The Ayrshire Breeders’ Association (ABA) and Holstein Association USA (HAUSA) are pleased to announce a new collaboration for the classification of Ayrshire cattle in the United States effective June 1, 2023. Ayrshire will join the Holstein, Guernsey and Milking Shorthorn breeds working together in a multi-breed program where cattle are evaluated by professionally-trained HAUSA classifiers.
ABA Classification Chairman David Hanson stated, “I feel very good about this decision to work with Holstein Association USA. Every detail was evaluated by ABA staff, the Classification Committee and the ABA Board of Directors before a final vote was taken. HAUSA offers many efficiencies of scale for the ABA, from the price per cow to the number of trained employees available to classify our cattle across the country. We must continue to emphasize the value of Ayrshire type data, and this is the next step forward in our pursuit of quality and accuracy.”
The Ayrshire Breeders Association has a long history of working with other dairy breed organizations. “We have appreciated and valued over nine years working with the Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders Association in our current classification program. This is not an end to our relationship with Brown Swiss as we will look forward to new opportunities that will come our way in the future,” stated Becky Payne, ABA Executive Director. “As we look ahead, we believe HAUSA has demonstrated an appreciation for all dairy cattle breeds; and we look forward to working with them on this program.”
“We welcome the Ayrshire Breeders’ Association to the Holstein Association USA classification program,” said John M. Meyer, HAUSA CEO. “Our classifiers are often presented cows in mixed herd scenarios, and this arrangement is another step forward in service to our members, dairy producers and industry partners.”
This venture with HAUSA will provide great opportunities for Ayrshire breeders who value classification, and we anticipate an increase in the numbers of Ayrshires being scored annually. Staff members from ABA and HAUSA will coordinate and administer the program through the various stages, and the details will be communicated to Ayrshire breeders later this spring via mail, email and social media.