We all know that Mom is the heart and soul of every family, and no where is that more true than in a farm family. Why not show your appreciate of all your farm Mom does by nominating her for the America’s Farmers Mom of the Year award? Hurry, nominations are due by April 9, 2010.
Behind every American Farm Family is the Backbone of the Operation: The American Farm Mom
Tell us in 300 words or less how your farm mom embodies the caring, values and hard work that make up the family farm way of life. You can even nominate yourself. (Why not? You do everything else.)
There will be five regional winners of $5,000 each. All five will be posted online here where voting will determine one national winner of an additional $2,500.
Posted: February 26, 2010 at 10:36 am
By Amanda Nolz
Congratulations to Melissa Erdman, the new Michigan Senior Dairy Ambassador! Melissa is currently a student at Michigan State University, where she is on the path to become a veterinarian. Melissa impressed the judges with her extensive knowledge of the dairy industry, her passion for dairy products and her communication skills in explaining her depth of knowledge and passion with the judges. In the interview, she identified the two weaknesses facing the dairy industry as lack of consumer trust in dairy production and profitability (or lack thereof) for producers. Her proposed dairy project will focus on senior citizens and teaching them the importance of dairy as a part of a balanced diet.
Congratulations also goes to the new Michigan Junior Dairy Ambassador, Sarah Michalek. Sarah is a high school student who believes in putting 110% in everything she does. Her drive, passion and determination really convinced the judges that she would be an ideal candidate for the ambassador program. She hopes to study food science in the future, and she identified dairy public relations and fluctuating prices as two challenges facing the dairy industry. Her proposed dairy promotion project was titled, “Milk, Unlike Any Udder,” and it focused on working with students in grade six, and it included a milk label design contest.
Cheers to Melissa and Sarah, and best of luck in your year promoting dairy products to consumers! I’m confident you will do an awesome job! (Photo courtesy of Celeste Laurent)
Posted: February 24, 2010 at 7:27 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to the 25 student winners of the National Dairy Herd Information Association (DHIA) Scholarship
This year’s National DHIA scholarship winners are: Tyler Lee Boyd, Parrotsville, Tenn.; Brett Boyum, Battle Lake, Minn.; Kevin Davis, Cokato, Minn.; Jean Haldeman, Ottsville, Pa.; Jessica Hammerand, Epworth, Iowa; Isaac Hammock, Chatham, Va.; Christy Hindman, Brockway, Pa.; Kayla Holscher, Twin Brooks, S.D.; Katelyn Horning, Manchester, Mich.; Logan Horst, Chambersburg, Pa.; Sarah Innerst, Red Lion, Pa.; April Johnson, Heron Lake, Minn.; Joshua Joseph, Viola, Wis.; Tera Koebel, Three Oaks, Mich. (Joe Drexler winner); Samuel Olson, Chetek, Wis.; Brenda Reiter, Elgin, Minn.; Laura Rosenhammer, Sleepy, Eye, Minn.; Jason Smith, Fremont, Mich.; Isaac Solum, Rice Lake, Wis.; Darcy Steffes, Elizabeth, Ill.; Brittany Thompson, Snow Camp, N.C.; Steven Joseph Toone, Grace, Idaho; Katelyn Walley, Walton, N.Y.; Tyler Warren, Watkins, Minn.; and Hannah Wentworth, Quarryville, Pa.
Judges evaluated applicants on scholastic achievement and leadership in school and community activities. To be eligible for a National DHIA scholarship, applicants must be a family member or employee of a herd on DHI test, a family member of a DHI employee, or an employee of a DHI affiliate. The DHI affiliate for the herd or affiliate employee must be a National DHIA member.
2010 marks the second year for awarding a scholarship in memory of Joe Drexler, who worked for NorthStar Cooperative DHI Services. NorthStar members and employees, friends and family contributed nearly $8,000 to establish this scholarship fund.
