The spring board meeting of Holstein Association USA, Inc. was held March 21-22.
Staff reported excellent progress in the member-initiated research project which focuses on the association of the unique genetics of long lived, high producing cows with functional type. Holstein Association members who are owners of qualifying elite cows will be receiving invitations to genomic test those cows for inclusion in the research. The study is being performed and funded by Holstein Association USA.
Another research project focuses on feed efficiency and will provide information about the relationship of feed efficiency to body size, mobility, and other functional traits. The research is being conducted by several universities and USDA. Members of the Association’s Classification team are providing Type Evaluation Services to participating herds for this important project.
The Holstein Association launched a membership drive with a goal to gain 1,000 new adult members in 2013. State Holstein associations have received details on the campaign which will award the winning states $500 in each of three divisions.
Early first quarter member activity in the Holstein COMPLETE® program is solid. Enrollment totaled 277,160 cows, which is an increase of 3 percent over this time last year.
The board of directors approved new genetic codes for polled animals as follows:
· PO Observed polled
· PC Tested heterozygous polled
· PP Tested homozygous polled
· TP Tested free of the polled condition (horned)
These codes will appear on Official Holstein PedigreesTM and official performance products.
The board approved a recommendation from the International Marketing Committee which requires parentage testing on 5 percent of all animals registered for export in one shipment. All testing costs will be billed to the exporter.
Congratulations to Pete Kappelman, of Two Rivers, Wis., for being appointed to the Holstein Foundation board of trustees. The 12-member board oversees the direction of the Holstein Foundation’s youth and young adult educational and leadership development programs.
Kappelman and his family milk 470 Registered Holstein and Brown Swiss cows and farm 1,100 acres on their farm, Meadow Brook Dairy. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and has given his time liberally to the dairy industry in several capacities.
Kappelman has been a member of the Land O’Lakes, Inc. board of directors since 1995, serving as Chairman since 2004. He also is an ag policy advisor to USDA and USTR, on the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) board, and on the Wisconsin Alumni Association board of directors. He has a wealth of experience on other boards as well, previously being involved with the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin (PDPW), UW Center for Dairy Profitability, University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Board of Visitors, the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board and the U.S. Dairy Export Council.
Furthermore, Pete enjoys giving back to his community, serving on his county economic development board, on his church council, serving as a youth basketball coach and volunteering as a 4-H dairy leader.
Congratulations to the eight finalists named in Holstein Association USA’s annual Young Distinguished Junior Member (YDJM) competition!
The YDJM recognition is the highest award given to National Junior Holstein members, ages 9 to 16, and honors their dairy project work and involvement with other agricultural and community organizations.
The 2013 YDJM finalists are: Christy Achen, South Ambia, Ind.; Andy Dougherty, Epworth, Iowa; Evan Gunter, Asheboro, N.C.; Ross Laskey, Okeechobee, Fla.; Cole Leonard, Spottswood, VA; Austin Nauman, Norwalk, Wis.; Austin Schmitt, Rice, Minn.; and Cody Sears, Schenevus, N.Y.
Applicants for the YDJM award complete an entry book, which summarizes their involvement with Holstein cattle and programs, as well as other extracurricular activities.
Congratulations to the twelve semifinalists for the 2013 Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) awards, sponsored by the Holstein Association USA.
The Distinguished Junior Member recognition is the highest honor given to members of the National Junior Association, ages 17 to 21, demonstrating a lifetime of commitment to the Holstein breed and involvement in a variety of activities.
This year’s semifinalists are: Michael Bahl, Dubuque, Iowa; Rocco Cunningham, Penngrove, Calif.; Carissa Doody, Union Bridge, Md.; Isaac Haagen, Howard, Pa.; Charles Hamilton, Cuba City, Wis.; Breinne Hendrickson, Belleville, Wis.; Chelsea Jones, Little York, N.Y.; Hayley Potts, Purcellville, Va.; Michael Schmitt, Rice, Minn.; Rebecca Shaw, Williamsburg, Pa.; Derek Wasson, Centre Hall, Pa.; and Kathryn Wendorf, Viroqua, Wis.
Each of the semifinalists completed an entry book, detailing their Junior Holstein project work, involvement with their cattle, program participation, and school and community activities.
