Passionate about genetics

LEROY — Since first learning about the Punnett square in elementary school, Stephanie Sukalski knew she wanted to work with cattle genetics. When she was told she was too young to start breeding cows, she found another way to work with something she already had — cats.

Today, Sukalski applies that early curiosity to dairy cattle, assisting with genetic and breeding decisions at Reiland Farms, a 350-cow dairy that is in partnership with her mother and uncle. She also incorporates the herd Leroyal Livestock & Miniatures, a business she operates to rent recipients for embryos. Her herd includes nine calves and 35 mature breeding animals across nine different breeds, many of them crossbreds.

Her journey into genetics started with a challenge from her mom, who encouraged her to wait until she was older to work with cattle. Instead, Sukalski turned to the farm’s cats to begin learning.

“We had touched a little bit on genetics in class, and I want to do something,” Sukalski said. “Well, we had 14 cats. Every farm has farm cats. So, I started my genetic journey there.”

Through breeding farm cats, she began to understand phenotypes and how traits appear across litters. Seeing those outcomes firsthand helped build a foundation that later translated into livestock genetics.

As her interest grew, her mom recognized her dedication and supported her transition into cattle. What began with dairy genetics eventually expanded into miniature cattle breeds during high school.

“Miniature cattle were perfect because they’re still cattle. They require the same things,” Sukalski said. “I wasn’t asking for alpacas (or another animal), I (asked to) have small cattle.”

Today, Sukalski works with what she describes as two genetic extremes: highly productive Holsteins and miniature cattle.

“That keeps life really interesting here,” Sukalski said. “Some people like to paint pictures. I like to paint pastures.”

Sukalski said it has taken years to refine her miniature cattle program, but she is now confident in the consistency she has developed.

“I’ve kind of got my lines perfected,” Sukalski said. “I’m pretty accurate on what I’m going to have, how big it’s going to be, the different opportunities for the colors and the different genetics that will be born from a specific combination.”

Now working with multiple generations of her own breeding, she continues to refine her program with a strong emphasis on functionality and fertility. She is already planning matings for 2028 and 2029 and has sold calves from coast to coast.

“I still have a lot of diversity in my herd that allows me to breed within my own herd,” Sukalski said. “When I do these flushes, I use semen from my own bulls and embryo eggs from my own cows, and I like doing that because those animals are known to be.”

Understanding the Punnett square and the science behind it helps ensure desired genes are transmitted, such as the dwarf gene.

“Knowing how to use it, when to use it and making sure that you don’t ever breed two carriers of it together…it’s kind of a balancing act,” said Sukalski.

She also uses the Punnett square as a tool when working with customers, many of whom are purchasing animals for  youth for the first time, since miniature cattle are  relatively new. .

“It gives a visual to your genetic percentages and helps them (people) understand the role of genetic diversity,” Sukalski said.

Sukalski has expanded her herd by utilizing the dairy as recipients for her genetics, compensating the farm at a rate comparable to what it would receive for an Angus cross calf at market.

“It’s expensive the way markets are, but still, at the end of the day, every single one of those calves is a dream,” Sukalski said.

On the dairy farm, the focus is on maximizing milk components. On a recent Dairy Herd Improvement Association test, the Holsteins averaged  94 pounds of milk per day, with tests of 5.0% butterfat and 3.5% protein. The Jerseys averaged 64 pounds, with tests of 5.6% butterfat and 3.8% protein. One of Sukalski’s favorite Holsteins averaged over 10 pounds of components per day in her lactation.

“We pull an Excel list out of DairyCompafter DHIA  testing,” Sukalski said. “Once our data comes in on each animal, I’ll make a list, and I run a bunch of calculations through that. It’s a pretty massive document.”

The farm is currently breeding about 75% of the herd to Angus, with the remaining portion bred to sexed dairy semen. .

“We love the cow that’s going to last, so longevity and fertility are super important,” Sukalski said. “We like a moderate-sized cow with high pounds of components, and good feet and legs.”

What began as an interest in genetics has led to years of Sukalski building her own miniature cattle herd and turning a dream into reality.