Master Breeders Named
Published: Friday, January 27, 2023
The Indiana Holstein Assn. last weekend recognized a Kosciusko County dairy family with the 2023 Master Breeder Award.
Rich and Kristin Nisen of Leesburg received the coveted award during the Holstein group's annual convention in Noblesville, Ind.
Nise-N-Fancy Holsteins began when Rich was in eighth-grade in 1992. Over the years, the herd slowly grew with a purchase or two cattle each year, using money raised from selling sweet corn and melons. Over the years, the Nisens have improved their herd. They moved from farm to farm until they eventually purchased the former Stookey farm in Leesburg.
Enjoying both the art and science of genetics, Nise-N-Fancy currently has a Breed Age Average of 113.4 on 36 head, ranking in the top 25 nationally.
Rich and Kristin, along with their children, Oliver, Owen and Addison, have bred 53 Excellent registered Holsteins, with six scoring Excellent 92, five scoring Excellent 93 and two scoring Excellent 94.
In addition to classification excellence, the Nisens have had breeding success in the show ring, with Astro Jet Cracker being nominated All-American and Junior All American, Picolo Fizzle being honorable mention All-Canadian Heifer Calf and nominated All-American, and Redburst Firecracker being nominated Junior All-American as an aged cow.
They also celebrated being premier breeder at the Elkhart County Holstein show in 2014, 2017, 2019 and 2022.
A 4-H family, both Rich and Kristin have served as Elkhart County 4-H dairy leaders. Rich recently stepped down from that position but continues to volunteer on the 4-H dairy advisory committee. Kristin continues to serve as a 4-H dairy leader.
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