Creeping over fields of green Remembering the
faces The moments unseen The hands that built
a dynasty The vision in their eyes Echoes in
the auction bar Beneath an endless sky This is
the bull buy Turn the bar Welcome to the Bullvine
Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories
that shape dairy farming as we know it. I'm your
host, and today we're exploring one of the most
extraordinary chapters in Holstein breeding history.
The story of a bull whose genetic influence didn't
just change the industry, it revolutionized it.
You're about to experience the rise of Braydal
Goldwyn. From a newborn calf in a Cumberland,
Ontario maternity pen to a genetic phenomenon
whose daughters commanded million -dollar price
tags and dominated show rings for nearly a decade.
This isn't just another breeding story. This
is about vision, patience, and the courage to
build something that lasts generations. It's
about the kind of decisions that separate successful
operations from legendary ones. Whether you're
milking 50 cows or 5 ,000, whether you're focused
on production, type, or building the next great
cow family, this story offers lessons that could
transform how you think about genetics, risk,
and legacy. So grab your coffee, settle in, and
prepare to walk in the boots of the breeders
who changed everything. This is the story of
When Lightning Strikes. Let's get started. You
pull into the farmyard at 4 .30 a .m., headlights
cutting through the January darkness. The thermometer
on your truck dashboard reads minus 12 Celsius.
Your breath clouds the windshield as you shut
off the engine, and for a moment, you sit in
the silence that only exists in the deep hours
before dawn on a dairy farm. Cumberland, Ontario.
January 3rd, 2000. You walk toward the maternity
barn, knowing that inside, Terry Beaton is already
checking the overnight calving. The smell hits
you first, that mixture of straw, warm bodies,
and the sweet sour scent of fresh birth that
every dairy farmer knows by heart. Your flashlight
beam catches movement in the far pen. A newborn
calf, still wet, struggling to coordinate legs
that seem too long for its body. Storm sun out
of baler twine. Just another planned mating in
the breeding book. Terry kneels beside the calf,
his weathered hands guiding those trembling legs
into position. You have no way of knowing that
you're witnessing the birth of a genetic revolution.
No way of understanding that this awkward, gangly
calf will become Bradol Goldwyn, the bull who
will rewrite the economics of dairy genetics,
dominate show rings for a decade, and fundamentally
change how the world thinks about Holstein breeding.
But somehow, standing there in that barn, watching
Terry's careful attention to this particular
calf, you sense something. Maybe it's the way
the morning light filters through the frost -covered
windows. Maybe it's the quiet confidence in Terry's
movements. Or maybe it's just that farmer's instinct,
that inexplicable feeling when you know you're
looking at something special. This is the story
of when lightning strikes twice. Once in 1985,
when a young breeder made a decision at an auction
that would echo through generations. And again,
15 years later. When that decision manifested
in a bull calf born on a cold Ontario morning,
a calf whose genetic influence would spread across
continents, reshape an entire industry, and create
both unprecedented success and unforeseen consequences.
You're about to experience the Braydale -Goldwyn
story, not as a distant observer, but as someone
who lived through the revolution, felt the pressure
of each breeding decision, and understood the
weight of genetic legacy. in an industry where
one wrong choice can echo for generations. Welcome
to the barn. Welcome to the story of when everything
changed. You remember the 1980s dairy industry
like yesterday because you lived through it.
The decade when everything seemed to be changing
at once. When computer -generated genetic indexes
started appearing in breeding catalogs. When
milk marketing boards restructured quota systems.
and when feed costs began their relentless climb
toward today's crushing prices. You're standing
in your farm office, staring at your first LPI
printout. Lifetime Performance Index, the Canadian
attempt to quantify breeding potential in cold,
hard numbers. The printout paper has those perforated
edges, and you're running your finger down columns
of numbers that promise to predict the future
profitability of bloodlines that have been shaped
by generations of intuition and experience. Your
father, checking cattle in the adjacent barn,
calls these computer indexes fancy guesswork.
He trusts his eyes, his hands, the knowledge
passed down through decades of selecting animals
that milk well, breed back easily, and last longer
than the competition. But you know, the industry
is changing. Feed costs that averaged $60 per
ton in 1980 have climbed to over $100. Milk prices
fluctuate with global markets you barely understand.
The margin for error in breeding decisions is
shrinking. The philosophical divide runs deeper
than numbers. In one corner, you have the production
-focused breeders, farmers like yourself, who
need cows that generate cash flow day after day,
lactation after lactation. In the other corner,
the confirmation enthusiasts chase show -ring
glory. and the premium prices that come with
breeding stock that catches judges' eyes. You've
walked through barns filled with tall, tall,
angular cows that photograph beautifully but
struggle to maintain body condition on high -energy
rations. You've also seen shorter, chunkier animals
that convert feed efficiently but would never
win a banner at the county fair. The industry
operates in parallel universes. The commercial
dairy seeking profitability and the purebred
operation pursuing genetic prestige. This is
the world Terry Beaton navigates in the mid -1980s.
A world where artificial insemination has democratized
access to elite genetics, but where the sheer
volume of breeding options creates paralysis
by analysis. A world where a single breeding
decision can cost a small fortune in semen prices,
but where the right choice can elevate an entire
bloodline. You understand Terry's position because
you've been there. Standing in the breeding barn
at two in the morning, semen tank open, insemination
equipment ready, holding a straw that represents
months of feed costs, knowing that this single
decision will determine whether the calf born
nine months from now becomes a profitable addition
to your herd or an expensive disappointment.
The Holstein breed dominates North American dairy
farming, and for good reason. These black and
white cattle convert feed to milk more efficiently
than any other breed, adapt to management systems
from Thai stall barns to robotic milking facilities,
and respond to genetic selection like no other
livestock species. But that genetic malleability
comes with risk. You remember the BST debates,
the discussions about growth hormones and production
stimulants. You remember watching neighboring
farms embrace new technologies while others stuck
with traditional methods. The gap between early
adopters and traditionalists widens each year,
creating winners and losers based on decisions
that seem academic until they hit your monthly
milk check. Into this complex, rapidly evolving
industry steps a breeder who sees patterns where
others see chaos. Terry Beaton doesn't just buy
breeding stock. He invests in genetic systems.
