Kimmi Devaney at home at Washington State University Photo by Kimmi Devaney

School started up again a few weeks ago for college students across the country. It’s now been nine years since I moved 300 miles across the state to begin my college career at Washington State University. I’d like to think I was fearless, but I was more than a little nervous. My best friend was my roommate, but what if I didn’t know anyone else? What if I didn’t like it? What if I wanted to move home?

That first semester was pretty tough since I didn’t have many friends there and I felt all alone most of the time. One of my dairy princess friends was in Dairy Club and said it would be a good way to meet people just like me. I joined and at the first meeting became an officer. As they were electing the historian, Megan said, “Pictures?! Kimmi loves pictures! She’s perfect for this!!” Hmm. I guess there’s no backing out now.

I didn’t know it at the time, but that put me on track for a remarkable college experience. Megan was right. I DID meet a lot of people through Dairy Club. New friends that let me tag along to help milk at the university dairy, introduced me to another dairy-related group on campus and opened a lot of doors to various experiences. Most were seniors at the time and they certainly didn’t have to do this for a little freshman they didn’t really know. But they did. And I’ve never forgotten it.

When I was a senior, Dairy Club elected me as their president and we had a lot of new, younger members. I did everything I could to make them feel like part of the group and get them involved. Pay it forward.

A lot of older students and alumni gave me advice during my four and a half years in Pullman and in the spirit of paying it forward, I hope it helps current students.

“Good things happen when people know who you are and what you can do.” 

An alumnus said this at an event and it stuck with me. He said to get involved in activities and groups I enjoyed and make as many connections as possible. You know what? He was right! Every job I’ve had since college has been because of someone I knew. Well, kind of. I had the right connections, which helped, but ultimately it was my experience and personality that got me the job. Professors, industry folks and classmates are all good contacts. Keep in touch with them!

Along those lines, collect business cards.

I write on the back where I met the person, the date and anything that stands out about our conversation. When you get a lot of cards in a box, you’ll be glad you have something to jog your memory.

You don’t  need to know everything…

No one is an expert. It’s okay. Be knowledgeable in your area and open to new ideas. Knowing where to go for information when you need it is a good skill to acquire. This goes back to keeping in touch with those contacts.

…But learn everything you can.

I didn’t know what I wanted to do. In high school, I wanted to be a journalist and write for a national dairy magazine. WSU had an exceptional communications college, so that’s what I did. After joining Dairy Club and meeting a lot of animal science students, I thought learning about what I loved (cows) sounded awesome. Later, I found that there is actually a major for people who like to write and love agriculture: agricultural communications! I took a lot of somewhat random classes and I’m glad I did. I tap into that knowledge from time to time and it’s nice to have some contacts that are better versed in those areas when I need it.

Don’t be afraid to move.

Internships are SO important! Do a lot of them. Don’t be afraid to move or try something that seems a little outside your comfort zone. It’s three months. If you don’t like the job and/or don’t like the location, you aren’t stuck. It’s much harder to change your mind once you are in a job after college. Now is the time to try things out. Take advantage of that because it’s MUCH more difficult to bounce around after college. For the record, moving was one of the best things I ever did.

In college, I wanted nothing more than to work in the Washington dairy industry and be close to family. You have to go where the opportunities are and unfortunately, at the time they were not in Washington. It’s scary at first. The first 6 months will suck. Things get so much better, just give it a chance.

You’ll be okay. I WISH someone had told me that when I was struggling after moving to Indiana after graduation. I didn’t know anyone and felt extremely alone. It was awful. I hated it. I didn’t know that what I was experiencing was normal and that it would get better.

Stay involved after graduation.

Get involved in activities outside of the classroom in college. Stay involved in the professional organizations you joined after graduation. The dynamic changes and you need to be ready for that. I wasn’t. It was a shock and I almost quit going, but I’m glad I gave it another chance. Five years later, I’m on national committees and can’t walk 2 feet at the conference without running into someone I know. Give it time. Learn everything you can. Meet people and network.

Network, network, network!!

This is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle. You need to have the knowledge to back up your credibility, but getting out and meeting people will make a big difference. Who doesn’t like having new friends?! It makes everything more enjoyable.

Don’t wish away anything.

I always couldn’t wait for this or that. Dad told me not to wish my life away. He’s right. You can wait. Enjoy what’s happening now because you’ll never get that time back. I was so over college my last semester. I wanted to be done. I didn’t want to be there. The real world would be so much better. As good as the real world can be, I wish I had savored that last semester more.

Pay it forward.

Get involved, network and learn as much as you can. When others take time to teach you things like those older students and alumni did for me, don’t forget to pay it forward. If we all help each other, the world will be a better place.

Read this article and more from the Kimmi’s Dairyland blog at: http://kimmisdairyland.blogspot.com/

The European Young Breeders School units passionate young breeders between 13-25 years from around the world.  After a successful 16 years, this year’s participants did not disappoint.

Winner 2015: Canadian Chris Steven, also best clipper. He beat the German Fieseler Margarethe of ZBH team (2 ^nd) and the Belgian Pieter Vandewalle of VABI team (3 ^rd).

Best Showman (presenter), Jacques Bernard from Luxembourgish. Also best judge, he is ahead by 2 Canadian participants Mauranne Steven and Chris Hebert.

A new award, one of the leaders for the most deserving young man was carried away by Agueda Capon Fernandez (Spain).

The team of trainers welcomed two new recruits: Jonas Melbaum (Germany) and Marcel Egli (Switzerland). Jonas Pussemier, they are well 3 to be passed by the benches of the EYBS 

Taking home the top team award was Switzerland

The judge, Daniel Brochu and his wife, the Milibro Farm in Quebec were impressed by the level of presentation, quality heifers, labor and energy made by all these young people and the organization in place.

All results online.

Alberta hosted the Western Canadian Classic Junior Dairy Show and, as usual, 
a whole batch of special memories was made

Jaclyn Hunter won the intermediate calf class with a heifer borrowed from Wendon Holsteins of Innisfail. Photo: Dianne Finstad

Getting experience in the dairy showing world at a young age can open all sorts of doors.

The 31st edition of the Western Canadian Classic (WCC) Junior Dairy Show brought 100 participants between the ages of 12 and 21 to Westerner Park in Red Deer for five days of activities.

Naturally, the event included showing calves, but also things like a dairy science quiz and a judging contest, not to mention a host of fun ‘get to know each other’ activities.

Jaclyn Hunter of Ferintosh came to this year’s event (held on Aug. 18-23) with mixed emotions. The 21-year-old was excited to be participating in her home province and seeing old friends again, but it was also her final year.

“It’s bittersweet knowing that this is my last year — growing up with all these kids and meeting the new ones,” she said before adding with a beaming smile, “Like this year we have eight new members, which is incredible for the team!”

The great thing about the program for Hunter was being involved even though her own family sold its dairy herd in 2007.

“I’m very fortunate. I’ve been borrowing heifers (to show). I’ve borrowed from Crestomere Holsteins, Mosnang Holsteins, and Wendon Holsteins — those are three of the farms I’ve also worked for lots at shows and sales, too. They’re an awesome group of people and really helpful.”

Hunter has seen her share of success at the youth event over the years, including winning the Grand Champion Showmanship prize in 2014. That led to her selection for Team Canada, and an international adventure in the dairy industry. As part of Holstein Canada’s Young Leaders initiative, a six-member team travelled to Battice, Belgium last September to take part in the European Young Breeders School.

“It was extremely neat to go over there. Team Canada is looked up to,” she said. “When we got there, we all were given a calf, donated from farms for the kids to use, which I thought was amazing. It was our duty to break them to lead, wash them all week, clip them up, feed, water and bed them, and take care of them. We went through some judging seminars, a clipping demonstration, and had some farm tours.

“I think the thing about it I enjoyed the most was how well the six of us (on Team Canada) got along. It was so amazing to go somewhere with people I’d never met before — I met them at an airport — and we’re all great friends now and keep in touch.”

In Belgium, Hunter was billeted with a host family, and immersed in the French language.

“That was a learning curve, since I know no French. I learned a little bit to get me by,” she said. “They were so nice, and drove us to and from the barns every day. It was just such an amazing atmosphere, and an amazing time.”

Alberta won the team award at this year’s Western Canadian Classic Junior Dairy Show.photo: Dianne Finstad

While Team Canada did participate in the competitions, earning individual points, its role was partly to teach and share with the European young people about the Canadian youth dairy showing initiatives.

“I say this to everybody who asks me — WCC is an amazing program. I couldn’t have asked for a better last 11 years. Competition-wise, I think WCC is head and foot above anything there. But experience-wise, and just learning new things and meeting new people, Belgium was the best time. Definitely a highlight of my years.”

Hunter will be completing her directed field studies for her bachelor of applied science in agribusiness at Olds College this fall, after harvesting with her family. She’s not sure what kind of job her training will lead to, but she’ll always have cows close to her heart.

“I love the dairy industry. I’m so passionate about it.”

Showing the Grand Champion heifer this year was Katelyn Crest of Athabasca, with her junior Holstein yearling Skycrest Peanut. It’s the fourth time she’s had the top animal.

“I won with her mother one year, so that’s kind of cool,” said the 20-year-old, who was also the reserve winner in showmanship.

Crest has been part of the WCC program for 10 years, and is also an enthusiastic supporter.

“Everyone gets along. It’s a competition, but we’re still hanging out with other teams and having a good time. It’s good competition, too.”

Alberta won the team award this year, but Crest says part of the responsibility of the senior members is to help the younger ones.

“We’ve got five or six leaving (our team) in the next two years, so it’s grooming time for these little guys to step up and learn the tricks of the trade.”

Next year’s Western Canadian Classic Junior Dairy Show will be in Brandon, Man

Source: Alberta Farmer Express

The Ontario Holstein Branch is pleased to announce the 2015 winners of the Ontario Dairy Youth Award. Established in 1980, the competition recognizes young people aged 25-35 who are actively involved in the operation of a dairy farm, who have demonstrated leadership and taken an active role in their communities.

This year’s winners are Adam Petherick (Almerson Farms Ltd.), Ted Clarke (Blayjoy Holstein Ltd.), Gary Markus (Markhill Holsteins) and Stefen Robinson (Glenn Acres Farm).  These talented winners will receive an all-expenses paid trip to World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin this fall. The Ontario Dairy Youth Award is funded through the Ontario Dairy Youth Trust Fund, the Ontario Holstein Branch and Gay Lea Foods as a supporting sponsor.

Below is information on each winner:

Ted Clarke – Blayjoy Holsteins

Ted milks 50-55 cows in Grey County, in partnership with his brother Allan and parents Blain and Joyce. The 450 acre tie-stall operation in Dundalk ON is home to a total of 135 head who are milked in a double 4 Herringbone Parlour. The farm has a current classification of 5 ME, 3 EX, 42 VG and 15 GP Holsteins. Blayjoy has bred two All Canadian/All American nominations, Blayjoy Jasper Mallory and Blayjoy Pundit Patrice. Since taking over the breeding program in the fall of 2000, the herd classification average to 85.5 points, they have increased quota holders from 23 to 73 kilograms, dropped age at first calving to 24-25 months, bought two neighbouring farms, added a bigger bulk tank, built a second tower silo and has built an addition on the barn bank with 23 tie-stalls for a total of 50 stalls on farm.

Adam Petherick – Almerson Farms Ltd.

Adam and his wife, Amy, in partnership with his parents, Evan and Marilyn, milk 54 cows in a head to head bank barn in Campbellford Ontario. The 350 acre, 2-time Master Breeder operation in Northumberland County is home to 41 Holsteins and 12 Jerseys, with a current classification of 8 EX, 34 VG, and 18 GP, with a current herd BCA of 253-263-257. The herd averages eight generations of VG or EX dams, with some animals as high as twelve generations. Since returning from university, with the support of his parents, Adam has initiated and overseen many changes to the farm, such as the dairy barn renovation completed in 2009 which saw a 50 X 120 foot tarp barn and an open front heifer barn built. He has also increased the farm’s quota holdings by 50%, adopted herd management software on the farm, switched the herd to a TMR based ration, and has invested in more labour saving automation like an automatic calf feeder.

