The marathon of genetics with John Cole

The marathon of genetics with John Cole

Author: Progressive Dairy editors February 11, 2026 Duration: 44:18

John Cole breaks down indexes and how to effectively use them in your herd on this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast. Cole serves as the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding's chief research and development officer. Learn about the math and data that’s involved in calculating an index, Cole’s recommendations for using indexes and a few new tools from CDCB.

Here is the episode breakdown:

  • 1:00 – Rapid-fire questions
  • 3:15 – Cole’s background
  • 8:20 – Defining an index
  • 15:30 – Balancing regional markets within Net Merit
  • 19:05 – Utilizing fluid, cheese or grazing merits
  • 23:45 – Creating a herd-based index
  • 29:25 – Patience with a genetic plan
  • 36:10 – First service to conception

For those who live and work in the world of milk production, the day doesn’t stop for a deep dive into industry news. That’s where the Progressive Dairy Podcast comes in, extending the trusted editorial voice of the magazine into an audio format you can take anywhere. Hosted by the Progressive Dairy editors, this series is crafted specifically for U.S. dairy producers and the network of professionals who support them. Think of it as a conversation with well-informed colleagues, breaking down the latest trends, operational strategies, and business insights that matter at the farm gate and beyond. You’ll hear straightforward discussions that translate complex topics into actionable advice, whether the subject is herd health, market dynamics, sustainability practices, or technology adoption. Released every other Tuesday, each episode is designed to fit into a busy schedule, providing a dose of relevant information during a morning commute or an afternoon walk. It’s more than just a business podcast; it’s a practical resource built on the same foundation of reliability that readers have come to expect, now available for your ears instead of your eyes. Tune in to stay informed and connected to the pulse of the dairy industry.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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