“Joe’s love of nature, animals, dairy cattle and the young people who strive to learn are the ingredients for this scholarship that his family, friends and colleagues established in his memory,” stated Mark Adam of NorthStar. “He was a friend to all and an inspiration to anyone who ever had the opportunity to spend time with him.”
Money generated from the annual National DHIA Scholarship Auction primarily funds the organization’s scholarship program. Investments and donations also help build the fund. To make a donation to the fund, contact National DHIA Scholarship Committee Chair Barb Roth at 616-897-7435, or roth250@ix.netcom.com; or National DHIA Communications and Events Manager JoDee Sattler at 608-848-6455, ext. 112, or jdsattler@dhia.org.
Posted: February 5, 2010 at 5:20 pm
By News Editor
Are you, or do you know, a high school senior who is also an outstanding athlete? They may be the perfect candidate for the 2010 Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year (SAMMY) Awards, and have the chance to win a $7,500 scholarship for college.
This unique scholarship is sponsored by the National Milk Mustache “got milk?®” Campaign in partnership with USA TODAY. The SAMMY Awards educate teens on the importance of making smart choices- like eating right, staying active and refueling with milk. Twenty-five teens who excel in academics, athletics, community service and leadership will earn a $7,500 scholarship, attend an awards ceremony with celebrity guests at Walk Disney World and appear in their own Milk Mustache ad in USA TODAY.
Applications are due by March 5, 2010. Describe in 250 words or less how you refuel with milk while excelling in academics, athletics, community service and leadership. Finalists will be named in June 2010
Posted: January 28, 2010 at 5:43 pm
By News Editor
And the winner to White Gold’s Milkdonkulous Givewaway is: Santa Susana High School! Watch the winning video below.
Santa Susana High School in Simi Valley won the grand prize of $20,000 in the GOT MILK? “Battle for Milquarious, White Gold Milkdonkulous Giveaway.” The contest was designed to encourage teens to get creative with their video-making skills for a chance to win thousands of dollars for their public high schools’ art programs.
Santa Susana received close to 11,000 online votes. Students from the school submitted a video entry after recreating the last of seven scenes from GOT MILK?’s online rock opera titled “Battle for Milkquarious” The online 20-minute rock opera is intended to reach California teens with the message of the health benefits of drinking milk for strong bones, muscles, hair, teeth and nails. The rock opera chronicles White Gold’s quest to save his hometown of Milkquarious from a potentially deadly milk shortage. The students at Santa Susana acted out the scene using homemade props and creative video editing.
The school that received the second most online votes is Pioneer Technical Center in Madera, which will receive $10,000 for its live action entry. The students acted out the second scene of the rock opera that tells the first meeting of White Gold and his partner in crime, Jug Life, to save Milkquarious.
GOT MILK? Will honor eight other runners -up for their efforts, each with $2,500. The eight runners-up are: El Molino High School, Dublin High School, Santa Teresa High School, Los Angeles County High School, San Dieguito High School, Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts, Los Angeles High School of the Arts and Gardena High School.
I recently read this article in the Lancaster Farming written by Dick Wanner titled, A Fitting Job for the Farm Show, highlighting a professional dairy cattle fitter and describing the ins and outs of a day at a cattle show. Coming from my experiences showing beef cattle, I can definitely relate to the hard work and long hours it takes to get these animals ready and glamourous for the show ring. Here is an excerpt from the article…
One of the busiest guys at the 2009 Pennsylvania Farm Show was Brian Sparling, of Ralston, Pa. But he wasn’t showing, selling, scooping or judging. Sparling is a professional fitter, whose business it is to get dairy cows ready for the showing and the judging.
When we spotted him in the dairy barn last January, Sparling was putting the finishing touches on Lola, a spiffy looking Brown Swiss that was part of the Kir-Kare Dairy Farm in Millville, Pa. Karen Cramer — the “Kare” part of “Kir-Kare” — was at the Farm Show with 15 Brown Swiss, one Jersey and five little Cramers. Husband Kirk — the “Kir” part — stayed home to tend to chores.
