Holstein Association USA Recognizes Top-Performing Herds
Holstein Association USA is pleased to announce the 2015 Progressive Breeders' Registry and Progressive Genetics Herd awards, which recognize top-performing herds. These awards are given annually to the top Registered Holstein® herds excelling in type, milk production, and genetic merit in their herds.Progressive Breeders' Registry
There were 232 herds that received the Progressive Breeders' Registry (PBR) award this year; 24 for the first time. Walhowdon Farm of New Hampshire has received PBR honors for 56 years.
To receive the award, a herd's BAA (Breed Age Average) must be in the top 25 percent of herds classified in the 18 months prior to March 1 of the award year. Herds must have at least 20 cows which are 87% RHA or higher, and at least 75 percent of the herd must be homebred. Herds must exceed award-year production level cut-offs, which are based on the Mature Equivalent (ME) for combined fat and protein. Cut-offs are adjusted for each state, based on the ME herd averages for that state, to compensate for regional differences in production levels.
For 2015, herds had to achieve a BAA of at least 104.9 and have an adjusted TriStar herd ME exceeding the national cut-off of 25,700 pounds of milk, 925 pounds of fat, and 743 pounds of protein.
The PBR recognition was first given in 1937 to promote interest in both the Holstein Association classification program and production testing. Herds receiving this honor must be enrolled in the Association's TriStar production records program (Premier or Deluxe levels) and participate in either a Classic or Standard classification program. All eligible herds are evaluated automatically each year.
Progressive Genetics Herd award
The Progressive Genetics Herd (PGH) award honors herds with high genetic value, based on average TPI® levels, which lead toward continued breed progress. This award was first given in 1991, and recognizes the top 500 herds for average TPI values, from the group of herds meeting minimum requirements. The cut-off TPI value for PGH herds in 2015 was +1816.
Like the PBR recognition, PGH herds must participate in the TriStar production records program at the Premier or Deluxe levels, and classify. Herds must have at least 20 cows of 87% RHA or higher. All eligible herds are automatically evaluated annually.
Twenty-seven herds have received the PGH recognition every year it has been given: Floyd & Lloyd Baumann & Fred Lang, Wisconsin; Bomaz Inc., Wisconsin; R. Paul Buhr, Jr., Wisconsin; De Su Holsteins LLC, Iowa; End Road Farm, Michigan; Brian & Wendy Fust, Wisconsin; Jeff Henschel, Wisconsin; Steven G. Holte, Wisconsin; Gary L. Housner, Wisconsin; Jaloda Farms, Ohio; Randy W. Kortus, Washington; Roger & David Latuch, Pennsylvania; Larry Lexvold, Minnesota; Lirr Farm, Wisconsin; Nordic-Haven Holsteins, Iowa; Gaylon, Gary & Steve Obert, Illinois; Mark P. Paul, Wisconsin; Regancrest Farm, Iowa; Darrell Richard, Indiana; Alfred & Mark Schmitt, Minnesota; Scott Seward, Wisconsin; Stelling Farms Inc., Minnesota; Springhill, Ohio; Veazland Farms, Maine; Walhowdon Farm Inc., New Hampshire; Wardin Bros., Michigan; and Welcome Stock Farm LLC, New York. Forty-six herds received the award for the first time.
Find complete lists of this year's recipients, along with those from past years, on the Holstein Association USA web site, www.holsteinusa.com
With questions about any Holstein Association USA awards, contact Customer Service at 800.952.5200.
Holstein Association USA, Inc., www.holsteinusa.com
11.13.2015