Gary Markus – Markhill Holsteins

Gary and his wife Hilary moved to their current operation three years ago, and milk 60 Holsteins in a 2-row tunnel ventilated free-stall barn in Oxford County. The 60 head herd are milked in a Double 8 Swing-Over Parlour. Their Management Score is 35th out of 230 producers in Oxford County, and their current classification is 5 ME, 2 EX, 19 VG, 16 GP, 2 G and 5 not classified with a herd composite BCA of 261.7. Markhill Holsteins has been rewarded with 15 Superior Production Awards, and has had the privilege of breeding an All-Ontario Milking Yearling in 2010 (Markridge Goldwyn Emilyne, EX-92-2E), breeding a 2013 member of the Royal Walk of Fame (Markhill Fever Tessie, VG-89-3YR), and has bred 4 Excellents and 15 Very Good two-year-olds in six breeding years. Gary and brother Darryl purchased 30 kilograms of quota off the monthly exchange, starting with 25 cows from 15 different farms and sales as the starting base of the herd seven and a half years ago. The brothers rented a 40 cow tie-stall barn for 5 years and continued buying quota monthly to slowly grow their holdings until they filled the rented facility. In summer 2014, the brothers as intended, were able to sever their partnership and each operate their own farm with their families.

Stefen Robinson – Glenn Acres Farm

Glenn Acres Farm is a 460 acre family run operation, with almost entirely all the work done by the family. Stefen milks 65 cows in a tiestall facility with his parents and two brothers in Renfew County. The 150 head in the herd are 100 per cent Holstein and consist of 2 ME, 1 EX, 25 VG, 32 GP, 2 G, and 4 not classified. They are milked in the 73 stall tie-stall barn in Beachburg Ont. built in 1967 with two major additions built in 1997 and 2007. Since becoming involved in the farm, Stefen has increased quota holdings by 25 per cent, began feeding a customized protein pellet and premix mineral along with BMR corn, which has increased the annual milk kilograms by over 900 per cow, and annual milk value increased by almost $1,200 per cow. The farm has recently expanded the barn to 73 tie-stalls and a new bulk tank has been installed.

Source: Ontario Holstein

The bond between 4-H’er and calf is one that often grows strong,- bringing much joy. This was never more evident than during the partnership between Stormont’s Aimee Van Loon and her jersey calf, Payneside Mac N Cheese.

Loaned to Aimee for her 4-H project in 2013 by club leader Jill Robinson and her husband Doug from their family farm, the two quickly became inseparable. Aimee worked on training, clipping, feeding and showing the calf in many competitive and open 4-H shows across the province.

“Every time I went to walk her, she would come running to see me. When I put her back in the pasture she would turn around, stay at the gate and watch me leave,” says Aimee.

Jill says watching the pair together was simply amazing.

“Aimee is very dedicated to training animals and has patience and the ability to remain calm and focused even when her calf has a stubborn day,” she says. “They connected right from day one.”

“It means a lot to me because Doug and Jill saved Mac N Cheese for me to show when they could have easily sold her to some of the many people wanting to buy her,” says Aimee. “It was great that they gave me the opportunity to show Mac N Cheese at numerous shows that season.”

Despite coming from a holstein farm, Aimee has always held affection for jerseys, saying she loves their unique personality, which can make them more challenging.

And Aimee was more than up to the challenge, entering Mac N Cheese into numerous competitions and having huge success. Overall, they attended nine 4-H events that summer and fall. At their first show, which was the Eastern Ontario Junior Show, Mac N Cheese won Grand Champion, despite Aimee being in new territory, having never been in the champion class before.

As a typically quiet member who got involved with 4-H because her family was involved—and because she enjoyed showing cattle—Aimee found this experience helped her develop many new skills.

Being in 4-H has allowed her to become more confident in public speaking, leadership and working with others, as well as teaching her new skills like cooking, sewing, plowing and showing beef cattle. Watching senior classes gave her a chance to learn new tips for showmanship, fitting and clipping skills.

“During this time we could see Aimee gaining more confidence in her own abilities,” says Jill. “Her showmanship skills got better and better due to the time spent working with Mac N Cheese… Aimee was thrilled when we put a
set of clippers in her hands and said ‘Mac N Cheese is your project.’”

Aimee’s hard work culminated 18 months later into a world record when Payneside Mac N Cheese sold at an auction in the United States for $267,000 on April 2.

Jill says she and Doug are thrilled and that they knew there was something special about Mac N Cheese from Day 1 as a young calf, but never imagined this.

“As a 4-H member Doug always dreamed of having the perfect calf, and although he was not on the halter of Mac N Cheese he still got to see his dream come true through Aimee.”

Aimee looks back fondly on her time with Mac N Cheese.

“It feels incredible. It’s awesome how much I hear people talking about Mac N Cheese and I’m so proud of her,” she says. “It feels like a dream come true. I always knew that someday Mac N Cheese was going to be famous.”

Now 14 years old, Aimee plans on completing her years in 4-H, while continuing to show jerseys and hopefully achieving her goal of once again competing in the Royal Agriculture Winter Fair. Also on the horizon is joining new clubs and camps, becoming a Youth Leader, and becoming a volunteer leader once her years of membership in 4-H are complete.

By: Ryan Métivier 4-H Ontario

The  annual Youth Classic Dairy Show is set to go on September 13th at the Fayette County Fairgrounds in West Union, Iowa.

• Open to any youth who was 9 years old and no more than 21 years old on January 1, 2015.
• No geographic limitations for exhibitors.
• Ownership of animals is required prior to May 15, 2015. Registration must be at least partially in the junior’s name or a family farm name, or animal must be a bonafide 4-H or FFA project. Exhibitor must bring some form of identification such as registration papers, DHIA or grade ID.
• Registered and identified female animals are eligible. Grades with proper 4-H and FFA identification form are welcome to show.
• NICC Dairy Science Club members are allowed to show as long as they meet the age requirements, and have written proof from Dave Lawsteun, that they have worked with the animal project.
• There is no entry fee. If you would like to donate or sponsor an award please contact Katie Steinlage.
• A Supreme Jr. Champion and a Supreme Grand Champion will be chosen.
• Trans Ova has been named as one of the Elite Sponsors of the show. Trans Ova is providing a certificate for an IVF cycle with conventional or pre-sexed semen to both the Supreme Grand Champion and Supreme Junior Champion of the show. Each certificate will have a value of $750. The exhibitors who receive these certificates may choose to upgrade the service that they use to include reverse-sorted semen by making up the difference in price.
• Prizes include cash, chutes, show halters, clippers and other show supplies. Each exhibitor will receive a prize.
• Entries must be postmarked on or before August 29, 2015. Entry blanks are available by mail or Call Katie Steinlage at (563)422-0190. Late entries may be denied. Email entries to katie.steinlage@transova.com. Entry Blanks may be copied and shared with new exhibitors.
• Cattle may begin arriving at noon on Friday, September 11, 2015 and must be in place by 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 12th. If there is a time conflict, please notify Katie right away so accommodations can be made. Any early set up of bedding is determined by the Fayette County Fairgrounds, not the Youth Classic.
• Check-In will begin at noon on Saturday.
• Cattle will be released immediately following the completion of the show on Sunday.
• Exhibitors must furnish all their own hay and bedding. Straw or shavings are acceptable.
• Milking parlor facilities will be available.
• Substitute animals are eligible for this show as long as they meet all of the above criteria.

Fitting Contest

• Open to all youth ages 9-21 on the day of the contest.
• Pre-registration Required (No Entry Fee)
• Youth who have won previous Youth Classic Fitting Contests are ineligible to compete.
• Contestants must provide an animal to fit. Contestants need not own the animal they fit. Contestants are responsible for obtaining permission from the owner, if the animal is not his/her own. The animal must be entered in the Youth Classic Dairy Show.
• Only the head and legs of the heifer may be clipped before the contest.
• Contestants must provide their own fitting equipment.
• Contestants will have 60 minutes to fit their animal to show ready.
• Awards will be presented during the Youth Classic Dairy Show on Sunday.

The following scorecard will be used:

• Ease of handling equipment 20 points
• Proper clipping technique on body 20 points
• Proper topline grooming 30 points (Including blowing and clipping)
• Hair is blended properly 10 points
• Proper use of sprays and adhesives 10 points
• Preparation completely finished 10 points

The 2015 edition of the Dairy Jeopardy competition at the US Holstein Association Convention in Illinois saw contestants across the US answer knowledge testing questions to test their dairy insight.  Pennsylvania was well represented with 2 of the 3 division winners, and a impressive 3rd place finish in the senior division as well.

Dairy Jeopardy winners:

• Junior Division:
  • 1st- Caroline Arrowsmith, Pennsylvania
  • 2nd- Sianna Barrett, California
  • 3rd- Blake Wright, Missouri
• Intermediate Division:
  • 1st- Nathan Arthur, Iowa
  • 2nd- Logan Potts, Virginia
  • 3rd- Alex Gambonini, California

Senior Division:

• 1st- Travis Holtzinger, Pennsylvania
• 2nd- Elizabeth Endres, Wisconsin
• 3rd- Amber Gabel, Pennsylvania

A new report show tremendous demand for recent college graduates with a degree in agricultural programs, with an estimated 57,900 high-skilled job openings annually in the food, agriculture, renewable natural resources, and environment fields in the United States. According to an employment outlook report released  by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and Purdue University, there is an average of 35,400 new U.S. graduates with a bachelor’s degree or higher in agriculture related fields, 22,500 short of the jobs available annually.

“There is incredible opportunity for highly-skilled jobs in agriculture,” said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Those receiving degrees in agricultural fields can expect to have ample career opportunities. Not only will those who study agriculture be likely to get well-paying jobs upon graduation, they will also have the satisfaction of working in a field that addresses some of the world’s most pressing challenges. These jobs will only become more important as we continue to develop solutions to feed more than 9 billion people by 2050.”

The report projects almost half of the job opportunities will be in management and business. Another 27% will be in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) areas. Jobs in food and biomaterials production will make up 15%, and 12% of the openings will be in education, communication, and governmental services. The report also shows that women make up more than half of the food, agriculture, renewable natural resources, and environment higher education graduates in the United States.

Other highlights of the report include:

• While most employers prefer to hire graduates of food, agriculture, renewable natural resources, and environment programs, graduates from these programs only fill about 60 percent of the expected annual openings. Even as enrollments in these programs increase and the job market becomes somewhat more competitive, good employment opportunities for the next five years are expected.

• Growth in job opportunities will be uneven. Employers in some areas will struggle to find enough graduates to fill jobs. In a few areas, employers will find an oversupply of job seekers.

• Expect to see a strong employment market for e-commerce managers and marketing agents, ecosystem managers, agricultural science and business educators, crop advisors, and pest control specialists.

• Job opportunities in STEM areas are expected to grow. Expect the strongest job market for plant scientists, food scientists, sustainable biomaterials specialists, water resources scientists and engineers, precision agriculture specialists, and veterinarians.

The report, Employment Opportunities for College Graduates in Food, Agriculture, Renewable Natural Resources, and the Environment, United States, 2015–2020, is the eighth in a series of five-year projections initiated by USDA in 1980. The report was produced by Purdue University with grant support from NIFA.

Source:  USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Penn State’s Dairy Challenge team earned a second place award at the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge® (NAIDC) held April 9-11 in Syracuse, NY. The event was funded through the generous support of 120 agribusinesses and dairy farms. Dairy Challenge was started 14 years ago through cooperation between universities, dairy producers and agribusinesses. The event expanded in 2013 with the Dairy Challenge Academy, providing hands-on learning where teams of students evaluate a dairy operation with the help of dairy industry professionals serving as Academy Advisors.

This year 128 students competed as part of 32 teams in the national contest, and 150 students participated in the Academy. The event is hosted by the Northeast Dairy Challenge committee, a group of agribusiness professionals and university personnel. The national event will be hosted in 2015 and 2016 in Liverpool, NY, giving the Northeast an opportunity to showcase New York’s thriving dairy industry.

