Proof week always sparks plenty of conversation. Figures move, rankings shift, and this April’s base change has certainly caught attention, with milk, components, PLI and type all appearing to drop. At first glance, it can feel like a step backwards.

But in reality, it tells a very different story.

A Reset That Reflects Progress

Each April, the UK resets the genetic baseline for Holsteins to reflect the average cow of today, not the past.

So when we see figures such as -30kg milk, -2.2kg fat, -1.8kg protein and -£41 PLI, it doesn’t mean cows are producing less. It simply means the national herd has improved to the point where yesterday’s “above average” is now the new normal.

Put simply, this is genetic progress being recognised.

Built on Data from Real UK Farms

This system only works because of the huge amount of data collected across the UK, led by AHDB.

Through milk recording, classification and pedigree data, thousands of farmers contribute to a national evaluation system that allows us to track genetic improvement year on year, benchmark herds accurately and make confident breeding decisions.

It’s an incredibly valuable resource, and one that underpins everything we do as an industry. Every recorded litre and every classified cow adds to a clearer picture, helping ensure the figures we rely on are both accurate and meaningful.

Why This Matters on Your Farm

While the base change resets the scale, it doesn’t change what really matters on farm. Cows are still producing the same milk, delivering the same solids and performing the same way day to day. What has changed is the level of competition — the average cow is now better than ever.

And increasingly, that progress is being driven by milk solids, particularly protein. As milk contracts continue to evolve, producing higher-value components from the same inputs is becoming more important than ever.

Leading the Rankings Where It Counts

In a proof run that highlights progress across the industry, the rankings tell an important story and one that matters on farm.

Cogent genetics feature prominently at the very top end of the lists, with:

• 7 of the top 15 bulls for combined fat and protein
• 6 of the top 10 bulls for milk (kg)
• 3 of the top 6 bulls for fat (kg)
• 5 of the top 10 bulls for protein (kg)

These aren’t just headline numbers - they show a consistent presence where it matters most: production and profitability traits.

For farmers, that translates into confidence. Confidence that the genetics available are aligned with the direction of travel - more solids, more efficiency, and more value from every litre produced.

Genetics That Match the Direction of Travel

In a proof run that reflects progress across the industry, it’s important to know where the leading genetics are coming from. Cogent currently holds a strong position at the top end of the rankings, with representation across milk, fat and protein, reflecting a consistent focus on commercially relevant traits.

But this proof isn’t just about consistency - it’s about momentum.

A standout this run is OCD Radical Josh Allen, an early Radical son who debuts straight into the top 10 £PLI bulls. Joining Genosource Judo and OCD Thorson Ripcord, he strengthens Cogent’s presence at the very top of the rankings.

With over 1,100kg of milk alongside strong fat and protein production, combined with positive fertility and EnviroCow values, he offers a modern package of production and efficiency, along with the dairyness that Radical is becoming known for.

Another exciting addition is DG Brummel, a Westcoast GD Blakely son that has already generated significant interest. Brummel brings the kind of strength, width and functional type that fits well within UK systems, helping breed cows that not only produce but last.

A similar story follows with new graduate Cogent S Momentum, from the Clear-Echo MOM Halo family. Combining strength, balance and functional type, Momentum offers another route to breeding cows with both performance and longevity in mind.

Proven Cow Families and New Opportunities

This proof also marks the public release of Redhouse 2933 PBJ Mirror, from the renowned Redhouse herd in Northern Ireland, one of this year’s Master Breeder recipients.

Mirror stands out for his combination of chest width, strong fat percentages and an outcross pedigree, offering something different for many UK breeding programmes.

In the Red market, Eskdale Mountie-Red enters as one of the most complete options available, combining milk, positive components, style and longevity into a well-rounded package.

Global Interest and the Next Generation

Two further additions underline the depth of the current portfolio.

OCD Bolt Action Rhett debuts as one of the most complete bulls available globally and is already making his mark as a sire of sons within internal creation programmes. Backed by strong type and mammary traits, alongside positive fat percentages, he is attracting significant interest across Canada, Europe and the US.

Alongside him, Genosource Jazzy adds further strength, providing another high-impact option for progressive breeding programmes.

Futureproofing Your Herd Starts Now

Base changes are part of the process. They come and go as the industry moves forward. What doesn’t change is the importance of making the right breeding decisions.

By focusing on balanced, high-performing genetics - particularly those delivering protein - you are setting your herd up not just for today, but for the future. At Cogent, that’s exactly what we’re here to support. Delivering genetics that work in the real world - on farm, in the tank, and on your bottom line.

Cogent - your trusted genetic supplier.