 deep, folks. No skimming here. This is a thorough 00:02:31.780 --> 00:02:34.580 exploration designed to give you, well... Practical 00:02:34.580 --> 00:02:36.479 insights you can actually apply. So let's not 00:02:36.479 --> 00:02:39.819 wait another minute. Let's do it. 16 cows in 00:02:39.819 --> 00:02:41.479 a tie stall. I mean, that's a picture many of 00:02:41.479 --> 00:02:43.840 you listening will know well, right? For sure. 00:02:44.080 --> 00:02:47.000 It's where Cord's passion really took root, inspired 00:02:47.000 --> 00:02:49.699 by his father's interest in the breed. You can 00:02:49.699 --> 00:02:52.560 almost see a young Cord, maybe 10 years old, 00:02:52.639 --> 00:02:55.780 leading his first 4 -H calf. That early hands 00:02:55.780 --> 00:02:58.599 -on experience is often where that... you know 00:02:58.599 --> 00:03:01.240 lifelong connection begins it really is and it 00:03:01.240 --> 00:03:03.479 wasn't just the daily routine on the farm those 00:03:03.479 --> 00:03:05.979 february trips to the shatterbeston were clearly 00:03:05.979 --> 00:03:08.360 a major influence cord remembers being there 00:03:08.360 --> 00:03:10.759 the day before just soaking it all in seeing 00:03:10.759 --> 00:03:13.060 these incredible animals daughters of legendary 00:03:13.060 --> 00:03:16.039 bulls he said and i quote i guess that lit the 00:03:16.039 --> 00:03:20.379 fire yeah it's those moments isn't it that first 00:03:20.379 --> 00:03:22.620 exposure to truly exceptional cows that just 00:03:22.620 --> 00:03:24.699 sets your own standards so for you listening 00:03:25.180 --> 00:03:27.439 Kord's early exposure to top quality animals 00:03:27.439 --> 00:03:30.099 at events like Shoud or Bestin highlights a crucial 00:03:30.099 --> 00:03:32.659 first step, immersing yourself in excellence 00:03:32.659 --> 00:03:35.000 to understand the benchmark and ignite your own 00:03:35.000 --> 00:03:38.650 ambition. Absolutely. And his education in what 00:03:38.650 --> 00:03:40.729 makes a great cow wasn't limited to Germany. 00:03:40.949 --> 00:03:43.289 His exchange year in North America, even though 00:03:43.289 --> 00:03:45.270 it wasn't directly focused on show cattle, it 00:03:45.270 --> 00:03:48.050 definitely broadened his horizons. Right. And 00:03:48.050 --> 00:03:50.509 then those return trips to Canada and the U .S., 00:03:50.509 --> 00:03:52.849 taking in the fall show circuit at World Dairy 00:03:52.849 --> 00:03:56.409 Expo and the Royal Winter Fair, those were really 00:03:56.409 --> 00:03:58.689 formative experiences. He got to see those iconic 00:03:58.689 --> 00:04:01.110 cows firsthand. Names that still ring out. Right. 00:04:01.370 --> 00:04:04.449 Despoins and James Sidney, Thru Lane, James Rose, 00:04:04.610 --> 00:04:06.189 these weren't just pretty faces. They were kind 00:04:06.189 --> 00:04:08.930 of redefining the modern kind of Holstein back 00:04:08.930 --> 00:04:11.830 then. And Cord picked up on a key principle there. 00:04:11.949 --> 00:04:14.469 He certainly did. He realized, and this is a 00:04:14.469 --> 00:04:16.810 crucial insight for everyone, you don't win anything 00:04:16.810 --> 00:04:19.129 on the pack but in the ring. The pedigree is 00:04:19.129 --> 00:04:21.110 important, sure, but it's not the whole story. 00:04:21.310 --> 00:04:24.370 He identified the critical elements, that special 00:04:24.370 --> 00:04:26.870 appeal, the cleanness of frame, but fundamentally 00:04:26.870 --> 00:04:29.990 correct confirmation and crucially great utters. 00:04:30.490 --> 00:04:32.990 That became a non -negotiable cornerstone of 00:04:32.990 --> 00:04:35.310 his breeding philosophy. Fast forward to 2009. 