Wisconsin dairies dominate 2024 Herds of Excellence with record-breaking genetics, 100% homebred herds, and 15-year winning streaks.

The Holstein Association USA has revealed the 2024 Herds of Excellence recipients, recognizing four exceptional Wisconsin breeding operations that have achieved the perfect balance of superior genetics, outstanding production, and excellent conformation.

“The 2024 Herds of Excellence are wonderful examples of all possible with the Registered Holstein cow,” notes Holstein Association USA CEO Lindsey Worden. “From intentional breeding programs to carefully managed cow comfort, the recipients work hard each day to maximize the potential of their herds.”

What Makes a Herd of Excellence?

This prestigious recognition isn’t handed out lightly. To qualify, herds must meet rigorous standards:

• An age-adjusted classification score (AACS) of 83 points or higher from classification within the past year
• At least 70% of homebred animals
• Enrollment in Holstein Association USA’s TriStar production records program
• Production levels are significantly above the breed average (15-25%, depending on herd size)

The award is divided into three categories based on herd size: Large (500+ cows), Medium (100-499 cows), and Small (10-99 cows).

Wisconsin’s Finest: The 2024 Honorees

This year’s recipients showcase the continuing dominance of America’s Dairyland, with all four honored farms based in Wisconsin.

Large Herd Division (500+ Cows) Fustead Holsteins, operated by the Fust Family of Wausau, earned their first Herds of Excellence recognition with impressive statistics: 72.4% homebred animals, an AACS of 83.2 points, and mature equivalent (ME) production averages of 32,829 pounds of milk, 1,489 pounds of fat, and 1,071 pounds of protein.

Medium Herd Division (100-499 Cows) The Koepke Family of Oconomowoc earned their seventh consecutive honor with Koepke Farms Inc. What’s particularly remarkable is their 100% homebred status, coupled with an AACS of 84.1 points and ME production averages of 35,516 pounds of milk, 1,508 pounds of fat, and 1,098 pounds of protein.

Small Herd Division (10-99 Cows) Two operations share honors in this division:

Ever-Green-View Holsteins, LLC, managed by the Kestell Family of Waldo, continues their incredible streak with their fifteenth Herds of Excellence recognition. With 99.1% homebred animals, an AACS of 87.5 points, and exceptional ME production averages of 39,695 pounds of milk, 1,716 pounds of fat, and 1,246 pounds of protein, they’ve established themselves as the gold standard.

Kal-side Holsteins, operated by the Oberholtzer Family of Hillsboro, earned their second recognition with impressive statistics: 97.1% homebred animals, an AACS of 86.2 points, and ME production averages of 35,570 pounds of milk, 1,531 pounds of fat, and 1,151 pounds of protein.

The Meaning Behind the Numbers

The extraordinarily high homebred percentages across all recipients, ranging from Fustead’s 72.4% to Koepke’s remarkable 100%, demonstrate these breeders’ commitment to developing their genetic lines rather than purchasing superior animals. This significantly exceeds the minimum 70% requirement and highlights the true breeding skill behind these operations.

Age-Adjusted Classification Scores provide standardized evaluations of physical conformation, adjusted for age and lactation stage. The high AACS achieved by all honorees indicates herds primarily comprised of cows with sound functional type, promising longevity, and efficient performance.

The Path to Excellence

While each Herd of Excellence follows its unique approach, certain strategies consistently emerge among recipients:

• Long-term breeding vision: Successful herds demonstrate a clear, consistent breeding philosophy pursued over multiple generations.
• Balanced trait selection: Rather than pursuing extremes in single traits, these operations focus on balanced breeding goals that combine functional type, high production, health traits, and longevity.
• Data-driven decision making: Meticulous record-keeping and strategic use of data for breeding decisions are hallmarks of these elite herds.
• Superior animal husbandry: Exceptional genetics only reach their potential through excellent care – these herds prioritize cow comfort, nutrition, and proactive health management.

The Bottom Line

The 2024 Herds of Excellence recipients exemplify what’s possible when strategic breeding decisions pair with superior management practices. Their achievements demonstrate that excellence in Holstein breeding is attainable across operations of various sizes with a consistent focus on balanced breeding goals and unwavering commitment to genetic advancement and animal care.

Ever-Green-View Holsteins’ fifteen consecutive recognitions underscore that excellence isn’t a singular achievement but an ongoing pursuit requiring sustained dedication. As the dairy industry continues to evolve, the principles celebrated by this award remain fundamental to developing profitable, sustainable operations.

The awards will be formally presented during Holstein Association USA’s 139th Annual Meeting in Saint Louis, Missouri, during the National Holstein Convention. Details about the honorees will also appear in the Spring 2025 issue of The Pulse.

What breeding strategies have you implemented that could put your herd on track for future excellence recognition?

Executive Summary:
Holstein Association USA’s 2024 Herds of Excellence award spotlights four Wisconsin herds achieving unparalleled balance in milk production, conformation, and homebred genetics. Fustead Holsteins (first-time honoree), Koepke Farms (7x winner), Ever-Green-View (15x honoree), and Kal-side Holsteins exemplify rigorous standards: 70-100% homebred herds, age-adjusted classification scores above 83, and production 15-25% above breed averages. Wisconsin’s dominance reflects generations of strategic breeding, data-driven management, and cow-first husbandry. The award underscores the economic and genetic value of balanced breeding, with winners influencing global Holstein advancements through semen sales, show rings, and sustainable practices.

Learn more:

• Elite Holstein Genetics Shine in 2024 BAA Rankings!
  Explore how top genomic sires and balanced breeding strategies are redefining excellence in Holstein genetics, mirroring the Herds of Excellence criteria for type and production synergy.
• 91 Canadian Holstein Dynasties: The Elite Breeders Who’ve Conquered 100 Excellents
  Discover multigenerational breeding programs that parallel Wisconsin’s honorees, with insights into sustaining genetic excellence through homebred cow families and classification mastery.
• Three Bull Lines Dominate 33% of Elite Holstein Genomics
  Analyze the risks and rewards of concentrated genetics in modern Holstein breeding, contextualizing the Herds of Excellence winners’ strategies for balancing innovation with diversity.

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