Brown Swiss in high demand

BELOIT, Wis. – Rita Kennedy, of Butler, Pa., a member of the national Brown Swiss Association Board of Directors, recently returned from their annual board meeting held in Beloit, Wis.

Kennedy and her fellow directors reported that a total of 10,648 head of Brown Swiss cattle were registered in 2000, compared to 10,031 in 1999, which represents a healthy increase of 617 registrations.

Transfers in 2000 were strong as well as they totaled 5,166 compared to 4,496 in 1999, which represents an increase of 670 transfers.

The Brown Swiss Association welcomed 965 first-time buyers of Brown Swiss cattle in 2000, up from 951 in 1999, which represents an increase of 14 over last year.

Brown Swiss in demand.

According to Brown Swiss executive secretary John M. Meyer, the main reason the Brown Swiss breed is gaining popularity so quickly is the fact that current milk pricing practices favor Brown Swiss.

In fluid markets, Brown Swiss produce enough high-protein milk to make it a coveted milk for fluid milk processors, and in cheese markets, the high pounds of protein and good component percentages make it the ideal milk for cheese making.

National convention.

Brown Swiss breeders from across the nation will convene in Burlington, Vt., July 4-7, for their national convention and annual meeting.

For more information on Brown Swiss contact the Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders’ Association, 800 Pleasant Street, Beloit, WI 53511-5456; phone 608-365-4474; fax 608-365-5577.