Four Guernseys in the Hoard's Dairyman Herd are Class Production Leaders

American Guernsey Association appraiser, Brian Schnebly evaluated the Hoard’s Dairyman Guernsey herd on September 27 and 28. His visit was just days before hundreds of visitors will tour the farm while at World Dairy Expo.

The 2011 Guernsey Component Queens were compiled from all 305-day DHI and DHIR lactation records received and made official by the American Guernsey Association. To be considered official for production recognition programs and awards, the cow must have had at least 8 test days with components measured for a 305D record and 9 test days with components measured for a 365D record.

Classification provides 29 Guernsey 2-year-olds at the Hoard’s Dairyman Farm with their first score.

The Guernsey 2-year-olds at the Hoard’s Dairyman Farm, managed by Jason Yurs, are looking better than ever and it was evident during their most recent classification on May 21, 2012.

Nationally, the breed set new production averages.

Based on a record of 91,028 lactations, the Jersey breed set new category records for pounds of milk, fat, and protein. In 2011, the breed averaged 18,633 pounds of milk, 889 pounds of fat, and 676 pounds of protein. Average yield on a Cheddar cheese equivalent basis was record-setting, as well, at 2,294 pounds.

”Hoard'sHoard's Dairyman Farm's Jerseys were just announced as ranking 5th nationally among Jersey herds with 150 to 299 cows for production. The Hoard’s Dairyman Farm’s 2011 AJCA Lactation Average is: 18,547M, 980F and 701P on 159 lactations.

A number of young Guernsey bulls, without official proofs, have daughters classified.

The Hoard Farm team headed up by Jason Yurs continues to be pleased with the performance of young sires’ daughters. On October 20, a number of young bulls had daughters either scored for the first time . . . or very early in the evaluation process.

The Hoard's Dairyman Farm is consigning some top-notch genetics to the International Guernsey Classic Sale, to be held on Thursday, October 6, 2011 at 7 p.m. at World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. This sale will be featuring an elite offering of cows and heifers from the Hoard's Dairyman Farm.

What can photos tell us? A lot, when we discuss pedigrees and breeding. On Wednesday, September 14, Hoard’s Dairyman pictured 14 of the farm’s best Guernseys. The day began early, with two staff members washing in the pre-dawn cold in preparation for photographer, Kathy DeBruin of Agri-Graphics, to arrive for a full day of photographing.

At the Hoard Farm’s recent classification, farm manager Jason Yurs and the Hoard’s Dairyman editors were discussing the best bulls used over the past decade. Idle Gold E Challenge-ET 1GU418 topped the short list of two with 7GU394 Penny Lane Royal Oak Turley coming in a close second. So far, Challenge is topping Turley based on health traits and higher udder scores.

Hoard's Dairyman: HD Herdbook