Team members representing the Department of Animal Science included Gearet Fitzpatrick, Kensington, MD; Isaac Haagen, Howard, PA; Amy Kraus, Aliquippa, PA; and Evan Snyder, Elizabethtown, PA. They evaluated Fesko Farms in Skaneateles, NY, placing second among the eight teams which evaluated the same operating dairy. Team coaches were Gabriella Varga, Ph.D., Emeritus University Distinguished Professor of Animal Science, Virginia Ishler, Extension Associate, and Lisa Holden, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Dairy Science. Each student on the team was awarded a $100 scholarship for their placing.

Dairy Challenge® is an innovative two-day academic competition for students representing dairy science programs at North American universities. It enables students to apply theory and learning to a real-world dairy, while working as part of a four-person team. The competition incorporates all facets of a working dairy business in a forum that’s interactive, educational and fun.

In the contest, each four-person team received information about a working dairy farm, including production and farm management data. The teams then evaluated the dairy through observation and interviews with the herd owner and/or manager, working together to analyze the farm-specific data and develop management recommendations for nutrition, reproduction, milking procedures, animal health, housing and financial management.
The event culminated with team members presenting recommendations and then fielding questions from a panel of judges. These official judges included dairy producers and industry experts in dairy finances, reproduction, nutrition and animal health. Presentations were evaluated for accuracy of analysis and recommendations, with awards presented at a final banquet.

Four Penn State students participated in the Dairy Challenge Academy, developed in 2013 to expand this educational and networking event to more college students. Academy student-participants also analyzed and developed recommendations for operating dairies; however, the Academy was organized in mixed-university team format with two Advisors to help coach these younger students. Participants were Jaylene Lesher, Bernville, PA; Denille Pingrey, Strykersville, NY; Caitlyn Pool, Robesonia, PA and Greyson Smith, Palmyra, PA.

The North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge was established as a management contest to incorporate all phases of a specific dairy business. It strives to incorporate a higher-learning atmosphere with practical application to help prepare students for careers in the dairy industry. Supported financially through generous donations by agribusinesses and coordinated by a volunteer board of directors, the first NAIDC was held in April 2002. In its 14-year history, Dairy Challenge has helped train over 4500 students through the national contest, Dairy Challenge Academy and four regional contests conducted annually.
Penn State’s team was supported, in part, by a Dairy Challenge endowment established by Department of Animal Science alumnus Clifton Marshall and by contributions from the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, and the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association.

During the event, students visit with NAIDC sponsors for educational and recruitment opportunities. Sponsors include companies, organizations and dairy producers who are committed to cultivating tomorrow’s dairy leaders. Their support encourages enhanced training and motivation of dairy students to be better prepared for the dairy industry’s future, while allowing dairy science and business management academic programs to measure themselves against North America’s best. Industry professionals presented cutting-edge research, new programs and career opportunities to students.

The mission of the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge is to facilitate education, communication and an exchange of ideas among students, agribusiness, dairy producers and universities that enhances the development of the dairy industry and its leaders.

For more information about participating teams and their placement at NAIDC or to become a sponsor of the program, visit www.dairychallenge.org or www.facebook.com/DairyChallenge.

There’s got to be a scientific reason as to why livestock kids are such incredible kids. As a whole, they possess such admirable traits at such a young age — polite, compassionate, confident, hard working, and driven. As livestock-minded people, we might immediately attribute this to genetics, and while that may be true to a degree, child psychology shows that it is the parental involvement and the environment in which livestock families raise their children. Here are six reasons psychologists believe the #stockshowlife benefits child development.

EFFECTS OF STRONG PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

1. Emotional Health. Compared with peers whose parents are often absent throughout the day, teens whose parents are present when they go to bed, wake up, and come home from school are less likely to experience emotional distress.¹ Because stock have to be fed morning and night, and raising livestock is not a one-man project due to its labor intensive nature. Livestock families, more often than not, wake together, work together when the kids come home from school and are together prior to going to bed.
2. Self-Esteem. Youth whose parents exhibit love, responsiveness, and involvement tend to have higher levels of self-esteem and internal self-control. Parental love, responsiveness, involvement and non-coercive, democratic discipline had a strong association with adolescent psychosocial development as measured in global self-esteem, feelings of internal control and ability, and susceptibility to negative peer pressure.² The support and love needed to successfully engage in livestock projects are huge. So much of the time parents and children learn together and work together in hopes to achieve goals. This builds dependency and trust between one another and confidence in one’s self.
3. Educational Attainment and Academic Achievement. Students whose parents are more involved with their schooling tend to complete higher levels of education and are more likely to graduate from high school than peers whose parents are not so involved. On average, youths whose parents engage in leisure and educational activities with them achieve better grades than peers whose parents spend less time with them. Students whose teachers reported higher levels of parental involvement were more likely to graduate high school than peers whose parents were not so involved.³ Pre-teens whose parents engaged in activities in the home and outdoors, spent leisure time away from the home with them, shared meals with them, helped with homework or reading, and engaged in other home activities with them earned better grades in school, on average, than peers whose parents spent less time with them.⁸ Parents of livestock kids have made a decision to embark on activity they know must be tended to multiple times per day rather than during school or a couple of days per week after school. They have a great deal of time, money and sweat invested in their projects and the idea of not being able to participate at a show due to poor grades encourages both student and parental expectation.
4. Behavior. On average, adolescents whose parents are more involved in their lives and discuss important decisions with them exhibit lower levels of aggression and antisocial behavior than peers who experience less parental involvement. The greater the parents’ involvement, the lower the level of adolescents’ behavioral problems, both in terms of aggression and antisocial behavior and negative feelings such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. ⁴ When engaging in livestock projects, decisions must be made each day as to how to react and adapt to ever-changing scenarios. These decisions often must be made from relying on and soliciting advice from others. In return, children learn how to interact with peers and adults and create solutions to challenges each and every day.
5. Delinquency (Boys). Adolescents who experience supportive and affectionate relationships with their fathers are less likely to engage in delinquent behavior than peers who do not experience such a relationship. Paternal supervision, as well as supportive and affectionate father-son relationships, discourage juvenile delinquency, regardless of a youth’s delinquent friends, perception of trouble in the neighborhood, and/or positive attitudes about breaking the law.⁵ We love our stock show dads and positive male role models who adorn this industry. The pride that radiates through the agricultural industry when someone of the next generation carries the torch is unexplainable. To encourage young people to do so when there are so many alternatives and options in today’s society takes encouragement and support.
6. Tobacco Use and Substance Abuse. On average, adolescents who are strongly connected to their parents and other family members are less likely to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, or use marijuana. Youth surveyed (grades 7-12) were less likely to smoke cigarettes if they had high levels of connectedness to parents and other family members. Those in grades 9-12 were also less likely to smoke, drink alcohol or use marijuana if their parents were present in the home more often, if they engaged more often in activities with their parents, and if they perceived that their parents had high expectations for their educational attainment.^6/7 The amount of time required to effectively raise livestock projects is significant in relation to most extracurricular activities. Due to this and simply the amount of time spent under supervision of adults, youth do not have time to come up with negative activities to occupy their time.

In addition to parental involvement, the environment in which livestock kids are raised greatly contributes to their success as young members of society: constant exposure to outdoor activities, experiencing different cultures and lifestyles through travel, having to care for animals who depend on them for health and wellbeing, the understanding of nutritional needs, financial considerations, etc. All of these would not be possible, however, without parents who have created this environment for their children.

Thank you stock show moms, dads, teachers and mentors who create this environment, who put in the time and who choose to guide our next generation to greatness!

Source: Surcamp

Eighty-three students from ten western US and one Canadian universities and colleges traveled to Tulare, California for the 10th annual Western Regional Dairy Challenge on February 26 – 28, 2015. Headquarters for the contest was the College of the Sequoias (COS) Tulare campus.

The Western Regional Dairy Challenge is a three-day educational competition designed to prepare students for dairy careers. Working in mixed-university teams of five or six students, participants assessed all aspects of a working dairy farm, including facilities, nutrition, financials, reproduction, and animal health. Students collaborated on a 20-minute team presentation that detailed their observations and suggestions to a panel of judges. Teams were ranked based on how well their evaluations matched the judges’ evaluations of the dairy operation.

On Thursday students listened to a cow comfort seminar given by Megan Mouw of Novus International and participated in a team building activity led by Dairy Challenge alumni. As part of the team-building, students assembled and raced tricycles, which were later donated to the Visalia Rescue Mission, Lighthouse Rescue Mission of Tulare and the Tulare Co. Sheriff’s – Police Activity League.

Jay teVelde and Tyler Van Grouw welcomed the teams to their farm on Friday and participated in a question and answer session with students. Dr. Larry Dutto, Provost at COS welcomed the group and coordinated facility use. There were also several sponsors attending the event who were able to network with the students throughout the weekend. Students made observations and presented them to a panel of judges made up of a nutritionist, a veterinarian, a financer, and a dairy producer who ranked them on their conclusions and performance.

Platinum teams:

Team 1 Wildcats: Anthony Alamo, Cal Poly – SLO; Stephanie Webb, Washington State University; Nathanael Caires, University of Idaho; Lacey Papageorge, Utah State University; Clinton Lundell, Merced Community College

Team 4 Black Aces: Kelly Hipwell, Utah State University; Elizabeth Swan Gist, Cal Poly – SLO; John Schoneveld, Cal Poly –SLO; Elizabeth Lockyer, University of Idaho; Brandon Nickels, Washington State University

Team 7 Diamondbacks: Victoria Perira, California State University- Fresno; Chance Boyer, Utah State University; Emilie Baerends, University of Alberta; Wyatt Sherron, Merced Community College; Amy McBirney, Cal Poly – SLO

Team 10 Kestrels: Blythe Shill, Texas A & M University; Emily Beebe, Washington State University; Russell Pate, Cal Poly – SLO; Rebecca Thomas, Oregon State University; Sarah Herrmann, University of Idaho

Gold teams:

Team 2 Tophatters: Alexandria Brown, University of Idaho; Preston Fernandes, Cal Poly – SLO; Teanna Beckstead, Utah State University; Marcelo Martinez, Washington State University; Toni Silva, Cal Poly – SLO

Team 5 Sidewinders: Anton Fernandes, Merced Community College; Megan Machado, Cal PolySLO; Jacob Macedo, California State University – Fresno; Sarah Beukema, University of Alberta; Dylan Burrows, University of Idaho

Team 14 Dambusters: Quincy Sadowski, Utah State University; Alison Sherman, Cal Poly-SLO; Danny Moretti, Oregon State University; Kelsey Bitter, Texas A & M University; Stacy Williams, University of California – Davis

Team 15 Argonauts: Michael Azevedo, California State University – Fresno; Jennifer Callahan, Washington State University; Tyson Grisenti, Utah State University; Lauren Fontenot, Texas A & M University; Dominic Balistreri, Cal Poly – SLO

A committee of dairy industry representatives organized the Challenge. A long list of volunteers was important to the competition’s success. To volunteer or become a sponsor for the 2015 contest, contact Shawna Martinho at shawna.martinho@churchdwight.com. All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Contributing sponsor listings are available on the website. The Western Regional Dairy Challenge is under the guidance and support of the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge (NAIDC), which was established in April 2002 as a management contest to incorporate evaluation of all aspects of a specific dairy business. For more information, visit www.dairychallenge.org. The regional event leads to the national contest of the same format, held April 9 – 11 2015, in Syracuse, NY.

Considering the average age of a Wisconsin farmer is over 56 years old and the state has been losing around 500 dairy farms per year in recent years, experts say it’s important to prepare young people to step into farm roles to help keep the state’s $88 billion agricultural economy strong into the future.

But making the transition into dairy farming is complicated, and aspiring farmers often don’t have the capital — or the experience — to take over an established operation.

The Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) program is working to address the issue by providing support for young people interested in becoming dairy farmers. Started in 2010, the first-of-its-kind program is administered by the Wisconsin-based nonprofit GrassWorks, Inc., with the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a key partner.

In February, DGA received $750,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. The funding will enable organizers to improve and expand the program in Wisconsin, as well as explore the possibility of rolling it out to other dairy states.

“It’s a meat-and-potatoes program that really takes people up to the level where they can own and operate their own dairy,” says DGA director Joe Tomandl. “It’s the MBA of dairy.”

