The American Guernsey Association (AGA) is pleased to announce a partnership with Holstein Association USA (HAUSA) to appraise Guernsey cattle throughout the United States. The new Multi-Breed Classification program will be conducted by HAUSA trained appraisers and coordinated with HAUSA staff and AGA staff jointly to provide a widespread opportunity for more Guernsey breeders to classify cows on a regular schedule.
“The AGA is excited about this multi-breed classification program with Holstein USA. We have been exploring this program with Holstein since July following our National Convention meeting. This partnership leverages the capabilities of both our organizations in support of our members. It will go a long way in supporting the progress of our Guernsey Breed. The process has shown clearly to us that Holstein is committed to a multi-breed program which will value and ensure the integrity of the uniqueness of the Guernsey breed. This partnership will provide us access to a wide range of state of the art services as well as great reliable feedback to our members so that they can make informed breeding and management decisions. Their current program aligns nicely with our own breakdowns and offers in depth trait breakdowns and research traits that will provide more information for our breed and breeders. I would like to thank the Holstein Leadership, the Guernsey Board of Directors and the Guernsey Type committee for their support and contribution to the realization of the partnership,” said Doug Granitz, AGA CEO/Executive Secretary.
Training sessions will be scheduled this winter for HAUSA classifiers, under the direction of members of the Guernsey type committee. HAUSA classifiers will begin scoring in select Guernsey herds in February with the full schedule instituted in March. Additional training will be held at the HAUSA classifier conference this spring.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to classify Guernsey cows for the American Guernsey Association. This joint effort will be a benefit for both American Guernsey Association and Holstein Association USA members,” said John M. Meyer, HAUSA CEO.
AGA President Dave Coon stated, “The AGA Board commends both the AGA staff and HAUSA Board and staff for presenting and building a program that we believe offers our members an enhanced tool for their farm management programs.”
A full multi-breed classification schedule, as well as a linear traits brochure is available on the usguernsey.com website. For more information contact the AGA or HAUSA.
The American Guernsey Association, www.usguernsey.com, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the enhancement of the Guernsey breed and its breeders.
Holstein Association USA, Inc., www.holsteinusa.com, provides products and services to dairy producers to enhance genetics and improve profitability-ranging from registry processing to identification programs to consulting services. The Association, headquartered in Brattleboro, Vt., maintains the records for Registered Holsteins® and represents members throughout the United States. The Association is also leading the initiative for national animal identification through the National FAIR program.
