In a historic achievement this April, GenoSource CAPTAIN-ET secured the #1 TPI sire position for the eighth consecutive proof run, a feat no other bull has accomplished in Holstein history. In an era where genetic progress moves rapidly, especially with genomic testing, this level of consistency is remarkable.
While his breeder, Tim Rauen of GenoSource, and STgenetics® Co-Founder and CEO, Juan F. Moreno, are proud of the recognition, they agree that CAPTAIN’s greatest success lies in the impact he’s had on dairies around the world.
“The true greatness of a bull is measured every day at the dairy,” says Moreno. “Seeing daughters that put smiles on dairymen’s faces as they walk through their barns. That’s what it’s all about.”
Rauen echoes the sentiment, “It’s not about the success we’ve had with him, but the success he’s brought to dairymen globally. We’re trying to multiply people’s genetics and increase their profitability. That’s what we’re most proud of.”
Consistency Is Key
CAPTAIN’s consistency is what truly sets him apart. Rauen describes it as something he’s never seen before in his lifetime.
“It’s customer satisfaction,” he says. From generation to generation, the CAPTAIN family has delivered high production, along with highly sought-after confirmation traits.
No matter the dam, with a great udder or not, CAPTAIN consistently sires modern, profitable cows. As Rauen puts it, “CAPTAIN is a special bull. No matter what kind of cow you breed him to, he delivers. He makes cows with great udders, strong feet and legs, and ideal teat placement for all systems. They’re dairy machines that show up ready to work.”
Moreno couldn’t agree more. “What struck me first about CAPTAIN’s daughters was the rear udder—the width, the height, the placement. It was so consistent, you could pick them out without even knowing they were his.” But, he also adds, “It wasn’t just the udders. The daughters had the production and the components. He put all the pieces of the puzzle together.”
Next Generations
Looking ahead, both Moreno and Rauen are confident that CAPTAIN’s influence will extend well beyond his first generation of progeny.
“It’s not just the legacy the bull leaves through his sons and daughters,” says Moreno. “We’re already seeing grandsons and granddaughters that reflect the same remarkable capabilities. The genes he carries are showing up strong in the next generation.”
CAPTAIN’s growing lineup of sons in the STgenetics® program offers diverse trait packages—from production and type to udder composite and health. Early proven standouts include GARZA, MCGUIRE, and BUFFALO BILL, with GARZA debuting at #2, right behind CAPTAIN.
What drives us going forward,” Moreno adds, “is creating more and more fun with the next generation of bulls that come through.”
A Team Effort
CAPTAIN’s success is the result of years of collaboration across the STgenetics® team.
“So many different fingers touched CAPTAIN,” says Rauen. “From the lab to the sales team, we all had a part in this.”
That shared effort has helped bring CAPTAIN’s genetics to herds around the world, where his daughters are making a difference every day.
Moreno shares, “It really is a team effort. It is really about a lot of people working together, enjoying and loving what they do every day. And it's just fun to make a good cow. It's just fun.”
Crossing Boundaries & Shaping the Future
CAPTAIN’s genetic influence is expanding across all corners of the Holstein world. His bloodline is found in red carriers, polled bulls, and even show animals. Whether it’s TPI, Net Merit, LPI, PFT, or the show ring, CAPTAIN is leaving a mark on multiple markets and selection goals. It’s rare, if not unheard of, to see a bull with such broad and versatile impact across so many different breeding objectives.
CAPTAIN’s legacy isn’t just about rankings or records. His true value is seen in the barns, especially through daughters that perform and deliver results for dairymen internationally. His genetics have proven reliable, profitable, and consistent, regardless of the environment or management system.
And yet, as Moreno points out, many producers have yet to tap into what CAPTAIN offers.
“90% of dairymen haven’t used CAPTAIN genetics… maybe they should ask themselves: am I overlooking a bull that’s one of the greatest of all time?”
CAPTAIN has already made history. Now, he’s helping shape the future.
To hear more about CAPTAIN's story, listen at the links below:
Spotify:
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