He doesn't just mate cows, he builds dynasties.
And in November 1985, he makes a decision that
will echo through decades of Holstein breeding.
You're about to witness that decision and understand
why it mattered so much. November 1985. You're
sitting in the sale barn at the Sunny Lodge Farms
dispersal, catalog spread across your lap, coffee
growing cold in a styrofoam cup. The auctioneer's
voice echoes off wooden rafters as lot numbers
climb toward the evening's featured offerings.
Around you, the who's who of Canadian Holstein
breeding study pedigrees and whisper about bloodlines.
The sale averages $6 ,839 per head. Serious money
in 1985 dollars. You calculate quickly. That's
more than most farms gross per cow in an entire
year. But this isn't just any sale. Sunny Lodge
has built a reputation for functional, profitable
cattle that perform in commercial settings while
maintaining enough type to compete in purebred
circuits. You watch Terry Beaton across the sale
ring. He's younger then, maybe in his early 30s,
but already carrying himself with the quiet confidence
of someone who understands genetic systems. His
brother Mark sits beside him, and you notice
how they communicate with subtle glances and
slight nods. This isn't impulse buying. This
is surgical precision. Lot 47 enters the ring.
Sunny Lodge Elevation Jan, VG87 13 star. First
lactation heifer, fourth generation very good
classification, solid pedigree without being
spectacular. The kind of animal that makes sense
on paper, but doesn't necessarily quicken your
pulse. You flip through your catalog notes. Good,
utter genetics, decent production potential,
clean pedigree without obvious weaknesses. The
bidding opens conservatively. You consider jumping
in. This type of female fits your breeding program.
But then you notice Terry's posture. He's leaning
forward slightly, focused entirely on the auctioneer.
This isn't casual interest. The price climbs
beyond what most commercial breeders would pay
for an unproven heifer. You watch other bidders
drop out as the numbers approach the sale average.
But Terry stays engaged, methodical in his bidding,
never showing urgency. but never hesitating when
the auctioneer looks his way. Final Hammer, Terry
Beaton, bred all Holsteins. What happens next
reveals everything about Terry's approach to
genetic building. Instead of loading Jan into
his truck and heading home, he seeks out Carl
Smith, the original breeder. You watch from across
the parking lot as two men who have never met
before negotiate a partnership that will reshape
Holstein genetics. You learn later what they
discussed. extensive flushing of Jan's genetics,
embryo transfer programs, shared ownership of
the resulting offspring. Most buyers purchase
animals for their immediate use. Terry buys genetic
systems for long -term development. The drive
back to Cumberland that night reveals Terry's
methodology. He doesn't think in terms of individual
animals. He thinks in terms of generational compounding.
Jan represents the foundation stone of a genetic
pyramid that will be built with patience, precision,
and unwavering focus on transmitting ability.
Over the following months, you watch the JAN
development program unfold. Hormone synchronization,
embryo collection, recipient cow management,
technologies that are cutting edge in the mid
-1980s but routine today. Each embryo represents
a calculated bet on genetic potential, a commitment
to long -term thinking that requires both financial
resources and unshakable confidence in your selection
criteria. The first daughter, Sunny Lodge chief
Vic, validates Terry's judgment. VG 86 classification,
31 brood cow stars, numbers that translate to
genetic consistency and commercial viability.
But more importantly, Vic demonstrates what Terry
saw in Jan, the ability to transmit quality reliably
across different sire matings. You understand
this process because you've attempted it yourself
with varying degrees of success. Building cow
families requires resources most farmers can't
afford, patience that quarterly payment schedules
don't accommodate, and an eye for genetic potential
that combines art with science. Most operations
focus on immediate returns, milk production that
pays this month's feed bill. Terry focuses on
genetic architecture that will pay dividends
for decades. Vic to Aerostar produces Moon River,
a modest GP83 classification but carrying the
genetic potential that matters more than individual
performance. Moonriver's departure to Japan as
a young cow demonstrates both the international
recognition of these genetics and the sacrifice
required for long -term genetic building. Selling
good animals to fund genetic development programs
requires discipline that few breeders possess.
But Moonriver's legacy remains at Bredahl in
the form of her daughter, Bredahl Gypsy Grand,
VG80H37. This is where Terry's vision crystallizes
into measurable success. Gypsy Grand becomes
Holstein Canada Cow of the Year in 2003, formal
recognition of her impact on breed development.
But her real influence comes through her offspring.
Bradel Goodluck, 4 LPI, Bradel Freelance, No.
2 LPI, Bradel Spy, Bradel Rainmaker, bulls that
dominate genetic rankings before anyone has heard
of Goldwyn. you realize you're witnessing the
development of a genetic locomotive, a female
whose breeding potential exceeds her individual
performance. Gypsy Grand doesn't just produce
good offspring. She produces breeding animals
that reshape the genetic landscape. The Bradel
prefix becomes a trademark for elite genetics,
creating market expectations and premium pricing
for anything carrying the family designation.
This is the foundation upon which lightning will
strike. Not luck, not accident, but the inevitable
result of systematic genetic building that began
with a calculated risk at a dispersal sale in
1985. You're reviewing breeding records on a
February morning in 1998, coffee steaming beside
stacks of genetic catalogs and production reports.
The numbers tell a story of incremental progress.
Genetic gains measured in fractions of percentage
points, improvements that accumulate over generations,
but require faith in data that won't be validated
for years. The pressure never stops in dairy
farming. Feed costs climb relentlessly, now averaging
$140 per ton for quality alfalfa hay. Milk prices
fluctuate with global commodity markets that
seem increasingly disconnected from farm gate
reality. Your banker reviews loan renewals with
questions about herd productivity, genetic investments,
and long -term viability that hit closer to home
each year. You understand Terry's position during
these years because you face identical challenges.
Each breeding decision carries amplified weight
when margins shrink and costs escalate. The luxury
of experimental matings disappears when every
dose of semen represents measurable financial
commitment. The temptation to focus on immediate
returns rather than long -term genetic building
becomes almost irresistible. Gypsy Grand's mating
to Moglin Storm represents Terry's continued
commitment to systematic genetic development,
but also reveals the increasing complexity of
breeding decisions in an industry where information
overload creates paralysis by analysis. Storm
brings durability and all -around performance
to an already potent maternal line. But the mating
also concentrates genes in ways that won't be
fully understood until genomic testing reveals
the risks hidden in pedigree structures. The
birth of twins from this mating, Baylor twine
and second cut, demonstrates both the potential
and the unpredictability of genetic systems.
