For beginners, the Dairy Judging workbook starts with fundamentals such as the parts of a dairy cow and the four major breakdowns of the PDCA Unified Scorecard. Comparative dairy terminology is covered with pictures showing structural variations of cattle. Preparing and presenting oral reasons is a featured section, with several examples, as well as tips for both beginners and more advanced youth. An introduction to linear evaluation is also provided. Several interactive exercises and resources for both youth and judging coaches are available in the workbook, including worksheets to teach the parts of a cow, oral reasons vocabulary and note-taking skills, as well as placing cards that can be copied off and used in practices.
For those interested in learning more about Registered Holstein pedigrees, the Pedigree Questions and Answers workbook has also been updated, with information on many of the changes that have taken place in recent months.
These workbooks come along with the launch of a completely redesigned Holstein Foundation Web site, which highlights the organization’s dairy leadership development programs. Along with Dairy Judging are several other free, educational workbooks covering topics from genetics and pedigrees to nutrition and general dairy cattle care.
Posted: February 15, 2010 at 4:53 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Thomas J. Kestell of Waldo, Wis. for his record breaking Holstein cow – Ever-Green-View My 1326-ET. Ever-Green-View is the new national milk production record holder, at four years and five months of age, she has produced a 365-day record of 72,170 pounds of milk, with 2,787 pounds of fat and 2,142 pounds of protein.
Sired by Stouder Morty-ET, 1326-ET hails from Ever-Green-View’s prolific “Elsie” family. She is scored EX-92, and also holds the national Junior Four-Year-Old records for milk and fat production in both the 305 and 365-day categories. She produced almost 37,000 pounds of milk as a two-year-old and over 46,000 pounds as a three-year-old.
This record breaks the previous 365-day record of 67,914 pounds of milk, set by Muranda Oscar Lucinda-ET VG-86. As a frame of reference, the 2008 actual production average for all U.S. Holstein herds enrolled in production-testing programs was 23,022 pounds of milk, 840 pounds of butterfat and 709 pounds of protein.
1326-ET’s exceptional record is backed by several generations of impressive performance. Her dam is a VG-85 GMD daughter of Ricecrest Lantz-ET, with two 305-day records over 30,000 pounds of milk. Behind that is Ever-Green-View Elsie-ET (by Emprise Bell Elton), scored EX-92 2E GMD DOM, who has a best record at 4-09 of 52,580 pounds of milk, with 4.4 percent fat and 3.3 percent protein. Elsie’s dam is an EX-90 2E GMD DOM daughter of Drendel Melvin Grant-Twin with a four-year-old record over 50,000 pounds of milk, out of a Stardell Valiant Winken-ET daughter, scored EX-91 2E GMD DOM with multiple records over 40,000 pounds of milk.
Ever-Green-View Holsteins is owned by Tom and Gin Kestell, with son Chris involved in the operation on a day-to-day basis as well. They have 130 cows with a BAA of 109.7 percent, and a Rolling Herd Average of 35,151 pounds of milk, 1,351 pounds of fat, and 1,083 pounds of protein.
Posted: January 13, 2010 at 12:27 pm
By News Editor
The Holstein Association USA has announced a a new Total Performance Index (TPI) formula to help recognize the needs, strengths and opportunities in the Holstein breed. The new formula has slight modifications from its last updated in May 2007. TPI is used to rank Holstein cattle and assist dairy producers worldwide in identifying superior cattle with a combination of high production, sound conformation and desirable health and fertility.
“The Genetic Advancement Committee recommended the update to the TPI formula to reflect the wants and needs of today’s dairymen,” said Dr. Tom Lawlor, Holstein Association USA Director of Research and Development. “The opportunity to improve the lower heritability health and fertility traits is greater now than ever before with the information provided by genomic evaluations.”
The updated TPI formula includes an increased emphasis on Productive Life (PL) and Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR); maintains the current emphasis on udders and feet and legs; aims to slow the increase in body size; and slightly reduces the emphasis on production. New weights for the major categories include: 42 percent on production (down from 45 percent), 33 percent on health and fertility (up from 27 percent), and 25 percent on conformation (down from 28 percent).
