NR 12222 Skoien Wins Geno's 2024 Export Prize

Time to read: ca 3 min

Recognized as the Most Exported Norwegian Red Sire for the Second Year Running

NR 12222 Skoien, a top-ranking sire and a standout choice for modern herds worldwide, traces his excellence back to his dam, pictured here in Norway. Photo: Els Korsten

Geno has named NR 12222 Skoien the recipient of the 2024 Export Prize, recognizing him as the most exported Norwegian Red sire worldwide for the year. This achievement reinforces Skoien's position as a leading sire within Geno’s breeding program. Notably, this is the second year in a row that Skoien has earned this distinction, following his win of the Export Prize in 2023. 

Known for his outstanding fat and protein production, excellent fertility, strong udder health, and impressive conformation, Skoien is in high demand globally. His genetics are enabling dairy farmers worldwide to enhance profitability and sustainability, particularly through effective crossbreeding with Norwegian Red. 

Skoien’s first daughters have recently begun calving in Norway, creating high anticipation among dairy farmers. With several promising sons, including 12387 NR Sandbu-P and 12381 NR Melleby, already emerging, some are now available for the global market, strengthening Skoien’s impact on breeding programs worldwide.

 

Skoien was also honored with Geno's Statuette Award in 2023. Photo: Ingunn Naevdal

The Vision Behind Skoien’s Success

What sets Skoien apart is the vision of his breeders, Line Borgerud Skøien and Ole Hjerpaasen. This fifth-generation farming couple from Hølen, Norway, has transformed their family farm into a model of innovation.

Line Borgerud Skøien and Ole Hjerpaasen. Photo: Oda Christensen

By adopting cutting-edge technology, including genotyping female calves and utilizing Geno’s advanced mating plans, they’ve enhanced their herd's productivity and paved the way for Skoien’s genetic success.

Skoien’s Granddam (left) in her 6th lactation, and Dam (right) in her 4th lactation. Photo: Els Korsten

Their commitment to animal welfare and operational efficiency has led to a thriving, high-performance herd, showcasing the best traits of the Norwegian Red breed. Skoien’s success is a direct result of their expertise, making him a sought-after sire for farmers worldwide and a symbol of Norwegian Red’s bright future on the global stage.

12387 NR Sandbu-P Receives Geno’s Statuette Award 2024

12387 NR Sandbu-P. Photo: June Witzøe

Additionally, Geno awarded the 2024 Geno Statuette Award to 12387 NR Sandbu-P. This honor recognizes Ole Tronn Anderssen, the breeder of this top Norwegian-born elite bulls used in the previous calendar year, with rankings determined by total breeding value as calculated in January. Sandbu-P is currently the best Skoien’s son in the Norwegian rank.  

About Geno’s Export Prize

Geno’s Export Prize recognizes breeders and their top Norwegian Red sires. Awarded annually, it is presented to the breeder of the Norwegian Red bull with the highest semen export value, calculated in Norwegian kroner and gross value for the accounting year.