Identical genetics expressing similar phenotypes
in different environments, both daughters achieving
VG86 classifications with nearly identical production
profiles. You witness genetic consistency that
validates Terry's long -term vision while highlighting
the role of chance in animal breeding. Baylor
Twine remains at Bradle and continues the family
development program. Second Cut moves to Gillette
Holsteins and becomes the foundation for her
own dynasty of successful offspring. Same genetics,
different locations, both producing champions,
the kind of genetic reliability that creates
market value and breeding confidence. The late
1990s bring technological changes that revolutionize
breeding decisions. Email communication allows
instant access to genetic information. Computer
databases track pedigree relationships with precision
impossible in previous decades. Artificial insemination
catalogs expand from regional publications to
international directories offering genetics from
every major breeding program in North America
and Europe. You remember the learning curve of
incorporating new technologies into traditional
breeding programs. Genetic evaluation systems
become more sophisticated but also more complex.
Linear trait evaluations supplement traditional
classification systems. Daughter proven sires
compete with genomic tested young bulls whose
genetic merit estimates carry mathematical precision
but practical uncertainty. The industry consolidates
during these years. Smaller breeding operations
merge or disappear. Regional AI organizations
combine into national cooperatives. Competition
intensifies for market share in genetic improvement
programs. The pressure to identify and promote
the next genetic breakthrough creates marketing
strategies that emphasize revolutionary claims
over incremental improvements. In this environment,
Terry continues building genetic systems with
patients that defies industry trends. While competitors
chase fashionable bloodlines and promote flavor
of the month genetics, Breidel focuses on maternal
line development that requires decades to fully
mature. The strategy appears conservative compared
to aggressive marketing of young sires with limited
daughter information. Baylor Twine's first lactation
performance validates Terry's genetic architecture.
BCAs of 299 for milk, 397 for fat at 4 .9%, 314
for protein, numbers that translate to commercial
profitability and genetic transmitting ability.
Her formal recognition as Holstein Canada Cow
of the Year in 2007 provides industry validation
of genetic systems that Terry has been building
for over 20 years. You understand the emotional
investment represented by these achievements.
Decades of breeding decisions, financial commitments,
and unwavering focus on genetic systems that
require faith in data that won't be validated
until years after initial investments. The recognition
provides not just market validation but personal
satisfaction for systematic approaches that prioritize
long -term results over short -term gratification.
The mating of Baylor twine to Shoremar James
in 1999 appears routine in breeding records,
but represents the culmination of Terry's 15
-year genetic development program. James brings
outcrossed genetics from another legendary Canadian
bloodline, the Shore family's commitment to balanced,
durable, profitable cattle. The combination of
Baten's concentrated genetic firepower with Shore's
proven durability creates genetic potential that
exceeds the sum of individual components. You
recognize this mating strategy because you've
attempted similar approaches with varying degrees
of success. Line breeding to concentrate desirable
traits, followed by outcrossing to introduce
hybrid vigor and prevent inbreeding depression.
The theoretical framework appears straightforward,
but practical application requires timing, resources,
and genetic insight that few breeders possess.
The pregnancy proceeds normally through winter
months of 1999, one of hundreds of breedings
on the Bradel program. No special attention,
no heightened expectations, no indication that
this particular mating will produce genetic impact
that reshapes Holstein breeding worldwide. But
you sense something building. Maybe it's the
way Terry discusses genetic potential with increased
confidence. Maybe it's the way industry professionals
reference Bradol genetics with growing respect.
Or maybe it's just the farmer's instinct that
recognizes when systematic approaches reach critical
mass and prepare to produce results that justify
decades of patient development. January 3, 2000
approaches with no fanfare, no special preparation,
no recognition that dairy history is about to
change forever. You're driving to the feed mill
on December 30, 1999, listening to Y2K preparation
reports on the truck radio. The new millennium
brings uncertainty about computer systems, financial
markets, and technological infrastructure that
affects everything from milk payment systems
to feed delivery schedules. Your operation, like
thousands of others, has prepared for potential
disruptions while hoping for normal operations.
The dairy industry enters the 21st century facing
challenges that will define the next two decades.
Consolidation accelerates as smaller farms struggle
with economics that favor scale and efficiency.
Regulatory pressure increases as environmental
concerns focus attention on nutrient management
and water quality. Consumer preferences shift
toward organic and specialty products that require
production modifications and premium pricing
structures. Genetic evaluation systems evolve
rapidly during this period. Canadian dairy industries
implement genomic testing programs that promise
to revolutionize breeding decisions. Young sire
programs expand as AI organizations compete to
identify and promote genetic breakthroughs. International
genetic exchange increases as breeding organizations
pursue genetics from around the globe. You remember
the learning curve of incorporating genomic information
into traditional breeding programs. Genetic merit
estimates based on DNA analysis rather than progeny
performance. Accuracy levels that promise 70
% reliability for traits that previously required
daughter -proven evaluations. The ability to
identify genetic potential in calves months rather
than years after birth. The technology offers
unprecedented precision but also creates information
overload that challenges traditional decision
-making processes. Genomic indexes provide mathematical
precision for traits that experienced breeders
have always evaluated subjectively. Linear measurements
quantify characteristics that previous generations
assessed through visual appraisal and practical
experience. Show circuits adapt to changing genetic
trends during these years. Judging criteria evolve
to reflect industry emphasis on functional traits
rather than purely cosmetic characteristics.
Classification systems incorporate new measurements
for health, longevity, and production efficiency.
International competition intensifies as transportation
improvements enable global participation in major
shows and sales. The economics of elite genetics
change dramatically during this period. Semen
prices for popular sires increase from $50 per
dose to over $100. Elite breeding stock sells
for prices that reflect investment value rather
than production potential. Genetic insurance
policies become standard protection for valuable
breeding animals. You witness the transformation
of genetic markets from regional exchanges to
international commerce. Embryo transfer technology
enables global distribution of elite genetics.
