VANKLEEK HILL — It has taken eight years for Scott and Mitzi Dandy to transform the original purchased herd into the top herd for milk value in Ontario. Careful attention to details, a team of family members, and a common sense philosophy all played a role in the transformation.

Scott’s brother, Leslie, is the feed expert on the team. "Leslie has the knack to get the cows to eat everything given to them. He knows just how to mix the ration, and does it without the aid of a TMR." said Mrs. Dandy.

The feeding program is a big part of the success according to Mitzi Dandy. They feed a completely plant-based home-grown feed of haylage, high moisture corn, with some dry hay. The top of the line supplement purchased from MacEwens is the only feed ingredient brought in from off-farm.

It is Scott who supervises the cropping of their 400 acres as well as 100 acres of hay land whereas Leslie and sister-in-law Donna plays an integral part in the daily feeding and milking.

Yet, it is the heritage of Mitzi’s father, Master Breeder Carmin Howes that is the hidden factor in the transformation of the herd. It was through Howes that Mitzi developed her wealth of knowledge of Holstein genetics and aptitude in breeding. It was this heritage, as well as experience as a milk tester, that enabled Mitzi to consistently improve the home-grown herd.

"We don’t choose bulls based on production." said Mitzi. "We use top proven bulls such as Godwyn, Mr. Bruns, Damion, and Promotion. Because one-third of the herd is red we use only red young sires. The Dandys were immediately rewarded with increased production and a year over year improvement of herd value with this breeding strategy.

Lesdandy Export Lily, a Comestar Export daughter out of Lesdandy Petunia, is a prime example of the success of the home-grown program. Eight-year-old Lily is rated Very Good 85 and has won four superior production awards. She has brought in $18.74 per day since she was a two-year-old.

Mitzi has used bulls such as Inquirer, Rudolf, Blitz, Godwyn, Titanic, and Stormatic on Lily to raise the big, open framed cows that Dandydale Farms prefer. Lily has produced six daughters, all natural to continue this successful line.

This same wealth of experience that Mitzi has in breeding is used in culling. "We do not cull based on production. Our number one reason to cull is re-production, followed by udder issues."

The most important piece of information available to the dairy producer is that taken from the milk tester. Dandydale Farms has all cows on test.

"We have been able to get high milk value by combining production and management. We ultrasound to keep on top of production," said Mitzi. The latest Dairy Herd Improvement progress report shows that Dandydale Farms rated fourth in Ontario for Breed Class Average and top herd for milk value. Milk value per cow was $8,466 while the composite BCA was 284.7.

Yet, for all the success of the dairy herd, it is quality family time that takes priority. "Scott and I don’t sleep or eat in the barn. Family values are most important."

The Dandys have two active boys, Hayden and Jared, both of whom are involved in hockey so there is much time spent in arenas. "And then there is the moto-cross which takes over in the summer," Scott laughed.