Gerrit Hofmeijer and Bea Hofmeijer-van der Kuip from Dalerveen (Drenthe province, the Netherlands) milk 127 cows with an average 305-day production of 11,839 kilograms of milk with 4.54% fat and 3.57% protein. The average classification score for their heifers is 83.0 points. For the dairy matings they only use Red and White Holstein bulls. One permanent employee works at the farm three days a week: Harmen Veldsink.

As a promotional bull, they purchased 20 straws of Broekhuizen Pepijn (Eloy RF x Japan, aAa 435). Of these 20 straws, four heifers have came into milk and are now all 150 to 200 days in production. “We chose Pepijn at the time because production and overall conformation are important to us. At our farm a cow needs to produce many kilograms of fat and protein, but she must be able to handle it. She needs capacity. That was reflected in Pepijn’s genomic profile,” says Gerrit Hofmeijer.

The four Pepijn daughters were classified 84, 85, 86, and 87 points and are performing great. Gerrit evaluates the results: “We used Pepijn on the cows with higher percentages that could use improvement in their milk yield. That worked out perfectly, because they are high producing with decent components and they can handle this production very well. Pepijn has significantly improved the rumps; they all have long, slightly sloping rumps. In terms of frame, they are almost perfect. In addition, it is striking how well they stand on their forelegs. I have never used a bull whose daughters stand so well on their forelegs.”

Photo: Olga 1321 (s. Pepijn, VG87)
Prod.: 2.02. 11,565 kgm, 4.42% fat, 3.58% protein, lw 108 vsp 
Owner: Mts. Hofmeijer-Van der Kuip, Dalerveen (The Netherlands)

The success of the Pepijn daughters will most likely have several beautiful follow-ups. For instance, two animals from Mts Hofmeijer-Van der Kuip are nominated for Pepijn's daughter group at the National Red and White Holstein show, which will be held on June 6 in Mariënheem, the Netherlands. Gerrit is also considering entering these animals for the individual show that day. In addition, another 20 straws of Pepijn have been ordered by the Mts Hofmeijer-Van der Kuip as they really appreciate the first four cows. Photo: Olga 1331 (s. Pepijn, VG86)
Prod.: 2.00. 11,025 kgm, 4.70% fat, 3.54% protein, lw 107 vsp 
Owner: Mts. Hofmeijer-Van der Kuip, Dalerveen (The Netherlands)

Broekhuizen Pepijn will receive his daughter breeding value in April. Mts. Hofmeijer, best of luck with your company and have fun with the best Pepijn daughters!