00:04:35.689 --> 00:04:38.129 Cord finishes his education, ready to put his 00:04:38.129 --> 00:04:41.410 vision into action. But talk about timing. He 00:04:41.410 --> 00:04:44.009 stepped right into a period of record low milk 00:04:44.009 --> 00:04:46.790 prices. You've got to admire the grit there. 00:04:46.930 --> 00:04:49.889 They had to rent a barn and prioritize commercial 00:04:49.889 --> 00:04:52.990 viability just to keep the farm afloat before 00:04:52.990 --> 00:04:55.269 they could even think about seriously pursuing 00:04:55.269 --> 00:04:58.420 those elite genetics. It's a powerful reminder 00:04:58.420 --> 00:05:00.779 that even the biggest dreams need to be grounded 00:05:00.779 --> 00:05:04.800 in, well, financial reality. This next chapter 00:05:04.800 --> 00:05:07.560 in Cord's story is a crucial reminder that even 00:05:07.560 --> 00:05:10.540 the most ambitious dreams face real -world challenges. 00:05:10.819 --> 00:05:13.709 It's a testament to his resilience, that. Exactly. 00:05:13.810 --> 00:05:16.009 Really grounds the story, doesn't it? This wasn't 00:05:16.009 --> 00:05:17.689 an overnight fairy tale. There was a significant 00:05:17.689 --> 00:05:20.089 period of practical challenges. But what's impressive 00:05:20.089 --> 00:05:22.769 is that even during that time, from 2009 to 2020 00:05:22.769 --> 00:05:25.230 while renting facilities, he was strategically 00:05:25.230 --> 00:05:27.610 making those genetic investments that would eventually 00:05:27.610 --> 00:05:29.689 define Will Kord. Right. Playing the long game. 00:05:29.810 --> 00:05:31.769 For those of you considering strategic genetic 00:05:31.769 --> 00:05:34.810 investments, take note of Kord's long term vision, 00:05:34.889 --> 00:05:38.189 even amidst those short term hurdles. And. The 00:05:38.189 --> 00:05:40.790 results speak volumes, don't they? 12, excellent. 00:05:40.889 --> 00:05:44.089 14, very good, and nothing lower in classification. 00:05:44.689 --> 00:05:47.149 That's an incredible level of consistency and 00:05:47.149 --> 00:05:49.410 a testament to those early strategic choices. 00:05:50.129 --> 00:05:52.649 Investing in embryos from outstanding families, 00:05:52.889 --> 00:05:56.370 those show cows from France. But you mentioned 00:05:56.370 --> 00:05:58.610 the real turning point. Yes, the Eau Calibre 00:05:58.610 --> 00:06:01.470 embryos. That was the pivotal investment. He 00:06:01.470 --> 00:06:03.689 got into that family before Eau Calibre's major 00:06:03.689 --> 00:06:06.170 accolades, which shows remarkable foresight, 00:06:06.170 --> 00:06:08.680 really. Definitely. And the returns on that investment, 00:06:08.879 --> 00:06:10.959 both in terms of sales and in building the foundation 00:06:10.959 --> 00:06:13.579 of his best cow families, have been substantial 00:06:13.579 --> 00:06:16.360 and long -lasting. This wasn't just luck. It 00:06:16.360 --> 00:06:19.199 underscores a vital insight. Identifying and 00:06:19.199 --> 00:06:21.379 investing in deep, proven cow families early 00:06:21.379 --> 00:06:23.740 can provide a foundational advantage that pays 00:06:23.740 --> 00:06:25.879 dividends for years to come. Then comes 2019, 00:06:26.199 --> 00:06:28.819 a real milestone. Cord starts building that purpose 00:06:28.819 --> 00:06:31.420 -designed facility on the home farm. And from 00:06:31.420 --> 00:06:33.060 what we hear, this isn't your run -of -the -mill 00:06:33.060 --> 00:06:35.769 barn. No, sounds pretty nice. Spacious stalls, 00:06:36.069 --> 00:06:39.310 deep bedding, open sides for fresh air, plenty 00:06:39.310 --> 00:06:41.370 of natural light. Sounds