DGA participants complete 4,000 hours of paid training over two years, most of it alongside experienced dairy farmers, and work their way up from apprentices to Journey Dairy Graziers and Master Dairy Graziers. While the majority of hours are spent in on-the-job training, there’s also a significant requirement for related instruction. That’s where UW-Madison comes in.

As part of the program, apprentices attend a seminar about pasture-based dairy and livestock through the UW-Madison School for Beginning Dairy and Livestock Farmers (WSBDF), which is co-sponsored by the university’s Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems and the Farm and Industry Short Course. The seminar involves a 32-hour commitment, which is generally fulfilled in a distance education setting.

“We believe in the Wisconsin Idea and want to make sure our classes are accessible to people who want more education, but preferably close to where they live and work,” says Nadia Alber, an outreach coordinator for WSBDF, who helps organize the seminar and also serves on the DGA board.

In 2009, GrassWorks, Inc. turned to WSBDF director Dick Cates for guidance and access to well-respected educational curriculum to help get the DGA up and running, and the WSBDF team has been involved ever since.

“We were just this little nonprofit with this very small budget trying to compete for a big federal grant,” says Tomandl. “For us, it was important to have UW as a strategic partner.”

As part of the most recent round of funding, DGA’s UW-Madison partners will lead an effort to quantify the broader impacts of the program.

“They have already proven that participants are moving along to their own farms after the apprenticeship, so they have an established track record that way,” says Alber. “This new study will look at some of the program’s other impacts, including economic, environmental and social.”

The DGA program is a formal apprenticeship program approved by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development — Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards.

For more information about the program, visit: http://www.dairygrazingapprenticeship.org/.

Holstein Canada’s commitment to young dairy leaders across the country remains evident in the Education awards given annually. The $1,000-Education Awards fall under pillar three of ‘Awards and Recognition’ in the Association’s Young Leader program, and are awarded to up to six exemplary Young Leaders from across the country each year.

The Young Leader Committee consisting of Kenton Lindenbach (Western Canada); Stephanie Murphy (Ontario); Melissa Marcoux (Québec); and Nick Brown (Eastern Canada) helped in selecting four worthy recipients from a fantastic crop of 2014 applicants. Candidates were evaluated on their farm and work involvement; youth program involvement; career choice; and scholastic achievements.

Congratulations to the following four individuals chosen as the 2014 Education Award winners:

• Deanna Ringelberg, Troy, Ontario
• Dennis Catt, St. Thomas, Ontario
• Laurence Boulet, St. Francois, Québec
• Maggy Desrochers, Victoriaville, Québec

The goal of the Education awards is to select and award well-rounded individuals in the Canadian dairy industry that have made a commitment to their industry, career, community and school. Winners selected to receive the awards excel in all of these areas, and every year are exceptional candidates amongst strong groups of applicants.

The North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge^® (NAIDC) board of directors recently conducted a strategic planning session, resulting in a revised mission and organizational goals.

The revised mission statement now reads, “Develop tomorrow’s dairy leaders and enhance progress of the dairy industry, by providing education, communication and networking among students, producers, and agribusiness and university personnel.”

“The new mission and goals reflect our vision for the future and the role that our organization has in developing leaders for our industry,” explained Devin Albrecht, chair of the NAIDC board of directors. “In its 13-year history, Dairy Challenge has reached over 4,000 students. We look forward to the future impact that we can have on students by providing them with top-notch educational, communication and networking opportunities.”

During the strategic planning process, the board also determined five core areas of focus with associated goals over the next three years. A few highlights include:

• Student experience – Remain as a premier experience for college dairy students while continually improving the opportunities provided to students.
• Dairy Challenge Academy – Grow and enhance the Dairy Challenge Academy to increase the number of student participants.
• Sponsors and funding – Seek out new sponsorship and funding opportunities while maintaining strong relationships with existing sponsors.
• Alumni – Engage Dairy Challenge alumni in more leadership and supportive roles at regional and national levels.
• Board and administrative structure – Assess the structure of the organization and adjust appropriately for future needs.

A key part of Dairy Challenge remains the collaboration among producers and agribusiness and university personnel. This cross-industry involvement creates an optimal learning environment for students, while also supporting career development opportunities and skills.

The NAIDC board created the Dairy Challenge Academy so more dairy students could benefit through a national event. The Academy is held in conjunction with the national contest and allows more students and more dairy programs to participate. In addition to the traditional contest of 128 collegiates, 95 students participated in the inaugural Academy in 2013. The second Academy engaged 138 students, and the 2015 goal is 200 Academy participants. Academy students benefit from more direct mentoring and interaction with sponsors and industry professionals while conducting the farm analysis.

About Dairy Challenge

NAIDC is an innovative event for students in dairy programs at North American post-secondary institutions. Over its 13-year national history, Dairy Challenge has helped prepare more than 4,000 students for careers as farm owners and managers, consultants, researchers, veterinarians or other dairy professionals.

The 2015 national competition and Dairy Challenge Academy will be April 9-11 in Syracuse, NY. Four regional contests are held in late fall and winter; details are at Dairy Challenge website.

November 9 & 10, 2014
At Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto, Ont.

Showmanship Judge: Jeff West, Beeton, Ont.
Conformation Judge: Chris Lahmers, Marysville, Ohio

Showmanship Results:

Junior Showmanship (107 entries)
1. Tyler Canning, Wellington County
2. Brent Sayles, Brant County

Intermediate Showmanship (116 entries)
1. Alana McKinven, Quebec South West
2. Connor Mann, Prince Edward Island

Senior Showmanship (134 entries)
1. Kenny McRae, Prescott County
2. Cameron Stockdale, Peterborough County

Champion Showman
Kenny McRae, Prescott County

Reserve Champion Showman
Cameron Stockdale, Peterborough County

Honourable Mention Champion Showman
Alana McKinven, Quebec South West

Holstein Conformation Results:

Junior Heifer Calf (25 entries)
1. Cally Finley, Durham West, on Farrow S Victorias Secret (by Ourown Goldwyn Sylvestor)
2. Cassie Carr, Northumberland County, on Seavalley Atwood Yantzys Pride (by Maple-Downs-I G W Atwood)

Intermediate Heifer Calf (87 entries)
1. Alex Chabot, Russell County, on Belfast Doorman Lovestruck (by Val-Bisson Doorman)
2. Gabriel Lemire, Quebec Center, on Micheret Lorcy Mascalese (by Zani Bolton Mascalese-ET)

Senior Heifer Calf (95 entries)
1. Jessica Sills, Hastings County, on Kingsway Goldwyn Lipsmack (by Braedale Goldwyn)
2. Matthew Forestell, Northumberland County, on Kingsway Goldwyn Elsie (by Braedale Goldwyn)

Summer Yearling Heifer ( entries)
1. Jessica Brown, Frontenac County, on Calbrett McCutchen Lila (by De-Su BKM McCutchen 1174-ET)
2. Maxime Montplaisir, Quebec Center, on Milibro Aftershock Roseluka (by Ms Atlees Sht Aftershock-ET)

Junior Yearling Heifer ( entries)
1. Ryan Crowley, Peterborough County, on Crovalley Atwood Patricia (by Maple-Downs-I G W Atwood)
2. Emily Strenzke, Waterloo County, on Heather Holme Sid Debora (by Pine-Tree Sid-ET)

Champion Calf
Alex Chabot, Russell County, on Belfast Doorman Lovestruck (by Val-Bisson Doorman)

Reserve Champion Calf
Jessica Brown, Frontenac County, on Calbrett McCutchen Lila (by De-Su BKM McCutchen 1174-ET)

Honourable Mention Champion Calf
Maxime Montplaisir, Quebec Center, on Milibro Aftershock Roseluka (by Ms Atlees Sht Aftershock-ET)

This is the 25th Team that has been coached/chaperoned by Mr Bertram Stewart. Bert and his wife Hazel originally started with the first team way back when and went every year to Madison up until 3 years ago. Hazel unfortunately passed away just a week before Madison. That’s when I was asked to be part of the coaching team and the team official driver (since I do all the driving and finances)

Over the course of these 25 teams, there has only been 2 other “All Girl’s Teams” up until this year.

Well, our team did not disappoint us as they were the highest placing team ever in the 25 years of competing in the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Competition. The Best Team Ever!
Each county or district in Ontario has a county Judging Competition as part of their 4-H program. Some 25 years ago a group of youth supporters got together to organize the Ontario Provincial 4-H Judging Competiton. Each county can send “teams” of 2 people to this competion. Some send 2 or 3 teams. Anyway, the competiton is divided into Junior & Senior divisions with a plethera of prizes for the winners just like the Madison awards. The competition moves around the province year to year to accomodate travel, volunteers etc. Ontario is divided into 4 districts via Holstein Ontario field personel so it only hits the same district every 4th year. Contestants write a quiz and then judge 10 classes before lunch. Seniors give reasons, in the afternoon, on 6 classes and Juniors on 3 classes

In the Senior division, the ultimate award for the top 4 overall standings is an all expenses paid trip to WDE to compete in the National Competition. Ontario is not eligible for any of the awards BUT, we’re just happy to compete. Our results are not published to anyone other than us so, very few other teams know how well we have done. Once a team member takes advantage of the Madison trip, they can never ever win again. It’s a once in a lifetime trip.

In the Showmanship Competition ate WDE Jenn was reserve Champion Courtney placed 8th and Ava was 9th. Chantal was just a month too old to compete

In the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Competition Ontario did very well with 23 teams competing in this year’s competition.

3rd Overall Team Score
2nd in Placings
8th in Reasons

And, we were in the “Top 10″ in every breed class
Ayrshire 4th
Brown Swiss 9th
Guernsey 4th
Jersey 3rd
Holstein 8th

Individually the girls also did well
Chantal
High Holstein Reasons….49
3rd Total Reasons
8th Overall
High reasons for Ontario

Courtney
Top 10 for Ayrshire

Ava
Top 10 for Brown Swiss

Jenn
Top 10 for Jersey & Brown Swiss

Thanks to Murray Reissner for the press release

The University of Minnesota, Morrisville Junior College, Ohio 4-H and Virginia FFA were top teams in their divisions at the 46th annual Invitational Youth Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, held Monday Sept. 15, during the 2014 All-American Dairy Show at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center, Harrisburg

The contest included dairy cattle evaluation and the delivery of oral reasons in defense of those evaluations. Awards were given to individuals and teams in each division for oral reasons, breed-specific results and overall results.

Results:

Collegiate Division
The University of Minnesota team of Mary Liebenstein, Michael Schmitt, Andrew Hetke and Nicholas Reps, coached by Leslie Hansen, topped the collegiate division. Megan Vaill of Cornell University was the high placing individual in the collegiate division. The Cornell team placed fifth in oral reasons.

Other collegiate teams in the top five:
2nd – University of Wisconsin Madison
3rd – Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
4th – Cornell University
5th – Pennsylvania State University

Collegiate individuals in the top five:
1st – Megan Vaill, Cornell University
2nd – Mary Lievenstein, University of Minnesota
3rd – Cassie Endres, University of Wisconsin Madison
4th – Laura Finley, University of Wisconsin Madison
5th – Jenna Hardy, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Junior Collegiate Division

Morrisville State College of New York won the contest’s Junior College Division.

Top five junior colleges:
2nd – SUNY Cobleskill
3rd – Modesto Junior College
4th – Kaskaskia College
5th – Alfred State

Top Junior College individuals:
1st – Andrew Vaz, Modesto Junior College
2nd – Drew Hill, Morrisville State College
3rd – Evan Castrogiovanni, Morrisville State College
4th – Logan Martin, Morrisville State
5th – Tyler Hymers, SUNY Cobleskill

4-H Division
Ohio 4-H team members Tanner Topp, Ella Jackson, Hannah Dye and Kaleb Kliner each contributed to an overall high team score in the 4-H division.

Top five teams in the division:
2nd – Kentucky 4-H
3rd – Minnesota 4-H
4th – New York 4-H
5th – Pennsylvania 4-H

Top 5 4-H Individuals:
1st – Hannah Dye, Ohio
2nd – Ella Jackson, Ohio
3rd – Caleb Vinkemeier, Minn.
4th – Tanner Topp, Ohio
5th – Daniel Cooper, Kentucky

FFA Division
The Virginia FFA team took top honors in the contest’s FFA division. Member Cole Leonard also individually placed in the top five.