This change comes along with the updating of the genetic base, which occurs every five years, to ensure the genetic evaluations are being compared to a current and up-to-date population. The new base now reflects cows born in 2005, whereby the average PTA of those cows equals zero. Some adjustments to the major traits include:
Milk - 415
Fat - 15
Protein - 14
PTAT - 0.87
UDC - 0.85
FLC - 0.65
Posted: January 11, 2010 at 9:15 pm
By News Editor
Hoard’s Dairyman and the Holstein World have reported that former Executive Secretary of Holstein Association USA Robert H. Rumler has passed away. We are very saddened to hear the loss of such a prominent figure of the dairy world, and will pass along more information as it becomes available.
Robert Rumler, long-time Holstein Executive Secretary and dedicated dairy industry leader passed away on January 10, 2010; he was 93 years old. Rumler served as Executive Secretary of the Holstein Friesian Association (now Holstein USA) from 1952 to 1975. During his tenure with the Association, Rumler guided the Association to prominence as the world’s largest and most prestigious dairy breed organization, becoming an internationally recognized dairy leader in the process.
He has served in many leadership capacities in addition to those with the Association including Chairman of the U.S. Agricultural Export Development Council, National Advisory Committee on International Agricultural Trade, US/USSR Joint Commission on Agricultural Cooperation, Joint Commissions on Commercial Development with several Eastern European Countries, Director and Board Chairman of Vermont National Bank, to name a few. In retirement, he serves as Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Commonwealth Campus of Penn State University at Mont Alto.
Born and raised on a Pennsylvania dairy farm, Rumler graduated with honors from Penn State University in 1936. Honored by Penn State as a Distinguished Alumnus, Rumler is also the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award of the Holstein Association, The American Dairy Science Association, National DHIA, National Agricultural Marketing Offi cials. He is in the Dairy Shrine “Hall of Fame,” and the International Livestock Hall of Fame. Other similar recognitions have been accorded him.
“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.
World Dairy Diary coverage of World Dairy Expo is sponsored by:
This edition of the Milking Parlor podcast focuses on the Dairy Price Stabilization Program proposed by Holstein Association USA as a way to address the current dairy industry economic situation and minimize milk price volatility for the long term.
I spoke with John Meyer, executive secretary and CEO of Holstein Association USA, about the plan during an interview at World Dairy Expo. “One of the beauties of this program is that nothing has to be affected,” Meyer says. “The Dairy Price Stabilization Program does not require the Farm Bill to be opened, nor does it affect any of the current dairy programs. It’s a very simple thing to be implemented and it can be done very quickly.”
Meyer says they are getting good industry support for the plan and hope to get a bill written and considered by Congress, possibly as early as the end of this year.
World Dairy Diary coverage of World Dairy Expo is sponsored by:
Holstein dairy cattle continue to be the leading breed in the dairy industry and the Holstein industry has also been breeding leaders in the agribusiness industry as well through the Holstein Foundation’s Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI).
Jodi Hoynoski with Holstein Foundation and Holstein Association USA says they are planning for the seventh YDLI class. “It is a two year, intense leadership training program,” Jodi told me. “There’s three phases for the program. The first phase is dedicated to developing individual skills, learning more about who you are, a bit media training to help them speak up more for agriculture.”
Phase two is a year of “homework projects” promoting the dairy industry and agriculture. Phase three, everyone gets back together for more advanced teamwork skills, board member training, more media training and affecting public policy. She says that graduates of the program have gone on to become influential movers and shakers in the agribusiness industry – like Mike Opperman with Charleston Orwig who was in the very first graduating class!
Jodi says applications are due next summer for the next class that begins in February of 2011. Sign up to receive an application from a link on the front page of the Holstein Foundation website.
Listen to or download an interview with Jodi from World Dairy Expo here:
The Holstein Association USA has honored Robert Schauf, Barron, Wis. with the 2009 Elite Breeder Award. The award recognizes a Holstein breeder who bred outstanding animals, making a notable contribution to the advancement of the Holstein breed in the United States.
Through his early years working with Registered cattle, Schauf developed a breeding philosophy based on strong cow families, striving to breed powerful cows that consistently transmit a balance of both superior type and production. He and his wife, Karen, began their own farm, milking cattle under the Alpine-Haven prefix in Southern Wisconsin. In 1981, they purchased her grandparent’s farm in Northwest Wisconsin, founding Indianhead Holsteins, where the family has been ever since.
