Rops Dairy breathes family, breeding and future vision

Farm profile Rops Dairy

Working with K.I. Samen

For over 35 years, the family has trusted bulls from K.I. Samen. “Thanks to the direct communication, strong bull selection and clear advice, we achieve good results,” he says. “Just last week, a beautiful heifer calf was born, and we all enjoyed that together.”

Low-maintenance cows

Since 2014, the cows are housed in a spacious, open barn with natural ventilation. They are milked by two milking robots, which saves the family a lot of time. “We breed functional cows that are self-reliant and stay healthy,” says Frans. Rens, who works as a breeding consultant at K.I. Samen, adds: “Because I’m often on the road, we need cows that don’t require too much attention. The combination of modern housing and well-balanced cows leads to higher production. And that’s exactly what we aim for.”

Keep it simple

To reach their goals, the family has been using the Triple A-system since 1996. This method helps select the right sires. Frans: “I’m not a numbers person, and I’m not impressed by the highest index bull.” Rens nods: “We choose sires with balance. Components are important to us too, and we’re increasingly using polled bulls.” Frans sums it up simply: “Keep it simple. That’s what we believe in.”

Selecting the right bull

Rens is responsible for the inseminations and carefully considers every mating. “For our dairy cows, we usually use breeding bulls. They’ve already proven themselves. Sometimes, when I want to continue breeding with a special cow, I use sexed semen. Around 40% of the inseminations are with Belgian Blue. Those calves just bring in more money,” Rens says.

The power of longevity

The breeding goal at Rops focuses on longevity. “A cow should be able to grow old without problems,” says Frans. “Producing 50,000 litres should be no issue. And if possible, she becomes a hundred-tonner.” Heifers at Rops get the time to grow into mature, strong dairy cows. “We don’t expect high production in the first lactation. It’s about lasting through the lactations.” Rens adds: “In the end, we want cows that perform and contribute to the joy of our work.”

Top performance across generations

One maternal line stands out in the barn: the Helma cow family. “They make us happy every day,” says Rens. He lists: “Helma 497 (s. Sunflower rc) reached the 100,000-litre mark earlier this year. Her half-sister Helma 508 (s. Sunflower rc) scored EX 90 last year. The persistent Helma 561 (Clyde x Trademark) is still going strong, with over 75,000 litres lifetime production and a lactation value of 107. Her conformation is very good: 85 points for udder and 86 for legs.” Frans’ personal favourite is Helma 642 (VG 86) (Vladimir x Murphy). “She has everything we’re looking for: plenty of width, very persistent and a quality udder with slightly longer teats. She gave nearly 15,000 litres in 305 days,” says Frans with a smile. “She really requires no attention at all. If you’re talking about trouble-free cows, this one has it all.”

“If you’re talking about trouble-free cows, Helma 642 has it all.”

The 18th hundred-tonner is coming

“The Helma cows are strong and long-lasting,” Frans continues. “Another standout in the Helma family is Star Cow Helma 480 (Santana x Lightning x Goldstar x Rembrandt). This temperamental 9th calver has already produced over 120,000 litres of milk. She has the perfect stature, a wide chest, very strong claws and excellent legs. And she doesn’t give up easily.” Rens adds: “This year we expect our 18th hundred-tonner. In the past ten years, we’ve had eight, all daughters of K.I. Samen bulls. That says a lot.”

Ten-tonner Lotje 75

The Lotje cow family also proves its worth. Lotje 75 (Goldstar x Rembrandt x Mac Man) reached 10,000 kg of fat and protein at the age of 17. In total, she produced 122,530 litres with 10,459 kg of fat and protein. She lived to be 18 years old. “She stayed in the herd right until the end. It’s amazing to see how a cow can grow old so easily. That’s true longevity,” says Frans.

“It’s amazing to see how a cow can grow old so easily.”

Really wants a heifer calf

Lotje 229 (Dex x Slash x Floyd x Lucrative) is another special cow. Rens really wants a heifer calf from her, so she was inseminated with female sexed semen. Lotje 229 stands out for her youthful appearance, very good legs and a correct udder. Rens: “She was in the daughter group at the 2024 National Red-and-White Show. And now she’s pregnant, hopefully with a heifer. I can’t wait for that calf to be born.”