Top five individuals:
1st – Jake Whitely, Kentucky FFA
2nd – Cole Leonard, Virginia FFA
3rd – Madison Cook, Delaware FFA
4th – Chloey Eames, Indiana FFA
5th – Clayton Himmelberger, Pennsylvania FFA

Other top five FFA teams:
2nd – Kentucky FFA
3rd – Pennsylvania FFA
4th – Indiana FFA
5th – Delaware FFA

The awards banquet was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, with contests and awards sponsored by All American Dairy Show Foundation and Genex Cooperative, Inc.

The 2014 All-American Dairy Show features 22 shows in six days in addition to the nation’s only all-dairy antiques show. Last year’s event featured nearly 2,800 animals and more than 1,300 exhibitors from across the nation. The week caps off with the 58th Pennsylvania Dairy Princess Pageant on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Radisson Hotel Camp Hill. For more information, visit www.allamerican.state.pa.us.

Top of the class: Leitchville’s Brady Hore won the Royal Melbourne Dairy Show Youth Classic. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Brady Hore has achieved his goal of winning the Royal Melbourne Dairy Show Youth Classic.

The 15-year-old from the Elmar Holstein stud at Leitchville won by exhibiting a jersey heifer from the Philmar Dairy Company, Miami Grayson Melba.

The heifer was just over 12 months old and her dam was Miami Djmay Melba.

Brady said his family’s stud and Philmar often worked ­together at shows, which allowed him to maximise his development levels.

“The heifer was no stranger to the show ring, having won the junior reserve champion at the recent Finley Show,” he said. “From here she’ll be most likely be shown at International Dairy Week.”

Brady said the best part about being involved in the Classic was having the opportunity to meet other kids.

“We don’t have a huge agriculture focus at my school, so going to shows and meeting like-minded kids is really ­beneficial.”

Source: Weekly Times

The 14th Annual West-Central Junior Show was held at the Grand River Raceway in Elora on August 21 and 22, 2014.

Beautiful weather encompassed this two-day event where 90 participants from across West-Central took part which certainly made the barn a buzz of excitement.

The show is supported by many companies and individuals with special mention to Dumfries Mutual Insurance and long-time supporter Bruce Witmer. Once the counties settled into their place in the barn and calves were washed, the education aspect of the show began. Junior members took part in three educational stations that included showmanship, washing and clipping while the senior members enjoyed a fun game of “Family Feud Dairy Style” that challenged their knowledge of the dairy industry and showing cattle. The popular scavenger hunt and water balloon fight ended the evening’s activities before heading to their camp sites for the night.

Senior Showmanship 1st Tyler Canning of Wellington 2nd Micaela Hill of Grey.

The show the following day was judged by Stephanie Murphy of Hastings, Ontario and she began by sorting through three heats of Senior Showmanship before her final placing in the finals. Coming to the top of the class was TylerCanning of Wellington followed by Micaela Hill of Grey. The Junior Showmanship increased to four heats for Judge Murphy to analyze with Charlotte Todd of Wellington placing first overall. Her fellow county member Kelly Vandenbraak of Wellington placed second. Peewee Showmanship offers young people between the ages of 6 and 8 years old to take part in the show and they must independently lead their calf. Two well deserving winners were Kelly Stere of Waterloo in first and Cailyn Charlton of Brant in second. The Champion Showperson of the day was Tyler Canning with the second place senior Micaela Hill taking the Reserve honors. The winning Junior, Charlotte Todd was Honourable Mention. At noon, the Floradale Feeds staff led by John Drummond organized a BBQ for lunch with the donation bucket being filled with gracious donations. Walkerbrae Farms were recognized by the Ontario Dairy Youth Trust Fund for their accumulated donations to the Trust Fund that has been directed for support to the West Central Ontario Junior Show.

Judge Murphy placed thirty-five Junior Calves with a pair of sisters taking the top two placings. Chelsea Stephens of Wentworth led the Brown Swiss calf, Glen Islay Fantasy to first place while her sister McKenna Stephens placed second with Comestar Aliky Goldwyn. In the Intermediate calf class, first place went to Alanah DeBoer of Niagara North with Silverholme Jett Air F Brenda and second to Tyler Canning with Fraeland Fever Bella. Philip Bos of Waterloo placed first in the Senior Calf class with Bosdale Goldwyn Elie Gayand second went to Maggi Murphy of Dufferin with Geordawn Iatola Taco. Holzer Minnow Shadow was the winning Yearling Calf for Justin Walker of Wellington while Calmac General Solar placed second for Katelyn Fisher of Haldimand.

The Grand Champion class was an impressive group with many calves placing well at othershows this summer. Judge Murphy’s choice for Grand Champion Calf went to Silverholme Jett Air F Brenda for Alanah DeBoer and her classmate Fraeland Fever Bella receiving Reserve Champion for Tyler Canning. The Honourable Mention calf went to Bosdale Goldwyn Elie Gay for Philip Bos of Waterloo County.

The winner of this year’s painted show box was Austin Needham from Wellington County and it was painted by Leanne O’Donnell of Waterloo. The organizing committee would like to thank all the volunteers, families and sponsors for their continuous support of this show.

Provided by Ontario Holstein

Jenny Gleeson (centre) daughter of the late Joe Snyder, presents the Joseph G. Snyder Award to (from l to r):Justin Velthuis, Carleton; Cole Haggins, Essex; Courtney Ray, Hastings; Collin Allardyce, Brant. (Photo by Andrea Emond)

This year’s winners were Justin Velthuis of Carleton (East), Cole Haggins of Essex (West), Courtney Ray of Hastings (East-Central) and Collin Allardyce of Brant (West-Central). These four individuals were the top 4-H members at their respective Dairy Cattle Evaluation Clinics this year and gave accompanying reasons for classes placed.

Joe worked as the Ontario Holstein Branch’s first Secretary-Manager from 1980 to 1993 and achieved many things during this time. He is credited with organizing the first Dairy Cattle Evaluation Clinic and was a founding committee member of both the Ontario 4-H Inter-County Dairy Cattle Judging Competition and the TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic (known as the Hays Classic at the time). Joe was a great promoter of the Dairy Industry and his legacy lives on in many youth programs such as these.

Congratulations to this year’s winners and many thanks to the Snyder family for their continued support.

Cambridge, ON August 5, 2014 – Sunny blue skies and an enthusiastic group of 81 4-H’ers from across the province came together and made for a perfect way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Inter-County 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Competition.

The annual competition, organized by the Ontario Holstein Branch, was held on July 31st at the Ancaster Fairgrounds. Junior and senior 4-H members, hailing as far as Essex County in the West and Carleton and Dundas Counties in the East, judged nine classes of cattle from various farms throughout the day.

Participants began the day writing a quiz based on material from the “You be the Judge” manual, which all young judges use to hone their skills. After completing the 50-point quiz, the 4-Her’s evaluated three classes of Holsteins, three classes of Jerseys and one class each of Brown Swiss, Guernsey and Ayrshire cattle.

After lunch, participants reconvened to give their reasons for evaluation by the official judges of the day: Lowell Lindsay, Ken Empey, Courtney O’Neill, Jennifer Peart, Chris Kyle, Dan Aitken, Heather Peart, Kyle MacLeod, Mike West, Terry Beckett and Steve Fraser. Senior members gave reasons on six of the classes they judged in the morning while juniors gave reasons on three. The official judges gave their official placings and cuts to finish off the afternoon.

Participants, volunteers and sponsors alike all enjoyed a delicious roast beef dinner, while anxiously awaiting the results from the day. Jason French of the Ontario Holstein Branch opened the banquet by thanking the sponsors and volunteers. Jan Kennema of John Deere, the event’s premier sponsor, and Debra Brown from 4-H Ontario, brought greetings from their respective organizations and congratulated all members on their participation. Jeanette Vander Linden of Holstein Canada, also spoke to participants and highlighted some of the many career choices available to them as they go on to develop their public speaking and confidence in the dairy industry.

In the Junior category, Madison Dyment of Oxford had another successful year, winning High Individual, High Placings, High Reasons, High Holsteins and High Jerseys. This year’s High Team in the junior division was made up of Grace MacLeod and Madison Dyment, coached by Dean Karn of Oxford. Jeremy Taylor and Kirkland Reaney of Carleton, coached by Karen Velthuis, were runners-up. Emma Roszell was this year’s recipient of the Junior Rookie award.

Between the junior and senior awards, a series of presentations took place. New this year, a jackpot draw for $100 was made available by the family of the late Joe Snyder, former Field Rep for West-Central Ontario and the General Manager of the Ontario Holstein Branch from 1980 – 1993. Joe’s wife, Bea Snyder, and daughter, Jenny Gleeson, were happy to present the jackpot to lucky winner, Alex Dolson. Alex is a 4-H member in Wellington County and will be entering his post-secondary studies in the fall.

Between the junior and senior awards, a series of presentations took place to commemorate the competition’s 25th anniversary. Jason French invited all past participants dating back to 1990 to come up to be recognized. Jason mentioned that some of the competition’s past winners have gone on to become lawyers, competitive athletes and many work in the dairy industry today.

One past participant, Christina Crowley of Holstein Canada, gave an animated talk about the once-in-a- lifetime experience she had as a member of the Ontario Judging Team in 2007. She expressed her gratitude to the people who mentored her along the way and in particular, to Bert Stewart, who has coached all 25 Ontario teams since the competition began. Christina spoke of Bert’s deep cow knowledge and his tenacity when it comes to making sure the Ontario Judging Team is always well-prepared. She invited Bert to join her at the front for a ribbon presentation, which was met by a standing ovation from the crowd.

Next, it was time to recognize the senior winners. In the senior division, Jennifer Charlton was named High Individual winner. She also won many other senior category awards, including High Individual, High Placings and High Reasons. High Individual Runner-Up was Courtney Ray of Hastings. Craig LeRoy was the recipient of this year’s senior rookie award.

Winning High Senior Team and Coach this year was the Brant County team made up of Jennifer Charlton and Collin Allardyce, coached by Terry Green. The Runner-Up High Team and Coach were Chantal Stoop and Craig LeRoy, coached by Brenda Roszell. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners, listed below.

The following winners will represent Ontario at the World Dairy Expo, where they will compete in the 93rd National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest; Jennifer Charlton of Brant, Chantal Stoop of Niagara, Ava Doner of Durham East and Courtney Ray of Hastings. These four individuals were the top four winners of the day and will travel to Madison, WI, for 10 days in October with Bert Stewart and Murray Reissner as coaches.

Without the dedication and support of the Ontario Dairy Youth Trust Fund and John Deere as well as the many sponsors, committee members and volunteers, the Inter-County Cattle Judging Competition would not be possible.

Provided by Ontario Dairy Youth

The National Guernsey Convention has long been recognized for the many exciting opportunities and contests that it offers youth to participate in. Youth from across the country traveled to the convention to compete in the many contests and recognition programs offered by the American Guernsey Association. At the recently concluded National Guernsey Convention, numerous awards were presented for outstanding performance within the Guernsey breed.

This year’s winning National Outstanding Guernsey Youth is Jade Jensen of Four J’s Farm, Conway, Missouri. Jade is the 21-year-old daughter of Jeff and Mary Jensen. She has various responsibilities on the 65 cow farm including helping with milking responsibilities on weekends when she is home from college, vaccinating, heard checks, classification preparation, and making sure paperwork is in order. Jade is also responsible for making sure any show prospects are ready and taking care of them while they are at the show.

Jade currently attends college at Missouri Southern State University where she is majoring in accounting. In the future she hopes to continue to breed her Guernsey cows to be competitive in the show ring as well as in production. With her degree Jade hopes to be a farm accountant and use her knowledge of the tax system to help farmers with their taxes and advising them on future plans and goals. She also hopes with this knowledge that she will be able to make her own family farm more successful.

Jade states “there are many attributes that I like about my Guernsey girls. I like the components that they produce, the ease of calving, and A2A2 milk. A2A2 milk is carried in many of our Guernsey cows and could be a breakthrough for our breed.”

