When applying for their herd to be classified, members undertake to comply with the terms and conditions of classification approved by the Board of Holstein Friesian New Zealand as set out herein and to be fully paid up financial members of Holstein Friesian New Zealand.
- ANIMALS TO BE SUBMITTED
- All animals (two-year-olds and older) submitted for classification in a season MUST be clearly identifiable. Acceptable forms of ID are the test (management) number on either a tag or collar. This number MUST correspond with the test number on the HHU. At the inspector’s discretion, if an animal is unable to be clearly identified by test number, the inspector may request that the animal be yarded for identification, via Birth ID which must correspond with the HHU. Any animal that is not able to be clearly identified will be refused inspection.
- All two-year-old heifers by breed, by sire, whether pedigree or grade, must be put up for classification within a season.
Please note: All two year olds includes all autumn and spring calving two year olds not previously classified. A member who does not comply with this condition of classification will receive a warning for the first time offence and the second offence, all two-year-olds classified in the season will have their TOP scores and classification awards removed. - No two-year-old heifer will score more than 87 points.
- Any animal not shown as a ‘PF’ or ‘SF’ (i.e. a grade animal) on the inspector’s screen will be given a final classification award and an ‘ER’ at the owner’s agreement. These animals will then be registered automatically by the office and a registration fee charged, as well as the classification charge.
- No cows will be considered for an Excellent award unless they have had at least three recorded calving’s on BreedIT.
- No cows will be considered for an Excellent 2, 3, 4 etc. unless they have had at least two further recorded calving’s on BreedIT since receiving their last Excellent award. Please Note: Where a cow is awarded an Excellent etc., the correct number of calving’s must be recorded on BreedIT within the same lactation as the classification is given, for it to stand.
- PRESENTATION OF ANIMALS
To assist the inspector to carry out their tasks efficiently, and keep to their timetable, the following conditions MUST be adhered to:- Where possible all animals are to be inspected through a concrete yard. If animals are inspected in the paddock, cows are to be in groups of no more than 25 and a list of cows to be inspected must be available to the inspector. For inspections taking place in the paddock, the grass must be no longer than 100mm maximum and the paddock must not be severely pugged. If the inspector deems the paddock to be unsuitable (i.e. to pugged and a Health & Safety issue) then they can request that the animals be moved to a concrete yard. If the farmer does not cooperate with the inspector’s request, then the inspector has the right to cancel the inspection at the farmer’s cost.
- Over bagging animals is an animal welfare issues. Please ensure that your animals are milked so as not to cause them discomfort/harm around the timing of your classification inspection.
- For large herds wishing to classify, please contact the office to discuss the options available to you for completing your inspection.
- FARMER TRAITS
TOP Farmer Lists or the TOP Farmer Trait App will be available to all applicants prior to inspection. It is a mandatory requirement for members to fill in the scores for each animal on the two-year-old list (older animals optional) as the information is invaluable for calculation of sire proofs. If you wish to have Farmer Traits entered for your older animals, please indicate on your application form.
- RE-SUBMITTING PREVIOUSLY CLASSIFIED ANIMALS
If in the opinion of the inspector, if the animal does not merit an increase in her award or points, she will be recorded as RW (recommended withdrawal) and charged a withdrawal fee.
- INSPECTORS
- The Holstein Friesian NZ Board has the responsibility for the selection, training and appointment of Classification Inspectors who must also hold a current TOP Inspector’s Certificate.
- When applying for classification, members MUST accept the inspector appointed.
- CANCELLATION OF CLASSIFICATION APPLICATION
Once all tours for the classification season have been finalised, members will be advised of their allocated date and time in writing. Cancellations received by the office seven working days or less before the inspector is due at the farm will incur a cancellation fee.
- VARIATION BETWEEN NUMBERS
Members who offer for inspection 20% more or less than the number of animals nominated on the application form or via standing order will be charged a penalty fee.
- CLASSIFICATION OF ANIMALS TWICE IN A SEASON
Three-year-olds and older animals’ in-milk can be classified twice in a season.
- HEALTH & SAFETY
All members applying for classification must ensure that all Health & Safety requirements are met while the inspector is on farm.
- COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
Should any member not be happy with any aspect of their classification inspection, they must put their concerns in writing (email acceptable) to the General Manager, within one month of the Classification taking place. All written complaints will be dealt with by the HFNZ Board.
- SUMMARY OF FEES
Refer to service fees. A member may request a Special Classification at any time convenient to them. Any Special Classification requested will be charged at full cost recovery.
- INSPECTIONS SCHEDULE
Indicative timetable for the commencement of the spring inspections are:
- Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty – mid-October
- Manawatu/Wairarapa/Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki – mid/late-October
- Nelson/Marlborough/Golden Bay, Canterbury/Westland, Otago/Southland – late-October
- Otago/Southland Late – mid-February
- SHERRIFF MEMORIAL TROPHY
All people who have been members of the Association for less than 10 years, that classify, will be considered for the Sherriff Memorial Trophy. This trophy is awarded to the herd owner with the highest average classification score for two-year-olds.