By MELISSA HART
Michigan Correspondent

GOSHEN, Ind. — A true-type breeder, Marion Hooley of Goshen bred for type, longevity and production in his registered Holstein herd, Hoobirk Holsteins.

This dedication to the breed garnered another notch in his belt, receiving the Indiana Holstein Assoc. (IHA) 2008 Master Breeder Award. Honored at the IHA Annual Meeting, Hooley and his wife, Marjorie, of nearly 51 years have been breeding registered Holsteins for 44 years.

His love for Holsteins began when he purchased his first registered Holstein in 1948. Nine years later he began seriously developing his herd with a Canadian influence. With two herd sires purchased from Romandale Farms of Unionville, Ontario, he began his emphasis on breeding for type, longevity and production.

Thirty-six excellent cows later, Hooley made his mark in the Holstein industry with a consistent breeding program.
“I really enjoyed mating the cows and watching them develop,” explained Hooley. “Cows were my first love and my first joy and I hate to give up the whole thing.”

Through the years Hooley has not only bred more than three scores of excellent cows but has marketed his cattle internationally exporting cattle to South America, British Columbia and Ontario.
Hoobirk BS Jessie was one notable cow who was scored excellent and had a record at four years, seven months in 288 days of 27,270M, 1207F and 800P. Her Encore daughter, Hoobirk Encore Tessie, had a Goldwyn daughter, BU Leann Acres Goldwyn Toby, owned by Milk Source Genetics, LLC, Kaukauna, Wis., that recently won the Junior 2-year-old class at the 2008 Midwest National Spring Holstein Show in Jefferson, Wis.

Hoobirk Raider Roxy also made an impact with a 3-year-old record in 305 days of 30,849M, 1087F and 925P. One of Hooley’s red cows, Hoobirk Rich Marty went excellent and was a Dam of Merit winner. Hooley bred Hoobirk Mel Buster which went on the tanbark trail and earned grand champion honors at the Kentucky National Holstein Show and was first bred and owned at World Dairy Expo.
Past Indiana Master Breeder Mike Oesch respects the longevity of Hoobirk cattle.

“One example of the type of cow Hooley has strived to breed is a cow I purchased in a group in 2005,” Oesch said. “She was 9-years old and went on to make a 10-year-old record of 34,818M and 1276F. She was scored VG88, has had 10 calves and is currently safe in-calf again. This cow has over 200,000 pounds of milk lifetime and has two daughters who are now offering success in the show ring to other breeders.”

While the bulk of the work on the farm has changed hands from Hooley to his son, Brad, and daughter-in-law, Laura, he still does all the breeding and some relief milking. Brad is also a real estate broker and has an auction business.

“With my wife’s help we manage to do the chores when we need to. I couldn’t have been blessed with a better woman,” Hooley said.
Although he is legally blind, Hooley drives his John Deere Gator to the farm through the pastures. And he is still able to read his Holstein magazines with the help of a instrument that magnifies the print.

In the past 10 years some color was added to the Hoobirk herd with the introduction of Jerseys on the farm.

“I didn’t want any Jerseys for a long time, but now that I have them, I really like them.” he explained. “My son talked me into getting them, and they are very easy to have around. They are trouble free when calving.”

Marjorie Hooley is a retired elementary teacher.

“She got up every morning with me and milked the cows even while she was teaching school. She has stood behind me all these years in the cattle business,” Hooley commented.
Hooley also has a daughter, Janet Kercher, and four grandchildren.