Frozen semen allows genetic preservation and
international shipping. Online marketing platforms
replace printed catalogs and regional sales as
primary methods for genetic promotion and distribution.
The pace of genetic change accelerates as information
technology improves communication and evaluation
systems. Breeding decisions that previously required
months of research and consultation can now be
completed in days or weeks. Genetic merit comparisons
that relied on incomplete information now incorporate
comprehensive databases with international scope.
Scientific understanding of genetic systems expands
rapidly during this period. DNA testing reveals
genetic relationships and trait associations
that traditional pedigree analysis missed. Molecular
genetics identifies specific genes responsible
for production traits, disease resistance, and
reproduction efficiency. Genomic selection programs
promise to accelerate genetic improvement rates
while reducing generation intervals, but increased
scientific knowledge also reveals the complexity
and risks associated with intensive genetic selection.
Recessive disorders emerge as breeding populations
concentrate around popular sires, Genetic diversity
decreases as successful bloodlines dominate breeding
programs. The balance between genetic progress
and genetic health becomes a central concern
for industry organizations and individual breeders.
This is the technological and economic environment
surrounding Braydale -Goldwyn's birth. An industry
in transition, embracing scientific advancement
while struggling to maintain genetic diversity.
Competitive pressures that reward genetic breakthroughs
while penalizing conservative approaches. Market
forces that create enormous value for superior
genetics while threatening the viability of conventional
breeding programs. Into this complex, rapidly
evolving industry steps a bull calf whose genetic
influence will exceed every prediction and challenge
every assumption about the relationship between
genetic merit, market value, and industry impact.
November 2004. You're sitting in your farm office
at 6 a .m., coffee growing cold beside stacks
of breeding catalogs and genetic evaluation reports.
The monthly LPI listings have just arrived via
email, a routine you've followed for years but
which never fails to generate both hope and anxiety
about your breeding decisions. You scroll through
the rankings, noting familiar names in familiar
positions. Genetic progress appears incremental.
measured in small improvements that accumulate
over time. Your own breeding program shows modest
gains, nothing spectacular, but steady improvement
that validates careful sire selection and systematic
genetic building. Position of 82 catches your
attention only because it's an unfamiliar name.
Bradel Goldwyn. You recognize the prefix, but
can't recall specific details about this particular
bull. Another Bradel entry. Terry's program continues
producing genetic merit at levels that earn industry
respect, but this one hasn't generated the buzz
surrounding some of his other releases. You make
a mental note to research Goldwyn's pedigree
and breeding potential, then continue reviewing
rankings for immediate breeding decisions. November
breeding season requires sire selections for
calves that won't be born until August, evaluated
until lactation, or proven until progeny testing
completes its three -year cycle. The faith required
for breeding decisions extends far beyond most
business planning horizons. The morning milking
routine provides time to think about genetic
strategies while your hands work automatically
through familiar procedures. Each cow represents
multiple breeding decisions, sire selection,
timing, genetic goals, economic objectives, that
seemed logical when made but now generate varying
degrees of satisfaction or regret based on resulting
offspring performance. Your breeding program
reflects compromises between genetic idealism
and economic reality. Elite sires command premium
prices that challenge tight operating margins.
Proven genetics provide reliability but limit
genetic advancement. Young, unproven sires offer
genetic potential but carry risk that farm operations
can't always absorb. February 2005 brings the
next LPI update with anticipation that has become
routine over decades of genetic evaluation cycles.
Most changes are predictable, bulls gaining or
losing a few positions as additional progeny
information refines genetic merit estimates.
Occasionally, a bull makes dramatic movement
based on exceptional daughters or disappointing
performance, but these events are rare enough
to generate industry discussion. You open the
email attachment and scan the top rankings. The
familiar names occupy expected positions with
minor reshuffling that reflects normal variation
in genetic evaluation systems. Then you notice
something that makes you double -check the data.
Position number five, Bradel -Goldwyn. A jump
from number 82 to number five represents movement
so dramatic that you initially suspect data entry
errors. Bulls don't gain 77 positions in a single
evaluation run without exceptional circumstances
that generate industry -wide attention. You cross
-reference multiple sources to confirm the accuracy
of rankings that seem impossible. The phone calls
begin immediately. Other breeders expressing
disbelief, excitement, and urgent interest in
accessing Goldwyn genetics before market demand
drives prices beyond reasonable levels. AI distributors
reporting sudden inquiries about semen availability
from an unknown bull that has become an overnight
sensation. Genetic evaluators explaining statistical
procedures that validate extraordinary evaluation
results. You understand the implications immediately.
Genetic merit increases of this magnitude suggest
transmitting ability that exceeds normal expectations
for Holstein breeding. The jump from number 82
to number 5 represents daughter performance that
validates genetic potential hidden in pedigree
structures. that experienced breeders should
have recognized but somehow missed. The drive
to Terry's farm provides time to process information
that challenges assumptions about genetic evaluation
systems and breeding strategies. How does an
experienced breeding community overlook genetic
potential that produces results dramatic enough
to generate 77 position LPI improvements? What
does this suggest about genetic selection criteria
that prioritize proven performance over pedigree
analysis. You find Terry in his office, phone
pressed to his ear, surrounded by breeding catalogs
and genetic evaluation reports. His expression
combines satisfaction with bewilderment, the
satisfaction of systematic genetic building validated
by objective evaluation, but bewilderment at
the scale of industry response to results he
expected but never anticipated would generate
such dramatic market reaction. Terry explains
Goldwyn's genetic foundation with the methodical
precision that characterizes his approach to
breeding decisions. The maternal line development
spanning 20 years from the original purchase
of Jan through systematic genetic building that
accumulated genetic merit in concentrated but
predictable patterns. The outcross to Shormar
James that introduced hybrid vigor without diluting
accumulated genetic potential. But even Terry
admits surprise at the scale of genetic evaluation
results. Expected improvement? Yes. Revolutionary
impact? No. The difference between systematic
genetic building and breakthrough genetic events
that reshape industry standards. The distinction
between incremental progress and paradigm shifts
that redefine possibilities for Holstein breeding.
