Herd of the Year 2025 Finland

Located in Hämeenlinna, Southern Finland, Ylöskartano Oy is a prime example of how a small farm can grow and evolve through generational collaboration, technological innovation, and active breeding. These are among the reasons why Ylöskartano Oy was chosen as VikingGenetics’ Herd of the Year 2025 in Finland.
The current owners, Otto Näsi and his father Janne Näsi, continue the farm’s story that began in 1964 when Janne’s parents bought the farm and brought along two cows. At that time, the herd consisted of 14 cows.

Janne took over the farm from his parents in 1993, expanding the herd first to 50 cows and eventually to the current 140. Today, the herd is composed of 76% Holstein, 20% VikingRed, and the rest are ProCROSS crossbreeds.

In 2023, the farm was registered as a limited company and underwent a generational shift, making Otto the majority owner. “I’m a trained agrologist and have been involved in farm work practically my whole life – apparently I drove a tractor with dad for the first time at the age of one,” Otto says.

Results through teamwork

The barn routines run efficiently with two employees. Herd manager Pirjo Vuorinen is responsible for animal care, while Jukka Leppäkoski handles machinery. Both have worked on the farm for over 10 years and are key pillars of the operation. Otto praises Pirjo’s eye for cattle and admits he’s still learning – “Heat detection is the most important thing, no doubt about it,” Pirjo notes.

Milking is done with two robots, and a third is currently being added, with plans already in place for a future expansion to five robots.

Milk production is impressive: 12,154 kg ECM, 501 kg fat (4.45%), and 419 kg protein (3.73%). Breeding is outsourced to Faba’s breeding expert, and inseminations are handled by Faba’s AI technicians. The collaboration is highly valued. Breeding focuses on conformation, udders, milking speed, teat placement, and component levels. Years of investment in production are reflected in the results. All calves on the farm are genomically tested.

All calves are genomically tested at Ylöskartano

Top animals and bull success

Years of dedicated breeding work have yielded excellent results. Over time, the herd has produced 11 cows that have produced over 100,000 kg of milk, two of which are still alive. Additionally, three bulls have been sold to VikingGenetics – two Holsteins and one VikingRed.
A significant contribution to breeding came from Holstein bull VH Brooklyn, the maternal grandsire of current VikingGenetics top bulls VH Galaxy, VH Gelato, and VH Shotty P. Among the red bulls, VR Usual – son of VR Ulvar – turns one year old in October. His genomic evaluation promises excellent production, fertility, udder health, and top-tier legs and udders.

The latest bull sold to VikingGenetics is VH Renny (VH Rains x Skyboy). His dam, Tuttu, was flushed twice in 2022 under a VikingGenetics contract, producing 28 embryos, resulting in 10 heifer calves and six bull calves. Tuttu is classified VG89 with NTM of +28. Her first 305-day yield was impressive: 10,752 kg milk, 546 kg fat (5.1%), and 437 kg protein (4.1%).

One of Tuttu’s heifer calves, Vaativa, was sold to VikingGenetics’ embryo program. Vaativa is a daughter of VH Newyear and has an outstanding NTM of +35 – proof that the farm’s breeding work is bearing fruit for the future.

Open-minded towards the future

Ylöskartano has always embraced development and new solutions – including in breeding. Otto has enthusiastically started experimenting with the ProCROSS crossbreeding program, inspired by Faba’s breeding expert. Currently, one triple-cross cow is in production, and about twenty more are coming among the heifers.

The goal of crossbreeding is to introduce heterosis effects, such as improved fertility. The results of the ProCROSS program are eagerly awaited, and Otto is curious about the future: “Hybrids are everyday in pig breeding,” he notes, referring to the potential benefits of crossbreeding for dairy cattle as well.

Otto says the best part of the job is its variety and the ability to see the results of his own work. He always knew he wanted to continue farming, and hands-on experience has taught him more than school ever could. He’s also gained valuable insights and ideas from events organised by the Finnish Dairy Entrepreneurs Association.

Ylöskartano’s story continues strong – with roots deep in history and eyes firmly set on the future.