David Bachmann Sr. Recognized with the Elite Breeder Award

Submitted Photo from Holstein Associatino USA (l-r): Holstein Association USA CEO John M. Meyer, David Bachmann Sr. and President Corey Geiger.

BRATTLEBORO, Vt., July 8, 2019 – For David Bachmann Sr., dairy cattle breeding is a work of art. Holstein Association is honored to present David Bachmann Sr. of Pinehurst Farms, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the 2019 Elite Breeder Award. A reflection of Pinehurst Farms’ progressive spirit, this year’s Elite Breeder bred and developed a grand champion-caliber Registered Holstein® herd for over 50 years. He’s unmatched in the showring, and relentless in his goal of breeding better cows that are judged both on how they look, and how they perform in and out of the showring. Pinehurst Farms, Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, is widely known as a world-class operation with some of the finest cattle ever bred. David has the uncanny eye to find a “diamond in the rough,” take her home and turn her into a class winner. In 1976, David’s show string was the first to be named Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor at three national shows, repeated again in 1980. Pinehurst exhibited World Dairy Expo Grand Champions in four different breeds and two of them went on to be named Supreme Champion. Among David’s other accomplishments, Pinehurst Farms received more than 200 All-American nominees, over 50 All-American and Reserve All-American awards, and was named Premier Breeder or Exhibitor at 20 national shows. In 1950, brothers David and Peter Bachmann purchased the farm from their grandfather, Peter Reiss. Over the years, David purchased additional land and added new buildings, bringing the farm to 800 acres and 300 Registered Holsteins. David developed Pinehurst’s herd so that it combined longevity with high lifetime production and superior type. His talent for breeding tremendous, deep pedigrees with long strings of Excellent cows, all with outstanding production records, is the envy of breeders worldwide. Pinehurst Farms, a 2013 Herd of Excellence award winner, was home to many of the Holstein breed’s great brood cows. David is well-known for developing the Audrey Posch EX-93 GMD cow family. She has founded an uninterrupted 20-generation group of Excellent females. The legendary family has resulted in many generations of foundation cows. David enjoyed the bull side of the business, too. He excelled at identifying, proving and merchandising bulls. Pinehurst Peerless was his first All-American bull and the start of his export business. David’s commitment is not only apparent in Pinehurst Farms’ outstanding achievements, but also in his service on Holstein Association USA’s Board of Directors. During his tenure, from 1986 to 1994, David was a member of the finance committee, chaired that committee for two years, and served three years on the executive committee. As someone who is always willing to share his knowledge and experience, many young breeders have gained expertise from his guidance and support. The positive impact of David Bachmann’s influence of the Holstein breed has and will be felt for many years. About the Award The award recognizes a Holstein breeder who bred outstanding animals, making a notable contribution to the advancement of the Holstein breed in the United States. David Bachmann Sr. is a true ambassador of both the dairy industry and the Registered Holstein cow. David was recently honored during the 2019 National Holstein Convention in Appleton, Wisconsin.