The market reaction exceeds all previous experience
with genetic breakthroughs. semen orders that
exhaust initial availability within days of evaluation
release, international inquiries from breeding
organizations that normally develop domestic
genetics rather than importing North American
bloodlines, embryo transfer requests that promise
premium pricing for genetic access that seemed
routine just weeks earlier. You witness the transformation
of genetic commerce from regional exchange to
international market overnight. Goldwyn's semen
prices increase from standard AI rates to premium
pricing that reflects scarcity and demand rather
than production costs. The Braydale prefix gains
recognition that extends beyond North American
breeding circles to global genetics markets.
The first Goldwyn daughters enter show competition
during 2005 and 2006 show seasons, generating
visual validation for genetic evaluations that
seemed almost too good to believe. These aren't
just daughters that classify well and produce
efficiently. These are animals that redefine
breed standards for mammary excellence, dairy
strength, and overall balance. You attend shows
where Goldwyn daughters dominate class competition
with consistency that veteran exhibitors have
never witnessed from a single sire. Not occasional
winners, but systematic excellence that spans
multiple classes, regions, and management systems.
The kind of genetic uniformity that suggests
transmitting ability that exceeds normal variation
in Holstein breeding. The show ring success generates
market momentum that extends beyond genetic evaluation
results. Visual confirmation of genetic merit
that resonates with breeders who trust their
eyes as much as computer generated indices. Marketing
appeal that attracts commercial breeders seeking
competitive advantages and purebred operations
pursuing show ring success. The economic impact
on Bradel operation exceeds all previous experience
with genetic marketing. Semen sales that generate
revenue streams independent of milk production.
International licensing agreements that create
ongoing royalty income. Embryo transfer programs
that command premium pricing for genetic access.
But success creates new challenges that test
management systems designed for conventional
dairy operations. Genetic inventory management
becomes critical as semen supplies face unprecedented
demand. International shipping requires regulatory
compliance and quality control procedures that
exceed domestic marketing requirements. Insurance
policies become necessary protection for genetic
assets whose value exceeds traditional livestock
valuations. You recognize both the opportunity
and the risk represented by Goldwyn's success.
The genetic breakthrough that validates systematic
breeding approaches while creating market forces
that could reshape Holstein breeding in unpredictable
ways. The economic rewards that justify decades
of genetic investment while generating pressures
that could undermine long -term genetic diversity.
By 2006, Goldwyn climbs to number three LPI.
confirming genetic merit that initially seemed
too dramatic to sustain. The progression from
82 to number 5 to number 3 represents consistent
improvement based on expanding daughter populations
rather than statistical variation that might
explain initial evaluation results. The global
genetic commerce surrounding Goldwyn creates
precedence for Holstein breeding that extend
far beyond individual bull marketing. International
genetic exchange that previously focused on proven
sires now embraces young bulls based on genetic
evaluations that promise future performance.
Market valuations that reflect investment potential
rather than immediate production utility. You
understand that you're witnessing the transformation
of Holstein genetics from agricultural commodity
to financial asset. The emergence of genetic
markets that operate according to investment
principles rather than traditional livestock
commerce. The creation of genetic value that
transcends immediate utility and approaches speculation
based on future performance predictions. But
beneath the excitement and opportunity, you sense
developing tensions that could generate consequences
extending far beyond Goldwyn's individual impact.
The concentration of genetic improvement in single
bloodlines that could reduce diversity across
Holstein populations. the market forces that
could drive genetic selection towards short -term
profits rather than long -term breed development.
The lightning has struck. Now you wait to see
where it leads. You find yourself in the barn
at 5 .30 a .m., moving through morning chores
with the automatic efficiency that comes from
decades of routine. But your mind races with
questions that have kept you awake for weeks.
How do you manage success that exceeds every
prediction? How do you balance genetic opportunities
that could reshape your operation against risks
that could undermine everything you've built?
Terry faces these questions on a scale that dwarfs
your experience. The Goldwyn phenomenon has transformed
Braydale from a respected breeding operation
into an international genetics enterprise almost
overnight. The phone never stops ringing. Fax
machines consume paper faster than orders can
be processed. International shipping arrangements
require expertise that extends beyond traditional
dairy farming knowledge. You imagine Terry at
his kitchen table before dawn, spreadsheets and
genetic catalogs competing for space with coffee
cups and financial statements. The same table
where breeding decisions were made with careful
calculation now hosts negotiations that involve
international contracts and licensing agreements
worth more than most farms' annual gross revenue.
The success validates every assumption about
systematic genetic building while generating
pressures that threaten to overwhelm management
systems designed for conventional dairy operations.
Genetic inventory that seemed adequate six months
ago now faces demand that could exhaust supplies
within weeks. Semen collection schedules that
accommodated regional markets now require coordination
with global shipping and regulatory requirements.
You understand the emotional complexity Terry
navigates daily, pride in genetic achievements
that justify decades of patient building, excitement
about opportunities that extend far beyond original
expectations, but also anxiety about managing
success that generates consequences extending
far beyond individual breeding decisions. The
pressure to capitalize on Goldwyn's success competes
with responsibility for genetic stewardship that
considers long -term breed development. rather
than immediate market opportunities. Each breeding
decision carries amplified weight when genetic
material becomes investment commodity rather
than agricultural input. The breeding season
of 2006 tests management systems with demands
that exceed all previous experience. Goldwyn
semen allocation requires rationing systems that
balance market demand against genetic distribution
goals. International orders compete with domestic
customers who supported Bradel genetics during
development years. Premium pricing reflects scarcity
and demand rather than production costs. You
recognize the dilemma Terry faces with each semen
allocation decision. Maximizing immediate revenue
through premium pricing versus building long
-term market relationships through reasonable
access. Concentrating Goldwyn genetics in elite
breeding programs versus distributing genetic
improvement across commercial dairy operations.
The success creates expectations that extend
beyond Goldwyn's individual impact. Industry
professionals expect Braydale to produce additional
genetic breakthroughs with similar market potential.
Breeding advisors recommend Braydale genetics
based on Goldwyn's success rather than systematic
evaluation of individual genetic merit. Market
forces drive genetic selection toward proven
performance rather than innovative breeding approaches.
