Legacy Series: Ron and Christy Ratliff of Ratliff Jerseys, Garnett, Kan.
Welcome to the Legacy Series featuring Master Breeders of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA). The Jersey Journal is excited to share stories with you about previous recipients of this award. We have asked each of them a series of questions covering topics from philosophy, farm history, breeding questions and even what they might be if they had not taken the route of Jersey breeder. We hope you enjoy getting to know these Jersey breeders and their advice and thoughts to the Jersey world today.
Historical questions:
Describe your farm history and how Registered Jerseys became a part of your herd:
I grew up on a farm with a mixed herd of Holsteins and Ayrshires. I purchased my first Jersey in 1979 when I was just nine years old. Richland Neva ASM was the start of my venture into the Jersey breed. I have come a long way from milking in my horse barn with a portable milker. The herd is now housed in a pack barn with box stalls on the show cow side. I have experienced many successes during my time with Jerseys and I am proud to have a very high type herd.
What did this award mean to you and your family?
The award means a lot to me. I have it on all my coats and advertisements. I feel like a legend now. Definitely an elite group to be listed with in Jersey history.
Who were/are your mentors in the dairy industry?
I think my family allowing me to grow up with dairy cows. I really think Frank Pretz taught me a lot – showing cows, ring presence do’s and don’ts, caring for cows, traveling with cows, and just listening to lots of ideas.
Your story:
In your opinion, who have been the most influential bulls and cow to your breeding program?
Influential cows- Ratliff Price Alicia, Avonlea D Jude Karmel, Arethusa Primetime Déjà vu-ET, Arethusa Tequila Vision-ET and Ratliff Sambo Martina
Influential bulls- Lester Sambo, Ratliff Premier Money-ET, Forest Glen Avery Action
What do you consider your biggest success in the Registered Jersey business?
The impact my cows have had in the showring. I have had two of my own win Futurity. Ratliff Sambo Martina won in 2007 and Ratliff Irwin Vancy-ET in 2020. I have also had several Futurity reserve winners. I am a nine-time Premier Breeder of The All American Jersey Show and an eight-time Premier Breeder of the International Jersey Show at World Dairy Expo. Ratliff Price Alicia is the only cow in history to be a three-time National Grand Champion.
What one thing would you change that didn’t turn out the way you envisioned it?
I wouldn’t change a thing. This life has been amazing and has afforded me so many opportunities.
Why did you choose to stay with (or start with) Jerseys when the industry was going elsewhere? What or who (human or animal) inspires you to milk cows?
I grew up with Holsteins, Ayrshires, and the Jersey cow inspired me. I would stay with Jerseys and sell my reds if I had to. The Jersey and Jersey people are second to no one.
Your Philosophy and Take on the Future
What traits do or did you focus on the most for your breeding program? How did this evolve and change over time? How do you think they will change in the next 20 years as technology continues to evolve?
I breed for type. I used type bulls for years then bred them to milk bulls like Sambo & Action. Presently I am using type bulls on these daughters. I also am using my own bulls with great success.
What piece of info on breeding do you know now that you wish you had known when you started out?
Jersey calves are worth more. Holstein calves have to be out of something very popular to have value. My Jerseys are in an extensive IVF program so that I can capitalize on their genetics.
What is the biggest change you have seen in the dairy industry over your years of involvement?
The biggest change I have seen is, for years, I sold my cattle to small dairies to make their dairy better. Those dairies are gone. Milk price has run them out of business. Covid these past two years hurt my sale and other opportunities.
In 20 years, what do you think the average size of a commercial farm will be? How will that affect breeding decisions?
I think in the next 20 years there will be only big farms. 10,000 cows they will breed to milk these cows maybe two years and cull them.
What do you think has been the greatest challenge the Jersey breed has, or will encounter?
I think we could do more for the cows that get scored. Like 95 Supreme or 90 3E. Commend these cows that last. 90 3E means she lasted. 95 Supreme means she is incredible but not 96. I think Associations will have to do things together to stay going like Appraisal etc.
I also think we should score the udder 90-point mammary system. Are we not proud of the udder on our Jerseys? Then show it.
I don’t think the Jersey cow has challenges. She just doesn’t get enough credit on her record.
What do you see as the future of the Jersey cow?
The future of the jersey cow is strong.
Promotion and Marketing:
As you worked with cow families in your herd, what avenues did you find were the best ways to get the word out about potential bull mothers, young bulls for sales, or special heifers in the herd? (Past and present)
The showring has been a big portion of my marketing. My cows do well. I have built a breeding program around that. I have hosted several sales at the farm and those have also done well and reached a broad base of customers.
Your dairy has had a strong presence in the Jersey Journal through the years – through advertising and/or award recognitions. How do you feel this has benefitted the marketability of your genetics?
I feel with Facebook, advertising has suffered. I feel sometimes people want to see it. I am that way. I want to see a catalog on a sale. I like looking at ads. I like to use the Jersey Journal, always have. I believe being with my association will pay back. It has- Master Breeder.
The USJersey organizations offer many management tools for herds in the Jersey business. What programs have been the most beneficial to your growth and why?
InfoJersey registering calves and looking up cow families. REAP is a great program to put a lot of services at a discounted price.
What words of wisdom would you give to young breeders just starting out?
Start with the greatest cow family. Believe in cow families with several Excellent cows. I would not buy a cow or heifer for many years without three or more or sometimes four or more. Excellent-94% or higher meant more to me also.
Your Dairy’s Future:
What’s next for your dairy?
I am not sure about my dairy’s future. Right now, flushing jug cows and winners. I am the only person here that is vested 200% in the dairy portion, that is very hard. Dan and Donald are also a big help to me.
Time for some fun!
If you could bring any cow back from the dead and breed her one more time, guarantee heifer calf. What would you breed her to?
I can’t give you just one cow!
I would bring back:
1st Alicia and breed her to Money
2nd Deja Vu and breed her to Money
3rd Martina and breed her to Ferdinand
4th Porscha and breed her to Money
5th Karmel and breed her to Money
What is one of your favorite cows (or cow families) that you have not bred?
Déjà vu is my favorite cow I did not breed.
If you were not a dairy farmer, what would you do career wise?
If you are a dairy farmer, you don’t know what else to do.
I always say to college kids find something that makes 80-90 a year right off the bat. I also know you have to love what you do. I always worked at the sale barns growing up.
I really don’t know.
