National Awards

Herd Awards

Genetic Honor Herds

Genetic Honor Herds are recognized for ranking in the top 25% of all BSA herds enrolled based on herd average PTA protein of all cows that have calved in the past two years. To be eligible, herds must have enrolled at least 10 cows in the BSA program. This recognition has no herd size grouping.

Ira Inman PTPR Trophies

The Ira Inman Trophy can only be gained through a total progressive dairy program including breeding, feeding and management. It recognizes BSA herds in four herd-size groupings. Winners are determined by assigning point values to Protein, Butterfat, Milk, Classification, % Records received and number of years on DHIR official test.

* Continuous Test Awards are presented in five-year increments for herds remaining on test for at least 25 years.

Progressive Genetic Herd

The top 5 herds in each of four herd-size groupings with an award presented to the top herd in each category with the most increase, compared to the previous year, in PTA protein of all cows with the same herd code calving with in the past two years. To be eligible, herds must have enrolled at least 10 cows in the BSA program.

Protein Genetic Herd

Recognition is given to herds in each of four herd-size groupings with the top genetic level in the past year based on Actual PTA protein of all cows with the same herd code calving within the past two years. To be eligible, herds must have enrolled at least 10 cows in the BSA program.

Herd Production Awards

Herd production awards honor herds that have excelled in Actual Milk, Fat and Protein, on a 305-day basis. They are no longer adjusted to 2x per day.

Individual Cow Production Awards

J.P. Eves Trophy

The J.P. Eves Trophy is presented to the cow with the highest 305-day Actual Milk record.

H.R. Searles

The H.R. Searles Trophy is presented to the cow with the highest 305-day Actual Fat record.

National Protein Award

The Protein Award is presented to the cow with the highest 305-day Actual Protein record.

Ima Doll Protein Champion Award

The Ima Doll Protein Award is only presented when a cow becomes the new breed protein champion.

Cow For All Seasons

The Cow For All Seasons Award recognizes the cow with the top 305-day ME (mature equivalent) record from among National Show Type & Production  winners.

Vernon C. Hull National Total Performance

National Total Performance Award honors the cow with highest point total of National Show Total Performance Winners. The final point calculation is derived from the cow's highest 305d Energy Corrected Milk record, Total pounds of Energy Corrected Milk per day over 24 months of age, and placing score at a national show.

Top ECM (Energy Corrected Milk) Cow Award

The Top ECM Cow Award is presented to the cow with the highest combined Milk , Fat, and Protein, regardless of times milked per day.

White Cloud ECM Yearling in Milk Award

This award will be given to the highest 305d ECM record produced the previous year by a cow freshening under 2 years of age in a herd enrolled in the BSA program. Named in honor of Mr. Henry and Mrs. Jane Woods, developers of the cows Ivetta, Larry Doris, Letha Irene Pride, among others with high production records. Not only did White Cloud make many breed-leading records, several All-Breed production milestones were also achieved.

Individual Breeder Awards

Young Breeder Award

Young Breeder Award Application 2025

The Young Breeder Award recognizes an individual or member and spouse who have shown an expertise in dairy farming and Brown Swiss cattle breeding, participated in Association programs and events, and held leadership roles in the community both in agricultural and non-agricultural organizations.

Chosen by an anonymous committee of dairy industry representatives, the winner will be recognized at the national annual meeting, be featured in the following month’s Brown Swiss Bulletin issue, and receive a plaque and free registration to convention activities not including lodging expenses.

Eligibility
Candidate must not exceed 40 years of age as of January 1; be an active member for at least 5 years; have been nominated by a state officer or five-year active national member (in states with no association).

Entering the Contest
Applicants must complete an official entry form and have their nominator send a statement explaining why the applicant deserves the award to the national office by March 31st.
 

The Roger Neitzel Distinguished Service Award

At the 2010 Annual Meeting, Roger R. Neitzel was presented with the first Roger Neitzel Service Award for his 32 years of service to the Brown Swiss Association as Superintendent of Records and Interim Executive Secretary. Since then, the Distinguised Service Award has been presented on occasion to a person(s) who has dedicated many years of service to the Brown Swiss Association.

Award Recipients