The Holstein Association USA, Inc. (HAUSA) board of directors conducted its fall meeting November 17-18 in Fresno, California. President Gordie Cook of Hadley, Massachusetts, chaired the one-and-a-half day session.
The board approved the 2016 Management-by-Objective Business Plan and associated budget, as presented by management. The Business Plan forecasts growth of Holstein Association USA’s core products and services, including registrations, transfers and Holstein COMPLETE® participation.
Update on 2015 Business Plan
Registrations through October totaled 309,422, which represents a one percent increase, or 3,607 animals, over 2014 year-to-date totals. Members are looking for opportunities to build their herd with registered cows and take advantage of having Registered Holsteins®.
As of October 31st, 311,064 cows in 1,825 herds were enrolled in Holstein COMPLETE®. This represents an increase of 21,790 cows, or 7.5 percent, compared to the same time last year.
Bill VerBoort, AgriTech Analytics general manager, reported 982,862 cows in 605 herds were processed in October. This represents an increase of 3.5 percent, or 38,901 cows, and an increase of 3.4 percent, or 20 herds, when compared to the same time last year.
2016 Business Plan
As part of the 2016 Management-by-Objective Business Plan, the board heard a proposal to start a four-year project to restructure and retool the Holstein Association information technology environment. The current IT systems and software at Holstein USA are in need of replacement/update to gain operational efficiencies and to help Holstein continue providing the best service possible to its members.
The board approved allocating $2,911,000 from the reserve fund for this multi-year IT project. The money is being made available as a result of the 2014 Holstein Association USA Board of Directors decision to provide, “up to 5% annually from the reserve fund toward the betterment of the Holstein Association.”
Other Business
The board approved the release of 2,207 prefixes, effective December 31, 2015. Since its inception in 2009, the board policy allows the release for reuse of a prefix after 20 years of non-use and makes it easier for members to acquire prefixes for their herds.
The list has been posted on the Holstein Association’s website to give notice to membership. If someone wants to retire his or her prefix prior to the release date, they may request to do so for a $100 fee.
Upcoming Meetings
The next board meetings are:
· Spring board meeting March 23-24, 2016.
· Summer board meeting June 27-28, 2016.
For more information contact Susan Harlow, communications manager, at 802.451.4165 or via e-mail at sharlow@holstein.com. For more information about any of the Association’s programs and services, visit www.holsteinusa.com, or call Customer Service at 800.952.5200. For more information about ATA’s products and services, visit www.agritech.com.