This year’s Runner Up National Outstanding Guernsey Youth Candidate is Kyle Sollenberger of French Creek Farm, Spring City, Pennsylvania. Kyle is the 20-year-old son of David and Holly Sollenberger. Around their family farm Kyle helps with making genetic selections, helping to manage herd health, and doing most of the feeding for all age groups.

Kyle is attending Pennsylvania State University where he is majoring in animal science. After graduating college he hopes to work for one of the major artificial insemination (A.I.) companies in the United States.

The American Guernsey Association is dedicated to the advancement and promotion of the Guernsey dairy cows. The American Guernsey Youth Association boasts membership of over 700 young people nationwide.

For more information and photos, contact Lewis R. Jones, executive secretary of the American Guernsey Association at 1224 Alton Darby Creek Road, Suite G, Columbus, Ohio 43228, 614.339.5391, ljones@usguernsey.com or visit the website at www.usguernsey.com.

Every year Accelerated Genetics awards scholarships to youth both entering and already enrolled in college who, are working towards an agricultural-related degree. “Youth are the foundation of the future of the agricultural industry and Accelerated Genetics wants to ensure that the next generation is well prepared,” says Joel Groskreutz, Accelerated Genetics President and CEO.

Youth Scholarships

Four $500.00 scholarships were awarded to youth just graduating from high school and beginning their college education. The 2014 recipients are Caitlin Lopes, Los Banos, Calif.; Jordan Siemers, Newton, Wis.; Riley Lewis, LaGrange, Ind.; Matthew Ruby, Visalia, Calif..

Caitlin Lopes is a recent graduate of Los Banos High School and will be attending Califorina Polytechnic State University or the University of Wisconsin-Madison this fall. Caitlin hopes to continue her passion for dairy by majoring in Dairy Science. She hopes that one day she can continue her education and obtain a master’s degree in Dairy Cattle Reproductive Technology.

Jordan Siemers will be a freshman at Cornell University this fall majoring in Animal Science and Agribusiness. Jordan is a strong advocate for the dairy industry where his passion falls with Registered Holstein cattle. He hopes to one-day return to the family dairy farm, Siemers Hosteins, to continue to improve the next generation of the herd.

Riley Lewis plans to have a large Brown Swiss herd after gaining experience in the industryafter attending Purdue University. Riley plans to major in Agricultural Economics to help him better prepare for his future farm business venture.

Matthew Ruby is going to be attending California Polytechnic State University this fall majoring in Dairy Science. Matthew hopes that he can become involved in many different clubs and organizations while attending college. He hope to complete one of his goals of traveling to World Dairy Expo, with further hopes of being there with the dairy judging team that he would like to be a part of.

Collegiate Scholarships

Two $1,000.00 scholarships were awarded to students currently enrolled in agricultural programs at college. Accelerated Genetics works with the National FFA organization to select these students and the 2014 recipients are Amber Gabel from Newport, Penn., and Jaden Carlson from Pipestone, Minn.

Amber Gabel is attending Pennsylvania State University where she is studying Animal Science with hopes of becoming a large animal veterinarian. Jaden Carlson is pursuing Biotechnology to become a Research Microbiologist at North Dakota State University.

Accelerated Genetics is a global provider of bovine genetics and research, reproductive services, and solution-based animal health products. With a focus on People, Products and Pride, the Accelerated Genetics vision is to be the producer’s trusted first choice.

Adam Vance

Adam Vance, Alverton, Penna., will receive one of seven Young Jersey Breeder Awards given by the American Jersey Cattle Association in ceremonies on June 27, 2014, during the association’s Annual Meetings in Alexandria, Virginia.

The Young Jersey Breeder Award is presented to individuals or couples who are at least 28 years old and under the age of 40 on January 1 of the year nominated, who merit recognition for their expertise in dairy farming, breeding Jersey cattle, participation in programs of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., and leadership in Jersey and other dairy and agriculture organizations.

Since 1982, the Vance Family has milked Registered Jerseys™. Working with his parents on the home farm helped Adam realize he wanted to do something in the dairy industry. After graduating with a degree in dairy science from Delaware Valley College, Adam returned to work with his father. In 2007, they were able to purchase a neighboring farm providing 180 additional acres of cropland and facilities for dry cows, calves, and heifers. Adam now has complete responsibility at Cotton Spring Farm, from cropping to management and breeding of the 100-cow herd.

“When Adam performs his sire selections, he has a knack for accentuating the positive in a cow while still selecting carefully to improve each cow family generation after generation,” noted Dr. Laurie Joseph, the farm’s veterinarian. “His cows remain true to the breed and are the epitome of what all young breeders should strive for.” Adam currently breeds nearly 50% of the herd to young sires.

Adam and his wife Kelly have have three children, Austin, Lane, and Brooke, and hope they will grow up to share the same love of Jerseys that Adam demonstrates.

Max and Carrie Jo Bollenbachers

Max and Carrie Jo Bollenbacher, Argos, Ind., will receive one of seven Young Jersey Breeder Awards given by the American Jersey Cattle Association in ceremonies on June 27, 2014, during the association’s Annual Meetings in Alexandria, Virginia.

The Young Jersey Breeder Award is presented to individuals or couples who are at least 28 years old and under the age of 40 on January 1 of the year nominated, who merit recognition for their expertise in dairy farming, breeding Jersey cattle, participation in programs of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., and leadership in Jersey and other dairy and agriculture organizations.

Dairying and breeding Jerseys has been a part of Max’s family for over 100 years, beginning with his great-grandfather, Brayton Pyle. When Max graduated from high school, he began milking 25 Jerseys of his own, as well as 15 others belonging to fellow Indiana Jersey breeders. Max married Carrie Jo in 1997 and moved his Jerseys into Carrie’s family’s herd of 150 Holsteins not long after. Max became herd manager; the number of Jerseys has since grown to 125 and the Holstein herd now numbers 600 head.

The Jerseys are kept in a separate barn and fed their own ration. They include 50 Excellent homebred cows with an average score on 117 cows of 86%. In December the rolling herd average was 17, 813 lbs. milk with 5.4% fat and 4.0% protein tests. Max and Carrie Jo have received three Hall of Fame certificates, one of which was earned by Sambos Lady Luck of Bolle-Acres, Excellent-92%. She was also an Indiana state leader for several years with more than 190,000 lbs. milk lifetime.

Max and Carrie Jo both share a love for the show ring. Max has exhibited Jerseys at the Indiana State Fair for 30 consecutive years. Four of the past six years the family has won Premier Breeder honors. The family’s success extends to The All American Jersey Show in Louisville, Ky., where their oldest son, Drew, exhibited the Junior All American Summer Yearling this past fall. Back in 1998, Max and Carrie Jo exhibited Bolle-Acres MJ Willie May, who was crowned National Grand Champion as a junior three-year old and came back the following year to capture the title again.

Ryan and Jennifer Clark

Ryan and Jennifer Clark, Tyrone, Penna., will receive one of seven Young Jersey Breeder Awards given by the American Jersey Cattle Association in ceremonies on June 27, 2014, during the association’s Annual Meetings in Alexandria, Virginia.

The Young Jersey Breeder Award is presented to individuals or couples who are at least 28 years old and under the age of 40 on January 1 of the year nominated, who merit recognition for their expertise in dairy farming, breeding Jersey cattle, participation in programs of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., and leadership in Jersey and other dairy and agriculture organizations.

Jessica Peters, Pennsylvania Jersey Cattle Association secretary, calls Ryan and Jennifer “an inspiration to other young dairy producers looking to start out in this business.” Each discovered a love of Jerseys as teenagers showing at county and state levels. While Jennifer came from a dairy farm, Ryan did not, but worked on neighboring farms through high school and college. Ryan’s purchase of 20 Jerseys started the Windy Lane herd, which has since grown to over 200 head since he began to focus on dairying full time in 2009.

Despite establishing their farm fairly recently, the couple has bred high production animals with great success. The Windy Lane herd had a 2013 lactation average of 22,049 lbs. milk, 1,069 lbs. fat, and 851 lbs. protein on 120 lactations, which ranked seventh in the nation for protein among all herds. Among similar-size herds of 80-149 lactations, they ranked second for protein production, sixth for milk, and seventh for fat.

In 2013, Ryan received the Graduate Production Award from the National Dairy Shrine. This award is given to two- or four-year agricultural graduates to pursue careers in commercial dairying and to gain ownership of dairy cattle with the intent of growing the size of their dairy herd. Ryan and Jennifer currently rent facilities for their Windy Lane herd, but identify the next phase of their business plan as buying a farm and increasing their milking herd to 400 head.

James Herron

James Herron, Salem, Ohio, will receive one of seven Young Jersey Breeder Awards given by the American Jersey Cattle Association in ceremonies on June 27, 2014, during the association’s Annual Meetings in Alexandria, Virginia.

The Young Jersey Breeder Award is presented to individuals or couples who are at least 28 years old and under the age of 40 on January 1 of the year nominated, who merit recognition for their expertise in dairy farming, breeding Jersey cattle, participation in programs of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., and leadership in Jersey and other dairy and agriculture organizations.

James returned to Welcome View Farm to work alongside his father, David, in 2006 after graduating from the Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute (OSU-ATI). Since joining the operation, now named Cold Run Jerseys, James has improved production and type, while expanding the herd. From 85 cows when he started, the 220-cow herd now features 37 Excellent and 195 Very Good animals, with an average appraisal score of 84.9%.

The Cold Run herd ranked among the top 10 in the nation for production among similar-size herds in each of the past four years. With a 2013 lactation average of 21,455 lbs. milk, 1,142 lbs. fat, and 781 lbs. protein on 198 lactations, it currently ranks second for fat and third for milk and protein among herds with 150 to 299 cows. A total of 25 Cold Run cowss produced 305-day records in excess of 25,000 lbs. milk, the highlight being Cold Run Action Rhea, Excellent-90%. Her production record of 33,360 lbs. milk was the seventh high 305-day milk record in the nation.

Shannon Mason

Shannon Mason, Jefferson, N.Y., will receive one of seven Young Jersey Breeder Awards given by the American Jersey Cattle Association in ceremonies on June 27, 2014, during the association’s Annual Meetings in Alexandria, Virginia.

The Young Jersey Breeder Award is presented to individuals or couples who are at least 28 years old and under the age of 40 on January 1 of the year nominated, who merit recognition for their expertise in dairy farming, breeding Jersey cattle, participation in programs of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., and leadership in Jersey and other dairy and agriculture organizations.

Shannon is the sixth generation to operate Danforth Jersey Farm, which was established by her great-great-great grandparents, Nahum and Esther Danforth, in 1817. With her grandfather’s passing in 2004, most of the cows were sold, but Shannon held on to the young stock and a handful of deep-pedigreed cows. Two years later she began milking the 20-cow herd after working with her uncle, Russell, to learn about dairy herd management. Shannon now does milkings and barn chores daily and a majority of the haying during the summer.

Today the herd consists of 48 milking cows with a 2013 lactation average of 20,321 lbs. milk, 924 lbs. fat, and 734 lbs. protein. Danforth Jersey Farm ranks among the top 25% of REAP herds in the nation for average Jersey Performance Index™. The herd has an average appraisal score of 85.3% with 11 Excellent and 26 Very Good cows. Five of the Excellent cows were bred by Shannon, while the others were bred by her uncles, Alan and Russell, using the farm’s prefix.

In addition to overseeing the operation of the dairy herd, Shannon is also in charge of design, marketing, sales, communication, and promotion for Cowbella Creamery. The creamery, established in 2010, was inspired by Shannon’s great-great grandmother who made award-winning butter during the late 1800s. The Queen of Quality® producer makes butter and yogurt that is sold in 32 locations and used in half a dozen restaurants. Shannon plans to begin bottling skim and whole milk next year.

Davis Peeler

Davis Peeler, Starr, S.C., will receive one of seven Young Jersey Breeder Awards given by the American Jersey Cattle Association in ceremonies on June 27, 2014, during the association’s Annual Meetings in Alexandria, Virginia.

The Young Jersey Breeder Award is presented to individuals or couples who are at least 28 years old and under the age of 40 on January 1 of the year nominated, who merit recognition for their expertise in dairy farming, breeding Jersey cattle, participation in programs of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., and leadership in Jersey and other dairy and agriculture organizations.