Schauf’s consistent breeding philosophy shows through in his impressive herd statistics. Indianhead has a Rolling Herd Average of 27,298 pounds of milk, 1,073 pounds of fat, and 826 pounds of protein. After their most recent classification, the herd’s BAA stands at 112%, with 39 cows scored Excellent, 43 Very Good, and one Good Plus. Through the years, under the Indianhead prefix, Schauf has bred over 180 Excellent cows and over 370 cows scored Very Good.
Indianhead cattle are in demand both domestically and internationally. Schauf has merchandised cattle to several countries, including Japan, Germany, Canada, Italy and the United Kingdom, just to name a few. In 2007, he was recognized with the Wisconsin Governor’s Export Achievement Award for his successful international cattle marketing efforts. Over the years, Indianhead has sent over 60 bulls into AI, including legends such as Indianhead Red-marker-ET, a former #1 Type bull and sire of many show ring champions across the country.
Growing up on a farm, Jan and Jeff have been actively involved in the Registered Holstein business their entire lives. Participating in several Junior Holstein programs when they were younger, their love of working with dairy cattle stayed with them through college. After graduating from Cornell University in 1990 and 1993, respectively, Jan and Jeff returned to their home operation – Kings-Ransom Farm.
The brothers began managing the day-to-day operations of the farm, with major decisions being made jointly with their parents, Edgar and Carolyn. In 1996, the family set up a long-term buyout agreement, which allowed Jan and Jeff to steadily gain ownership of the operation.
Today, Kings-Ransom Farm has expanded and diversified. The Kings are milking 900 Registered Holsteins and farming 2,450 acres. Milking three times per day, their herd currently averages 27,132 pounds of milk, 988 pounds of fat and 844 pounds of protein.
Wolff spent many years as a dairyman in Pennsylvania, developing his operation, Pen-Col Farms, into a globally recognized prefix by pioneering embryo exports, marketing genetics to over 30 countries around the world.
In 2003, Wolff was confirmed as the Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture. Since then, he has put in place many state initiatives to help safeguard and grow the dairy industry. During his tenure, he created the Pennsylvania Dairy Task Force and developed a strategic plan to ensure a stable future for their state dairy industry. As part of the Task Force, several programs have been enacted, including the Center for Dairy Excellence, which helps farmers develop steps to improve the profitability and milk yields of their business.
In 2006, Wolff called for the creation of the Northeast Dairy Leadership Team, which leverages agricultural leadership in Pennsylvania, New York, and Vermont to help influence federal dairy policy. This team worked on several key issues in the 2008 Farm Bill for the benefit of dairy farmers across the country. Other initiatives that he has led include the Center for Farm Transitions, Pennsylvania Grows, and Act 38, a law which gives farmers the right to challenge unfair local ordinances that infringe on their ability to farm.
Aside from his duties as the Secretary of Agriculture, Wolff also lends his time and expertise to other organizations. Since 2000, he has served on the World Trade Organization’s Agriculture Technical Committee. His successful work as a member of this committee has enhanced the ability for other dairymen to export embryos of all dairy breeds. He has been a member of the Pennsylvania State University Board of Trustees since 2001, and served on the University of Pennsylvania Board of Overseers since 2004.
This is not the first time Wolff has been honored for his service to the industry. He was recently awarded the “Best Available Technology Award” by the National Agribusiness Technology Center for his leadership in developing a software system, improving animal health issue management in Pennsylvania. He received an Honorary FFA American Farmer Degree in 2005, and was recognized as a Master Farmer in 1994.
Wolff is also the President and Founder of the Nicholas Wolff Foundation and Camp Victory, which was established in 1987 on 35 acres of the Wolff’s home farm. Camp Victory is designed for handicapped and chronically ill children, to provide them a camp they can attend to meet other youth facing the same issues they are, make friends, and have fun. Today, the camp covers 120 acres of land and serves over 1200 special needs children each summer.
