Gingerich Ranks High on BAA List
Published: Friday, January 20, 2023
Holstein Assn. USA recently released the lists of top Holstein Breed Age Average (BAA%) herds for 2022 classifications. The lists, which are broken down by geographic region and herd size, includes several herd owners from both Indiana and Michigan.
According to Holstein Assn. USA, the BAA value provides a way to compare an animal's score to breed average, taking into account the age of the animal and its 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 Assn.," 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.
Among herds in Region 3 covering Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan, there were six Indiana herds and three Michigan herds.
Bruce Gingerich of Millersburg ranked fifth in Region 3 with a BAA% of 114.1 (see chart), and 16th among all U.S. herds. He has 15 cows in his herd.
Lookwell Farm of Elkhart and Richard Nisen of Leesburg ranked seventh (18th nationally) and eighth (23rd nationally), respectively, in Region 3, with BAA% of 113.9 and 113.4. Lookwell Farm has 27 cows, and Nisen milks 36 cows.
Two Michigan herds made the Region 3 list at 12th and 13th, respectively. Winterfield Farm, with 13 cows, ranked 12th (55th nationally) with a BAA% of 112.0 and Andrew J. Rupprecht, with 18 cows, placed 13th (59th nationally) with a BAA% of 111.9.
With a BAA% of 111.7, two herds from Indiana tied for 15th place (68th nationally) on the Region 3 list. Those two herds were owned by: the Estate of John R. Stookey, Leesburg, with 18 cows; and Steven R. Landis, Goshen, with 31 cows.
Timothy Baker of Byron Center, Mich. ranked 23rd with a BAA% of 110.6 and 97 cows. He placed 128th among all U.S. herds.
Marcus and Julia Troyer of Laotto ranked 24th with a BAA% of 110.4 and 29 cows. They placed 146th among all U.S. herds.
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