Davis returned to Milky Way Farm in 2003 as a third-generation Registered Jersey™ breeder. That same year, he was the winner of the AJCA’s National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest, capping his extensive involvement with AJCA youth programs. Since transitioning from a full-time employee to a business partner, Davis’ attention now centers on cow and calf care and reproduction programs. His breeding philosophy focuses on developing an efficient cow that can produce profitably on pasture and breed back quickly under the stresses of the southern climate.

The top two-thirds of the herd are strategically mated, utilizing both genomic young sires and progeny-proven bulls. All of the animals in the 100-cow herd are bred by A.I., about half to each sire group. Recently, Davis has begun to genomic test selected cows and heifers to increase future marketing opportunities.

When Davis returned to the farm, the Peeler family ventured into selling milk directly to the consumer in a local market for fresh milk. Although business was slow at first, it has seen enough growth in recent years to consider expanding with additional products such as butter and cheese in the future.

Veronica Steer

Veronica Steer, Cottage Grove, Tenn., will receive one of seven Young Jersey Breeder Awards given by the American Jersey Cattle Association in ceremonies on June 27, 2014, during the association’s Annual Meetings in Alexandria, Virginia.

The Young Jersey Breeder Award is presented to individuals or couples who are at least 28 years old and under the age of 40 on January 1 of the year nominated, who merit recognition for their expertise in dairy farming, breeding Jersey cattle, participation in programs of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., and leadership in Jersey and other dairy and agriculture organizations.

Veronica’s work with the Jersey breed started at a young age as she would follow her father Charles around when she was little, opening gates, counting heifers, or watering calves. In 2001, Veronica was the winner of the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest. Her Jersey experiences encouraged her to pursue a degree in dairy science at Virginia Tech, from which she graduated in 2003.

Since Veronica returned to her home farm, Sunbow Jerseys, in 2005 she has taken over many of the day-to-day responsibilities and management decisions. The 2013 lactation average on the 97-cow herd was 17,783 lbs. milk, 782 lbs. fat, and 618 lbs. protein. Currently, five cows in the herd rank on the Top 1.5% traditional Jersey Performance Index™ list.

Veronica has consistently utilized young sire programs. For 2013, 85% of matings were to genomic young sires and she sold her first bull into A.I. Veronica is the current President of Dixieland Jersey Sires Inc. James Huffard, Huffard Dairy Farms, Crockett, Va., commented on Veronica’s involvement with the program: “She is one of those young Jersey minds that you definitely want on the team.”

The American Jersey Cattle Association

The American Jersey Cattle Association, organized in 1868, compiles and maintains animal identification and performance data on Jersey cattle and provides services that support genetic improvement and greater profitability through increasing the value of and demand for Registered Jersey™ cattle and genetics, and Jersey milk and milk products. For more information on the association’s complete line of services for dairy business owners, visit the website at www.USJersey.com or connect at Facebook.com/USJersey.

rship Competition. The Association sponsors two $1000 scholarships and Brown Swiss breeders and industry sponsor three $500 scholarships. The scholarship recipients will be recognized at the National Convention in East Peoria, Ill. on June 25 during the youth awards banquet. There were 10 applicants for the 2014 Scholarship Contest.

Annie Achen of Warner, South Dakota has received a $1000 Brown Swiss Association Scholarship. Achen has held many leadership positions in FFA and was the National Brown Swiss Speech Winner in 2012 with her speech, “Big Brown Polled Cow.” Achen hopes to work for an agriculture-related company in public relations upon graduation from Purdue University. She also hopes to work as an EMT at some point in her career. Annie plans to hold an internship each summer through college.

Michael Barton of Ancramdale, New York has received the $500 New Generation Genetics Scholarship. Barton became involved in the dairy industry when his grandfather started their Brown Swiss farm, Elite Dairy in 2003. He shows and fits his own cattle at local and national shows. Looking at his future, Barton says his main focus is happiness but he will not allow the family farm to be extinct “If it is necessary, I will drop everything in life and take over the operation. I know my grandfather would not want all of his hard work to end suddenly and I would not let it either.”

Sara Harn of Brooklyn, Wisconsin has received a $1000 Brown Swiss Association Scholarship. Harn is double majoring in Dairy Science and Life Sciences Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Sara shows her Brown Swiss cattle under the Kalos prefix. In the past, Sara has been very involved in Dairy Judging through 4-H and has been on National Championship teams. Sara is currently the 2013 National Brown Swiss Youth Ambassador; a role she says has only confirmed her passion for the Brown Swiss breed. After graduation, Sara plans to have a career marketing dairy cattle genetics internationally.

Robin Muenzenberger, Coon Valley, Wisconsin is the recipient of the $500 Howard Voegeli Memorial Scholarship. Muenzenberger is active in 4-H, FFA and currently owns 16 Brown Swiss animals. He became involved with Brown Swiss, having grown up with them on his parent’s dairy farm, Bo-Valley Swiss and says “the highlight” of his showing career was when his cow Bo-Valley Agenda Spree won Reserve Grand Champion at Wisconsin State Fair. This fall, Muenzenberger will finish his Agriculture Engineering and Technology Degree at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Chelsea Skidmore, Union City, Ohio has received the $500 Pixie Knoll Scholarship. The Pixie Knoll Scholarship is sponsored by John and Constance Anderson of Modesto, California. Skidmore owns 16 Brown Swiss, which she houses at North Lane Farm, owned by her step father John Powell. She markets her cows’ milk through Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), being involved in the dairy industry as an active dairy producer. Skidmore’s future plans involve obtaining a dairy science degree from Ohio State University (OSU) or OSU-Agricultural Technical Institute and eventually returning to take over North Lane Farm to expand the herd to around 150-200 cows.

To participate in the Youth Scholarship Program, a youth must be a Brown Swiss National Junior member and be 9-21 years of age as of January 1 of the current year. For more information on this or other Association Youth Programs contact Junior Advisor Charlotte Muenzenberger at cmuenzenberger@brownswissusa.com, call the Brown Swiss Association at 608-365-4474 or visit the website: www.brownswissusa.com.

The Brown Swiss Association was established in 1880, registers about 10,000 animals per year and serves about 1800 combined Adult and Junior Members.

BSCBA * 800 Pleasant Street * Beloit, WI 53511

Cooperative Resources International (CRI) has awarded five high school seniors with $750 college scholarships. The scholarship recipients include Taylor Behnke of New Glarus, Wisconsin; Klay Oland of Sheldon, North Dakota; Emily Daniel of Tiffin, Ohio; Clint Dallas of Shawano, Wisconsin; and Dustin Salter of Eden, Wisconsin.

The scholarships are part of the cooperative’s Founders’ Scholarship program. This program, offered to children of CRI or CRI subsidiary employees, was established to honor the agricultural organization’s pioneering leaders. Scholarships are awarded based on academics and leadership involvement, with emphasis given to those pursuing a career in agriculture.

Scholarship recipient Behnke is the daughter of Lisa Behnke, Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications for CRI subsidiary AgSource Cooperative Services. Behnke proved academic excellence along with outstanding leadership skills. She was involved in multiple extracurricular activities and held officer positions in both Spanish club and FFA. She also was involved and held officer positions in 4-H and the Green County Junior Holstein Association. Behnke has been accepted to the School of Nursing’s Freshman Direct Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nursing School and plans to become a neonatal nurse.

Oland is the son of Ken and Judy Oland, both of whom are employed at the Central Livestock West Fargo, North Dakota, market. Central Livestock is part of the CRI subsidiary Genex Cooperative, Inc. Throughout high school, Oland was active and held leadership roles in football, basketball, FBLA, National Honor Society and student council. Oland also held officer positions in FFA and 4-H, where he had the opportunity to further his leadership roles. Oland plans to attend North Dakota State University where he will pursue a degree in agriculture business.

Daniel is the daughter of Genex Distribution and Laboratory Technician, Roger Daniel. Daniel exemplifies academic excellence and outstanding leadership skills through graduating in the top 10 of her class and being involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, high school musicals and National Honor Society. Additionally, Daniel served as president of her 4-H club and was involved with the Seneca County Junior Leadership Club. Daniel also held officer positions in FFA and earned her State FFA Degree. She plans to further her education at the Ohio State University ATI and earn a bachelor’s degree in agriculture business.

Dallas is the son of Terri Dallas, CRI Vice President of Information and Public Relations, and Chuck Dallas, Genex Vice President of Diversified Programs, Services and Process Management. In high school, Dallas maintained a high GPA while being involved in orchestra, jazz band, Tri-M, FBLA and FFA. Dallas was also a 12-sport athlete, playing football, basketball and baseball. He further demonstrated his leadership skills through activism in the Wisconsin Club Lamb Association and holding officer positions in 4-H. Dallas plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison to major in animal science.

Salter is the son of AgSource DHI Field Technician, Dan Salter. During high school, Salter maintained a high GPA and played a big role on his varsity football and baseball team. Salter was a member of National Honor Society and active in his school’s club trap shooting team. Outside of school, he was involved in 4-H and the Life Teen program. Salter will attend the University of Wisconsin-Platteville to pursue a career environmental engineering.

Each of CRI Founders’ Scholarship recipients demonstrated hard work, academic excellence and outstanding leadership qualities. CRI is pleased to award scholarships to these individuals and wishes them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

CRI, a member-owned holding cooperative, is comprised of three subsidiaries: AgSource Cooperative Services, Genex Cooperative, Inc. and MOFA Global. The CRI mission statement summarizes the goal of CRI: “To provide products and services as effectively as possible to maximize the profitability of members and customers worldwide while maintaining a strong cooperative.”

2013 YDLI class from Penn State. Photo courtesy of the Center for Dairy Excellence.

The Dairymen’s Association and Center for Dairy Excellence are offering up to four partial scholarships for Pennsylvania dairy producers to attend the Holstein Foundation’s Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI).

The Young Dairy Leaders Institute is a nationally recognized three-phase leader and communication skills development program for young adults (ages 22-45) working in the dairy industry, with all breeds of cattle. Each participant develops top-tier skills and the personal network needed to succeed in today’s dairy business.

“YDLI helped me to recognize that there is a future in the dairy industry, and it’s one that is extremely bright,” said Emily Yeiser, dairy initiatives manager at the Center for Dairy Excellence. “It will make you feel relevant and equip you to make an impact on the industry. I was surrounded with 53 classmates and a program that renewed my passion for making a difference in the dairy industry and identified ways to do so.”

Class nine will meet Feb. 25-28, 2015, and Feb. 24-27, 2016, in Phoenix, Ariz. The application deadline is Aug. 1, 2014, and enrollment is limited to allow for increased one-on-one instruction. Scholarships will be awarded based upon the following criteria and will be used to offset the cost of an individual to attend the full Young Dairy Leaders Institute for the duration of two years.

Successful scholarship candidates shall be:

• Be an active Pennsylvania dairy farmer
• Have formally completed an application for the current class of Young Dairy Leaders Institute and submitted to the Holstein Foundation by designated deadline
• Have no pre-identified industry or business sponsor affiliate to offset the cost of attending Young Dairy Leaders Institute
• Shows commitment to encouraging other Pennsylvania dairy farmers to apply and participate in future Young Dairy Leaders Institute classes
• Willing to share Young Dairy Leader Institute projects and impact with Center for Dairy Excellence and Dairymen’s Association boards

Visit the Holstein Foundation’s website to download the application. Upon completion, applications should be sent to: Holstein Foundation, P.O. Box 816, Brattleboro, VT, 05302-0816 or emailed to jhoynoski@holstein.com.

Riley Lewis of LaGrange, Ind. has been named the Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders Association National Youth Grant Winner. Lewis will be recognized at the 2014 National Brown Swiss Convention, held in East Peoria, Ill. June 25-27.

In 2011, Lewis became involved with Brown Swiss when he purchased his first cow. Lewis’s dad and grandpa influenced his passion for the Brown Swiss breed. One of Riley Lewis’s goals is to expand his herd and return to the family farm, Lewis Century Stock Farm. His current herd includes six cows and eight heifers.