like the cow has got 00:06:41.370 --> 00:06:43.850 a serious upgrade. This marked a significant 00:06:43.850 --> 00:06:46.110 shift in Wilcor's trajectory. It really does 00:06:46.110 --> 00:06:47.889 sound like it. Yeah. And as he mentioned, he 00:06:47.889 --> 00:06:49.629 traveled to the U .S. to see similar setups, 00:06:49.810 --> 00:06:52.269 did his homework, and designed a barn specifically 00:06:52.269 --> 00:06:54.810 to create an optimal environment for his high 00:06:54.810 --> 00:06:58.430 -caliber cows and heifers. Housing for 25 -30 00:06:58.430 --> 00:07:01.970 milking cows, around 25 heifers, plus calf housing. 00:07:02.410 --> 00:07:05.389 That step, he says, was crucial in allowing them 00:07:05.389 --> 00:07:07.250 to move forward. And it highlights a crucial 00:07:07.250 --> 00:07:09.589 point for many of you listening. Excellence isn't 00:07:09.589 --> 00:07:12.250 necessarily about vast acreage and endless resources. 00:07:12.949 --> 00:07:15.490 Wilcor operates on just 70 hectares, half owned, 00:07:15.550 --> 00:07:18.449 half rented. It's about maximizing the genetic 00:07:18.449 --> 00:07:20.629 potential you have by creating the right environment 00:07:20.629 --> 00:07:23.790 and focusing on quality over quantity in every 00:07:23.790 --> 00:07:26.189 aspect. Many of you listening will likely be 00:07:26.189 --> 00:07:28.230 familiar with the challenges of optimizing production 00:07:28.230 --> 00:07:30.920 on limited land. Cord's story is a great example 00:07:30.920 --> 00:07:33.319 of how strategic focus can overcome those limitations. 00:07:33.819 --> 00:07:35.860 Absolutely. Yeah, here's another aspect that's 00:07:35.860 --> 00:07:38.660 quite noteworthy. Cord manages this elite breeding 00:07:38.660 --> 00:07:42.060 program while working part -time in the AI industry. 00:07:42.959 --> 00:07:46.160 50 % of his time. Think about that. He's not 00:07:46.160 --> 00:07:48.779 just immersed in WillCore. He's deeply connected 00:07:48.779 --> 00:07:51.410 to the broader Holstein world. That's a perspective 00:07:51.410 --> 00:07:53.629 you can't put a price on, right? Being involved 00:07:53.629 --> 00:07:56.110 in the AI sector gives him a real -time understanding 00:07:56.110 --> 00:07:58.790 of market trends, which sires are generating 00:07:58.790 --> 00:08:01.110 buzz, what traits breeders are prioritizing. 00:08:01.110 --> 00:08:03.569 It's a synergy that must be incredibly valuable 00:08:03.569 --> 00:08:05.930 for his own breeding decisions at Wilcor. He's 00:08:05.930 --> 00:08:08.750 seeing the industry from multiple angles. So 00:08:08.750 --> 00:08:11.430 being in the AI industry, how does that firsthand 00:08:11.430 --> 00:08:13.649 knowledge of which sires are popular or which 00:08:13.649 --> 00:08:16.269 traits breeders are prioritizing directly influence 00:08:16.269 --> 00:08:18.550 the matings you choose at Wilcor? Precisely. 00:08:18.910 --> 00:08:21.370 It directly informs his breeding philosophy, 00:08:21.589 --> 00:08:23.689 which, as he describes it, is quite straightforward. 00:08:24.230 --> 00:08:26.629 Balanced cows with correct frames, strong dairy 00:08:26.629 --> 00:08:29.170 character, good mobility, and outstanding udders. 00:08:29.589 --> 00:08:32.070 But, importantly, they also need that excellent 00:08:32.070 --> 00:08:35.070 pedigree and phenotype to maximize their marketability. 