Posted: December 11, 2009 at 6:29 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Carlson Dairy, LLP for being named Minnesota’s 2009 Producers of the Year by Minnesota Milk Producers Association! The award is given out every year to producers who have a proven commitment to managing their dairy for quality, enthusiasm in promoting the dairy industry and are active leaders in their local community.
Carlson Dairy is a century farm near Willmar, Minn. that is owned and operated by Curtney and Louise Carlson with their two sons, Chad and Carl, and their families. Chad and Kindra Carlson have three sons, Cael (9), Caden (7) and Conlan (3). Carl and Kellie Carlson also have three sons, Colten (12), Clay (10) and Cavin (2).
Operating a high-producing, well-managed, innovative, and sustainable family-owned dairy is their vision. One of their first steps to accomplishing this vision was modernizing their facility by transitioning from a 100-cow tie-stall herd into a new 450-cow freestall barn and milking parlor across the road in 2000. Then recently in 2008, the Carlson’s transitioned their 6-row freestall barn into a 10-row cross-ventilated barn with sand bedding, and a new manure handling system where the sand is continuously recycled and reused with the help of two new sand settling lanes.
Carlson Dairy currently milks 900 dairy cows in a double 14 parallel milking parlor. Apart from family members, they have 15 full-time and 5 part-time employees. The Carlson’s understand that part of their business mission requires them to be engaged and involved at a local and state-wide level. Curtney has served on the Mamre Township Board for the last 14 years, including the past 6 years as President. Within Kandiyohi County, their family also currently serves and holds offices on the American Dairy Association Board, DHIA Board,
and Holstein Association Board of Directors.
Posted: December 2, 2009 at 7:30 pm
By News Editor
Fourteen New Jersey dairy farms have been recognized this year as Dairies of Distinction by the Northeast Dairy Farm Beautification Program. The honor goes to dairy farms that are attractive, well-kept and promote a good dairy industry image.
The dairy farms in the state that received the Dairy of Distinction Award in 2009 are: Black’s Dairy Farm, South Harrison Township; BSB Holsteins, Asbury; Creamy Acres Farm, Mullica Hill; Ervey Farms, Andover; Fulper Farms, Lambertville; Havendale Farm, Wantage; Hillcrest Farm, Wharton; Holland Valley Farm, Milford; Kerkendall Farms, Columbia; Kuperus Meadows, Wantage; Ridge Crest Farm, Phillipsburg; Santini Farms, Stewartsville; Waldac Farm, Salem; and Windy Flats Dairy, Wantage.
Each winning farm received the special Dairy of Distinction roadside sign for their farm. The Northeast Dairy Farm Beautification Program was established in 1983 to recognize the hard work and dedication of dairy owners and operators with attractive farms. Over the years, many New Jersey dairy farms have received the award.
Judging criteria is based on the buildings, grounds and surroundings and the overall farm operation. Judges, who can not be dairy farmers from the state in which the judging is being done, observe the dairy operation from the same vantage point that a consumer would, as they drive by the farm.
“These lists were developed to showcase the best judges the United States has to offer,” says James Burdette, Holstein Association USA director from Mercersburg, Pa. and Show Committee chairman. “We encourage all shows to pick their judges from this highly talented group.”
Individuals on the National Judges List are approved by Holstein Association USA to serve as judges at National Holstein Shows. Beginning with the 2010 show season, all National Holstein Shows will be required to select their judges from this list if selecting a judge from the United States. Nationally-sanctioned Junior Holstein Shows must select their judge from either the National Judges List or the Holstein Association USA Qualified Judges List.
Nationally-sanctioned Junior Holstein Shows must select their judge from either the National Judges List or the Holstein Association USA Qualified Judges List.
Posted: November 23, 2009 at 7:48 pm
By News Editor
The World Dairy Expo is seeking nominations for its annual recognition awards. Nominate the outstanding dairy leaders from your life!
