See how Maple-Dell Farm’s commitment to Ayrshire dairy farming won them the 2024 McKown Master Breeder Award. What makes their breeding program unique?
Maple-Dell Farm in Woodbine, Maryland, has entered an exclusive club of dairy cow breeders by obtaining the Klussendorf Association’s 2024 McKown Master Breeder Award. This distinguished honor recognizes the Patrick family’s extraordinary devotion, character, and sportsmanship. The family has consistently raised the standard in Ayrshire cow breeding with several prizes and has had a long-term influence on the dairy community.
A Legacy of Passion: Maple-Dell Farm’s Generational Journey in Ayrshire Dairy Farming
Maple-Dell Farm has a long history of dairy production, spanning generations rather than years. Since its modest origins in 1928, Maple-Dell’s family has developed a profound enthusiasm for Ayrshire dairy farming. In 1941, David Patrick’s father gave him two Ayrshire calves, which started the process. This act established the basis for a legacy that has expanded immensely over the years.
By 1955, the two calves had grown into a healthy herd of 45 registered Ayrshires. Maple-Dell Farm covers 1,200 acres, milking 165 cows and rearing 160 heifers. The farm’s ambition and passion have been handed down through generations, with David Patrick collaborating with his wife Ann, their sons Mike and Denny, and grandson Derek. This legacy of enthusiasm and dedication has seen the farm expand, with over 60 years of production testing and 40 years of categorization, as they strive for perfection in their herd.
The Patrick family’s continuous devotion and unique breeding procedures have recorded their success and shown a solid passion for the Ayrshire breed. Their narrative is a poignant reminder of how traditional and modern farming can coexist to create a lasting legacy.
A Beacon of Excellence in Ayrshire Breeding
The Maple-Dell herd is a shining example of quality in Ayrshire breeding, continuously producing superb cattle. Their breeding approach has resulted in over 100 cows being classified as Excellent, demonstrating their high quality and accuracy. Among these outstanding cows, one has scored an astounding 95. The farm’s dedication to exceptional genetics is shown in its multiple awards: 17 All-American honors, 18 Reserve All-Americans, and many cows placed well on the Cow Performance Index (CPI) for lifetime milk output.
Maple-Dell Farm’s breeding approach also includes notable bulls such as Maple-Dell Modem Drew, Maple-Dell Modem Diego, and Maple-Dell O Dixon, who have seen extensive active A.I. deployment. Their herd has produced well-known cows such as Maple-Dell Zorro Dafourth, who won Grand Champion at the 2006 All-American Dairy Show and Reserve Grand Champion at the World Dairy Expo.
Maple-Dell Hi-Kick Sweet Pea is another standout from their herd, who appears in Bonnie Mohr’s “Dairy Breeds of North America” painting for Purina Mills. This demonstrates the farm’s significance and recognition in the Ayrshire breed. The Patrick family’s drive to breeding quality has resulted in Grand Champions at the Eastern National Show and Maryland State Fair and back-to-back World Dairy Expo awards. This heritage will inspire future generations.
Icons of Excellence: Maple-Dell Farm’s Storied Ayrshire Champions
Maple-Dell Farm has continuously produced high-profile cows, earning significant acclaim and honors in the dairy business. Maple-Dell Zorro Dafourth, a legendary cow, won the Grand Champion award at the 2006 All-American Dairy Show and Reserve Grand Champion at the World Dairy Expo (WDE). This distinguished bloodline has continued flourishing, with subsequent generations scoring well on the Cow Performance Index (CPI).
Another remarkable cow is Maple-Dell. Hi-Kick Sweet Pea is an outstanding example of the Ayrshire breed. Bonnie Mohr’s “Dairy Breeds of North America” painting for Purina Mills elevated Sweet Pea to new heights of renown. She also extended her winning record by earning Grand Champion at the Eastern National Show in 1988, and she is the mother of Maple-Dell Soldier, a well-known artificial intelligence stallion.
The Maple-Dell herd also includes Maple-Dell Luby, who won Grand Champion at the World Dairy Expo in 1981, followed by Ardrossan Kellogg Soft Eye in 1982. Maple-Dell BBK Shea, the Junior Champion at WDE in 2006, and Maple-Dell Diligent Gift, who earned the same title in 2007, carried on the history of greatness.
Maple-Dell I.R.S. Sweetnine is an accomplished individual who has created history by winning the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Canada and succeeding as a junior champion in Ayrshire at WDE. These successes highlight the breed’s outstanding quality and Maple-Dell Farm’s prominent position in the dairy-producing sector.
Maple-Dell Farm’s Showring Triumphs: A Legacy of Competitive Excellence
Maple-Dell Farm has an outstanding track record in the show ring. For more than 75 years, the Patrick family has competed with its Ayrshire cattle, gaining a reputation for excellence that is recognized both nationally and globally. Their pre-fix has featured in high-profile exhibitions, spreading the heritage and quality of their herd worldwide.
Maple-Dell Farm has been a fixture in the All-American Dairy Show for almost 50 years, demonstrating their unwavering devotion and competition. Notably, they won the coveted Obie Snider Award in 2006.
Maple-Dell’s success continued at the Maryland State Fair, where their cows won the Grand Champion award 12 times. Their dominance was also evident at the World Dairy Expo (WDE), where they won back-to-back Grand Championships in 1981 and 1982 and two Junior Championships in 2006 and 2007. These accomplishments demonstrate the constancy and excellence of their breeding program.