00:08:35.289 --> 00:08:38.389 It's a very holistic approach. Seeing the demand 00:08:38.389 --> 00:08:42.129 for, say, strong udders in the AI market reinforces 00:08:42.129 --> 00:08:44.370 my focus on udder quality in our own breeding 00:08:44.370 --> 00:08:46.809 program, ensuring our genetics align with what 00:08:46.809 --> 00:08:48.830 the industry values. And he's not afraid to go 00:08:48.830 --> 00:08:50.590 against the current when it comes to popular 00:08:50.590 --> 00:08:52.769 trends either. He's observed the recent emphasis 00:08:52.769 --> 00:08:55.470 on extreme stature, those tall, narrow, sometimes 00:08:55.470 --> 00:08:58.070 less than sturdy types, and it's just not his 00:08:58.070 --> 00:09:01.179 cup of tea. He's currently leaning more towards 00:09:01.179 --> 00:09:03.019 production, which is interesting. It shows he's 00:09:03.019 --> 00:09:05.460 thinking long term about cows that are not just 00:09:05.460 --> 00:09:07.879 visually appealing, but also highly functional 00:09:07.879 --> 00:09:10.460 and profitable for the dairy farmer. Exactly. 00:09:10.679 --> 00:09:13.860 He's prioritizing cows that will perform well 00:09:13.860 --> 00:09:16.580 in real world farm conditions, not just those 00:09:16.580 --> 00:09:19.259 that look spectacular in the show ring. And that 00:09:19.259 --> 00:09:22.440 naturally leads us to what's arguably the cornerstone 00:09:22.440 --> 00:09:25.740 of Wilcor's success. The Eucalyptus family. It's 00:09:25.740 --> 00:09:27.960 almost as if he had a crystal ball. Making that 00:09:27.960 --> 00:09:30.679 investment before their major accolades really 00:09:30.679 --> 00:09:33.259 put them on the map. Foresight is an understatement. 00:09:33.360 --> 00:09:35.139 He mentioned they were fortunate to get in early. 00:09:35.399 --> 00:09:37.720 And that initial investment has yielded significant 00:09:37.720 --> 00:09:40.899 returns, not just in sales of calves and embryos, 00:09:40.899 --> 00:09:43.360 but in the overall quality of their current herd. 00:09:43.720 --> 00:09:46.659 Their best cows still trace back to that incredible 00:09:46.659 --> 00:09:49.600 line. And it's not just about being in the right 00:09:49.600 --> 00:09:51.480 place at the right time. You know, it's about 00:09:51.480 --> 00:09:54.440 understanding the enduring power of deep cow 00:09:54.440 --> 00:09:56.980 families, those with a proven track record of 00:09:56.980 --> 00:09:59.580 genetic excellence. The influence of Chief Mark 00:09:59.580 --> 00:10:01.440 in that lineage, known for his contributions 00:10:01.440 --> 00:10:03.879 to strength and dairy character, provided that 00:10:03.879 --> 00:10:06.259 ideal foundation that Cord could then build upon 00:10:06.259 --> 00:10:08.940 through careful sire selection over generations. 00:10:09.379 --> 00:10:11.879 And then we have O 'Kady, the star of our story, 00:10:11.980 --> 00:10:14.440 the grand champion herself. She's the embodiment 00:10:14.440 --> 00:10:16.379 of Wilcor's breeding and development philosophy. 00:10:17.559 --> 00:10:20.080 Right from birth, apparently, she stood out exceptional 00:10:20.080 --> 00:10:23.659 length, clean bone structure, that undeniable 00:10:23.659 --> 00:10:26.259 it factor. Yeah, that look. It's almost as if 00:10:26.259 --> 00:10:28.500 some cows are just born with that star quality. 00:10:28.860 --> 00:10:31.039 She certainly was special. And it's fascinating 00:10:31.039 --> 00:10:34.080 that Cord also places a strong emphasis on temperament. 