Nominations will be accepted through February 1, 2010 in the four following categories: Industry Person of the Year, Dairyman of the Year, Dairy Woman of the Year, and International Person of the Year. Individuals will be honored at the Dinner with the Stars during World Dairy Expo, September 28 – October 2, 2010, in Madison, Wis.
The Industry Person of the Year award is presented to an individual in recognition of excellence in research, development, education, marketing or other fields that are part of the dairy industry.
The Dairyman and Dairy Woman of the Year awards are presented to individuals who are active dairy producers and whose primary source of income is derived from their dairy operation. His/her farming operation needs to demonstrate and excel in efficient production and breeding of quality animals. Progressive management practices, along with involvement in community, government activities, breed organizations and other aspects of the dairy industry, will also be considered.
The International Person of the Year will be recognized for significantly contributing to international relations, business development, trade or cooperation in the dairy industry.
Posted: November 17, 2009 at 4:25 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to all of the students involved in this very valuable educational program!
More than 120 students from 11 northeast colleges and two Canadian universities participated in the seventh annual Northeast Regional Dairy Challenge in Glens Falls, New York. Host coordinator, Dayton Maxwell, and colleagues from the State University of New York at Cobleskill welcomed students from Alfred State College, Cornell University, Delaware Valley College, Morrisville State College, The Pennsylvania State University, SUNY Cobleskill, University of Maine, University of Maryland, University of New Hampshire, University of Vermont, Vermont Technical College, University of Guelph from Ontario, Canada, and McGill University from Quebec, Canada.
The Northeast Regional Dairy Challenge is an innovative three-day event designed by a team of industry and university professionals to promote a vibrant future for the dairy industry. Working in mixed-university teams of four or five students, contestants assessed all aspects of a working dairy farm and presented recommendations for improvement to a panel of judges and participating farm families.
Posted: November 13, 2009 at 8:36 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to dairy producer, David Weitzer, Poolesville, Md., for being awarded the 2009 Richard E. Lyng Award by the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB). David was recognized for his dedication and service to dairy promotion, and was awarded a $2,500 donation in his name to a college of his choice.
Weitzer also represented dairy producers nationally. He was elected 2nd vice chairman of UDIA, and chairman of the National Dairy Council®, the nutrition research and education arm of the dairy checkoff. Weitzer also was a founding director of the U.S. Dairy Export Council®, which helps grow U.S. dairy sales internationally, and served six years as a member of the NDB.
“David has dedicated more than four decades of service to dairy producers in Maryland and across the country,” said Kimberly Clauss, California dairy producer and NDB chair. Weitzer has been a leader in dairy promotion since the mid-1970s, when he was first elected to serve on a local dairy promotion board. He served multiple terms as chairman of the Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association and its predecessor organizations.
The award is named after former U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Richard E. Lyng, who played a key role in implementing policies that led to the establishment of the NDB more than 25 years ago. The Lyng Award honors dairy industry leaders who have made a significant contribution to dairy promotion that benefits the entire U.S. dairy industry.
Stonyfield is among more than 2000 SmartWay Transport Partners setting an example in the transportation industry for addressing climate change by using clean vehicle technologies, managing freight logistics more effectively, and promoting the benefits of SmartWay to peers and customers.
Stonyfield, the world’s leading organic yogurt maker, joined SmartWay in 2008 as a shipper partner, having established several programs to significantly reduce the company’s transportation carbon footprint. Stonyfield educated all contracted truck carriers about fuel-saving SmartWay strategies, and provided incentives to join the program. Now Stonyfield ships 100 percent of its freight using more efficient SmartWay carriers.
“This award recognizes the hard work of a team dedicated to reducing our carbon footprint, and continuing to find ways to save money and the planet,” says Stonyfield Farm President and “CE-Yo” Gary Hirshberg. “As a yogurt on a mission, Stonyfield has continually worked toward minimizing our impact, by working smarter, working leaner and working greener.”