Registered Holstein enthusiasts – do you have your bags packed for Sacramento, Calif.? Final preparations are being made for the 124th National Holstein Convention and Annual Meeting, June 27-30, 2009. The California Convention Planning Committee and volunteers are eager to welcome Holstein members from across the country to their state for what promises to be an exciting and memorable National Convention.
Convention events will begin on Saturday, June 27 with several Junior competitions and the Wine and Cheese Social. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about California during Host Day tours on Sunday, June 28. A nondenominational devotional service will also be held that morning. Host Day concludes with the California National Convention Sale, featuring several lots of premium Registered HolsteinSM genetics.
The Holstein Association USA Annual Business Meeting will take place on Monday, June 29 and Tuesday, June 30. An Early Bird panel covering the popular topic of Genomics will be held on Monday morning, prior to the start of the meeting. Panelists include representatives from the A.I. industry, as well as Registered Holstein breeders from around the country. Later in the day, members will hear reports from CEO John M. Meyer and President Doug Maddox. The Association’s Forty-Year members will be recognized on Monday, as well as the Star of the Breed and Herd of Excellence honorees.
An exciting feature of Monday’s meeting will be a discussion of Holstein Association USA’s Dairy Price Stabilization Program by Dr. Robert A. Cropp, Professor Emeritus in Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Dr. Cropp has been serving as an advisor for the development of the program.
Officer and director elections are slated for the second day of the Annual Meeting. Larry Tande of Medford, Minn. will be seeking the office of President. Three candidates have declared their candidacy for the office of Vice President: John Bierbaum, Burnsville, Minn.; Tom Thorbahn, Vickery, Ohio; and Chuck Worden, Cassville, N.Y.
Four members will be elected to the Association’s board of directors. The candidate for Region 5 is Robert Nigh of Viroqua, Wis. Contending for the Region 8 seat are Bill Stoltzfus, Buhl, Idaho, and Bill Wright, McCornick, Utah. Incumbent Hank van Exel is up for re-election in Region 9, and for the At-Large position, three candidates have declared: Dennis A. Areias, Los Banos, Calif.; Thomas F. Atherton, Gaines, Mich.; and Jonathan Lamb, Oakfield, N.Y.
The Convention will conclude on Tuesday evening with the Gold Nugget Gala Banquet, where the recipients of the Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder, Elite Breeder and Distinguished Leadership Award will be revealed.
Juniors have several exciting events taking place during the Convention, including Dairy Jeopardy and Prepared Public Speaking on Saturday and the popular Dairy Bowl competition on Monday.
Holstein Association USA is proud to recognize the recipients of the 2009 Herd of Excellence recognition. An elite group of eleven members from around the United States have met the strict criteria to qualify for this prestigious award.
The herd standards for the award include: Must be 25 percent above breed average Mature Equivalent (ME) for milk, fat, and protein; must have classified within the last year and have an actual average classification score of 83 points or higher; must have at least 70 percent of the herd homebred; and must be enrolled in the Association’s TriStar program. Congratulations to all of the hard-working winners!
Tim and Jennifer Baker
Star-Summit Holsteins, Byron Center, Mich.
Tim Baker took over managing his 75-cow operation from his parents, Henry and Ruth, in 1997. Today, the herd is 92.21 percent homebred, with ME production averages of 32,010 pounds of milk, 1,170 pounds of fat, and 1,005 pounds of protein, and has an average classification score of 87.76 points. This is the second year that Star-Summit Holsteins has been honored as a Herd of Excellence, and they have been named a Progressive Breeders Registry herd for 26 years. Tim and his wife, Jennifer, have three children, Gerrit-10, Jack-8, and Elise-4.
Joseph Brantmeier
Hilrose Holsteins, Sherwood, Wis.
Hilrose Holsteins is a family farm, managed by Joe Brantmeier, and sons Andy and Jeff. They have received the Progressive Breeders Registry award for 19 years, and been named a Progressive Genetics Herd twice. The herd is 83.5 percent homebred, with an average classification score of 85.5 and ME production averages of 32,827 pounds of milk, 1,265 pounds of fat, and 957 pounds of protein. They also received the Herd of Excellence award in 2008. Joe’s wife, Chris, is a long time school teacher, and daughter Sarah works for Pfizer. Jeffrey and Kate Hendrickson
Jeffrey-Way Holsteins, Belleville, Wis.