The economic transformation of Braydale operation
requires business expertise that extends beyond
traditional dairy farm management. Genetic asset
valuation for insurance purposes. International
tax implications for global genetic commerce.
Investment strategies for genetic revenue that
could exceed milk production income. Terry navigates
these challenges with the same methodical approach
that characterized genetic building programs,
but the scale and complexity strain management
systems designed for conventional agriculture.
Success that seemed impossible now generates
obligations that threaten to overwhelm the farming
operation that created the genetic foundation.
The show season brings visual validation for
genetic evaluations while generating market pressures
that complicate breeding decisions. Goldwyn daughters
dominate competition with consistency that creates
expectations for future performance. Visual excellence
that confirms genetic evaluation results while
setting standards that could influence breeding
selection for decades. You watch Terri at shows
surrounded by admirers and customers seeking
genetic access. Handling attention with gracious
professionalism while maintaining focus on genetic
evaluation that extends beyond immediate market
appeal. The balance between commercial success
and genetic responsibility that defines ethical
breeding practices under extraordinary circumstances.
The evening chores provide temporary respite
from constant phone calls and business pressures.
Terry moves through familiar routines that connect
him to agricultural roots while processing decisions
that could affect Holstein breeding worldwide.
The cattle that generated genetic breakthroughs
continue requiring daily care that grounds extraordinary
success in practical farming reality. You understand
the internal conflict between celebrating success
and managing its consequences, the satisfaction
of systematic genetic building validated by objective
evaluation, the excitement of opportunities that
exceed every expectation, but also the weight
of responsibility for genetic stewardship that
considers breed development rather than individual
achievement. Late evening hours in the farm office
become strategic planning sessions that balance
genetic opportunities against operational capacity.
Breeding programs that must adapt to global demand
while maintaining genetic integrity. Financial
planning that incorporates revenue streams that
didn't exist six months earlier. Management systems
that must evolve to handle success that exceeds
every prediction. The transformation from local
breeding program to international genetics enterprise
happens so rapidly that adjustment requires constant
learning and adaptation. Skills that weren't
necessary for conventional dairy farming become
critical for managing genetic commerce that operates
on global scales. Terry's experience during these
months reflects challenges that few breeders
face, but every farmer understands. How do you
manage success that exceeds your preparation?
How do you balance opportunity against responsibility?
How do you maintain focus on long -term goals
when immediate pressures demand constant attention?
The questions have no easy answers, but they
define the character tests that separate genetic
breakthroughs from sustained genetic improvement.
The difference between creating exceptional genetics
and managing their impact responsibly across
generations of Holstein breeding. You recognize
that you're witnessing not just genetic success,
but the human challenge of stewardship that comes
with extraordinary achievement, the burden of
responsibility that accompanies genetic influence
that could reshape an entire industry. Success,
you realize, carries its own unique pressures
that test character as thoroughly as failure
ever could. October 2008, World Dairy Expo. You
stand in the Coliseum at the Alliant Energy Center
in Madison, Wisconsin, surrounded by the electric
atmosphere that builds all year toward this moment.
The International Holstein Show represents the
pinnacle of dairy cattle competition, where genetic
theories face practical evaluation, where breeding
reputations are made and lost, where the future
direction of Holstein breeding crystallizes in
show ring competition. The premier sire announcement
carries weight that extends far beyond individual
recognition. For 25 years, Regan Crest Elton
Durham has dominated this award with consistency
that defined an era in Holstein breeding. Durham
daughters, profitable, predictable, durable,
represented the breed standard that commercial
operations could trust and purebred programs
could build upon. But you sense change in the
air. The first Goldwyn daughters, to reach mature
classification, have redefined expectations for
mammary excellence and dairy strength. These
aren't just daughters that perform well. These
are animals that establish new benchmarks for
breed type and production capability. You've
watched the progression through regional shows
leading to this moment. Goldwyn daughters winning
with systematic consistency that veteran exhibitors
have never witnessed from a single sire. Not
occasional champions, but class after class of
animals that demonstrate genetic uniformity rare
in Holstein breeding. The mathematics of show
competition confirm what visual appraisal suggests.
Premier sire recognition rewards the bull whose
daughters accumulate the most points through
high placings across all classes. The award requires
not just exceptional individuals, but genetic
consistency that produces winners across diverse
management systems and regional competition levels.
In the preparation areas, you observe the final
grooming of an animal that represents years of
breeding decisions, months of feeding and management,
weeks of travel and preparation for this single
day of competition. Each animal carries the hopes
and genetic philosophies of breeding programs
that stake reputations on show ring performance.
Goldwyn daughters stand out even in this elite
company. The mammary systems that classification
experts have called architectural marvels. The
dairy strength and feminine character that combines
beauty with functionality. The genetic uniformity
that suggests transmitting ability beyond normal
variation in Holstein breeding. You recognize
other breeders making last minute evaluations
of genetic potential based on visual evidence
that will influence breeding decisions for years
to come. Show ring performance that validates
or challenges genetic evaluation systems. competition
that separates genetic theory from practical
results. The crowd settles into bleacher seats
with programs that outline months of breeding
research and genetic analysis. Industry professionals
who understand the technical aspects of genetic
evaluation sit beside farmers who trust visual
appraisal over computer -generated indexes. Commercial
breeders seeking genetic advantages compete for
seating with purebred enthusiasts pursuing show
ring glory. The tension builds as class competition
progresses toward premier sire announcement.
Each Goldwyn daughter that places well adds points
to totals that could end Durham's unprecedented
reign. Each high placing confirms genetic evaluation
results that initially seemed too dramatic to
believe. You calculate possibilities while watching
class after class of exceptional Holstein females
demonstrate the genetic progress that has accumulated
over decades of systematic breeding. The improvement
in breed type and production capability that
validates genetic selection principles while
establishing new standards for future breeding
programs. The judging process reveals genetic
consistency that transcends individual animal
excellence. Goldwyn daughters that share family
characteristics while adapting to diverse management
systems. mammary systems that maintain uniformity
despite different feeding programs and environmental
conditions, dairy strength that combines femininity
with production capability. You witness the genetic
principles that Terry Beaton has pursued for
decades, manifesting in competition that validates
systematic breeding approaches. Not luck, not
accident, but the predictable result of genetic
building that prioritize transmitting ability
over individual performance. The judges' evaluations
confirm what genetic data suggested. Goldwyn
represents genetic advancement that exceeds normal
progression in Holstein breeding, the kind of
genetic breakthrough that happens rarely but
reshapes breed standards when it occurs. The
premier sire announcement approaches with anticipation
that reflects 25 years of Durham dominance competing
against genetic evaluation results that promise
revolutionary change. The end of an era versus
the beginning of genetic influence that could
reshape Holstein breeding for the next generation.
