#OneBlackandWhite: Matt Nunes & C Hanoverhill Tony Rae

If you work in the dairy industry, especially as a producer or Registered Holstein breeder, chances are high that one cow played a special part in making the decision to have a career in agriculture. The Wisconsin Holstein Association is pleased to announce the #OneBlackandWhite campaign, focusing on that one black and white Holstein cow that changed a life. Whether a show stopper, first Registered Holstein calf, or the genomic star that started it all, they all have a place in the industry and the opportunity to change a life. These black and white beauties have inspired us and their breeders and owners, and in 2016 we’re taking advantage of the opportunity to share their stories.

To kick off the campaign, we took the chance to visit with Matt Nunes of Scientific Holsteins near Chippewa Falls. Matt and his family have built their legacy around one cow family that continues to inspire them with each passing generation. While Scientific Debutante Rae-ET*RC, EX-92, has become a household name, the #OneBlackandWhite that started it all was a fourth generation Roxy – C Hanoverhill Tony Rae, EX-96 3E GMD DOM 5*.

“My dad was a major influence that taught me how to look for and breed the right cows. Roxy (Glenridge Citation Roxy, EX-97 Queen of the Breed) had every quality I looked for in a cow, and it was always my dream to own a Roxy,” Matt remembers. “When I had the chance to work the 1987 Hanoverhill Dispersal Sale in Canada, I was there two weeks before the sale and had a chance to get a great look at two great young heifers from the Roxy family – a full sister to Raider and Tony Rae. When you looked underneath, Tony Rae had great udder promise, along with a hard top, and a little slope to the rump. She was by a good bull, and her young dam had a ton of promise.”

Little did Matt know once he purchased his ‘second choice,’ Tony Rae, where he would be today.

“The heifers sold back to back in the sale, with Raider’s sister selling first for over $30,000. I was fortunate to take Tony Rae home about half that,” Matt recalls.

Almost 30 years later, close to 90% of the Scientific Holsteins herd can be traced back to Tony Rae. Her offspring and descendants have been sold all over the world and have had multiple success stories from bulls making A.I. lineups to daughters winning on the tanbark.

Matt said it best when he compared Registered Holsteins to “a disease with no cure.” He and wife Mandy, along with their four daughters, have called Wisconsin and the Midwest home for over twelve years.

“People have to follow their passion, stick to their guns and do what they believe in,” Matt commented. “Our greatest success has come when we stick to the cow we’re breeding for, keeping high type in mind.”

We hope to see more things from this family and #OneBlackandWhite star for years to come.