OUR HISTORY
40 years ago, Bill Hillier envisioned a company that specialized not only in effective and industry-advancing genetics, but that such an essential product be accessible, cost-effective, and value the input of the dairyman and rancher first to continue the positive advancement of the industry in its entirety and the promotion and importance of the products they produce. Bill’s ingenuity and genuine love for cattle and dairy launched a company that would put the industry first, set a standard of excellence, and identify genetics that would contribute to the progression of dairy in our society.
Beginning regionally, El Toro used to be known in the United States’ south-western region as Southwest Genetics. Establishing our family business primarily in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Idaho, and Texas, we became highly regarded by the dairymen we worked with and trusted to provide quality genetics with straight-forward advice and suggestions. As Southwest Genetics, our motto was: “The Common Sense Approach.” As we have grown and evolved, we have maintained this vision in every aspect of our work.
El Toro Genetics introduced the beginning of our export era where we had over 40 bulls, grew our stud, began exporting to 4 continents, flourished, and grew our presence internationally. In this era, we became known internationally for building our stud on bulls that are world-renowned such as, Auto, Flamingo, Boaz, Mr. Shane, and Jevon under the 508 stud code.
El Toro Sires, Inc. was established with the 708 stud code, to initiate and introduce the next generation of El Toro. As of June 2025, 508 remains our NAAB code dedicated to sexed semen production of our bulls. Our purpose is focusing on not only the dairy industry, as well as beef, but integrating responsible environmental practices, focusing on the development, comfort, and health of the animal, continued export opportunities, and supporting the advancement of genomics for all herds globally. In 2019, our bulls Tom and Frazz, have been featured in the global industry magazine, Holstein International, and are grandsons of the cow Vanden-Berge-D Shot 404 VG-87, ranked on the list of “Top 10 Cows in the USA.”We have now built a credible rapport with our clients, working with three generations on some dairies and now meeting the fourth! This is a true testament of the trust our clients have in us and the quality service and solutions we continue to provide.
Cattle are our passion and we want to work with you to see this industry prosper and progress for many generations to come!