You understand that you're witnessing more than
show ring competition. This moment represents
the validation of genetic systems that challenge
traditional breeding approaches. The transition
from proven genetics to emerging genetic potential
that carries both enormous promise and uncertain
risk. The microphone crackles as the announcer
prepares to announce results that will validate
decades of genetic building or confirm the continuing
dominance of proven genetic systems. The moment
when theory meets practical evaluation, when
genetic revolution faces established breed standards,
your heart races as you realize that everything,
the genetic building, the systematic breeding,
the patient development of maternal lines, the
calculated risks, and unwavering faith in genetic
principles, comes down to this single announcement
that will either vindicate Terry Beaton's life
work or demonstrate the limits of genetic innovation
in established breed populations. The moment
of truth arrives. Ladies and gentlemen, the announcer's
voice carries across the Coliseum with authority
that commands complete attention from thousands
of spectators who understand they're witnessing
a potential changing of the guard in Holstein
genetics. The premier sire of the 2008 World
Dairy Expo International Holstein Show. You hold
your breath along with everyone else in the arena.
25 years of Durham dominance hangs in the balance
against genetic evaluation results that promise
revolutionary change but require validation through
practical competition. Bradel Goldwyn. The Coliseum
erupts with applause that combines surprise,
excitement, and recognition of genetic achievement
that exceeds all previous experience with Holstein
breeding. You find yourself cheering along with
thousands of other dairy professionals who understand
the significance of this moment. Not just a show
ring victory, but validation of genetic systems
that could reshape Holstein breeding for generations.
The Premier Sire banner represents more than
show ring success. It confirms genetic evaluation
results that initially seemed too dramatic to
believe. Goldwyn's daughters haven't just performed
well. They've established new standards for breed
excellence that combine production capability
with visual appeal in unprecedented consistency.
The statistics behind the victory tell the story
of genetic revolution. 47 daughters placing in
the top 10 of their classes, representing nearly
25 % of the elite competition. The kind of single
-sire dominance that veterinary geneticists explain
requires transmitting ability that occurs rarely
but reshapes breed populations when it appears.
You watch Terry navigate the media attention
with the same methodical approach that characterized
his breeding decisions. Camera crews request
access to Goldwyn. Reporters seek quotes about
genetic revolution. Industry magazines compete
for exclusive interviews with the breeder who
ended Durham's 25 -year reign. The Premier Sire
Victory validates genetic evaluation systems
while demonstrating their practical application
in show ring competition. Goldwyn's daughters
haven't just performed well, they've established
new benchmarks for breed excellence that combine
theoretical genetic merit with visual confirmation.
The victory celebration extends beyond individual
recognition to industry transformation. You sense
the shift in breeding philosophy as commercial
producers recognize that elite type and production
efficiency aren't mutually exclusive goals. The
old divisions between show ring genetics and
commercial genetics begin dissolving as Goldwyn
demonstrates their successful integration. The
immediate impact on Goldwyn's commercial value
exceeds all previous experience with genetic
marketing. Semen orders flood CEMEX facilities,
international inquiries arrive daily, and embryo
transfer requests promise premium pricing for
genetic access that seemed routine just months
earlier. You understand that you're witnessing
the transformation of genetic commerce from agricultural
commodity to financial asset. Goldwyn's success
creates precedence for Holstein breeding that
extend far beyond individual bull marketing to
establish new principles for genetic valuation
and international trade. The months following
World Dairy Expo 2008 transform Bradol from a
respected breeding operation into an international
genetics enterprise. You witness Terry managing
success that exceeds every prediction while maintaining
focus on genetic stewardship. that considers
long -term breed development rather than immediate
market opportunities. The economic impact creates
both opportunities and obligations that test
management systems designed for conventional
dairy farming. Genetic inventory management becomes
critical as semen supplies face unprecedented
global demand. International shipping requires
regulatory compliance and quality control procedures
that exceed domestic marketing requirements.
The 2009 show season brings continued validation
as Goldwyn daughters dominate competition across
North America and internationally. Premier Sire
victories accumulate 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012,
2013, 2014. creating a dynasty of show ring success
that spans seven consecutive years at World Dairy
Expo alone. You recognize the statistical impossibility
of such sustained dominance. Single sire control
of show ring competition for seven years requires
genetic consistency that transcends normal variation
in Holstein breeding. The mathematics of premier
sire recognition, based on cumulative points
across all daughters in competition, demands
not just exceptional individuals, but systematic
excellence across diverse management systems.
The Goldwyn economy reaches its pinnacle in 2009
with the sale of Eastside Louisdale Gold Missy
for $1 .2 million, a price that makes global
headlines and establishes new benchmarks for
elite dairy genetics valuation. The sale represents
more than individual animal pricing. It demonstrates
the investment potential of genetic assets that
function as appreciating commodities rather than
depreciating livestock. You understand the broader
implications of genetic valuations that approach
real estate pricing. The dairy industry has created
a new asset class that operates according to
investment principles rather than traditional
agricultural commerce. The emergence of genomic
testing during Goldwyn's peak influence provides
scientific validation for genetic phenomena that
seemed almost too dramatic to believe. DNA analysis
reveals the genetic architecture underlying his
transmitting ability while exposing potential
risks associated with widespread usage. The discovery
of his carrier status for cholesterol deficiency,
HCD, creates the first major challenge to his
genetic legacy. Breeders who embraced Goldwyn
genetics must now implement testing and mating
strategies to avoid producing affected calves.
Management complexity that previous generations
of Holstein breeders never faced. The industry
response to genetic concentration concerns becomes
a defining moment for modern Holstein breeding.