The twelve semifinalists will interview at the National Holstein Convention, July 7-11 in Indianapolis, Ind., to be named one of six finalists.
Posted: February 28, 2013 at 8:31 am
By News Editor
Holstein Association USA is currently seeking applications to fill two open seats for adult representatives from Areas III and IV on the Junior Advisory Committee (JAC). Applications must be submitted to Holstein Association USA by March 15, 2013.
The JAC is the governing body of the National Junior Holstein Association, serving as a sounding board for Junior members and advisors, and overseeing Holstein youth programs. Adult representatives bring valuable perspective and guidance to the committee.
Area III covers Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin; and Area IV includes Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
Adult representatives are eligible to serve up to two two-year terms on the JAC. The committee meets annually, via conference call or in-person, to discuss Junior Holstein Association matters, and attendance at the National Junior Holstein Convention is mandatory, as the committee assists with coordinating events and carrying out activities.
Ideal committee members will be knowledgeable about Junior Holstein programs; have a strong communication network with members in their designated area; must commit to attending designated JAC meetings; and must display the highest standards of ethics and commitment to youth programs.
Posted: February 25, 2013 at 3:02 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Austin Schwartzbeck of Union Bridge, Md. He has been named the Holstein Association USA’s 2012 Overall Judi Collinsworth Outstanding Junior Exhibitor Award recipient.
The Collinsworth Award is presented annually in honor of former Holstein Executive Director of Member and Industry Services, Judi Collinsworth. The award recognizes youths’ work and involvement with Holstein cattle and dairy activities. Recipients are selected based on sportsmanship, herdsmanship and level of participation in Holstein activities. Schwartzbeck is the ninth youth to receive this honor, and receives a $500 scholarship.
Schwartzbeck received the Collinsworth Award at the 2012 Premier National Junior Holstein Show in Harrisburg, Pa., where he has been an exhibitor for several years. The 21-year-old son of Gus and Lisa Schwartzbeck has enjoyed being involved on his family’s Peace and Plenty Farm his entire life, in all aspects of the operation. Austin says his life’s passion is breeding and exhibiting Registered Holstein cattle, and his ultimate goal is to pass the farm on to the fifth generation of farmers in his family.
Austin has been a very active member of both the Maryland and National Junior Holstein Associations, participating in a wide range of Junior Holstein activities. He has competed in both dairy bowl and dairy jeopardy at the state and national levels, and has received many accolades through the years, including Junior breeder of an Excellent cow, 2007 national Young Distinguished Junior Member finalist, and 2010 National Distinguished Junior Member semifinalist. He currently represents Area 1 on the National Junior Holstein Advisory committee.
Schwartzbeck is currently a junior at Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, where he is studying dairy science. At college he is a member and has held leadership positions with the Dairy Club and Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. He judged for Virginia Tech at the 2011 National Intercollegiate Dairy Judging Contest at World Dairy Expo, where he was the ninth high individual, helping the team to an impressive second place finish.
Posted: February 6, 2013 at 5:25 pm
By News Editor
Holstein Association USA is excited to report that 2012 was another solid year for U.S. Registered Holsteins and program activity, with interest in Registered Holstein cattle continuing to grow. Registrations at the end of last year totaled 362,669, up 2,520 from 2011.
The Association identified 204,474 Holsteins last year through the Basic ID program, which is a stepping stone to full registry status. Animals identified with Basic ID are not eligible for Holstein USA recognitions or Official Holstein Pedigrees. Basic ID, combined with registrations, bring the total number of animals identified in 2012 to 567,143.
Participation in the Holstein COMPLETE program is also strong, with 281,359 cows enrolled in the program at the end of 2012, which is an increase of 10 percent over 2011 numbers. Holstein COMPLETE is the Association’s premier program, bundling registrations, classification, production records, pedigrees, and other services together for one annual fee.
The Association classified 228,541 cows in their regular Classification program. Through the SET classification program, 88,586 animals were appraised, which is a 3 percent increase in the number of cows over 2011.
The number of genotyped animals continues to increase annually. In 2012, 26,796 genomic tests were performed, compared to 19,474 in 2011, an increase of 7,322.
