Holstein Association Signs Agreement with Macedonian Agricultural Leaders
Brattleboro, Vt. (OCTOBER 30, 2007) -- Holstein Association USA, Inc. has signed an agreement with Macedonian agricultural leaders, paving the way for a program which will involve exporting U.S. Registered HolsteinSM genetics and establishing a sound Registered Holstein association in Macedonia.
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| Pictured are (L to R): Dr. Gerardo Quaassdorff, Holstein Association Director of International Marketing and Development, Mr. John M. Meyer, Holstein Association CEO, Mr. Raif Kamberi, Mr. John Parke Wright, Dr. Bone Palasevski, Mr. Trajan Dimkovski, Dr. Miso Hristivski |
On October 18, a group of prominent agricultural leaders visited the Holstein Association USA headquarters in Brattleboro, Vt. to discuss the details of an agreement which will benefit both Macedonian and U.S. breeders and producers. Macedonia faces the challenge of building a higher milk quota before entering the European Union (EU) in 2012. To achieve this, they would like to import approximately 10,000 Registered Holsteins over the next three years.
An education component is a key part of the agreement. The Holstein Association USA, Inc. will provide information to Macedonia dairy farmers through programs and services which will increase their profit. Information sessions conducted by U.S. experts will take place in Macedonia on important dairy topics including calf raising, dairy cattle breeding, feeding and nutrition, and quality milk and mastitis control, among others.
“We are very excited about the agreement that has been made with the Macedonians,” said John M. Meyer, CEO of Holstein Association USA. “We feel that it has the potential to be beneficial for both parties. U.S. Holstein breeders will have a new market for their genetics and the Macedonian breeders will improve the quality and diversity of their gene pool. Working together, we can show the world the advantages of our U.S. Registered HolsteiSM genetics.”
Members of the Macedonian delegation included Dr. Bone Palasevski, Director, University “Sv. Kiril i Metodij”, Mr. Raif Kamberi, Director, JP Pastures, Dr. Miso Hristivski, Dean of Veterinary Medicine, Mr. Trajan Dimkovski, CEO, Federation of Farmers, and Ms. Renata Naumovska, PR Officer, Federation of Farmers.
During their visit to the U.S., the Macedonians also had the chance to tour dairy farms around the state, meet with government officials, and meet with officers in the Vermont National Guard.
Holstein Association USA Approved by USDA as a Compliant Animal Tracking Database
Brattleboro, Vermont (October 18, 2007)…A cooperative agreement has been signed between USDA and Holstein Association USA giving National FAIR (Farm Animal Identification and Records) official approval as a compliant Animal Tracking Database under the USDA Animal Trace Processing System (ATPS). The Association is among the first in the U.S. to be recognized by USDA/APHIS as an official Animal Tracking Database.
Through National FAIR, Holstein Association USA has one of the largest animal databases in the world, totaling over five million animals.
If an animal health emergency were to occur in the U.S., the USDA would post a request for pertinent animal tracking information. Holstein would query the National FAIR database to determine where the animals in question have been. Information that would be provided to USDA would be the animal identification number, the premises ID and the event type and date. This system will help ensure data is shared quickly and confidentially with USDA only in the time of need.
Premise Registration
Premises registration, the foundation of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS), is fundamental to containing animal diseases. Voluntary participation means a producer will be notified quickly if a disease outbreak or other animal health event occurs that might put their animals at risk. Choosing to register their premises is an easy, no cost way for producers to protect their investment. To enlist Holstein Association to register your premises, or if you have questions, call Adam Griffin at Holstein Association USA at 800-952-5200 ext. 4277.
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 HolsteinsSM and represents more than 30,000 members throughout the United States. The Association is also leading the initiative for national animal identification through the National FAIR program.