You witness the development of genetic diversity
monitoring systems, breeding recommendations
that encourage outcrossing, and educational programs
that promote balanced genetic selection rather
than single sire dominance. These initiatives
represent the maturation of genetic sciences
from experimental application to systematic management
of breed development. The tools and knowledge
that enabled Goldwyn's success also provide the
framework for managing its consequences responsibly.
25 years after Goldwyn's birth, you walk through
dairy barns across North America and observe
his genetic influence in countless daughters,
granddaughters, and great -granddaughters that
continue producing milk in commercial herds.
His genetic signature appears in pedigrees from
California to New York, from small family farms
to large corporate operations. The visual evidence
remains unmistakable. Mammary systems that bear
the Goldwyn stamp, dairy strength that combines
femininity with production capability, and overall
balance that reflects systematic genetic improvement
rather than single trait selection. The genomic
revolution that accelerated during Goldwyn's
career now provides tools for genetic management
that Terry Beaton could never have imagined.
DNA testing at six months of age, genetic diversity
monitoring across populations, and precise management
of recessive disorders represent the technological
evolution of principles that guided traditional
breeding programs. You recognize how modern genetic
selection applies Goldwyn's lessons through enhanced
precision. The emphasis on balanced improvement,
maternal line development, and long -term genetic
building continues, but with mathematical accuracy
that reduces guesswork. and accelerates progress.
The show ring legacy persists through daughters
and granddaughters that continue winning major
competitions decades after Goldwyn's death. RF
Goldwyn Haley Supreme Champion victories in 2012
and 2014 extend the dynasty's dominance. Maya
Goldwyn's 2013 World Dairy Expo Championship
continues the tradition. The genetic consistency
spans generations with reliability that validates
systematic breeding approaches. The economic
lessons from Goldwyn's career influence modern
approaches to genetic marketing and valuation.
Premium pricing for proven genetics, international
commerce in genetic material, and investment
-grade approaches to genetic asset management
all trace their origins to precedents established
during the Goldwyn era. But the industry has
also learned restraint. Genetic diversity monitoring
prevents single sire dominance that could compromise
breed health. Balanced selection indexes emphasize
multiple traits rather than dramatic improvement
in single characteristics. The goal remains genetic
progress, but with sustainability principles
that consider long -term breed development. You
understand that Goldwyn's true legacy lies not
in individual achievements, but in the demonstration
of genetic principles that continue guiding Holstein
improvement. The power of maternal line development,
the importance of systematic breeding approaches,
and the potential for genetic revolution through
patient selection remain as relevant today as
they were in 2000. You stand in a modern dairy
barn on a quiet morning watching cows that carry
Goldwyn genetics in their pedigrees move through
automated milking systems that didn't exist when
he was born. The technology has evolved dramatically
but the fundamental principles of genetic improvement
remain constant. Identify superior genetics,
build systematic breeding programs, and maintain
focus on long -term improvement rather than short
-term gains. The Goldwyn story teaches lessons
that extend far beyond Holstein breeding. The
patience required for genetic building spans
decades rather than accounting periods. The vision
necessary for systematic improvement demands
faith in principles that won't be validated until
years after initial investments. The courage
needed for genetic innovation requires willingness
to challenge conventional wisdom and pursue approaches
that others dismiss as impractical. Today's dairy
farmers face challenges that Terry Beaton never
encountered. Climate change concerns, labor shortages,
regulatory pressures, and market volatility that
spans global commodity exchanges. But they also
possess tools and knowledge that make genetic
selection more precise and genetic progress more
predictable than previous generations could have
imagined. The genomic revolution continues accelerating
genetic improvement while providing safeguards
against the unintended consequences that accompanied
Goldwyn's success. Genetic diversity monitoring,
health trait selection, and balanced improvement
indexes represent the industry's commitment to
sustainable genetic progress. You observe young
cattle in the breeding pens, animals that represent
the next generation of genetic progress built
upon foundations established by pioneers like
Terry Beaton. Their genetic potential incorporates
lessons learned from Goldwyn's success and the
challenges it created. They embody the industry's
commitment to continued improvement within frameworks
that consider genetic diversity, environmental
sustainability, and economic viability. The lightning
strike of Bradel Goldwyn illuminated possibilities
for genetic improvement that seemed impossible
before his birth. His success validated systematic
breeding approaches while revealing their potential
consequences. His legacy continues through genetic
principles that guide modern breeding decisions
and technological innovations that enhance traditional
selection methods. Every dairy farmer who invests
in genetic improvement, every breeder who builds
cow families with multi -generational vision,
and every industry professional who applies genetic
sciences to practical breeding decisions continues
the work that began with a strategic purchase
at a dispersal sale in 1985. The story of Bradel
Goldwyn proves that genetic revolution remains
possible for those who combine vision with patience,
knowledge with courage, and systematic approaches
with unwavering commitment to genetic improvement.
His legacy challenges every generation of dairy
professionals to think beyond immediate returns
and build genetic systems that will benefit the
industry for decades to come. Sometimes lightning
does strike, but as Terry Beaton proved, it helps
when you've spent decades building the right
conditions. The legacy of Bradol Goldwyn reminds
us that in dairy farming, as in life, the most
profound changes often begin with a single decision
made by someone willing to think differently.
Terry Beaton's investment in Sunny Lodge Elevation
Jan in 1985. The patient building of a maternal
dynasty. The courage to make breeding decisions
based on genetic principles rather than popular
trends. These choices echo through every barn
where Goldwyn Genetics continue producing milk
today. As you head back to your own operation,
remember that every breeding decision you make,
every sire selection, every genetic investment
becomes part of your farm story. The question
is, what story are you writing? This has been
the Bullvine Podcast. If this episode resonated
with you, share it with fellow dairy professionals
who understand that great genetics aren't built
overnight, but they're worth the wait. Subscribe
wherever you get your podcasts and join us next
time as we continue exploring the innovations,
controversies, and characters that define modern
dairy farming. Until then, keep your boots in
the barn and your vision on the horizon. Turn
the volume high For the icons of the ages That
never will die From the show ring, from the tune
The quiet strength they knew Hear their stories
now Coming right on through Legends live here.