The increased interest in the Registered Holstein cow and her Association is evidenced by the fact that the Association welcomed 629 new adult members and 966 Junior members in 2012, which is a 3 percent increase in adults and 8 percent increase in Juniors.
Posted: January 28, 2013 at 3:16 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Brad Scott, of Moreno Valley, Calif.for being named the Holstein Foundation’s 2012 Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI) Distinguished Alumni Leader Award recipient!
The Holstein Foundation recognizes one YDLI alum annually who has made notable contributions and utilized skills gained during their YDLI experience for the betterment of the dairy industry. Scott was a graduate of YDLI Class 3.
Brad is a partner in his family business, Scott Brothers Dairy Farm, part of the fourth generation operating the dairy farm and processing business. They sell a variety of products including fluid milk, frozen yogurt, and sour cream.
Aside from his work with their 1,100 cow dairy and processing business, Brad is an involved member of several agricultural organizations. He has served on the board of directors for the Milk Producers Council, California Beef Council, California Dairy Herd Improvement Association, National Dairy Board, among others, and is also a current member of Holstein Association USA’s Legislative Affairs committee.
Scott Brothers Dairy annually plays host to numerous groups, from local Boy Scout troops and area families to larger bus tours and international guests. Scott takes advantage of the many opportunities presented to him to serve as an advocate for the industry, both in his community and as a member of the Dairy Farmer Spokesperson Network. He has spoken to a wide range of audiences, including local Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, local and state legislators, and national media groups. In 2011, he traveled oversees to Tokyo, Japan on a dairy trade mission with the U.S. Dairy Export Council to learn how the U.S. can increase sales of dairy products to Japan.
Aimed at those with little or no exposure to Holstein cattle or the dairy industry, the web site features several tabbed sections to help people familiarize themselves with dairy cattle and the Holstein breed. To view the Holstein 101 pages, visit the Holstein Association USA web site at www.holsteinusa.com, and click on the Holstein 101 button located beneath the Recent Updates box on the right side of the page.
The seven sections found on the Holstein 101 page include: Holstein Breed History, Facts about Holstein Cattle, Glossary of Common Dairy Terms, Basic Dairy Cattle Care, What Makes a “Good Cow,” Understanding Pedigrees, and Holstein Photos and Desktop Backgrounds. Each section also includes “Recommended Reading” for those interested in digging a little deeper into the content discussed.
Holstein 101 also includes a feature called “Ask a Holstein Expert,” where someone can email Holstein Association USA with their questions, if they don’t find the answers they’re looking for within the web site.
Holstein enthusiasts are encouraged to share this resource with younger members and youth agricultural organizations, or anyone who might be interested in learning a little more about the dairy industry.
Posted: December 10, 2012 at 8:25 pm
By News Editor
Holstein Association USA now has the annual Pedigree Analysis of 2012 National Holstein Show Winners available on the Holstein Association USA web site.
These lists are provided for showring enthusiasts and aspiring breeders, giving a closer look at the genetics behind the cattle that are receiving showring accolades at the highest levels of competition. .
Holstein females included in the dataset were those that placed in the top three in their respective age class at a National Holstein Show in 2012. This year, that included 217 heifers and 273 cows.
This section of the web site is updated each fall, following the last National Holstein Show of the year. Included are lists of Leading Sires, Leading Maternal Grandsires, and Leading Sire Stacks of National Show Winners.
For the third year running, Braedale Goldwyn holds the honor of being the Leading Sire of 2012 National Holstein Show Winners, siring 23 heifers and 55 cows who placed in the top three of their classes, making him the top sire in both of those categories. In second is his son, Maple-Downs-I G W Atwood-ET, who sired a total of 29 heifers and cows placing in the top three.
Posted: December 6, 2012 at 6:56 pm
By News Editor
Holstein Association USA is planning its annual nationwide meeting series for this winter. Meetings are open to all interested dairy producers. More details and RSVP information are available here.
All of the meetings provide Holstein Association updates, and the meetings in Brattleboro, Vt., LaCrosse, Wis., Ruidoso, N.M., and Twin Falls, Idaho will feature presentations from national industry leaders on how to capture additional added value with Holsteins.