00:10:34.240 --> 00:10:37.000 It's not just about the visual appeal and production 00:10:37.000 --> 00:10:39.799 figures. He believes you need cows with strong 00:10:39.799 --> 00:10:42.620 personalities, aggressive eaters, those that 00:10:42.620 --> 00:10:44.980 thrive in the herd. But they also need to be 00:10:44.980 --> 00:10:48.039 calm and easy to handle. It's that delicate balance 00:10:48.039 --> 00:10:51.139 of spirit and docility. And his approach to Okedi's 00:10:51.139 --> 00:10:53.700 development is just a masterclass in strategic 00:10:53.700 --> 00:10:56.740 patience. He didn't rush things, deciding against 00:10:56.740 --> 00:10:59.100 fleshing her as a heifer and carefully timing 00:10:59.100 --> 00:11:02.240 her calving for the Jimin show season. Her entire 00:11:02.240 --> 00:11:04.639 development was meticulously managed, and even 00:11:04.639 --> 00:11:06.720 her show preparation included a small amount 00:11:06.720 --> 00:11:08.799 of silage in her diet to maintain her overall 00:11:08.799 --> 00:11:11.299 health and well -being. It's that attention to 00:11:11.299 --> 00:11:13.860 the fundamental aspects of cow care, even when 00:11:13.860 --> 00:11:15.679 aiming for the highest levels of competition. 00:11:15.980 --> 00:11:18.220 That's right. It's a holistic and balanced approach. 00:11:18.580 --> 00:11:20.840 He understands that long -term health and well 00:11:20.840 --> 00:11:23.080 -being are paramount, even for show animals. 00:11:23.659 --> 00:11:26.700 And speaking of achievements, it's easy to overlook 00:11:26.700 --> 00:11:28.860 the fact that Kord joined the German judging 00:11:28.860 --> 00:11:32.639 panel at just 24 years old. 24? That's seriously 00:11:32.639 --> 00:11:35.379 impressive. It really is. A significant accomplishment, 00:11:35.620 --> 00:11:38.620 showcasing his early expertise and eye for quality. 00:11:39.129 --> 00:11:41.169 And he's gone on to judge prestigious events 00:11:41.169 --> 00:11:43.649 around the globe, establishing himself as a highly 00:11:43.649 --> 00:11:46.690 respected evaluator of Holsteins. His judging 00:11:46.690 --> 00:11:48.809 philosophy really mirrors his own breeding goals, 00:11:48.950 --> 00:11:51.389 doesn't it? For our listeners who might aspire 00:11:51.389 --> 00:11:54.509 to a similar level of expertise, what key steps 00:11:54.509 --> 00:11:56.669 do you think are essential to becoming a respected 00:11:56.669 --> 00:11:59.750 evaluator in the Holstein world? It does. He 00:11:59.750 --> 00:12:01.690 looked for that powerful combination of dairy 00:12:01.690 --> 00:12:04.730 strength, that smooth, refined look we call silkiness, 00:12:04.850 --> 00:12:08.429 overall style and balance. correct skeletal structure, 00:12:08.590 --> 00:12:11.750 and of course a phenomenal, utter, well -veined, 00:12:11.830 --> 00:12:15.070 feminine, yet strong, and with excellent teat 00:12:15.070 --> 00:12:18.110 placement and movement. That consistent vision, 00:12:18.289 --> 00:12:20.610 applied both in his own breeding program and 00:12:20.610 --> 00:12:23.049 in his judging career, has undoubtedly been a 00:12:23.049 --> 00:12:25.830 major contributor to Wilcoir's success and his 00:12:25.830 --> 00:12:27.370 respected standing in the Holstein community. 00:12:28.059 --> 00:12:30.019 And then there's the Welcome to Wilcor sale. 00:12:30.299 --> 00:12:33.559 Launched in 2022, it's grown remarkably quickly, 00:12:33.820 --> 00:12:35.659 attracting buyers from across the continent. 00:12:35.899 --> 00:12:37.879 It's not just about acquiring Wilcor genetics 00:12:37.879 --> 00:12:40.620 either. It's also about his collaborations with 00:12:40.620 --> 00:12:43.019 other leading breeders throughout Europe. Right. 