Jeff and Kate Hendrickson have a 75-cow herd, of which 97.44 percent are homebred. Their average classification score is 85.26, and ME production averages are 31,506 pounds of milk, 1,173 pounds of fat, and 953 pounds of protein. Jeff has been working with Registered Holsteins for almost 30 years, having grown up on a dairy farm. He worked as a herdsman for a few years, and purchased a cow when that herd dispersed, which was the beginning of his own herd. All of the Hendrickson’s five children are involved on the farm in some aspect. Brandon, 32, works for the county and assists with field work when he can, Kelsi, 22, works as an assistant editor for Agri-View newspaper and helps in her free time, and Trent, 21, is in college and comes home on the weekends and during the summer to work. Breinne, 17, and Brooks, 15, both help with chores on a daily basis.
Jay and James Houser, Barbara Kerstetter, and Karen Aumen
Penn-Dell Farms, Spring Mills, Pa.
Jay Houser has been operating Penn-Dell Farms since 1963. The herd is 96.05 percent homebred, with an average classification score of 85.07 points, and ME production averages of 32,518 pounds of milk, 1,359 pounds of fat, and 972 pounds of protein. The herd is enrolled in Holstein COMPLETE and uses Tag ID to register their calves. Penn-Dell has received the Progressive Breeders Registry award for 37 years and have been a Progressive Genetics Herd for 18 years. Jay is very proud to have all five of his children involved in the dairy industry. His son James and daughter Karen Aumen take care of milking their 70 cows twice a day. Daughters Barbara Kerstetter and Sandra Haagen help Jay with the bookkeeping and finances for the farm. Another daughter, Mary Ellen Storm, lives in Wisconsin on a dairy farm. Jay’s grandchildren are taking an interest and enjoy being involved with the dairy as well.
Allen Johnson
Jafral Holsteins, Hamptonville, N.C.
Jafral Holsteins is a 40-cow herd owned and operated by Allen Johnson. Their average classification score is 84.04, with ME production averages of 34,354 pounds of milk, 1,301 pounds of fat, and 1,009 pounds of protein on twice daily milking. The herd is 100 percent homebred, with most of the cows tracing back to two cow families, Rilara Mars Las Ravena EX-91 2E GMD and Bonnyside Bova Brenda EX-90 2E GMD. This is the second year that Jafral has been honored as a Herd of Excellence. They have also received the Progressive Breeders Registry award for 11 years, and the Progressive Genetics Herd award for 14 years, with a 2008 average CTPI of 1578. The herd has been on Holstein COMPLETE for three years. Working alongside Allen is his nephew, Kevin Huie. The two are responsible for all of the day-to-day labor on the farm. Jan Jurbala
Spotlite-J Holsteins, Orangeville, Pa.
Jan Jurbala started Spotlite-J Holsteins in 1977, and is now milking 46 cows twice daily. The herd has ME production averages of 32,220 pounds of milk, 1,173 pounds of fat, and 995 pounds of protein, is 79.63 percent homebred and has an average classification score of 83.2 points. Friend Sandi Hock assists with milking, raises the calves and heifers for the farm, and owns some cattle with Jurbala. Jan’s daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren all live at the farm and enjoy being involved.
Bruce and Brenda Long
B-Long Holsteins, New London, Wis.
Bruce and Brenda Long own and operate B-Long Holsteins with their sons, Bryant-19, and twins Bret and Brandon-17. Currently milking 55 cows twice a day, the herd’s ME production averages are 35,190 pounds of milk, 1,219 pounds of fat, and 1,025 pounds of protein, with an average classification score of 83.66. The herd is 96.23 percent homebred.B-Long Holsteins was also recognized as a Herd of Excellence last year, and has been named a Progressive Genetics Herd for 13 years. Bruce and Brenda received the Distinguished Young Holstein Breeders Award in 2007. The Longs enjoy working together as a family and exhibiting their cattle at shows. They take pride in their homebred animals, and have not purchased any replacements in several years.
