Town of Port cows earn excellent rating

Five of Town of Port Washington farmer William Karrels’ Holstein cows were recently rated excellent during a herd evaluation performed by the Holstein Association.

The five join three Jersey cows rated excellent by the Jersey Association in March.

They are among 14 cows at Karrels’ farm to be rated excellent.

The ratings, done on a voluntary basis, are done every seven months to evaluate the components of the animal’s body.

Cows are evaluated after their first lactation.

“You can get a visual of the cow without ever seeing it,” said Karrels, who noted the rating adds value to the animals.

Karrels milks a herd of 45 cows — 35 registered Holsteins and 10 Jerseys — at his Dixie Road farm.