December 11, 2012 – Brattleboro, VT, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Holstein Association USA headquarters
January 10, 2013 – LaCrosse, WI, 10 a.m to 3 p.m., Radisson Hotel LaCrosse
January 18, 2013 – Batavia, NY, 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., Clarion Hotel
January 23, 2013 – Ruidoso, NM, 10 a.m to 3 p.m., Hotel Ruidoso
January 25, 2013 – Visalia, CA, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center
February 2, 2013 – Perry, GA, 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon, Ramada Perry Hotel
February 22, 2013 – Rothschild, WI, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Stoney Creek Inn – Wausau
February 26, 2013 – Twin Falls, ID, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn
March 1, 2013 – Cranberry Township, PA, 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Pittsburgh Marriott North
March 2, 2013 – Welch, MN, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., Treasure Island Resort
March 8, 2013 – Westminster, MD, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Carroll County Ag Center
March 8, 2013 – Sidney, Ohio, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sidney Inn & Conference Center
Posted: November 28, 2012 at 8:34 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to the newly announced 2012 Progressive Breeders’ Registry (PBR) and Progressive Genetics Herd (PGH) honorees. These awards are given annually by the Holstein Association USA to the top Registered Holstein® herds excelling in type, milk production and genetic merit in their herds.
All eligible herds are evaluated automatically each year and approximately 10 percent of the herds enrolled in Premier or Deluxe TriStar options are recognized as PBR winners. In 2012, 232 herds were awarded this distinction; 17 herds were first-time PBR honorees. Two herds have qualified for the PBR award for over 50 years: Robthom Holsteins in Missouri is a 57-year PBR herd, and Walhowdon Farm of New Hampshire has received PBR honors for 53 years.
The Progressive Genetics Herd (PGH) award honors herds with high genetic value, based on average TPI® levels, which lead toward continued breed progress. This is a newer award, first given in 1991, and recognizes the top 500 herds for average TPI values, from the group of herds meeting minimum requirements. The cut-off TPI value for PGH herds in 2012 was +1586, with 42 herds receiving the award for the first time this year.
Thirty-six herds have received PGH recognition every year it has been given: Floyd & Lloyd Baumann & Fred Lang, WI; Bomaz, Inc., WI; R. Paul Buhr, Jr., WI; Conant Acres, Inc., ME; De Su Holsteins LLC, IA; End Road Farm, MI; Brian & Wendy Fust, WI; Rick & Kris Garvey, WI; Jeff Henschel, WI; Steven G. Holte, WI; Gary L. Housner, WI; Jaloda Farms, OH; Chuck Jinkins, WI; Jo-Wal Farms, WI; Randy W. Kortus, WA; Roger & David Latuch, PA; Larry Lexvold, MN; Lirr Farm, WI; Jason M. & Donna G. Myers, MD; Nordic-Haven Holsteins, IA; Gaylon, Gary & Steve Obert, IL; Olmar Farms, MN; Mark P. Paul, WI; Regancrest Farm, IA; Darrell Richard, IN; Alfred & Mark Schmitt, MN; Scott Seward, WI; Springhill, OH; Stelling Farms, Inc., MN; Sully Hill Dairy Co., MN; Triple T Dairy, TN; Earnest Turk, GA; Veazland Farms, ME; Walhowdon Farm, Inc., NH; Wardin Bros., MI; and Welcome Stock Farm, LLC, NY.
Posted: November 26, 2012 at 7:47 pm
By News Editor
The Holstein Association USA, Inc. board of directors met in Chicago, Ill. on November 14-15.
The Holstein Association is pleased to announce it will be participating in two dairy genetic research studies. The first is one in which the Association will be providing type evaluation services for a feed efficiency research study being conducted by several universities.
The board also approved funding for a study that will seek to find haplotypes of elite Holstein females that are associated with their valuable and unique phenotypes. The impetus for this study was fostered by grassroots member input.
Upon motion duly made and seconded, the board resolved:
Holstein Association USA is committed to remaining in its long-standing, traditional role as custodian and steward of the Holstein breed, specifically including genetic labeling, parentage discovery and verification, and type evaluation. The direction being taken by the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding, NAAB, and the CDDR is inconsistent with this commitment by Holstein Association USA.
