Each dairy breed has established breed standards for type.  Classification is the means of measuring how close an animal comes to the ideal.  Like all things, classification has evolved over the years as breed goals and the environment in which the cow lives change.  Classification is performed by a small group of well-trained individuals who meet on a regular basis to ensure the quality and uniformity of the program. Classification information has two primary purposes, breeding and marketing.
As a breeding tool, the breeder can look at the linear scores to see where his cow needs improvement and select matings accordingly. The linear scores from each daughter go into the UDSA sire summary information and describe the type traits of a bull’s offspring.
As a marketing tool, the breakdowns and final score appear on pedigrees and in advertising.  The final score is used the most to promote the animal and her offspring with the mammary breakdown score the second most used classification score in advertising.
 
Application for Classification       Rules ​    Linear Type Traits

2020 Regular Type Classification Schedule        
​Schedule Table

September
CA, NV, AZ, NM, WA, OR, MT, WY, ID, UT, CO  
Classification Apps Due July 1, 2020
​
October
IN, MI, OH, WV
Classification Apps Due August 1, 2020

November
NY, CT, MA, RI, ME, NH, VT
Classification Apps Due September 1, 2020

December
IL, IA, MN, ND, SD, NE, KS
Classification Apps Due October 1, 2020