Winter 2010 normandEnews

Welcome to normandEnews

Normande Genetics welcomes you to the first edition of normandEnews. This e-newsletter is the newest link between our Normande Genetics team, customers and other Normande enthusiasts. If you received this e-newsletter, it’s because you have expressed interest in our genetics. This first edition is somewhat brief, as it is our trial issue, but going forward, our intention is to provide, concise, precise information about what’s going on in the Normande world. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for future issues of normandEnews, please email us at info@normandegenetics.com.

New 2010 Proofs Are Here

The current sire proofs have just received a major overhaul. There are three proofs per year in France, and for the first time in more than a year, the selection rolling base has been adjusted. Plus there’s another adjustment between the male and female bases, which are now being merged. To see the brand new proofs, check out the Normande Genetics catalog page and click on "download current Proofs and Price list". You’ll find the proofs presented under our usual format, i.e. as a PDF form you can print out. Beneath this link, another link will take you to the bulls’ individual proof sheets, featuring their pictures and their daughters’ pictures. Those sheets are still being updated in France for the various studs, but we expect fully accurate numbers by next week.

As a result of these adjustments, we are seeing fewer changes than usual. But a few bulls stand out with their second crop daughters coming in. Such are the bases of Royal Holl and Perthuis, who both gain significantly in milk production. Note also the remarkable stability of the younger bulls. as well as the continuous confirmation of our milk rock star Redondo. You’ll find more comments on the new proofs later, along with the possible addition of new young bulls. But since these indexes just came in, no decision has been made as yet on future imports. Please stay tuned. Additional comments on our bulls will be available shortly, and we’ll post them on the Normande Genetics website.

News flash to those interested in Royal Holl! We have very little left, and what’s available will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you have any questions about the proofs or you would like to make a purchase, please call Normande Genetics at 866-823-7212 or send an email to info@normandegenetics.com.

On a more personal note, having recently attended grazing conferences in Vermont, Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin, I experienced heartwarming reminders of the interest many of you have in our genetics. The conferences also provided opportunities to observe how well positioned the Normande breed is when it comes to low input systems. As we say in all of our communications, the breed shows exemplary sustainable qualities (grass adaptability, fertility, longevity, fitness), along with remarkable added value assets, such as milk that’s rich in components, cheese yield and quality, beef quality and also branding power. In the months to come, more information on each of these points will be posted on our website.
—Jerome Chateau, President, Normande Genetics