Furthermore upon motion duly made and seconded, the board resolved:
The Holstein Association USA Board of Directors does not approve the Bylaws recently presented to the members of the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (“Council”) and continues to be opposed to the proposed Cooperative Agreement and Business Plan under consideration by the USDA and the Council in regard to a U.S. Genetic Evaluation Program.
[Ed. note: NAAB is the National Association of Animal Breeders; CDDR is the Cooperative Dairy DNA Repository, Inc.]
The board has approved the release of 2,437 prefixes effective December 31, 2012. Since its inception in 2009, the board policy allows the release for reuse of a prefix after 20 years of non-use and makes it easier for members to acquire prefixes for their herds. A proprietor may request retirement of his or her prefix for a $100 fee.
The spring board meeting will be held March 21-22, 2013, in Hartford, Ct. and the summer board meeting will be held June 7-8, 2013, in Indianapolis, Ind., held in conjunction with the 128th Annual Meeting.
Posted: September 24, 2012 at 7:11 pm
By News Editor
Holstein Association USA offers several awards to recognize outstanding achievements of members and their work with Registered Holstein cattle.
Applications for the Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder, Elite Breeder, and Distinguished Leadership Award are due to the Holstein Association USA office by February 28, 2013, and are available online.
The Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder Award recognizes significant accomplishments of young Registered Holstein Breeders, ages 21 to 40. Applicants may nominate themselves or be nominated, and may apply as individuals, a couple, or business partners. The winning applicant will receive travel and lodging expenses for two to the 2013 National Holstein Convention and a $2,000 cash award. Jonathan and Alicia Lamb of Oakfield, N.Y., were honored as the 2012 Distinguished Young Holstein Breeders.
The Elite Breeder Award honors a living Holstein Association USA member, family, partnership, or corporation who has bred outstanding animals and thereby made a notable contribution to the advancement of U.S. Registered Holsteins. The applicant must have been a member of Holstein Association USA for at least five years. Applications will be considered for three years. The 2012 Elite Breeder honor went to Regancrest Farm of Waukon, Iowa.
The Distinguished Leadership Award is given to an individual who has provided outstanding and unselfish leadership, and contributed to the improvement of the Holstein Association and/or dairy industry. This is a unique award, as the recipient does not necessarily have to be a member of Holstein Association USA. Applications for this award will also be considered for three years. Dr. Robert Walton of DeForest, Wis., was recognized with the Distinguished Leadership Award in 2012.
Additionally, a scholarship is available to students interested in agriculture who plan to pursue their Master’s Degree in Business Administration. The Robert H. Rumler MBA Scholarship awards $3,000 to a qualified individual pursuing their MBA at an accredited university. Applications for this scholarship are due to the Holstein office by April 15, 2013.
Posted: September 10, 2012 at 6:32 pm
By News Editor
Holstein Association USA has announced new classification changes, brought about by a recommendation of the Association’s Type Advisory Committee.
The decision puts more emphasis on long-term profitability traits and penalizes 2-year olds that are over 59 inches tall and shorter than 53 inches. This in essence, makes stature at two-way trait where the extreme is not rewarded. The goal is to have a more uniform breed, which in turn makes cows able to fit their facilities and manage herd members equally.
A cow’s final score is based on five major classification categories or breakdowns of front end and capacity, dairy strength, rump, feet and legs and udder. The classifier numerically assigns each breakdown a score ranging from 1 to 100 points. The numbers are based on the level of desirability exhibited by individual cows for each category compared to the true-type model. The final score is the weighted sum of the five major breakdown scores.
The two major breakdowns affected are front end and capacity, and feet and legs. Five of the scorecard points allocated to front end and capacity have been moved to feet and legs. This makes front end and capacity at 15 percent and feet and legs at 20 points. Udder at 40 points, dairy strength at 20 points and rump at 5 points remain unchanged.
Youth from across the country traveled to Springfield, Mo. for the National Junior Holstein Convention, competing in various contests and displaying their talents on a national stage.
Thirty-seven contestants competed in this year’s Prepared Public Speaking competition. In the Junior division, first place honors went to Allison Herrick, N.J., with her speech entitled, “Calf Raising.” Second place went to Lora Wright, Mo., with “Robotic Milking” and third was Alexandria Lopes, Calif., “Dairy Cows – Super Models of the Industry.”