Stonyfield also reworked its distribution system to ship more efficiently. By consolidating loads, increasing order lead times, and rerouting, Stonyfield’s New England fleet achieved a 15 percent reduction in 2008 in the number of miles driven empty. By reducing the number of pallets needed for each load, requiring longer trailers and eliminating less-than-full truckloads, Stonyfield reduced the number of truck loads of product shipped by 13 percent between 2007 and 2008. Through these and other efforts, Stonyfield reduced its total annual CO2 emissions by more than 40 percent between 2006 and 2008 while growing its business. This is equivalent to taking 1,700 cars off the road for a year. In doing so Stonyfield also saved $2.5 million in fuel costs in 2007 and 2008 alone.
Posted: October 16, 2009 at 5:50 pm
By News Editor
Oberweis Dairy announced that the company won first place at the 2009 World Dairy Expo Championship Dairy Product Contest in the Low Fat Chocolate Milk category.
“We couldn’t more proud,” said Joe Oberweis, 4th generation family member and the company’s president. “Since the inception of our company in 1927, we have always strived to provide the freshest, best tasting dairy products possible. We appreciate the continued opportunity to delight our customers with delicious treats. This award is further confirmation of our dedication and commitment to our customers.”
The company’s award-winning chocolate milk is sold primarily in half-gallon glass bottles and is always made from milk produced by farmers who pledge not treat their cows with synthetic rBGH hormones. Oberweis Dairy farmers are paid a premium based on the measurable quality of the milk they produce. In addition to keeping milk colder and protecting the flavor, Oberweis Dairy’s use of glass bottles also protects the environment by reducing plastic waste. “At a time when individuals and communities are deeply concerned about the impact their consumption behavior has on the environment, Oberweis Dairy is committed to minimizing plastic waste attributable to traditional milk containers,” said Mr. Oberweis. “Our customers regularly tell us how much they appreciate the fact that they can get great tasting milk from Oberweis, while also making a positive impact on the environment by reducing waste and conserving resources.”
The company also sells a no sugar added version of its award-winning chocolate milk.
College Aggies Online, a joint venture of the Animal Agriculture Alliance and American National CattleWomen, Inc., will connect college students from across the country who are interested in promoting agriculture by sharing their story. Participants will receive training and instructions from industry professionals and will enjoy access to a private forum to post information about current and emerging issues facing farmers and ranchers.
The online community will provide resources to students on key issues to help them better utilize tools such as YouTube, Facebook and Twitter to share agriculture’s story with the public. “Social networking Web sites offer an effective platform for reaching large audiences of people who do not have farm backgrounds,” said Alliance Executive Vice President Kay Johnson Smith.
Agriculture-related clubs from all universities with an agricultural academic program are invited to sign up for the program. Each member will receive an individual account, where they can customize their homepage and upload information. Student groups will earn points by posting blogs, photos and videos to the forum and by participating in online outreach activities.
College Aggies Online will officially launch on Oct. 15, 2009 and the first year’s competition will conclude in April 2010. After final point counts are tallied, the winning club will receive a $750 scholarship, national recognition and a trip for one representative to Washington, D.C. for the Animal Ag Alliance’s annual Stakeholders Summit.
Posted: October 12, 2009 at 4:32 pm
By News Editor
The National Jersey Queen contest will benefit from the donation of a March junior calf donated by Lyon Jerseys of Toledo, Iowa. The calf will sell in the 57th All American Jersey Sale on November 8, 2009 for the benefit of the National Jersey Queen Scholarship Fund.
The heifer, Lyon Blackstone Steffi, is a daughter of Lencrest Blackstone-ET, JPI 191, and out of a Very Good-86% BW Legion daughter with 16,819-906-626 m.e. on her first lactation. The next dam is also Very Good with six records averaging 16,943-722-589 m.e.
The National Jersey Queen Scholarship Fund was established in 2005 by a group of Jersey women interested in expanding travel and educational opportunities for the National Jersey Queen and members of the court. It provided a $500 scholarship and travel support to three national Jersey events for 2008 National Jersey Queen, Kristin Hogan, Tillamook, Ore. Scholarships of $300 and $200, respectively, were also provided to the two alternate Queens: Julie Ann Ozburn, Nolensville, Tenn., and Katie Wirkus, Athens, Wis.