Lewis has just finished his senior year of high school and will be attending Purdue University this fall, majoring in Agricultural Economics with minors in Animal Science and Agronomy. After finishing college, Lewis plans on returning to the family farm after college and help expand the herd size to 400 Brown Swiss cattle.

The Youth Grant Program recognizes a junior member who has an interest in building a registered Brown Swiss herd. To be eligible, the applicant must show proof by submitting a copy of the current DHI herd test sheet or a signed affidavit. The recipient is recognized at the National Brown Swiss Convention and receives a $1000 grant.

The Brown Swiss Association was established in 1880, registers about 10,000 animals per year and serves about 1800 combined Adult and Junior Members.

The Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI) is inviting applicants for its ninth class. A program of the Holstein Foundation, YDLI is a renowned, innovative leadership and communication skills development program that has graduated hundreds of young adults.

Dairy producers working with all breeds of dairy cattle and allied dairy industry members, ages 22 to 45, are encouraged to apply. Applications can be downloaded from the Holstein Foundation web site www.holsteinfoundation.org and must be received by August 1 to be eligible for consideration.

The class will meet February 25-28, 2015 and February 24-27, 2016 in sunny Phoenix, Arizona. The class meets twice, a year apart, with a series of projects to complete in the months between meetings.

“Looking back, attending YDLI was one of the best decisions I have ever made; personally and professionally. Interacting with colleagues with the same passion for the dairy industry created an even larger desire to remain an integral part of the industry. I have been equipped with many valuable tools that will serve me well as I progress through my career. YDLI is a truly outstanding program!” said YDLI class 8 graduate Melissa Sankey, Harrisburg, Pa.

Phase I, held in February 2015, focuses on individual leadership and personal development. Interactive workshops cover topics such as working with different personality types, developing consumer and media communication skills through hands-on practice, and giving impactful presentations.

During Phase II, participants complete a series of assignments in their community, which emphasizes the advocacy and outreach skills gained during Phase I.

The final on-site training, Phase III, will be held February 2016. The program will feature sessions on advanced communications training, working effectively in a team environment, influencing public policy and continued advocacy and leadership. Throughout the program, an emphasis is placed on networking with industry peers, a benefit that carries on long after a YDLI class is complete.

A webinar will be hosted Tuesday, June 10 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time to provide more insight about the YDLI program. The agenda will include an overview of what YDLI is and what is expected of participants, as well as information about the application process and expected costs of the program.

For more information about YDLI or to obtain an application, visit www.holsteinfoundation.org or contact Jodi Hoynoski at 800.952.5200, ext. 4261 or email jhoynoski@holstein.com.

About The Organizations

Wisconsin Holstein Association is a not-for-profit membership organization with the purpose of promoting the Wisconsin Registered Holstein breed, its breeders and owners. Established in 1890, it has grown its junior and adult membership to become the second largest state Holstein association in the nation. For more information visit the WHA website at www.wisholsteins.com.

Becky Robertson (West Midlands), John Mclean (Northern Ireland), Lizzie Miles (North Eastern), Matthew Williamson (Border & Lakeland), Marcus Doig (Norfolk), Michael Kinvig (Isle of Man) and Steven Harris (Cornwall) are the selected seven for the international event in Battice, Belgium on Wednesday 3 September until Sunday 7 September.

The young breeders will learn the steps of animal preparation for showing including washing, clipping, showmanship and theoretical courses such as marketing and professional pictures before putting what they have learnt into practice and competing against one another.

The winner of the competition will get the opportunity to improve their Holstein knowledge by winning a three-week trip to Canada, organised by the European Breeders School partner, Holstein Quebec, with a special prize given to the best breeder younger than 16-years old.

With an impressive track-record on the international field, the UK has experienced many European wins and has always had an enthusiastic group of Holstein Young Breeders attend the European Young Breeders School.

Featuring competitors from all over the world, the European Young Breeders School was first created in 1999 and the number of participants reached a record of 150 young breeders in 2007. The school prides itself on being the best springboard to reach the top in the world of breeding as well as being a great meeting place for all future breeders.

Holstein UK’s Non-Executive Director for HYB, Edward Griffiths, says: “This team has the right mix of enthusiasm, skill and passion to do very well at the European Young Breeders School. Each individual was selected on their willingness to learn and potential to excel, I wish them all the best of luck.”

The Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders’ Association has selected the District winners in the National Youth Cheese Yield Contest. Sixteen youth competed in this year’s cheese yield contest.

In District I, Tucker True was named the winner with Trulea Denver Catch Me 6281. True, of Perry. N.Y. is the son of Jeff and Stacia True. Catch Me 6281 is classified ‘VG88’ and produced 17,340 lbs. of milk, 767 lbs. of fat, and 612 lbs. of protein in a 305-day lactation.

Eric Hill of Lebanon, Pa. won District II with Little Hill Ladysman Lauren ‘VG87’. He currently has a herd of four Brown Swiss. Hill is very active on the family farm, helping out with mixing feed and milking the cattle. He says, “I love the farm and all its qualities.” In the future, Hill plans to take over the family farm and become the fourth generation on the farm.

The District III winner is Shelby Nierman, Brownstown, Ind. with Niermans Nautlis Linn ‘2E90’. Nierman says, “Throughout my life, Brown Swiss have played a significant role in my life.” She takes pride in her Brown Swiss work and credits the breed for her life skills. Nierman plans to attend Purdue University in the fall of 2015.

Tiona Tulachka of Wis. is the District V winner with Lost Elm Vigor Silk. At 3 years and 9 months, Silk was classified ‘E90’ with an ‘E92” mammary system. In a 305-day lactation, Silk produced 21,340 lbs. of milk, 1,085 lbs. of fat, and 786 lbs. of protein.

In District VI, the winner is Dayne Voelker of Perryville, Mo. with Voelkers Lovery Moe ‘2E92’. Voelker is currently attending the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he is enrolled in the medical program. He helps out on the family farm by milking and feeding the calves. In the future, Voelker plans to continue his work on the family farm and involvement with the Brown Swiss breed.

Isabella Portner of Sleepy Eye, Minn. is the District VII and Overall National Winner. She is the daughter of Tom and Mary Portner, and resides on the family farm, Port Haven Dairy. The family milks 270 Brown Swiss and Crossbred cattle. She credits her grandfather for her interest in the Brown Swiss breed. Portner says she feels grateful to be an active member on the family farm and in 4-H and FFA. In the future, she plans to own a herd of Brown Swiss cattle.

District IX winner is Cort Rowley of Visalia, Ca. with Willowside Dynasty Winnie ‘E90’. Rowley is the fifth generation on his family farm and says “Cows are in my blood.” He is involved in FFA and is a freshman at Golden West High School. He enjoys caring for and showing Brown Swiss cattle and giving back to his community with hard work. In the future, he plans to become an agriculture instructor.

To participate in the Youth Cheese Yield contest, a youth must be a Brown Swiss National Junior member as defined by owning or leasing a registered Brown Swiss animal and 9-21 years of age as of January 1 of the current year. For more information contact Junior Advisor Charlotte Muenzenberger at cmuenzenberger@brownswissusa.com, call the Brown Swiss Association at 608-365-4474 or visit the website: www.brownswissusa.com .

The Brown Swiss Association was established in 1880, registers about 10,000 animals per year and serves about 1800 combined Adult and Junior Members.

The Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders’ Association has selected the District winners in the National Youth Production Contest. 18 youth competed in this year’s production contest.

In District I, Tucker True was named the winner with his cow, Trulea Denver Catch Me 6281. True, of Perry. N.Y. is the son of Jeff and Stacia True. Catch Me 6281 is classified ‘VG88’ and produced 17,340 lbs. of milk, 767 lbs. of fat, and 612 lbs. of protein in a 305-day lactation.

Madeline Daubert of Pine Grove, Pa. topped District II with Blessing Parker Class ‘2E91’. Daubert will graduate from Penn State Harrisburg in 2015 and plans to become a secondary math teacher. She enjoys milking and feeding claves on the farm and is also involved in showing Brown Swiss cattle. Daubert was the 2011-2012 Pennsylvania Swiss Miss.

The District III winner is Shelby Nierman, Brownstown, Ind. with Niermans Nautlis Linn ‘2E90’. Nierman says, “Throughout my life, Brown Swiss have played a significant role in my life.” She takes pride in her work in Brown Swiss and credits the breed for her life skills. In the future, Nierman hopes to attend Purdue University in the fall of 2015.

Anastasia Dannenberg, Mineral Point, Wis. and We Sell Perfect Wrapper ‘VG88’ received the District V production award. Dannenberg bought Wrapper as a calf and this was her first Brown Swiss animal. Since, Dannenberg’s herd has grown to nine Brown Swiss heifers and cows. As the Canton II Brown Swiss Princess, Dannenberg met many exhibitors and promoted Brown Swiss and Canton II. She looks forward to continuing her Brown Swiss career.

The District VI and Overall National Production winner was Grant Voelker with Voelkers Padre Addision ‘2E91’. Voelker is very involved in the Brown Swiss and on his family farm. He has completed his freshman year at the University of Missouri. After graduation, Voelker plans to become an Agriculture teacher and be the fourth generation on the family farm.

Crystal Portner of Sleepy Eye, Minn. topped the District VII contest with Port-Haven Mission Kimberly ‘VG87’. Portner resides on the family farm where they milk 270 Brown Swiss and crossbred dairy cows. She helps on the farm by cleaning the parlor and milking on weekends. In the future, Portner plans to attend a four year college and pursue a career in the dairy industry.

To participate in the Youth Production contest, a youth must be a Brown Swiss National Junior member as defined by owning or leasing a registered Brown Swiss animal and be 9-21 years of age by January 1 of the current year. For more information contact Junior Advisor Charlotte Muenzenberger at cmuenzenberger@brownswissusa.com, call the Brown Swiss Association at 608-365-4474 or visit the website: www.brownswissusa.com .

The Brown Swiss Association was established in 1880, registers about 10,000 animals per year and serves about 1800 combined Adult and Junior Members.
BSCBA * 800 Pleasant Street * Beloit, WI 53511

This is one for all the “culchies” out there. While this post may not have anything to do directly with the GAA – we felt it only right to pay homage to our dairy farmers – who make up a good chunk of the GAA populous.

1 – Routine, routine, routine.

Cows don’t care if you’re hungover. Cows don’t care if you are sick. Cows don’t care if you’re studying for the leaving. And cows don’t care if you have training.

Cows are cows, and the bottom line is the cows need to be milked. Milking cows is ideal life training for preparing and sticking to a routine -a valuable trait in any profession, should you decide not to take on the farm. And if you do take on the farm – sure all the better. Who else is going to milk the cows?

2 – Responsibility.

Milking cows teaches you responsibility. There are times when you would rather be doing anything else but mopping up cow faeces in the holding pen of the parlour at 6am. After a long day at school, sometimes you just want to sit down and enjoy some down time. But cows wait for no man/ woman. The cows need to be milked, and having that responsibility teaches you that sometimes you need to put your own selfish needs after the farm.

3 – Hygiene

Many who aren’t agriculturally minded will be under the false impression that farmers and in particular dairy ones are somehow unhygienic. But in reality this is not the case.

The only reason you have drinkable milk on your breakfast table every morning is because Irish farmers take the hygiene of their herds very seriously. And pasteurisation – pasteurisation cures all ales.

Every one who has ever spent time in the milking parlour know that every cow gets checked and sprayed for mastitis as they go through.

4 – Waste not, want not.

Milking cows teaches you not to waste anything. As anyone on scraper duty will attest to. Everything has its use.

5 – Management of Large Groups

One of the most sought after skills in the work place is the ability to manage large numbers of people and have them all work in unison towards the same common goal.

Ok, cows aren’t people – but you’d like to see one of them there fancy engineers try “Hup!” and “Mup!” 100 cows up and down from the fields and milking parlour twice a day.

6 – The Value of Money

One problem people face when growing up is the lack of respect for the value of money. When your parents finance your entire life from toddler to adult – it can be hard to grasp just how valuable money is.

But milking cows gives you a head start in this regard.

There is something about a cow shitting down your arm at 5 O’Clock on a winters morning that makes you realise – money does not grow on trees.

Author: Kevin Bolger Source: GAA Banter