In the Intermediate division, first place was Katie Migliazzo, Calif., with “Biosecurity, It’s Up to You!” Second was Jennifer Haler, Minn., “From Moo to You,” and third was Ashley Mohn, Pa., with “Cheese.”
Mary Elizabeth Foote, N.Y., captured first place in the Senior division with her speech, “Bringing the Next Generation of Dairy Farmers Back to the Farm.” In second place was Lauren Nell, Pa., “Labor Law,” and third went to Taylor Pires, Calif., “Media’s Effects on Perception of Agriculture.”
Forty eight folding displays were submitted for the sixth annual Folding Display competition. Participants create a free-standing display on a dairy industry topic of their choice. This year the folding displays were divided into two categories, creative and scientific. Having two divisions in the contest allows more youth to compete and showcase their knowledge.
The winning entry in the Junior Creative division was submitted by Kate Carlson, Ill., titled “Ethics.” Second place honors went to Katelyn McClellan, Mo., with “Embryo Transfer” and third was Rosie Lenz, Mo., with “Udders.”
In the Intermediate Creative division, Alex Pluskot, Fla., had the winning entry with “Farm Safety.” Sydney Davis, N.C., placed second with “How Now Brown Cow.” Third place went to Ashley Mohn, Pa., with her display entitled “Shh…I’m Resting.”
For the Senior Creative division, Shelby Proctor, Pa., placed first with her display, “ABS.” Jacob Shaffer, Pa., placed second with “Blast Off for Milk” and third went to Raychel Rabon, Fla., “Dairy Foods.”
Placing first in the Junior Scientific division was Sierra Swanson, Minn., with “Holsteins.” Second place was awarded to Jacey Smith, Wash., with her display titled “Hole-E-Cow (Fistulated Cows).” Rachel Nigh, Wis., was third with “5 C’s of Calf Care.”
Winning the Intermediate division in the Scientific display was Suzanna Hull, Mich., “Cow Digestion.” Jacob McGehee, Fla., was second with “Plants Toxic to Dairy Cattle.” Third place was Mark Kitchen, Pa., with “Cows’ Eyesight.”
The Senior Scientific display competition was won by Jessica Bryiger, N.J., with her display titled “Somatic Cell Count.” Austin Pluskot, Fla., was second with “By-product Feeds.” Third was Christian O’Brien, N.J., with “Holstein Heal.”
The state scrapbook contest gives each state the opportunity to showcase the Junior Holstein activities they do throughout the year. Eight states submitted entries this year, with Iowa having the winning entry, Wisconsin placing second, and New York in third.
The digital scrapbook contest saw six entries submitted. This division is judged on the same criteria as a traditional scrapbook, but must be presented on a computer, DVD player, or other digital format. Winning this year’s contest was Missouri, followed by Florida in second, and Iowa taking third.
The state banner competition allows states to show off their creative sides. This year there were a total of 10 entries that were displayed at the Convention. First place in the banner contest went to Illinois, second to Florida, and third to California.
At the National Junior Forum on June 30, three new youth area representatives were elected to serve on the Junior Advisory Committee (JAC). For Area II, Austin Pluskot of Florida was elected to replace outgoing committee member Tera Koebel of Michigan, and Briar Jeg of Washington will be replacing Brooke Schoenbachler, also of Washington, for Area IV. Molly Herberg of Minnesota was elected to serve as an At-Large committee member, replacing Derek Wasson from Pennsylvania.
Holstein Association USA’s 2013 Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) and Young Distinguished Junior Member (YDJM) applications are now available. These awards recognize the most accomplished members of the National Junior Holstein Association, the highest honor given by the Association to youth. Entry materials must be postmarked by March 1, 2013, to be eligible.
Following recommendations from the Junior Advisory Committee, which were approved by the board of directors, applications for both the DJM and YDJM contests have been significantly revamped. Those familiar with the contest in previous years should make note of the changes before working on 2013 applications. Many sections were combined or shortened, reducing the total length of the required entry portfolio. A mission statement was also established for the award, by the Junior Advisory Committee:
“Holstein Association USA’s Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) recognition is designed to reward youth who demonstrate a firsthand working knowledge of the dairy industry, participate in Registered Holstein®, dairy and other activities, be role models for other youth and good spokespeople for the dairy industry.”
