TOP & Classification

Each year, NZ Milking Shorthorn members have the opportunity to submit eligible in‑milk heifers and cows for Classification and TOP inspection, carried out by Holstein Friesian NZ on behalf of the Association.

Members may submit:

• All in‑milk two‑year‑old heifers
• Any cows not previously classified
• Previously classified cows for promotion, provided they have calved since their last award

Classification is conducted annually in conjunction with TOP inspections in spring. Autumn Classification is available on request for autumn‑calving animals and is subject to minimum herd and animal numbers within a region.

Members wishing to submit animals for Classification and TOP inspection can apply using the form below.

Classification and TOP services are subject to the standard terms and conditions set by NZ Milking Shorthorn and Holstein Friesian NZ. Members are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the full Conditions of Classification and Service Fees prior to submitting animals.

• Refer to the Service Fees page for current pricing
• Refer to the Conditions of Classification for full terms and eligibility criteria

NZ Milking Shorthorn will confirm the date and time of your inspection. Please ensure that any required health and safety policies for your farm are provided prior to the scheduled inspection.

Members are asked to ensure facilities are suitable for inspection and that a staff member is available to assist the classifier on the day. Hot water and scrubbing brushes must be provided to prevent cross‑contamination between farms.

The Classification system aims to improve the overall standard of type and conformation of the New Zealand Milking Shorthorn cow by recognising each individual animal’s functional strengths and weaknesses and awarding a Classification score.

Registered Milking Shorthorn animals receive a score between 70–97 points and are awarded one of the following classifications:

• Fair (F): 70–74
• Good (G): 75–79
• Good Plus (GP): 80–84
• Very Good (VG): 85–89
• Excellent (EX): 90+

To qualify for an Excellent (EX) award, cows must:

• Be at least four years of age
• Have calved three times
• Be in their third recorded lactation

Cows may be resubmitted for EX2, EX3, EX4, etc., following two further calvings and a second recorded lactation since their previous EX award.

TOP scoring is carried out by trained inspectors using a 1–9 scale evaluating 11 conformation traits. Additional scores are given for:

• Udder Overall
• Dairy Conformation
• Body Condition Score

TOP data is essential for calculating Sire Proofs. Members must submit all two-year-old heifers (pedigree and grade) sired by Milking Shorthorn sires for TOP inspection.

In addition to classifier scores, Farmer Traits are collected for four traits, three of which relate to milking routine. These can be submitted via:

• Paper-based Farmer Sheets
• The HFNZ Farmer Trait App (available on the Apple App Store and Google Play)

Farmer Sheets are automatically sent for all two-year-olds. Blank sheets for older animals are available on request from the NZ Milking Shorthorn office.

At the member’s discretion, animals not recorded as PS or SS on the inspector’s screen (i.e. grade animals) may be given a final classification award and an ER (Eligible for Registration) code.

These animals will be registered automatically by the NZ Milking Shorthorn office. A registration fee and classification charge will apply, and animals will be charged at the registered heifer TOP rate.

The Member Herd View Report provides a comprehensive overview of all currently registered in‑milk cows within a member’s herd. It includes information such as:

• Birth ID and Cow Number
• Animal Name and Breed Content
• Birth and Calving Dates
• Fat (kg), Protein (kg), Milk (L) and DIM
• BW/Rel
• Latest TOP scores
• Classification award and year

This is the only industry report that includes the date of last classification, making it a valuable tool for selecting animals for re‑classification.

Members may request this report as part of their Classification application for an additional fee of $11.50 per report.

Classification awards can be viewed in MINDA LIVE under the Milk tab within the Animal Details section. When viewing herd test results, the animal’s classification is displayed alongside production data.