Holstein Association USA is proud to recognize 11 herds as 2019 Herds of Excellence. This coveted honor has been presented since 2008, and honors Registered Holstein® breeders who have developed herds excelling in both milk production and conformation at the most elite levels.
The award is divided into three herd size divisions, based on the number of cows included in the herds’ milk production averages. The divisions are: 10 to 99 cows; 100 to 499 cows; and 500+ cows. To be recognized as a Herd of Excellence, a herd must have classified within the last year, and have an age-adjusted average classification score (AACS) of 83 points or higher; have at least 70 percent of the herd homebred; and be enrolled in the Association’s TriStarSM production records program. Additionally, qualifying herds must meet the following production criteria:
- 10 to 99 cows – 25 percent above breed average ME for milk, fat and protein
- 100 to 499 cows – 20 percent above breed average ME for milk, fat and protein
- 500+ cows – 15 percent above breed average ME for milk, fat and protein
This year’s honorees are:
Small Herd Size Division (10-99 Cows)
B-Long Holsteins – Bruce, Brenda & Bret Long, New London, Wis.
100% homebred; AACS – 87.7 points
ME Production Averages – 36,330M 1,407F 1,136P
Doorco Holsteins – Dan & Julie Vandertie, Brussels, Wis.
100% homebred; AACS – 88.8 points
ME Production Averages – 34,525M 1,377F 1,055P
Ever-Green-View Holsteins, LLC – The Kestell Family, Waldo, Wis.
96.8% homebred; AACS – 88.2 points
ME Production Averages – 38,924M 1,516F 1,175P
Hill-Ton Holsteins – The Hamilton Family, Cuba City, Wis.
95.8% homebred; AACS – 87.0 points
ME Production Averages – 36,229M 1,361F 1,101P
Hilrose Holsteins – Joseph A. Brantmeier, Sherwood, Wis.
100% homebred; AACS – 89.3 points
ME Production Averages – 35,186M 1,349F 1,062P
Spruce-Hill Holsteins – Mike & Margaret Raleigh, Elmwood, Wis.
75% homebred; AACS – 84.5 points
ME Production Averages – 34,544M 1,379F 1,092P
Medium Herd Size Division (100-499 Cows)
Koepke Farms Inc. – The Koepke Family, Oconomowoc, Wis.
100% homebred; AACS – 84.4 points
ME Production Averages – 34,021M 1,391F 1,012P
Koester Dairy Inc. – The Koester Family, Dakota, Ill.
97.2% homebred; AACS – 85.1 points
ME Production Averages – 33,634M 1,358F 1,056P
Large Herd Size Division (500+ Cows)
Bomaz Inc. – The Zwald Family, Hammond, Wis.
98.7% homebred; AACS – 85.1 points
ME Production Averages – 31,870M 1,310F 1,026P
Dinomi Holsteins – The Migliazzo Family, Atwater, Calif.
97.8% homebred; AACS – 83.2 points
ME Production Averages – 32,194M 1,221F 1,031P
Siemers Holstein Farms Inc. – The Siemers Family, Newton, Wis.
98.3% homebred; AACS – 85.1 points
ME Production Averages – 36,888M 1,508F 1,098P
Profiles of these impressive herds can be found in the Spring 2020 issue of The Pulse, available at Holstein USA under the Latest News tab.
Holstein Association USA, Inc., provides programs, products and services to dairy producers to enhance genetics and improve profitability — including animal identification and ear tags, genomic testing, mating programs, dairy records processing, classification, communication, and consulting services.
The Association, headquartered in Brattleboro, Vt., maintains the records for Registered Holsteins® and represents approximately 25,000 members throughout the United States.