00:12:43.100 --> 00:12:45.779 And he emphasizes the crucial role of building 00:12:45.779 --> 00:12:47.799 those personal connections, attending shows and 00:12:47.799 --> 00:12:51.139 sales across Europe for over two decades. In 00:12:51.139 --> 00:12:53.539 our increasingly digital world, that traditional 00:12:53.539 --> 00:12:55.600 face -to -face networking still holds tremendous 00:12:55.600 --> 00:12:57.960 value for establishing trust and finding the 00:12:57.960 --> 00:13:00.470 right partners. But he's also savvy about utilizing 00:13:00.470 --> 00:13:03.610 technology. He recognizes the power of social 00:13:03.610 --> 00:13:06.330 media for marketing and the necessity of strong 00:13:06.330 --> 00:13:09.190 online presence for sales. It's that effective 00:13:09.190 --> 00:13:11.470 blend of traditional relationship building with 00:13:11.470 --> 00:13:13.929 modern tools that seems to be a winning strategy. 00:13:14.309 --> 00:13:16.769 Absolutely. And the evolution of the sale itself 00:13:16.769 --> 00:13:19.309 is very strategic. He's focusing on offering 00:13:19.309 --> 00:13:21.850 unique lots that are harder to find elsewhere, 00:13:22.049 --> 00:13:24.629 like that impressive group of high -quality milking 00:13:24.629 --> 00:13:27.669 cows offered last year. He's constantly thinking 00:13:27.669 --> 00:13:30.529 about how to make each subsequent sale even better 00:13:30.529 --> 00:13:33.129 and more appealing to buyers. Now, it's not all 00:13:33.129 --> 00:13:34.929 about cows and competitions, believe it or not. 00:13:34.970 --> 00:13:37.169 What does Cord do when he's not in the barn? 00:13:37.289 --> 00:13:39.210 I love this. He's been playing soccer since he 00:13:39.210 --> 00:13:42.049 was four years old. Wow. Dedication. Still plays 00:13:42.049 --> 00:13:44.490 today in the senior league. Apparently no practice. 00:13:44.549 --> 00:13:47.090 Just Friday night games followed by some well 00:13:47.090 --> 00:13:50.169 -deserved beer and German bratwurst. Sounds like 00:13:50.169 --> 00:13:52.649 a great way to unwind. Doesn't it? Does that 00:13:52.649 --> 00:13:55.570 team spirit from soccer translate into how you 00:13:55.570 --> 00:13:57.690 approach collaboration or build relationships 00:13:57.690 --> 00:14:00.169 within the Holstein community? It does sound 00:14:00.169 --> 00:14:02.909 like a good balance. And family is clearly a 00:14:02.909 --> 00:14:05.610 top priority. He talks about creating a happy 00:14:05.610 --> 00:14:07.529 environment for his wife and two young boys, 00:14:07.730 --> 00:14:10.450 living on a beautiful farm in a supportive community 00:14:10.450 --> 00:14:13.799 with grandparents living just moments away. That 00:14:13.799 --> 00:14:16.299 strong integration of farm life and family life 00:14:16.299 --> 00:14:19.039 is often a defining characteristic of successful, 00:14:19.179 --> 00:14:21.899 sustainable family farms. And those kids are 00:14:21.899 --> 00:14:24.399 growing up immersed in the world of elite dairy 00:14:24.399 --> 00:14:26.940 cattle, learning firsthand about the rewards 00:14:26.940 --> 00:14:30.200 of hard work and dedication. Whether they follow 00:14:30.200 --> 00:14:32.259 in his Holstein footsteps remains to be seen, 00:14:32.279 --> 00:14:34.299 of course, but they're certainly getting a valuable 00:14:34.299 --> 00:14:37.159 education in life. So where does Wilcor stand 00:14:37.159 --> 00:14:40.039 today? Well, it's firmly established as one of 00:14:40.039 --> 00:14:42.220 Germany's leading Holstein breeding operations. 00:14:42.779 --> 00:14:45.679 That focused 30 -cow milking herd consistently 00:14:45.679 --> 00:14:48.039 produces exceptional animals that compete at 00:14:48.039 --> 00:14:49.919 the highest levels. And those classification 00:14:49.919 --> 00:14:54.179 scores, 12, excellent, 14, very good, really 00:14:54.179 --> 00:14:56.559 speak volumes about the consistent quality he's 00:14:56.559 --> 00:14:58.960 achieved. And Cord keeps a sharp eye on current 00:14:58.960 --> 00:15:01.580 industry trends, too. He's noticed a shift away 00:15:01.580 --> 00:15:03.840 from pedigrees that emphasize extreme type but 00:15:03.840 --> 00:15:06.129 maybe lack in production and health traits. Right. 