Holstein Association USA has released the lists of the top Holstein Breed Age Average (BAA%) herds for 2018 classifications. Herds participating in the Classic or Standard options of the Holstein Classification program receive an overall BAA for the herd. The BAA value provides a way to compare the score of a herd average to the average of the breed, taking into account age of the animal and stage of lactation.”Holstein Association USA appreciates and recognizes outstanding Registered Holstein breeders and herds of all types and breeding philosophies, and the Holstein classification program provides an unbiased evaluation of hundreds of thousands of Holstein cows each year. The herds appearing on these lists should be commended for developing consistent herds with breed-leading conformation, which is a result of not only careful breeding decisions, but also dedicated, outstanding animal care and animal husbandry practiced 365 days a year,” Executive Director of Holstein Genetic Services Lindsey Worden states.
The average BAA% for all herds in 2018 was 106.7. Six herds had a BAA of over 114.0, and Matthew T. Mitchell of Tenn. earns the recognition of having the highest BAA in the U.S. last year at 116.7 on 11 cows. Rounding out the top five include Ocean View Genetics, Wis.; Conant Acres, Inc., Maine; John P. and Rachael Holmgren, Minn.; Michael and Julie Duckett, Wis.; and Topp-View Holsteins, Ohio.
Several lists have been created to recognize members of all herd sizes and all areas of the country. Find the 2018 Overall Top 200 BAA Herds, Top 25 BAA Herds by Region, Top 25 BAA Herds by Herd Size, and Top 10 BAA Herds for Colleges & Universities on www.holsteinusa.com. To view the complete list of 2018 Top BAA Herds under the Popular Lists section on the Holstein Association USA homepage, go directly to this page.
