Holstein Association USA is pleased to announce that 2012 Progressive Breeders' RegistrySM (PBR) and Progressive Genetics HerdSM (PGH) honorees have been named. These awards are given annually to the top Registered Holstein® herds excelling in type, milk production and genetic merit in their herds. Complete lists of this year's recipients, along with those from past years, can be found at the Holstein Association USA web site, www.holsteinusa.com, under Awards, then Herds in the main menu, or by going directly to www.holsteinusa.com/awards/herds.html.
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The Progressive Breeders' Registry (PBR) recognition was first given in 1937 and was designed to promote interest in both the Holstein Association classification program and production testing. Herds receiving this honor must be enrolled in the Association's TriStarSM production records program (Premier or Deluxe levels) and participate in either a Classic or Standard classification program. The 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, and cut-offs are adjusted for each state based on the ME herd averages for that state, to compensate for regional differences in production levels.

All eligible herds are evaluated automatically each year and approximately 10 percent of the herds enrolled in Premier or Deluxe TriStar options are recognized as PBR winners. In 2012, 232 herds were awarded this distinction; 17 herds were first-time PBR honorees. Two herds have qualified for the PBR award for over 50 years: Robthom Holsteins in Missouri is a 57-year PBR herd, and Walhowdon Farm of New Hampshire has received PBR honors for 53 years.

The Progressive Genetics Herd (PGH) award honors herds with high genetic value, based on average TPI® levels, which lead toward continued breed progress. This is a newer award, first given in 1991, and recognizes the top 500 herds for average TPI values, from the group of herds meeting minimum requirements.

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 and all eligible herds are automatically evaluated annually. The cut-off TPI value for PGH herds in 2012 was +1586, with 42 herds receiving the award for the first time this year. Thirty-six herds have received PGH recognition every year it has been given: Floyd & Lloyd Baumann & Fred Lang, WI; Bomaz, Inc., WI; R. Paul Buhr, Jr., WI; Conant Acres, Inc., ME; De Su Holsteins LLC, IA; End Road Farm, MI; Brian & Wendy Fust, WI; Rick & Kris Garvey, WI; Jeff Henschel, WI; Steven G. Holte, WI; Gary L. Housner, WI; Jaloda Farms, OH; Chuck Jinkins, WI; Jo-Wal Farms, WI; Randy W. Kortus, WA; Roger & David Latuch, PA; Larry Lexvold, MN; Lirr Farm, WI; Jason M. & Donna G. Myers, MD; Nordic-Haven Holsteins, IA; Gaylon, Gary & Steve Obert, IL; Olmar Farms, MN; Mark P. Paul, WI; Regancrest Farm, IA; Darrell Richard, IN; Alfred & Mark Schmitt, MN; Scott Seward, WI; Springhill, OH; Stelling Farms, Inc., MN; Sully Hill Dairy Co., MN; Triple T Dairy, TN; Earnest Turk, GA; Veazland Farms, ME; Walhowdon Farm, Inc., NH; Wardin Bros., MI; and Welcome Stock Farm, LLC, NY.

With questions about any Holstein Association USA awards, contact Customer Service at 800.952.5200.

11.28.2012