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Brattleboro, Vt., January 9, 2023 — Holstein Association USA recently released the lists of top Holstein Breed Age Average (BAA%) herds for 2022 classifications. Members utilizing the Classic or Standard options of the Holstein classification program receive an overall BAA for their herd. The BAA value provides a way to compare an animal’s score to breed average, taking into account the age of the animal and their stage of lactation. The calculation puts cows of all ages on the same playing field.
"Providing recognition to breeders of outstanding Registered Holstein cattle across the country is one of the more enjoyable activities we perform at Holstein Association,” said Lindsey Worden, Executive Director, Holstein Genetic Services. “Earning recognition as a high BAA herd on any of the various lists is a notable achievement. It shows a commitment to breeding quality Holstein cattle, paired with outstanding animal husbandry and management that allows those cattle to express their genetic potential."
In 2022, 970 herds had a BAA value eligible for inclusion in these lists. The average number of cows included in the BAA calculation for the entire group was 68, and the average BAA% was 107.7. Herds must have a minimum of 10 cows to be included for calculation on the list.
Topping the 2022 highest overall BAA list are Delbert W. and Heather D. Yoder from West Salem, Ohio, with a BAA of 116.3. Also earning honors in the top five spots on the list are Matthew T. Mitchell, Tennessee; Juniper Farm, Inc., Maine; Conant Acres, Maine; and G. Alpheaus Stoltzfus, Pennsylvania.
Lists are broken down in several different ways to recognize members across the country with herds of all sizes. Lists of the Overall Top 200 BAA Herds, Top 25 BAA Herds by Region, Top 25 BAA Herds by Herd Size, and Top 15 BAA Herds for Colleges & Universities can be viewed at www.holsteinusa.com. Find the page under the Popular List section on the homepage or directly at www.holsteinusa.com/programs_services/baa_lists_2022.html. Congratulations to all herds on these lists!
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Brattleboro, Vt., January 5, 2023 — Junior Holstein Association members put their interviewing skills to the test during the 2022 Virtual Interview Contest. The program was created in 2020 to help prepare youth for real world opportunities by sharpening their resume writing and interview skills.
Applicants submitted cover letters and resumes based on a mock interview scenario and were selected to move on to the second phase of the contest based on their combined cover letter and resume scores. During the second phase contestants were interviewed by a panel of three judges. Final scores were calculated based on each applicant?s cover letter, resume, and interview. All youth received feedback from the judges to help further prepare them for future interviews.
“The National Junior Holstein Association Virtual Interview Contest allowed me to sharpen my interview skills, particularly strengthening my ability to respond to impromptu questions,” says contest participant Sarah Craun from Virginia. “I enjoyed the interaction with the interview panel and I am grateful for the real world learning experience that will certainly benefit me in my future career endeavors.”
Congratulations to the following 2022 Virtual Interview Contest winners!
Junior Division (ages 12-14 as of January 1)
1st place: Lauren Silveira, California
2nd place: Alison Gartman, Wisconsin
3rd place: Chloe Chapman, California
Intermediate Division (ages 15-17 as of January 1)
1st place: Elsie Donlick, New York
2nd place: Sarah Craun, Virginia
3rd place: Salem Sifford, Virginia
Senior Division (ages 18-21 as of January 1)
1st place: Emily Syme, Connecticut
2nd place: Madison Sifford, Virginia
3rd place: Jon Chapman, California
Cash prizes of $250 for first place, $100 for second place, and $50 for third place will be awarded in the junior and intermediate divisions. In the senior division, youth will be given cash prizes of $500 for first place, $250 for second place, and $100 for third place.
For more information about the Virtual Interview Contest, or other Holstein Association USA youth programs, visit www.holstein usa.com/juniors/.
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