Congratulations to the newly announced 2012 Progressive Breeders’ Registry (PBR) and Progressive Genetics Herd (PGH) honorees. These awards are given annually by the Holstein Association USA to the top Registered Holstein® herds excelling in type, milk production and genetic merit in their herds.
All eligible herds are evaluated automatically each year and approximately 10 percent of the herds enrolled in Premier or Deluxe TriStar options are recognized as PBR winners. In 2012, 232 herds were awarded this distinction; 17 herds were first-time PBR honorees. Two herds have qualified for the PBR award for over 50 years: Robthom Holsteins in Missouri is a 57-year PBR herd, and Walhowdon Farm of New Hampshire has received PBR honors for 53 years.
The Progressive Genetics Herd (PGH) award honors herds with high genetic value, based on average TPI® levels, which lead toward continued breed progress. This is a newer award, first given in 1991, and recognizes the top 500 herds for average TPI values, from the group of herds meeting minimum requirements. The cut-off TPI value for PGH herds in 2012 was +1586, with 42 herds receiving the award for the first time this year.
Thirty-six herds have received PGH recognition every year it has been given: Floyd & Lloyd Baumann & Fred Lang, WI; Bomaz, Inc., WI; R. Paul Buhr, Jr., WI; Conant Acres, Inc., ME; De Su Holsteins LLC, IA; End Road Farm, MI; Brian & Wendy Fust, WI; Rick & Kris Garvey, WI; Jeff Henschel, WI; Steven G. Holte, WI; Gary L. Housner, WI; Jaloda Farms, OH; Chuck Jinkins, WI; Jo-Wal Farms, WI; Randy W. Kortus, WA; Roger & David Latuch, PA; Larry Lexvold, MN; Lirr Farm, WI; Jason M. & Donna G. Myers, MD; Nordic-Haven Holsteins, IA; Gaylon, Gary & Steve Obert, IL; Olmar Farms, MN; Mark P. Paul, WI; Regancrest Farm, IA; Darrell Richard, IN; Alfred & Mark Schmitt, MN; Scott Seward, WI; Springhill, OH; Stelling Farms, Inc., MN; Sully Hill Dairy Co., MN; Triple T Dairy, TN; Earnest Turk, GA; Veazland Farms, ME; Walhowdon Farm, Inc., NH; Wardin Bros., MI; and Welcome Stock Farm, LLC, NY.
Source: Holstein Association USA