Wisconsin Ag Connection

Officials at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture have announced the 2011 Cow of the Year. 'Lavender Ruby Redrose-Red,' an 11-year-old Red & White Holstein owned by Rosedale Genetics, Ltd. of Oxford, has been selected as this year's recipient for her excellent pedigree, production record and outstanding showing performance.

Redrose is the only Red & White to ever take Supreme Champion honors at World Dairy Expo. In addition, she is a three-time All-American and has been named Grand Champion at the show in 2007 and 2005, and Reserve Senior Champion at the 2004 WDE. She was also named the 2010 Red & White Cow of the Year and Holstein International World Red & White Champion in 2006 and 2007.

Classified EX-96 3E, Redrose has a top production record of 52,104 pounds of milk with 2,576 pounds of fat and 1,752 pounds protein at age 7-04 in 365 days. Additionally, her genetics are in demand across the globe. In 2004, her September Storm heifer topped the World Classic Holstein sale at $50,000 and in 2006 her daughter Rosedale Adventaeous-Red-ET, now EX-92, topped the same sale at $135,000.

"Redrose has set the standard for the Red & White breed. With her numerous show awards and prestigious titles, her proven longevity and outstanding lifetime production credits, she is the total package," says Stephanie Stout, Promotion Manager, Red & White Dairy Cattle Association. "The success and popularity of Redrose daughters and grand-daughters expands worldwide and they look to have promising futures with the hopes of following in Redrose's footsteps."

Sired by STBVQ Rubens-ET, Redrose is a fifth generation EX, who goes back to Stookey Elm Park Blackrose EX-96 who was the 1996 Wisconsin Cow of the Year. Redrose carries on this impressive pedigree through her daughters and granddaughters and through the AI industry with sons and grandsons like Rosedale Accolade-Red EX-94, Rosedale Advantage-Red EX-92 and Rosedale Touchdown-Red.

She will be recognized at a proclamation ceremony next month during the Grand International Red & White Show at World Dairy Expo.

The Red & White breed was selected to receive the Cow of the Year award according to a succession plan among the major dairy breeds, as determined by the Wisconsin Purebred Dairy Cattle Association.