Paul, Tom, and Tim Schmitt Morningview Holsteins, Durango, Iowa
Morningview Holsteins is an 88-cow operation that is 83.8 percent homebred. The herd has an average classification score of 84.8, and ME production averages of 32,046 pounds of milk, 1,202 pounds of fat, and 948 pounds of protein. Morningview was also recognized as a Herd of Excellence last year, and has been named a Progressive Breeders Registry herd for 12 years. The Schmitts have been a Progressive Genetics Herd for 14 years and had the highest average CTPI in the country in 2008, at 1669.
Jake and Sallianne Tanis
Ideal Holsteins, Centre Hall, Pa.
At Ideal Holsteins, the Tanis family is currently milking 100 Registered Holsteins with ME Production Averages of 33,725 pounds of milk, 1,247 pounds of fat, and 1,004 pounds of protein. The herd is 100 percent homebred, has an average classification score of 83.37, and is milked twice a day in their tie-stall barn. Ideal Holsteins has been recognized with the Progressive Breeders Registry award for 13 years, and this is the second year they have qualified as a Herd of Excellence. Jake is quick to credit his wife and children for the success that they have attained with their farm. All of his children helped growing up, and his son, Adam, works there full-time now.
Benjamin and Carolyn Turner
Maplelane-Manor Farm, Apulia Station, N.Y.
Ben and Carolyn Turner have a 93.44 percent homebred herd of 120 cows, the largest herd of this year’s honorees, with ME production averages of 32,558 pounds of milk, 1,278 pounds of fat, and 1,053 pounds of protein. Their average classification score is 83.16. Ben is a full-time veterinarian, and Carolyn helps on the farm daily. They have two key employees – John Young, Carolyn’s son, who manages the farm’s field and crop work, and also milks, and Jay Liddington, who has been with them over 15 years and works mainly with the animals. The cows are milked twice a day in their tie-stall barn.
Clint and Heidi Zank
Ridge-Place Holsteins, Neillsville, Wis.
Ridge-Place Holsteins, owned by Clint and Heidi Zank, is a 40 cow herd milked twice a day, with ME production averages of 32,851 pounds of milk, 1,155 pounds of fat, and 968 pounds of protein. The herd is 97.78 percent homebred with an average classification score of 85.41 points.
The herd is enrolled in Holstein COMPLETE and has received the Progressive Breeders Registry award for five years. Clint is responsible for the majority of the labor on the farm. His wife, Heidi, works in the medical field, and they have a son, Brayden, who is five. Zank’s father still assists with the farm’s crops.
Congratulations to Andrew and Jodene Stuewe of Hamburg, Minn. for the amazing achievements of their Registered Holstein cow, Stuewes FB Giddy-ET. “Giddy” has been named the Holstein Association USA 2008 Star of the Breed! This award recognizes the complete Holstein cow – an animal that excels in both the show ring and milking parlor. Giddy is the second cow to be honored with this distinction.
Owned by the Stuewes, Giddy makes her home at Flower-Brook Registered Holsteins, and was bred by David Stuewe, Andrew’s father. Flower-Brook Registered Holsteins is enrolled in Holstein COMPLETE, and currently milking 70 Registered Holstein cows with a Rolling Herd Average of 26,300 pounds of milk.
Sired by Boulet Charles-ET, Giddy was born on June 14, 2003. She is classified EX-94, and has a record of 3-03 365 42,270 5.6%F 2369 3.3%P 1407. Her dam is Stuewes Milan Gabrielle EX-93 2E. Gabrielle is having a lasting impact on the Flower-Brook herd, with 32 descendants on the farm. Her best record is 8-06 365 33,970 4.0%F 1363 3.4%P 1151. Behind Gabrielle are three more Very Good dams, making Giddy a fifth-generation VG or EX.
Of Giddy’s twelve maternal sisters that are classified, three are scored Excellent, including a full sister at EX-92. Six of her sisters are classified Very Good. In 2008, Giddy was the second place five-year old at the Midwest Spring National Holstein Show, and fourth place five-year old at the Midwest Fall National Holstein Show.
To be eligible for the Star of the Breed award, a cow must place in the top five in her class at a National Holstein Show, be in a herd enrolled in the TriStar program, and have an official classification score. Once the eligible cows are determined, the following calculation is used to decide the recipient: Combined ME Fat and Protein + Age Adjusted Classification Score x (Breed Average ME CFP/Breed Average Age Adjusted Score).