Maple-Dell’s showring history was highlighted when their cow, Maple-Dell I.R.S. Sweetnine, created Ayrshire breed history by winning the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Canada and becoming Junior Champion at WDE. Such achievements solidify Maple-Dell’s standing as a dairy cow display leader.
The Patrick family’s dedication to excellence transcends boundaries, impacting the entire Ayrshire community and establishing a standard for quality and performance. Their performance in the showring adds prominence to Maple-Dell and raises the standards and perceptions of Ayrshire cattle internationally.
Leadership and Legacy: The Patrick Family’s Far-reaching Influence in the Dairy Industry
The Patricks’ effect reaches well beyond their farm. David Patrick and his family have long been prominent in the United States Ayrshire Breeders’ Association, demonstrating leadership and dedication. Their involvement in various organizations, including the Maryland Purebred Dairy Cattle Association, Wills Fair Association, Maryland/Delaware Ayrshire Association, and the All-American Dairy Show Board, demonstrates their commitment to developing the dairy business.
Aside from their association activities, the Patricks play an essential role in developing the next generation of dairy producers. They aggressively encourage young participation in agriculture via a variety of activities. They provide fitting and judging seminars, giving prospective young farmers vital hands-on experience. Furthermore, the family graciously leases over 20 dairy cows to 4-H members for the show each year, creating an excellent and informative atmosphere for young people interested in agriculture.
Maple-Dell Farm has been inducted into the Maryland Governor’s Agricultural Hall of Fame since 2007, demonstrating its significant achievements and impact in the agricultural sector. These projects support the local dairy business and encourage younger generations, assuring a bright future for agriculture.
Honoring Excellence: Past Recipients of the Robert “Whitey” McKown Master Breeder Award
Previous recipients of the Robert “Whitey” McKown Master Breeder Award include Spring Valley and Heath Jerseys of Westminster, Md., 2023; Palmyra Farm of Hagerstown, Md., 2022; Cutting Edge Brown Swiss of Copake, N.Y., 2021; with no award given in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic; Woodsmansee Holsteins of Preston, Conn., 2019; Ovaltop Holsteins of Richfield Springs, N.Y., 2018; Wendon Holsteins of Innisfail, Alberta, 2017; Ferme Jacobs Inc. of Cap-Santé, Quebec, 2016
This renowned award was founded by the friends and family of Robert “Whitey” McKown, a 1997 Honorary Klussendorf recipient who died in 2009. McKown started his work with Holstein World in 1956 and gained national and worldwide recognition for reporting on shows, sales, meetings, and other Holstein activities. He also served as president of the National Dairy Shrine in 1987 and founded McKown Holsteins in Belleville, New York. His fondness for the farmer breeder was well known.
The Klussendorf Memorial Association, established in 1937 to commemorate Arthur B. Klussendorf’s legacy as the leading dairy cow showman of his day, is regarded as the dairy cattle exhibitors’ Hall of Fame. Each year, the Klussendorf Association inducts a new member for their lifetime accomplishments in the dairy cow sector.
The Bottom Line
Maple-Dell Farm’s rise from humble beginnings to a powerhouse in Ayrshire breeding is a monument to devotion, hard effort, and an uncompromising commitment to excellence. The Patrick family’s heritage extends beyond honors and awards to the high standards and industry-leading practices they sustain daily. Receiving the McKown Master Breeder Award is a noteworthy achievement that demonstrates a long-standing dedication to quality.
As we commemorate Maple-Dell’s accomplishments, assessing the future of dairy farming is critical. What innovations and sustainable methods will the next generation of farmers use to preserve and improve dairy production quality? Maple-Dell Farm’s narrative motivates us to be optimistic about the future of the dairy business, understanding that tradition and modernity can coexist.
Key Takeaways:
- Maple-Dell Farm in Woodbine, Md. honored with the 2024 McKown Master Breeder Award.
- Farm owned by David and Ann Patrick, prominent for its Ayrshire cattle.
- Rich history dating back to 1928; currently spans 1,200 acres.
- Milks 165 cows and raises over 160 heifers.
- Received Ayrshire Association’s Master Breeder title in 2010.
- Active in community and dairy industry, focusing on youth opportunities.
- Inducted into Maryland Governor’s Agricultural Hall of Fame.
Summary:
Maple-Dell Farm of Woodbine, Md., renowned for its commitment to family traditions and breeding excellence, has been honored with the 2024 McKown Master Breeder Award. Owned by David and Ann Patrick, this generational farm is celebrated for its exceptional Ayrshire cattle and has achieved numerous accolades over the years, including the Ayrshire Association’s Master Breeder title in 2010. With a rich history dating back to 1928, Maple-Dell Farm now spans 1,200 acres, milks 165 cows, and raises over 160 heifers, continuing its legacy of high-quality dairy farming. The Patrick family’s dedication extends beyond breeding, as they play an active role in the community and dairy industry, providing opportunities for youth and earning a place in the Maryland Governor’s Agricultural Hall of Fame.
Learn more:
- The Stars Shine at the 2014 World Dairy Expo
- From Family Farm to Industry Leader: The Journey of Larson Acres, 2024 World Dairy Expo Dairy Producers of the Year
- Greystone Kingpin Gitana Takes Grand Champion at Mid-Atlantic Brown Swiss Invitational 2024