00:15:06.169 --> 00:15:08.730 The balance is key. The demand for overly tall, 00:15:08.909 --> 00:15:12.110 narrow cattle is also waning, he says. It's all 00:15:12.110 --> 00:15:14.870 about achieving that crucial balance and prioritizing 00:15:14.870 --> 00:15:17.750 functionality now. Exactly. As he aptly put it, 00:15:17.870 --> 00:15:20.389 size doesn't matter anymore. Quality and balance 00:15:20.389 --> 00:15:24.389 do. Frail, knock -kneed cows cannot succeed in 00:15:24.389 --> 00:15:27.169 the show ring or in a commercial setting. That 00:15:27.169 --> 00:15:29.669 perfectly aligns with Wilcor's longstanding breeding 00:15:29.669 --> 00:15:32.590 philosophy, suggesting they are very well positioned 00:15:32.590 --> 00:15:34.860 for the future direction of the industry. And 00:15:34.860 --> 00:15:36.840 he's not one to rest on his laurels, clearly. 00:15:37.159 --> 00:15:39.399 He has ambitious goals for Wilcor, including 00:15:39.399 --> 00:15:41.639 more memorable sales and showcasing a strong 00:15:41.639 --> 00:15:44.179 string of mostly home -bred cows at a major European 00:15:44.179 --> 00:15:47.220 show. They're continuously developing those established, 00:15:47.299 --> 00:15:50.139 successful cow families while strategically incorporating 00:15:50.139 --> 00:15:53.039 carefully selected outside genetics to complement 00:15:53.039 --> 00:15:55.360 their breeding objectives. It's a continuous 00:15:55.360 --> 00:15:58.529 cycle of refinement and improvement. And by maintaining 00:15:58.529 --> 00:16:01.750 that manageable size and that intense focus on 00:16:01.750 --> 00:16:05.470 quality, Wilcor is well -placed to remain a significant 00:16:05.470 --> 00:16:08.009 influence in European Holstein breeding for many 00:16:08.009 --> 00:16:11.269 years to come. That ongoing reinvestment in their 00:16:11.269 --> 00:16:13.789 facilities and their commitment to genetic advancement 00:16:13.789 --> 00:16:17.100 are key to staying at the forefront. Now, for 00:16:17.100 --> 00:16:18.980 anyone listening who dreams of building their 00:16:18.980 --> 00:16:22.000 own successful Holstein breeding program, Cord 00:16:22.000 --> 00:16:25.059 offers some truly valuable advice. He emphasizes 00:16:25.059 --> 00:16:27.440 the importance of gaining experience by working 00:16:27.440 --> 00:16:29.899 for successful breeders, learning different languages, 00:16:30.279 --> 00:16:32.980 traveling to see different operations, and actively 00:16:32.980 --> 00:16:35.399 listening to the wisdom of experienced breeders. 00:16:35.519 --> 00:16:38.220 It's all about absorbing knowledge from every 00:16:38.220 --> 00:16:41.059 possible source. Yeah, soaking it all in. And 00:16:41.059 --> 00:16:42.620 perhaps the most critical piece of advice he 00:16:42.620 --> 00:16:45.320 shares. Success only comes through hard work 00:16:45.320 --> 00:16:48.259 and attention to detail. Patience is absolutely 00:16:48.259 --> 00:16:50.960 essential. Development takes significant time. 00:16:51.080 --> 00:16:53.139 That's the core message, isn't it? It really 00:16:53.139 --> 00:16:55.539 is. In an industry that sometimes chases fleeting 00:16:55.539 --> 00:16:58.139 trends and quick profits, that reminder about 00:16:58.139 --> 00:17:00.519 the fundamental importance of hard work, meticulous 00:17:00.519 --> 00:17:02.860 detail, and a long -term vision is incredibly 00:17:02.860 --> 00:17:06.109 important and resonates deeply. Absolutely. And 00:17:06.109 --> 00:17:08.650 ultimately, the story of Wilker Holsteins is 00:17:08.650 --> 00:17:10.829 a powerful demonstration that you don't need 00:17:10.829 --> 00:17:12.990 a massive operation to achieve extraordinary 00:17:12.990 --> 00:17:15.930 excellence. From those modest beginnings, Cord 00:17:15.930 --> 00:17:19.150 has shown that a focused passion and an unwavering 00:17:19.150 --> 00:17:20.970 commitment to quality can lead to remarkable 00:17:20.970 --> 00:17:23.529 results and a lasting impact on the Holstein 00:17:23.529 --> 00:17:26.589 breed. It truly is a story of quality over quantity, 00:17:26.750 --> 00:17:29.430 the power of strategic patience, and, well, a 00:17:29.430 --> 00:17:32.230 relentless pursuit of excellence. Indeed. And 00:17:32.230 --> 00:17:34.049 Wilker's journey serves as a powerful example 00:17:34.049 --> 00:17:35.809 for dairy farmers and industry professionals 00:17:35.809 --> 00:17:38.549 at all levels. It underscores that achieving 00:17:38.549 --> 00:17:40.390 excellence in Holstein breeding is attainable 00:17:40.390 --> 00:17:42.710 through focused passion and an unwavering commitment 00:17:42.710 --> 00:17:44.849 to quality, regardless of your initial scale 00:17:44.849 --> 00:17:46.940 of operation. It really makes you think about 00:17:46.940 --> 00:17:49.539 how Cord Horman managed to effectively balance 00:17:49.539 --> 00:17:52.180 his responsibilities in the AI industry with 00:17:52.180 --> 00:17:54.319 the demanding work of building such an elite 00:17:54.319 --> 00:17:56.660 breeding program. For those of you listening, 00:17:56.799 --> 00:17:58.960 maybe think about how you can leverage your own 00:17:58.960 --> 00:18:01.880 diverse experiences and perspectives to enhance 00:18:01.880 --> 00:18:05.039 your dairy operations and decision making. Perhaps 00:18:05.039 --> 00:18:07.599 consider the potential for synergy between different 00:18:07.599 --> 00:18:10.079 facets of the dairy industry and how they could 00:18:10.079 --> 00:18:12.599 mutually benefit your own path forward. Something 00:18:12.599 --> 00:18:15.339 to mull over. Definitely food for thought. And 00:18:15.339 --> 00:18:17.400 for more in -depth stories and valuable insights 00:18:17.400 --> 00:18:19.619 from the world of dairy breeding, be sure to 00:18:19.619 --> 00:18:23.799 visit the Bullvine website at www .thebullvine 00:18:23.799 --> 00:18:26.640 .com. You'll find a wealth of information to 00:18:26.640 --> 00:18:29.019 continue exploring the nuances of the industry 00:18:29.019 --> 00:18:31.539 and see how the inspiring lessons from Wilcor 00:18:31.539 --> 00:18:33.660 Holsteins can inform your own journey towards 00:18:33.660 --> 00:18:36.359 rising to excellence. Thanks for diving deep 00:18:36.359 --> 00:18:38.559 with us today. Keep striving for that excellence 00:18:38.559 --> 00:18:41.099 in your own operations, and we look forward to 00:18:41.099 --> 00:18:43.079 our next conversation. Thanks for tuning in to 00:18:43.079 --> 00:18:45.759 this episode of the Bullvine Podcast. If you 00:18:45.759 --> 00:18:47.859 enjoyed learning about Cord Horman's approach 00:18:47.859 --> 00:18:50.500 to Holstein breeding, be sure to subscribe to 00:18:50.500 --> 00:18:53.279 our podcast for more stories from the dairy industry. 00:18:53.819 --> 00:18:56.940 Join us next time as we explore another inspiring 00:18:56.940 --> 00:19:00.099 tale of innovation and excellence in agriculture. 00:19:00.539 --> 00:19:03.500 Until then, stay informed and keep listening. 00:19:03.740 --> 00:19:05.880 Stay curious, stay informed.