Twelve semifinalists have been named in Holstein Association USA’s Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) competition. Established in 1922, this is the highest honor that can be given to a Holstein Junior member. The contest is open to any Junior member of the Association, ages 17 to 21.
The 2009 Distinguished Junior Member semifinalists are: Jessica Achen, Sauk Centre, Minn.; Robyn Bechtel, Martinsburg, Pa.; Danielle Brown, Dodgeville, Wis.; Kayla Demmer, Peosta, Iowa; Katie Donnan, Galway, N.Y.; Ty Hildebrandt, Hustisford, Wis.; Emily Lyons, Rockford, Ill.; Matt Mitchell, LaFollette, Tenn.; Kristin Natzke, Fond du Lac, Wis.; Curtis Rhoderick, Mt. Airy, Md.; Jenna Smith, Martinsburg, Pa.; and Parker Welch, Chestertown, Md.
“Though Rocky Top Holsteins is by definition a small operation, it is serving a huge role in determining my career path,” said Matt Mitchell in his Junior Project Story. “I am hopeful that combining my ‘real world’ education gained through operating my own dairy business with the academic insights gained through a college degree should uniquely position me to be a positive contributor in any phase of the dairy industry.”
In her Junior Story, Danielle Brown stated, “My plans for the future are and will always be rooted in the dairy industry. Whatever I am doing, I know I will be working hard to improve and maintain the lifestyle of farming and the industry.”
These twelve semifinalists will interview at the National Junior Holstein Convention, June 27-30 in Sacramento, Calif. From the group, six finalists will be chosen, and will receive annual renewed memberships to Holstein Association USA.
Contestants are judged on an entry book highlighting their Junior Holstein project work and involvement with activities, both in the Holstein and dairy industries, and their schools and communities.
“Holstein Junior members are among the most passionate and driven youth in the industry,” said Kelli Dunklee, Holstein Association USA Youth Program Specialist. “This impressive group of DJM semifinalists is no exception to that. Their high level of participation in Junior programs, knowledge of the dairy industry and sincere interest in agriculture make them extremely deserving recipients of this honor.
Posted: January 28, 2009 at 8:29 pm
By News Editor
Check out the newly redesigned Holstein Association USA Web site. The new site is more member-friendly, having received a complete overhaul, with the goal of allowing members to access information and do business more easily.
Members will still have access to all of the features that they have in the past – the ability to order pedigrees, search for information on animals, view recognition lists, and download the latest genetic information. All of the menus and pages of information have been reorganized to provide easier, more intuitive navigation.
“The biggest change in the site will be the more user-friendly interface, which will allow members to access the information that they are looking for quickly and easily,” said Lindsey Worden, Communications Manager. “Our aim is to have a Web site that members come to as their first source for information about Holstein cattle and Association news.”
Some exciting new features are also being introduced. Members will have the option to order their official Holstein ear tags online and easily view account information and past orders. Other improvements include the ability to securely manage accounts and pay down account balances online, a site search function, and links to the most popular pages and lists right on the homepage.
Posted: January 13, 2009 at 4:50 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Jenny Elliot, Hico, Texas on her new position with Holstein Association USA. Elliot joins the company as the Southwestern Regional Representative and will provide support to Registered Holstein breeders in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Elliott is a December 2008 graduate of Tarleton State University, with a degree in Agricultural Services and Development, with an emphasis in Agricultural Communications. In college, she was active with the Dairy Judging team, Tarleton Dairy Club, and was a member of the Student Programming Association’s Traditions Committee. She has been recognized with the National Leadership Merit Award, and received the Tarleton Presidential Leadership Scholarship.
Growing up in the dairy industry, Elliott was active with the Texas Junior Holstein Association and enjoyed exhibiting her cattle at the local, state, and national levels.
Elliott has previously served as the Marketing Intern for Ag Workers Mutual Auto Insurance in Fort Worth, Texas. She will begin working in her area in January after Holstein Association USA’s Annual Sales Conference and her orientation and training in Brattleboro, Vt.
