DairyTalk 439: Genomic testing without selection discipline is draining dairy farm profitability - by Helmut Demmelhuber

This podcast episode draws on a Bullvine analysis exploring the
economic gap between genomic testing costs and actual on-farm
returns in U.S. dairy production. The article argues that
collecting genetic data has little value unless producers apply
strict selection strategies and make disciplined breeding and
replacement decisions. A Kansas dairy example illustrates how
raising low-value heifers despite genomic insights can erode
profitability through unnecessary rearing costs and missed
efficiency gains. The analysis also highlights increasing
pressure from lenders who now expect measurable financial
outcomes from advanced genetic technologies. The central message
is clear: genomic progress only becomes profitable when data is
translated into decisive management action. With comments on a
"The Bullvine"-article (May 13th, 2026) by Andrew Hunt:
https://www.thebullvine.com