It was Memorial Day Weekend in Wooster, Ohio. Stacia True sat straight out center-field from the auctioneer’s box at the Snapshots at Starmark Sale. Just like a short-stop waiting for a line drive, she had a look of determination on her face. When lot B35 entered the ring, everyone knew why. Stacia and husband Jeff had made the decision to get serious about investing in Brown Swiss genetics for showring type and they had done their homework. The maternal line of Blessing PR Shirlan 3E93 with a top record of 31,740M 1,804F 1,117P piqued their interest and they purchased her Premium granddaughter, Forest Lawn PJS Shine that day. Stacia admits to going over the budget she and Jeff discussed. However, she justified the extra coin with a “two for one” as Shine was carrying an ultrasound heifer by Starsky. This was the start of an influx of Brown Swiss cattle to True Farms which has led them to be a tour stop for the 2019 National Brown Swiss Convention.
The Facilities
True Farms is a seventh-generation business currently being operated in partnership between brothers Jeff and Brian. Jeff and his wife Stacia have three children, Tucker, Taryn and Trenten. Brian is married to Diane and together they have two boys, Brad and Chris who also work on the farm. In 1979, the farm moved its 50-tie-stall Holstein herd from Spencerport to the current location in Perry, New York, to allow for expansion and the ability of Blair and Ruth’s sons to be a part of the business.
Today, 1100 head (140 Brown Swiss, 40 Jerseys, 920 Holsteins) reside on 1,200 acres of rented/owned land with an RHA of 26,856M 4.1% fat and 3.25% protein. Cattle are milked three-times a day in a double 11 herringbone parlor. The Brown Swiss herd has its own group so that they can receive a higher protein diet. The breeding philosophy emphasizes milk, health traits and components. Stacia shares, “Certain family lines are bred for type as our family enjoys showing. Merchandising opportunities are an important return on investment for our Brown Swiss endeavor.”
Such a large operation requires great attention to calf care, especially those sometimes hard to raise brown ones. Therefore, in 2015, the Trues built a state-of-the art calf facility featuring auto feeders and environment control. All calves are in individual pens for the first three days of life and then transitioned into groups of 20 and automatically fed. The auto feeder provides daily data to the calf manager detailing amount consumed, and drinking speed of each calf, leaving nothing up to question. Stacia says, “The Swiss do really well and grow great. The calves are gaining over two pounds per day in the barn.” Another feature of this barn is a built-in weather station. No more guessing when or if you need to adjust your curtains. This barn has its own Al Roker. Wind speed, direction, temperature and humidity are all evaluated and automatically adjusted for the most comfortable living accommodations available.
The Cows
In addition to wonderful facilities, visitors will get to see about a dozen descendants of Shine 2E92, who lived up to her name and helped put the Trues on the Brown Swiss map. Shine was HM All-American in 2009 and Reserve All-American in 2010. She was the matriarch that paved the way for Browns Swiss to infiltrate the Holstein herd. Jeff liked the components on the Brown Swiss and says it was easy to integrate them with the Holsteins because they fit well in the larger stalls and in the parlor. In 2010, Jeff partnered with Larry Hill on his entire Swiss herd adding 35 head to the Perry New York farm. Cattle from this partnership are noted with the One True Hill prefix. One hundred of the 140 head on display are from this collaboration.
>The admiration of Top Acres Supreme Fiesta VG 88 91MS led to another type purchase in 2012. Fiesta’s daughter by Wonderment, Brook Lodge W Fireworks VG 89 was purchased as a pick of flush at the National Sale in Maryland. “We loved the extreme dairy quality in this cow family and we decided to purchase her full sister Brook Lodge W Fiat as well,” Stacia added. They also purchased embryos from the family with the result of Brook Lodge W Fireball who is in the milking herd and awaiting a score.
While not Brown, Gold Crest Shottle Cutie EX94 is worth mentioning. This powerful Holstein posted moderate genomic numbers and extremely high production records. Her daughter by Atwood was the Grand Champion at the Eastern National in 2018. Eight daughters and six granddaughters are featured on the farm.
The Future
Stacia says “True Farms will continue to emphasize developing cows that make a lot of milk, breed back and stay healthy. We are starting to test for A2 with a goal of shipping seven pounds of combined fat and protein.” As time and money permits, they would like to continue to find develop, and sell show type cattle that can go on and do good things for their new owners. “We take a lot of pride in helping our own children and other young people find the perfect 4-H project,” Stacia concluded.
Life happens and 2019 has been a rough year for the Trues. Jeff is currently battling pancreatic cancer. In “True” farmer style he is dedicated and committed to overcoming the wild pitch that life threw him. In the meantime, he and Stacia look forward to sharing their farm and cows with convention goers.