Posted: December 8, 2008 at 7:10 pm
By News Editor
The 2009 Holstein Association USA award applications are now available online. These awards recognize notable members, breeders, and friends of the Association. Applications for the Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder, Elite Breeder, and Distinguished Leadership Award are due to the national office by March 31, 2009.
The Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder Award recognizes significant accomplishments of young Registered Holstein Breeders, ages 21-40. Applicants can 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 National Holstein Convention, complimentary tickets to the Convention banquet, a $2,000 cash award, and a plaque.
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 Distinguished Leadership Award is given to an individual who has provided outstanding and unselfish leadership that has 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.
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, 2009.
Posted: December 4, 2008 at 10:49 pm
By News Editor
Holstein Association USA, Inc. announces their annual Regional Member meetings.
Members are encouraged to attend the meeting in their area to provide input on the Association’s business and programs. Staff members and directors will be in attendance at each meeting to present the latest news of the Association and answer questions from members.
The dates and locations for the meetings are:
Region 7, December 6, 2008 – Best Western Saddleback Inn, Oklahoma City, Okla., 1-4 p.m.
Region 1, December 10, 2008 – Doubletree Bradley International Airport Hotel, Windsor Locks, Conn., 1-4 p.m.
Region 4 January 16, 2009 – Iredell County Center, Statesville, N.C., 1-4 p.m.
Region 8, January 27, 2009 – Holiday Inn Boise Airport, Boise, Idaho, 1-4 p.m.
Region 9, January 30, 2009 – John Ascuaga’s Nugget Casino, Reno, Nev., 9 a.m.-12 noon
Region 3, February 13, 2009 – Hampton Inn Marysville, Marysville, Ohio, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Region 5, February 27, 2009 – Olympia Resort, Oconomowoc, Wis., 1-4 p.m.
Region 6, March 10, 2009 – Sioux Falls Convention Center, Sioux Falls, S.D., 1-4 p.m.
Region 2, March 13, 2009 – Wingate by Wyndham Hotel, Belcamp, Md., 2:30-5:30 p.m.
Posted: November 28, 2008 at 6:29 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Lindsey Worden on her recent promotion to Communications Manager for the Holstein Association USA. Lindsey has served as Public Relations Specialist for the Association since July 2007.
In her new role, Lindsey will lead all editorial, advertising, and public relations strategies and programs online and in print. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Dairy Science and Life Science Communications graduate brings solid dairy experience to her position.
“We are excited to be able to promote Lindsey,” said John Meyer, CEO of the Holstein Association. “She grew up with Holstein Association programs, and her experience and talents lend themselves greatly to the position. All who have had the opportunity to work with her, feed off her genuine enthusiasm for the Holstein cow and the Association. Additionally, Lindsey has been the driving force behind the Association’s new website which will be launched next month,” he continued.
Lindsey was actively involved with Wormont Dairy, the Worden’s family farm, while growing up in New Mexico and New York. Prior to joining the Association full time, Lindsey served as the Summer Intern for Youth Programs and Education for the Holstein Foundation in 2006, and was the Dairy Youth Programs Intern for the University of Wisconsin Extension in 2005.
While in college, Lindsey was a member of the Badger Dairy Club, the Association of Women in Agriculture, and the UW Dairy Cattle Judging Team. In her senior year, Lindsey was a top ten finalist in National Dairy Shrine’s Student Recognition Contest.
Posted: October 18, 2008 at 8:22 am
By News Editor
Congratulations to Jeff King, Schuylerville, N.Y. for being the named to the Holstein Foundation board of trustees. King takes the place of retiring Trustee Elmo Wendorf, Jr., from Ixonia, Wis.
“I feel honored to join the Holstein Foundation Trustees,” said King. “I’m looking forward to working with an organization that has such a strong commitment to the future of the dairy industry.”
King and his brother, Jan, manage their 800-head registered Holstein herd, Kings Ransom Farm. They have marketed a great deal of genetics from their farm, both nationally and internationally. The farm was recently recognized as a Century Farm for being in the ownership of the same family for over 100 years. Jeff is also active with the New York Holstein Association, and serves as the chairman of the Sales Committee.
The Holstein Foundation has released a new Dairy Judging workbook, provided free of charge to download. Connect with the Foundation online, at their Facebook page.
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