To help explain the changes and answer any questions youth or youth leaders may have about the application, Holstein Association USA will be hosting an informational webinar on Friday, August 17, at 1 p.m. EST. Register for the webinar here.
Holstein Association USA honored several dairymen. Congratulations to Jonathan and Alicia Lamb, Distinguished Young Holstein Breeders; the Regan family of Regancrest Farm, the 2012 Elite Breeder award recipient and Dr. Robert E. Walton, the 2012 Distinguished Leadership Award honoree.
Jonathan and Alicia Lamb of Oakfield, N.Y., were recognized as Holstein Association USA’s 2012 Distinguished Young Holstein Breeders. This award is given annually to a Holstein Association USA member or partnership of members between the ages of 21 and 40, recognizing the significant accomplishments of young Registered Holstein breeders, and their commitment to preserving the dairy industry and achieving excellence in their daily lives. Winners receive paid travel and lodging expenses to the National Holstein Convention and a $2,000 cash award.
The Regan family of Regancrest Farm in Waukon, Iowa, was honored as the 2012 Elite Breeder award recipients. The Elite Breeder award annually recognizes a Holstein Association USA member or partnership who has bred quality Registered Holstein cattle, improving the overall quality of the breed.
Dr. Robert E. Walton of De Forest, Wis., was announced as the 2012 Distinguished Leadership Award honoree. This award is given annually to an individual who has provided outstanding and unselfish leadership to the Holstein Association, or dairy industry as a whole.
Holstein Association USA recognized several Junior members who breed and own exceptional Holstein cattle during the National Junior Holstein Convention, June 27-30, in Springfield, Mo. with six different awards based on type and production. The awards are designed to reward and encourage Junior members to continue their excellent Registered Holstein breeding programs.
The Breeder of an Excellent Cow award is presented to Junior members who have bred and owned a cow officially classified “Excellent” on or after January 1, 2010. The 2012 recipients are: Meredith Ball, Idaho; Quinn Cashell, Pa.; Kaicey Conant, Maine; Emily Davis, Pa.; Scott DeBaugh, Md.; Dustin Gates, Pa.; Matthew Gray, N.Y.; Charles Hamilton, Wis.; Jessica Herrington, N.Y.; Kyle Jackson, Pa.; Katy Kemmeren, N.Y.; Emily Knight, N.Y.; Tera Koebel, Mich.; Katherine Larson, Wis.; Jordan London, Pa.; Bret Long, Pa.; Taegan Long, Mich.; Karch Manley, N.Y.; Isaac Mills, Pa.; Rose Morian, Pa.; Katie Osborne, Pa.; Hayley Potts, Va.; Jessica Pralle, Wis.; Ryan Pralle, Wis.; Clay Rice, Pa.; Jocelyn Riser, Pa.; Ruben Schaapman, Ga.; Crystal Siemers-Peterman, Wis.; Morgan Wendling, Ill.; Ryan Wheatley, Del.; and Corbin Wood, Pa.
The National Breeder of a Multiple “E” Excellent Cow award is received by Junior members who have bred and owned a cow classified Multiple “E” Excellent. The breeders receiving the award are: Dustin Gates, Pa.; Taegan Long, Mich.; Tyler Nelson, N.Y.; and Katie Osborne, Pa. (more…)
Holstein Association USA held their 127th Annual Business Meeting, June 29 and 30, in conjunction with the 2012 National Holstein Convention in Springfield, Mo.
Three regional director positions and one at-large directorship were up for election at this year’s annual meeting. Individuals elected to their first terms on the board of directors were R. Paul Buhr, Viroqua, Wis., representing Region 5, and Patrick Maddox, Riverdale, Calif., for Region 9. Incumbent directors re-elected to their second three-year terms were At-Large director Jonathan Lamb, Oakfield, N.Y., and Region 8 director Bill Wright, McCornick, Utah.
Retiring from the board of directors after six years of service were Region 5 director Robert Nigh of Viroqua, Wis. and Hank van Exel, Lodi, Calif., Region 9 director.
The spring board meeting of Holstein Association USA, Inc. was held March 21-22.
