Hoard Farm 2 -year-olds shine

Just like any farm, it takes a while to get information in the system. We recently updated our files from appraisal day when the American Guernsey Association (AGA) evaluated 268 milk cows at the Hoard's Dairyman Farm earlier this month. In addition to those cows, there were 54 cows that were either dry or have been scored in their first, second, and third lactation which makes them permanent in the Guernsey breed. With those additional cows, there are 322 with appraisal scores in the herd. (Shown to the right is one of our new Excellents, Sunset Farms Hawk Daisy.)

After reviewing the data, the Hoard Farm ended up with:
• 20 Excellent (90 points and higher)
• 186 Very Good (80 to 89 points)
• 109 Desirable (70 to 79 points)
• 6 Acceptable 60 to 69 points)
• 1 Fair (Under 59 points)

The entire herd averages 81.33 points for cows that average 2.53 lactations at last calving. The oldest cow in the herd, Ruthie, is EX-91. She has calved 10 times.

There are 122 first-lactation cows. They average 78.87 points. In recent years, the AGA also has put udder and feet and legs scores on cows. This group of 2-year-olds average 79.29 on udders and 80.39 on feet and legs. Our 2-year-olds are the shining stars at the Hoard Farm as their feet and legs scores rank higher than their older herdmates, while the udder scores are almost even. What's more, our 2-year-olds ME (mature equivalent) is 21,653 pounds of milk, 4.7 percent, 1,020 pounds of fat, 3.2 percent, and 692 pounds of protein. That is nearly 1,000 pounds more milk, 36 pounds of butterfat, and 26 pounds of protein higher than the next best group which is our 3-year-olds.

A complete list of appraisal scores can be found be downloading the file below.
hoard_farm.pdf