The National Jersey Queen contest is held in conjunction with The All American Jersey Shows and Sales, scheduled for November 7 through 10 in Louisville, Ky. Over the two-day contest, the contestants complete a general dairy knowledge test, are interviewed by a panel of judges, and prepare a two-minute video presentation demonstrating their public speaking skills.
There was much excitement during this year’s awards banquet as the placings and cuts were revealed along with the award winner’s announced for each breed, reasons and then overall. Placing Second Overall in the contest was the University of Wisconsin-Madison, coached by Ted Halbach. Team members: Carissa Levash, Ty Hildebrandt, Laura Elliott and Danielle Brown. And coming in Third Overall was the University of Minnesota, coached by Les Hansen. Team members: Caitlin Kasper, Megan Herberg, Abby Udermann and Robert Westman.
In the Overall Individual competition a University of Wisconsin-Madison student, Carissa Levash, took home the top spot. The other top individuals included. Caitlin Kasper, second, University of Minnesota; Jason Miley, third, The Ohio State University; Danielle Brown, fourth, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Curtis Bickel, fifth, The Ohio State University; Gary Bettencourt, sixth, Modesto Junior College; Hannah Thompson, seventh, The Ohio State University; Kaleena Westaby, eighth, Iowa State University; Megan Herberg, ninth, University of Minnesota; and Val Mohr, tenth, South Dakota State University.
The University of Minnesota team won the High Team in Reasons with second place going to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and third place went to The Ohio State University.
The Top Three Individials in Oral Reasons take home a special scholarship from the James Crowley Fund. Placing First in Oral Reasons was Carissa Levash, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Second was awarded to Jason Miley, The Ohio State University; and Third was awarded to Caitlin Kasper, University of Minnesota.
Thirteen teams participated in the contest this year from all across the United States. The contest is held at the Vernon County Fairgrounds in Viroqua, Wisconsin. During the contest each participant placed ten classes and gave five sets of oral reasons. They judged at least one class of each of the following breeds: Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey and Milking Shorthorn.
World Dairy Diary coverage of World Dairy Expo is sponsored by:
The legendary Snickerdoodle became a six time Grand Champion today in the Central National Brown Swiss Show at World Dairy Expo.
This 11-year old owned by Allen Bassler, Jr. of Upperville, Virginia added one more title to her barn full of ribbons and plates. Old Mill E Snickerdoodle OCS has been named Grand Champion of the Central National Brown Swiss Show in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2008. Last year, Snickerdoodle was also named Reserve Supreme Champion of the World Dairy Expo. This amazing animal is also a seven-time All-American Brown Swiss and was Supreme Champion of the All-American Dairy Show for the second year in a row.
Posted: September 30, 2009 at 9:27 pm
By Cindy Zimmerman
World Dairy Diary coverage of World Dairy Expo is sponsored by:
A RedPepper from New York is one hot Aryshire this week at World Dairy Expo.
Blind Buck Vall Tri Redpepper was named Grand Champion of the Junior and Open International Ayrshire Shows, a repeat win for her, as she was also named Grand Champion of the Junior Show in 2008.
Owned by Roger Greeno of Fort Edward, New York, and leased and exhibited by Sara Pulver, the senior three-year-old completed a record at 2-04 3X 305d 19,242 801F 651P. She is sired by Androssan Ev-Kates Trident. Pulver was presented with the Udder Comfort $1000 Grand Champion Cash Award for the open show and the Udder Comfort $500 Grand Champion Cash Award for her Junior Show win.
Posted: September 28, 2009 at 5:47 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Krystal Wasson, the new Pennsylvania State Dairy Princess! Krystal is the daughter of Ronald and Candace Wasson of Centre County, Pa. She was crowned the 53rd Pennsylvania Dairy Princess from among 25 county dairy princesses after a three-day competition.
