Alton Ling

Alton Ling was born on February 12, 1957, in Greensboro, Vermont, to Fred and Dorothy Ling. He grew up on a dairy farm with a 30 head cow herd comprised of Holsteins and Jerseys. Alton was active in 4-H and the 4-H Dairy club, participating in many shows in his youth. After high school, he studied at Vermont Technical College and then went to the University of Vermont and received a Bachelor of Science in 1979.

Following graduation, Alton rented a farm for a few years before he began working with other dairymen through fitting cattle and on dairy sale crews. During this time, he became well known for his work ethic and attention to detail. Alton and his college friend, Tyler Atwood, traveled the country working with dairy cattle. It was on one of these trips that Alton met his future wife, Janice Thomson.

After their marriage in 1983, Alton and Janice worked together alongside Janice’s family on the family dairy, Robthom Farm, located in Springfield, Missouri. Alton quickly became an integral member of the Robthom team by taking charge of the Robthom breeding program.

Alton was methodical in his mating criteria and had a clear vision for how he could make great cattle better through balanced breeding decisions. He continued to develop the genetics in the herd. Under his leadership, many great cows and bulls were bred resulting in some of the most notable animals in the farm’s history.

Alton’s mating decisions at Robthom created two bulls which went on to sell over 1 million units of semen worldwide. One of the most popular bulls in the Holstein breed, Robthom Integrity, sold over 1.5 million units. His daughters enjoyed much success worldwide, including a two time Grand Champion at the World Dairy Expo.

In 2012, Robthom Moscow also earned millionaire unit sales status. This bull was a direct result of Alton’s breeding philosophy. He took an Integrity daughter with high type and crossed her with a milk and health trait bull, BW Marshall, hoping to get both show quality and production traits. Robthom Moscow proved Alton’s thinking correct as he became a bull known as a ‘commercial man’s dream’ with daughters having modern-day health traits such as low somatic cells and high productive life.

Scott Culbertson, former sire analyst for Select Sires, appreciated Alton’s work and efforts in breeding cattle. “In my trips to Robthom Farm, I quickly learned that Alton was so methodical in his mating criteria and had a vision of how he could make great cattle better. He analyzed pedigrees, listened to advice and critiqued my views, and I admired all of that.”

Alton’s breeding decisions also created many outstanding cows including Robthom Jade, a former National Champion for milk and protein. Her daughter, Robthom Ruby Areostar, was the top CTPI (Cow Total Performance Index) cow of the breed in 1994.

Alton also provided great service and leadership to the Missouri dairy industry. He was active in the Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA), both on a local and national level. He served as director for Missouri DHI Federation and Mid-South Dairy Records for 12 years, with nine of those years as President of the board.

According to Mark Witherspoon, General Manager of Mid-South DHIA, Alton provided a calming influence during some trying times of Missouri DHIA and then later in the merger with Kentucky Dairy Records to form Mid-South DHIA. His dedication, confidence, and thoughtful positive attitude helped ensure that this was a successful merger. Alton was interested in changes and decisions that provided benefits for all types of dairy producers, large and small, purebred and commercial. “Alton was not one to come in with a closed mind. He would listen to everyone’s point of view and after thoughtful consideration, give his opinion. This approach of quiet direction reflected confidence and inclusion of everyone’s point of view.”

Alton was an active member in the Missouri Holstein Association. He also judged many local cattle shows as time permitted.

Alton and Janice had three children: a son, Eric, and two daughters, Monica and Kelsey. Alton passed in 2009 at the age of 52.