Contestants were judged on public speaking skills, knowledge of the dairy industry, poise and personality. Each contestant prepared a speech and skit promoting milk and dairy products, and participated in a personal interview with a panel of four judges.
A junior at State College High School, Krystal works on her family’s 800-acre dairy farm with 45-head of cattle, three of which she owns. She is involved in 4-H and FFA, and is a member of the Pennsylvania Junior Holstein Association and the Pennsylvania Junior Red & White Association. In school, Krystal is a majorette, varsity wrestling manager, and an honor roll student. She is also involved in many clubs and activities.
Two alternates were chosen to support the new princess. The first alternate is 17-year-old Karla Stoltzfus of Bedford County. The daughter of Ken and Dena Stoltzfus, she is a senior at Bedford High School where she is active in 4-H, FFA, the National Technical Honor Society and the United Way. The Stoltzfus family farms 650 acres where they raise Angus beef cattle and milk 65 Jersey cows. Stoltzfus owns seven dairy animals herself.
Chosen as second alternate, Lebanon County’s Crystal Hitz is the 17-year-old daughter of Steven and Cynthia Hitz of Annville. The family farms 110 acres and milks 40 Holsteins. A senior at Annville-Cleona High School, Hitz is active in tennis, honor society and the Little Dutchman FFA, where she serves as treasurer.
In addition to Krystal, Karla and Crystal, four other finalists were chosen:
• Gabrielle Hertzog, Cambria County dairy princess, daughter of Jeffery Hertzog and Annette Hertzog, was the speech winner and honorable mention skit winner;
• Bethany Trotter, Lawrence County dairy princess, daughter of David and Jill Trotter, was an honorable mention speech winner;
• Crystal Yoder, Mifflin County dairy princess, daughter of Lee and Joanne Yoder; and
• Daisy Matulevich, Susquehanna County dairy princess, daughter of Gary and Cheryl Matulevich.
Erie County’s Michaela Downes was voted “Miss Congeniality” by the other county princesses.
Anna Flick, the 2008-09 Butler County dairy princess, was named the Tina M. Shultz Memorial Award winner. Anna completed 421 promotions reaching more than 84,600 consumers and traveling 6,416 miles within Butler County. She is the 18-year-old daughter of Randall and Elizabeth Flick of Fenelton, and is a freshman at Butler County Community College. Her sister, Abby, won the award last year.
We all know that Mom is the heart and soul of every family, and no where is that more true than in a farm family. Why not show your appreciate of all your farm Mom does by nominating her for the America’s Farmers Mom of the Year award? Hurry, nominations are due by April 9, 2010.
Congratulations to Melissa Erdman, the new Michigan Senior Dairy Ambassador! Melissa is currently a student at Michigan State University, where she is on the path to become a veterinarian. Melissa impressed the judges with her extensive knowledge of the dairy industry, her passion for dairy products and her communication skills in explaining her depth of knowledge and passion with the judges. In the interview, she identified the two weaknesses facing the dairy industry as lack of consumer trust in dairy production and profitability (or lack thereof) for producers. Her proposed dairy project will focus on senior citizens and teaching them the importance of dairy as a part of a balanced diet. 
Congratulations also goes to the new Michigan Junior Dairy Ambassador, Sarah Michalek. Sarah is a high school student who believes in putting 110% in everything she does. Her drive, passion and determination really convinced the judges that she would be an ideal candidate for the ambassador program. She hopes to study food science in the future, and she identified dairy public relations and fluctuating prices as two challenges facing the dairy industry. Her proposed dairy promotion project was titled, “Milk, Unlike Any Udder,” and it focused on working with students in grade six, and it included a milk label design contest.
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Congratulations to all of the students involved in this very valuable educational program!
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The legendary Snickerdoodle became a six time Grand Champion today in the Central National Brown Swiss Show at World Dairy Expo.
A RedPepper from New York is one hot Aryshire this week at World Dairy Expo.
Congratulations to Krystal Wasson, the